DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Burkina Faso summons Ghanaian ambassador over Wagner allegations
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

OUAGADOUGOU, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Burkina Faso summoned the Ghanaian ambassador on Friday morning for "explanations" after Ghana's president alleged that Burkina Faso had hired the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Burkina Faso's foreign ministry said. Burkina Faso has now entered into an arrangement to go along with Mali in employing the Wagner forces there," Akufo-Addo said, adding that it was a distressing development for Ghana. Akufo-Addo also alleged that Burkina Faso had offered Wagner a mine as payment. In a statement issued after the meeting with the ambassador, Burkina Faso's foreign ministry said it had "expressed disapproval" about the statements made by the Ghanaian president. Burkina Faso also recalled its ambassador from Ghana for a meeting, the spokesperson said.

☆ Brock Purdy: From 'Mr. Irrelevant' to beating the NFL's GOAT
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

And this bull is now a steer, so he’s irrelevant. Justin Casterline/Getty ImagesWhen Purdy was selected by the 49ers – and that famous red and white jersey was brought out with “Mr. Irrelevant” celebrations began in 1976, when former 49ers receiver Paul Salata founded “Irrelevant Week” in Newport Beach, California. Purdy celebrates at midfield after the Iowa State Cyclones defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys 24-21 at Jack Trice Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. “I’ve tried to keep myself from being surprised about Brock Purdy years ago because nothing surprises me anymore with him.”

☆ DeVante Parker: NFL says it is reviewing an apparent head injury incident during Monday's Patriots game
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Kevin Dotson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +27 min

CNN —The NFL and the NFL Players Association are looking into an incident in which an apparent head injury to New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker seemingly went unnoticed by medical staff and spotters, league spokesman Brian McCarthy tells CNN. Jeff Dean/AP Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams catches a pass against Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard on December 11. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson dives for a two-point conversion during the Vikings' 29-22 victory over the Chicago Bears. Gerald Herbert/AP Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is tripped up by Denver Broncos cornerback K'Waun Williams. Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports/Reuters New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas makes a reception against Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J.

☆ Cardinals vs Patriots: Arizona's woes continue as Kyler Murray hurt in 27-13 loss to New England
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +27 min

Jeff Dean/AP Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams catches a pass against Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard on December 11. Gary McCullough/AP Green Bay Packers wide receiver Samori Toure is tackled by Detroit Lions safety Will Harris. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson dives for a two-point conversion during the Vikings' 29-22 victory over the Chicago Bears. Gerald Herbert/AP Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is tripped up by Denver Broncos cornerback K'Waun Williams. Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports/Reuters New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas makes a reception against Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J.

☆ NFL Week 14 preview: Playoff seedings on the line as season enters business end
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Whether it be draft position or playoff seedings, each game means something to each team as Week 14 of the NFL season kicks off in earnest on Sunday. And, as a result, the Jets’ season has metamorphosed from shoots of optimism to playoff hopes. Sunday will see Tom Brady face off against seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel west to face the San Francisco 49ers. Despite playing his first meaningful action and with his team’s season possibly on the line, Purdy never looked fazed, leading the 49ers to an important victory. Australia: NFL Game Pass, ESPN, 7PlusBrazil: NFL Game Pass, ESPNCanada: CTV, TSN, RDS, NFL Game Pass on DAZNGermany: NFL Game Pass, ProSieben MAXX, DAZNMexico: NFL Game Pass, TUDN, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sky SportsUK: NFL Game Pass, Sky Sports, ITV, Channel 5US: NFL Game Pass, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, ESPN, Amazon Prime

ACCRA, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ghana are expected to reach a staff-level agreement on a loan deal by Tuesday at the latest, said three sources with knowledge of the ongoing talks. Two sources said that the IMF program was expected to be an extended credit facility, which provides financial assistance to countries. One of those sources and a third source said that major hurdles in the negotiations were overcome this week which sped up the process. Ghana turned to the IMF for help in July, and an IMF team is currently in the country until Tuesday. The cocoa, gold, and oil-producing West African nation has said it needs the deal by the end of the year.

☆ Henry Anderson: Carolina Panthers defensive end reveals he recently had stroke -- but wants to play on Sunday
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +26 min

Tony Gutierrez/AP Buffalo wide receiver Stefon Diggs digs into a turkey leg after the Bills defeated Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. Gary McCullough/AP Green Bay Packers wide receiver Samori Toure is tackled by Detroit Lions safety Will Harris. Norm Hall/Getty Images Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen hurdles Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid as he scrambles for a first down. Gerald Herbert/AP Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is tripped up by Denver Broncos cornerback K'Waun Williams. Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports/Reuters New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas makes a reception against Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J.

☆ Von Miller: Buffalo Bills defensive star is out for the season with torn ACL
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +25 min

Tony Gutierrez/AP Buffalo wide receiver Stefon Diggs digs into a turkey leg after the Bills defeated Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. Norm Hall/Getty Images Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen hurdles Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid as he scrambles for a first down. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson dives for a two-point conversion during the Vikings' 29-22 victory over the Chicago Bears. Gerald Herbert/AP Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is tripped up by Denver Broncos cornerback K'Waun Williams. Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports/Reuters New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas makes a reception against Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J.

☆ Baker Mayfield joins struggling Los Angeles Rams as former No. 1 draft pick battles to revive career
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

1 overall pick Baker Mayfield off waivers on Tuesday as the team looks to strengthen its quarterback room in the wake of recent injuries. The 27-year-old Mayfield was waived by the Carolina Panthers on Monday after a disappointing first season with the team. Just a day after he was waived, the struggling Rams picked up Mayfield, who had been taken as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield celebrates a Cleveland Browns touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on October 4, 2020.

☆ Tom Brady makes record 44th fourth-quarter comeback as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —When his team trails in the fourth quarter, Tom Brady is almost inevitable. Down 13 points against the New Orleans Saints in the closing minutes, Brady steered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to an improbable 17-16 win on Monday Night Football. The win was extraordinary even by Brady’s standards, marking the largest regular-season fourth-quarter comeback in his career, according to ESPN. That brought Tampa Bay within six points before Brady orchestrated an 11-play, game-winning drive and found Rachaad White for the touchdown with three seconds remaining. New Orleans have a bye this weekend and next face the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, while Tampa Bay play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

☆ Congolese government ups toll in massacre to 272 civilians
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Paul Lorgerie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Arlette BashiziKINSHASA, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo's government on Monday said 272 civilians were killed in a massacre in the eastern town of Kishishe last week, raising the death toll from a previous estimate of 50. It also said the rebels were backed by members of the Rwandan army, a frequent accusation by the Congolese government which Rwanda has consistently denied. Congo's army and the M23, a Tutsi-led militia, have been locked in fighting for months in the country's east. The death toll was announced by Congolese industry minister Julien Paluku, speaking at a press briefing with government spokesman Patrick Muyaya. "The United States urges Rwanda to honor commitments made in Luanda, including ending Rwanda's support to M23," Blinken said on Twitter.

☆ Niger president calls for job-based immigration quotas in Europe
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MILAN, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Niger's President Mohamed Bazoum said in an interview with an Italian newspaper on Friday that African and European states should agree quotas for African immigrants tailored to employment needs. "In France, Spain and Italy you have many jobs in sectors of employment where Africans can work," Bazoum said. "These numbers need to be established, country by country, and then the consulates entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing them." While numbers have subsided, thousands embark on treacherous journeys to European countries each year in hope of finding safer lives and better economic opportunities. Bazoum said agreements between African and European states would help regulate regular immigration and tackle irregular immigration "that fuels the worst trafficking".

☆ Ivory Coast completes second shipping container terminal
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Loucoumane Coulibaly | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ABIDJAN, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast has completed construction of a second container terminal at its main port in Abidjan, paving the way for it to become a regional shipping hub, officials said late on Friday. The new container terminal will be able to receive large ships from Asia, Europe and America that previously had to land goods in South Africa, transferring them to smaller ships to reach West Africa. "We are no longer a second port. We are becoming a hub," said Andre N'Doli, technical director of the terminal, called Cote d'Ivoire Terminal (CIT). The terminal is expected to allow Abidjan to increase container traffic to 3 million TEU containers from 1.2 million TEU containers per year, port authorities said.

Presenting the West African nation's 2023 budget in parliament, Ofori-Atta said Ghana was at high risk of debt distress and has agreed on a debt management strategy with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Investment bank Morgan Stanley said on Thursday that it expected Ghana to restructure both its domestic and external debt. "The current debt sustainability analysis conducted reveals that Ghana is now considered to be in high risk of debt distress," Ofori-Atta told lawmakers. Ghana will implement a debt exchange programme to address the challenges, he added. Despite the projected increase in revenue, Ofori-Atta said the fiscal budget would increase to 7.7% of GDP from 6.6% over the coming year.

☆ Nigerian start-up uses tech to help the visually impaired
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LAGOS, Nov 24 (Reuters) - A Nigerian start up called Vinsighte is using technology to assist the visually impaired, with several products including "smart" reading glasses that convert text to audio. About 15.3% of the world's blind population resides in Africa, according to the World Health Organization, where they often lack the resources and support needed to succeed in school and everyday life. "I wanted to just try and see if we could build something that could solve the problem and that was where it all started," said Vinsighte CEO Kolawole Tomi. The company distributes its products to schools and institutions and estimates it has reached about 5,000 people. Reporting by Angela Ukomadu; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ African leaders agree on ceasefire in east Congo from Friday
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

KINSHASA, Nov 23 (Reuters) - African leaders have declared a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo starting Friday, which is aimed in particular at stopping attacks by the M23 rebel group, they said in a statement. The declaration was issued by the leaders of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Angola, and former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta, after a summit in Luanda on Wednesday aimed at finding solutions to the east Congo crisis. Eastern Congo is facing an insurgency by the M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group which the Congolese government claims is supported by neighbouring Rwanda. In addition to the ceasefire, the statement said the M23 must withdraw from its occupied territories or face intervention by regional forces. "If M23 does not withdraw the East African Community (EAC) heads of states shall authorize use of force to compel the group to comply," it said.

☆ South African retailer Shoprite to close Congo operations
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

KINSHASA, Nov 22 (Reuters) - South African retailer Shoprite (SHPJ.J) has decided to shut its shops in Democratic Republic of Congo, a company statement seen by Reuters on Tuesday showed. The decision follows the closure of operations in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar as the group aims to focus more on its business in South Africa, Shoprite said. "The decision to close operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo during this period is regrettable but is part of the group's long-term strategy," its statement dated Nov. 21 said. South Africa's biggest retailer by market capitalisation launched in Congo in 2012 during a period of aggressive expansion push into African's frontier retail markets. Shoprite's three shops in Congo were among its 2,800 stores across 15 countries in Africa.

☆ World Cup advertisers are operating in a minefield
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Julia Horowitz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

London CNN Business —Billions of people watch FIFA’s World Cup every four years, a tantalizing opportunity for advertisers who want to capitalize on the feel-good fervor of the world’s biggest sporting event. In 2018, the World Cup drew in a record 3.6 billion viewers. Given such high levels of engagement, companies are eager to capitalize on the hype and spirit of camaraderie attached to the World Cup. “A Euros or a World Cup for four weeks in the middle of the summer — it’s literally like an island in the middle of the ocean,” ITV sales director Mark Trindler said on an industry podcast this past spring. It had already beaten revenue records for the tournament, and succeeded in bringing more than 20 new advertisers on board.

☆ Equatorial Guinea ruling party wins 99% of votes - early election results
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo attends the plenary session of the Paris Peace Forum, France November 12, 2019. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS/File PhotoDAKAR, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Preliminary election results released by Equatorial Guinea's government on Monday showed the ruling party winning over 99% of votes counted so far in presidential, legislative, and municipal elections held on Sunday. The tiny, authoritarian, oil-producing Central African state is run by President Teodoro Obiang, the world's longest-ruling head of state, who is seeking to extend his 43 years in office. Early, partial results showed Obiang's ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) and coalition with 67,012 votes out of 67,196 counted so far. Reporting by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Estelle Shirbon and Emelia Sithole-MatariseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

The attorney, Terrence Connors, said the defendant, Peyton Gendron, would enter a guilty plea on Monday to all 25 counts against him in a state indictment at a 2 p.m. hearing in Erie County Court in Buffalo. He initially pleaded not guilty to all counts in June. The guilty plea would mean that the case against Gendron, who is from Conklin, New York, will not go to trial. He could face life in prison or the death penalty on the state charges. Gendron also faces 27 federal hate crime and firearms charges, to which he pleaded not guilty to in January.

☆ Ghana president sacks junior finance minister over alleged impropriety
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Bernd Lauter/Pool via REUTERSACCRA, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo has sacked Charles Adu Boahen, the minister of state for finance, the presidency said on Monday after allegations of impropriety were circulated by a well-known Ghanaian investigative journalist. Adu Boahen did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. read moreThe allegations against Adu Boahen did not appear to be related to those previously raised against Ofori-Atta. Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia said in a statement the video showed Adu Boahen "apparently using my name, inter alia, to peddle influence and collect money from supposed investors". "I would like to state that if what the minister (Adu Boahen) is alleged to have said is accurately captured in the video, then his position as a minister of state is untenable.

☆ Nigeria offers concession on $1.3 billion China-funded hydro power plant
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Camillus Eboh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ABUJA, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Nigeria plans to grant a concession on its $1.3 billion hydropower plant now under construction and is seeking bids from private investors to operate the China-funded plant, authorities said on Friday. The Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant (ZHPP), the biggest of its type in Nigeria, is expected to generate 700 megawatts and is being funded by loans from China's Exim Bank, the Bureau of Public Entreprises (BPE), Nigeria's privatisation agency, said. Diesel prices have soared in Nigeria since the start of the year as global oil prices surged after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The privatisation agency said it expects bids to be submitted by Nov. 24 and hopes to complete the concession by March next year. The private partner will be responsible for repaying the Chinese loan, the privatisation agency told investors in an online roadshow on Thursday, because it wanted to reduce government's financing of the plant.

☆ Chad agrees debt plan with creditors, including Glencore, minister says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Mahamat Ramadane | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

N'DJAMENA, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Chad has reached agreement on a plan with creditors, which includes Swiss commodities trader Glencore (GLEN.L), for its $3 billion external debt, which could pave the way for more IMF funding. It is also China's first participation in a finalised joint debt treatment deal with other creditors, a source close to the negotiations told Reuters. A third of the central African country's external debt of nearly $3 billion is commercial and concentrated in an oil-backed loan from Glencore. "We are pleased that all stakeholders have agreed on how Chad's external debt should be treated," a Glencore spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Chad's statement did not specify the terms of the debt relief agreement.

☆ How to watch and what to expect at the CMA Awards
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

(CNN) Hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will present the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards, known as the CMA's, live from Nashville, Tennessee on ABC on Wednesday night. Other performers slated to take the CMA stage include Kelly Clarkson, HARDY, Marcus King, Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and the Zac Brown Band, according to the association's initial lineup announced in October. Not far behind with five nominations apiece are McBryde, Pearce, Chris Stapleton and Shane McAnally. PresentersThere's no shortage of celebrities set to take the stage to hand out the awards. Where to watchThe CMA Awards will air on Wednesday, November 9 on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

☆ CMA Awards 2022: See the full list of winners
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Country music threw a party on Wednesday night as the CMA Awards were presented. First-time nominee Lainey Wilson topped the list of nominees going into the show and ended the night with major wins, including new artist of the year and female vocalist of the year. The emotional Wilson declared in one acceptance speech: “I know I’m new to a lot of folks, but I won’t let y’all all down. I promise you.”Luke Combs also had a big night, taking the stage both as a performer and winner. Other performers included Kelly Clarkson, who performed with Kelsea Ballerini and Carly Pearce, and Luke Bryan, who pulled double duty as host alongside Peyton Manning.

Search resuls for: "peyton"

25 mentions found