Category: Africa

Source: APO

.

The High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security concluded on Friday, 30th January, 2026 with a meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government.

Delivering his remarks during the Opening Session, the President of the Republic of Ghana and host stated that the Consultative Conference was being held at a defining moment in the region were leadership must be anchored in dialogue, solidarity and unwavering commitment to the citizens. He emphasised the need to renew the collective resolve to act decisively in solidarity with the aimed at addressing the common threat faced by the region. He bemoaned that an erstwhile mechanism that had been put in place by the region was endangered due to guardedness among Member States. Referring to the development at Diori Hamani International Airport, he stressed that the heightened insecurity in the region poses danger to all. He said the challenges confronting the region in recent times requires restoration of confidence in public institutions and rebuilding of inclusive, resilient and forward-looking societies. Highlighting the linkages between the countries in the region by geography, history, culture, among others, he indicated that pursuance of peace, security and prosperity in isolation would not resolve the existential threat. In this regard, he reiterated that the need for collective action and mutual accountability was an obligation. He stressed the importance of preventive diplomacy, intelligence-sharing and integrated approaches as fundamental in achieving peace, resilience, and prosperity.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai mentioned that the recent attack in Niger is a reminder of the realities that confront the regions and also validates the urgency of the Consultative Conference. He underscored the need to commit to the prevention of conflict of all kinds nationally, regionally, and internationally. He called on leaders to respond to the threats by embracing the principles of collective security and strengthening of regional cooperation and solidarity. He added that one of the priorities of Liberia as a member of the A3, is to advocate for regional approach to peace building and security. In addition, he emphasised that emerging advance in technology requires equal investment in security architecture.

On his part, the President of Sierra Leone and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, His Excellency Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio echoed the security challenges facing region and warned that terrorism and extremist networks operate with unprecedented coordination, reach and brutality. Consequently, he urged the move from fragmented responses to regional approach. He indicated that military action alone was insufficient and must be complemented by good governance, inclusive development, social cohesion, and economic opportunities. He called for stronger intelligence-sharing, border management and regional coordination while stressing the role of education, youth empowerment, and climate resilience in preventing radicalisation and sustaining peace.

The Federal Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted the adverse effect of terrorism ad violent extremism in the region and stressed the need for collective approaches in dealing with the situation. She expressed support for the Consultative Conference and described it as timely.

The Defence Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania also bemoaned the insecurity in the region and called for regional approach in addressing the matter.

Similarly, the representative of Togo also reiterated collective action in resolving the insecurity confronting the region.

The Special Representative of the African Union Commission to the Sahel Region and Head of African Union Mission in Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), Dr. Mamadou Tangara stressed the importance of adherence to the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA).

The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye speaking on behalf of the African Union Commission Chairperson expressed support for the Consultative Conference and noted that the initiative was rooted in Pan-Africanism and solidarity. He further stated that the African Union underscores the urgent need for a regional approach to confront the security situation in the region and recommended the use of early warning systems.

The African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr. Ibn Chambas said terrorism and violent extremism continue to be a threat to the security of the region and to the peace and prosperity of its citizens. He also reiterated regional approach in addressing the situation.

The Communique issued at the end of the Consultative Conference was delivered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. It outlined the outcomes and next steps which included regular regional meetings to review peace and security commitments, reinforcing mechanisms to combat insecurity, prioritising human security through healthcare, education and job creation.

The Summit concluded with a renewed sense of regional solidarity and determination to implement the agreed outcomes, marking a critical step toward strengthened cooperation and collective security in the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and Chair of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship, met with a number of members of the Group’s working groups from the entrepreneurship community to discuss the Group’s outcomes, preparations for launching the Egypt Startup Charter, and the facilitation measures and initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurship. The meeting also discussed various proposals for establishing a unified entity for entrepreneurship in Egypt.

The meeting was attended by Sameh El-Sadat, Member of the Senate, Amira Saber, Member of the Senate, Mr. Ahmed El-Alfi, Founder of Sawari Ventures; Mr. Mohamed Nagaty, Founder of Exits MENA; Mr. Abdel Hamid Sharara, Founder of RiseUp; Mr. Amir Sherif, Co-Founder and CEO of BasharSoft; Mr. Mohamed Ezzat, Founder of Bosta; Dr. Ayman Ismail, Founder of AUC Venture Lab and Chairman of Egypt Ventures; Dr. Wael El-Desouky, Secretary-General of the Saleh Kamel Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Foundation (SKSEED); Mr. Mohamed Ehab, CEO of Entra for Entrepreneurship Support; Mr. Samir Yehia, Founder and Chairman of Investa Capital Group for Financial Investments; Mr. Haitham Ahmed, Board Member of M Strategy Global; and Mr. Gamal Abou Ali, Partner and Board Member at Hassouna & Abou Ali Law Firm.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that the “Startup Charter” represents the first collaboration of its kind between the government and the entrepreneurship community. It includes policy and structural measures, some of which have already begun to be implemented by the relevant authorities, to stimulate the sector, remove obstacles to the growth of startups, and set out a clear vision for the sector’s future. She explained that the Charter serves as an executive roadmap comprising more than 80 measures to enhance trust between the government and startups, coordinate efforts, and provide policy clarity for investors. She also referred to the unified government guide to services and licenses, aimed at bridging the information gap and facilitating startups’ access to more than 170 services and licenses from 35 government entities, in addition to the launch of the Ministerial Group’s website as a unified platform for engagement with the entrepreneurship community.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stressed that the measures and facilitation efforts being launched for the sector are not the responsibility of a single entity, but rather the result of an integrated effort by all relevant stakeholders within the government as well as the startup community. This reflects a strong commitment to coordination in developing policies that meet the sector’s needs and enhance its ability to scale. She added that these policies fall within a broader package of measures being implemented by the state as part of the National Structural Reforms Program (NSRP).

The Minister expressed her profound appreciation for the efforts made by the members of the various working groups, commending their serious work and fruitful cooperation, which contributed to preparing the Charter in a form that reflects the aspirations and needs of the startup sector. She emphasized that this collective effort represents a successful model of integration among stakeholders and constitutes an important step toward strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem and supporting its sustainable growth, underscoring the continuation of joint work in the coming phase to achieve the aimed objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO

.

On Thursday, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bradley McKinney; and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, co-chaired the U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP) Ministerial in Lagos. The meeting marks a continuation of high-level engagements under the CIP, a five-year framework designed to strengthen bilateral commercial ties, expand two-way trade and investment, and advance private sector–led economic growth.

At the Ministerial, the two governments convened an interagency delegation of trade financing, trade promotion, and project development experts to review priority reforms recommended by the three CIP Working Groups—Agriculture, Digital Economy, and Infrastructure—comprising U.S. and Nigerian private sector leaders.  These proposed reforms are aimed at delivering tangible, long-term improvements to the business environment and removing barriers to trade and investment.

“This ministerial meeting underscores significant advancements in the vital U.S.-Nigeria commercial and investment partnership,” Deputy Assistant Secretary McKinney said. “Over the past six months, Agriculture, Digital Economy, and Infrastructure Working Groups have engaged across government and industry and developed thoughtful, practical proposals to unlock trade and deepen the bilateral commercial relationship between the United States and Nigeria.”

Minister Oduwole applauded the continued strong relationship with the United States, evidenced by the high-level delegation visit from Washington and welcomed U.S. businesses to invest in the CIP’s priority sectors and “benefit from trading with Nigeria through to the African continent.” She emphasized “a central priority for us is to accelerate non-oil export diversification and to ensure that more Nigerian businesses can access U.S. markets in a way that is competitive, sustainable, and inclusive.” Since the launch of the CIP Working Groups in June 2025, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has “sustained momentum on business climate reform, strengthened competitiveness, and advanced investment, industrial, and trade policy alignment and implementation … laying the foundations for a more predictable, investible economy and creating stronger conditions for this partnership to deliver tangible outcomes,” she added

The CIP Working Groups were joined by senior U.S. officials, including U.S. Mission Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern; U.S. Department of Agriculture Associate Administrator for the Foreign Agricultural Service, Jason Hafemeister; and U.S. Trade and Development Agency Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Heather Lanigan.  Nigerian government participation included the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi; and Director of Investment at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Gertrude Orji.

Under the CIP, the United States and Nigeria will continue consultations on a wide range of trade and investment issues, explore ways to expand trade in goods and services, and encourage increased investment flows between both countries to further drive prosperity, growth, and jobs creation on both sides of the Atlantic.

Nigeria benefits by trading and investing with U.S. companies that are known for delivering world-class quality, efficiency, and effectiveness in their products and services, creating mutual growth through doing business with the most competitive American businesses on Earth.

Nigeria is currently the United States’ second-largest trading partner in Africa, with two-way trade in goods and services totaling nearly $13 billion in 2024.  The United States also remains one of Nigeria’s leading foreign investors, with U.S. foreign direct investment reaching $7.9 billion in 2024—a 25.2 percent increase from 2023.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, is closely monitoring the unfolding situation in parts of Tigray Region of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and expresses deep concern over recent developments.

The Chairperson re-emphasizes the paramount and continued importance of the preservation of the hard-won gains achieved under the AU-led Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) between the Government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, signed in Pretoria on 2 November 2022.

The Chairperson calls upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from actions that could undermine confidence, and resolve all outstanding issues through constructive dialogue, in full adherence to the obligations and spirit of the Permanent COHA.

The African Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Permanent COHA and reiterates its continued support for the Parties throughout this process of peace building and reconciliation.

In this regard, the African Union, through its high-level Panel on Ethiopia, remains ready to scale up facilitating the dialogue, cooperation, and confidence building between the Parties, in support of sustainable peace and stability in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with deep concern of the attack carried out against the Hamani Diori International Airport in Niamey during the night of 28 to 29 January 2026 by armed individuals. He has also learned with profound sadness of the deadly attack perpetrated on Sunday, 18 January 2026, in the village of Bosiye, in western Niger, which claimed the lives of around thirty innocent civilians.

In this regard, the Chairperson of the Commission condemns in the strongest terms these heinous acts, which form part of the campaign of terror conducted by violent extremist groups deliberately targeting civilian populations and public infrastructure. He commends the swift and effective response of the Nigerien security forces, which made it possible to contain the attack on the airport.

The Chairperson of the Commission expresses the solidarity and compassion of the African Union with the people of Niger and extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government of the Republic of Niger.

He further acknowledges the efforts undertaken by the Nigerien authorities in the fight against violent extremism and terrorism, particularly through operations conducted by the Nigerien Armed Forces. In this regard, he takes note of the significant results achieved during the recent large-scale operation in the Tillabéri region, which led to the neutralization of several armed elements, the disruption of terrorist groups, and the recovery of property previously looted from local populations.

The Chairperson of the Commission reaffirms that terrorism and violent extremism constitute a serious threat to peace, stability and the territorial integrity of the affected States.

He finally reiterates the full readiness of the African Union Commission to continue supporting the efforts of the Nigerien authorities, in close coordination with States of the region and relevant partners, in order to strengthen the fight against this common threat, protect civilian populations, and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

.

Julien Ranjaivonirina, a 63‑year‑old farmer living in the Fitovinany region, smiles as he reflects on his journey. Standing in front of his wooden house, he recounts how the hydrocele he had for several years limited his movements and prevented him from working as he wished. Today, after receiving care, he is gradually regaining his pace and daily activities. “It feels like I’ve been given a second life; I can finally resume my days as before.” 

For many people in Madagascar, lymphatic filariasis remains a difficult disease to live with on a daily basis. Transmitted by mosquitoes, it disrupts the circulation of lymph and can cause persistent swelling known as lymphedema. In severe cases, the swelling can become severe and the skin may thicken. This advanced form is commonly known as elephantiasis. In some men, as in Julien’s case, the disease leads to hydrocele—a swelling of the scrotum caused by liquid accumulation. This condition can be extremely debilitating and lead to complications, making simple daily tasks challenging. 

Despite major progress, lymphatic filariasis is still present in several regions of the country. In recent years, the number of endemic districts has significantly declined, from 96 between 2018 and 2020 to 87 in 2023, four of which are now in the post‑treatment phase. The 2023 national survey recorded 15 303 cases of lymphoedema and 14 069 cases of hydrocele. In the Fitovinany region, where Julien lives, the situation remains notable: in Manakara Atsimo, 2922 cases of lymphoedema were reported, while Vohipeno and Ikongo each still count several hundred cases. These figures illustrate the ongoing burden of the disease on families and rural communities, who already face numerous challenges. 

To address these persistent issues, strengthening the health system and providing technical support remain essential. Since 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been working closely with the Ministry of Public Health to accelerate progress against lymphatic filariasis. This support is built on two pillars: interrupting transmission through mass drug administration and managing people already affected, particularly those living with lymphoedema and hydrocele. Thanks to this collaboration, Madagascar achieved full national coverage for the first time in 2023, followed by surveys to assess the effectiveness of interventions. In 2025, patient care was strengthened in 17 districts through additional training, supplies and follow‑up. 

As part of this effort, WHO helped strengthen medical capacities by training 348 health professionals between September and December 2025, including 17 surgeons specialized in hydrocele management. These training sessions improved the quality of surgical procedures, enhanced patient safety and expanded access to specialized care in the most affected regions. In total, 61 people received surgery related to lymphatic filariasis in October 2025 in the districts of Tamatave (22 patients) and Manakara (39 patients). 

Dr Yvette Ramanantsoa, head of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) at the Regional Directorate of Public Health in Fitovinany, highlights the importance of the response. “The fight against elephantiasis is an investment in human dignity and development. Elimination is possible, but it requires collective and sustained commitment.” 

On the ground, this commitment translates into concrete actions: regular campaigns, community mobilization, active screening and free surgical interventions. Community health workers walk long distances to inform, reassure and guide patients, helping reduce stigma and improving access to care. 

For WHO, the vision is equally clear. “It is together, hand in hand with the ministry and communities, that we move forward so that no one has to suffer in silence,” says Dr Patricia Rasoamihanta‑Martin, NTD programme lead at the WHO office in Madagascar. She emphasizes that beyond treatment, success depends on active community participation. “Given the severe consequences of this disease, particularly in rural areas, it is essential for everyone to understand the importance of prevention, participation in treatment campaigns and access to care. Community engagement and the sustained commitment of all actors are indispensable.”

 Looking ahead, the next step is to continue progressing toward the elimination of lymphatic filariasis by 2030, consolidating achievements and ensuring their sustainability within the health system. 

Progress is particularly visible among surgical teams. Thanks to WHO‑supported training, surgeons are seeing immediate benefits for patients. At the Regional Hospital Centre of Mananjary, Dr Rynah Rakotomamonjy, involved in patient care since 2008, explains that these sessions have improved surgical techniques, reduced complications and ensured smoother recovery. “After the operation, many express a sense of liberation; they feel they can live a more normal life again, without shame, and it feels like a fresh start.” 

In Manakara, Dr Mampionondray Razafindratovonimanana, head of the surgery department, shares similar observations. He describes sometimes complex cases but notes significant improvements: reduced swelling, restored mobility, return to work and decreased stigma. 

These advances directly transform the lives of affected individuals. Behind each intervention are personal journeys marked by waiting, doubt and hope of regaining a normal life. And it is in the villages that the impact of these surgical procedures becomes most visible: where patients regain autonomy, confidence and the ability to resume activities they had long abandoned. 

In a nearby village in Fitovinany, 60‑year‑old Victor Ratovonirina provides a powerful example of the long path many patients must take before receiving care. Also a farmer, he explains that he lived with the disease for nearly ten years, initially believing it was linked to an injury sustained during a football match. Gradually, he lost strength and mobility and the disease eventually affected his social life and ability to work. Informed at the health centre that treatment was available, he registered and later underwent free surgery. “This operation changed my life: I feel relieved, I’m regaining my strength and I can look forward to returning to the fields,” he says. 

For Julien too, the change is profound. Before his surgery, he struggled to work and felt diminished. After finally receiving the care he needed, he enjoys a simpler, lighter daily life. Sitting on a bench surrounded by his family, his gaze fixed on his field— a symbol of his restored routine—he confides: “Now I feel reborn, and I’m confident that tomorrow will be even better.” For the communities of Fitovinany and beyond, hope is no longer a distant promise: it now takes the form of transformed lives, regained abilities and restored dignity.

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

Source: APO

.

A conference aimed at enhancing the role of students in environmental preservation was conducted on 26 January in the port city of Assab. The conference, which was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment and the Ministry of Education, focused on establishing environmental clubs in junior and secondary schools and enabling students to play their due part in environmental preservation.

Eng. Omar Mahmud, Acting Head of Agriculture and Land in the region, urged students to enhance their understanding of the environment and natural resources, and to actively participate in their preservation. He also called on the public to refrain from the use of plastics, which are among the main causes of environmental pollution.

Mr. Aman Saleh, Head of Information and Promotion at the branch office of the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment in the region, stated that climate change, deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity degradation, air pollution, irregular rainfall, depletion of underground water, and the extinction of forestry and wildlife resources are among the major environmental challenges.

At the event, a general knowledge competition focusing on environmental issues was conducted among students with a view to enhancing their awareness, and awards were presented to the winners.

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