Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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• Some women in Somalia have found work in its male-dominated construction industry, proving that skill, not gender, determines success.
• Women employees want to become mentors and role models in their communities, inspiring others to pursue nontraditional work and to believe in their own potential.
• World Bank support for an urban resilience project has helped elevate the livelihoods of 494,910 beneficiaries in some Somali cities and employed 583 women.

In Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu, where the construction industry has long been dominated by men, two women are among those reshaping that narrative. Farhiya Abdikadir Mohamed and Halima Abukar have found jobs in road building through the World Bank-backed Somalia Urban Resilience Project – Phase II, also known as the Nagaad Project.

The Nagaad Project has so far benefitted 494,910 people (49%) out of the one million project target through its investments in urban infrastructure in six Somali cities: Mogadishu, Garowe, Baidoa, Kismayo, Dhusamareeb and Beledweyne. Of those reached, 51% are women and 14% are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The infrastructure they’ve been working on includes 34 km of roads—with integrated solar streetlights, sidewalks, roadside drainage, and greening—as well as a 145-meter bridge and 6 km of rehabilitated drainage. With works covering an additional 53 km of roads and 2 km of drainage ongoing across the six cities, the project is expected to reach an additional 700,000 upon completion – and to exceed its target of one million beneficiaries.

Its municipal drought response has supported 1,056,397 Somalis, of whom 63% are women and 82% are IDPs. The project aims to improve local government capacity for service delivery and strengthen urban infrastructure and resilience against climate shocks, such as intense heat and flash floods.

In a busy construction site in the Shangaani district of Mogadishu, the scent of asphalt lingers, heavy machinery rumbles, and workers move in synchronized precision. Among them, two figures stand out—not because they are out of place, but because they symbolize a long overdue change.

Propelled by strength and need

Farhiya and Halima, once hesitant to step into this male-dominated field, now walk with confidence among their colleagues, their safety vests gleaming like emblems of progress.

For Farhiya, the idea of working in construction was once unthinkable. “I grew up in a society where women were expected to take on traditional roles, caregiving, teaching, or running small businesses,” she says. “I was always interested in how things were built and watched the men working on roads, wondering why women weren’t part of it.”

Her opportunity came through the Nagaad recruitment drive. She was doubtful at first: She wondered if she could handle the physical labor and if the men would accept her. She pushed forward instead, convincing herself that if men could do it, she too could succeed.

On the other hand, Halima, a mother of seven, was driven by necessity. She had worked as a tea seller, cleaner, and tailor, but none of those jobs brought financial stability. “When I heard about the opportunity to work in construction, I wasn’t sure I could do it,” she said. “But I had no other choice. My children needed me to be strong.”

Both women faced immense challenges. The heat was unrelenting and the labor shattering. Yet, the heaviest burden was the resounding doubt of their male colleagues. “The first time I picked up a shovel, some men laughed,” Halima said. “They said I wouldn’t last a week!”

Neither backed down, throwing themselves into their work with determination. Slowly, perceptions began to shift. The same men who had once doubted them started recognizing their skills. “They no longer see us as women trying to do a man’s job,” said Farhiya. “They see us as fellow workers.” Supported by the Nagaad Project, they received training in safety protocols, operating machinery, and laying asphalt.

Mohamed Sheikh Ahmed, Community Engagement Specialist at the Banaadir Regional Administration’s Project Implementation Unit, witnessed their transformation firsthand. “Halima and Farhiya are among the hardest workers,” he stated. “They’ve proven that women can do this job just as well as men. This is not just about roads or employment, it’s about shifting mindsets and building a future where gender does not limit potential.”

Personal and communal empowerment

The change was more than professional, it was personal. “This job gave me independence,” said Farhiya. “I no longer rely on anyone for support. That alone is worth every challenge I have faced.” Halima’s life, too, has been transformed. She can now afford rent, food, and school fees for her children. “I don’t worry about how I’ll feed my kids,” she said. “This job gave me life and hope.”

Both Halima and Farhiya now dream of jobs beyond their current roles. Halima wants to train and mentor other women, helping them build confidence and skills. Farhiya aspires to lead construction projects as a site supervisor and to be a role model. “I want to be an example to show that women can rise to the top in any field,” she declared.

The most profound impact has been on their communities. “My neighbors used to say construction wasn’t for women,” Halima said. “Now, they ask me how to join!” They are mentoring others, encouraging young women to explore paths once considered off-limits. “There’s no such thing as ‘men’s work’ or ‘women’s work’,” she said. “If you have the skill and determination, you can do anything.”

Their journey is far from over. As they stand on the newly constructed roads of Mogadishu, they know they have already started to pave the way for future generations of Somali women.

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

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The population in two counties in South Sudan are at risk of famine in the coming months, as conflict in Upper Nile state escalates, destroying homes, disrupting livelihoods, and impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The latest update by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) shows a deterioration in food and nutrition conditions in areas of South Sudan hit by fighting in the last few months. In Upper Nile state, people in 11 of the 13 counties are now facing emergency levels of hunger. 

Of extreme concern are Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile, where people are deemed to be at-risk of famine, in the worst-case scenario. These areas have faced intense clashes and aerial bombardments that began in March, leading to large scale displacement. Some 32,000 people are in Catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) hunger conditions in Upper Nile state, more than three times the previous projection.

Other parts of the country that have been spared from the conflict have seen improvements, with food security classification shifting from emergency (IPC Phase 4) to crisis (IPC Phase 3) – linked in some areas to better crop production and in others to sustained humanitarian interventions. This highlights the positive impact stability can have on food security.

Nonetheless, 7.7 million people (57 percent of the population) continue to face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+), and there have been persistent pockets of catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5) in South Sudan in recent years, with conflict as a core driver. The last time famine was confirmed in South Sudan was in 2017.

“South Sudan cannot afford to sink into conflict at this point in time. It will plunge already vulnerable communities into severe food insecurity, leading to widespread hunger as farmers will be prevented from working on their land,” said Meshack Malo, Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in South Sudan. “Improvement from IPC Phase 4 to IPC Phase 3, in ten counties, is clear testament of the dividends of peace”

Humanitarian access in the conflict-affected areas remains severely constrained, leaving vulnerable communities without vital support during the lean season, amid ongoing conflict and displacement. The report also found that 66 percent (1.04 million people) of Upper Nile state’s population are now facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3), Emergency (IPC Phase 4), or Catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) levels of hunger.

“Once again, we are seeing the devastating impact conflict has on food security in South Sudan,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Country Director and Representative for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in South Sudan. “Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods, it tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and sends food prices spiraling upward. Long-term peace is essential, but right now, it is critical our teams are able to access and safely distribute food to families caught in conflict in Upper Nile, to bring them back from the brink and prevent famine.”

Malnutrition is also surging among children and mothers amidst a cholera outbreak with three additional counties in Upper Nile and Unity states reaching the most critical levels of malnutrition classification. The number of children at risk of acute malnutrition across South Sudan has risen to 2.3 million, from 2.1 million earlier in the year – an already unprecedented number. 

“These latest projections place a further 200,000 young children at high risk of malnutrition. The ongoing challenges with access in some of the most affected areas, as well as health and nutrition site closures reduce the chances of early intervention and treatment. In addition, the cholera outbreak has added to an already difficult situation, putting young lives in a precarious fight for survival,” said Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s country representative in South Sudan. “Now more than ever we need continuity and scale-up of services for prevention and treatment of malnutrition” she added.

As conflict, displacement, and disease continue to converge, humanitarian agencies are warning that the time to act is passing quickly for thousands of families in Upper Nile who are on the brink of catastrophe.

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

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On Wednesday 11th June 2025, Ambassador Anne Lafortune, the Seychelles Resident Ambassador in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, attended the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Coordination (FOCAC) Summit, the latter was held in Beijing in September 2024.

The meeting took stock of the current achievements since the 2024 FOCAC Summit, and discussed ways to advance the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and its Action Plan (2025-2027), which outlined China-Africa cooperation for the three years.

The platform, which will commemorate its 25th anniversary since its establishment in October 2000, remains an important mechanism of collaboration between China and African nations, focusing on a win-win partnership and mutual prosperity.

In her statement, Ambassador Lafortune reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to the implementation of the principles and objectives of the FOCAC, which continue to unlock Africa’s full potential. She commended President Xi’s ten (10) partnership actions announced in September 2024, which responded to the evolving and distinct development needs of African countries.  She also stated that “Seychelles is proud to be part of this transformative endeavour”.

She further emphasised that as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles values the support of the Government of China, which aligns closely with its national development strategy. Highlighting the excellent Sino-Seychelles relations, which have flourished over the years, creating pathways for sustainable growth and development, as the two countries near the significant milestone of 50 years of diplomatic ties next year.

Ambassador Lafortune will also attend the special sessions of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), under the theme “China and Africa: Together Towards Modernisation”, supporting the economic and trade initiatives defined in the Ten Partnership Action. The Expo

Ambassador Lafortune is accompanied by Ms. Wendy Isnard, Director of Bilateral Affairs in the Foreign Affairs Department and other staff from the Seychelles Embassy in Beijing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

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The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has called on accounting officers to ensure the prudent, efficient, and effective use of public resources in accordance the Public Finance Management Act, 2015.

Speaker Among was speaking in Kololo where Parliament met to receive the national budget for the financial year 2025/2026 on Thursday, 12 June 2025.

Among used the occasion to raise critical issues that emerged during Parliament’s budget scrutiny process and reaffirmed the House’s bipartisan commitment to national development.

“Much as politics and contestation go hand in hand, when it comes to matters of national development, this Parliament puts Uganda first regardless of political affiliation,” she said.

She emphasized several priority areas that require immediate attention such as strengthening oversight and implementation of wealth creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Fund, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), and Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE).

She also highlighted that enforcing implementation of high-impact projects under the fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) to achieve the country’s strategic goals and enhancing budget discipline by compelling Accounting Officers to adhere strictly to approved budgets and work plans is crucial for Uganda’s progress.

She established that there is a need to reduce supplementary budget requests by adhering to requirements of the Public Finance Management Act, which limits them to unavoidable, unforeseeable, and absorbable expenditures

Among further noted that the FY2025/2026 budget was passed by Parliament on 15th May 2025, in compliance with Section 14 of the Public Finance Management Act and Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.

She highlighted key milestones achieved in the budget process, including:

·         Approval of the National Budget Framework Paper (2025/2026 –2029/2030) on 30th January 2025.

·         Consideration of Ministerial Policy Statements between 9th and 16th April 2025.

·         Passage of seven revenue-related bills on 13th and 14th May 2025 to facilitate budget financing.

She praised Parliament’s efficiency, attributing it to cooperation among the Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, and civil society.

“Together, we met all legal and constitutional timelines and adequately scrutinized the budget,” she said.

She urged continued civic engagement during the implementation and accountability phases, stressing the importance of public participation as a pillar of democracy and good governance.

In a separate communication, the Speaker confirmed and named nine legislators who had switched from their original party.

“We wish these Members well as they exercise their right to freedom of association, as enshrined in article 29 of the constitution,” she said.

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

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A digital training initiative is helping young Ethiopians turn freelancing into a viable career, opening up new opportunities for income, independence and access to global work.

Ethiopia is emerging as a strong contender in the global freelance economy. With more than 200,000 science graduates each year, expanding internet access, and some of the most competitive labour costs in Africa, the country has the conditions to scale remote work. Supported by digital payment reforms and a national taskforce focused on freelancing, the country is working to turn its digital talent into a driver of economic growth.

Until recently, however, few young people had access to structured support or training to help them enter the freelance market. That’s starting to change. A recent Digital Freelancing Training Programme trained 353 participants – 186 women and 167 men – in how to build sustainable careers as freelancers and access the global gig economy. The training covered everything from financial planning and personal branding to project management and securing online clients. The training was supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project at the International Trade Centre (ITC).

From employment to independence

Nardos Seifu, a design and research strategist based in Addis Ababa, joined the programme after seeing a post on social media. Her work focuses on human-centred design, innovation, and facilitating learning experiences. She had long been interested in consulting but didn’t know how to position herself as a freelancer.

‘I had the skills, but I didn’t know how to offer them as a service,’ she said. ‘The training explained how freelancing works, including how to price your time, promote yourself, and manage your work professionally.’

Since completing the course, she has formalized a tutoring side job and is applying for remote design consulting roles. She credits the financial planning sessions for helping her organise her income and time and is using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to grow her visibility.

‘I’ve always wanted to open a design studio that trains young people in design thinking. Now I feel like that’s possible.’

Adapting to local realities

The training was delivered online through weekly webinars, practical guides and interactive sessions. Internet access was a challenge for some participants, particularly outside Addis Ababa, so the team used multiple channels, including Telegram, SMS and email, to keep learners engaged.

A key resource was the Become a Freelancer Checklist, a step-by-step guide to setting goals, building online profiles, and managing client work. Enquanhone also authored a companion eBook, Become an Online Freelancer, which covers everything from branding and pricing to productivity and digital tools.

Turning lessons into action

Participants were encouraged to apply what they learnt immediately. For Seifu, that meant tracking tutoring hours, setting a consistent hourly rate, and using scheduling tools to stay on top of her workload.

‘We were taught to treat freelancing like a business,’ she said. ‘That means knowing your value, being organised, and communicating clearly.’

The programme also introduced tools for building an online presence. Nardos, previously hesitant about platforms like TikTok, is now using it to share insights and reach new audiences. ‘There are a lot of tools out there. The programme helped me figure out which ones matter and how to use them.’

Following the training, many participants began applying their new skills immediately. A total of 148 entrepreneurs – including 63 women and 137 young people – have enhanced their ability to work as freelancers as a result of gaining practical tools to manage clients, projects and income streams. Of those trained, 87 participants (35 women and 81 youth) secured new jobs, demonstrating the programme’s early success in improving employability and access to income-generating opportunities.

Growing a freelance community

Participants came from diverse sectors – including marketing, development, and tech – and peer learning was a core part of the experience.

‘We were learning from each other,’ said Seifu. ‘We talked about our goals and shared what was working.’

Still, Ethiopia’s freelance ecosystem is young. Seifu noted the lack of local networks or co-working spaces for freelancers. A Telegram group created through the programme helps alumni stay in touch and share opportunities, but participants see the need for more structured, long-term support.

A model for future growth

The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector.

‘This training was a starting point,’ said Enquanhone. ‘Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.’

With the right support, Ethiopia’s freelancers could help shape the country’s digital economy and become a model for others across the continent.

A model for future growth

The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector.

‘This training was a starting point,’ said Enquanhone. ‘Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.’

With the right support, Ethiopia’s freelancers could help shape the country’s digital economy and become a model for others across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development has unveiled a Shs72.136 trillion national budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, setting its sights on transforming every corner of the country into a hub of commercial activity.

Presented by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, 12 June, 2025, the budget signals a strong shift towards full monetisation of Uganda’s economy, underpinned by commercial agriculture, industrialisation, digital transformation, and expanded access to markets.

Speaking against the backdrop of a rapidly growing economy, Kasaija painted a picture of a Uganda ready to transition from resilience to acceleration.

“The budget for next financial year, and over the medium term, is focused on people and wealth creation,” he said.

Consequently, the theme of the financial year 2025/26 is: “Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.’”

The Shs72.3 trillion resource envelope represents one of the largest in Uganda’s history, with domestic revenue expected to contribute Shs37.2 trillion, roughly 60 percent of the total. The rest will be financed through borrowing and grants. The budget deficit is estimated at 7.6 percent of GDP.

But Kasaija reassured Ugandans, stating that the government had a clear strategy to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, widen the tax base, and strengthen tax administration.

“Government plans to collect Shs37.2 trillion in domestic revenue next financial year,” he said, adding that focus would be placed on tackling smuggling, corruption at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and leveraging digital tools like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System to plug leakages.

Priority sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism received large shares of the allocation.

Healthcare emerged as a major beneficiary, with Shs5.87 trillion earmarked for next year. Kasaija detailed plans to functionalise Health Centre IVs, scale up e-health systems, and expand emergency medical services. He said the government had already delivered 20 digital X-ray machines and installed CT scanners in 14 out of 16 regional referral hospitals.

“We are strengthening the National Ambulance and Emergency Care System,” he added.

In education, the Minister allocated Shs5.04 trillion to support Universal Primary and Secondary Education, student loans, the construction of new seed schools, and improvements in teacher recruitment and digital inspections.

Kasaija also confirmed the upcoming operationalisation of Bunyoro and Busoga universities, as well as continued investment in sports infrastructure ahead of African Champions Cup (CHAN) and African Cup of Nation (AFCON 2027).

“In order to improve compliance with quality standards, Government digitised school inspections in all public schools and TVET institutions,” he said.

Wealth creation programmes, a lifeline for millions of Ugandans received renewed commitment, with Shs2.43 trillion directed towards the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and other grassroots economic empowerment initiatives.

Kasaija said the PDM alone would receive Shs .059 trillion in FY2025/2026, ensuring every parish continues to receive Shs100 million annually.

“These investments are changing the lives of Ugandans by boosting household incomes, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities,” he noted.

He revealed that over 2.6 million Ugandans have already benefited from PDM funds, with investments spanning food crops, livestock, poultry, and microenterprises. To enhance efficiency and eliminate corruption, PDM operations have been fully digitised, using systems such as the WENDI and ZAIDI apps.

On the industrial and agricultural front, the government committed Shs1.86 trillion to agro-industrialisation. This includes funding for agricultural research, irrigation schemes, fertilisers, extension services, and value addition. Kasaija highlighted the completion of 145 solar-powered irrigation schemes and the ongoing construction of 157 more.

He singled out the Agricultural Credit Facility, now worth over Shs1 trillion in disbursements, as a key driver of agricultural transformation.

“I have provided additional capital of Shs50 billion to the Agricultural Credit Facility next financial year, in addition to insurance that benefits all farmers including PDM beneficiaries.”

Uganda’s industrial and energy ambitions were also prominently featured, with Kasaija announcing an allocation of Shs875.8 billion for mineral-based industrial development and oil and gas. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now 58 percent complete, and an agreement has been signed for the construction of a 60,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery. Once oil production starts in 2026, government expects annual revenues of US$1 to 2.5 billion.

“Uganda currently saves up to US$72.8 million annually on fuel imports,” Kasaija said, citing the impact of the Uganda National Oil Company’s direct importation of petroleum products, which eliminated middlemen and reduced speculative pricing.

Tourism, another pillar of the economy, was allocated Shs430 billion, with an additional Shs2.2 trillion indirectly supporting tourism infrastructure such as roads, ICT, and security.

The government aims to position Uganda as a competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in Africa, following recent successes. “Uganda now ranks 7th in Africa in MICE tourism,” Kasaija stated.

Even as he celebrated Uganda’s achievements, such as coffee exports surging past US$1.83 billion and tourism earnings reaching US$1.52 billion, Kasaija called on Ugandans to embrace value addition and export diversification.

“While it took the country more than a century to reach US$1 billion in annual coffee export earnings, it has taken just one year to double these earnings,” he said. “I therefore implore Ugandans to grow more coffee and, most importantly, add value to our coffee before we export it.”

AUDIO: Minister Kasaija

Kasaija expressed confidence in the direction the country is taking. With projected economic growth of 7 percent in FY2025/2026 and a GDP per capita increase to US$1,324, Uganda is moving steadily towards middle-income status.

“The necessary foundation has already been established, the speed of economic transformation is destined to be faster in the medium term.” Kasaija concluded.

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

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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has called on the provincial Department of Education in the Eastern Cape to proactively determine infrastructure damage and the number of learners affected by the weekend floods.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, said the floods happened just when mid-year exams were in full swing and children should be allowed access once schools have been thoroughly cleaned.

The committee sends its heartfelt condolences to families and friends of the deceased. “It hurts to realise that no circuit or district decision was made with regards to closure of schools on Monday when warning of two cold fronts across the country had been issued by SA Weather Service. This calls for proper and proactive leadership from circuit level right up to the province.”

The provincial government revised the number of the deceased due to floods to be around 49. A number of young learners were affected when their school transport was swept away by the floods.

Mr Feni said the Department of Education must attend to school infrastructure and the cleaning of affected schools. “Parents should be bold and refuse with their children when these kinds of warnings are issued. We want empowered parents who are aware of their surroundings and the debates around such matters as the climate change and its impact. But young children cannot make these decisions.”

Mr Feni said if children writing exams were from the impacted schools they should be provided with all the support they need, including catching up of the lost day. “But before children are allowed back in schools those should be allowed only once the schools had been thoroughly cleaned and are conducive to learning.”

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