Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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The IFRC is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ato (Mr.) Honelegn Fentahun, a dedicated staff member with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and stands in solidarity with the Ethiopian Red Cross (ERCS) during this difficult time. 

Ato Honelegn Fentahun was on duty when he lost his life. On 14 August, a security incident occurred in the Cheneq area of Janamora Woreda, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region. Three ERCS staff members including Ato Honelegn Fentahun, were abducted by unidentified armed individuals while returning from delivering an ambulance. They were released on 15 August, but upon release, Ato Honelegn Fentahun required immediate medical attention and was transported to hospital, where he tragically passed away shortly after arrival. 

Today marks World Humanitarian Day, and this heartbreaking loss highlights once again the dangers faced by humanitarian workers who put themselves at risk serving vulnerable communities. Since the beginning of 2025, 18 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers from across the globe have lost their lives while carrying out their humanitarian duties.

Any attack, abduction, or obstruction targeting humanitarian personnel compromises the ability of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to deliver life-saving assistance. The Movement strongly condemns such incidents and calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers, who dedicate their lives to helping those in need.

Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Ato Honelegn Fentahun, as well as with our colleagues at the Ethiopian Red Cross Society during this very difficult time.

– on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Source: APO – Report:

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On 20 August, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) thematic event ‘Human Security and Economic Development in Africa: Addressing Multidimensional Challenges and Shaping the Future Beyond 2030’ and delivered a speech at the beginning of the event. The summary of his speech is as follows:

1. Foreign Minister IWAYA began by stating that Japan has fulfilled its role as a reliable partner to Africa, and that in the current global environment of complex crises, it is important for Japan and Africa to work together to pursue solutions that leverage the strengths of both sides in order to address the challenges Africa and the world are facing. He also stated that Japan aims to ‘co-create innovative solutions’ with Africa.
2. Foreign Minister IWAYA also stated that in recent years, Africa has been facing complex and interrelated crises such as climate change, and that traditional development approaches are not sufficient to solve these issues. He said that human security, which Japan has promoted as a pillar of its foreign policy, is a comprehensive approach that emphasises the protection of each and every human being, and that human security is an indispensable concept for building a future full of freedom, safety, and hope for the people, with an emphasis on peace and development in Africa.
3. Furthermore, Foreign Minister IWAYA introduced the ‘Agenda 2063,’ Africa’s long-term strategy, which aims to ‘eradicate conflict and violence (Silencing the Gun) ’ as its flagship initiative based on the concept of human security. He reaffirmed Japan’s support for Africa’s efforts to prioritize human security and pointed out the critical importance of high-quality development cooperation by JICA and the role of international organizations such as the United Nations. He then stated that Japan will continue to prioritize multilateralism and actively promote international cooperation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 20, commencing at 11:00 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with Hon. Sering Modou NJIE, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, the Republic of The Gambia, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. At the outset, Minister IWAYA stated that he would like to reaffirm the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation in addressing challenges facing the international community with the Gambia, an important friend that shares values and principles such as democracy and the rule of law. In response, Minister Njie expressed his gratitude for Japan’s warm welcome to the Gambian delegation at TICAD 9, highly praised Japan’s efforts for The Gambia at TICAD, and stated his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in the international arena.
2. Following that, Minister IWAYA stated that Japan would continue to cooperate with The Gambia on food security through the provision of agricultural equipment and food assistance. He also introduced support for the digitalization of education and the introduction of food drying technology utilizing Japanese companies’ expertise, while also expressing Japan’s intention to continue promoting such public-private partnerships. In response, Minister Njie expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support and his hope for further expansion of public-private partnership projects in the agriculture and health sectors, further investment by Japanese companies, and Japan’s continued role in promoting peace and stability.
3. Furthermore, the two minister confirmed to work together to respond to various regional and international challenges, including their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, as well as the United Nations Security Council reform.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO – Report:

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) (www.KhalifaFund.ae) is supporting 10 Emirati SMEs to participate in Grains Africa 2025, a leading global event for advancing agriculture and food security, which will be held from August 21 to 23, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. 

The small and medium enterprises (SMEs), supported by KFED are active in agriculture technology, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The participation aligns with KFED’s efforts to drive the expansion of the national entrepreneurial ecosystem and catalyse development, particularly in key sectors. It further highlights KFED’s strategic vision to promote innovation, empower SMEs and enhance the global competitive edge of Emirati enterprises, while advancing national goals such as Emiratisation across industries and supply chains, as well as export growth. 

Grains Africa 2025 serves as a gateway to promising agricultural markets, which are poised to reach a USD 1 Trillion by 2030[1].  

The event is being held alongside AgroFoodPlastpack Exhibition 2025, convening exhibitors from 16 countries, further underscoring its role in fostering international collaborations aimed at addressing critical challenges in the food sector and positively shaping the future of the agriculture sector.  

Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of KFED, said: “This participation highlights our commitment to supporting Emirati startups and entrepreneurs, while enhancing their global competitiveness, and is in line with Khalifa Fund’s vision to establish a sustainable business ecosystem, which will support long-term growth and economic diversification”.  

The UAE companies backed by KFED will showcase their innovative solutions at the event, including smart agriculture technologies designed to enhance productivity, value-added food manufacturing ventures and climate-conscious sustainable agriculture solutions. Some of the key exhibitors are East Gate, a specialist in bakery equipment; iPack, high-quality sterile cardboard provider; Printing Talk, offering precision-printed packaging solutions for cafes and food companies; iPlast Industries, a pioneer in plastic pallets and innovative packaging solutions that cater to food and beverage manufacturers, particularly in filling lines; Samira Maatouk, a unique brand of premium Emirati coffee; Orion, supplying advanced packaging products like films, liners, sleeves and bags tailored for the food and beverages industry; and Popular Popcorn, a family business offering healthy and premium popcorn varieties. 

KFED’s participation in Grains Africa 2025 will enable UAE companies to expand into African markets, while strengthening local public-private integration. It further underscores the success of the Fund’s ‘SME Export Enablement Programme,’ launched in 2025, which aims to equip small and medium-sised enterprises with the tools and support necessary to enter international markets. Through expert advisory services, capacity building, and access to global trade platforms, the program enhances the global competitiveness of UAE-based businesses and helps them identify and seize export opportunities.  

KFED’s supported SMEs participation in Grains Africa 2025 is part of the Fund’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable entrepreneurship and strengthen collaboration within one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. It also aligns with its strategy to support sustainable development goals (SDGs) and consolidate the UAE’s position as a globally leading destination for industrial and agricultural innovation. 

– on behalf of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED).

For further information, please contact: 
Orient Planet Group (OPG)  
Tel: +971 2 4418995 
Email: media@orientplanet.com 
Website: www.OrientPlanet.com 

About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development: 
The Khalifa Fund is an independent, non-profit organisation affiliated with Abu Dhabi Government. Its mission is to nurture the culture of entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and offer support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the UAE through a balanced ecosystem. 

Founded in 2007 in accordance with Law No. 14 of 2005 and its amendments, the Fund was established to align with the vision of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

To learn more about the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, please visit: www.KhalifaFund.ae  

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 20, commencing at 11:05 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah, Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development of the Federal Republic of Somalia, who is visiting Japan to participate in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. At the outset, Minister IWAYA expressed his congratulations on Somalia’s election of the non-permanent member of the Security Council (UNSC) in January this year and stated that Japan would like to work closely with Somaliawhile sharing Japan’s expertise. In response, Minister Sheikh Farah expressed his gratitude for an invitation to TICAD 9 and Japan’s hospitality as a message from the President and showed his appreciation for Japan’s extensive support to date. He also stated his intention to promote cooperation with Japan at the Security Council.
2. Following that, Minister IWAYA referred to Japan’s efforts toward peace and stability in Somalia, including support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), and stated that Japan would continue to provide assistance in line with Somalia’s needs. In response, Minister Sheikh Farah explained his country’s efforts to promote investment and expressed his hope for further cooperation with Japan in private investment and development in Somalia. Referring to his expectation for cooperation in areas such as fisheries, renewable energy, and infrastructure, human resource development, and youth exchange, he expressed his intention that Somalia would continue to work closely with Japan in various fields.
3. The two ministers also concurred to further strengthening cooperation in responding to various regional and international challenges, such as policies towards North Korea including the abductions issue and the United Nations Security Council reform.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO

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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been forced to reduce its teams and suspend all activities at MSF supported hospital in Central Darfur state, Sudan, following a violent armed assault inside the facility on the night of 16 August. The attack left one person dead, and injured five others, including a Ministry of Health staff member. This suspension of medical activities comes during a deadly cholera outbreak. MSF cannot resume operations until all parties provide clear security guarantees to protect staff and patients.

The assault took place at Zalingei hospital on the night of 16 August, after a deceased person with a gunshot wound, reportedly from a looting incident in a nearby camp for displaced people, was brought to the emergency room around 8:20pm. Armed relatives of the deceased forcefully entered the hospital. Soon after, another patient with gunshot injuries arrived, also accompanied by armed individuals. Tensions between the groups accompanying the patients escalated inside the facility, and at 10pm, a hand grenade was detonated in front of the emergency room, killing one person. Five others were injured, including one Ministry of Health medical staff.
  
“One person has already lost his life in this explosion and more could have been killed if it had happened during the day, when the hospital was full of patients,” says Marwan Taher, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Darfur. “Suspending our activities and evacuating our teams is a decision no medical organization wants to make, but our staff cannot risk their lives while providing care.”  

Since 1 August, MSF had been leading a cholera emergency response at Zalingei hospital, treating 162 patients in just 16 days, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health.  Cholera has already claimed seven lives, and Zalingei hospital is the only facility equipped to treat severe cases in Central Darfur state. MSF teams also supported the State Ministry of Health with surveillance to contain the outbreak. Beyond cholera, the hospital provided over 1,500 gynaecological consultations, 1,400 pediatric consultations, and 80 surgeries, between May and July 2025. As the only referral hospital serving around 500,000 people, it is the sole facility managing complex cases in the area. MSF’s mobile clinic in Fogodiku locality and community engagement and health promotion activities has also been suspended, leaving thousands without essential care.

For more than 40 years, MSF has been on the frontlines of Sudan’s major crises, from disease outbreaks to malnutrition peaks, and we continue to support communities through the ongoing conflict. Protecting our medical teams is essential to ensuring they can deliver care. Already in February 2024, armed men broke into Zalingei hospital and carjacked MSF rental vehicles, forcing the temporary withdrawal of our assessment team before activities even began. The 16 August assault marks the second major security incident in Zalingei hospital in one year and a half.

“Attacks on hospitals and medical staff are unacceptable and put lives at risk,” says Taher. “The presence of guns inside a medical facility makes it impossible for our teams to operate safely. Without clear guarantees from the concerned parties for the safety of both Ministry of Health and MSF staff, we cannot continue our work. People in Zalingei urgently need healthcare, and their access to it must be protected.”  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

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The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has officially launched its Africa Zero Hunger: United for Durable Solutions campaign, marking a bold step toward redefining the fight against hunger in Africa. 

The campaign was unveiled today, 19 August 2025, during a virtual event moderated by award-winning journalist Victoria Rubadiri, bringing together African leaders, humanitarian actors, and community innovators from across the continent. 

Its mission: to move beyond short-term aid and invest in durable, community-led solutions that strengthen local systems, adapt to climate and conflict, and deliver lasting, resilient change. 

A systemic crisis, a collective opportunity 

Across sub-Saharan Africa, over 282 million people are undernourished — almost one-third of the world’s food-insecure population. In 2024 alone, 173 million people faced acute food insecurity or worse, with women and children bearing the heaviest burden. 

This crisis stems from deep-rooted structural drivers — climate shocks, conflict, displacement, and weak food and social protection systems. But it also presents a historic opportunity to reset how we respond. 

The Zero Hunger Campaign: United for Durable Solutions calls for a shift away from short-term aid toward community-led, African-owned solutions that build long-term resilience. 

“It represents a turning point,” said Pierre Kremer, Deputy Regional Director, IFRC Africa. “It’s moving from short-term food aid to lasting, community-driven change. For Africa, it’s a rallying call to end hunger by harnessing local ingenuity, climate-smart practices, and sustainable livelihoods.” 

Durable solutions, African leadership 

Launched in Kenya, Ethiopia, DRC, Mali, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, the campaign is grounded in SDG 2, the AU’s Agenda 2063, and the Malabo Declaration. It aims to reach 60 million vulnerable people in 15 countries by 2030.  

The Zero Hunger Campaign will channel investment into: 

• Climate-smart agriculture & ecosystem restoration
• Access to finance and markets
• Community-led social protection
• Women and youth-led cooperatives
• Integrated food, health, and nutrition systems 

From launch to action 

The IFRC is driving this transformation through its network of African National Societies and more than one million community-based Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers. These volunteers, embedded in local systems and trusted by their communities, are helping scale proven, locally designed approaches to food security. 

What’s next 

The launch may be complete, but the mission has only just begun: the IFRC is calling on governments, donors, the private sector, civil society, media, and the African diaspora to help expand and replicate these solutions. 

The campaign’s message is clear: Zero Hunger starts with us. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).