Depuis 2016, le Bénin s’illustre et s’impose comme un modèle du numérique responsable sur le plan africain. C’est dans cette même dynamique qu’une nouvelle ère s’est ouverte le lundi 10 novembre 2025 à Cotonou à travers le lancement officiel du projet « JaimeMaLangue ».
Né d’une collaboration stratégique entre l’ASIN et l’Institut IIDiA, ce projet inédit qui allie inclusion, culture et technologie ambitionne de donner aux langues béninoises une existence numérique. Mieux, il vise à doter le Bénin d’une intelligence artificielle propre, capable de comprendre, interpréter et valoriser la parole citoyenne.
Placé sous le thème : « Le Bénin parle au futur », l’évènement qui a réuni les principaux acteurs du numérique, de la culture et de la recherche, marque le point de départ d’une mobilisation nationale pour la collecte des voix. Ce projet qui veut faire de chaque citoyen un acteur du futur numérique du Bénin repose sur trois piliers majeurs à savoir l’inclusion, l’innovation et l’héritage.
Selon les concepteurs, le fonctionnement de la plateforme dont la phase pilote démarre avec la langue ” Fongbé “repose sur un processus participatif :
– L’utilisateur s’inscrit et sélectionne sa langue en se rendant sur le : jaimemalangue.bj ;
– Il lit ou répète des phrases dans sa langue
– Sa voix est enregistrée et envoyée de façon anonyme vers une base nationale
– Un comité d’Experts assure la validation et le traitement des données.
« Ces données sont ensuite utilisées pour entraîner des modèles d’intelligence artificielle capables de comprendre les langues locales. À travers ce projet, nous voulons permettre à chaque citoyen de dialoguer avec la technologie dans sa langue maternelle. Nous appelons à la mobilisation de tous pour la réussite du projet. Partagez le lien autour de vous », ont déclaré les présentateurs.
Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.
During the 15th Annual General Meeting of the AMAN Union, hosted in Jeddah by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (https://ICIEC.IsDB.org/)—the insurance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group—the Union held a special certificate presentation ceremony to recognize professionals who successfully completed its specialized online training programs. Certificates were presented by Mr. Silvan Said, Managing Director of RISC Institute DMCC, and Mr. Al-Tayeb Abbas Fadlallah, Chairman of the AMAN Union Academy, to Mr. Abderrahim Belkacemi of Dhaman and Mr. Samir Zaky of ICIEC, in acknowledgment of their exemplary dedication to professional development.
This initiative underscores AMAN Union’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting professional excellence, and fostering continuous knowledge exchange among its member institutions across the OIC region. Through such efforts, the Union continues to invest in developing human capital within the Islamic insurance and export credit ecosystem—ensuring that professionals are equipped with the technical expertise and global competencies required to navigate the evolving demands of the industry.
As part of its broader strategy to foster sustainable capacity building, AMAN Union, in collaboration with RISC Institute DMCC, launched an online professional development program leading to the Professional Certificate in Insurance (Cert. CII™), a globally recognized qualification awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in the United Kingdom. The program is designed to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals across OIC export credit and investment insurance institutions, integrating both theoretical foundations and practical insights.
The training pathway comprises three comprehensive modules—Award in General Insurance (W01), Underwriting Essentials (WUE), and Claims Essentials (WCE)—covering critical areas such as risk and insurance fundamentals, underwriting practices, reinsurance, claims handling, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance. Upon successful completion, participants earn the Cert. CII™ designation, enhancing their professional credibility and opening new opportunities for international advancement within the insurance and credit guarantee sectors.
Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Mourad Mizouri, Secretary General of the AMAN Union, stated: “At AMAN Union, we believe that the strength of our industry lies in the knowledge and professionalism of our people. Our partnership with RISC Institute reflects our determination to build a skilled, connected, and competitive community of insurance and export credit professionals across our member countries.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).
About AMAN UNION:
The AMAN Union is a professional forum that brings together insurers and reinsurers covering commercial and non-commercial risks in the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman). The Union was established on October 28, 2009, following a bilateral agreement between Dhaman and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) to unify their efforts in creating a platform that enhances cooperation among insurers and reinsurers operating within their respective member countries.
About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
As a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investment by providing credit enhancement and risk mitigation solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world and has been at the forefront of delivering a comprehensive suite of de-risking solutions to support cross-border trade and investment for its 50 Member States. ICIEC has maintained its “Aa3” rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s for 17 consecutive years, positioning the Corporation among the leaders in the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC’s “AA-” rating for the second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting practices, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management framework. Since inception, ICIEC has cumulatively insured over USD 121 billion in trade and investment, supporting key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture in its member states.
In an innovative move set to revolutionise how people send and spend money across East Africa, Rwanda and Tanzania have commenced bi-lateral discussions on technical modalities to link their national retail payment systems switches. The move marks a crucial step toward enabling instant, low-cost cross-border money transfers for citizens and businesses across the region.
This landmark initiative, which moved into its technical implementation phase at an ongoing high-level meeting in Kigali, will connect Tanzania’s Instant Payment System (TIPS) with Rwanda’s National Payment Switch (RSWITCH). Once operational, the linkage will allow individuals and businesses in both countries to send and receive money between bank accounts and mobile money wallets seamlessly and in real time.
“This preparatory work marks a pivotal milestone in our regional payment system integration agenda, moving us closer to a single regional instant payment ecosystem that will facilitate secure, affordable, and real-time transactions across borders,” said Eng. Daniel Murenzi, EAC Principal Information Technology Officer.
In his remarks, the Chairperson of the meeting, Mr. Fabian Ladislaus Kasole, Assistant Manager, Oversight and Policy, National Payments Directorate, Bank of Tanzania, reaffirmed the collective commitment. “As a region, we remain committed to establishing a robust technical and operational framework that will ensure the successful interlinking of our national retail payment systems, ultimately enhancing cross-border payment efficiency and financial inclusion across the region.”
The integration of Tanzania’s TIPS and Rwanda’s RSwitch forms the core of a strategic Proof of Concept (POC) pilot. This pilot is designed to demonstrate the technical and operational feasibility of a direct, functional cross-border payment switch within the EAC. This crucial bilateral (Tanzania-Rwanda) model, serves as a pioneering model for future expansion to all EAC Partner States. The initiative serves as a practical and scalable first step, laying the foundational groundwork for the future aspiration of a fully integrated, centralised regional digital payments market.
For the citizens of Rwanda and Tanzania, this integration promises to transform everyday financial interactions. Individuals will be able to transfer funds to family, friends, or businesses across the border directly from their existing bank accounts or mobile money wallets in real-time, eliminating the delays and complexities of current systems. Importantly, by establishing a direct pathway between the national switches, the initiative is projected to significantly lower transaction costs, making cross-border payments more affordable and accessible for everyone.
The economic implications for businesses and traders are equally profound. The ability to make and receive instant, secure payments will greatly enhance trade and commerce, allowing businesses to settle invoices with suppliers and partners seamlessly. This efficiency reduces operational friction and unlocks new opportunities for growth and market expansion within the region.
Furthermore, by leveraging the digital payment platforms that millions already use daily, this initiative represents a major leap forward in financial inclusion. It extends the reach of formal financial services by making cross-border transactions as simple as a domestic transfer, thereby empowering a broader segment of the population, from small-scale merchants to individual consumers, to participate more fully in the regional economy.
The ongoing technical preparations for the interlinking represent the first tangible implementation of the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan and directly support the strategic aspirations of the EAC Heads of State for deeper regional financial integration.
The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), funded by the World Bank and coordinated by the EAC Secretariat, will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the EAC Cross-Border Payment System Masterplan. As a flagship regional initiative, EARDIP is supporting the building of the foundation for a modern and connected regional payment ecosystem by strengthening the linkage of payment systems between Partner States.
The project is also supporting the development of cross-border and local digital networks, ensuring that even rural and remote communities can benefit from faster, safer, and more affordable money transfers. This includes supporting real-time payments, cross-border mobile money services, and instant transactions between banks and financial platforms across the region.
EARDIP is also supporting the harmonisation of policies and standards that guide digital financial services in East Africa. By promoting common rules, shared standards, and strong cybersecurity and data protection systems, the project will ensure that cross-border payments are secure and trusted.
In addition, EARDIP will provide technical support and capacity building to help national institutions strengthen and manage their digital payment systems. Through these efforts, EARDIP will make it easier for citizens and businesses to send and receive money across borders, helping drive regional trade, inclusion, and economic growth.
The 10th – 14th November, 2025 technical meeting in Kigali, Rwanda has brought together representatives from the Central Banks, National Payment Systems, AfrikaNenda, Mojaloop Foundation and the EAC Secretariat. The technical teams are expected to hold a series of meetings to cover various matters, including an interoperability framework to address technical integration and operational designs as well as legal and regulatory alignment, governance and institutional arrangements, economic and business model, and strategic and regional alignment among others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Angola on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the country’s independence.
The Chairperson described the golden jubilee as a moment of pride for all Africans, marking five decades of Angola’s sovereignty, resilience, and remarkable progress. He pays tribute to the courage and unity of the Angolan people, recalling Angola’s historic role in the struggle against apartheid and colonialism, which contributed decisively to the liberation of Southern Africa and the advancement of freedom across the continent.
The Chairperson commended Angola’s unwavering commitment to continental integration and economic transformation, notably its active role in investments in regional infrastructure development and promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a driver of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
Mr. Youssouf further highlighted the special significance of this milestone as H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, currently serves as Chairperson of the African Union. He lauded President Lourenço’s steadfast leadership in promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region and in supporting dialogue and mediation efforts towards the resolution of the conflict in Sudan.
The African Union Commission reaffirms its solidarity with the Government and people of Angola as they celebrate this historic occasion and look ahead to an even more peaceful, prosperous, and united Africa, guided by the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
The World Bank and the Government of Tunisia have concluded a financing agreement to support Tunisia’s energy sector modernization agenda through the Tunisia Energy Reliability, Efficiency, and Governance Improvement Program (TEREG). This five-year program of US$430 million— including US$30 million in concessional financing — aims to support the Government of Tunisia to deliver a sustainable, reliable, and affordable electricity supply by accelerating renewable energy deployment, strengthening the performance of the national electricity utility (STEG), and enhancing overall sector governance.
Aligned with the Government’s updated Energy Transition Strategy, TEREG aims to strengthen STEG’s operational and financial performance, attract private investment, and lower the carbon intensity of power generation, all while ensuring reliable electricity access for households and businesses. It supports ambitious reforms to accelerate renewable energy deployment, enhance energy efficiency, and modernize the electricity sector.
“By fostering renewable energy development, TEREG will strengthen Tunisia’s position in clean energy, creating economic opportunities and ensuring long-term energy security,” said Alexandre Arrobbio, World Bank Country Manager for Tunisia. “This project reflects our strong partnership with Tunisia and supports its sustainable development goals. It builds on our long-standing engagement in Tunisia’s energy sector and complements ongoing initiatives like the Tunisia-Italy Electricity Integration Project (ELMED), the Energy Sector Improvement Project, and advisory services from the International Finance Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, aligning with Tunisia’s Country Partnership Framework and its commitments under the Paris Agreement.”
The TEREG program is expected to support Tunisia in achieving its goals to mobilize US$2.8 billion in private investment to add 2.8 gigawatts of new solar and wind capacity by 2028, and create over 30,000 jobs, primarily during the construction phase of renewable projects. It will also help reduce electricity supply costs by 23 percent, improve STEG’s cost recovery from 60 to 80 percent, and reduce subsidies by TND 2.045 billion.
“This is the first project to benefit from the World Bank’s Framework for Financial Incentives, receiving rewards for its size and long-term benefits in recognition of its impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Amira Klibi, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank and Task Team Leader for the project. “The program’s reforms—such as reducing technical and commercial losses and increasing the share of renewables—are expected to deliver lasting improvements in the operational and financial performance of the sector, making electricity more affordable and reliable for households and businesses across Tunisia.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, will on Thursday, 13 November 2025, virtually address the Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue, taking place in Knysna, Western Cape Province.
This high-level engagement, organised by The Yona Yethu Initiative, in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, represents a significant milestone in advancing intergovernmental coordination, private sector collaboration, and regional investment partnerships.
The Roundtable Dialogue is a lead-up to the Regional Investment Conference scheduled to take place early next year. The theme for the Roundtable Dialogue is “Strengthening Intergovernmental Coordination and Private Sector Collaboration for Inclusive Economic Growth in the Garden Route District.”
The Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue will be an invite-only engagement, bringing together government leaders, business chambers, institutional partners, and key stakeholders from across the region.
To ensure broad inclusivity, the session will also be hybrid, enabling virtual participation for all interested partners, institutions, and members of the public who wish to follow and contribute to the discussions (Link will be made available).
All interested organizations, businesses, and development stakeholders are encouraged to register for virtual attendance, ensuring that their voices are part of this historic Dialogue on the future of the Garden Route economy.
Members of the media are invited to cover the Deputy President’s address as follows:
Date: Thursday, 13 November 2025 Time: 10h00 Platform: Virtual link for the Deputy President’s address as well as link for registration will be provided.
Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.
In a landmark step toward transforming the UAE’s agricultural and food production landscape, Emirates Rawabi PSC (www.EmiratesRawabi.ae), one of the nation’s leading integrated agribusiness groups, has entered into a strategic partnership with ReFarm Global Investments LLC (https://ReFarmTheWorld.com), a pioneer in regenerative and circular sustainability technologies. This collaboration is set to revolutionize not only the UAE’s food production systems but also change the landscaping industry, establishing a new benchmark for sustainable urban and agricultural growth across the region.
Together, they will drive a new model of circular agribusiness, creating cost-efficient, carbon-conscious, and regenerative solutions to strengthen food security, enhance soil health, and drastically reduce water use across the UAE’s farming and food production systems. Beyond agriculture, this initiative will also extend its impact to urban environments and landscaped areas, supporting sustainable living and greener communities. In line with the leadership’s vision to make Dubai the most beautiful, advanced, and liveable city in the world, this collaboration will help develop a sustainable master plan for urban greening, improve irrigation efficiency, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance the sustainability of Dubai’s parks and green ecosystems. It will redefine the landscaping industry for future developments, promoting eco-efficient design, reduced water consumption, and the creation of resilient green spaces that align with the UAE’s long-term vision for a sustainable and regenerative future.
A partnership for the future of food
This collaboration combines Emirates Rawabi’s extensive expertise in dairy, poultry, feed, and food production with ReFarm’s breakthrough technologies in agricultural waste-to-value systems, regenerative soil enhancement, and air, soil, and water optimization.
The partnership aims to create a sustainable food ecosystem that regenerates rather than depletes, by improving soil vitality, optimizing resources, and ensuring food production that is both economically and environmentally efficient.
“Our mission is to restore the balance between nature, technology, and progress,” said Oliver Christof, CEO of ReFarm Global Investments LLC. “Through this collaboration, we will empower farmers, urban developers, and food producers with innovative and cost-efficient systems that strengthen food security, while preserving our most valuable resources like air, soil and water.”
“We share a common vision to make the UAE a global leader in regenerative and circular agriculture. Our technologies help farmers grow healthier crops with less water, improve soil quality, and create a new balance between productivity and preservation,” he added.
Sustainable farming solutions from soil to plate
“This partnership marks a key milestone in our sustainability journey. At Emirates Rawabi, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Through Emirates Rawabi Sustainable Solutions (ERSS), we operate a circular model integrating biogas, solar energy, and advanced water treatment, making our operations responsible, efficient, and resilient. We understand our responsibilities to the environment and also to our communities,” stated Mazen Al Refae, Group CEO of Emirates Rawabi PSC.
“Together with ReFarm, we are implementing practical, scalable solutions that redefine sustainable farming from soil to plate and raise the standard for sustainable farming, strengthen circularity, and deliver measurable environmental impact.”
Through this partnership, Emirates Rawabi and ReFarm Global Investments will develop and implement pilot projects across the UAE that showcase circular agriculture in action from waste valorization to regenerative soil and water systems. The initiative supports the UAE’s national goals for food security, climate action, and sustainable development, positioning the country as a global example of how innovation can create a thriving, low-carbon organic agricultural future.
With just one month to go until the highly anticipated MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, regional and international stakeholders are gearing up for the MSGBC basin’s premier energy and mining event, taking place on December 8-10, 2025, at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf (CICAD) in Dakar, Senegal.
Held under the theme Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergy for Inclusive Economic Development, the 2025 edition will convene government leaders, global investors and industry executives to unlock a new era of growth, integration and value creation across Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.
Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
A Landmark Year for Regional Production
This year’s event coincides with a milestone moment for the MSGBC basin, as first oil and gas production reshape the region’s economic trajectory. Senegal has officially achieved first oil from the deepwater Sangomar field, operated by Woodside Energy in partnership with the country’s state-owned Petrosen, marking a new chapter in national industrial development and job creation. Meanwhile, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, led by bp and Kosmos Energy, has reached its first gas milestone – positioning Senegal and Mauritania as pioneers in Africa’s offshore LNG frontier.
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Further updates on the Yakaar-Teranga project and Bir Allah are expected to underscore the basin’s growing gas potential, cementing its status as one of the world’s most dynamic new energy frontiers.
Energy-Mining Nexus and Economic Diversification
Reflecting its 2025 theme, the conference will emphasize synergies between the energy and mining sectors to drive inclusive and sustainable development. Sessions will spotlight Mauritania’s green hydrogen leadership, with multi-billion-dollar projects spearheaded by partners such as HyDeal Ambition and CWP Global; Guinea-Conakry’s booming mining industry, led by major bauxite and iron ore developments like Simandou; and cross-sector infrastructure projects, including LNG export terminals, power interconnectors and cross-border pipelines.
As countries like The Gambia target 90% electricity access by end-2025, the conference will examine how regional integration and investment can fast-track universal energy access while supporting industrial growth.
High-Level Participation and Strategic Dialogue
Held under the high patronage of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, the event will feature a Ministerial Dialogue with top energy leaders from across the basin including Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop; Mauritania’s Minister of Energy and Oil Mohamed Ould Khaled; The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy Nani Juwara; Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Natural Resources Malam Sambu; and Guinea-Conakry’s Minister of Energy, Hydropower and Hydrocarbons Namory Camara.
In addition to high-level panels and policy discussions, the program includes a Technical Workshop Day on December 8 hosted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers Senegal, focused on gas field management, local content and production optimization. A CEO Assembly will gather C-suite executives, government officials and financiers for closed-door investment discussions.
Executives from Kosmos Energy, Woodside Energy, Africa Fortesa Corporation and S&P Global Commodity Insights are among those confirmed to share insights on project pipelines, regional competitiveness and global market outlooks.
Investment, Partnerships and Local Content
The MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition serves as a gateway for investors and policymakers to forge partnerships, accelerate local content development and advance Africa’s broader energy transition. Local capacity building will be a major focus, with institutions like the National Institute of Petroleum and Gas driving workforce development and technology transfer initiatives.
With one month to go, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 stands ready to define the next phase of West Africa’s energy evolution – connecting leaders, catalyzing investment and shaping a sustainable, inclusive energy and mining future for the region.
Dans une démarche décisive vers la transformation du paysage agricole et de production alimentaire des Émirats, Emirates Rawabi PSC (www.EmiratesRawabi.ae), l’un des principaux groupes agroalimentaires intégrés du pays, a conclu un partenariat stratégique avec ReFarm Global Investments LLC (https://ReFarmTheWorld.com), pionnier des technologies de durabilité régénérative et circulaire. Cette collaboration est destinée à révolutionner non seulement les systèmes de production alimentaire des Émirats, mais également à transformer le secteur de l’aménagement paysager, établissant ainsi une nouvelle référence pour la croissance urbaine et agricole durable dans toute la région.
Ensemble, les deux partenaires développeront un nouveau modèle d’agro-industrie circulaire, créant des solutions économiquement efficaces, respectueuses du climat et régénératives pour renforcer la sécurité alimentaire, améliorer la santé des sols et réduire drastiquement la consommation d’eau dans les systèmes agricoles et de production alimentaire des Émirats. Au-delà de l’agriculture, cette initiative étendra son impact aux environnements urbains et aux espaces paysagers, soutenant un mode de vie durable et des communautés plus vertes. Conformément à la vision des dirigeants visant à faire de Dubaï la ville la plus belle, avancée et agréable à vivre au monde, cette collaboration contribuera à développer un plan directeur durable pour la végétalisation urbaine, améliorera l’efficacité de l’irrigation, réduira l’effet d’îlot de chaleur urbain et renforcera la durabilité des parcs et des écosystèmes verts de Dubaï. Elle redéfinira le secteur de l’aménagement paysager pour les développements futurs, favorisant une conception éco-efficiente, une réduction de la consommation d’eau et la création d’espaces verts résilients qui s’alignent sur la vision à long terme des Émirats pour un avenir durable et régénératif.
Un partenariat pour l’avenir de l’alimentation
Cette collaboration combine l’expertise approfondie d’Emirates Rawabi dans les secteurs laitier, avicole, de l’alimentation animale et de la production alimentaire avec les technologies révolutionnaires de ReFarm en matière de valorisation des déchets agricoles, d’amélioration régénérative des sols et d’optimisation de l’air, du sol et de l’eau.
Le partenariat vise à créer un écosystème alimentaire durable qui régénère plutôt que d’épuiser, en améliorant la vitalité des sols, en optimisant les ressources et en garantissant une production alimentaire à la fois économiquement et écologiquement efficace.
« Notre mission est de restaurer l’équilibre entre la nature, la technologie et le progrès », déclare Oliver Christof, PDG de ReFarm Global Investments LLC. « Grâce à cette collaboration, nous donnerons aux agriculteurs, aux promoteurs urbains et aux producteurs alimentaires les moyens de disposer de systèmes innovants et économiquement viables qui renforcent la sécurité alimentaire, tout en préservant nos ressources les plus précieuses comme l’air, le sol et l’eau. »
« Nous partageons une vision commune de faire des Émirats un leader mondial en matière d’agriculture régénérative et circulaire. Nos technologies aident les agriculteurs à cultiver des récoltes plus saines avec moins d’eau, à améliorer la qualité des sols et à créer un nouvel équilibre entre productivité et préservation », ajoute-t-il.
Des solutions agricoles durables du sol à l’assiette
« Ce partenariat marque une étape clé dans notre parcours de durabilité. Chez Emirates Rawabi, la durabilité est au cœur de tout ce que nous faisons. Grâce à Emirates Rawabi Sustainable Solutions (ERSS), nous exploitons un modèle circulaire intégrant le biogaz, l’énergie solaire et un traitement avancé de l’eau, rendant nos opérations responsables, efficaces et résilientes. Nous comprenons nos responsabilités envers l’environnement et également envers nos communautés », affirme Mazen Al Refae, PDG du groupe Emirates Rawabi PSC.
« Avec ReFarm, nous mettons en œuvre des solutions pratiques et évolutives qui redéfinissent l’agriculture durable du sol à l’assiette et élèvent la norme de l’agriculture durable, renforcent la circularité et génèrent un impact environnemental mesurable. »
Dans le cadre de ce partenariat, Emirates Rawabi et ReFarm Global Investments développeront et mettront en œuvre des projets pilotes à travers les Émirats qui démontrent l’agriculture circulaire en action, de la valorisation des déchets aux systèmes régénératifs de sol et d’eau. L’initiative soutient les objectifs nationaux des Émirats en matière de sécurité alimentaire, d’action climatique et de développement durable, positionnant le pays comme un exemple mondial de la façon dont l’innovation peut créer un avenir agricole biologique prospère et à faible émission de carbone.
Distribué par APO Group pour ReFarm Global Investments LLC.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Victoria Gibbon, Professor in Biological Anthropology, Division of Clinical Anatomy and Biological Anthropology, University of Cape Town
Would you choose to have a part of your body live on after you died? How might your choice affect your relatives – or even your entire community?
The first is a question people face when they donate organs. The second comes up when they participate in genetic research. This is because DNA from even a single individual can reveal a web of relationships, even helping law enforcement to solve crimes committed by distant relatives they have never met. And as you continue to go back in time, the web becomes ever more tangled.
DNA is the unique genetic material of every living being on the planet. It can be “immortalised” for an unforeseeably long time in digital genetic libraries which contain the genomic information not only of that person, but also their ancestors and descendants.
Ancient DNA (referred to as aDNA) involves the study of genetic material from organisms that lived long ago, including humans. Geneticists, archaeologists, anthropologists and historians are using aDNA research to gain unprecedented insights into human history, but the knowledge benefits different groups of people unevenly. Also, it can be destructive because aDNA is normally extracted from small samples of bones or teeth. And who can give permission on behalf of people who lived many generations in the past? Once spoken for, what measures can be used to ensure their wishes continue to be honoured?
Africa is the ancient origin of all humans, as evidenced by having the highest human genetic diversity of any continent or region found today. In other words, all humans carry DNA from deeply rooted shared African ancestry. This makes African DNA (ancient and modern) a rich resource to draw on to understand what makes us human. However, understanding human variation and our origins involves research embedded within living communities and communities are the solution to conservation and the future of work in our disciplines.
Once it is decoded, the genetic information can last forever, so it could be used by anyone, for any purpose, for generations to come. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry, for example, could use it. As this science advances at an astonishing pace, ethical and legal frameworks guiding it struggle to keep up. No country has standards applying specifically to the field of aDNA. Therefore, ethical guidelines appropriate for this work need to protect past, present and future generations.
Consent is not yet universally mandated nor typically obtained in aDNA research, despite growing awareness of its importance over the past two decades. What is more, the concept of “informed consent” as developed in the clinical medical world is deeply rooted in a western idea of individual autonomy. It assumes that most medical decision-making occurs by individuals, rather than communities. And there are challenges applying it to people who are no longer alive.
That’s why, in our recent paper, we argue for using “informed proxy consent” or “relational autonomy consent” in human aDNA research. This is when living people through relation and/or relationship to a deceased person or people can make decisions and provide consent on their behalf, as a proxy or stand-in. The relationship could be through gender, race, religion, sociopolitical or sociocultural identities, or biological. DNA is also susceptible to data mining, machine learning and statistical analysis to uncover patterns and other valuable information. The deceased may be represented by living people who are affected by the research.
Different social, political, cultural and economic contexts make it impossible to create a universal set of specific guidelines. But four principles can apply: honesty, accountability, professionalism, and stewardship.
In our paper, we outline a set of considerations for obtaining proxy informed consent for the long deceased. A system of consent could enrich research by using it in potent new ways, empowering people affected by research, protecting researchers from ethical breaches and building long-term, equitable partnerships.
The solution
We propose that consent for the use of human aDNA in research should be a community-driven process. Instead of individuals signing off on behalf of the deceased, living people connected to the deceased persons, whether through ancestry, geography, cultural knowledge, or custodianship, act as representatives. This recognises that people are part of communities, and that authority to consent must reflect social and cultural context, not just individual choice.
This kind of approach was applied in South Africa’s Sutherland Nine Restitution, when nine San and Khoekhoe ancestors were taken from their graves in the 1920s and sent to the University of Cape Town for medical education and research. Almost 100 years later, they were finally brought home to their community.
In the Malawi Ancient Lifeways and Peoples Project, one way archaeological research results are communicated to community members is through site visits such as the one below, which included traditional authorities, local and national government officials, academics and students. Community consultation became so normalised through this work that some traditional leaders began to ask researchers how aDNA might aid their own goals of restitution and historical reconstruction.
Site visit as part of the Malawi Ancient Lifeways and Peoples project.Jessica Thompson
How it would work
One major lesson from studying the past is that things can change a lot. We do not expect that there will be clear cultural or biological continuity in every place or every time. And identifying appropriate descendant communities and determining who has the authority to consent can be complex. But local communities are often invested in research results, and they have a right to high-quality information about its consequences. Consent should be treated as a process, not a one-off event.
This begins in the planning stage, with researchers sharing a draft proposal and revising it based on community input. They must be transparent about who is funding the project, what techniques will be used and what the possible risks and benefits are. This is not only for science, but for the people connected to the deceased persons.
Clear communication is vital, and information should be provided in local languages and formats that are easy to understand. Communities should be given time to reflect without researchers present. Feedback must be taken seriously, and projects adapted accordingly. Crucially, communities need retain control over how data is stored, used and shared.
Finally, engagement should continue throughout the life of the project. Researchers should share findings before publication and return for fresh consent if using data in new ways.
We recognise that the process is demanding. It requires time and financial resources for pre-research consultation and ongoing engagement, which can be slower than academic expectations for rapid publication. But funders and research institutions need to understand that the time taken to build community partnerships with living descendant communities is an essential and enriching foundation for ethical research.
– Who speaks for the dead? Rethinking consent in ancient DNA research – https://theconversation.com/who-speaks-for-the-dead-rethinking-consent-in-ancient-dna-research-265539
