Category: Africa

Source: APO

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• India–Mali Bilateral Trade Surpasses US$326 Million in FY 2025–26, Registers 55 Per Cent Growth
• India and Mali Focus on Cotton, Mining, Energy, Pharmaceuticals and Social Infrastructure to Deepen Bilateral Economic Engagement
• Mali Announces Investment Forum in December 2026

In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral economic ties, India and Mali institutionalised their growing commercial partnership through the inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports, setting the stage for deeper trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

The two-day Forum, held in Bamako under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, was presided over by the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali, H.E. Major General Abdoulaye Maïga. It was jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Mali, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports (APEX-Mali). The Forum brought together senior officials from both governments and around 30 Indian business leaders. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (FT-Africa), Department of Commerce, Government of India, Shri Amit Kumar. The Mission was represented throughout by H.E. Dr. N. Nandakumar, Ambassador of India to Mali.

India and Mali have witnessed robust growth in bilateral trade, which surpassed US$326.61 million in FY 2025–26, registering a 55 per cent increase over the previous financial year. Mali’s principal exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame, while India’s major exports comprise pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers, and bicycles. India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme has been the primary catalyst in strengthening bilateral trade. Against Mali’s global exports of approximately US$4 billion, untapped export potential in the Indian market is estimated at nearly US$3.96 billion, signalling substantial room for growth.

Following the inaugural session and a visit to the Indian and Malian exhibition stands, featuring Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors, the delegations participated in an intensive series of Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G) and Government-to-Government (G2G) matchmaking meetings. The discussions covered renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing and mining, with the objective of converting business opportunities into commercial partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding.

On the second day, the Indian delegation met the Minister of Industry and Trade of Mali, Mr. Moussa Alassane Diallo. APEX-Mali also presented “Ready-Made Business Plans” for immediate investment opportunities. The delegation later called on the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali.

Both sides identified cotton and textiles, mining and energy, agro-industry and shea processing, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure, including health and education, as priority sectors for expanding bilateral cooperation. Mali expressed strong interest in India’s support for digitising its Certificate of Origin system and in the prompt registration of approved Indian pharmaceutical products. The Indian side sought reconsideration of the shea-nut export ban and reaffirmed the importance of protecting Indian nationals and investments.

The Forum was framed as the foundation of a long-term partnership. It concluded with Mali reaffirming its commitment to securing the business environment and positioning itself as a strategic investment hub for West Africa under its Vision Mali 2063 roadmap. As a concrete next step, Mali announced a dedicated investment forum to be held on 3–4 December 2026, at which additional bankable projects will be made available to international investors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Press Information Bureau: Government of India.

Source: APO – Report:

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Seminars aimed at eradicating harmful practices have been conducted in 13 administrative areas in Forto-Sawa, Gash Barka Region, from 3 to 25 June.

Indicating that strong efforts are being exerted to eradicate harmful practices in the sub-zone by 2030, Mr. Idris Mohammed, head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the sub-zone, said that the seminars being conducted from time to time are part of the effort.

Mr. Aregay Mebrahtu, acting administrator of the sub-zone, expressed the readiness of the sub-zonal administration to work in collaboration with partners to strengthen participation in the effort to eradicate harmful practices, including female genital mutilation and underage marriage, which negatively affect the health of women.

The participants of the seminars, noting that they understood the health consequences of female genital mutilation and underage marriage on women, expressed readiness to strengthen their participation in the effort to eradicate them.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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Halay Technical School has graduated 44 students, including 18 females, who completed two years of certificate training in computer maintenance, networking, and metal works.

At the graduation ceremony held on 2 July, Mr. Raguel Tekle, director of the school, said that, as a result of the substantial investment the Government is making in vocational and technical training, capable youth equipped with various skills are being produced.

Noting that female participation in vocational and technical training is increasing from time to time, Mr. Raguel said that the school is working in earnest to meet the demand for vocational and technical human resources.

Mr. Tesfay Seium, Director General of Technical and Vocational Training at the Ministry of Education, indicating that efforts have been exerted to equip vocational schools with modern educational facilities, said that Halay Technical School has already benefited from the opportunity.

Commending the commitment of the teachers and staff of the school, the representative of the graduates expressed conviction to play due part in the nation-building process with the knowledge they gained from the school.

According to documents from the school, Halay Technical School has graduated over 500 students since its establishment.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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For the first time in years, the sound of gunfire has given way to children playing, farmers tending their fields and families repairing their homes in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State.

After years of violence that displaced thousands and left entire communities abandoned, signs of recovery are beginning to emerge. While security challenges remain, more families are returning home, planting crops and rebuilding their lives.

Standing beside her flourishing maize field, Martha Victor Sukangi, a widow and mother of six, says the difference compared to previous years is remarkable.

“Armed groups used to move around here, but this year is much better,” she says. “Now you can travel several miles to places like Muzungu. My brother is farming in Mubaiku. You can see our maize growing. There are no gunshots, no reports of women or children being killed. That has not happened this year.”

Tambura became one of South Sudan’s worst conflict hotspots in 2021, when fighting between armed groups and intercommunal violence forced thousands of residents to flee. Many families lost their homes, farms and livelihoods, while humanitarian access became increasingly difficult.

Although the situation has not fully stabilized, improved security is encouraging displaced families to begin returning home.

One of them is Edwin Anibie, who recently returned to repair the house he was forced to abandon.

“When the United Nations peacekeepers patrol here, it gives us confidence,” he says. “We feel safe enough to move around again. That is why I came back to clean and repair our home. Seeing people moving freely encourages others to return as well.”

Maintaining that confidence, however, remains essential to sustaining the fragile peace.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) regularly deploys long-duration peacekeeping patrols to Tambura and surrounding communities to help improve security, support local peace efforts and create conditions that enable humanitarian organizations to reach vulnerable people.

According to Tambura County Commissioner Mathew Mabenge, the presence of peacekeepers also deters criminal activity.

“The patrols are very important. Sometimes criminals are on the roads, but when they see UNMISS, they become afraid,” he says.

Since closing its temporary base in Tambura, UNMISS has continued supporting local peacebuilding efforts through regular patrols and close collaboration with community leaders, churches and humanitarian partners.

“One positive outcome we have seen is that some families are making temporary returns to their homes,” says Njoki Rahab Kinyanjui, Head of the UNMISS Field Office in Yambio.

“Our patrols are designed to build confidence among communities. Whenever we deploy to Tambura, we establish a temporary operating base that also provides a secure environment for humanitarian partners to deliver assistance and support livelihoods for returning communities.”

Despite these encouraging developments, the recovery remains fragile. Many roads still require rehabilitation, livelihoods need rebuilding, and some displaced families are waiting for greater confidence before returning home permanently.

Even so, the sight of green maize fields, repaired houses and children once again playing freely offers hope that communities devastated by years of conflict are beginning to reclaim their future.

For residents like Martha Victor Sukangi, these everyday moments are powerful reminders that peace is slowly taking root and that, with continued security and support, more families may soon be able to return home.

“Now we can farm. That is what gives us hope,” she says.

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

Source: APO

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The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and host authorities reaffirmed their commitment to working together to improve security, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access, as Anita Kiki Gbeho, the recently appointed Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General chaired her first Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JVMM) meeting in Juba.

The JVMM, a coordination platform involving the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and UNMISS, was established to strengthen cooperation between the UN Peacekeeping mission and national security actors. It provides a forum to address operational challenges, facilitate the movement of UN personnel and peacekeepers, and come up with joint responses to security concerns across the country.

Held regularly, such engagements enable both parties to jointly manage security issues in conflict-affected areas, coordinate civilian protection measures, facilitate humanitarian access for the delivery of lifesaving assistance, and build trust through continued dialogue.

The latest meeting brought together senior SSPDF division commanders and UNMISS leadership, with discussions focusing on the Mission’s renewed mandate and the importance of closer collaboration as UNMISS adapts to South Sudan’s evolving security landscape.

Addressing the meeting, SRSG Gbeho underscored the importance of the longstanding partnership between UNMISS and the Government.

“One, we are partners and, I want to believe, partners of choice; not just any partners but partners of choice: in commitment, in purpose and, most importantly, in service of the people of South Sudan,” she said. “Two, transparency builds trust. Open communication prevents misunderstanding, and enables timely, effective action. And three, cooperation saves lives. When our institutions work together, we protect more people and build more durable peace. UNMISS remains committed to this partnership with the JVMM.”

A key issue raised during the discussions was denials of access to UN peacekeepers at illegal checkpoints, particularly in areas affected by intercommunal violence. Participants acknowledged that such restrictions hamper the Mission’s ability to protect civilians and respond rapidly to emergencies.

“Movement restrictions and access denials continue to undermine our shared objectives, reduce our operational capacity, and place our CASEVAC and MEDEVAC responses at risk,” SRSG Gbeho explained.

For his part, Lieutenant General Abud Thiongkhol called on attending military commanders to address the issue, emphasizing that unauthorized checkpoints and taxation have no place in the work of the armed forces.

“I want to urge all the Division Commanders who are here today to strictly control the movement of arms, and we should not interfere with the work of our partners. The movement of our partners and taxing people is not our job,” he said.

As UNMISS continues to recalibrate its operations to respond more effectively to the needs of communities across South Sudan, unrestricted movement remains critical to fulfilling its mandate. Peacekeepers rely on timely access to reach vulnerable populations, respond to emerging crises, protect civilians and support humanitarian operations.

The Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism remains one of the most important platforms for resolving operational challenges, strengthening cooperation with host authorities and ensuring that peacekeepers can continue protecting civilians and support lasting peace and stability in this young nation.

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

Source: APO

On July 2, 2026, Ambassador Han Jing went to the residence of the Chinese medical team to Zambia and extended warm regards to all members of the 26th and 27th  Chinese medical teams. Counselor Jin Jun accompanied the visit.

Ambassador Han Jing congratulated the 26th Chinese medical team on the successful completion of its medical assistance mission. Over the past year, all team members have overcome difficulties and strived for excellence. The team actively carried out clinical treatment, free mobile clinic, emergency rescue of critically ill patients and professional skills training. Through concrete actions, the team embodied the spirit of Chinese medical team and received multiple awards from the Zambian Government.

Ambassador Han Jing welcomed the 27th Chinese medical team to Zambia to undertake the medical assistance mission. He expressed the hope that all team members would quickly adapt to the local environment, inherit and carry forward the traditions and work style of the Chinese medical team, forge ahead with innovation, achieve new accomplishments, and make new contributions to the China-Zambia friendly relations  and bilateral cooperation in the medical and health sectors.

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