Category: Africa

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Government adopts strategy to reduce incidental seabird mortality

Source: Government of South Africa

Government adopts strategy to reduce incidental seabird mortality

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has adopted the National Plan of Action II for the Conservation and Management of Seabirds in South African Fisheries (NPOA Seabirds II), setting out the country’s strategy for 2026 – 2030 to reduce incidental seabird mortality further and strengthen monitoring, reporting and adaptive management.

NPOA Seabirds II builds on the 2008 plan through an evidence-based approach informed by updated survey data, fisheries observer records, strandings and tracking studies.

According to the department, the plan consolidates current information on conservation status and the known interactions between South African fisheries and all seabird species occurring in South African waters. It also identifies priority areas where targeted action is required.

“It also serves as a compendium of up-to-date information on legislation and policy related to seabird-fisheries interactions and provides useful sector-specific information on current knowledge of interactions and mitigation,” the department said.

The plan’s target of “zero impact on the sustainability of seabird populations by South African fisheries” is highly ambitious but achievable.

It establishes clear, measurable objectives to reduce bycatch across gear types, including longline, trawl, purse seine, pole-and-line and gillnet fisheries, while working towards evidence-based mitigation measures tailored to each fishery and vessel class.

NPOA Seabirds II explicitly incorporates updated species-level interaction data and conservation assessments to ensure mitigation measures are proportionate to the level of risk.

A defining feature of the plan is its formalised cross-sector collaboration. DFFE Oceans and Coasts and fisheries managers will partner with industry, BirdLife South Africa, the Albatross Task Force, academic institutions and provincial conservation agencies to co-design mitigation trials, deliver skipper and observer training, and share monitoring data via common platforms.

“Joint funding mechanisms and shared governance arrangements have been established to enable transparent, adaptive implementation.

“This integrated approach is framed as a win-win: reducing seabird mortality while maintaining sustainable, productive fisheries and supporting coastal livelihoods,” the department said.

The plan also includes capacity building, targeted public outreach and alignment with international best practices and agreements.

NPOA Seabirds II commits to an iterative review process that will incorporate new evidence and operational feedback.

The plan reflects a science-led, cooperative pathway to protect vulnerable seabird populations without compromising fishing operations.

By sharing responsibility, resources and data, conservation and fisheries objectives are mutually strengthened. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mantashe, Mahlobo conduct joint oversight visit to Samancor Dikwena tailings facility

Source: Government of South Africa

Mantashe, Mahlobo conduct joint oversight visit to Samancor Dikwena tailings facility

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo and senior officials from both departments and specialised engineering teams, have conducted a joint oversight visit to Samancor Dikwena Chrome near Brits, following the structural failure of a sidewall at the mine’s tailings facility last Thursday.

The visit formed part of government’s response to the incident, which occurred on 13 August 2026.

READ | Government probes tailings storage facility failure at Samancor’s Dikwena mine

During the visit on Monday, the government delegation met with mine management, received a detailed briefing on the circumstances surrounding the incident and inspected the affected area to evaluate potential environmental impacts, infrastructure disruptions, and the progress of the multi-agency investigation.

Addressing the media at the site, Mantashe acknowledged the fortunate absence of fatalities, while sharply pivoting the focus toward systemic accountability and regulatory compliance.

“We are very lucky that there is no fatality. Let us start from there. Nobody is dead; there is a disaster, but there is no death. That we must accept. But managing slime dams cannot be treated as a water issue. It is a mining issue, inherently linked to the core mining operations and structural accountability,” Mantashe said.

Expanding on the government’s collaborative regulatory stance, Deputy Minister Mahlobo underscored that tailings infrastructure must maintain absolute structural integrity across every phase of operation.

The Department of Water and Sanitation, alongside specialised dam safety engineering units, has deployed teams to conduct thorough water quality sampling, containment checks, and environmental risk assessments aimed at safeguarding surrounding communities and mitigate potential downstream impacts.

Government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the principle of Zero Harm, the protection of workers’ health and safety, environmental protection, and strict regulatory compliance across all mining and industrial operations.

Investigations into the exact technical and operational causes of the sidewall failure remain active and ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Infrastructure delivery must move from ambition to impact

Source: Government of South Africa

Infrastructure delivery must move from ambition to impact

By Moahlodi Maphori
South Africa’s ability to achieve sustained growth, create jobs and improve lives depends on infrastructure that works. Roads, rail, ports, water systems, energy networks and digital connectivity are not just public assets. They move goods, keep communities supplied, connect small businesses to markets and give households confidence that essential services will be available when needed.

Government has placed infrastructure at the centre of efforts to rebuild the economy, address structural constraints and unlock South Africa’s development potential. This commitment was underscored by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, which outlined measures to accelerate growth, expand employment, strengthen infrastructure investment and improve the state’s capacity to deliver.

Central to this programme is a R1 trillion commitment to public infrastructure over the next three years. This includes R156 billion for water and sanitation infrastructure and a R54 billion incentive to support metropolitan municipalities in reforming water, sanitation and electricity services. The launch of the first national infrastructure bond also signals government’s intention to mobilise additional financing and strengthen private-sector participation in priority projects.

These commitments reflect a practical truth that economic recovery cannot be sustained without reliable and efficient infrastructure. Infrastructure investment can reduce the cost of doing business, improve service delivery and connect communities to economic opportunity. The investment programme is being strengthened by reforms that remove barriers which have delayed infrastructure development.

Operation Vulindlela remains critical to this work by addressing regulatory blockages, improving coordination across government and strengthening key network industries such as energy, water, transport and logistics. Better planning, financing and implementation can speed up delivery, build investor confidence and create more room for private-sector participation.

Infrastructure South Africa will host the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) from 23 to 25 August 2026 at Century City in Cape Town. The symposium brings together government, the private sector, development partners and international stakeholders to assess progress, examine the infrastructure pipeline and strengthen partnerships that can accelerate project preparation, financing and implementation.

The significance of SIDSSA goes beyond convening stakeholders in one room. It reaffirms South Africa’s infrastructure ambitions while focusing attention on the real test of execution, accountability and tangible impact that communities can see. The task now is to convert commitments into projects that are delivered efficiently and produce measurable economic and social outcomes.

This transition is supported by Infrastructure South Africa’s project preparation work.  The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson recently highlighted that the entity is supporting more than 24 infrastructure projects with an estimated capital value of R148 billion, while 15 supported projects have completed preparatory work. This pipeline matters because bankable projects attract investment and reduce delays between planning, financing and construction.

Government is at the forefront of providing policy certainty, stronger regulatory frameworks, credible project preparation and an enabling financing environment. While government is finalising the financing preparations, the priority should shift to disciplined implementation of the identified infrastructure projects. 

This requires efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, and accountability for delivery must remain clear. Infrastructure must be delivered within agreed budgets and timeframes, with visible benefits for communities and the economy.

The call now is to invite the private sector to contribute capital, technical expertise, innovation and implementation capacity so that infrastructure can thrive in our country.

Government, together with business and development partners, must stay focused on turning viable projects into visible results. South Africa cannot afford infrastructure ambitions that remain confined to plans. Each project delivered on time and at scale can unlock investment, support jobs, strengthen productive capacity and improve people’s quality of life.

Infrastructure is ultimately about more than roads, bridges, water systems, energy facilities and logistics networks. It is about building the foundations of a capable state, a competitive economy and an inclusive society in which more South Africans can reach opportunity. With focus, accountability and partnership, infrastructure ambition can become sustained investment, stronger growth, greater employment and a more resilient future.

*Maphori is Acting Economic Cluster Coordinator at the Government Communication and Information System

 

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President Ramaphosa to host President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe for Bi-National Commission

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will, on Friday, 21 August 2026, host His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria.

Established in April 2015, the BNC serves as the central mechanism for managing and advancing the strategic partnership between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

To date, more than 33 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been concluded between the two countries across various areas of cooperation.

The Fourth Session will provide an opportunity for the two Heads of State to review progress in implementing existing bilateral commitments and to identify opportunities to further strengthen relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Discussions will focus on deepening bilateral cooperation across key areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, infrastructure, economic development and other areas that contribute to shared growth and development.

The Session will culminate in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at further expanding bilateral cooperation in strategic areas.

The Heads of State Meeting will be preceded by a Ministerial Meeting, following the Senior Officials Meeting of the Fourth Session of the BNC, which took place yesterday, Tuesday, 18 August 2026. The Ministerial and Senior Officials Meetings serve to prepare matters for consideration by the two Heads of State.

MEDIA PROGRAMME
Ministerial Meeting
Date: Thursday, 20 August 2026
Time:  08h00
Venue: OR Tambo Building, Pretoria

Heads of State Meeting
Date: Friday, 21 August 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Department of International Relations, OR Tambo Building, Pretoria

MEDIA ACCREDITATION: Members of the media wishing to cover the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission are invited to apply for accreditation by completing the attached accreditation spreadsheet and submitting it to MavusoB@dirco.gov.za 

Further details regarding media access and the programme will be communicated to accredited media.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Cabo Verde: Governo investe em melhoria das infraestruturas em 3 escolas secundárias

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Governo de Cabo Verde e o Governo da República Popular da China assinaram, esta terça-feira, 18 de agosto, um protocolo de cooperação para a execução do Projeto de Reabilitação de Três Escolas em Cabo Verde, com assistência técnica e financeira da China.

O projeto abrange a Escola Secundária de Salineiro, em Ribeira Grande de Santiago, a Escola Secundária Olegário Tavares, em São Miguel, e o Complexo Educativo Eduardo Gomes Miranda, em Santa Catarina do Fogo. As três infraestruturas foram construídas originalmente no âmbito da cooperação chinesa.

Para o Ministro da Educação, Formação Profissional, Ensino Superior, Ciência e Inovação, Arnaldo Brito, a assinatura do protocolo integra o esforço do Governo para melhorar as condições das escolas e modernizar o sistema educativo.

“Estamos aqui neste ato de grande valor para nós, pois o novo Governo assumiu a educação como uma prioridade absoluta”, afirmou o ministro, sublinhando que, apesar dos elevados custos do setor, o Governo considera a educação um investimento essencial para o desenvolvimento do país.

“É um investimento do país. Este novo Governo assumiu como decisão assumir este custo”, afirmou, destacando a importância do apoio dos parceiros internacionais, em particular da China.

Além da recuperação dos edifícios existentes, o projeto prevê a construção de novos gabinetes, laboratórios e áreas de refeição, bem como o fornecimento de equipamentos pedagógicos e mobiliário de escritório.

Arnaldo Brito defendeu ainda a necessidade de investir na formação e qualificação dos professores, considerando-os fundamentais para a melhoria do sistema educativo. “Nós queremos transformar todo o sistema educativo, modernizar o parque escolar para as crianças, apostar muito na formação dos professores”, afirmou.

Outra das prioridades apontadas pelo governante é reforçar a ligação entre a escola e o mundo do trabalho, permitindo que os alunos tenham, de forma gradual, contacto com o mercado profissional. “A escola deve estar ligada ao mundo do trabalho”, afirmou, referindo que este princípio está previsto na Constituição da República e na Lei de Bases do Sistema Educativo.

O ministro Arnaldo Brito manifestou também a expectativa de contar com um apoio continuado da China no setor da educação, destacando a cooperação já existente, nomeadamente na construção do campus da Universidade de Cabo Verde.

O Embaixador da China em Cabo Verde, Zhang Yang, considerou a assinatura do protocolo mais um resultado da cooperação bilateral no setor da educação e destacou o impacto esperado da intervenção nas três escolas. Segundo o diplomata, a reabilitação das infraestruturas deverá proporcionar aos professores e alunos “um ambiente de aprendizagem e trabalho mais seguro, confortável e moderno”, contribuindo para a melhoria da qualidade da educação em Cabo Verde.

Zhang Yang recordou outros projetos de cooperação chinesa no setor, nomeadamente o novo campus da Universidade de Cabo Verde, e afirmou que a China está disponível para continuar a reforçar a cooperação na educação, incluindo na formação de recursos humanos e no acolhimento de estudantes cabo-verdianos no ensino superior chinês.

A assinatura do protocolo acontece no ano em que Cabo Verde e China assinalam 50 anos do estabelecimento das relações diplomáticas

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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South Africa: Public Protector’s Report on R5.1 Billion in Improper Student Funding Is Deeply Concerning

Source: APO – Report:

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has noted the damning Office of the Public Protector report relating to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the improper funding of students.

According to the report, approximately 40 000 students across 76 higher education institutions were improperly funded to a value of R5.1 billion. The amount emanates from Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation in terms of proclamation R88 of 2022.

Mr Letsie said the Public Protector’s findings were concerning, but not entirely surprising, given the persistent governance, administrative and system challenges at NSFAS.

“The amount involved is astronomical. R5.1 billion is not a small amount, and we cannot treat this matter as just another administrative failure. These weaknesses have real consequences for students, particularly those from poor and vulnerable households who depend on NSFAS to access and remain in higher education,” said Mr Letsie.

Mr Letsie said student should not have to bear the consequences of governance failures and administrative weaknesses in an institution that exists to support their education. “We have said repeatedly that NSFAS must put students first. Students cannot be left to suffer while those entrusted with the administration of the scheme are preoccupied with governance disputes and boardroom squabbles. The focus must be on ensuring that students receive the support they are entitled to, and that public funds are properly managed,” said Mr Letsie.

Mr Letsie said the recently restored NSFAS Board must take the findings seriously and move with urgency to address the weaknesses identified.

“I hope the restored Board is paying close attention to these findings. It must act swiftly to strengthen governance, improve systems and ensure proper accountability for every rand entrusted to NSFAS. We cannot continue to have the same failures year after year,” said Mr Letsie.

Mr Letsie said the committee will abide by the recommendations from the Public Protector giving the committee 30 days to process the report and secure Parliament’s approval before submitting it to the Public Protector.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Métiers du bâtiment, de l’énergie et du numérique au Bénin : les nouvelles formations pratiques pour les jeunes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique, en charge de la Formation Technique, informe les populations béninoises, en particulier les parents d’élèves et les jeunes, de l’ouverture, au titre de l’année scolaire 2026-2027, de nouvelles offres de formation professionnelle dans les Lycées Techniques Professionnels du Bénin.

Ces formations, conduisant à l’obtention du Diplôme de Technicien aux Métiers (DTM), portent sur les métiers suivants :

  • MÉTIERS DE L’ÉLECTRICITÉ

Ce métier forme des jeunes capables de concevoir, installer, entretenir et réparer des systèmes électriques résidentiels, tertiaires et industriels, y compris les installations solaires et la domotique.

Débouchés : électricien-installateur, technicien en installations électriques, technicien de maintenance électrique, installateur de systèmes solaires photovoltaïques, technicien en domotique, chef d’équipe ou entrepreneur dans le domaine des installations électriques.

  • ÉNERGIES RENOUVELABLES

Cette formation prépare les apprenants à concevoir, installer, exploiter, entretenir et assurer la maintenance des systèmes d’énergies renouvelables, notamment les installations solaires photovoltaïques et solaires thermiques, ainsi que les équipements associés.

Débouchés : installateur-mainteneur de systèmes solaires, technicien en énergie solaire photovoltaïque, technicien en énergie solaire thermique, technicien de maintenance des équipements énergétiques, entrepreneur dans le domaine des énergies renouvelables.

  • FROID SANITAIRE ET CONDITIONNEMENT D’AIR

Ce métier forme des jeunes capables d’installer, mettre en service, entretenir et réparer les équipements de froid domestique, commercial et industriel, ainsi que les systèmes de climatisation et les installations sanitaires, notamment la plomberie, les chauffe-eau et la ventilation.

Débouchés : technicien frigoriste, installateur-mainteneur en climatisation, technicien en installations sanitaires et plomberie, technicien en ventilation, technicien de maintenance des équipements frigorifiques et de conditionnement d’air, entrepreneur dans le domaine du froid, de la climatisation et des installations sanitaires.

  • MAINTENANCE ÉLECTRONIQUE, OPTION MULTIMÉDIA

Cette formation prépare les apprenants à installer, configurer, entretenir, diagnostiquer et dépanner des équipements électroniques et multimédias, notamment dans les domaines de l’audio, de la vidéo, de l’informatique et de la téléphonie.

Débouchés : technicien polyvalent de maintenance électronique, technicien audiovisuel, technicien en équipements multimédias, technicien informatique et réseaux, technicien en téléphonie, réparateur d’équipements électroniques et multimédias, entrepreneur dans le secteur des services électroniques et numériques.

  • TECHNICIEN RÉSEAUX ET SÉCURITÉINFORMATIQUE

Ce métier forme des jeunes capables de concevoir, installer, configurer, sécuriser, administrer et maintenir des réseaux informatiques professionnels, tout en assurant la protection des données, des systèmes et des infrastructures numériques.

Débouchés : technicien réseaux, administrateur réseaux, technicien en sécurité informatique, technicien systèmes et réseaux, technicien support informatique, assistant en cybersécurité, installateur de réseaux informatiques, entrepreneur dans les services numériques.

  • MAINTENANCE DES VOITURES PARTICULIÈRES

Cette formation prépare les apprenants à diagnostiquer, entretenir et réparer les systèmes mécaniques, électriques et électroniques des véhicules particuliers, en utilisant les équipements et outils de diagnostic appropriés et en respectant les normes de sécurité et les évolutions technologiques du secteur automobile.

Débouchés : mécanicien automobile, technicien de maintenance automobile, technicien en diagnostic automobile, technicien en électricité et électronique automobile, responsable d’atelier, conseiller technique automobile, entrepreneur ou gestionnaire de garage automobile.

  • RÉALISATION DU GROS ŒUVRE

Ce métier forme des jeunes capables de réaliser les travaux de construction, de rénovation et de réhabilitation des ouvrages de bâtiment et de génie civil. Elle leur permet de maîtriser notamment la lecture de plans, l’implantation des ouvrages, les travaux de fondation, de maçonnerie et de béton armé, ainsi que les techniques de base de suivi de chantier, dans le respect des normes de qualité et de sécurité.

Débouchés : maçon, chef d’équipe en gros œuvre, ouvrier qualifié du bâtiment, technicien de chantier, assistant conducteur de travaux, entrepreneur dans le secteur du bâtiment et des travaux publics.

  • GÉOMÈTRE-TOPOGRAPHE

Cette formation prépare les apprenants à réaliser des levés topographiques, à établir des plans et des cartes, à effectuer des implantations d’ouvrages et à participer aux opérations de bornage et de délimitation foncière, en utilisant les instruments et technologies modernes de mesure et de géolocalisation.

Débouchés : technicien géomètre-topographe, assistant géomètre, opérateur topographique, technicien en cartographie, technicien foncier, assistant dans les cabinets de géomètre, les entreprises de BTP, les bureaux d’études et les services publics.

  • TECHNICIEN D’ÉTUDES DU BÂTIMENT

Ce métier forme des jeunes capables de réaliser les études techniques et économiques nécessaires à la conception, à la préparation et à la réalisation des ouvrages de bâtiment. Elle leur permet de maîtriser notamment le dessin assisté par ordinateur (DAO), la lecture et l’exploitation des plans, les techniques de métré, l’estimation des coûts et la préparation des dossiers techniques.

Débouchés : technicien d’études du bâtiment, métreur, dessinateur-projeteur, technicien en bureau d’études, assistant conducteur de travaux, technicien en estimation et suivi des travaux, assistant dans les entreprises de BTP et les bureaux d’études.

À travers ces nouvelles offres de formation, le Gouvernement du Bénin entend offrir aux jeunes des compétences pratiques dans des métiers concrets, porteurs et adaptés aux besoins du marché du travail.

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

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Dr Tedros in Ghana: A call for self-reliance, resilience and health leadership

Source: APO


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At a time when Africa faces evolving health challenges, growing demands on health systems and the urgent need for greater self-reliance, leaders from across the continent gathered in Ghana with a shared conviction: the future of Africa’s health must be shaped by African leadership, investment and innovation.

The African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, hosted in Accra, brought together Heads of State, policymakers, health leaders, development partners and global health experts to chart a renewed path towards stronger, more resilient and equitable health systems.

Beyond the discussions and commitments, the Summit served as a powerful reminder that health is not only a measure of human wellbeing but also a foundation for economic growth, social stability and Africa’s sustainable development.

Ghana’s hosting of the high-level gathering underscored the country’s continued leadership in advancing health development on the continent and creating space for dialogue on how Africa can move from dependence to greater ownership of its health solutions.

At the centre of discussions was the need for African countries to strengthen domestic capacity and reduce vulnerabilities in the health sector. Despite significant progress over the years, the continent continues to face challenges, including heavy reliance on imported health commodities. African countries currently import between 70 and 100 per cent of their pharmaceutical products, while approximately 99 per cent of vaccines used on the continent are imported.

Stakeholders emphasised that achieving health security requires more than responding to emergencies — it requires sustained investments in local manufacturing, innovation, health workforce development and resilient health systems that can serve populations now and in the future.

The gathering also reinforced a broader call for countries to view health not only as a social responsibility but as a foundation for economic growth, stability and prosperity. Strong health systems protect communities, support productive populations and strengthen countries’ ability to withstand future shocks.

The Summit was further elevated by the participation of the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose visit to Ghana reinforced WHO’s commitment to supporting African-led solutions for Africa’s health priorities. The WHO Director-General’s presence at the Summit reinforced the importance of collective leadership in shaping Africa’s health future. From strengthening primary health care and achieving universal health coverage to improving pandemic preparedness and expanding access to essential health products, discussions reflected a shared commitment to building a healthier and more resilient continent.

During his engagements in Ghana, Dr Tedros met with His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, where discussions focused on strengthening health systems, advancing universal health coverage and ensuring that health remains central to national and continental development agendas.

He also visited the WHO Ghana Country Office, where he engaged staff and acknowledged their dedication and contribution to improving health outcomes in Ghana and beyond. Addressing colleagues, Dr Tedros encouraged staff to remain steadfast in their commitment to WHO’s mission and the people they serve, particularly during a period of evolving global health challenges.

“The strength of WHO is not measured only by the resources we have, but by the integrity, professionalism and commitment of our staff. A lack of funding will not break this Organization, but a lack of integrity will”, Dr Tedros told staff.

He urged colleagues to remain guided by science, facts and evidence, reminding them that WHO’s credibility depends on its ability to provide trusted health advice based on knowledge and impartiality.

“In a world of competing interests and opinions, do not take sides; stand with science, facts and evidence. That is what must guide our work every day”, he added.

Dr Tedros also engaged with the United Nations Country Team in Ghana, highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnership in advancing shared development goals and supporting countries to address complex health challenges.

For Ghana, the Extraordinary Summit on Health represented another milestone in its contribution to shaping Africa’s health agenda. Through continued collaboration with regional and global partners, the country remains committed to advancing solutions that place people at the centre of health development.

As Africa looks towards the future, the message from Accra was clear: achieving a healthier continent will require bold leadership, sustained investment and collective action. The journey towards health sovereignty may be challenging, but with shared commitment, scientific integrity and partnership, Africa can build health systems that are stronger, more equitable and better prepared for generations to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

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Eritrea: Eighth-Grade National Examination Results Announced

Source: APO – Report:

The results of the 2025/2026 eighth-grade national examination have been officially announced. According to the report, 60% of the 65,876 students who sat for the examination earned passing marks, of whom 45% were female.

Noting that the examination was administered at 535 centers across the country, as well as in Sudan and Saudi Arabia, Mr. Girma’alem Tekie, Head of Evaluation and National Examinations at the Ministry of Education, said that 100% of the students who sat for the examination in Sudan and 99% of those who sat for it in Saudi Arabia earned passing marks.

The examination covered Mathematics, English Language, Civic Education, and Science.

Mr. Girma’alem noted that the efforts being undertaken to strengthen and expand preschools will have significant contribution to the improved results of the eighth-grade national examination and called for these efforts to be strengthened.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Media files

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Mercy Ships Returns to Ghana With Its Largest Hospital Ship

Source: APO – Report:

The Global Mercy, following her recent field service in Sierra Leone and scheduled annual maintenance period, arrived at the Port of Tema yesterday. This marks the beginning of a 10-month field service in partnership with the Government of Ghana, where the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship will offer free surgical care on board.

Welcoming Mercy Ships back to Ghana, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama said “Health is not a luxury; it is the foundation of freedom. It is the currency of our dignity. It is our greatest public good, and so I am delighted to welcome Mercy Ships to Ghana.”

Although Ghana has one of the strongest healthcare systems in West Africa, bolstered by its ambitious National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) launched in 2024, millions of people still face barriers to timely, safe, and affordable surgical care. Surgical specialists remain unevenly distributed, and district hospitals continue to face capacity challenges. This means many patients live with easily treatable conditions because surgery remains beyond their reach.

 “The development of this plan (NSOAP) is in line with our broader objectives for the health sector,” said Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister of Health, Ghana. “It ensures that essential surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia services are incorporated into Ghana’s universal health coverage strategy. This is an important step toward reducing maternal and child mortality, effectively managing trauma cases, and strengthening emergency and critical care services throughout the country.”

This is Mercy Ships’ fifth field service in Ghana and will combine free specialized surgery with education, mentoring, and workforce development. Patients from across the country have been invited to apply for free specialised surgical care, including cleft lip and palate repair, tumour removal, cataract surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, obstetric fistula repair, paediatric orthopaedic surgery, and general surgery.

“Returning to Ghana is the continuation of a trusted partnership,” said Michael Nkeze, Mercy Ships Country Director for Ghana. “Together with the Ministry of Health and our national partners, we are investing not only in life-changing surgery for today’s patients, but also in stronger surgical systems that will benefit future generations.”

Since first arriving to Ghana in 1991, Mercy Ships has worked alongside the country’s government to deliver more than 2,670 surgical procedures and over 18,120 dental procedures, train more than 2,920 healthcare professionals, and impact nearly 15,000 direct medical beneficiaries.

Crewed by volunteer professionals from more than 70 countries, the Mercy Ships brings together surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, engineers, teachers, cooks, and maritime professionals for one shared purpose.

Ghanaian volunteers also continue to play a crucial role in the Mercy Ships family as they did in the organization’s earliest days, with several among its longtime crew members.

Among these volunteers is Hospital Chaplain ‘Mama’ Clementine, one of Mercy Ships’ longest-serving crew members. She first encountered Mercy Ships in the 1990s, then joined the crew in 1997. With Ghanaian and Togolese roots, she was inspired by volunteers from around the world who had dedicated their lives to helping her people.

“Nearly 30 years ago, Mercy Ships captured my heart,” said Clementine. “Seeing people from around the world come together to serve Africa inspired me to dedicate my own life to this mission. Today, returning to Ghana feels like coming home. It is a privilege to serve my own people and to welcome every patient with dignity, compassion, and hope. When people who once felt forgotten or abandoned leave knowing they are loved, accepted, respected, and valued, that is why I find such deep purpose in my work.”

Over the next 10 months, that spirit of partnership in service will once again bring volunteers from around the world together with Ghanaian healthcare professionals to deliver life-changing surgery, while also strengthening the nation’s surgical care systems for generations to come.

– on behalf of Mercy Ships.

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, 2,500+ volunteer professionals from more than 70 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.

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