Category: Africa

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The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) Congress: Catholic Journalists Urged to Balance Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Human Values

Source: APO

“Artificial Intelligence must serve humanity, not enslave it. As Catholic journalists, our task is to ensure technology uplifts truth, dignity, and peace,” declared Charles Ayetan of Togo, newly elected President of the African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP), at the closing of the 2025 UCAP Congress in Accra, Ghana.

The Congress, held from 10–17 August, brought together more than 100 Catholic journalists and media practitioners from over 20 African nations and beyond.

Organised in partnership with the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) and the Catholic Association of Media Practitioners-Ghana (CAMP-G), the week-long Congress explored the theme: “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

Discussions highlighted the potential of AI in eco-innovation, agriculture, water management, and renewable energy. At the same time, participants raised concerns over misinformation, fake identities, and addictive digital platforms. Experts underscored the urgent need for ethical communication, media responsibility, and digital literacy across Africa.

A major highlight was the election of a new UCAP Executive Committee for 2025–2028:

  • Charles Ayetan (Togo) – President
  • Frank Mugabi (Uganda) – 1st Vice-President
  • Aimé Rodrigue Dembélé (Mali) – 2nd Vice-President
  • Martine Marie Sylvina Lajoie (Mauritius) – Secretary General
  • Franklin Anane Gyimah (Ghana) – Treasurer

The new leadership was officially blessed and commissioned by Rev. Fr. Alexis Dembélé, UCAP’s Ecclesiastical Advisor, who reminded delegates: “The media is a sacred trust. In the digital age, Catholic communicators must remain witnesses of truth and hope, not just transmitters of information.”

The Congress adopted key resolutions to guide Catholic communicators and the wider Church in Africa, including:

  • Promoting ethical AI development grounded in transparency, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
  • Strengthening fact-checking and digital literacy to combat misinformation.
  • Reaffirming human-centred journalism based on empathy and critical thinking.
  • Supporting clergy formation on AI’s ethical and pastoral implications.
  • Urging governments to invest in digital infrastructure and research.

Delegates reaffirmed their mission to be guardians of truth, missionaries of peace, and voices of the voiceless, ensuring that technology always serves the common good.

The 2025 UCAP Congress stands as a landmark in fostering a media culture that is both technologically progressive and firmly rooted in Christian and African values, upholding peace, justice, and the dignity of every human person.

Issued in Accra, Ghana – 22 August 2025

For UCAP Executive,
Charles Ayetan, President

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contact:
Phones: +228 9980 2198 | +233 53 928 5744
E-mail: ucap.official@gmail.com

About UCAP:
The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) is a continental network of Catholic journalists and media professionals dedicated to evangelisation, ethical communication, and the promotion of peace and human dignity. Its mission is to foster spiritual growth, collaboration, and responsible journalism, spreading the Gospel and human values while supporting Africa’s development agenda.

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Transnet opens rail network to private train operators

Source: Government of South Africa

As a significant step towards opening South Africa’s rail network to private operators and reforming the rail sector, Transnet has completed the adjudication process of selecting new Train Operating Companies (TOCs).

The participation of private operators will go a long way in increasing Transnet rail volumes and assist producers in the mining and agriculture sector meet rail cargo volume expectations to exporters as well as encourage the upgrade of the rail infrastructure. 

Briefing the media on the outcome of the application process for third-party participation of TOCs onto the Transnet rail network, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) estimates that the new TOCs will carry an additional 20 million tonnes of freight per annum from the 2026/27 financial year.   

“This will supplement Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR’s) forecasted volumes and contribute to Government’s target of increasing freight moved by rail to 250m tons per annum by 2029.

“The evaluation process has been rigorous and was conducted in full compliance with the standards of fairness and transparency. Today’s announcement is not just about the allocation of rail slots – it is a step toward a future where our railways drive economic growth, job creation and sustainability,” Creecy said on Friday in Pretoria. 

Of the 25 TOCs applications received, 11 have met the necessary requirements and will proceed to the next stage of negotiations and contracting. 

The initial allocations, on a total of 41 routes and six corridors, are as follows:

  • North Corridor: six new entrants, 15 routes for transportation of coal and chrome.
  • Iron Ore Corridor: one new entrant, one route for transportation of iron ore.
  • Cape Corridor: two new entrants, two routes for transportation of manganese.
  • Northeast Corridor: six new entrants, 16 routes for transportation of coal, chrome, magnetite, fuel, containers.
  • Central Corridor: one new entrant, two routes for transportation of coal, containers (manganese).
  • Container Corridor: four new entrants, five routes for transportation of containers, coal, and sugar.

The benefits of third-party access include, among other things, improving utilisation of the network and thus increasing rail efficiency; reducing network unit costs by involving more operators; increasing revenue to contribute to investment in the maintenance and modernisation of the network, and reducing the external costs of freight logistics and improving the competitiveness of rail as a more environmentally friendly mode of transport.

“New entrants who have met the requirements will receive conditional award letters outlining award conditions, including the need to complete the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) permit applications, rolling stock readiness, securing port offloading capacity and other operational processes. 

“Durations of the allocations range from one to 10 years, and operating companies can commence with operations once the relevant conditions have been addressed,” the Minister said.

In March 2022, Cabinet approved the National Rail Policy, which lays the basis for third party participation in the Transnet Network while the infrastructure remains state owned. 

“The Rail Policy encourages rolling stock investment by the operating companies and the establishment of the rolling stock leasing companies by both state-owned companies and private entities. This could be a key intervention for revitalising rolling stock and unlock as much as R100billion in new investments

“The Rail Policy advances structural reforms that enable private sector investment; optimal utilisation of the rail network and effective economic regulation that facilitates equitable access to the rail network and ensures that it is properly managed,” Creecy said.

The Roadmap for the Freight Logistics System in South Africa was approved by Cabinet on the 8 December 2023. 

This document gave the Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC) the mandate to manage the consultation process on Transnet’s draft Network Statement.

“The Network Statement serves as a foundational document that outlines the terms and conditions under which operators can access the rail network, thereby giving effect to third-party access and enabling private sector participation.

“The first Network Statement and Tariff Determination were published on the 20 December 2024. The application process for slots commenced promptly after the Network Statement was gazetted in December 2024. Applications opened on 20 December 2024 and closed on 27 February 2025,” the Minister said.

TRIM will next week open applications for parties who wish to submit ad-hoc applications for additional or new route allocations for the current 2025/26 timetable period based on Volume 3 of the Network Statement on their website

“In due course, the Department of Transport will announce the date of publication of Volume 4 of the Network Statement, and when applications will open to apply for available slots for the 2026/27 timetable.

“We will also be incrementally enhancing our regulatory framework to ensure that the slot allocation process is guided by certainty and responsive to our rail reform programme,” Creecy said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Minister announces appointment of members to run SA Tourism affairs 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has announced the appointment of six individuals to manage the affairs of the South African Tourism Board until the appointment of the new Board is completed.

“The Minister of Tourism has in terms of section 16 (3) of the Tourism Act No. 3 of 2014, on good cause shown, arrived at a decision to dissolve the South African Tourism Board and appoint the listed persons, to manage the affairs of the South African Tourism Board until the appointment of the new Board is completed,” said the department, in a statement on Friday.

Earlier this week, the Minister announced her decision to dissolve the board in terms of section16(3)(a) of the Tourism Act. Section16(3)(a) of the Act empowers the Minister to dissolve the board on good cause shown.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Tourism said the decision took effect immediately. 

READ | Tourism Minister dissolves SA Tourism Board

The department announced the appointment of the following individuals: 
1. Dr. Mzamo Masito (Chairperson)
2. Ms. Kholeka Zama (Deputy Chairperson)
3. Dr. Shakir Jeeva
4. Mr. Khomotso Brian Mosehla
5. Ms. Siobhan Leyden and
6. Dr. Shamilla Chettiar (Representative of the department)

“The term of office for the above members is effective from today, 22 August 2025,” said the department, adding that the individuals possess collective knowledge, experience and qualifications relating to the function of the South African Tourism Board.

Dr Masito has over 25 years’ experience in growing businesses including growing brand visibility and brand availability. Masito who’s also passionate about education, lectured at the University of Cape Town’s Commerce Faculty and at AAA School of Advertising.

Deputy Chairperson Zama is a qualified Chartered Accountant CA (SA) who has obtained global exposure to multiple listed and unlisted industries working in executive and non-executive roles for over 20 years.

Meanwhile, Dr  Jeeva is an entrepreneur and multi-award winning financial and investment specialist with over 10 years’ experience in providing consulting services and leading companies in various sectors including financial services and, tourism and hospitality.

Mosehla is a qualified Chartered Accountant CA (SA). Previous career highlights include Corporate Finance Executive management, while Leyden is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors.

Dr Chetttiar is a seasoned civil servant with 24 years of work experience in the public sector, including eight years as an Executive Manager.

Additionally, the Minister appreciated the commitment of the members to serve South African Tourism and wished them well. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Consultations on report for new urban agenda completed

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Human Settlements has completed nationwide consultations with stakeholders across society as part of compiling South Africa’s Second National Report on Progress in Implementing the New Urban Agenda (NUA).

Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, made the announcement during her keynote address at the National Urban Forum (NUF), currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

The country is enjoined with other countries to implement the NUA which was adopted in Quito, Ecuador, in October 2016, to guide countries on how to manage, address challenges and capitalise on opportunities presented by irreversible rapid urbanisation over the next twenty years.

UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) Member States are requested to voluntarily compile and submit quadrennial progress reports on the implementation of the NUA.

Simelane said the NUA makes provisions for transformative commitments that countries have to deliver on including housing, which is viewed as both inseparably linked to urbanisation, and as a socioeconomic development imperative.

“As explicitly articulated in the National Development Plan and the Integrated Urban Development Framework, the development of sustainable human settlements requires an integrated approach with the management of urbanisation through the expansion of access to adequate and affordable housing as a critical contribution to achieving inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities envisaged in the NUA,” Simelane said.

She emphasised that access to adequate housing goes beyond government subsidies and grants. It also entails access to land for human settlements, flexible and affordable housing finance and responsible property market regulations and practices. It also entails the development of human settlements that are responsive to climate and other natural disasters.

South Africa submitted its first national report on the NUA in 2021, outlining policy frameworks and programmes aimed at integrated urban governance.

The second report, Simelane explained, draws on extensive public participation through in-person and virtual workshops, written submissions, and case studies across all nine provinces.

Once finalised and approved by Cabinet, the report will be made available to the public.

Held under the theme: “Advancing Urban Transformation for Inclusive, Safe and Resilient Cities,” the 2025 forum marks South Africa’s second National Urban Forum, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the global urban agenda through continuous policy refinement and implementation.

This year’s edition, held from 21-22 August, coincides with South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and Urban20 (U20), further amplifying its significance on the international stage.

The localisation and implementation of the New Urban Agenda is carried out through the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF) and requires all stakeholders to play their part in building sustainable human settlements and integrated urban development, to among other things, address spatial inequality through a transformational national agenda.

“The National Urban Forum as an engagement mechanism endorsed by the UN-Habitat, is an appropriate and strategic platform for formulating and adopting a national consensus on human settlements and urban development priorities.

“Your voices will be consolidated to inform the outcomes of this forum, which will shape, inform and contribute to our national position that we will take to the Second Africa Urban Forum and the Thirteenth World Urban Forum in 2026,” the Minister told delegates.

Simelane reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth, and in “shaping the future we want, we wish to improve the quality of life for all residents, while protecting the environment, and fostering innovation.” – SAnews.gov.za

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SA’s best to be celebrated at NACAs and SA Sport Awards

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 22, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will attend the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) on Friday and at the South African Sports Awards (SASA) on Sunday.

Both events are scheduled to take place at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West.

The NACAs, previously known as the Cultural and Creative Industry Awards, shine a national spotlight on the creators, innovators, and visionaries who push boundaries and shape the country’s cultural identity. 

According to the Presidency, this year’s nominees reflect the rich diversity, imagination, and resilience that define South Africa’s creative sector.

The SASAs aim to recognise the contribution of sports to social cohesion and unity and celebrate courage and excellent performance in the field of sports.

Hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, these awards reaffirm government’s commitment to supporting the development of South Africa’s creative and sports industries. 

“As a champion of social cohesion and nation-building initiatives, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to highlight the importance of sports, arts and culture in shaping South Africa’s national identity, fostering social cohesion, and contributing to economic growth,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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Congresso da União Católica Africana da Imprensa (UCAP): jornalistas católicos chamados a equilibrar a Inteligência Artificial (IA) com os valores humanos

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

«A inteligência artificial deve servir a humanidade, e não escravizá-la. Como jornalistas católicos, a nossa tarefa é garantir que a tecnologia promova a verdade, a dignidade e a paz», afirmou Charles Ayetan, do Togo, reeleito presidente da União Católica Africana da Imprensa (UCAP), no final do Congresso 2025 da UCAP em Acra, Gana.

O congresso, que decorreu de 10 a 17 de agosto, reuniu mais de 100 jornalistas católicos e profissionais dos meios de comunicação social de mais de 20 países africanos e de outros continentes.

Organizado em parceria com a Conferência dos Bispos Católicos do Gana (GCBC) e a Associação Católica de Profissionais de Comunicação Social do Gana (Catholic Association of Media Practitioners-Ghana – CAMP-G), o congresso de uma semana explorou o seguinte tema: «Equilibrar o progresso tecnológico e a preservação dos valores humanos na era da inteligência artificial (IA)».

As discussões destacaram o potencial da IA nas áreas da eco-inovação, agricultura, gestão da água e energias renováveis. No entanto, os participantes expressaram as suas preocupações relativamente à desinformação, identidades falsas e plataformas digitais viciantes. Os especialistas salientaram a necessidade urgente de uma comunicação ética, da responsabilidade dos meios de comunicação social e de uma cultura digital em toda a África.

Um dos momentos altos foi a eleição do novo comité executivo continental da UCAP para o período 2025-2028:

  • Charles Ayetan (Togo) – Presidente
  • Frank Mugabi (Uganda) – 1.º Vice-Presidente
  • Aimé Rodrigue Dembélé (Mali) – 2.º Vice-Presidente
  • Martine Marie Sylvina Lajoie (Maurícia) – Secretária-Geral
  • Franklin Anane Gyimah (Gana) – Tesoureiro

A nova equipa de liderança foi oficialmente abençoada e mandatada pelo Reverendo Padre Alexis Dembélé, conselheiro eclesiástico da UCAP, que lembrou aos delegados que: «os meios de comunicação têm uma missão sagrada. Na era digital, os comunicadores católicos devem continuar a ser testemunhas da verdade e da esperança, e não meros transmissores de informação. »

O congresso adotou resoluções fundamentais para orientar os comunicadores católicos e a Igreja em geral em África, nomeadamente:

  • Promover um desenvolvimento ético da IA baseado na transparência, na responsabilidade e no respeito pela dignidade humana.
  • Reforçar a verificação de factos e a cultura digital para combater a desinformação.
  • Reafirmar um jornalismo centrado no ser humano, baseado na empatia e na reflexão crítica.
  • Apoiar a formação do clero sobre as implicações éticas e pastorais da IA.
  • Exortar os governos a investir em infraestruturas digitais e investigação.

Os delegados reafirmaram a sua missão de serem guardiões da verdade, missionários da paz e a voz dos sem voz, garantindo que a tecnologia sirva sempre o bem comum.

O congresso da UCAP de 2025 marca um passo importante na promoção de uma cultura mediática tecnologicamente progressista e firmemente enraizada nos valores cristãos e africanos, defendendo a paz, a justiça e a dignidade de cada ser humano.

Feito em Acra (Gana), em 22 de agosto de 2025.

Pelo Comité Executivo da UCAP,
Charles Ayetan, Presidente

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contato:
Tel: +228 9980 2198 | +233 53 928 5744
E-mail: ucap.official@gmail.com

Sobre a UCAP:
A União Católica Africana da Imprensa (UCAP) é uma rede continental de jornalistas católicos e profissionais da comunicação social que se dedicam à evangelização, à comunicação ética e à promoção da paz e da dignidade humana. A sua missão é promover o crescimento espiritual, a colaboração e a promoção de um jornalismo responsável, divulgando o Evangelho e os valores humanos, apoiando simultaneamente o programa de desenvolvimento de África.

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Japanese business to invest $100m to make Ghana Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered agriculture hub

Source: APO – Report:

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Degas Limited has announced a $100 million investment over the next four years to help establish Ghana as Africa’s first AI-powered agricultural hub, expanding a model that has already financed more than 86,000 smallholder farmers across 122,000 acres nationwide.

“Ghana has shown that when technology meets a clear national vision, smallholder farmers can thrive,” said Doga Makiura, CEO and founder of Degas Limited, at a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama on the sidelines of the Ghana Presidential Investment Forum.

“Our $100 million commitment will scale AI-driven satellite monitoring and precision agriculture techniques so farmers can boost yields, reduce risk, and access fairly priced finance.”

“We’ve already seen incomes double with a 95% repayment rate from the farmers”, he stated in the meeting with President Mahama.

Degas’ platform combines AI-driven satellite monitoring and agriculture techniques. The results, according to Makiura, are drawing strong interest from Japanese investors.

“Many Japanese partners now consider Ghana’s integrated approach the gold standard for agricultural investment in Africa,” he said.

“President Mahama’s focus on value-chain integration aligns closely with Japan’s search for credible, scalable partnerships.”

President Mahama welcomed the announcement, calling it a vote of confidence in Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda.

“This investment reinforces our commitment to integrated agricultural value chains that connect farmers to markets, finance, storage, and processing,” he said.

“By leveraging AI and precision technologies, we will improve productivity, enhance food security, and create dignified jobs for youth across rural communities.”

The new funding will support the expansion of Degas’ farmer financing, satellite-enabled crop monitoring, and precision agronomy services, while deepening partnerships across input supply, logistics, and offtake to strengthen local value chains.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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Two men arrested for stock theft in the Eastern Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 22, 2025

The formation of the District Stock Theft Task Team is beginning to show positive results in the OR Tambo District, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

This follows the arrest of two men for their suspected involvement in stock theft on Thursday.

On Thursday, at around 01:00, members from the task team operationalised intelligence information. 

A homestead in Blackhill was searched, where a 37-year-old man was found in possession of nine sheep. The suspect alleged that he exchanged his two horses for the sheep.

Police followed up on the information and were led to a homestead in Mjikelweni, where they interviewed a 21-year-old man who denied knowledge of such an exchange. 

The police found the second man in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was charged for being in possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. 

The 37-year-old man was charged for being in possession of suspected stolen property. A firearm with no serial number was confiscated and the sheep were taken to the nearest municipal pound for investigation. 

Both suspects are due to appear in the Qumbu Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, has applauded the task team for their excellent work in fighting stock theft in the district. 

“We urge farmers, especially in areas that are known as hotspot areas to work closely with the Task Team,” Modishana said. – SAnews.gov.za

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How better data strengthens food supplies in West Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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Although West African farms produce plenty of food, many people in the region live with the constant threat of hunger. With better data tools, policymakers can fight hunger by improving trade in food across the region.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) provides a suite of tools used to analyze trade data and strengthen agricultural value chains. A workshop in Nigeria showed policymakers from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) how to use those tools to sure that food grown in the region reaches people who want to buy it.

The training, provided in English and in French, explained how to use ITC tools to evaluate export potential and market opportunities for cassava, maize, onions, pineapple, rice, and tomatoes. Factsheets on value chains for these foods were provided to support communication and policymaking.

‘The tools presented were highly relevant, the discussions rich, and the training environment made learning both effective and enjoyable,’ said Jean Hugues Amichia, Senior Project Officer at Côte d’Ivoire Export.

ITC, under the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) Programme, conducted the workshop in Abuja, Nigeria from 24 to 27 March 2025. The workshop brought together 43 West African policymakers from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

The participants – 16% of whom were women – included key ECOWAS Directorates as well as national statistical offices, trade promotion agencies and regional research institutes.

Special attention went to exploring how food is traded in the informal economy. ITC technical experts led a review of the ECOWAS Informal Cross-Border Trade database.

The database was developed by Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel and the West African Association for Cross-Border Trade in Agro-Forestry-Pastoral and Fisheries Products.

They also tested a new interactive dashboard created by ITC to visualize informal trade data in the region. These tools give insights that are often overlooked in formal trade statistics. Participants provided feedback for enhancing the tools, such as adding domestic supply-demand data and improving the dashboard’s usability with clearer language. 

With reliable data tools and methodologies, this initiative strengthens the foundation for more effective food trade policy and deeper integration in West Africa.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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European Union (EU)-Supported Mziki na Maarifa Highlights Emerging Tanzanian Talent

Source: APO – Report:

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The initiative offered finalists professional song and video production, training in lyric writing and civic education, and media exposure. It has been implemented by Nafasi Art Space, which led the overall event organization and conceptualization, and Tanzania Bora Initiative, which provided training, guidance, and production support.

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Tanzania, in partnership with Nafasi Art Space, Tanzania Bora Initiative and East Africa Radio, celebrated the launch of a music video by Mziki na Maarifa finalist, Gloria M. The event, hosted at Nafasi Art Space, brought together artists, youth representatives, cultural leaders, civil society and media to showcase the role of young Tanzanian talent in inspiring positive change through music.

Launched on 15 September 2024 to mark the International Day of Democracy, Mziki na Maarifa is a music competition giving young Tanzanian artists a platform to grow their careers while addressing civic education themes through their songs. Last year, on 16 November, six finalists were crowned, marking a milestone in the competition. The recent music video presentation by Gloria M represents the next exciting highlight of the journey.

The initiative offered finalists professional song and video production, training in lyric writing and civic education, and media exposure. It has been implemented by Nafasi Art Space, which led the overall event organization and conceptualization, and Tanzania Bora Initiative, which provided training, guidance, and production support.

Reflecting on her experience, Gloria M, Artist and Mziki na Maarifa Finalist said;

“This initiative has given me the platform to speak about the real challenges young people face today, but has also given me the chance to share my dreams and hopes for a better future. I trust that my song will help inspire other young people to know that their voice matters and that they too can shape the world of tomorrow.”

Highlighting the EU’s support for youth and creativity, EU Deputy Ambassador to Tanzania, Isabelle Mignucci said;

“Mziki na Maarifa combines the pillars of youth empowerment, creativity, and civic engagement—areas the European Union strongly supports. The EU is proud to support the journey of young Tanzanian artists as they express themselves, raise awareness on important societal issues, and contribute to positive change in their communities.”

On the significance of arts and culture in driving change, Nafasi Art Space Director, Lilian Hipolyte, said;

“Competitions like Mziki na Maarifa highlight the power of creativity in shaping society. Music and arts give young people a voice to share ideas, spark conversations, and inspire positive change in their communities.”

Tanzania Bora Initiative Executive Director, Abella Bateyunga, emphasized the practical impact of the programme;

“Our focus was on equipping the finalists with the tools to create music that matters—through civic education workshops and production guidance, we helped them transform messages about society into songs that can inspire their peers. Music is such a powerful way to connect with young people, helping them reflect, engage, and contribute to their communities.”

– on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community.