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“Investing in vacant land with the intention of building is one of the less common paths to homeownership in South Africa. For those with plenty of patience and very specific ideas for their dream property, however, building from scratch can offer significant benefits,” says David Jacobs, Regional Sales Manager for the Rawson Property Group. Lower …
Dear Editor Earlier this year, the DA wrote to the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, requesting her to present a report of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) that she established in August 2021 to investigate animal biosecurity with an emphasis on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever (ASF), and highly …
Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says his department has allocated R7.2 billion over three years for direct transfer - based on approved plans - to facilities in need of maintenance, refurbishment, upgrades, replacements or new infrastructure.
Individuals and families who are in the wealth creation phase of their financial lifecycle may be missing out on opportunities to increase their net worth by failing to unlock the full potential of their assets. Yashika Rambujan, KZN Regional Head, FNB Premier says, unless you get a windfall or inheritance, there is no quick fix …
Tanqueray – the magnificently distilled spirit – treated guests to a day of relaxation and rejuvenation with their latest offering, Tanqueray 0.0. This event took place at the plush, The View Lawns in Auckland Park. Themed The Tanqueray Oasis, guests were treated to a day of wellness activities such as yoga, meditation and spa treatments …
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that its public relations campaign for Canon, titled "Canon R-Tour," has received the Certificate of Excellence at the 2023 SABRE Awards in the Northern Africa category.
The SABRE Awards are the most prestigious and important awards in the public relations industry due to their global reach and recognition, as well as their comprehensive coverage of a myriad of public relations disciplines.
They recognise outstanding achievements and celebrate the best work in public relations across multiple regions and categories, including the Americas, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and Asia-Pacific, with the campaigns being evaluated by a jury of industry leaders.
The Canon R-Tour offered customers an exclusive opportunity to participate in multiple tailor-made experiences that immersed them in the Canon universe, showcasing the state-of-the-art technological advances the company has brought to Africa.
The complete sensory experience of the campaign captured the attention of creatives, who had the opportunity to test the suitability of the mirrorless range to their specific genres. In addition, Canon experts on-the-ground were available to answer questions about product features and content creation, which truly embodied Canon's passion for connecting, communicating, and co-creating with their customers.
The campaign aimed to fill the information gap on high-end imaging technology offerings in Africa and help content creators and influencers elevate their work to world-class levels.
Taking place in Egypt and Morocco, the campaign featured seven experiential booths, a Canon Creator Summit, end-user events, village market visits, tours, photo walks, masterclasses with photography and influencer leaders, dealer events, workshops, product presentations, and competitions.
The media relations campaign strategy revolved around researching the media landscape, managing media relations, establishing partnerships with influencers and opinion makers, and creating and distributing content across the continent.
This public relations initiative resulted in two successful press briefings with over 100 media attendees and over 1,650 article pickups, achieving a PR value of over USD$30 million.
"We are thrilled that our public relations campaign for Canon's R-Tour has been recognised with the Certificate of Excellence at the prestigious 2023 SABRE Awards," said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group. "This recognition reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding public relations campaigns that help our clients achieve their communication goals and make a positive impact on communities across the African continent."
Canon's R-Tour aimed to provide customers with a unique and immersive experience that highlighted the company's innovative technology and commitment to empowering content creators and influencers in Africa.
“We are delighted that Canon R-Tour Campaign has been recognised with a certificate of excellence at the SABRE Awards. It serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to bringing innovative imaging technology to our esteemed customers in Africa, as well as our belief in the power of creativity to inspire and connect with individuals,” said Amine Djouahra, the B2C Business Unit Director of Canon Central and North Africa. "The R-Tour Campaign has effectively brought creatives and photo enthusiasts together across Africa, while showcasing how the right technological tools can help individuals unleash their full potential,” Djouahra added.
With its success in the 2023 SABRE Awards, APO Group continues to demonstrate its expertise and commitment to helping its clients achieve their communication goals and positively impact communities across the African continent.
The 2023 SABRE Awards ceremony will take place on May 18th, as part of the 2023 African Public Relations Conference in Lusaka, Zambia.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. We assist private and public organizations in sharpening their reputation and increasing their brand equity in target countries across Africa. Our role as a trusted partner is to leverage the power of media and build bespoke strategies that enable organisations to produce a real, measurable impact in Africa and beyond. The trust and recognition granted to APO Group by global and multinational companies, governments, and NGOs inspires us to continuously enhance our value proposition within Africa to better cater to our clients' needs. Among our prestigious clients: Facebook, Dangote Group, Nestle, GE, FIFA, Canon, Coca-Cola, DHL, Marriott Group, Ecobank, Siemens, Standard Chartered, Orange, Jack Ma Foundation, African Development Bank, World Health Organization, Islamic Development Bank, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Rotary International, Kaspersky, Greenpeace…
Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland | Offices in Senegal, Dubai, and Hong Kong
For further information, please visit our website: https://www.APO-opa.com
Tanqueray, one of the world’s most iconic gin brands, is excited to announce their latest addition to the family. Tanqueray 0.0% is a non-alcoholic spirit alternative that delivers all the taste and complexity of the award-winning taste notes of the trademark but without the alcohol. Derived from botanicals of the iconic Tanqueray London Dry Gin, …
The DHL Stormers happily accepted Connacht’s gift of a BKT URC home semi-final in Cape Town but the defending champions won’t be returning any favours as they continue their ruthless streak at the DHL Stadium. (Related: This Clash Will be Brutal) It has been coach John Dobson’s mantra that his squad is all about making …
Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, says the department will be appealing the judgement handed down by the North Gauteng High Court last Friday.
CIS Group, has announced its participation in the upcoming first ever GITEX Africa (www.GITEXAfrica.com) in Marrakech, Morocco from the 31st of May 3, 2023, to the 2nd of June 2023. GITEX Africa 2023 is a major technology event that brings together thousands of professionals, exhibitors, startups, and more than 100 government delegations.
During the exhibition, CIS Group plans to highlight its – ‘Industry Expertise', ‘Technologies' & ‘Services' with a keen eye on the best practices of digital transformation to help you & your customers climb the digital maturity scale.
The organization will provide the opportunity for customers, resellers, and vendors to schedule one on one meetings during the event.
Speaking about this initiative, Dr. Antoine Kareh, General Manager, CIS Group said, “At CIS Group, our legacy of success in the Middle East and Africa is due to our unrelenting focus on providing the right tools to our ecosystem at the right time. As we grow, we want our partners & customers to grow with us by leveraging our deep reach in African & Middle eastern countries and collaborating with us on the latest technologies and their implementation. Join us on this exciting journey towards a future of possibilities, where we plan to showcase our readiness and responsiveness at GITEX Africa. Together, let's explore new frontiers and achieve great things.”
Nelly Saoud, General Manager, CIS Integration said “At CIS Integration, we have a mind for the future. Our commitment to providing best-in-class, end-to-end ICT solutions and services enables our customers to optimize their performance and meet the challenges of digital transformation across all sectors. With a dynamic local presence on 4 continents and a strong reputation for trust & excellence, we are well-positioned to help our customers achieve their goals and realize the future of possibilities they need.”
Kristian Tierney, General Manager, Hiperdist Limited said “At Hiperdist, we don't just distribute products, we supply the future. The core of Hiperdist' s operation is a steadfast commitment to our partners, and we believe that by working together, we can drive innovation and shape the future of the ICT industry. Through our partnerships with leading technology vendors and our integrated logistics, support, and marketing services, our expert teams are dedicated to designing and offering solutions & services that benefit partners, vendors, and end customers.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.
Notes to Editors:
The list of local affiliates includes:
Contact:
For more information on our participation in GITEX AFRICA 2023, send an email to:
gitexafrica@cis.com.lb
About CIS:
CIS (Computer Information Systems) is a leading ICT information systems integrator established for 40 years with a diversified portfolio of IT solutions and services, and 53 offices spanning across 40 countries. Our reach is matched only by our ability to cater to the expansion of international and mid-size enterprises serviced by highly certified experienced technology consultants.
CIS is committed to providing best-in-class, end-to-end ICT solutions and services that enable our customers to optimize their performance and meet the challenges of digital transformation across all sectors. Our technology specialization ranges from Advanced Computing, Storage, Networking, Cloud, Data Center, Edge solutions, Security, Software Technology, Big Data Analytics, and Test & Measurement equipment across industries such as FSI, Telecom, Public, Health Care, Education, Energy & Utilities
Our value-added services include end-to-end accountability, Audit & Consultancy, Deployment & Integration, Maintenance & Technical Assistance, Outsourcing, Cloud Services, and Managed Services. We work with the largest technology vendors such as Oracle, HPE, Microsoft, Cisco, Huawei, Micro Focus, Dell Technologies, G+D and VMWare to provide our customers with the best possible solutions.
With a dynamic local presence on 4 continents, including 16 Sub-Saharan Africa countries, CIS Integration has built a strong reputation for excellence and trust with our vendors and customers. Join us on our journey towards a future of possibilities.
About Hiperdist:
Hiperdist exists to grow your business. That is our sole purpose, we can assist with projects of any size, from scoping through to planning and deployment, offering advice and resource where it is needed the most, and ensuring that projects are delivered on spec, on time and on budget.
We achieve this by combining our technical expertise, business acumen, and geographical coverage with technology solutions from various international technology vendors such as VMWare, Oracle, IBM, Cisco, NetApp, Microsoft, HPE, Huawei, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and many others. With these tools we supply our clients with best-in-class, fully integrated solutions that enable them to optimize their performance, and better equip themselves for growth.
As well as being experts in their fields, our people are also passionate about realizing the potential of our region and empowering organizations to excel in the hyper-competitive, digitally transformed global market.
Our distribution solutions provide integrated logistics services, training & support services, and marketing services to help grow your business and support your customers. We know we will only succeed if you do.
As the Vodacom United Rugby Championship play-offs reach fever pitch, rugby fans are gearing up for what promises to be a brutal clash between reigning champions, the DHL Stormers, and the ultimate underdog of the season, Connacht Rugby. The Irish province has defied the odds and punched above their weight this season, proving to be …
Acalytica, a fast-growing digital platform, announced today its ambitious mission to empower 1 million South Africans by the end of 2023. The company aims to offer its innovative multi-link management solution for digital transformation and financial inclusion, making it an essential tool for both online and offline entrepreneurs. Acalytica is designed to provide an all-in-one …
A Budget Beating Winter Wonderland: Why Cape Town Should be Your Next Getaway When winter begins knocking, most of us do our best to ignore the lure of outdoor activities and instead hibernate at home with a blanket and a few new series. Fortunately for us, one of the best parts of being South African …
Stellantis Middle East and Africa (MEA) commented on its key Full Year 2022 results and showed its progress in implementing the Company’s Dare Forward 2030 ambitious strategic (see below for more) plan for the coming decade, a plan that will drive the Company to leadership in market share, customer experience and energy transition. In September …
ShareCARD, a Ugandan seed-stage monitoring, evaluation, and learning platform for development projects, is taking part in GITEX Africa 2023 (https://GITEXAfrica.com/), the continent's largest all-inclusive tech event. At the annual pan-African forum in Marrakech, Morocco from May 31st to June 2nd, ShareCARD will showcase its innovative solution for project implementers, helping to streamline all implementation partner deliverables and improve project accountability.
Are you a project funder in Africa looking to revolutionize the way you track, assess, and qualify project beneficiaries? Then you won't want to miss ShareCARD's presence at GITEX Africa! Visit the ShareCARD website to learn more about our revolutionary platform and come to GITEX Africa to experience it first-hand.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to collaborate, explore new ventures, and discover how ShareCARD can make your project implementation easier. Visit our website now at https://ShareCARDApp.com and learn more about our revolutionary platform.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.
About ShareCARD:
ShareCARD is an innovative monitoring, evaluation, and learning platform designed to empower developers and implementers of development projects. Our mission is to provide users with an easy-to-use solution that streams all project deliverables, tracks resource distributions, assesses and qualifies beneficiaries, and provides performance visibility and impact mapping at the last mile.
Our platform enables users to make informed decisions and ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively, enabling them to make a positive impact in the communities they serve.
With our monthly subscription plans, users of all sizes and budgets can access our platform, and our team is dedicated to providing them with the best possible experience and support.
Visit our website now at https://ShareCARDApp.com/ and start making a difference with ShareCARD.
West Africa's leading connectivity and data center services provider, MainOne (www.MainOne.net), an Equinix Company has enhanced its interconnection capabilities by using Equinix Fabric to extend its network reach and provide its enterprise customers with agile, on-demand and seamless connectivity to cloud providers, remote markets, and local infrastructure over the MainOne network and onto Platform Equinix.
Equinix Fabric is an on-demand, software-defined interconnection service, which provides global reach to the Equinix network of over 245 International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centers located in 71 major metros and 32 countries around the world. Equinix Fabric directly, securely, and dynamically connects distributed infrastructure and digital ecosystems on Platform Equinix®.
Speaking on this expansion, MainOne Chief Technical Officer, Anil Verma stated that “As a long-time customer of Equinix Fabric, MainOne has utilized the global footprint of data centers and services to establish connections to Cloud service providers and enable private, dedicated connections for customers in West Africa. Now as an Equinix company, the expansion of our network to Equinix Fabric guarantees enhanced SLA and lower latency for critical services and applications. This is part of our commitment to provide our customers with world-class interconnection services to accelerate their digital journey.”
In the new expansion, MainOne will utilize Equinix IBX data centers in Lisbon (LS1) and London (LD5) to create geographic diversity, enabling its customers connect their IT infrastructure to a dynamic and rich ecosystem, enjoying more direct access to Cloud services, and higher performance, ensuring they are able to stay ahead of their competitors with low-latency and secure IT infrastructure.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MainOne.
MainOne Media Relations:
press@mainone.net
About MainOne:
MainOne, an Equinix Company, is a leading West African data center and connectivity solutions provider with presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. MainOne provides highly reliable services to major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, small to large enterprises, and educational institutions. MDXi, a subsidiary of MainOne, builds and operates data centers across West Africa.
Villagers want Musina-Thohoyandou road tarred
The Auditor-General’s office has withdrawn its erroneous finding linking Deputy Mayor Khusta Jack’s name to a painting business which has been doing business with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The Municipal Finance Management Act prohibits municipalities from doing business with companies whose directors or shareholders are employees of the State. 20 April Update: Apparently the […]
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is pleased to announce the names of the 57 Nigerians who were selected for 2023 cohort of the Mandela Washington Fellowship program. Launched in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the U.S. commitment to invest in the future of Africa. The Fellowship is composed of academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.
The Fellows will travel to 28 cities across the United States from June 21 to August 4 to participate in Leadership Institutes hosted by American colleges and universities. In the final week of their program, the fellows will converge with their sub-Saharan counterparts in Washington D.C. for a Leadership Summit which will feature meetings with top U.S. government officials and private sector leaders.
In his remarks at the pre-fellowship orientation reception, Charge d'Affaires David Greene said, “The U.S. Mission is committed to supporting Nigerian youth and providing them opportunities to reach their full potential, especially our Mandela Washington Fellows. We look forward to working with you in the future to deepen the relationship between the United States and Nigeria.”
Since 2014, over 500 young leaders from Nigeria have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship. U.S. Mission Nigeria is proud to announce the 2023 cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows.
|
First Name |
Last Name |
Track |
Leadership Institute |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Abdulrahman |
Ahmed |
Leadership in Public Management |
Texas Tech University |
|
2 |
Abiola Nurudeen |
Durodola |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
The Presidential Precinct |
|
3 |
Abubakar |
Umar |
Leadership in Public Management |
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities |
|
4 |
Adaeze |
Menekpugi |
Leadership in Business |
Drake University |
|
5 |
Aisha |
Abdullahi Bubah |
Leadership in Business |
Drake University |
|
6 |
Aisha |
Jaafar |
Leadership in Public Management |
Replacement candidate yet to be placed in an institute |
|
7 |
Anthony |
Okoboshi |
Leadership in Public Management |
University of California – Davis |
|
8 |
Blessing |
Ashi |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
University of Maryland, Baltimore County |
|
9 |
Chimdindu |
Neliaku-Chukwu |
Leadership in Public Management |
Arizona State University |
|
10 |
Chukwuemeka |
Uzoho |
Leadership in Public Management |
Wayne State University |
|
11 |
Comfort |
Effiom |
Leadership in Public Management |
Arizona State University |
|
12 |
Damilola |
Oligbinde |
Leadership in Public Management |
Cornell University |
|
13 |
Diepriye |
Diri |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
Michigan State University |
|
14 |
Ebenezar |
Okafor |
Leadership in Public Management |
Wayne State University |
|
15 |
Elijah |
Affi |
Leadership in Business |
Drake University |
|
16 |
Gabriel |
Ogunsua |
Leadership in Business |
Lehigh University |
|
17 |
Geraldine |
Ofulue |
Leadership in Public Management |
Texas Tech University |
|
18 |
Godspower |
Oyubu |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
Kansas State University |
|
19 |
Godwin |
Henry |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
Florida Gulf Coast University |
|
20 |
Hashidu |
Aminu |
Leadership in Business |
Rutgers University |
|
21 |
Henrietta |
Anene |
Leadership in Business |
Clark Atlanta University |
|
22 |
Ibrahim |
Hassan |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
Drexel University |
|
23 |
Jasper |
Deebari |
Leadership in Public Management |
University of California – Davis |
|
24 |
Jemimah |
David-Makeri |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
Michigan State University |
|
25 |
Jessica |
Oba |
Leadership in Public Management |
Howard University |
|
26 |
Julius |
Ilori |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
University of Delaware |
|
27 |
Mahfuz |
Alabidun |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
Drexel University |
|
28 |
Mathias |
Pwol |
Leadership in Business |
Jackson State University |
|
29 |
Michael |
Showunmi |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
University of Georgia |
|
30 |
Mohammed |
Lawal |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
The Presidential Precinct |
|
31 |
Muhammad |
Usman |
Leadership in Business |
Purdue University |
|
32 |
Muhammad |
Yakubu |
Leadership in Business |
University of Texas at Austin |
|
33 |
Nkemakonam |
Agu |
Leadership in Business |
Drake University |
|
34 |
Nnanna |
John |
Leadership in Business |
University of Notre Dame |
|
35 |
Okeoghene |
Akusu |
Leadership in Public Management |
Bridgewater State University |
|
36 |
Oluwafunke |
Adeoye |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
University of Georgia |
|
37 |
Oluwatoyin |
Olufon |
Leadership in Business |
University of Notre Dame |
|
38 |
Onyedikachi |
Nwakanma |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
University of Delaware |
|
39 |
Onyeka |
Nwigwe |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
Michigan State University |
|
40 |
Osato |
Omo-Osemwingie |
Leadership in Business |
Purdue University |
|
41 |
Praise |
Akobo |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
University of Georgia |
|
42 |
Rabi |
Sufi |
Leadership in Public Management |
Wayne State University |
|
43 |
Saad Ayodeji |
Erubu |
Leadership in Public Management |
Bridgewater State University |
|
44 |
Saheed |
Ibrahim |
Leadership in Public Management |
Syracuse University |
|
45 |
Sandra |
Orgu |
Leadership in Public Management |
Texas Tech University |
|
46 |
Sunday |
Onuche |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
University of Maryland, Baltimore County |
|
47 |
Susanne |
Ogunleye |
Leadership in Business |
University of Nevada-Reno |
|
48 |
Sylvia Chioma Chigozie |
Nwosu |
Leadership in Civic Engagement |
Michigan State University |
|
49 |
Terese |
Akpem |
Leadership in Business |
Purdue University |
|
50 |
Testimony |
Asiagwu |
Leadership in Business |
University of Notre Dame |
|
51 |
Uju |
Onyekachi |
Leadership in Business |
University of Notre Dame |
|
52 |
Uyi |
Effiom |
Leadership in Public Management |
University of California – Davis |
|
53 |
Uyiosa |
Obasohan |
Leadership in Public Management |
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities |
|
54 |
Victoria |
Ogwanighie |
Leadership in Business |
Clark Atlanta University |
|
55 |
Vivian |
Ezeonwumelu |
Leadership in Public Management |
Syracuse University |
|
56 |
Yusuf |
Nurudeen |
Leadership in Public Management |
Bridgewater State University |
|
57 |
Zainab |
Ahmad |
Leadership in Business |
University of Texas at Austin |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria.
The President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan will lead a high-level delegation to Abu Dhabi, UAE to undertake discussions on the development of two major national projects which includes the Seychelles Port and the Airport developments.
Members of the delegation accompanying the President will include the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister for Transport, Mr Antony Derjacques, the PS of Finance, SS Patrick Payet, the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) Mr. Gary Albert and the Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA), Mr Sony Payet.
During President Ramkalawan's absence from the country, his duties and responsibilities will be discharged by Vice-President Ahmed Afif.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House – Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s law enforcers made a swift recovery of nine panels of palisade fencing that were stolen from the North End Cemetery on Friday, 05 May 2023. This comes after NMBM Public Health officials noted in the morning that the panels were stolen, presumably in the early hours on Friday, as […]
Nigeria's Court of Appeal, which constitutes the Presidential Elections Tribunal, yesterday began proceedings to hear the challenges brought against the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress, as the winner of February's presidential elections. The elections were marred with irregularities, including violence at the polls and logistical and procedural shortcomings, including the inability to upload election results from polling units in real time.
There is a high level of interest in the tribunal process following what many have described as disappointing and unacceptable failings in the Nigerian election process.
Among the petitions brought before the tribunal are those of the two main opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the Labor Party. Both parties claim that the election was fraught with corrupt practices, voter suppression, and noncompliance with the provisions of the country's electoral law.
The United Nations has previously raised concerns about the independence of Nigeria's judiciary and it is likely the Tribunal's ruling will be closely scrutinized both inside and outside of the country. To build trust in the process, the Tribunal should ensure that the proceedings are carried out transparently and in accordance with the rule of law. In doing so, it can send a clear message that it is committed to the integrity of Nigeria's elections.
The proceedings could last up to 6 months, long after the new President is sworn in May 29. It is therefore crucial that regional and international partners, many of whom deployed election observers as part of efforts to support Nigeria in strengthening its democracy, prevail on the government to ensure the Tribunal is able to work independently and that the government will respect the verdict, regardless of the result.
As well as ensuring that the electoral challenges receive a fair hearing, the Nigerian justice system should doggedly pursue those responsible for the violence that blighted the elections. Unfettered access to free and fair elections is critical to ensuring Nigerians are able to exercise their rights and is a cornerstone of a democratic nation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).
On April 24, the Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral commission finalized a nationwide process to update voter lists ahead of general elections slated for December 2023. But as citizens headed to voter registration centers, some were met with violence and discrimination.
In Goma, Bukavu, Nyagenzi, and Uvira in eastern Congo, groups of youths threatened, beat, and temporarily denied Banyamulenge – Congolese Tutsi from South Kivu province – access to registration centers because of their ethnicity.
Human Rights Watch spoke to victims, witnesses, and community leaders who confirmed the incidents, including attacks by “Wazalendo,” youth groups mobilized to defend their South Kivu localities against armed groups, including M23 rebels.
Since a surge in attacks by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in 2022, parties to the conflict have increasingly appealed to ethnic prejudices, triggering a wave of discrimination against Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities, whom many in Congo consider to be M23 supporters.
A Munyamulenge man told us that Wazalendo beat him and three of his friends as they went to register at a center in Uvira on February 17. “They hurt my arms, they hit me with nails.… They told us, ‘Banyamulenge are Rwandans, they are not going to be registered.'” He was ultimately able to register after the police arrived. A university staffer in Nyagenzi said Wazalendo threw stones at him when he went to register so he went back home. He finally enrolled after police came four days later.
Access to registration centers is essential for citizens to secure their voter's card, a necessary document for voting also used as an identification document in Congo.
As the elections near and the crisis in eastern Congo continues unabated, attacks against Banyamulenge and Tutsis may interfere with other national processes, including the long-awaited population census and identification process.
Congolese authorities should ensure inclusive elections without fear of discrimination or intimidation on ethnic grounds. They should implement comprehensive voter education campaigns aimed at preventing ethnic-based discrimination, impartially enforce the law and appropriately prosecute anyone who commits ethnically motivated harassment or attacks, and prohibit discriminatory practices that may lead to further abuses.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Government officials, fish industry captains, civil society and private sector representatives gathered in Harare today to start consultations on the first of its kind legislation described as an economic milestone to bolster the development and sustainability of Zimbabwe's fisheries and aquaculture industry.
Strengthening the legal framework is part of Zimbabwe's efforts to develop its nascent aquaculture sector and transform it into a driver of economic growth and source of employment. The fisheries bill would be the first of its kind and is described as a milestone of great economic importance that could pave way for investments in the sector. This endeavour is in line with the government thrust of streamlining legislation and improving the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.
“The current regulatory framework is impeding growth and investment in this sector as the cost of compliance is too high with farmers and investors having to part with numerous levies to separate government departments. Development of the bill is expected to bring all regulations addressing aquaculture production and conservation under one roof,” said Honourable Davis Marapira, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MoLAFWRD) presenting his policy direction remarks during the meeting.
Provisions in the current legal framework on fisheries and aquaculture are scattered and there is an urgent need to unify legislation in one Act canvassing the sector provisions while promoting sustainable development of the industry.
An assessment of Zimbabwe's tilapia sector to identify challenges restricting growth and formulating an upgrading strategy conducted by FISH4ACP and the Chinhoyi University of Technology between 2021 and 2022 also found that the legal framework was a key issue for improvement.
FISH4ACP, a global fish value chain development initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is now supporting Zimbabwe's MoLAFWRD to develop a fisheries and aquatic bill, which will see the harmonisation of various pieces of legislation relating to the fisheries sector in the country.
“FAO has engaged its top legal experts to support the development of the fisheries bill. I'm convinced that it will result in increased investment and production in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the country,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe in a speech read on his behalf by Louis Muhigirwa, FAO Deputy Representative to Zimbabwe.
More than 40 Government officials, fish industry captains, civil society, private sector gathered in Harare for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill Consultations Inception Meeting. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the framework for developing the fisheries and aquatic resources bill, while also building consensus among stakeholders on the process of developing the bill.
“Aquaculture investments are long-term, spanning many years. Policies that are used to lure investors must be anchored on a sound and enabling legal framework which a fisheries and aquaculture Act will provide in line with global best practices,” said Garikai Munatsirei, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Fish Producers Association.
The participants agreed on a roadmap for a consultative process involving stakeholders across the sector. A team of legal experts from the legal division of the attorney general's office and the FAO's legal division will assist in collecting views and compiling the draft bill, prior to validation by the stakeholders. Eventually, the bill will be considered for debate in parliament and ascension to law by the end of the year 2023.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
