Tag: North Africa Records

EGYPT: Farewell Zakaria Ibrahim, “El-Rayes” the founder of Al Tanboura troupe for heritage songs

Egypt bids farewell to the guard of Semsemya, Zakaria Ibrahim.

For the past 44 years, Zakaria Ibrahim or “El-Rayes” (meaning the chief) had played and safeguarded the heritage music of his hometown Port Said through the Port Said Folk Heritage Troupe, which he established in 1980.

In an interview with Ahram Online, Ibrahim previously said that his initial approach relied on the sounds of the Semsemya musical instrument. Five years later, he reintroduced the ancient Tanboura instrument, a larger predecessor and origin of the Semsemya, dating back to ancient Egyptians. Consequently, he rebranded his ensemble as Al-Tanboura.

“We the Bamboteya, no one is like us, merchant boatmen in the canal” the troupe sang about the Semsemya’s affiliation with the history of trade on the Port Said marina. Small boats, called ManBoats, moored offshore, and sold goods to passing vessels, using sign language in trading. This language is the foundation of the heritage dance affiliated with Semsemya.
 
To safeguard and revive heritage music, beyond Semsemya, Ibrahim co-founded the Mastaba Centre for Egyptian Folk Music in 2000. Documenting and archiving traditional Egyptian songs, music, and musical instruments, as well as the voices and history of Egyptian music were among the centre’s main goals.

He also established El-Damma theatre in Abdeen district, Cairo, where heritage troupes played for years on a weekly basis. El Damma means coming closer, and it was a social ritual in Port Said where people would come together and sing their heritage songs and play the Semsemya.

May El-Rayes rest in peace.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

______________

Rayes Zakaria founder of Al Tanboura troupe for heritage songs passed away

_________

EGYPT

TUNISIA : Tunis Business School with its BOVITA Social Enterprise Wins the ‘2024 Enactus World Cup’ Astana, Kazakhastan

University students from Tunis Business School in El Mourouj, Tunisia are the 2024 Enactus World Cup Champions with their social enterprise BOVITA. The team won the competition from a field of 29 challengers comprised of National Champions from the Enactus country network around the world.

The Enactus team from Mohammad V University in Morocco clinched second place at Kongress-Tsentr in Astana. Rounding out the Final Four teams were Karlsruhe Institute of Technology of Germany and Konkuk University of Korea.  

The Enactus World Cup 2024 brought together over 700 of the world’s brightest young social entrepreneurs from over 30 countries with a joint mission to solve critical global challenges. At Enactus World Cup, students compete, collaborate, make intercultural connections, and are inspired to further develop skills that drive impact through social entrepreneurship.

BOVITA provides a range of 100% natural phytotherapy-based products designed to replace antibiotics and chemical treatments in the prevention and treatment of Bovine Mastitis. Their product line includes an extramammary cream for mild cases, an oil-based gel for prevention, and a natural intramammary injection for severe cases, all aimed at effectively healing infected areas, reducing inflammation, and eliminating bacteria.

The event was graced by several notable attendees, including ecologist and philanthropist, Aselle Tasmagambetova; Director of UN Global Compact Kazakhstan, Dinara Seijaparova; Chairman of the Board of Kazakh Tourism, Kairat Sadvakasson; and Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek, who delivered a special welcome message on behalf of the President of The Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

In his message, President Tokayev emphasized the importance of the event, stating:

“In Kazakhstan we have created the very best environment for young people to access quality education and engage in entrepreneurship. Hosting this prestigious event in our country and within the commonwealth of independent states is a testament to this progress. The Enactus World Cup 2024 will inspire the growth of youth entrepreneurship and help cultivate the next generation of business leaders.”

As Enactus Global navigates a period of transition, the organization’s commitment to inspiring and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders continues to grow. This dedication is evident in the success of the Enactus World Cup in Astana and the announcement that Bangkok, Thailand will host the 2025 Enactus World Cup. Furthermore, Enactus Colombia has officially joined the network, and Enactus Thailand has rejoined, expanding the Enactus presence to 35 countries worldwide.

Supporting this vital mission and global expansion, Resolution Project has committed over $2 million to Enactus Global, ensuring the continuation of its nearly 50-year legacy of educating and equipping young social entrepreneurs.

“The Enactus World Cup truly showcases the incredible potential of youth innovation,” said Lauren Horn, Interim CEO of Enactus Global & United States. “Over the past few days, we’ve seen firsthand how the innovation and passion of these young entrepreneurs can create real change. The spirit and impact of Enactus remain as strong as ever, thanks to the dedication of our students, partners, and supporters worldwide. With Resolution Project’s commitment and our expanding global network, we can ensure that the Enactus World Cup will continue to be a platform where young changemakers collaborate, innovate, and turn their ideas into real-world solutions that shape our future.

The event would not have been possible without the host country Enactus Kazakhstan, and support from sponsors and partners such as Kazakh Tourism, The Sunshine Charitable Foundation, BIC, John Dobson Foundation, Harmony Gold, Jeanne Sauvé Foundation, and more. “I’m really happy to see everyone here in my beautiful country,” said Albina Yerzhanova, President & CEO of Enactus Kazakhstan. “Hosting the Enactus World Cup in Astana shows how much Kazakhstan values innovation and young entrepreneurs. It’s exciting to bring together these brilliant students and showcase their ideas for making the world better.”

Enactus Global and Resolution Project’s combined impact includes engaging over 40,000 young social entrepreneurs annually, with a presence in nearly 100 countries. These young leaders have cumulatively impacted almost 20 million lives. 

source/content: enactus.org (headline edited)

_________

___________

TUNISIA

DUBAI, U.A.E: Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) wins five ‘fDi World’s Best Free Zones 2024’ awards

Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has won five major category awards from the Financial Times’ fDi World’s Best Free Zones 2024, including being ranked number one in the comprehensive global list of free zones.


Jafza said that winning these awards underscores its global standing in the field of trade and logistics, noting that it was ranked number one, in addition to the titles of “Best Industrial Zone” and “Best Sustainable Zone” for this year, in the global and Middle East categories.


Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, GCC, said: “As we approach our 40th anniversary, we are proud of our achievements in the fields of global trade and industry. Jafza has evolved over these four decades to meet the changes in the global trade arena and has maintained its leadership in promoting innovation and sustainable growth.

For his part, Abdulla Al Hashimi, Chief Operating Officer, Parks and Free Zones, DP World, GCC, said that these prestigious awards confirm the effectiveness of the investment approach in infrastructure and sustainability, after Jafza was able to establish the foundations of a vital infrastructure that benefits customers, and maintained the clarity of its goal of driving innovation and sustainable growth, by keeping pace with the latest developments in the sector, and responding to customer needs, while continuing to focus on efficiency.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

_______________

___________________________________________

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

ARABS – HISTORY : Arabs migrated from central region to establish kingdoms in Iraq, Levant, Egypt, says Saudi historian Prof. Suleiman Al-Theeb

Dr. Suleiman Al-Theeb presents research at Riyadh International Book Fair

Kingdom’s literature commission organized the event from Sept. 26-Oct. 5

Only a group of tribes later described as Arabs inhabited the area now known as the Arabian Peninsula in antiquity and modern times, and other ethnicities lived there temporarily, a leading Saudi Arabia historian has said.

Dr. Suleiman Al-Theeb, who is a professor of ancient Arabic inscriptions at King Saud University, presented some of his research during a panel discussion titled “Ancient Arabic Writings” at the Riyadh International Book Fair.

The panelists focused on the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the Kingdom and the Arabian Peninsula, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The fair was organized by the Kingdom’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission between Sept. 26 and Oct. 5.

During the discussions, Al-Theeb talked about the meanings of ancient Arab inscriptions, and writings in the Arabic script.

He said the term “Arab” was first used to describe a group of tribes during the Assyrian era, in the 8th and 9th centuries B.C.E.

He added that migrations from the Arabian Peninsula began from the central region, moving northward to Mesopotamia, Greater Syria, and Egypt, where immigrants settled and established kingdoms.

Al-Theeb said the oldest known Arab inscription, found in the city of Lachish in Palestine, is Thamudic and dates to 1300 B.C.E.

“Initially, it was believed to be Phoenician and dated to 1509 B.C.E., but it was later confirmed to combine South Arabian script and Thamudic letters,” he said.

Al-Theeb has written extensively about civilizations dating back thousands of years in the Arabian Peninsula.

He is a writer, historian, researcher and an expert in archaeology and ancient languages of the region, and spoke extensively about his work at the fair.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

______________

Prof. Suleiman Al-Theeb said the term “Arab” was first used to describe a group of tribes during the Assyrian era, in the 8th and 9th centuries BCE.  (SPA)

_________________________________

SAUDI ARABIA / ARAB WORLD

MAURITANIA: Fatimata M’baye honoured as ‘Mauritanian Woman of Courage Award Winner’

On January 21, Ambassador Larry André hosted a lunch in honor of, Fatimata M’baye, the 2016 Mauritanian Woman of Courage Award winner, and a nominee for the United States Department of State International Woman of Courage Award.

  M’baye was Mauritania’s first ever female attorney and she is the president of local human rights NGO Association Mauritanienne des Droits de l’Homme. She has spent her career courageously for advocating and defending human rights, equality, and justice in Mauritania.

The lunch was attended by notable leaders from Mauritanian civil society, especially women and human rights leaders, and is a part of the American Embassy’s on-going efforts to engage in a dialogue with government and civil-society on shared priorities.

source/content: mr.usembassy.gov / US Embassy in Mauritania (headline edited)

______________


2016 Mauritania’s Women of Courage

_______________

MAURITANIA

TUNISIAN Nadia Selmi – Food Heroes archive of FAO

“I believe in the power of women. The seaweed farm is run by women, and women represent 80 to 90 percent of all staff in administration, the labs and research.”

For most people, the word ‘engineer’ doesn’t immediately bring up images of food, and even fewer will think of seaweed. And yet, that’s exactly the niche where Nadia Selmi is pioneering new uses for an oft-overlooked marine resource. 

Today, she is the commercial director of SELT Marine, a Tunisian seaweed company that employs more than 100 women in producing nutritious seaweed powder that can be made into vegetable gelatin for dairy, sweets and vegan products

“I believe in the power of women,” says Nadia. “The seaweed farm is run by women, and women represent 80 to 90 percent of all staff in our administration, the labs and research.”

Many of the women working on the seaweed farm come from vulnerable rural communities and have found a new kind of job in the growing sector. 

And the potential that the sector holds for food security and food system transformation is significant. Using just 0.03 percent of our oceans’ surface, seaweed could add up to 10 percent to the world’s food supply. Importantly, seaweed tends to be rich in vitamins and fibres and low in calories, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

Beyond the food industry, seaweed powder is already used in many pharmaceutical and cosmetics products. And more recently, it is being transformed into biodegradable bottles and bags.

But that’s not the only way seaweed can contribute to a better environment.

Increasingly, scientists and policy makers are also seeing its potential as a “nature-based solution” to mitigate climate change and support ecosystem services. For example, if seaweed production keeps growing at the current rate, it could absorb 135 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by 2050, and 30 percent of all the nitrogen entering the oceans from land-based pollution.

Nadia, who started out as a researcher in the company’s lab, is now championing the uptake of Tunisian seaweed by building partnerships with businesses around the world and working with research institutions to get even more goodness out of the aquatic greens.

FAO supports innovators like Nadia through its General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, which promotes seaweed aquaculture as a way to boost sustainable growth, marine conservation, and livelihoods in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

source/content: fao.org (headline edited)

_____________

___________

TUNISIA 

TUNISIA: WOMEN IN MEDICINE: More numerous than men: more than 13,000 women doctors in Tunisia

The CREDIF (Center for Research, Studies, Documentation and Information on Women) issued Thursday 1st digital medium “Tunisian Women in figures 2024”, a scientific document, based on collecting statistical data from various public institutions and national professional bodies.

In the health field, this booklet indicates that women represent 51% of the total number of physicians in Tunisia. As of February 15, 2025, there were 13,197 women doctors, 6,895 of which are registered in the “General Medicine” branch.

“Tunisian women in Figures 2024”, includes various and diversified data, varying from those demographics, including questions relating to the experience of women and their difficulties, in terms of violence, health and unemployment and their accomplishments in terms of ‘Medical assistance, teaching and positions occupied in education and education.

It constitutes one of the updated references, to be consulted by both researchers and civil society members and administrators and experts, which can equip them, and help them study certain phenomena and possibly in decision-making.

source/content: news-tunisia.tunisienumerique.com

______________

____________

TUNISIA

ARABIC TEXTS AVAILABLE: German publisher showcases rare manuscripts at Riyadh International Book Fair 2024

 German publishing house Mueller and Schindler is participating in the Riyadh International Book Fair for the third consecutive year with a showcase of rare manuscripts and books.

The annual gathering’s literary treasures are a major attraction for book lovers and academics. 

Mueller and Schindler specialize in creating high-quality replicas of historic texts that are typically inaccessible to the public.

Among their remarkable offerings are the famed notes of Leonardo da Vinci, and a selection of Arabic works, including the renowned Blue Qur’an. 

Their exhibit at the fair highlights not only the beauty of these manuscripts but also their historical significance.   

The owner and CEO of Mueller and Schindler, Charlotte Kramer, elaborating on their mission, told Arab News: “We provide facsimiles, which derive from the Latin term ‘fac simile,’ meaning ‘make it similar.’” 

A facsimile is a faithful reproduction of a manuscript or printed book, capturing all the visible characteristics of the original — vibrant colors, gold and silver embellishments, as well as age marks and irregularities.

Their facsimile editions are published in limited quantities, combining technical precision with the spirit of the original work. 

Highlighting the uniqueness of their offerings, Kramer noted: “One of our notable replicas is Katta Langar Qur’an, which dates back over 1,200 years, making it one of the oldest Qur’anic fragments. This fragment, written in Hijazi calligraphy, is significant for the development of the Qur’anic text.” 

In addition to the Katta Langar Qur’an manuscript, Mueller and Schindler showcased a Moroccan Qur’an, comprised of 50 volumes, meticulously crafted in Kufic script.

They also presented manuscripts containing prayers of the Prophet Muhammad, as well as scientific Arabic texts, including Al-Sufi’s “Book of the Fixed Stars.”

The enthusiasm of the Saudi audience has made a lasting impression on the team. 

“We are thrilled to be here for the third time. The people are incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely interested in our work. They engage with us, asking insightful questions and listening intently to our explanations,” Kramer said.    

The fair concludes on Saturday.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

____________

Among their remarkable offerings are the famed notes of Leonardo da Vinci, and a selection of Arabic works, including the renowned Blue Qur’an. (AN photo)

_____________________________

ARABIC TEXTS AVAILABLE

EGYPT: General Motors celebrates production of one-millionth vehicle in Egypt

General Motors Egypt has celebrated a significant milestone with the production of its one-millionth vehicle at its local factory. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir. This achievement underscores General Motors’ commitment to local manufacturing and its role in Egypt’s industrial development.

This milestone marked General Motors as the first private car manufacturer in Egypt to produce one million locally made vehicles, in partnership with General Motors Global. The company established its first regional manufacturing facility in Alexandria nearly 90 years ago and exports to countries in the Euro-Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and Africa.

Al-Wazir stated that General Motors collaborates with numerous local, regional, and global partners, producing over 90% of its sales locally. The company is also committed to increasing the local component percentage in its products.

He noted that General Motors Egypt supports the registration of its new car model in the National Program for Developing the Automotive Industry. This program incentivizes manufacturers based on local component ratios, investment levels, production and export volumes, emissions reduction, and adherence to global environmental standards.

In line with this, the Ministry of Industry has developed the National Industry Strategy (2024–2030), leveraging Egypt’s regional advantages and advanced infrastructure to enhance the industry across seven key pillars.

He noted that the strategy includes an urgent plan to boost the Egyptian industry, focusing on several main pillars. The first involved deepening the industry by establishing new factories to meet part of the local market’s needs and reduce reliance on imported production inputs, aiming to attract investors with high-quality products at competitive prices.

The second pillar focused on expanding the industrial base to increase exports, particularly for green industries that utilize locally available raw materials or technologies, such as iron and aluminium. This leverages Egypt’s natural resources (agricultural, industrial, and mineral) to produce high-quality goods for export markets at competitive prices.

The third entailed immediate efforts to reactivate and assist closed or stalled factories, as well as supporting projects under construction to enhance industrial activity and production capacity. The fourth emphasized improving the quality of Egyptian products to compete in the local and global markets, with support from entities under the Ministry of Industry.

The fourth pillar aims to enhance the quality of Egyptian products for both local and global markets through the Ministry of Industry, meanwhile, the fifth pillar focused on increasing employment in the industrial sector to 7 million by 2030, doubling the current workforce, while recognizing General Motors Egypt’s role in attracting investments and creating jobs.

Additionally, the sixth pillar emphasized training the workforce via partnerships with research centres and universities to improve skills, particularly through the development of 41 technological schools. These schools, financed by private companies, aim to produce skilled graduates ready for the industry, with potential collaboration between the Ministry and General Motors to improve vocational training.

Finally, the seventh pillar addressed modern industrial trends and digital transformation, including providing technical support for factories and raising awareness of green industries. It also involved launching a digital platform to streamline industrial services and licensing processes for investors.

source/content: dailynewsegypt.com (headline edited)

_____________

__________

EGYPT

EGYPT: Dominant Egypt seal title at the 08th CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball 2024 Championship, Mahdia, Tunisia

For the eighth time in history and for the third consecutive time, Egypt secured the title at the CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball Championship, displaying a flawless performance in Mahdia, Tunisia, taking six wins in six matches to secure yet another gold medal, the eighth in 10 editions of the competition.

The eight participating teams at the 2024 CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball Championship were divided into two groups of four teams each, with all teams progressing to the quarter-finals, but Egypt and hosts Tunisia taking three wins in three matches in the preliminary round.

Egypt clearly outplayed their opponents in their group, taking wins against Guinea (46:22), Burundi (66:15) and Algeria (42:22) to secure the first place, being followed by Guinea, Algeria and Burundi in the final standings.

In the other group, hosts Tunisia took wins against Libya (30:17), Kenya (44:16) and Morocco (26:17), to set up a path towards a final against Egypt, with Morocco, Libya and Kenya finishing second, third and fourth respectively.

The reigning champions, the big favourites to take another gold medal, had no issues against Kenya in the quarter-finals, 55:14, while Tunisia also easily disposed of Burundi, 48:27, to progress to the semi-finals.

The closest match in the quarter-finals was the one between Morocco and Algeria, with Morocco taking a 25:20 win, while Guinea dominated Libya, 34:22, as the top two sides in each group went into the semi-finals.

The semi-finals saw the two big favourites take control again, with Egypt sealing their fifth double-digits win in a row, this time against Morocco, 40:15, while Tunisia slowly followed suit, setting up the final against Egypt, with a 31:22 over Guinea.

However, in the last act of the competition, Egypt did not have an easy mission. After the first half, the hosts had a 16:15 lead, which morphed into a two-goal lead after 35 minutes, 19:17. But in the next 25 minutes, Egypt doubled the number of goals scored, adding another 17, to cruise to yet another win.

With their sixth win in the competition, 34:29, Egypt, the future hosts of thr 2025 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, secured the eighth title in 10 editions of the CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball Championship, delivering a pitch perfect performance, to consolidate their status as a powerhouse of the continent, as Tunisia secured the fifth silver medal in the continental competition at this age category.

The bronze medal was sealed by Guinea, with a 20:11 win over Morocco, their maiden medal in the history of the competition, after their best performance was the fifth place in 2018.

2024 CAHB African Men’s Youth Handball Championship – final standings

1. Egypt
2. Tunisia
3. Guinea
4. Morocco, 5. Algeria, 6. Libya, 7. Kenya, 8. Burundi

Credit photo: Egyptian Handball Federation

source/content: ihf.info (headline edited)

__________

Credit photo: Egyptian Handball Federation

_________

EGYPT