Category: Africa

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Government commits to strengthening technical skills development

Source: Government of South Africa

Government commits to strengthening technical skills development

The graduation of 600 refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing technicians, along with 35 trainers, underscores government’s ongoing investment in building technical skills capacity.

“Skills development in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector contributes to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and a transition towards a low-emissions economy,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said on Monday, in Johannesburg.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), Department of Higher Education and Training and the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector industry to develop the National Implementation Strategy for RAC service technicians in 2015 and the RAC Servicing Technician Training programme. 

The strategies are focused on phasing out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) – specifically HCFC-22 – under the Montreal Protocol, with a focus on training, certification, and the adoption of low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternatives.

The training was conducted in Johannesburg and Durban with participants from all nine provinces. 

“Looking ahead, the DFFE will expand training interventions to 800 more technicians operating within the informal servicing sector. This will support standardisation of practices, improved compliance, and further reductions in Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption.

“These interventions further advance national development priorities, including decent work, poverty alleviation, quality education, and gender equality, with increased participation of women in the initiative,” Swarts said.

The refrigeration and air-conditioning sector is of strategic importance to the South African economy. 

It supports food security, healthcare services, industrial productivity, and climate-controlled working environments across both public and private sectors. 

“The Government of the Republic of South Africa, through the department, remains firmly committed to the effective implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

“This landmark multilateral environmental agreement regulates the production and consumption of controlled substances through legally binding measures,” the Deputy Minister said.

She stressed that the protection of the ozone layer remains a matter of national and global importance. 

Ozone-depleting substances increase exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation, with measurable impacts on human health, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem integrity. 

“Through sustained compliance with Montreal Protocol obligations, South Africa has achieved a marked reduction in the consumption of ozone-depleting substances used in refrigeration and air-conditioning applications.

“We continue to manage the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in line with internationally agreed schedules and nationally approved control measures. I am confident that the 2026 reduction target of 97.5% of the baseline consumption will be achieved,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

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$13B in African Power Investment Is Waiting – Proven Sponsors Can Deliver

Source: APO


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Africa’s power sector is drawing growing global capital attention, with investment reaching an estimated $13.84 billion in 2025 across energy deals – the vast majority in clean power, underscoring investor interest in the energy transition. However, despite 74,000 MW of announced capacity, only about 14,500 MW has been realized, revealing a persistent “execution gap” between projects announced and projects delivered. This bankability gap remains one of the principal challenges for investors seeking real returns in Africa’s energy markets.

At its core, “bankable” means return structures and risk mitigation that satisfy institutional capital requirements – including stable revenue streams, enforceable contracts, experienced sponsors and financial structures that make projects credible to lenders. Investors are increasingly targeting deals with these features, and measurable success is emerging where project fundamentals align with global finance expectations.

The Bankability Imperative

Take South Africa as an example: a 300 MW solar + battery energy storage system (BESS) project recently reached FID as one of the country’s largest private utility-scale solar-plus-storage deals. With 300 MW of solar co‑located with 660 MWh of battery storage and backed by 25‑year PPAs with Sasol and Air Liquide, the project illustrates how strong sponsor backing, firm offtake agreements and hybrid dispatchable design can attract financing, enable large-scale execution and build investor confidence.

While smaller in scale, Zambia’s Ilute Solar Project also reached financial close in early 2026. The 32 MWp solar plant – one of the first in the region financed through power sales into the Southern African Power Pool – secured capital on the strength of a market-based PPA with GreenCo Power Services and a layered debt structure that mitigates regional price risk. Led by Serengeti Energy, Kwama Energy and FMO, the deal integrated senior and subordinated financing tranches, with the latter providing flexibility to absorb potential market fluctuations.

Beyond utility-scale renewables, program-based and blended finance vehicles are increasingly being used to pool public, concessional and private capital to de-risk early-stage projects. For example, the Afrigreen Debt Impact Fund, which closed at €100 million last year, provides long-term financing for small- and mid-scale solar projects, illustrating the growing importance of tailored debt solutions to bridge finance gaps and unlock private-sector-led deployment.

Lessons from Success and the Road Ahead

The growing pipeline of announced projects highlights why proven project sponsors and developers matter now more than ever. Experienced sponsors, clear offtake arrangements and blended finance structures can convert project potential into realized capacity, unlock further investment and strengthen investor confidence in frontier markets.

The upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris (April 22-23, 2026) – bringing policymakers, developers, financiers and international investors together – will play a vital role in this transition. By showcasing live, investible opportunities and facilitating dialogue on project structuring, risk mitigation and policy frameworks, the forum helps translate investor interest into closed deals and tangible capacity delivered on the ground.

Ultimately, closing Africa’s bankability gap won’t happen through capital flow alone. It will require proven project sponsors and developers, innovative finance structures and strong engagement platforms that align risk and return, thereby delivering the energy capacity that powers economies, creates jobs and accelerates inclusive development across the continent.

IAE 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4sJpfqZ) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Home Affairs cuts red tape for visa applications

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs cuts red tape for visa applications

The Department of Home Affairs has launched a groundbreaking digital platform to fast-track the processing of visa applications for individuals attending major international events.

The new Meetings, Exhibitions, Events and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) serves as a catalytic visa reform designed to boost South Africa’s standing as a leading global destination for international conferences, exhibitions, sporting tournaments and major cultural and entertainment events.

For the first time, MEETS introduces a secure avenue to process high-volume, time-sensitive group visa applications linked to international events hosted in South Africa.

“By cutting red tape and accelerating secure visa processing through technological reform, MEETS ensures that when the world chooses South Africa as a host, our visa system is ready.

“Through MEETS, we are ensuring that our visa system becomes a competitive advantage that helps attract even more conferences, exhibitions, sporting tournaments and cultural events that create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said on Tuesday, in a statement. 

From major music concerts and global trade gatherings such as Mining Indaba, to World Cup tournaments and international academic conferences, South Africa regularly hosts events that attract high volumes of international participants. 

These large-scale events often require entire teams, performers, delegates and technical staff to travel together within strict timelines.

“Global events move quickly, and host nations must be ready to respond with equal speed. Through MEETS, Home Affairs is modernising visa processing to support large delegations in a secure and coordinated manner, unlocking greater economic impact from every event hosted in South Africa.

“Instead of fragmented processes and uncertainty, MEETS enables streamlined online submissions tailored for major international events, ensuring that high–volume applications can be processed efficiently when every second counts,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the launch of MEETS marks another decisive step in the department’s journey of digital transformation.

“By modernising our visa system, we are positioning Home Affairs as an economic enabler that supports tourism, investment, and allows for job creation. The events sector is a powerful driver of growth, and MEETS ensures that our visa regime matches South Africa’s ambition to host world-class international gatherings,” the Minister said.

Domestic event organisers with a proven track record in the sector are invited to submit expressions of interest to join the MEETS visa scheme, subject to qualifying criteria, by visiting https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/meets.

Accredited organisers will enter into a formal Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs to regulate participation and  governance of the scheme. The gazette is available here: https://www.dha.gov.za/images/gazettes/54210_25-2HomeAffairs.pdf.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Man arrested for alleged murder of Madlanga Commission witness

Source: Government of South Africa

Man arrested for alleged murder of Madlanga Commission witness

The man accused of murdering a Madlanga Commission witness has appeared in the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court.

Matipandile Sotheni appeared in the court to face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder and unlawful position of ammunition in relation to the murder of “Witness D”, Marius Van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe appeared at the commission in November last year.

“It is alleged that after Witness D, Marius Van der Merwe, testified at the Madlanga Commission regarding matters relating to a murder investigation in Brakpan in November 2025. The accused conspired to kill Van der Merwe and conducted surveillance on the deceased.

“It is further alleged that on 05 December 2025, the accused positioned himself at the vicinity of the deceased’s residence. When the deceased arrived home with his wife and two minor children, it is alleged that the accused shot the deceased, and he was declared dead on the scene,” National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said.

Sotheni was arrested following investigations by the Madlanga Task Team established to “investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga commission of Inquiry”.

“The accused was arrested on 14 March 2026 and is remanded in custody. In court the matter was postponed to 25 March for an opposed bail application,” Mahanja said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom announces electricity price hike implementation

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom announces electricity price hike implementation

Eskom will implement tariff adjustments for the new financial year from April for its direct customers, while municipal customers are expected to see increases from July.

The increases – 8.76% for Eskom customers and an average of 9.01% for municipal customers – were approved and announced by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in February.

“The tariff increase supports Eskom’s ability to provide a stable and reliable electricity supply. Eskom’s revenue requirement covers the cost of generating, transmitting and distributing electricity, while migrating towards a fair return is needed to maintain and invest in critical infrastructure.

“NERSA considered both customer affordability and the long‑term sustainability of the electricity system,” the power utility said in a statement.

Eskom’s Group Chief Financial Officer Calib Cassim added: “We have been clear in communicating that Eskom is working to ensure that future tariff increase requests remain reasonable, recognising the affordability pressures on both residential and business customers.

“Achieving this depends on disciplined financial management and finding smarter, more efficient ways of operating”.

Subsidised tariffs

The power utility assured that subsidised tariffs will remain in place.

These include:

  • Homelight tariffs continue to be subsidised, with these subsidies recovered through the Affordability Subsidy Charge.
  • Rural tariffs also remain subsidised due to higher network costs in those areas.
  • These network‑related subsidies, including those benefiting Homelight customers, are recovered through the Electrification and Rural Subsidy (ERS) charge and the Low‑Voltage charge.

“These measures continue to ensure that electricity remains accessible and affordable for low‑income and rural households,” the statement read.

Detailed tariffs for Eskom customers can be found on https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/tariffs-and-charges/ while municipal customers are requested to wait for communication from their respective municipalities.

“Over the past three years, Eskom has made steady progress in improving the performance of its generation fleet. The Energy Availability Factor has risen to 65.85% year‑to‑date [1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026], with the fleet reaching or exceeding 70% on 83 occasions so far.

“The baseload units that anchor the system 24/7 have stabilised significantly, improving from 9% availability two years ago to being available more than 98% of the time today.

“Eskom remains committed to transparent communication, disciplined financial management and continued operational improvements that support a dependable electricity supply for all South Africans,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Localisation is key to deepen SA’s value chains 

Source: Government of South Africa

Localisation is key to deepen SA’s value chains 

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Alexandra Abrahams, says localisation must be embraced as a national commitment to rebuild productive capacity, deepen value chains and ensure that economic growth translates into real opportunities for South Africans.

The Deputy Minister was addressing delegates on the first of the two-day Buy Local Summit & Expo hosted by Proudly South African at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Gauteng. 

The annual event is aimed at promoting locally manufactured goods and services to create jobs, reduce unemployment, and stimulate the economy. The event attracted over 1 600 delegates among them exhibitors, government representatives, entrepreneurs, investors, and funders.

This year, the event shines the spotlight on the adverse impact of illicit trade, the effect of the turbulent international geopolitical environment, and the far-reaching impact of the exponential growth of offshore, e-commerce retailers on local industries.

In her remarks on Monday, Abrahams said supporting local is about enabling businesses to grow and promoting both sustainability and re-investment in South Africa, particularly local communities.

“The more we choose to support locally produced goods and services, the stronger our economy becomes. With that growth comes expanded opportunity, new enterprises, and more livelihoods sustained with dignity. 

“We may not always see the immediate impact of cultivating a culture that is proudly South African. But if we get it right, the benefits will extend far beyond the present moment. The foundations we lay today will shape the opportunities available to the generations that follow. Future generations will feel the impact,” Abrahams said.

She further highlighted that the importance of recognising the distinction between supporting local industry, localisation, and protectionism.

“Supporting local production should not mean insulating our economy to the point where our industries lose the incentive to compete globally. 

“South African products should succeed in international markets because they are innovative, reliable and of world class quality, not simply because they are shielded from competition. The objective of localisation is therefore not to create permanent protection, but to strengthen the conditions under which local firms can compete and grow,” she said. 

The Deputy Minister reiterated the strategic national commitment to rebuild South Africa’s productive economy, restore industrial capability, and secure inclusive economic growth, noting that if government, business and consumers act with shared purpose, the choice to buy local will become a powerful engine for investment, jobs and long-term prosperity. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Junior Achievement Afrique (JA Afrique), Union Chrétienne de Jeunes Gens / Young Men’s Christian Association (UCJG/YMCA) Togo et Boeing soutiennent les futurs entrepreneurs au Togo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Junior Achievement Afrique (JA Afrique) (www.JA-Africa.org), Union Chrétienne de Jeunes Gens Togo/ Young Men’s Christian Association Togo (UCJG/YMCA) et Boeing [NYSE : BA] ont offert cette année une formation à l’entrepreneuriat à 738 lycéens au Togo à travers le projet Mini Entreprise/ Company Program.

Le programme JA Company au Togo a encouragé les participants à développer des idées d’entreprises capables de répondre aux défis de durabilité dans leurs communautés. Le programme comprenait plusieurs modules clés de l’entrepreneuriat, notamment l’identification des problèmes et des opportunités, la créativité et la génération d’idées d’entreprise, l’étude de marché, la conception du modèle économique, l’élaboration du plan d’affaires, la gestion financière de base, le marketing et la communication, le pitch et la présentation du projet, ainsi que la gestion responsable et durable de l’entreprise.

Grâce à cet apprentissage structuré, les élèves ont acquis des compétences pratiques leur permettant d’identifier les besoins de leur communauté et de créer puis gérer leurs propres entreprises de manière responsable.

« En Afrique, les jeunes ont les idées et l’énergie nécessaires pour apporter des changements significatifs », a déclaré Henok Teferra Shawl, directeur général de Boeing pour l’Afrique. « Notre partenariat avec JA Afrique a déjà permis à plus de 5 000 jeunes à travers le continent de libérer leur potentiel. Je suis fier que le programme au Togo ait donné naissance à 45 petites entreprises dirigées par des apprenants, créant ainsi des opportunités économiques locales en Afrique de l’Ouest ».

Le programme s’est achevé par le concours national d’entrepreneuriat pour les jeunes, qui s’est tenu le 14 mars à Lomé. Quarante élèves issus des équipes présélectionnées, représentant dix écoles de Lomé et de la région maritime ont présenté leurs projets d’entreprise à un jury.

Le grand prix a été décerné à SmartAir de CS BAPTISTE, Kangnikopé qui ont proposé un projet de Ventilateur Intelligent – système de ventilation qui se déclenche automatiquement en fonction de la température

« Lorsque les jeunes ont la possibilité de créer et de diriger de véritables entreprises, ils commencent à se percevoir différemment, comme des créateurs de valeur et des moteurs du changement », a déclaré Vincent Supparayen, directeur, stratégie et développement pour Afrique non anglophone de Junior Achievement Africa. « Grâce au programme JA Company, nous dotons les jeunes du Togo des compétences entrepreneuriales et de l’esprit de durabilité dont ils ont besoin pour s’épanouir dans leurs communautés. »

« Au UCJG/YMCA Togo, nous croyons que chaque jeune possède le potentiel de transformer sa communauté. Le programme JA Company leur offre non seulement les outils pour créer et gérer une entreprise, mais aussi l’opportunité de devenir des acteurs du changement durable dans leur environnement », a déclaré Dodji Kevin Fiashinou, président national de UCJG/YMCA Togo. « Nous sommes fiers de soutenir ces jeunes dans leur parcours entrepreneurial et de voir leurs idées se concrétiser en projets concrets qui renforcent l’économie locale. »

JA Afrique et Boeing sont partenaires depuis 2021 et proposent des programmes d’entrepreneuriat et de développement durable en République démocratique du Congo, au Ghana, à Madagascar, en Mauritanie, au Nigeria, au Sénégal, au Soudan, en Tanzanie, en Ouganda et désormais au Togo. Les participants à ces programmes ont régulièrement démontré leur réussite, beaucoup d’entre eux ayant lancé leur propre entreprise et créé des emplois dans leur communauté.

De tels résultats sont essentiels pour l’Afrique, qui abrite la population jeune la plus dynamique au monde. Selon l’Organisation internationale du travail, les jeunes d’Afrique subsaharienne sont plus exposés que les adultes au chômage ou au sous-emploi. Au Togo, la création limitée d’emplois formels a également contribué à la migration irrégulière, les jeunes cherchant des opportunités à l’étranger, une tendance soulignée par la Banque mondiale. Le programme vise à lutter contre le chômage des jeunes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.

Contacts médias : 
Ellen Ukpi 
JA Afrique Marketing et communication
info@ja-africa.org  

Evgeniia Teterina
Boeing communication
evgeniia.teterina@boeing.com 

À propos de Junior Achievement Afrique : 
Junior Achievement Afrique est l’une des ONG les plus importantes et les plus influentes au service des jeunes, qui œuvre pour l’autonomisation économique des jeunes Africains. Nous proposons chaque année à plus de 1,6 million de jeunes dans 23 pays des formations pratiques en entrepreneuriat, préparation à l’emploi, compétences financières, STEM et compétences numériques. Nous donnons aux jeunes les moyens de s’attaquer à des problèmes concrets, de lancer leur entreprise et d’aborder l’avenir professionnel avec confiance. JA Afrique est un leader de l’écosystème de l’éducation à l’entrepreneuriat des jeunes à travers le continent, réunissant les gouvernements, les entreprises, les éducateurs et les communautés afin de transformer la manière dont les jeunes Africains sont préparés à réussir leur avenir. En créant des expériences d’apprentissage évolutives et inclusives et en formant une génération d’acteurs du changement, nous contribuons à redéfinir le discours économique de l’Afrique. Pour en savoir plus : www.JA-Africa.org.

À propos du UCJG/YMCA-Togo : 
UCJG/YMCA-Togo est un mouvement chrétien international fondé en 1844, présent au Togo depuis 1903. Initialement intégré aux activités jeunesse de l’Église évangélique du Togo, il est progressivement devenu une organisation autonome et est aujourd’hui reconnu comme une ONG de développement au Togo. Sa vision est de renforcer les capacités des jeunes pour la renaissance africaine. Ses valeurs sont la responsabilité, l’engagement et l’honnêteté. Ses interventions se concentrent sur quatre domaines : l’éducation à la citoyenneté, l’emploi et l’entrepreneuriat, la santé des jeunes, ainsi que les droits et la justice. Avec plus d’un siècle d’ancrage au Togo, UCJG/YMCA-Togo est aujourd’hui un acteur clé dans le domaine du leadership et du développement des jeunes. Pour en savoir plus : www.YMCATogo.org  

À propos de Boeing Afrique : 
Entreprise aérospatiale mondiale de premier plan et premier exportateur américain, Boeing développe, fabrique et entretient des avions commerciaux, des produits de défense et des systèmes spatiaux pour des clients dans plus de 150 pays. L’entreprise contribue à la croissance de l’aviation en Afrique depuis plus de sept décennies, avec une part de marché atteignant 70 % dans le secteur de l’aviation commerciale africaine. Boeing possède des bureaux en Éthiopie et en Afrique du Sud, ainsi que des représentants sur le terrain qui travaillent avec des compagnies aériennes à travers le continent. Au cours de la dernière décennie, Boeing a investi 14,5 millions de dollars dans des partenariats communautaires avec des universités et des organisations à but non lucratif en Afrique. Plus de 58 500 personnes ont participé aux programmes éducatifs de Boeing à travers le continent au cours des cinq dernières années seulement. Pour en savoir plus: https://www.Boeing.Africa

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Pan African Visions Previews Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 6 in Exclusive Interview with Basketball Africa League President Amadou Gallo Fall

Source: APO

Pan African Visions (PAV) (https://PanAfricanVisions.com) magazine has released an exclusive interview with Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), offering readers a detailed preview of the league’s highly anticipated Season 6 and a deeper look at the growing global footprint of professional basketball in Africa.

The interview, featured in Pan African Visions Magazine – Edition 85, Vol. VI (March 2026), highlights the league’s remarkable growth since its launch in partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and FIBA.

Reflecting on the journey of the BAL, Fall notes that early skepticism about the viability of a pan-African professional basketball league has been replaced by measurable success.

“When we launched the league, the primary question was whether a pan-African professional basketball league could operate at global standards,” Fall tells Pan African Visions. “Six seasons later, with distribution reaching 214 countries and generating more than 1.2 billion digital impressions, the answer is clear — though we are still only scratching the surface.”

Preview of BAL Season 6

In the exclusive interview, Fall offers readers a detailed preview of BAL Season 6, which tips off on March 27, 2026, at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.

The new season will feature 12 clubs from 12 African countries competing across three host markets — South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda — over a two-month calendar, showcasing the continent’s top basketball talent.

The season structure includes:

  • Kalahari Conference – March 27 to April 5 in Pretoria at SunBet Arena
  • Sahara Conference – April 24 to May 3 in Rabat, Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex
  • Playoffs and Finals – May 22 to May 31 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda

Across the competition, 42 games will be played, reinforcing the BAL’s growing appeal to fans, broadcasters, and investors worldwide.

Key Themes from the Exclusive Interview

In the wide-ranging conversation, Fall discusses several key themes shaping the future of the league and African basketball:

  • The expanding business of basketball in Africa, including new partnerships, commercial investments, and sponsorship opportunities.
  • Youth development and talent pathways, with BAL serving as a platform for African players to gain international visibility.
  • Infrastructure and sports ecosystem growth, highlighting how the league contributes to professional sports development across the continent.
  • Africa’s rising global sports influence, as basketball continues to connect African talent with global markets.

A Power-Packed Edition of Pan African Visions

While the BAL interview serves as one of the standout exclusives in the March 2026 issue, Edition 85 of Pan African Visions features a broad editorial lineup examining key political, economic, and geopolitical developments shaping Africa’s future.

Among the headline cover stories in the issue are:

  • “Burundi: Ndayishimiye’s Continental Moment,” exploring the leadership role of Évariste Ndayishimiye on the continental stage.
  • “Ghana: AU Backs Mahama’s Reparations Crusade,” examining reparations advocacy led by John Dramani Mahama.
  • “Cameroon: Test of Conscience as Pope Leo Arrives,” analyzing the implications of a papal visit for the country.
  • “Africa’s Visa-Free Challenge,” a deep dive into the barriers slowing free movement across the continent.
  • “Senegal: Macky Sall’s UN Secretary-General Gambit,” looking at the international ambitions of Macky Sall.
  • “Africa–Venezuela: The New Energy Axis,” exploring emerging geopolitical and energy partnerships.
  • “Oneyka Ojogbo on CLG’s Next Chapter,” a leadership interview on innovation and corporate strategy.

Together, the stories highlight Pan African Visions’ commitment to providing readers with in-depth coverage of Africa’s sports, politics, business, diplomacy, and global partnerships.

A Platform for Africa’s Voices

With readers across Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, and the global diaspora, Pan African Visions continues to serve as a platform for African perspectives through exclusive interviews, investigative reporting, and thought leadership from policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

The exclusive interview with Amadou Gallo Fall and the full March 2026 edition of Pan African Visions magazine are available online.

Read the exclusive interview:
https://apo-opa.co/4dwly3w

Read the full magazine edition:
https://apo-opa.co/4bsYj7Q

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pan African Visions.

Media & Marketing Contact:
Pan African Visions
Email: pav@panafricanvisions.com
Tel: +1 240 429 2177

About Pan African Visions:
Pan African Visions is an international media platform dedicated to telling Africa’s story through compelling journalism, exclusive interviews, and analysis covering politics, business, development, technology, and culture across the continent and its global diaspora.

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Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa), Union Chrétienne de Jeunes Gens (YMCA) and Boeing Empower Future Entrepreneurs in Togo

Source: APO

Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) (www.JA-Africa.org), Union Chrétienne de Jeunes Gens Togo (YMCA Togo) and Boeing [NYSE: BA] have delivered entrepreneurship training to 738 high school students in Togo this year.

The JA Company Program in Togo encouraged participants to develop business ideas that address sustainability challenges in their communities. The program included several key entrepreneurship modules, including identifying problems and opportunities, creativity and idea generation, market research, business model design, business plan development, basic financial management, marketing and communications, pitching and project presentation, and sustainable business management.

Through this structured learning, students gained practical skills to identify community needs and create and manage their own businesses responsibly.

“In Africa, young people have the ideas and energy to drive meaningful change,” said Henok Teferra Shawl, Boeing managing director for Africa. “Our partnership with JA Africa has already helped more than 5,000 young people across the continent unlock their potential. I am proud that the program in Togo produced 45 student-led small businesses, creating local economic opportunities in West Africa.”

The program culminated in the national youth entrepreneurship competition, held on March 14 in Lomé. Forty students from shortlisted teams, representing ten schools from Lomé and the Maritime region, presented their business projects to a panel of judges.

The grand prize was awarded to SmartAir from CS BAPTISTE, Kangnikopé, which proposed an Intelligent Fan, a ventilation system that automatically activates based on temperature.

“When young people are given the opportunity to build and run real companies, they begin to see themselves differently — as creators of value and drivers of change,” said Vincent Supparayen, director of strategy and development for non-anglophone Africa at Junior Achievement Africa. “Through the JA Company Program, we equip young people in Togo with the entrepreneurial skills and sustainability mindset they need to thrive in their communities.”

“At YMCA Togo, we believe that every young person has the potential to transform their community. The JA Company Program not only provides them with the tools to create and manage a business, but also gives them the opportunity to become sustainable change-makers in their environment,” said Mr. Dodji Kevin FIASHINOU, national president of YMCA-Togo. “We are proud to support these young people in their entrepreneurial journey and to see their ideas come to life in projects that strengthen the local economy.”

JA Africa and Boeing have been partners since 2021, delivering entrepreneurship and sustainability programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and now Togo. Alumni of the programs have consistently demonstrated success, with many launching their own businesses and creating jobs in their communities.

Such outcomes are vital for Africa, home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population. According to the International Labor Organization, young people in Sub-Saharan Africa are more likely than adults to face unemployment or underemployment. In Togo, limited formal job creation has also contributed to irregular migration as young people seek opportunities abroad, a trend highlighted by the World Bank. The program aims to tackle youth unemployment head-on.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.

Media Contacts: 
Ellen Ukpi 
JA Africa Marketing and Communications 
info@ja-africa.org

Evgeniia Teterina
Boeing Communications 
evgeniia.teterina@boeing.com  

About Junior Achievement Africa: 
Junior Achievement Africa is one of the largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs working on the economic empowerment of young Africans. We deliver hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial capability, STEM, and digital skills to over 1.6 million young people annually across 23 countries. We empower young people to tackle real-world problems, launch their businesses, and confidently step into the future of work. JA Africa is an ecosystem leader in youth entrepreneurship education across the continent, bringing together governments, corporations, educators, and communities to transform how young Africans are prepared for future success. By creating scalable, inclusive learning experiences and nurturing a generation of changemakers, we are helping to reshape Africa’s economic narrative. Learn more: www.JA-Africa.org.

About YMCA Togo: 
YMCA is an international Christian movement founded in 1844, present in Togo since 1903. Initially integrated into the youth activities of the Evangelical Church of Togo, it gradually became an autonomous organization and is now recognized as a development NGO in Togo. Its vision is to strengthen the capacity of young people. Its values are responsibility, commitment, and honesty. Its interventions focus on four areas: citizenship education, employment and entrepreneurship, youth health, and rights and justice. With more than a century of roots in Togo, YMCA Togo is now a key player in youth leadership and development. Learn more: www.YMCATogo.org 

About Boeing Africa:
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company has been driving Africa’s aviation growth for over seven decades, with Boeing’s market share in African commercial aviation reaching 70%. Boeing has offices in Ethiopia and South Africa and field service representatives working with airlines across the continent. Over the last decade, Boeing has invested $14.5 million in community partnerships with universities and non-profits in Africa. More than 58,500 people have participated in Boeing’s educational programs across the continent over the last five years alone. Learn more: https://www.Boeing.Africa.

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Sustaining vaccine gains through stronger rotavirus surveillance in Ghana

Source: APO


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Rotavirus surveillance continues to demonstrate the positive impact of vaccination in Ghana. The World Health Organization (WHO) convened a rotavirus surveillance review meeting in Koforidua that brought together surveillance focal points from collaborating health facilities, the sentinel site at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the Regional Reference Laboratory at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe diarrhoeal disease among children under age five years globally, and while the introduction of vaccines in 2006 has significantly reduced hospitalisations and deaths, sustained surveillance is essential to maintain impact and guide policy. In Ghana, the vaccine, introduced in 2012, has averted over 1.8 million cases and reduced rotavirus-related hospitalisations by 42%. These gains are supported by sentinel surveillance systems anchored at two sites, including the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), established in collaboration with WHO in 2008. The site, together with five affiliate hospitals, enrolls children under age five years with acute gastroenteritis for laboratory testing and strain characterisation. 

Performance at KATH has improved consistently, with enrolment rates increasing from 84% in 2024 to 86% in 2025, with over 96% of stool samples collected within 24 hours in both years. The review meeting in Koforidua provided a platform to examine three-year performance trends, validate data, share lessons learned, and jointly develop context-specific strategies to overcome bottlenecks such as intermittent ELISA test kit shortages, data entry inconsistencies, and shipment delays.

Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Michael Rockson Adjei, New Vaccine Initiative Officer at WHO Ghana, underscored the importance of surveillance in sustaining vaccine impact.

“Introducing a vaccine is only the beginning. What sustains impact is strong, reliable surveillance. The data generated from this sentinel site does not only inform Ghana’s immunisation programme, but contributes to global evidence on vaccine performance, strain circulation, and future vaccine design. Strengthening this system is an investment in child survival”, he said. 

He commended the site for its improved enrolment rates and timely sample collection but emphasized the need for data accuracy and uninterrupted laboratory testing to maintain credibility and scientific value.

Ghana operates several rotavirus sentinel surveillance sites across the country to monitor disease trends and assess the continued impact of the rotavirus vaccine. With support from the World Health Organization, these sites play a critical role in generating data that informs national and global immunization policies. The review meeting in Koforidua focused on the surveillance network anchored at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, and similar performance review meetings will be held with other sentinel sites to strengthen surveillance systems nationwide.

The meeting provided a platform to review three-year performance trends, validate data, share lessons learned, and jointly develop context-specific strategies to overcome bottlenecks such as intermittent shortages of ELISA test kits, data entry inconsistencies, and shipment delays.

Representing KATH rotavirus sentinel site, Professor Emmanuel Addo-Yobo, the site coordinator, highlighted the importance of laboratory quality and strain characterisation.

“Beyond detecting rotavirus, we are interested in understanding which strains are circulating and whether they are changing over time. This information is critical for global vaccine policy and for anticipating potential shifts in disease patterns. Timely sample shipment and consistent availability of test kits are therefore not operational details — they are scientific necessities”, he noted.

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and group work sessions focused on integrating sentinel surveillance into routine hospital systems and strengthening immunization data documentation for enrolled children. Health facilities shared practical lessons on improving case identification, documentation, and collaboration between clinical and laboratory teams.

Jacqueline Tawia, a Nurse at Asokwa Children’s Hospital reflected on the value of the review meeting.

“Sometimes we focus so much on daily service delivery that we do not step back to see the bigger picture. This meeting has helped us understand how our documentation and timely sample collection contribute to national and global health decisions. We are leaving here with clearer strategies and renewed commitment”, she said. 

The review also strengthened coordination between WHO, KATH, NMIMR, and GHS to address operational challenges, including integration of rotavirus surveillance into routine systems, stockouts of ELISA kits and regulatory delays affecting shipment of laboratory supplies.

As Ghana continues to build resilient health systems, the rotavirus sentinel surveillance platform demonstrates how collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous quality improvement can protect children from preventable diseases.

By strengthening laboratories, improving data systems, and fostering partnerships across institutions, Ghana is not only safeguarding the impact of the rotavirus vaccine but also reinforcing the foundation for broader vaccine-preventable disease surveillance, ensuring that every child has a better chance to survive and thrive.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.