Category: Africa

Source: APO

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Ambassador Mouktar Osman Karie has assumed duty as the newly appointed Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commisson (DSRCC) for Somalia and Deputy Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), reinforcing the AU’s leadership presence in Somalia.

On arrival in Mogadishu, Ambassador Karie was received at the Aden Abdulle International Airport by senior Federal Government of Somalia officials including the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ishaq Mahmoud Mursal, State Minister for Defence, Omar Ali Abdi and the State Minister for Internal Security, Mohamed Ali Hagaa as well as senior AUSSOM officials.

Ambassador Karie brings extensive diplomatic and political experience in peace and security across Africa. He most recently served as Regional Desk Coordinator for West Africa at the African Union Commission, where he provided high-level strategic engagement with member states and regional organizations, and contributed to the AU’s response to political transitions and governance challenges in the region.

Previously, he held senior roles within the AU’s Peace and Security Department, where he contributed to the design and coordination of the African Union’s regional security cooperation frameworks in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. His efforts included supporting the establishment of the Djibouti and Nouakchott Processes and the operationalization of the East Africa Fusion and Liaison Unit (EAFLU), mechanisms that foster regional collaboration among national security institutions.

Ambassador Karie also supported AU diplomatic engagements in Libya and the Sahel, contributed to the Union’s early warning and preventive diplomacy architecture, and represented AU leadership in several high-level international forums.

He is fluent in French, Arabic, and English, and brings with him a wealth of experience that strengthens the African Union’s commitment to advancing peace, stability, and state-building efforts in Somalia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Source: APO

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In a landmark tribute to journalistic excellence, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hosted the inaugural edition of the ECOWAS Award of Excellence for Journalists on 25 July 2025 in Banjul, The Gambia. The prestigious ceremony brought together leading media professionals, government officials, and regional stakeholders to honour twelve exceptional journalists whose work advances peace, democracy, and regional integration, in alignment with ECOWAS Vision 2050.

The award ceremony was held as part of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary and forms a core element of its commitment to strengthening governance, accountability, and citizen engagement through a vibrant and ethical media landscape. From investigative reporting to digital storytelling, the awardees were recognised for their outstanding contributions to building public trust and amplifying community voices across West Africa.

In her welcome remarks, H.E. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, praised the laureates for their originality, courage, and determination:

“As we celebrate 50 years of ECOWAS, we honour the journalists who are narrating our transformation—your words carry the voice of our people and the vision of our future.”

Delivering a special message on behalf of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Hon. Abdoul Kolley, Director of Cabinet, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to media as a pillar of democratic resilience and participatory development:

“In the framework of Vision 2050 and the 4×4 Strategic Objectives, ECOWAS continues to count on media professionals as indispensable partners in promoting inclusive, informed, and peaceful societies.”

Speaking on behalf of the Government of The Gambia, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting, commended the regional effort and emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and regional institutions:

“This award is more than a recognition—it is a collective declaration of our belief in ethical journalism as a force for good and an engine of integration.”

The awards ceremony featured vibrant performances by the Gambia Art Troupe and the official announcement of laureates in four categories: Broadcast Television, Broadcast Radio, Print Media, and Online Media. Each category honoured a Winner, a First Runner-Up, and a Second Runner-Up.

The selection process, led by a seven-member independent jury chaired by Mr. Abdoulie Gassama, underscored transparency and merit-based recognition. The emotional testimonies of the awardees highlighted the challenges and triumphs of journalism in the region.

Twelve journalists from across West Africa were honoured in four competitive categories — Television, Radio, Print, and Online. In the Television category, Benin’s Yewoueda Djotan took home the top prize, followed by Nigeria’s Marcelina Ozekhore. For Radio, the award went to The Gambia’s Sankuleh Janko, with Ernest Agbotan and Serge Fanou from Benin, and Tiago Seide from Guinea-Bissau, all recognised in the third position.

In the Print category, Nigeria’s Paul Egime emerged as the winner, followed by compatriot Solomon Odeniyi and Senegal’s Oumar Ndiaye. Finally, the Online category celebrated Nigeria’s Emmanuel Onwuka Ukpo as winner, with Kodjo Simon Akpagana of Togo and Nigeria’s Enoch Nyayiti Raymond taking second and third place respectively. With five of the twelve awards, Nigeria stood out as the most represented country among this year’s laureates.

A symbolic Signature Wall Ceremony concluded the evening, where dignitaries and media representatives pledged to uphold media ethics and information integrity across the ECOWAS region. Development partners, particularly from Germany, expressed strong support for this new initiative as part of broader efforts to promote regional stability and democratic culture.

The ECOWAS Excellence Awards for Journalists were established to celebrate media professionals whose work fosters informed citizenship, strengthens accountability, and reflects the shared aspirations of the region. This initiative reinforces the ECOWAS Vision 2050 objective of building “an ECOWAS of the People,” where peace, integration, and prosperity are communicated with integrity, courage, and truth.

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

Source: APO

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (www.Liquid.Tech), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, proudly celebrates the remarkable successes achieved by 101 Grade 12 learners from four high schools in the Mathibestad region of the Northwest Province through Liquid’s 2024 STEM and Digital Literacy Programme.

As part of Liquid’s broader commitment to digital inclusion, skills development, and empowering communities and individuals, the initiative aims to strengthen foundational knowledge and enhance competency in the hugely sought-after areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“We are immensely proud of the resilience and performance of this year’s learners. Through this programme, we are investing in more than just academic success. We are investing in the future engineers, scientists, and innovators of South Africa. Empowering learners with both STEM and digital literacy skills ensures they have the tools they need to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to our digital future. Congratulations to the class of 2024, and we look forward to seeing what comes next,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana.

Hosted at Sempapa Secondary School, the programme caters for learners from several neighbouring schools in the local community, including Kgaphamadi Secondary, Matlaisane High and Sekitla Secondary School. Fully funded by Liquid, the programme is accessible to all learners and offers supplementary lessons in mathematics, physical sciences, and digital literacy, equipping them with the essential skills necessary for success in a digital economy. The school also hosts a fully equipped Digital Literacy Lab, offering access to Microsoft digital literacy training and STEM resources.

The top-performing learners from the 2024 cohort will be recognised at an academic awards celebration and career expo at the Liquid South Africa office in Johannesburg on 25 July. Awards include Excellence and Achievement in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Most Improved Learner, STEM Engagement, and Digital Literacy Top Achievers. Three university bursaries will also be awarded to qualifying students who intend to study towards a STEM degree in 2026.

Initiatives such as the STEM and Digital Literacy Programme underscore Liquid’s commitment to developing South Africa’s digital skills pipeline, equipping young people to pursue tertiary studies or entrepreneurial opportunities, and fostering inclusive economic growth through education and technology.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Agriculture organized a workshop to discuss a draft resolution aimed at documenting and distribution of vegetable seeds developed at agricultural research centers and those entering the country through various means. The seminar was attended by Ministry staff from all regions and agricultural experts.

Mr. Tekleab Misgina, Director General of Regulatory Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the national committee established in 2024 to regulate the distribution and quality of various crops, cereals, and oil seeds has commenced its activities by developing a guideline to support its operations. In the first half of 2025, a guideline to regulate potato seed quality was prepared, and regulations for vegetable seed quality have been finalized.

Mr. Tekleab added that both domestically improved and imported vegetable seeds will be assessed through specific quality measures, documented, and issued certificates before being distributed to farmers.

At the workshop, participants discussed papers on the importance of documentation and regulation of vegetable seeds, and the significance of adhering to established guidelines and regulations. Extensive discussions followed the presentations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, and Presidential Advisor for Financial Affairs Lieutenant General Ahmed El-Shazly.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, said President El-Sisi was briefed during the meeting on the implementation status of projects under the Ministry of Transport and Industry, particularly those related to the railway system. This included Al-Arish –Taba railway line and the completion of Bir El-Abd–Al-Arish railway line projects that are expected to contribute significantly to the development of the Sinai Peninsula and to the establishment of a logistical corridor linking the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.

The meeting also addressed updates on the development of seaports, given their pivotal role in the national development agenda. In this regard, the implementation progress of several key ports was reviewed, including Ras Sedr Port, Gargoub Port, Abu Qir Port, the Grand Port of Alexandria, the new El-Max Port, the continued development of Sokhna Port, the establishment of Taba Seaport, and ongoing development at Damietta Port.

The meeting further covered the progress in constructing the fourth metro line in Cairo and the high-speed electric train project. Additionally, efforts to develop and enhance industrial zones in Wadi Al-Saririya and Al-Motahhara in Minya Governorate, and northern Fayoum in Fayoum Governorate, were discussed. These initiatives fall within the broader framework of promoting industrial development in Upper Egypt and creating more job opportunities for local residents, especially in labor-intensive industries such as textiles and ready-made garments.

President El-Sisi emphasized the need to complete all projects according to their specified timelines. The President gave directives to continue efforts to accelerate the implementation of integrated developmental logistical corridors that link production areas to the developing seaports, transforming them into world-class, high-capacity hubs. This integration with Egypt’s modern transportation network including roads, highways, and railways is vital for positioning Egypt as a global center for trade and logistics.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.