Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Mai-Habar Technical School today graduated 140 students, including 58 females. The graduates completed two years of theoretical and practical training in auto mechanics, electricity, metal and woodwork, plumbing, and construction.

Mr. Tesfazgi Abraha, Director of the school, stated that Mai-Habar Technical School offers two years of vocational and academic training and plays a significant role in producing skilled professionals in various fields.

He noted that the Government of Eritrea continues to invest heavily in education as part of its strategy to build a strong and sustainable national economy. He called on the graduates to serve the public and the country with commitment.

A representative of the graduating class expressed appreciation for the educational opportunity and affirmed their readiness to meet the expectations of the people and the Government.

At the event, special awards were presented to outstanding graduates who achieved the highest scores.

Mai-Habar Technical School, established in 1994, has graduated 5,173 students to date.

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

African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will feature a Power Africa Track as part of its main conference program. The track, dedicated to addressing emerging opportunities across the continent’s power and infrastructure sectors, will examine the state of play of Africa’s power market. Government representatives, private sector investors, independent power producers and public utilities will come together to discuss Africa’s future power systems – laying the foundation for new deals to be signed. 

While many developed nations prioritize renewable energy developments, African nations continue to face significant energy access challenges. Approximately 43% of the continent’s population lives without access to electricity, with rural and remote communities struggling to gain access to national grid networks. At the same time, Africa is also the continent most-effected by climate change impacts globally. This highlights a need – and emerging opportunity – for a coordinated approach by both the private and public sectors to develop infrastructure that meets the demands of both urbanized and rural communities. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Powering Africa Track offers a platform to discuss strategies for expanding energy access across the continent. Sessions will explore the role public-private collaboration plays, how market liberalization can bolster investments and the impact of integrated power pools. Panel discussions include: Energy Leaders Dialogue: Strengthening Public & Private Collaborations for Increased Energy Access; Empowering Africa’s Energy Future: Market Liberalization and Private Sector Leadership; Scaling Renewable Innovation: Bridging the Energy Access Gap with Off-Grid and Smart Technologies; and Connecting Africa: Advancing Regional Trade Through Integrated Power Pools.

Many countries in Africa are pursuing investment to support sustainable energy developments, seeking to both strengthen and expand power systems. Challenges related to inadequate generating capacity, transmission disruptions and maintenance have plagued many countries, resulting in unreliable power supply that hinders economic growth. South Africa, for example, Africa’s largest economy, struggles with intermittent power, largely due to an ageing coal fleet. To address this, the country is leveraging policy such as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer program and Integrated Resource Plan to incentivize private sector investment in alternative energy sources. To date, the country has introduced 6.4 GW of renewable energy capacity to the grid through 122 independent power producers. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 sessions on Balancing Investment Strategies and the Integration of Renewable into the Energy Mix and The Role of African Energy in a World Where Climate is No Longer the First Priority will explore the role of renewable energy in Africa’s power systems and how Africa’s priorities have shifted to power expansion.

Beyond renewables, Africa is well-positioned to leverage its natural gas and uranium resources to diversify its energy mix and strengthen power capacity. Wit over 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas resources, the continent is turning to gas-based power to enhance access and support industrialization. Major projects include Angola’s 750 MW Soyo combined cycle power plant; Senegal’s 300 MW Cap des Biches power plant; Algeria’s 660 MW dual-fired Hassi Messaoud Gas Turbine plant, among others. In the nuclear sector, several African countries are pursuing power projects in collaboration with international partners. Projects are being planned in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, and more, all of which will complement the continent’s sole operating nuclear facility: South Africa’s Koeberg plant. Sessions on gas-to-power and nuclear at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will explore the emerging role these resources will play in Africa’s power sector. Sessions include Gas-to-Power: Meeting Africa’s Growing Domestic Energy Demand Now; Overcoming Infrastructure and Regulatory Hurdles to Nuclear Deployment; Energy Efficiency: The Cornerstone of Africa’s Sustainable Growth; and Powering Africa’s Industrial Revolution.

“With over 600 million people living without access to electricity, there has never been a more imperative time to advance the development of integrated power systems in Africa. While the continent’s population continues to grow, securing power supply becomes critical. By investing in African resources, strengthening infrastructure and introducing off-grid power solutions, Africa will be able to both alleviate energy poverty while driving long-term, sustainable growth,” states Sergio Pugliese, President for the African Energy Chamber, Angola.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

Refilwe Sebothoma, Founder and CEO of South African-based gas company Hakem Energies, will speak at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference. During the event, Sebothoma is expected to highlight South Africa’s clean cooking agenda and the role of women-led innovators in driving inclusive access to modern energy services across underserved communities.  

Taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, AEW: Invest in African Energies is the largest energy event in Africa, convening stakeholders under the theme: Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion. The event drives investment across the entire energy value chain in Africa, supporting broader continental goals of advancing energy access and clean cooking adoption. Sebothoma’s participation reflects Hakem Energies’ critical role in advancing South Africa’s LPG market and is set to create new pathways for collaboration and dialogue.   

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

While Africa holds approximately 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, over 900 million people across the continent live without access to clean cooking solutions. Companies such as Hakem Energies seek to address this dilemma by enhancing access to sustainable and affordable fuels such as LPG. The company is accelerating LPG adoption as a practical and scalable pathway to reduce energy poverty, empower women and enhance energy resilience. Under her leadership, Hakem Energies is deploying innovative solutions such as the Hakem LPG Box and micro-distribution networks, which deliver affordable, reliable and safe LPG to rural areas and informal settlements. The company’s flexible “pay-for-what-you-fill” model is also tailored for low-income households, improving affordability and access. Beyond household LPG use, Hakem Energies offers bulk and packaged LPG supply for a variety of economic sectors, including mining, agriculture and hospitality. With robust infrastructure support for remote operations, the company supports LPG adoption across the country.   

Hakem Energies’ solutions come as the country strives to accelerate the uptake of natural gas, leveraging policy to promote LPG expansion. South Africa’s Gas Strategy Vision for 2050 – published by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in April 2025 – seeks to diversify supply and maximize gas use for inclusive growth. In this scenario, companies like Hakem Energies are essential in supporting both the adoption of LPG as well as the transition to gas-based fuels. The firm’s work directly supports the strategy’s objectives around energy equity, economic development and clean cooking scale-up. In 2024, Sebothoma was awarded the Women of the Year Award by the Women in LPG Global Network for her leadership in championing diversity and women’s empowerment through LPG use for energy access – a key pillar of AEW: Invest in African Energies. 

At the event this September, Sebothoma will contribute to strategic dialogues and project showcases, spotlighting key investment and partnership opportunities to scale up clean cooking infrastructure and small-scale gas distribution.  

“Sebothoma is championing a woman-powered, youth-led and community-built ecosystem for an inclusive energy transition in South Africa. As Africa drives towards energy resilience for sustainable development, women cannot continue to be left behind. LPG solutions offer a powerful tool to empower communities and close the energy access gap,” said Oré Onagbesan, Program Director for AEW: Invest in African Energies.  

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the Ghinda sub-zone reported that 294 thousand Nakfa, contributed by Government workers in the sub-zone, was distributed to 49 families of martyrs, with each family receiving 6 thousand Nakfa. The branch also stated that 180 thousand Nakfa, contributed by Diaspora nationals, was distributed to 22 families, and 50 families were rehabilitated with livestock.

In the same vein, members of the Northern Red Sea Region Administration, the Ministry of Marine Resources, the Air Force, and the Massawa Municipality extended financial support to three families of martyrs, each receiving 6 thousand Nakfa.

Reports indicate that over the past six months, approximately 3 million Nakfa has been disbursed to families of martyrs in the Ghinda sub-zone.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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On June 25, commencing at 4:00 p.m., for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from H.E. Mr. Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:

1. At the outset, State Minister Fujii welcomed Permanent Secretary Hamza’s visit to Japan and expressed his expectation for further cooperation at the United Nations, including the Security Council, with the Federal Republic of Somalia, as Somalia is serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for two years from 2025.
2. In response, Permanent Secretary Hamza expressed gratitude for Japan’s support so far and stated that Somalia would like to further deepen cooperation in the international arena including the Security Council, and bilateral cooperation.
3. State Minister Fujii, while mentioning Japan’s efforts, stated that Japan would like to continue cooperation with Somalia towards its peace and stability. In response, Permanent Secretary Hamza expressed his expectation for Japan’s cooperation.
4. They also exchanged views on regional situations such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, cooperation in UN Security Council reform，maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law, the cooperation toward the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) and others. They concurred to continue close cooperation in the international arena.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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Sierra Leone has entered a critical phase in strengthening its pandemic preparedness and response capacities, officially flagging-off the operationalisation of the Pandemic Fund. This milestone signals the country’s continued commitment to protecting communities and contributing to global health security.

The project is led by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), with the World Health Organization (WHO) serving as the lead implementing entity. Other key implementing partners include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF and the World Bank, reflecting a multi-sectoral, One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Sierra Leone’s successful application to the highly competitive Pandemic Fund demonstrates the Government’s growing leadership in global health security. This achievement was made possible through sustained collaboration, with WHO and partners providing technical guidance to shape a proposal aligned with international standards and responsive to national health priorities.

The Pandemic Fund offers a transformative opportunity to strengthen Sierra Leone’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats with greater speed and efficiency. Targeted investments will focus on enhancing disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, health workforce development, and emergency operations, building a more resilient and responsive health system.

Speaking at the flag-off, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, the Deputy Minister 2 for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Sahr Hemore, emphasized: “We are working assiduously to ensure the health and protection of our citizens against diseases and to contribute to global health security.”

The timing of this investment is critical. In recent years, Sierra Leone has faced a number of public health emergencies, including the ongoing mpox outbreak, which have exposed systemic vulnerabilities despite the tireless efforts of frontline health workers. The fund aims to address these gaps, while laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term preparedness.

“Sierra Leone’s operationalisation of the pandemic fund represents a significant milestone,” said Dr George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone. “The responsibility to deliver rests with all of us, and WHO remains committed to providing technical support throughout the implementation.”

WHO’s role goes beyond the initial design phase. As the lead implementing entity, WHO will continue to provide technical expertise in operational planning, capacity building, monitoring, and evaluation, to ensure that investments translate into measurable, sustainable outcomes. This partnership underscores WHO’s commitment to country-led efforts that advance both national priorities and global health security.

Sierra Leone’s approach serves as an example of how multi-partner collaboration, anchored in strong national leadership, can drive meaningful progress in pandemic preparedness. Sustained success will depend on transparent governance, inclusive coordination, and accountability to both national stakeholders and international partners.

With continued support from WHO, FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, Sierra Leone is poised to build a legacy of preparedness that will protect current and future generations and contribute to regional and global health security efforts.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – Sierra Leone.