Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: APO

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The Congo Basin, home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, holds immense value for not only the six countries it spans, but for the planet. A new World Bank report reveals the region’s forests are not only essential for climate stability and biodiversity, but also a foundation for economic resilience. The value of forest ecosystem services nearly doubled in just two decades, rising from $590 billion in 2000 to $1.15 trillion in 2020. During the same period, the total forest asset value surged from $11.4 trillion to $23.2 trillion.

The report shows that forest management, conservation, and data readiness vary widely across the region. Countries such as Gabon and the Republic of Congo stand out, embedding forest sustainability into national planning with relatively low deforestation rates and strong biodiversity indicators. Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea are in transition, strengthening forest governance and piloting policies that integrate ecosystem values. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic face complex pressures — from rapid population growth to informal logging, mining, and agriculture — that threaten the region’s forest resilience.

The Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem Accounts report, alongside the country reports, provides a basin-wide overview of how forests can be fully integrated into macroeconomic planning to support economic diversification and climate finance strategies. The findings show how the forest sector can drive new opportunities from community-based ecotourism, forest monitoring, to value-added processing of non-timber forest products, and results-based climate financing — shifting the development narrative toward long-term sustainability and resilience.

“For the first time, Congo Basin countries have developed a detailed forest ecosystem accounts showing the true value of their natural wealth,” said Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa. “These forests, managed sustainably, can serve as powerful engines for sustainable development contributing to creating jobs, supporting climate-smart growth, and strengthening local economies.”

The report highlights a critical imbalance: Congo forests generate over $1 trillion in global ecosystem services — with over 90% of that value stemming from climate regulation — yet local governments captured only $8 billion in domestic benefits in 2020, primarily from timber, bushmeat, wild foods, and ecotourism.

“We can only manage what we can measure –this is why the forest ecosystem accounts for the Congo Basin will be so key for countries to unlock the power of their forests to drive development and jobs,” said Valerie Hickey, World Bank Global Director for Climate Change, “This accounting can also help Congo Basin countries demonstrate the huge value that their forest conservation efforts bring to the rest of the world.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Source: APO

Up to 84% of organisations globally practise bring your own device (BYOD) in some form, but only half of them officially allow it, according to a recent report (https://apo-opa.co/498rnlG). While the convenience and cost saving of employees’ using their own personal devices for work is undeniable, there are many security risks involved too, particularly in hybrid and remote work environments, asserts Anna Collard from KnowBe4 Africa (www.KnowBe4.com).

It’s becoming increasingly common for organisations to expect employees to use their own personal devices for work, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, and employees seem to prefer the level of freedom it gives them (https://apo-opa.co/3JfJ8Vx). From an organisational perspective, they stand to save an average of R5 000 per employee every year (https://apo-opa.co/47cbQPa) if their employees use just their own mobile devices, with two-thirds reporting that it boosts their productivity (https://apo-opa.co/47wWjL7).

In South Africa, this trend has also become ubiquitous. “BYOD, particularly with smartphones having access to corporate email accounts, has become the norm for a lot of South African organisations for many years already,” asserts Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa.

“While organisations in the financial services sector will have stricter policies, many start-ups, SMEs and even some larger organisations often allow, or even expect, employees to use their own phones and laptops, sometimes without formal policies in place.”

While flexible and convenient, she believes this informal approach introduces significant cyber and compliance risks. The new KnowBe4 Africa Human Risk Management Report 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3WzbdKR) highlights that up to 80% of employees in Africa use personal devices for work, with broader studies finding 70% of these devices are unmanaged – a critical blind spot for many organisations.

BYOD blind spots

The most notable cybersecurity risk associated with BYOD is data leakage. “Personal devices can easily leak sensitive data through unsecured apps, cloud storage or public Wi-Fi,” she explains. “Without proper controls, even a misplaced phone can become a breach vector (https://apo-opa.co/3Wzbeyp).”

Another security blind spot is employees downloading malicious apps. “Employees may unknowingly install apps that contain malware,” Collard comments. “Some apps mimic legitimate ones (https://apo-opa.co/48zCF2b), but secretly harvest data or open backdoors into corporate systems.” This also extends to “shadow IT” – the use of unapproved applications or services – which can proliferate via personal devices, creating unmonitored entry points for attackers.

A further risk is outdated software. “Personal devices may run outdated operating systems or apps, making them vulnerable to known exploits,” she says. “IT teams often lack visibility to patch non-managed devices, and a large percentage of people have ‘an update is ready to be installed on your device’-notifications that have been hanging around for ages; unactioned.”

In addition, many employees may have a false sense of security about their phone or laptop, especially since almost half of Gen Z respondents (48%) take cybersecurity protection on their personal devices more seriously than on their work devices, according to an Ernst & Young survey in the US (https://apo-opa.co/48FeM9o). “Just because it’s my device doesn’t mean it’s secure for sensitive work data,” stresses Collard. “A weak BYOD policy opens the door to data leaks, shadow IT and insider risk.”

What organisations should do

In order to mitigate these risks, organisations need to come up with a robust BYOD policy. “It starts with policy and awareness (https://apo-opa.co/4ooJBnf),” she states. “Organisations must have a clear, communicated BYOD policy – what’s allowed, what’s not and what minimum protection is expected.”

Some useful technical controls include employees having strong passwords, multifactor authentication (MFA), encryption, endpoint security and patching. Organisations can also segment their networks to isolate personal devices from critical corporate assets. “Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools can enforce some controls,” concedes Collard, “but they can’t replace human vigilance.”

She is a firm advocate of security awareness training to heighten awareness of cybersecurity risks, especially among younger employees who are more likely to use the same passwords for their personal and professional accounts (https://apo-opa.co/48FeM9o). “Organisations need to educate employees on the specific risks of BYOD, beyond  ‘don’t click links’,” she says. This is crucial, as 96% of organisations believe (https://apo-opa.co/48FeM9o) their employees might fall for more attacks in the future due to AI use by bad actors. The KnowBe4 Africa Human Risk Management Report 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3WzbdKR) further highlights that AI policy remains a governance blind spot in many organisations, with 46% still developing formal AI policies – making employee education on AI-related BYOD risks even more critical.

“Organisations can simulate attacks (https://apo-opa.co/4oy3AQO) that leverage BYOD vulnerabilities, such as phishing specific to mobile apps, while fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential incidents on personal devices without fear of reprisal.”

Alongside security training, Collard is an advocate of digital mindfulness, which she describes as an important  weapon against cybersecurity threats. “Being digitally mindful helps employees slow down, become aware of risky moments and question suspicious behaviour, especially on personal devices,” she says.

Managing the human element

Even though privately-owned devices may appear to be the problem, managing the human element is absolutely key in mitigating BYOD security risks. “A device is just a tool; what matters is how we use it,” Collard emphasises. “You can have the most secure set-up, but if someone is rushed, tired or emotionally triggered, they’re more likely to click on a malicious link or fall for a scam.”

She is adamant that organisations need to train their employees’ attention and awareness to build resilience, not just rely on tools. “Ultimately, it’s a combination of the right technology and human vigilance,” she concludes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

Contact details:
KnowBe4
Anne Dolinschek
anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

Source: APO

Recent Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) research entitled “Cybersecurity in the workplace: Employee knowledge and behaviour” has found that 81,7% of professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region say that they utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for work tasks. However, only 38% have received training on the cybersecurity aspects of using neural networks, which is one of the critical elements of protection against AI-related risks ranging from data leaks to prompt injections. The research included participants from South Africa, Kenya and Egypt, where the trends were similar to that of the META region.

The vast majority of survey respondents in the META region (94,5%) said that they understand what the term “generative artificial intelligence” means, and for many employees this knowledge is no longer just theoretical: AI tools have become part of their every workday. Overall, 81,7% of respondents use AI tools for work: most often – to write or edit texts (63,2%) and work e-mails (51,5%), to create images or videos with the help of neural networks (45,2%), and for data analytics (50,1%).

The survey uncovered a serious gap in employee preparedness for AI risks. A third (33%) of professionals reported receiving no AI-related training. Among those who had courses, 48% said the focus was on how to effectively use AI tools and create prompts; while only 38% received guidance on the cybersecurity aspect of AI use.

While AI tools, which help automate everyday tasks, are becoming ubiquitous in many organisations, they often remain part of ‘shadow IT’, when employees use them without corporate guidance. 72,4% of respondents said generative artificial intelligence tools are permitted at their work, 21,3% acknowledged these tools are not allowed, while 6,3% were unsure.

To make employee use of AI more clear and secure, organisations should implement a company-wide policy regarding this aspect. This policy can prohibit AI use in specific functions and for certain types of data, regulate which AI tools are provided to employees, and allow only tools from the approved list. The policy should be formally documented, and employees should receive proper training. After setting a list of hygiene measures and restrictions, companies should monitor AI usage, identify popular services, and use this information to plan future actions and refine their security measures.

“For successful AI implementation, companies should avoid the extremes of a total ban as well as a free-for-all. Instead, the most effective strategy is a tiered access model, where the level of AI use is calibrated to the data sensitivity of each department. Backed by comprehensive training on cybersecurity aspects of AI, this balanced approach fosters innovation and efficiency while rigorously upholding security standards,” says Chris Norton, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Kaspersky.

To secure corporate AI use Kaspersky recommends organisations to:

• Train employees on responsible AI usage. Courses on AI security from Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform (http://apo-opa.co/4hsPKwI) can help with adding specialised training to companies’ educational programmes.
• Provide IT specialists with relevant knowledge on exploitation techniques and practical defence strategies. The ‘Large Language Models Security’ training (http://apo-opa.co/4hj7gDn), part of the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Training portfolio, can enhance both the professional development and the overall cybersecurity of an organisation.
• Ensure all employees have a cybersecurity solution installed on all their work and personal devices used to access business data. Kaspersky Next products protect against a range of threats including phishing or installing a fake AI tool, particularly given the growing trend of scammers embedding infostealers in deceptive AI applications.
• Conduct regular surveys to monitor how frequently AI is being used and for which tasks. Using this information, assess both the benefits and risks of AI use to adjust company policy.
• Use a specialised AI proxy that cleans queries on-the-fly by removing specific types of sensitive data (such as names or customer IDs), and uses role-based access control to block inappropriate use cases.
• Create a full-fledged policy that addresses the spectrum of relevant risks. Kaspersky’s guidelines for securely implementing AI systems (http://apo-opa.co/4qBNUhh) can be of help.

*The survey was conducted by Toluna research agency at the request of Kaspersky in 2025. The study sample included 2800 online interviews with employees and business owners using computers for work in seven countries: Türkiye, South Africa, Kenya, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
nicole@inkandco.co.za

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About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

Source: APO

A “Computer-Aided Textile Design (CAD) Laboratory Establishment Project” has been implemented by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Kelibia, Nabeul Governorate, to enhance vocational training capacities and support the development of a skilled workforce for Tunisia’s textile and garment industry.

Within the scope of the project, a modern Computer-Aided Design (CAD) laboratory was established at the Kelibia Vocational Training Center, which operates under the Tunisian Vocational Training Agency (ATFP). The laboratory has been equipped with high-performance computers, advanced design devices, and professional design software widely used in the textile industry.

Through this facility, students will gain the ability to design garments digitally, test prototypes in virtual environments, and reduce production errors before manufacturing. The project will thus improve the employability of graduates while enabling local textile companies to access qualified personnel trained in modern production techniques.

The textile and apparel sector in Tunisia accounts for approximately 30% of the country’s total industrial exports and provides direct employment to more than 160,000 people through over 1,600 companies. The sector remains one of Tunisia’s key strategic industries and a major contributor to its economy.

By supporting this initiative, TİKA contributes to the modernization of the Tunisian textile sector and the alignment of vocational training with the needs of the labor market. The project also complements Tunisia’s national policies aimed at reducing youth unemployment and strengthening vocational education.

TİKA continues to support local development in Tunisia through projects that enhance vocational education quality, promote youth employment, and foster digital transformation across industrial sectors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Source: APO

As today’s young people navigate a range of ongoing global pressures, new research (https://apo-opa.co/4qkQBDz) from the University of Northampton’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact (ISII) has revealed the powerful role of initiatives such as the Canon Young People Programme (CYPP) in improving youth confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose.

As Canon EMEA celebrates the 10^th anniversary of its Canon Young People Programme, which uses photography as a tool for self-expression, storytelling and social change, the research confirms CYPP’s significant and lasting impact on young people, communities, and partner organisations worldwide.

“At a time when many young people across the world are grappling with a multitude of different pressures, this research is proof that creative empowerment can be a lifeline,” said Adam Pensotti, Head of the Canon EMEA Young People Programme.  “In partnership with Northampton University, we’ve explored and uncovered just how impactful and far-reaching initiatives such as CYPP can be.

For 10 years, the programme has shown that when you give young people the tools, skills, and trust to tell their own stories, they can change their lives and their communities for the better. This helps to strengthen communities, influence change and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Since its launch in 2015, CYPP has engaged over 10,000 young people across EMEA, partnering with more than 40 charities and community organisations in over 36 participant countries.

Youth Voices at the Heart

Participants describe CYPP as life-changing:

“When I first joined the Canon Young People Programme through Wild Shots Outreach, I had never held a camera and knew almost nothing about conservation” said Rifumo Mathebula, CYPP alumnus and Programme Director at Wild Shots Outreach. “I discovered I had a passion for storytelling and felt a responsibility to protect the natural world around me. Today, I’m teaching the next generation of young people living alongside Kruger National Park, giving them the same opportunities I received through CYPP. The programme gave me a voice, a purpose and the belief that we can all be changemakers in our communities.”

Through visual storytelling and skills training, CYPP empowers young people to address local social and environmental challenges, develop leadership capacity and explore new career paths. Over the last 10 years, alumni are emerging as community champions, entrepreneurs, and agents of change. The independent ISII evaluation confirms that:

• Longer participation leads to greater impact: the more time young people spend in CYPP, the more their confidence, motivation, and adaptability grow.
• Empowerment through photography: participants gain a voice in their communities, using visual storytelling to highlight social and environmental issues.
• Improved employability: photography and critical thinking skills open doors to new career paths, from creative industries to tourism and conservation.
• Ripple effects in communities: youth-led exhibitions and projects inspire dialogue, strengthen community bonds, and address local challenges.
• Best practice partnerships: CYPP’s collaboration model between corporations, NGOs, and academia is cited as a benchmark for effective social impact initiatives.

“In a global climate where youth confidence and wellbeing are a priority, CYPP stands out as a proven model for positive empowerment,” said UON Vice Chancellor and CEO, Professor Anne-Marie Kilday. “Over the last 10 years, the programme has delivered measurable and lasting change for its participants and their communities.

What’s most exciting is that this research suggests that this model for measuring creative empowerment can be measurable and scalable. This kind of impact measurement is something that many social impact initiatives struggle to demonstrate, which can limit their growth and opportunities. We believe that this can serve as a blueprint for how corporate, non-profit, and academic partnerships can deliver real, lasting social change. Effectively bringing more opportunities to a wider group of young individuals.”

Looking Ahead

As CYPP enters its second decade, Canon is exploring:

• Longer-term interventions to deepen impact
• Country-specific adaptations to address local challenges
• Expanded NGO training streams to scale best practice globally

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/43tUo7D) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

About the Research:
The research (https://apo-opa.co/4qkQBDz), led by Professor Claire Paterson-Young and Dr Michael Maher at the University of Northampton, used a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the social impact of the Canon Young People Programme. Qualitative data was collected through focus groups with in-country stakeholders, organisational leaders, and young people, representing 21 voices in total. Quantitative data was gathered through an online questionnaire that used both Likert scales and open-ended questions with responses from 94 participants across six geographical areas. The qualitative data was through a thematic analysis, whilst ANOVA statistical tests were applied to the quantitative data. Findings from both methods were triangulated across three thematic areas: the impact on young people, the impact on communities, and the impact on organisations.

About the Canon Young People Programme:
The Canon Young People Programme uses the power of creative storytelling to give young people the skills and platforms to drive positive change in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Since 2015, CYPP has worked with over 40 NGOs and community organisations in 36 countries, engaging more than 10,000 young people.

About the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact:
Based at the University of Northampton, the ISII specialises in evaluating the social impact of organisations and programmes, helping them understand and maximise the value they create for individuals, communities, and society.