Category: Africa

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World Health Organization (WHO) and UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) standby partners strengthen cholera response in South Sudan

Source: APO


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Amidst the ongoing cholera outbreak in South Sudan, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed gratitude for the critical support provided by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and WHO’s Standby Partners (SBPs). Their timely and coordinated assistance has significantly enhanced WHO’s capacity to support the government of South Sudan’s efforts to contain the outbreak.

South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024, since then, the Ministry of Health with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has mounted a comprehensive response, designating the outbreak as a highest-priority emergency. This designation has enabled deployment of rapid response teams, prepositioning medical supplies and coordination efforts across all levels to protect communities and safe lives. This is the longest cholera outbreak in the country’s history since independence in September 2011.

With funding from the UK FCDO, five technical experts were deployed between January and February 2025 through WHO’s Standby Partners, – CANADEM, RedR Australia and UK-Med for six months. This multidisciplinary surge team brought together expertise across key response pillars: case management, epidemiology, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health logistics, and coordination. This coordinated deployment formed a dedicated surge team, enabling WHO to support the government of South Sudan respond swiftly and comprehensively across all key pillars of the cholera response.

The deployment of these five technical experts played a pivotal role in strengthening the response. Each position was strategically selected to enhance the speed, reach, and effectiveness of WHO’s operations. This integrated, multi-disciplinary deployment model serves as a best-practice example of how surge capacity can be optimized to deliver high-impact results during public health emergencies.

Together, this team bolstered WHO’s operational capacity, accelerated outbreak containment, and supported broader emergency health systems in South Sudan. Their unified presence and complementary expertise underscore the strategic value of well-coordinated international surge deployments in complex public health emergencies. All efforts were carried out in close coordination with national counterparts and in direct support of the Government of South Sudan’s leadership in managing the outbreak.

“This team, supported by FCDO, came at a very critical time and has provided a significant boost to our response efforts to contain the cholera outbreak,” said Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan, “WHO South Sudan expresses its sincere gratitude to the UK FCDO and our Standby Partners for making this level of response possible. Their extraordinary commitment has directly contributed to saving lives and strengthening resilience in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.”

• Mr. Mukasa Kabiri, Cholera Response Coordination Officer, led the successful rollout of oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaigns, ensuring timely and targeted vaccination coverage where in high- risk areas.

• Dr. Brendan Patrick Dineen, Epidemiologist, supported the strengthening of real-time surveillance and outbreak mapping, enabling evidence-based decision making in the Upper Nile State and other hard-to-reach areas.

• Dr. Fuad Said Abdulrahman, Case Management Specialist, provided clinical guidance and training for frontline health workers, improving treatment outcomes and response readiness in affected facilities.

• Mr. Tai Ring Teh, WASH Officer, supported water quality assessments and hygiene practices at cholera treatment centers in affected communities.

• Mr. Navjuvon Mazabshoev, Health Logistics Officer, supported logistics operations including the establishing a new treatment center in Tharqueng and improved supply chain management at Juba Teaching Hospital

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

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Exploring innovation: Business Management System (BMS) User Experience Lab concludes in South Sudan

Source: APO


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In preparation for the rollout of the new Business Management System (BMS), WHO Office in South Sudan conducted a five-day BMS Human Capital Management (HCM) Lab to familiarize staff with WHO’s new BMS, which will replace the current GSM-based system to enhance efficiency and streamline operations.

The interactive session conducted from 30 June to 4 July 2025, successfully engaged over 189 staff members, giving them practical hands-on experience with the HR BMS module through simulation exercise, enabling participants to test BMS features, fostering clear understanding of the system. As a result, staff members are now better equipped to use this module designed to streamline and simplify HR-related processes.

Facilitated by the Country Support Unit (CSU), the sessions provided insights on how the BMS system is configured and will be running after roll-out.

Ms. Sheila Baya, a Public Health Officer, and one of the participants shared her experience. “Initially, I thought the BMS HR module was quite complex, especially, since we, as an affiliate, currently manage leave requests manually. However, after spending some time exploring the platform, I’ve come to appreciate its user-friendly design. I now understand how it will streamline our internal request processes, making them more systematic and efficient. This transition will not only save time but also reduce the potential for errors, ultimately improving our overall workflow”. Said Baya

Dr Mukeshkumar Prajapati, Health Cluster Coordinator and another participant, added “The BMS User Experience Lab was more than just a demo—it was an empowering, hands-on opportunity that showed me how workday can simplify our day-to-day HR tasks” said Dr Prajapati, “Exploring real-life scenarios gave me confidence in its potential to streamline processes like leave requests, personal data management, and profile updates.”

Furthermore, Ms. Ida Mkenda, encouraged colleagues to take up the opportunity, saying “The immersive modelling tasks and scenarios enabled me to intuitively navigate and accomplish requests in the BMS. Integration of the various functionalities in the organization has also simplified processes that will greatly impact efficiency and effectiveness” said Mkenda

Finally, Mr. Kuol Maper Alier, another participant, thanked WHO for initiating the BMS system “this system is easy to use, and it is timesaving. I enjoyed the simulation exercise and looking forward for the rollout of BMS” Alier said.

As the BMS continues to roll out across the region, Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan encourages all staff to participate in ongoing and future labs to acquire hand on experience and contribute to shaping a future where digital tools drive better performance, accountability, and impact. “All of us are encouraged to take the opportunity to explore the BMS system, identify possible defects, and recommend appropriate improvements to ensure the system is user-friendly”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

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At Africa gender statistics forum, African leaders urge renewed commitment to quality gender data

Source: APO

Amid growing setbacks on gender equality and increasing financial constraints, African policymakers, gender experts, and development specialists are calling for renewed collaboration and sustained investment in national gender data systems across the continent.

This is the message of the ongoing Seventh Africa Gender Statistics Forum taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Forum was co-organized by Côte d’Ivoire’s National Statistics Agency,  the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank Group, the Economic Commission for Africa, UN Women, and Open Data Watch, with funding support from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation Trust Fund.

The Forum is exploring Africa’s gender data systems, ways to build statistical capacity, and policies to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across the continent.

Representatives from host country Côte d’Ivoire said the country has made notable progress in recent years in collecting, analyzing and using gender data to guide public policy.

“These statistics are essential to understand the lived realities of girls and women and to design effective programs and policies that eliminate inequality,” Thiekoro Doumbia, Director General of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Statistics Agency, told attendees.

Held under the theme “Sound Statistics for ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment,” the Forum has attracted more than 150 participants from 40 African countries, covering a diversity of sectors – including government representatives, statisticians, civil society, and development organizations.

At the forum, participants have reflected on Africa’s journey in gender statistics since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a landmark international agreement aimed at advancing women’s rights and gender equality.

“Statistics provide a solid foundation for good decision-making, and gender statistics are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities among women, girls, men, and boys and responding appropriately,” said William Muhwava, Chief for Demographic and Social Statistics Section of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

The high-level panels, technical and networking sessions have focused on priority issues ranging from gender-based violence statistics and inclusive data systems to social protection, migration, and sets of standards, principles, and rules that guide behavior and decision-making.

During the forum, the African Development Bank and the Economic Commission for Africa’s Africa Gender Index 2023 Analytical Report, was showcased – a flagship publication that measures the state of gender equality across the continent.

According to the Index, African women and girls continue to be left behind in economic, social and political spheres, despite progress in some sectors.

“This Forum is a unique opportunity to turn numbers into narratives, analysis into action, and data into social justice for all African women and girls,” said Nathalie Gahunga, Manager of the Gender and Women Empowerment Division at the African Development Bank.

“Data is the key to change. Yet, in 15 African countries, only 52 percent of gender-related indicators clearly differentiate between women and men. This gap undermines progress in maternal health, political participation, and violence prevention,“ she added.

According to UN Women and the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century PARIS21, African countries have achieved just over 50 percent of their potential gender data capacity. While some countries are performing above the global average, the continent lags behind.

“An Africa that is people-driven needs sound data that accurately reflects the realities of women and girls,” said Aberash Tariku Abaye Africa, Coordination Statistics Expert at the African Union Institute for Statistics.

“Including women in Africa’s development is therefore critical for sustainable economic growth and social development,” said Adjaratou Ndiaye, Country Representative, UN Women, Cote Ivoire.  “We can’t achieve that without strong gender data and this calls for countries and sectors to work closely together to identify and address gaps for stronger data systems across the region.”

The Forum is expected to conclude with recommendations aimed at supporting institutions, processes, and resources to produce, disseminate, and utilize gender-related data. This will ensure coordination between gender data producers and users,  grounding policies across Africa in solid evidence and real-life data.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
African Development Bank Group:
Raissa Girondin,
Communications Specialist,
email: media@afdb.org

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African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson received H.E. Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, President of Interpol

Source: APO


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Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. @ymahmoudali, received H.E. Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, President of @INTERPOL_HQ. The Chairperson commended INTERPOL’s vital role in promoting global security and law enforcement cooperation, and thanked Dr. Al-Raisi for his support to AFRIPOL.

The Chairperson & Dr. Raisi reaffirmed their commitment to deepening AU–INTERPOL collaboration to combat transnational crime and enhance the rule of law across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Forum africain sur les statistiques de genre : les dirigeants africains appellent à un engagement renouvelé en faveur de données de qualité sur le genre

Face aux reculs croissants en matière d’égalité des genres et aux contraintes financières accrues, des décideurs politiques africains, des experts en genre et des spécialistes du développement appellent à une collaboration renouvelée et à un investissement soutenu dans les systèmes nationaux de données sur le genre en Afrique.

C’est le message du septième Forum africain sur les statistiques de genre qui a débuté le 30 juin 2025 à Abidjan, en Côte d’Ivoire.

Le Forum a été coorganisé par l’Agence nationale de la statistique de Côte d’Ivoire, la Commission de l’Union africaine, le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, la Commission économique des Nations unies pour l’Afrique, ONU-Femmes et Open Data Watch, avec le soutien financier du Fonds fiduciaire de coopération économique Corée-Afrique.

Le Forum explore les systèmes de données sur le genre en Afrique, les moyens de renforcer les capacités statistiques et les politiques visant à promouvoir l’égalité des genres et l’autonomisation des femmes en Afrique.

Les représentants de la Côte d’Ivoire, pays hôte, ont déclaré que le pays avait réalisé des progrès notables ces dernières années dans la collecte, l’analyse et l’utilisation des données sur le genre pour guider les politiques publiques.

« Ces statistiques sont essentielles pour comprendre les réalités vécues par les filles et les femmes et pour concevoir des programmes et des politiques efficaces qui éliminent les inégalités », a déclaré le directeur général de l’Agence nationale de la statistique de Côte d’Ivoire, Thiekoro Doumbia.

Organisé sous le thème « Des statistiques robustes pour TOUTES les femmes et les filles : droits, égalité et autonomisation », le Forum a attiré plus de 150 participants de 40 pays africains, couvrant une diversité de secteurs — y compris des représentants gouvernementaux, des statisticiens, la société civile et des organisations de développement.

Les participants se sont penchés sur le parcours de l’Afrique en matière de statistiques de genre depuis la Déclaration et le Programme d’action de Beijing de 1995 — un accord international historique visant à faire progresser les droits des femmes et l’égalité des genres.

« Les statistiques fournissent une base solide pour une bonne prise de décision, et les statistiques de genre sont essentielles pour identifier les vulnérabilités des femmes, des filles, des hommes et des garçons et pour y répondre de manière appropriée », a déclaré le chef de la section des statistiques démographiques et sociales à la Commission économique des Nations unies pour l’Afrique, William Muhwava.

Des panels de haut niveau, des sessions techniques et de réseautage se sont concentrés sur des questions prioritaires allant des statistiques sur la violence sexiste et des systèmes de données inclusifs à la protection sociale, la migration et les ensembles de normes, principes et règles qui guident le comportement et la prise de décision.

Au cours du forum, le Rapport analytique de l’Indice de genre en Afrique 2023 de la Banque africaine de développement et de la Commission économique des Nations unies pour l’Afrique a été présenté. Cette publication phare mesure l’état de l’égalité des genres sur le continent.

Selon cet indice, les femmes et les filles africaines continuent d’être laissées pour compte dans les domaines économique, social et politique, malgré les progrès accomplis dans certains secteurs.

« Ce Forum est une occasion unique de transformer les chiffres en récits, l’analyse en action et les données en justice sociale pour toutes les femmes et les filles africaines », a déclaré la cheffe de la Division du genre et de l’autonomisation des femmes à la Banque africaine de développement, Nathalie Gahunga.

« Les données sont la clé du changement. Pourtant, dans 15 pays africains, seuls 52 % des indicateurs liés au genre établissent une distinction claire entre les femmes et les hommes. Cet écart compromet les progrès en matière de santé maternelle, de participation politique et de prévention de la violence », a-t-elle ajouté.

Selon ONU-Femmes et le Partenariat statistique pour le développement au XXIe siècle PARIS21, les pays africains ont atteint un peu plus de 50 % de leur potentiel en matière de données sur le genre. Si certains pays affichent des résultats supérieurs à la moyenne mondiale, le continent reste à la traîne.

« Une Afrique axée sur les populations a besoin de données fiables qui reflètent avec précision les réalités des femmes et des filles », a déclaré Aberash Tariku Abaye Afrique, expert en coordination des statistiques à l’Institut de statistique de l’Union africaine.

« L’inclusion des femmes dans le développement de l’Afrique est donc essentielle pour une croissance économique et un développement social durables », a déclaré Adjaratou Ndiaye, représentante d’ONU-Femmes en Côte d’Ivoire. « Nous ne pourrons y parvenir sans données fiables sur le genre, ce qui exige que les pays et les secteurs collaborent étroitement pour identifier et combler les lacunes afin de renforcer les systèmes de données dans la région. »

Le Forum devrait se conclure par des recommandations visant à soutenir les institutions, les processus et les ressources pour produire, diffuser et exploiter les données liées au genre. Cela permettra d’assurer la coordination entre les producteurs et les utilisateurs de données sur le genre, en fondant les politiques africaines sur des données probantes et concrètes.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Raïssa Girondin,
spécialiste de la communication,
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement,
media@afdb.org

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Foot and mouth disease contained in Eastern Cape, Limpopo

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has decided to lift the disease management areas (DMA) in Eastern Cape and Limpopo after intensified efforts by veterinary services were successful in containing the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the two provinces. 

In the Kouga and Kou-Kamma municipalities in Eastern Cape, a DMA has been in place since 26 July 2024 to support the control of the FMD outbreaks. Vaccination was implemented as a control measure and 144 424 vaccinations were done. 

The last cases were reported in September 2024. 

“Extensive serological surveillance was done in the DMA to confirm that there are no undetected pockets of the disease. The Minister can now confirm the lifting of the movement restrictions in the Eastern Cape DMA,” said the department.

In Limpopo, the DMA has been in place since September 2022 to control an FMD outbreak in diptanks in the Vhembe Municipality. Cattle at 34 diptanks were vaccinated in two rounds of vaccination, with a total of 23, 024 vaccinations done. 

Following extensive serological surveillance conducted at the end of 2024, the department is satisfied that there is no evidence of FMD virus in the DMA. 

“All restrictions on the DMA can, therefore, be lifted. The lifting of the DMA restrictions comes into effect today as it is published in the Government Gazette,” said the department.

Minister Steenhuisen again emphasised that biosecurity is everybody’s responsibility. 

“Biosecurity is not just a farming concern, but a shared responsibility of every individual in South Africa. We call on all citizens, especially those interacting with livestock or moving between rural areas, to consistently adhere to all biosecurity measures. 

“Only through our collective efforts can we safeguard our agricultural sector, make sure livelihoods are protected and ensure we keep our areas FMD-free,” he said.

Eastern Cape 

A total of 76 farms in the Eastern Cape province, which were infected and/or vaccinated, remain under quarantine. Movement restrictions will remain in place on these farms until testing has confirmed the absence of viral circulation. 

Testing will commence 12 months after the farms have been vaccinated. 

The department said it has decided to allow milk from quarantined farms to be released into the local market following single pasteurisation, instead of double pasteurisation, which was required when the disease was still active in the area. 

KwaZulu-Natal 

The DMA in KwaZulu-Natal will remain in place as there are still signs of active virus circulation in the area. 

Some outbreaks were detected outside of the DMA. 

“An abattoir in the Vryheid area in the DMA was designated to slaughter animals from premises under FMD restrictions. A system has been put in place to assess the level of biosecurity on individual farms, with the intention of aligning the control measures to the biosecurity risks,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za

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Parents urged to ensure children are vaccinated against measles

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 4, 2025

The Free State Health Department has issued an alert regarding a measles outbreak in the Lejweleputswa Nala (Bothaville) region of the province.

This comes after the confirmation of 64 cases of the viral infection in the areas of Nala, Masilonyana, Matjhabeng and Tswelopele.

Individuals primarily currently affected by the outbreak are children between the ages of 5 and 9.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications. It is crucial for parents and guardians to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms associated with measles,” spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said.

The following symptoms are associated with the viral infection:
•    Runny Nose
•    Red Rash
•    Feeling Tired
•    Cough
•    Fever
•    Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes)

“We urge all parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against measles. The measles vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect your child and the community from this disease,” he added.

Actions you can take:
•    Keep an eye on your child for any symptoms mentioned above.
•    If symptoms develop, visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
•    Ensure your child is up-to-date with their measles vaccinations. If you have questions about vaccination status, consult your clinic or healthcare provider.
•    Share this information with other parents and caregivers in your community.

“Your health and the health of our community are our top priorities. Together, we can prevent the spread of measles and protect our children. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact your local clinic,” Mvambi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Somalia at 65: what’s needed to address its dismal social development indicators

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ali A. Abdi, Professor, University of British Columbia

Somalia ranks among the lowest scoring countries in the United Nations Human Development Index. The index of 195 countries is a summary measure of average achievement in key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, years of schooling, and access to a decent standard of living. Ali A. Abdi, a scholar of social development education, examines Somalia’s failure to advance social development programmes.

What is socio-economic development and how does Somalia stack up?

Somalia is celebrating its 65th year of independence. This was marked officially on 1 July 2025.

Despite the pomp and circumstance, though, the country’s social development indicators are dismal.

Social development generally means visible improvements in the quality of life. People’s well-being is based on aspects of national progress like:

  • universally available good quality education and adequate healthcare

  • employment opportunities that generate liveable incomes and upward socioeconomic mobility

  • governance structures that protect people’s rights to security.

Somalia has failed to meet these human development targets.

Its low score in the UN index can be understood by looking at the statistics relating to education and health. In any society these act as foundational blocks for social development. But in Somalia:

  • children can expect to get an average of 1.72 years of education (the continental African average is 7.7 years)

  • there are 0.23 doctors per 10,000 people, and many doctors serve in fee-based private clinics which are out of reach for ordinary citizens in a country with US$600 GDP per capita income

  • the capital city, Mogadishu, with a population of 2.8 million, has only two fully public hospitals and they lack specialist services; patients who require specialist care must go to private hospitals

  • the youth unemployment rate is just below 70%.

With these social development liabilities, it’s no wonder that the country is the biggest per capita producer of both global refugees and internally displaced persons.

How did Somalia come to this?

The Somali state collapsed as a cohesive national entity in 1991. The military government that had been in power since 1969 was overthrown by armed opposition forces. The country slowly fragmented into quasi-self-governing regions. Transitional national governments have come and gone.

The current federal political structure came into being in August 2012. The Federal Republic of Somalia comprised five founding member states (there are now six).

The depressed social development situation is not the only obstacle facing Somalia. Other complexities include:

A governance system built on cronyism and political loyalty: Somalia’s national political leadership entrenched cronyism. In fairness, the same selectively applies to sub-national, federal member states leadership. This corrupt system has found traction in a country where professionals, young graduates and traditional leaders lack legitimate sources of income. This undermines good governance while creating discord within and among the federal government and federal member states.

Discord at national level and between national and sub-national leaders: The most recent example of this revolves around the national leadership’s 2024 attempt to change the interim constitution. The unilaterally proposed one-person-one-vote proposal runs counter to the 2012 framework through which the current federal system was created. This has fuelled yet another national controversy with less than a year to the next presidential election.

Externally constructed political and economic interventions: Somalia receives significant international aid to address political and developmental challenges. But the strings attached include the management of these funds by external entities. These donor priorities can be detached from immediate social development needs. And aid creates and sustains dependency and entrenches poverty.

What should the government prioritise and why?

The political class always says fighting terrorism is the top policy priority. This thinking, while viable for the current situation, ignores the potential to minimise terrorism by putting the basic needs of the public first, and especially the youth.

Somali leaders are duty-bound to shift focus. A good place to start is the basis of social development: security, education and healthcare. It falls upon them to marshal the country’s resources and capacities to improve the well-being of its citizens.

The national leadership also needs to restructure its relationship with federal member states. Distribution of development resources (including foreign aid) must be fair, not based on political alliances.

Somalia also needs to reform the government’s policy on public appointments. People must get jobs based on their educational background, professional experience, incorruptible character and institutional accountability.

The country has impressive natural resources. There’s huge untapped potential for fisheries and agriculture, which is the country’s economic backbone. The country also has untapped minerals and hydrocarbons wealth.

The above observations are not to say that the federal government should lose sight of the fight against the terrorist organisations. But the welfare of people, including job creation for young people, must be equally prioritised. That will surely advance much needed social development while also reducing the appeal of terrorism among the youth.

– Somalia at 65: what’s needed to address its dismal social development indicators
– https://theconversation.com/somalia-at-65-whats-needed-to-address-its-dismal-social-development-indicators-258307

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FMDQ Group and Frontier Africa Reports (FAR) Sign Agreement to Launch Live Daily Broadcast of Frontier Africa Financial News Programming

Source: APO

FMDQ Group (www.FMDQGroup.com),  Africa’s first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure group, operating through wholly-owned subsidiaries in the business of Exchange, Clearing and Depository has agreed to cooperate and support Frontier Africa Reports (www.FrontierAfricaReports.com) towards advancing the promotion of knowledge and information about African financial markets. 

The FMDQ Group and Frontier Africa Reports on Wednesday, June 3rd signed-off on their six-year relationship, that will enable the FAR organisation to broadcast pan-African financial and business news, and related programming, live from the in-house studio facilities of the FMDQ Group. 

Kaodi Ugoji, Group Chief Operating Officer, FMDQ Group says at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, that the group firmly believes in the ability and the experience of Frontier Africa Reports (FAR) team, led by its CEO Boason Omofaye, a veteran financial news broadcast journalist to manage, operate and utilize the broadcast facilities to deepen the knowledge of the African markets (equities, debt, currencies, derivatives, venture capital, commodities, etc.), increase investors awareness and, provide a platform of engagement and information for issuers as well as trading/dealing firms, among others. 

Boason Omofaye, Chief Executive Officer of Pure Language Communications Limited (the operator of Frontier Africa Reports) says, that the studio operations and technical support agreement with the FMDQ Group, provide a veritable platform to deliver expansive regular audio and video live programming of market news, analysis, updates, interviews, etc. Frontier Africa Reports will ensure that its productions leave no African economy, its markets, people and institutions behind. This aligns with the market integration objectives of the African Exchange Linkage Project (AELP), led by the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) and supported by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). 

Frontier Africa Reports (FAR) plans to flag-off its first market-focused programming, live from the FMDQ studios in mid-July, via its YouTube channel, which will also be available on its website and social media platforms. Other programming, including its Frontier Africa Radio (FAR) podcasts are due to follow.  

The FMDQ Group and Frontier Africa Reports have spent the past two years retooling and investing in the broadcast studios facility, which is located in Victoria Island, Lagos. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Frontier Africa Reports.

For Enquiries Contact: 
Boason Omofaye  
Chief Executive Officer 
Frontier Africa Reports  
Email: boasonfaye@frontierafricareports.com 
M: +234 806 265 7458 

About FMDQ Group: 
FMDQ Group is Africa’s first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure group, strategically positioned to provide registration, listing, quotation and noting services; integrated trading, clearing & central counterparty, settlement, and risk management for financial market transactions; depository of securities, as well as data and information services, across the debt capital, foreign exchange, derivatives and equity markets., through its wholly owned subsidiaries – FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, FMDQ Clear Limited, FMDQ Depository Limited and FMDQ Private Markets Limited. www.FMDQGroup.com  

About Frontier Africa Reports:  
Frontier Africa Reports is a content development, as well as a production and broadcast organisation, that is focused on pan-African business, economic, investment and financial market news audio/video online programming, streaming across all digital platforms in Africa and around the world. www.FrontierAfricaReports.com

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Official Talks with President Van Der Bellen on the occasion of the State Visit by Austria, Union Building, Tshwane

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Alexander van der Bellen,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Members of delegations,
Senior officials,

On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of South Africa, it is my pleasure to welcome you on this historic State Visit. 

Our two countries have ties of friendship and cooperation that go back many years.

We recall the role of Austrian anti-apartheid movement in supporting our struggle for democracy.

We have not forgotten this solidarity, which laid a firm basis for our bilateral relationship.

Your visit today marks a new chapter in relations between Austria and South Africa. 

Through the Bilateral Consultations we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism.

We are also committed to deepening investment and trade between our two countries. 

South Africa is Austria’s largest economic and trade partner in Africa. Our country accounts for almost a third of Austria’s total exports to the continent. 

There are more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries or agencies in South Africa across a range of sectors.

There is significant potential to deepen investment and trade links in areas such as the green economy, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and tourism. 

We share a common commitment to transition our respective economies along a low-carbon, inclusive, climate resilient path.

As South Africa strives to achieve energy security through investment in renewable and clean energy, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Austria.

We noted with interest the launch of Austria’s first green hydrogen production facility in 2023. We are eager to share our Green Hydrogen Economy Strategy and explore avenues for cooperation.

We are interested to hear more about Austria’s comprehensive national Africa Strategy, which we understand is intended to expand cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, digitalisation, energy, environmental and climate technologies.

The momentum of South Africa’s structural reform process and our efforts to boost economic growth present unique opportunities for Austrian firms wishing to invest here. 

I look forward to our participation in the high-level business forum later today, where we will be able to engage with these opportunities in depth.

We meet at a time of heightened global insecurity, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency and conflicts in many parts of the world. 

These events reinforce the need for multilateralism to remain at the centre of world affairs. 

They further underscore the need for the urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

South Africa and Austria share a common commitment to a world free of conflict and war, where sustainable development is a reality for all.

For our G20 Presidency, South Africa has chosen the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

It reflects our commitment to advancing the African Agenda, multilateral cooperation and the interests of all countries and peoples.

Austria is a valued partner of South Africa and we look forward to taking this partnership to even greater heights.

I now invite you, Your Excellency, to deliver your remarks.

I thank you.