Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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A new Liberian National Hospitality Training Center at the Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC) was inaugurated in Monrovia, Liberia as part of efforts to strengthen youth skills development. Constructed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with funding from the European Union (EU) under the Youth Rising Project and equipped by the International Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD) through the STRIVE Project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the center is expected to strengthen Liberia’s hospitality and tourism workforce and create pathways to decent employment for thousands of young Liberians.

Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung inaugurated the new National Hospitality Training Center at the Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC), describing the facility as a strategic investment in Liberia’s human capital and a significant step toward expanding opportunities for young people through technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Vice President Koung emphasized that investments in skills development remain critical to job creation, economic growth, and national transformation.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education as a cornerstone of Liberia’s development agenda, noting that the modern facility represents hope and opportunity for young people seeking practical skills in the country’s growing hospitality and tourism sectors.

The center will provide hands-on training in hospitality management, tourism services, food preparation, accommodation management, and other industry-related disciplines, equipping students with the practical competencies required by the labor market.

Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia W. Kruah highlighted the centre’s role in bridging the gap between education and employment by providing market-oriented skills that respond directly to industry demands. She described the facility as a model for future technical and vocational education initiatives across Liberia.

Education Minister Jarso Maley Jallah praised the collaboration between the Government of Liberia and its development partners, describing the project as evidence of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to youth empowerment. “We are changing the narrative of technical vocational education in Liberia,” Minister Jallah said. “It is no longer an alternative pathway but a gateway to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity.”

She also highlighted Liberia’s vast tourism potential, noting that strategic investments in hospitality infrastructure and workforce development could unlock significant economic benefits and position tourism as a key driver of national development.

Virpi Stucki, Chief of the Fair Production, Sustainability and Trade Division at UNIDO, described the handover ceremony as more than the inauguration of a building.

“Today is a celebration of partnership, commitment, and our shared belief in the potential of Liberia’s young people,” she said.

Stucki acknowledged the contributions of the European Union, AFD, IECD and the Government of Liberia in making the project a reality, emphasizing that sustainable development requires collective action and long-term investment in people.

She noted that while the European Union financed the construction of the center through the Youth Rising Project, other partners provided equipment, technical expertise, and institutional support to ensure that the facility becomes a center of excellence for hospitality training.

The National Hospitality Training Center forms part of UNIDO’s broader efforts, in partnership with the Government of Liberia and international donors, to strengthen technical and vocational education, improve learning environments, and expand economic opportunities for young people across Liberia.

– on behalf of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Source: APO – Report:

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ExxonMobil’s announcement that artificial intelligence has identified four new exploration opportunities within Guyana’s prolific Stabroek Block marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation. By applying AI to historical discoveries, drilling results and subsurface data, the company is demonstrating how advanced analytics, machine learning, high-performance computing and next-generation seismic imaging can accelerate exploration, reduce costs and improve discovery success rates.

The breakthrough comes as Guyana targets crude oil production of 1.3 million barrels per day by 2027 and 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030, underscoring the growing role of digital technologies in maximizing resource development alongside continued investment in drilling and infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, the Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2027 Guyana In-Country Launch, taking place on 1 September 2026 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, will bring together operators, technology providers, geoscience companies, investors and regulators to examine the latest developments shaping Guyana’s energy sector and build momentum ahead of CEW 2027 next July. Returning for its second edition, CEW provides a premier platform for advancing investment, showcasing new projects and highlighting the technologies driving the country’s next phase of upstream growth.

Momentum behind AI adoption continues to build. In May 2026, ExxonMobil Vice President of Exploration John Ardill confirmed the company was expanding its use of deep learning, machine learning and high-performance computing to analyze seismic data and identify hydrocarbon-bearing prospects that were previously more difficult to evaluate.

The company is simultaneously advancing an ambitious offshore drilling program. This month, ExxonMobil commenced new drilling activities in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including the Whiptail development well and Rockhead-1 exploration well. Earlier this year, the company also sought environmental authorization for the Haimara gas-condensate development and has proposed a 35-well drilling campaign between 2028 and 2033, reinforcing confidence in Guyana’s long-term exploration potential.

These developments are creating growing opportunities for AI developers, digital technology providers, seismic specialists, engineering firms and oilfield service companies that can support increasingly data-driven exploration and field development activities.

As the first official milestone on the road to Caribbean Energy Week 2027, the Georgetown launch will provide a platform for industry leaders to examine the technologies, partnerships and investment strategies driving Guyana’s next phase of growth while strengthening collaboration across the Caribbean energy sector.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 11, Yin Chengwu, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, met with H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, and the two sides exchanged views on China-Liberia relations.

Ambassador Yin stated that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Liberia strategic partnership has deepened. Minister Nyanti paid a successful visit to China in May, injecting strong impetus into the growth of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Liberia to follow up on the outcomes of the visit, make most of the dividends of the zero-tariff policy, and continuously advance the bilateral relations.

Minister Nyanti spoke positively of the development of bilateral relations and stated that Liberia adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and work together to advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO – Report:

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A series of major developments in the last month is reshaping investor expectations for Suriname’s offshore sector. TotalEnergies awarded a major contract for its landmark GranMorgu development, Petronas announced another discovery in Block 52 and new geological research identified a highly prospective oil-generating “sweet spot” offshore. Together, these milestones reinforce Suriname’s emergence as a leading deepwater exploration market and strengthen the case for a more connected Caribbean energy system.

As discoveries advance toward commercial development and offshore infrastructure begins to take shape, Suriname is positioned to become a cornerstone of the Guyana-Suriname Basin – one of the world’s fastest-growing petroleum provinces – with significant implications for regional investment, supply chains and energy security.

The clearest indication of this transition came in July, when TotalEnergies awarded Halliburton a major contract covering drilling services, well completions and digital workflows for the GranMorgu deepwater development in Block 58. The project, which targets first oil in 2028, will be developed using a FPSO vessel with capacity to produce 220,000 barrels per day from the Sapakara and Krabdagu fields, which together contain an estimated 760 million barrels of recoverable reserves.

Beyond bringing Suriname closer to first production, GranMorgu will establish critical offshore infrastructure that can support future tie-backs and additional developments, creating a foundation for sustained production growth across the basin.

Meanwhile, exploration success continues to expand across Suriname’s offshore acreage. In June, Petronas announced the Sloanea-2 gas discovery in Block 52, adding to a series of successful wells including Caiman-1, Roystonea-1 and Roystonea-2. The discoveries are estimated to contain more than one billion barrels of oil equivalent, reinforcing Block 52 as one of Suriname’s most promising growth areas while reducing geological risk for future investors.

The basin’s long-term outlook received another boost this month, when new geological research identified a major oil-generating “sweet spot” extending toward Suriname’s offshore acreage, including Block 52. The findings suggest significant exploration potential remains beyond existing discoveries, supporting expectations that the Guyana-Suriname Basin will continue attracting investment and delivering new commercial opportunities.

That outlook is creating fresh opportunities for international investors. Through its open-door licensing program, state oil company Staatsolie is offering more than 70,000 square-kilometers of offshore acreage across five exploration areas, seeking to attract new operators as confidence in the basin continues to grow.

Collectively, these developments are shifting the regional conversation beyond individual discoveries toward long-term integration. As Guyana expands production and Suriname advances toward first oil, opportunities are emerging to develop shared offshore services, fabrication capacity, logistics hubs, ports, LNG infrastructure and export corridors that can improve project economics while strengthening regional energy security. Combined with Trinidad and Tobago’s established LNG and petrochemical infrastructure and the broader energy capabilities of neighboring producers, the region has the potential to evolve into a globally competitive Caribbean Energy Corridor.

These opportunities will take center stage at Caribbean Energy Week 2027, held under the theme “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub.” Bringing together governments, operators, investors and technology providers, the event will examine how Suriname’s exploration momentum – alongside continued growth across the Guyana-Suriname Basin – can be translated into cross-border investment, integrated infrastructure and long-term regional economic development.

Caribbean Energy Week 2027 will host its in-country launch at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown on September 1, 2026, bringing together government officials, investors, operators and industry stakeholders for an early look at the opportunities, priorities and partnerships that will shape the region’s energy future. To register, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4g7qDz0

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Chad and Head of State, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, on his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign extends His warmest congratulations to President Deby Itno, as well as His best wishes for his personal happiness and for the prosperity of the Chadian people.

On this occasion, HM the King recalls the deep ties of brotherhood and friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Chad, expressing His wish to see them strengthened further.

To this end, the Sovereign assures President Deby Itno of His determination to maintain their joint action for reinforced bilateral cooperation, in the service of both peoples and a united and prosperous Africa.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO

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The near simultaneous attacks – which occurred on Sunday in two communities in Tonj North county – caused widespread displacement as well as the destruction and looting of property, including theft of large numbers of cattle. 

The acting head UNMISS Graham Maitland said intercommunal violence is causing immense harm to communities that are already vulnerable, and he warned of the risk of further revenge attacks. 

Assess and engage 

The mission is sending a long-duration peacekeeping patrol to the impacted area. 

“Blue helmets” will assess the security situation, investigate human rights violations, and help deter further conflict. 

UNMISS is engaging intensively with officials at all levels to de-escalate tensions, calling on the authorities to strengthen security in the area and ensure accountability. 

Patrols in Upper Nile 

Meanwhile, peacekeepers have also increased patrols in parts of eastern Upper Nile state, where people are returning to their villages following intense clashes between government and opposition armed groups. 

Civilians are bearing the brunt of the fighting. 

The violence forced families to flee. Many lost their homes, livelihoods and much-loved relatives along the way, the mission said. 

‘Nothing but devastation’ 

“We lost people in the bushes and later returned to find nothing but devastation; our homes were deliberately burned down by fire,” said Thabitha Nyitapo, Women’s Leader in Udier village.  

She said the entire community was drawing water from a single borehole, while pregnant women had nowhere safe to deliver their babies and children lacked medicine. 

‘Everything was looted’ 

Today, Udier has become a place of refuge for more than 36,000 displaced people and returning residents as a fragile calm takes hold.  

However, immense challenges lie ahead as people wonder how they will build their lives with no secure shelter, reliable access to food, clean water, healthcare, education, or the means to earn an income. 

“We have no school now,” said Wochan Wuordol, Commissioner of Udier. He told UNMISS that “everything was looted” – including hospital beds, educational materials and even chairs, and “there is nothing here now”. 

Ease the tension 

UNMISS peacekeepers recently patrolled the area to assess the security situation, meet local authorities and hear directly from affected communities. 

The mission said its priority is to protect civilians, reduce tensions and help ensure that life-saving humanitarian assistance can reach people most in need. 

“People in this community have different political views which can cause tension,” said William Jial, an UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer. “Our goal is to ensure that, regardless of their differences, they can live peacefully together.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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The current Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo species, was declared by DRC health officials on 15 May and declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) two days later.

With more than 4,000 confirmed cases, it is both the second-largest and the fastest-growing on record. Only West Africa’s 2014 to 2016 outbreak, which saw more than 11,000 deaths, was larger.

Just three months into this Ebola emergency, the death toll is already close to the total number of people killed in the 2018 to 2020 epidemic, which saw fewer overall cases.

Mutation fears arise

Alarmed by the virus’s rapid spread, local health officials have recently raised concerns that the virus could be mutating.

In response, the director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention met WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently to investigate the threat of the virus mutating.

There are no approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo strain.

Vaccine trials have been authorised in Canada and the UK, though results are likely several months away. Treatment trials are underway in the DRC’s Ituri province – the epicentre of the outbreak.

Julian Harneis, the UN’s senior Ebola coordinator in the DRC, said aid workers, organizations, governments, donors and local communities “must do more, and do it today, to save lives and stop Ebola.”

Violence, geography imperil response

The Ebola Bundibugyo virus is proving hard to control in eastern DRC because of ongoing violence by non-State armed groups in the remote and mineral-rich region and a lack of accessible healthcare for vulnerable populations.

In addition, at least a dozen facilities treating Ebola have been attacked, largely due to fear, misinformation and deep community mistrust of outside authorities.

WHO reported that between 60 to 70 per cent of Ebola deaths occur in communities, and that many patients can’t been seen by a doctor until it is too late.

Further complicating the response is the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC between the Congolese military and Rwanda-backed M23 militia.

According to the UN’s humanitarian aid office (OCHA), at least 13 civilians were killed, several more were abducted and homes were burned in a Friday attack on the village of Banana École in Ituri, causing more than 28,000 people to flee.

News reports indicate the attacks were likely carried out by militants affiliated with the local ISIL terrorist group.

“We, along with our partners, continue to support the response, but our work is hindered by insecurity,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Tuesday.

Responding to the outbreak

Briefing journalists in New York the previous day, he said OCHA was working with partners to prepare neighbouring Rwanda for the possible spread of Ebola.

Although Rwanda has not confirmed any Ebola Bundibugyo cases, the country remains at risk due to frequent border crossings.

WHO has helped train Rwandan healthcare workers on prevention and surveillance. The UN is also working with local authorities to improve screening, traveller monitoring, personnel deployment, provision of protective equipment and community engagement.

The UN and its partners also run mobile Ebola testing labs, operate nurseries for children in Ebola-affected families, protect medical facilities, upgrade hygiene infrastructure and distribute infection prevention equipment.

“We reiterate our call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and facilitate safe and sustained humanitarian access to communities impacted by both violence and the outbreak,” Mr. Haq said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

The State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang has told Parliament that majority of former students of St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College (SSNTC) have received their academic documents from Ndejje University.

According to the Minister, the university has also processed 50 certificates and transcripts that are pending verification and collection, whereas some documents have not been printed due to outstanding information yet to be submitted by the Teachers’ College.

Presenting a statement to the House on Tuesday, 11 August 2026 on allegations regarding withholding of transcripts and certificates, the Minister said his interaction with Ndejje University revealed that the College accumulated significant arrears, leading to delays in processing academic documents.

“An MOU between the two institutions indicates that SSNTC was responsible for remitting students’ tuition to the University. Ndejje states that it has engaged SSNTC on several occasions to recover the outstanding funds and facilitate release of students’ academic records,” said Ogwang.

The Minister’s statement follows a directive by the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa on 05 August 2026, requiring the Minister to intervene in the matter involving the delayed release of the transcripts and certificates.

This came after a presentation of a petition by Hon. Eunice Otuko (UPC, Oyam County North) on behalf of Ms. Tamali Okao, the former Director of St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College in Lira, who stated that 102 students who completed their studies between 2017 and 2022 under Ndejje University had not received their academic documents.

The petitioner had called on Parliament to compel the university to release the academic documents without further delay and establish an inquiry into similar cases affecting other students.

Minister Ogwang said that the University revealed inconsistencies in figures by SSNTC which complicated verification of the exact number of affected students and outstanding academic documents required for processing.

The Minister noted that Ndejje University is committed to resolving all outstanding cases and complying with its statutory obligations.

“I want to implore my colleague to follow up this matter with me so that we can solve it administratively once and for all, if there are other students who have not received their documents,” Ogwang said in reference to Hon. Otuko, who presented the petition on behalf of former students of SSNTC.

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

Source: APO

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• IMF staff and the Guinean authorities have reached staff-level agreement on a 41-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement of SDR 310.59 million (145 percent of quota). The agreement is subject to approval by IMF management and the Executive Board, which is expected to consider it in September 2026, together with the conclusion of the 2026 Article IV consultation.
• The program is designed to help Guinea transform its resource wealth into sustainable and inclusive growth by mobilizing revenue for priority spending, strengthening fiscal, monetary, and governance frameworks, and enhancing transparency.
• Guinea’s economy has remained resilient, and growth is expected to accelerate as mining production scales up. The program provides a policy framework to contain inflationary pressures, support growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, and strengthen external buffers. With sustained implementation, the medium-term outlook is favorable.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ms. Izabela Karpowicz, conducted discussions with the Guinean authorities in Conakry during June 16–29, 2026, in the context of the 2026 Article IV consultation and the authorities’ request for a 41-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. The mission met with Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah; Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget Mariama Ciré Sylla; Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea Karamo Kaba; Minister of Planning, International Cooperation, and Development Ismael Nabe; Minister of Mines Bouna Sylla; Minister of Energy Laye Sékou Camara; Minister of Agriculture Aminata Kaba; other government officials; and representatives of the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

At the conclusion of the mission, Ms. Karpowicz issued the following statement:

“IMF staff and the Guinean authorities have reached staff-level agreement on policies to be supported by a 41-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility in the amount of SDR 310.59 million (145 percent of quota). The agreement is subject to approval by IMF management and the Executive Board in September 2026.

“Guinea is at an important economic juncture as the Simandou iron ore project enters production and mining activity expands, creating significant opportunities to support higher growth and revenue mobilization. The proposed program would help the authorities channel these opportunities into lasting development gains by supporting sound resource management, investment in people and infrastructure, economic diversification, and prudent macroeconomic policies.

“Guinea’s economy has remained resilient despite repeated shocks, and growth is expected to gain momentum over the medium term. Inflationary pressures have increased recently, while fiscal and external buffers remain below desired levels, underscoring the need for continued policy discipline and timely reform implementation.

“Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside, including from commodity price and financing shocks, spillovers from the war in the Middle East, prolonged cash shortages, and slower reform implementation. The outlook could surprise on the upside if mining production is scaled up faster than expected and non-mining activity strengthens.

“Anchored in the authorities’ national development strategy and the Simandou 2040 vision, the proposed program is organized around four mutually reinforcing priorities. These include mobilizing revenue—especially from mining—to finance priority spending while preserving debt sustainability; strengthening liquidity management and preparedness for shocks; rebuilding reserves, supported by greater exchange rate flexibility; and advancing governance and transparency reforms, including reforms to central bank governance, the framework for gold operations, and integrity and anti-corruption frameworks.

“Article IV discussions focused on balancing fiscal sustainability with Guinea’s development needs. They covered options for a rules-based fiscal framework to manage resource wealth, including a possible sovereign wealth fund, as well as policies to build human capital, expand employment opportunities beyond mining, and support economic diversification.

“The IMF team thanks the Guinean authorities for their cooperation, the high-quality policy dialogue, and the warm hospitality extended during the mission. The IMF stands ready to continue supporting Guinea’s reform agenda.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).