Category: Africa

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From Learning to Earning: Presentation of National Framework for Enhancing Graduates Employability in Libya

Source: APO

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, together with the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education, Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, the European Union, and Expertise France (www.ExpertiseFrance.fr), officially announced the completion of the National Framework for Enhancing Graduates’ Employability in Libya, establishing a unified national reference to address the persistent challenge of translating education outcomes into sustainable employment.

The Framework provides a results-based structure to guide policy reform, institutional coordination, and implementation mechanisms designed to accelerate professional integration and support Libya’s broader economic diversification and national development priorities.

“A skilled and employable workforce is the foundation of a resilient and diversified economy. This framework is a strategic step toward aligning education outcomes with market needs, enabling Libya to unlock its economic potential and support sustainable growth.” Said H.E Dr.Suhail Abu Shiha, The Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade.

The validation marks a major milestone in Libya’s efforts to address structural graduate unemployment, labour market absorption challenges, and the long-standing mismatch between education outputs and economic demand. It reflects a high-level national commitment to positioning employability as a core function of both higher education and vocational education systems.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Edbeb, Minister of Higher Education in Libya, said: “By aligning our academic output with the needs of the labor market, we aim to enhance the readiness of our graduates and enable them to acquire the competencies and skills that support their professional success and their contribution to building the national economy.”

The Framework was developed through a collaborative process led by a team from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education and the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation with the support of international partners under the EU4Skills project, funded by the European Union, with a contribution from the French Government, and implemented by Expertise France. The development process brought together public institutions, education leaders, private sector representatives, and technical experts, ensuring national ownership and broad-based participation from all Libyan regions. The Framework also draws on international expertise and comparative case studies while being adapted to Libya’s institutional and economic context.

“What we need today is to work together on solutions and implementation, not just discuss the challenges,” stated, H.E Dr. Abdul Qader Ghaniya, Deputy Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education in Libya “Our responsibility today is not only to develop a good national framework, but also to ensure that it is transformed into a practical program with clear objectives and defined responsibilities capable of making a tangible impact on the lives of young people.”

The Framework is structured around four strategic goals that apply across both higher education and vocational pathways:

  • Developing competitive competencies aligned with modern labour market needs;
  • Expanding and diversifying employability pathways, with a focus on stronger private sector engagement;
  • Promoting entrepreneurship, self-employment, and innovation within educational institutions;
  • Generating sustainable societal and economic impact through improved education outcomes.

By modernizing curricula, expanding internships, and launching career guidance services, this initiative introduces practical tools to bridge the gap between ‘learning and earning.’ Through data-driven tracking and regulatory reforms, Libya is building a more responsive education system that adapts to the evolving needs of the job market

H.E. Mr. Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union to Libya, stated: “The European Union is proud to support Libya in advancing systemic reform that places youth employability at the centre of economic development. This Framework reflects a strong national commitment to evidence-based reform and institutional coordination. By strengthening alignment between education and labour market needs, Libya is investing in its most valuable asset: its young people.”

“At Expertise France, we believe that sustainability is built through institutional ownership,” said Mr. Maxime Bost, Programs Director of Expertise France in Libya. “This framework is not a standalone project but is designed to be anchored within Libya’s existing governance structures to ensure it evolves alongside the country’s economic needs to support employability and create great opportunities for young people.”

The Framework’s implementation follows a strategic roadmap, starting with foundational reforms and institutional capacity-building before scaling these initiatives across all Libyan regions. Designed for long-term sustainability, the strategy links classrooms to the national economy. Ultimately, this validation represents a unified national pledge to transform academic degrees into meaningful careers, equipping Libyan graduates to excel in a global market and driving the nation’s transition toward a resilient, knowledge-based economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Expertise France.

Contact:
Sarah Belamin
Strategic Visibility and Media Expert
Expertise France Economical program in Libya
sarah.belamin@expertisefrance.fr
+218946660453

About The European Union:
The European Union is made up of 27 Member States, which have decided to gradually pool their know-how, their resources, and their destiny. Together, over a period of over 50 years of enlargement, they have built an area of stability, democracy, and sustainable development, while maintaining their cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is determined to share its achievements and values with countries and peoples beyond its borders.

About Expertise France: 
Expertise France is the French public agency for international technical assistance. It aims at contributing to sustainable development based on solidarity and inclusiveness, mainly through enhancing the quality of public policies within the partner countries. www.ExpertiseFrance.fr

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Zenith Bank Headline Sponsorship Powers Final Countdown to the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos

Source: APO


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The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.CA/) today announced final momentum for the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference (https://apo-opa.co/4xHpTJ5), taking place June 24-25, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, headline sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc.

The flagship program will convene senior business leaders, investors, policymakers and institutional partners from Canada, Nigeria and across the African continent for two days of high-level networking, sector-focused discussion and practical engagement designed to accelerate trade, investment and commercial partnerships.

Hosted in the dynamic megacity of Lagos, a key gateway for global growth, the 6th edition places Nigeria’s private sector leadership and continental reach at the centre of Canada-Africa engagement. The program will highlight opportunities across financial services, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, clean technologies and other high-growth sectors.

“Zenith Bank Plc is honoured to serve as headline sponsor to this distinguished gathering in Lagos, our home city and one of Africa’s most important commercial centres. The Conference reflects the growing importance of financial linkages between Africa and Canada, and we look forward to working with partners to advance trade, investment and shared prosperity.”

— Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank Plc

Zenith Bank’s headline sponsorship reflects the central role of financial institutions in enabling market entry, cross-border trade, investment flows and project delivery. The bank brings deep local market knowledge, robust trade finance and treasury solutions, corporate and investment banking expertise, and digital platforms built to global standards.

“Building on over three decades of convening excellence, the Chamber is pleased to bring Canadian and African decision-makers together in Lagos at a time of exceptional opportunity. Thanks to Zenith Bank’s leadership, this conference is positioned to convert goodwill into relationships, and relationships into practical commercial outcomes.”

— Garreth Bloor, President, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business

The conference is also supported by a growing roster of partners and sponsors, including Elephant Trade-Services DRC as Headline Chamber Sponsor, GardaWorld Security as Gold Conference Sponsor, and Silver Conference Sponsors Banwo & Ighodalo, Baywood Group, CBI News, Dentons, Eko Hotels & Suites, and Voranex Africa. The Government of Canada is recognized as Chamber Partner, with Abide Consulting serving as Conference Partner.

The two-day program includes keynote addresses, interactive panels, executive networking and business-to-business engagement, with a focus on practical outcomes for Canadian and African companies seeking growth, market access and long-term partnership. Delegates will participate in keynote addresses, executive panels, business-to-business engagement and Day 2 program focuses on deepening relationships between members and sponsors, with a Site Visit to GardaWorld Security, showcasing significant investment in action, as well as a closing VIP Reception.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

About The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business:
With more than 30 years of history, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening trade and investment between Canada and African markets. Through flagship conferences, targeted missions, and year-round engagement, the Chamber connects decision-makers and advances sustainable, private-sector-led development.

About Zenith Bank Plc:
Zenith Bank Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with an international footprint spanning Africa and Europe. The bank offers local market knowledge, trade finance and treasury solutions, corporate and investment banking expertise, and digital platforms built to global standards.

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Le Groupe de coordination arabe tient sa 21e réunion des chefs de ses institutions à Vienne afin de promouvoir l’action conjointe en matière de développement et les partenariats mondiaux

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Groupe de coordination arabe (GCA) (www.theACG.org), l’un des plus importants partenariats mondiaux réunissant des institutions de financement du développement, a tenu aujourd’hui sa 21e réunion des chefs de ses institutions au siège du Fonds de l’OPEP pour le développement international, à Vienne, en Autriche. Cette réunion s’est déroulée dans le cadre des célébrations du 50e anniversaire du Fonds de l’OPEP, marquant cinq décennies de soutien au développement durable et à la coopération internationale.

La réunion a rassemblé les dirigeants des institutions membres du GCA afin de réaffirmer l’esprit de partenariat qui caractérise le Groupe, de renforcer la coopération entre ses membres et de renouveler leur engagement commun en faveur du développement durable dans le monde entier.

Cette rencontre constitue une plateforme essentielle permettant aux dirigeants du GCA d’échanger leurs points de vue, de consolider leurs relations institutionnelles et d’assurer l’harmonisation continue de leurs actions au service de la mission collective de développement du Groupe. Elle témoigne des valeurs fondamentales qui guident le Groupe de coordination arabe depuis plus de cinquante ans : solidarité, confiance mutuelle, collaboration et engagement commun à améliorer les conditions de vie et à promouvoir la prospérité dans les pays en développement.

En 2025, les institutions membres du GCA ont collectivement octroyé 25,7 milliards de dollars américains pour financer près de 735 opérations dans plus de 97 pays. Au cours des cinquante dernières années, le Groupe a mobilisé plus de 331,5 milliards de dollars américains de financements au développement au profit de plus de 13 000 projets dans plus de 160 pays, contribuant ainsi à la croissance économique, au développement des infrastructures, au progrès social et au développement durable à l’échelle mondiale.

Les chefs d’institution ont examiné les progrès accomplis par le Groupe au cours de l’année écoulée et ont réaffirmé leur engagement à renforcer la coopération entre les institutions membres. Les discussions ont porté sur le maintien de partenariats solides, qui sous-tendent le succès du Groupe, ainsi que sur l’amélioration de l’efficacité de ses efforts collectifs afin de répondre à l’évolution des besoins de développement dans le monde.

En marge de la réunion, les dirigeants du GCA ont communiqué avec des partenaires internationaux du développement, lors de tables rondes organisées par le Fonds de l’OPEP, avec le gouvernement de la Barbade, le président du Forum sur le Groupe des Vingt Vulnérables face aux changements climatiques et les ministres des finances du V20 (CVF-V20), la Banque africaine de développement et la Banque interaméricaine de développement ainsi que la CAF – Banque de développement d’Amérique latine et des Caraïbes, illustrant ainsi l’engagement constant du Groupe à favoriser un dialogue constructif et à renforcer la collaboration au sein de la communauté internationale du développement. Dans leurs remarques finales, les chefs d’institution ont réaffirmé l’engagement indéfectible du Groupe de coordination arabe en faveur de la coopération, du partenariat et d’un objectif commun. Ils ont souligné que le succès du Groupe au cours des cinq dernières décennies repose sur des relations institutionnelles solides, le respect mutuel et une volonté partagée de promouvoir le développement des pays et des communautés du monde entier.

Distribué par APO Group pour Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

A propos du Groupe de coordination arabe :
Le Groupe de coordination arabe est une alliance stratégique offrant une réponse concertée au financement du développement. Depuis sa création en 1975, le Groupe a joué un rôle central dans l’accompagnement des économies et des sociétés vers un avenir meilleur, avec plus de 13.000 projets de développement financés dans plus de 160. Son action vise à autonomiser les pays en développement et à générer un impact positif durable.

Le Groupe est composé de 10 institutions nationales, régionales et internationales : le Fonds d’Abou Dhabi pour le Développement, la Banque arabe pour le développement économique en Afrique, le Fonds arabe pour le développement économique et social, le Programme du Golfe arabe pour le développement, le Fonds monétaire arabe, la Banque islamique de développement, le Fonds koweïtien pour le développement économique arabe, le Fonds de l’OPEP pour le développement international, le Fonds qatarien pour le développement, et le Fonds saoudien pour le développement.

www.theACG.org

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Arab Coordination Group Convenes 21st Heads of Institutions Meeting in Vienna to Advance Joint Development Action and Global Partnerships

Source: APO

The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (www.theACG.org), one of the world’s largest partnerships of development finance institutions, convened its 21st Meeting of Heads of Institutions today at the headquarters of the OPEC Fund for International Development in Vienna, Austria. The meeting was hosted during the OPEC Fund’s 50th anniversary year, marking five decades of support for sustainable development and international cooperation.

The meeting brought together the leaders of ACG member institutions to reaffirm the Group’s longstanding spirit of partnership, strengthen cooperation among its members, and reinforce its shared commitment to advancing sustainable development across the world.

The gathering serves as an important platform for ACG leadership to exchange perspectives, strengthen institutional relationships, and ensure continued alignment in support of the Group’s collective development mission. The meeting reflects the enduring values that have guided the ACG for more than five decades: solidarity, mutual trust, collaboration, and a shared dedication to improving lives and promoting prosperity in developing countries.

In 2025, ACG member institutions collectively extended US$25.7 billion to finance nearly 735 operations in more than 97 countries. Over the past five decades, the Group has provided more than US$331.5 billion in development financing across more than 13,000 projects in over 160 countries, supporting economic growth, infrastructure development, social progress, and sustainable development worldwide.

The Heads of Institutions reviewed the Group’s progress over the past year and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation among member institutions. Discussions focused on sustaining the strong partnerships that underpin the Group’s success and enhancing the effectiveness of its collective efforts to address evolving development needs around the world.

On the margins of the meeting, ACG leaders engaged in roundtable meetings hosted by the OPEC  Fund, with the Government of Barbados, the Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and its V20 Finance Ministers (CVF-V20), African Development Bank and Inter-American Development Bank and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the Group’s continued commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and strengthening collaboration across the global development community.

In their concluding remarks, the Heads of Institutions reaffirmed the Arab Coordination Group’s enduring commitment to cooperation, partnership, and shared purpose. They emphasized that the Group’s success over the past five decades has been built on strong institutional relationships, mutual respect, and a common dedication to advancing development outcomes for countries and communities around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG): 
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. Comprising ten development funds, ACG is the second-largest group of development finance institutions in the world and works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact. 

The Group comprises the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development. 

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Can an ancient Oromo philosophy help Ethiopia build peace? Why Namummaa matters

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Bekalu Wachiso Gichamo, Lecturer in Peace and Security Studies & Senior Researcher, Wolkite University

Ethiopia’s Oromo people have an indigenous philosophy known as Namummaa, or “humanness”, which places relationships and peace at the centre of social life. The Oromo are Ethiopia’s most populous ethnic group, making up about 38% of the country’s population of 105 million people. Most live in Oromia, a region that covers about a third of Ethiopia’s land area. Oromia is a political powerhouse that plays a central role in shaping Ethiopia’s trajectory.

Drawing on his research into Oromo traditions and customs, Bekalu Wachiso Gichamo explains how Namummaa shapes ideas of conflict resolution – and why its lessons may be relevant to a country grappling with political and ethnic divisions.

What are the main characteristics of Namummaa?

The word is built from two parts: “nama”, meaning human, and “ummaa”, meaning the essence or quality of being something. At its core, Namummaa means “humanness”.

For the Oromo people, the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, a person becomes fully human through their relationships with other people, the natural world and Waaqa, the creator in Oromo belief systems.

This perspective is similar to ubuntu, a southern African philosophy often summed up as “I am because we are”.

The Oromo also use a moral code called Saffu. This encourages people to keep a respectful distance from evil and maintain healthy relationships. If you act selfishly or harm others, you lose your Namummaa. You might still have a human body, but the community will say you lack humanness.

How do indigenous moral values shape the character of the Oromo?

Namummaa shapes both personal conduct and collective identity.

The Oromo place great emphasis on relationships, mutual care and responsibility towards others. A person’s worth is judged by how they treat fellow human beings and contribute to communal wellbeing, not by wealth or status.

This is reflected in Oromo proverbs such as:

Your neighbour’s situation is your situation too

and

Your happiness is my happiness.

These sayings express the belief that individual wellbeing cannot be separated from the wellbeing of others.

The Gadaa system– an indigenous system of governance that largely dictates Oromo life – promotes values such as accountability, participation, dialogue and collective responsibility. This reinforces the idea that human dignity should be respected.

However, Namummaa has not always been perfectly realised in practice. One example is Butta, a customary armed expedition. Under the Gadaa system, men passed through a series of age-based classes, where they were taught their social and political responsibilities. Before assuming leadership, some Gadaa classes were expected to wage war or raid neighbouring groups regarded as enemies.

Such practices appear to contradict the ideals of peace and coexistence associated with Namummaa. They remind us that indigenous traditions, like all social systems, contain tensions and contradictions. They also suggest that some historical practices may have weakened or distorted Oromo ideals concerning peace, democracy and intercommunal relations.

Is there relevance for this in peacebuilding and conflict resolution?

Peace, or nagaa, occupies a central place in Namummaa.

Because relationships are viewed as the foundation of social life, maintaining and restoring peace becomes a collective responsibility.

One example can be seen in how serious crimes are handled. When a hidden crime such as murder occurs, elders often play a leading role in investigating and resolving the conflict. Rather than relying solely on punishment, the emphasis is placed on uncovering the truth, repairing harm and restoring relationships.

The Oromo believe that truth possesses moral and spiritual force. A common saying is:

Truth is the son of God.

When wrongdoing is discovered, family members may be expected to help establish the truth because an unresolved crime is believed to harm not only the individual offender but also the wider family and community.

Once responsibility is established, the offender may provide compensation to the victim’s family. The goal is reconciliation. Community members work to repair the damaged relationship so that both sides can continue living together peacefully.

This differs from many modern legal systems, which often focus primarily on punishment. Whereas formal courts ask what law was broken and how the offender should be sanctioned, Namummaa asks who has been harmed and how the social fabric can be repaired.

How might Namummaa be useful in Ethiopia today?

Ethiopia continues to experience political, ethnic and armed conflicts. As state-led military actions and formal political negotiations struggle to secure lasting stability, Namummaa offers a possible resource. While it originates in Oromo traditions rather than national institutions, I argue that Namummaa offers a credible framework for building a safer Ethiopia and world. We cannot rely on police and prisons alone – we have to rediscover our shared humanness.

Namummaa’s emphasis on dialogue, truth-telling, mutual responsibility and reconciliation provides a framework for addressing conflict that goes beyond political bargaining.

It encourages people to see opponents not as permanent enemies but as fellow human beings whose wellbeing is connected to their own.

The philosophy also promotes intercultural understanding. By recognising shared vulnerability and interdependence, it challenges the divisions that often fuel conflict.

The lessons of Namummaa extend beyond Ethiopia. Around the world, societies are struggling with political polarisation and declining social trust. Namummaa reminds us that peace is the ongoing work of nurturing relationships.

– Can an ancient Oromo philosophy help Ethiopia build peace? Why Namummaa matters
– https://theconversation.com/can-an-ancient-oromo-philosophy-help-ethiopia-build-peace-why-namummaa-matters-281052

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Funding boosts postgraduate student success – South African study measures how

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Derek Yu, Professor, Economics, University of the Western Cape

Postgraduate education is good for a country. Thriving economies need people with advanced academic degrees to enhance research productivity. Research and innovation capability have a positive impact on the competitiveness of a country.

The South African government has developed an extensive financial support programme for undergraduate (first degree) education in the form of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). However, this doesn’t extend to postgraduate programmes. Postgraduate education therefore remains a luxury for many students, even though the National Development Plan aims to have over 25% of university enrolments at postgraduate level by 2030.

As academics in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Western Cape, we examined the impact of students receiving financial aid for postgraduate study. The students in our research were new postgraduate students who registered at the faculty in 2019 (the last normal academic year before COVID-19).

Fewer than half the students received financial aid. We found that aid appeared to have an impact on completion of the study programme, especially for the postgraduate diploma. We think there’s a case for greater investment in support for postgraduate education.

Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey data shows that job seekers with only matric (grade 12 school leaving qualification) have a 35% probability of being jobless. The unemployment rate is much lower at 12% among jobseekers with first degrees. And it is only 5% among those with postgraduate qualifications. What’s more, our calculations from quarterly labour force data show that postgraduates on average earn about 38% more than those with only first degrees.

Who got financial aid

We analysed the students’ demographic characteristics, financial aid receipt status and academic results. A total of 623 new postgraduate students enrolled at the faculty: 186 for the postgraduate diploma, 275 for honours, 133 for master’s and 29 for doctorate programmes.

Some important findings emerged from the study.

Firstly, only 45.8% of these new postgraduate students received some form of financial aid. In contrast, almost all undergraduate students in this faculty receive NSFAS support. Out of all four postgraduate levels, the proportion of students receiving financial aid was the highest at postgraduate diploma level (50.5%). It was lowest at doctorate level (37.9%).

Secondly, for those who received financial aid, the university’s internal financial aid was the dominant funding source (35.8% of students received this aid). This was followed by National Research Foundation (16.8%) aid and Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority bursaries (15.1%, mainly for Accounting students).

Thirdly, the mean amount of financial aid received for 2019 (in 2025 December prices) was about R55,000 (about US$3,400) for postgraduate diploma and honours students. It was higher at R110,000 (US$6,800) at master’s level and R225,000 (almost US$14,000) at doctorate level.

Fourthly, the majority of financial aid recipients were Africans at all four postgraduate levels. This is in line with the social justice theory that previously disadvantaged population groups should get support.

Various factors can have an impact on academic performance, such as previous academic experience, residence on campus, and whether parents and students themselves are employed.

But the fifth and most striking finding was about the impact of receiving financial aid.

  • It made the greatest positive impact on postgraduate diploma students: 81% of the financial aid recipients eventually completed their studies, as against 71% of non-recipients.

  • Similarly, for the honours students, 91% of financial aid recipients completed their studies; 89% of non-recipients did so.

  • At postgraduate diploma level, on average it took 1.51 years for financial aid recipients to complete their studies, but it took an additional semester for non-recipients to do so (1.94 years).

  • Among the honours students, financial aid recipients took 1.33 years on average to complete their studies. Non-recipients took slightly longer (1.45 years) to do so.

These findings suggest financial aid had a positive impact on study completion and on the time taken to complete studies. The impact was mainly at postgraduate diploma level.

Recommendations

We have three recommendations.

First, policymakers and higher education institutions must consider expanding financial aid beyond undergraduate programmes. This would be a strategic investment in educational equity and academic excellence.

It could be tough ask, given South Africa’s fiscal deficit situation. Even private sector institutions may have dwindling funds available from firms’ profits, given the current economic climate.

Greater investment into postgraduate funding, at a level similar to that of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, is a strategy worth pursuing to alleviate the country’s poverty, inequality and unemployment and to uplift human capital, productivity and even international competitiveness.

Secondly, it is important to determine whether postgraduate diploma and honours students have been overlooked in provision of financial support. They form the foundation for further studies.

Lastly, a wide range of indicators should be considered to determine if a university has produced enough postgraduates to meet the skills needs in the country’s labour market. These indicators may include:

  • the mean years taken to complete studies

  • completion rate (what share of students complete studies)

  • throughput rate (how long it takes to complete)

  • percentage of academic staff with doctorate degrees (which indicates staff capacity to supervise postgraduate students)

  • percentage of postgraduate programmes that are also offered on a part-time basis. If students are also working they are more likely to struggle with their studies and take more time to complete.

– Funding boosts postgraduate student success – South African study measures how
– https://theconversation.com/funding-boosts-postgraduate-student-success-south-african-study-measures-how-283780

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Cabship Expands Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Logistics, Workforce Development Strategy Ahead of Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Sponsorship

Source: APO


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Angolan logistics and maritime services provider Cabship is strengthening its service portfolio to better support the country’s evolving oil and gas sector, while leveraging digital technologies, workforce development and local partnerships to meet growing industry demand. Reflecting its expanding role across Angola’s oil and gas value chain, the company has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 conference and exhibition as an Elite Sponsor.

Over the years, Cabship has developed into a strategic integrated logistics and support service providers for Angola’s oil and gas industry. The company offers a broad range of solutions spanning shipping, customs clearance, procurement, warehousing, material management, pipe yard operations, freight forwarding, transportation and offshore support services. Building on this foundation, Cabship continues to diversify its capabilities to support increasingly complex upstream and offshore developments across Angola.

The company’s growth strategy has been underpinned by continuous investment in technology and operational efficiency. As Angola’s oil and gas industry embraces digital transformation, Cabship has integrated artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools into its logistics and supply chain operations. These technologies are helping optimize cargo tracking, improve operational planning and enhance the efficiency of project execution, enabling operators and service providers to reduce costs while maintaining reliability across the supply chain.

Alongside technology adoption, Cabship has placed local content development at the center of its long-term strategy. The company signed a partnership agreement with Angola’s National Petroleum Institute (INP), aimed at strengthening training initiatives to prepare young Angolan professionals for careers in the energy sector. The partnership initially benefits 15 individuals from the provinces of Cabinda, Zaire, Bengo and Luanda, with recipients undergoing specialized training in industrial electricity in renewable energies and international welding.

The company has also continued to expand its offshore and marine support capabilities through strategic partnerships, strengthening its ability to provide integrated services for both shallow-water and deepwater operations. These efforts align with Angola’s broader objectives of increasing local participation across the oil and gas value chain while supporting new exploration, development and production projects.

As an Elite Sponsor of AOG 2026 – taking place September 9-10 in Luanda, with a pre-conference day on September 8 – Cabship will join industry leaders, policymakers and investors to discuss the future of Angola’s oil and gas sector. The company’s participation highlights the increasingly important role that logistics, digital innovation and workforce development play in supporting Angola’s next phase of oil and gas growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Almost 3 million voters heed the call to register or update their details

Source: Government of South Africa

Almost 3 million voters heed the call to register or update their details

The Electoral Commission (IEC) says South Africans responded to the call to register and update their voter details ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with 2.9 million registration transactions recorded during the voter registration weekend.

The Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the turnout reaffirmed the nation’s strong and enduring commitment to electoral participation.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Mamabolo said the Commission had achieved two significant objectives during this voter registration weekend, including the continued growth of the voters’ roll and improved registration yield from young persons.

“Over the two voter registration days, the Commission recorded 2.9 million registration transactions. This is an improvement from the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the voter registration weekend for the comparable election in 2021,” Mamabolo said.

He said the ongoing drive to ensure that eligible South Africans are registered and correctly assigned to their respective voting districts has increased the total number of registered voters to 28.5 million.

“Placed in context, the voters’ roll used in NPE2024 [National and Provincial Elections] contained 27.7 million voters. In between elections, the roll reduces by 34 000 voters per month, owing principally to mortality. Consequently, since NPE2024, 1.3 million voters were lost from the roll. 

“The increase in the voters’ roll is attributable to, amongst others, the efficiencies introduced by Voting Management Devices (VMDs), which have significantly enhanced the speed of processing voter registration applications, as well as the convenience of the online registration portal,” he said.

The Commission acknowledged political parties, local community leaders and prospective candidates’ efforts in assisting voters to register on the online portal, as well as at the registration stations. 

Mamabolo explained that of the total 2.9 million recorded transactions, 477 174 were first time registrations, accounting for 16% of the total registration activity and voters who inspected and updated their details account for 2.4 million, which represents 84% of the total activity.

“The Commission is encouraged by the positive response of young persons. Young people in the age cohort 16 to 29 accounted for 785 078 of total registration activity, which represents 27% of the total 2.9 million transactions. 

“Of the 785 078, 59% are female, while males represent 41%. Young persons have also dominated the new registration category. Of the total new registrations (477 174), 379 767 or 80% are young people in the age cohort between 16 and 29. 

“The figures indicate that the youth-focused campaign is finding resonance with young persons and that far from it, young people are not apathetic,” he said.

Mamabolo said the VMDs at registration stations were the predominant channel of registration, with over 2.5 million (88%) of the voters opting to visit a voting station.

“On the other hand, 362 296 (representing 12% of total registration activity) transacted through the online registration portal. The age cohort 16 – 29 account for 48% of online self-registrations. This is consistent with the trend of young people’s dominant use of this registration channel,” he said.

The highest volumes of registration transactions coincide with population densities. The highest was recorded in Kwa-Zulu Natal (691 504) representing 23%, followed by the Eastern Cape (534 773), representing 18% and Gauteng (502 229), representing 17%. 

Mamabolo said the total website visits recorded during the two-day registration period were 12 million. 

Citizens who have not yet registered are reminded that the Online Voter Registration Portal will remain available until the official proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections. – SAnews.gov.za

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North West to ringfence funding for green economy initiatives

Source: Government of South Africa

North West to ringfence funding for green economy initiatives

The North West Provincial Government will explore ringfencing funding to support green economy initiatives aimed at creating sustainable jobs, promoting innovation, and unlocking economic opportunities for young people in the North West Province.

North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi made the announcement when he was addressing delegates at the 11th Annual Green Youth Indaba held at Sun City in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.

The two-day indaba, held on 18 and 19 June 2026, brought together government leaders, industry experts, development partners, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and young people from across the North West and neighbouring provinces to explore opportunities within the green economy and discuss practical solutions to environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Mokgosi said the event came at an opportune time for the province, as it continues to grapple with high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people.

He stressed that awareness about the opportunities presented by green economy initiatives, including waste management, recycling, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, must be intensified.

“As the provincial government, we are excited about this programme and commit to supporting green economy initiatives by exploring mechanisms to ringfence resources for programmes that drive inclusive growth and innovation,” Mokgosi said.

The Premier said the green economy is a critical sector that the provincial government must vigorously explore and invest in, as a means of driving economic growth and empowering the youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

He further highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and academic institutions, amongst others, to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills required to participate meaningfully in emerging green initiatives.

Mokgosi encouraged young people to seize opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and green technology, stressing that these industries have the potential to become major drivers of economic growth and employment in the province.

The Green Youth Indaba serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing and engagement on opportunities in the green economy and solutions that promote sustainable development and job creation.

The event was hosted by the Green Youth Network, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting youth development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable skills development within the green economy.

It was presented in partnership with government, private sector stakeholders and sponsors as part of a collective effort to advance youth empowerment and create opportunities for young people in the green economy.

This year’s edition of the indaba was held under the theme: “From Youth Innovation to Green Enterprise and Economic Impact”. – SAnews.gov.za

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NW administers its first-ever Lenacapavir HIV prevention injection

Source: Government of South Africa

NW administers its first-ever Lenacapavir HIV prevention injection

The North West Provincial Government has introduced a groundbreaking HIV prevention intervention through its flagship Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, administering the province’s first Lenacapavir injection to strengthen HIV prevention and help reduce new infections.

The milestone was marked when North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi, accompanied by MEC for Health Sello Lehari, officially launched the rollout of the long-acting HIV prevention injection during the Thuntsha Lerole Phase 6 Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, held in Madibeng Local Municipality, Brits on Friday.

The Thuntsha Lerole Programme is an initiative led by the North West provincial government aimed at confronting the critical issue of service delivery in communities, through strengthened partnerships with government, the private sector as well as civil society organisations.

The provincial rollout comes two weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched Lenacapavir nationally in Secunda, Mpumalanga, positioning South Africa at the forefront of innovative HIV prevention strategies.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention injection administered only twice a year, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for people at high risk of HIV infection.

Speaking at the launch, Mokgosi welcomed the breakthrough and encouraged residents to take advantage of the new prevention option.

“We are proud to witness this historic moment in our province. As Co-Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council in the North West, I encourage our people to come forward and protect themselves against HIV infection.

“We need groundbreaking interventions such as this now more than ever as we intensify our fight against HIV and AIDS,” the Premier said.

In a historic first for the province, 19-year-old Given Pashe from Letlhabile became the first recipient in North West to receive the Lenacapavir injection at the Letlhabile Community Health Centre.

After receiving the two injections, Pashe expressed excitement and relief.

“I am very happy. I felt no pain at all. The nurses helped me stay calm and explained the entire process thoroughly. I would encourage other young people to come and protect themselves,” he said.

The Department of Health has identified 31 healthcare facilities across the province to participate in the pilot phase of the programme. More than 12 000 doses have already been delivered to the province as part of the first consignment, with additional stock expected as the rollout expands.

The selected facilities include clinics and community health centres located in areas with high HIV burden and elevated risk of infection.

Members of the public interested in accessing the injection are encouraged to visit participating facilities to determine their eligibility. Individuals who test HIV-negative and meet the eligibility criteria will receive further clinical assessment and counselling before being considered for the injection.

Lehari reaffirmed the province’s readiness to implement the programme successfully.

“I am pleased that the Premier, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders are here to witness this important milestone. We have trained our healthcare professionals on the administration of Lenacapavir and have put systems in place to ensure proper management and monitoring of the programme.

“While this is currently a pilot initiative, we are committed to expanding access as we continue strengthening HIV prevention efforts across the province,” Lehari said.

The Department of Health emphasised that while Lenacapavir represents a breakthrough in HIV prevention, it does not replace other preventive measures. Condoms remain essential in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and providing additional protection against HIV. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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