Despite Current Resource Limitations, Lesotho Government Reaffirms Its Commitment to the Welfare of Public Servants as Key to Better Service Delivery

Source: APO – Report:

Minister of Public Service, Honourable Moeketsi Mots’oane, has warned public servants that poor service delivery could undermine efforts to secure better salaries for civil servants.

Hon. Mots’oane issued the warning during a meeting with public servants held at the District Administrator’s Office grounds in Botha-Bothe.

He said whenever he presents salary structures and requests for salary increments in Parliament, he is also expected to present performance reviews demonstrating that public servants are performing well.

He said without evidence of improved performance, it becomes difficult for him to advocate for salary reviews.

Honourable Mots’oane said it had become a norm for some public servants to underperform or fail to perform their duties altogether, making it difficult for those advocating for salary increments to make a strong case.

“The purpose of my visit to public servants is to take their views on how they would like to see this country in the future, to understand the situations that they are faced with and how best to solve the challenges,” he said.

He said upon assuming responsibility for the ministry, he was informed that one of its mandates was to ensure the welfare of civil servants.

“When I got to this Ministry, I was told that another mandate of the ministry is to make sure that the welfare of the civil servants is good so that when I demand performance, I will be knowing that the houses they stay in are in good condition for someone to live in.

“We need to make sure that public servants outside of the city do not feel neglected,” he said.

Public Service Deputy Principal Secretary, Mr Ntsu Shale, said performance contracts should be prioritized by all ministries to assess whether they are achieving their targets.

He also raised concerns about some public servants who do not perform their duties, saying this sometimes delays processes, particularly when employees retire.

Meanwhile, Department of Culture’s Mr Sehlabala Mokolobetsi told the Minister that a lack of resources was among the reasons some civil servants fail to perform to the expected standard.

He said his office has broken desks and chairs and lacks a heating system or heaters, yet employees are expected to report for duty every day, even during cold weather.

Mrs Malebotho Lehae from the Ministry of Home Affairs also complained that her office has only two permanent staff members who are expected to lead a team of approximately 150 employees without adequate resources.

She said the system used to recruit the 150 staff members was also affecting their work because some employees report for duty without the necessary knowledge or training.

The Minister also announced that Public Service Day 2026 will be celebrated across all districts.

He concluded his visit by inspecting government houses and offices to assess their condition.

– on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

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Bloom promotes wastewater as low-cost farming resource

Source: Government of South Africa

Bloom promotes wastewater as low-cost farming resource

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr Jack Bloom, has outlined plans to turn South Africa’s wastewater into low-cost fertiliser and irrigation water for emerging farmers, as the agricultural sector grapples with drought and rising global fertiliser prices.

Addressing delegates at NAMPO Cape, currently underway at Bredasdorp Park, Bloom said South Africa produces nearly 640 000 dry tonnes of municipal wastewater treatment sludge annually from its large wastewater treatment plants, with a further 378 000 to 567 000 tonnes generated from smaller plants and pit toilets.

He said the material is currently largely treated as waste for disposal, despite its potential as an agricultural resource.

“This is not a stockpile. It is a fertiliser factory’s worth of raw material, going into the ground instead of onto your fields every single year,” Bloom said.

The Department of Water and Sanitation pointed to safety data from Water Research Commission trials at Bishopstowe and Appelsbosch farms in KwaZulu-Natal, where co-composted faecal sludge was tested against conventional fertilisers on chillies, tomatoes and maize.

E. coli counts on harvested crops were found to be roughly 1 000 times below the legal safety threshold for food crops.

Bloom said a local example of the potential for beneficial use is already operating in Pietermaritzburg, where a partnership involving Msunduzi Municipality, uMngeni-Uthukela Water, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and private company Duzi Turf converts wastewater sludge and green waste into compost.

The compost is registered with the Department of Agriculture and sold to farmers and landscapers.

The department is also piloting the conversion of the Esther Park Wastewater Treatment Works into a dedicated faecal sludge treatment plant in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT).

Bloom said municipalities have been legally required since 2022 to divert sludge away from landfill sites towards facilities that treat it for beneficial use, in line with norms and standards gazetted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

He said the move towards beneficial use can help reduce waste disposal, while creating additional resources for agriculture.

Bloom called on Grain SA and emerging farmers to help identify suitable locations for future pilot projects.

“We will keep pushing municipalities toward decentralised treatment near the towns where you farm,” the Deputy Minister said.

Taking place in Bredasdorp from 9 to 12 September 2026, NAMPO Cape 2026 brings together farmers, agribusinesses, researchers, service providers and communities from across the agricultural value chain.

Held under the theme: “Together We Grow”, this year’s expo celebrates the partnerships between farmers, industry and communities that continue to drive South African agriculture forward.

At the event, visitors have access to more than 500 exhibitors showcasing the latest agricultural technology, products, services and innovations. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Transnet records profit

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnet records profit

Transnet has recorded a profit of R4.6 billion for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, marking a contrast to the R1.9 billion net loss recorded in the previous financial year.

The State-owned freight logistics company announced its financial results for the year ended 31 March 2026 on Thursday.

Key highlights from the results are as follows:

  • Revenue increased by 7.1% to R88.6 billion, driven by higher rail and pipeline volumes and weighted average tariff increases.
  • Reported a profit of R4.6 billion, compared to a loss of R1.9 billion in the previous financial year.
  • Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 0.7% to R30.9 billion with the EBITDA margin decreasing by 2.2% to 34.8%.
  • Net operating expenses increased by 10.8% to R57.7 billion.
  • Capital investment decreased to R23.3 billion, supporting infrastructure renewal, operational recovery and future growth.

“The improvement in financial performance was supported by higher rail and pipeline volumes, tariff adjustments across the business and continued efforts to improve operational efficiencies.

“Rail volumes increased by 4.9% to 167.9 million tonnes, reflecting the positive impact of focused interventions aimed at improving network reliability, maintenance execution and asset availability. Pipeline volumes also recorded growth during the reporting period,” the company said in a statement.

Transnet acknowledged that challenges remain.

However, the improvements recorded “indicate that Transnet’s operational recovery efforts are beginning to deliver measurable results”.

“Importantly, these gains are increasingly being recognised by customers and industry stakeholders. Users of the freight logistics system have acknowledged improvements in rail performance and service delivery, while industry bodies, including the citrus sector, have recognised enhancements in port operations that contributed to improved export performance.

“The operational improvements achieved across the network have also been acknowledged by the Minister of Transport and Cabinet as part of government’s broader efforts to restore South Africa’s freight logistics system and support economic growth,” the statement read.

Partnership garner results

Transnet noted that a key milestone reached is the implementation of the company’s Private Sector Participation (PSP) strategy through the Durban Gateway Terminal (DGT) transaction.

The strategy supports the “modernisation and long-term competitiveness of South Africa’s port system”.

“As part of the transaction, Transnet disposed of a 49.999% interest in DGT to International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) for R10.5 billion, with effect from 1 January 2026.

“The transaction generated a profit on disposal of R12.5 billion, including a related fair value adjustment, and strengthened the Group’s overall financial performance for the year.

“Transnet retains a 50.001% shareholding in DGT, while management control transferred to ICTSI. The transaction represents an important step in attracting private investment, improving operational performance and supporting the long-term modernisation of South Africa’s port infrastructure,” the statement continued.

Towards full recovery

The company emphasised that the encouraging results serve as a platform for ongoing recovery and future growth.

“Transnet invested R23.3 billion during the year in critical infrastructure, equipment renewal and operational improvements.

“The investment programme focused on strengthening the rail network, improving port performance, enhancing asset reliability and increasing operational efficiency across the organisation.

“In addition, National Treasury’s approval of R14.8 billion in grant funding through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure [BFI] for strategic rail and port projects is expected to further support infrastructure development, improve network performance and reduce future funding requirements,” the statement read.

Transnet noted that it continues to advance its “recovery and growth agenda while strengthening long-term financial sustainability”.

Progress continues to be made in implementing South Africa’s freight logistics reform programme.

“Progress was made towards the incorporation of the Transnet National Ports Authority [TNPA] as a wholly owned subsidiary, while the accounting separation of Transnet Freight Rail into the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company [TFR] and the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager [TRIM] was completed.

“Progress was also made in opening the rail network to third-party operators. Rail Access Agreements have been concluded with 11 Train Operating Companies , with the first operators expected to commence services during the 2026/27 financial year,” the statement explained.

The company assured that focus remains on improving operational reliability, increasing freight volumes, strengthening customer confidence and creating a safer and more efficient operating environment.

“Guided by the Reinvent for Growth strategy, the organisation will continue to prioritise operational recovery, infrastructure investment, private sector participation, rail reform and financial sustainability. 

“Building on the progress achieved during the reporting period, Transnet expects continued improvements in operational performance, increasing participation by private rail operators and the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects to support South Africa’s economic growth and competitiveness,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Lesotho National Assembly Convened to Carry Out Its Business Including the Consideration of Bills and Parliamentary Committees Reports

Source: APO

The Ninth Meeting of the First Session of the Eleventh Parliament convened following the winter recess.

”There is a substantial amount of work to be undertaken, particularly the consideration of Bills and reports from Parliamentary Committees”

This was said by the Clerk of the National Assembly Adv. Lebohang Maema, King’s Counsel (KC), in an interview with the Agency.

Adv. Maema indicated that the Water Resources Management Bill and the Tax Administration Bill, as well as the operationalisation of the 10th Amendment to the Constitution Act, 2025, are among the key matters that still need to be finalised, noting that consequently, there is a substantial amount of work ahead for the National Assembly.

The National Assembly adjourned in June 2026 for the winter recess.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

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Lesotho Proudly Stands Prepared to Host ‘the Roof of Africa Rally’ Flagship Event for Both Sport and Tourism

Source: APO

LesRock partnered with various stakeholders to enhance the Roof of Africa rally through entertainment activities while encouraging greater participation by Basotho in the prestigious motorcycle rally.

Speaking in an interview with the Agency, LesRock Director Ms. Limpho Nkune said the initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Lesotho Off-Road Association (LORA), is aimed at adding entertainment and tourism value to the Roof of Africa and ensuring that the event benefits local communities.

Furthermore, she revealed that the first activity will be held on September 13, 2026 when they will prepare and distribute food and clothing to people living on the streets as part of giving back to the community.

Ms. Nkune mentioned that the initiative will be carried out in collaboration with Litsamaiso Foundation, which already prepares food for needy people every Sunday.

“The initiative is also intended to create awareness about the Roof of Africa among Basotho, noting that many people are unaware that Basotho riders participate in the annual event,” Ms. Nkune said

She said another activity is planned for September 19, 2026, whereby 18 Basotho riders to participate in this year’s Roof of Africa will be introduced to the public through a meet-and-greet.

The activity will give Basotho an opportunity to interact with the riders and learn more about the competition, while also encouraging children and young people to consider participating in the sport.

Ms .Nkune explained that they also plan to have a motorcycle parade that will end at Maseru Mall, where members of the public will have an opportunity to see the participating riders.

She told the Agency that the activities are aimed at changing the perception that the Roof of Africa is an event mainly for foreigners, emphasizing that Basotho are also encouraged to participate and take ownership of the event.

Ms. Nkune expressed hope that the initiative will attract more sponsors and increase interest among Basotho, particularly as Lesotho prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence.

She said the ultimate goal is to see the Roof of Africa grow into an event that brings together sport, entertainment, tourism and community development in future

The Roof of Africa Rally, one of Lesotho’s major sporting and tourism events, is scheduled to take place from September 23 to 26, 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

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South Sudan: Akobo communities work to rebuild trust after years of conflict

Source: APO

For years, communities in Akobo County have endured violence, political divisions, and cycles of revenge that displaced families, destroyed livelihoods, and eroded trust.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is actively working alongside them to help rebuild confidence and create an environment where people can live together peacefully.

As part of these efforts, a two-day workshop, involving 81 local authority and community representatives, was held to discuss ways to prevent violence through strengthening security and governance processes, building resilience, and improving service delivery and the restoration of necessary infrastructure.

The fundamental question was: how can they act together to secure a better future?

Akobo County Commissioner, John Wiyual, explained how conflict has divided communities along political lines.

“This workshop is crucial to our community it brings us all together to resolve differences and reconcile.”

For women, the conflict has resulted, not only in the loss of loved ones, but also livelihoods.

Akobo Women’s Association representative, Mary Nyathun Kheer, described how revenge killings and displacement had devastated the area, with many women returning after the conflict to find their businesses and other sources of income destroyed.

“Humanitarian aid has helped some return, but peace is essential for rebuilding.”

Youth have also suffered significant harm.

“Youth in Akobo who fled the conflict went to Ethiopia without food or medicine. More people have died after the conflict due to starvation and lack of medical supplies than during the fighting. We urgently need peace,” said Akobo Deputy Youth Leader, Tayin Deng.

Geni Payam Administrator, Bub Gatbel, also expressed concern about a lack of access to healthcare and other essential services for vulnerable people as well as perception of unequal treatment.

“We are all South Sudanese and deserve equal treatment,” he stated while urging political leaders to resolve differences through dialogue and progress the implementation of the peace agreement.

Traditional leaders also see reconciliation as central to rebuilding trust.

“We are coming together to solve our problems. It is difficult to bring people together,” said Akobo Paramount Chief, Thou Deng Gol. “UNMISS has played an important role in assisting us as an impartial partner for peace that is trusted by all sides.”

“Our aim is to strengthen early-warning systems and improve communication among communities so they can peacefully address grievances and prevent revenge attacks. We are committed to continuing all efforts to support locally led peacebuilding initiatives,” assured UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Khalif Farah.

Participants made a series of resolutions at the conclusion of the workshop, including to strengthen peace messaging, address outstanding blood-compensation cases, improve engagement with neighbouring communities, and establish a Peace Committee to improve reconciliation and early-warning efforts.

This commitment marks just the start of a much-longer process.

Success will depend on the willingness to replace revenge with dialogue, navigating political differences nonviolently, and rebuilding trust through continuous conversations and inclusive approaches to peacebuilding.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Gabon – Enseignement Supérieur : le Chef de l’État inaugure le pôle pédagogique CTRI et l’auditorium Pierre-Louis Agondjo Okawé à Université Omar Bongo Ondimba (UOBO)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Poursuivant sa série d’inaugurations consacrées à la modernisation des infrastructures universitaires, le Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, a procédé ce jour à l’inauguration du pôle pédagogique CTRI et de l’Auditorium Pierre-Louis Agondjo Okawé, à l’Université Omar Bongo Ondimba (UOB).

À son arrivée, le Chef de l’État a été accueilli par les doyens des différentes facultés, avant d’effectuer une visite guidée du nouveau pôle pédagogique CTRI.

Fruit d’un investissement de l’État gabonais, ce complexe à l’architecture résolument techno-futuriste constitue l’une des matérialisations de l’ambition présidentielle de bâtir une université gabonaise de troisième génération, davantage adaptée aux exigences de la formation, de l’innovation et de la compétitivité.

Le pôle pédagogique CTRI comprend notamment huit salles de cours, dix bureaux administratifs, une salle multimédia, un studio d’enregistrement pédagogique répondant aux normes du CAMES ainsi qu’une salle polyvalente entièrement équipée.

L’infrastructure intègre également des espaces dédiés à la vie étudiante et une unité de traitement des eaux. Grâce à ses capacités d’accueil et à une organisation permettant une utilisation rotative des espaces pédagogiques, le complexe pourra recevoir plus de 2 400 étudiants par jour.

Autre temps fort de cette journée, la réhabilitation de l’emblématique auditorium de l’Université Omar Bongo Ondimba, fermé depuis près de trois décennies.

Totalement rénové et désormais baptisé Auditorium Pierre-Louis Agondjo Okawé, en hommage à l’ancien doyen de la Faculté de droit et des sciences économiques et ancien bâtonnier de l’Ordre des avocats du Gabon. Cet espace retrouve aujourd’hui sa vocation au coeur de l’écosystème universitaire national.

Réalisé à 100 % sur financement de l’État gabonais, le projet porte sur une superficie de 1 800 m². La salle principale dispose désormais d’une capacité comprise entre 470 et 510 places assises et est complétée par une salle de réunion, des sanitaires hommes et femmes, des locaux techniques, deux salles d’attente, deux cabines destinées aux journalistes, une régie son et vidéo, un espace VIP, un sanitaire VIP, un bar pour cocktails ainsi qu’un salon présidentiel.

À travers cette réhabilitation, l’Université Omar Bongo Ondimba se dote d’un cadre moderne capable d’accueillir des conférences, colloques, cérémonies académiques et autres grands événements nationaux et internationaux.

La cérémonie a également été marquée par une séquence consacrée à la mémoire et à la transmission. Au nom de la famille Agondjo Okawé, le représentant de la famille a salué un geste qui, au-delà de la restauration d’un édifice, redonne sa pleine valeur à la mémoire nationale : « Vous redonnez à la mémoire nationale sa pleine valeur. La reconstruction d’une nation commence par le respect de ses anciens. Que cet auditorium soit à jamais le temple de la connaissance. »

Un film documentaire projeté au cours de la cérémonie a par ailleurs permis de mettre en lumière les investissements engagés dans le secteur de l’enseignement supérieur, en lien avec les piliers 2 et 4 du projet de société du Chef de l’État, consacrés notamment au développement des connaissances et des compétences de la jeunesse et à la transformation du pays.

Le documentaire a retracé les efforts engagés en matière de restauration, de modernisation, de restructuration, d’équipement pédagogique et informatique, ainsi que l’amélioration des conditions de vie des étudiants.

Ces investissements permettront notamment de renforcer les capacités d’accueil des universités du pays, avec la création de 3 500 places supplémentaires au sein de l’UOBO, de l’USS, du CUSS et de l’USTM. La restauration universitaire fait également partie de cette dynamique d’amélioration des conditions de vie estudiantine.

Par ailleurs, l’amélioration des voiries universitaires, l’équipement des salles de cours et le déploiement progressif des infrastructures numériques participent de cette transformation. L’objectif fixé est d’atteindre une couverture Wi-Fi de 100 % au sein des établissements concernés à partir de la mi-octobre 2026.

À travers ces réalisations, le Chef de l’État entend faire de l’enseignement supérieur un véritable levier de transformation économique et sociale, en créant les conditions nécessaires à l’émergence de nouvelles compétences et de nouvelles forces motrices capables de porter le développement du Gabon.

L’ambition est également de permettre au pays de construire ses propres écosystèmes d’innovation, afin de favoriser l’émergence d’une jeunesse mieux formée, davantage connectée aux réalités du monde et capable de contribuer pleinement à la transformation de l’économie nationale.

Le Chef de l’État a également poursuivi sa visite à travers le rectorat réhabilité, les espaces dédiés à la musique et les dortoirs, avant de se rendre au restaurant universitaire où il a échangé avec les étudiants sur leurs conditions de vie et d’études.

En marge de cette séquence consacrée à l’enseignement supérieur, le Chef de l’État s’est également rendu sur le chantier du futur boulevard de la Transition.

Long de plus de trois kilomètres, cet axe stratégique doit contribuer à améliorer la circulation et la mobilité dans cette partie de Libreville. Le Président de la République a pu apprécier l’état d’avancement du chantier et rappeler l’importance du respect des engagements pris pour la réalisation de cette infrastructure.

Le Chef de l’État réaffirme ainsi sa volonté de faire de la modernisation des infrastructures publiques, de l’amélioration du cadre universitaire et de l’investissement dans la jeunesse des priorités majeures de la transformation du Gabon.

De la restauration du patrimoine universitaire à la construction d’infrastructures modernes, l’action engagée vise un même objectif : donner à la jeunesse gabonaise les connaissances, les compétences et les conditions nécessaires pour bâtir un avenir à la hauteur des ambitions du Gabon.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

République centrafricaine – Quand les compétences construisent l’avenir : plus de 3 000 bénéficiaires transforment leur quotidien dans la Vakaga

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans la préfecture de la Vakaga, Nord-est de la Centrafrique, longtemps confrontée aux défis de l’insécurité, du chômage et de l’exclusion socio-économique, des milliers de femmes et de jeunes retrouvent aujourd’hui espoir grâce au Programme de Réduction de la Violence Communautaire (CVR). Mis en œuvre par la MINUSCA, à travers la Section Désarmement, Démobilisation et Réintégration (DDR), en partenariat avec l’UNOPS, ce programme contribue à renforcer la cohésion sociale et à offrir des perspectives durables aux populations les plus vulnérables.​

Le Programme de Réduction de la Violence Communautaire (CVR) vise à prévenir les facteurs pouvant alimenter les conflits en créant des opportunités économiques, en favorisant l’inclusion sociale et en renforçant la résilience des communautés. À travers des formations professionnelles, la réalisation d’infrastructures communautaires et l’accompagnement des bénéficiaires vers l’autonomie, il contribue à la consolidation de la paix dans plusieurs localités.Depuis 2021, plus de 3 000 personnes, dont 52 % de femmes, ont bénéficié de formations professionnelles dans des domaines variés tels que la maçonnerie, la menuiserie, la restauration, le commerce, l’agriculture et l’informatique. Grâce aux compétences acquises, nombre d’entre elles développent aujourd’hui des activités génératrices de revenus et participent activement à la vie économique de leurs communautés.​

Afin d’accompagner cette dynamique, un centre polyvalent a été construit à Birao entre 2021 et 2022. Véritable espace d’apprentissage, de formation et d’épanouissement, il a déjà accueilli plus de 1 500 bénéficiaires. D’autres infrastructures ont également été réalisées, notamment des centres de couture à Terfel et Bachama, ainsi qu’un restaurant communautaire à Birao.Par ailleurs, une salle de conférence-cinéma, une bibliothèque et un centre de transformation des produits locaux ont été construits à Birao entre 2025 et 2026 et sont en attente de leur remise officielle.​

Ces infrastructures contribueront à renforcer les capacités des bénéficiaires, à encourager les échanges communautaires et à favoriser la commercialisation de leurs produits.À Ouanda-Djalle, quatre nouvelles salles de classe d’un collège d’enseignement général ont également été construites et attendent leur inauguration. Ces nouvelles salles de classe ont été construites par des bénéficiaires de CVR formés courant 2023-2024 en maçonnerie et soudure.

Les résultats du programme sont également visibles dans les autres localités de la préfecture. À Am-Dafock, entre 2024 et 2026, plus de 400 personnes, dont plus de 100 femmes, ont été formées au jardinage, à la menuiserie et à la maçonnerie avec l’appui des Casques bleus des Nations Unies. À Ouanda-Djalle, plus de 600 bénéficiaires, dont plus de 200 femmes, ont suivi des formations en agriculture, élevage et maçonnerie depuis la première cohorte lancée en 2023.Au-delà des bénéfices économiques, ces initiatives favorisent également les échanges entre les communautés, renforcent le vivre-ensemble et offrent aux jeunes des perspectives alternatives aux facteurs de vulnérabilité susceptibles d’alimenter les tensions ou les conflits.

Des vies transformées​

Pour de nombreux bénéficiaires, ces formations ont marqué un véritable tournant.À Birao, Daoud Bourma Saley fait partie des bénéficiaires du Programme CVR 9. Après une formation de trois mois en informatique, elle est devenue monitrice et transmet aujourd’hui ses connaissances aux jeunes de sa communauté. « Avant cette formation, je ne maîtrisais pas l’outil informatique. Aujourd’hui, je suis capable de former d’autres jeunes à l’utilisation des ordinateurs et des logiciels tels que Word, Excel, Publisher et PowerPoint. Cette opportunité a changé ma vie et j’encourage les jeunes à saisir les chances qui leur sont offertes pour construire leur avenir », a-t-elle témoigné.​

Pour Fatime Karam, mère de sept enfants, la formation en restauration a ouvert la voie à l’autonomie financière. « Grâce au soutien de la MINUSCA, j’ai reçu une formation, du matériel de cuisine et un appui pour lancer mon activité. Aujourd’hui, mon restaurant me permet de nourrir ma famille et d’assurer la scolarité de mes enfants. Je suis fière d’avoir retrouvé mon indépendance et de contribuer aux besoins de mon foyer », explique-t-elle.​

Même satisfaction chez Faida Cherif, mère de quatre enfants, qui a bénéficié d’une formation en couture. « Lorsque j’ai commencé la formation, j’étais enceinte et je ne savais pas comment subvenir aux besoins de mon futur enfant. À la fin de la formation, j’ai reçu une machine à coudre et le matériel nécessaire pour démarrer mon activité. Aujourd’hui, les revenus que je tire de la couture me permettent de prendre en charge mes enfants et de payer leur scolarité », raconte-t-elle.Au-delà des chiffres, le Programme CVR permet à des milliers de femmes et de jeunes de retrouver leur dignité, de renforcer leur autonomie économique et de s’éloigner des facteurs de vulnérabilité susceptibles d’alimenter les conflits.​

Pour Julien Mpoyi, Chef de la Section DDR de la MINUSCA, l’impact du Programme va bien au-delà de la création d’activités génératrices de revenus : « Le véritable succès du Programme CVR réside dans les changements durables observés au sein des communautés. Aujourd’hui, des femmes deviennent financièrement autonomes, assurent la prise en charge de leurs familles et investissent dans l’éducation de leurs enfants. Des jeunes créent leurs propres activités, retrouvent confiance en eux et deviennent des acteurs du développement local. À travers les formations et les infrastructures mises en place, nous contribuons à renforcer la résilience des communautés, à promouvoir le vivre-ensemble et à offrir aux populations des espaces d’apprentissage, de dialogue et d’épanouissement. C’est ainsi que se construisent les fondations d’une paix durable dans la Vakaga ».​

Les parcours de Daoud, Fatime, Faida et de milliers d’autres bénéficiaires témoignent d’une réalité encourageante : lorsque les compétences rencontrent les opportunités, elles deviennent un puissant levier d’autonomisation, de cohésion sociale et de paix durable.​

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema inaugure un nouveau pôle universitaire à vocation régionale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Président de la République, Chef de l’Etat, Chef du Gouvernement et Grand-Croix de l’Ordre International des Palmes Académiques, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a procédé ce jeudi à l’inauguration de l’Université Internationale Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA du Cap Estérias.

Au-delà du renforcement des capacités d’accueil de l’Enseignement Supérieur, cette infrastructure porte une ambition stratégique, celle de former les compétences dont le Gabon a besoin, favoriser l’emploi et l’entrepreneuriat des jeunes et faire de la formation un levier de transformation économique.

Initié en 2008 sous l’impulsion de feu le Président Omar BONGO ONDIMBA puis interrompu pendant près de quinze ans, le projet a été relancé en 2024 sous l’impulsion du Président Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, permettant son aboutissement.

Édifiée sur 11 hectares, l’université comprend 14 bâtiments, dont des infrastructures pédagogiques, un amphithéâtre de 386 places, des résidences universitaires et un hôtel-restaurant destiné notamment à favoriser la formation pratique.

Près de 4 000 étudiants sont attendus dans une première phase, pour une capacité portée à terme à 12 000 étudiants. Les formations seront dispensées au sein de la Faculté des Sciences de l’Education, de l’Ecole Supérieure du Tourisme et de l’Institut Supérieur de Technologie.

Une attention particulière est ainsi accordée aux filières professionnalisantes,notamment dans les domaines de la technologie, du tourisme, de l’hôtellerie et de la restauration, afin de rapprocher davantage la formation des besoins du marché de l’emploi et de stimuler la création d’entreprises.

L’impact attendu dépasse le seul cadre universitaire. L’arrivée de milliers d’étudiants et d’enseignants devrait favoriser le développement du logement, des transports, du commerce, de la restauration et des services, créant ainsi de nouvelles opportunités économiques pour Akanda et les populations riveraines.

Par sa vocation internationale, l’établissement ambitionne également d’attirer des étudiants et des partenariats académiques venus d’Afrique et d’ailleurs, contribuant à positionner progressivement le Gabon comme un pôle régional de formation et de compétences en Afrique Centrale.

Avec cette nouvelle université, le Chef de l’Etat place ainsi le capital humain, l’employabilité et l’entrepreneuriat de la jeunesse au coeur de la transformation économique du Gabon.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

Media files

China seeks deeper AI cooperation with Global South

Source: Government of South Africa

China seeks deeper AI cooperation with Global South

Shanghai, China – China is seeking deeper cooperation with South Africa and other countries in the Global South to advance artificial intelligence (AI) development, strengthen scientific capacity and shape international AI governance.

Li Xiuquan, Director of the Key Science and Technology Fields Research Center at the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China, said open-source technologies, shared datasets and international capacity-building initiatives could make AI resources more accessible to developing countries.

Li made the remarks while addressing a parallel session at the High-Level Conference on International Cooperation in Open Science underway in Shanghai, China. 

The conference precedes the three-day 19th Pujian Innovation Forum in Shanghai, at which South Africa is the Country of Honour.

With a gross domestic product of around R13 trillion, the central east coast city is China’s economic superpower. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Prof Blade Nzimande, is leading a high-powered South African delegation at the gathering. The group includes scientists, researchers, innovators and senior government officials. 

“It is a period of transformative change. Going forward, more and more industries will undergo profound transformation as technology continues to evolve,” Li said.

He identified scientific research as one of the fields that could benefit substantially from the technology because of AI’s ability to process complex and multidimensional information.

“Going forward, the development of AI will undoubtedly drive scientific progress and produce increasingly innovative results,” he said.

Li said China viewed cooperation with countries in the Global South as an important component of its international AI programme. This includes exchanges involving Chinese researchers, United Nations institutions and participating countries.

“Through international forums, we have conducted various South–South exchange programmes involving teams from China, the United Nations and partner countries, with a focus on strengthening AI capacity. We have also conducted numerous exchange programmes under the Belt and Road Initiative, targeting the Global South,” he said. 

China has released a Belt and Road Initiative AI Innovation Action Plan and a three-year programme focusing on AI, human resources and science and technology capacity-building in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries.

The country was also pursuing international collaboration in areas such as unmanned systems, intelligent equipment and intelligent societies.

Open innovation, Li said, was one of the four fundamental principles underpinning China’s approach to AI development.

“China’s approach to AI innovation and development encourages open-source collaboration. We also encourage Chinese AI industries to participate in AI governance,” he said.

Chinese research teams had released leading AI products and models distinguished by their efficiency and comparatively low energy consumption, Li said.

“More importantly, these research teams are making their models open source and available to the rest of the world. China is a global leader in this field, and Chinese products have become an important driving force in AI development.”

Access to data was another central part of this approach. Li said approximately 30 000 datasets had been made publicly available for use by AI institutions and government agencies.

“We have established different types of open-source, publicly accessible datasets for training AI models.”

He stressed, however, that technological development has to be accompanied by safeguards addressing the risks associated with AI.

“Security and development must advance in tandem. That is why we have introduced governance rules for new-generation AI, principles for responsible AI, ethical guidelines for new-generation AI and interim regulations governing generative AI services.”

He said governments needed industry-specific measures that addressed both the immediate and longer-term challenges arising from the expanding use of AI.

Li also called for developing countries to participate in shaping an inclusive international governance system instead of remaining passive recipients of AI technology.

“China believes it must contribute more to the establishment of a global AI governance architecture. At this stage, AI development is becoming more difficult and demanding, creating a greater need for collaborative cooperation. Stakeholders must work together to guide the development of AI,” he added.

Li invited participating countries to deepen exchanges and share practical experience. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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