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Africa’s first cell & gene therapy startup Altera Biosciences raises R29M

Africa’s first cell & gene therapy startup Altera Biosciences raises R29M

Altera Biosciences, Africa’s first dedicated cell and gene therapy biotech company, has secured R29 million in pre-seed funding from venture capital firms OneBio Venture Studio and E Squared Investments.

Co-founded by entrepreneur Alexandra Miszewski and Professor Michael Pepper, Altera is developing a revolutionary universal donor cell platform that could transform organ transplantation, diabetes treatment, and cancer therapies. The technology aims to eliminate transplant rejection by removing identity markers that trigger immune responses in recipient bodies.

This funding milestone not only advances Altera’s research but also signals growing confidence in Africa’s biotech sector and its potential to address global healthcare challenges.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-za/science/biology/africa-s-first-cell-gene-therapy-startup-altera-biosciences-raises-r29m/ar-AA1JwaYT?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Unicorn named after iconic landmark unveiled as Commonwealth Games mascot

Unicorn named after iconic landmark unveiled as Commonwealth Games mascot

A new mascot for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games has been unveiled: Finnie, a unicorn named after the city’s iconic Finnieston Crane.

Created with input from 76 children across 24 Glasgow schools, Finnie incorporates numerous local cultural references. Her design features the famous traffic cone from the Duke of Wellington statue, silver accents reflecting the city’s shipbuilding heritage, and a purple mane inspired by The Hydro venue’s lighting.

The mascot’s appearance includes elements from Glasgow’s coat of arms, the Barrowland Ballroom’s stars, and a friendship bracelet designed by schoolchildren. Finnie’s character emphasises fun and friendship, complete with a signature heart-shaped gesture.

Maskeen Bhullar, an 11-year-old student from St Patrick’s Primary School who helped create the mascot, expressed pride in contributing to this symbol of the Games. Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty OBE praised Finnie as embodying the Games’ spirit of fun and friendliness.

Read the original article here: https://news.stv.tv/sport/unicorn-named-after-iconic-landmark-unveiled-as-glasgow-commonwealth-games-mascot

Nauru seeks to transform its economy by becoming a cryptocurrency powerhouse

Nauru seeks to transform its economy by becoming a cryptocurrency powerhouse

Nauru is positioning itself to become the cryptocurrency hub of the Pacific, with Australian finance director Brian Phelps leading the charge as CEO of the newly established Command Ridge Virtual Asset Authority (CRVAA).

As the first nation in Oceania to regulate digital finance, Nauru has created a comprehensive licensing framework for cryptocurrency operations, including lending and exchange services. This groundbreaking initiative could revolutionise the region’s economy, particularly in the crucial remittance sector.

The move aligns with a growing trend of Pacific Island nations embracing digital currencies. Palau is developing a digital residency program, while Fiji and Vanuatu are exploring central bank digital currencies. The region has already seen success with blockchain technology in humanitarian aid, with Oxfam’s “UnBlocked” project benefiting over 35,000 Pacific residents.

While some Pacific leaders champion cryptocurrency adoption, central banks remain cautious. Nauru’s initiative represents a significant step forward in the region’s digital financial evolution, potentially offering a new economic model for small island nations facing unique challenges in the global economy.

Read the original article here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/568219/nauru-seeks-to-transform-its-economy-by-becoming-a-cryptocurrency-powerhouse

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The Ghana Story | Webinar Recording

The Ghana Story | Webinar Recording

Delve into the captivating world of Ghana, a vibrant nation at the heart of West Africa that proffers a myriad of opportunities for investors, businesses and partners.

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The Commonwealth: Trade and Unity

The Commonwealth: Trade and Unity

The modern Commonwealth is an association of nations which’s shared values unite 2.5 billion people in 54 countries. Through its branches all over the world, the Royal Commonwealth Society tries to harness this soft power.

In conversation with Dr Muhammad Tahir Mansoori

In conversation with Dr Muhammad Tahir Mansoori

Dr Mansoori is a well-known and highly respected scholar within the community of Islamic scholars in Pakistan. He is currently serving as a Resident Shari’ah Board member for the Pakistani commercial and retail bank, Askari Bank Ltd., and also as a Shari’ah Advisory...

Why do we need a Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in 2021?

Why do we need a Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in 2021?

The world is reeling from the impact of Covid-19. An estimated 4.6 million people have died. In 2020, Commonwealth countries suffered a loss of US$1.15 trillion and 84% fell into recession.   Trade and shipping patterns face ongoing disruptions and uncertainties...