Day: May 25, 2021

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Africa’s COVID-19 Cases Near 4.76 Million: Africa CDC

ADDIS ABABA, May 25 (NNN-ENA) – The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has reached 4,759,772 as of yesterday noon, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), said.

The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union, said, the death toll from the pandemic stood at 128,463, while 4,303,326 patients across the continent, had recovered from the disease.

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia and Egypt are the countries with the most cases on the continent, according to the Africa CDC.

In terms of the number of cases, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by northern Africa and eastern Africa regions, while central Africa is the least affected region on the continent, according to the agency.– NNN-ENA

 

 

Source: NAM News Network

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African NBA Scout Eyes Talent in BAL Tourney

The inaugural Africa Basketball League tournament is entering the playoff stage. For Sonny Side of Sports, VOA’s Prince Nesta spoke with Sarah Chan, Africa scouting manager for the 2019 NBA champion Toronto Raptors, about her basketball journey and the games plying in the BAL.

The interview was edited for brevity and clarity.

VOA: Briefly, can you speak a little bit about your background?

Chan: I am from South Sudan. I grew up in Khartoum until I was about 12. South Sudan was going through a civil war…a civil war that had affected everybody. And so, my family and I relocated to Kenya looking for greener pastures, looking for peace, putting education at the center of everything…My parents reiterated: “we go, we learn, we come back, and we impact.” That was the song in our daily lives. And so, (I have) a background of civil war into being privileged to have an amazing family that’s very supportive of a young girl that was trying something out.

VOA: You were in the arena when the opening match between the Patriots against US Monastir was taking place? What was the mood Like?

Chan: It is one of the most exciting games thus far. The environment was just so electric. The energy was so high. And for a second there, I look around and I’m like… this is the NBA. This is like me sitting in (Raptors) arena. And the level of the game that is going on that I’m watching, wow the intensity like I’m feeling it myself, but I’m right there with this…The intensity of the game was amazing. They were running the floor, great shot selections, the ball movement was just incredible. And the leadership on the floor. The future is so bright for this tournament. And this game was such an exemplary game.

VOA: What so far are some of the standout teams in this tournament for you?

Chan: The standout teams in this tournament would be the one we just watched, the Tunisian team. Patriots have also showed a great deal. We’ve also watched Zamalek from Egypt. They’ve done so well. And so, I’m predicting at least one or two of those will be in the final.

VOA: What does this tournament mean for the African continent?

Chan: It’s progressive leadership that, you know, makes the world move around and advances tournaments like this. Because without (Rwanda President Paul Kagame) the NBA, FIBA, we don’t have the arena. Let’s start there. So there’s not, you know, the actual structure, and then you come down to the leadership within the NBA, the people that work behind the scenes, to bring this tournament here, and to make it a success and execute with such diligence. And then the opportunities, this is going to have the ripple effects of just what the BAL stands for, impacting the next generation of athletes.

There were 15 NBA scouts and team like representatives watching this tournament. And this gives us an opportunity to look at young prospects early and build a file. And this is more opportunity for the players. This is job creation for the people. This is economic…It’s a socio-economic benefit to all of Africa. Right…And so, the world will continue to reap the fruits of this tournament because it’s also a pipeline to the NBA…And it’s our prayer that it keeps growing and you know…It already has the sustainability aspects of things. So, it will keep growing. And we hope that it gets to the point where interchangeably athletes can go from the NBA to the BAL, from the BAL to the NBA

It is such a moment that makes you proud to be African. You look down and you see women leadership on the floor…our young women doing things, phenomenal sisters doing amazing things, right?

VOA: What does basketball mean to you?

Chan: Basketball is life. It becomes a lifestyle. It becomes the reason I wake up. it is my purpose. And it reminds me of the saying, the quote by Mandela, (that) sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite and it has the power to create hope. And I look at this and this is home. This is a platform, an elite platform for players to showcase what they have and for the world. you know, to basically enjoy the fruits of talent because Africa is spoiled for choices.

We have such an immense pool of talent and now there’s a platform where they can exhibit what they have. And so, it’s a gift to the world. And it’s also a gift to us. So, basketball is life. Basketball is peace. Basketball is opportunities. Basketball is unity. And the power of it to transcend boundaries.

VOA: Any surprises so far as far as the tournament is concerned?

Chan: The only surprise for me is the Nigeria team’s performance. I expected a bit much more from them…Also, in the best way possible, not really surprised, but I’m glad that the Patriots from Rwanda, the host, (are) playing at a high, an intense competitive way…There are also beautiful surprises of different teams, stepping up, and leadership and experiences showing out…

VOA: You also come from South Sudan. What does this tournament mean, for South Sudan in Africa? You know, what should we take from this moving forward to the future?

Chan: Elevation and progress come from leadership. And we must hold each other accountable. We must take sports more (seriously) and invest in the youth and continue to give accessibility and look at the opportunities within this. This is a nation that went through tragedy, look at how they healed. And you know, how they made a comeback, you know, and how they’re now bringing the world together.

I hope people’s eyes are open and their hearts are receptive to seeing what is being displayed (at the BAL.)…and to wanting to duplicate a Kigali Arena in , you know, in South Sudan.

 

 

Source: Voice of America

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US politicization of tech supply chains is both risky and costly

BEIJING, May 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — A news report by China.org.cn on US politicization of tech supply chains is both risky and costly.

In 2019, the Trump administration unleashed its “tech war” on China, with the goal of blocking China’s development in high tech sectors by preventing targeted companies from procuring components manufactured in the United States.

As the White House ramped up its hostility toward Beijing, it intensified its measures. The most notable target was the Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei, which was first placed on the commerce department’s “entity list” putting it under export controls. Later, it was also subjected to the “foreign direct product rule,” which unilaterally banned overseas companies who use U.S. patents in their own semiconductor production from supplying the company.

A staff member works at a workshop of a semiconductor company in Shanghai, east China, Feb. 10, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

Even though President Joe Biden has since taken office, he has yet to reverse these decisions. Instead, he has pressed on in the mold of an “America First” policy when it comes to semiconductors with the goal of consolidating a U.S. monopoly of the industry and controlling “technologies of the future.”

What have been the consequences of these decisions? In fact, they have had adverse effects for America and the world at large.

The aggressive politicization of the semiconductor sector against the world’s second largest economy is disrupting a global supply chain, reversing globalization and creating an effect of “localization.”

China has massively boosted its investment in semiconductor capabilities on a whole-of-society scale, while America has created political risks for tech firms who rely on their supplies. On an organizational level, firms have been bulk buying semiconductor and lithography manufacturing equipment from the Netherlands, Japan and South Korea, as well as panic buying semiconductors to hedge against potential future restrictions. Companies are losing confidence in traditional suppliers.

This uncertainty has created a global shortage in semiconductors, which is causing risks to the global economy. The shortage has created delays in the manufacturing and supply of electronic consumer goods and automobiles, which has forced many factories around the world to postpone production and furlough workers. For example, Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the U.K. was forced to slow production for three weeks due to a lack of semiconductors. Another consequence has been growing inflation, which undoubtedly contributed to the unexpected surge in the U.S. consumer price index, which jittered global markets last week.

These adverse outcomes show that weaponizing technology supply chains against China will not make America better off. Localized supply chains are more expensive and will cost the U.S. considerable market share as Beijing develops its own industry. This year, China will commence production of 7-nanometer nodes and quickly cede dependency on lower nodes, with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) investing in a $2.35 billion chip foundry in Shenzhen set to produce 28-nm integrated circuits. This has allowed companies such as Huawei to continue developing their 5G networks despite U.S. sanctions.

In China, government investment in the sector has already amounted to $150 billion, while earmarked investment for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) extends to $1 trillion. While this is seen as a political necessity, few disagree that an open-ended global industry remains preferential. Leading foreign semiconductor companies still seek to compete within the Chinese semiconductor market due to its growing economy and surging demand, showing the dangers of upheaving this market.

In this case, it is worth noting that one thing is certain when it comes to current U.S. policy: Weaponizing semiconductors creates a “lose-lose” situation, carving up a global industry into localized spheres, creating a fractured market and raising prices. That being said, it will still not block China’s technological advances.

For all involved, it is a costly and unpredictable path with knock on effects all the way down to the ordinary consumer.

Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. He writes on topics pertaining to China, the DPRK, Britain and the U.S. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/TomFowdy.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1517521/image1.jpg

 

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Anaqua Acquires Actio IP to Offer Integrated Tech-Enabled Foreign Filing Solutions

Acquisition expands Anaqua’s offerings with easy-to-use platform, supported by exceptional customer service, to help IP practitioners streamline their global filings process

BOSTON, May 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anaqua, the leading innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology provider, today announced that it has acquired tech-enabled IP services company Actio IP from Acapo AS. The transaction further strengthens Anaqua’s strategic line of IP management solutions, offering corporations and law firms an intuitive, transparent, and efficient experience in managing the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) National Phase and European Patent (EP) Validation filing processes.

Anaqua will continue to enhance Actio IP’s tech-enabled foreign filing services platform, ACTIO Portal, while significantly investing in the integration of the services with Anaqua’s IP management software and payment services. Actio IP, which also offers IP renewals, will add incremental volume to Anaqua’s existing payments business.

“Both companies share a deep commitment to leveraging technology to optimize the IP workflow process,” said Christine Jennings, President of Anaqua Services, who will lead the new business unit. “We believe this combination will enhance the customer experience by pairing our existing payments business with another high-quality service that can be seamlessly-integrated with our software platforms and other offerings.”

All Actio IP employees will join Anaqua as part of the acquisition, as the business expands its current operations in Bergen, Norway under the management of Actio IP executives Spencer Vold-Burgess and Anders Osa-Svanberg, who will both report to Christine Jennings.

“The combination of the two companies will serve to address the growing demand for increased efficiency in global filings,” said Spencer Vold-Burgess, who will join Anaqua as Director, Client Services. “Since our initial interactions with Anaqua, it has been clear that we share the same goals in providing unparalleled IP solutions and customer service to help our clients streamline IP management processes. Our team has been impressed with Anaqua’s global scale and client base, and look forward to joining the Anaqua team and innovating to better serve this evolving industry.”

“Anaqua will be a great partner for Actio IP going forward,” said Hilde Vold-Burgess, Managing Partner of Acapo. “This acquisition will strengthen Actio IP’s capacity to pursue strategic growth initiatives and continue delivering innovative solutions to the IP industry. We wish Actio IP and the team all the best under the Anaqua umbrella, and look forward to continuing using their services as they enter this next phase of scaling.”

Latham & Watkins LLP and Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS served as legal counsel to Anaqua.

About Anaqua
Anaqua, Inc. is a premium provider of integrated intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services. Anaqua’s AQX platform combines best practice workflows with big data analytics and tech-enabled services to create an intelligent environment designed to inform IP strategy, enable IP decision-making, and streamline IP operations. Today, nearly half of the top 100 U.S. patent filers and global brands, as well as a growing number of law firms worldwide use Anaqua’s solutions. Over one million IP executives, attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and innovators in large and medium-sized companies use the platform for their IP management needs. The company’s global operations are headquartered in Boston, with offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. For additional information, please visit anaqua.com, or on LinkedIn.

About Actio IP
Actio IP AS was founded in 2009 with the goal of developing Intellectual Property (IP) solutions to reduce costs and administration. Based in Norway, Actio IP is a team of patent and trademark professionals who understand the needs and complex demands of the IP industry, what is involved in developing and managing complex portfolios, and the importance of creating strong international relationships. The company provides administrative services for IP professionals via the ACTIO Portal. Through the portal, users access a one-stop global platform for streamlining global filings, validations and renewals. The portal provides a gateway to international top-tier IP firms, giving flexibility and providing cost and time savings. The ACTIO Portal is an advanced and automated platform. Combined with an experienced IP administration team, this simplifies customers’ global IP filings, validations and renewals to free up time for higher-value tasks. For more information, visit actio.no, or on LinkedIn.

About Acapo
Acapo is one of the leading Intellectual Property consultancy firms in Norway with offices in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Fredrikstad. The firm’s services include advisory services within all fields of IPR. Filing and prosecution of applications for European and Norwegian patents is within Acapo’s core field of business and their lawyers attend to litigation of cases pertaining to i.e. patents, trademarks and marketing law. The highly skilled staff of Acapo also handle filing of applications for Norwegian and European trademark and design registrations. As a full-service IPR-firm, Acapo also attend to maintenance of patents, and design and trademark registrations. For more information, visit acapo.no, or on LinkedIn.

Company Contact:
Amanda Hollis
Associate Director, Communications
Anaqua
617-375-2626
ahollis@Anaqua.com