Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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A regional seminar on international taxation was held in Accra, Ghana, from September 22nd to 26th 2025, jointly organized by the World Bank’s EMFTX team and the ECOWAS Commission, with support from regional and international partners.

The seminar brought together over 30 participants from ECOWAS Member States and observer countries, including Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Mauritania. Senior officials from Ministries of Finance and Tax Administrations convened to exchange experiences and deepen their understanding of emerging issues in international taxation.

Over the course of 18 sessions, discussions covered a wide range of topics such as the ECOWAS Supplementary Acts on the Elimination of Double Taxation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, implementation of the Global Minimum Tax (GMT), reform of tax incentives, anti-BEPS measures, transfer pricing, natural resource taxation, and VAT on digital transactions. Participants shared country experiences, highlighting varying levels of progress in adopting international tax standards, while some countries are conducting impact assessments and legislative reviews, others are still in the early stages of implementation.

The seminar highlighted the importance of aligning national tax systems with evolving global norms and strengthening regional cooperation to harmonize policies, enhance compliance and improve revenue collection. Participants emphasized the need for continued technical assistance and capacity building to support domestic policy reforms.

The seminar concluded with a strong call for sustained collaboration among ECOWAS Member States, development partners, and international organizations to strengthen tax systems and promote fair and efficient taxation across the region.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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Ethiopia has taken a major step forward in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) by launching a national AI-powered digital X-ray system for TB screening. The launch, held on 18 September 2025 during the Annual Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Other Lung Diseases Review Meeting, was officiated by Dr Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Ethiopia was recognized and commended for its critical contribution to this national milestone. WHO played a central role in developing the National Implementation Guideline on AI-Powered Digital X-ray for Tuberculosis Screening and in building the capacity of health workers across the country.

To facilitate the national rollout, WHO Ethiopia supported the training of 75 health-care workers, including radiology personnel and program officers, to effectively operate the machines for TB screening and ensure linkage to diagnosis and care.

“Ethiopia is one of the first countries in Africa to adopt and implement this new innovation at such a large scale,” said Dr Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health. “The country has procured and distributed 225 AI-powered digital X-ray machines to health facilities across all regions to support early TB screening and detection. Strong government commitment and partner collaboration are the backbones of this major milestone in our national efforts to end the TB epidemic.”

Dr Dereje extended his appreciation to WHO Ethiopia, REACH Ethiopia, and other partners for their technical and operational support, which has been instrumental in developing the national guidance and strengthening the capacity of the health workforce.

During the event, WHO Ethiopia received a certificate of recognition from the Ministry of Health for its unwavering support to the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Other Lung Diseases Program and the country’s broader fight against TB.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs. It spreads through droplet infection. Many people infected with TB may not develop symptoms, but those with active disease often experience a persistent cough, low-grade fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and significant weight loss. TB is preventable and curable with a standard four- to six-month course of antibiotics.

Ethiopia is among the 30 high-burden countries for TB and TB/HIV. Tuberculosis is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide and the leading infectious killer. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, there are an estimated 188,000 (146 per 100,000) incident TB cases in Ethiopia. The current humanitarian context—including conflict, population displacement, and drought—is fueling TB transmission and increasing the risk of drug-resistant TB. An estimated 1.1% of new TB cases and 12% of previously treated cases are drug resistant.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

Source: APO – Report:

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On the morning of October 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Mozambican Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levi, who is in China for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.

President Xi noted that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, traditional friendship between China and Mozambique has withstood the test of international vicissitudes and remained rock-solid. China will continue to work with Mozambique to firmly support each other, strengthen strategic coordination, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and jointly make the next five decades even more remarkable.

President Xi stressed that China supports Mozambique in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and upholding national solidarity and stability. China is ready to work with Mozambique to strengthen cooperation between governments, political parties and legislatures, and deepen experience sharing on the governance of political parties and states. The two sides should take the implementation of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit as an opportunity to enhance practical cooperation, and jointly explore new ways of cooperation which highlight the comprehensive and coordinated development of energy and mineral resources and infrastructure. Efforts should be made to accelerate the establishment of the China Cultural Center in Mozambique to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and bring the two peoples closer. China will work with Mozambique to implement the Global Governance Initiative, oppose unilateralism and hegemonism, and uphold the common interests of the two countries and the Global South.

Prime Minister Levi applauded that President Xi Jinping’s profound and impactful speech at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women. She said that Mozambique is ready to work with China to deliver on the outcomes of the Meeting and advance the global cause of women. China is a trusted and good partner of Mozambique. The two countries have always supported each other and maintained close cooperation over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Mozambique is firmly committed to the one-China principle, and wishes to learn from China’s development experience, enhance cooperation with China in economy and trade, energy, mining, science and technology, education and other fields, to boost its own economic and social development and bring more benefits to its people. Mozambique supports the four major Global Initiatives proposed by China and appreciates that China has actively contributed to global prosperity and stability through its own development. Mozambique will strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to make the global governance system more just and equitable.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

Source: APO – Report:

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On the morning of October 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Ghanaian President John Mahama, who is in China for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.

President Xi noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ghana. The China-Ghana friendship was jointly fostered by the older generation of leaders of the two countries and has been growing from strength to strength. China firmly supports Ghana in pursuing a path toward modernization suited to its national conditions, and is ready to work with Ghana to take cooperation in various fields to a higher level and make greater contributions to jointly building the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. 

President Xi stressed that China always follows the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and takes the right approach to friendship and interests in carrying out cooperation with Africa. China will work with Ghana to strengthen political mutual trust and support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. The two sides should jointly implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, explore diversified cooperation models, and enhance cooperation in such fields as mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and fishing. Such efforts will help Ghana turn its strengths in resources into growth momentum, balance resource development and environmental protection, and drive high-quality development of cooperation between the two countries. The two sides should jointly implement the Global Governance Initiative and work for a more just and equitable global governance system. The two sides reached consensus in principle on the early harvest arrangements of the agreement on economic partnership for shared development. It is hoped that Ghana can benefit from the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines China gave to African countries that have diplomatic relations as early as possible.

President Mahama extended warm congratulations to China on its successful convening of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women. He noted that the Meeting is highly significant and demonstrates China’s leadership in championing the global cause of women. He said that Ghana-China relations are friendly and historic, and expressed appreciation to China for the strong support and assistance to Ghana through the FOCAC and Belt and Road cooperation. Ghana firmly abides by the one-China policy and is committed to deepening relations with China. He said that Ghana looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in trade, digital economy, infrastructure, energy, mining, and people-to-people exchanges, to take bilateral relations to a whole new level. Ghana firmly supports multilateralism and will work closer with China and other like-minded countries to enhance coordination on multilateral platforms, act on the Global Governance Initiative, and uphold international fairness and justice.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

Source: APO – Report:

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, emphasized that H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, had a decisive and clear vision since October 2023 regarding the war on Gaza, based on the necessity of achieving peace and a complete commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people. This came during an interview with the global Bloomberg network.

Regarding the “Sharm El Sheikh Summit for Peace”, Dr. Al-Mashat said: “It is a very important day, not just for the region but for the entire world. We know that the Palestinian people have suffered for two years, so reaching a resolution and laying the foundations for peace will be essential for the future of the region. The world has also been affected by the economic repercussions of what happened in the Suez Canal, as it is a vital route for international trade. Therefore, we look forward to a positive day where leaders from all over the world will gather.”

Regarding the economic impact of the war on the Gaza Strip, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation noted that reaching a sustainable settlement that achieves calm in the region will ensure the resumption of ship traffic in the Suez Canal, which will be very positive for both Egypt and the cost of global trade.

Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that Egypt has dealt flexibly with the decrease in Suez Canal traffic due to regional tensions by starting to implement necessary economic reforms since March 2024, despite the challenges resulting from the conflict in the region. These reforms included fiscal consolidation, monetary policy, a flexible exchange rate, and setting a ceiling for public investments. She added that these reforms contributed to achieving growth in the GDP, reaching 4.4% by the end of June, and 5% during the last quarter.

Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that this growth is driven by an economic model based on manufacturing, increased production, and focusing on tradable sectors. “If we look at the structure of growth in Egypt, we find that its sources come from increased manufacturing activity, benefiting from the reforms implemented in March 2024. We are still continuing to implement an ambitious structural reform program aimed at increasing competitiveness, fostering private sector participation, and capitalizing on new investments in the country.”

Regarding the future of the Egyptian economy, Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed that Egypt launched “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development” to identify priority sectors for attracting foreign investments, benefiting from the strong infrastructure established over the past years that supports industry and export. The Minister expected 2026 to be a turning point for the Egyptian economy, with actual contributions from real economy sectors, primarily industry, and continued growth in tourism, communications, and remittances from Egyptians abroad.

Dr. Al-Mashat added that “we have witnessed strong investment flows recently, especially in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, through injecting new investments or establishing joint projects, which represents favorable opportunities for the Egyptian economy to increase production, exports, and accelerate the pace of growth.”

Dr. Al-Mashat also mentioned the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. She outlined that Egypt is linked to a program with the Fund and fruitful partnerships with the European Union and the World Bank to enhance sources of financing that support our ambitious structural reform program, adding that “we will address the ongoing reforms during the meetings.”

Dr. Al-Mashat indicated that the credit rating upgrade by Standard & Poor’s global agency is proof that these reforms are moving in the right direction. “As stated in their report, there are great opportunities for growth if we continue to implement these reforms,” she added. “We are committed to them, and we are working to open the economy further, increase competition, and overcome the challenges we faced during the past years. All of this is happening despite the difficult geopolitical landscape in the region, but we hope that things will move in a positive direction after yesterday’s historic summit in Sharm El Sheikh, which will positively reflect on the Egyptian economy and boost gains and returns for investors in Egypt”.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.