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President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus and Force Intervention Brigade Troop Contributing Countries in Namibia today.
Viviane Kakou, who has a master's degree in geography, didn't want to spend her career in an office. She chose agriculture out of passion. Thanks to the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), her dream of becoming an agricultural entrepreneur is taking shape.
“When I was studying for my degree,” she explains, “I was working on the rural economy among women in Afféry, in Adzopé department in the south-east of the country. I began to appreciate agriculture and thought I could earn my living from it. So, I came to it out of choice.”
For almost six months, Kakou, a 37-year-old woman, has been training at the Higher School of Agronomy (ESA) in Yamoussoukro, the country's political capital, which is implementing the project to employ young people in agribusinesses in Côte d'Ivoire (“Enable Youth Côte d'Ivoire”). This national programme has received €1.4 million in financial support from the African Development Bank.
The project, as part of its incubation phase, is training a new generation of young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs and equipping them to support the structural transformation of local agriculture through technological innovation. It also encourages young graduates, aged 21-37, to return to the land if they have a minimum of two years' post-secondary education.
“I'm working on the value chain for cassava. I chose to work in subsistence agriculture because I see cassava as white gold,” explains Kakou. In 2017, she visited Brazil, thanks to the project, which offered her a training course on cassava. “The main derivative of cassava, here, is attiéke. But there are so many cassava derivatives that can be used,” she says, buoyed by the support she has been given by Enable Youth to create her small enterprise.
“This project is important, because it creates optimal conditions for agricultural entrepreneurship through support for capacity building, promoting professionals in agriculture and funding projects for young people,” says ESA's Director, Siaka Koné, with delight.
In 2018, 70%-90% of working age Ivorians were in vulnerable jobs or unemployed. Kone says: “The aim of the “Enable Youth Côte d'Ivoire” project is to build the capacity of young graduates to create businesses in agricultural value chains. Young graduates will be trained in the skills needed by modern farmers using incubators that support agri-business projects. Following the incubation phase, they will receive support to fund their businesses.”
In addition to agriculture and animal production, beneficiaries of the “Enable Youth Côte d'Ivoire” pilot project are also learning about processing and e-commerce. This includes producing and processing cassava into flour, attiéke, a food staple, and other derivatives, such as liquid cassava waste, which can be processed into ethanol.
Others are working to produce and process peppers into purée and powder, off-season production of plantain; quail and quail eggs; oyster and Ganoderma mushrooms; and rearing rabbits or guinea fowl.
Kakou would like to see other young graduates follow in her footsteps. “I'd like to send a message to young people, especially young women, and tell them that I wasn't simply at a loose end. I have a master's degree in geography, so finding a job wouldn't have been an issue. But there are lots of opportunities in agriculture. I'd recommend they get involved. We can coach them to change their plans,” says Kakou, who in addition to Brazil, has travelled to Ibadan, Nigeria, to advance her agricultural know-how, thanks to the African Development Bank.
“I'd like to thank the African Development Bank, our Minister for Young People and the Youth Employment Programme. Thanks to them, my dream is coming true,” Kakou concludes, standing in an experimental cassava field of a quarter of a hectare in size.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
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The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the looting of the World Food Programme's (WFP) main offices in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, over the weekend, describing it as “violation” of humanitarian facilities.
In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, António Guterres noted that “most, if not all, United Nations agencies and our humanitarian partners, have been impacted by large-scale looting”, since the military power struggle between the national army and rival RSF militia began, which fighting now entering a fourth week.
Speaking to journalists at the daily UN briefing on Monday, Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, said that it was mainly office and computer equipment that had been stolen at the weekend, by so far unidentified looters.
Close to a quarter of WFP food stocks looted
He reminded that overall, some 17,000 metric tonnes of food had been taken, mostly in the first few days of the fighting, worth at least $13 million – but probably a good deal more than that, once a full inventory can be taken.
Mr. Haq said that WFP had pre-positioned around 80,000 tonnes of grain and other foodstuffs before the violence began on 15 April, emphasizing that the looting was depriving civilians of potentially life-saving aid.
He confirmed that no food supplies were stolen during the weekend's looting spree.
“This is the latest violation of humanitarian facilities since the start of the crisis”, said the UN chief's statement.
“The Secretary-General reiterates the need for parties to protect and respect humanitarian workers and facilities, including hospitals. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected in order to save lives.”
He said that the “needs of the Sudanese people, who are caught up in a humanitarian catastrophe, must come first.”
UN and partners work to expand aid effort
Mr. Haq said the UN and humanitarian partners were “working to expand humanitarian operations”, including improving the distribution network of aid around Sudan, “as we respond to rapidly growing needs.”
In Blue Nile State, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and partners are supporting health and nutrition programmes, including immunizations, screening and treatment for malnutrition, as well as pregnancy care and reproductive health services, he told correspondents.
In North Darfur, he said medicine, water and other items had gone to around 20 healthcare facilities, as well as sanitation and hygiene support, with at least 100,000 litres of water trucked in.
WHO aid begins to flow
On Friday, 30 tonnes of medical supplies were delivered to Port Sudan by the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the United Arab Emirates, he continued.
“The shipment contained enough trauma, essential medicine and emergency surgical items to reach 165,000 people via 13 major health facilities. It is WHO's first air delivery to Sudan since the conflict erupted.”
He added that customs clearance had been secured last week for around 80 tonnes of medical supplies that were offloaded in Port Sudan – where the UN and other agencies are basing operations and creating a large hub, following relocation from Khartoum.
These supplies include intravenous fluids and supplies for the treatment of traumatic injuries and severe acute malnutrition.
Customs clearance essential
“With more humanitarian shipments expected to arrive in Sudan in the coming days and weeks, we call for customs clearance to be expedited to ensure that life-saving assistance can reach people in need as quickly as possible”, said Mr. Haq.
WFP operation continues
Last week WFP restarted its operations in Sudan to meet the needs of 384,000 pre-existing refugees, host communities and both pre-existing and newly internally displaced people across Gedaref, Gezira, Kassala and White Nile, Mr Haq said.
“This is the first time WFP will be providing emergency food assistance in Gezira, where we are seeing freshly displaced families fleeing the conflict in Khartoum.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
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The Department of Transport has lauded the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (TRP) as a huge success following the scrapping of over 81 000 old taxi vehicles with a pay out of more than R5.6 billion scrapping allowance to taxi operators since its inception in October 2006 to March 2023.
HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater held on Monday a virtual meeting with HE President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation between the State of Qatar and the ICRC, especially in providing assistance to the Sudanese people, particularly in the health field.
The two sides asserted the necessity of securing humanitarian corridors so that aid can reach the areas most affected by the fighting in Sudan, such as Khartoum and Omdurman.
HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation commended the great and vital role that the ICRC plays in mitigating the effects of the tragic repercussions of the fighting in Sudan.
For her part, Mirjana Spoljaric voiced ICRC's appreciation to the State of Qatar and its various institutions for running the airlift, which was launched Friday to support those affected by the fighting in Sudan.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
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PRASA whistleblower Martha Ngoye stands firm under cross examination
Wallace Pescarini, President for Offshore Atlantic at global technology company, SLB, will speak at the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) Invest in African Energy Forum, to be held at the Westin Paris Vendome on 1 June. As the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris aims to explore investment opportunities in technology and infrastructure across Africa's energy sector, the inclusion of Pescarini as a speaker will be instrumental for expanding dialogue and ushering in new deals.
Playing a pivotal role as the President for Offshore Atlantic at SLB (previously Schlumberger) since 2020, Pescarini's key responsibilities include shaping SLB's strategy, overseeing business performance, and driving ESG projects across offshore markets across the globe. With this extensive experience in the energy industry, Pescarini's presence at the Forum signals the recognition and importance of Africa as a key player in the global energy landscape.
With an impressive career spanning over 20 years in the oil and gas industry, Pescarini has garnered extensive experience in both management and engineering roles across multiple regions. His work has taken him to Latin America, North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, giving him a global perspective on the sector. This breadth of exposure enables him to bring a unique vision and leadership skills to his current position, where he, under SLB, strives to expedite the transformation of the energy industry into a competitive and sustainable energy sector.
Pescarini began his professional journey in 1997 at SLB in offshore, deepwater Brazil. Through various roles and extensive experience, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector. With a master's degree in business management from Erasmus University in the Netherlands and a Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering from UNIFEI in Brazil, Pescarini combines practical expertise with academic knowledge, making him well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the industry.
Pescarini's presence at the Forum gives him an opportunity to leverage his expertise and industry knowledge to advocate for the development of the African energy sector. His global vision and leadership skills will be instrumental for highlighting the challenges and opportunities specific to the region. By sharing his insights and experiences, he can help shape the narrative around investing in African energy, emphasizing its feasibility, profitability, and positive impact on the continent's economic growth and social development.
What's more, SLB's endeavors in Africa's energy sector epitomize a comprehensive spectrum of services, solutions, and initiatives. Through the provision of cutting-edge technologies, digital innovations, expert project management, and an unwavering dedication to sustainability, the company assumes a profound role in bolstering the expansion, efficiency, and conscientious advancement of Africa's valuable energy resources.
In 2023, SLB took the initiative to open its cutting-edge regional office in Lagos, Nigeria, specifically designed to cater to the unique requirements of the West African region. This milestone reflects SLB's proactive commitment to enhance the employee experience and cultivate a sustainable business environment that actively benefits all stakeholders. By establishing such an environment, SLB aims to foster the growth and prosperity of investments in Africa's thriving energy sector, further solidifying the company's steadfast dedication to contributing to the region's development.
During this significant move, Pescarini emphasized the invaluable role played by stakeholders in enabling SLB to fulfill its mission of pioneering groundbreaking technology that expands access to energy for the benefit of all. Looking ahead to the future and the ever-evolving energy landscape, he demonstrated SLB's unwavering dedication to deliver exceptional value to customers and key stakeholders in Nigeria. At the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, Pescarini will have the opportunity to attract more stakeholders to invest in the company's cutting-edge technology and innovations aimed at accelerating Africa's energy sector.
"In attending the Forum, Wallace Pescarini, representing SLB, sends a resounding message about Africa's potential as a hub for sustainable and lucrative investments. The presence of SLB, alongside Pescarini's unwavering dedication to expedite the energy industry's transformation, perfectly aligns with our collective objectives of fostering economic growth, job creation, and responsible energy development across the continent," states NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that, "Through collaborative efforts, we can unlock Africa's vast energy potential and forge a path toward a prosperous and sustainable future.”
Pescarini's attendance at the Forum will be key for facilitating partnerships and collaborations with other industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders. By engaging in discussions, networking, and sharing best practices, he is expected to solifidy mutually beneficial relationships. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions, increased investment flows, and the establishment of sustainable energy projects in Africa.
Taking place on June 1, 2023, the Invest in African Energy Forum (https://apo-opa.info/3KQXc64) in Paris is open to all guests and RSVP is essential. RSVP to registration@aecweek.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
The Information Regulator has invited all public and private bodies to submit their Annual Reports for the 2022-2023 financial year on access to information requests received and processed by 30 June 2023.
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The fifth batch (eighth flight) of 132 stranded Nigerian citizens evacuated by the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the on-going evacuation from the internal conflict in Sudan arrived Nnamdi Arzikiwe International Airport today at 9:15am. They comprised of men, women and children, including infants. Of a particular note among them is a 3 weeks old baby.
They were airlifted via Tarco Aviation from Port Sudan and were received at Hajj Terminal of the Abuja Airport on behalf of the Federal Government by a team of senior Civil Servants led by the Director Special Duties NEMA Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bandele. Also present were the Head of Consular and Migration Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, NCFRMI, NiDCOM, NAPTIP
After clearance by the Nigerian Immigration Service, the returnees were served with meals and given tokens to assist them travel to their various locations. A philanthropic organization, Dangote Foundation distributed to the returned token worth N100,000 for cashing at bank and dignity kits for each of them. Furthermore, telecom giant, MTN gifted each of them with sim cards with N25,000 worth airtime and 2GB data.
Also today at the reception, the returnees sang the Nigerian National Anthem as they were excited over the Federal Government's concerns and successful airlifting of them back home to safety in dignity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria.
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Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, says 21 villages in Mpumalanga and Limpopo are set to benefit from the Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply Project.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, led a mission of UN humanitarian agencies facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and border authorities to the Qustul border crossing on 8 May to meet those who had just crossed into Egypt after fleeing Sudan, discuss the needs and how best to support them in collaboration with the Egyptian authorities and local partners.
The joint delegation included UNHCR Egypt Representative, Dr. Hanan Hamdan, accompanied by Ambassador Neveen El Hosseiny, Deputy Assistant Minister for Migration, Refugees and Combatting Human Trafficking at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative, Dr. Naeema Al Gasser, WHO Representative, Mr. Praveen Agrawal, WFP Representative, Mr. Sylvain Merlen, UNDP Deputy Representative and Mr. Bernard El Douahi, Programme Manager at IOM Egypt, among others.
The delegation met with border officials and Sudanese officials on the Sudanese side of the border to discuss the needs there and how best to address them.
UNHCR is leading an interagency response with the UN Resident Coordinator and sister UN agencies in collaboration with the Egyptian Government to respond to the growing needs of people fleeing Sudan and crossing into Egypt needing international protection. At the border, UN Agencies have been supporting the work of the Egyptian Red Crescent through provide life-saving assistance and core relief aid, distributed by the Egyptian Red Crescent to new arrivals, including water, hygiene and sanitary kits, latrines, wheelchairs, food and medical assistance.
In parallel to visiting the borders, and meeting with refugees there, UNHCR has also been meeting with refugees and community leaders in urban areas in Cairo and Aswan, counselling new arrivals and trying to assess their needs and concerns to inform the joint response plan UNHCR is leading on with sister UN agencies.
According to numbers UNHCR received from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, around 70,000 have crossed into Egypt including 65,104 Sudanese and 4,876 third-country nationals during the period 15 April - 7 May. To date, more than 1,400 individuals fleeing Sudan approached UNHCR and UNHCR is providing them with expedited registration and pre-registration services based on their vulnerability profiles so that they can access services available to refugees and asylum-seekers made available through UNHCR and its partners in Egypt.
Following registration, refugees and asylum-seekers receive support delivered through our implementing partners. Through the partners, UNHCR Egypt supports refugees and asylum seekers to meet their basic needs and have access to health and education services. Services provided by UNHCR, and its partners cover health, education, multi-purpose cash assistance to the most vulnerable, psychosocial support, protection and child protection services, among others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
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Dear Editor Build One South Africa (BOSA) notes, with shock, today’s response by Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Public Enterprises, to the Eskom court ruling in our favour handed down by the Gauteng North High Court, ordering him, as Government’s shareholder representative, to instate electricity supply to all public hospitals, schools and police stations, during loadshedding …
Schools' Independence Week in the Central region commences today, 8 May at Barka Secondary School here in the Capital.
Mr. Fessehaye Haile, Governor of the Central Region, and Mr. Yousuf Saiq, head of Organizational Affairs of the PFDJ attended the opening ceremony of the week being held in connection with the 32nd Independence Anniversary being celebrated under the theme “Heroic Feat Anchored on Cohesive Ranks”.
In a speech he delivered during the opening ceremony, Mr. Belay Habtegabir, head of the Education branch stated that this year's Schools' Independence Week is unique for it is being held during a time we have prevailed against our enemies and looking forward to a better epoch as well as at a time we are expecting the Independence Cup that contains sacred soil from all the historical places it is touring.
Mr. Tedros Abraham, head of the Ministry of Education branch in the Northern East sub-zone on his part, stated that the Schools' Week reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of our people, as well as the history of the armed struggle and the progress of our development programs, highlight the Independence celebrations nationwide.
The Central Region Schools' Independence Week will continue until 18 May and 116 kindergartens, 79 elementary, 40 Junior, as well as 22 Secondary schools will participate.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Amid increasing urgency to combat climate change, the 2022 United Nations Climate Conference brought together business leaders to discuss how corporations can take action to mitigate climate risks and the need for greater access to capital to finance the green transition globally
NSRI CEO Dr Cleeve Robertson has thanked the City of Cape Town (CoCT) and the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, for their financial contribution towards NSRI’s operational costs during incidents where NSRI volunteers and the CoCT Marine Animal Stranding Network respond to animals in distress …
All roads lead to Durban this week, as the 2023 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) -- the continent’s premier tourism trade show -- gets underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
The Futuregrowth Community Property Fund (“Comprop”) has acquired Sam Ntuli Mall, which brings the Comprop portfolio to 24 shopping centres, with a total gross lettable area of more than 420 000m2, valued in excess of R7.3 billion. Sam Ntuli Mall is a recently developed, high quality regional shopping centre situated in the large township of …
