Category: Africa

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Senegal Retains Title as Overall Champion at ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 14)

Source: APO

Senegal has once again emerged as the overall champion of the 14th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC 14), concluding a thrilling three-day competition at the Serrekunda East Mini Football Stadium in The Gambia.

In a fiercely contested final, the Senegalese team, fondly known as the Lions defeated Nigeria 3–2 to retain their title as West African champions. The victory secured Senegal the championship trophy, gold medals, and a grand prize of $10,000. Nigeria finished in second place with $6,000, while host nation The Gambia claimed third place with a prize of $3,000 in the team category.

The tournament featured high-level competition across multiple weight categories, showcasing the strength and diversity of traditional wrestling across the region. In the Individual Competition Highlights, in the women’s 66kg category, Ebipaté Mughengofa (Nigeria) claimed gold, while Bakayoko Nogona (Côte d’Ivoire) secured silver, and Safiétou Goudiaby (Senegal) took bronze. While in the 76kg category, gold went to Youin Amy (Côte d’Ivoire), silver to Biogos Ebi (Nigeria), and bronze to Khady Diandy Badji (Senegal).

The men’s categories were dominated by Senegal. In the 86kg category, Mbaye Diop (Senegal) secured gold, followed by Boni Iliassou (Benin) with silver, and Moro Ibrahim (Ghana) with bronze. In the 100kg division, Siny Sembene (Senegal) took gold, Babacar Mboge (Gambia) won silver, and Ballo Alexis (Côte d’Ivoire) earned bronze. In the heavyweight 120kg category, Ngagne Sene (Senegal) claimed gold, while Fuseini Issah (Ghana) took silver and Arices Djiame (Gambia) secured bronze.

Prize money for individual categories ranged from $1,000 for bronze medalists, $1,500 for silver, and $2,500 for gold winners.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director of the ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the tournament.

He extended special gratitude to President H.E. Adama Barrow for facilitating The Gambia’s hosting of the event, and to Bakarie Y. Badjie the Gambian Minister for Youth and Sports development, for his commitment and excellent collaboration.

Dr. Njoaguani also commended the 11 participating countries, wrestling federations, athletes, and supporters for their contributions, noting that their involvement continues to sustain the TOLAC tradition.

“The competition reflects ECOWAS’ continued commitment to promoting African cultural values, fostering social cohesion, and strengthening unity among member states through sport as a tool for diplomacy and cooperation,” he stated.

In a symbolic closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Gambian National Sports Council officially handed over the hosting baton to his counterpart from Côte d’Ivoire, confirming that the next edition of the tournament, TOLAC 15, will be hosted in Côte d’Ivoire in 2027.

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

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Eritrea: Diaspora Nationals Celebrate Independence Day Anniversary

Source: APO


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Eritrean nationals residing in Luxembourg and Germany have celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary with patriotic zeal under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.”

At the celebratory event in Luxembourg on 16 May, Mr. Russom Habtai, representing the Eritrean community, congratulated the Eritrean people and its Defense Forces, and called on the Eritrean community to strengthen its organizational capacity and contribution to national development drives.

Noting that the Eritrean people have ensured their independence and national sovereignty in unison by foiling all sorts of hostilities, Mr. Michael Tesfay, First Secretary at the Eritrean Embassy in Belgium, said that the colorful celebratory event attested to that.

Eritrean nationals in the German cities of Stuttgart, Kassel, Cologne, and Ulm enthusiastically celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.”

At the event in Stuttgart, Mr. Yohannes Woldu, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, congratulated the Eritrean people and its Defense Forces, and said that the contribution Diaspora nationals are making to national development programs attests to their commitment and love of country.

At the celebratory event in Kassel, Mr. Kibreab Tekeste, Eritrea’s Consul General in Frankfurt, delivered a message of congratulations.

Similarly, nationals in Stockholm, Sweden, celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary with patriotic zeal, featuring sports and general knowledge competitions as well as cultural programs.

Nationals in the Norwegian city of Trondheim and its environs also enthusiastically celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary, featuring various programs.

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

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Seychelles: President Herminie Visits District Administration Office and Library on La Digue

Source: APO


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Progressing through his official engagements on La Digue, President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, made his fifth stop on the island with visits to the District Administration Office and the island’s library.

At the District Administration Office, discussions focused on matters relating to community services and the daily needs of residents as the President continued his engagements with public institutions and stakeholders.

Continuing his programme, President Herminie also toured the island’s library in the spirit of cultivating active learning and enhancing knowledge among young people and the wider community.

During the visit, staff members highlighted concerns regarding the limited size of the facility, explaining that the library regularly accommodates a large number of students and children despite restricted space capacity.

Discussions centred on the growing demand for educational and reading spaces on La Digue and the importance of providing an environment conducive to learning, literacy, and personal development.

President Herminie took note of the concerns raised and acknowledged the significant role libraries continue to play in supporting education and lifelong learning within communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Closing remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sixth Session of the Bi-National Commission, State Visit to Botswana

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Boko,
Vice President of Botswana Ndaba Gaolethe,
Ministers,
High Commissioners,
Colleagues and Friends,

As we conclude the deliberations of this session of the Bi-National Commission, I wish to express my appreciation for the insight and wisdom with which you guided our discussions. 

The report of the Commission captures the scope of our strategic and fraternal relations. 

It affirms that our bilateral relations remain strong. 

It lays the basis for effective implementation in the months ahead.

The agreements we are signing today give practical and legal expression to our cooperation. 

In our deliberations, we have identified priority areas to will scale up economic partnership between our countries. 

Levels of bilateral trade and investment must be substantially increased. 

We must explore more opportunities in agriculture, while working together to resolve some of the challenges we have experienced in this area.

South Africa and Botswana continue to deepen cooperation in other important areas, such as in vaccines.

We welcome the commitment by South Africa’s Agricultural Research Council and the Botswana Vaccine Institute to conclude a cooperation partnership in the production of vaccines to fight animal diseases, including food and mouth disease. 

Mr President, 

We thank you and your government for facilitating the delivery of significant doses of vaccines to our country to combat the outbreak of food and mouth disease.
 
We are committed to address immigration difficulties affecting, among other others, students from Botswana and business people from South Africa. 

We should direct our respective Ministers of Home Affairs to develop a sustainable resolution of these matters by September this year. 

Working together within SADC, South Africa and Botswana will continue to promote regional integration, including through investment in infrastructure and manufacturing.

We will continue to promote social, cultural, educational and scientific ties. 

It is also critical that the region promotes peace, stability and security. 

South Africa and Botswana should continue to work for a global order based on peace, stability and respect for international law. 
 
We conclude this session of the BNC inspired by the vision of our forebears, who laid a firm foundation for a great relationship forged through struggle, sacrifice and unity. 

The strong bonds of friendship and cooperation are founded on our shared desire to fulfil the promise of a brighter future for our two nations and for our region.

We once again express our deep appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended to us during this State Visit and Bi-National Commission. 

We were embraced with Botho, consistent with the traditions of this great country of Botswana. 

I look forward, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, to hosting you in South Africa for the seventh session of the Bi-National Commission. 

Pula!

Ke a leboga.

I thank you.
 

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Déclaration conjointe saluant l’annonce de la République du Togo concernant la facilitation des visas pour les ressortissants africains

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) saluent l’annonce faite par le Gouvernement de la République Togolaise, sous la direction de S.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Président du Conseil de la République du Togo, concernant les mesures visant à faciliter l’entrée sans visa sur le territoire togolais à tous les ressortissants des États africains titulaires d’un passeport valide, comme l’a annoncé le Ministre de la Sécurité le 18 mai 2026.

Cette annonce a été faite à Lomé, en marge de Biashara Afrika 2026, principale plateforme continentale dédiée au commerce et aux affaires, qui a réuni des décideurs politiques, des dirigeants du secteur privé, des investisseurs et des acteurs clés de toute l’Afrique afin de promouvoir le dialogue sur le commerce intra-africain, les investissements et l’intégration régionale.

Tout au long des échanges, les participants ont souligné l’importance de faciliter la circulation des citoyens, des entrepreneurs et des investisseurs africains, facteur essentiel du commerce intra-africain et de la coopération économique. Dans ce contexte, cette annonce témoigne de la dynamique continentale croissante en faveur du renforcement de la connectivité et de l’approfondissement de l’intégration africaine.

Le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et Afreximbank, dont le Togo est un État partie et membre, aspirent à un continent où les biens, les services, les capitaux et les personnes circulent plus librement par-delà les frontières, favorisant ainsi un marché africain intégré. Les mesures facilitant la mobilité et la connectivité contribuent à la réalisation du mandat plus large de ces deux institutions : la réalisation des aspirations de l’Agenda 2063.

Le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et Afreximbank félicitent le gouvernement et le peuple de la République du Togo pour l’organisation de Biashara Afrika 2026 et pour leur engagement constant en faveur de l’intégration économique de l’Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Tunisian Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Chargé d’Affaires at the Tunisian embassy in Cairo Doha Al-Showeikh, and Director General of Bilateral Relations with Arab Countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Samir Mansar.

The President welcomed Mr. Nafti and asked for his greetings to be conveyed to Tunisian President Kais Saied, stressing that Egypt highly values the distinguished relations it shares with Tunisia at both the official and popular levels. This is in addition to the need to strengthen cooperation across all fields and implement the recommendations of the 18th session of the Joint Higher Committee, held in Cairo in September 2025.

Mr. Nafti expressed his appreciation to the President, and conveyed the greetings of President Saied, stressing Tunisia’s interest in strengthening bilateral ties, economic cooperation and political coordination with Egypt, noting the distinguished level of consultation between the two countries. Mr. Nafti also conveyed the invitation of the Tunisian President to President El-Sisi to visit Tunisia at the earliest opportunity.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting touched on the regional situation and the need to intensify consultation, coordination, and cooperation to preserve the stability and sovereignty of Arab states and safeguard the resources of their people. The President stressed the important role of neighboring countries in ensuring the stability and unity of Libya, underscoring the importance of the continued operation of the tripartite mechanism among Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria

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

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Joint statement welcoming the Republic of Togo’s announcement on Visa facilitation for African nationals

Source: APO


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The AfCFTA Secretariat and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) welcome the announcement by the Government of the Republic of Togo, under the leadership of H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, regarding measures to facilitate visa-free entry for all nationals of African States holding valid passports, as announced by the Minister of Security on 18 May 2026.

The announcement was made in Lomé on the sidelines of Biashara Afrika 2026, the continent’s premier trade and business platform, which has brought together policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, and stakeholders from across Africa to advance dialogue on intra-African trade, investment, and regional integration.

Throughout the engagements, participants underscored the importance of facilitating the movement of African citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors as an important enabler of intra-African trade and economic cooperation. Against this backdrop, the announcement reflects the growing continental momentum towards strengthening connectivity and deepening African integration.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank, to which Togo is a State Party and a Member State, envision a continent where goods, services, capital, and people move more freely across borders in support of an integrated African market. Measures that facilitate mobility and connectivity continue to contribute towards advancing the broader mandate of both institutions; the attainment of the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank commend the Government and people of the Republic of Togo for hosting Biashara Afrika 2026 and for their continued commitment to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Advancing Regional Political Commitment and Cross Border Coordination for Ebola Preparedness and Response

Source: APO

Per the request from Uganda, Africa CDC (https://AfricaCDC.org) is organizing a cross-border high level meeting from 22 to 23 May 2026 in Kampala, Uganda in collaboration with the Ministries of Health of Uganda,  the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan. This meeting will strengthen regional preparedness, response coordination, and political alignment in addressing the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.

The meeting brings together Ministers of Health, senior government officials, National Public Health Institutes, RECs, technical experts and regional and international partners, including World Health Organization, UNICEF,…

The coordination platform will focus on key response pillars, including coordination, surveillance, case management, IPC, laboratory systems, logistics, risk communication, community engagement, research, finance, and resource mobilization.

The meeting aims to:

  • Enhance political commitment and leadership for a coordinated regional response;
  • Finalize a joint response plan that will guide the fundraising;
  • Harmonize preparedness and response strategies across borders and among affected and at-risk countries; and
  • Identify operational gaps and reinforce collaboration between governments, regional institutions, and partners to prevent further spread of the outbreak and protect populations across the region.

This meeting reflects Africa’s commitment to collective health security, regional solidarity, and coordinated action in responding to public health emergencies that transcend borders.

Africa CDC will continue to coordinate, Member States and partners continue to work together to contain the outbreak, strengthen preparedness, and safeguard the health and security of communities across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media Contact:
Directorate of Communication & Public Information
Communications@africacdc.org

Follow Africa CDC on: 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4fu8uwI
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Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4wDNTfH
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4tUkJ9r

About Africa CDC: 
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States to strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency preparedness and response. For more information, visit: http://www.AfricaCDC.org

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Renforcement de l’engagement politique régional et de la coordination transfrontalière pour la préparation et la riposte à Ebola

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À la demande de l’Ouganda, Africa CDC (https://AfricaCDC.org) organise une réunion transfrontalière de haut niveau du 22 au 23 mai 2026 à Kampala, en Ouganda, en collaboration avec les Ministères de la Santé de l’Ouganda, de la République démocratique du Congo et du Soudan du Sud. Cette réunion vise à renforcer la préparation régionale, la coordination de la riposte et l’alignement politique face à l’épidémie en cours de maladie à virus Ebola Bundibugyo.

La réunion réunira les Ministres de la Santé, de hauts responsables gouvernementaux, les Instituts Nationaux de Santé Publique, les CER, des experts techniques ainsi que des partenaires régionaux et internationaux, notamment l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé, l’UNICEF, entre autres.

La plateforme de coordination se concentrera sur les principaux piliers de la riposte, notamment la coordination, la surveillance, la prise en charge des cas, la PCI (prévention et contrôle des infections), les systèmes de laboratoire, la logistique, la communication des risques, l’engagement communautaire, la recherche, le financement et la mobilisation des ressources.

La réunion vise à :

  • Renforcer l’engagement politique et le leadership en faveur d’une riposte régionale coordonnée ;
  • Finaliser un plan conjoint de riposte qui guidera la mobilisation des financements ;
  • Harmoniser les stratégies de préparation et de riposte aux frontières et entre les pays touchés et à risque ; et
  • Identifier les lacunes opérationnelles et renforcer la collaboration entre les gouvernements, les institutions régionales et les partenaires afin de prévenir toute propagation supplémentaire de l’épidémie et de protéger les populations de la région.

Cette réunion reflète l’engagement de l’Afrique en faveur de la sécurité sanitaire collective, de la solidarité régionale et d’une action coordonnée face aux urgences de santé publique qui transcendent les frontières.

Africa CDC continuera de coordonner les efforts, tandis que les États membres et les partenaires poursuivront leur collaboration afin de contenir l’épidémie, renforcer la préparation et préserver la santé ainsi que la sécurité des communautés à travers le continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Contact médias :
Direction de la Communication et de l’Information Publique
Communications@africacdc.org

Suivez Africa CDC sur :
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4fu8uwI
X: https://apo-opa.co/4tNYD8y
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4wDNTfH
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4tUkJ9r

À propos d’Africa CDC : 
Les Centres africains de contrôle et de prévention des maladies sont l’agence de santé publique de l’Union africaine. En tant qu’institution autonome, Africa CDC soutient les États membres de l’UA dans le renforcement des systèmes de santé, l’amélioration de la surveillance des maladies et le renforcement de la préparation et de la réponse aux urgences sanitaires. Pour plus d’informations, visitez http://www.AfricaCDC.org

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Maroc : la Banque africaine de développement investit 200 millions d’euros pour renforcer l’employabilité et développer les compétences d’avenir

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un financement de 200 millions d’euros pour la mise en œuvre du programme « Cap Compétences 2030 ».

Ce financement axé sur les résultats vise à renforcer la pertinence, la qualité et la diversification de l’offre de formation professionnelle, notamment à travers la numérisation des services, le déploiement de dispositifs d’apprentissage à grande échelle et l’amélioration des mécanismes d’insertion sur le marché du travail.

Le programme « Cap Compétences 2030 » repose sur trois volets complémentaires : le développement des compétences et des partenariats stratégiques ; une formation‑insertion inclusive, mieux adaptée aux besoins des entreprises ; et la transformation numérique, accompagnée d’un renforcement institutionnel et opérationnel. Le programme contribuera également à consolider les dispositifs existants et à améliorer leur efficacité ainsi que leur couverture.

À travers cette opération, la Banque entend faciliter l’accès à une offre de formation diversifiée et renforcer l’insertion professionnelle des bénéficiaires.

« Le programme Cap Compétences 2030 s’inscrit dans les priorités de la Feuille de route nationale pour l’emploi 2025-2030 et dans la vision stratégique du Groupe de la Banque autour des Quatre Points cardinaux (https://apo-opa.co/4us1Njx). Notre objectif commun est de tirer parti du dividende démographique pour soutenir la création de valeur et promouvoir l’emploi, en particulier pour les jeunes et les femmes », a déclaré Achraf Tarsim, responsable du bureau‑pays du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement au Maroc.

L’intervention de la Banque s’inscrit dans une coordination étroite avec les partenaires techniques et financiers afin de renforcer la pertinence et la complémentarité des appuis aux politiques publiques.

Ce programme illustre l’engagement de long terme de l’institution panafricaine au Maroc dans les domaines du développement humain, de l’emploi et de l’inclusion sociale. Il s’appuie sur un portefeuille d’opérations axées sur les résultats, contribuant aux réformes structurelles du marché du travail et de la formation professionnelle.

Depuis sa création, le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement a mobilisé plus de 15 milliards d’euros dans des secteurs stratégiques tels que l’éducation, la santé, l’emploi, les infrastructures, l’énergie et la gouvernance.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Fahd Belbachir
Chargé principal de la communication et des relations extérieures
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) est la première institution de financement du développement en Afrique. Elle comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Présente sur le terrain dans 37 pays africains et dotée d’un bureau extérieur au Japon, la BAD contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54États membres régionaux.

Pour plus d’informations : www.AfDB.org

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