Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

As part of UNOWAS continued engagement, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Ms. Barrie Freeman, concluded today a two-day visit to Liberia to support the launching of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security (PAN/JPS).

Anchored in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 and its subsequent resolutions 2419 and 2535, Liberia’s NAP/YPS is a strategic framework to guide and unify collective efforts of the government, youth groups, civil society institutions and various partners in promoting youth engagement in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and sustainable development.

The launch ceremony which took place at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Friday 29 August, brought together government officials, youth organizations, civil society actors, and international partners in a call to action.

In her intervention, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Ms. Barrie Freeman, saluted the government’s commitment to prioritizing youth empowerment as a foundation for a peaceful and stable future, and reaffirmed the United Nations resolve to supporting Liberia in advancing the youth peace and security agenda, mobilizing resources, and creating lasting impact for future generations.

On behalf of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah said the NAP is “a statement of our collective belief in the power, potential, and promise of Liberia’s youth,” adding that “the success of the NAP will depend on coordinated action across all sectors.”

– on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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On the afternoon of August 30, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Tianjin Guest House with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who was in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025.

President Xi noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and China-Egypt relations are now at their best in history. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic ties. The two sides should take it as an opportunity to steer the bilateral relationship toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era, add new impetus to China-Arab and China-Africa relations, and make greater contributions to upholding world peace and stability and promoting global development and prosperity.

President Xi emphasized that under the new circumstances, China and Egypt should be good brothers that firmly support each other, keep consolidating political trust, and continue providing mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. The two countries should be good partners that deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, foster greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Vision 2030, and take cooperation on parks and zones such as the Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone as the main driver to strengthen cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, joint manufacturing and new energy. The two countries should be good friends that closely collaborate in multilateral affairs, shoulder historical and major-country responsibilities as important members of the Global South, safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying practices, and defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.

Prime Minister Madbouly conveyed to President Xi sincere greetings and regards from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Prime Minister Madbouly said China is a true partner and friend of Egypt, and the two sides have always trusted and supported each other. Egypt places high importance on its relations with China, and is firmly committed to the one-China principle. Egypt stands ready to take next year’s 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China as an opportunity to increase high-level exchanges, expand trade and investment, and deepen cooperation in such areas as new energy, electric vehicles, finance and seawater desalination, in a bid to achieve greater progress of the bilateral relations. Egypt and China are both members of the developing world and the Global South. To address challenges facing the international landscape and world economy and trade, Egypt will strengthen coordination and collaboration with China in international and regional affairs, so as to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Chen Min’er, among others, attended the meeting.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

Source: APO

On September 1, 2025, Sidi Ould Tah will officially take office as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), succeeding Akinwumi Adesina. Elected on May 29, 2025, with 76.18% of the vote, Sidi Ould Tah thus becomes the first Mauritanian to hold this strategic position for the continent’s economic development.

Africa24 will provide a full coverage of this historic ceremony and the related events surrounding the inauguration of the new president, offering its viewers exclusive insights into the key issues and prospects of this major transition.

A ceremony under the banner of diplomacy and African expertise

Sidi Ould Tah’s victory reflects the success of Mauritanian diplomacy and the strong mobilization of African states in his favor. Several diplomatic levers contributed to the strength of his candidacy: the rotating presidency of the African Union held in 2024 by Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the mobilization of regional and international support, and the influence of Arab League countries—thanks to the networks built by Sidi Ould Tah during his tenure at BADEA (Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa), which he led from 2015 to 2025. Under his leadership, BADEA improved its credit ratings and strengthened its impact on Africa’s economic development

Challenges and prospects ahead

One of Sidi Ould Tah’s first challenges will be mobilizing new sources of financing for the AfDB, particularly following the withdrawal of US$555 million in U.S. aid from the African Development Fund, dedicated to the continent’s most vulnerable countries. His extensive experience and international network are seen as key assets to strengthen the Bank’s role in development financing, structural transformation, and the promotion of Africa’s economic sovereignty.

Exclusive and immersive coverage with Africa24

Africa24 is committed to delivering complete and multi-format coverage of this historic transition, including:

• Exclusive reports and interviews with key economic and political stakeholders present in Abidjan;  
• In-depth analysis of the implications for the future of Africa’s financing and development;  
• Digital content and immersive videos available on MyAfrica24, the first HD streaming platform dedicated to Africa, as well as on AFRICA24 in French (channel 170) and AFRICA24 in English (channel 176) on the Canal+Afrique bouquet.

With Africa24, follow the inauguration of Sidi Ould Tah as President of the AfDB live, and discover the strategic perspectives for Africa’s economic development.

Together, Let’s Transform Africa

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Source: APO

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South Africa has noted with serious concern the escalation of fighting in the Republic of the Sudan. The on-going armed conflict in Sudan, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in the significant loss of civilian lives, the destruction of property, especially critical infrastructure, and the internal and external displacement of the Sudanese population.

Since 15 April 2023, the innocent people of Sudan have been subjected to suffering in this crossfire, with the gravity of the situation becoming more dire.

The latest brutal attack on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which has been besieged for over 500 days is yet another example of the many atrocities the civilians have had to endure. It has been reported that heavy artillery was fired at densely packed neighbourhoods, including the central market and Awlad al-Reef, claiming around 24 lives, leaving 55 others wounded, among the wounded are five women.

South Africa stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan, especially women and children, who continue to face the plight of this war. South Africa reiterates its call for the immediate end to the conflict and resumption of genuine and sincere talks to bring an end to the conflict.

This prolonged conflict poses a grave threat to the stability and economic prosperity of Sudan and the broader region, as its spillover effects, including the humanitarian and refugee crisis have worsened.

We call on all the parties to the conflict to respect international law, including international humanitarian law that seeks to protect civilians, especially women and children. In this regard, we also urge the parties to allow access for the distribution of humanitarian assistance as well as the provision of critical medical support to those in desperate need, notably in El Fasher.

There can be no military solution to the conflict, which must be resolved in a peaceful manner on the basis of a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue, paving the way to a peaceful transition process where a civilian-led, democratic Government, can steer the country towards harmony, reconciliation and redevelopment.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, has consistently reiterated in his engagements with the warring parties in Sudan, encouraging the parties to return to the negotiation table.

It cannot be emphasised enough that there is an urgent need to put an end to this conflict where indiscriminate human rights abuses are committed daily. Despite the numerous mediation efforts, which have yet to yield a peaceful resolution, the role of multilateral and regional bodies and other initiatives, remains relevant, and the work must continue ceaselessly to this end.

South Africa once again pledges its full support to the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Sudan, Mr Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to promote the peaceful end to the conflict through mediation and dialogue, that will ensure that the people of Sudan can enjoy sustainable peace and freedom in this lifetime.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO

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On August 29, Ambassador to Rwanda H.E. GAO Wenqi published a signed article in Rwanda mainstream media entitled “Learn from History and Build a Better Tomorrow”.

The article noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It was a victory of justice over evil, light over dark. As the main eastern battlefield of World War II, China won 14 years of tenacious and unyielding resistance against Japanese aggression, which led to national liberation and independence, and made indelible contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

The article pointed out that the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War was a victory of patriotism, peace and solidarity. The war is over, but the lessons remain relevant. Only by remembering history and cherishing peace can countries create a better future and prevent the catastrophe form recurring.

The article stressed that the international community needs to respect history, oppose historical revisionism and nihilism, uphold a correct viewof the history of WWII, defend the victorious outcomes and the post-war international order with the United Nations at its core. Peace must be upheld.Countries should pursue peaceful development, and oppose the willful threat or use of force. Solidarity must be cemented.The international community should oppose unilateralism and power politics, uphold the authority of the United Nations, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.

Source: APO

An African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) video highlighting Bank President Akinwumi A. Adesina’s commitment to gender equality in Africa has been named a “Bronze Winner” recipient in the 46th Annual Telly Awards and a “Gold Winner” in the 2025 AVA Digital Awards. The two international competitions recognize excellence in communications.

The Bank’s award-winning online video entry, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina honored as UN Women #HeForShe champion (https://apo-opa.co/4m2pH04), was shown during the 2024 United Nations General Assembly as part of a celebration of Dr. Adesina and other global champions of gender equality.  The two awards bring to eleven the international honors won by Bank communications related to agriculture, human and social development in the last decade.

The Telly Awards, which honor achievement in video and television across all screens, received more than 12,000 submissions from five continents. Other winners this year include Pixar Animation Studios, ESPN, LinkedIn and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

“I am blown away by this year’s submissions. The Tellys are unique in our ability to lift up truly excellent video work, no matter the platform, the screen or the method of production,” said Telly Awards Managing Director Amanda Needham.

The Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) produced the 75-second video to highlight some of President Adesina’s gender achievements including the creation of AFAWA, which has disbursed more than $1.33 billion in financing through 185 financial institution partners to women-led businesses in 45 African countries.

Earlier in 2025, the U.S.-based Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals presented the Bank Group with a gold AVA Digital Award in its short-form web video tribute category. The awards celebrate exceptional work by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that advances digital communication.

In a February 2025 statement about the award, the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals congratulated the African Development Bank Group for its tribute video honoring African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi A. Adesina’s commitment to advancing gender.

“We aimed to succinctly visualize how President Adesina made mainstreaming gender central to his African Development Bank Group presidency, including hearing from women who have benefitted from initiatives created by the twice-elected leader of the Bank Group. We are thrilled to be recognized by the Telly Awards and AVA Digital Awards,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development.

“Africa’s women entrepreneurs are the engines of African economies. Our digital communications help showcase the real-world impact of how AFAWA is scaling up access to finance to the continent’s women-led businesses – and demonstrates how the Bank is transforming demographic into dividend,” said Dr. Jemimah Njuki, the Bank’s Director for Gender, Women and Civil Society.

Watch the Bank’s award-winning video tribute to Dr. Adesina: https://apo-opa.co/4m2pH04

To learn more about AFAWA: www.AFAWA.AfDB.org

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alphonso Van Marsh
Chief Digital Content and Events Officer
Email: media@afdb.org