Category: Africa

Source: APO

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Germany and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership with renewed commitment to deepen their cooperation in promoting peace, security, good governance, sustainable economic development, and institutional strengthening. To this end, the German Government is committing 49 million Euros (82 billion Naira) to support ECOWAS in strengthening peace and security, Economic Development and Health across West Africa. This is the outcome of a successful bilateral negotiation on Development Cooperation held at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on the 4th and 5th of November 2025.

The high-level meeting brought together representatives from both sides, including Her Excellency Annett Günther, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and Mr. Christoph RAUH, Director for Africa at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The ECOWAS delegation was led by Vice President Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA, who welcomed the German delegation and reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to regional integration and resilience amidst political, economic, and security challenges.

The discussions focused on key areas of cooperation that form the foundation of the German-ECOWAS partnership, including peaceful and inclusive societies, regional economic integration, climate and energy transition, and health, with Germany supporting initiatives such as institutional reform, regional trade, climate-friendly energy solutions, and pandemic prevention and response.

The meeting also addressed challenges facing ECOWAS, including political transitions, economic pressures, regional unity and need for institutional reform. Both sides reaffirmed their joint resolve to overcome these challenges through dialogue, technical assistance, better communication of results and inclusive engagement with citizens. The negotiations concluded with a joint affirmation of commitment to ECOWAS Vision 2050 and Germany’s Africa Strategy, emphasizing shared priorities for a prosperous and integrated West Africa and Africa-led solutions for peace and stability in the region.

Speaking during the high-level negotiation meeting, Vice President Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA commended Germany for its consistent partnership and longstanding support to ECOWAS.

“Following the last negotiations of September 2023 in Berlin, and the bilateral consultations held in 2024, in Abuja, we are gathered here today to take stock of the achievements and results of the ECOWAS-German cooperation and define priorities and clear perspectives for the next two years. Through our efforts and equitable partnerships, we are working assiduously towards deeper integration, enhanced peace and security with the ultimate goal of building an inclusive, resilient and prosperous region.” Vice President TCHINTCHIBIDJA said.

“The ECOWAS-German cooperation has made significant progress in the recent years, and this is due to two factors : increased convergence around shared priorities and improved coordination among actors. I would like to reiterate our commitment to this bilateral cooperation and express our deep appreciation to the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)” She added.

In her remarks, Ambassador Annett GÜNTHER emphasized Germany’s enduring support for West Africa’s stability and prosperity.

“Germany stands firmly with ECOWAS as a trusted partner, united by shared values of peace, stability, and inclusive growth. Our cooperation is not only about financial support and projects, but about empowering institutions, strengthening democracy, and improving the lives of people across the region.” Ambassador GÜNTHER said.

Mr. Christoph RAUH highlighted the principles of the cooperation between ECOWAS and the Government of Germany underpinned by their shared commitment to  peace and security, regional integration   and inclusive society

“Our cooperation with ECOWAS reflects mutual respect and a shared vision — to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, create economic opportunities, and strengthen regional solidarity. Together, we are building bridges between people, economies, and institutions for a better future’’.

Germany has been a reliable partner of ECOWAS since 1985 and is currently funding bilateral technical and financial cooperation projects with ECOWAS of approximately €494 million. For the 2025–2026 period, Germany committed €49 million in new support, comprising €32.8 million for financial cooperation projects and €16.2 million for technical cooperation projects across the core areas.

Germany remains a strategic partner of ECOWAS, providing support through the Federal German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and its implementing agencies GIZ, KfW and PTB. Over the decades, this cooperation has advanced regional peacebuilding, governance reforms, climate resilience, pandemic control, trade facilitation, and institutional capacity development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

• Group: New record half-year performance with profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion), up 17% from the same period last year. Revenue up 4% to AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion).
• Emirates: New record half-year profit before tax of AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), up 17%, and revenue of AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion), up 6%, against the same period last year. Performance reflects strong and sustained travel demand across regions, and customer preference for the airline’s premium cabins.  
• dnata: Achieves profit before tax of AED 843 million (US$ 230 million), up 17% compared to the same period last year, against a record half-year revenue of AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion), up 13%, as operations expanded to meet customer demand.

The Emirates Group (https://www.Emirates.com) today announced a new record half-year financial performance, posting a profit before tax of AED 12.2 billion (US$ 3.3 billion) for the first six months of 2025-26, making this the fourth consecutive year of record profitability for the half-year reporting period.

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After accounting for income tax charges, the Group’s profit after tax is AED 10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion), up 13% from last year.

Illustrating its strong operating performance, the Group maintained a robust EBITDA of AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.7 billion), 3% higher than the AED 20.4 billion (US$ 5.6 billion) reported for the same period last year.

Group revenue was AED 75.4 billion (US$ 20.6 billion) for the first six months of 2025-26, up 4% from AED 70.8 billion (US$ 19.3 billion) last year.

The Group closed the first half year of 2025-26 with a record cash position of AED 56.0 billion (US$ 15.2 billion) on 30 September 2025, compared to AED 53.4 billion (US$ 14.6 billion) on 31 March 2025. The Group has been able to tap on its own strong cash reserves to support business needs, including funding for new aircraft deliveries and servicing existing debt obligations. The Group also paid the remaining AED 2 billion (US$ 545 million) in dividend to its owner, of the AED 6 billion (US$ 1.6 billion) declared during the financial year 2024-25.

His Highness (HH) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “The Group has once again delivered an outstanding performance, surpassing our half-year results of last year to achieve a new record profit for H1 2025-26. I’m delighted to note that Emirates maintains its position as the world’s most profitable airline for this half-year reporting period.

“This performance was primarily driven by the unflagging demand and growing customer preference for our product and services, which drove revenue growth and profitability.

“Emirates and dnata have invested billions to continually enhance our products and services, to bring new products to market, to improve our operations through innovation and technology, and to look after our employees who ensure our customers’ safety and satisfaction. These are core to our DNA. 

“The Group’s strong profitability enables us to continue making these investments, and to scale up our proven business models in concert with Dubai’s growth as a global city of choice for talent, for businesses, and for tourists.”

HH Sheikh Ahmed added: “Global demand for air transport and travel services has been buoyant, despite geo-political events and economic concerns in some markets. We expect this demand resilience to continue for the rest of 2025-26 and look forward to increasing our capacity to grow revenues as new A350 aircraft join the Emirates fleet, and new facilities come online at dnata.”

To support increased operations and business activities, the Emirates Group’s employee base, compared to 31 March 2025, grew 3% to an overall count of 124,927 on 30 September 2025. Both Emirates and dnata have ongoing recruitment drives to support their future requirements.

Emirates airline

Emirates continued to enhance its network and connectivity options through its Dubai hub.  During the first half of 2025-26, Emirates launched new flight services to: Danang, Siem Reap, Shenzhen and Hangzhou. At 30 September, Emirates’ passenger and cargo network spanned 153 airports in 81 countries and territories.

The airline strengthened its network connectivity by deploying 28 additional weekly scheduled flights to: Antananarivo, Johannesburg, Muscat, Rome, Riyadh and Taipei.

Providing even more connection options for customers, during the first six months of 2025-26, Emirates entered agreements with 3 codeshare and interline partners: Air Seychelles, Condor, and Aurigny.

Between 1 April and 30 September, Emirates received delivery of 5 new A350 aircraft, adding more Business Class and Premium Economy seats into the airline’s inventory.  During this period, 23 aircraft (6 A380s, 17 Boeing 777s) with fully refreshed interiors rolled out of the airline’s US$ 5 billion retrofit programme. This enabled Emirates to bring its latest cabin products to even more markets, including the industry-leading Emirates Premium Economy. By 30 September, Emirates Premium Economy was available to customers flying between Dubai and 61 cities.

On ground, “Emirates First” opened at Dubai Airport, offering First Class customers and Platinum Skywards members a luxurious private check-in area and experience. In the first six months of 2025-26, Emirates accelerated the roll-out of its retail strategy with the opening of new concept travel stores in Accra, Bangkok, Geneva, Jakarta, Mauritius, Osaka, Seoul, and Singapore.

Emirates continued to progress on its environmental initiatives, uplifting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) where available and feasible, including at 37 airports.  In April, Emirates joined the Aviation Circularity Consortium (ACC), a network of organisations committed to building a circular economy for aviation and creating new pathways to accelerate decarbonisation through high-value circularity in the global supply chain.

In the first half of 2025-26, Emirates made notable investments to boost its global brand visibility. The airline signed multi-year sponsorship deals to become Platinum Partner of FC Bayern Munchen, Official Main Sponsor of Real Madrid Basketball, and Premium Partner and Official Airline Partner of the Investec Champions Cup and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Challenge Cup. Emirates also extended its partnership with ATP as Premier Partner and Official Airline of the ATP Tour up to 2030, and its shirt sponsorship with Olympique Lyonnais until 2030. 

Overall capacity during the first six months of the year increased by 5% to 31.3 billion Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKM) due to expanded flight operations. Capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM), increased by 5%, whilst passenger traffic carried measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKM) was up by 4% with an average Passenger Seat Factor of 79.5%, compared with 80.0% during the same period last year. Emirates carried 27.8 million passengers between 1 April and 30 September 2025, up 4% from the same period last year.

Emirates SkyCargo transported 1.25 million tonnes in the first six months of the year, up by 4% compared to the same period last year. Customer demand for Emirates SkyCargo’s specialised products and excellent network of freighter and bellyhold cargo operations remained steady. However, cargo yields decreased by 6% due to softening demand in some market segments amidst tariff concerns.

Emirates SkyCargo added capacity from 3 new Boeing 777 freighter delivered. In April, the cargo division launched Emirates Courier Express, an innovative product that leverages the power of the airline’s global network to provide door-to-door express shipping services for businesses.

Cementing its position as the world’s most profitable airline for the half year reporting period, Emirates profit before tax for the first half of 2025-26 hit a new record of AED 11.4 billion (US$ 3.1 billion), compared to AED 9.7 billion (US$ 2.6 billion) last year. Emirates profit after tax is AED 9.9 billion (US$ 2.7 billion), up 13% from last year.

Emirates revenue, including other operating income, of AED 65.6 billion (US$ 17.9 billion) was up 6% compared with AED 62.2 billion (US$ 16.9 billion) for the same period last year. The airline’s new record revenue can be attributed to unabated travel appetite across markets, and customer preference for Emirates’ products and services, particularly for its premium cabins.

Emirates’ operating costs (including fuel) grew by 4% in line with increased operations. Fuel remains the largest component of the airline’s operating cost at 30%.

Driven by customer demand and increased operations during the six months, Emirates’ EBITDA of AED 19.7 billion (US$ 5.4 billion) remained strong, up 3% compared to AED 19.1 billion (US$ 5.2 billion) for the same period last year.

Emirates Flight Catering grew revenue from external customers by 13% to AED 555 million (US$ 151 million), uplifting 7.7 million meals (up by 2%) for 116 airlines during the period.

Emirates Leisure Retail acquired the remaining 25% stake in Air Ventures LLC in the US, securing full ownership of the entity, which operates airport retail and F&B outlets.

dnata

dnata saw strong growth in the first six months of 2025-26, as it continued to ramp up operations across its cargo and ground handling, catering and retail, and travel services businesses.

In the first half of 2025-26, dnata’s airport services and catering and retail divisions won several significant new contracts and grew existing customers across its international operations. This shows dnata’s ability to serve the diverse requirements of its airline customers with high safety standards and consistently high-quality products and services.

dnata continued to make strategic investments in its business to respond to customer needs and tap on market prospects. It announced plans to deploy 800 new ground support equipment (GSE) units across its global network in 2025, an investment valued at US$ 110 million to further enhance operational performance and secure a steady supply of advanced, lower-emission equipment to support dnata’s growth and sustainability targets.

Other highlights in the first half of 2025-26 include: the launch of its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, in the United Kingdom; a €3 million minority stake investment in WonderMiles, an advanced NDC-enabled booking platform to strengthen dnata Travel’s corporate business offering; and the disposal of its 75% stake in Super Bus, which operates sightseeing tours in the UAE.

dnata also entered its first major sports sponsorship partnership, signing a three-year agreement with Dubai Basketball to become a Founding Partner of the city’s first professional basketball franchise.

dnata achieved a new record half-year revenue, crossing the US$ 3.0 billion mark for the first time for this reporting period. dnata’s revenue, including other operating income, of AED 11.7 billion (US$ 3.2 billion) increased by 13% compared to AED 10.4 billion (US$ 2.8 billion) generated in the same period last year.

Overall profit before tax for dnata is AED 843 million (US$ 230 million), up by 17% from the same period last year. dnata’s profit after tax is AED 697 million (US$ 190 million), up 22% from last year.

Illustrating its operating performance, dnata’s EBITDA was AED 1.4 billion (US$ 372 million), up 5% from last year’s AED 1.3 billion (US$ 354 million).

dnata’s airport operations remains the largest contributor to revenue with AED 5.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion), a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, as its airline customers’ operations continued to pick up particularly in Italy, Australia, the UK and the UAE.  Across its operations, the number of aircraft turns handled by dnata increased by 15% to 450,903 bolstered by its newly launched operations at Rome Fiumicino Airport, and it recorded 1.59 million tonnes of cargo handled, up by 3% due to additional cargo handling driven by its UAE operations.

dnata’s flight catering and retail operations, contributed AED 4.1 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) to its revenue, up 11% as its retail product grew significantly as part of the division’s strategy, catering production increases in Australia and the UK to meet customer demand, and the positive impact of revised contracts to reflect rising supply costs. The overall number of meals uplifted slightly decreased by 1% to 60.0 million meals compared to last year.

dnata’s travel division contributed AED 2.0 billion (US$ 538 million) to revenue, up 11% compared to AED 1.8 billion (US$ 483 million) for the same period last year.  The division reported an underlying total transactional value (TTV) of AED 5.0 billion (US$ 1.4 billion), compared to AED 4.5 billion (US$ 1.2 billion), up 9% compared to the same period last year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

PR Contact:
Emirates Public Relations
pr@emirates.com

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, participated in a session organized by Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity as part of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held under the title:

“From Copenhagen to Doha and Beyond: Building Social Resilience for Inclusive Social Development and a Dignified Life for All.”

The session was attended by H.E. Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt; H.E. Dr. Sima Bahous, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women; H.E. Mr. Haoliang Xu, UN Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of UNDP; and Dr. Mourdada Wahba, Acting Executive Secretary of ESCWA.

Dr. Al-Mashat’s participation came as part of the Egyptian delegation headed by H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, representing H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, at the Summit. The event is convened by the United Nations General Assembly in collaboration with the Government of Qatar and coordinated by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), taking place from 4 to 6 November 2025.

In her remarks, Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that thirty years after the Copenhagen Declaration, Egypt today stands as a model for a country that has transformed its social protection framework from a short-term safety net into a long-term strategy for strengthening national resilience and empowering people.

She noted that despite global and regional challenges and tensions, Egypt continues to advance on its path toward comprehensive economic and social development, achieving notable progress in recent years while simultaneously reinforcing social protection systems through a broad set of integrated policies and programs.

Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that social protection is not merely a slogan, but a tangible reality reflected in numerous national initiatives, foremost among them the “Takaful and Karama” (Solidarity and Dignity) cash transfer program, which has become a nationwide umbrella for low-income groups. Through this initiative, the government aims to move from protection to empowerment by increasing household income and facilitating entry into the labor market.

She added that the Presidential Initiative “Decent Life (Hayah Karima)” stands as one of Egypt’s most significant development programs, working to enhance public services, improve living standards, and expand investment in human capital.

Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the “Takaful and Karama” program, Egypt’s flagship social protection initiative. She also referred to the “Decent Life” initiative, which supports sustainable rural development and benefits more than 50 million citizens across 4,700 villages, describing these programs as the backbone of Egypt’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the development process.

She further explained that Egypt’s approach to building social resilience is based on an integrated and inclusive framework that combines economic empowerment, digital inclusion, healthcare coverage, and local development — forming a coherent system designed to ensure that every household can not only withstand shocks but also transform vulnerabilities into capabilities.

On the topic of innovation, partnerships, and the future of social resilience, Dr. Al-Mashat stated that Egypt is now entering a new phase — shifting from program expansion to innovation-driven approaches. She added that, in terms of financing, Egypt continues to develop innovative financial mechanisms that expand fiscal space for investments in education, health, and human development, thereby reinforcing the country’s social infrastructure.

In this context, the Minister highlighted the launch of the Integrated National Financing Strategy (INFF), which outlines Egypt’s approach to financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategy establishes a comprehensive national framework that brings together various financing initiatives aimed at accelerating SDG progress.

Through collaboration between national institutions and development partners, the INFF provides a context-specific, actionable roadmap and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework. Dr. Al-Mashat concluded that the strategy supports efforts to bridge the financing gap, increase financial flows to key sectors, enhance innovative financing instruments, and encourage private sector participation in achieving sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama has assured that the Big Push project, aimed at transforming Ghana’s economy through extensive road and infrastructure development, is rooted in fairness and equity to ensure both the northern and southern regions of Ghana develop together.

The President, speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Wenchi-Sawla-Wa highway, said the first set of roads selected are the most important at risk across all regions, and the immediate objective is to connect regional and district capitals and other key corridors.

“We are here to cut sod to cover three regions, Bono East, Savannah, and Upper West regions. Today’s sod cutting marks the commencement of reconstruction for the road from Wenchi to Wa. It will be a new road, very well constructed as an international route to the landlocked countries in Burkina Faso and Mali,” the President said.

This sod cutting, he added, “also marks the beginning of a rehabilitation of the Fufolsu – Sawla Road, which was funded under my past administration with a loan from the African Development Bank.”

The President explained, “The Wenchi-Wa Road is not an ordinary route. It is part of what we call the National Route N12, and it extends from Wenchi in the Bono region, passes through Bamboi, through Bandan Nkwanta and Tinga, to Sawla, to Tuna and eventually to Wa in the Upper West Region.”

This, he said, will open a new corridor of progress to reconnect regions, markets, and families, renewing the promise of inclusive development and affirming that every part of Ghana deserves modern infrastructure, dignity, and opportunity.

The project covers 195 kilometres and is divided into seven lots to facilitate concurrent execution for completion within two years.

“We expect compliance with the highest technical standards, environmental protection and transparent oversight by the Ghana Highway Authority and the Ministry of Roads and Highways”, he cautioned.

It is estimated that between 2,000 and 2,500 vehicles pass through the Wenchi-Sawla-Wa corridor, now under construction, carrying nearly 4,000 tons of grain, yams, cashews, and livestock from the middle belts to the north.

“This road handles a significant volume of Ghana’s agri-freight traffic”, – the President emphasised, explaining that it remains a vital support to the country’s grain and livestock economy, connecting rich farmlands of the Bono East Region to the Sahel trade routes via Hamile on Ghana’s Northern border.

“The whole of Ghana is going to be a construction site for the next two years, accept the inconvenience”, the President added.

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, assured contractors that, under the Big Push Agenda, there would be no delay in payments for work done.

Bolewura Sarfo Kutuge Feso I used the occasion to praise the President’s steadfast dedication to national infrastructure development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama has commended The Church of Pentecost for assisting the Ghana Prisons Service with three modern facilities at Ejura, Nsawam, and Damongo.

The President was speaking when he commissioned a 300-capacity correctional centre built by the Church at Damango, the Savana regional capital, on Wednesday.

He said the event marks not only the opening of a correctional facility, but also the unveiling of a very powerful symbol of hope, redemption, and partnership for national renewal.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when the state, the Church, and the community come together in service to humanity.”

President Mahama added, “It affirms a timeless truth that nation building is not the sole responsibility of government, but a collective moral endeavour of all who believe in the inherent dignity and potential of every human being”.

He reiterated the government’s decision to expand the Ghana Prisons Service’s contribution to national development by providing logistics to undertake large-scale farming, poultry, and vegetable production as part of a wider prison reform programme.

This, he said, will not only increase food production but generate income to sustain the Service and equip inmates with practical skills for life after their incarceration.

“The Ghana Prisons Service will actively contribute to the 24-hour economy by running prison industries around the clock. This will include manufacturing, sewing school uniforms, producing furniture, agro-processing, and other goods, both for government use and for the open market,” he added.

The President announced an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates.
“We’ve increased the daily feeding rate for inmates from GHS 1.80 to GHS 5.00. This will provide better nutrition for those incarcerated. This is not charity, it is justice. It reflects our belief that dignity should never be dependent on one’s circumstances.”

President Mahama also announced that he would provide the Damongo Camp Prisons with a 66-seater bus to facilitate staff movement.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, I wish to express our deep gratitude to Apostle Eric Nyamekye, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, the leadership and members of the Church of Pentecost, for your faith in humanity, your partnership with the state, your belief in Mandela’s dictum, that ‘society’s greatness is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens.”

The Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, said their primary objective is to raise disciples of Christ, who would impact their world with righteousness. He added that the Church regards the prison camps as a ‘Kingdom Project’, designed not only to save souls but also to foster the transformation of society.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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Open Day on Women, Peace and Security

BACKGROUND:

Somalia has shown steadfast commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through the adoption of national and local action plans aligned with UNSCR 1325 and is now developing its second National Action Plan. Long before the Resolution’s adoption, Somali women were already advancing its principles, most notably through the historic “sixth clan” movement that secured their place in peacebuilding and political processes. While progress has been made, significant efforts are needed to ensure lasting peace and security amidst continuing security challenges. Addressing conflicts and improving safety and security in Somalia requires women’s increased participation in peace processes and in the security sector while also building on achievements so far – women’s increased representation in legislatures and leadership roles, and a constitutional amendment mandating a 30% quota for women in electoral laws. 

CALL TO ACTION:

As the world marks 25 years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), we, the undersigned, reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing women’s leadership and participation in peacebuilding, security, and governance across Somalia. We call upon the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations, and all development and humanitarian partners to strengthen their efforts toward the meaningful inclusion of women and girls in all peace and security processes.

We urge:

• Expanded roles for women in political, peace and security processes at local, regional, and national levels to ensure that decision-making reflects the voices and priorities of women and communities.
• Increased investment in localizing the WPS agenda, ensuring that women in remote, conflict-affected, and marginalized areas directly benefit from peacebuilding, security, and recovery initiatives.
• Transparent, inclusive and accountable implementation of Somalia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, including regular public reporting and mechanisms for community and civil society feedback.
• Full inclusion of women in the security sector reform’s decision-making processes, peace negotiations, and post-conflict reconstruction, recognizing their vital contributions to building sustainable peace and security.
• Strengthened coordination and resource mobilization, led by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development in collaboration with relevant Somali authorities and local and international partners, to ensure coherent national implementation of the WPS agenda at all levels of government.
• Enhanced protection and support mechanisms for women human rights defenders, peacebuilders, and survivors of conflict-related violence, ensuring access to justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights and psychosocial services, and economic reintegration opportunities.

As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm that sustainable development and peace are only possible when women and girls are equal partners in shaping the future of Somalia.

Signed:

1. Mohamed Bashir Omar, Director General, Federal Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development

2. El-Khidr Daloum, Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, UN Somalia

3. Nelli Mikkola, Deputy Head of Mission to Somalia, Embassy of Finland

4. Gertrud Kümmel Birk, Deputy Head of Mission to Somalia and Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Denmark

5. Zahra Mohamed Ahmed, AWLN Somalia Chapter Chairman/SWDC Executive Director/Civil Society Organizations-CSOs/Women-led Organizations Representative

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO

The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (https://TheACG.org/) institutions gathered in Baku for a High-Level Roundtable with the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, hosted by H.E. Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy, to explore new avenues for cooperation and advance joint development initiatives.

The Roundtable brought together the leadership of the ACG member institutions:

• H.E. Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group
• H.E. Mr. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)
• H.E. Mr. Waleed Shamlan Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED)
• H.E. Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the OPEC Fund for International Development
• H.E. Mr. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in infrastructure development, energy transition, digital connectivity, and the water and transport sectors as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth under Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development. Senior representatives from Azerbaijan’s ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Economy, State Water Resources Agency, Azerbaijan Railways, Baku Metropolitan, Baku City Executive Power, the State Agency of Azerbaijan Automobile Roads, and the Ministry for Digital Development and Transport (AZCON), presented investment priorities and project proposals for potential ACG support.

The ACG institutions commended Azerbaijan’s progress in sustainable development and reaffirmed their commitment to delivering impact-driven partnerships that advance infrastructure, resilience, and shared prosperity.

The Roundtable concluded with the signing of a Statement of Intent between the Ministry of Economy and ACG member institutions, establishing a framework for joint action to identify, prepare, and finance high-priority infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan. The agreement underscores a shared vision to mobilize development finance, enhance regional connectivity, and accelerate sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, the ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. The ACG works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact. The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is considered one of the most important and effective development partnerships at the international level. The group actively works to adopt the best global practices in sustainable development work. It also aims to align the efforts of these institutions to achieve convergence and harmonization in the policies governing their financing operations.

The Group comprises 10 national, Arab regional, and international institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development,  the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.

https://TheACG.org/