Africa

16 May 2023

Vigilance and Integrity Needed to Combat Corruption and Wastage

Location: News

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President William Ruto has emphasized integrity and vigilance within Government ministries and departments.

He cautioned against corruption and wastage in the provision of services to the people.

The President asked the Cabinet to honour their responsibility to the Constitution and the people.

The President spoke at the 5th Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi.

The meeting agreed to ensure the prudent utilization of public resources.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet has approved the restructuring of Kenya Power's balance sheet in an attempt to restore profitability. The new plan will focus on enhancing the company's financial sustainability by addressing loan balances and the liquidity gap.

In line with the Kenya Kwanza Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the composition of Kenya Power's Board will be adjusted to reflect its shareholding.

The Cabinet has also endorsed proposed amendments to the Water Act of 2016, which introduces Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the water sector.

This will facilitate the construction of 100 mega dams through PPP and another 1,000 medium and 3,000 small dams to alleviate water challenges.

The changes to the Water Act clarify the roles of Water Works Development Agencies as bulk water service providers. They also establish a licensing framework for the agencies and align the Water Act 2016 with the Public Private Partnership Act 2021.

While the ongoing rains have provided relief to drought-affected areas of Kenya, the Cabinet recognized the need for locally-driven strategies and sustained resource mobilization to support long-term resilience building. The meeting also agreed to continue supporting the restocking of livestock to aid recovery among impoverished households in arid regions.

Additionally, the Cabinet acknowledged the importance of strengthening the implementation of drought risk reduction strategies to ensure sustainable natural resource management.

The Cabinet further approved the Kenya policy on Public Participation, which establishes the overarching standard for effective citizen engagement in development and governance, in compliance with the Constitution.

To expand Kenya's international presence, the Cabinet reviewed and approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Government of Kenya and the World Health Organization regarding the establishment of a regional emergency hub in Nairobi. The hub will create employment opportunities and markets for medical supplies.

To fulfill its international obligations, the nation's apex body has approved the Meteorological Bill and Meteorological Policy. These approvals will transform the Kenya Meteorological Department into Kenya Meteorological Services, in compliance with international instruments such as the Chicago Convention of 1944 and the African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (AMCOMET) of 2015.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.

16 May 2023

Climate finance in Africa

Location: News

Africa contributes the least - less than 3% -- to global warming, yet the continent is the most vulnerable to climate risks. To build resilience against climate change, the countries have outlined tangible ambitions for green growth, including plans to increase climate investment.

Amid dwindling climate finance flows to Africa, the African Development Bank has committed to helping to de-risk and remove business barriers to increase private investors' (https://apo-opa.info/3MyzMDs) contribution to climate finance on the continent.

Over the past decade, the Bank has developed expertise and knowledge of financing climate-related projects. For example, the Bank launched its Africa Disaster Risks Financing Programme in 2018 in collaboration with the African Risk Capacity Group (ARC) to promote the deployment of disaster response mechanisms. Its total climate commitments increased to 45% in 2022 (https://apo-opa.info/42ZZOVl), up from only 9% in 2016. By this, the Bank has exceeded its target of having 40% of its funding reserved for climate-related projects.

During its upcoming Annual Meetings from 22 to 26 May in Sharm el Sheikh, the Bank will host a session to explore how to mobilize more private sector financing to tackle climate change in Africa, including domestic natural capital. This flagship event will bring together entrepreneurs, pension and private equity fund managers, financiers and government representatives to discuss different instruments and how to deploy them on a large scale on the continent.

The delegates will consider green financing tools such as green bonds, sustainable bonds, social bonds, sustainability loans and debt-nature or debt-climate swaps. Participants will discuss national and international levers to overcome obstacles to implementing such instruments.

With lessons from best practices in Africa and internationally, the African Development Bank hopes to foster the development of innovative financial instruments to support investment in climate and green growth while ensuring a fairer distribution of resources across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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16 May 2023

Pace in International Reading and Literacy Study 2021 results

Location: News

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The results of the 2021 Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study (PIRLS) were released today, which confirmed that learning losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are severe across South Africa. South Africa's average PIRLS score dropped from 320 in 2016, to 288 in 2021, a drop of 32 points on the scale. However, the Western Cape scored 363, which is the highest score received by a province, and 75 points ahead of the average score for South Africa.

We have already taken decisive action to reverse the Covid-19 learning losses in the Foundation Phase based on our systemic test results:

The Western Cape Reading Strategy was implemented to strengthen performance in reading across all grades.
We allocated R118 million in the 2022/23 financial year for a Foundation Phase reading programme in three languages with training and the distribution of decodable readers and anthologies for Grades 1 to 3. And a further allocation of R288 million has been made over the next three financial years to add to this existing support.
As a province, we made the decision to allocate an extra two hours per week for reading within the school day in the Foundation Phase for the 3rd and 4th term of 2022. The additional time has now been recommended for schools across the country and continues for the youngest learners of the Western Cape.

What our 2022 systemic test results showed was that we had halted the decline in scores for Grade 3 Language, with the pass rate increasing marginally to 38.5%. Nonetheless, it is very concerning that the Western Cape's 2021 PIRLS score of 363 dropped 14 points from our 2016 score of 377. What the PIRLS results clearly confirm is that the pandemic had effectively wiped out years of gains, and put the futures of our youngest learners at serious risk.

Which is why we are investing a further R1.2 billion into our #BackOnTrack programme over the next three years, to improve learning outcomes across all phases so that our children have a better future in the Western Cape. 333 schools have been selected to receive targeted support based on the systemic test results, in addition to the 1 100 schools already receiving extra support in the Foundation Phase since 2022.

The new schools selected will identify 126 000 learners, 8 980 teachers and 28 000 parents targeted for focussed participation, in addition to the 310 000 learners and 10 000 teachers already participating in the Foundation Phase.

A tremendous amount of work has gone into getting this massive programme off the ground, and we invite all residents of the Western Cape to support us on this journey, and make the choice to invest in our children's futures. Let us all work together to get our children #BackOnTrack!

Read more about the #BackOnTrack programme here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/gc-news/408/59620

Details of our 2021 and 2022 systemic test results are available here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/gc-news/408/57906 https://www.westerncape.gov.za/gc-news/408/59400

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Education Department, South Africa.

16 May 2023

The impact of flexible finance in Africa

Location: News

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“Uganda is Africa in miniature,” said Susan Ngongi Namondo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, at the wrap up of the Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) Resource Partners' Field Trip, held in Uganda from 1 to 5 May. “All the development challenges that are faced in the rest of the African continent are present here,” she continued, “including gender gaps, extreme weather events, land tenure issues, and a high number of youths entering the labour market every year.” Nevertheless, Uganda holds also immense potential. “The country is blessed in terms of weather and natural resources,” added Antonio Querido, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Uganda. “Agriculture can help absorb the youth workforce, which brings many opportunities for economic growth and innovation.”

The FVC Resource Partners' Field Trip, co-organized by the FAO Representation in Uganda and the Secretariat of the FVC, allowed resource partners to have a first-hand experience of how FVC-funded interventions have been instrumental to harnessing opportunities and addressing the most pressing challenges in the country. Ten officials of the FVC resource partners participated in the field trip, representing the governments of Belgium, Flanders, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

A systemic response to development challenges

“The FVC is a unique, pooled, voluntary funding instrument established in 2010, which allows resource partners to support FAO's response to development challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner, in support of the Sustainable Development Goals,” explained Festus Akinnifesi, Head of Multi-Partner Initiatives and Flexible Funds in the FAO Resource Mobilization and Private Sector Partnerships Division (PSR).

Since its establishment, the FVC has supported over 65 projects in more than 80 countries, transforming hundreds of thousands of lives. In Uganda, FAO is implementing 14 out of the total 53 FVC-funded projects in the 2018-21 funding cycle. The impact can be seen at all levels – from policymaking to rural households.

The FVC Field Trip included field visits to beneficiaries in rural areas and strategic meetings with key stakeholders, such as Government officials and local implementing partners.

“Uganda is being looked upon as a country that other countries can learn from,” said Siobhan Kelly, FAO Agribusiness Economist, during the meeting with the Chair of the National Food Systems Coordination Committee (NFSCC). The NFSCC, hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, embodies Uganda's coordinated approach towards the realization of the commitments made during the National Food Systems Dialogues. Currently, FAO is working with the Government to translate the national post-summit agenda into action.

The meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF), incubators, diaspora networks, and youth organizations provided valuable opportunities to discuss FAO's work to boost decent employment in the Ugandan agrifood system, from different angles.

For instance, through FVC funds, FAO supported the establishment of the Uganda Diaspora Agribusiness Network (UDAN), which facilitates the transfer of knowledge and investments from diaspora members to Ugandan youth-led agribusinesses, as explained by Giulia Castro, FAO Migration and Rural Employment Specialist. The initiative is also helping young agripreneurs access foreign markets. Ambassador Johnny Muhindo, Head of the Diaspora Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended these efforts.

Listening to rural communities

Uganda's small-scale fisheries sector, centred around the large lakes across the country, is an important source of employment for local communities. While fishing remains a male dominated activity, members of the Kiyindi Women Group in Buikwe explained how the fishing inputs, drying racks, kilns, and the training in post-harvest handling provided by FAO have empowered them, boosting their economic activities and enhancing their food and income security.

In Mubende,local farmers engaged in FAO's Farmer Field Schools (FFS) have benefited from training on group dynamics, agribusiness, innovative agricultural practices, village banking opportunities and gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

As a result, members of the Ssaka Women groupcurrentlygrow vegetables, rear poultry, and have been raising and saving money for three years with plans for business expansion. Members of the Balitulabilako FFS group in Lugala apply soil and water conservation practices,and prioritize coffee production. They are working to increase production, acquire value-addition technologies and market better.

“Scaling up is key,” said Festus Akinnifesi. “In Uganda we have seen a great model of partnership with stakeholders at all levels, we have heard life changing testimonies from the beneficiaries, and we are learning about successful practices that can be replicated elsewhere.” According to Priya Gujadhur, Deputy FAO Representative in Uganda, “The FVC funding instrument is key to bringing innovation, leveraging capacity, and creating catalytic effects. We need to connect it to bilateral investments to scale up impact.”

The feedback provided by FVC resource partners during the field trip is crucial to charting the way forward and identifying key priority areas, including further integration of interventions at UN level, in the context of the agrifood system transformations strategy.

FAO appreciates the generosity of all eleven resource partners that made flexible voluntary contributions in the 2018-21 funding cycle: Australia, Belgium, Flanders, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.

16 May 2023

Soaring needs in Twic County, South Sudan

Location: News

In this region of Warrap State, which lacks food, water and healthcare services, and faces recurrent outbreaks of diseases, the displaced families are encountering a strained situation in Twic County. The floodwater destroyed the crops and made it impossible to harvest more, creating a food shortage over the course of many long months.

Under the shadow of a tree, a group is gathering, exchanging greetings. Peter, a mental health counsellor for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Margaret Abuk, MSF health promoter, are conducting an awareness and educational session for a group of overfifty people. A woman in the background is carrying a jerrycan of water on her head, walking slowly to go back to her shelter. In the distance, two children are standing hand in hand the older taking care of the younger. It is a normal day in Gomgoi camp, South Sudan, where 10,000 internally displace people have settled after fleeing the city of Agok, located a few dozen kilometres north, in February 2022, due to violence.

In this region of Warrap State, which lacks food, water and healthcare services, and faces recurrent outbreaks of diseases, the displaced families are encountering a strained situation in Twic County. On top of that, the floods that affected the west side of the county worsened an already dire situation. The floodwater destroyed the crops and made it impossible to harvest more, creating a food shortage over the course of many long months. The displaced families have lived for over a year in makeshift camps made of wooden sticks, and pieces of fabrics or plastic sheeting. For these people, the normality they have settled into is far from being normal, more than one year on.

Fleeing the violence and settling in the camps

Margaret Abuk, MSF community health worker, is one of the people who fled south into Twic County. She has been living in a shelter with her three daughters, in Majak Aher camp, next to Turalei town.

“Because of the conflict, because we were afraid, because people were killing us and our children, we had to run,” she explains. “I decided to come to Turalei because I knew there is public administration and protection as well as non-governmental organisations that would help us in the camp.”

Following the displaced population, MSF moved its activities from Agok—where the organisation had been running a hospital for eight years—to respond to the urgent needs of the newly displaced people. From March 2022, MSF teams started to offer humanitarian and medical assistance to displaced people within the Twic County. As well as running the mobile clinics, MSF distributed food, plastic sheeting, and other relief items and constructed latrines and water points in six of the seven makeshift camps.

“MSF was the only organisation providing assistance to us. For example, the blanket I have in my shelter and on which my children sleep every night is the one I've received from MSF last June,” Margaret adds.

Today, 30,000 persons are still living in dire conditions in the displaced camps, and the medical team witnesses the consequences of violence and displacement on the patients they treat. Amou Lang Deng is the mother of Adhar Deng, a 16-month-old girl, who suffers from severe acute malnutrition. She was admitted to the MSF-supported clinic of Mayen-Abun for fever and diarrhoea. The baby is anaemic and needs regular blood transfusion while still being fed through a nasogastric tube. Amou Lang Deng delivered her in MSF's Agok hospital. In February, when violence erupted in Agok, she moved with her three young children and newborn baby to Abindau displaced camp, and still lives there with them. She does not remember any detail about her fleeing.

“Life in the camp is very difficult as there is no food,” tells Amou Lang Deng. “There are some organisations, but delays between distributions are important, and the quantities are insufficient. It's been seven days since I'm in the hospital. I'm sure the food is finished since long time and my three other children are too young to look for food. When you look at my children, you can tell that food is missing, because they are very skinny.”

Focusing on comprehensive care to address urgent needs

From August 2022, MSF's work shifted from an emergency response to a comprehensive and decentralised offer of medical care through the support of an 86-bed hospital in Mayen-Abun, two health posts in Gomgoi and Nyin Deng Ayuel, as well as in four community sites in the camps (Aweng, Majak Aher, Majok Noon and Abindau).

At the MSF-supported clinic in Mayen-Abun, MSF works hand in hand with the Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive care from outpatient consultations to emergency care and maternity, and hospital. A chronic care unit was also opened, as there are very few options for patients suffering from HIV or tuberculosis for instance. The MSF teams also offer psychological support to the individuals traumatised by violence and difficult life in the camps. Many patients seek care in this location. To reduce the number of patients in the MSF-supported clinic in Mayen-Abun, MSF has started providing consultations in accessible locations inside the camps, or nearby health posts.

Challenges and gaps

The volume of patients received in the MSF supported healthcare facilities reflect the alarming extent of healthcare needs for people in the host communities and those who have been displaced.

“We receive many children with moderate or severe acute malnutrition,” explains James Tikuei Nyibango Okoth, MSF medical activity manager in Twic County. “They come mainly from the displaced camps, but also from the host community, because food is missing all over the region. We face am influx of patients suffering from malaria during the rainy season and high number of malnourished children during the dry period. Our teams are stretched to capacity, and the needs are immense.”

Staff in all wards of the facility are busy. One place is quieter: the neonatal unit, where the newborns and their mothers rest. But one mother, Akon Garan and her son Athan Mariak Muorwel, 8 days old, are preparing to leave early the day after the baby is born. The baby needs an urgent surgery because of a malformation. But there are no surgical capacities in the whole Twic County, so they will be referred to Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. Road access is limited and long, and the baby is very small and fragile for the six-hour drive. The absence of an operation theatre puts many lives at risk.

“If a patient is bleeding, or a pregnant woman has an obstructed labour it is very difficult”, says James Tikuei Nyibango Okoth. “We have also lost patients on the way due to the long distance.”

MSF is rehabilitating an operating theatre in a hospital in Turalei, one-hour drive from Mayen-Abun in dry season. Another challenge is the climate situation, as the recurrent flood that occurred in the region for three past years, not only make many areas inaccessible but also result in high peaks of waterborne diseases such as malaria.

More support needed for the population

“The situation is still very severe”, declares Beatriz Martinez de la Fuente, MSF project coordinator in Twic. “Because the conflict is still ongoing and considering that this area is likely to get flooded during the rainy season, this situation could become even more difficult for people here.”

Anticipating the rainy season that will worsen the living condition as well as increase the health needs, more support is needed from other medical and humanitarian actors.

“We continue to run our medical programmes, but there are acute needs for food, water supply, sanitation, shelter and protection, “she concludes.

While this region, along with other parts of South Sudan suffer from soaring needs, cuts to funding or reduced humanitarian assistance put lives of many in danger.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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16 May 2023

First terrestrial data superhighway connecting Mombasa to Johannesburg launched

Location: News

Liquid Dataport, a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, today announced it has launched the first terrestrial fibre connecting Mombasa to Johannesburg. This new route, including a breakthrough and unique fibre link across DRC between Goma and Kananga, provides multiple landlocked countries with extra redundancy, resilience, connectivity to numerous data centres and cloud resources, and, most significantly, an alternative option in the event of a subsea cable outage between Kenya and South Africa.

“Cassava Technologies is committed to making digital inclusion a reality on the African continent. This milestone achieved by Liquid Dataport reiterates our commitment to a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind through our continuous investments towards improving and expanding our digital infrastructure. This route will not only bring increased access to high-speed connectivity, but will also improve lives and allow businesses to create and sustain millions of jobs,” says Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies.

The exponential demand for connectivity directly results from the increasing adoption of digital technologies by enterprises across the continent. Consequently, there is an urgent need for service providers and international carriers like Liquid Dataport to cater to this growing demand seamlessly. This route that will connect South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the DRC is yet another testament to Liquid Dataport's commitment to improving access to digital services for everyone in Africa dramatically.

Commenting on the launch of this new route, David Eurin, CEO of Liquid Dataport, said, “This is the first terrestrial-only cable connecting Mombasa to Johannesburg via DRC. It is the result of our significant fibre infrastructure investments in several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. With this new route, we are able to provide our existing and future customers access to an intelligent network with increased resilience and low latency. It not only provides redundancy but was designed to provide additional capacity to the landlocked countries on the route with direct access to cloud resources on the African continent and beyond”.

This route offers hyperscalers, enterprises and wholesale carriers direct connectivity to data centres in Johannesburg and Nairobi. Investments on the Equiano sea cable and significant capacity on the PEACE and 2Africa undersea fibre cables together with its extensive terrestrial cross-border fibre brodband network ensures that Liquid's customers benefit from low-cost international capacity landing on both the Kenyan and South African shores wherever they need it on the Continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group serving customers in over 25 countries in Africa. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 100,000km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. https://www.Liquid.Tech/

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16 May 2023

80th Anniversary of the Finish of the WWII Tunisia Campaign

Location: News

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This week, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Tunisia Campaign of World War II, which was a turning point for the Allied forces and liberated North Africa from Nazi control on May 13, 1943. This success in Tunisia paved the way for the liberation of Europe and strengthened the partnership between the allied countries. As part of the commemorative events, Ambassador Joey Hood alongside the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany, traveled to Gabes as a guest of the Ministries of Defense, Tourism and Culture to visit the Mareth Line Museum that documents a pivotal battle between Allied and Axis forces along the line of Wadi Zigzaou. Other commemorative events included a symposium at the Oudhna archaeological site with preeminent World War II scholars and a gathering with Tunisian officials at the Ambassador's residence. The North Africa American Cemetery also hosted a luminary event at the site where 2,841 American soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Ambassador Hood noted, “After World War II, we learned how the most bitter of rivals could move past even the deepest wounds of war to address the common challenges of the future. This is why we can stand together here today not only with our allies, but also with our former adversaries, with whom we work today in partnership and friendship.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Tunisia.

16 May 2023

Members irked by Nodding Disease

Location: News

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Members of the Committee on Health on a tour of select districts in Northern Uganda are perturbed by the impact of Nodding Disease on children.

In a meeting with the Gulu District Local Government leaders on Thursday, 11 May 2023, the committee led by its deputy chairperson, Hon. Joel Ssebikaali, was informed that there are 135 registered cases in the different sub counties across the district.

Nodding syndrome is a type of epilepsy characterised by repeated head-nodding seizures that appear in previously healthy children aged between three and 18 years.

The MPs were also shocked by the increasing level of hunger in in the region despite interventions like provision of oxen to plough people's land.

“We have moved to many districts like Gulu, Omoro and Pader where we have discovered a number of families being hit by hunger,” said Ssebikaali, advising the district leadership to initiate different avenues to sensitise their people about food security.

Santa Labong, a mother of two infected children, Patricia Auma, aged 18 and Ireen Odong, aged 24, said she relied on subsistence farming to provide for her family.

However, she is now constrained to tend her garden as she has to remain home to care for the sick children.

The Gulu District Health Officer (DHO), Dr Kenneth Canna, told the MPs the lack of a specialised clinic to treat Nodding Disease patients had left them with no option but to use the Out Patients Department.

According Dominic Okidi, who represented the DHO for Pader, some of the patients had died as result of drowning at the wells where they are sent to fetch water or fallen into fire places in the kitchens – all because of their condition that makes them unstable and vulnerable to falling.

Okidi requested that two treatment centres and a rehabilitation facility are constructed to treat and manage the patients.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

15 May 2023

WC Government Creates Youth Employment with Business Process Outsourcing Sector Recruitment Drive

Location: News

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As part of the Western Cape Government's drive to create opportunities for youth employment, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), together with 12 employers in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector hosted a recruitment drive at the Athlone stadium on Friday, 12 May 2023, to bring employment opportunities closer to where young job seekers live.

Unemployed youth, between the ages of 18 and 34 with a grade 12 or equivalent qualification were interviewed by operators, which will be employing 1 000 of those interviewed in the BPO sector.

“The BPO sector is a vibrant and growing sector of the Western Cape's economy, with Cape Town and the Western Cape recognised as the leading location in South Africa for global business services delivery” said Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

The event is the first of five to be held in the 2023/24 financial year, bringing the number of opportunities offered to 5 000 over the year.

Successful candidates will receive a 12-month on-the-job learnership within a BPO company, including a monthly stipend. After completing the programme, each beneficiary will receive an accredited qualification, equivalent to a NQF level 3.

Minister Wenger continued: “I had the pleasure of meeting with some of the applicants as well as the companies present at the drive at the Athlone Stadium on Friday and what struck me was the hope and enthusiasm in all who I met. The fact is that far too many young people struggle to find work which is why the Western cape Government works with the private sector to create more opportunities for our young residents.”

This project is a partnership between DEDAT and BPO operators, as well as the National Treasury's Job Fund and Cape Town College.

“What is truly impressive is that 80% of those who complete the programme are transitioned into a formal job, giving them the opportunity to live a life they value, to support themselves and their families. We will continue to partner with key stakeholders in the private sector so we can help create many more opportunities for those wishing to find work in the province.” Concluded Minister Wenger.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

15 May 2023

Ghana President Akufo-Addo on State Visit to Guinea-Bissau

Location: News

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, left Ghana on Sunday, 14th May 2023, to lead the Ghanaian delegation for a State Visit to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, at the invitation of its President, His Excellency Umaru Sissoco Embalo, Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

The purpose of the visit is to deepen further the already strong relations that exist between the two countries, as well as explore other areas of co-operation to their mutual benefit.

Whilst in Guinea-Bissau, the President will hold bilateral talks with President Embalo; he will receive the Amilcar Cabral Medal, the highest national honour of Guinea-Bissau; deliver a lecture at the Law Faculty of the University of Amilcar Cabral; and interact with the contingent of Ghanaian soldiers stationed in Bissau, who are part of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission.

The President was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, and officials from the Presidency and Foreign Ministry.

The President will return to Ghana on Tuesday, 16th May 2018, and in his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

15 May 2023

Uganda: HIV/AIDS infections spread in border districts

Location: News

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The Committee on HIV/AIDS and Related Matters has prayed for government intervention to curb the spread of the virus in the border districts of Tororo and Busia.

During the committee's oversight visit to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS amongst the populations with emphasis to commercial sex workers, drug addicts and people involved in acts of homosexuality, the committee also visited Tororo Municipal Council, Bison Health Centre III, Malaba Health Centre and Busia Municipal Council.

The committee led by its chairperson, Hon. Sarah Kayagi, held meetings between 10 and 12 May 2023 with key district leaders who decried the continued increase in HIV/AIDS infections.

Available information at the Ministry of Health indicates that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Tororo district was at six per cent in 2020 and that there were 893 new infections.

Persons living with HIV/AIDS in Tororo informed the committee that there is a need to extend support to their people instead of limiting resources to people in Kampala, the capital city.

The Tororo Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Albert Amula, urged the committee to ensure that the AIDS Trust Fund is operationalised and also that the committee uses its mandate to appropriate more money to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“Since some of the donors who have been funding the sector are set to pull out because of the anti-homosexuality bill, the time is now for you to operationalise the fund,” he said.

Kayagi informed stakeholders that the anti-homosexuality bill that was passed by Parliament was not only intended to criminalise the acts of homosexuality but also incorporated rehabilitation and treatment of victims.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

15 May 2023

Escalating Violence in Sudan Following Jeddah Agreement

Location: News

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For the second time in three weeks, West Darfur's Geneina was at the centre of senseless fighting over the weekend, just hours after the announcement of the Jeddah agreement. At least 280 people were killed, according to the Sudan doctors' syndicate, and many more injured.

“The appalling levels of violence unfolding in West Darfur are nothing short of inhumane,” said William Carter, NRC's country director for Sudan. “Scarcely had the two warring parties signed the Jeddah Agreement on Thursday night when chaos erupted in Geneina. One of our staff members was injured, and each day brings news of people burying their loved ones who fell victim to the senseless fighting.”

Today marks one month since the eruption of fighting in Sudan. The destruction and civilian death toll continues to rise despite repeated announcements of ceasefires and the Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan signed last Thursday.

Within Geneina, an estimated 100,000 internally displaced people remain at the mercy of the relentless violence, with settlements once again being reduced to ashes. Trapped civilians have endured three days of incessant shelling, devastating their homes. This recent escalation of violence follows a major bout of fighting in April, during which nearly 200 lives were lost. For weeks, the residents of Geneina have been stranded within the city, unable to escape, cut off from vital healthcare and basic necessities. Additionally, electricity and network blackouts have severely hampered communication, exacerbating the dire circumstances.

Across Sudan, the conflict has displaced nearly 1 million people since 15 April, with approximately 200,000 seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.

“We are still unable to deliver emergency aid in Khartoum and Geneina, where the fighting has displaced most of our colleagues, said Carter. “The shutdown of the banking system and the lack of visa issuance into the country further hinder large-scale humanitarian relief efforts. Make no mistake: the conflict in Sudan shows no signs of abating – it is imperative that the international community redouble their efforts to hold the warring parties responsible for the protection of civilians."

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Norwegian Refugee Council.

15 May 2023

Identifying Gabon’s Key Growth Prospects

Location: News

In the Central African region, Gabon stands out for its political stability, investor-friendly policies and enduring status as one of Africa's most prolific oil producers. The country's 2023-2027 economic plans are on track to usher in a new era of growth on the back of the diversification and industrialization of the Gabonese energy sector.

As Gabon gears up for its 2023 election, the ruling Parti Démocratique Gabonais (PDG) is expected to retain power and the government's 2023-2027 economic plans look set to proceed.

These plans center on strengthening and diversifying the national economy by breathing new life into Gabon's oil and gas industry, increasing domestic processing of raw materials, rendering industrial services more competitive, and promoting the sustainable development of natural resources.

Buoyed by political stability, an influx of foreign direct investment and growing support from international partners, Gabon is expected to become an emerging economy by 2025, with projected GDP growth of roughly 3% by the close of 2023.

Reinventing the Upstream Industry

Although production has been in decline since 1996, Gabon remains Africa's fifth-largest oil producer, and the country's large but maturing fields still have plenty of fuel in the tank. Tech-savvy international oil companies like Perenco, BW Offshore and VAALCO Energy are applying the latest secondary recovery techniques to extend a field's lifespan and stabilize production. Marginal fields (https://apo-opa.info/3IdKSLv) that do not fit into their portfolios present home-grown production companies, like Stream Oil Olawi, with the opportunity to move up the value chain, while maximizing production from existing assets. Emphasis is also being placed on frontier exploration in Gabon's deep offshore. Recent game-changing discoveries in Mauritania and Angola have been made in deep-water blocks with geological formations that are remarkably similar to Gabon's, whose North Basin area is thought to contain undiscovered pre-salt deposits that could open a new chapter in the country's hydrocarbon history.

Creating Gas-Based Industries

While oil production has long been the lifeblood of Gabon's economy, natural gas (https://apo-opa.info/42mEf1u) is emerging as a key pillar of diversification, encapsulated in the country's Gas Master Plan that aims to reduce gas flaring, increase energy security and expand access to affordable energy. This foresees the elimination of flaring and the harnessing of Gabon's estimated 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves – which primarily come in the form of associated gas – to produce a range of downstream industries and a gas-based network. Perenco is leading the construction of a 700,000-ton-per-year LNG plant, which promises to enable gas exports for the first time. Meanwhile, the refining capacity of SOGARA, Gabon's sole refiner, is in the process of being expanded from 1.2 million tons of oil per year to 1.5 million tons, which could make Gabon self-sufficient in refined petroleum products by 2030.

Meeting Current and Future Energy Demand

While Gabon has one of the highest urbanization rates in Africa, 70% of the country's south and interior remains unelectrified, inhibiting industrialization and private sector growth. The government has stated its objective of universal electricity access by 2030, with a view to eliminating electricity imports and developing energy-intensive industries like mining, agriculture and manufacturing. Currently, around half of the electricity consumed in Gabon comes from hydroelectric generation, largely from the Grand Poubara Hydroelectric Dam (160 MW) and Kinguele Aval Hydroelectric Dam (70 MW). The construction of several solar photovoltaic power plants has also been launched in a bid to electrify rural provinces, including a 120 MWp solar plant by Solen and eight hybrid solar plants totaling 2.2 MW by Engie.

In terms of fossil fuels, gas-fired power plants operated by Perenco provide 70% of Libreville's electricity and 100% of Port-Gentil. Projects like that resulting from Perenco's recent MOU with Gabon Power Company – which promises to electrify 80,000 households in remote southern provinces with an eventual 50 MW of generation capacity through a new gas-fired power plant in Mayumba – demonstrate the scale of what can be achieved through investments in gas monetization and related infrastructure. According to the African Development Bank, Gabon flares about 35 billion cubic feet of gas per year, which represents around 200 MW of electricity. Accordingly, the Gabonese power market, expected to grow by 3.4% between now and 2028, represents a promisingopportunity for investors.

Leading the African Energy Transition

These developments and more have made Gabon a regional leader in the African energy transition. Gas monetization is a key tenet of Gabon's environmental policy, as it serves to eliminate flaring and capitalize on a relatively clean burning fossil fuel. Gabon is also considered to be one of the most carbon-positive countries globally, as tropical forests cover 88% of its territory and are estimated to absorb four times more carbon dioxide than it produces. In December 2022, Gabon became the first African country to make carbon credits available under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, claiming 90.6 million tons of carbon offsets between 2010 and 2018. Coupled with the expansion of installed renewable energy generation capacity, investors are advised to take advantage of Gabon's move towards green energy and stated plans to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2025.

All this and more will be further unpacked in Energy Capital & Power's upcoming market report, Energy Invest Gabon. Keep following for more information about this exciting report!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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15 May 2023

WFP provides critical assistance to people fleeing violence in Sudan

Location: News

World Food Programme (WFP)
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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), launched today an emergency cash assistance programme to support vulnerable people fleeing the conflict in Sudan. WFP's pre-established cash delivery platform will also be made available to sister UN agencies to enable them to quickly extend their assistance to vulnerable people arriving in Egypt from Sudan.

WFP and partner agencies have conducted a rapid assessment to identify the most vulnerable arrivals needing assistance. Assistance provided to identified people will allow them to access basic food and other essential needs. The food agency is already supporting over 100,000 refugees in Egypt through its existing cash delivery platform.

WFP will support the most vulnerable families arriving in Egypt who have crossed into the country with nothing or have run out of money after a long and perilous journey.

“They are drained by the journey that they and their families had to take to reach safety and are extremely food insecure. At this time of great uncertainty, cash assistance helps secure their most basic needs,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Egypt Praveen Agrawal. “WFP will avail its cash delivery platform to sister UN Agencies like the UN's children fund (UNICEF) and other development partners enabling them to quickly reach vulnerable families in need of support.”

This assistance comes in addition to the emergency ready-to-eat food packages new arrivals received upon arrival. At the onset of the crisis, WFP dispatched more than 20 metric tons of fortified emergency food assistance. WFP further expanded its assistance with additional packages of food, including enhanced nutritional food items that are distributed by the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) at the two entry points of Arqeen and Qustol on the Egyptian-Sudanese borders.

WFP is coordinating with the Government of Egypt and the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) the provision of assistance and has so far dispatched food assistance enough for nearly 90,000 people.

According to Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about 88,000 people (83,000 Sudanese, and 5,000 Egyptians and third-country nationals) have crossed through the Sudan-Egypt border as of 11 May.

Egypt had already been hosting over 60,000 Sudanese refugees, and WFP has been a long-term supporter of the most vulnerable, providing monthly cash assistance to more than 10,000 of them to help them secure their basic food needs. Refugees receive monthly cash assistance through e-cards redeemable at over 140,000 points of sale nationwide.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

15 May 2023

Tanzania aims to achieve 80% broadband penetration by 2025

Location: News

With a bold ambition to achieve 80% broadband penetration by 2025, the government with support from the World Bank has embarked on a project dubbed Digital Tanzania in partnership with mobile network operators that will see the extension of broadband services to 713 wards which translates to 1,407 villages and benefit over 8.5 million Tanzanians across the country upon its completion.

Officiating the signing ceremony at the country's capital of Dodoma, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania commended the various ongoing partnerships between public institutions and private organizations (PPPs) in successfully implementing strategic development projects that benefit Tanzanians.

“Today we have witnessed a historic event that will see all 26 regions across Tanzania's mainland reached with quality and reliable telecommunication services compared to Zanzibar which was wholly covered in November 2022. The presence of services is of great significance not only in rural areas but also in town areas as it accelerates development and inclusion politically, socially, and economically as well as for the safety and security of the nation. The implementation of this project is in line with the government's commitment to improve telecommunication services and facilitate youth with opportunities in the ICT sector,” explained H.E. President Suluhu.

President Suluhu acknowledged the initiative as it is going to further grow businesses in rural areas as the farmers now will have information at their fingertips and expand markets for their products. She also noted the government is going to change and expand the usage of feature phones to smartphones given the availability and assurance of quality communication services. Another area that is going to be significantly impacted is the health sector specifically telemedicine. In particular, she pointed out and commended the excellent implementation of the m-mama program in partnership with the Vodacom Tanzania Foundation which has remarkably decreased the maternal mortality rate across Tanzania.

On his part, Vodacom Tanzania Plc's Managing Director, Mr. Philip Besiimire when asked about the essence of the partnership linked it with the company's vision to lead Tanzania to the digital age and change lives through technology, stressing that through innovation and community-driven insights, they have been able to come up with products and services that touch on key socio-economic sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and mobile financial services.

Echoing the President's remarks Mr. Besiimire explained that in a country where three-quarters of the country's workforce works in the agriculture sector and most of them reside in rural Tanzania, their innovative solutions have accelerated farmers' registration on their M-Kulima platform reaching over 3.1 million farmers. They've gone further to distribute proceeds worth north of TZS4 billion to the enrolled farmers via M-Pesa in the last year, which provided ease, security, and speedy distribution. M-Kulima is designed to provide farmers with digital agricultural services including cashless electronic payments, market information, and weather forecasts, all delivered through mobile devices, and through their latest partnership with UCSAF, more farmers will benefit from such services.

Speaking of their network investment he said "Over the years we have built thousands of sites across the country out of which 3,429 are 2G sites; 3,066 are 3G; 2,315 are 4G and last year we introduced the country's first 5G network whereas to date we have built 231 sites in Tanzania's mainland and Zanzibar, connecting Tanzanians, and reaching a broadband coverage of 93% of the population. We continue to strengthen our network by widening our broadband coverage and modernizing our 2G sites to meet modern world demands,” explained Mr. Besiimire.

Through our partnership with the government through UCSAF, Vodacom has reached Tanzanians who would otherwise remain unconnected. We have built 296 sites, reaching close to 300 wards, and connected over 3.6 million Tanzanians to mobile services such as voice, data, and M-Pesa.

Mr. Besiimire emphasized the impact of network availability in driving digital transformation, noting the company's network leadership has enabled them to transform communities, create jobs through direct and indirect employment, and advance solutions in health and education working closely with the government in various regions of the country.

“To pick one example, we transformed the lives of the villagers in Mundarara, a mining town in Longido district, Arusha region, where communication infrastructure was absent. It was achieved through facilitating access to GSM services, broadband, and M-Pesa services thus driving financial inclusion through access to not only peer-to-peer (P2P) services but also savings, loans, and other life-changing opportunities,” concluded Mr. Besiimire.

With Vodacom Tanzania allocated 190 wards through the Digital Tanzania partnership, the company will extend its reach to approximately 4.1 million people which is equivalent to 3.7% of Vodacom's network coverage. By the completion of this project, Vodacom will have reached 525 wards, getting 8,179,367 Tanzanians connected and exposed to the wide array of their products and services, allowing them to participate in the digital economy.

Vodacom Tanzania PLC has been a key stakeholder in the usage of National ICT broadband backbone (NICTBB infrastructure since 2012, with capacity leasing contracts worth over USD 60 million in the past years. This has helped the extension of internet accessibility, where more people can access digital facilities, such as health services, education delivery, and agricultural information as well as furthering the growth of financial inclusion nationally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vodacom Tanzania Plc.

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15 May 2023

How Financial Technology is Shaping Trading and Asset Management

Location: News

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, GITEX AFRICA 2023 (https://GITEXAfrica.com/), from May 31 to June 2, 2023 in Marrakech, the largest Tech & Startup event on the African continent, amplifies Africa's digital aspirations and achievements. Capital Quant Agency, as an innovative Fintech startup, is thrilled to be part of this collaborative global event that showcases an untapped market of limitless opportunities, provides global reach for local African technology and enhances skills to inspire the world to create and to innovate.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, capital and financial markets have become more complex and volatile than ever before, the case of the city of London. The rise of digital technologies and globalization has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges for investors and financial institutions alike. Technology has enormous potential in Finance, and more specifically in capital and financial markets. When it comes to market finance and financial asset management, there has been a huge rise in the use of technology over recent years. This is due to some major challenges faced by financial institutions, trading rooms – asset managers and institutional investors on a daily basis. The expression “Fintech” combines the terms “Finance” and “Technology”: it refers to an innovative start-up that use technology to rethink and solve some specific financial services challenges.

The rise of Financial Technology (Fintech) has transformed the landscape of market finance, and it's essential for trading rooms and institutional investors to stay informed on this trend. Fintech has revolutionized the way financial institutions manage financial assets, helping them tackle major challenges that arise on a daily basis. Through the use of advanced data analysis, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. Some fintech startups like Capital Quant Agency are developing an innovative decision-making software as a service (SaaS) that can help financial institutions optimize their portfolios, assess investment opportunities, and migrate financial risks.

This is where Capital Quant Agency comes in. As a leading fintech startup, based at Casablanca (Morocco), it can help its clients make more informed decisions, increase efficiency as well as revenue through maximizing transparency, automation, and connectivity. Quantitative analytics require robust, interactive and easy-to-use interface. By leveraging advanced analytics and quantitative resources capable of producing better results for both institutional investors, investment – asset managers, financial institutions and hedge funds. The software will help them assess the best investment opportunities, optimize their portfolios and migrate financial risk. Moreover, it is committed to using ethical and responsible practices in all its operations. By adhering to high standards of data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical conduct, Capital Quant Agency helps its clients build trust and confidence in their decision-making process. This is particularly important in an age where unethical practices are becoming increasingly common in the financial industry.

Fintech is revolutionizing market finance, and it's crucial for trading rooms and institutional investors to stay informed. Understanding the power of fintech can help financial institutions optimize their operations, streamline their processes, and maximize profitability. However, navigating this new digital landscape requires careful attention to the latest trends and developments in fintech. By staying informed, financial institutions can unlock the full potential of fintech and stay ahead of the game in the ever-changing world of market finance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

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15 May 2023

Burundi commits to double solar power capacity

Location: News

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Burundi has officially inaugurated the country's first utility-scale solar field, as part of push to leverage renewable energy for improved access to electricity for homes and businesses.

The grid-connected 7.5MW solar power plant, located in Mubuga, became operational in 2021. It has since then provided more than 10% of Burundi's electricity.

During the official inauguration, President Évariste Ndayishimiye pledged, with support of development partners, to double the generating capacity at the plant.

“We celebrate economic and climate progress in Burundi, which is open to direct foreign investment to catalyse economic growth for our people,” President Ndayishimiye said in a statement released by Gigawatt Global, the renewable energy company that developed the field. “Thanks to this solar field, and my agreement to double the size of it, we have increased energy security that can reliably run agro-businesses."

Burundi ranks poorly as one of the least electrified countries (https://apo-opa.info/3o4j0Te) in the world, with only about 11% of the country's 11 million people (or roughly 1.2 million people) having access to electricity.

The country's electricity supply comes largely from hydropower, but the energy gap has forced many to rely on costly and polluting diesel fuel. Thanks to the project in Mubuga, the electricity generated by the solar field has been able to replace significant power coming from diesel, expanding output to new users.

Partnering for clean energy development

Developing and building Burundi's first solar plant took a six-year process led by Gigawatt Global, a multinational green energy developer and independent power producer for Africa.

Gigawatt broke ground on the Solar field in 2017, but full construction began in January 2020. Commercial operations took off (https://apo-opa.info/3ObXExM) in October 2021.

But before the project came online, it received financial support through a grant from the Energy and Environment Partnership (a joint Finland, UK and Austria fund) and the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries, to cover the studies relevant to constructing the field. The field also got support of the African-EU Renewable Energy Cooperation Program, engaging in the project with due diligence.

Financing for the construction of the project was provided via a consortium including pan-African private equity investor Inspired Evolution via its Evolution II Fund, the UK government-funded Renewable Energy Performance Platform, and Gigawatt Global. The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has been leading in the area of Political Risk Insurance and refinancing of construction debt.

The project, Burundi's first grid-connected solar development by an independent power producer, is expected to pave the way for further foreign investment into the country's renewable energy sector.

"This project demonstrates how the world community can realize shared development goals by utilizing international financing facilities best suited for frontier and emerging markets," Gigawatt Global Burundi SA Managing Director Michael Fichtenberg said.

Moving forward with 'Energy Hub'

Gigawatt Global says a small business and community center powered by solar energy, providing access to productive use of electricity locally, is also moving forward.

This 'Energy Hub' for which land and funding are being secured, will promote community development through women and youth empowerment programmes, along with various educational components developed in conjunction with local and international NGOs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Green Energy Africa Summit.

Green Energy Africa Summit:
Under the theme " Unlocking Africa's Just Energy Potential " Green Energy Africa Summit 2023 will welcome over 50 ministers and government officials alongside the industry's global leaders and be the hub for building a sustainable future for the African energy sector this October.

Don't miss out on joining 1000+ senior industry decision makers as they come together to map out Africa's energy journey.

15 May 2023

Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Libyan Foreign Minister

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Sunday at the Amiri Diwan with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Libya Najla El Mangoush, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries, and the developments in the situation in Libya - especially the preparation for the elections, in addition to several regional and international issues of common concern.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

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14 May 2023

Evacuation of Indonesian citizens from Sudan

Location: News

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Responding to the security situation and threats to the safety of Indonesian citizens in Sudan due to the escalation of armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since 15/4/2023, the Government of Indonesia has decided to evacuate Indonesian citizens from Sudan.

Following up on the decision of the Government of Indonesia and at the direction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum then declared Alert 1 status on 20/4/2023 and planned the evacuation carefully according to the contingency plan by taking into account the security and safety conditions of Indonesian citizens.

Phase I evacuation was carried out on Sunday, April 23 2023 from 2 predetermined departure points, namely the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum Safe House and the Sudanese PPI Secretariat (As-Sidiqin Mosque) using 8 buses and 1 minibus of the Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum.

The number of Indonesian citizens who were evacuated was 538 people, consisting of 273 women, 25 toddlers and 240 men.

Most of the Indonesian citizens who were evacuated were students, Indofood workers/employees, Indonesian Migrant Workers, families of Indonesian citizens and families of Indonesian Embassy staff in Khartoum.

Phase 1 evacuation of Indonesian citizens was directly led by the Indonesian Ambassador to Khartoum, Mr. Sunarko and departed from Khartoum at 08.00 WS. The journey covers a distance of 830 km from the departure point in Khartoum to Sawakin, Port Sudan passing through cities including: Sabaloga, Shendi, Dammar, Atbara, Sinkat, Hayya, Sawakin and takes 15 hours of travel.

All Indonesian citizens who were evacuated in Phase I arrived safely in Sawakin, Port Sudan at 01.00 WS in the morning of 24/4/2023 and rested at the prepared shelter.

Henceforth, Indonesian citizens in relay were evacuated from Port Sudan to Jeddah - Saudi Arabia by ship.

The Indonesian Embassy in Khartoum thanked the Center for direction and support, as well as coordination and assistance from the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, the Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah and the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo in carrying out the evacuation of Indonesian citizens.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Khartoum, Sudan.

14 May 2023

International Day of Plant health observed

Location: News

Ministry of Information, Eritrea
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The International Day of Plant Health was observed on 12th May, 2023 at the national level in the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture under the theme “Plant Health for Environmental Protection”.

Mr. Tekleab Misghina, General Director of Regulations and Inspection at the Ministry of Agriculture indicating that the International Day of Plant Health is being observed for the second time at the international and national level said that plants and environment have strong bondage.

Noting that human activities and climate change are creating pressure on the health of plants, agriculture, and the food system, Mr. Tekleab called for a coordinated global effort to address the challenges.

Mr. Tekleab also said that the Ministry of Agriculture is closely working with the International Plant Health Society and International Plant Protection Convention in controlling pests that are causing plant diseases.

Mr. Seid Nuredin, head of Seeds Resource Control, on his part, said that the objective of the International Day of Plant Health is to raise the awareness of the public, eradicate hunger and poverty as well as protection of biodiversity and the environment.

Mr. Seid also said that the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with Government institutions and stakeholders is working in controlling desert locusts and other pests as well as encouraging farmers to use organic fertilizers and pesticides.

International Day of Plant Health is being observed for the first time at the international and national levels.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

14 May 2023

Eritrea: Presidential visit to Beijing

Location: News

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President Isaias Afwerki and his delegation in the morning hours of today, 14 May, arrived in Beijing for a four-day official visit to China on the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

Upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, President Isaias and his delegation were accorded a warm welcome by Mr. Sun Wedong, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The official State Reception Ceremony and meetings with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang are scheduled for tomorrow.

The two Heads of State will discuss political, economic, finance, development, and, trade issues to further consolidate the warm bilateral partnership that exists between the two countries.

The two leaders will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The official visit of President Isaias Afwerki to the People's Republic of China will have a significant contribution to consolidating the bilateral relations between the two countries that have been developing in the past 30 years.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

14 May 2023

On Tour: Independence Cup

Location: News

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The Independence Cup that commenced its journey in the Gash Barka Region on 12 May from Molqui semi-urban center, accompanied by Ambassador Mahmud Ali Hirui, Governor of the region, and Army Commanders of Western Command toured historical sites in the sub-zones of Shambuko and Laelai-Gash.

Upon arrival at the historical sites, the Independence Cup was awarded a warm welcome by the residents and members of the Defense Forces featuring cultural and artistic performances as well as military parades.

The Independence Cup is expected to tour the sub-zones of Golij, Teseney, Forto-Sawa, Haikota, Gogni, and Barentu.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

14 May 2023

Zimbabwe on arrears clearance and debt resolution process

Location: News

Zimbabwe has concluded a fourth Structured Dialogue Platform meeting on debt clearance with creditors and development partners.

Government and development partners met Thursday 11 May, to review three draft policy reform matrices prepared by sector working groups on economic, governance and land tenure reforms. They also looked at compensation of former farm owners, and the resolution of Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs).

In welcome remarks, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube assured the participants of the country's “full commitment and ownership to the process,” including the implementation of policy reforms.

In December 2022, the Zimbabwean government established a Structured Dialogue Platform with all creditors and development partners, to institutionalize structured dialogue on economic and governance reforms to underpin the arrears clearance and debt resolution process.

Alexis Ferrand, Economics Advisor to the Government on Arrears Clearance, outlined the Economics Reforms Matrix's long-term and short-to-medium-term strategies, which will enable sustained inclusive economic growth, increased investment opportunities, and job creation.

The Matrix is centered on enhancing service delivery, public sector transparency and accountability, combating corruption and promoting human rights. It also covers electoral reforms, national unity, peace, and reconciliation. It was presented by Virginia Mabiza, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Ncube encouraged stakeholders to continue with "constructive and candid dialogue, which is critical to building mutual trust and confidence, needed for the success of the arrears clearance and debt resolution process."

Zimbabwe's debt clearance process is being championed by African Development Bank President Dr. Akinumwi Adesina and former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, who has been designated as High-Level Facilitator. Both are expected in the country for a High-Level Debt Resolution Forum on 15 May 2023, led by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa appointed Adesina as a champion in July 2022. The forum will focus on progress updates on the three policy reform matrices, presentation of the way forward and a tentative roadmap.

Zimbabwe's total consolidated debt stands at $17.5 billion. Debt owed to international creditors stands at $14.04 billion, while domestic debt stands at $3.4 billion. Debt owed to bilateral creditors is estimated at $5.75 billion, while debt to multilateral creditors is estimated at $2.5 billion. The country is in arrears for servicing its debt, with arrears to multilateral development banks, including the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the European Investment Bank.

The fourth structured dialogue platform meetings come on the heels of previous ones held in December 2022, and in February and March 2023. The dialogue meetings are expected to continue after elections due in August this year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contacts:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

Petronella Utete
Zimbabwe Country Office
African Development Bank
p.utete@afdb.org

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14 May 2023

Nigeria commits to opposing donkey slaughter for exportation

Location: News

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On 5 May 2023, Nigeria passed a resolution advocating for a moratorium on donkey slaughter for the export of skins from Africa.

This commitment is made in light of the December 2023 Pan-African Donkey Conference and its resolution to have African nations prohibit the donkey skin trade for at least the next fifteen years. AU-IBAR collaborates closely partners institutions such as the Brooke East Africa, and African member nations to guarantee the successful implementation of the resolution.

The commitment of Nigeria to champion the moratorium is a significant step in the direction of protecting these gentle creatures from cruelty and exploitation.

This was encouraging news prior to World Donkey Day, 2023 that fell on 8th May.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).