Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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Eritrean Olympian Biniam Girmay of Belgian team Intermarché-Wanty kicked off the 112th edition of the Tour de France with an impressive second-place finish in the opening stage.

The 184.9 km race was completed in 3 hours, 53 minutes, and 5 seconds, with Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck claiming first place. Biniam crossed the finish line with the same time, narrowly missing the top spot but asserting his presence early in the competition.

In the intermediate sprint, Biniam secured third place and earned 15 points in the green jersey classification. As a result, he enters Stage Two ranked second overall in both the yellow and green jersey standings and leads the white jersey category for best young rider.

The second stage of the Tour will continue on Sunday with a 209.1 km route.

Biniam Girmay made history in the 111th edition of the Tour de France last year, winning three stages and becoming the first Black African cyclist to win the prestigious green jersey.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Agriculture organized a national conference on 3 July in Asmara under the theme “Ensuring Food Safety is the Responsibility of All.” The objective of the conference was to enhance the understanding of food safety among farmers and food processing enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Tekleab Misgina, Director General of Regulatory Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the critical link between food and life. He noted that ensuring safety and cleanliness throughout the entire food production chain—from farm to consumer—is a collective responsibility.

During the conference, briefings were delivered on several topics, including the significance of animal fodder, the safe use of pesticides and animal medicines, food quality capacity, and its management, among other relevant issues.

Participants held extensive discussions on the topics raised and adopted various recommendations, including the preparation of reference materials based on periodic seminars, increased attention to indigenous plants, and other action points.

The workshop was attended by representatives of farmers from across the country, food processing enterprises, exemplary farmers, agricultural experts, and invited guests.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, Counselor Aguila Saleh. The meeting was attended by Political Advisor to the Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives, Hamid Al-Safi, and Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that the meeting reviewed the latest developments on the Libyan scene. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm position in support of Libya and its national institutions, emphasizing the importance of preserving Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The President also stressed the necessity for unifying efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement to the crisis. This is in order to allow for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held concurrently as soon as possible, in a way that fulfills the aspirations of the Libyan people for stability, security, and a dignified life.

President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to continuing its efforts and coordination with all Libyan brothers and concerned international parties. This stems from Egypt’s belief in the necessity of stability in the brotherly state of Libya, and that Libya’s political and security stability is an integral part of Egypt’s own stability.

The President also emphasized the importance of the departure of all foreign forces from Libya, which will contribute to promoting security, enabling Libyan institutions to play their role in consolidating stability across all Libyan territories.

The President expressed Egypt’s interest in the reconstruction Libya and in participating in this process, as well as transferring Egyptian development expertise to support the development process.

The Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives expressed his deep appreciation for the historical and fraternal relations between Egypt and Libya, and for the role of President El-Sisi and Egyptian institutions in supporting Libya’s unity and the cohesion of its national institutions. He affirmed that this support represents a fundamental pillar for restoring security and stability and for advancing the transitional phase leading to the implementation of the upcoming electoral entitlements.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

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His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has officially commissioned the newly constructed Mattru Jong–Senehun Bridge in Jong Chiefdom, Bonthe District, a transformative infrastructure project designed to benefit over 20,000 residents. The bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time and costs, eliminate the risks associated with manual ferry transport, and improve the movement of goods, especially farm produce, to markets across the region.

Located along the Jong River, Mattru Jong serves as the mainland of Bonthe District, approximately 52 miles southwest of Bo. It was previously one of the country’s 13 colonial-era manual ferry points identified by President Bio for replacement with modern bridges as part of his broader infrastructure and rural development strategy.

In his keynote address, President Bio described the commissioning as a deeply personal and national milestone. “This is a promise fulfilled to my people, to our district, and to our future,” he declared. Recalling his Big Five Game Changer agenda, the President emphasized that his government is committed to delivering tangible development to every part of Sierra Leone “from the hills of Koinadugu to the riverbanks of Bonthe.”

He recounted the challenges of the past: “Our communities relied on manual ferries that were limited to daytime use, became unusable during the rainy season, and often posed serious risks. These were not just inconveniences, they were barriers to progress,” he said. “While previous governments spoke of development, our government is delivering it. We are the ‘Tok N Do’ government.”

President Bio explained that the bridge was made possible through a US$30 million grant from the World Bank under the Smallholder Commercialisation and Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP), overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The Mattru Bridge is one of four constructed under the initiative, alongside Gendema in Kenema District, Manowa in Kailahun District, and Tomparie in Karene District.

He described the new 160-metre structure as a vital connection point linking Mattru Jong to Bo, Moyamba, and Pujehun Districts, enabling faster access to healthcare, education, and markets. “Now, mothers can reach clinics faster, students will arrive at school safely, and traders and farmers can move goods with ease,” the President said.

President Bio emphasized that beyond reducing travel time, the bridge restores dignity and brings hope to local communities. He expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture, the SCADeP team, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, Paramount Chiefs, local councils, and Members of Parliament for their roles in making the project a success.

He also thanked the World Bank for its unwavering partnership. “You have walked this journey with us. Your support is yielding real results for our people. But we are not done. There are more bridges to build, more roads to open, and more communities to transform,” he assured.

Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Dr Abdul Muwonge, Country Manager for Sierra Leone, commended the government and local stakeholders for their cooperation. He noted that farmers, women, schoolchildren, and the elderly had long struggled with access and connectivity in the region. “This bridge is more than concrete and steel, it is a legacy that will serve generations,” he said.

Dr Muwonge applauded President Bio for making a compelling case at the World Bank headquarters, which has led to additional funding for future bridge projects. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and rural development ambitions.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture Dr Henry Musa Kpaka described the bridge as a flagship achievement under President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers. He stated that the improved infrastructure would encourage farmers to increase production, knowing that their goods can reach markets efficiently and safely, with improved storage and profitability.

The commissioning of the Mattru-Senehun Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of President Bio’s commitment to inclusive development, rural connectivity, and agricultural transformation. With strong partnerships, bold leadership, and sustained investment, Sierra Leone is steadily moving forward, one bridge, one road, and one empowered community at a time.

– on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, warmly congratulates the Government and people of Cabo Verde as they celebrate another year of independence.

Today, we celebrate Cabo Verde’s incredible journey of freedom, unity, and growth. The African Union remains dedicated to collaborating closely with Cabo Verde to support regional integration, sustainable development, and peace across Africa.

Together with the people of Cabo Verde, we mark this important milestone and wish them ongoing prosperity and success in the future.

Happy Independence Day!

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO – Report:

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President José Maria Neves of the Republic of Cabo Verde on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages to President Neves and Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva on the occasion.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

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As an official partner of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) (www.Orange.com) reaffirms its commitment to a more inclusive, equitable, and connected African football through its celebration of the TotalEnergies 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, taking place from July 5 to 26 in Morocco.

Women’s football is experiencing remarkable growth in Africa, with over 83 million viewers during the last edition of the competition. This year, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations held in five cities across Morocco marks a new milestone in the visibility of women’s football in Africa. Among the 12 participating countries, six from the Orange network have qualified and are represented this year (Morocco, Mali, Senegal, Tunisia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana), demonstrating the increasing momentum of women’s football that the company actively supports.

Since 2018, Orange has implemented the 50/50 rule in its sports sponsorship actions to ensure equal representation between men’s and women’s disciplines. This principle is reflected on the ground through support for women’s national teams, as well as local initiatives such as training young girls in clubs, working with high-profile ambassadors such Fatima Tagnaout, a Moroccan international footballer, and creating content that celebrates women’s careers in sport.

To promote the sport and further enhance the visibility of women in football, Orange Morocco also launched the “Broadcast Cafés” initiative, equipping cafés across the country to broadcast the WAFCON and encourage social engagement around the tournament. Indeed, according to a recent study*, 80% of Moroccans have watched women’s football on television, but 31% face difficulties finding ways to watch the matches.

A historic partner of the CAF since 2008, Orange renewed its commitment to the development of African football in December 2023, notably through its initiatives during major CAF competitions. Beyond its technical expertise and contributions to connectivity, Orange also implements various actions aimed at promoting gender equality and inclusion. This partnership strengthens Orange’s strategy, which leverages sport to encourage equality, support digital education for youth, and ensure reliable connectivity across Africa.

To enhance the visibility of the Group’s commitment during this tournament, several media campaigns have been produced. A pan-African campaign (https://MasterMedia.Orange.com) will be broadcast across all participating Orange countries, while another will be aired locally in Morocco (https://MasterMedia.Orange.com).

Yasser Shaker, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, said: “Being a partner of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is much more than a sports commitment: in its role as a responsible operator in Africa, it is a way to support countries in positive societal dynamics. Sport, and in particular women’s football, is a powerful lever for national pride, inclusion and freedom.”

Caroline Guillaumin, Executive Vice President of Communications at Orange, said: “This partnership is built to send out a strong signal demonstrating a concrete commitment to greater equity in sport. The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is an opportunity to highlight the careers of inspiring women, both on and off the field, and to amplify their voices through our content and local initiatives.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Source: APO

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Today the first cohort of the Regional Public Health Emergency Management Training graduated in Abuja.  The intermediate level training was hosted by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Seventeen public health emergency operations center staff members from countries across the region (Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia, and Mali) participated in the two-week training.  They learned and strengthened the skills needed to effectively operate incident management systems for outbreak preparedness and response.  As a result, the region is now better equipped to prepare for and respond to epidemics and pandemics.

In her remarks at the graduation ceremony, the U.S. CDC Division of Global Health Protection Acting Program Director Asmau Aminu-Alhaji thanked the graduates for their dedication to public health both at home and across the region and highlighted the importance of public health collaboration and communication across borders.

The Public Health Emergency Management Professional Certification Program is part of the U.S. Government’s support for global health Security in Nigeria and globally. It provides emergency operations staff and other public health experts with specialized training in public health emergency management, operations, and other critical preparedness and response skills.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.