Category: Africa

Source: APO

Freight operators in the Western Cape are being invited to take advantage of a fully funded Road Transport Management System (RTMS) digital toolkit pilot designed to help businesses improve safety, compliance and the way they manage their operations. 

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, made the call during a visit to Moosa’s Group in Milnerton yesterday (20 August), one of the first companies to participate in the pilot.

The RTMS digital toolkit was developed by the Western Cape Mobility Department to make RTMS more accessible, particularly for small and medium-sized freight operators who may find the preparation process time-consuming or difficult to navigate. Instead of operators having to find different resources themselves, the toolkit brings together guidance, templates, self-assessment tools, training resources and improvement-planning support in one place. It helps operators understand where they are, identify areas that need improvement and strengthen areas such as vehicle maintenance, driver management, safety, record-keeping, fleet management and compliance.

The toolkit does not replace RTMS certification. It is a practical support tool to help operators prepare for RTMS and improve their businesses over time.

Moosa’s Group is currently testing the toolkit in its day-to-day operations, giving the Department an opportunity to see how it works in a real freight business and what improvements may be needed.

During his visit, Minister Sileku saw the toolkit being used and engaged with the company about its experience. “Freight plays a critical role in our economy. Companies like Moosa’s Group work every day to keep food, fuel and goods moving across our province. What is important about this pilot is that we are offering operators practical support to improve the way they manage safety and their operations.”

Moosa’s Group welcomed the opportunity to test the toolkit in its day-to-day operations.

“The toolkit gives us a practical way to strengthen our vehicle checks, driver management, maintenance and record-keeping, while helping us identify areas where we can improve. We believe this kind of partnership between government and industry is important if we are to build a freight sector that is safer, more professional, compliant and sustainable. We also hope that what we learn through the pilot will benefit other operators and contribute to safer roads across the province and beyond,” said Nazier Veldsman of Moosa’s Group.

The experience of Moosa’s Group will help the Department understand what works well and where the toolkit can be improved before it is made more widely available.

The Department is ready to onboard up to 10 companies as part of the fully funded pilot. For participating operators, this means access to the toolkit at no cost during the pilot, as well as support from the Department to help them get started and use the resources.

The pilot is not an audit or enforcement exercise. It is an opportunity for operators to work directly with the Department, understand their current systems, identify areas for improvement and provide feedback on a tool being developed with the needs of the freight industry in mind.

Minister Sileku encouraged operators to make use of the opportunity. “We know that running a transport business comes with many demands. This initiative is about making it easier for operators to access the tools and information they need to improve their businesses. We encourage freight operators to come forward, test the toolkit and help us make it work even better for the industry.”

Freight and transport operators interested in improving their safety, compliance readiness, record-keeping, fleet management and operational processes can find more information and register their interest at: https://freight.westerncape.gov.za/rtms-information

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Office of the Premier.

Source: APO

Kenya is strengthening strategic partnerships to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage, with maternal and newborn health remaining a priority in ongoing health-sector reforms.

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale met Jhpiego President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Allyson Bear and her delegation to discuss expanded collaboration in advancing the Government’s Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere agenda.

The Cabinet Secretary called for a coordinated approach that aligns Government and development-partner interventions with national priorities. He reaffirmed the One Plan, One Budget and One Accountability principle, emphasising that partner resources should target areas of greatest need and avoid duplication.

The discussions identified maternal haemorrhage, healthcare-worker skills and access to appropriate technologies as priority areas requiring accelerated action. Jhpiego’s reproductive, maternal and newborn health programmes will be aligned with the EWENE agenda, with initial focus on the 18 priority counties identified by the Government.

The Ministry welcomed Jhpiego’s planned support for newborn care in five counties. The Government will guide the selection of counties and health facilities requiring the greatest support. Maternal and newborn interventions will also be linked with ongoing HIV and family-planning programmes to strengthen continuity of care from pregnancy through childbirth and beyond.

Health-workforce development will form a key part of the collaboration. Healthcare workers will receive mentorship, virtual learning and targeted capacity-building within Kenya’s national mentorship guidelines to strengthen the delivery of quality maternal and newborn services.

The partnership will also support the use of digital health to improve decision-making. The Ministry is developing a health-sector command centre dashboard to consolidate critical indicators, monitor performance, identify gaps and support timely action across maternal and newborn health, HIV, tuberculosis and other priority programmes.

Jhpiego has supported Kenya’s health sector for 48 years through programmes covering family planning, reproductive health, malaria, HIV, and maternal and newborn health. Its current portfolio comprises 13 projects, with approximately KSh5.2 billion invested across 22 counties and more than 1,800 health facilities over the past two years.

The engagement also considered how commitments from the Global Maternal Health Conference can be translated into practical interventions. As Kenya pursues sustainable approaches to healthcare financing and service delivery, technical partnerships will remain important in strengthening national implementation capacity.

Hon. Duale affirmed that partnerships bringing expertise, innovation and resources must complement Government efforts, strengthen national systems and deliver measurable improvements for Kenyans.

The Ministry of Health and Jhpiego reaffirmed their commitment to closing persistent gaps in maternal and newborn care and giving every woman and every newborn a better chance to survive and thrive.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: APO

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Emergency Relief Coordinator Fletcher has allocated $3 million from CERF for Ebola readiness efforts in the Central African Republic.

The risk of the outbreak spreading has increased following the confirmation of Ebola cases in provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that border the Central African Republic. Mr. Fletcher says the funds will strengthen surveillance, isolation capacity, community engagement, and access to water.

The Central African Republic already faces a humanitarian crisis driven by conflict, floods, disease outbreaks and regional instability, leaving an estimated 2.3 million people – over a third of the population – in need of vital assistance.

This year’s $264 million humanitarian appeal for the country is just over 42 per cent funded, with $112 million received to date.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Source: APO

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga held a consultative meeting with a World Bank team led by Operations Officer and Task Team Leader Ronald Rateiwa and Co-Task Team Leader and Senior Economist Rachel K. Sebudde at Afya House.

The meeting reviewed findings from the Kenya Country Private Sector Diagnostic 2.0, focusing on opportunities to attract investment and expand local manufacturing of medical consumables.

Discussions covered procurement, regulatory processes and market access. Dr Oluga emphasised the need to align the diagnostic with ongoing Government reforms aimed at strengthening health-product supply chains and supporting local manufacturers.

The engagement will help identify practical areas of collaboration to enhance health security, advance Universal Health Coverage and position Kenyan manufacturers to serve domestic, regional and continental markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: APO

Practical innovation, integrity and enterprise job creation and not just paper qualifications are critical for the job market, the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has advised Ugandan students.

The Speaker made the call while addressing attendees at the 16th graduation ceremony of Makerere Business Institute (MBI) at its campus in Makerere on Friday, 21 August 2026 where 564 students graduated with diplomas and certificates in Journalism, ICT, Business and Finance.

As it marked its 33 years of service, the Speaker used the occasion to address key challenges in Uganda’s education sector, workforce readiness, and the growing social vulnerabilities affecting young people.

“Today you receive a certificate; tomorrow the world will ask what you can do with it. Education must, therefore, give us more than documents. It must give us skills, character and the courage to create opportunities,” he told the graduands.

Oboth told the gathering, which was also graced by former Makerere University Chancellor, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, that the role of tertiary education in an evolving national and global economy is to provide true learning that goes far beyond academic credentials.

The Speaker acknowledged the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children, including school dropout, early pregnancy and marriage, child labour, drug abuse, and mental health challenges.

To redress this, he reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to advocating for policies that keep vulnerable children in school and provide them with pathways to skills and opportunities, noting that the country cannot afford to leave any part of its future workforce behind.

He encouraged the graduands to embrace technology while retaining their humanity, urging them to build enterprises, create jobs and use their skills to solve problems in their communities and beyond.

“Artificial intelligence will transform the workplace, but it will never replace character, judgment, and integrity,” Speaker Oboth noted.

In response to concerns raised regarding operational costs for private institutions, including taxation, utilities, internet costs, and infrastructure, the Speaker reassured administrators that Parliament would advocate an enabling policy environment that ensures affordable, high-quality education.

The Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division South, Hon. Madina Ntale, echoed his call and urged the graduands to embrace hard work, discipline, and self-reliance as they transition into the world of work.

MBI was founded in 1993 by Hon. Nathan Itungo, the former Member of Parliament Kashari South County.

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

Source: APO

The two-day National Conference on Eritrean Agricultural Studies 2026, held at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers Hall in Asmara under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Agri-food Systems for National Economic Growth,” concluded today.

At the conference, 76 research papers were presented on topics including Agricultural Extension and Farmers’ Adoption; Agricultural Digitalization; Value Chains and Agribusiness; Food Safety, Security and Nutrition; Agricultural Biotechnology and Laboratory Services; Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation; Genetic Resources and Biodiversity Conservation; and Agricultural Policy, Regulatory Frameworks and Governance.

The research papers presented by experts also covered the Evaluation of Sesame Varieties for Optimizing Yield and Cultivation Opportunities; Evaluation of Fish Amino Acid and Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Barley; Status of Post-Harvest Handling and Ripening Methods of Bananas; Tenure Security and Agricultural Development; Mobilizing the Diaspora in Agro-Industrial Transformation; Synergizing Sustainable Energy Production and Climate; Documenting and Registering Flora in Eritrea; Effect of Compost on the Physicochemical Properties of Vertisols and Yield Performance of Wheat Varieties; Assessment of Current Dairy Cattle Performance; Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Eritrean Indigenous Chickens; Spatial and Statistical Variability Analyses of Satellite-Based Climate Data; and Survey of an Ectoparasitic Organism of the Tree Locust, among others.

In his concluding address, Dr. Efrem Gebremeskel, Chairman of the Conference Coordinating Committee, said that the conference had provided an important platform for presenting research findings, sharing professional experiences and discussing the challenges and opportunities facing Eritrea’s agricultural sector.

Dr. Efrem went on to say that the key message emerging from the conference was the importance of strengthening the connection between research, policy and implementation. He said that the discussions had also underscored the need for stronger collaboration among Government institutions, research and higher education institutions, farmers, the private sector and development partners.

Noting that the idea of holding the conference stemmed from the International Conference on Eritrean Studies held in January 2025, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture, attributed the success of the conference to the preparations undertaken by the coordinating committee over approximately a year and a half. He also congratulated the coordinating committee.

The conference, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, was attended by more than 300 senior Government and PFDJ officials, experts, farmers’ representatives, food processors, development partners and invited guests.

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

Source: APO

The State Department for Foreign Affairs has signed its Performance Contracts and Annual Work Plans for the Financial Year 2026/2027, reinforcing its commitment to results-driven diplomacy, institutional accountability and measurable delivery of Kenya’s foreign policy priorities.

The exercise marks the transition from strategic planning to implementation and provides a framework for ensuring that Kenya’s diplomatic engagements, institutional investments and Foreign Service operations translate into tangible economic, political and social benefits for the country and its citizens.

Presiding over the signing ceremony, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. A. Korir Sing’Oei, underscored the importance of performance management in converting Government priorities and investments into measurable outcomes. He noted that performance contracting should go beyond an administrative compliance exercise to serve as a core management instrument for strengthening accountability, tracking delivery and demonstrating the value of public resources invested in diplomacy.

The FY 2026/2027 performance cycle places a stronger emphasis on impact, delivery and value creation, with diplomatic engagements expected to contribute to stronger strategic partnerships, expanded trade and investment opportunities, increased development cooperation, employment and mobility pathways for Kenyans, responsive consular services, protection of national interests and enhanced visibility and influence of Kenya regionally and globally.

The framework prioritises economic and commercial diplomacy; strategic bilateral, regional and multilateral engagement; improved services to citizens; enhanced performance of Kenya’s Missions abroad; institutional reforms; and prudent management of public resources.

Heads of Departments and Directorates were called upon to take ownership of their commitments and ensure that approved targets are translated into clear, measurable and time-bound results. This will include assigning responsibility for delivery, monitoring progress, maintaining credible evidence of achievement and instituting timely corrective measures where targets are at risk.

To strengthen accountability and oversight, Departments and Directorates will undertake monthly performance reviews, while the Central Planning and Project Monitoring Division (CPPMD), will maintain a consolidated quarterly performance dashboard for consideration by the Strategic Leadership Team. Areas identified as off-track will be subjected to corrective action, with clear responsibilities and timelines for resolution.

Speaking during the exercise, Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, Amb. Josphat Maikara, reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to advancing Kenya’s national interests through responsive, coordinated and forward-looking diplomacy.

Amb. Maikara noted that the rapidly evolving global environment demands greater institutional agility in anticipating geopolitical developments, providing timely policy advice and strategically positioning Kenya’s interests at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen the evaluation of Kenya’s Missions abroad, with greater emphasis on diplomatic outcomes, strategic relevance and measurable contributions to national priorities.

The signing follows a strategic reflection process involving Heads of Departments and Directorates, during which previous performance was assessed, institutional gaps identified and priority interventions established to inform the FY 2026/2027 Performance Contracts and Annual Work Plans.

The signing therefore represents more than the commencement of a new performance cycle; it signals a stronger results orientation across Kenya’s Foreign Service. With implementation now underway, the State Department will focus on ensuring that every diplomatic engagement, Mission and institutional intervention contributes demonstrably to Kenya’s national interests—whether through opening markets, attracting investment, mobilising development resources, protecting citizens, strengthening strategic partnerships or advancing Kenya’s voice and influence internationally.

The exercise underscores the State Department’s commitment to building an accountable, responsive and high-performing Foreign Service capable of converting Kenya’s diplomatic presence and partnerships into sustained value and opportunities for the country and its people.

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

Source: APO

On 19 August 2026, Deputy Director General, Asia and Pacific Directorate, Amb. Jane B. Makori, held bilateral talks with the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Thailand to Kenya, H.E. Ms. Jirusaya Birananda, to explore opportunities to deepen and diversify the Kenya–Thailand strategic partnership.

The discussions focused on translating longstanding political goodwill into tangible economic, development and people-to-people outcomes, with priority areas including agriculture, trade and investment, health, tourism, education, culture, development cooperation, the blue economy and maritime cooperation, as well as coordination on regional and multilateral issues.

Kenya and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1967, and their partnership has progressively expanded across political, economic, development and people-to-people cooperation. The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 provides a strategic opportunity to renew the partnership and establish an ambitious forward-looking agenda through high-level exchanges, business and investment forums, cultural and academic programmes, and targeted cooperation initiatives.

A key priority is the revitalisation of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), established in 2005. While the inaugural session identified cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, education, health, security and culture, the second session remains outstanding. Convening the next JCBC would provide an important institutional platform for reviewing progress, identifying new areas of cooperation and developing measurable outcomes and deliverables for the bilateral relationship. Cooperation has also evolved to include emerging areas such as the blue economy, fisheries and maritime affairs.

Expanding trade and investment was identified as an important avenue for delivering greater economic value from the partnership. Bilateral trade remains significantly weighted in Thailand’s favour, with Kenya importing approximately US$151.5 million worth of goods from Thailand in 2024, compared with exports of about US$23.1 million. Kenya therefore seeks to address this imbalance by expanding market access for Kenyan products, promoting value addition and strengthening private-sector linkages, while positioning Kenya as an attractive destination for Thai investment in agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, healthcare, ICT and infrastructure.

Agriculture presents particularly strong opportunities for practical cooperation. Building on the Thailand–Kenya Agricultural Technology Learning Center at the Kenya School of Agriculture, the two countries can scale up collaboration in irrigation, rice production, agricultural research and technology, mechanisation, post-harvest management and agro-processing. Such cooperation could contribute directly to Kenya’s objectives on food security, productivity, value addition, technology transfer and rural economic development.

The partnership also offers scope for expanded cooperation in health, tourism, education, youth and academic exchanges, digital transformation and innovation, alongside blue economy, fisheries, environmental sustainability and connectivity. These areas provide opportunities to strengthen institutional linkages while creating direct benefits for communities, businesses, students, researchers and young people.

At the regional and multilateral levels, Kenya and Thailand can strengthen coordination on sustainable development, climate action, peace and security, combating transnational organised crime and reform of the multilateral system. The two countries can also leverage their respective positions to advance Africa–ASEAN cooperation, creating additional platforms for trade, investment, knowledge exchange and South–South cooperation.

Looking ahead to 2027, Kenya seeks to use the 60th anniversary not merely as a commemorative milestone, but as a launchpad for a more ambitious and results-oriented phase of bilateral relations. The anniversary could therefore be anchored around a clear programme of deliverables, including the convening of the JCBC, enhanced trade and investment engagements, expanded agricultural and technical cooperation, increased people-to-people exchanges and strengthened coordination on shared regional and global priorities.

The objective is to move the Kenya–Thailand relationship from longstanding friendship to a more structured, mutually beneficial and results-driven strategic partnership that delivers measurable value for both countries and their peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Kenya.

Source: APO

Ambassador Beyene Russom, Eritrea’s Ambassador to Kenya, participated in the Fourth Regional Ministerial Steering Committee meeting, convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 18 August under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Predictable and Innovative Investment in Maternal and Child Health and Primary Health Care.”

Representing Ms. Amina Nurhusein, Minister of Health, Ambassador Beyene addressed the meeting and outlined Eritrea’s community-based approach to primary health care.

“Eritrea strongly believes that resilient primary health care is the foundation of both improved health outcomes and stronger health security. We have invested in a community-based primary health care system anchored in a cost-effective Basic Health Care Package that extends essential services to rural, remote and nomadic communities,” Ambassador Beyene said.

Noting that Eritrea’s health policy does not stand alone, Ambassador Beyene said that the Government’s broader approach is to reach marginalized communities with an integrated package of basic services, including education, water, agriculture and other essential services.

Ambassador Beyene reiterated Eritrea’s readiness to share its experiences, learn from fellow member states and support regional collaboration.

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

Source: APO

At a conference held in Keren to review progress made in efforts to eradicate illiteracy over the past 10 years, the Ministry of Education developed a five-year strategic plan extending through 2030.

At the national conference, conducted from 18 to 20 August, Mr. Gebrezgi Dimam, Director General of Adult Education and Media, said that the Ministry of Education is working diligently to enable every citizen to become literate and continue learning through adult education programs, evening classes and the establishment of community libraries. Mr. Gebrezgi also called for the strengthened participation of partners in the effort.

Presenting a detailed report on the progress of the adult education program, Mr. Gebrezgi called for integrated efforts by all concerned institutions and partners to implement the five-year strategic plan and enable residents of remote areas to benefit from the program.

The participants held extensive discussions on the issues raised at the conference and adopted various recommendations.

Commending the efforts being exerted by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Defense, to eradicate illiteracy, Ambassador Abdella Musa, Minister of Local Government, called on teachers to play a leading role in the endeavor.

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