For this very special giveaway, Accelerate brought together some of our faves and created the Accelerate TV rendition of a seasonal classic.
Check out all Accelerate TV’s social media platforms to win fantastic gifts this Christmas.
Striking the Right Balance Between Sustainable Development and Sustainable Debt
Over the past two decades, sub-Saharan Africa has made considerable economic progress: extreme poverty levels have declined by one third; life expectancy has increased by a fifth, and real per capita income has grown by about 50 percent on average. Yet, sub-Saharan Africa is still only half-way to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
To achieve these goals, sub-Saharan Africa will need financing. One of the ways to access financing is through borrowing. It makes sense for governments to incur debt if done wisely. If the debt is used to finance projects that boost productivity and living standards, such as investing in roads, schools, and hospitals—and if governments can recoup enough of the benefits of these investments to repay the incurred debt—then borrowing is worthwhile.
But room for borrowing has become more limited in this region as public debt levels increased rapidly between 2011 and 2016—they have since stabilized at around 55 percent of GDP on average. Countries in the region have also relied more heavily on commercial borrowing on domestic and international financial markets—such borrowing accounted for more than 70 percent of the increase in debt stock this decade. This shift to non-concessional financing means more spending on debt service, and less on social and infrastructure investment.
It is clear that sub-Saharan African countries will not be able to simply “borrow their way” to the SDGs.
So, what is needed? This was the topic of a conference organized by the IMF together with the Government of Senegal on December 2, in partnership with the United Nations and the Cercle des économistes. Dakar was a fitting venue as Senegal has launched its Plan Sénégal Émergent aimed at transforming its economy, creating jobs, and boosting living standards. It was also apt because, as I told the conference attendees, policymakers can draw inspiration from the Lions of Teranga—Senegal’s national soccer team, which impressed everyone at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
A balanced approach
The Lions of Teranga’s success is based on a balanced approach—between the urge to attack and the need to defend, between individual efforts and team performance. Similarly, Africa is seeking to find the right balance between financing development and safeguarding debt sustainability, between investing in people and upgrading infrastructure, between long-term development objectives and pressing immediate needs. In short, a balanced approach is needed; and, in order to get there, all stakeholders will need to raise their game.
There are five powerful tactics that we can all pursue to find the right balance between development and debt, three directed at sub-Saharan policymakers and two at the international community and the private sector.
The first tactic is to generate higher public revenue. This is an area where sub-Saharan Africa lags other regions. We estimate that revenue collection is 3–5 percentage points of GDP below revenue potential. Closing that gap can be done, as shown by a good example of Uganda, where, with technical support from the IMF, reforms helped raise the revenue-to-GDP ratio from 11 percent in 2012 to almost 15 percent last year.
The second tactic is to make investment spending more efficient. The reality is that only about 60 percent of the region’s infrastructure spending translates into public capital stock. For every dollar spent, you are getting only about 60 cents worth of assets.
The third tactic is to strengthen public debt management. A key objective is to boost debt transparency by providing accurate, comprehensive, and timely data. This, in turn, can help build trust with investors, support domestic capital markets, and reduce debt service costs.
The global team
And yet, even as countries pursue the three tactics, we all need to do more. Boosting domestic resources is critical, but not enough. Even strong domestic efforts are likely to cover just a quarter of the estimated SDG needs. So, the global team also needs to do more.
So, fourth tactic: Advanced economies can do more, especially when it comes to aiding. The goal is to raise official development assistance to 0.7 percent of donors’ national income. Donors could also focus more on infrastructure by providing grants and concessional financing for projects with credibly high rates of return.
Fifth tactic: We also need to bring in more private-sector players—including more foreign direct investment—to help close the significant financing gap. Responsibility for achieving the SDGs must begin with efforts by the public sector, but it cannot end there. Above all, we need to ensure that private and public players can both end up on the winning side. A good example can be “blended finance,” which brings together grants, concessional financing, and commercial funding.
How can we encourage risk-sharing? How can we scale up development finance for the benefit of all? These are just some of the issues that Africa is now grappling with. But it is clear that we all benefit if we act jointly to promote the good of Africa. As the Senegalese proverb puts it: “Whatever one person can do, two people can do it even better.” That is the spirit of the Lions of Teranga. It is the same spirit that lies at the heart of what we are trying to achieve across sub-Saharan Africa.
WHO prequalifies first biosimilar medicine to increase worldwide access to life-saving breast cancer treatment
Today the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified its first biosimilar medicine – trastuzumab – in a move that could make this expensive, life-saving treatment more affordable and available to women globally.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. 2.1 million women contracted breast cancer in 2018. 630 000 of them died from the disease, many because of late diagnosis and lack of access to affordable treatment.
Trastuzumab – a monoclonal antibody – was included in the WHO Essential Medicines List in 2015 as an essential treatment for about 20% of breast cancers. It has shown high efficacy in curing early-stage breast cancer and in some cases more advanced forms of the disease.
“WHO prequalification of biosimilar trastuzumab is good news for women everywhere,” says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Women in many cultures suffer from gender disparity when it comes to accessing health services. In poor countries, there is the added burden of a lack of access to treatment for many, and the high cost of medicines. Effective, affordable breast cancer treatment should be a right for all women, not the privilege of a few.”
The global average cost of trastuzumab from originator companies is $20 000, a price that puts it out of reach of many women and healthcare systems in most countries. The biosimilar version of trastuzumab is generally 65% cheaper than the originator. With this WHO listing and more products expected in the prequalification pipeline, prices should decrease even further.
The medicine, supplied by Samsung Bioepis NL B.V. (Netherlands), was assessed by WHO and found comparable to the originator product in terms of efficacy, safety and quality. That means it is eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies and for national tenders.
Biotherapeutic medicines, which are produced from biological sources such as cells rather than synthesized chemicals, are important treatments for some cancers and other non-communicable diseases. Like generic medicines, biosimilars can be much less expensive versions of innovator biotherapeutics while keeping the same effectiveness. They are usually manufactured by other companies once the patent on the original product has expired.
A few biosimilars of trastuzumab have come to market in the last five years, but none had been prequalified by WHO before today. WHO prequalification gives countries the assurance that they are purchasing quality health products.
A recent study of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa found that of 1325 women surveyed in three countries, cancer treatment had not been initiated within one year of diagnosis for 227 (17%) women and for 185 (14%) women with stage I-III disease. Self-reported treatment barriers confirmed treatment costs as a major contributor to not receiving treatment.
WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that by 2040 the number of diagnosed breast cancers will reach 3.1 million, with the greatest increase in low- and middle-income countries.
“We need to act now and try to avoid more preventable deaths,” says Dr Mariângela Simão, WHO Assistant Director-General for Medicines and Health Products. “The availability of biosimilars has decreased prices, making even innovative treatments more affordable and hopefully available to more people.”
Fashion Fix Is Back!!! – Catch Mercy Ajisafe & Aisha Bello Talk The Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials For Ladies On Episode 1
Mercy Ajisafe is back with another fabulous season of Fashion fix. On this episode, she is joined with model and designer Aisha Bello to discuss the Top 10 wardrobe essentials for every woman.
From workwear fits that flatter your figure to outfit ideas for a night out, watch Mercy Ajisafe and Aisha Bello talk you through the must-haves for every woman.
To catch up on past episodes of Fashion Fix and more exciting content, subscribe to the Accelerate TV YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAccelerateTVand follow the Accelerate website on https://acceleratetv.com/
Toyota’s Fourth Generation 2020 Highlander Redesigned from the Ground Up
SUV Offers Best-in-Class MPG for Hybrid and Largest in Segment 12.3” Multimedia Display
- Best in Class Hybrid MPG with up to a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG
- Starting MSRP $34,600
- Bold, Chiseled New Design
- New TNGA-K Platform Enhances Driving Refinement
- Standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM®, Waze and Amazon Alexa Compatibility
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Standard (TSS 2.0)
- Available with 7- or 8-Passenger Seating
- Choice of V6 or New-Generation Hybrid Powertrain
- New Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Driveline Disconnect and Multi-Terrain Select
The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander brings a new level of bold, distinctive design to a foundation built on safety, comfort, quality, durability and reliability. The Highlander gas model will be available this month and the Highlander hybrid will make its way to customers in February 2020.
Just as the first RAV4 launched the compact crossover SUV segment 22 years ago, the original Highlander redefined the midsize family SUV when it arrived in 2001. At a time when most midsize SUVs were truck-based, the Highlander’s unibody structure with four-wheel independent suspension quickly became the template for a new segment of more comfortable and family-friendly SUVs. After adding the third row, the Highlander not only grew in size but is also now the best-selling retail model in the segment since 2016.
Now, the 2020 Highlander amplifies all qualities while taking on a dramatic new design direction that combines a powerful SUV presence with sophisticated detailing.
The new sophisticated SUV sits on a new vehicle platform called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K). This robust new foundation, shared with other Toyota models, enables even greater capability, comfort and safety than before.
The fourth-generation Highlander offers the choice between a powerful V6 or new-generation hybrid powertrain, with the gas version offering up to a manufacturer-estimated 24 MPG combined fuel economy and the Hybrid offering up to a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG.
Whether they’re young families or empty-nesters exploring a new chapter in life, safety remains the top priority for Highlander customers. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard in all models in the 2020 Highlander. This comprehensive active safety system includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- (New) Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- (New) Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection offers automatic braking capability under certain circumstances should the driver not react in time in a system-detected emergency situation. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Parking Support Braking and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) are available depending on the model grade.
The 2020 Highlander delivers renowned Toyota value in a choice of five grades, starting with a new L grade, then layering amenities and technology in LE, XLE, Limited and the top-of-line Platinum. (The hybrid is offered on all but the L grade.)
The 2020 Highlander offers cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity for all ages through its intuitive and versatile multimedia system, including a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the Platinum grade and 8-inch on the other models. The available new JBL Premium Sound System delivers a whopping 1,200 watts of power to turn any music source into a mobile concert.
The midsize SUV segment has become fiercely competitive, and the 2020 Toyota Highlander is ready to take on all.
The Strong, Athletic Type
A sculpted new shape with chiselled lines gives the 2020 Highlander a more powerful stance, yet with a modern, sophisticated attitude. The 2020 Highlander remains a family-friendly SUV, now with capability for bigger family adventures.
Setting off the new design, the L, LE and XLE grades feature a black front grille with silver trim, while the Limited and Platinum grades are distinguished by a black grille with chrome trim and chrome-plated lower rear fascia, premium projector headlamps and the Highlander’s first-ever 20-inch alloy wheels. The Platinum grade stands apart with silver-painted front bumper and rear fascia and a unique 20-inch wheel.
Accentuating the 2020 Highlander’s bold lines, the exterior colour palette carries over three colours from 2019 (Blizzard Pearl ($425 option), Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic) while adding five new ones: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Moon Dust (a striking blue premium paint), Ruby Flare Pearl (a daring red premium paint), Blueprint and Opulent Amber (a deep, luxurious brown).
While Highlander’s new design will turn heads everywhere it goes, it’s also highly functional. Greater aerodynamic efficiency reduces wind noise while enhancing vehicle stability, and even the taillights and side mirror designs lend a hand.
The fourth-generation Highlander is 2.36 inches (60mm) longer, all in the cargo area to add even greater cargo volume than before. The second row slides an extra 1.2 inches further up to increase the distance between the second and third rows.
The TNGA-K platform, which makes extensive use of high-strength steel, gives the Highlander a stiffer unibody structure than the previous model. Its inherent strength allows tuning for the front strut and rear multi-link suspension that enhances agility and a smaller turning circle while also providing a smoother and quieter ride than before.
The presence of Takumi is evident whenever the driver experiences the Highlander’s premium touch and feel in everyday driving. Throughout vehicle development, these highly trained master craftsmen focused on the finest technical details to ensure a higher level of operating smoothness in all driving conditions, especially at everyday speeds.
Take It All with You
Looking sporty does not come at the expense of practicality in the 2020 Highlander. The L and LE grades come standard with a second-row bench for seating for eight, while the XLE and Limited grade come standard with a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven and the option of a second-row bench for seating for eight. Finally, the Platinum grade will come standard with a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven. Either way, the large rear doors provide easy access, while versatile seat folding features make it easy to enter the third row. And, passengers in the third row stay comfortable thanks to standard three-zone climate control that ensures ample flow of warmed or cooled air.
With all seat rows in use, Highlander offers 16.0 cu. ft. of carrying space behind the third row. Folding the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seatbacks opens the space to 48.4 cu. ft., and then folding the second row raises that to 84.3 cu. ft. The versatile cargo area makes the most of its additional length with side surfaces and pockets shaped for maximum space usage.
Power, Performance and Panache … with Efficiency
Power and efficiency are a whole lot sexier when wrapped in Highlander’s striking design. The 2020 Highlander offers a choice between two advanced powertrains, a gas V6 or a new version of the Toyota Hybrid System.
The 295-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 is the epitome of smoothness. Its Toyota-innovated D-4S Injection system combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors to optimize efficiency, power and emissions in all conditions. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) likewise ensures ideal response and efficiency at all engine speeds.
That translates into 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, which further translates into exemplary everyday performance and generous towing capability. The Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission maximizes Highlander’s acceleration and highway merging capability while operating seamlessly and transparently.
On V6 models, the available towing package enables a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The package includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler and improved fan performance. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) uses the Vehicle Stability Control to help control unwanted trailer movement.
Why use fuel when you don’t need to? The Highlander’s standard Stop and Start Engine System allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and then instantly restarts when the driver’s foot lifts from the brake pedal. This technology reduces fuel consumption and cuts emissions.
Hybrid Aims Even Higher
Toyota made “hybrid” synonymous with high fuel efficiency more than 20 years ago. Later, Toyota introduced the first hybrid SUV in its class, the 2006 Highlander. Leave it to Toyota to again raise the bar for hybrid SUV functionality by making the 2020 model the most fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid ever.
The new-generation Toyota Hybrid System in the 2020 Highlander Hybrid combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors in a system that’s more compact, and more efficient than before. The gas engine employs Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump, electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump further improve engine efficiency.
The bottom line is an eye-opener for the efficiency-minded: 243 total system horsepower and up to a manufacturer-estimated 36 combined MPG. The latter is a 24-per cent improvement over the previous-generation Highlander Hybrid’s 29 combined MPG. Yet, Highlander Hybrid still delivers the everyday acceleration, power and responsiveness that family buyers expect. In another Highlander first, the hybrid is now available in either 2WD or AWD, further expanding hybrid technology to a new group of buyers.
The transaxle mounts the electric motors (MG1 and MG2) coaxially rather than in-line, and the resulting smaller and lighter package reduces frictional losses. The gas engine and MG2 work in concert to deliver dynamic performance, while both MG1 and MG2 charge the hybrid battery.
To reduce the transaxle’s size and weight, the reduction gear is now a parallel shaft gear, rather than a planetary gear, and a new multi-function gear integrates the power-split planetary ring gear, parking gear, and counter-drive gear. New computer integration and a smaller, lighter power stack installed directly above the transaxle reduce energy transmission losses.
The battery pack is small enough to be installed under the rear seats, so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space.
Seamless Everyday Performance
The Highlander hybrid delivers its exemplary fuel economy and performance without calling attention to its high-tech powertrain operation. Quite the contrary, like all Toyota Hybrid vehicles, it simply goes about its business in a transparent way. For example, the new system optimizes the level of electric motor assistance and gas engine speed without the engine running at high revs. Engine speed is synchronized with vehicle speed, yielding effortless and quiet acceleration.
As on many modern vehicles, the Highlander hybrid offers selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes that let the driver choose the vehicle’s performance personality. The bonus is the EV mode, which allows electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances.
SPORT mode unlocks boost from the hybrid system for improved acceleration response. ECO mode gets maximum efficiency from the fuel and battery, while NORMAL mode is ideal for everyday driving.
Special, easy-to-use hybrid tech adds an element of control and fun. Using a sequential shifting feature, the driver can “downshift” to increase the regenerative braking in steps, which fosters greater control when driving in hilly areas, for example.
The 2020 Highlander hybrid can also coach the driver to drive as economically as possible. For example, an accelerator guide function suggests an acceleration level to the driver according to the driving conditions, and a scoring function adds a measure of fun-to-eco driving.
Features for More Efficiency
Highlander hybrid’s Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) analyzes the driver’s daily driving habits and upcoming road and traffic conditions to more efficiently charge and discharge the hybrid battery accordingly alongside actual driving.
The more the vehicle is driven, the more data is accumulated, contributing to practical fuel efficiency. Many actual roads chosen to represent common usage scenarios, such as in urban congestion or on mountain roads, were driven on and analyzed to create a control that feels natural to the driver when operating to enable more efficient driving.
All-Wheel Drive Gets Smarter
The 2020 Highlander gets a grip on any road with a choice of front-wheel drive or three different available all-wheel-drive systems — two for the V6 models and a unique AWD system for the Highlander Hybrid. For the Highlander Gas L, LE and XLE models, the optional AWD system can send up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels to counter wheel slip when necessary.
Sounding like something from a high-end sports car, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select and Driveline Disconnect is available for the Highlander Limited and Platinum for even greater agility and capability. In addition to governing torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, this advanced system uses special couplings to actively manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD doesn’t need wheel slippage before springing into action. Rather, a sophisticated AWD Integrated Management (AIM) system manages Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle control, transmission shift control and drive torque distribution to continually optimize handling.
Using the Multi-Terrain Select-control dial on the console, the driver can maximize traction when driving through inclement weather or road conditions. Mud & Sand mode works well for beach driving, while Rock & Dirt mode optimizes AWD traction for trails. The driver can monitor, in real-time, torque allocation and slip control on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
In addition, Highlander models include the following features for optimal on-road and off-road performance and safety:
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
- Downhill Assist Control (DAC)
All-wheel drive is a great traction partner, but it’s not needed all the time, such as during steady highway cruising. In such situations, Rear Driveline Disconnect automatically disengages drive to the rear wheels and stops the propeller shaft’s rotation. As one might guess, that reduces the energy needed to propel the vehicle and therefore reduces fuel consumption. When AWD is needed, the system instantly re-engages, without the driver even noticing.
Hybrid AWD
As with the AWD system in the previous Highlander Hybrid, the 2020 model’s AWD employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. Like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD works seamlessly and transparently.
The rear electric motor operates independently, with no mechanical connection between the transmission and the rear wheels. Preemptively distributing more driving force to the rear wheels, such as when accelerating, helps suppress front wheel slip during off-the-line starts. The system also enhances cornering agility by helping to reduce understeer. And, when venturing onto a trail, the increased rear-wheel torque helps move the Highlander hybrid confidently over rough or slippery surfaces.
A New Level of Comfort
From the L grade to the top-of-line Platinum, the 2020 Highlander offers its plushest accommodations ever. Designers took inspiration from luxury crafted interiors to create a more premium ambience. Details include softer padded surfaces and a more tailored look with stitching that continues from the door trim to the instrument panel. The dash integrates the multimedia and HVAC controls in an elegant and functional way.
The 2020 Highlander cabin offers improved functionality throughout, from a centre console that offers available Qi wireless charging to plenty of storage spaces and USB charging ports. On Limited and Platinum grades, new ambient LED lighting sets a relaxing mood. Inset steering wheel controls are a modern luxury touch on all grades.
Highlanders have long been renowned for a quiet ride, and with the high-strength TNGA platform, Toyota pushes the bar even higher. Sound-damping and soundproofing materials have been optimized throughout the vehicle, with the Takumi approach focusing particularly on minimizing the noise in the frequencies that interfere with conversation. As an example, Limited and Platinum grades have adopted laminated front side window glass to further isolate the driver from outside noise.
The seating colour palette enhances the sense of luxury permeating the 2020 Highlander. The L and LE grades offer comfortable woven cloth in Graphite or Black; the XLE offers embossed Softex® artificial leather-trim in Harvest Beige, Graphite or Black, while the Limited offers those colours in perforated leather-trim. The top-of-line Platinum grade, the most luxurious Highlander ever offered, exclusively features embossed, perforated leather-trim in those three colours plus a luxuriously delicious brown called Glazed Caramel.
Multitalented Multimedia
However passengers listen to music and connect with their worlds, the 2020 Highlander is ready with the latest multimedia systems. All grades come standard with Apple Car Play®, Android Auto, Alexa In-Car compatibility, Waze, SiriusXM®, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
All Highlander models come equipped with Toyota Safety Connect with a one-year trial subscription.
LE and above grades offer Service and Remote Connectivity. A move up to XLE or Limited grade offers available Dynamic Navigation. A move up to Platinum grade offers standard Dynamic Navigation and the 12.3-inch screen.
The JBL® Premium Audio System is standard for Limited and Platinum grades and rocks music of all genres with 1,200 watts of power playing through 11 speakers in nine locations. Clari-Fi® technology breathes new life into compressed digital music formats, with the result like a mobile concert. The system will not, however, settle arguments over which music to play.
Exceptional Toyota Value, Naturally
Toyota’s typical outstanding value is clearly evident in the Highlander L grade, where the standard equipment list includes features that one might expect in an upgraded model:
L:
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
- 18-in. alloy wheels
- 3-zone automatic climate control
- 2-in. Multi-information Display (MID) in the instrument panel
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Auto up/down for all power windows
- Multimedia with the 8-inch touchscreen display
- Front seat reading lights and cargo area light.
- LED headlamps and taillamps
- Privacy glass on the rear side, quarter and liftgate windows
- Smart Key entry on front doors and back door
- Auto LED headlamps with Auto High Beam
LE adds over L:
- Power liftgate
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Additional multimedia capability
- LED fog lamps
- The leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
XLE adds over LE:
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- 2nd-row sunshades
- 4-way power front passenger seat
- 7-in. Multi-information display
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with garage door opener
- Plated interior door handle
- Heated front seats
- LED fog lamps
- Machined-face alloy wheels
- Captain’s Chairs second row (standard)
- Power tilt and slide moon roof
- Roof rails
- SofTex®-trimmed seats and door trim
Limited adds over XLE:
- 120V 2nd-row power outlet
- 20-in. Limited style alloy wheels
- Ambient interior lighting
- Cargo area cover
- Driver’s seat memory
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- “Highlander” projector puddle lamps
- Perforated leather-trimmed seats in Beige, Gray or Black
- Metal door scuff plates
- Projector-beam headlamp with chrome bezels and separate, stylized DRLs
- Wood interior trim
- JBL® Audio System as standard
- Embedded navigation system
- Laminated front side window glass
- Premium Projector style headlamp
Platinum adds over Limited:
- Segment-leading 12.3-in. Multimedia head unit
- 20-in Platinum style wheels
- Adaptive, self-levelling headlamps
- Additional leather seating colour choice: Glazed Caramel
- Digital display rearview mirror
- Embossed, perforated leather-trimmed seats
- Head-up display
- Heated 2nd-row seats
- Illuminated door scuff plates
- Panoramic moonroof
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Birdseye camera
Safety at Its Core
The new TNGA-K platform forms the foundation for exemplary collision protection in the 2020 Toyota Highlander, while a suite of standard driver-assist technologies is designed to help prevent collisions, or to mitigate their impacts.
The 2020 Highlander is equipped with the second-generation of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0). Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on LE grade and above. Rear Cross-Traffic Braking (RCTB) is available with clearance sonar on Limited and above.
The standard backup camera features projected path. A Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, available on Limited and standard on Platinum, provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle.
The 2020 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
Priced for Value
No matter the grade, every Highlander offers something to suit varying lifestyles, whether it’s for a city exploration or a weekend trip to the countryside. With five gas models and five hybrid models, the 2020 Highlander arrives at dealerships with an option for everyone.
Limited Warranty
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from the original date of first use when sold as new. The HV battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferrable across the ownership.
The 2020 Highlander also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance, regardless of mileage.
CBN slashes banks’ ATM withdrawal fee from N65 to N35
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed downward electronic transfer and ATM fees as well as card maintenance fees.
The new charges were contained in the latest Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions just released by the CBN.
According to the CBN, bank customers will now pay N10 for electronic transfers below N5,000, and N25 for electronic transfer between N5,000 and N50,000. Only electronic transfer above N50,000 will attract N50 charge.
Previously, bank customers pay N50 charge for electronic transfers below N500,000.
Further, the CBN in the new Guide to Bank Charges slashed charges for cash withdrawal via Other bank’s ATM to “maximum of N35 after the third withdrawal within the same month” from “N65 after the third withdrawal within the same month”.
The CBN also removed Card Maintenance Fee (CAMF) on all cards linked to current accounts, a maximum of one Naira per mille for customer induced debit transactions to third parties and transfers or lodgments to the customers’ account in other banks on current accounts only,
Commenting on the new charges, Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Isaac Okorafor explained that the current NIP charges apply to use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), purchase with cash-back will attract a charge of N100 per N20,000 subject to cumulative N60,000 daily withdrawal. Also, for cards linked to a savings account, a maintenance fee has been reduced to a maximum of N50 per quarter from N50 per month amounting to only N200 per annum instead of N600.
Furthermore, he hinted that there will be no more charges for reactivation or closure of accounts such as savings, current and domiciliary accounts while status enquiry at the request of the customer (like confirmation letter, letter of non-indebtedness and reference letter) will now attract a fee of N500 per request.
On Current Account Maintenance Fee (CAMF), the Guide expressly stated that this would be applicable only to current accounts in respect of customer-induced debit transactions to third parties and debit transfers/lodgments to the customer’s account in another bank. It emphasized that CAMF is not applicable to Savings Accounts.
According to the Director, the CBN carried out the review of the Guide, which also prescribes charges permissible for Other Financial Institutions and non-bank financial institutions, in order to align with market developments.
To guard against excess, unapproved or arbitrary charges by banks and other financial institutions, the Guide stipulates a penalty of N2,000,000 per infraction or as may be determined by the CBN from time to time for financial institutions that breach any provision of the guide. The Guide also emphasized that failure by any bank to comply with CBN’s directive in respect of any infraction shall attract a further penalty of N2,000,000 daily until the directive is complied with or as may be determined by the CBN from time to time.
Consequently, the CBN directed banks to log every complaint received from their customers into the Consumer Complaints Management System (CCMS) in addition to generating a unique reference code for each complaint lodged, which must be given to the customer. Failure to log and provide the code to the customer, it added, amounts to a breach and is sanctionable with a penalty of N1,000,000 per breach.
The charges prescribed in the Guide were arrived at after extensive consultations with stakeholders and is expected to enhance flexibility, transparency and competition in the Nigerian banking industry.
This Guide, which replaces the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions issued in 2017, takes effect from January 1, 2020, and maybe reviewed from time to time to reflect changes in the business environment.
The CBN, therefore, urged financial services providers and their customers alike to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the Guide and be properly guided accordingly.
Nigeria’s Rensource raises $20M to power African markets by solar
Nigerian startup Rensource Energy has raised a $20 million Series A round co-led by CRE Venture Capital and the Omidyar network.
The renewable energy company builds and operates solar-powered micro-utilities that provide electricity to commercial community structures, such as open-air trading bazaars.
Launched in 2016, the startup has shifted its operating strategy. “We’ve pivoted away from a residential focus…and we’re building much larger systems to become essentially the utility for these large urban markets we have a lot of in Nigeria,” Rensource co-founder Ademola Adesina told TechCrunch.
The company has a partnership with German manufacturer BOS AG, with whom it designs specialized panels for its use case. Rensource also has developer teams in Nigeria and Europe for its software-related programs.
In addition to becoming a micro-energy provider to Nigeria’s robust SME classes, the startup aims to offer them B2B services. With the $20 million round, Rensource is launching its Spaces Offline to Online platform for supply-chain services, including business-analytics and working capital options.
“It’s a mini-ERP tool. We’re trying to bring a universe of people who are banked, but…still offline — their products are offline, they don’t track anything, and there’s no data behind their business — online,” said Adesina.
The benefit Rensource seeks to deliver to Nigeria’s SMEs — at a profit for itself — is to lower overhead costs through better business practices and free them from the bane of generators.
Across marketplaces in West Africa, noisy, fuel-guzzling and pollution-producing generators are like an unwelcome, yet necessary business partner.
Lack of affordable and reliable electricity in Nigeria creates a massive real and opportunity cost to Africa’s largest economy.
For perspective, the West African country is roughly the size of Texas, with a 200 million population larger than Russia, and generates less gigawatt-hours of electricity annually than the U.S. state of Connecticut.
Nigerian businesses (and citizens) adjust for these power deficiencies by spending on diesel fuel and generators.
The IMF’s 2019 Nigeria report quoted economic losses of $29 billion in Nigeria due to unreliable electricity supply. On global Doing Business rankings, Nigeria ranked 169 out of 190 countries in the category of “Getting Electricity.”
This difficulty and cost weigh particularly heavy on Nigeria (and the continent’s) SMEs, which often operate in Africa’s informal economy — projected to be one of the largest off-the-grid commercial spaces in the world.
Rensource’s micro-utility model deploys power clusters — made up of solar panels, batteries and a power management system — adjacent to markets and commercial hubs. The energy application isn’t totally clean, as the startup still uses its own diesel backup system.
Rensourse has used this model to become an off-grid energy provider in six states in Nigeria, and powers the Sabon Gari market — one of the country’s largest, located in northern Kano State.
The company plans to expand to 100 markets within Nigeria and to additional African countries within 24 months, according to Adesina.
Rensource generates revenue from charging merchants daily, weekly or monthly fees. “In 2017, we did a few hundred thousand dollars in revenue. Last year we did about $7 million in revenue, and this year we’ll do better than that,” Adesina said.
The company doesn’t release official financials, but generated a small profit last year, according to Adesina. He named deploying more of its micro-utilities to new markets and diversifying services as the path to long-term profitability.
Rensource differentiates itself from many home-kit solar energy startups in Africa, such as M-Kopa, by becoming a renewable energy utility at scale.
The startup’s CEO sees the model as a classic leapfrog tech business, effectively bypassing Nigeria’s deficient electricity grid and providing a less capital intensive alternative to large (and often complicated) energy infrastructure projects.
Rensource is also following a trend by some Nigeria-based startups, such as trucking-logistics company Kobo360 and motorcycle ride-hail company Gokada, to shape a suite of additional services around the needs of core clients.
In Rensource’s case, those clients are SMEs and traders in the informal economy. “This informality of theirs is what we see as an opportunity in building this new business line and bringing these [merchants] into the online world,” said Adesina.
Nigerian broadband plan aims to raise penetration from 38% to 70% by 2025
The Nigerian government has announced a new, five-year National Broadband Plan to cover 2020-2025, Vanguard reported. It aims to boost broadband penetration from 37.8 percent currently to over 70 percent. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, said that pervasive broadband will make Nigeria a truly digital economy.
A 25-member committee has been inaugurated to spearhead the national plan. They include managing director/CEO of Main One Cable Funke Opeke, who is chairwoman; former NCC executive commissioner for Technical Services Bashir Gwandu; and his successor, Ubale Maska
The secretariat will also be supported by four staff of the Ministry of Communications and Digital economy. The committee is to take a critical look at where the country is at the moment, after a painstaking review of the 2013-2018 plan. The members are enjoined to examine challenges to broadband penetration with a view to proffering solution. They should also look at the position of growing and emerging technologies.
Avon HMO Wins Two Excellence Awards
Further adding to its collection of laurels this year, leading health maintenance organisation, Avon HMO has emerged as the Most Outstanding HMO of the Year as well as the Most Outstanding HR Practitioners at the Eko Excellence Awards and the Africa HR Excellence Awards.
Organised to recognise and honour distinguished achievers, the Eko Excellence Awards identifies individuals and corporate organizations driving innovation, fuelling growth and leading sustainable change in the city of Lagos. Similarly, the Africa H.R Excellence Awards by the Delta Business School celebrates the spirit of excellence in corporate bodies and individuals in Africa.
These recognitions, received just weeks apart, further establish Avon HMO not only as a forward-thinking and innovative healthcare organization but also one that prioritises its people and culture even as it remains committed to fulfilling its mission of empowering people to live healthier fuller lives.
Earlier in 2019, the company was recognised by two globally recognised organisations for similar feats. In January, the leading health management organisation was listed in the 2019 ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’ report by the London Stock Exchange Group. This was followed by awards for being among the 10 ‘Best Companies to Work for in Africa’ (Small Corporates Category) and as the ‘Best Workplace for Millennial Generation’ by the Great Place To Work Institute in June.
Reacting to the awards, Adesimbo Ukiri, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, of Avon HMO expressed her delight and appreciation.
“We sincerely thank the organisers for these important awards which serve as a validation of the efforts we’ve directed towards becoming the preferred choice among health maintenance organisations in the country as well as creating a workplace that where everyone thrives in their respective roles. We believe that these awards will further set us apart as a destination for top talent in the country even as we keep challenging ourselves to perform better.
Oritsejafor Set to Hold 5th Edition Of The CEOs Company Mentorship Class
First-class entrepreneur, and business tycoon, Mama Helen Oritsejafor is set to turn heads and change mindsets in the upcoming 5th edition of her outstanding, thrilling, corporate mentorship class: ‘The CEOs COMPANY MENTORSHIP CLASS WITH MAMA HELEN ORITSEJAFOR’ with the theme: “Success 101: How to be a Success Story in the Year 2020”.
With the year gradually coming to an end, entrepreneurs, business owners, and company executives need to prepare themselves and businesses for the new opportunities and challenges that would erupt along the way. In order to be ahead of competitors and scale through tough times, there is a need for re-strategizing and recuperation in order to generate gripping ideas and tactics that would move the business forward and avoid a collapse in the near future.
According to her, it is a time where the strengths of companies and businesses will be tested to see who would be well informed and prepared to remain on top and be a success in the near future.
This edition will be a special online business masterclass where company executives and entrepreneurs around the globe will be opportune to relate with the mentor during the course of the lecture.
The live broadcast of the masterclass is booked to take place on Saturday, 28th December by 2:00 PM, at the African Broadcasting Network, Delta state, Nigeria.
Interested company executives and business owners around the globe can join the broadcast on our social media platforms:
- Youtube: @theceoscompany
- Facebook @ theceoscompany
