Category: Africa

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Rainy season increases cholera threat in South Sudan

Source: APO – Report:

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The ongoing rainy season in South Sudan is slowing cholera response efforts in some locations, raising concerns about further transmission and undermining progress the country has made so far in combating the outbreak.

South Sudan experiences heavy rainfall between mid-July and October. The States of Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, Northern Bhar el Ghazal, Warrap, parts of Central Equatoria, and others experience seasonal flooding, resulting in massive displacement, and affecting the delivery of basic health services. The rainy season worsens access and sanitation, disrupts the shipment of medical supplies, hinders deployment of rapid response teams, and vaccination impedes efforts, making it difficult to protect communities and save lives.

The country declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024, since then, the Ministry of Health with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has mounted a comprehensive response, including deployment of rapid response teams, prepositioning medical supplies and coordination efforts across all levels to protect communities and safe lives. This is the longest cholera outbreak in the country’s history, since independent in September 2011.

As of 30 June 2025, South Sudan has reported a cumulative total of 77 555 suspected cases and 1 401 deaths these cases have been reported from 55 counties, across 9 States and all 3 Administrative areas. A cumulative total of 11 554 tested positive using the rapid diagnostic test kits (RDT), and an additional 424 cases had laboratory isolation of Vibrio Cholera.

In response, the country has successfully conducted an oral cholera vaccination campaign, reaching over 6.9 million people in 40 Counties. affected counties, these campaigns have significantly slowed the spread of the outbreak and is estimated to have saved hundreds of lives with a total of 19,987 deaths averted.

To support vaccination efforts, South Sudan secured over 8.7 million doses of oral cholera vaccines from the International Coordination Group (ICG) to protect communities, and deployment. the country has applied for additional doses.

WHO has played a critical role by training over 2000 health workers and community members on various aspects of the response including case management, risk communication and community engagement, IPC/WASH, vaccination and surveillance. The organization has also supported establishment of 102 oral rehydration points (ORPs), 88 cholera treatment units. (CTUs) and 19 cholera treatment centers (CTCs) through implementing partners, which have significantly reduced fatalities. Over 175 Metric Tons of medical supplies have been distributed across the affected Counties. Additionally, WHO has conducted extensive water quality testing and provided treatment to the affected communities.

Several factors have contributed to the outbreak, including high population density, population movement, limited access to water and sanitation facilities, open defecation, and poor hygiene practices, created a highly vulnerable situation that led to imported cases and local transmission.

Mr Kereni Gong, Acting Director General, Unity State Ministry of Health highlighted the urgent need for interventions in response to the ongoing flooding, emphasizing the importance of immediate action to save lives of the flooding and call for urgent interventions to save lives

‘Unity state is the epicentre of the current cholera outbreak. With support from WHO and other partners The State Ministry of Health managed to bring down the number of cases, but we need more support as we enter the rainy season, during which cases have already begun to rise. We are also aware that floods are coming from the southern part of Unity State which will further worsen the situation” he said

Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan, underscored the gravity of the situation and express gratitude on the effectiveness of the ongoing cholera response efforts: “The scale of the current outbreak is unprecedented, the onset of the rainy season poses significant challenge in addition to the prevailing humanitarian crises” said Dr Karamagi “Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health we have been able to protect the communities by mounting effective response including vaccinating over 7 million people, now Is the time to up our game in strengthening case management, surveillance and coordination to save lives.”

Additional funding is required to contain the outbreak, as the rainfall poses the risk of transmission., WHO requires additional funding to bolster current operations by deploying swift response teams to newly identified hotspots, maintaining essential health services for affected communities, and procuring, shipping, and distributing more emergency supplies to support the ongoing response.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

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Commemorating the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans – Fishing for the Future

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, 25 July 2025, we proudly join the continent in commemorating the Africa Day of Seas and Oceans.

Established in 2015 as part of the 2015–2025 Decade of African Seas and Oceans, this day was first marked on 25 July during the closing of the 22nd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Today, we reflect on how the FishGov2 Project—an EU funded initiative, continues to deliver on its mandate of supporting the sustainable use and conservation of Africa’s aquatic resources, through the implementation of key policy instruments: the PFRS & the Africa Blue Ecocomy Strategy. 

Over the past year, FishGov2 has:
– Strengthened governance frameworks that safeguard our seas and oceans.
– Promoted sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management, ensuring ecosystems remain productive and resilient.
– Shared practical tools, policy guidance, and best practices that empower Member States to protect marine biodiversity while enhancing food security, livelihoods, and the blue economy.

Through these efforts, FishGov2 contributes to a future where Africa’s seas and oceans are managed responsibly, for the benefit of current and future generations.

– on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) concludes El Nino Emergency Drought Relief Response through the global humanitarian fund in Namibia

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with partner organisations, has successfully wrapped up a critical a nine-month emergency response in support of the Government of Namibia’s Emergency Drought Response Plan to the El Niño-induced drought.

With a contribution of US$3 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN-CERF), WFP supported the government in delivering life-saving food and nutrition assistance to over 63,000 vulnerable people across Kavango East, Kavango West, and Omaheke regions between October 2024 and June 2025.

In addition to food assistance, the project served as a platform for integrated service delivery. At food distribution sites, UNICEF provided outreach and basic health screenings for more than 83,500 people and facilitated referrals for malnourished children. UNFPA reached more than 22,400 people with Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services through daily mobile outreach in schools and communities. A community feedback mechanism system was also established, enabling affected populations to share their needs, concerns and suggestions to help shape and improve the response. 

“This emergency response was about more than just delivering food, it was about restoring dignity and hope to communities hit hardest by the drought,” said Naouar Labidi, WFP Country Representative in Namibia. “Thanks to the generous support from UN-CERF and our collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and UN partners, namely the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), we reached tens of thousands of people with vital humanitarian assistance. But we also used this moment to invest in local capacity, strengthen partnerships, and helping communities build the resilience they need to face climate shocks.”

The contribution from CERF allowed over 41,000 people (nearly 7000 households) to receive three rounds of food vouchers, enabling them to purchase essential items such as maize meal, canned fish and cooking oil from 25 participating retailers. This not only supported immediate needs, but also helped boost the local economy, laying the groundwork for longer-term resilience by supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening local supply chains. At the same time, 22,000 children received hot and nutritious meals from 155 conveniently located soup kitchens.

WFP remains committed to working closely with the Government of Namibia, UN agencies and partners to strengthen food systems, build community resilience and enhance emergency preparedness to future climate shocks.

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

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Women producers in Togo to join international markets

Source: APO – Report:

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Togo took a bold step toward inclusive trade. One hundred women entrepreneurs from across the country gathered in Lomé for a series of intensive trainings that aimed to do more than just transfer skills. The goal? To equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, confidence, and networks needed to enter and compete in international markets.

As part of GIZ’s PROCOMP initiative, the AMI COMMERCE Togo project, led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), brought together more than 100 women entrepreneurs with one goal: to expand their businesses beyond national borders.

PROCOMP promotes competitiveness across Togo’s private sector, and with the support of ITC’s SheTrades Initiative, women were placed at the centre of this economic transformation. The collaboration ensured that as Togo strengthens its export capacity, women-led businesses are not only included but also empowered.

Practical, tailored training

Held throughout June, the trainings targeted the real needs of women-led mico, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), many of whom operate informally or have limited access to capital and market information. Sessions were adapted to participants’ digital and export readiness.

For women less familiar with digital tools, the training focused on using WhatsApp Business, social media, and low-cost platforms to reach more customers. Export-ready participants explored EU buyer requirements, documentation, and trade fair preparation. Additional sessions supported those in agri-food and fresh produce, covering export logistics and sanitary and phytosanitary standards.

Building skills, confidence and collaboration

The trainings combined technical knowledge with interactive methods—roleplays, group work, and mock buyer meetings brought concepts to life. Participants reflected on their business models, shared challenges, and developed solutions together.

Importantly, the sessions strengthened market-related soft skills like communication and negotiation, critical for pitching products, responding to buyer inquiries, and navigating trade fairs. Many women gained more confidence to formalize their businesses and expand their reach.

Beyond skills-building, the sessions created a supportive environment for connection and collaboration. For many, it was the first time being in a space fully dedicated to their growth as entrepreneurs. Participants left not only with strategies but with new networks and a sense of community.

Toward inclusive economic growth

As Togo deepens its regional integration and export potential, women entrepreneurs are vital to achieving inclusive, resilient growth. With targeted support, they are now better equipped to enter international markets—not as a distant dream, but as a tangible opportunity.

In parallel, the project also strengthened key national trade facilitation mechanisms. The Mécanisme d’Alerte aux Obstacles au Commerce (MAOC) was relaunched with institutional backing and regional outreach, enabling businesses to report and resolve trade barriers more effectively. 

In addition, the Togo Trade Portal was developed as a digital one-stop shop for import-export procedures, offering transparency and easier access to essential trade information, including for products commonly traded by women entrepreneurs.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) mobilizes digital influencers to combat diseases in Angola

Source: APO – Report:

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is betting on an innovative approach to stop preventable diseases: engaging digital influencers to directly convey prevention messages to the public through social media.

This strategy comes in the context of the cholera outbreak that has been affecting the country since January 2025, with 27,609 cases and 769 deaths recorded in 18 provinces. In addition to containment actions on the ground, the WHO has recognized the importance of occupying the digital space with life-saving content, especially among young people, where incorrect information often circulates.

Between May 15 and July 22, the WHO launched the digital campaign “Together Against Cholera,” which featured six Angolan influencers: Dr. Aurea de Carvalho, Carla Morais, Xofela, Leocádia Tamara, Maria Correia, and Stela de Carvalho. Six educational videos were produced and shared on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, with content focused on hygiene, sanitation, and public health.

Monitoring data from the WHO’s social media pages show that the impact was significant: the videos exceeded 600,000 views, with an average of 3,353 likes, 100 shares, and 70 comments per post, totaling more than 20,000 interactions. 

Television presenter Stela de Carvalho, who supported the initiative, highlighted its importance, stating: “Participating in this campaign was a way to use my voice to save lives.” For her part, influencer Xofela reinforced the social role of social media, emphasizing: “Campaigns like this show that social media can be used for the common good.”

According to João Carlos Domingos, WHO communications assistant in Angola, this approach is increasingly necessary: “Digital has become the main channel of information for many young people, but it is also where a lot of misinformation circulates. We need to fill that space with content that saves lives.”

With the encouraging results of this campaign, the WHO in Angola intends to extend this strategy to other areas of public health, namely the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis.

The influencers involved have already expressed interest in continuing to collaborate, reinforcing the idea that digital communication, when well guided, can be a powerful ally of public health.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

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Eswatini: Amnesty International designates arbitrarily detained Members of Parliament (MPs) as prisoners of conscience

Source: APO – Report:

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Four years since they were imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and political participation, Amnesty International today designated Eswatini Members of Parliament Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, as prisoners of conscience.

“The imprisonment of MPs simply for speaking out is a red line that must never be crossed. Authorities must quash their convictions and sentences and immediately and unconditionally release them. Authorities must repeal or amend legislation that criminalizes human rights and political activism and bring any such legislation in line with international human rights standards.”

“By designating Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube as prisoners of conscience, Amnesty International affirms that they should never have been arrested in the first place,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “Their continued arbitrary detention shows Eswatini’s deepening climate of repression and misuse of the justice system to punish those who dare criticise the government.”

“Amnesty International has repeatedly raised concerns over the Eswatini authorities’ increasing intolerance of peaceful dissent, including the arbitrary detention, harassment, and prosecution of activists, opposition leaders, and pro-democracy campaigners.

Background

Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested on 25 July 2021 following their vocal support for legal reforms and calls for constitutional change in Eswatini. They were convicted of trumped-up charges, including those under the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938 – laws that have been widely criticised for their vague definitions and chilling effect on human rights including the right to freedom of expression.

On 31 July 2024, the High Court of Eswatini sentenced Mabuza and Dube to 85- and 58-year jail terms, respectively.

Amnesty International’s designation of “prisoner of conscience” applies to individuals who are imprisoned or otherwise physically restricted because of their political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs, ethnic origin, sex, colour, language, national or social origin, economic status, birth, sexual orientation, or other status – provided they have neither used nor advocated violence.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

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Majodina to inspect R2.7 billion Sol Plaatje water project

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 25, 2025

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to conduct an oversight inspection of the Sol Plaatje Integrated Bulk Water Intervention Project in the Northern Cape on Saturday to assess progress on critical bulk infrastructure aimed at improving water supply in the region.

The project, valued at over R2.7 billion, is located at the old Riverton Water Treatment Plant and forms part of a broader initiative by the Department of Water and Sanitation to assist the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality to meet its constitutional responsibility to provide reliable water and sanitation services.

According to the department, the municipality applied for the Budget Facility Infrastructure (BFI) to Water and Sanitation, through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) programme and the National Treasury, to fund the refurbishment and upgrade of the existing bulk water supply system.

The goals of the project include reducing non-revenue water losses, improving the assurance and quality of water supply, and enhancing the municipality’s long-term financial sustainability.

As most of the project scope comprises refurbishment and repairs of existing infrastructure, a progressive project development approach has been structured into three phases, namely: 

  • Phase 1: Emergency intervention- focused on restoring water supply and improving water quality.
  • Phase 2: Emergency work- focused on the upgrade of the water treatment and quality.
  • Phase 3: Long-term interventions- Include the development of various water storage facilities. – SAnews.gov.za
     

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Northern Cape green energy potential could be ‘heartbeat’ of SA’s economy

Source: Government of South Africa

With its immense potential for renewable energy and green hydrogen production and export, the Northern Cape could become a key driver of South Africa’s energy transition and economic growth.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered remarks at the opening session of a Presidential engagement between the National Executive and the Provincial Executive of the Northern Cape.

“I have said on a number of occasions that the Northern Cape is an economic pioneer and a frontier of innovation. Last year, there was a report published…that characterised the province as South Africa’s emerging powerhouse – quite literally.

“The Northern Cape is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and is experiencing a significant surge in power projects, notably solar and green hydrogen,” the President said.

According to the African Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) – which is made up of 10 African states, including South Africa – the green hydrogen industry has the potential to add between $66 billion and $126 billion to the Gross Domestic Product of the member countries over the next 25 years.

Government is already working on capitalising on this with the Boegoebaai Port and Rail Development named as one of the top seven infrastructure priorities for 2025/26.

“The province’s Green Hydrogen Masterplan is ambitious in both scope and potential – not just for the Northern Cape but for the national economy as well. It is also, a potential that can have an impact on SADC and even for our continent.

“In recent months I, together with a number of members of the National Executive, …have participated in multilateral discussions and business forums where we have been articulating our vision of South Africa being a leader in the renewable energy revolution.

“And to quote the [Pulitzer Centre] report, once the energy transition unfolds as envisaged, the Northern Cape could be the new heartbeat of the economy,” he said.

The President noted the strides made in the province becoming an industrial hub.

“This is supported by traditional industries like mining, but is being expanded through special economic zone development, industrial park development and major infrastructure developments, notably in port and rail,” he said.

Resolving challenges

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that while the province’s economy has been growing and creating jobs, “persistent challenges” remain.

“National Treasury’s 2024 provincial socio-economic review points to an increase in the percentage of people living in poverty and…a drop in the number of households with access to basic services like water. Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, remains high.

“Fiscal constraints are holding back a number of projects particularly at a municipal level, including for disaster response, asbestos eradication, land restitution, rural electrification and public housing.

“Much as we look at the potential and the progress that is being made, these challenges are still casting a shadow on our way to much better development,” he said.

To resolve some of these challenges, the President said government will have to find ways to “support high impact projects” in the vein of the Northern Cape Industrial Corridor, the province’s R1 billion housing programme and the Kimberley Big Hole precinct.

“We will also need to find creative funding mechanisms for major projects…for instance the Boegoebaai Harbour project. That is a project that will turn the fortunes of our province around. 

“We need an urgent relook at the current delivery model to enable regulatory approval and investment activation,” he said.

The President emphasised that integrated planning between all three spheres of government “must involve State-owned enterprises as important stakeholders with significant capabilities”.

This integration must also align with the Medium-Term Development Plan. 

“We are keen to discuss how the province is addressing the issue of climate change and its state of readiness to respond to natural disasters.

“Another challenge that we need to address is at the local government level…how we are able to improve our local government sphere and find ways of ensuring that this province is able to move up to a high level in terms of tourism.

“There is latent potential in this province where we can actually exploit the number of endowments that the Northern Cape has,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mashatile highlights role of SMEs in economic growth and job creation

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as crucial contributors to economic development and job creation. 

“Speaking of job creation, the SMEs are significant contributors to economic development and job creation globally. We can attribute their relevance in reducing unemployment to their ability to react swiftly to market changes,“ he said on Thursday. 

The country’s second-in-command was delivering his closing remarks during the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, Gauteng. 

The Deputy President has called for prioritising the development of SMEs to create jobs and enhance income for youth, women, and marginalised groups.

He stressed the need for a commitment to resolving regulatory bottlenecks related to cross-border trade and investment, urging participants to focus on local value creation and expanding local supply chain opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

“This can be achieved by ensuring that the Green Economy Transition is supported by clear green industrialisation policies,” he added. 

The Global SME Ministerial Meeting served as a vital platform for fostering partnerships and setting a collaborative agenda aimed at propelling SMEs towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to support SMEs worldwide, as leaders gathered to address the challenges and opportunities they face in a rapidly changing global landscape. 

“This inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting could not have come at a better time,” he told the attendees. 

The discussions revolved around key themes such as enhancing access to finance, promoting digital transformation, and facilitating green transitions within the SME sector. 

Mashatile expressed optimism, highlighting the potential for collaboration and shared goals to unlock significant opportunities for SMEs globally.

He also took the time to commend the role of the United Nations (UN) in fostering multilateral cooperation during a time when unilateralism is challenging the sustainability of nations. 

“This relationship is critical in this challenging period of abrupt shifts towards unilateralism, which jeopardise the sustainability of our respective countries and the world,” Mashatile added.

The Deputy President touched on the “Call to Action” that emerged from the meeting, which reaffirmed support for vital multilateral initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration on Future Generations, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and Group of 20 (G20). 

He stressed South Africa’s position as the G20 Presidency, under the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,’ focused on championing developmental issues, particularly in Africa.

As the G20 Leaders’ Summit approaches, Deputy President Mashatile told attendees that the meeting was instrumental in gathering ministers from the continent and the Global South to exchange insights relevant to the larger G20 agenda.

“We have heard your voices and will ensure that we champion the issues you have raised in the broader G20 processes and the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November,” he said.

In addition, a meeting of Trade Promotion Organisations took place alongside the Ministerial Meeting, where participants discussed the impacts of trade protectionism and disruptions to global supply chains. 

The Deputy President urged governments to enhance trade and economic diplomacy, emphasising the importance of multilateral trade agreements in bolstering economic growth.

“We must enhance our capabilities to strengthen trade and economic diplomacy, allowing ourselves to engage more effectively in both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements,” Mashatile stated.

South Africa’s efforts to strengthen regional trade through agreements like the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were highlighted as pivotal steps towards unlocking Africa’s economic potential. 

“The Free Trade Area Agreement can significantly enhance Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape by reducing trade barriers and increasing market access, enabling youth to expand businesses, innovate products and services, and seize untapped opportunities within the continent.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Final Preparatory Meeting of the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) 2025 Organising Committee Chaired by President Ramkalawan

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, today chaired a high-level preparatory meeting of the Organising Committee for the 13th edition of the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games, which Seychelles is proud to host from 1st to 11th August 2025.

Held at State House, the meeting brought together all key stakeholders, including senior government officials, representatives of the Local Organising Committee, law enforcement and emergency services, youth and sports authorities, volunteers’ coordinators, and partners from both the public and private sectors.

The meeting served as a comprehensive final review of operational readiness across key sectors, including logistics, infrastructure, security, medical services, and transportation. It also assessed the overall experience being curated for athletes and delegations from the Indian Ocean region. The President was briefed on progress and final preparations in each area, aimed at ensuring a successful and memorable edition of the Games.

President Ramkalawan expressed his satisfaction with the level of commitment demonstrated by all teams involved and reiterated the importance of national unity, hospitality, and professionalism in showcasing Seychelles to the region. He commended the efforts of all those who have contributed to the months of planning and coordination leading up to the event.

“The CJSOI Games is not just a sporting event—it is a celebration of youth, culture, and regional solidarity. As hosts, we have the opportunity to make this edition a legacy moment for our young people and the entire nation. Let us work together to deliver an exceptional event that reflects the warmth and spirit of Seychelles,” said President Ramkalawan.

The 2025 CJSOI Games will see participation from seven member countries, with hundreds of young athletes competing across various disciplines, alongside cultural exchanges that promote friendship, understanding, and youth empowerment. Seychelles stands ready to welcome the Indian Ocean youth with open arms.

Also present for the meeting were the Minister of Youth, Sport and Family, Mrs. Marie Celine Zialor, Minister for Lands and Housing, Mr. Billy Rangasamy, Principal Secretary for Youth and Sport, Mr. Ralph Jean Louis, Principal Secretary for the President’s Office, Ms. Theresa Dogley, CEO of Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA), Mr. Gitesh Shah, CEO of the National Sport Council (NSC), Mr. Mark Arrisol, Commissioner of the CJSOI Games, Mr. Lucas George, Dr. Julie Shamlaye, and additional key representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Seychelles Police, National Sport Council, and the Seychelles National Youth Council.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.