January 17, 2023 – Central African Republic News Gazette

January 17, 2023

Crurated Arrecada US $ 7,2 Milhões para Inovar Ainda Mais na Comunidade de Vinhos com Base em Blockchain e Expandir o Alcance do Mercado

Depois de mais um ano de sucesso, a empresa começará a fazer parcerias com produtores de vinho em outros países além da França e da Itália

LONDRES, Jan. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Crurated, a comunidade de vinhos com sede em Londres, criada para conectar os conhecedores com os produtores de todo o mundo, anunciou hoje que a empresa arrecadou US $ 7,2 milhões de um grupo de investidores privados. O dinheiro será usado para desenvolver ainda mais a plataforma tecnológica, expandir as parcerias com produtores de outros países além da França e da Itália, e aumentar a participação geral no mercado em todo o mundo.

“O ano passado foi inovador e trouxe muito sucesso para toda a nossa equipe e para os produtores com os quais fizemos parceria”, disse Alfonso de Gaetano, fundador da Crurated. “Além de nos tornarmos a primeira comunidade de vinhos a oferecer vendas fracionadas de barris apoiadas pela tecnologia NFT, assinamos um contrato de distribuição exclusiva com a Charles Lachaux, aumentamos nossa lista para mais de 60 produtores e atraímos um público mais jovem de enófilos para a plataforma.”

A Crurated relata que 70% da sua base de membros tem menos de 45 anos de idade. E 35% dos membros têm menos de 35 anos, mais jovens do que a maioria dos compradores de vinho, que tendem a ter 45 anos ou mais. A equipe acredita que as parcerias diretas da Crurated com os principais produtores de vinho de todo o mundo, a abordagem inovadora de como o vinho é comprado na plataforma — compras/leilões de lotes tradicionais e vendas fracionadas de barris — bem como o uso de NFTs para validar a autenticidade de um vinho, está ajudando a aumentar o interesse pelo vinho entre um público mais jovem.

Além disso, a receita aumentou 214% no primeiro semestre do segundo ano em comparação com o primeiro semestre do primeiro ano. A associação aumentou 180% no primeiro semestre do segundo ano em relação ao primeiro semestre do primeiro ano, com um aumento de 400% no acumulado anual.

Sobre a Crurated
Lançada em 2021 com ênfase na França e na Itália, a Crurated é uma associação da comunidade vinícola criada para conectar conhecedores e produtores de todo o mundo. Uma equipe de especialistas oferece serviços personalizados e experiências autênticas, enquanto o serviço de logística contínuo da Crurated garante a qualidade e a proveniência, graças ao armazenamento seguro da adega e à inovadora tecnologia blockchain. Para mais informação sobre a Crurated, visite crurated.com.

Contato de RP
Michael Volpatt
Michael@larkinvolpatt.com
415.994.8864

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January 17, 2023

Crurated lève 7,2 millions de dollars pour apporter davantage d’innovation à la communauté des vignerons basée sur la blockchain et pour étendre sa portée sur le marché

Après une autre année prospère, la société commencera également à s’associer à des producteurs de vin au-delà de la France et de l’Italie

LONDRES, 17 janv. 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crurated, la communauté londonienne de vignerons basée sur l’adhésion et conçue pour mettre en relation les connaisseurs avec des producteurs de classe mondiale, a annoncé aujourd’hui que la société avait levé 7,2 millions de dollars auprès d’un groupe d’investisseurs privés. Les fonds seront utilisés pour faire davantage évoluer la plateforme technologique, étendre les partenariats de producteurs au-delà de la France et de l’Italie, et accroître la part de marché globale à travers le monde.

« L’année qui vient de s’écouler a été à la fois innovante et prospère pour toute notre équipe et les producteurs avec lesquels nous nous sommes associés », a déclaré Alfonso de Gaetano, fondateur de Crurated. « En plus de devenir la première communauté de vignerons à proposer des ventes de tonneaux fractionnés soutenues par la technologie NFT, nous avons signé un contrat de distribution exclusif avec Charles Lachaux, augmenté notre liste de producteurs à plus de 60, et attiré une population plus jeune d’œnophiles sur la plateforme. »

Crurated rapporte que 70 % de ses membres ont moins de 45 ans. Par ailleurs, 35 % de ces membres ont moins de 35 ans et sont donc plus jeunes que la majorité des acheteurs de vin, qui tendent vers les 45 ans et plus. L’équipe pense que les partenariats directs de Crurated avec les principaux producteurs de vin du monde, son approche innovante de la façon dont le vin est acheté sur la plateforme [ventes de tonneaux fractionnés et achats de lots/enchères traditionnel(le)s], ainsi que l’utilisation des NFT pour valider l’authenticité d’un vin, contribuent ensemble à accroître l’intérêt pour le vin chez une population plus jeune.

En outre, les recettes ont augmenté de 214 % au premier semestre de la deuxième année par rapport au premier semestre de la première année. L’adhésion a augmenté de 180 % au premier semestre de la deuxième année par rapport au premier semestre de la première année, et s’est accrue de 400 % depuis le début de l’année.

À propos de Crurated
Lancée en 2021 en mettant un accent particulier sur la France et l’Italie, Crurated est une communauté de vignerons basée sur l’adhésion, conçue pour mettre en relation les connaisseurs et les producteurs de classe mondiale. Une équipe de spécialistes fournit des services personnalisés et des expériences authentiques, tandis que le service logistique transparent de Crurated garantit la qualité et l’origine grâce à un stockage sécurisé dans des caves à vin et une technologie de blockchain innovante. Pour en savoir plus sur Crurated, veuillez consulter le site crurated.com.

Contact RP
Michael Volpatt
Michael@larkinvolpatt.com
415.994.8864

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January 17, 2023

Disposable Vaping Devices Wreak Havoc On Our Global Ecosystem

Pure Labs Urges Government Entities to Put an End to This Major Source of Environmental Pollution & Youth Vaping

Disposable Vape Waste

Heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and residual nicotine from littered disposable vape devices leach into our soil and pollute our ecosystem and wildlife.

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Not only are disposable vaping devices fueling the world’s ongoing youth vaping epidemic, these single-use plastic e-cigarettes are responsible for the growing, exorbitant amount of toxic waste plaguing our earth. As if it isn’t harmful enough that disposable vape products are purposely targeting our youth with brightly colored packaging, eye-catching branding, and appealing fruit & dessert flavors; the plastics, heavy metals, and lithium batteries that these devices are comprised of are now a leading source of environmental pollution.

Similar to what we’ve seen with combustible cigarette butts, littered disposable vaping devices are now a major source of contamination to our ecosystem, on a worldwide scale. The issue is not just the non-decomposable plastic casings we see scattered in the streets, on beaches, and in parks far too often. Disposable vaping devices also leach hazardous waste from their lithium batteries and heavy metals from their circuitry systems. The moment these toxic materials penetrate our environment, the corruption of our ecosystem and our wildlife begins. In addition to the harmful and toxic chemicals found in lithium batteries, these types of batteries are known to explode or start fires if disposed of improperly. Not to mention the illegal child labor associated with up to 30% of cobalt mining facilities responsible for sourcing the material used in lithium-ion batteries.

With disposable devices being the preferred method of vaping among our youth, it is no mystery why we are seeing as much e-cigarette pollution as we are today. A standard disposable vape pen only holds enough E-liquid to last a few days, causing the average user to cycle through approximately 2 to 3 devices per week. That’s a lot of waste! Every day, respective Customs entities are seeing thousands of palettes of these disposable vape devices enter from China. If we want to take action and do our part to mitigate the global environmental pollution crisis and the undeniable youth vaping epidemic, we need to stop the infection at its root – put an end to Chinese disposable vaping devices.

About Pure Laboratories

Operating since 2009, Pure Laboratories (Pure Labs) is a Veteran-Owned state-of-the-art 110,000-sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility located in Gainesville, Florida. Nicopure Labs, a subsidiary of Pure Labs, is an industry leading manufacturer of American-Made tobacco and menthol E-liquid products. Nicopure Labs is best known for its award-winning E-liquid and hardware brand, Halo. With a 10,000-sq. ft. cleanroom, Pure Labs is synonymous with quality manufacturing. Pure Labs’ corporate headquarters are based in Tampa Florida, with additional operations located in Europe.

For additional information about carrying Halo’s premium American-made e-liquid and innovative line of vaporizer devices, please email Halo’s principal distribution partner, Syndicate Distribution at sales@syndicatedistribution.com.

For additional information on Pure Laboratories’ full capabilities visit www.PureLabs.com.

For media inquiries, please email press@purelabs.com

Contact:
Samantha Knight
Pure Labs
press@purelabs.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8729729

January 17, 2023

NOVARAD PROVIDES FREE DIGITAL HEALTH RECORD SHARING TECHNOLOGY TO HOSPITALS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

CryptoChart Lite Medical Image Sharing System Provides Secure Medical Imaging and Digital Records Transfer via Secure QR Code or Web Access Code

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Novarad announced today its release of CryptoChart Lite, a web-based version of the healthcare company’s CryptoChart medical image and report sharing system, to developing countries at no cost.

CryptoChart Lite provides a simple, user-friendly, and secure solution to sharing patient images and reports without CDs, passwords, or portals. Users simply drag and drop medical images onto the secure web client, and receive a shareable secure QR code or web access code. Patients and providers can access digital records anywhere, anytime from a computer or mobile device using the code. CryptoChart Lite allows individual healthcare providers and medical facilities worldwide to share medical images with patients and higher care facilities for free, using mobile-friendly technology available worldwide. The new version is also available for free to hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics in the U.S. and Canada, although the full version is more conducive to streamlined workflows.

“With CryptoChart Lite, a provider serving patients at a rural clinic in Africa can upload patient details and share it securely with a hospital or doctor in the U.K. to provide a consultation or second opinion,” said Dave GrandPre, Sr. Director of Product, Novarad.

Using CryptoChart, patients and providers can receive images and medical reports from any DICOM modality or PACS. Once received, files are encrypted and sent to the CryptoChart cloud system. Users receive a hyper-secure optical code or web access code which provides access to the digital images and reports. There is no software download required to use CryptoChart, and no training required to begin use. The secure system exceeds HIPPA requirements in the U.S. for digital records. Patient records are stored for 30 days when using the free version of CryptoChart Lite.

“We are proud to offer CryptoChart Lite as a free service for healthcare professionals treating underserved populations worldwide,” said Dr. Gibby, Founder and CEO, Novarad.

To access the free version of CryptoChart Lite, global healthcare providers and hospitals can visit:
https://cryptolite.novarad.net/.

About Novard

For more than 25 years, Novarad has delivered industry-leading and innovative imaging technologies for healthcare providers and their patients. Visit Novarad at www.novarad.net for more information.

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January 17, 2023

Volt Active Data Launches New Product for Capitalizing on Streaming Data

Active(SD) Will Enable Organizations to Easily Make Complex, Real-Time Decisions on Data Streams

BEDFORD, Mass., Jan. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Volt Active Data, the only no-compromise data platform built to support applications that require speed, scale, and consistency, today announced the launch of Active Streaming Decisions [Active(SD)], an ultra high-speed decision making engine that will allow companies to apply the power of the Volt Active Data Platform to problems that can’t be solved by other Kafka ecosystem products.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for companies to finally be able to easily add intelligent decisioning to Kafka data streams and thereby fully capitalize on the massive amount of valuable data that Kafka streams into systems,” Volt CEO David Flower said.

With its foundation in the already battle-tested and proven Volt Active Data architecture, Active(SD) ingests event data directly from Kafka topics as the data is created and where it’s created, tapping the power of machine learning and advanced analytics to uncover insights and make immediate, mission-critical decisions, which are then sent back to Kafka so an action can be taken while the data (and resulting action) is still relevant.

“The key is that Active(SD) allows companies to fully and affordably capitalize on the data speed and scale that Kafka enables, and that’s a huge advantage,” Flower said. “The resulting decisions, made in single-digit milliseconds, can unlock in-the-moment monetization opportunities, prevent revenue loss from fraud or intrusion, or reduce operational revenue erosion.”

While there are several choices to consume data from Kafka for further processing downstream, such as loading into a data lake or warehouse for offline processing and reporting, Active(SD) is the only product designed specifically to facilitate event-time, in-stream decisions in less than 10 milliseconds to proactively drive real-time actions, making it the fastest path from event to action for Kafka-powered applications.

About Volt Active Data

The Volt Active Data Platform enables companies to unlock the full value of their data and applications by making it possible to have scale without compromising on speed, accuracy, or consistency. Based on a simplified stack and an ingest-to-action layer that can perform sub 10-millisecond decisioning, Volt’s unique, no-compromises foundation gives enterprises the ability to maximize the ROI of their 5G, IoT, AI/ML, and other investments, ensure “five 9’s” uptime, prevent fraud and intrusion, deliver hyper-personalized customer engagement, and save on operational costs.

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January 17, 2023

Volt Active Data lance un nouveau produit pour tirer parti des données de diffusion en continu

Active(SD) permettra aux organisations de prendre facilement des décisions complexes en temps dans les flux de données

BEDFORD, Massachusetts, 17 janvier 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Volt Active Data, la seule plateforme de données « sans compromis » conçue pour prendre en charge les applications qui nécessitent de la vitesse, de l’évolutivité et de la cohérence, a annoncé aujourd’hui le lancement de sa solution Active Streaming Decisions [Active(SD)], un moteur de prise de décision ultrarapide qui permettra aux entreprises d’appliquer la puissance de la plateforme Volt Active Data à des problèmes qui ne peuvent être résolus par d’autres produits de l’écosystème Kafka.

« C’est une formidable opportunité pour les entreprises qui seront enfin en mesure d’ajouter facilement un système de décision intelligent aux flux de données Kafka et de tirer pleinement parti de la quantité massive de données précieuses que Kafka transmet aux systèmes », a déclaré David Flower, PDG de Volt.

Fondé sur l’architecture éprouvée Volt Active Data, Active(SD) ingère des données d’événements directement à partir des rubriques Kafka, à mesure que les données sont créées et à l’endroit où elles sont créées, en exploitant la puissance de l’apprentissage automatique et de l’analytique avancée pour recueillir des informations et prendre des décisions de manière immédiate et stratégique. Ensuite, ces informations sont renvoyées à Kafka pour qu’une action puisse être réalisée pendant que les données (et l’action qui en résulte) sont encore pertinentes.

« Le point le plus important est que la solution Active(SD) permet aux entreprises de capitaliser pleinement et de manière abordable sur la vitesse et l’échelle des données offertes par Kafka. C’est un énorme avantage », a déclaré Flower. « Les décisions qui en résultent, prises en quelques millisecondes, peuvent débloquer des opportunités de monétisation sur le moment même, prévenir les pertes de revenus dues à la fraude ou à l’intrusion, ou réduire l’érosion des revenus opérationnels. »

Bien qu’il existe plusieurs façons d’utiliser les données de Kafka pour un traitement ultérieur en aval, comme le chargement dans un entrepôt ou un lac de données pour un traitement et un rapport hors ligne, Active(SD) est le seul produit conçu spécifiquement pour faciliter les décisions en temps réel, dans le flux de données, en moins de 10 millisecondes, afin de mener des actions proactives en temps réel, ce qui en fait le chemin le plus rapide de l’événement à l’action pour les applications optimisées par Kafka.

À propos de Volt Active Data

La plateforme Volt Active Data permet aux entreprises de débloquer entièrement la valeur de leurs données et de leurs applications en rendant possible la mise à l’échelle sans compromis sur la vitesse, la précision ou la cohérence. Basée sur une pile simplifiée et une couche ingestion-à-action capable de prendre des décisions en moins de 10 millisecondes, la base unique et sans compromis de Volt donne aux entreprises la possibilité de maximiser le ROI de leurs investissements 5G, IoT, AI/ML et autres, d’assurer un temps de bon fonctionnement « cinq 9 », de prévenir la fraude et l’intrusion, d’offrir un engagement client hyperpersonnalisé ainsi que d’économiser sur les coûts opérationnels.

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January 17, 2023

Crurated Raises $7.2 MM to Further Innovate Blockchain-Based Wine Community and Expand Market Reach

After another successful year the company will also begin to partner with wine producers beyond France and Italy

Crurated Connects Connoisseurs with World-Class Producers

Crurated Raises $7.2 MM to Further Innovate Blockchain-Based Wine Community and Expand Market ReachAfter another successful year the company will also begin to partner with wine producers beyond France and Italy

LONDON, Jan. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crurated, the London-based membership wine community designed to connect connoisseurs with world-class producers, today announced that the company has raised $7.2 MM from a group of private investors. The money will be used to further evolve the technology platform, expand producer partnerships beyond France and Italy, and increase overall market share across the globe.

“The past year has been both innovative and successful for our entire team and the producers we’ve partnered with,” said Alfonso de Gaetano, founder of Crurated. “In addition to becoming the first wine community to offer fractional barrel sales backed by NFT technology, we signed an exclusive distribution deal with Charles Lachaux, grew our roster of producers to more than 60, and have attracted a younger demographic of oenophiles onto the platform.”

Crurated Wine Bottles With NFC RFID

Crurated is the first wine community to offer fractional barrel sales backed by NFT technology

Crurated reports that 70% of its member base is below the age of 45. With 35% of those members under the age of 35, younger than the majority of wine buyers which skews at 45+. The team believes that Crurated’s direct partnerships with the world’s top wine producers, innovative approach to how wine is purchased on the platform — traditional lot purchases/auctions and fractional barrel sales — as well as the use of NFTs to validate a wine’s authenticity is helping to increase the interest in wine with a younger demographic.

In addition, revenues were up 214% in the first half of year two vs. the first half of year one. Membership grew by 180% in the first half of year 2 vs. the first half of year 1 and is up 400% year to date.

About Crurated
Launched in 2021 with an emphasis on France and Italy, Crurated is a membership-based wine community designed to connect connoisseurs with world-class producers. A team of specialists provides personalized services and authentic experiences, while Crurated’s seamless logistics service guarantees quality and provenance thanks to secure wine cellar storage and innovative blockchain technology. For more on Crurated, visit crurated.com.

PR Contact
Michael Volpatt
Michael@larkinvolpatt.com
415.994.8864

A video accompanying this announcement is available at

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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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January 17, 2023

Grizzlies beat Suns 136-106, extend winning streak to 10

Memphis, The Memphis Grizzlies are making lengthy winning streaks an annual occurrence.

Ja Morant scored 29 points, Desmond Bane added 28 and the Grizzlies extended their season-high winning streak to 10 games with a 136-106 win over the injury-depleted Phoenix Suns on Monday night.

Memphis set a franchise record last season by winning 11 in a row, AP reports.

Despite another double-digit win streak, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins sees room for improvement.

“There’s no finished product whatsoever, we’re just trying to find different ways to win ball games, especially at this juncture of the season,” Jenkins said.

The Suns played without starters Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Paul missed his fifth straight game with a right hip injury. Booker has not played since Christmas Day because of a groin injury.

Mikal Bridges scored 21 points and Deandre Ayton added 18 for the Suns. Phoenix (21-24) lost for the ninth time in 10 games.

Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 18 points and six blocks for the Grizzlies (30-13), who did not play starters Morant or Dillon Brooks in the fourth quarter when Memphis stretched its lead to as many as 36 points.

Memphis also scored 130 or more points for the third straight game, matching the franchise-record run of last February.

Bane said the win streak has been aided, in large part, by the team’s defense. The Grizzlies had eight steals and six blocks against the Suns.

The win streak followed a stretch in which the Grizzles lost four of five. The last loss was to Phoenix on Dec. 27 in Memphis.

“Every team is going to have ups and downs,” Bane said. “They either make you stronger or you give in to them.”

The Grizzlies started slow, trailing by as many as 11 in the opening quarter before using a dominating third quarter to pull away. Memphis outscored the Suns 39-23 in the third quarter and built a 22-point advantage (103-81) following a three-point play by Morant.

The Suns started strong, hitting 11 of their first 15 shots, including their first six, to lead by as many as 11 in the opening quarter.

The Grizzlies regained the lead late in the second quarter after Morant drained three consecutive 3-pointers for a 60-58 Memphis lead and never trailed again.

Memphis outscored the Suns 68-41 in the second half.

“We’ve just got to regroup and go back home,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “This has been a tough, tough stretch for us on a number of fronts. The wins and losses. The injuries. And we lose (Josh Okogie) tonight and he was playing his tail off. So you just pack it up, go home and get ready for the next one.”

TIP-INS

Suns: Landry Shamet returned and scored nine points after missing the last three games with a hip injury. … Josh Okogie left the game with 4:03 to go in the second quarter after being fouled by Steven Adams and suffering a nose injury. Okogie walked to the locker room under his own power, but did not return.

Grizzlies: The Grizzlies honored NBA greats Gary Payton and Luol Deng, women’s basketball pioneer Nancy Lieberman and former NFL running back Eddie George before the game with the 18th Annual National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award. … Memphis improved its home record to 19-3 at FedExForum, an .863 home winning percentage that leads the NBA. … Morant is averaging 29 points during the team’s 10-game win streak.

A SPECIAL OCCASION

Phoenix coach Monty Williams said it was an honor to be selected to play on Martin Luther King Day. And although he wasn’t able to make it to the National Civil Rights Museum in downtown Memphis on this trip, he said visiting the museum is educational and emotional.

“I think it’s really cool for us and I hope it’s cool for the younger plays who may have only heard about Dr. King or read something about him in school,” Williams said.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

January 17, 2023

US Treasury Secretary Heads to Senegal, Zambia and South Africa

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is headed to Senegal, Zambia and South Africa this week to discuss trade expansion, investment and the U.S. commitment to African economies.

This comes after a promise from President Joe Biden at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit last month that he and members of his Cabinet would visit Africa in 2023.

“I think this is the first in many steps to engage Africans on the continent,” said Cameron Hudson, a senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Africa Program. But he told VOA, “There’s an overall message [U.S. officials] are trying to send as well, which is Washington is present, and that message is not only for the Africans but for the Chinese, Russians competing with the U.S. in these markets.”

Senior U.S. Treasury officials maintain that the purpose of the trip is to exchange ideas with African government officials, private sector leaders, entrepreneurs and youth, and to deepen economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, charting new opportunities for trade and investment.

Senegal

Yellen’s first stop is Senegal, where she will visit a business incubator providing credit and sector-specific technical assistance to young women entrepreneurs in the capital, Dakar.

She will also participate in a business forum with leaders from the American Chamber of Commerce in Senegal and the groundbreaking of a rural electrification project being led by U.S. engineering firm Weldy Lamont.

The project, Treasury officials say, is supported by a U.S. government initiative known as Prosper Africa and $100 million in financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

Secretary Yellen also plans to visit Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a slave trading post in West Africa.

The Treasury chief will meet with Senegalese President Macky Sall, the African Union chair whose country is also a leading member of the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS.

This could be an opportunity for Sall to discuss other issues including unfair international trade practices, said Chisanga Chekwe, president of the Canada-based Masomo Education Foundation charity.

Four African countries – Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali – are among the most efficient cotton producers in the world, says Chekwe. “Three of the countries are in ECOWAS, and all four are in the AU,” Chekwe said. Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali are ECOWAS members. The AU refers to the African Union.

“Here is an interesting thing. Despite their efficiency, they only contribute 3% to world cotton production,” Chekwe said.

The reason, Chekwe said, is that cotton production is heavily subsidized in most countries, a reality that tends to distort markets.

Zambia

Chekwe is also the author of many books on African issues, especially on Zambia, where he said America sees an opportunity to counter Chinese influence with a new government that is considered pro-West.

“It’s seen as a government that’s weary of China. … One possible area of immediate cooperation is the restructuring of a $6 billion debt Zambia has to China, and let’s remember that makes up 24-25% of the country’s GDP [gross domestic product],” he said.

In 2020, Zambia became the first African country in the COVID pandemic era to default on its debt. But regardless of whether money is owed to China or financial institutions, Zambia is not the only African country with a debt burden, said Hudson.

“Ghana, another successful African country, is really experiencing a mounting crisis there, so Washington is seen as partly responsible,” he said. “Because like it or not, Washington is seen as controlling the international financial institutions of the World Bank and the IMF [International Monetary Fund], which have pushed for austerity measures on African states, kept interest rates on international lending very high to African states and at the same time has been critical of concessionary lending they’ve received from China, Russia and others outside of a multilateral system.”

The U.S. Treasury secretary met with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at the summit last month and emphasized the need to work on a debt plan treatment for Zambia under the Common Framework, an initiative endorsed by the G-20 and others, as quickly as possible. The G-20 represents the 20 largest economies in the world.

While in Zambia, Yellen will meet with Hichilema again, along with his finance minister and that nation’s central bank governor. She’ll also tour two agriculture-related sites in an effort to promote climate-resilient agriculture and food production and mitigate the effects of the Russian war in Ukraine.

The war has had enormous economic effects on the global wheat, energy and fertilizer supplies, “all of which are affecting Africans much more acutely than anyone else in the world. This comes on top of a slow recovery from the COVID pandemic,” said Hudson.

During the summit last month, Biden announced his administration will spend $2 billion in humanitarian assistance to address acute food insecurity in Africa, to “help ensure that children and families don’t have to go to bed hungry.”

South Africa

In South Africa, Yellen will meet with the country’s finance minister and reserve bank governor.

She’ll also visit a Ford Motor Co. assembly plant outside Pretoria. The facility, which employs more than 4,000 people, is slated to become carbon neutral by next year.

Yellen’s Africa tour coincides with a visit by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to Zambia next week. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang just completed a five-nation Africa tour that took him to Ethiopia, Angola, Benin, Gabon and Egypt.

Prior to arriving in Senegal, Yellen will meet with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier Liu He, in Switzerland on Wednesday.

Source: Voice of America