Category: Africa

Source: APO

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Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah has welcomed a new cohort of Peace Corps Volunteers to Liberia, encouraging them to approach their service with humility, openness, and respect for the communities where they will work.

Speaking at the Peace Corps Volunteers’ Swearing-In Ceremony at Monrovia City Hall, Minister Jallah congratulated the volunteers on completing ten weeks of pre-service training and reminded them that their most important learning will continue in the communities to which they are assigned.

“Go first as learners,” she told the volunteers, urging them to listen, build relationships, and work alongside Liberian teachers, education officials, health workers, parents, students, and community leaders.

For volunteers assigned to schools, the Minister emphasized the importance of working as partners with the people already serving within Liberia’s education system, rather than approaching communities with the assumption that they have come to provide all the answers.

She also called on County and District Education Officers, school administrators, and local stakeholders to receive the volunteers as colleagues and support their integration into the communities where they will serve.

Minister Jallah reflected on the longstanding relationship between Liberia and the Peace Corps and expressed appreciation to the organization and the Government and people of the United States for their continued partnership.

She encouraged the newly sworn-in volunteers to serve with integrity, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine willingness to learn, while contributing meaningfully to the schools and communities they will call home during their service.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

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The Government of South Africa has signed a $1 billion loan agreement with the New Development Bank (NDB) to upgrade infrastructure for the Metropolitan Municipal Services as part of the Metro Trading Services Reform Programme (MTSR). 

The NDB is financing the programme with the World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, KFW Development Band, and French Development Agency.

The MTSR is a South African government-led reform programme aimed at improving the governance, financial sustainability and operational performance of municipal trading services in metropolitan municipalities, particularly in water and sanitation, electricity and energy, and solid waste management.

The financing supports a government-led, performance-based reform programme implemented through South Africa’s existing legal, fiscal and institutional framework. This is a performance-based loan with financing linked to institutional strengthening and the achievement of independently verified measurable performance targets, that are approved by metro Councils for their trading services.

NDB’s financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts to reform municipal trading services in metropolitan municipalities and offers favourable concessional financial terms as follows:

• Nominal value: $1 billion
• Maturity: 16 years
• Grace period: 3 years
• Interest rate: Daily SOFR plus 1.18508%.

The NDB loan was prepared in coordination with development partners active in South Africa’s infrastructure sector.

National Treasury extends its appreciation to the NDB for its support to this government-led reform towards better services for residents and stronger, more sustainable cities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah has convened education leaders from Liberia’s 16 educational counties, including 125 District Education Officers (DEOs), as part of preparations for the reopening of schools for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, the engagement brought together the Ministry’s Senior Management Team, County Education Officers (CEOs), DEOs, and other education stakeholders to review school readiness and reinforce expectations for supervision, accountability, and compliance across the education system.

Discussions focused on teacher availability, student enrollment and attendance, school infrastructure, learning materials, school monitoring, and adherence to established policies and administrative procedures.

Minister Jallah called on CEOs and DEOs to intensify school and classroom monitoring, identify challenges early, and ensure that decisions and interventions are informed by evidence from the field.

She also emphasized professionalism, integrity, transparency, effective communication, and respect for established supervisory structures. In particular, the Minister cautioned against unauthorized teacher transfers, stressing that no teacher should be moved outside the approved administrative process.

The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s preparations to ensure that county and district education structures are fully engaged in school reopening and that schools begin the new academic year with stronger supervision, clearer accountability, and minimal disruption to teaching and learning.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

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The Western Cape Government joins communities around the world in commemorating World Ozone Day, also known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, on 16 September.

The day serves as an important reminder of the vital role the ozone layer plays in protecting life on Earth, as well as what can be achieved when countries work together to address global environmental challenges.

The ozone layer is a protective layer of gas that is found high up in the earth’s atmosphere, about 15 to 35 kilometers above the earth’s surface. It contains relatively high concentrations of ozone and absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C radiation.

Without this natural protection, increased levels of harmful UV radiation would reach the Earth’s surface, increasing risks to human health, including skin cancer and eye damage, while also affecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, agriculture and biodiversity.
A global environmental success storyOzone depletion was largely driven by human-made chemicals known as ozone-depleting substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were historically used in products and equipment such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, aerosol products and solvents.

In response to growing scientific evidence of ozone depletion, countries adopted the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 16 September 1987. The international agreement established measures to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

South Africa is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and has contributed to global efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances and phase down of hydrofluorocarbons. These efforts support the recovery of the ozone layer while also contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The progress achieved through the Montreal Protocol is widely recognised as an environmental success story, demonstrating what can be achieved through sound science, international cooperation, and effective environmental action.

The Western Cape Government’s commitment to protecting the atmosphereThe progress achieved through the Montreal Protocol also demonstrates how global environmental commitments can translate into action at national, provincial and local levels.

In the Western Cape, protecting the air we breathe forms part of the Province’s broader commitment to air quality management, climate change response and sustainable environmental governance.

The Western Cape Government continues to promote cleaner technologies, responsible environmental practices and greater awareness of how individual and collective actions can contribute to cleaner air, healthier communities and a more resilient environment.

Protecting the ozone layer not only helps reduce exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation but also supports broader efforts to address climate change and safeguard the Province’s people, biodiversity, agriculture and natural resources for future generations.

Global action for a cooler planetThe theme for this year’s International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is “Global action for a cooler planet – Celebrating 10 years of sustainable cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.”

This theme highlights the important link between protecting the ozone layer and addressing climate change. Efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances and transition to more climate-friendly alternatives contribute to both a healthier atmosphere and a more sustainable future.

The Western Cape Government encourages residents to play their part by making environmentally responsible choices and supporting efforts to protect the atmosphere.Simple actions include:

1. Choose products responsibly: Where possible, check product information and avoid products containing ozone-depleting substances.
2. Support cleaner energy: Support renewable energy and energy-efficient choices that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Maintain cooling equipment: Ensure air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment is properly maintained and that refrigerants are handled and recovered responsibly.
4. Reduce unnecessary consumption: Reduce waste and avoid unnecessary single-use products where practical.
    

World Ozone Day reminds us that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. The success of the Montreal Protocol demonstrates what can be achieved through science, cooperation and collective action. The Western Cape Government remains committed to protecting the ozone layer, improving air quality, addressing climate change and promoting a healthy environment for present and future generations.

As the world continues to face interconnected environmental challenges, lessons from the protection of the ozone layer remain relevant: science matters, cooperation matters, and collective action can make a difference.

MEC Anton Bredell, Provincial MEC of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said, “The protection of the ozone layer is one of the clearest examples of what we can achieve when science, international cooperation and practical environmental action come together. In the Western Cape, we remain committed to cleaner technologies, responsible environmental practices, and protecting the health and wellbeing of our residents and our natural environment. A cooler planet starts with collective action, and every contribution matters.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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Seven months after breaking ground, the Government of Liberia has completed and officially turned over the Beh Town Public School in Dewoin District, Bomi County, providing the community with improved classrooms, more than 200 student chairs, whiteboards, and a better environment for teaching and learning.

The new school is part of the Ministry of Education’s wider effort to ensure that more children can access and benefit from public education. Registration from Kindergarten through Grade 6 is now free, removing an important financial barrier for families. Bomi is also one of seven priority counties under the Back to My Classroom Campaign, which is working to return out-of-school children to education.

At the dedication, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah joined county and district authorities, traditional leaders, teachers, parents, students, and community members in formally handing the facility over for use.

With the school now completed, the Ministry’s work continues through teacher support, stronger school management, and measures to help children enroll, attend regularly, and progress in their education.

Beh Town reflects the broader direction of the Ministry’s reform agenda: investing in public schools while removing the barriers that prevent children from accessing and benefiting from education.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education: Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

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The Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has committed Uganda to kickstarting processes to further deepen and strengthen bilateral and parliamentary relations with Pakistan.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Oboth emphasized that Uganda is identifying a select group of countries to establish stronger bilateral ties, naming Pakistan as a key ally.

The meeting took place on Monday, 14 September 2026 on the sidelines of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference being held in Cape Town, South Africa.

The pledge signals a focused trajectory for Uganda-Pakistan relations, prioritizing legislative cooperation in trade, economic diplomacy, capacity building, research, climate change, and educational exchanges. The two leaders stressed the necessity of moving beyond ceremonial engagements to establish operational frameworks that create genuine opportunities for the citizens of both nations.

Developing his remarks on parliamentary diplomacy, Speaker Oboth highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, noting that Pakistan remains a key partner whose citizens actively contribute to Uganda’s economic landscape. He pointed to the Pakistani community residing and operating businesses in Uganda as a strong foundation for expanded bilateral engagement.

“Uganda is willing and ready to strengthen this relationship so that we offer our citizens greater opportunities,” Oboth said.

“Pakistan has been a key ally of Uganda, with several Pakistanis residing and doing business in Uganda”.

Emphasizing that legislative bodies must play a direct role in national and economic development, Oboth urged parliamentarians to use legislative tools to advance international trade, tax frameworks and economic diplomacy. He urged parliaments to look beyond traditional ceremonial roles to tackle pressing socio-economic priorities.

“This friendship puts in place grounds for deeper bilateral engagements between the two countries, including exchange programmes. [Parliament of Uganda] is ready to share experiences in areas of capacity building, education, research and information sharing,” Oboth said.

Addressing shared global concerns, Speaker Oboth reiterated Uganda’s commitment to jointly combat climate change alongside willing international partners. He specifically commended Pakistan’s leadership and commitment in addressing climate issues on the international stage.

The bilateral discussions also recalled past cooperation between the two legislatures within the Commonwealth framework. Speaker Oboth acknowledged Pakistan’s appreciation of Uganda’s support in the election of the Pakistani Speaker as President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in the meetings that were held in Cameroon in October 2014. In particular, Oboth cited the contribution of former Ugandan Speaker, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, who spearheaded the establishment of East African Community (EAC) and Africa-level parliamentary caucuses. Oboth also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support to Kadaga during her tenure as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum.

Responding to Oboth’s remarks, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, welcomed Uganda’s commitment and expressed gratitude for Uganda’s support during his election as CPA President at the CPA meetings held in Cameroon in 2014. Sadiq noted that Uganda’s influence was instrumental in convincing African countries to back Pakistan’s candidature.

Speaker Sadiq informed the meeting that Pakistan has formally decided to focus on Africa in its foreign policy agenda. He noted that significant potential exists between Uganda and Pakistan, which the two countries should actively embrace through Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) frameworks.

Sadiq shared that Pakistan initiated formal Parliamentary Diplomacy in 2014 and remains willing to cooperate with Uganda across international forums such as the CPA and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). .

On climate action, Speaker Sadiq highlighted global warming as a primary concern for Pakistan, stating that Pakistan’s Parliament and school systems have adopted innovative approaches such as going paperless to combat climate change, an area where Pakistan seeks to cooperate with Uganda.

Closing the session, Speaker Sadiq invited Speaker Oboth to visit Pakistan in the near future to engage directly with the Parliament and government officials, reaffirming both nations’ shared commitment to strengthening Uganda-Pakistan parliamentary diplomacy.

Speaker Oboth was accompanied by a Ugandan parliamentary CPA delegation that included Hon. Emely Kugonza (NRM, Buyanja East), Hon. Naome Kabasharira (NRM, Rushenyi County), Hon. Otim Benard (NRM, Maruzi North County), Hon. Fortunate Rose Nantongo (NUP, Kyotera District), Hon. Silas Aogon (Kumi Munic.), Hon. Adrine Katusiime (NRM, Sheema District). These were also joined by Hon. Paul Omiat Amoru the High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to the Republic of South Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

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• The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. General Birame Diop, has launched a dedicated staff transportation initiative aimed at improving employee welfare, easing daily commuting challenges and enhancing productivity across the institution, in a further demonstration of the Commission’s commitment to building a modern, people-centred and results-driven regional organization.
• The initiative was unveiled during a brief ceremony at the Commission’s new headquarters in Abuja, attended by the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Anthony Oluwatosin Ogunjimi, senior officials and members of staff. Although modest in format, the event carried significant institutional importance, reflecting a leadership philosophy that places staff welfare at the heart of organizational performance.

The programme begins with an initial fleet consisting of one 25-seat staff bus and two 18-seat commuter buses, which will operate scheduled services between designated pick-up locations and the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters. The transportation service is designed to reduce the financial and logistical burden associated with daily commuting while ensuring safer, more reliable and more predictable travel arrangements for staff members.

Speaking during the launch, President Diop noted that the effectiveness of any institution depends fundamentally on the well-being and commitment of its workforce. He emphasized that leadership must not only formulate policies but also respond to the practical realities faced by employees in their daily lives.

The President explained that the transportation initiative forms part of a broader effort to improve staff welfare and create an enabling work environment that allows personnel to perform at their highest level. By reducing commuting-related stress and expenses, the programme is expected to improve punctuality, strengthen staff morale and contribute directly to institutional efficiency.

“If you take care of people, people will take care of the job,” President Diop stated, underscoring the principle guiding the initiative.

The launch also reflects the broader transformation currently underway at the ECOWAS Commission. Following the recent transition into its new headquarters, the institution has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, modernizing administrative systems and fostering a workplace culture that promotes excellence, accountability and service delivery.

For many staff members, the transportation programme represents more than a logistical arrangement. It is a tangible response to a long-standing concern and a demonstration that employee welfare remains a strategic priority for the Commission’s leadership. By investing in practical solutions that directly affect the daily lives of personnel, the Commission is reinforcing the connection between staff well-being and institutional performance.

The initiative is expected to evolve progressively, with the possibility of expanded routes and additional capacity as operational requirements and staff needs continue to be assessed.

As ECOWAS advances its vision of a more integrated, prosperous and secure West Africa, the Commission’s leadership maintains that achieving regional ambitions begins with strengthening the institution itself. The launch of the staff transportation service therefore represents not merely the deployment of vehicles, but the implementation of a people-focused policy that translates listening into action and commitment into measurable results.

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