Category: Africa

Source: APO

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Meskel, the Finding of the True Cross, was colorfully celebrated across the country today.

A prayer service, presided over by His Holiness Abune Basilos I, 6th Patriarch of the Orthodox Tewahdo Church of Eritrea, was held at Bahti Meskerem Square.

The celebratory event was attended by Ministers, senior government and PFDJ officials, members of the Holy Synod, Archbishops, members of the diplomatic community, and a large number of the faithful.

Memhir Simon Beyene delivered an extensive briefing on the background of the Holiday and conveyed best wishes to the Eritrean people in general and to the faithful and members of the Defense Forces in particular for a joyful Meskel Holiday.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received H.E. Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, to discuss the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s investment plan for FY 2025/2026, as well as developments in launching Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience. The narrative serves as a comprehensive framework aligning the Government’s Program with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that the state attaches great importance to providing social protection and care programs for the most vulnerable groups. These programs, she explained, contribute to strengthening human capital through economic and social empowerment, which in turn increases productivity, enhances labor market participation, stimulates economic growth, and ensures sustainable development that benefits all citizens.

The meeting reviewed the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s approved investments for FY 2025/2026, which amount to approximately EGP 768.5 million, compared to EGP 455 million in FY 2024/2025, reflecting a growth rate of 75.5%.

The Minister outlined the plan’s priorities for FY 2025/2026, including: providing investments for projects nearing completion; prioritizing continuation projects, especially those with over 70% implementation; financing new priority projects in line with Presidential directives; advancing urgent initiatives and Phase II of the Decent Life program; and aligning investments with the State Ownership Policy Document.

The two ministers also reviewed financing gaps that need to be addressed, stressing the importance of integration and coordination between national and sectoral strategies. They emphasized the role of social protection and care in advancing sustainable development across its three dimensions—economic, social, and environmental.

In this context, Al-Mashat added that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation will, in the coming period, begin preparations for a new Economic and Social Development Plan. The plan will be framed within a Medium-Term Budget (2026/2027 – 2029/2030), covering the budget year and the three subsequent years, in order to unify the planning horizon. She also referred to the ‘Adaa’ system, which the Ministry is implementing to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the investment plan through the monitoring and evaluation of all administrative units, based on quantitative performance indicators.

She further referred to the launch of Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience, in line with directives from H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and pursuant to State Planning Law No. 18 of 2022 and the Unified Public Finance Law No. 6 of 2022. These laws task the Ministry of Planning with developing an integrated planning system, setting national strategies, and linking them to macroeconomic policies at the national, regional, and sectoral levels.

The Minister added that the Narrative has been opened for public dialogue over the coming two months to incorporate feedback and recommendations. The outputs of the World Conference on Population, Health, and Human Development will also be integrated, reflecting the state’s prioritization of investment in human capital. The Ministry of Social Solidarity’s strategy will likewise be incorporated, highlighting government efforts in social protection and support for low-income groups.

For her part, H.E. Dr. Maya Morsy praised the Ministry of Planning’s leadership in launching the National Narrative and underscored the importance of cooperation between the two ministries in implementing social protection programs for vulnerable families.

Dr. Morsy stressed that the new strategic financial framework for economic empowerment reflects Egypt’s shift from traditional social protection to sustainable, inclusive models. This framework will unify national efforts and strengthen coordination among entities delivering financial inclusion and empowerment services. It will serve as an executive arm for economic empowerment packages, supporting Takaful and Karama families, and integrating capable beneficiaries into productive economic activities. Beneficiaries will gain access to financial products, including credit, insurance, savings, digital investment, and employment opportunities, alongside non-financial services, enabling families to graduate from the Takaful and Karama conditional cash transfer program.

She also highlighted the role of the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund, which the ministry seeks to transform into an integrated national platform linking financing with production and marketing. This platform will leverage rural comparative advantages, address market and service gaps, and implement innovative interventions that generate sustainable income for target families.

Dr. Morsy noted that the recently enacted Social Security Law No. 12 of 2025 strengthens social justice by institutionalizing financial support and establishing the Takaful and Karama Fund with clear financing sources. The law transforms Takaful and Karama into a legal entitlement rather than just a government program, building a stronger, more flexible safety net capable of addressing economic and social challenges while reinforcing long-term social stability.

She emphasized the central role of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in supporting Egyptian women, describing them as the cornerstone of family and society. Services dedicated to women include cash assistance, economic empowerment, healthcare, education, caregiving, rehabilitation, and counseling.

The Minister also discussed coordination efforts to support irregular workers, especially from vulnerable families. She stressed that digital transformation has been a priority, with the ministry building an advanced, integrated system that consolidates data on vulnerable families and individuals nationwide. This system, she said, enhances the inclusiveness of services for all family members through closer coordination with partner ministries and entities.

Dr. Morsy concluded by stressing that the ministry is committed to regular monitoring, evaluation, and updating of program and performance indicators, in line with the Government of Egypt’s Action Program.

H.E. Minister of Planning Discusses FY 2025/2026 Investment Plan and Social Solidarity Strategy

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO

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In a bid to strengthen institutional capacity for legislation, oversight and representation, Parliament will start an e-Parliament project.

This is contained in Parliament’s Strategic Plan for the financial years, 2025/2026-2029/2030 that was launched at Parliament on Friday, 26 September 2025.

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among in her speech delivered for her by the Zombo District Woman Representative, Hon. Esther Afoyochan, said that the Parliamentary Commission will support the implementation of the plan through an enabling legal and policy framework and mechanisms for transformation such as digitisation and digitalisation of processes, among others. 

“Together, let us build a Parliament that is people-centred, efficient, innovative, and accountable; a Parliament that truly reflects the aspirations of Ugandans today and for generations to come,” said Among.

She said that the plan will strengthen the independence and effectiveness of Parliament, improve the quality of legislation, deepen oversight of public resources, enhance citizen participation and promote transparency and accountability in governance.

Parliament’s Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Racheal Emaasit said that the e-Parliament project will entail investment in modern information technology and staff, and robust cyber security protocols.

According to the Strategic Plan, Parliament systems will be automated and contingency plans established, in case of infrastructure failures.

Emaasit added that Parliament will establish a secretariat responsible for streamlining the tracking of the institution’s contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Emaasit said that the SDG Secretariat will ensure that there is a mechanism in place to track and report implementation of SDGs. 

“In order to streamline the tracking of Parliament’s contribution to the SDGs, it is paramount to put in place a dedicated SDGs Secretariat and a mechanism of tracking and reporting the implementation of SDGs by Parliament,” she said.

She added that it is aligned to the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) with the overall goal of becoming a people centred Parliament. 

“We want to strengthen citizen participation in our processes, strengthen the capacity of Parliament to scrutinise and approve budgets and develop physical infrastructure,” she said.

By so doing, Emaasit said that Parliament will improve the legislative process from 62 per cent to 85 per cent, improve budget alignment to NDP IV from 71.4 per cent to 90 per cent and improve responsiveness of Parliament to the needs of the citizenry from 57 per cent to 75 per cent.

The Clerk to Parliament, Hon. Adolf Mwesige made a reassurance that Parliament’s Strategic Plan is responsive to the guidelines of NDP IV. 

“We have a shared commitment to strengthening the capacity, performance and relevance of Parliament in delivering its constitutional mandate,” said Mwesige.

The Deputy Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, Charles Oleny said that the planning body expects Parliament’s Strategic Plan to deliver tangible results that are effective, timely and development-oriented legislation. 

“Parliament should adopt Information Communication Technology, enhanced research capacity and a professional well-resourced Parliamentary Service to ensure institutional efficiency and digitisation,” said Oleny.

He added that parliamentary committees ought to deepen scrutiny of public expenditure and government performance guided by data, facts and fairness, as well as ensure inclusive and citizen centered representation.

“This therefore, ensures that the voices of all Ugandans, especially, women, youth and the marginalised groups are heard and acted upon,” Oleny said.

The Deputy Head of Public Service, Mary Wanene, who represented the Head of Public Service, Lucy Nakyobe said that the Ministry of Public Service will collaborate with Parliament to ensure that the national development agenda is efficiently and effectively implemented. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

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In a powerful address at the Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference, Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs called on Liberians across the globe to unite under the banner of reconciliation, national healing, and shared prosperity. The conference, held in Washington, D.C., convened diaspora leaders, government officials, and development partners to explore collaborative pathways for Liberia’s future.

During her remarks, Minister Nyanti drew parallels between the conference theme— “Building the Future Together”—and the global theme at this year’s UN General Assembly, “Better Together.” She highlighted the growing trend of isolationism worldwide and contrasted it with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision of inclusivity and unity. “While others are walking away, President Boakai wants us to embrace each other,” she said. “This is not just about us—it’s about the generations unborn.”

The Minister emphasized that Liberia’s progress is inseparable from its diaspora. She acknowledged the widespread perception that diaspora engagement is centered in the United States, but clarified that the vision extends globally. “Liberians are everywhere—on every continent—and they are all essential to our national agenda,” she stated.

She praised the unquantifiable love and support Liberians abroad continue to show through medical missions, scholarships, and community projects. However, she stressed the need for structure and visibility: “We must know who is doing what. That has to change.”

To address this gap, Minister Nyanti announced a strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco to develop a comprehensive diaspora database. This system will empower Liberian embassies and consulates to track diaspora locations, skill sets, and contributions. “We cannot manage what we cannot measure,” she declared. “This data will serve not just the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but also the Ministry of Health, Education, Commerce, and the National Investment Commission.”

She illustrated the urgency by citing examples of other nations—India, Israel, Ethiopia—whose organized diasporas play measurable roles in national development. Liberia, she said, must follow suit.

Minister Nyanti underscored the Ministry’s dual responsibility: to engage the diaspora in development and to protect their rights abroad. “We need you, but you also need us,” she said. “This is about protection and partnership—working together under the leadership of President Boakai to build a stronger Liberia.”

In a moment of national pride, Minister Nyanti announced Liberia’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the first time in its history. She recounted Liberia’s previous partial term in 1961 and emphasized that this time, Liberia earned the full mandate. “This is a testament to the credibility and integrity of our leadership,” she said. “We bring to the international stage our collective experiences—our resilience, our voice, and our commitment to a just and peaceful world.”

The Liberia Diaspora Annual Conference was not merely a gathering—it was a declaration of purpose. Under the leadership of President Boakai and the stewardship of Minister Nyanti, Liberia is forging a path of unity, discovery, and global partnership. The nation is ready to build its future together—with every Liberian, everywhere.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.