Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Meeting between Amb. Richard Kabonero, Representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda and Ms. Nguyen Phuong Tra, Director General of Middle East and Africa Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Uganda highlighted the good bilateral relations between Uganda and Vietnam cemented by the visit of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 2022. The two countries are building cooperation in the common areas of interest of Agro-industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral Development and Science, Technology and Innovation. The countries highlighted the signing of an Action Plan on Collaboration in the Coffee Sector and Industry on 11th August 2026 in Hanoi marking a shift from dialogue and knowledge exchange to practical cooperation aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, value addition and access to international markets. Cooperation in Tourism, ICT, Education and Trade was also discussed.

– on behalf of High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia.

Source: APO – Report:

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His Excellency Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation, received His Excellency Mr. Alessandro Villa—the Ambassador-designate of the European Union Delegation to Burundi, based in Bujumbura—in an audience on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Mr. Villa came to present the true copies of his letters of credence.In his remarks, His Excellency Alessandro Villa expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him by the Government of Burundi. He hailed the friendly and cooperative relations between Burundi and the European Union, describing them as a valuable asset. He emphasized that working closely with the Burundian Government is a privilege, enabling a better understanding of national policy and the definition of future steps for bilateral cooperation.

The EU Ambassador reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing cooperation, focusing on the economy and the fruitful partnership between the two parties. He also indicated that he would prioritize regular dialogue to effectively carry out his mission in Burundi. Topics discussed included preparations for the partnership dialogue between the EU and Burundi, the Global Gateway Forum, the promotion of cultural exchanges, and support for humanitarian initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Minister Bizimana welcomed the positive impressions expressed by the Ambassador upon his arrival, viewing them as a sign of determination and commitment to Burundi. He noted that cooperation between Burundi and the European Union had faced challenges since 2015, with some partners having suspended or halted their collaboration. In this regard, he encouraged the new Ambassador to redouble his efforts to revitalize this cooperation.

The Minister reaffirmed that Burundi is a stable and peaceful country and expressed appreciation for the EU’s commitment to supporting the nation in realizing its vision: becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2060. He also welcomed the idea of ​​fostering cultural diplomacy between the two parties.

His Excellency Bizimana drew attention to the persistent insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and its impact on Burundi. He called for the European Union’s active involvement in helping to pacify the region and bring about a cessation of hostilities.

In response, Ambassador Alessandro Villa assured that the European Union remains concerned about the security and humanitarian situation in the region and pledged his personal commitment to making a positive contribution.

Both parties reaffirmed their determination to work closely together and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The Government of Burundi confirmed its commitment to spare no effort to work together with the European Union in a spirit of constructive and sustainable partnership.

– on behalf of Ministère des Affaires Etrangères du Burundi.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Parish Development Model (PDM) has reached 3,571,108 beneficiaries, with Government capitalising the Parish Revolving Fund with Shs 4.317 trillion to support household enterprises and accelerate Uganda’s transition from subsistence production to the money economy.

The funds have been channeled through 10,589 PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs).

Each SACCO has received at least Shs 400 million over the four-year period. Beneficiaries can access loans of up to Shs1million at an interest rate of 6% per annum, repayable over three years, including a two-year grace period.

President Yoweri Museveni launched PDM on February 26, 2022 with the goal of transforming subsistence households into the money economy.

The progress and emerging priorities were discussed during a PDM inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Microfinance, Hon. Shartsi Musherure Kuteesa, at the Ministry of Finance.

The meeting brought together ministers and technical officers responsible for implementing the 7 PDM pillars to assess implementation, strengthen coordination and identify reforms needed to improve sustainability, accountability and household impact.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s Financial Inclusion Pillar report, adults aged 31–59 years form the largest share of beneficiaries at 1,946,086 (54.50%), followed by youth aged 18–30 years at 1,086,998 (30.44%) and elderly persons aged above 60 years at 538,024 (15.07%).

Women account for the majority of beneficiaries, with 1,924,188 women (53.88%), compared to 1,646,920 men (46.12%).

The programme has also reached 41,423 persons with disabilities, representing 1.16% of beneficiaries. An additional Shs 500,000 grant per person with a disability was introduced in FY2025/26 to supplement PDM loan support.

The Financial Inclusion Pillar has recorded 222,389 enterprise groups, of which 183,430 have been profiled on the PDM Information System.

SACCO leadership elections have been completed in 9,907 SACCOs, while 4,375 election results have been submitted to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives for clearance.

Digital systems are being used to strengthen transparency, tracking and accountability. The Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) transfers funds to PDM SACCO accounts, while the PDM Information System registers eligible beneficiaries.

Wendi, managed by Pearl Bank, disburses loans directly to beneficiaries’ mobile phones, while Zaidi provides real-time tracking and verification. Government has recruited 14,133 Wendi agents and distributed 27,100 tablets for registration and monitoring.

Minister of State for National Guidance Alion Yorke Odria commended cooperation among ministries and proposed using Government agencies and Vision Group’s regional radio platforms to strengthen public sensitisation on loan repayment, programme updates and policy changes.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of ICT’s commitment to integrating PDM systems and ensuring that they remain responsive to programme needs and policy changes.

Minister of State for Animal Industry Hon. Bright Rwamirama said Government has registered 645 premises handling agricultural chemicals and seeds to reduce counterfeit inputs. He also said Government has procured and distributed 50.6 million Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine doses and established solar-powered cold-chain facilities in 53 districts.

As of June 2026, PDM beneficiaries had invested Shs 425.27 billion in poultry and Shs 461.12 billion in piggery and Shs 453.52 billion in coffee according to the Financial Inclusion Pillar report.

Minister of Local Government Hon. Barugahara Balaam called for stronger accountability and warned against extortion, illegal charges, favouritism, political interference, fraud and diversion of PDM funds.

He urged Local Government officials to take ownership of implementation and ensure that success is measured through increased production, savings, value addition, market access, enterprise growth and improved household incomes.

Minister of State for Gender and Culture Mary Kamuli Kuteesa emphasised the need to prepare beneficiaries before disbursement, strengthen training, involve political leaders in monitoring and improve follow-up after training.

PDM National Coordinator Dennis Galabuzi said the programme was moving towards a coordinated, whole-of-government approach organised around value chains covering inputs, production, storage, electricity, processing, value addition and markets.

He said the next phase would focus on translating these interventions into increased household incomes. He also called for a joint PDM Cabinet paper to address extortion, bribery, fraud, rural loan recovery, capitalisation and population equalisation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

“We thought gangs offered respect and protection. Now we know that it comes from positively contributing to our community and helping keep them safe.”

Before joining the Vision Youth Group, James (not his real name) was a gang member living in the Bentiu camp for displaced people. He was among many other youth who feel they have no other option but to join these groups after years of poverty, unemployment and disrupted education robbed them of opportunities.

In this environment, gangs can offer a sense of belonging, identity, protection and survival.

But for a growing number of young people, that is changing.

Twelve former gang members, including five girls, have left gangs and voluntarily joined the Vision Youth Group, according to Elizabeth Nyayien Gatwech Pur, a Recovery, Return and Reintegration Officer with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Once associated with violence, intimidation and illicit drug abuse, these young people are now drawing on their experiences to encourage others to make different choices.

“I used to think being part of a gang was the only way to survive. Now I see that I can make a difference in my community,” one youth shared.

Supported through the Protection, Transition and Reintegration initiative, the youth group gives young people from diverse backgrounds a space to build confidence, develop leadership skills and mentor one another.

Through regular meetings, peer-to-peer engagement, community awareness campaigns, and leadership activities, members are rebuilding relationships with the communities that once feared them.

“We are rebuilding trust and want to inspire others to become better citizens.”

The group also serves as an early warning and referral platform, helping identify vulnerable young people and connect them with support before they become deeply involved in gangs or criminal activities.

Once seen as a source of insecurity, residents now see these young people as leaders in peace promotion and positive peer influence.

The youth group is just one of many initiatives supported by UNMISS’ Bentiu Field Office to prevent violence and foster resilience among conflict-affected communities through community engagement and Citizens’ Talk for Peace forums that promote healing, recovery, and coexistence.

For young people leaving gang life, the transformation is a deeply personal journey of building new identities as mentors and positive role models in their communities.

“Future interventions will prioritize livelihood opportunities, vocational skills development, leadership training and expanded mentoring programs to address youth vulnerability and strengthen the protection of civilians,” Gatwech Pur said.

In Bentiu, these young people are showing that with opportunity, support and a sense of purpose, choosing peace is possible.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

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Liberia today celebrated its 179th National Flag Day under the theme, “From Heritage to Hope: The Flag That Unites Us,” bringing together national leaders, students, educators and citizens to reflect on what the Lone Star represents and the responsibilities that come with being Liberian.

The celebration began at the Barclay Training Center, where students raised the flag and participated in competitive drills and a Pass-in-Review before the official program at the Executive Pavilion.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. called on Liberians to move beyond pledging allegiance to the flag and live the values behind that pledge through respect for the law, discipline, peaceful coexistence and putting Liberia above personal, political and other divisions. He also challenged young Liberians to reject drugs and protect their futures.

One of the day’s major moments came in education. Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah officially announced the return of Civics Education to Liberia’s primary schools and launched standardized Civics textbooks.

The goal is to ensure that children learn more than Liberia’s national symbols. They should understand their country, their rights and responsibilities, and the values of honesty, integrity and responsible citizenship.

“The Republic we hope to build tomorrow is already sitting in our classrooms today.”

Flag Day Orator and Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan reinforced that message, challenging Liberians to translate patriotism into service, integrity and accountability, while rejecting corruption, stereotyping and political division.

As Liberia moves from heritage to hope, today’s message was clear: respecting the Lone Star must also mean taking responsibility for the Republic it represents.

Happy 179th National Flag Day, Liberia.

– on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO – Report:

The 2026 National Science & Maths Quiz (NSMQ) champions, Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), on Friday 11th September, 2026 paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP).

PRESEC-Legon emerged winners of the 2026 NSMQ Grand Finale, securing a historic ninth title after defeating two-time champions, St. Augustine’s College, and Grand Finale debutants, Accra Academy.

The momentous occasion was graced by a delegation led by the Assistant Headmistress, Mrs. Mercy Amoah, accompanied by luminaries from the esteemed school – proud representatives of the victorious team, their dedicated coaches, and other dedicated officials.

The gathered dignitaries included the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable James Gyakye Quayson (MP); and the Chief Director of the Ministry, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu.

Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa, with a heart brimming with admiration, greeted the delegation with a warmth that mirrored the significance of the moment. He commended the students, coaches, and school authorities on their stellar achievement, acknowledging that the ninth NSMQ title was not a mere stroke of luck but the culmination of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. With a resounding conviction, he asserted that PRESEC-Legon’s triumph had become “an inherent part of its DNA,” urging the students to carry forth this winning mindset into their future endeavours. He highlighted the importance of hard work, integrity, diligence, and excellence.

The Honourable Minister also commended the NSMQ for promoting positive academic rivalry among schools, noting that the competition encouraged students to study hard, push intellectual boundaries and develop confidence in their abilities. He observed that, the values cultivated through such competitions were important not only to individual success but also to national development, stressing that Ghana could overcome challenges such as poverty, corruption and disease if citizens remained committed to hard work, integrity, diligence and excellence.

The Minister conveyed the congratulations and commendation of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, underscoring the pride that PRESEC-Legon’s victory had brought to the nation. He expressed the hope that the school would continue to uphold its tradition of excellence and inspire future generations.

In a gesture of appreciation and recognition, the Minister presented the victorious students with the latest MacBook laptops, while their esteemed teachers received the latest HP laptops. This benevolent offering was a testament to the Minister’s longstanding tradition of rewarding NSMQ champions and their educators.

Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, with a deep sense of pride, expressed her delight in PRESEC-Legon’s remarkable feat and welcomed the delegation to the Ministry. She emphasized the school’s tradition of producing individuals of global repute, confident that the students would emerge as future leaders who would contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s progress, including serving in its illustrious Foreign Service. Her remarks served as a solemn reminder of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to identifying and nurturing the finest talents in the nation, the crème de la crème of Ghana’s intellectual landscape.

Speaking on behalf of the Headmaster, Board of Governors, and staff of PRESEC-Legon, the Assistant Headmistress, Mrs. Mercy Amoah conveyed her gratitude to the Minister for the opportunity to engage with him. She explained that the delegation had come to formally present the NSMQ trophy capturing the shared pride and accomplishment that had brought national honour. She introduced the delegation, representing the school’s management, coaches, and the victorious NSMQ team.

The courtesy call concluded with the NSMQ trophy been presented to the Honourable Minister, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Public Service Commission Bill, which strengthens the role of the Public Service Commission in promoting constitutional values and professional ethics in the Public Service.

The Commission is mandated to undertaking monitoring and evaluation of a wide range of practices in the Public Service and is able to investigate administration practices and service delivery failures.

The new Public Service Commission Act repeals the Public Service Commission Act of 1997 and the President’s assent reinforces Government’s focus on building a capable and ethical State, which is one of the 7th Administration’s top three priorities.

The Public Service Commission is an independent body established in terms of section 196(1) of the Constitution.

According to the Constitution, the Commission is independent and must be impartial, and must exercise its powers and perform its functions without fear, favour or prejudice.

The Commission is mandated to advance the maintenance of effective and efficient public administration and a high standard of professional ethics in the Public Service.

Among others, the law regulates the procedure for the appointment of Commissioners by the President and provides for the establishment of the Secretariat of the Commission to support its work.

The new law strengthens the independence of the Commission as a constitutional institution and extends the Commission’s mandate to include local government and public entities.

The Act gives the Commission the power to direct the relevant executive authority or any other person against whom the Commission makes a decision, to report to the Commission progress in implementing such decisions.

Any person found guilty of obstructing the Commission in the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions will be guilty of an offence and liable for conviction to imprisonment of up to 12 months or a fine of up to R50 000, or both fine and imprisonment.

President Ramaphosa said: “The new Public Service Commission Act should be welcomed by public servants and citizens alike as a means to improve the lives of all South Africans and to enable growth through ethical and efficient conduct in our Public Service.

“While the Public Service Commission is a critical enabler of improved public services, it is incumbent upon all public servants to honour citizens in line with the Batho Pele (People First) principles and to view their responsibilities as tools of transformation.

“The enactment of the Public Service Commission Act during our annual Public Service Month should inspire renewed pride and ethics in the Public Service.”

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

Following the historic UN General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/80/250), realised by a coalition of the AU, CARICOM, and the African Diaspora, which declared the enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity, Ghana asked the critical question: What next?

It was against this backdrop that Ghana, in her resolute leadership role, in June this year, convened the extraordinary Next Steps Conference in Accra. This gathering was a clarion call to action, a convergence of visionaries, scholars, and champions of justice

Following the Accra Next Steps Conference, we have established a High-Level Advisory Council on Reparatory Justice, a Global Experts Panel on the Restitution of Cultural Heritage, and a Global Legal Panel on Reparatory Justice. This was the beginning of a new chapter in our collective journey towards reparatory justice.

Our journey, therefore, does not end here. Ghana, the birthplace of our collective struggle, will host a high-level side event in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly Session, this 23rd September, to receive progress reports from our established Panels This is a symbolic rebirth, an invitation for the world to bear witness to our progress and the momentum of our cause.

As we gather under the auspices of the United Nations, under the watchful gaze of the international community, we seek not only to report on our achievements but to catalyze a global dialogue. We urge all nations to join us in this noble endeavour, to stand in solidarity as we continue to lead the charge for justice, restitution, and dignity for Africa and people of African descent worldwide.

This is our clarion call to arms, a call that bears testimony to the enduring power of unity, justice, and the unbendable human spirit.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ghana.