New Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk Wears JAXET for the Big Tottenham Entrance

Oleksandr Usyk collaborated with the newly launched innovative brand JAXET for the victorious fight. Oleksandr gloriously won the fight for the champion title. The team spirit on Usyk's side was also supported by a unique form designed by the brand JAXET (which has earlier launched its collection of innovative multifunctional jackets) in collaboration with Oleksandr.

London, UK, September 27, 2021 -- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosted the heavyweight championship fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua.

Oleksandr gloriously won the fight for the champion title.

The team spirit on Usyk's side was also supported by a unique form designed by the brand JAXET (which has earlier launched its collection of innovative multifunctional jackets) in collaboration with Oleksandr.

The brand is inspired by modern heroes and that is why the first collaboration is meant to support the spirit of one of the greatest heroes of nowadays — Oleksandr Usyk.

JAXET team and Oleksandr actively collaborated on Oleksandr’s big entrance outfit, having developed the waistcoat, shorts and shoes in cooperation.

When developing JAXET, the brand’s founder & Chief Product Architect, Artur Mkhitaryan, and the Head of Design and Technology Department, Vik Mankowski, drew inspiration from the technologies of the future and space motives. This was a complete match with Oleksandr and his long-term passion for space and futurism, which adds even more to the meaning of the collaboration.

Oleksandr Usyk shares his thoughts on choosing JAXET for such an important event: “Sports and technology have a lot in common, including the need for precision, determination and ingenuity. I believe that every movement should be calibrated and effective, and here my point of view coincided with the vision of JAXET: this brand works in a proactive mode, merging fashion and technologies. This gives a feeling of not just wearing a clothing item but of going one step further, and living the future which is already happening now. And, genuinely, my first impression after putting on JAXET was “I really do feel like a Superhero!”.

JAXET — is a perfect symbiosis of fashion and innovative technologies.

Brand’s main item — a jacket with built-in additional technological features — is a solution for the challenges of the modern world. It provides protection from the negative environmental impact, card and phone scams, optimizes day-to-day processes and even simplifies communication.

Namely, integrated technologies allow the user to enjoy the benefits of the wireless phone operations, simultaneous translation, NFC token, protective anonymity lens and a special security pocket.

Brand’s founder, Artur Mkhitaryan, was always inspired by innovative solutions that can change the usual perception of reality.

That is why this idea was taken as a base of JAXET creation: the idea to develop technological, stylish and comfortable clothing that will not only help create a personal style, allowing one to stand out in a crowd, but also provide protection from the physical and digital worlds through integrated innovations.

Artur Mkhitaryan, JAXET`s founder and Chief Product Architect: “JAXET is created to inspire you to build the new world where you are a driver for change. It is created for anyone who takes on obstacles and challenges with their head held high, and who wants their style to reflect their determination and ambition. JAXET is an embodiment of the boldness and vigour, irreplaceable for any achievements in sport”.

JAXET is an innovative brand founded in 2021 by Artur Mkhitaryan. The brand draws inspiration from space and gaming worlds. The brand’s unique approach is to combine fashion and technologies in one multifunctional gear of the future. More about JAXET docs.google.com/document/d/1vXFwuFbBg-QrDo-WFl8kTth8LawlzSwhKrt57nDeQCw/edit?usp=sharing.

JAXET - instagram.com/jaxet.official/

JAXET jaxet.com/

Oleksandr Usyk — a professional boxer from Ukraine. WBO, WBC, WBA, IBF Cruiserweight World Champion and Muhammad Ali Trophy winner. IBF, WBO, WBA, IBO world heavyweight champion.

Olympic champion in 2012 (up to 91 kg), world champion in 2011 (up to 91 kg), European champion in 2008 (up to 81 kg).

The best professional boxer of 2018 according to ESPN, Sports Illustrated and The Ring, the Association of Journalists of America BWAA, BoxingTalk, Yahoo Sports, WBC.

Instagram - instagram.com/usykaa

Twitter - twitter.com/usykaa

India Clinches the Coveted Title of Ms International World

The Ms International World is a highly competitive platform, inviting delegates from all around the globe. Competing against talented women from different countries, while an enriching experience, wasn’t a mean feat, but Dr Akshata won the hearts of the judges and audiences alike.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India., September 23, 2021 -- India is shining at the international stage in various sectors, including pageantry and sports (Olympics). This factor has brought the country fame and recognition on a global scale. Who are these individuals that are flying India’s flag high in the pageantry industry? Allow us to shine the spotlight on Dr Akshata Prabhu, the first Indian to be crowned as the Ms International World!

Introducing Dr Akshata Prabhu : https://cdn.openpr.com/U/9/U914453956_g.jpg

Dr Akshata Prabhu is a pediatric dental surgeon, CEO, wife to a former international athlete, a mother to a five-year-old daughter and a champion of women rights. She had a passion for modeling until she let it go in favour of her career journey in her twenties.

As they say, when one has a path cut out for someone, it finds that someone in some way or the other.  And just like that, Dr Akshata returned to her first love, but this time, through pageantry. A woman of substance, Dr Akshata desired to make a difference in her community and inspire women to pursue their dreams. In a patriarchal society where marriage is considered the be-all-and-end-all, Dr Akshata rose against this antiquated mentality to show that marriage and motherhood can drive women to find their calling. As the first step towards her dream, she started her pageantry project, The International Glamour Project (TIGP), collaborating with her husband, Dr Swaroop Puranik. This glamour project aims at giving women of all ages an opportunity to shine and pursue their dreams. Her project embraces diversity while offering a platform that provides women with a chance to express their true self, and not their looks.

What’s Next for Dr Akshata and India in the Pageantry Industry?

Winning the Ms International World title is just the beginning for Akshata Prabhu. After cinching the crown, she said, “I have won this crown for my country and for every individual who has a dream. I want to influence, inspire and impact millions of lives across the globe through the platform provided by Ms International world”.

Being the first Indian woman to win this title, Dr Akshata has set a new benchmark for those aiming to make it big in the international arena. Moreover, she has opened doors for talented women in the modelling and glamour industry to explore avenues on a global stage. Through her platform, The International Glamour Project, Dr Akshata empowers and mentors young girls and women to bring transformation within and around. Simply put, Dr Akshata has paved the way for Indian women to celebrate their inner glamour and live a life with purpose and beauty.

India is becoming a global sensation, climbing the charts in pageantry and sports. And when accomplished individuals like Dr Akshata Prabhu win accolades internationally, they inspire others to break free from the stereotypes and follow what set their hearts on fire. This bodes well for India as such recognitions bring her rich talent and culture to the fore.

Pennytel Announces a 3-year Partnership to Become the Official Telecommunications Partner of A-League’s Newest Team – Macarthur Football Club

Pennytel announces a 3-year partnership to become the Official Telecommunications Partner of A-League’s newest team.

NSW, Australia., September 21, 2021 -- Pennytel announces a 3-year partnership to become the Official Telecommunications Partner of A-League’s newest team – Macarthur Football Club.

Pennytel will be a major category sponsor of Macarthur FC, and will be featured on the back of shirt position for the club’s second season.
 
Pennytel CEO, Carmela Galasso said she is proud to be on board with Macarthur FC and looks forward to watching the club and Pennytel grow together. 

Pennytel has supported Macarthur FC from its inaugural year as shorts sponsor to a major category sponsor for the coming years.
 
“We are encouraged by the success and potential of Macarthur FC and extending our investment is an unquestionable choice for Pennytel.  The club is representative of hard work and community values.  Ethics that both our brands share.  We have no doubt that Pennytel and The Bulls will have a successful future together!”
 
Macarthur FC Chairman, Gino Marra said he is thrilled to see Pennytel expand its relationship with Macarthur FC.

“We’re excited to partner with Pennytel as our back of shirt partner for the next three A- League Seasons. Pennytel’s values as an Australian telecommunications provider and its customer service reputation, is important to us as a brand. We look forward to our extended partnership with Pennytel”
 
Pennytel and The Bulls look forward to the kickoff of the new season in November.

Innovative Company Launches Business Plan Tools for Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries

EFour Enterprises has developed a cost-effective online solution that makes business plan writing easy. EPlan is specially tailored to developing-country entrepreneurs.

Miami Beach, Florida, USA, September 7, 2021 -- EFour Enterprises LLC is pleased to introduce EPlan, a cloud-based business plan methodology specifically designed for entrepreneurs in developing countries and emerging economies.

Donna Rosa, Chief Entrepreneurship Officer at EFour, explains, “In my work with microenterprises in developing nations I saw the need for a better way to help budding entrepreneurs develop business plans. The process can be difficult and intimidating, especially without benefit of a formal business background. These entrepreneurs need good business plans in order to secure growth financing, and I wanted to make the process simple and straightforward.”

EPlan is an online business plan template that carefully walks entrepreneurs through the demanding process of writing a business plan. The template provides clear instructions for each section of the plan, and the entrepreneur simply fills in the boxes. EPlan can be completed in the entrepreneur’s timeframe, at their own pace. It contains all the components of a complete professional business plan, and can be customized as needed.

EPlan is unique in that it presents the information in a linear, intuitive way, starting with the easiest sections and progressing to the more complex sections in a user-friendly format. When the plan is printed, however, it does so in a standard business plan structure.

Financials are a key component of any business plan, and EFour has that covered with pioneering financial software. Like EPlan, entrepreneurs simply enter their data. The cash flow statement, balance sheet, and income statement are automatically generated with one click and then attached to the business plan. The software has many additional capabilities, such as what-if scenarios, financial charts, and various analyses.

EPlan was designed for small business support organizations and programs such as business incubators, universities, NGOs, chambers of commerce, and aid projects, but is also suitable for individual entrepreneurs. It is available on a monthly renewable subscription basis that can be cancelled anytime. For small business programs the cost of multiple subscriptions can be as little as a few dollars per entrepreneur per month.

EFour also offers optional training sessions as well as full coaching services to assist entrepreneurs and support small business programs. For demonstration videos of EPlan and EFinancials, as well as subscription pricing, signup and other information, visit www.efourenterprises.com.
Rosa concludes, “We’ve taken the confusion and complexity out of business plans for entrepreneurs in developing countries. Our tools are easy to access and use, budget-friendly, and comprehensive. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are key drivers of economic development, and we believe in their potential.”

About EFour Enterprises LLC:
EFour stands for Empowering Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies. EFour specializes in personalized professional remote business development services for entrepreneurs in developing countries and emerging economies. EFour is at the forefront of technology-enhanced remote business coaching that works.

Vincenzo Bocciarelli will present the Final of International Sacred Music Competition 2021 on September 18th

From 15 to 18 September Rome will host the live stages of the International Sacred Music Competition.

Evora, Portugal., September 17, 2021 -- From 15 to 18 September Rome will host the live stages of the International Sacred Music Competition. 2021, a true world championship of the solo repertoire of sacred music in which 75 opera singers of 37 different nationalities will participate, selected from the nearly 100 members of the online Elimination which was held in July.

The winners will be chosen during the Final, in the form of a Gala Concert, which will take place on Saturday 18 September at 20:30 at the Basilica SS. Apostles in the presence of the Honorary Committee formed by Ambassadors to the Holy See and to the Italian Republic who will participate in the award ceremony.

The evening will be presented by Vincenzo Bocciarelli, a beloved theatrical and film actor born at the school of Giorgio Strehler, confirmed after the excellent performance last year, and will be broadcast by Tele Pace worldwide and by Vatican Radio.

This year the volcanic conductor, while the jury will retire, will entertain the audience and the competitors with some nice brackets during which he will recite poems, songs and ... the rest will be a surprise. “I am happy and honored - declared Bocciarelli - to be conducting the International Sacred Music Competition for the second year. Seeing the blossoming of new young talents, full of passion and enthusiasm for art, is deeply comforting. It means that despite everything, the world linked to quality and prestige shows continues to survive ... "

Bocciarelli's was a summer full of events that marked an important recovery step, especially in a delicate moment like the one we are experiencing.

The emotions and the success in Sicily at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and at the Castle of Naro with the show "Without limit" written by Serenella Bianchini, where he was the protagonist and directed it. In July he masterfully conducted the regional final of "A Girl for Cinema Umbria" in its thirtieth edition at the Castle of Montignano in Umbria, the radio broadcast "Let's Celebrate", film shoots ....

Support Let's Sing Oratorio Music - Sacred Music Competition by booking on Eventbrite

The International Sacred Music Competition is the international selection of "Let’s Sing Oratorio Music!" the only cultural project in Europe dedicated to spreading the Musical Oratory among compulsory school children through an unforgettable educational and theatrical experience in which they will sing in the theater in front of the public. "We are already preparing them despite the difficulties of the pandemic shows will take place at the Rendano Theater in Cosenza on 3 and 5 December in which the very young Calabrian spectators will discover the magic of the Musical Oratory. In this moment of enormous difficulty for music, we ask you to support us with a small donation to allow at least 50 children and young people who are most in difficulty in Cosenza to participate for free in the Let's Sing Oratorio Music shows that will be held in December at the Rendano Theater. We remind you that it will also be possible to make a donation during the streaming broadcasts of the semifinals. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that the Ministry of Culture did not want to co-finance the project, despite the fact that Let’s Sing Oratorio Music - International Sacred Music Competition was one of the very few Italian projects selected by the European Union ".

A Radical New Approach to Tech-Enabled Online Learning - It's All About You

Education Technology Consultant Darryl Vidal's new book, A Fast Track to Online Learning, Rapid Development and Deployment of Technology Enabled Curriculum defines a structured, but radical new approach to tech-enabled curriculum development. What's radical about it?

Murrieta, California, United States., September 17, 2021 -- Many books will be written about the latent effects of COVID-19 and communities response to the pandemic. Some of the impacts were immediate and obvious, like the forced move to distance learning, and the struggles, schools, and families experienced. The most important factor educators must face is that teachers and students need more than equipment and internet access.

They need(ed) standardization and guidance, which is what the new book, A Fast Track to Online Learning is about. Once this fact is accepted by administration, the dedication of resources to training and development is next. This formula has not and will not change. Until this effort is understood and addressed, teachers will continue to suffer from the fact that today’s curriculum offerings are not well suited for hybrid learning and are not customized to the individuals of each classroom.

Darryl Vidal, Education Technology author and consultant has recently published a revolutionary new framework to help schools develop and deliver curriculum that offers enhanced learning through the use of technology. The framework is called Tier 4 Curriculum, or T4c, and has now been put in practice at schools in Southern California.

Not only does the book define a process for tech-enabled curriculum development, but it also provides the steps and action items required at a school or district to introduce, propose, and organize an in-house curriculum development team to churn out customized curriculum that addresses the needs of its students and community. Why in-house? Because the curriculum offered by the big publishing houses cannot provide the customization and localization that schools' advanced curriculum needs to offer students. Students aren’t cookies, so schools can’t use a cookie cutter.

True customized curriculum is localized and addresses the needs of the students in their community. It must reflect thier social, demographic, cultural and ecomonic diversity. Tier 4 Curriculum is the framework and the 6C methodology is the process defined in A Fast Track to Online Learning.

A Fast Track to Online Learning is intended for all educators that believe schools can do more to address the individual needs of their students, but don't know how to make an impact school- or district-wide. The book describes the role of the education technology "Champion" and lays out a process to raise awareness, define the need, propose and develop a team to rapidly develop and deliver the curriculum using the most advanced technologies and techniques available.

"Fast Track to Online Learning is a powerful manuscript for any size district who is working towards moving the needle in terms of academic progress in the 21st Century. This book guides a variety of users, from classroom educators, to Technology Coordinators and Directors as they make decisions on topics such as Learning Management Systems, technology purchases, device management, and most importantly the standards and curriculum that will drive the appropriate use of technology."
-- John Fox, Educational Services, Murrieta Valley Unified School District

A Fast Track to Online Learning will be released October 15th and is now available for pre-order at all major book sellers.
Pre-Order Online

About Tier 4 Tech - Education Services:
Tier 4 Tech - Education Services Principal Consultant, Darryl Vidal has been consulting for schools implementing technology for over 30 years. His projects include district-wide implementations of VoIP, Wireless, Data Architecture Design, and Video Security. His primary instructional focus for over 20 years has been the ever evolving technology classroom. Mr. Vidal has developed the formal strategic planning and project management methodology known as MapIT. Tier 4 Tech - Education Services also provides program and project management as well as technical writing, Design Guide and Guide Specification development.

Learn more about Tier 4 Tech and Darryl Vidal at t4c.tech

Contact:
Darryl Vidal
Tier 4 Tech - Education Services
24644 Lincoln Ave.
6193009218
darrylvidal1@gmail.com
http://t4c.tech

Dead or Alive – Surviving the Breakdown of Our Society

Book shows ways how to save our way of life

California City, CA., September 11, 2021 -- The latest book by Pierre A. Kandorfer analyzes the breakdown of our society and shows ways how to survive the most dramatic attack on our Constitution and our way of life.

Like never before in the Judeo-Christian history, the breakdown of our social structure suggests that we are in the process of losing everything close to our hearts: Our national identity, our liberties, our freedoms, our history, our traditions, our dignity, our common sense, and our way of life.

Our progressive elites have sold out America for parts. Chaos reigns. Corruption is blooming. Crime is flourishing. In our highly corrupt, progressive world, everything goes. We appear to be between a rock and a hard place with no options but to submit to the cynical totalitarian takeover.

As grim as our options might look, we can’t give up. We have no choice. Living in an arrogant, corrupt, oppressive, totalitarian system is no option. This is an uphill battle. We are in the fight of our lifetime. The book “Dead or Alive” analyzes the political and societal breakdown of our beloved country and suggests ways how to survive the collapse of our society. Never give up the American spirit, never give up the American soul, and never give up the American Dream. The paperback costs only $8.95 and is available through amazon.com and a series of other booksellers. The eBook version sells for just $2.95.

Pierre Kandorfer is a veteran journalist with thirty-five years of media background. He wrote thousands of articles, hundreds of TV programs, and over a dozen books such as “A Love Letter to America – The secret of the American spirit,” “You Don’t Know Who You Really Are,” “No More Doubt – Science Confirms the Bible,” “Whom Can We Still Trust,” “Fight Back Manual,” “Find Peace of Mind or Lose Your Mind,” in addition to some media textbooks. Pierre’s books are available at NeverGiveUpYourDream.US, Amazon, and many other booksellers.

Pierre taught media communications, acted as Dir. of Programming of nationwide TV broadcasting worked as TV host and producer of a movie series and hundreds of TV shows. He also is a commercial pilot, speaks several languages, and is a proud Christian and passionate Constitutionalist.

Menu Design Group Releases New Turnkey Flat Rate One Time Cost Menu Design Packages

Menu Design Group (MDG) releases, new professionally designed restaurant menu design packages. Their designs are trifold, dine-in, and bi-fold, as well as carryout, tri-fold, and bi-fold. MDG's custom menu design features are available as one-time expenses. The design of all menus is tailored to the restaurant's concept. MDG incorporates best-in-class menu engineering optimizations to yield a phenomenal end product.

Chicago, Illinois, USA., September 9, 2021 -- Available now, Menu Design Group (MDG) releases custom, professionally designed restaurant menu design; carryout, trifold, dine-in, and bi-fold. Available at one-time costs, MDG offers a custom menu design that is more than just a stock template. All menus are designed around the restaurant brand's theme. In addition, MDG utilizes best-in practice menu engineering optimizations to get a final product that is simply stunning!

Any style, any size menu
Simple to read and well-organized
Easy to read and eye-catching
Custom-designed

Guaranteed Signature Menu Design

Choose a menu template style, and send MDG the current menu, and they'll take care of the rest. If you do not have images of your food don't worry about that either. MDG will include royalty-free, HD media and images into the menu design. This white-glove approach towards design, will produce a completely custom menu template that 100% reflects your brand's image while accurately depicting menu items in an easy-to-read fashion. All menu design packages include:

Design and customization
Unlimited revisions
Layout Optimization
Food and Graphics Media

If for any reason, the Menu Design Group will provide a complete refund!

Professional Restaurant Menu Design Services

The Menu Design group utilizes best-in-practice menu engineering procedures. This means implementing the Golden Triangle, proper image captions, a balanced menu layout, and well-written item names and descriptions. When following these menu engineering steps, the final menu template design will be eye-catching, easy to read, and impactful.

Digital Menu Board Solutions

In addition to custom menu design, MDG now offers the ability for restaurants to digitally display their menu on a TV. Known, as digital menu boards, restaurants will now be able to remotely edit and control the menu being displayed on their TV using the Menu Design Groups, easy-to-use digital menu board software. This value-added service brings catchy designs to the big screen while advancing the way a restaurant's brand is perceived.

Simple Pricing

The Menu Design Group charges easy and affordable rates. This means simple pricing that is straightforward and at one time costs. All menu design template packages include:

A complete customized menu design
Free restaurant logo design (optional)
Unlimited proofs and revisions
The final menu design
Printable file to send to your local printer
Signature Menu Design Guarantee

About The Menu Design Group:
For over a decade, MDG has been custom designing restaurant menus from scratch! From classic chalkboard style menus, pizza menu templates, coffee shop menu templates, BBQ menu templates, to digital menu boards, MDG offers turnkey restaurant menu designs that are simply stunning!

Psychology and Wikipedia: Measuring Journals' Impact by Wikipedia Citations

Researchers have analyzed academic journals used in Wikipedia articles about psychology, comparing the results to the existing established measures, such as the SciMago journal rank (SJR), and interpreting the results and conclusions for psychology as a field. The study aimed to explore the impact of peer-reviewed psychology journals on Wikipedia articles.

United States., September 6, 2021 -- Wikipedia research Psychology Journal ranking is widely used in academic circles to evaluate an academic journal's impact and quality. Journal rankings are intended to reflect the place of a journal within its field, the relative difficulty of being published in that journal, and the prestige associated with it. They have been introduced as official research evaluation tools in several countries, such as Impact factor, h-index, or altmetric.

Now researchers have analyzed academic journals used in Wikipedia articles about psychology, comparing the results to the existing established measures, such as the SciMago journal rank (SJR), and interpreting the results and conclusions for psychology as a field. The study aimed to explore the impact of peer-reviewed psychology journals on Wikipedia articles.

In the article published in Social Science Computer Review they compare the list to journals that are considered most prestigious according to the SciMago journal rank score and describe the time trajectories of the knowledge transfer from the moment of the publication of an article to its citation in Wikipedia. “Finally, we propose that the citation rate on Wikipedia, next to the traditional citation index, maybe a good indicator of the work’s impact in the field of psychology,” said principal researcher Dariusz Jemielniak.

Banasik-Jemielniak N, Jemielniak D, Wilamowski M. Psychology and Wikipedia: Measuring Psychology Journals’ Impact by Wikipedia Citations. Social Science Computer Review. February 2021. doi:10.1177/0894439321993836

About Sciencecom:
Our name is derived from the concept of science communication. This term is increasingly used. However, it can denote both a theoretical concept and a synonym for the popularization of science by communicating scientific results. In this last sense, we also understand it in our work. Therefore, the Sciencecom provides comprehensive communication services and tools for academic institutions to disseminate their scientific results. We believe that the dissemination of scientific knowledge contributes to the development of a scholarly society and thus helps find a better environment for life.

Experts Suggest Three Paths for Economic Structural Transformation When Facing Covid-19

Similar to the situation in oil exporting countries, the new Covid-19 epidemic dynamics has also hit the economies of African mining exporting countries.

Zhengzhou, China., August 27, 2021 -- Similar to the situation in oil exporting countries, the new Covid-19 epidemic dynamics has also hit the economies of African mining exporting countries. The Covid-19 lead to lockdown in many areas, and the mining industry is not an exception. For countries that are economically oriented towards mineral exports has directly led to a sharp drop in their income.

Data from the Steel Union Data Center shows that South Africa, the largest mineral resource country in Africa, will suffer the serious impact on the output of 714,000 to 800,000 tons of minerals if 21-day blockade. The international rating agency Moody's has noticed the resulting reduction in foreign exchange income and increased fiscal risks. Moody's therefore downgraded South Africa's sovereign credit rating from Baa3 to Ba1, with the rating outlook maintained at "negative".

He Wenping, expert of the African Research Office of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the most vulnerable economies will always be the most hit by the epidemic. The epidemic has shocked the three chains of the African economy: the supply chain, the demand chain, and the trade chain.

The epidemic hits Africa's mineral exports in three chains

Due to the continuous deterioration of the Covid-19 epidemic, African mineral exporting countries have to stop. In the 168-year history of mining in South Africa, the suspension of production and work is the first time. At present, South African mining companies processing gold, diamond, copper and platinum group metal have all been affected.

The Congo (DRC), another major mining country, has taken measures to lock down cities and stop work at varying degrees in Upper Katan and Lualaba provinces, which mainly produce cobalt mines. Africa is rich in mineral resources, accounting for two-thirds of the world's reserves, and owning more than half of the global reserves of gold, platinum, palladium, cobalt, and diamonds. For South Africa, Congo (Kinshasa), Botswana, Zambia and other countries, mining has always been a pillar industry of their economies.

Some experts said that, on the one hand, due to the global impact of the epidemic, the international demand for raw materials and energy has decreased, and it is difficult to recover in the short term. On the other hand, due to concerns about the fragility of the public health system, African countries have suspended work and production in the mining sector thus causing the limitation in the supply of major minerals and exporting countries in Africa.

In addition to "demand chain" and "supply chain", He Wenping said that we should also pay attention to the third chain "trade chain". She explained that, on the one hand, the decline in demand and supply has caused the shrinkage of the mineral economy; on the other hand, the blockade has increased manpower and shipping costs. In addition, He Wenping also said that the epidemic will bring a series of chain reactions to these mineral resource countries. For example, from a macroeconomic perspective, it will cause unemployment, economic contraction, etc.; and from a financial sector, it will reduce its foreign exchange reserves and trigger a debt crisis.

Over-exploitation of resources and debt crisis

Moody believes that the epidemic has also exposed South Africa's debt risks. South Africa's government debt ratio was 56.7% in 2018, much higher than the 26.5% in 2008. At present, South Africa’s external debt is 3.5 times its foreign exchange reserves, and the pressure on external debt is prominent. Besides, the epidemic has worsened South Africa's financial situation, and its structural growth has been very slow. At the same time, he also stated that South Africa has been facing problems such as unstable power supply, continued lack of investment confidence, and continued rigidity of the labor market structure.

However, the governments of African countries are also aware of the need to find a balance between epidemic prevention and economic development. For example, the current platinum group metal furnaces in South Africa only implement capacity reductions rather than complete shutdowns, so ore is still being produced. The Congo (DRC) shutdown measures are also not strict, and mining companies have greater autonomy in whether to stop.

Expert suggestions: three ways of economic structural transformation

The so-called structural transformation is actually the shift from primary products (production and export) such as agriculture and mining to industries with higher productivity and added value (especially manufacturing and modern service industries). At present, from the perspective of the policies and practices of countries with the intention of transformation, it is mainly manifested in three ways or paths: heavy industry manufacturing orientation, light industry manufacturing orientation, and service industry orientation.

The first approach is based on mining (oil and gas and solid minerals) to promote industrial chain extensions on its upstream (such as products and services required for exploration and mining) or downstream (such as processing oil and gas or mineral deposits), therefore making a further development related manufacturing industries-usually the development of heavy industrial industries (such as petrochemicals, metal smelting, equipment manufacturing and assembly, etc.) characterized by intensive investment in capital and technology.

Of course, those who have the conditions to take this path are often countries with richer mineral resources such as South Africa and Congo (DRC).

The second path is based on agriculture (food and cash crops) to extent the downstream industrial chain, and to develop related processing and manufacturing industries-usually labor-intensive light industries (such as agricultural products processing, textiles and clothing, leather and footwear, etc.) Wood furniture, etc.).

The third path relies on existing resources (such as natural scenery) or through conscious support policies to develop modern service industries (such as ICT, tourism, finance, aviation, etc.), and finally realize the structural transformation from the traditional agricultural and mining industries.