Category: Africa

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Levene Energy Secures $64M Facility from Afreximbank to Acquire Strategic Stake in Axxela Limited

Source: APO


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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has provided a USD 64 million Acquisition Finance Facility to Levene Energy Development Limited. The facility supports Levene Energy’s equity commitment to Bluecore Gas Infraco Limited (the “Acquirer”) enabling the acquisition of a 30% equity stake in Axxela Limited, one of West Africa’s leading gas and power infrastructure companies.

This landmark transaction provides Levene Energy with direct entry into Nigeria’s regulated midstream and downstream gas sectors. It marks a significant diversification from its core oil and refined petroleum products trading business into stable, long-term infrastructure-backed earnings, reflecting Levene Energy’s objective to transition to a fully integrated energy company with recurring revenue streams anchored on infrastructure-backed assets.

Beyond its commercial significance, the investment supports regional energy transition goals by expanding access to natural gas. Axxela is strategically positioned to lead Nigeria’s energy transition through its investments in gas infrastructure, power generation, and cleaner energy solutions. With a robust project pipeline, strong regional partnerships, and a restructured business model, Axxela is well equipped to deliver sustainable growth and deepen its impact across West Africa’s energy landscape.

Commenting on the financing, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for Global Trade Bank, Mr. Haytham Elmaayergi, highlighted the transaction’s significance, that it is aligned to Afreximbank’s strategic financing priorities under its Leadership in Global Trade Banking, Intra-African Trade, and Industrialisation Pillars. “Our core strength lies in the strategic partnerships we forge with African champions. This deal reflects the Bank’s commitment to promoting private sector investment into critical infrastructure, fostering energy security across Africa and strengthening regional value chains in oil and gas. By backing Levene Energy’s strategic move into gas infrastructure, we are supporting the critical transition to cleaner energy sources, enhancing regional energy security, and strengthening intra-African value chains.”

Commenting on the acquisition, the Head of Corporate Development, Levene Energy, Mr. Sam Aofolaju noted that the Afreximbank facility support is a catalyst for Levene Energy’s strategic growth focus moving beyond commodity trading to renewable (solar power) and now into the backbone of West Africa’s gas and power infrastructure—an essential pillar of the continent’s clean‑energy transition. The financing from Afreximbank not only validates our vision but underscores our shared belief that resilient, locally‑owned infrastructure is the foundation for lasting economic development across Africa.

The partnership between Afreximbank and Levene Energy dates to 2019, beginning with trade finance facilities. It has since evolved into a strategic collaboration supporting Levene’s transformation from a downstream operator into a major pan-African trader and now, a gas infrastructure investor.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

About Levene Energy Group:
Levene Energy Group is an African-born global energy company committed to delivering integrated solutions across the oil, gas, and renewable energy value chain. Established with a vision to power Africa’s industrial growth, Levene has evolved from a leading commodity trader into a diversified energy player with operations spanning trading, upstream services, engineering, and clean energy development.

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Learners, students, urged to hold their heads up high

Source: Government of South Africa

Learners, students, urged to hold their heads up high

As the 2026 academic year is set to get underway soon, Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has urged learners and students to put their best foot forward academically in order to make their dreams a reality.

“My message to students and learners is stay focused [and] study hard. Be curious and don’t be afraid to dream. Dream big. I tell you; education is a weapon you can use to make sure that you become somebody tomorrow,” the Deputy Minister said in an interview with SAnews. 

She added that education has the power to turn one’s fortunes around.

“Education really makes a difference, and it’s able to ensure that even as a woman, you have a brighter future and are not just relegated to the back. If you see me being anybody today, it’s because I worked hard at school and I prize education,” she said.

Last September, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, said that the department was projecting about 235 000 first-year university spaces. While access to higher education has improved over the years, he noted that dropout rates, particularly in the first year of study, remain high. 

With prospective students likely still looking for spaces at various higher education institutions across the country, Deputy Minister Gondwe urged those still searching to be wary of bogus institutions.

“These are colleges that have not been registered; some are registered, but they are offering programmes that are not accredited. We get a lot of complaints around that from members of the community and students themselves.”

She added that such institutions prey on young people and their parents, noting that the department also engages matric learners on the dangers of bogus colleges.

“We also highlight that you not only lose out on an opportunity to get a proper legitimate qualification, but you also lose out on money and the opportunity to gain employment. We even extended that programme to cover high schools. So, we go speak to students in matric before they come into our sector to warn them about bogus colleges.”

She said that learners and prospective students can write to her helpdesk by emailing  Dmsdesk@dhet.gov.za  or visit the Department of Higher Edication and Training (DHET) website to check registered institutions: https://www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/DocRegisters.aspx 

At the media briefing held in September, Manamela stressed that the university spaces projected cannot absorb every qualifying learner and that learners should explore multiple options. 

Other options 
“Learners must recognise that SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities), TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges and CET (Community Education and Training) colleges are equally important pathways into work, skills, and further study,” the Minister said at the time.

In the interview with SAnews, Gondwe said that “we are trying to rebrand our community colleges to make them attractive, the same with our TVETs.”

“We still have a lot of students who want to go to university because there’s this misconception that if you end up at a TVET or community college, you’re never good enough for university. We want to make those institutions just as attractive as your universities. 

“Students at community colleges don’t get funding from the NSFAS [National Student Financial Aid Scheme], so what tends to happen is that they have a high dropout rate. So as soon as a student gets a job somewhere, they leave. We are trying to rebrand them, and we want to make a case for them to get more in terms of the budget,” said Dr Gondwe.

The Deputy Minister is also looking to engage with bodies such as the Agricultural Research Council, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, to help community colleges in establishing viable food gardens and similar initiatives. The council conducts research with partners, develops human capital and fosters innovation to support and grow the agricultural sector.

“Community colleges are sometimes frowned upon as if they’re the last frontier.”

While some young people are scrambling to secure spaces at institutions of higher learning, others have not yet been accepted at their universities of choice.

Through the DHET’s Central Application Clearing House (CACH), government provides assistance to matriculants with a second chance to gain entrance into post-school institutions like universities and TVET colleges.

This free service aims to match applicants’ National Senior Certificate exam results (which is received directly from the Department of Basic Education) and study preferences with places that need to be filled.

Public universities, TVET colleges, SETA’s and private colleges access the CACH database via the CACH website (self-service portal on https://cach.cas.ac.za/) to search for individuals that meet the criteria of the spaces still available. 

The system will send SMS or e-mails to those that are made an offer for them to accept or reject the offer. Once the offer has been accepted, Institutions will directly contact those who accepted the offer. 

The Deputy Minister stressed that learners also have the options of SETA’s, TVETs and private institutions.

“And I know that not everybody can afford it; I do know that they do present an alternative in terms of being able to provide someone with access to higher education and training. University is not the only option.”  
The Deputy Minister urged learners who did not pass their matric to enrol at community colleges and rewrite their examinations.

This as Manamela said that more than 130 000 learners were enrolled in CET programmes that range from the Second Chance Matric Programme, adult literacy and numeracy and skills programmes at CET colleges. At the briefing in September 2025, the department said it is working on repositioning CETs as centres of lifelong learning through investment in lecturer training, the timely delivery of learning and teaching support materials, and the rollout of digital access tools to support students, especially those in second-chance matric programmes. 

Last September, the department called for nominations to fill vacancies on CET College Councils across the country. At the time, the department said the call represented an important step in strengthening the governance, accountability, and renewal of the colleges. 

In addition, the country’s 21 SETAs also provide pathways for matric graduates, young people not in employment, education or training, and for workers seeking to reskill or upskill. This is done through learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries and workplace training programmes in sectors ranging from engineering and construction to information and communications technology (ICT), hospitality, health and agriculture.

The list of the country’s SETA’s can be accessed on: https://www.dhet.gov.za/SitePages/SETAlinks.aspx  

Young people can register on SETA databases, approach accredited training providers, or apply directly for learnerships and bursaries. 

For learners wanting to improve their matric results, the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) Second Chance Matric Programme is available. It was established in 2016 for learners who would like to improve their results or eventually complete their matric qualification on a part-time basis.  

The aim of the programme is to provide support to learners who have not been able to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the extended Senior Certificate (SC). NSC candidates can only register at their nearest district office for the programme.

Eligible individuals may register to rewrite or add subjects without any payment, in accordance with the DBE’s policies for the May/June examination cycle. 

Registration for the programme opened on 1 October 2025 and will close on 6 February 2026.
In addition, the DBE provides an online service for (NSC) candidates to request a re-mark or re-check of examination scripts. This as the DBE is set to release the 2025 Matric Results on Monday, 12 January 2026. Results of the exams will be released to candidates on 13 January 2026.

In order to request a re-mark or re-check service, candidates must first register on the e-Gov portal at www.eservices.gov.za to create a personal account. This account will allow the candidate to login using their password and usernames to access the service. 

“Registration can be done at either the school or district office in the province or online,” the DBE said.
The opening date for applications for re-marking and re-checking is 13 January 2026 with the closing date set for 27 January 2026 for both manual applications and online applications. The fee for re-mark is R120 per subject and re-checking is R30 per subject.

The viewing of scripts may only be done after a re-mark or re-check of results. The closing date for applications is 7 days after release of re-mark or re-check results. The fee for viewing is R230.

Results of remarking will be released from 13 March 2026 and will be available at the school/exam centre where the candidate sat for their 2025 examinations.

“Do not despair; reach out to us, and we’ll be able to tell you what the available options are for you. There’s hope for you in this sector,” said the Deputy Minister. 

As learners return to the classroom on 14 January 2026, society can cheer them on in their respective journeys. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Neo

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Deputy Head of African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) visits Jazeera II Forward Operating Base on a familiarisation visit

Source: APO


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The Deputy Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador Mouktar Osman Kaire, on Thursday visited the Jazeera II Forward Operating Base (FOB) during a familiarisation visit to assess troop welfare and operations.

Addressing personnel from the Nigerian Formed Police Unit and the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), Ambassador Kaire commended their contributions and dedication to restoring peace and stability in Somalia.

“I would like to congratulate you for your sacrifices, dedication and commitment to Somalia and the continent,” said Ambassador Kaire, who also serves as the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia.

Ambassador Kaire acknowledged the challenges faced by personnel deployed at forward operating bases and said mission leadership is working closely with the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) to address operational gaps.

“You operate in difficult, complex, and resource-thin conditions. Yet this mission is unique: it is the first and only mission led and operated entirely by Africans. This is the dream our founding fathers envisioned,” he added, paying tribute to soldiers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

On arrival, he inspected a parade mounted by the AUSSOM Police personnel and expressed solidarity with the troops, noting that the international community recognises the AU’s pivotal role in advancing peace and stability in Somalia.

The DRSCC was accompanied by senior officials, including the Uganda Contingent Commander Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, and AUSSOM Police Training and Development Coordinator, ACP Samuel Asiedu Okanta.

Brig. Gen. Kayanja briefed Ambassador Kaire on ongoing military operations and the security situation in AUSSOM’s Area of Responsibility.

“We continue to support the Federal Government of Somalia wherever we are needed,” he said, commending the strong collaboration between AUSSOM’s police and military components.

ACP Okanta highlighted AUSSOM’s critical role in supporting the Somali Police Force (SPF) in maintaining law and order and ensuring community safety.

“Our impact extends from specialised training and policy development to the vital protection of civilians and humanitarian efforts,” he said.

Also, present were the Commander of the AUSSOM Uganda Special Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Okole, and the Commander of the Nigeria Formed Police Unit-13, CSP Laban Abraham, as well as AUSSOM senior officials, military and police personnel.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

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Joburg water systems recover following Rand Water maintenance

Source: Government of South Africa

Joburg water systems recover following Rand Water maintenance

The City of Johannesburg’s water systems have recovered and are supplying normally, following the third and final phase of the Rand Water maintenance.

The 54-hour maintenance commenced on Tuesday with a temporary shutdown of water services in parts of the city.

“[Full] restoration in certain parts can take up to several days.

“Feed for the Braamfischerville Reservoir [is] back to normal and supplying adequately. Meadowlands Reservoir is also back to normal and supplying fairly. However, the direct feed has not yet fully recovered as full restoration in certain parts can take longer,” Johannesburg Water said in a statement.

Furthermore, the Doornkop Reservoir… direct feed [is] back to normal, the Fleurhof Reservoir is supplying adequately, while the Roodepoort Deep direct feed is now supplying normally.

“Johannesburg Water will monitor the restoration phase and attend to airlocks,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Unemployed youth urged to apply for YearBeyond Programme opportunities

Source: Government of South Africa

Unemployed youth urged to apply for YearBeyond Programme opportunities

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is inviting young people across the province to apply for opportunities within the YearBeyond Programme.

YearBeyond is a youth service partnership that includes government, the National Youth Development Agency, donors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 

The programme, originally initiated in the Western Cape, is now a national initiative that provides unemployed youth aged 18 to 25 with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or employment.

Running from 7 January to 13 February 2026, the #SayYeBo campaign invites young people to apply for a year of structured service – gaining valuable skills and experience while contributing positively to their communities.

Through YearBeyond, young people, known as “YeBoneers,” are placed in education and community-based programmes that respond to real needs. 

These include learner support in schools, early childhood development, libraries and reading initiatives, youth wellbeing and social-emotional learning programmes, play-based activities, and broader social cohesion work. 

Speaking about the campaign this week, Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the initiative aims to address youth unemployment. 

“Through the YearBeyond programme, we are creating meaningful pathways for young people who may be uncertain about their next steps. The programme provides an opportunity to gain a year’s practical experience, improve their CV and gain important skills which will help them to access future employment opportunities as employees or employers.” 

Mackenzie said the provincial government wants to offer the youth a hand up to help them take the next steps towards becoming independent, thriving adults. 

“Programmes like this give young people options. Without this, many young people might end up in gangs or on the street. I’m proud of this programme in that it provides a pathway to independence and employment,” Mackenzie added.

The MEC also highlighted that YearBeyond reflects the Western Cape Government’s commitment to hope, optimism and practical pathways for youth, offering young people the chance to gain experience, build confidence and develop skills that support their transition into work or further study.

“It is part of our responsibility to give young people the best possible chance to succeed in life – empowering them to uplift their families and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

The Premier believes that YearBeyond is a vital investment in the potential of young people, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to secure jobs and thrive, ultimately playing an active role in our economy.

“I urge young people to take full advantage of this incredible programme,” he said.

Young people who are interested in applying are encouraged to:
Create or update their profile on www.sayouth.mobi.
Ensure their address details are correct and up to date.
Log in to the SAYouth.mobi platform and search for YearBeyond.
Open the opportunity card for their municipality and apply.
Select all 2026 YearBeyond programmes that interest them. For more information on qualification criteria, visit: https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply-1. 

Applications close on 13 February 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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BMA intercepts minors believed to be travelling to Zim 

Source: Government of South Africa

BMA intercepts minors believed to be travelling to Zim 

The Border Management Authority (BMA), in close collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has intercepted over 20 minors near the Limpopo River close to the Beitbridge border fence.

In the incident on Thursday, officials reported that the children, aged between five and 17, were believed to be travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe when they were intercepted during routine border safeguarding operations.

Among the group were 10 adults; however, preliminary checks by BMA officials revealed that only one adult was the parent of one of the children. 

The remaining minors were found to be travelling without parental supervision or legal guardianship.

BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, expressed serious concerns about child protection, potential exploitation, and the violation of immigration and child welfare laws as a result of this interception.

“All individuals have been placed under the care of the relevant authorities, and processes are underway to ensure the safety, well-being, and lawful handling of the minors in line with South African laws and international child protection protocols,” Masiapato said in a statement.

The BMA is collaborating closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development, and other relevant stakeholders to verify identities, understand the circumstances surrounding the movement of the children, and identify appropriate interventions.

Masiapato has emphasised the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards the unlawful movement of children across South Africa’s borders.

“The protection of vulnerable persons, particularly children, remains a priority for the BMA. We will continue to intensify joint operations with our security cluster partners to prevent exploitation and safeguard the integrity of our borders,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile

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New investments announced for coral reefs in Kenya

Source: APO


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The UN Development Capital Fund and the Global Coral Reef Fund sign two new financing agreements; funds aim to reduce wastewater pollution and promote sustainable fisheries, strengthening livelihoods. 

The United Nations Development Capital Fund (UNCDF), through the Global Coral Reef Fund (Gfcr), announced two new financing agreements to expand coral reef-friendly businesses in Kenya. 

Signed in Nairobi, the initiatives support circular economy solutions and sustainable fishing practices, with the aim of reducing pressures on marine ecosystems and strengthening coastal economies. 

Reduce pollution and protect reefs. 

The funding supports Sanivation and Kumbatia, two Kenyan companies working to reduce pollution from waste and promote sustainable fishing. 

Both companies already operate in the country and are expected to expand their solutions to new coastal areas, increasing the benefits for marine ecosystems and local communities. 

According to Pierre Bardoux, Director of the Gfcr at UNCDF, an investment of up to US$250,000, with conditions based on performance and impact, will allow for enhanced training. 

Other areas covered include quality systems, cold chains, and traceability mechanisms, including the planned implementation of monitoring systems for artisanal vessels. 

Circular economy in wastewater treatment. 

A $540,000 investment from Gfcr–UNCDF will allow Sanivation to expand its operations as an innovative waste-to-energy conversion company. 

The agreement will bring the company’s model to the Malindi National Marine Park, where wastewater that would otherwise be discharged… 

In sensitive ecosystems, they will be treated and transformed into clean energy briquettes for industrial use. 

The expansion of the model aims to reduce the load of nutrients and pathogens in coastal waters, create local jobs, and boost the circular economy in Kenya. 

Promoting sustainable fisheries and coastal incomes. 

A second investment from Gfcr–Uncdf will support Kumbatia Seafood in replicating and expanding its model in Lamu to the reef-rich coastal region of Kwale. 

The initiative seeks to shift fishing efforts away from destructive, reef-dependent practices towards offshore pelagic fishing, using selective and reef-safe methods. 

The company trains fishermen in sustainable practices, promotes the use of selective equipment, and establishes links with higher-value markets for responsibly sourced seafood. 

The funding aims to strengthen training, quality, cold chains, and traceability, linking access to premium markets to verified practices that are compatible with reef protection. 

Financing coastal economies  

With UNCDF as a catalyst partner, the GFCR’s Miamba Yetu program demonstrates how innovative financing can align sustainable economic development with the protection of coral reefs, climate resilience, and the well-being of coastal communities. 

The Global Coral Reef Fund is led by UNCDF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 

The initiative mobilizes public and private capital for the protection and effective management of coral reefs in 22 countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Mozambique implements and expands program to strengthen climate adaptation

Source: APO


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In Mozambique, floods, cyclones, and droughts constantly threaten development; this initiative aims to strengthen the country’s climate resilience through investments led by local governments. 

Mozambique, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change in Africa, faces structural challenges exacerbated by economic shocks, conflict, and extreme weather events.  

To address these risks and protect development gains, the country has opted for a decentralized model of climate adaptation, integrating climate finance into national and local planning and budgeting systems. 

The LoCAL program supports climate adaptation.

The Government of Mozambique, with support from the United Nations Development Fund (UNCDF), implemented the “Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility” (LoCAL) program, with the aim of improving climate resilience by strengthening local governments’ access to performance-based financing.  

LoCAL was launched in 2014 as a climate finance program designed by UNCDF and implemented in Mozambique through the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Land and Environment. 

The program currently operates in seven provinces: Gaza, Inhambane, Nampula, Niassa, Zambézia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala, and aims to improve climate resilience by strengthening local governments’ access to performance-based financing. 

LoCAL utilizes performance-based climate resilience grants, integrated into existing planning, budgeting, and investment processes at the local level.  

To access the funds, subnational authorities must meet minimum criteria, including climate risk assessments and the integration of climate adaptation into development plans in a participatory and gender-sensitive manner. 

Results and impact on vulnerable communities 

By 2024, the program had directly benefited more than 3 million people through the implementation of over 100 climate-adapted infrastructure projects, including health centers, maternity wards, schools, water supply systems, and desalination plants.  

Around 65% of the projects were selected by women, and community participation contributed to the creation of local jobs and the strengthening of resilient livelihoods. 

In response to the results achieved, the Government requested the expansion of LoCAL nationwide in 2022. By 2024, the program covered 54 of the country’s 154 districts and 7 of its 65 municipalities, with climate adaptation planning activities in nine of the 11 provinces.  

Over US$30 million has been mobilized in performance-based grants and capacity building, contributing to the institutionalization of climate adaptation and the strengthening of decentralized governance. 

Integration into national planning and public finance systems 

LoCAL supports the annual planning and budgeting cycles of local governments through existing fiscal systems, with performance evaluations that guide the future allocation of resources and technical support. 

A monitoring and evaluation system allows lessons learned at the local level to inform national policies, promoting the integration of climate considerations at all stages of public finance management. 

Mozambique’s experience with LoCAL is a case study of transforming climate vulnerabilities into development opportunities. 

It presents a scalable model for decentralized climate finance, based on community leadership, performance criteria, and alignment with national systems, strengthening the country’s capacity to address climate risks and support local development. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Sierra Leone’s President Bio Swears in Judicial Tribunal to Investigate Justice Halloway

Source: APO


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His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has presided over the swearing-in of a Judicial Tribunal established to investigate the conduct of Hon. Justice Allan Baami Halloway, urging members to uphold fairness, impartiality, and due process.

President Bio described the process as vital to strengthening the justice sector, emphasizing that the tribunal’s work must be guided strictly by the rule of law.

“The task is weighty, but I am confident in your ability to conduct this investigation with fairness and respect for due process,” the President stated.

The three-member tribunal is chaired by Justice Abdulai Masiyambay Bangura, JSC, with Francis Gabbidon, Esq. and Oladipo Robin-Mason as members. The tribunal was constituted pursuant to Sections 137 (5)(a) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.

The tribunal’s mandate follows the President’s directive of 15 September 2025, which led to the interdiction of Justice Halloway by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission pending investigation. Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Bangura, assured that the panel would conduct its work diligently and objectively.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

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Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Receives Letter of Credence from New Chinese Ambassador, Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Bilateral Relations

Source: APO


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His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has formally received the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.

Leading the credential ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, informed the gathering that Ambassador Zhao Yong succeeds Ambassador Wang Qing, who successfully completed his three-year diplomatic tenure in Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence that the appointment of the new envoy would further deepen the long-standing and cordial relations between the two countries.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Zhao Yong conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Xi Jinping to President Bio, the Government, and the people of Sierra Leone. He commended President Bio’s leadership, noting the significant progress achieved by Sierra Leone in social and economic governance under his administration.

The Ambassador further praised President Bio’s role in promoting peace and stability within ECOWAS, Africa, and the international community, while reaffirming China’s appreciation for Sierra Leone’s consistent support for the One China Policy. He assured that China remains ready to strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone in areas of mutual strategic interest.

Welcoming the Ambassador on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, President Bio expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the enduring friendship between the two nations. He described China as a trusted and reliable partner that has consistently supported Sierra Leone’s development efforts, particularly in infrastructure, economic growth, and social development.

President Bio emphasized that the bilateral relationship is founded on mutual respect, shared values, and a win-win partnership, noting that China’s support demonstrates its genuine commitment to Sierra Leone’s progress. He encouraged Ambassador Zhao Yong to build on existing cooperation and oversee the continuation of ongoing development projects across the country.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China to ensure that the partnership continues to deliver tangible benefits to both nations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.