Category: Africa

Source: APO

With the participation of the delegation from Equatorial Guinea, represented by Ambassador Anatolio Ndong Mba, the summit placed young generations at the center of the debate on the future and governance of AI.

To commemorate International Youth Day, the United Nations headquarters in New York hosted the Youth and Artificial Intelligence Summit, a historic gathering that brought together more than 600 young delegates from around the world. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea was represented at this global event by its delegation, headed by Ambassador Anatolio Ndong Mba, Permanent Representative to the UN.

Under the theme “Different contexts, common aspirations”, International Youth Day 2026 recognizes that, although the lives of young people are shaped by diverse local and national realities, their aspirations are profoundly similar: dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, quality education and a sustainable future.

This year’s theme pays special attention to young people living in:

• Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

• Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

• Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

These communities face interconnected challenges such as poverty, climate change, geographic isolation, economic limitations, and unequal access to digital technologies. Despite these obstacles, young people continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, leadership, and innovation.

“Young people are already leading the way as organizers and innovators. But to go further, they need access to the skills that will shape the future, from critical thinking and problem-solving to digital literacy,” said António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The United Nations Youth Bureau emphasized that technological change is not a future projection, but a present reality. It urged the equitable development of human-centered skills (critical thinking, empathy, and resilience) and AI literacy, recognizing young people as co-creators of educational policies and models.

Key subtopics for 2026

1. Global Solidarity: Promoting international cooperation, strategic alliances and equitable access to resources so that young people around the world can thrive.

2. Shared Challenges: Dialogue and collective responses to cross-cutting issues such as employment, education, climate change, digital inclusion and mental health.

3. Youth Innovation: Recognition of practical solutions devised by young people in climate action, digital entrepreneurship and social innovation in resource-limited environments.

The global situation highlights the urgency of these discussions:

• The world is currently home to 1.3 billion young people (between 15 and 24 years old), the largest generation in history.

• By 2050, 69% of young people will live in low- and middle-income countries (up from 59% in 2025).

• Between 2025 and 2050, the youth population in high and middle income countries is projected to decline by almost 24%.

• Injuries account for nearly half of youth deaths in low-income countries.

• Children and young people are adopting AI technology three times faster than adults, exposing themselves to unique opportunities and risks.

During the summit, delegates participated in debates and workshops organized by the International Youth Organization and presented a Youth-Led Declaration on AI Policy and Governance. This document will directly contribute to the UN’s efforts to define digital governance, including the Digital Global Compact.

This milestone complements previous UN initiatives such as the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Youth Advisory Board and the Science, Technology and Innovation Forum.

Prior to the meeting, the International Labour Organization (ILO) published a report warning of a new surge in youth unemployment figures worldwide following the pandemic.

The study indicates that 6.1% of jobs currently held by young people aged 15 to 29 are in the categories most exposed to AI automation, which could displace millions of workers in the coming years if retraining and continuous education processes are not guaranteed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equatorial Guinea: Official Web Page of the Government.

Source: APO

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (www.IsDBInstitute.org) and the Maghreb Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade (BMICE) have signed a grant agreement to support the establishment of an Islamic window within BMICE, marking an important step toward strengthening Islamic finance offerings and expanding access to Shariah-compliant financial services in the Maghreb region.

The agreement, signed on 12 August 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, provides a framework for IsDB Institute to extend technical assistance to BMICE in developing the institutional, regulatory, operational, and capacity-building requirements necessary for the establishment and effective functioning of the Islamic window. The support will contribute to developing a sound and sustainable framework for Islamic finance operations within the Bank, in line with applicable regulatory requirements and internationally recognized Islamic finance principles and standards.

Through this cooperation, IsDB Institute will support BMICE in strengthening its institutional readiness and human capital, developing appropriate Islamic finance products and operational processes, and addressing the legal, regulatory, and Shariah considerations relevant to the establishment of the Islamic window. The initiative is also expected to contribute to enhancing BMICE’s ability to respond to the growing demand for Shariah-compliant financial solutions in the Maghreb region.

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of IsDB Institute and BMICE to advancing Islamic finance as a tool for financial inclusion, private-sector development, and sustainable economic growth. By introducing Islamic finance services within BMICE, the initiative has the potential to broaden financing opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and other economic actors, while supporting the development of a stronger regional Islamic finance ecosystem across the Maghreb.

The signing of the agreement further strengthens the cooperation between IsDB Institute and BMICE and demonstrates the Institute’s commitment to supporting its Member Countries and regional financial institutions in developing effective and enabling Islamic finance frameworks.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

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About the IsDB Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/ 

Source: APO

• ECOWAS is advancing a shared regional approach to carbon markets, with a three-day validation workshop in Abuja bringing together representatives of Member States, regional and international institutions, development partners and technical experts to finalise a framework for a credible, transparent and inclusive regional carbon market platform.

• The initiative seeks to strengthen access to climate finance, build national capacities and enable West Africa to better harness its carbon market potential in support of climate action and sustainable development.

Opening the workshop, the ECOWAS Director of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Christophe Deguenon, stressed that West Africa’s acute vulnerability to climate change and growing financing requirements make it imperative to mobilise innovative sources of climate finance at scale. He noted that the region’s 2022 Regional Strategy for Access to and Mobilisation of Climate Finance estimated financing needs at US$294 billion, with requirements expected to increase further as Member States strengthen their climate commitments. He identified carbon markets and the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement as important avenues for addressing this financing gap, particularly given West Africa’s substantial natural capital and potential to generate high-integrity carbon credits.

Mr Deguenon recalled that ECOWAS has, since 2024, been advancing a regional process to establish a harmonised carbon market framework based on transparency, environmental integrity, inclusive governance and recognition of Member States’ climate efforts. He described the validation workshop as a critical milestone towards creating a credible and attractive regional mechanism capable of strengthening investor confidence, pooling expertise, reducing transaction costs, building national capacities and positioning West Africa more effectively in international carbon markets.

Welcoming participants to Abuja, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment, described the ECOWAS initiative as timely and strategic, she noted its potential to mobilise climate finance, incentivise emissions reductions, support nature-based solutions, attract investment, strengthen private-sector participation, and create green jobs.

She highlighted Nigeria’s launch of its national carbon market framework and the ongoing development of its carbon market registry, stressing that a regional platform would complement national efforts through peer learning, knowledge-sharing and stronger regional coordination. She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with ECOWAS, Member States and development partners to translate the framework into practical action.

Following the opening ceremony, participants proceeded to technical sessions examining the framework’s alignment with the ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, alongside an article-by-article review of its proposed provisions. Discussions are addressing the platform’s scope, technical architecture, regional carbon register and transaction mechanisms, with the workshop expected to contribute to the validation of the framework and the development of a regional roadmap for its progressive operationalisation.

The initiative forms part of ECOWAS’ broader efforts to advance climate action and mobilise innovative climate finance in line with the ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy, ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Through the development of a harmonised regional carbon market platform, ECOWAS seeks to strengthen cooperation among Member States, support the progressive operationalisation of carbon-market mechanisms, build institutional and technical capacities, and create a more enabling environment for investment in climate action across West Africa. The validated framework is expected to provide a basis for the platform’s adoption and progressive operationalisation, including through a regional roadmap defining the roles, responsibilities and implementation steps for national and regional actors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Three senior government and regulatory leaders shaping the energy future of Barbados, Angola and Morocco’s energy sectors will speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16. Their participation comes as each market advances major reforms aimed at attracting investment, expanding energy infrastructure and strengthening long-term energy security.

Bringing together ministers, regulators, national oil companies and global investors, AEW 2026 serves as the continent’s leading platform for shaping energy policy and commercial partnerships. Discussions will span upstream, licensing, energy transition strategies, infrastructure development and regional integration, with government leaders playing a central role in defining the investment landscape across African and international markets.

Kerrie D. Symmonds, Barbados’ Minister of Energy, Business Development and Commerce and Senior Minister Coordinating the Productive Sector, joins the conference as the Caribbean nation pursues a dual-track energy strategy. Following his appointment in February this year, Symmonds has overseen policies supporting Barbados’ target of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2030 while opening the country’s offshore sector to new exploration.

In June, the government launched direct negotiations for 19 ultra-deepwater blocks covering more than 62,000 km2, creating opportunities for international explorers alongside continued investment in battery storage and grid modernization. At AEW 2026, Minister Symmonds’ participation is set to highlight Barbados’ strategy to align energy security with economic growth and private investment.

Positioned to offer insight into one of Africa’s largest upstream investment programs, Executive Board Member at Angola’s National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) Alcides Andrade comes on board AEW 2026 as the organization implements a $60 billion strategy through 2030. The ANPG is also supporting major developments including Agogo, Begonia, CLOV Phase 3, and the Quiluma and Mabowueiro gas projects.

As Angola works to stabilize oil production and expand domestic refining capacity, Andrade will be positioned to discuss the regulatory reforms and investment opportunities driving the country’s next phase of growth.

Meanwhile, Salwa Didi, Head of the Offshore Evaluation Division at Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), joins AEW 2026 as the agency undertakes the biggest institutional reform in its history. ONHYM’s conversion into a state-backed joint-stock company gives it greater flexibility to raise capital, establish subsidiaries and attract strategic partners. The reform coincides with progress at the Tendrara Gas Project, renewed offshore exploration efforts and continued advancement of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, strengthening Morocco’s ambition to become a regional energy hub linking African gas resources with European markets.

“Energy investment is built on strong institutions, clear policy and competitive investment frameworks,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Barbados, Angola and Morocco are demonstrating different approaches to unlocking their energy potential, and AEW 2026 provides an important platform for these leaders to engage directly with investors and industry.”

The participation of Minister Symmonds, Andrade and Didi reinforces AEW 2026’s role as the continent’s premier platform for dialogue between governments and the private sector. Taking place over five days at the Cape Town International Conference Center, the event connects policymakers with the investors and developers driving Africa’s next generation of energy projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

The LEITI Secretariat, as part of its MSG-approved work plan 2026 and to strengthen staff capacity to deal with the new 2023 EIT| Standard, facilitated the participation of two members of the LEITI Secretariat in a short-term capacity-building training program at Magna Skills Institute held in Accra, Ghana. The training, which was conducted from August 3-7, 2026, forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the professional competencies and institutional capacity of LEITI staff, enabling them to effectively perform their respective functions and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Secretariat. Saba B. Cephas, Administrative Manager, participated in Human Resource Management training, whilst Christine Humaru, Communications and Outreach Officer, was trained in Report Writing Skills, with each staff member undertaking a specialized course aligned with their respective responsibilities.

The primary purpose of the capacity-building program was to enhance the knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies of LEITI staff in key areas relevant to their responsibilities. The support provided by GIZ Liberia through the LEITI Secretariat is therefore commendable and contributes significantly to LEITI’s efforts to build a skilled, efficient, and professional workforce. The participation of the two female staff promotes gender inclusivity, which aligns with LEITI’s Act, the 2023 EITI Standard, and the Operational policy framework of the LEITI Secretariat. The Secretariat looks forward to translating the knowledge and skills gained from the training into improved work performance, enhanced institutional processes, and more effective implementation of LEITI’s mandate.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Ministry of Information Government of the Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

Day 8 of the 98th Kenya Music Festival took place today at Kibabii University, where audiences witnessed a spectacle as learners showcased talent across 13 halls in African folk and gospel songs, cultural dances, sacred and Oriental performances, recitals, choral and solo verse in five languages, special-needs verse, instrumental ensembles, and Taarab. 

Special classes featured the Public Service Commission, Equity Group and CBK@60 sponsorships, plus new Communications Authority classes on building a positive digital identity for learners with disabilities. The Festival is held under the theme “Enhancing the Creative Economy Through Knowledge, Skills and Artistic Production for Sustainable Development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Education, Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

The Seychelles Tourism Academy marked its 2026 Annual Graduation Ceremony this afternoon, Thursday 13th August, with President Dr Patrick Herminie joining the celebration of the achievements of 158 graduates who successfully completed their respective programmes in tourism and hospitality.

The ceremony was held at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) in the presence of the First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, Vice President Sebastien Pillay, Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy Mr Wallace Cosgrow, Minister for Industry and Enterprise Ms Geralda Desaubin, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Mr David Pierre, and Minister for Employment and Human Resource Planning Ms Idith Alexander, among other distinguished guests.

Addressing the audience at the beginning of the ceremony, the Director of the Seychelles Tourism Academy, Mr Richard Mathiot, congratulated the graduates on their achievements, noting that their success was a reflection of their hard work, determination, perseverance and sacrifice.

Mr Mathiot also highlighted the continued progress of the Academy, including its accreditations and new programmes, which he said have strengthened its commitment to providing quality education and training that responds to the evolving needs of the tourism and hospitality industry.

He further highlighted the Academy’s commitment to inclusive education, noting that three learners with special needs were among this year’s graduating class. He described their achievement as an important reminder that education should be accessible to every learner and should provide everyone with the opportunity to develop their abilities, realise their potential and pursue their dreams.

In concluding his remarks, Mr Mathiot expressed appreciation to the Academy’s Governing Board, sponsors and industry partners for their continued support and contribution to the Academy’s work.

Among the graduating cohort, 12 students were awarded Advanced Diplomas in Hospitality Management after completing the Academy’s three-year programme. All 12 graduates met the required academic standards and will pursue further studies at Taylor’s University in Malaysia in September 2026.

The Academy’s Advanced Certificate programmes, delivered over two years, produced 144 graduates across six specialised areas: Food and Beverage, Culinary Arts, Housekeeping, Rooms Division, Travel and Tourism, and Spa and Beauty Therapy.

The ceremony also recognised outstanding student achievements through several prestigious awards.

The President’s Cup, the Academy’s highest student award, was presented to Ms Rita Vicky Belize in recognition of her outstanding academic and practical performance, positive attitude, resilience, hard work and positive influence on her peers. She was also recognised for her active participation in school activities and for serving as a role model to fellow students.

The Director’s Award was presented to Ms Angellique Baker and Mr Angello Vidot for their remarkable achievements throughout their years of study.

The Governing Board Award, which recognises strong practical and academic performance, was awarded to Ms Shirley Houreau.

The Minister’s Award was presented to three graduates: Ms Hanah Adrienne at Certificate level, Ms Rita Vicky Belize at Advanced Certificate level, and Ms Vania Cesar at Advanced Diploma level.

In her virtual congratulatory message, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Amanda Bernstein, congratulated the Class of 2026 and acknowledged the hard work that had brought them to the milestone of graduation.

Minister Bernstein highlighted the importance of tourism to the Seychelles economy, while emphasising that, above all, tourism is about people. She reminded the graduates that they are now ambassadors of Seychellois hospitality and representatives of the country’s Creole spirit, as well as standard-bearers for the quality and authenticity that define the Seychelles tourism brand.

As they prepare to enter the world of work, she encouraged the graduates to keep learning, serve with pride, and never underestimate the difference that one committed professional can make.

The ceremony also featured a motivational address by a former STA graduate, followed by a vote of thanks from President’s Cup recipient Ms Rita Vicky Belize, who shared words of encouragement and inspiration with the graduating class as they prepare for the next stage of their professional journeys.

The programme also included a musical performance by MV. The ceremony concluded with a special gesture of appreciation, as Mr Alex Andrews, one of the graduating students with special needs, presented tokens of recognition to President Dr Patrick Herminie, First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie and Vice President Sebastien Pillay.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.