Category: Africa

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Studia Inc strengthens its African expansion and concludes a strategic partnership with D.IA Advisory to accelerate the local deployment of its civil registration solutions

Source: APO

Building on the digitisation of nearly 10 million civil registration records in Madagascar, Studia Inc (https://STD-Inc.mg) now possesses proven operational capacity to process, structure, and secure massive volumes of critical data — the indispensable foundation for any digital identity strategy. The modernisation of civil registration has become a priority for states. In this context, Studia Inc stands out through its complete mastery of its core business: the industrial digitisation of civil registers, including in complex environments characterised by degraded, dispersed, or difficult-to-use archives.

The figures are unambiguous: according to the UNICEF report The Right Start in Life (December 2024), only 51% of children under 5 are registered in sub-Saharan Africa — a region that alone accounts for half of the world’s 90 million children without legal identity. The situation is even more critical in East and Central Africa, where the rate falls to 41%. Without significant acceleration, the continent could have more than 100 million unregistered children by 2030. These individuals remain invisible to the state, without access to fundamental rights or public services.

Technological expertise at the service of data reliability

Studia Inc, specialised in high-volume data digitisation and indexing, is establishing itself as a leading player in this field. As part of the national EC-MADA programme in Madagascar, the company conducted the inventory, digitisation, and indexing of nearly 10 million civil registration records, mobilising 500 people over 7 months — 70,000 person-days — to cover 1,695 communes across 11 priority regions, reaching the most isolated areas of the territory through autonomous mobile units equipped with satellite connectivity and solar energy.

Studia Inc’s approach is built on the integration of artificial intelligence at the heart of digitisation processes. Its specialised OCR models enable the automated extraction of complex handwritten data and the intelligent segmentation of registers into exploitable records. A blind double-entry mechanism — combining algorithmic processing with independent human validation — guarantees a high level of reliability, consistent with the requirements of national identity systems. This combination of AI speed, human rigour, and mobile deployment makes it possible to operate at scale where the urgency is greatest, before this identity heritage disappears.

A partnership built on complementary expertise

The partnership with D.IA Advisory, a digital services company based in Senegal, is built on a clear division of roles. Studia Inc retains full responsibility for digitisation and indexing operations — its core business. D.IA Advisory provides support on local integration and deployment: integrating data into existing information systems, ensuring interoperability with national platforms, adapting to regulatory frameworks and data sovereignty requirements, and supporting institutions. This structure ensures both a high level of technical expertise and effective execution close to local realities.

« Our expertise is built on mastering large-scale digitisation of civil registration records, with exacting standards for data quality and reliability. This partnership with D.IA Advisory strengthens our capacity to deploy our solutions across diverse local environments. » Jean-Claude Fioravanti — CEO, Studia Inc

« Our role is to ensure the fluid and lasting integration of solutions into existing systems, taking into account local institutional and regulatory specificities. » Abdoulaye Dia — Founder, D.IA Advisory

By combining core expertise, operational capacity, and local presence, this partnership aims to concretely support African governments in modernising their civil registers, while contributing to the development of reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital identity infrastructures.

At the ID4Africa 2026 Summit (12–15 May 2026, Abidjan Exhibition Centre, Côte d’Ivoire), both partners will present their shared vision and the solutions developed for states and institutions across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Studia Inc..

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A Studia Inc reforça a sua expansão em África e conclui uma parceria estratégica com a D.IA Advisory para acelerar a implantação local das suas soluções de registo civil

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Com base na digitalização de quase 10 milhões de actos de registo civil em Madagascár, a Studia Inc (https://STD-Inc.mg) dispõe hoje de uma capacidade operacional comprovada para tratar, estruturar e garantir a fiabilidade de volumes massivos de dados críticos — base indispensável para qualquer estratégia de identidade digital. A modernização do registo civil impõe-se como uma prioridade para os Estados. Neste contexto, a Studia Inc distingue-se pelo domínio completo do seu núcleo de actividade: a digitalização industrial dos registos civis, incluindo em ambientes complexos caracterizados por arquivos degradados, dispersos ou de difícil utilização.

Os números são inequívocos: segundo o relatório The Right Start in Life da UNICEF (dezembro de 2024), apenas 51% das crianças menores de 5 anos estão registadas na África subsariana — uma região que por si só representa metade dos 90 milhões de crianças sem identidade legal no mundo. A situação é ainda mais crítica na África Oriental e Central, onde a taxa desce para 41%. Sem uma aceleração significativa, o continente poderá ter mais de 100 milhões de crianças não registadas até 2030. Estes indivíduos permanecem invisíveis aos olhos do Estado, sem acesso a direitos fundamentais nem a serviços públicos.

Experiência tecnológica ao serviço da fiabilidade dos dados

A Studia Inc, especializada na digitalização e indexação de dados de grande volume, afirma-se como um actor de referência neste domínio. No âmbito do programa nacional EC-MADA em Madagascár, a empresa conduziu o inventário, a digitalização e a indexação de perto de 10 milhões de actos de registo civil, mobilizando 500 pessoas durante 7 meses — 70 000 dias-pessoa — para cobrir 1 695 comunas em 11 regiões prioritárias, até às áreas mais isoladas do território, através de unidades móveis autónomas equipadas com conectividade por satélite e energia solar.

A abordagem da Studia Inc assenta na integração da inteligência artificial no cerne dos processos de digitalização. Os seus modelos de OCR especializados permitem a extração automatizada de dados manuscritos complexos e a segmentação inteligente dos registos em actos exploráveis. Um dispositivo de dupla entrada cega — combinando tratamento algorítmico e validação humana independente — garante um elevado nível de fiabilidade, conforme com as exigências dos sistemas de identidade nacionais. Esta combinação — velocidade da IA, rigor humano, implantação móvel — permite operar à grande escala onde a urgência é maior, antes que este património identitário desapareça.

Uma parceria estruturada em torno da complementaridade das experiências

A parceria com a D.IA Advisory, empresa de serviços digitais sediada no Senegal, assenta numa repartição clara de funções. A Studia Inc mantém a plena responsabilidade pelas operações de digitalização e indexação — núcleo da sua actividade. A D.IA Advisory intervem em apoio nas dimensões de integração local e implementação: integração dos dados nos sistemas de informação existentes, interoperabilidade com as plataformas nacionais, adaptação aos quadros regulamentares e às exigências de soberania dos dados, e apoio às instituições. Esta organização garante simultaneamente um elevado nível de especialização técnica e uma execução eficaz próxima das realidades locais.

« A nossa experiência assenta no domínio da digitalização em larga escala dos registos civis, com padrões rigorosos de qualidade e fiabilidade dos dados. Esta parceria com a D.IA Advisory reforça a nossa capacidade de implementar as nossas soluções em ambientes locais diversificados. » Jean-Claude Fioravanti — Director-Geral, Studia Inc

« O nosso papel é garantir uma integração fluida e durável das soluções nos sistemas existentes, tendo em conta as especificidades institucionais e regulamentares locais. » Abdoulaye Dia — Fundador, D.IA Advisory

Ao combinar experiência de base, capacidade operacional e presença local, esta parceria visa apoiar concretamente os governos africanos na modernização dos seus registos civis, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de infra-estruturas de identidade digital fiáveis, inclusivas e duradouras.

Por ocasião da Cúpula ID4Africa 2026 (12–15 de maio de 2026, Centro de Exposições de Abidjã, Costa do Marfim), os dois parceiros apresentarão a sua visão comum e as soluções desenvolvidas para os Estados e instituições do continente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Studia Inc..

CONTACTOS DE IMPRENSA:
JEAN-CLAUDE FIORAVANTI
Director-Geral — Studia Inc
jean-claude.fioravanti@studia.fr
+261 38 49 138 00  (WhatsApp)

ABDOULAYE DIA
D.IA Advisory
adia@dia-advisory.com
+33 7 82 35 31 30 
+221 78 961 80 95

Sobre a Studia Inc:
A Studia Inc é especializada na digitalização, indexação e valorização de dados complexos e voluminosos. Acompanha as instituições públicas e privadas nos seus projectos de transformação digital, nomeadamente no domínio do registo civil, propondo soluções inovadoras, seguras e adaptadas aos desafios da soberania dos dados. www.Studia.fr

Sobre a D.IA Advisory:
A D.IA Advisory é uma empresa senegalesa de serviços digitais especializada em consultoria estratégica e na implantação de soluções digitais em África. Acompanha as organizações públicas e privadas na concepção e implementação de projectos tecnológicos com elevado impacto social e institucional. www.DIA-Advisory.com

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Ghana’s fuel payment strategy works for now: how to fix longer term problems

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ishmael Tingbani, Associate Professor in Accounting, University of Southampton

Ghana introduced a new payment arrangement for petroleum imports in 2023, using gold instead of scarce US dollars. The policy was designed to ease pressure on the cedi by reducing the need for upfront dollar purchases to settle fuel import bills.

In an import-dependent economy, rising demand for US dollars usually weakens the domestic currency. Importers must exchange local currency for dollars. As the local currency loses value, the local cost of imports rises, driving inflation.

Ghana’s petroleum-for-gold strategy delivered short-term benefits. It reduced immediate demand for foreign exchange, supported relative stability in the cedi and contributed to moderating fuel price pressures and inflation.

The country is still vulnerable to global oil price shocks, however. That has become evident with the latest surge in oil prices triggered by instability in the Middle East. For oil-importing economies such as Ghana, geopolitical risks like this translate directly into higher fuel import costs and greater pressure on foreign-exchange reserves.

I am a scholar who has served as a technical adviser to Ghana’s Ministry of Energy and major oil firms. This article argues that Ghana’s current stabilisation measures are helping to manage short-term pressure, but they have not removed the country’s exposure to oil shocks. That matters because temporary relief should not be mistaken for structural reform.

The structural gaps are limited refining capacity, weak storage infrastructure and an underdeveloped downstream petroleum sector.

As long as these constraints remain, oil shocks will continue to transmit quickly into the exchange rate, inflation and the broader economy.

What’s working

Ghana is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, with output exceeding 120 tonnes annually.

The creation of the Ghana Gold Board, under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 Act 1140, improves the state’s ability to mobilise gold through official channels. This is not a solution to Ghana’s energy problem. But it is a more credible stabilisation strategy than relying on politically driven fuel price interventions and implicit subsidies. Those strategies, seen in earlier periods, contributed to fiscal losses and market distortions.

Inflation has eased significantly over the past year, falling from peak levels in 2023 to around 3%-4% in early 2026. Fuel prices have moderated, with pump prices declining by over 20% year-on-year in Febuary 2026. This indicates that short term pressures are being managed.

But relief is not reform. Policies such as gold-for-oil cannot eliminate Ghana’s dependence on imported refined fuels.

The gaps

Ghana’s vulnerability to global oil shocks stems from the structure of its energy system. Despite producing crude from offshore fields such as Jubilee, TEN and Sankofa-Gye Nyame, the country remains heavily dependent on imported refined fuels priced and settled in US dollars. That mismatch ties the domestic economy directly to global oil markets.

In practice, this dependence is substantial. Domestic refining meets only a small share of demand, with roughly 72% of refined petroleum products supplied through imports in recent years. In other words, most of the fuel actually consumed in the economy is sourced from international markets rather than processed locally, reinforcing the country’s reliance on foreign currency.

These imports are concentrated in a few critical products that underpin everyday economic activity. Diesel accounts for the largest share, used extensively in transport, logistics, construction and backup power generation. Petrol (gasoline) supports road transport, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is widely used for household cooking and some commercial purposes. In effect, Ghana’s import bill is not abstract. It underwrites the economy’s core energy needs, from moving goods and people to powering businesses and households.

This dependency on imports is driven by three factors.

  • Limited refining capacity. Ghana’s ability to process crude oil domestically is constrained by the limited and unreliable operation of its main refining asset, the Tema Oil Refinery. Although installed capacity exists, it has operated intermittently for years due to financial constraints, maintenance challenges and operational inefficiencies.

But expanding domestic refining capacity on its own won’t insulate Ghana from price dynamics. Domestic fuel prices remain linked to international benchmarks, meaning global oil shocks would continue to pass through to inflation.

Where refining could make a difference is on the financing side. It would lower demand for US dollars.

  • Weak storage infrastructure. Ghana has limited strategic storage capacity for petroleum products, reducing its ability to build reserves and manage supply over time. The country must rely on frequent imports to meet demand, increasing exposure to external supply and financing shocks.

  • An underdeveloped downstream petroleum sector. Beyond refining and storage, inefficiencies in the movement and sale of petroleum products constrain how effectively supply is managed within the domestic market. Distribution remains fragmented across importers, bulk distributors and retail outlets, with limited coordination and logistical bottlenecks in transportation and depot infrastructure. Regulatory rigidities in pricing and market participation further reduce flexibility. As a result, even when supply is available, it is not always efficiently allocated, and global price shocks are transmitted quickly and with limited buffering through the domestic economy.

What needs to be done

Four priorities now stand out.

First, recent gains must be consolidated through continued macroeconomic discipline and a firm avoidance of policy reversals.

Second, foreign-exchange buffers should be strengthened to better absorb future oil-price shocks and contain exchange-rate pressures.

Third, gold and foreign exchange strategies need to be integrated so that gold mobilisation directly reinforces external liquidity.

Finally, dependence on downstream imports must be reduced through credible investment in refining, storage and broader energy infrastructure.

The real test of Ghana’s fuel strategy is not whether it can withstand a single episode of oil-market volatility, but whether today’s stabilisation measures can be converted into a more resilient energy system.

– Ghana’s fuel payment strategy works for now: how to fix longer term problems
– https://theconversation.com/ghanas-fuel-payment-strategy-works-for-now-how-to-fix-longer-term-problems-281076

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Minister announces withdrawal of draft AI Policy

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister announces withdrawal of draft AI Policy

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has announced the withdrawal of the Draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy following an internal process.

“Following revelations that the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy published for public comment contains various fictitious sources in its reference list, we initiated internal questions, which have now confirmed that this was the case. 

“This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy. As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy,” the Minister said.

The draft AI policy was approved by Cabinet on 25 March 2026 (combined with the Special Sitting of Cabinet on 01 April 2026), for public comment. In the Government Gazette dated 10 April, the public had until 10 June 2026 to comment on the bill.

The document extends the initial AI policy framework by embedding principles of intergenerational equity, ensuring that AI-driven innovation prioritises the well-being of current and future generations.

Speaking at the launch of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) lab and a Centre of Specialisation in Mpumalanga for artisan training earlier this month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the government is developing a comprehensive response through the policy. He added at the time that the policy will establish national priorities, norms, and sector-specific strategies across manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, transport, and trade.

On Sunday, Minister Malatsi said the withdrawal comes as South Africans deserve better.

“The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa ‘s digital policy environment. The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification.

“This should not have happened. In fact, this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical. It’s a lesson we take with humility. I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves. There will be consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Ambassador Yin Chengwu Delivers a Lecture at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute of Liberia

Source: APO


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On April 24, Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, delivered a lecture entitled “How the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) proposed by China could benefit developing countries”, at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute(FSI) of Liberia. More than 100 people attended, including Hon. Reginald Goodridge, Director General of the FSI, H.E. George Wallace, H.E. Olubanke King-Akerele, H.E. Monie R.Captan, former Liberian Foreign Ministers and other former high-level officials, as well as current officials and trainees.

Yin introduced the development process and key connotations of the BRI, as well as the fruitful results of China-Africa and China-Liberia Belt and Road cooperation, elaborating on how the BRI benefits developing countries in areas such as economic development and global governance. Yin stated that China will further implement the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC) and promote China-Liberia high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to a new level during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period. Yin also answered questions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

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Eritrea: World Malaria Control Day Observed at National Level

Source: APO


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World Malaria Control Day, 25 April, was observed at the national level in Embaderho, Serejeka sub-zone, under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”

Ms. Himan Woldegergis, representing the sub-zonal administration, said that as a result of the strong efforts being exerted, the prevalence of malaria has significantly declined.

Mr. Kibreab Tesfamicael, head of malaria control and follow-up at the Ministry of Health branch, said that as part of the effort to eradicate malaria worldwide from 2016 to 2030, strong efforts have been exerted in Eritrea since 2018. He called for reinforced participation by the public and partners to fully eradicate malaria.

Mr. Kibreab also said that malaria infections worldwide from 2000 to 2024 numbered 2.3 billion, with 14 million deaths, 95% of which occurred in Africa.

At the event, activity reports were presented by heads of health stations, as well as village health representatives.

World Malaria Control Day was observed for the 19th time at the global and national levels.

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

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Vantage Capital Invests $45 Million in International Group for Modern Coatings (MIDO), a Leading Egypt-Based Specialty Paints and Coatings Manufacturer

Source: APO

Vantage Capital (www.VantageCapital.co.za), Africa’s largest mezzanine debt fund manager, has provided $45 million of mezzanine debt funding to the International Group for Modern Coatings (“MIDO”), a leading Egyptian manufacturer of specialty paints and coatings. This transaction marks Vantage Capital’s third investment in Egypt and is among the largest mezzanine debt transactions in the country’s history. The proceeds will be used for debt refinancing and working capital funding, which will enable MIDO to unlock its production capacity.

Founded in 1979 by Dr. Aly Ghaly, MIDO has grown into one of the leading specialty coatings manufacturers in Africa. The company produces a highly diversified portfolio of over 1,200 SKUs spanning automotive refinish paints & coatings, wood coatings, unsaturated & saturated polyester resins, adhesives, and other industrial products, serving customers across Egypt and the rest of Africa. MIDO operates two state-of-the-art, vertically integrated manufacturing facilities in Alexandria, encompassing a total area of 47,100 sqm and a combined production capacity of over 100,000 tonnes per annum. These facilities include dedicated production lines for paints and coatings, proprietary in-house resin production and tin can packaging capabilities.

MIDO generates revenues across more than 50 countries, with Africa as its primary export market, complemented by a presence in the GCC, Europe, Asia, and the United States. The company benefits from deep, long-standing relationships with local and export distribution partners. MIDO has further strengthened its global credentials through private label and co-manufacturing partnerships with world-leading coatings players, including Nippon Paints, Kansai Paints, and Yatu Paints. Underpinning this broad commercial reach is a dynamic in-house R&D and quality control function.

MIDO’s management team will continue to lead the business following the transaction, combining deep institutional knowledge with broad functional expertise. Dr. Aly Ghaly, the company’s founder, having guided MIDO’s development from a small local workshop into a fully integrated, export-oriented industrial platform, continues to serve as Chairman. Ramy Galal, a member of the founding family and a 20-year veteran of the business, continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer.

The transaction is expected to drive meaningful economic and social impact across Egypt and the broader African continent. By unlocking MIDO’s production capacity, Vantage Capital’s investment will directly support the generation of hard currency inflows into Egypt while creating skilled employment across manufacturing, R&D, sales, and logistics, contributing to job creation and skills development in Alexandria and beyond. By substituting imported specialty coatings with high-quality, locally manufactured alternatives, the transaction further supports Egypt’s industrial self-sufficiency and strengthens its position as a leading export-oriented manufacturer in the region.

“Over nearly five decades, we have built MIDO into a business that competes on technical complexity, product quality, and the breadth of its offering across a diverse range of markets,” said Ramy Galal, CEO of MIDO. “Our key differentiators are our manufacturing infrastructure, R&D capabilities, distribution relationships, and strong brand equity. Vantage Capital’s funding now gives us the firepower to unlock substantial latent capacity in our facilities and accelerate both our local and export growth ambitions. We are proud to partner with a firm that understood our business, shared our long-term vision, and delivered on very tight execution timelines.”

Omar Gharbawi, Associate Partner at Vantage Capital, noted, “MIDO is a case in point of a successful, homegrown pan-African industrial platform. Management has built the company from the ground up into one of Egypt’s top three specialty coatings players, with products now sold in more than 50 countries. Through some of the most challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds, the business has demonstrated remarkable resilience, underpinned by strong fundamentals and deep industry expertise. We believe MIDO is only beginning to realise its full potential, and we are delighted to back Ramy Galal, Dr. Aly Ghaly, and the wider leadership team as they embark on this next phase of growth.”

The transaction represents Vantage Capital’s 41st investment across four generations of mezzanine funds, with its portfolio now spread across 11 countries in Africa. Warren van der Merwe, Managing Partner at Vantage Capital, added, “Egypt is one of the most important markets on the African continent — a nation of over 120 million people with a deep industrial base, a highly educated workforce, and a growing role in African trade. This transaction, which is among the largest mezzanine debt deals ever completed in Egypt, reflects our conviction in the country’s potential and our commitment to backing its strongest entrepreneurs and businesses. MIDO exemplifies precisely the type of company we seek to support: founder-led, technically sophisticated, internationally oriented, and with a clear and executable growth agenda. We are proud to play a role in its continued success.”

Matouk Bassiouny and Werksmans acted as legal counsel to Vantage. Adsero acted as legal counsel to MIDO. PwC Middle East, Emerton, and SLR were also members of Vantage’s consortium of advisors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vantage Capital Group.

For more information contact:
Omar Gharbawi                                                           
Associate Partner                                                         
omar@vantagemezzanine.com                                

Cherine Matar
Senior Associate
cherine@vantagemezzanine.com

About Vantage Capital:
Founded in 2001, Vantage Capital is an Africa-focused fund manager with funds raised in excess of $1.6 billion. Since 2006, Vantage’s Mezzanine debt division has completed 41 investments across four successive funds spanning 11 African countries, making it the largest independent mezzanine funder on the continent. Vantage’s GreenX division has made 17 senior debt investments into South African solar and wind energy projects across three funds. Vantage’s education-focused investment platform, Vantage Best in Class, has launched 3 Maple Bear schools in Poland and a further 3 schools in Czechia, with 250 students currently enrolled.

Vantage targets mezzanine debt opportunities of $10–50 million across more than twelve key African markets. Mezzanine debt is an intermediate form of risk capital situated between senior debt and equity, combining elements of both to provide companies with long-term funding solutions that are less dilutive than pure equity.

Website: www.VantageCapital.co.za

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Riposte contre la poliomyélite : Le Bénin déploie une campagne de vaccination dans six départements

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Gouvernement du Bénin, en partenariat avec les organisations internationales de santé, a procédé le vendredi 24 avril 2026 au lancement officiel de la campagne de riposte vaccinale contre la poliomyélite. La cérémonie s’est tenue au stade de sports de Sakété, en présence de plusieurs autorités politico-administratives, sanitaires et de partenaires techniques et financiers. 

Cette campagne cible les enfants âgés de 0 à 5 ans dans six départements du Bénin, à savoir l’Alibori, l’Atacora, le Borgou, la Donga, les Collines et le Plateau. Au total, 2.516.862 enfants sont concernés par cette opération qui se déroulera du 24 au 27 avril 2026 pour son premier tour. 

Dans son allocution, le Représentant de l’UNICEF au Bénin, Monsieur Ousmane NIANG, a salué les efforts du gouvernement béninois dans la lutte contre les maladies évitables par la vaccination. Il a toutefois rappelé que le Bénin figure parmi les pays de la région africaine où le poliovirus continue de circuler de manière persistante, avec des cas détectés régulièrement depuis 2022. « Les enfants non vaccinés ou insuffisamment vaccinés constituent des réservoirs importants pour la propagation du virus », a-t-il souligné, appelant à une mobilisation générale des communautés, des leaders locaux et des parents pour assurer le succès de la campagne. 

Le Représentant de l’UNICEF a également insisté sur l’importance de la vaccination de routine, considérée comme le moyen le plus efficace pour garantir une protection durable des enfants et réduire la mortalité infantile. 

Le Ministre de la Santé, le Professeur Benjamin HOUNKPATIN, a rappelé la gravité de la poliomyélite, une maladie virale hautement contagieuse pouvant entraîner des paralysies irréversibles, voire la mort. Malgré les progrès réalisés au Bénin, trois cas environnementaux de poliovirus ont récemment été détectés, justifiant ainsi l’organisation de cette campagne de riposte en deux phases, conformément aux recommandations de l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé. 

« L’objectif est clair : interrompre toute chaîne de transmission du virus », a déclaré le Ministre, précisant que la campagne vise une couverture vaccinale d’au moins 95 %, seuil nécessaire pour stopper la circulation du poliovirus. Il a par ailleurs mis en avant les trois piliers essentiels à la réussite de cette opération : la mobilisation de tous les acteurs, l’engagement des parents et la rigueur des équipes de vaccination. Les agents vaccinateurs auront pour mission de parcourir les ménages afin d’administrer les doses de vaccin à tous les enfants éligibles. 

Le Ministre a également lancé un appel à l’endroit des parents : « Faites vacciner vos enfants et ouvrez vos portes aux équipes de vaccination. La santé de demain se construit aujourd’hui ». 

La cérémonie de lancement s’est déroulée en présence du Préfet du département du Plateau, du Maire de la commune de Sakété, ainsi que du représentant résident de l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS) au Bénin. Les partenaires techniques et financiers, notamment l’OMS, l’UNICEF, GAVI et plusieurs organisations de la société civile, ont été salués pour leur appui constant aux efforts du gouvernement béninois dans l’amélioration de la santé des populations. 

À travers cette campagne, le Bénin réaffirme son engagement à éradiquer définitivement la poliomyélite et à garantir à chaque enfant le droit à une vie en bonne santé. « Vaccinons nos enfants pour les protéger contre la poliomyélite », tel est le message fort lancé à l’endroit des populations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Call to rethink climate action in developing nations

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to rethink climate action in developing nations

Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) Minister Willie Aucamp has issued a call to reframe the narrative surrounding climate action in developing economies.

Aucamp attended the 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue held in Berlin, Germany, earlier this week.
“Developing economy countries are not simply asking for handouts. There are a number of mutually beneficial opportunities for investment in green technology and innovation that can lead to significant growth and development in these countries.

“I reconfirm South Africa’s commitment to achieving the targets set for us in terms of the Paris Agreement and our own Nationally Determined Contributions. Africa and other developing economy nations contribute less in terms of emissions but are the worst affected by climate change,” the Minister said.

Nationally Determined Contributions are countries’ climate action plans under the Paris Agreement. 
The high-level dialogue, held on 21-22 April 2026, served as a strategic convening point to discuss concrete ways to address the climate crisis and strengthen confidence in multilateral climate negotiations ahead of COP31 in Türkiye and the African COP32 next year. 

READ | Minister Aucamp engages in climate crisis talks in Germany

According to the DFFE, discussions focused on identifying opportunities for international cooperation and accelerating a shift to climate-neutral economies, based on three key areas, namely: 
•    Mitigation – reducing and closing the gap to 1.5 degrees celsius.
•    Climate finance, including operationalisation of the New Collective Quantified Goal on finance for adaptation finance.
•    How the multilateral climate regime can accelerate implementation for mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage due to climate change.

“For South Africa, a crucial part of the discussion was emphasising a shift towards talks that are centred around implementation and tangible financial instruments that will benefit developing economies like South Africa. As such, the Minister said that it is now time for full implementation of the Paris Agreement, otherwise deliberations such as these would be reduced to being just another talk shop.

“While there, Minister Aucamp also engaged in a number of bilateral engagements with various international figures in the climate change space, where he highlighted the unique socioeconomic dynamics and how these negatively impact efforts to curb climate change and, most importantly, fast-track adaptation efforts.

“He used the example of the recent flood devastation in parts of South Africa, specifically Kruger National Park, using the opportunity to request support for the Kruger Recovery Fund,” the DFFE said in a statement on Saturday.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Road closures to be implemented for Freedom Day celebrations

Source: Government of South Africa

Road closures to be implemented for Freedom Day celebrations

Residents of Bloemfontein have been urged to use other alternative roads as roads around the Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium will be temporarily closed for Freedom Day celebrations on Monday.

The stadium in the Free State will host the National Freedom Day commemoration, which will be addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the following roads will be closed around the stadium:
Closure 1: Khampepe and Thakalekoala Streets
Closure 2: Goduka and Thakalekoala Streets
Closure 3: Thulo and Tsekeletsa Streets
Closure 4: Kamohi and Tsekeletsa Streets
Closure 5: Nkolonyane and Mokoloko Streets
Closure 6: Khampepe and Mokoloko Streets

Access to the stadium precinct will be through the following checkpoints:
Checkpoint 1: Kgomo and Thakalekoala Streets
Checkpoint 2: Moshoeshoe and Thakalekoala Streets
Checkpoint 3: Moshoeshoe and Tsekeletsa Streets
Checkpoint 4: Tsekeletsa and Mokoloko Streets
Checkpoint 5: Kgomo and Khampepe Streets

The following items will not be permitted within the stadium:
•    Firearms (except authorised personnel: South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, Traffic Officials).
•    Weapons of any kind (including those with permits).
•    Children under 10 years old unaccompanied by an adult
•    Alcohol, glass containers, and breakable bottles.
•    Patio/garden umbrellas (excluding small handheld umbrellas).
•    Pets (except registered service animals, e.g., K9 units).
•    Political regalia, paraphernalia, or material intended to provoke or promote alternative narratives.
•    Illegal substances, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, or intoxicating substances (intoxicated persons will not be admitted).
•    Unmanned aerial devices (including drones, toy aircraft, laser devices/pointers)
•    Braai stands, cooler boxes, and cooler bags.
•    Unauthorised or unlicensed vendors.
•    Confiscated items will not be returned, and no compensation will be provided.
•    Clothing deemed excessively revealing.

The commemoration is expected to kick off at 10am on Monday.

READ | President Ramaphosa to lead Freedom Day commemoration

This year marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections, which were held on 27 April 1994.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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