Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

“We knew Ebola was in Congo and Uganda not much more than that,” said Dekens Okoth Ojera, member of the Busia Cross Border Women Traders Sacco, which has 257 registered members. “We were not equipped or aware of how to handle it if it reached us, or sure that anything was being done.”

Kenya has recorded no case of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. But transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has not stopped, while thousands of people cross Kenya’s western border every day. Uganda’s outbreak was declared over on 26 August 2026, but movement of people and goods across the region continues.

Busia sits on the Northern Corridor, the trade route running from Mombasa through Uganda to Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. More than 3,000 people cross here daily, alongside freight moving to and from the region. That constant movement makes border workers and communities an important part of Kenya’s early warning system.

In August, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, with support from WHO and the International Organization for Migration, trained 35 health workers and engaged 45 border stakeholders from three priority points of entry: the Busia and Malaba One-Stop Border Posts in Busia county, and Lwakhakha in Bungoma county. 

The first day focused entirely on border stakeholders, including youth representatives, traders, truck drivers, and other community and institutional actors working at the crossing. Participants learned how to recognize the signs and symptoms of Ebola disease virus, apply suspect case definitions, and report suspected cases and contacts.They also received training on risk communication, with a focus on addressing misinformation and ensuring that communities receive accurate information early during an outbreak.

“The people who work at this border see travellers long before we do. When a trader notices someone who is unwell and knows exactly who to call, that is early detection. It has to work in the other direction too. When communities have questions or fears, we need to hear them quickly,” said Oliver Atsing’a a port health officer at Kenya National Public Health Insitute.

Participants used the session to make commitments of their own. Women traders operating in the border market undertook to reinstate and maintain handwashing points, and invited port health staff to their weekly Tuesday meetings so that information keeps moving in both directions. Youth representatives committed to carrying key messages to their peers.

“We are in this market every day. If someone is sick, we see it before anybody at the office does. What we needed was to know who to call.” said Mr David Omondi Olong’o, a clearing agent based at Busia One-Stop Border Post

Over the following four days, health workers from the three points of entry and Busia Sub-County Hospital moved through the full response chain, from early detection and surveillance to contact tracing, case management and specimen collection, packaging and transport. They also practised infection prevention and control, including handwashing, donning and doffing personal protective equipment, and safe and dignified burial.

The workshop also exposed gaps that still need to be addressed. At Busia One-Stop Border Post, screening of small-scale traders currently runs from 08:00 to 18:00, staffed by county government health personnel with support from the Kenya Red Cross. Night-time screening remains a gap, driven by staff numbers rather than capability. Traders and youth representatives recommended that Busia move to round-the-clock screening, with qualified personnel available at any hour.

Each border crossing left the workshop with its own preparedness and response work plan. Participants also called for refresher training and simulation exercises every quarter, rather than only when an outbreak is under way. Participants are now cascading key messages into their communities, strengthening early detection and reporting along Kenya’s western border.

– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

In Mobaye, Central African Republic, women are gradually turning their savings into projects for themselves and their families. Business, agriculture, livestock farming or their children’s education, the choices are theirs.

When Henriette Yambata received 38,000 CFA francs (approximately USD 67) after several months of saving, she knew exactly what she wanted to do with it. Part of the money would go towards paying school fees for her two children. Another part would help strengthen her business and support her household’s economic activities.

In Mobaye, in the south of the Central African Republic, this amount is the result of savings organized collectively by women. For those with limited resources, having money safely saved and being able to access it when needed creates very practical opportunities: covering a major expense, supporting a business or turning a project into reality.

Much more than savings

Through the SEDOUTI Project (“Well-being” in Sango), whose full title is “Improving the Security Environment and Consolidating Peace through the Community-Based Reintegration of Former Combatants in the Central African Republic”, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, UN Women supports 13 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Mobaye, bringing together 350 community members.

In the Nzakara neighbourhood, members of Ye Ti Maboko, which means “The Fruit of One’s Hands” in the local language, each set aside 500 CFA francs (approximately USD 0.90) every week. By the end of their first savings cycle, they had accumulated nearly 600,000 CFA francs (approximately USD 1,060).

Behind this collective amount lie very different choices.

Djamila Mahamat used to sell doughnuts. With the 46,000 CFA francs (approximately USD 81) she received, she expanded her business and started developing a catering activity. Elisabeth Yeti devoted 70,000 CFA francs (approximately USD 124) to cultivating maize, cassava and rice.

Kaltouma Moustapha turned to poultry and duck farming. Florence Passera, for her part, used some of her 50,000 CFA francs (approximately USD 88) to repay debts, while her personal savings enabled her to cover her children’s school fees.

As Marceline Keba, a member of Ye Ti Maboko, explains, savings are not just about the money set aside.

“We have learned to save together and keep our money secure. Today, we have greater confidence in ourselves and we can consider projects that we could not finance before.”

The women also speak of greater participation in household decision-making and stronger solidarity within their groups. Their regular meetings allow them to share experiences, discuss their plans and find solutions together.

Women at the heart of Mobaye’s recovery

The SEDOUTI Project goes beyond savings groups. It combines support for women’s economic initiatives, psychosocial support, social cohesion and the promotion of more equitable relationships between women and men.

In Mobaye, the next step is called Da Ti SEDOUTI (“The Well-being House”). Already built and equipped with four agro-processing machines, it is intended to support the development of women’s economic activities. Women also wish to participate in its long-term management through the Local Management Committee that has already been established and to make it a lasting asset for future generations of women entrepreneurs in Mobaye.

This ambition builds on what is already taking shape within the savings groups. Henriette, Marceline, Djamila, Elisabeth, Kaltouma and Florence are making choices, developing their projects and strengthening the bonds between them. Through Da Ti SEDOUTI, women also intend to play a role in managing a space that serves their community.

In a town still marked by the consequences of crises, recovery is also being built with women. To build Mobaye’s future, they will be there.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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On September 8, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the homecoming ceremony for two members of the Japan’s international peace cooperation contingent who had been dispatched as 17th headquarters staff to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) (Major IWASAKI Shuji and Major KIKUCHI Shogo).

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI expressed his gratitude and respect to the two individuals of 17th for their hard work, which embodied Japan’s friendship and assistance to South Sudan. He also wishes their future success.

(Reference)

Japan has been dispatching the staff officers to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) since November 2011. Currently, four individuals are working as information analysis, logistics, engineering, and aviation operations staff officers and one member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is serving as Force Chief of Staff at the UNMISS Headquarters in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO – Report:

On September 8, from 2:15 pm for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Hon. Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Minister of State in the President’s Office, Planning and Investments, who was visiting Japan leading a Tanzanian public-private investment mission.

1. At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI noted that Japan and Tanzania had traditionally enjoyed excellent relations, and with Tanzania serving as a gateway to East Africa, Japanese companies had high expectations and strong interest in investing, and that he intended to use this visit as an opportunity to boost momentum for promoting investment.
2. In response, Minister of State Mkumbo expressed his gratitude for the long-standing amicable bilateral relationship and for Japan’s development cooperation, and stated that he visited Japan for the purpose of promoting trade and investment in Tanzania, adding that he looked forward to further investment from Japanese companies into the Tanzanian market.
3. In addition, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI requested that the Tanzanian side address the challenges faced by Japanese companies regarding the business environment in Tanzania, with a view to facilitating the entry of Japanese companies into the Tanzanian market. In response, Minister Mkumbo stated that he was aware of the interest and concerns of Japanese companies and that he would make every effort to improve the business environment.​

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO – Report:

President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a five-member Independent Fiscal Council, charging it with providing credible, objective, and non-partisan oversight of the nation’s fiscal policy.

At a brief ceremony at the Presidency on Tuesday, President Mahama said the Council’s oversight is vital to sustaining economic reforms, restoring investor confidence, driving inclusive growth, and improving public service delivery.

“Your responsibility is to scrutinise the Government’s fiscal decisions, assess compliance with established rules, and provide sound recommendations in the national interest,” the president stated, adding that public demand for transparency and prudent financial management is higher than ever.

“Fiscal responsibility must not be regarded merely as a statutory requirement; it is a moral obligation to present and future generations,” he noted. “Your work must be guided by evidence and the national interest, without fear, favour, or political consideration.”

Backed by the Public Financial Management (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1136), the Fiscal Council will enforce fiscal discipline, safeguard long-term debt sustainability, and enhance the credibility of public financial management.

The council, which will serve a four-year term, is chaired by Dr Emmanuel Oteng Kumah, an international economic consultant and former Board Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana.

Other members include Dr Henry Akpenamawu Kofi Wampah, a former Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Professor Patrick Opoku Asuming, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana Business School; Leslie Dwight Mensah, Economist and Policy Analyst; and J. Kweku Bedu-Addo, a Public Policy Expert.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and club administrators to collaborate urgently to raise the standard of domestic football and revive the defunct Colts League.

Speaking during a courtesy call by a joint delegation from Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC, Nations FC, and Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC, President Mahama expressed deep concern over the declining quality of the local league.

“We are too quick to sell our players. As soon as a player shows promise, scouts take him away, mostly to Europe, and that depletes the quality of our local league,” the President stated.

“We must find a way to keep our talented players longer, give them opportunities in the national team, allow them to gain international experience, and then let them move abroad after they have matured.”

He also questioned the neglect of grassroots development, asking about the state of youth football in the country: “I do not know what happened to it, so I want to ask the Football Association: what has happened to the Colts League?”

President Mahama advocated for equal attention and deliberate investment in women’s football, pointing out that female teams have brought more glory to the nation despite receiving less financial backing.

“Our women have won more trophies for us than the men, and yet we put all the money into men’s football,” he noted. “In the spirit of affirmative action, we must support women’s football and help bring the women’s teams up.”

He pledged to increase allocations to the Sports Development Fund once it becomes fully operational, ensuring sustained investment across all sporting disciplines nationwide.

To demonstrate support for Ghanaian teams representing the nation in Africa, the president presented a combined financial token of GHS 684,000 to the three visiting clubs.

Medeama SC received GH¢S 342,000 to support their ongoing CAF Champions League campaign ahead of their critical second-leg preliminary clash against Congolese giants TP Mazembe on Saturday, 12 September.

Nations FC received GHS 228,000 to boost preparations for their CAF Confederation Cup fixture against FC Diarra.

Ampem Darkoa Ladies FC received GHS 114,000 to support their continental ambitions in women’s football.

Senior executives and officials from the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Ghana Football Association, and the National Sports Authority (NSA) attended the meeting.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Dr Patrick Herminie and First Lady Veronique Herminie attended the funeral service of the late Mr Alexander Pierre at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Victoria

President Herminie expressed his sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr Pierre and thanked them for the opportunity to pay his last respects.

In his tribute, President Herminie described Mr Pierre as a man who had an immense love for his country and its people, and who always had the future of Seychelles at heart, beyond political considerations.

The President also spoke of his close personal relationship with Mr Pierre, particularly during his time as President of United Seychelles, describing him as a dear friend with whom he had shared a strong and lasting bond over the years.

“I will miss my friend. We fought the biggest battle together, but sadly he has lost the battle, fighting for his life,” President Herminie said, expressing his deep personal sorrow at the loss of his friend.

President Herminie extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and all those who mourn the passing of Mr Alexander Pierre.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Harvard-trained lawyer and academic Dr Abdul-Baasit Aziz-Bamba as Acting Director-General of the Value for Money Office.

The appointment was announced Tuesday in an official statement signed by the Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP).

The office was established following the passage of the Value for Money Office Act, 2026 (Act 1172), signed into law by President Mahama in May. The legislative mandate empowers the agency to enforce prudent public spending, eliminate financial waste, and ensure all government expenditures deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to the public.

Dr Aziz-Bamba brings over 16 years of legal practice and consulting experience to the role. Before his appointment he served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law.

He is the founder and Managing Partner of Azizbamba & Associates. He has built a strong reputation as a prominent legal mind and public policy consultant.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.