Malawi is moving to unlock earnings for digital creators through new partnerships with Meta and TikTok, as regulators push to connect local content producers to global monetisation systems and expand the country’s digital economy. The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) said it is coordinating with the two platforms to explore how Malawian creators can begin earning directly from their content. The first round of structured engagements is scheduled for April in Lilongwe, where selected creators will meet platform representatives. The initiative marks a shift from digital participation to economic inclusion. While Malawians have long accessed social media platforms, most creators…
Author: Newsdesk
OpenAI, the company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, has shut down its Sora video-generation tool, effectively ending a planned $1 billion partnership with Walt Disney Co. The decision was disclosed on Tuesday, March 24, in a post by the Sora team on X, confirming the abrupt end of the AI video project. Ashenews gathered through Walt Disney Co and OpenAI had been working on a project linked to Sora but were blindsided by news of the shutdown just 30 minutes after a meeting on Monday. The shutdown signals a major strategic shift by OpenAI, as it moves away from video…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has identified drug abuse as a major driver of HIV transmission in Nigeria, and called for integrated strategies to address both challenges. The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, disclosed this at the inauguration of the National HIV Prevention Plan, on Wednesday in Abuja. Marwa said the fight against HIV could not be separated from efforts to curb drug abuse, particularly the use of injectable drugs, which he said increases the risk of infection through the sharing of contaminated needles. According to him, substance abuse also contributes to…
The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) has sought the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to strengthen secondary schools data collection and management systems. The Executive Secretary of NSSEC, Dr Iyela Ajayi, made the request when UNICEF officials paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja. Ajayi said improved data systems were critical for evidence-based planning and the development of senior secondary education in the country. He noted that the commission had faced challenges of inadequate funding and low awareness of its activities. He stressed the need for UNICEF’s support in advancing digital literacy for teachers…
Brazil has launched an ambitious pilot project to replace diesel with a renewable biofuel across its municipal vehicle fleet, marking a significant step towards cleaner urban transport. Metrópoles, a partner of TV BRICS, reports that the initiative is being implemented in Passo Fundo, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. According to the news source, local authorities are testing how public vehicles perform when powered by a biofuel derived from renewable sources such as soy, animal fats and used cooking oil. The trial will initially involve 17 vehicles and heavy machines, including buses, trucks and municipal equipment. The…
The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has attributed the recent decline in power supply across its franchise areas to a significant drop in electricity allocation from the national grid. Mrs Saratu Dauda, Head of Corporate Communications of the company, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Jos. Dauda said the reduction in electricity allocation from the national grid had directly affected the volume of power available for distribution to customers. “The reduction in power supply is a result of decreased allocation from the national grid. “As a distribution company, our capacity to supply electricity depends on what is…
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardoso, has urged African financial regulators to strengthen cooperation in managing cross-border risks. Cardoso also restated the CBN’s commitment to entrenching robust corporate governance in Nigeria’s financial system. He spoke at the 4th Annual IMF/AFRITAC West 2 High-Level Executive Forum for Financial Sector Regulation and Supervision on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, as African banks and financial systems become increasingly interconnected, collaboration among regulators is not optional but essential to safeguard stability and ensure shared prosperity across the continent. He urged African regulators to deepen cooperation in managing cross-border risks,…
The Federal Government has unveiled the National HIV Prevention Plan 2026–2030, shifting from reactive treatment to proactive, development-focused interventions to prevent infections and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital for sustainable growth nationwide. Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday in Abuja, Kachallom Daju, represented by Dr Bilqisu Idris, affirmed the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s full commitment to successful implementation of the Plan nationwide. Ashenews gathered through NAN reports that the inauguration highlighted a dual-track approach balancing immediate clinical needs with long-term developmental prevention strategies designed to reduce infections and strengthened resilience across populations nationwide. Government officials, civil society organisations, traditional…
Ethiopia is increasing its focus on transforming the agribusiness sector, with government leaders encouraging greater private investment to improve food security and reduce dependence on imports. The move reflects a wider national effort to strengthen domestic production and build a more resilient agricultural system. Agriculture Minister Addisu Arega highlighted the important role private investors play in driving change across the sector. Speaking at a stakeholder consultation forum in Addis Ababa, he noted that Ethiopia’s Medemer State philosophy places strong emphasis on achieving food self sufficiency and supporting long term growth. “The concept of Medemer is primarily focused on ensuring that…
EIB Global and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have signed an US$98.64mn agreement to strengthen agricultural value chains in Nigeria, with a strong focus on sustainability and private sector development. The partnership, announced during the Nigeria-EU Ministerial Summit in Abuja, targets cooperatives, MSMEs, and private sector companies, with at least 70 percent of loans directed to the cocoa and dairy sectors. The initiative, supported under the EU Global Gateway programme, aligns with Nigeria’s goals for sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and rural development. The funding is dedicated to enhancing productivity, improving value addition, and creating stronger linkages across the agricultural value…