Iliman Ndiaye’s journey to becoming a Premier League star with Everton is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in France, Ndiaye faced numerous rejections from top clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham before finding his footing. His breakthrough came through Rising Ballers, a media brand that spotlights unsigned talent, which helped him showcase his skills and stay fit during uncertain times. Ndiaye’s perseverance paid off when he signed with Sheffield United and later joined Everton, where his electrifying performances have captivated fans. His early goal against Sunderland this season, marked by speed and precision, is a highlight of his growing influence. Ndiaye’s story is an inspiration to aspiring footballers, proving that success is possible even without traditional academy pathways. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, hard work, and seizing opportunities when they arise. Rising Ballers, which has helped over 15 players secure professional contracts, continues to support grassroots talent, with young players like Kevar March-Mckenzie and George Edwards looking to follow in Ndiaye’s footsteps. Ndiaye’s journey underscores the value of skill, determination, and the power of grassroots initiatives in shaping football careers.
标签： Africa
非洲
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Africa Tech Festival kicks off in South Africa with focus on inclusive digital future
The Africa Tech Festival 2025 commenced on Tuesday in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together a diverse array of innovators, policymakers, and investors to deliberate on fostering an inclusive digital future for the continent. South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, emphasized the necessity of establishing robust digital foundations to ensure that emerging technologies, particularly AI, benefit all Africans. Malatsi highlighted three critical pillars: affordable connectivity and devices, reliable digital public infrastructure, and practical digital literacy tailored to meet people’s needs. He asserted that emerging technologies should serve as tools of opportunity rather than symbols of exclusion, transforming prototypes into products and products into public value. Now in its 28th iteration, the Africa Tech Festival is the continent’s premier technology and digital innovation event, running until Thursday. It is anticipated to attract 17,000 delegates, 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers. The festival, themed ‘Responsible Innovation, Inclusive Investment, Connectivity for Development, and Policy Harmonization,’ features four key sessions: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and the AI Summit Cape Town. Sean Suzuki, AfricaCom Portfolio Manager, pointed out that Africa’s digital infrastructure challenges are primarily tied to accessibility and affordability of connectivity, regulatory hurdles, and the digital skills gap. Justin Georges Tala, global accounts manager at Cameroon Telecommunications, stressed the importance of strategic partnerships in bridging Africa’s digital divide, advocating for end-to-end meaningful connectivity across the continent.
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Brothers charged with South African rapper’s murder after extradition
Two brothers, Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, have been formally charged with the murder of renowned South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, widely known as “AKA,” following their extradition from Eswatini. The siblings were returned to South Africa after a prolonged legal battle to prevent their extradition failed. Forbes, an acclaimed hip-hop artist, was tragically gunned down alongside his close friend, celebrity chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, outside a restaurant in Durban in 2023. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation, which already grapples with one of the highest murder rates globally. The Ndimande brothers face additional charges, including the murder of Motsoane, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm. They will stand trial alongside five other defendants already in custody. At the time of his death, Forbes was in Durban to perform during his birthday celebrations. Police have characterized the attack as a meticulously planned hit. Forbes, celebrated for his three solo albums and collaborations with international artists like Nigeria’s Burna Boy, was a prominent figure in South Africa’s music scene. His untimely demise has left a void in the industry and sparked widespread mourning.
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Wife and son of Gabon’s ousted leader given 20-year jail terms in two-day corruption trial
A Gabonese court has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to Sylvia Bongo, the former first lady, and her son, Noureddin Bongo, following a swift two-day trial. The pair were convicted of embezzlement and corruption, charges stemming from allegations that they exploited former President Ali Bongo’s incapacitation after a 2018 stroke to enrich themselves at the state’s expense. Both were fined 100 million CFA francs ($177,000), with Noureddin additionally ordered to pay a staggering 1.2 trillion CFA francs ($2.1 billion) in restitution for financial damages inflicted on Gabon. The trial, which began in their absence, was described by the defendants as a ‘legal farce.’ Ali Bongo, who was ousted in a 2023 coup led by Brice Oligui Nguema, is not facing prosecution and has been released from house arrest. Sylvia and Noureddin were detained for 20 months post-coup before being released on medical grounds in May and allowed to relocate to London. The trial of nine other co-accused, former allies of the Bongo family, continues. The Bongo dynasty, which ruled Gabon for over five decades, has long been accused of siphoning national wealth, despite the country’s oil riches and widespread poverty.
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European Union and Indian navies take over ship used by pirates off Somalia to seize tanker
In a significant maritime operation, the European Union and Indian navies successfully intercepted a pirate-controlled vessel off the coast of Somalia. The Iranian fishing ship, Issamohamadi, had been repurposed by pirates as a ‘mother ship’ to facilitate a series of attacks, culminating in the seizure of the Malta-flagged tanker, Hellas Aphrodite. The tanker was en route from India to South Africa with a cargo of gasoline when it was hijacked last week. The EU naval force, Operation Atalanta, confirmed that the Issamohamadi had been abandoned by the pirates and was boarded by a team from the Spanish frigate ESPS Victoria. The original crew of the dhow was found in good health and freed. The EU force stated that the pirate group operating in the area has been ‘definitely disrupted,’ and evidence collected will be used to prosecute the perpetrators. Somali piracy, which peaked in 2011 with 237 attacks, had diminished due to international naval patrols and a stronger Somali government. However, pirate activity has resurged recently, partly due to instability caused by Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea. In 2024, there have been seven reported incidents off Somalia, with the Hellas Aphrodite being the first commercial ship seized since May 2024.
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How jihadists have brought a nation to a standstill with their fuel blockade
Mali, a landlocked West African nation, is grappling with a severe fuel crisis that has disrupted daily life and exposed the government’s vulnerabilities. The crisis stems from a blockade orchestrated by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadist group, which has targeted fuel convoys entering Mali. Over the past two months, JNIM fighters have kidnapped drivers, torched more than 100 trucks, and effectively cut off fuel supplies to the capital, Bamako. This economic warfare has paralyzed the country, forcing schools and universities to close, driving up food prices, and leaving hospitals struggling with power cuts. The crisis has also sparked international concern, with the US and France advising their citizens to avoid or leave Mali. The fuel shortage has led to long queues at petrol stations, with some drivers resorting to sleeping at stations in hopes of refueling. Public transport fares have tripled in some areas, forcing many to walk long distances to work. Traders report that food prices have surged due to increased transport costs and dwindling supplies of imported goods. The blockade has highlighted the government’s inability to secure key transport routes and maintain public confidence. In response, the military-led government has implemented emergency measures, including escorting fuel convoys with army trucks and negotiating a fuel supply agreement with Russia. However, critics argue that the junta’s reactive approach has failed to address the root causes of the crisis. The fuel shortage has also deepened Mali’s reliance on Russia, potentially alienating Western aid and investment. For ordinary Malians, the crisis has brought immense hardship, raising fears of increased crime and a worsening security situation. Amidou Diallo, a welder, warns that prolonged shortages could lead to dangerous consequences. As Mali struggles to navigate this crisis, the government faces mounting pressure to restore stability and regain public trust.
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Sharjah Book Fair takes ‘blind date’ route to lure buyers
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has introduced an innovative approach to engage readers with its ‘Blind Date with a Book’ initiative. At the Little Puffin Publishing House stand, visitors are enticed by a stack of brown paper-wrapped books tied with twine, challenging them to purchase a book without knowing its title or cover. This concept encourages readers to break free from the habit of judging books by their covers and instead embrace the unknown. Hanes Medanceli, the booth sales manager, emphasized that the initiative aims to help indecisive customers choose books spontaneously, free from the influence of social media trends. The books, which are standalone and span various genres like romance, mystery, thriller, crime, and fantasy, are available in two formats: soft paperback for Dh35 and hardbacks for Dh45. Medanceli reported that the concept has been a hit, with 50% of the batch sold by Monday, and similar success at the Riyadh International Book Fair, where the entire stack was sold out within three days. The ‘Blind Date with a Book’ idea, while not new, has been well-received by visitors who appreciate the opportunity to discover hidden literary gems. The books are carefully curated by the staff, considering both old and new releases suitable for a wide range of readers. The initiative has garnered positive feedback, with many praising the quality of the stories inside, despite the unassuming covers.
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McIlroy, Penge share spotlight in final group as DP World Tour Championship tees off
The highly anticipated DP World Tour Championship, boasting a $10 million prize purse, commenced on Thursday, November 13, at the prestigious Earth Course in Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai. The tournament features a star-studded field of 52 players, including the top 50 available competitors from the season-long Race to Dubai, alongside Ryder Cup exemptions Shane Lowry (IRE) and Ludvig Aberg (SWE).
The spotlight was firmly on the final group, teeing off at 12:40 pm, where Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy (NI) and second-ranked Marco Penge (ENG) faced off in a thrilling duel to set the tone for the season finale. Earlier in the day, the opening pairing at 8:15 am saw Lowry and Aberg take to the course, though neither is eligible for Race to Dubai points.
Other notable pairings included Dubai-based Ewen Ferguson (SCO) paired with Johannes Veerman (USA) at 8:55 am, and the much-anticipated matchup between Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner Aaron Rai (ENG) at 12:00 pm. This duo had previously played together in the final group at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their pairing.
With dual PGA Tour cards on the line for the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai who do not already hold them, the stakes are higher than ever. The second-round draw, based on Thursday’s scores, will see leaders tee off last on Friday, with the schedule published on Thursday evening. For full round 1 tee times, visit www.europeantour.com.
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Young UAE athletes secure 11 gold medals at Gymnastics Cup
The Gymnastika Solo Cup, a globally renowned gymnastics tournament, concluded with remarkable success for young athletes from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Held at the Al Nasr Sports Complex from October 22 to 27, 2025, the event attracted over 790 international participants, including Olympic medalists and world champions such as Liubou Charkashyna, Eva Brezalieva, and Carol Michelotti. This marked the first major championship hosted in the UAE since the establishment of the UAE Gymnastics Federation. The tournament witnessed 40 podium finishes, with UAE gymnasts securing an impressive 11 gold medals. Notably, the youngest local winner was just four years old, highlighting the nation’s burgeoning talent in gymnastics. The event received strong support from the Dubai Sports Council and the Sports for All Federation, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to advancing youth and women’s sports. Anastasiya Zakreuskaya, Founder & CEO of Gymnastika UAE, emphasized the rapid growth of rhythmic gymnastics in Dubai, from one club to approximately 60 in just five years. She highlighted the tournament’s role in building confidence and fostering international friendships among young athletes. Hessa Al Kous, Head of Women in Sports at the Dubai Sports Council, expressed pride in the establishment of the UAE Gymnastics Federation, aligning with the nation’s vision to empower youth and provide world-class hospitality. The event underscored the UAE’s dedication to fostering inclusive and community-focused sporting excellence.
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Is motherhood the end of career? 28% of UAE mums start businesses after childbirth
A groundbreaking study in the UAE has revealed that motherhood is far from a career-ending phase for many women. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for ambition and entrepreneurship. The ‘State of Motherhood & Ambition in the UAE 2025’ report, conducted by researchers Constanze Munz and Anushka Kalyanpur De Luca, surveyed over 180 professional mothers across the country. The findings challenge the outdated notion that women scale back their professional aspirations after having children.
According to the study, 28% of mothers in the UAE have started their own businesses at various stages of motherhood, from the first year after childbirth to over a decade later. Furthermore, 70% of working mothers reported maintaining or even strengthening their ambition post-childbirth. Rather than leaving the workforce, many are redefining success on their own terms, prioritizing autonomy, purpose, and flexibility over traditional career trajectories.
The research highlights that one in five mothers switched industries to pursue more meaningful work, while another 20% returned to their roles with renewed clarity and drive. Nearly half (46%) expressed plans to start a business in the future, signaling a growing trend of female-led entrepreneurship in the UAE.
Support systems emerged as a critical factor in sustaining ambition. Among mothers satisfied with childcare arrangements, 84% reported steady or increased ambition, compared to 55% among those without adequate support. Flexible work arrangements, financial security, and reliable childcare were identified as essential enablers for mothers to thrive professionally.
The researchers emphasized that the findings should shift the national conversation from ‘working mothers’ challenges’ to ‘societal opportunities.’ Supporting mothers, they argue, is not only a social good but also an economic strategy that benefits families, employers, and the broader economy. ‘When mothers thrive, everyone thrives,’ Munz stated.
The study, conducted between June and November 2025, included mothers from diverse industries and stages of motherhood. It concludes that ambition does not diminish with motherhood; instead, it evolves and, with the right support, can flourish.