Category: Africa

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Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Executive Secretary Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Focus on Enhancing Local Capacity

Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) – the organization tasked with overseeing Nigerian content plans developed by operators -, has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference to discuss strategies for enhancing capacity building and local participation across the oil and gas sector.

As Nigeria strives to boost oil production to two million barrels per day while scaling-up gas capacity, the NCDMB plays an instrumental part in ensuring local content plans established by operators align with national goals spearheaded by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGID) Act. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Ogbe will outline how operators can strengthen local content in the industry, particularly as major projects prepare for development.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Recent initiatives reflect the commitment by the NCDMB to enhance local capacity in Nigerian oil and gas. In May 2025, the organization graduated 20 trainees in critical engineering competencies as part of a 12-month capacity building initiative for oil and gas industry operations. Trainees received international certification. In February 2025, the organization donated a fully-equipped Information and Communication Technology center for the Community Secondary School in Brass Local Government Area. These programs signal the NCDMB’s commitment to skills development – from primary and secondary education all the way through to tertiary education.

In addition to training initiatives, the organization is strengthening its partnerships with international and regional companies to bolster local content. In April 2025, the NCDMB and Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration to advance national objectives in local content development and energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, in March 2025, the NCDMB reaffirmed its partnership with the African Petroleum Producers Organization to establish African centers of excellence in local content development. The move aligns with ambitions by both organizations to scale-up capacity building in the oil and gas sector.

Established in 2010 under the NOGID Act, the NCDMB has emerged as a driving force behind developing local capacity across the country’s oil and gas industry. The organization works closely with a variety of stakeholders – from upstream operators to downstream players to educational, financial and technology institutions – to drive local content strategies. Under a mandate to boost Nigerian local capacity to 70% by 2027, the company has developed 150 information and communication technology centers in second schools across the country, while upgraded select technical colleges, revamped primary schools and trained over 16,000 individuals. Looking ahead, the NCDMB aims to enhance training and local content even further, ensuring the Nigerian oil and gas industry becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth in the country. At AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Ogbe will share insights into this strategy, highlighting ongoing initiatives and future local content plans.

“The NCDMB is not only playing an instrumental part in unlocking greater local value in Nigeria, but setting a strong benchmark for other resource-rich countries seeking to enhance local participation in the oil and gas industry. By prioritizing workforce training and skills development, working closely with operators and overseeing their respective content plans, the organization is ensuring Nigeria unlocks greater value from its oil and gas market,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, Vice President of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Prise en charge sanitaire des réfugiés Congolais au Burundi: Une réponse humanitaire cruciale mais insuffisante


Marie*, 28 ans, a été contrainte de quitter sa localité de Kamanyola en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), à cause du conflit armé. Elle a trouvé refuge au Burundi et y vit depuis mars 2025. Assise devant la tente médicale installée dans le camp de réfugiés, Marie, enceinte de son premier enfant, attend son tour pour la consultation prénatale à 7 mois de grossesse.  

« C’est ma première consultation prénatale. Je n’ai pas pu en faire dès le début de ma grossesse parce que je n’avais pas accès à une structure de santé dans ma région à cause du conflit armé.  Après les séances de sensibilisation sur l’importance des consultations prénatales, je suis venue voir l’état de santé de mon futur bébé. »

Depuis janvier 2025, la RDC fait face à une escalade de la violence dans l’est du pays, obligeant des milliers de personnes à chercher un endroit plus sécurisant. A la date du 31 mai 2025, plus de 71 000 Congolais ont trouvé refuge au Burundi. Ces personnes, principalement des femmes et des enfants, ont été accueillies sur trois principaux centres de transit : Rugombo, Cishemere dans le district sanitaire de Cibitoke, et Gihanga dans le district sanitaire de Bubanza. Le voyage ardu a eu un impact sur la santé de nombreuses personnes à cause de la marche prolongée et du manque de nourriture et d’eau.

D’après le Centre des opérations d’urgence en santé publique (COUSP), certains réfugiés sont hébergés dans les communautés et d’autres ont été accueillis dans les camps. Ces derniers ont vite été débordés, entrainant des conditions d’hygiène très précaires ayant même causés des maladies comme le choléra et la rougeole.

En réponse à cette crise humanitaire et pour prévenir les épidémies, les Nations unies et leurs partenaires ont lancé un appel pour mobiliser 9,2 millions de dollars américains. Ce fond servira à fournir une assistance sanitaire et en nutrition, en rendant disponible les médicaments, l’eau, l’assainissement et les services de santé de base notamment la vaccination. 

« Un afflux important de personnes vivant dans des conditions précaires présente un risque d’épidémies et d’autres problèmes de santé publique notamment la malnutrition et des troubles mentaux », a relevé le Dr Jim Thierry Ntwari, coordonnateur du groupe sectoriel santé au bureau de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) au Burundi. « La mise en œuvre d’interventions sanitaires préventives et curatives, ainsi que l’intensification de la surveillance, est une priorité pour préserver la santé des populations réfugiées et des communautés d’accueil », ajoute le Dr Ntwari.

Pour répondre aux besoins en matière de santé, le gouvernement burundais et ses partenaires dont l’OMS, ont mis en place cinq unités de soins à proximité des 3 camps de réfugiés de Cibitoke et de Bubanza. Depuis le début de la crise humanitaire en janvier 2025 jusqu’au 31 mai de la même année, plus de 7600 personnes ont eu accès à une prise en charge sanitaire. 

« Dès l’arrivée des premiers réfugiés, il y a eu une évaluation des besoins et nous avons décidé de mettre en place des équipes mobile de santé pour la prise en charge sanitaire. L’OMS a appuyé dans la mise en place de ces équipes et avec les intrants de secours et cela a permis aux autres partenaires de mobiliser les fonds pour appuyer la prise en charge », confie la Dre Liliane Nkengurutse, directrice du COUSP.

Des ONG locales, telles que l’Association des femmes médecins et Midwife in Action, organisent des séances de sensibilisation sur les consultations prénatales, le dépistage de la malnutrition, la vaccination et la prévention de la mpox. Les femmes enceintes ont également accès à des soins prénataux et les personnes souffrant de malnutrition reçoivent un traitement adapté. 

Mère de trois enfants, Emelyne Butoyi travaille comme sage-femme dans le camp de réfugiés de Rugombo. Elle organise des consultations prénatales et des séances de sensibilisation à la santé maternelle et infantile. Emelyne reçoit en moyenne une vingtaine de femmes enceintes par jour. « Je me lève tous les matins et je viens ici car j’aimerai voir les femmes enceintes et les enfants de ce camp retrouver l’espoir et le sourire grâce à l’information ou aux soins qu’ils reçoivent », indique-t-elle. « J’ai été profondément marquée par les situations que ces femmes enceintes ont vécues dans leur pays. Malgré cela, elles trouvent le courage de continuer à vivre avec l’espoir que la situation change. » 

L’association Midwife in Action intervient sur les sites de réfugiés de Rugombo et Gihanga avec pour objectif de contribuer à la réduction de la mortalité maternelle et néonatale. « Nos interventions visent à assurer la continuité des soins et l’intégration de la lutte contre la mpox dans les services de santé sexuelle et reproductive, la planification familiale, les consultations prénatales, la nutrition, le VIH/IST et la vaccination », explique Augustin Harushimana, président de l’ONG Midwife in Action. Des séances de sensibilisation contre l’exploitation, l’abus et le harcèlement sexuels sont également organisées à l’intention des réfugiés. « Nous rencontrons de nombreux cas d’anémie sévère, d’infections urinaires, de paludisme et de malnutrition. Et grâce à la coordination des interventions, certains malades sont pris en charge par MSF et d’autres par les structures de l’Etat pour le traitement des cas de malnutrition », souligne M. Harushimana. Le paludisme (38 %) est de loin la pathologie la plus fréquente, suivi par les parasitoses intestinales (10 %), les dermatoses (10 %) et le syndrome grippal (8 %), précise le responsable de Midwife in Action. Chez les femmes enceintes, 17 % des consultations prénatales concernent des grossesses à haut risque. 

Selon les statistiques fournies par Midwife in Action dans les 2 camps, près de 90 personnes reçoit au quotidien des soins curatifs et une quarantaine de femmes viennent à la clinique pour des consultations prénatales. 

« Je suis contente de savoir que mon bébé se porte bien. Les infirmières ont été très gentilles, et m’ont conseillée de faire régulièrement des consultations avant l’accouchement », dit Marie, à la sortie de sa consultation. 

Distribué par APO Group pour World Health Organization (WHO) – Burundi.

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SANDF soldiers return from DRC

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, June 13, 2025

The first group of South African troops who were deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) are expected to arrive in Bloemfontein on Friday.

According to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the troops will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, accompanied by the members of the Military Command Council.

The soldiers will arrive at Air Force Base Bloemspruit. 

The withdrawal of the soldiers was announced by the Minister in May following a “high level consultation with several role-players in the peacekeeping efforts within the eastern DRC”.

Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries at the hands of the M23 as fighting in the Goma region escalated.

The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma. 

These soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.

The Minister will address members of the media after she has received and welcomed the troops. – SAnews.gov.za

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Progress being made in the implementation of SA’s Green Hydrogen Strategy

Source: South Africa News Agency

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says meaningful and tangible progress is being made in the implementation of South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy. 

He was addressing delegates at the Green Hydrogen Summit on Thursday, held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. 

Tau said several commercial-scale green hydrogen projects are currently in development across the country, each addressing different parts of the value chain that must be unlocked. 

“Through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), we have also secured €23 million in grant funding from the German government via KfW Development Bank. 

“These funds will be used to de-risk and fast-track key catalytic green hydrogen projects. Of the 24 projects identified as Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), several have already completed their pre-feasibility study phase. 

“We have also established the Just Energy Transition Green Hydrogen Programme Management Office, hosted by the IDC, to coordinate the implementation of the green hydrogen chapter of the JET-IP Implementation Plan,” he told the delegates. 

He said the scale of funding required to develop a green hydrogen ecosystem was immense, therefore collaboration was not just a recommendation, but a necessity.

“We will explore a range of mechanisms, including project feasibility and development funding, tools to de-risk investments, support for green premiums during the early stages of cost curve reduction such as contracts for difference, investment in supporting infrastructure, and funding that facilitates ecosystem development, including policy support, capacity building, technology transfer, sustainability and inclusion,” he said. 

Tau said the Green Hydrogen ecosystem will not help South Africa to avert further de-industrialisation, but assist in driving the reindustrialisation of the economy. – SAnews.gov.za

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Presidency clarifies concerns regarding National Dialogue

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Presidency has sought to clarify concerns regarding government hosting the National Dialogue, saying some media reports on the event are “based on incorrect or incomplete information”.

Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government would host a National Dialogue that will enable South Africans to participate in engagements that will confront the country’s challenges and forge a path into a better future.

It will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country, with people from all walks of life who will come together and help shape the next chapter of South Africa’s democracy.

All South Africans will have an opportunity to participate as individuals or through organised formations.

“The first National Convention to enable an all-inclusive process will be convened on 15 August 2025 to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. This will be followed by discussions across the country in various sectors and on issues that citizens feel deserve national attention. 

“These will then be grouped into agenda themes for national engagement. A second National Convention will be held in the beginning of 2026, where these discussions will be consolidated into a common national vision and implementation programme,” the Presidency said on Thursday.

An Eminent Persons Group has been appointed to champion the National Dialogue and to provide guidance to ensure that the process is inclusive and credible. 

It comprises respected individuals, who have played and continue to play an important role in various areas of the nation’s life. 

The Eminent Persons Group will not be responsible for the day-to-day running of activities.

“Preparations for the National Convention and other activities are currently being undertaken by a National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team made up of representatives from various foundations, civil society organisations and the Presidency. 

“The National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team has been working for close to a year on developing the form and approach to the National Dialogue. This team will remain seized with the practical arrangements for the National Dialogue until a representative Steering Committee has been established,” the Presidency said.

The Presidency has asserted that media reports claiming that certain foundations belonging to the stalwarts of the liberation struggle have been sidelined or overlooked, are inaccurate. 

“These foundations, together with other civil society formations that were part of the initial work, remain centrally involved in the Preparatory Task Team.

 “Over the next few weeks, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team will undertake a series of information sessions and consultations with a range of stakeholders in preparation for the first National Convention on 15 August 2025,” the Presidency said. –SANews.gov.za

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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conduct First Atoms4Food Assessment Mission to Burkina Faso


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In a critical step toward addressing food insecurity in West Africa, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have launched their first joint Atoms4Food Initiative Assessment Mission in Burkina Faso. 

This mission aims to identify key gaps and opportunities for delivering targeted technical support to Burkina Faso for food and agriculture in a country where an estimated 3.5 million people—nearly 20% of the population—are facing food insecurity. By leveraging nuclear science and technology, Atoms4Food seeks to bolster agricultural resilience and agrifood systems in one of the region’s most vulnerable nations.

The mission, conducted from 26 May to 1 June, assessed how nuclear and related technologies are being used in Burkina Faso to address challenges in enhancing crop production, improving soil quality and in animal production and health, as well as human nutrition.

The Atoms4Food Initiative was launched jointly by IAEA and FAO in 2023 to help boost food security and tackle growing hunger around the world. Atoms4Food will support countries to use innovative nuclear techniques such as sterile insect technique and plant mutation breeding to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food safety, improve nutrition and adapt agrifood systems to the challenges of climate change. Almost €9 million has been pledged by IAEA donor countries and private companies to the initiative so far.

As part of the Atoms4Food initiative, Assessment Missions are used to evaluate the specific needs and priorities of participating countries and identify critical gaps and opportunities where nuclear science and technology can offer impactful solutions. Based on the findings, tailored and country-specific solutions will be offered.

Burkina Faso is one of 29 countries who have so far requested to receive support under Atoms4Food, with more expected this year. Alongside Benin, Pakistan, Peru and Türkiye, Burkina Faso was among the first countries to request an Atoms4Food Assessment Mission in 2025.

A large proportion of Burkina Faso’s population still live in poverty and inequality.  Food insecurity has been compounded by rapid population growth, gender inequality and low levels of educational attainment. In addition, currently, 50% of rice consumed in Burkina Faso is imported. The government aims to achieve food sovereignty by producing sufficient rice domestically to reduce reliance on imports.

“Hunger and malnutrition are on the rise globally, and Burkina Faso is particularly vulnerable to this growing challenge,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “This first Atoms4Food assessment mission marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the power of nuclear science to enhance food security. As the Atoms4Food Initiative expands worldwide, we are committed to delivering tangible, sustainable solutions to reduce hunger and malnutrition.”

The mission was conducted by a team of ten international experts in the areas of crop production, soil and water management, animal production and health and human nutrition. During the mission, the team held high-level meetings with the Burkina Faso Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment and conducted site visits to laboratories including the animal health laboratory and crop breeding facility at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, the crop genetics and nutrition laboratories at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, and the bull station of the Ministry of Agriculture in Loumbila.

“The Government of Burkina Faso is striving to achieve food security and sovereignty, to supply the country’s population with sufficient, affordable, nutritious and safe food, while strengthening the sustainability of the agrifood systems value-chain,” said Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and head of the mission to Burkina Faso. “Though much needs to be done, our mission found strong dedication and commitment from the Government in developing climate-resilient strategies for crops, such as rice, potato, sorghum and mango, strengthening sustainable livestock production of cattle, small ruminants and local poultry, as well as reducing malnutrition among infants and children, while considering the linkages with food safety.”

The Assessment Mission will deliver an integrated Assessment Report with concrete recommendations on areas for intervention under the Atoms4Food Initiative. This will help develop a National Action Plan in order to scale up the joint efforts made by the two organizations in the past decades, which will include expanding partnership and resource mobilization. “Our priority now is to deliver a concrete mission report with actionable recommendations that will support the development of the National Action Plan aimed at improving the country’s long term food security,” Feng added. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) capacitates Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi in e-commerce tools and marketing strategies


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The Permanent Secretary, Zambia Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry (MCTI), Mrs Lillian Bwalya said, the workshop takes place at a pivotal moment as Africa intensifies efforts to operationalise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), “I commend UNECA and the Government of Italy for this collaboration to organise this workshop that will provide public and private sector stakeholders with practical tools and methodologies to harness the full potential of e-commerce in driving export growth, enhancing market access, and building competitiveness in global and regional markets”.

She was speaking at the workshop on E-Commerce Marketing and Business Development Strategies for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Global Markets convened by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) and its Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (SROSA) and funded by the Government of Italy.

The overall objective of the workshop was to strengthen the skills of participants from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe to leverage e-trade opportunities in the context of AfCFTA. Mr. Enrico de Agostini, Ambassador of Italy in Zambia reiterated the importance of capacity building of entrepreneurs in the region to ensure sustainable development.

Ms. Beatrice Mutali, United Nations Resident Coordinator, speaking on behalf of the UN family in Zambia underscored the importance of partnerships between governments, international partners, private sector and the UN to address the gaps in digital trade such as infrastructure, connectivity to payment systems and regulatory frameworks.

The Director of ECA Subregional office for Southern Africa, Ms. Eunice Kamwendo, in her opening remarks, emphasised the efforts of ECA in implementing innovative and practical initiatives in order to better support member states. An example of which is this e-commerce training that was intended to provide strategic and practical tools necessary to unlock opportunities in the e-commerce space under the AfCFTA and in global markets.

She further noted that, the AfCFTA, with its promise of a US$3.4 trillion single market, presents ECA and its partners with a unique platform to reimagine value chains, promote innovation, and stimulate sustainable growth driven by the private sector.  “At ECA, we believe that digitalization when guided by inclusive policies and backed by the right skills can bridge development gaps, unlock new markets, and catalyze youth employment”.

To complement the training ECA-SROSA experts presented on the AfCFTA and initiatives related to the implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. Ms. Zodwa Mabuza, Chief Sub-Regional Initiatives outlined the protocol on digital trade indicating that it helps harmonize rules to boost Africa’s digital economy, cutting cross-border e-commerce costs, building trust, and supporting Small and Medium Enterprises. Ms. Bineswaree Bolaky, Economic Affairs Officer presented on the AfCFTA, its rationale and instruments, and on ECA’s work on AfCFTA, e-commerce and digital trade including outlining ECA’s support to member States on developing their National AfCFTA Strategies and Green Supplements to these strategies. Mr. Henry Lubinda, Programme Officer gave an overview of SRO-SA’s major areas of support to member States such as inclusive industrialization, green transitions, enhanced food systems and AfCFTA-led trade in Southern Africa.

The training consisting of 6 sessions, was facilitated by Mr. Fabio Santoni ASeS-CeFor, the implementing partner of the project funded by Italy. Participants were trained through scenarios and business simulation techniques. 

At the closing of the workshop, certificates were remitted to participants by Mr. Aime Mbatkam, coordinator of the project at ECA’s training arm, the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning.

This collaborative initiative between ECA and the Government of Italy aimed at supporting Member states through a capacity building programme for the effective implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. Under Phase 2, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Malawi, Mauritania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe benefitted from (i) an assessment of e-trade readiness  and (ii) a capacity needs assessment of stakeholders for AfCFTA implementation. These studies informed the design of the online training courses that were subseuqently delivered.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

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United Nations (UN) Tourism Commission for Africa Meets to Boost Social Impact, Innovation, and Youth Empowerment


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The UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), brought together tourism leaders, government officials, and creative-sector stakeholders to chart a future where tourism drives lasting, inclusive development across the region. The event brought together more than 300 delegates, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, reflecting the high-level support for UN Tourism’s work and vision for the region.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili opened the 68th session with a call to action rooted in partnership and progress. Reflecting on his first visit to Abuja in 2018, he noted that “progress is built on partnership and Africa’s story is one of resilience and renewal.” He lauded the region’s rapid recovery in tourism, driven by streamlined protocols, digital innovation, and targeted skill development, and reaffirmed commitment to the Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth.

Shared progress celebrated

In Abuja, UN Tourism’s Member States in Africa were given a thorough overview of the progress made in advancing shared goals since the Regional Commission’s last meeting. Key highlights of this shared progress include:

  • The launch of the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa, in partnership with Morocco, designed to drive investment, capacity-building, and digital transformation in tourism.
  • A strong emphasis on creative industries, music, film, fashion, and cuisine, as drivers of culture-led tourism, visitor engagement, and local livelihoods.
  • Advancements in education and youth empowerment, including new courses, academy launches in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and expansive training and entrepreneurship programmes.

“Tourism can be a ladder out of poverty and a platform for leadership,” Pololikashvili said, urging further investment in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

Key roles for African Member States in UN Tourism

In Abuja, Africa’s Member States fulfilled their statutory obligations with elections to key positions that will guide UN Tourism’s work forward over the coming years:

  • ⁠ Angola; Kenya; Seychelles; Zambia; Zimbabwe will serve on the UN Tourism Executive Council (2025-2029)
  • Nigeria and Zimbabwe will serve as Vice-Presidents of the UN Tourism General Assembly (2025)
  • Zambia will Chair the Regional Commission for Africa (2025-2027), with Angola and Nigeria the Vice-Chairs

Looking ahead, Seychelles will host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (date TBC). Cabo Verde will then host the official celebrations for World Tourism Day 2027.

Innovation to shape Africa’s tourism future

The week’s discussions underlined a shared vision: tourism led by Africans, powered by innovation, and rooted in cultural identity. Delegates stressed that technology and Artificial Intelligence must serve people first, by widening market access, easing travel, and reinforcing ethical standards.

On the sidelines of the 68th CAF meeting, UN Tourism held a Technical Workshop on AI and Innovation shaping Tourism and Creative Industries for local officials. Discussions focused on placing AI tools and innovation to be at the forefront of tourism development across Africa, as well as on supporting education and entrepreneurial skills for growth as well as the importance of public-private partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

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Campagne 2025 de plantation de mangues et d’agrumes : 700 et 950 hectares de nouvelles plantations à installer


La 5ème édition de la campagne de plantation des mangues et agrumes a eu lieu ce jeudi 12 juin 2025 sur l’exploitation agricole du promoteur Zakari MAMA à Siraru dans le département du Borgou. La cérémonie a été présidée par Monsieur Innocent TOGLA, Directeur Adjoint de Cabinet du Ministre de l’Agriculture, de l’Élevage et de la Pêche, représentant le Ministre. Il était accompagné, entre autres, du Secrétaire Général de la Préfecture du Borgou, du Maire de N’Dali et de la Directrice Générale de l’Agence Territoriale de Développement Agricole du pôle 5. 

C’est sur un site de trois hectares aménagés par le promoteur pour la mise en place de deux hectares de mangues et d’un hectare d’agrumes qu’a eu lieu le lancement de la campagne à Siraru. Depuis 2019, le pôle 5 œuvre pour la promotion des mangues de variétés Kent et Amélie et des agrumes à travers les campagnes successives. Pour les mangues, le cumul des nouvelles plantations de 2019 à 2024 est de 2.318 hectares et les prévisions pour 2025 sont de 700 hectares. Pour les agrumes, le cumul de superficies installées jusqu’en 2024 est de 11.967 hectares. 950 hectares de nouvelles plantations sont à installer en 2025. 

En procédant au lancement de la campagne, le Directeur Adjoint de Cabinet du MAEP a souligné que la promotion de la filière mangue trouve sa pertinence dans la logique de diversification des produits d’exportation du Bénin, en tant que filière émergente aux côtés du coton, de l’anacarde et de l’ananas pour contribuer à la croissance économique du Bénin. 

Quant aux agrumes, Monsieur Innocent TOGLA a ajouté qu’il est indispensable de transformer la production nationale en divers dérivés comme les jus d’orange, les jus de citron, les jus de pamplemousse, de mandarines, les cocktails de fruits, les concentrés et que le Bénin puisse les positionner sur les marchés internationaux, à l’instar d’autres pays comme le Brésil. 

Monsieur Daouda SAKA MERE, Maire de N’Dali, a témoigné, pour la circonstance, que sa commune est résolument engagée dans la promotion de l’arboriculture fruitière et que de 2020 à 2024, environ 100 hectares de manguiers y ont été installés. Le maire a reconnu que cela a été possible grâce au Gouvernement du Président Patrice TALON. 

Le promoteur Zakari MAMA a remercié le Gouvernement et le Chef de l’État pour le choix porté sur son exploitation pour le lancement de la campagne. Il a également exprimé sa gratitude pour les appuis et travaux préparatoires dont il a bénéficié, notamment les opérations de sarclage, de piquetage et de trouaison.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Alunos da Escola Secundária Fulgêncio Tavares partem para intercâmbio na ilha do Maio com apoio do MOBJOVEM

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O Ministro da Juventude e Desporto, Carlos Monteiro, esteve esta quinta-feira, 12 de junho, na Escola Secundária Fulgêncio Tavares (ESFT), em São Domingos, para um encontro com os estudantes participantes no programa de intercâmbio juvenil MOBJOVEM, promovido pelo Governo de Cabo Verde, através do Instituto do Desporto e da Juventude (IDJ).

Durante a visita, o Governante reuniu-se com a caravana de alunos do 12.º ano da ESFT, que, nos próximos dias, se deslocará à ilha do Maio para uma experiência de intercâmbio com jovens daquela ilha. Esta ação é financiada pelo programa MOBJOVEM, que visa apoiar a mobilidade juvenil a nível nacional.

Carlos Monteiro destacou o impacto estratégico do programa, sublinhando que o MOBJOVEM “terá um longo caminho a percorrer em Cabo Verde, enquanto parceiro dos jovens no conhecimento do seu país”. O Ministro acrescentou que “jovens que conhecem bem as diferentes realidades de Cabo Verde serão, amanhã, líderes mais conscientes, capazes de encontrar melhores soluções para o desenvolvimento do seu país”.

O MOBJOVEM é dirigido a associações juvenis, grupos organizados, ativistas, empreendedores e membros de organizações culturais, recreativas e religiosas, incentivando a mobilidade e o intercâmbio em áreas como o voluntariado, a cidadania e o empreendedorismo social.

A visita terminou com uma deslocação do governante às infraestruturas desportivas da escola, onde reafirmou o compromisso do Governo em continuar a investir na juventude e no desporto escolar.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.