Malian football legend and former captain of the national team, Seydou Keita, has opened a multimillion dollar mega Agro-Industrial Complex that will provide jobs to up to 10,000 people in the West African country.

Located in Sanankoroba in the region of Koulikoro, the Seydou Diogo Awa Agro-Industrial Complex is a limited company established on seven hectares of land.

Local media reports that the complex brings together six industrial production units, including a production unit for edible vegetable oil, oilcake and livestock feed, a shea butter production unit, a soap production unit, soap manufacturing unit and plastic cans.

“The SDA Complex will create more than 400 permanent jobs and more than 10,000 indirect jobs, for an investment of 14 billion CFA franc,” a local sports journal wrote.

“Keita’s mega investment was officially opened by the Transition President of Mali Colonel Assimi Goita who lauded the retired footballer for helping boost the country’s economy and inspiring the youth.

“A defensive midfielder, who could also slot in at central defence, Keita began his career in France with Marseille before stints at Lorient and Lens after which he further rose to prominence with a switch to Spain.

“He played at Sevilla for one season (2007-2008) before moving to Barcelona where he formed part of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering team that claimed 14 trophies in four years, including three La Liga and two Champions League crowns.

“The former Mali skipper made 102 appearances for the Eagles, between 2000 and 2015, managing 25 goals.”

Unheralded Eritrean cyclist, Biniam Girmay, on Monday, made history by becoming the first Black African rider to claim victory in a Tour de France stage.

Girmay crossed the finish line ahead of tour favourites, Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie, completing the stage in 5 hours, 26 minutes, 48 seconds.

Girmay won stage three of the 2024 Tour in Turin after a crash in the peloton, three kilometres from the finish, dashed Mark Cavendish’s hopes of becoming the Tour’s record-breaking stage winner for yet another day.

The 24-year-old Girmay who rides for the Intermarché-Wanty team, had already won a stage in the 2022 Giro d’Italia and of the Belgian classic Gent-Wevelgem, and took his first Tour success after sprinting ahead of Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie.

Speaking after the race, the Eritrean said:

“Ever since I started cycling, I’ve always been dreaming of the Tour. But to win in my second Tour, in a big bunch sprint, is unbelievable. It means a lot, personally for me, and for the continent.

“I remember my father really liked to watch the Tour every July. He always showed us the Tour de France on TV. One day, I asked him if it was possible to be part of the Tour, and he said: ‘Keep going and everything is possible.’

“Today, everybody will believe African riders can succeed in the World Tour. We must be proud, now we are really part of the big races, now it’s our moment, our time.”

Girmay’s victory came on the third day and the longest stage of this year’s race, spanning 230.8 kilometers (roughly 143 miles) between Piacenza and Turin.

Girmay had previously achieved a milestone in Italy two years ago by winning a stage at the Giro d’Italia, making him the first Black African to secure a victory in a Grand Tour, which includes the Giro, the Tour de France, and the Spanish Vuelta.