Pretoria, South Africa – (African Boulevard News) – A South African cannabis academy is betting on the potential of marijuana, offering courses on how to grow, sell, and market the plant. This education center, which initially offered online classes in 2020, moved to its own premises last year and is now offering a variety of in-person courses.

The flagship 12-week course, which costs around $1,600, covers everything from the basics of growing cannabis to understanding regulations and developing a brand. It also provides hands-on experience in a working cultivation facility, where students can learn first-hand horticultural techniques and cultivation technologies, as well as the latest breeding methods and plant genetics.

“We aim to empower our students with the knowledge to create successful careers and profitable cannabis businesses in South Africa,” says the academy’s founder and managing director. “Our courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cannabis industry, giving students a competitive edge in the emerging market.”

The legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use has opened up new opportunities for South Africans to invest in and create new businesses surrounding the plant. With South Africa having favorable climate conditions and fertile soil, there is a high potential for growing top-quality cannabis for export markets.

According to a report by Prohibition Partners, South Africa could be one of the top five cannabis connoisseur markets in the world by 2023, with an estimated market value of $1.9 billion. The report also mentioned that the country has the potential to be a leader in the cannabis industry in the coming years.

“The cannabis industry is on the rise, and South Africa has the potential to be a major player in the global market,” says a cannabis industry expert. “With the right education and knowledge, entrepreneurs and investors can capitalize on this growth industry.”

As cannabis continues to gain momentum across the world, the industry will need qualified professionals to help it grow and thrive. The South African cannabis academy is taking the first steps in providing this education to the public, giving individuals the opportunity to kickstart their careers in the booming cannabis market.

“This is an exciting time for the cannabis industry, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it,” says the academy’s founder. “We look forward to educating and empowering our students to create successful careers in this growing market.”

In conclusion, the South African cannabis academy presents an opportunity for individuals to learn about the cannabis industry and take advantage of the growth potential. With its comprehensive courses and experienced instructors, the academy is setting the standard for cannabis education in South Africa and beyond.

Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Nigeria has been making strides in the world of electronic sports, commonly known as eSports. The African giant has been determined to become the leader in the industry in the continent. The country has been keen to invest in the sector, despite economic and infrastructural challenges that have been a hurdle towards achieving this dream.

The eSports industry’s growth has been phenomenal globally, with projections indicating that its worth will surpass $1 billion by 2025. Nigeria has been eager to tap into this goldmine, often referred to as the future of sports, given its large population of young people, who make up the majority of gamers worldwide.

Despite the challenges, Nigeria has been able to host several high-profile gaming events, the most recent being the African eSports Championship held in Lagos in 2023. Players across the continent participated in the competition, which was live-streamed globally, depicting the vibrancy of the African gaming market.

“Our ambition is to be at the top of the African gaming industry, and we are making efforts to achieve that,” said Lanre Ajayi, the President of the African Gaming Association. “The potential for growth is enormous, and we will continue to work towards making that happen.”

However, the country still lags behind other African countries in terms of infrastructure that enables the growth of eSports, including reliable internet connectivity and gaming equipment. These factors have hindered the sector’s growth and development despite the country’s robust gaming industry.

To develop the industry, the Nigerian government has announced plans to create a regulatory body that will oversee the sector’s activities. The proposed regulatory body will ensure that stakeholders receive essential support in the form of infrastructure, access to funding, and government approvals.

“The eSports industry offers a new opportunity for economic growth and job creation,” noted Dr. Samson Oyedele, the Head of the Nigerian eSports Federation. “We have ambitious plans to develop this industry, and the creation of a regulatory body is a step in the right direction towards achieving our goals.”

In conclusion, Nigeria’s efforts to become the leader in Africa’s eSports industry are commendable. However, there is still a long way to go. The country needs to invest more in infrastructure that supports the industry’s growth and development. It also requires more government support to enable the sector to tap into its full potential. Nonetheless, the country’s gaming industry is gradually gaining recognition globally, providing a glimmer of hope for the future of eSports in Africa.

Khartoum, Sudan – (African Boulevard News) – Clashes have resumed between Sudan’s military and a powerful paramilitary force after a three-day cease-fire expired Wednesday morning, a protest group and residents reported. The violence has led to an influx of refugees into neighboring countries, fearful for their safety.

The fighting began when the military attempted to disarm the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a notorious paramilitary group created by former President Omar Al Bashir to combat insurgencies in Darfur. The RSF has been accused of committing war crimes, including the brutal crackdown on protesters in 2019, which saw hundreds killed and thousands imprisoned.

Now, with the RSF refusing to disarm, clashes have resumed. “The fighting is intense, with heavy artillery being used,” said a civilian resident in the area.

The violence has forced thousands of Sudanese citizens to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Chad. “We had no choice but to leave. It was too dangerous to stay,” said a Sudanese refugee in Ethiopia.

The situation in Sudan is dire, with a fragile peace agreement between the military and civilian groups in danger of collapsing. The RSF remains a powerful force within the country, and their refusal to disarm threatens to undermine any progress made towards democracy.

“Disarming the RSF is a critical component of the peace agreement,” said an expert on Sudanese politics. “Without it, there can be no meaningful progress towards a democratic Sudan.”

The international community has urged Sudan to prioritize civilian protection and ensure the safety of all citizens. However, the situation remains precarious, and the violence shows no signs of abating.

As the conflict continues, the lives of innocent civilians hang in the balance. The government must prioritize the safety of its citizens and work towards a peaceful resolution. Only then can Sudan begin to move forward and build a brighter future for all its citizens.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – (African Boulevard News) – Ethiopia is set to launch the fourth filling of its controversial $4.2 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) amidst regional tensions and concerns about its impact on the Nile River. The announcement comes after recent talks between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan failed to produce an agreement on how to manage the Nile waters.

The GERD, which is Africa’s largest hydropower project, has been in the making since 2011 and has been a source of conflict between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan. Egypt and Sudan fear that the dam would disrupt the flow of water downstream and affect their water supply. Ethiopia denies this and insists that the dam is necessary for its economic development.

The fourth filling is expected to begin in July and will fill the reservoir with 13.5 billion cubic meters of water. This is in addition to the 4.9 billion cubic meters already stored in the previous three fillings. The filling will take about two months, with the dam’s turbines expected to start generating electricity in 2022.

According to Ethiopia’s Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister, Seleshi Bekele, the fourth filling had been planned for last year but was delayed due to technical difficulties. He also assured the downstream countries that the filling would not cause any harm to their water supply.

“The filling of the reservoir is a natural and unavoidable consequence of the construction of a hydropower dam. We have undertaken all the necessary studies and have concluded that the filling will not cause any significant harm to the downstream countries,” he said.

Despite this assurance, Egypt and Sudan have called for a binding agreement on the dam’s operation before the fourth filling begins. They have also asked for a greater role in the management of the Nile waters, something which Ethiopia has rejected saying that it would infringe on its sovereignty.

The dispute over the dam has raised tensions in the region with Egypt threatening to take military action if its water supply is threatened. The United Nations has called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute and has urged the three countries to resume talks to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

As the region awaits the fourth filling of the GERD, many are hoping that a diplomatic solution will be found to the ongoing dispute over the Nile waters.

Pretoria, South Africa – (African Boulevard News) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a warning to the public after receiving reports of scammers using his name to defraud citizens. The South African presidency has urged people to be vigilant and cautious when receiving calls or messages from anyone claiming to be the president.

According to reports, the scammers have been contacting people via phone calls or text messages, claiming to be Ramaphosa or members of his staff. They then ask for personal information, such as bank account details or identity documents, with the promise of government grants or other benefits.

“Let me be clear, I will never call a member of the public to ask for their personal information,” Ramaphosa said in a statement. “Anyone who receives such a call or message is urged to hang up or delete the message immediately.”

The South African police have been investigating the scam and have urged citizens to report any suspicious calls or messages to their local police station. The presidency has also advised people to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the government by contacting their local government office.

With more people working and communicating online, scams and frauds have become increasingly common, and the South African government has been working to combat these crimes. In addition to warning the public against scams, Ramaphosa has also called for stricter measures to be put in place to prevent fraud and identity theft.

“We need to make sure that our laws and regulations keep pace with the changing nature of crime in the digital age,” he said. “We must work together to ensure that all our citizens are protected against cybercrime and other forms of fraud.”

The South African government also launched a cybersecurity strategy in 2020 to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity defenses and improve awareness of online threats. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from scams and frauds.

“Scammers will always try to find new ways to deceive people,” said Ramaphosa. “But if we work together and stay vigilant, we can prevent them from succeeding.”

In conclusion, the South African president’s warning against impersonation scams is a timely reminder for citizens to be cautious and vigilant when receiving phone calls or messages from unknown sources. By taking steps to verify the authenticity of any communication and reporting suspicious activity to local authorities, individuals can protect themselves and prevent scammers from succeeding.

Diaspora, Africa – (African Boulevard News) – The NBA draft is just around the corner, and basketball fans around the world are anxiously waiting to see which young players will have the chance to make it big in the world of professional basketball. This year, all eyes are on Bilal Coulibaly, a rising star from the Metropolitans 92 basketball team.

One Met can hide another: while Victor Wembanyama has been the favorite for the next NBA draft and the leader of the Metropolitans 92 for several months, Bilal Coulibaly has attracted American scouts with his talent, passion, and dedication to the game. Coulibaly has been playing for the Metropolitans 92 for several years, and his skills have only improved over time. His size, speed, and agility make him a formidable presence on the court, and his ability to score points consistently has caught the attention of NBA teams.

According to industry insiders, Coulibaly has been on the radar of American scouts for some time, and his performance at recent games has only cemented his reputation as a rising star. Some have compared him to greats like LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal, citing his raw talent and promising potential. Indeed, many believe that Coulibaly could be one of the top picks in this year’s draft, and that he could make a significant impact in the NBA from day one.

Of course, there are no guarantees in the world of professional basketball, and even the most promising young players can struggle to adapt to the intensity and pressure of the NBA. However, Coulibaly seems to have the right mindset and work ethic to succeed at the highest level. As he recently said in an interview with African Boulevard News, “I know that there are no shortcuts in this game. I have to work hard every day, stay focused, and keep learning from my coaches and teammates. But I am ready for this challenge, and I believe that I can make my mark in the NBA.”

As the NBA draft approaches, Coulibaly remains focused on his training and preparation for the next phase of his career. He knows that he has a lot of work to do, but he also knows that he has the potential to achieve greatness in this game. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see what happens next for this rising star from the Metropolitans 92.

In conclusion, Bilal Coulibaly is one of the rising stars of the basketball world, and he has the potential to make a big impact in the NBA. With his size, speed, and talent, he has caught the attention of American scouts, and many believe that he could be one of the top picks in this year’s draft. Of course, there are no guarantees in this game, but Coulibaly’s passion and dedication suggest that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Plateau State, central Nigeria has been hit with a resurgence of deadly clashes between farmers and herders, resulting in the death of at least 16 people. The army confirmed the attacks on Thursday and revealed the number of casualties.

The two attacks occurred in the communities of Jos South and Riyom, both in the south of Plateau state. Amid the long-standing feud between farmers and herders, the attacks were carried out by ethnic Fulani herders on the farming communities.

In Jos South, unidentified gunmen killed six people and injured two. A statement by the state spokesman for the police, Ubah Ogaba, disclosed that the attackers came in and opened fire on innocent villagers, but the arrival of security personnel stopped the wanton killings.

In Riyom, armed Herdsmen raided a village, killing ten people and injuring several others. A resident, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, recounted the ordeal stating that the attackers were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons.

The Plateau state government has condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to strengthen their efforts in protecting the people. The government also appealed to citizens to avoid resorting to reprisals or any other form of violence but instead remain calm and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.

The herder-farmer conflict has been a long-standing issue in Nigeria, with frequent outbreaks resulting in the loss of lives and property. The government has initiated several measures to address the issue, including the establishment of a National Livestock Transformation Plan aimed at providing ranches for herders and reducing conflicts with farmers.

However, the current spate of violence points to the need for more concerted efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.

“We must tackle the underlying issues that fuel this conflict, such as poverty, lack of education and unemployment, to ensure a lasting peace,” said a spokesman for the Plateau State Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

The recent attacks have sparked outrage and calls for urgent action to address the situation, with critics accusing the government of insufficient efforts to address the issue. It is essential to prioritize the security and safety of the people and work towards a peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, is currently undergoing significant policy changes, which are having a significant impact on small businesses across the country. The Nigerian president recently announced policy reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which he claims will save billions of naira for the government. However, the impact on citizens and businesses has been significant, with many struggling to adapt to the changes.

Business Africa reports that the new policy reforms have had a significant impact on small businesses, which form the backbone of the Nigerian economy. With the value of the naira currency plunging, small businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their finances. Many small businesses are already facing financial difficulties, with some forced to close their doors due to the impact of the government’s policy changes.

The removal of fuel subsidies has had a significant impact on the transportation industry, with an increase in fuel prices resulting in higher transportation costs for businesses and consumers alike. The increase in transportation costs has had a ripple effect, with higher prices for goods and services across the board. Small businesses, which often operate on slim profit margins, have been particularly hard hit, struggling to absorb the increased costs.

In addition to the removal of fuel subsidies, the Nigerian government has also implemented changes to its tax system, which have had a significant impact on small businesses. The changes to the tax system have resulted in higher taxes for businesses, placing an additional burden on their already stretched finances. Many small businesses have been forced to cut back on staff or reduce their operations to cope with the increased tax burden.

Speaking to Business Africa, a small business owner in Lagos, Nigeria, expressed frustration at the government’s policies, stating, “We are struggling to keep our businesses afloat, and the government’s policies are making it even harder for us. We need support, not additional burdens.”

The impact of the government’s policy reforms on small businesses in Nigeria has sparked concerns among industry experts, who warn that the country’s economy could suffer as a result. With small businesses accounting for a significant portion of Nigeria’s economy, the success or failure of these businesses will have far-reaching consequences for the country as a whole.

As Nigeria continues to navigate its way through these uncertain times, it is clear that small businesses will need support if they are to survive and thrive. It is essential that the government listens to the concerns of small business owners and takes steps to support them as they navigate these challenging times.

Bamako, Mali – (African Boulevard News) – The possibility of a MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) withdrawal from Timbuktu has created anxiety among locals. The call for troop withdrawal was initiated by the Mali government to restore peace and security in the country. However, people living in Timbuktu are worried about what lies ahead.

The city of Timbuktu has been a center of conflict in recent years and has endured multiple attacks and terrorist activities. With MINUSMA forces deployed to Timbuktu, locals have felt a sense of security in their daily lives. The worry now is what will happen if MINUSMA pulls out.

One Timbuktu resident expressed their concern by saying, “We have been living with the help of MINUSMA for many years now. Their presence has given us some peace of mind, and we are afraid that if they leave, the terrorists will come back, and we will be vulnerable again.”

Another resident echoed this sentiment, stating, “We don’t know what will happen if MINUSMA leaves. We fear for our lives and our children’s future.”

The people of Timbuktu are not the only ones worried about what will happen if MINUSMA withdraws. Security experts have also voiced their concern. According to a local security analyst, “If MINUSMA withdraws, it will create a security vacuum, giving terrorist groups a chance to resurface. This could lead to a resurgence of violence in the region.”

This security vacuum could also disrupt the ongoing peace talks between the government and rebel groups. The withdrawal of MINUSMA troops could potentially threaten the stability of the country as a whole.

Mali’s call for the withdrawal of MINUSMA is understandable, given the country’s desire to take control of its security. However, the people of Timbuktu and security experts warn that withdrawing troops prematurely could lead to disastrous consequences.

In conclusion, the withdrawal of MINUSMA forces from Timbuktu has created worry among locals and security experts. While Mali’s desire to take control of its security is reasonable, the premature withdrawal of MINUSMA could lead to a resurgence of terrorist activities, creating a security vacuum that could disrupt the ongoing peace talks and threaten the stability of the country.

Cairo, Egypt – (African Boulevard News) – The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has arrested an Egyptian man on suspicion of organizing the crossings of thousands of migrants across the Mediterranean. The 48-year-old man was apprehended in the UK, and his arrest has been hailed as a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

According to the NCA, the man is believed to have played a key role in smuggling thousands of migrants from Egypt, Libya, and Syria into Europe. He is also accused of organising the journeys across the Sahara Desert and hiring boats to enable the crossings.

The arrest of the alleged smuggler was the result of a joint operation between the NCA and their European counterparts, who have been working tirelessly to identify and prosecute those involved in the trafficking of migrants. The operation led to the arrest of the Egyptian man, who is currently being held in custody.

The NCA has described the arrest as a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to tackle the organized criminal gangs who profit from the misery and suffering of migrants. The organization has warned that human trafficking remains a significant global problem that requires a concerted effort from governments, law enforcement agencies, and the public to combat.

“This is a significant arrest in our ongoing fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling,” said a spokesperson for the NCA. “We will continue to work with our partners around the world to bring those who profit from the suffering of others to justice.”

The arrest of the alleged smuggler has been welcomed by anti-trafficking campaigners, who have been calling for tougher action against those involved in the trafficking of migrants. “This arrest sends a clear message to the criminal gangs involved in the trafficking of migrants that their activities will not be tolerated,” said one campaigner.

The news of the alleged smuggler’s arrest has also been widely reported in the media, with many outlets highlighting the scale of the problem and the need for coordinated action to tackle it. The arrest of the Egyptian man is seen as a significant step towards achieving that goal, and the NCA has vowed to continue its efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.