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GebeyaX, is a premier ecommerce and delivery startup and is excited to announce its participation in GITEX Africa 2023 (https://GITEXAfrica.com/). The event is a significant platform for showcasing innovative technologies and solutions that will drive the digital transformation of Africa.

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GebeyaX, the pioneer Construction and spare part ecommerce platform, is proud to showcase its innovative platform at GITEX Africa 2023. With a mission to revolutionize the way construction materials are purchased, rented and delivered online. The company's commitment to providing a seamless and secure online shopping experience has earned it a loyal vendor base and numerous delivery drivers.

GebeyaX is grateful for the support of JICA through their accelerator program “Ninja accelerator” and the Ministry of innovation and technology of Ethiopia, who also have sponsored the company's participation in this event. Their support has enabled GebeyaX to showcase its innovative solutions and network with the industry leaders from across the continent.

"GebeyaX is thrilled to participate in GITEX Africa 2023 and showcase its innovative ecommerce platform to the world," said GebeyaX CEO, Ephrem Degaga. "As an ecommerce company, we are proud to represent our country and showcase the potential of our construction material ecommerce industry. We look forward to meeting with other entrepreneurs and investors at the event and exploring new opportunities for growth."

GITEX Africa 2023 provides an excellent opportunity for GebeyaX to expand its reach and showcase its unique ecommerce platform to a broader audience. The event will bring together industry leaders, thousands of technology enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the continent, creating a perfect platform for networking and collaboration. GebeyaX is excited to be a part of this event and looks forward to contributing to the growth of the African tech ecosystem.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

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Global progress in reducing deaths of pregnant women, mothers and babies has flatlined for eight years due to decreasing investments in maternal and newborn health, according to a new report from the United Nations (UN). The report shows that over 4.5 million women and babies die every year during pregnancy, childbirth or the first weeks after birth - equivalent to 1 death happening every 7 seconds - mostly from preventable or treatable causes if proper care was available.

“Pregnant women and newborns continue to die at unacceptably high rates worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created further setbacks to providing them with the healthcare they need,” said Dr Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at the World Health Organization (WHO). “If we wish to see different results, we must do things differently. More and smarter investments in primary healthcare are needed now so that every woman and baby - no matter where they live - has the best chance of health and survival.”

The report, Improving maternal and newborn health and survival and reducing stillbirth, assesses the latest data on these deaths - which have similar risk factors and causes - and tracks the provision of critical health services. Overall, the report shows that progress in improving survival has stagnated since 2015, with around 290 000 maternal deaths each year, 1.9 million stillbirths – babies who die after 28 weeks of pregnancy – and a staggering 2.3 million newborn deaths, which are deaths in the first month of life.

The COVID-19 pandemic, rising poverty, and worsening humanitarian crises have intensified pressures on stretched health systems. Since 2018, more than three-quarters of all conflict-affected and Sub-Saharan African countries report declining funding for maternal and newborn health. Just 1 in 10 countries (of more than 100 surveyed) report having sufficient funds to implement their current plans. Moreover, according to the latest WHO survey on the pandemic's impacts on essential health services, around a quarter of countries still report ongoing disruptions to vital pregnancy and postnatal care and services for sick children.

“As is too often the case, vulnerability, fear, and loss are not spread equally around the world,” said Steven Lauwerier, UNICEF Director of Health (a.i.). “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, babies, children and women who were already exposed to threats to their well-being, especially those living in fragile countries and emergencies, are facing the heaviest consequences of decreased spending and efforts on providing quality and accessible healthcare.”

Funding shortfalls and underinvestment in primary healthcare can devastate survival prospects. For instance, while prematurity is now the leading cause of all under-five deaths globally, less than a third of countries report having sufficient newborn care units to treat small and sick babies. Meanwhile, around two thirds of emergency childbirth facilities in sub-Saharan Africa are not considered fully functional – meaning they lack essential resources like medicines and supplies, water, electricity or staffing for 24-hour care.

In the worst-affected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia – the regions with the greatest burden of newborn and maternal deaths - fewer than 60% of women receive even four, of WHO's recommended eight, antenatal checks.

"The death of any woman or young girl during pregnancy or childbirth is a serious violation of their human rights,” said Dr Julitta Onabanjo, Director of the Technical Division at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). “It also reflects the urgent need to scale-up access to quality sexual and reproductive health services as part of universal health coverage and primary health care, especially in communities where maternal mortality rates have stagnated or even risen during recent years. We must take a human rights and gender transformative approach to address maternal and newborn mortality, and it is vital that we stamp out the underlying factors which give rise to poor maternal health outcomes like socio-economic inequalities, discrimination, poverty and injustice".

To increase survival rates, women and babies must have quality, affordable healthcare before, during and after childbirth, the agencies say, as well as access to family planning services. More skilled and motivated health workers, especially midwives, are needed, alongside essential medicines and supplies, safe water, and reliable electricity. The report stresses that interventions should especially target the poorest women and those in vulnerable situations who are most likely to miss out on lifesaving care – including through critical subnational planning and investments.

Improving maternal and newborn health further requires addressing harmful gender norms, biases and inequalities. Recent data show that only about 60% of women aged 15-49 years make their own decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The new report was launched at a major global conference held in Cape Town, South Africa. The conference aims to accelerate recovery and progress in maternal and newborn health, promoting targeted investments in primary healthcare as well as innovation and bolder partnerships across programmes that help countries improve survival.

Based on current trends, more than 60 countries are not set to meet the maternal, newborn and stillborn mortality reduction targets in the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The U.S. Mission to South Africa and the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (https://www.AWIEForum.org/) are once again partnering to implement the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program in South Africa. To expand the reach of this successful program, the U.S. Mission has extended participation to Lesotho and Eswatini for the first time.

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It supports the U.S. National Strategy on Gender, Equity and Equality. Implemented in nearly 100 countries since 2019, the program has enabled about 25,000 women entrepreneurs to explore the fundamentals of business and learn new skills, including how to create business plans and raise capital. The program aims to promote economic growth and prosperity and empowers women to build better futures for their families and communities.

The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa will implement a hybrid program from July to November 2023. The program will select 140 participants to join activities in: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Maseru, Mbabane and Pretoria. With this expanded 2023 cohort, the total number of women entrepreneurs trained through the U.S Mission to South Africa and AWIEF partnership will surpass 550. The program will combine the DreamBuilder online platform (developed through a partnership between Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management and global copper mining company Freeport-McMoRan) with in-class discussion, mentoring and support from local business experts.

Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program has been a huge success in South Africa, empowering enterprising young women not only with the knowledge, networks and access they need to launch and scale successful enterprises, but also personal development and growth. We are excited to be continuing in our role as implementing partner and extending the impact to women in Lesotho and Eswatini.”

What do you gain from participating in the AWE LESA program?

• Free entry to the program;
• Enrolment in the DreamBuilder platform and expert-facilitated hybrid business management training and mentorship sessions;
• Networking and peer-learning opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs;
• A collaboratively developed and refined draft of your business plan;
• A DreamBuilder certificate after completing the program;
• Access to the U.S. alumni network's robust network of support, including business opportunities, potential seed funding and a vast, global network of like-minded and highly regarded entrepreneurs;
• Membership to the online AWIEF Community (https://AWIEFCommunity.com/), which provides ongoing peer learning and support; and
• Free delegate pass to the 2023 AWIEF Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 9-10, 2023.

What are the criteria to apply?

• Women between 21 and 35 years of age;
• Able to read, write, speak and listen to the program in English;
• Reside in one of the seven program cities or their environs: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Maseru, Mbabane and Pretoria;
• Must have a viable business idea or have worked in business for less than two years;
• Must not be engaged in full-time employment, excluding self-employment;
• Able to participate in weekly group sessions and commit at least five hours per week to accomplish designated program tasks;
• Must have computer skills, access to a computer, and data to access program content and activities; and
• Able to participate in virtual or in-person training sessions at a designated American Space of the U.S. Missions to Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa.

Applications Open Now!

Academy for Women Entrepreneurs applications are officially open for highly motivated and self-driven young women from Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa. THERE IS NO COST TO APPLICANTS AT ANY STAGE.

To submit your application, please follow this link: https://apo-opa.info/42zRWtB

The deadline for submission is May 31, 2023 at 11:59pm Central Africa Time (CAT).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

For more information email: info@awieforum.org

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Every two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth; every 16 minutes, a baby is stillborn – most of these deaths are preventable with access to skilled midwives.

At the 5th Global Midwifery Symposium from 7 to 8 May 2023, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), and over 20 global partners from civil society, academia, the private sector, professional bodies, and donors highlighted the critical role midwives play in ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths, and leading the way in improving quality maternal and newborn care worldwide. Jointly, the partners reaffirm their commitment in improving access to skilled midwives to ensure universal and equitable access to comprehensive maternal and newborn healthcare services.

There is solid evidence that midwives play an important role in stopping preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Well-trained and supported midwives have the potential to provide 90 per cent of all essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services, contributing to 4.3 million lives saved annually by 2035. Midwives also improve women's birthing experiences and reduce healthcare costs. However, midwives represent only 10 per cent of the global health workforce, with a current shortage of 900,000 midwives. Additionally, these health providers, mostly women, are often underpaid and undervalued.

The global context demands urgent action as maternal and newborn mortality reduction rates stagnate in many parts of the world. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 70 per cent of global maternal deaths. The burden of mortality is borne by the poorest or the most disadvantaged living in low- and middle-come countries.

Achieving the target of a global maternal mortality ratio of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030 requires an annual reduction rate of 11.6 per cent. Universal coverage of midwife-delivered care could prevent more than two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths worldwide. As the Sustainable Development Goals deadline of 2030 looms near, the Symposium partners pledge to take this commitment forward and integrate midwifery in all respective maternal and newborn health programmes, by speaking with one voice and coordinating with each other to maximize impact. 

With the Call to Action, the UN with partners, strongly commit to ensure that every woman and newborn has access to quality, respectful, and rights-based care in all parts of the world. 

The call for a stronger collective action towards a healthier, more equitable world for all requires much more commitment from governments, policymakers, donors, and the global health community to join in investing in midwives and the midwifery profession.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNFPA - East and Southern Africa.

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.

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Kenya values the cordial relations it enjoys with the Netherlands.

President William Ruto said this on Monday when held talks with Willem-Alexander, the King of the Netherlands.

The two leaders committed to strengthening ties between the two countries for the mutual prosperity of their citizens.

This includes enhancing trade in horticultural, livestock, tea, and coffee, fruits, vegetables, fish and tobacco.

President Ruto and King Alexander discussed the climate change challenge, Kenya's agenda for green growth and wildlife conservation.

The Netherlands will continue supporting Kenya in the development of Arid and semi-arid lands, rural domestic water supply and sanitation, health, infrastructure development and agricultural research.

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

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Ifrah is a 28-year-old widow and mother of five children who recently fled from her home in the Bulobarde town of Hiran region in Somalia due to the ongoing armed conflict and worsening drought that left her family on the brink of starvation. With no belongings to her name and only her five children to care for, Ifrah found herself seeking refuge at the Doomey camp for internally displaced persons in Beletweyn town.

Somalia has been in the grips of a protracted conflict and drought crisis that has left millions of people displaced and struggling to survive. Women and families have been hit particularly hard, often forced to migrate. Embarking on the grueling trek, with little water or food, often walking for days to reach camps in the hope of finding food and shelter.

Ifrah soon realized that life at the camp was also not easy. The lack of basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, coupled with the shame and embarrassment of not having proper clothes and hygiene supplies, made her situation even worse. She struggled to maintain her dignity during her menstrual cycle, using old pieces of clothing she found on the ground to hide her shame.

Limited access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter further exposes families to disease and malnutrition. The challenges faced by these families, especially women, are endless, from finding safe and secure places to live, finding food and medical support, and struggling to maintain their dignity during menstruation. In the midst of such a crisis, UNFPA partner organizations are working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those most in need, especially women and girls.

When the one of the outreach teams identified Ifrah as a high-priority refugee needing immediate support, she was relieved to receive some pieces of clean clothes for herself and her two daughters, along with a dignity and hygiene kit containing essential supplies for her menstrual health. For Ifrah, these items meant more than just physical comfort and hygiene; they restored her dignity and gave her hope for a better future.

"When I arrived here, I had nothing and no money to buy any basic supplies for myself or children and only wash my clothes at night while I stayed naked as I have no clothes to change the dirty ones. The SBACO team helped me get some extra clothes and this very important kit to hide my shame," Ifrah said.

Two of Ifrah's children needed immediate medical attention – upon receiving support from the mobile outreach team, and free medication; they are now feeling better.

The relief that came from these basic interventions cannot be overstated for Ifrah and many other women like her, who struggle to provide for her family amidst the harsh conditions. Despite the challenges she has faced, Ifrah remains resilient and hopeful for the future, she attributes this hope to the support of organizations like the UNFPA and its partners. She felt that there is still a chance to rebuild her life and provide a better future for her children, if she could get similar support even in the future.

Ifrah's story is one of survival, dignity, and hope in the face of adversity, and it serves as a reminder of the significance of how even the most simplest of support can be the beginning of restoring hope and health, for those who need it the most.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNFPA Somalia.

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, attend the SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit Plus and Force Intervention Brigade Troop Contributing Countries taking place in Windhoek, Namibia, on Monday, 08 May 2023.

The Extraordinary Summit Plus is expected to receive an update on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and consider a report of the SADC Field Assessment Mission to Eastern DRC on the deployment of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) - Force Intervention Brigade (FIB).

The Summit will also discuss a SADC common position to guide the region's engagement at the envisaged Tripartite Summit on the coordination of interventions and multiple deployments in the Eastern DRC.

The Extraordinary Troika Summit Plus follows the January 2023 Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit held in Namibia which considered the security situation in the SADC region. 

The insecurity in the Eastern DRC has been receiving sharp focus of the SADC, the African Union, and other regional mechanisms. 

The outcomes of the Summit are expected to contribute to continental efforts aimed at finding a coordinated and lasting solution to the insecurity in the eastern DRC. South Africa is among  the Troop Contributing Countries to the FIB which is deployed under MONUSCO.

The Summit will be preceded by the meetings of the Senior Officials and Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika Plus, respectively.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise; Minister in The Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.