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Deputy President hails SA rollout of HIV prevention injection as major milestone

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President hails SA rollout of HIV prevention injection as major milestone

With government officially rolling out the injection for both HIV treatment and prevention on Friday, Deputy President Paul Mashatile says this milestone represents one of the most significant scientific advances in HIV prevention in recent years.

“Lenacapavir provides us with a powerful new opportunity to strengthen prevention efforts, particularly among populations that continue to experience high rates of new infections,” Mashatile said on Thursday in Johannesburg during an engagement with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Private Sector Forum and Captains of Industry.

Lenacapavir injection can be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection in HIV-negative people, as well as for the treatment of HIV in adults for whom other HIV medicines have not worked.

“For decades, researchers, healthcare workers, governments and communities have worked tirelessly to develop more effective tools to prevent HIV transmission.

“Its introduction demonstrates the value of science, innovation and partnership in addressing some of the world’s most complex public health challenges.

“However, we must remember that scientific breakthroughs alone do not change lives. Their success depends on access, affordability, public trust and effective implementation,” the Deputy President said.

He said the rollout of Lenacapavir will require strong collaboration across all sectors of society. 

“It will require awareness campaigns, community mobilisation, healthcare worker training, effective supply chains and sustainable financing.

“Most importantly, it will require us to ensure that no vulnerable community is left behind. The private sector thus has an important role to play in supporting this effort through workplace education, logistics support, investment and public awareness initiatives,” the Deputy President said.

Call for private sector to invest in youth

Mashatile has called on the private sector to invest in the future of young people, as adolescent girls and young women continue to carry a disproportionate burden of new HIV infections in South Africa.

“This remains one of the most urgent challenges in our national response. We must also pay particular attention to the needs of young people. 

“Young people require more than healthcare services alone. They need education, economic opportunities, skills development, safety and hope for the future. They need access to accurate information, prevention services and supportive environments that empower them to make informed choices,” Mashatile said.

He said the private sector can make a meaningful contribution through bursaries, internships, skills development programmes, workplace-linked initiatives and partnerships with schools, universities and community organisations.

“Investing in young people is not only the right thing to do; it is one of the smartest investments we can make in our country’s future.

“Additionally, the close relationship between public health and gender-based violence and femicide should not be ignored. Violence against women and girls is not only a social justice issue. It is a public health issue,” the Deputy President said.

He added that gender-based violence contributes to HIV vulnerability, poor mental health outcomes, family instability and economic insecurity.

“Addressing this challenge requires action across all sectors of society. Business leaders can contribute by strengthening workplace policies, supporting survivor referral systems, promoting gender equality and creating environments free from harassment and discrimination.

“Together, we must send a clear message that gender-based violence has no place in our homes, in our communities or in our workplaces,” Mashatile said.

Response to tuberculosis 

While HIV remains a major public health challenge, Mashatile said South Africa must not lose focus on Tuberculosis (TB).

“TB continues to claim thousands of lives each year and remains one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV.

“Although South Africa has made encouraging progress in reducing TB incidence and improving treatment outcomes, we cannot afford to become complacent,” he said.

The Deputy President underscored the importance of continuing to strengthen screening programmes, improve access to diagnostics, support treatment adherence, and find those individuals who remain undiagnosed and untreated.

“In this regard, we are encouraged by plans to introduce near-point-of-care TB diagnostic services, bringing testing closer to communities and reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

“We urge the private sector to support these efforts by integrating TB screening into workplace health programmes and supporting community-based initiatives that increase awareness and access to care. Early detection saves lives!” Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Frontière Tchad/Soudan : Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) prend en charge les victimes des frappes de drones

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Depuis le début du mois de mai, les frappes de drones autour de Tina, au Soudan, près de la frontière tchadienne, se sont intensifiées. Dans l’hôpital de Tiné, au Tchad, soutenu par Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), les arrivées de patients blessés sont répétées. Ces dernières semaines, les habitants ont signalé des frappes quasi quotidiennes, jusqu’à cinq ou six certains jours, par les Forces de soutien rapide (FSR) du Soudan. Nos équipes alertent sur la situation.

Le nombre de blessés par des frappes de drones ne cesse d’augmenter

Depuis le début du mois de mai, 116 personnes blessées lors de ces frappes ont été prises en charge à l’hôpital situé dans la ville de Tiné. Entre le 17 et le 26 mai uniquement, 69 patients blessés ont été admis.

Le 24 mai, une frappe a touché une cafétéria très fréquentée du marché de Tina, entraînant l’arrivée de 35 blessés en une seule journée. Trois personnes ont été déclarées mortes à leur arrivée à l’hôpital, tandis que plusieurs autres seraient décédées sur place. Des femmes et des enfants figuraient parmi les victimes.

« Nous recevons des patients après des heures de transport, souvent dans un état extrêmement critique », explique Issiaka Abdou, chef de mission de MSF au Tchad. « Les blessures que nous traitons sont souvent extrêmement graves, incluant de sévères brûlures, des traumatismes liés aux explosions et de multiples blessures. Nous avons récemment pris en charge un enfant présentant de graves brûlures au visage, aux bras et aux jambes. Chaque retard dans l’évacuation réduit les chances de survie des patients les plus gravement blessés ».

Les civils sont les premières victimes de ces frappes

Les équipes médicales de MSF observent également un changement préoccupant dans le profil des patients reçus.

« Ces derniers jours, nous avons vu de plus en plus de femmes et d’enfants parmi les blessés », indique Issiaka Abdou. « Le 26 mai, tous les patients reçus après les frappes de drones étaient des civils. Cela montre à quel point les personnes vivant dans cette zone frontalière sont exposées à la violence ».

La présence humanitaire est primordiale face à l’intensification du conflit au Soudan

La région frontalière entre le Tchad et le Soudan est fortement touchée par le conflit au Darfour, les déplacements de population et l’accès limité aux services essentiels, notamment aux soins de santé.

« Les structures de santé de cette région fonctionnent dans un environnement extrêmement difficile, avec des besoins élevés et des ressources limitées », indique Cissé Boucari Hamadoum, coordinateur de projet MSF à Tiné. « Malgré ces contraintes, nos équipes continuent de fournir des soins médicaux d’urgence et de répondre aux afflux de blessés en coordination avec les autorités sanitaires tchadiennes ».

MSF fournit des soins médicaux aux patients à l’hôpital de Tiné et, lorsque cela est nécessaire, organise des transferts vers d’autres structures médicales, notamment à Abéché, pour les cas les plus graves.

Distribué par APO Group pour Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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Minister Ntshavheni to brief Media on outcomes of the Cabinet Meeting held on 3 June 2026

Source: President of South Africa –

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will brief media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 03 June 2026.

The details of the briefing are as follows:
Date: Friday, 05 June 2026
Time: 11h00
Venue: Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, Tshedimosetso House, Cnr Francis Baard and Festival Streets, Hatfield in Pretoria 

Live Streaming:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA

Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa – Acting Government Spokesperson Cell: 083 653 7485 /
William Baloyi – Deputy Government Spokesperson Cell:  083 390 7147

Issued by: The Presidency and Government Communication and Information System,
Pretoria

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Launch of Lenacapavir a game-changer

Source: Government of South Africa

Launch of Lenacapavir a game-changer

It is often said that health is wealth and South Africa’s launch of the game changing Lenacapavir injectable today, Friday, 5 June 2026, provides a shot in the arm that will boost South Africa’s fight against HIV and AIDS.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will launch the injectable at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium at Secunda, in Mpumalanga.

Making the HIV prevention medicine available to South Africans was one of the commitments the Presdent made in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February.

At the time, President Ramaphosa said: “In support of our programme to prevent and ultimately, eliminate HIV, we will be undertaking a massive rollout of Lenacapavir, a six-monthly injection that has proven highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV.”

In an advisory ahead of the launch of the drug, the Presidency said the groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s ongoing efforts to fight against HIV/AIDS and aims to enhance prevention of new HIV infections.

“Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly long-acting injectable option for HIV prevention, and the rollout highlights the collaboration between the government, civil society, and private sector, and development partners amongst the stakeholders committed to ending HIV as a public health threat in South Africa,” it said.

The launch of the medicine comes a few days after the anniversary of the passing of the HIV/AIDS activist Nkosi Johnson on 1 June 2001. Johnson passed away at the age of 12. 

The launch is evidence that the country which launched the world’s biggest HIV counselling, testing and treatment campaign in 2010, is making headway in the fight against the disease.

Since the launch of the campaign, the Department of Health (DoH) in its 2026 Budget Vote said that the country has increased life expectancy to 66.9 years, by 2025 from a low of 54 years in 2010 and reduced maternal mortality to 89 deaths per 100 000 live births by 2020, from a high of 240 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2010.

According to Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Mid-Year Population Estimates 2025, an estimated 8.15 million people in South Africa were living with HIV, accounting for approximately 12.9% of the total population. Among adults aged 15 to 49 — the most affected group — the HIV prevalence rate stood at an estimated 18.1%.

“Despite these numbers, South Africa has made progress in reducing deaths linked to HIV and AIDS, thanks to expanded access to treatment and care,” the report which stated that the country’s population stood at an estimated at 63,1 million,”Stats SA noted.

In his Budget Vote delivered last month, Minister Motsoaledi said that stocks of the medicine were being delivered to depots and health facilities ahead of the launch. Government would start with 360 health facilities in “the high burden districts of the country.”

According to the Budget Vote, government has prioritised adolescent girls and young women up to the age 24 years, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, female sex workers, men-having- sex-with-men, transgender people and injecting drug users in distributing the injectable.

This as the first batch of the 37 920 doses of the medicine, which is a new, long-acting antiretroviral drug – specifically an HIV-1 capsid inhibitor arrived in the country in early April 2026.

New chapter 
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) which in April welcomed the arrival of the drug, this week said the launch signals a “new chapter in HIV prevention.”

The DoH has previously described the injectable as a preventive medicine, not a vaccine. The medicine has the potential to overcome many of the barriers South Africa has experienced with daily oral PrEP.

This as it offers greater discretion, convenience, and likely better adherence for users, especially for people who struggle with taking a pill every day or making frequent clinic visits.

The launch also comes at a time when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to hold a High-Level Meeting on AIDS from 22-23 June 2026 in New York.

According to the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS), the meeting, which is held every five years since 2001, reinforces the role of the UN as the primary political mechanism for accountability and commitment in the global HIV response.

“This meeting will review progress against HIV since the 2021 High-Level Meeting and produce a new UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS. UN Member States will negotiate the text of the 2026 Political Declaration and consider its adoption.”

South Africa is a Member State of the of UN.

Ahead of the launch, UNAIDS South Africa in a post on social media platform, X,  said it is “excited” to join President Ramaphosa, the Department of Health and SANAC and other stakeholders for the launch of the drug.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) become the first African regulatory authority to approve Lenacapavir on 27 October 2025.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines on Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, the organisation recommends offering the injectable as an additional HIV prevention choice.

Among the benefits of the drug is that it need not be discontinued during pregnancy and breastfeeding for HIV-negative women with a high likelihood of exposure to HIV, said the WHO.

Other work done by government to fight HIV/AIDS includes the February 2025 launch of the Close the Gap campaign in partnership with the WHO, UNAIDS and other stakeholders.

“The Close the Gap campaign is a focused, multi-pronged initiative aimed at accelerating South Africa’s response to the HIV epidemic by targeting high-burden districts, communities, and health facilities. The campaign pays special attention to underserved and vulnerable sub-populations, including men, youth, children, and key populations, to improve HIV-related outcomes and close existing service gaps,” SANAC said of the campaign.

The Minister said the country is in a position “where we dare say we can eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.”

“All we have to do is to work hard and work hard together as South Africans motivated and bound together by a common destiny,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za

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Africa: UNAIDS calls for renewed global solidarity as UN Secretary-General’s report warns that AIDS is not over and fragile gains are at risk

Source: APO


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UNAIDS welcomes the release of the United Nations Secretary-General’s report on HIV/AIDS, issued ahead of the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS taking place in New York on 22–23 June 2026. In the report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivers a clear message that the world has made historic gains against HIV, but that the gains are increasingly at risk unless governments urgently recommit to the global AIDS response. 

“The global HIV response is at a critical juncture. Progress is real and measurable, but it is increasingly vulnerable to converging crises,” said Mr Guterres, citing declines in external funding, rising debt burdens, humanitarian emergencies and regression in human rights. 

The Secretary‑General highlights that 31.6 million of the 40.8 million people living with HIV were on treatment in 2024, the highest number ever recorded and that AIDS‑related deaths have fallen by 54% since 2010, reaching their lowest level since the early 1990s. 

The report outlines that countries in eastern and southern Africa—home to the majority of people living with HIV—have led the way. Seven countries in the region achieved the global 95‑95‑95 testing and treatment targets in 2024. 

“These achievements are a shining testament of the progress to end AIDS when political leadership, community action and sustained investment come together,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. 

However, the report underscores that the world is far off track from the 2025 targets set in the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS. Some 9.2 million people still lack access to HIV treatment, around 630,000 people died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2024—double the 2025 target of 250,000 and 1.3 million people became infected with HIV in 2024—3.5 times the 2025 target of 370,000 by 2025.  

The report outlines that progress remains uneven. New HIV infections have risen sharply in the Middle East and North Africa (up 94% since 2010) and have increased in Latin America as well as in eastern Europe and central Asia. 

The report also warns of the need to confront the structural inequities that undermine access to HIV services, close funding gaps and accelerate the expansion of HIV services in sustainable ways. Adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa continue to acquire HIV at three to four times the rate of their male peers.  

Key populations and their partners account for 74% of new infections outside sub-Saharan Africa. The Secretary-General warns in the report that declines in external financing for health are projected to drop by up to 40%, with HIV prevention and community-led services most at risk. In western and central Africa, 90% of treatment funding comes from external donors. Prevention programmes in sub-Saharan Africa rely on 80% external funding. 

“Without urgent action to close the funding gap, millions of lives are at stake,” said Ms Byanyima. “We cannot allow financial shocks, backlashes against human rights or political backsliding to reverse decades of progress.” 

The report lays out some of the major opportunities to accelerate progress. Long-acting HIV prevention tools, including injectable HIV prevention medicines, are becoming more accessible, with generic versions expected at US$ 40 per person per year, however progress on roll-out is slow.  

Community-led organizations, proven to improve testing, treatment adherence and viral suppression, must be protected, funded and integrated into country ownership plans. New national sustainability roadmaps, developed together with UNAIDS, in more than 30 countries are strengthening domestic ownership of HIV responses. 

The UN Secretary-General calls on Member States to endorse bold new 2030 HIV targets in the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS due to be adopted at the upcoming High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS. The targets will build on the 2025 commitments and aim to ensure continued progress towards the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and sustaining it into the future.  

“The pathway to end AIDS by 2030 exists and remains open,” concludes Mr Guterres. “But only if we act together.” 

UNAIDS urges all governments to use the upcoming High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS to recommit to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, to protect and expand funding for HIV prevention, treatment and community-led services particularly by increasing domestic resources for HIV, to remove punitive laws and policies that fuel stigma and block access to HIV services and to ensure equitable access to innovations, including long-acting HIV prevention and treatment.  

“Ending AIDS is a political choice,” said Ms Byanyima. “With courage, solidarity and investment, we can finish the job.” 

The report of the UN Secretary-General is an instrumental reference to inform negotiations by member states on the new Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS in the lead up to the High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS on 22-23 June 2026. More information including this report and the Civil Society Statement for the High-Level Meeting are available on the special UNAIDS web page United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

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Eritrea: Vocational training provided to college students

Source: APO


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The Sawa and Higher Education Institutions branch of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students has provided three months of vocational training to over 400 students of the College of Business and Social Science and the College of Engineering and Technology. The training included 236 students, including 123 female students, from the College of Business and Social Science, and 180 students, including 93 female students, from the College of Engineering and Technology.

Accordingly, 37 students from the College of Business and Social Science were provided training in sign language, 41 in solar energy installation, 37 in computer technology, 21 in electronics, 44 in satellite dish installation, and 56 in graphics.

Speaking at the conclusion event of the training, Dr. Estifanos Hailemariam, Dean of the college, noting that youth equipped with the necessary knowledge and organization play a leading role in the overall development of a country, called for the sustainability of the training program.

In the College of Engineering and Technology, 36 students were provided training in sign language, 79 in ideology, 22 in Arabic language, and 43 in graphics.

Mr. Meron Abraham, head of projects of the union branch, called on the trainees to practically develop the knowledge they gained from the training and transfer it to their peers.

Similarly, the Eritrean Police provided training in computer maintenance, photocopier and printer maintenance, as well as computer networking, to its members.

Lt. Col. Debesai Teklu, head of general service at the Eritrean Police Headquarters, said that the trainees came from all police stations across the country, as well as from the Police Headquarters.

Mr. Abraham Bitew, head of maintenance, said that the training will make a significant contribution to effectively and timely facilitating daily activities.

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

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Media briefing remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the conclusion of the State Visit by President Ruto Of Kenya, Union Buildings, Tshwane

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President William Ruto,
Ministers from South Africa and Kenya,
Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Senior Government Officials,
Members of the Media,
 
This morning we were privileged to warmly welcome His Excellency President Ruto and Mrs Rachel Ruto, who are accompanied by a Delegation of Ministers.
 
Our countries enjoy longstanding ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation.
 
These ties are rooted in our shared history, our common aspirations for African development and our mutual commitment to peace, democracy, regional integration and multilateralism.
 
Kenya remains one of South Africa’s most important strategic partners in East Africa and on the continent more broadly.
 
We have just concluded our official engagements which included a one-on-one meeting and official talks. 
 
Later today, we will address the Kenya-South Africa Business Forum. 
 
The Memoranda of Understanding that we have just signed provide a legal framework to further expand our cooperation.
 
During our engagements, we extensively reflected on our bilateral relations. 
 
We have expressed satisfaction at the current state of our relations, which is coordinated through the Joint Commission for Cooperation at the level of two Foreign Ministers. 
 
Our economic partnership is one of the most strategic pillars of our bilateral cooperation. 
 
Kenya remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in East Africa and an important destination for South African investment on the continent. 
 
Leading South African companies have made significant investments in Kenya in sectors such as pharmaceutical services, retail, financial services, information and communications technology, manufacturing, business services and infrastructure development.
 
South Africa’s development finance institutions, such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa, alongside private financial institutions are increasingly expanding their footprint in Kenya, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure and private sector development. 
 
We equally welcome the growing participation of Kenyan businesses in South Africa and the strengthening of commercial linkages between East and Southern Africa. 
 
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement provides a unique opportunity for our two countries to further increase trade. 
 
In January 2024, I was pleased to witness the first shipment of exports from South Africa to Kenya under the AfCFTA preferential agreement. 
 
President Ruto and I agreed that the AfCFTA must serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth, industrialisation and job creation. 
 
It should facilitate the development of regional value chains, support African manufacturing and create greater opportunities for young people, women and entrepreneurs across our continent. 
 
Our economic relations are coordinated through the South Africa-Kenya Joint Trade Committee, which met last month.
 
The Joint Trade Committee reaffirmed the importance of promoting a more balanced and mutually beneficial economic partnership through increased investment, industrial cooperation, skills transfer, technology exchange and support for value addition and manufacturing in both economies.
 
South Africa is keen to continue exploring opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure development, logistics, transport, energy and related sectors. 
 
South Africa appreciates Kenya’s key role as a gateway to East Africa and as one of the leading voices on matters of peace, security and development on the continent.
 
We reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening the African Union and its institutions and ensuring that Africa speaks with one voice in addressing continental and global challenges.
 
As vibrant democracies with deep constitutional traditions, South Africa and Kenya remain committed to the principles of good governance, accountability, inclusive development and respect for the rule of law.
 
In this regard, I conveyed my best wishes to President Ruto and the people of Kenya as they continue preparations towards the 2027 elections.
 
I also wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Your Excellency, and to the Republic of Kenya for being among the three nations chosen to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year, alongside Uganda and Tanzania. 
 
This is truly a proud and historic moment for East Africa.
 
This State Visit has further strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.
 
It has laid a firm foundation for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, industrialisation, infrastructure development, skills development and regional integration. 
 
Together, South Africa and Kenya will continue working to advance prosperity for our peoples and contribute to the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent.
 
I thank you.
 

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Transformation du riz à Glazoué : Une nouvelle unité offerte aux femmes entrepreneures par le Fonds National de Développement Agricole (FNDA)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Coopération Communale des Étuveuses de Riz (CCER) de Glazoué dispose, depuis le mercredi 03 juin 2026, d’une unité de transformation du riz paddy en riz étuvé. La réception provisoire de l’infrastructure a été faite par la délégation du Fonds National de Développement Agricole (FNDA), conduite par le Directeur général, Monsieur Nicolas AHOUISSOUSSI. 

La Commune de Glazoué a franchi une nouvelle étape dans la promotion de l’entrepreneuriat agricole féminin. L’unité financée et réceptionnée par le FNDA constitue un levier important pour l’amélioration des conditions de travail des femmes transformatrices, l’accroissement de la qualité du riz local et le renforcement de la chaîne de valeur rizicole. 

À l’occasion, la représentante des bénéficiaires, Madame Cyprienne DOSSOU, a exprimé sa profonde gratitude au FNDA et à la Coopération suisse, aux autorités communales et à l’ensemble des partenaires impliqués dans la réalisation de ce projet structurant. Leur joie et leur engagement témoignent de l’impact positif que cette unité aura sur leurs activités génératrices de revenus et sur le développement économique local. 

Pour accompagner cette initiative du FNDA, sur appui de la Coopération Suisse, le Premier Adjoint au Maire de Glazoué, Monsieur Basile GNINTONANDJEHOU, s’est engagé à fournir électricité, clôture et tous autres commodités manquantes pour une meilleure exploitation de l’unité de transformation.

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Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Media files

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La nomination du Professeur Oramah au Conseil d’administration de Royal African Society et au Fonds national pour les infrastructures du Kenya témoigne une nouvelle fois de la reconnaissance de son leadership mondial et de son influence panafricaine

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Après une décennie marquante à la tête d’Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), le Professeur Benedict Okey Oramah, GCON, ancien Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque, s’est vu décerner de nombreuses distinctions et nominations prestigieuses, témoignant de son influence durable et de la forte demande pour son expertise dans les domaines de la finance, de la santé et du développement panafricain.

Lors d’une assemblée générale extraordinaire, les membres de Royal African Society ont élu à l’unanimité le Professeur Oramah comme deuxième parrain de la Société. Fondée en 1901, Royal African Society est la principale organisation britannique œuvrant pour la compréhension mutuelle, l’engagement et les partenariats en Afrique et entre l’Afrique et le reste du monde. Elle réunit décideurs politiques, chefs d’entreprise, universitaires et représentants de la société civile à travers des événements, des recherches et des actions de plaidoyer. Cette nomination intervient au moment où la Société célèbre son 125e anniversaire et renforce son engagement en faveur de la transformation économique de l’Afrique, des industries créatives et des partenariats internationaux. Arunma Oteh, Présidente de Royal African Society, a souligné que la nomination du Professeur Oramah témoigne de l’engagement de la Société à collaborer avec les dirigeants qui dessinent l’avenir économique de l’Afrique. Elle a ajouté que son expérience, sa vision globale et son engagement de longue date en faveur de la coopération panafricaine renforceront considérablement l’action de l’organisation et en élargiront l’impact.

Dans la même dynamique, en avril 2026, le Président kényan, S.E. William Ruto, a nommé le Professeur Oramah membre indépendant du Conseil d’administration du National Infrastructure Fund [Fonds national pour les infrastructure-NIF], nouvellement créé au Kenya, pour un mandat de trois ans. Le NIF représente un tournant stratégique vers une croissance tirée par l’investissement et est conçu pour attirer les capitaux privés tout en réduisant la dépendance du Kenya à l’égard de la dette publique. Le Professeur Oramah siège aux côtés de membres statutaires, parmi lesquels le gouverneur de la Banque centrale du Kenya, le procureur général, de hauts responsables financiers et d’autres experts, en tant que l’un des quatre experts indépendants nommés au Conseil. 

Le Professeur Oramah a également été nommé par le Centre africain de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (CDC Afrique) au poste de conseiller principal en financement stratégique, aux côtés de conseillers principaux chargés de la coopération internationale, des partenariats stratégiques et des échanges de dettes. Cette nomination vise à soutenir l’accélération du programme du CDC Afrique en matière de sécurité et de souveraineté sanitaires en Afrique, en renforçant sa capacité à mobiliser des capitaux, à influencer les politiques de haut niveau et à nouer des partenariats stratégiques à travers le continent. Elle témoigne également de l’engagement continu du Professeur Oramah en faveur de la souveraineté sanitaire, un domaine dans lequel il a joué un rôle central tout au long de son mandat à Afreximbank, notamment à travers des initiatives telles que le Centre médical africain d’excellence d’Abuja.

Ces nominations s’inscrivent dans la continuité de la reconnaissance qui a accompagné le Professeur Oramah d’Afreximbank à son départ de la Banque. Le Président nigérian Bola Ahmed Tinubu lui a conféré le titre de Grand Commandeur de l’Ordre du Niger (GCON), la deuxième plus haute distinction du pays, en reconnaissance de sa contribution au développement de l’Afrique et du Nigéria, qui a bénéficié d’un soutien financier de plus de 52 milliards de dollars US de la part de la Banque durant son mandat. La réception organisée par Woodhall Capital à son siège de Lagos en mars 2026, qui a réuni d’éminentes personnalités du monde de la finance et de l’industrie pour célébrer sa contribution au commerce et au développement économique africains, est l’une des nombreux évènements de ce type organisés à travers le continent pour magnifier l’héritage du Professeur Oramah.

Commentant ses récentes nominations et son engagement continu, le Professeur Oramah a déclaré : « Le développement de l’Afrique est un effort multigénérationnel, et ceux d’entre nous qui ont eu le privilège d’exercer des fonctions de direction ont la responsabilité de rester sur le terrain. Qu’il s’agisse de renforcer les systèmes de financement de la santé, de bâtir les infrastructures qui favorisent une croissance inclusive ou de soutenir les institutions qui font rayonner l’Afrique à travers le monde, le travail se poursuit. Je suis profondément honoré par chacune de ces distinctions et je reste déterminé à contribuer, dans la mesure de mes possibilités, au cheminement de l’Afrique vers la souveraineté et l’autonomie ».

Le Professeur Oramah a été Président d’Afreximbank et du Conseil d’administration de la Banque de 2015 à 2025, jouant un rôle central dans l’évolution de l’établissement bancaire devenu par la suite l’une des institutions financières les plus influentes d’Afrique. Sous sa direction, Afreximbank a contribué à l’avancement de plusieurs initiatives continentales, y compris le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS), la Foire du commerce intra-africain (IATF) et des programmes visant à renforcer les industries manufacturières et créatives dans les économies africaines. Il occupe actuellement le poste de président du Conseil d’administration du Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA) et du Centre médical africain d’excellence (AMCE).

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

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World Bank Group Launches Ten-Year Strategy to Drive Jobs and Prosperity in Uganda

Source: APO – Report:

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The World Bank Group (WBG) Board of Executive Directors today endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Uganda, a 10-year strategy (2026-2035) designed to accelerate a private sector-led economic transformation and expand opportunities for the country’s rapidly growing population.

The CPF, developed in collaboration with the Government of Uganda and in consultation with other stakeholders, aligns with the country’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan. It reflects a shared commitment to turning Uganda’s strong growth potential, young population, and natural endowments into sustained improvements in productivity, incomes, and livelihoods.

The creation of more and better jobs is at the core of the new strategy because jobs present the most effective pathway out of poverty and the strongest foundation for shared prosperity. With 600,000–700,000 young people entering the labor market each year, Uganda’s development challenge and opportunity lie in accelerating productivity and expanding access to higher‑quality employment across the economy.

“Uganda has extraordinary assets: a young population full of potential, abundant natural resources, and a government committed to long-term transformation,” said Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank Country Manager for Uganda. “The CPF is our commitment to walk alongside Uganda over the next decade by investing in its people, infrastructure, and institutions that will power prosperity and translate growth into jobs and better living standards. When Ugandans work, families thrive and communities grow.”

The CPF is organized around four mutually reinforcing outcomes: strengthened economic governance, healthier and better-skilled people, better-connected communities, and a more productive and inclusive private sector.

A defining feature of the new CPF is its emphasis on the One WBG approach – bringing together International Development Association (IDA) financing, International Finance Corporation (IFC) investments and advisory services, and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) guarantees in a coordinated and strategic way. This method is designed to make WBG support more impactful, more efficient, and more responsive to Uganda’s evolving needs.

Over the next decade, the WBG will mobilize significant resources in support of Uganda’s development priorities. Key targets include:

  • doubling energy access to reach 50 million people by 2035, up from 25 million today;
  • providing 22 million people with quality health, nutrition, and population services;
  • supporting 10 million students with better education and skills;
  • improving transport infrastructure to benefit 20 million people;
  • extending access to financial services to 14 million people and businesses, including 9 million women; and
  • 100% increase in agricultural yields in targeted value chains.

On the financial side, the WBG anticipates an indicative lending program of approximately $2 billion per IDA three-year cycle, building on an existing portfolio of $4 billion. The strategy also aims to catalyze up to $1.3 billion in private investment and mobilize an additional $2.5 billion from private capital markets.

A strong private sector is the engine of lasting economic growth. Whereas IFC will support targeted private sector investments in a series of sectors, MIGA will leverage the WBG Guarantee Platform to complement these efforts by expanding its guarantees to help mitigate risks for foreign investors. Mitigating risks will strengthen investor confidence and unlock long‑term private capital for Uganda.

This CPF provides the continuity needed to support complex reforms, strengthen institutions, and sustain impact, while retaining flexibility through periodic reviews to adapt to evolving circumstances.

– on behalf of The World Bank Group.