Category: Africa

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Women’s Month: forensic social worker aids fight against crime

Source: Government of South Africa

Women’s Month: forensic social worker aids fight against crime

As South Africa commemorates Women’s Day today, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is shining the spotlight on Captain Karin Botha, a forensic social worker who played a role in the sentencing of three human traffickers to four life terms in prison earlier this year.

Botha, who is attached to the Germiston Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in Gauteng, played a role in the sentencing of the three suspects.

“Captain Botha played an instrumental role in the sentencing of three human traffickers to four life terms and 110 years’ imprisonment each on 23 April 2026. The sentences will run concurrently.

“The three Zimbabwean nationals were found guilty by the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on multiple counts of trafficking in persons, fraud, contravention of the Immigration Act as well as possession, destruction, concealment or tampering with documents.

“In August 2022, one of the traffickers and four child victims, aged between six and 14, were reportedly en route to Ireland when they were intercepted at the OR Tambo International Airport; they were in possession of fraudulent travel documentation. Two more traffickers were shortly arrested.

“The investigating officer referred the child victims to Captain Botha to assist with forensic assessments. By gaining their trust, Captain Botha was able to obtain a detailed account of events from the victims,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Her contribution strengthened the evidential value of the child victims’ testimony, which led to the successful prosecution of the three accused.

This Women’s Month, the SAPS is paying homage to its women in blue through a campaign,  which celebrates the courage, dedication and professionalism of female police officers who are making a meaningful difference in the lives of women, children and other vulnerable groups while advancing the SAPS Reset Agenda through ethical leadership, accountability and service excellence.

The 41-year-old Botha joined the service nine years ago.

“Captain Botha’s core function as a forensic social worker is to conduct forensic interviews in the investigation of child abuse cases. By using age-appropriate techniques, Captain Botha obtains accurate information from child victims to assist courts to make just and fair decisions,” said the police.

Captain Botha continuously strives for service excellence and was awarded on numerous occasions for her invaluable contribution in securing sentences in courts.

In 2020, Captain Botha was awarded a Certificate of Commendation by the Minister of Police for the role she played in the sentencing of a paedophile to life in prison and an additional 100 years’ imprisonment for multiple counts of possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography as well as child abuse.

Botha, fondly known as ‘tannie Karin’ – holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Forensic Practice. She believes being a forensic social worker is a calling which enables her to be a voice for ‘voiceless’ child victims in court.

“Being a forensic social worker is my calling. My job is not easy; my clients are children whose innocence was stolen the moment they were violated. My duty and purpose is to ensure justice is served by being a voice for these young victims in court,” says Botha.

Captain Karin Botha personifies the values set out in the SAPS’ Reset Agenda as she continues to serve the people of South Africa with dignity, honour and pride. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The world has changed. African countries must rethink how they grow their economies

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jonathan Munemo, Professor of Economics, Salisbury University

The prolonged disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has exposed how vulnerable Africa’s economies are to geopolitical shocks. Fuel prices have remained elevated, squeezing economies that depend heavily on petroleum imports from the Middle East. These include Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

This vulnerability also puts at risk the continent’s push to escape poverty through what economists call structural transformation: moving workers from low-productivity activities such as subsistence farming into more productive jobs in manufacturing and modern services.

The continent never fully participated in the export-manufacturing wave that transformed East Asia from the 1960s onward. And now Africa’s industrialisation ambitions have become even more difficult to realise as geopolitical rivalry, fragmented supply chains and artificial intelligence reshape the global economy.

As an economist who has written about how weaponisation of global trade affects African economies, I believe structural transformation still matters. But it must be reinvented around four priorities:

  • larger markets

  • reliable electricity

  • Africa’s comparative advantages

  • agriculture.

Why the old model worked

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China and Vietnam all industrialised in broadly the same way. They expanded exports of labour-intensive manufactured goods such as garments, footwear, furniture and electronics. These industries created millions of jobs for workers with limited formal education while gradually building technological capabilities, productive firms and efficient logistics networks.

What made this possible was a relatively stable global trading system. Trade barriers generally fell, demand for manufactured goods expanded, and richer countries steadily moved out of low-wage industries as incomes increased. Governments could focus on becoming more competitive because the rules of international trade were comparatively predictable.

Africa never fully benefited from that opportunity. Manufacturing accounts for only about 10% of GDP in sub-Saharan Africa, compared with around 22% in East Asia and the Pacific. The continent’s share of global manufacturing has fallen from roughly 3% in the 1970s to less than 2% today.

The continent struggled to establish internationally competitive manufacturing even when the global trading environment was relatively open. Among the factors holding it back were:

  • unreliable electricity

  • high transport and logistics costs

  • small and fragmented domestic markets

  • weak industrial capabilities

  • limited access to finance

  • unpredictable policy.

As a result, many economies remained dependent on commodity exports while importing most manufactured goods.

These longstanding constraints have not disappeared. Instead, Africa now faces a double challenge. It must overcome the structural barriers that prevented the traditional manufacturing-led development model from taking off in the past, and also adapt to a global economy that’s changed dramatically. This challenge does not make structural transformation impossible. It simply means the old way of doing it won’t work.

Four changes have rewritten the rules

The first change is that trade itself has become a geopolitical tool. Countries use export controls, financial sanctions and control over strategic technologies to pursue national security goals. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz illustrates this.

The second is that manufacturing can’t create jobs on the scale it once did. Automation has reduced demand for the low-skill factory jobs that once absorbed millions of workers.

This matters because by 2030 sub-Saharan Africa is expected to account for roughly half of all new entrants to the global labour force. That’s around 15 million young people each year. Creating productive employment will require growth across manufacturing, modern services and higher-value agriculture rather than relying on factories alone.

Third, China has remained competitive in labour-intensive manufacturing. Rising wages led many economists to expect production of clothing, textiles and footwear to relocate to lower-income countries. Instead, China still dominates. This makes it much harder for African producers to enter sectors that earlier industrialisers used as entry points.

The fourth change is artificial intelligence. AI is becoming a general-purpose technology that can help economies move labour and capital into more productive activities. For example:

  • AI-powered tools can help farmers make better decisions about weather, pests, input use and market prices

  • businesses can use AI to reduce costs, improve quality and participate in regional and global value chains.

How governments should respond

The African continent still needs millions of better-paying jobs and much higher productivity to reduce poverty and raise living standards. What has changed is the route to achieving those goals.

First, pursue economic security collectively rather than nationally. Structural transformation requires firms to invest in new industries. But they are less likely to do so if export markets are uncertain or supply chains are easily disrupted. A larger integrated market can reduce those risks.

Acting together also gives African countries greater bargaining power as the US, China and Gulf states compete to invest in the continent’s digital and physical infrastructure. Full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area is more urgent than ever.

Second, invest in electricity. It is the foundation of both industrialisation and the digital economy. Manufacturing, digital services and AI-enabled industries cannot grow without reliable power. Yet electricity remains one of the biggest constraints. In sub-Saharan Africa 78% of businesses experience routine power outages. As a result they lose an average 8.4% of annual sales, compared with a global average of 5.2%. In Nigeria 86% of businesses own or share a generator. In Kenya it is 65%; in South Africa 63%.

This dependence on diesel generators increases reliance on imported fuel: a vulnerable spot.

Third, compete where Africa has genuine comparative advantages: industries linked to natural resources and growing domestic markets. Examples include:

Finally, recognise that agriculture is central to structural transformation, not separate from it. Around half of sub-Saharan Africa’s workforce is employed in farming. Higher farm productivity raises rural incomes, releases labour for productive activities and creates demand for manufacturing and services.

AI can accelerate this process by helping farmers.

Countries that successfully connect these new realities to the long-standing goal of shifting workers and resources into higher-productivity activities will be best positioned to achieve sustained and inclusive growth.

– The world has changed. African countries must rethink how they grow their economies
– https://theconversation.com/the-world-has-changed-african-countries-must-rethink-how-they-grow-their-economies-289060

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L’ouverture de l’annexe du Centre Medical du ministere de la fonction publique : un progres significatif dans l’amelioration des soins destines aux agents publics

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Inaugurée en décembre 2025 à Abidjan, l’annexe du Centre médical du ministère de la Fonction publique répond à un besoin vital et urgent pour l’amélioration de la santé et du bien-être des agents de l’Etat. Son aménagement réfléchi illustre la volonté gouvernementale de construire un système de santé moderne, accessible et humain.

D’une superficie de 405 m², le centre médical comprend 11 salles couvrant plusieurs spécialités médicales : endocrinologie, gynécologie, ophtalmologie et pédiatrie. Il dispose aussi de pièces fonctionnelles comme une salle d’accueil, deux salles d’observation et une salle d’écoute, assurant une prise en charge complète des agents publics. 

Le centre est également doté d’une salle d’allaitement et d’une crèche entièrement équipée, innovations majeures destinées à soutenir particulièrement les femmes. « En plus de répondre à un besoin médical, le centre fait office de levier social, contribuant à un environnement professionnel plus humain », souligne Nathalia Koné, venue pour des soins.

Le centre s’inscrit dans les objectifs plus larges du gouvernement visant à développer des infrastructures hospitalières de qualité et un système de santé performant, renforçant l’espoir d’un accès à des soins de santé adaptés.

La réalisation de cette infrastructure sanitaire moderne et de qualité offre un accès de proximité à des soins spécialisés et intégrés. « Au-delà d’un simple bâtiment, ce centre devient un véritable moteur d’espoir et l’un des catalyseurs solides d’un système de santé durable et équitable », analyse Léon-Jacques Mobio, fonctionnaire à la retraite.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Patrimoine culturel : le tambour parleur du peuple Atchedji, “Djidji Ayokwe”, officiellement presente a ses depositaires avant son depart pour le Musee national des civilisations de Cote d’Ivoire

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Après sa présentation à la Nation, lors du défilé militaire et civil marquant la cérémonie officielle de célébration du 66ᵉ anniversaire de l’indépendance de la Côte d’Ivoire, le vendredi 07 août 2026 à Yopougon (Abidjan), le tambour parleur du peuple atchan, tchaman ou ébrié, “Djidji Ayokwé”, a été présenté à ses dépositaires, à Adjamé.

Représentant le Premier ministre, Robert Beugré Mambé, et assisté de la ministre de la Culture et de la Francophonie, Françoise Remarck, le ministre, conseiller à la Présidence de la République, Laurent Tchagba, a conduit la délégation, qui s’est rendue à la chefferie centrale de la communauté ébrié située à la place Akosso Gban Hin.

La cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence du chef d’Adjamé-village, Nanan Nangui Boua Chérubin, et des chefs des autres villages ébrié, donnant à cet événement toute sa dimension traditionnelle et spirituelle.

Lui-même fils de la communauté, Laurent Tchagba a traduit à ses parents les remerciements du Président Alassane Ouattara et du Premier Ministre pour leur collaboration au retour de ce tambour sacré qui est un puissant instrument de communication, de rassemblement et de transmission.

« Le Président de la République, en travaillant pour rassembler le patrimoine du pays, le fait sans oublier les communautés. Et aujourd’hui, sur 110 ou 120 objets réclamés, le premier objet qui arrive dans notre pays est le Djidji Ayokwé. Et ce Djidji Ayokwé, le Président a voulu que son origine ne soit pas oubliée, ne soit pas occultée. Il a accepté que dans le consensus, on puisse faire halte à Adjamé avant d’aller au musée, pour que le peuple tchaman puisse s’approprier sa venue en Côte d’Ivoire. La communauté tchaman est bien prise en compte, honorée et célébrée aujourd’hui avec le Djidji Ayokwé qui vient à Adjamé, la terre qui l’hébergeait avant son départ en France », a-t-il déclaré. 

Il a expliqué que cette cérémonie à Adjamé-village vise à faire en sorte que le peuple atchan puisse véritablement se retrouver autour du Djidji Ayokwé, pour faire les différents rituels nécessaires afin de non seulement renforcer la cohésion au niveau de ce peuple, mais aussi de renforcer la synergie avec toutes les communautés qui sont venues s’installer à Abidjan pour y vivre en parfaite harmonie.

Les populations atchan, par la voix du secrétaire général de la chefferie, Prosper Mobio, ont exprimé leur reconnaissance aux autorités ivoiriennes, notamment au Président de la République, Alassane Ouattara, pour l’honneur qui leur est fait et pour toutes les actions entreprises en faveur de la sauvegarde et du retour de ce patrimoine culturel national.

Il faut noter qu’au-delà de sa valeur patrimoniale, le retour à Adjamé du Djidji Ayokwé, enlevé à la terre de ses ancêtres en 1916 par le colonisateur français, rappelle le rôle essentiel du patrimoine dans la préservation de la mémoire collective et la transmission de l’histoire aux jeunes générations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Travel and Safety Advisory – Seychellois Nationals in the Middle East and Those Considering Travel to the Region

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, through the Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in Abu Dhabi, wishes to advise Seychellois nationals residing in, or intending to travel to, the Middle East that the regional security environment remains dynamic and may change with little notice.

While many countries across the region continue to function normally, recent developments underscore the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared. Seychellois nationals are therefore encouraged to exercise caution, stay informed, and follow the guidance of the competent authorities in their country of residence or destination.

1. General Guidance

  • Stay informed through official and reliable sources
  • Continue to observe guidance issued by local authorities 

2. Preparedness

  • Keep both physical and digital copies of important documents, including passports, visas, and other essential identification.
  • Ensure your passport remains valid and that you have access to emergency funds, essential medication, and other necessities.
  • Maintain awareness of available travel options, as flight schedules and airspace restrictions may change with little notice.

3. Travel to the Middle East

Nationals intending to travel to the Middle East are advised to familiarise themselves with the guidance outlined above, remain informed of developments that may affect their travel, and exercise appropriate caution throughout their journey.

4. Stay Connected with the Embassy

Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles
Villa No. 15, Muroor Area, 23rd Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 
Mobile: + (971) 5436 94946
WhatsApp: + (248) 2 82 40 92
Email: seychellesembuae@gmail.com

The Ministry remains committed to the safety and well-being of all Seychellois nationals and will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as necessary.

The Government of Seychelles expresses its sincere appreciation to the authorities of countries across the Middle East for their continued efforts in ensuring the safety and security of all residents, including foreign nationals, during this period. 

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

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National dialogue: in Kinshasa, women develop a common agenda

Source: APO


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Around 50 women from civil society organizations and political parties (both from the ruling majority and the opposition) gathered in Kinshasa on Wednesday, 5 August, to discuss their participation in the national dialogue announced by the Congolese authorities. Supported by MONUSCO’s Gender Section, the meeting sought to move beyond political divisions and identify shared priorities.

Organized in partnership with the Forum of Women Citizens Committed to Governance, Democracy and Development (FOFECEGDD), the reflection session aimed to help participants define the foundations of a common agenda and prepare for meaningful participation capable of influencing decisions.

Moving beyond political affiliations

According to Martina Berinyuy Ndi of MONUSCO’s Gender Section, the objective was to bring together women from different backgrounds so they could exchange views beyond their respective political affiliations.

“The realities faced by Congolese women remain the same, whether they belong to the opposition, the majority or civil society,” she explained.

This view was shared by Esther Bikale, a member of the Rassemblement des démocrates tshisekedistes.

“We are not coming here with our differences. If we focus on the opposition versus the majority, we will not move forward,” she said.

The participants called for women’s involvement to go beyond numerical representation and translate into genuine participation and consideration of their proposals.

Martina Berinyuy Ndi stressed that any dialogue initiative should be guided by the principles of inclusivity, representativeness and the effective participation of all segments of society, including women and youths, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000) and 2250 (2015) on the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas.

For Marie Lukusa, President of FOFECEGDD, the priority is to ensure that women enter the consultations with clearly defined positions.

“We want women’s agenda to be taken into account,” she said.

Participants also emphasized that women, who are among those most affected by armed conflict alongside children, must be able to present their own concerns and proposals during the dialogue.

Turning participation into influence

The meeting also highlighted the need to move beyond women’s mere presence in consultation spaces.

For lawyer Pacifique Nkunzi, an advocate for greater representation of women in public debate, the upcoming dialogue should make it possible to “transform women’s participation into a power of influence.”

He noted that women are increasingly present at meetings where issues of national interest are discussed, but that their participation still does not sufficiently shape the decisions taken.

Evelyne Mbata, a senior civil society representative who took part in the Inter-Congolese Dialogue in South Africa on behalf of women’s organizations, also stressed the importance of preparation. She said women should enter the next consultations with clear position papers developed in advance and supported collectively.

This is precisely one of the objectives pursued by FOFECEGDD.

“Congolese women should no longer be relegated to the margins of the country’s major decision-making moments,” Marie Lukusa said.

According to her, the meeting was intended to build a shared understanding of the issues, formulate consensual recommendations, propose a consultation mechanism for women from different political backgrounds and produce a joint declaration.

Continued support

MONUSCO’s Gender Section reaffirmed its readiness to support initiatives promoting more inclusive participation by women in peace processes and decision-making.

“Within the framework of its mandate, MONUSCO remains ready to support initiatives aimed at promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women,” Martina Berinyuy Ndi said.

Marie Lukusa announced that further meetings would be held in the coming weeks to deepen discussions, bring positions closer together and consolidate a common agenda ahead of the national dialogue.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Powerhouse Coalition Formed for International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit 2026 (IAEOGS): Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Co-Hosts, Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) Partners, and Green Energy International & Oriental Oil and Gas Services Sign as Gold Sponsors

Source: APO

The organizing committee of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS 2026) is proud to announce a monumental lineup of hosts, strategic partners, and premium sponsors for the upcoming 2026 summit.

IAEOGS 2026 is the definitive platform where the global energy industry meets Africa’s opportunity. Scheduled for October 20–24, 2026, at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia, this edition serves as the ultimate hub for deal-making, high-level networking, and cross-continental partnerships.

A Unified Coalition of Organizers and Co-Hosts

The summit is organized by International Energy Summits Ltd, alongside African Energy World, African Energy Vault Ltd, African Peace Magazine UK, and the African Energy Academy Ltd serving as principal strategic partners.

To anchor this edition in regional excellence, a powerful academic and advisory consortium has stepped in as official co-hosts. This landmark convention is executed in direct partnership with:

  • Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST; ILLH), as co Host.
  • Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA)
  • CRG Research & Consulting Ltd (CRG), based in Namibia and South Africa.

This academic-industry alliance ensures that the summit’s dialogues on infrastructure development, energy transitions, and land governance are backed by world-class local research and sustainable policy frameworks.

CORAN Steps in as Strategic Partner

Expanding the summit’s downstream and midstream capabilities, the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) has officially joined IAEOGS 2026 as an Official Strategic Partner. As Africa shifts its focus toward domestic refining capacity, energy independence, and intra-continental trade under the AfCFTA, CORAN’s presence brings major private-sector refinery owners and modular operators to the table. This partnership directly connects West African processing expertise with Southern Africa’s massive upstream exploration boom.

Heavyweight Financial Backing: Gold Sponsors Announced

Solidifying the economic momentum of the event, two major industry giants have officially stepped forward as Gold Sponsors:

  • Green Energy International Ltd
  • Oriental Oil and Gas Services Ltd

Their corporate backing guarantees a high-yield environment for B2B deal-making, project financing discussions, and technological showcase exhibitions.

“If you are serious about securing deals, driving policy, and capturing real momentum in Africa’s multi-billion-dollar energy sector, IAEOGS 2026 is where it happens,” said Prudence Ramotso. “By combining the corporate strength of CORAN, Green Energy International, and Oriental Oil with the institutional prestige of NUST, NELGA, and CRG, we are bridging the gap between raw resources, academic intellect, and global capital.”

Event Details & Opportunities

Over five days, international delegates, energy ministers, and engineering pioneers will tackle critical issues, including deepwater exploration assets, modular refining infrastructure, local content frameworks, and green hydrogen integration.

Registration, corporate sponsorship tiers, and exhibition booth spaces are filling up rapidly. To align your brand with these continental leaders or to secure delegate passes, visit the official summit portal at www.IAEOGS.com/ 

Issued by:
The IAEOGS 2026 Organizing Committee
August 8, 2026

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

Media Contacts: 
Prudence Ramotso
Group Head Events & International Affairs
+2348033975746 | +447407399766, |+27651766722 | +2648123522
info@iaegos.com | info@iaegos.com

Websites:
https://AfricanPeace.org/ 
https://AfricanOilandGasSummit.com/  
www.IAEOGS.com/ 

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African Academy for Women in Political Leadership Launches with Inaugural Cohort of 40 Women Leaders from Africa and the Caribbean

Source: APO

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) (www.UNDP.org), in partnership with the African School of Governance (ASG), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), has concluded the five-day launch and induction of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, held in Kigali from 3 to 7 August 2026.

The Academy’s inaugural cohort of 40 women political leaders, selected from more than 1,300 applications across 28 African countries and the Caribbean, brings together cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, mayors, governors, senators, political party leaders and aspiring young women. More than 60 percent come from countries scheduled to hold presidential or parliamentary elections within the next two years, placing the Academy’s executive training programme directly into live campaigns, legislatures and cabinets.

The Academy was officially launched on 3 August in the presence of representatives of the Government of Rwanda, former Heads of State and Government, ministers, parliamentarians, development partners, academia, private sector, civil society organizations and media.

“Participating in this academy is an opportunity to network with each other, to learn from each other, to teach each other, to validate your already known and experienced practices, but most importantly, to create a network of support that is going to have a lifelong impact in your careers,” said Francis Gatare, President, African School of Governance.

The launch of the Academy represents a strategic investment in Africa’s democratic future. It places women political leaders at the centre of strengthening African institutions, deepening democratic governance and advancing peace, security and sustainable development across the continent.

“Today marks much more than the inauguration of another institution. It represents a defining moment in the evolution of the African Women Leaders Network,” said H.E. Bineta Diop, Co-Convenor, African Women Leaders Network. “For years, we have advocated for women’s leadership. Today, we move decisively from advocacy to implementation,” she added.

On the margins of the academy launch, UNDP and the African School of Governance Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a continent-wide ecosystem for women’s transformative leadership in Africa. The five-year framework establishes cooperation on governance, including to support women in political leadership through the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership, launched this week; to reach women leaders across the continent; to create learning opportunities for Africa Young Women Leaders (AfYWL) fellows; to build alumni networks contributing to Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); to engage national women’s networks and political forums; and to adapt leadership training to local contexts and languages.

The Academy’s curriculum confronts the barriers that keep capable women out of office, including the cost of politics. Alongside political leadership, coalition-building, communications and ethical leadership, the programme imparts direct knowledge of campaign financing.

“We must not only count the women who enter politics but, more importantly, count the women who hold real influence once they are there. Capable women are stopped not for want of talent, but for want of money, of protection, of coalition. On this continent, it can cost an average of US$40,000 to contest a parliamentary seat,” said Dr. Jide Okeke, Director, UNDP Regional Programme for Africa. “This Academy teaches campaign financing without apology, alongside legislative craft, coalition-building, communications and ethical leadership. Anyone who declines to teach women about raising money has already decided who is going to lose,” he added.

One of the most significant features of the Academy is its deliberate investment in emerging leaders. By bringing together experienced and emerging leaders, this Academy recognizes that leadership is strengthened through intergenerational exchange.

“The question is no longer whether African women are ready to lead. History has already answered that question. The real question is whether our institutions are prepared to fully recognize, support and benefit from that leadership,” said H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. “The African Union is a ready partner. We are committed to working strongly to reflect this important shift from advocating for women’s participation to deliberately building the pipeline of capable, ethical and transformative women in leadership,” he added.

Over five days, the cohort worked through the Academy’s opening modules — the history of African women’s political authority; money, power and political financing; narrative, visibility and political communication; coalitions, parties and institutions; and leadership resilience — delivered through practitioner-led workshops, experience-sharing sessions, clinics and peer exchange.

Highlights of the week included an extended conversation between the cohort and H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, Former President of Ethiopia; H.E. Catherine Samba-Panza, Former President of the Central African Republic; H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Hon. Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Togo; and Rt. Hon. Lamein Blanchette, Speaker of Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The programme also featured a high-level dialogue with Rt. Hon. Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, Chief Justice of the Republic of Rwanda; a virtual engagement with H.E. Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Africa; and a reflective visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, examining the consequences of failed leadership and the role of visionary leadership and reconciliation in rebuilding a nation.

The residential week in Kigali opens a four-week programme. The cohort now continues with three weeks of online learning, structured mentorship and sister circles, followed by sustained alumni engagement designed to keep the network active through campaigns, legislative terms and public office.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Notes to editors:
The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership was co-designed by UNDP in partnership with the AUC, AWLN and ASG, with its curriculum developed and validated through an inclusive co-design process in Kigali in October 2025. The inaugural cohort was selected through a competitive, merit-based process from more than 1,300 applications, with representation across all five African regions and the Caribbean, linguistic diversity across Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone and Arabophone Africa and balance across executive, legislative and party leadership roles. The full programme runs for four weeks: one residential week in Kigali followed by three weeks of virtual learning and mentorship.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu
Regional Communications and External Engagement Specialist
Regional Programme for Africa
UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa
ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org

Stella Tushabe
Communications Officer
African School of Governance
stushabe@asg.ac

Abraham Kebede
Communications Officer
African Union Commission
abrahamk@africanunion.org

Fatima Daou
Communications Officer
African Women Leaders Network
communication@awlnafrica.net 
admin@awlnafrica.net

About the United Nations Development Programme:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.UNDP.org/africa/

About the African School of Governance:
ASG’s mission is to nurture leaders to drive Africa’s sustainable development by providing innovative public policy education, cutting-edge research, and a platform for policy engagement that fosters transformative governance tailored to the continent’s unique values and opportunities.

Learn more at www.ASG.ac

About the African Union Commission:
The African Union Commission is the Secretariat of the African Union, a 55-Member State regional organization. Its vision is that of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena” and its mission is to be “An efficient and value-adding institution driving the African integration and development process in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens”

Learn more at www.AU.int/en 

About the African Women Leaders Network:
The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), established in 2017 with the support of the African Union and the United Nations, is a continental platform advancing women’s leadership for peace, governance and sustainable development. Through its 39 National Chapters, intergenerational leadership model, strategic partnerships and advocacy, AWLN strengthens women’s political participation, fosters peer learning and collaboration, and supports current and future generations of African women leaders across the continent.

Learn more at www.AWLNAfrica.net

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Government urges nation to support Banyana Banyana

Source: Government of South Africa

Government urges nation to support Banyana Banyana

With Banyana Banyana set to take on Morocco in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final match tonight, government is calling on all South Africans to continue supporting the senior women’s national team.

“Government encourages all South Africans to unite behind the team and celebrate how far they have come. Their courage, determination and resilience have inspired the nation and demonstrated that South Africa can compete with the very best on the global stage,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said.

The match will get underway at 10 pm.

“Wear your Banyana Banyana jerseys, national colours or other South African symbols of support. Whether at home, at work or in public spaces, let us rally behind the National Women’s team as they continue to make South Africa proud,” she said.

The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, has also called on all South Africans to rally behind the team in the crucial match.

READ | Call to rally behind Banyana Banyana

Banyana Banyana booked their place in the quarter-finals after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night. –SAnews.gov.za

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President to address Women’s Day commemoration

Source: Government of South Africa

President to address Women’s Day commemoration

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 National Women’s Day commemoration event at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday.

“This occasion will mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 protest march to the Union Buildings by at least 20 000 women. The 1956 march opposed the apartheid government’s decision to extend urban pass laws to women, and was a precursor to major political changes over [the] coming decades that led to the demise of the racist regime in South Africa,” the Presidency said on Friday.

The National Women’s Day commemorations this year take place under the theme: “Empowered Women, Empower Nations.”

Since 1994, National Women’s Day is celebrated on 09 August every year as part of Women’s Month.

“This year’s celebration emphasises improving women’s access to quality healthcare, vital for sustainable development, social justice and economic growth.”

The Presidency said Women’s Month provides an opportunity for government and civil society to highlight the challenges confronting women and profile programmes and policies that advance women’s empowerment and gender equity.  

It also provides an opportunity to pay tribute to the generations of women such as Lilian Ngoyi whose struggles laid the foundations for the progress made in the democratic era in empowering women and advancing gender equality.

At the launch of Women’s Month on 1 August, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga reflected on the impact of the 20 000 women who marched in 1956.

“With every step, they shook the pillars of oppression. With every stride, they redrew the boundaries of possibility. They marched as the authors of our liberation and freedom, the midwives of democracy, the first architects of a more equal South Africa and the custodians of a future they would never fully see but boldly chose to build.

“They became the rhythm of a nation’s progress, echoing through every classroom, every boardroom, every parliament, every marketplace, and every enterprise led by women today,” the Minister said at the time. –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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