Category: Africa

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DSTI Deputy Minister launches SA’s first AI teaching robot

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, says that South Africa’s first artificial intelligence (AI) robot will enhance education in the country by enabling learners to reach their full potential.  

Gina was speaking in Durban on Tuesday at the launch of IRIS, the AI-powered, first-of-its-kind robot in South Africa, designed to redefine learning experiences in the country. 

According to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), it can master all subjects from Grade R to tertiary level, in 11 of the country’s official languages.

Gina said this will not only be used to teach children at school, but it will also inspire them to become familiar with technology, especially in rural areas. 

IRIS is the brainchild of BSG Technologies, founded by Thandoh Gumede, who hails from the rural area of KwaMnqobokazi in Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The idea to build IRIS came while teaching maths and physical science at a local school, during which she experienced several challenges.

The robot is equipped with software and a keyboard. It functions similarly to any AI tool that utilises deep machine learning, with a special feature of being multilingual. While tools like ChatGPT use text, IRIS uses voice to respond to prompts.    

With her digital innovation skills, Gumede has won several international awards and was crowned Miss Tech Universe 2024-2025 in Thailand. 

Here at home, she is already taking South Africa by storm and is fondly called “Mamaka IRIS”.  

As South Africa celebrates National Women’s Month, the Deputy Minister reminded the audience that science has no gender, no geographical specificity, and no look. 

“Women must lead in shaping the future of science, innovation and fields like AI. These are the skills that will drive tomorrow’s economy, and they require contributions from both men and women.”

The Deputy Minister stated that it was the mandate of the DSTI to support all emerging innovations and encouraged women and youth to take advantage of the department’s funding instruments, such as the Women in Technology and Innovation and the Grassroots Innovation programmes.  

She emphasised the importance of leveraging technologies such as AI within the African context, highlighting the need for the continent to drive innovation and become a primary consumer of its innovations.

Deputy Director-General for Curriculum Management and Delivery at the provincial Department of Education, Mbongiseni Mazibuko, said maximising the full benefits of AI will require everyone to be on the same wavelength of preparedness, and with innovations like IRIS, teachers must be equipped to harness these technologies.  

“Technology is not here to replace teachers, but rather innovations like IRIS will be part and parcel of the future of teaching and learning. We need to make our teachers ready for these technologies, and as a department, we embrace IRIS,” said Mazibuko.

Gumede plans to introduce IRIS to every classroom in South Africa by the end of October this year and stressed the importance of partnership with the private sector to help transform teaching and learning in the country.  

“IRIS does not belong to me. It belongs to everyone of us in South Africa, and that is the reason we need partnerships to be able to do that,” said Gumede, quelling the fear that AI will replace teachers in class.  

Rather, she believes that IRIS will enhance learning and teaching in South Africa and help to close the educational gaps in the country, particularly in Maths, science and technology. 

The launch featured a demonstration of IRIS answering complex questions from some of the learners attending. – SAnews.gov.za

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Liberia: The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) Launches New Strategic Planning Process to support ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) Implementation

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has officially embarked on the development of its new five-year strategic plan, designed to align closely with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

Acting Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Anthony G. Myers, who also serves as Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs, said the plan will serve as a roadmap to strengthen the Ministry’s role as the steward of Liberia’s national development strategy.

“This new plan will build on the lessons of the 2019–2023 strategic framework, looking at what worked, what fell short, and what needs to be scaled up or reformed,” Minister Myers explained. “The overall goal of the MFDP for the next five years is to strengthen the capacity of our workforce so that we can effectively deliver on our core mandate.”

He emphasized that a refreshed approach is necessary due to the many changes in the Ministry’s functions and mandate since its merger with the Ministry of Planning & Economic Affairs in 2013.

 “A lot has changed administratively, legally, and regulatorily.

We now need a strategic perspective that allows us to better coordinate, facilitate, and implement the ARREST Agenda over the next five years,” he noted.

Earlier at the launch, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Hon. Bill McGill Jones, outlined the planning process and urged full participation from departmental heads and unit leaders.

“Sit with the core planning team and consultants, share your priorities, and ensure your voice is part of this process,” he said. “As a team, our focus must remain on improving the lives of all Liberians, addressing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, weak infrastructure, and limited access to quality education and healthcare.”

The new strategic plan will not only align with national priorities under the ARREST Agenda but also reinforce the MFDP’s central role in shaping inclusive growth and sustainable development across Liberia.

The launch brought together Deputy Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Directors, and Assistant Directors from across the Ministry, symbolizing a unified step toward a stronger and more responsive MFDP.

– on behalf of Ministry of Finance & Development Planning: Republic of Liberia.

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Résolutions du Congrès de Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP) sur « Équilibrer le progrès technologique et la préservation des valeurs humaines à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle »

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP) a organisé son Congrès continental triennal à Accra, au Ghana, du 10 au 17 août 2025, réunissant plus de 100 journalistes catholiques, conférenciers, créateurs de contenu et autres praticiens des médias de plus de 20 pays, dont 19 pays africains. Le congrès a porté sur le thème “Équilibrer le progrès technologique et la préservation des valeurs humaines à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle (IA)“.

Télécharger le document : https://apo-opa.co/4fHFXSl

Cette rencontre a permis aux participants de débattre des défis éthiques et des opportunités offertes par l’intelligence artificielle (IA), et d’explorer les moyens par lesquels les journalistes catholiques peuvent sauvegarder la dignité et les valeurs humaines tout en embrassant l’innovation technologique.

À l’issue de ce congrès, les participants proposent les résolutions et recommandations suivantes.

  1. Résolution

1.1. Résolution 1 : Sur la sauvegarde de la dignité humaine à l’ère de l’intelligence artificielle

L’UCAP affirme la primauté de la dignité humaine sur le progrès technologique et engage les journalistes catholiques en Afrique à promouvoir des pratiques médiatiques qui défendent la vérité, l’intégrité et les relations humaines authentiques.

1.2. Résolution 2 : Sur l’utilisation éthique de l’intelligence artificielle dans les médias

L’UCAP appelle les institutions médiatiques africaines à établir des lignes directrices éthiques pour l’utilisation de l’intelligence artificielle en matière de journalisme, en veillant à ce que la technologie soit au service de la personne humaine et du bien commun, et en rejetant toute forme de manipulation, de désinformation ou de mésinformation.

1.3. Résolution 3 : Renforcer la formation et l’éducation aux médias

L’UCAP s’engage à améliorer la formation professionnelle des professionnels des médias en Afrique en intégrant des modules sur l’IA, l’alphabétisation numérique et l’enseignement social de l’Eglise dans les programmes de formation, ainsi que dans l’éducation aux médias.

1.4. Résolution 4 : Collaboration avec l’Eglise et la société civile

L’UCAP continuera à collaborer avec les conférences épiscopales, les universités, les décideurs politiques et la société civile pour développer des cadres qui équilibrent l’innovation technologique et la responsabilité morale.

1.5. Résolution 5 : Promouvoir une nouvelle éthique de la communication

Les membres de l’UCAP travaillent activement à la promotion d’une culture de paix, de réconciliation et de fraternité en donnant la parole aux sans-voix et en promouvant une communication qui sauvegarde la vérité, la liberté, la justice et la solidarité.

  1. Recommandations

2.1. Aux gouvernements et aux décideurs politiques :

Réglementer l’utilisation de l’IA pour éviter la déformation de la vérité, la manipulation des consciences et l’atteinte à la vie privée.

Investir dans des infrastructures numériques et des cadres éthiques qui protègent la dignité humaine tout en soutenant l’innovation.

2.2. Aux organisations médiatiques :

Adopter des politiques éditoriales qui garantissent que les outils d’IA ne remplacent pas le jugement, la conscience ou la responsabilité humaine.

Mettre en place des mécanismes de vérification des faits et promouvoir la transparence dans l’utilisation des contenus générés par l’IA.

2.3. Aux professionnels des médias catholiques :

S’engager dans une formation professionnelle continue en matière de technologie, d’éthique et de communication, inspirée par l’enseignement social de l’Eglise catholique.

Être des “missionnaires de la paix et de la réconciliation” en résistant à la désinformation et en promouvant l’intégrité dans le journalisme.

Vulgariser le document final du Synode sur la synodalité parmi les professionnels des médias et assurer sa bonne compréhension dans les différentes langues, selon les communautés et les pays.

2.4. À l’Église en Afrique :

Continuer à guider et à soutenir les communicateurs catholiques dans le discernement des défis éthiques posés par l’IA.

Encourager les diocèses et les institutions catholiques à investir dans l’éducation aux médias qui forme les journalistes à la vérité, à la responsabilité et au service du bien commun.

2.5. A l’UCAP en tant qu’Union :

Élaborer une charte continentale sur “l’IA et le journalisme éthique” qui servira de référence aux membres.

Organiser des ateliers, des programmes d’échange et des initiatives de recherche sur l’intersection de la foi, des médias et de l’intelligence artificielle.

Le Comité Exécutif de l’UCAP doit prendre en considération les points d’amendements discutés lors de l’Assemblée Générale concernant les Statuts, ainsi que promouvoir et aider les Section de l’UCAP, les Régions, et renforcer sa coopération avec SIGNIS à travers la gestion du Départment Journalisme de SIGNIS Afrique.

  1. Remerciements

Nous, Union Catholique Africaine de la Presse (UCAP), sommes très heureux d’adresser nos remerciements à la clôture de notre Congrès ici à GIMPA, Legon, Accra (Ghana).

Tout d’abord, nous remercions le Dieu tout-puissant, source de toute sagesse et de toute inspiration, qui a rendu ce rassemblement possible.

Nous exprimons notre profonde gratitude à Son Excellence l’Archevêque Julien Kaboré, pour avoir honoré cette occasion de votre présence et pour votre message profondément inspirant. Vos réflexions nous ont rappelé que si l’intelligence artificielle éblouit par sa rapidité et son innovation, seul le cœur humain – ouvert à Dieu, à la vérité et à l’amour – peut la guider correctement.

Nous remercions chaleureusement le président de la Conférence des évêques catholiques du Ghana, Mgr Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. Vos paroles nous ont rappelé avec force que les médias ne sont pas simplement un outil technique, mais une réalité morale, chargée de la noble tâche de défendre la vérité, de favoriser l’unité et de protéger la dignité de chaque personne humaine.

Notre gratitude au Préfet du Dicastère pour la Communication, Cité du Vatican, Dr Paolo Ruffini, représenté par Mgr Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo, pour votre message de solidarité à l’occasion de ce Congrès de l’UCAP.

Nous sommes très reconnaissants à nos distingués invités, partenaires et experts de divers domaines de leur présence et de leurs contributions. Vos points de vue nous aideront à relever les défis urgents à l’intersection de la technologie, de l’éthique et de la foi.

Nous remercions également le président de l’UCAP, M. Charles Ayetan, les coprésidents du comité de planification, Mme Victoria Lugey et M. Benedict Assorow, ainsi que les membres du comité de planification pour leur leadership et leur engagement. Grâce à vos conseils, ce congrès continue d’être un espace d’apprentissage, de discernement et de confraternité pour les journalistes catholiques de toute l’Afrique.

Enfin, à tous les participants – journalistes, conférenciers et amis de l’UCAP venus de toute l’Afrique et d’ailleurs – merci pour votre engagement en faveur de la vérité et au service de l’humanité. Votre présence ici est un témoignage que les médias catholiques et les praticiens catholiques des médias restent un phare, défendant la dignité humaine à l’ère numérique.

Alors que nous nous engageons dans ce dialogue et cette réflexion, puissions-nous être renforcés dans notre mission d’équilibrer le progrès technologique avec les valeurs intemporelles de l’Évangile, et d’être des artisans de la paix, de la vérité et de la réconciliation sur notre continent bien-aimé.

Encore une fois merci et que Dieu vous bénisse tous.

Les Participants au Congrès de l’UCAP,

Accra (Ghana), 17 août 2025.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contact :
Charles Ayetan
Président de l’UCAP
+228 9980 2198
+233 53 928 5744
ucap.official@gmail.com

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Confédération États du Sahel (AES) : le Premier ministre en visite d’amitiè au Mali

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Premier ministre, Son Excellence Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, est arrivé ce mardi 19 août 2025 à Bamako pour une visite d’amitié, à l’invitation de son homologue malien, le Général de Division Abdoulaye Maïga.

À sa descente d’avion, le Chef du Gouvernement burkinabè a été accueilli par son homologue malien, entouré de plusieurs membres du Gouvernement. Il effectue ce déplacement officiel en compagnie du ministre en charge de la Jeunesse et de l’Emploi, de la ministre déléguée au Budget ainsi que de membres de son cabinet.

‎Durant son séjour, le Premier ministre prendra part à la célébration du deuxième anniversaire de la Brigade Citoyenne du Mali, une organisation initiée par les autorités maliennes pour promouvoir le civisme, l’engagement patriotique et la cohésion sociale.

Le programme de la visite prévoit également une audience avec le Président de la Transition et Chef de l’État du Mali, le Général d’Armée Assimi Goïta, ainsi qu’une séance de travail entre les deux délégations.

‎Au-delà du renforcement des relations bilatérales entre Ouagadougou et Bamako, ce déplacement s’inscrit dans la dynamique de coopération et de solidarité impulsée au sein de la Confédération des États du Sahel (AES).

Distribué par APO Group pour Service d’Information du Gouvernement du Burkina Faso.

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Have your say on the gazetted BELA Act regulations

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Government has officially gazetted the first two sets of regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act) 2024, for public comment.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments by 5 September 2025. 

The regulations focus on key provisions of the South African Schools Act relating to school capacity and school admissions. 

The gazetted regulations aim to ensure that the BELA Act, which came into effect on 24 December 2024, is implemented in a way that protects learners’ rights and improves school functionality.

Additional regulations will be released for public comment as soon as they are finalised, legally vetted and approved. 

The gazetting of the regulations offers education stakeholders and the public an important opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of basic education.

The draft regulations can be accessed on the Department of Basic Education’s website https://www.education.gov.za and in Government Gazette Nos. 53119 and 53120 of 6 August 2025. 

To submit your comment, you can visit: https://www.education.gov.za/Resources/Legislation/CallforComments.aspx. – SAnews.gov.za

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High-level delegation attends 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Japan leading South Africa’s high-level delegation at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD9) in Yokohama City.

President Ramaphosa, who arrived in Japan on Tuesday, will participate in the TICAD9 Summit from 20 – 22 August 2025 under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions with Africa”. 

The summit is underpinned by three Plenary Sessions, which illustrate established areas of cooperation between the African Union and Japan, namely: Society: Realizing a Sustainable Future; Economy: Promoting Trade and Investment; and Peace and stability: Ensuring Human Dignity and Human Security.

In a statement, the Presidency said the 9th TICAD Summit takes place at a time of unprecedented threats to global peace and security, ongoing conflicts in some regions of the world, distortions and disruption to global trade and a concerning revision by some states to unilateral action at a time when multilateralism and collective solutions to common challenges is crucial.

The Presidency highlighted that rising fuel, food and energy prices have severely impacted developing countries, entrenching poverty and fuelling higher levels of inequality in the face of constrained employment and job opportunities. 

“The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens. 

“The AU discussions with the government of Japan under the auspices of TICAD presents an opportunity for the two sides to engage in discussions that seek to foster collective solutions to these challenges,” the Presidency said. 

South Africa, as a Member State of the AU, will prioritise support from the government of Japan for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, especially in the priority areas of infrastructure development, peace and security, and health.  

“President Ramaphosa will advance South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and pursue bilateral economic engagements with the government of Japan with a view to strengthening trade and investment ties between South Africa and Japan,” the Presidency said. 

The year 2025 marks 115 years of relations between South Africa and Japan. 

The two countries enjoy well-established bilateral relations within the framework of the Partnership Forum held at a ministerial level and maintain strong cooperation in the fields of trade and investment; science and technology; education; skills transfer and capacity building through development cooperation. Bilateral trade between Japan and South Africa had been expanding since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992. 

Japan is one of the major investors (over R90 billion) in the South African economy, with 260 Japanese companies, sustaining over 150 000 local jobs. 

Japan is the 4th largest economy in the world, and total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 was R132 billion, with South Africa recording a trade surplus of R52 billion. 

“President Ramaphosa will engage with leading captains of Japanese industry and business. 

“Japan is one of South Africa’s major economic partners with sizeable investments in the South African economy, and the potential for further investments exists. A South African high level business delegation is also participating at the TICAD9,” the Presidency said. 

Also, at the margins of TICAD9 in his capacity as the chair of the Global Leader’s Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address to parliamentarians, business and developmental agencies on the importance of increasing investments into women’s, children’s and adolescents health as an imperative for peace and security. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

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N West Premier to launch Phase 5 of Service Delivery Programme in Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi will reaffirm the provincial government’s commitment to improving service delivery by leading the rollout of Phase 5 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme –Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded. 

This event will take place on Friday, 22 August 2025, at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

The provincial department said this phase marks a strategic continuation of the provincial government’s efforts to bring integrated services closer to the people, address long-standing service delivery challenges, and strengthen public participation in governance issues. 

During Phase 5, efforts will be strengthened to provide water and sanitation infrastructure, upgrade sewer networks, maintain roads, clear illegal dumping sites, combat crime and create jobs. 

These initiatives will target and prioritise specific local municipalities, including Ditsobotla, JB Marks, City of Matlosana, Tswaing, Madibeng, Kagisano-Molopo, Ramotshere Moiloa, Moses Kotane, Rustenburg, and Mahikeng.

Government departments, State-owned entities and the private sector will converge at Itsoseng Community Hall, where on-the-spot services will be provided and a community feedback session held. 

Central to this service delivery-oriented programme will be the handing over of community facilities, including a community hall at Springbokpan village, a sports facility at Itekeng township in Biesiesvlei, a community hall at Tlhabologang in Coligny, and a new cemetery site at Itsoseng. 

Included in the day’s activities is a planned oversight visit and inspection of a brick-making plant and facility in Itsoseng. 

This flagship facility was established by the Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR) during the 2014/15 financial year. At that time, it provided job opportunities for beneficiaries of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). 

However, operations were halted more than three years ago due to various challenges.

As an intervention strategy, the department has plans to resuscitate all brick-making plants across the province to make them sustainable, and to create job opportunities and skills. 

In addition, more than 4 000 paving bricks, which are on-site and produced by EPWP beneficiaries, will be donated to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality for use in any of their paving projects planned on access roads to service delivery points and streets. 

An inspection of a special maintenance project on road D40 – from Thusong to Itsoseng – will also be conducted on the day. 

Some of the standard features of Thuntsha Lerole that will take place during the day include the installation of high-mast lights, mass registration of qualifying citizens for free basic services, clearing illegal dumping sites, law enforcement activities, distribution of agricultural packages to a community agricultural project and a local school, provision of integrated primary health care services, and distribution of sanitary towels to identified local schools. – SAnews.gov.za

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Resoluções do Congresso da União Católica Africana de Imprensa (UCAP) sobre “Equilibrar o Progresso Tecnológico e a Preservação dos Valores Humanos na Era da Inteligência Artificial”

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A União Católica Africana de Imprensa (UCAP) convocou o seu Congresso Continental Trienal em Acra, no Gana, de 10 a 17 de agosto de 2025, reunindo mais de 100 jornalistas católicos, professores, criadores de conteúdos e outros profissionais dos meios de comunicação social de mais de 20 países, entre os quais 19 países africanos. O Congresso centrou-se no tema “Equilíbrio entre o progresso tecnológico e a preservação dos valores humanos na era da Inteligência Artificial (IA)“.

Baixar Documento: https://apo-opa.co/4fHFXSl

O encontro proporcionou uma plataforma para os participantes deliberarem sobre os desafios éticos e as oportunidades apresentadas pela Inteligência Artificial (IA) e explorarem formas de os jornalistas católicos poderem salvaguardar a dignidade e os valores humanos, ao mesmo tempo que abraçam a inovação tecnológica.

No final deste Congresso, os participantes propõem as seguintes Resoluções e Recomendações.

  1. Resoluções

1.1. Resolução 1: Sobre a Salvaguarda da Dignidade Humana na Era da Inteligência Artificial

A UCAP afirma a primazia da dignidade humana sobre o avanço tecnológico e compromete os jornalistas católicos em África a promover práticas mediáticas que defendam a verdade, a integridade e as relações humanas autênticas.

1.2. Resolução 2: Sobre o uso ético da inteligência artificial nos media

A UCAP apela às instituições africanas dos meios de comunicação social para que estabeleçam diretrizes éticas para a utilização da IA no jornalismo, assegurando que a tecnologia serve a pessoa humana e o bem comum, e rejeitando qualquer forma de manipulação, desinformação ou desinformação.

1.3. Resolução 3: Reforço da formação e do ensino dos meios de comunicação social

A UCAP compromete-se a melhorar a formação profissional dos profissionais dos meios de comunicação social em África, integrando módulos sobre IA, literacia digital e ensino social católico nos programas de formação, bem como na educação para os meios de comunicação social.

1.4. Resolução 4: Sobre a Colaboração com a Igreja e a Sociedade Civil

A UCAP deve colaborar com as Conferências Episcopais, as universidades, os decisores políticos e a sociedade civil para desenvolver quadros que equilibrem a inovação tecnológica com a responsabilidade moral.

1.5. Resolução 5: Sobre a promoção de uma nova ética da comunicação

Os membros da UCAP trabalham ativamente para fomentar uma cultura de paz, reconciliação e fraternidade, dando voz aos que não têm voz e promovendo uma comunicação que salvaguarde a verdade, a liberdade, a justiça e a solidariedade.

  1. Recomendações

2.1. Aos Governos e Decisores Políticos:

Regulamentar o uso da IA para evitar a erosão da verdade, a manipulação das consciências e a invasão da privacidade.

Investir em infra-estruturas digitais e quadros éticos que protejam a dignidade humana e apoiem a inovação.

2.2. Para organizações de mídia:

Adotar políticas editoriais que garantam que as ferramentas de IA não substituem o julgamento, a consciência ou a responsabilidade humana.

Estabelecer mecanismos de verificação de factos e promover a transparência na utilização de conteúdos gerados por IA.

2.3. Aos profissionais católicos dos media:

Comprometer-se com a formação profissional contínua em tecnologia, ética e comunicação, inspirada no ensino social católico.

Servir como “missionários da paz e da reconciliação”, resistindo à desinformação e promovendo a integridade no jornalismo.

Popularizar o documento final do Sínodo sobre a sinodalidade entre os profissionais dos media e assegurar a sua correta compreensão nas diferentes línguas, de acordo com as comunidades e os países.

2.4. À Igreja em África:

Continuar a orientar e a apoiar os comunicadores católicos no discernimento dos desafios éticos colocados pela IA.

Encorajar as dioceses e as instituições católicas a investir na educação para os media que forme os jornalistas na verdade, na responsabilidade e no serviço ao bem comum.

2.5. À UCAP como União:

Desenvolver uma carta continental sobre “IA e Jornalismo Ético” como referência para os membros.

Organizar workshops, programas de intercâmbio e iniciativas de investigação sobre a intersecção da fé, dos media e da inteligência artificial.

O Comitê Executivo da UCAP deve levar em consideração os pontos de emendas discutidos na Assembléia Geral sobre os Estatutos, bem como promover e auxiliar os Capítulos, Regiões e a Cooperação da UCAP para administrar o Departamento de Jornalismo da SIGNIS África.

  1. Agradecimento

Nós, União Católica Africana da Imprensa (UCAP), temos o prazer de apresentar este voto de agradecimento na Cerimónia de Encerramento do nosso Congresso aqui no GIMPA, Legon, Accra (Gana).

Antes de mais, damos graças a Deus Todo-Poderoso, fonte de toda a sabedoria e inspiração, que tornou possível este encontro.

Expressamos a nossa mais profunda gratidão a Sua Excelência o Arcebispo Julien Kaboré, por ter agraciado esta ocasião com a sua presença e pela sua mensagem profundamente inspiradora. As suas reflexões recordaram-nos que, embora a Inteligência Artificial deslumbre com a velocidade e a inovação, é apenas o coração humano – aberto a Deus, à verdade e ao amor – que a pode guiar corretamente.

O nosso sincero apreço vai para o Presidente da Conferência dos Bispos Católicos do Gana, o Bispo Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. As suas palavras recordaram-nos com força que os meios de comunicação social não são apenas um instrumento técnico, mas uma realidade moral, à qual foi confiada a nobre tarefa de defender a verdade, promover a unidade e proteger a dignidade de cada pessoa humana.

A nossa gratidão ao Prefeito do Dicastério para a Comunicação, Cidade do Vaticano, Dr. Paolo Ruffini, representado por D. Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo, pela sua Mensagem de Solidariedade a este Congresso da UCAP.

Aos nossos ilustres convidados, parceiros e especialistas de várias áreas, estamos verdadeiramente gratos pela vossa presença e contribuições. Os vossos conhecimentos ajudar-nos-ão a enfrentar os desafios prementes na intersecção da tecnologia, da ética e da fé.

Agradecemos também ao Presidente da UCAP, Charles Ayetan, aos Co-Presidentes do Comité de Planeamento, Victoria Lugey e Ben Assorow, e aos membros do Comité de Planeamento pela sua liderança e empenho. Através da vossa orientação, este Congresso continua a ser um espaço de aprendizagem, discernimento e comunhão para os jornalistas católicos de toda a África.

Finalmente, a todos os participantes – jornalistas, conferencistas e amigos da UCAP de toda a África e não só – obrigado pelo vosso empenho na verdade e ao serviço da humanidade. A vossa presença aqui é um testemunho de que os meios de comunicação católicos e os profissionais dos meios de comunicação católicos continuam a ser um farol de luz, defendendo a dignidade humana na era digital.

Ao embarcarmos neste diá. e nesta reflexão, possamos ser fortalecidos na nossa missão de equilibrar o progresso tecnológico com os valores intemporais do Evangelho e de sermos artesãos da paz, da verdade e da reconciliação no nosso amado continente.

Obrigado, e que Deus vos abençoe a todos.

Participantes do Congresso da UCAP,

Accra (Gana), 17de agosto 2025.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contato:
Charles Ayetan,
Presidente da UCAP
+228 9980 2198
+233 53 928 5744
ucap.official@gmail.com

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Resolutions of African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) Congress on “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

Source: APO – Report:

The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) convened its Triennial Continental Congress in Accra, Ghana, from 10-17 August 2025, bringing together more than 100 Catholic journalists, lecturers, Content Creators, and other media practitioners from over 20 countries, among which 19 African countries. The Congress focused on the theme “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4fHFXSl

The gathering provided a platform for participants to deliberate on the ethical challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to explore ways in which Catholic journalists can safeguard human dignity and values while embracing technological innovation.

At the end of this Congress, participants propose the following Resolutions and Recommendations.

  1. Resolution

1.1. Resolution 1: On Safeguarding Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

UCAP affirms the primacy of human dignity over technological advancement, and commits Catholic journalists in Africa to promote media practices that uphold truth, integrity, and authentic human relationships.

1.2. Resolution 2: On Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Media

UCAP calls upon African media institutions to establish ethical guidelines for the use of AI in journalism, ensuring that technology serves the human person and the common good, and rejecting any form of manipulation, misinformation, or disinformation.

1.3. Resolution 3: On Strengthening Media Training and Media Education

UCAP commits to enhancing the professional formation of Media Practitioners in Africa by integrating modules on AI, digital literacy, and Catholic social teaching into training programs, as well as Media Education.

1.4. Resolution 4: On Collaboration with the Church and Civil Society

UCAP shall collaborate with Episcopal Conferences, universities, policymakers, and civil society to develop frameworks that balance technological innovation with moral responsibility.

1.5. Resolution 5: On Promoting a New Ethic of Communication

UCAP members work actively to foster a culture of peace, reconciliation, and fraternity by giving voice to the voiceless and promoting communication that safeguards truth, freedom, justice, and solidarity.

  1. Recommendations

2.1. To Governments and Policymakers:

Regulate the use of AI to prevent the erosion of truth, manipulation of consciences, and invasion of privacy.

Invest in digital infrastructure and ethical frameworks that protect human dignity while supporting innovation.

2.2. To Media Organizations:

Adopt editorial policies that ensure AI tools do not replace human judgment, conscience, or responsibility.

Establish fact-checking mechanisms and promote transparency in the use of AI-generated content.

2.3. To Catholic Media Professionals:

Commit to ongoing professional formation in technology, ethics, and communication, inspired by Catholic social teaching.

Serve as “missionaries of peace and reconciliation” by resisting disinformation and promoting integrity in journalism.

Popularize the Final document of the Synod on the Synodality among Media practitioners and to ensure its proper understanding in the different languages, according to communities and countries.

2.4. To the Church in Africa:

Continue to guide and support Catholic communicators in discerning the ethical challenges posed by AI.

Encourage dioceses and Catholic institutions to invest in media education that forms journalists in truth, responsibility, and service to the common good.

2.5. To UCAP as a Union:

Develop a continental charter on “AI and Ethical Journalism” as a reference for members.

Organize workshops, exchange programs, and research initiatives on the intersection of faith, media, and artificial intelligence.

UCAP Executive Committee to take into consideration the points of amendments discussed at the General Assembly concerning the Statutes, as well as to promote and assist UCAP Chapters, Regions, and the Cooperation to run the Journalism Desk of SIGNIS Africa.

  1. Vote of Thank

We, African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP), are very pleased to deliver this vote of thanks at the Closing Ceremomy of our Congress here at GIMPA, Legon, Accra (Ghana).

First and foremost, we give thanks to Almighty God, the source of all wisdom and inspiration, who has made this gathering possible.

We express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Archbishop Julien Kaboré, for gracing this occasion with your presence and for your deeply inspiring message. Your reflections have reminded us that while Artificial Intelligence dazzles with speed and innovation, it is only the human heart – open to God, truth, and love – that can guide it rightly.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. Your words have powerfully reminded us that media is not merely a technical tool but a moral reality, entrusted with the noble task of upholding truth, fostering unity, and protecting the dignity of every human person.

Our gratitude to the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Vatican City, Dr Paolo Ruffini, represented by Mgr Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo, for your Solidarity Message to this UCAP Congress.

To our distinguished guests, partners, and experts from various fields, we are truly grateful for your presence and contributions. Your insights will help us navigate the pressing challenges at the intersection of technology, ethics, and faith.

We also thank UCAP President, Mr. Charles Ayetan, the Co-Chairpersons of the Planning Committee, Mrs Victoria Lugey and Sir Ben Assorow, and Members of the Planning Committee for their leadership and commitment. Through your guidance, this Congress continues to be a space of learning, discernment, and fellowship for Catholic journalists across Africa.

Finally, to all participants – journalists, lecturers and friends of UCAP from across Africa and beyond—thank you for your commitment to truth and to the service of humanity. Your presence here is a testimony that Catholic media and Catholic media practitioners remains a beacon of light, defending human dignity in the digital age.

As we embark on this dialogue and reflection, may we be strengthened in our mission to balance technological progress with the timeless values of the Gospel, and to be artisans of peace, truth, and reconciliation in our beloved continent.

Thank you, and may God bless you all.

Participants of the UCAP Congress,

Accra (Ghana), 17th August 2025.

– on behalf of African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contact:
Charles Ayetan
President of UCAP
+228 9980 2198
+233 53 928 5744
ucap.official@gmail.com

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Liberia: Technical Working Group of the Multi-Sectorial Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse Concludes Two-Day Strategic Session to Heighten National Fight Against Substance Abuse

Source: APO – Report:

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The Technical Working Group of the  Multi-Sectorial Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse has concluded a two-day Technical Working Group (TWG) session at the Ministry of Health (MOH) to intensify Liberia’s fight against the growing wave of narcotics and substance abuse through a unified and actionable strategy.

The strategic session opened on Monday, August 18, 2025, bringing together government ministries, security agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations to review progress under the National Drug and Substance Abuse Program (NADSAP), as well as to strengthen inter-agency coordination.

At the conclusion of deliberations, participants endorsed a set of recommendations, including scaling up law enforcement operations, expanding nationwide rehabilitation and treatment services, and accelerating prevention programs in schools, communities, and workplaces. The session also prioritized resource mobilization and the operationalization of the national drug information system to better track usage trends.

At the opening session, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, Minister of Health and Chair of the Multi-Sectorial Committee, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to what she termed a “whole-of-society response” to the drug crisis. “This session is not just about discussions; it is about decisions and actions. We’re leaving here with a clearer roadmap, and we must all ensure that the commitments made are translated into practical interventions across every sector,” she emphasized. The Minister of Health also urged all stakeholders to remain committed beyond the meeting hall. “The fight against substance abuse is not a two-day exercise. It is a national emergency, and the success of our collective response depends on consistent action, accountability, and collaboration,” she stated.

During the technical sessions, Dr. Moses Ziah II, Director of the Mental Health Unit at MOH, presented the committee’s progress report, highlighting enforcement actions by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), community rehabilitation efforts, vocational training for recovering users, and policy reforms led by the Ministry of Justice and allied agencies.

International partners, including the UN system, YWCA, and Mother of Light Rehabilitation Center, pledged continued support through technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building initiatives.

The TWG session concluded with a strong message of solidarity and renewed commitment to safeguard Liberia’s youth and communities from the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.