Category: Africa

Source: APO

On Monday, 31 August 2026, the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Seychelles, Her Excellency Ms Siv Cathrine Moe, paid a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy, ahead of the presentation of her Letters of Credence.

During the meeting, the two diplomats discussed a range of areas of mutual interest, including maritime security, which has been an important area of cooperation between Seychelles and Norway. In this regard, they underscored the importance of continued cooperation in addressing challenges such as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy and illicit drug trafficking.

As coastal nations, Seychelles and Norway recognised the significant potential to further strengthen bilateral cooperation through the exchange of experience, knowledge and expertise, particularly in the areas of sustainable fisheries and the Blue Economy.

The discussions also explored opportunities for Seychelles and Norway to enhance cooperation in areas including mental health, renewable energy, disaster risk management and tourism. The two sides also noted the potential to enhance connectivity between Seychelles and Norway through the conclusion of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

The Principal Secretary highlighted the significant challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in accessing adequate and predictable climate finance, which can constrain their ability to effectively address climate-related challenges. In this context, Seychelles underscored the importance of scaling up resilience financing and welcomed Norway’s strong support for the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI).

Ambassador Madeleine conveyed his best wishes to H.E. Ms Moe for every success in her new assignment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

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In Zambia’s rural communities, women have long known how to weave. What they were missing was everything that comes after: the markets, the training, and someone willing to walk the path with them. 

When Doris Phiri arrived at the Handloom and Textile Technology Association of Zambia (HATTAZ) as an intern, the organization was still finding its feet. It had been recently registered, was operating under the Cotton Association of Zambia, and was working with rural women who had weaving skills but little else. They had no access to machinery, no markets, and no business training.

Doris had a passion for women’s empowerment and community development. What she did not yet know was that she would stay, grow, and eventually lead. 

Zambia’s handloom sector is at the crossroad of culture, livelihoods, and trade. Cotton is one of the country’s key agricultural commodities, and handweaving has long been practised in rural communities, but the connection between that craft and commercial opportunity had never been fully made. Women were producing, but were not yet being paid what their work was worth. 

Support from the International Trade Centre through the ACP Business-Friendly programme began to shift that. HATTAZ –a Lusaka-based, member-based organization empowering rural women and youth in the Zambian cotton sector – received technical assistance covering advanced weaving, product development, branding, quality control, and market linkages. Master trainers were created within communities. 

Doris, initially working as an ITC national consultant, was at the centre of it, coordinating training sessions, accompanying women in Chadiza, Mazabuka, Ndola, Choma, Petauke, and Katete as cooperatives were formally registered and began to see real results. 

‘ITC opened the first doors for HATTAZ,’ says Doris. ‘We moved beyond just training. We began producing, understanding quality, accessing markets, and gaining visibility. But most importantly, it transformed rural livelihoods. That’s what truly matters.’ 

The numbers tell part of the story. In 2024, following an ITC-supported regional training in collaboration with WeEffect, women’s cooperatives collectively earned over $7,000 from international product sales – proof that connecting skills to global markets changes the equation. 

Building on that momentum, HATTAZ secured support from WeEffect under the Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Cotton Value Chain project, which Doris now leads as coordinator. The work covers financial literacy, climate-smart innovation, handloom quality standards, and advocacy for gender-equitable policy. And Doris leads all of it. 

‘To me, empowerment is about walking with people until they see the strength they’ve always had,’ she says. ‘The women I work with have become like family. Seeing their confidence grow and their livelihoods improve – that’s the most fulfilling part of my journey.’ 

She arrived as an intern, and stayed to lead. And the women weaving across Zambia’s rural communities are stronger for it. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Source: APO

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As Africa marks the 24th African Traditional Medicine Day on 31 August, leaders, researchers and traditional health practitioners are reflecting on a pivotal question: how can traditional medicine help accelerate universal health coverage across the continent? 

Under this year’s theme, “Reflection on research and development efforts of traditional medicine towards achieving universal health coverage in the African Region,” the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and the WHO Regional Office for Africa convened a conversation exploring how evidence, innovation and community trust can help bring traditional medicine from research to reach.

African Traditional Medicine Day commemorates a landmark resolution adopted by the WHO Regional Committee for Africa at its fiftieth session in Ouagadougou (resolution AFR/RC50/R3) in 2000 and recognizes the vital role traditional medicine plays in providing accessible, affordable and culturally grounded care to millions across the continent. In many communities, particularly rural ones, traditional health practitioners are the first point of contact for health care. 

In discussion were Professor Martins Emeje, Director-General of the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency and Co-Chair of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine; and Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo, Baaloro of Ikorodu Kingdom, moderated by Kenyan community-based youth researcher and entrepreneur Fionah Njeri. 

Their message was clear: traditional medicine is not a relic of the past. It is a living, evolving system of knowledge with the potential to strengthen primary health care and advance universal health coverage when supported by research, regulation and investment. 

“Trust is infrastructure,” noted Chief Temitayo Faruq Erogbogbo during the discussion, highlighting that traditional health practitioners (THPs) are often the first point of care for many communities. From traditional birth attendants to community healers, THPs hold relationships and cultural legitimacy that can complement biomedical services and improve health outcomes. 

The conversation emphasized that Africa possesses some of the world’s richest health knowledge traditions and biodiversity resources. Unlocking that potential, participants argued, will require stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, communities and traditional health practitioners, as well as greater domestic investment in research and development. 

Speakers also stressed the importance of documenting traditional knowledge. “Knowledge that is not written down will be lost,” they warned, calling for greater efforts to preserve and study Africa’s health heritage for future generations. 

The discussion echoed WHO’s broader vision that traditional medicine can contribute to more people-centred, culturally resonant health systems when integrated safely and effectively. The recently adopted WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 identifies research, regulation, integration and collaboration as key priorities for advancing evidence-based traditional medicine and strengthening health systems. Traditional medicine is already used by millions worldwide and is increasingly recognized as a valuable partner to biomedicine in supporting prevention, self-care and primary health care. 

Looking ahead, participants expressed optimism about the future of traditional medicine in Africa. With growing interest among young people, expanding opportunities for innovation, and increasing recognition of nature-based approaches to health, they described a future where traditional medicine and biomedicine can thrive side by side, each contributing its strengths toward healthier communities. 

Countries celebrate African Traditional Medicine Day 

Throughout Africa, WHO country offices are marking this day with various activities: 

• Cameroon: the Minister of Public Health issued a note on 29 July instructing regional delegates of public health to decentralize the commemoration. The day will be marked simultaneously across the regions, together with Yaoundé
• Madagascar and Mozambique will mark the day with activities. 
• South Africa: national commemoration with the Minister of Health and a host province; where the WHO Representative will deliver a keynote. 
• Zimbabwe: will commemorate in Marondera, provincial capital of Mashonaland East Province. Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa will participate in the event. 

Their call was simple: Invest in evidence, empower traditional health practitioners, and harness Africa’s knowledge and biodiversity to expand access to quality care. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, and President’s Advisor for Financial Affairs Lieutenant General Ahmed El-Shazly.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting addressed the ongoing development of the civil aviation system. The Minister of Civil Aviation said this included the modernization of airports infrastructure, increase of their capacity, and improvement of passenger services. He also reviewed the Ministry’s future activities, noting that continuous investment in modernizing and expanding the capacity of Egyptian airports aims to meet the requirements of the country’s comprehensive development and keep pace with the steady increase in global tourism and travel, thus reinforcing Egypt’s position and its distinguished geographical location. In this regard, President El-Sisi emphasized the necessity of continuous efforts to develop the civil aviation system by modernizing airport infrastructure, enhancing service efficiency, and promoting the highest safety and security standards. This will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Egyptian airports regionally and internationally, while also strengthening private sector participation in their management and operation.

The meeting also reviewed the strategic vision and the implementation status of the project to establish Terminal Building No. (4) at Cairo International Airport. Dr. El-Hefny noted that the project aims to construct a new passenger terminal with a capacity of approximately 40 million passengers annually, representing a qualitative leap in the capacity of Cairo Airport and supporting the state’s objective of transforming Egypt into a major regional hub for aviation, transportation, and logistics services.

Dr. El-Hefny noted that the project is based on the latest global concepts in airport design and operation through the application of Artificial Intelligence technologies and digital transformation, as well as the development of a smart and sustainable operational system that enhances the quality of services provided to passengers, improves operational efficiency, and adheres to the highest environmental sustainability standards.

President El-Sisi directed that the new passenger terminal be constructed in accordance with the highest global standards in terms of design, technology, sustainability, and operational efficiency, making it one of the distinguished international models for new airports. President El-Sisi also gave directives to enhance strategic partnerships to attract further foreign direct investments in the civil aviation sector through the establishment of integrated investment zones around Egyptian airports.

President El-Sisi stressed the importance of monitoring any complaints related to the quality of services at various airports and addressing them seriously and promptly, in a manner that contributes to improving the travel experience and strengthening passengers’ confidence.

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

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced senior leadership appointments and confirmations to strengthen regional operations, deepen client engagement, and enhance delivery of the Bank’s mandate across Africa and the Caribbean.

These appointments are integral to Afreximbank’s growth ambitions and its efforts to accelerate intra-African trade, industrialisation and regional integration. By strengthening leadership across its regional platforms, the Bank is positioning itself to expand market coverage, improve transaction execution and deepen engagement with clients and stakeholders across Africa and the Caribbean.

Mr. Eric Intong Monchu has been appointed as Group Managing Director, Client Relations and Regional Operations, based in Cairo, Egypt, after serving in the role in an acting capacity. In this position, he will lead the Bank’s client relations and regional operations functions, strengthening coordination between business development, client coverage, and transaction execution.

Mr. Kudakwashe Matereke has been appointed Director, Regional Operations, Anglophone West Africa, based in Abuja, Nigeria. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director, Regional Operations, East Africa. Mr Matereke brings extensive experience in trade finance, business development, and client relationship management, and will lead regional business development, client coverage, and stakeholder engagement.

Mr. Humphrey Nwugo has been appointed Director, Regional Operations, Eastern Africa, based in Kampala, Uganda, following a similar regional operations role in Southern Africa. He brings extensive experience in banking operations, syndications, corporate finance, and regional execution, and will oversee the Bank’s regional operations, market coverage, and client engagement in Eastern Africa.

Mr. Peter Adeshola Olowononi has been appointed Director, Regional Operations, Southern Africa, based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director, Client Relations, Anglophone West Africa. Mr. Olowononi brings extensive experience in client coverage, transaction origination, and regional business development, and will lead the Bank’s operations and strategic engagement across Southern Africa.

Mr. Roy Reid has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, Caribbean Office, in Bridgetown, Barbados, effective 15 July 2026. Prior to his appointment, he served as Senior Advisor at the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica. Mr Reid brings more than 20 years of experience across government advisory, financial services, investment management, fintech, and business development, and will support the Bank’s operations, regional coordination, and stakeholder engagement across the Caribbean.

Collectively, the appointments strengthen the links between client coverage, regional operations and transaction execution. With most of the appointees progressing from within the Bank, they bring strong institutional knowledge, established client relationships and a clear understanding of Afreximbank’s strategic priorities. This continuity will support faster execution, greater responsiveness to market needs, and delivery of the Bank’s growth, trade, and development targets across Africa and the Caribbean.

Speaking on the appointments, Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, stated: “These appointments highlight the depth of leadership and professional talent within Afreximbank, as well as our commitment to placing experienced executives at the centre of executing the Bank’s development mandate: a mandate to change the structure of African trade. Each appointee brings valuable experience and deep knowledge of African and Caribbean markets. Above all, each shares a strong belief in the Bank’s founding philosophy that Africa’s development destiny lies with Africans and that our collective mission is to restore the dignity of the African.”

The Board of Directors, management and staff of Afreximbank extend their congratulations to Mr Intong Monchu, Mr. Matereke, Mr. Nwugo, Mr. Olowononi and Mr. Reid on their appointments and wish them success in their respective roles.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A strong supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), and S&P Global Ratings (BBB+) and Moody’s (Baa2). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. 

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

Source: APO

The coffee ceremony is an ancient social ritual in Eritrea, where green beans are roasted, hand-ground, and slow-brewed in a multi-stage process that prioritizes hospitality, community, and deliberate conversation over quick caffeine consumption. Serving as the ultimate gesture of welcome across the Horn of Africa and Middle Eastern traditions, this sacred gathering spans one to two hours to engage every sense. Burning frankincense clears the air, the crackle of raw beans roasting over hot coals fills the space, and the host presents the rich aromatic smoke to guests before grinding. Participants gather to exchange news, discuss family matters, and strengthen community ties while progressing through three distinct rounds: ኣወል/Awel, the potent first brew that sets the tone for meaningful discussion; ካልኣይ/Kalay, a medium-strength second round; and በረካ/Bereka, the final, milder cup served to deliver a blessing of peace and good fortune to the household.

What sets the Eritrean tradition apart are its specific spatial arrangements, cultural omens, and specialized utensils. The ceremony unfolds over a floor mat draped in fresh green grass, symbolizing vitality and fruitfulness. Central to the brewing process is the traditional Eritrean ጀበና/Jebena—a spherical clay pot featuring a distinct single spout used for both filling and pouring, unlike variations elsewhere that incorporate a separate neck. Hosts brew the ground beans over hot charcoal, frequently infusing the liquid with fresh crushed ginger. The coffee is then poured in a single, continuous stream from a height of a foot or more into small, handleless ceramic cups (ፈንጃል/Finjal), a skilful technique that creates a delicate froth without spilling. This rich roast is accompanied by traditional snacks such as roasted barley, popcorn, or freshly baked bread, yielding a complete cultural experience rooted in deep-seated generosity.

Having travelled across Eritrea from the northern border of Karora down to the southern coastal edge of Rahayta, I have sat at the hearth of nearly every ethnic group in the nation. These travels confirmed that the coffee ceremony stands as the undisputed, most revered domestic tradition in Eritrean society. Regardless of geographical or linguistic differences, the ritual retains a unified core of warmth, social prestige, and unyielding hospitality. It acts as a seamless thread binding diverse communities under a shared heritage, serving as the highest mark of respect for anyone crossing the threshold of an Eritrean home.

In every town and village, the coffee hour functions as a non-negotiable anchor of daily family life—a dedicated space reserved for genuine togetherness and spirited dialogue. To an outside observer, the first striking element is the beverage’s searing heat served in small finjal, compelling guests to slow down and savor the moment. Visitors also note how the three rounds shift in character, moving from a thick, potent initial extraction to a lighter final cup. This intensity is heightened in many regions by ginger crushed directly into the brew, adding a spicy kick that cuts through the daily heat, stimulates the senses, and leaves an unmistakable warmth in the throat. The sheer strength of the initial sip often produces vivid, sharp reactions from uninitiated guests, testifying to the brew’s remarkable potency.

The tradition is further enriched by subtle local touches and living omens woven into the routine. While local adaptations may feature durable metal vessels alongside classic earthenware pots especially made for making coffee ጀበና/Jebena, the cultural prestige of the ፍንጃል/Finjal remains absolute. The entire atmosphere is steeped in playful symbolism; for instance, walking into a home just as the first round is being poured prompts joyful smiles and the cherished phrase “ሓማትካ ትፈትወካ’ያ”—an auspicious omen declaring how much your mother-in-law loves you for arriving at the luckiest moment.

Cultural etiquette strictly dictates that guests compliment the brew by saying ጥዑም/Teuum to acknowledge its quality and sweetness. Offering this customary praise honors the host’s effort, time, and generosity regardless of whether a specific pot turned out slightly strong or bitter. In Eritrean culture, offering taste critiques would disrupt the harmony of the gathering, whereas expressing heartfelt satisfaction affirms that the sacred bond between host and guest has been fully honored.

At the heart of this practice is the ኣቁሑት ቡን/Akuhut Bun—the essential coffee brewing apparatus comprised of sacred household objects often passed down through generations or assembled upon marriage. A complete setup requires specific tools: the መንከሽከሽ/Menkeshkesh, a long-handled metal pan used to roast green coffee beans over open coals; the መሽረፈት/Meshrefet, a small woven cooling basket gently shaken to release fragrant chaff and pass the aroma among guests; and the መጉድኢ ቡን/Megudi Bun, a heavy wooden or metal mortar and pestle used to hand-grind the roasted beans. The centerpiece remains the ጀበና/Jebena, engineered to extract rich flavors over a charcoal brazier (ፈርኔሎ/Fernielo) while naturally settling the grounds before pouring.

To protect these cherished items, nearly every Eritrean household utilizes a specialized, low-sitting coffee cabinet or chest. Serving as a miniature station for hospitality, this cabinet is ubiquitous across urban apartments and rural homesteads alike. Its top surface neatly displays rows of ፍንጃል/Finjal, while its drawers store sugar, incense, and spare tools. Positioned prominently in the living area, this dedicated chest signals to all who enter that warm coffee and sincere conversation are readily available.

While the core ritual remains constant, it adapts gracefully to local topographies. In the warmer lowland regions, coffee is traditionally served in slightly smaller ፍንጃል/Finjal and features a sharper profile due to a heavier addition of ginger. Lowland communities also observe the ritual multiple times a day to break up intense daily heat and provide structured moments of rest in the shade. Ultimately, participants recognize that the tradition transcends the beverage itself. The ambient scent of roasting beans, the drift of frankincense smoke, and the rhythmic pouring create an inclusive haven where even non-coffee drinkers eagerly join to share in the storytelling, camaraderie, and timeless warmth of Eritrean home life.

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

Source: APO

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The African Center of Statistics (ACS) at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) this week opened a five-day workshop for delegates from Botswana, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and Togo, aimed at giving health ministries and statistical offices the tools to show, in economic terms, that health spending is an investment, not a cost. 

The workshop is the first country level activity under ECA’s broader Transforming Health Financing in Africa initiative, with the five countries as first movers. This week’s session covers one part of it: building health focused Social Accounting Matrices (SAMs), economy wide accounts linking health services, financing, households, government, firms, and the rest of the world. Policymakers often know how much is spent on health but struggle to see the bigger picture: where the money comes from, who benefits, how much employment it generates, and how households are affected. The SAM connects data already spread across national accounts, health accounts, household surveys, and other sources into one coherent picture.

William Muhwava, representing the Director of ACS, said a central aim of the week is to “bring these different sources together within a coherent statistical framework” using each country’s own national data, adding: “We are particularly pleased that this exercise is based on country data, not international data, and national ownership.”

Delegates from ministries of health and national statistical offices in the four countries are participating, alongside resource persons from ECA and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Opening the workshop, Aboubakari Diaw, Chief of Staff at ECA, said the initiative responds to a mandate set by African Ministers of Finance in Tangier last April, where ministers agreed that health “cannot be considered, or continue to be considered, as a social expenditure, because it’s an economic investment.” 

“Ministers of Finance cannot finance slowdowns. They need pipelines. They need projects. They need something that is structured. And they need to see, when we say that health is an investment, how health is an investment,” Aboubakari Diaw said, noting that fiscal space across the continent is under exceptional strain, with debt servicing absorbing a growing share of government revenue and an estimated 150 million people pushed into poverty by health expenditures. 

WHO Ethiopia’s Kinsley Addai Frimpong also addressed participants, describing health financing as one of WHO’s core health system “building blocks” and noting that integrating national health accounts into the SAM is, in his words, “a rich way of putting together the health data into the national system of accounts.” 

By Friday, each country team is expected to have an initial health disaggregated SAM with documented assumptions, data gaps, and balancing choices, a starting point rather than a finished product, with validation continuing under the wider project through 2028. Data availability remains the main practical challenge teams expect to face. Organizers also emphasized peer learning, with the ambition that participants leave as a network that keeps solving shared problems together. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).