Category: Africa

Source: APO

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The Consulate-General and key tourism stakeholders in Uganda and Kenya this morning launched preparations for the 4 th Uganda- Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, Exhibition and Fam trip. Under the theme “Leveraging Youth, Innovation & Technology for Responsive & Inclusive Tourism” the Conference and Exhibition will be held on 27th – 29 th October 2025 at the Ocean Beach Resort & Spa, Malindi, Kilifi County. The event, was attended by the Governor of Kilifi County H.E. Gideon Mung’aro accompanied by Kilifi county executives, the Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Airlines, tour agents and a special appearance by Ugandan Brand Ambassador Akothee. 

Speaking to the attendees, Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Amb. Paul Mukumbya emphasized that the Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism partnership is about complementarity rather than competition. He said that the event has been steadily growing from the initial 200 delegates in 2022 to a projected 750 tourism stakeholders later this year!

In explaining the inspiration behind the theme, Amb. Mukumbya said that as the tourism sector evolves, innovation and technology have emerged as key elements in shaping the future of tourism. Young people, with fresh ideas and tech-savviness, have important roles to play both as travelers and service providers in the tourism industry as tour operators, travel agents and hoteliers. They are therefore uniquely positioned to drive innovation in both tourism and hospitality. From developing mobile apps for seamless bookings, to designing virtual reality travel experiences, to using AI and data analytics for personalized customer service, the youth are introducing dynamic innovations that enhance efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction in the industry.

“Young people possess a natural affinity for emerging technologies and are often at the forefront of creating and adapting to new technology solutions that transform the way tourism and hospitality services are delivered,” said Mukumbya. Expressing support for Youth innovation, Governor Mung’aro said their creativity and entrepreneurial mindset has also led to the rise of tech-enabled startups in travel, sustainable tourism initiatives, and smart hospitality concepts. Through the use of digital tools, data-driven solutions and creative entrepreneurship, youth are contributing to a more responsive, inclusive and sustainable tourism industry.

“These innovations not only improve the visitor experience but also contribute to environmental conservation, cultural preservation and economic empowerment,” he said. The Business Development Manager, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Ms. Dorcus Rukundo

Twesigomwe encouraged Ugandans to attend the Conference in Kilifi, observing that the number of Kenyans visiting Ugandan National Parks has doubled and there are more opportunities to be had by young people from the vibrant travel industry in Kenya.

“Moreover”, she added, “young professionals and students are increasingly involved in research, digital marketing strategies and social media engagement, helping destinations and businesses reach global audiences in real-time and stay relevant in a competitive market”. The highlight of the event was the launch of the registration portal www.thetourismconference.org

The conference will be preceded by a Fam trip to the Kenya Coast by Ugandan tourism stakeholders from 22 nd – 26 th October, and a golf tournament that will be held at Vipingo Ridge on 25 th October 2025. The conference and related activities will leverage on the achievements of the previous years and the emerging issues in the partnership. Uganda Airlines will offer special rates for registered participants.

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uganda consulate-general launches 4th uganda-kenya coast conference.pdf (109.95 KB)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

At the crack of dawn, Mefa Kapokosa, a farmer from Mzimba, Malawi is already up, hoping to quickly finish preparing breakfast for her family and leave for the maize field. This is a typical day for Mefa and other women in her community, who depend on farming for food and income.

As she is getting ready, her mind wanders back to the lean years when she could not harvest enough maize to feed her family, let alone surplus to sell for income. With the changing climate, rains have become erratic and dry spells more frequent, critically affecting yield and production.

For years, Mefa had been on the receiving end of various agriculture extension advisories, on how to manage land and water resources to mitigate the effects of climate change, but it wasn’t until she started taking a particular interest in field demonstration plots set up by the agriculture extension officer in her community that things started looking up. She explained why it was easier to adopt the sustainable land management practices that were tested and showcased in the demonstration plots.

“Learning through a demonstration plot is more interesting because I get to observe firsthand how crops are faring under various practices. I can see how production is affected by adopting or not adopting certain technologies, which makes it easier to replicate them in my own field” said Mefa, who has since adopted the recommended low-cost land and water management practices such as zero-tillage, use of organic manure and soil mulching. “Even though we did not get much rain this year, my maize crop was not water stressed,” she added.

To promote the increased adoption of good agricultural practices, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Sustainable Land and water Management (SLM) project, with funding from the Government of Flanders, mainstreams tenure security, land use planning, climate-smart agriculture and integrated watershed management in agricultural extension delivery.

Mainstreaming Climate-Smart Agriculture in extension delivery

Agriculture extension is the vehicle through which knowledge, technologies and innovations are transferred from researchers to users. A functional extension system ensures that investments channeled into agriculture research result in better production, better nutrition, better life and a better environment.

The SLM project supports the Ministry of Agriculture’s existing extension structures by providing technical and financial support to improve efficiency. Among other things, the project supports the mounting of field demonstration plots – small fields, designated as  learning platforms for testing agricultural practices and technologies.

Highlighting the effectiveness of demonstration plots as a tool for delivering advisories to farmers, Harvey Nyirongo, Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Chasato section in Mzimba said, “using demonstration plots as a learning tool helps farmers make informed decisions as they are able to observe and assess the effectiveness of various technologies on their own.”

Scaling up and scaling out

Chasato section mounted a 6-acre maize demonstration plot, showcasing various low-cost sustainable land and water management technologies such as the use of Mbeya (organo-mineral) fertilizer, mulching, pit planting, vetiver grass planting, use of organic manure, construction of swales and other land and soil conservation techniques.

The demonstration plot is managed by the extension officer and farmers, who, after observing the performance of maize under specific technologies, replicate the practices in their respective fields. Usually situated along main roads and paths in the communities, demonstration plots aim to evoke curiosity in passers-by, some of whom stop to learn more and eventually adopt the technologies.

The practices are also disseminated through field days, where technologies are showcased to farmers from other sections with the expectation that they will further disseminate them to farmers in their respective communities. So far, 1 730 farmers, of which 1 124 are female, have participated in learning activities at the demonstration plot. According to the Mzimba district agriculture office, use of demonstration plots has seen an increase in the adoption of recommended technologies and increased yield. 

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

Source: APO

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On World Humanitarian Day, the Deputy Minister of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Alvin Botes, alongside the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pretoria Regional Delegation, Jules Amoti, convened a gathering of ambassadors and high commissioners of African Union Member States represented in Pretoria. The aim: to underscore Africa´s vital role in the Global Initiative to galvanize political commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

12 August 2025 marked the commemoration of the 76th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the bedrock of legal norms applicable during armed conflicts. These fundamental rules remain in force for all States and parties to a conflict, yet ongoing conflicts worldwide continue to inflict unimaginable harm and suffering on civilians and vital infrastructure. With ongoing armed conflicts currently affecting millions of people across Africa, the need to place IHL at the centre of political discussions could not be more urgent.

It is for this reason that in September 2024, South Africa together with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, and Kazakhstan co-launched with the ICRC an initiative to galvanize political commitment to IHL. Its core goal is to enhance political commitment to IHL and promote its universal, uniform and faithful application at global, regional and domestic levels. The initiative also aims to deepen reflections on existing and contemporary challenges to IHL. More than 70 states have already joined this effort.

The participation by African states is key to the success of this initiative. Broad continental representation is vital to reaffirm our collective commitment, made 76 years ago, that even in war, there are limits. Together, we must demand all parties to armed conflicts fully comply with their obligations under IHL, including those enshrined in the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

On World Humanitarian Day, we are reminded of the urgent need to renew the protective power of IHL. The principles of humanity, military necessity, distinction, proportionality, and precaution, and the prohibition of unnecessary suffering, must be upheld in all armed conflicts, without exception.

The meeting in Pretoria reaffirmed that all states bear a collective responsibility to promote, respect and ensure respect for IHL.

The Government of South Africa and the ICRC call on all African States to unite in reaffirming the universality and impartiality of IHL and its consistent application in all situations of armed conflict.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO

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On Location, appointed by FIFA as the Official Hospitality Provider of the FIFA World Cup 26 TM, have announced Integral as their Nigerian Exclusive Sales Agent for the tournament.

As an Officially Appointed Exclusive Sales Agent, Integral will be the point of contact in Nigeria to sell official hospitality packages for the FIFA World Cup 26™. “We are thrilled to partner with our new international sales agent, Integral, on the FIFA World Cup 26™,” said Alicia Falken, General Manager of On Location’s FIFA World Cup 26™ business. “Their expertise in hospitality sales in Nigeria and deep understanding of their market will be instrumental in ensuring that our clients receive unparalleled service.”

Fans are urged not to purchase tickets or packages from unauthorized platforms or sellers as FIFA reserves the right to cancel tickets obtained via unofficial channels. While there may be offers of unauthorized tickets and hospitality packages currently in the market, On Location is the only official hospitality provider of the FIFA World Cup 26™. On Location is proud to collaborate with respective Host Committees and their partners including local teams. Additionally On Location is partnering with Major League Soccer and the League’s clubs across the U.S. and Canada as official appointed Sales Agents for the tournament. The full list of authorized global sales agents will be published on https://apo-opa.co/4oPcU3I and added to once a region is announced.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Integral.

About Integral:
INTEGRAL is a leading sports management and marketing company with operations in Nigeria, Canada, Poland, the UAE and the United Kingdom. Our Hospitality experience over 15 years, includes 5 consecutive FIFA World Cup™ tournaments, working with FIFA and their appointed Hospitality Partners, previously MATCH Hospitality AG and now, On Location, to deliver premium matchday experiences to brands, fans, individuals and corporate organisations.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be our 3^rd consecutive FIFA World Cup™ as the Exclusive Agent in Nigeria, for the sale of the Official Hospitality Programme. Our appointments reflect our track record and the trust that our partners have in our ability to continue connecting Nigerians with the World’s biggest sporting event.

About On Location:
On Location (https://OnLocationexp.com/) is a premium experience provider, offering world class hospitality, ticketing, curated guest experiences, live event production, and travel management across sports, entertainment, and fashion.

From unrivaled access for corporate clients to guests looking for fully immersive experiences at marquee events, On Location is the premier and official service provider to over 150 iconic rights holders, such as the IOC (Paris 2024, Milano Cortina 2026, LA 2028), NFL, NCAA, UFC and PGA of America, and numerous musical artists and festivals. The company also owns and operates a number of unique and exclusive experiences, transforming the most dynamic live events into a lifetime of memories. On Location is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.

Source: APO

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HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Wednesday with HE Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mcebisi Jonas, and HE Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Zane Dangor, who are currently visiting the country.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations and ways to strengthen and advance them. Discussions also touched on the latest developments concerning the Palestinian cause and the African continent, along with a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

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Both the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) and the Wazalendo, a loose coalition of armed groups backed by the Congolese army, have gang raped women and committed widespread human rights abuses against civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that violate international humanitarian law and could amount to war crimes, Amnesty International said in a new briefing.

The briefing, “DRC: ‘They said we would die’: M23 and Wazalendo abuses in eastern Congo”, documents how M23 fighters have summarily killed Congolese civilians, attacked hospitals, abducted patients, and tortured and forcibly disappeared civil society members. It also details the increasing militarization in eastern DRC, as M23 has taken control of vast swathes of territory in the region and the Wazalendo have received large amounts of ammunition and weapons supplied by the Congolese army (FARDC).

“The brutality of the warring parties knows no bounds; these atrocities are intended to punish, intimidate and humiliate civilians, as each side attempts to assert control,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

“Rwanda and the DRC cannot continue shunning responsibility; they must hold all perpetrators accountable,” said Tigere Chagutah. “It’s time for DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi to honour his commitment to justice and accountability and ensure that Wazalendo fighters who committed crimes are brought to justice and others are demobilized and reintegrated into civilian life. As a party to the conflict, Rwanda must ensure that all Rwandan Defence Forces in the DRC comply with international humanitarian law.”

Amnesty International interviewed more than 53 victims and witnesses, including survivors of gang rape, victims of abuse, relatives of those unlawfully killed, detained or forcibly disappeared, medical professionals, civil society members, human rights defenders, lawyers, humanitarian actors, and journalists. The organization also reviewed M23 official statements, audio-visual evidence and reports by local and international media and human rights organizations.

On 18 July, Amnesty International requested information from the FARDC about the conduct of its soldiers, as well as information from representatives of M23 in relation to specific allegations of human rights violations and abuses. At the time of publication, the organization had not received responses from them.

‘If you do not want this, we will kill you’

Of the 14 survivors of sexual violence from North and South Kivu, interviewed by Amnesty International, eight said they were gang raped by M23 fighters, five said they were gang raped by Wazalendo fighters, and one said she was gang raped by FARDC soldiers.

All the survivors of gang rape by M23 fighters said the perpetrators wore uniforms that resembled those of the M23 and spoke Kinyarwanda, which is spoken by some M23 fighters. The gang rapes by M23 fighters took place between March and May 2025 when the fighters controlled Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC. Five survivors said M23 fighters raped them at M23 military positions.

In Bukavu, five M23 fighters gang-raped Beatrice* at an M23 military camp. “When I see someone in a military uniform, I’m traumatized. Since that day, I do not go out. When I see them, I feel pain in my heart. It’s like a heart palpitation,” she said.

In Rutshuru and Masisi territories in North Kivu province, as well as Kalehe territory in South Kivu province, Wazalendo groups raped women and girls. One woman was gang raped in late March 2025. Four other women in Masisi were raped by Wazalendo fighters, two in January 2024 and two in February and April 2025. Amnesty International also received a credible report of a young woman gang-raped by multiple Wazalendo fighters in Rutshuru in March 2025.

Another woman was tied between two trees while six Wazalendo gang-raped her. “Let them be punished so they don’t do such acts to someone else,” she said.

During another rape by Wazalendo fighters, Kinyarwanda-speaking men, believed to be fighters belonging to the Nyatura, a predominately Hutu armed group, accused the woman of supporting the M23. They told her that “any women who come to the field, we will always rape them.”

A woman said she was pregnant when she was gang raped in Bukavu by two FARDC soldiers in February 2025, before the fall of the city, as the FARDC were fleeing. During the rape, her 14-year-old daughter screamed from a bedroom. The soldier said: “If she doesn’t go back in the room, I’ll kill her.” 

Tigere Chagutah said: “For the women of eastern DRC, nowhere is safe; they are raped in their homes, in the fields, or camps where they seek shelter. The world must say enough. All warring parties must prioritize the protection of civilians, including women and girls who continue to bear the greatest brunt of this conflict.”

Human rights abuses by M23

M23 fighters have also committed human rights abuses against civil society actors, journalists, lawyers, and others. Amnesty International interviewed 12 civil society actors, human rights defenders and journalists who described how M23 tortured, forcibly disappeared, arbitrarily detained, or threatened them.

One civil society actor detained in March 2025 said that an M23 fighter asked him specific questions about issues he had covered in the past. “It was like they had all the info on us,” he said. The M23 fighters whipped him both nights of his detention. “They really beat me. They had whips. They beat me on the buttocks. They slapped me in my ears which caused my nose to bleed.”

In May, Aloys Bigirumwami, a member of the youth movement, Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA), and five others were taken away in a vehicle, and Bigirumwami has not been seen since.

Amnesty International documented five summary killings by M23: three men in Goma and a father and son in South Kivu. All men were shot to death or had their throats cut by M23 fighters between February and May 2025. M23 fighters also attacked hospitals in Goma six times during the same period, abducting or detaining patients and caregivers, including FARDC soldiers who had been injured, still required care or were hiding at the hospital.

On 19 July 2025, DRC and M23 representatives signed a “declaration of principles” in Doha, Qatar, facilitated by the Qatar government, pledging to work toward a final peace agreement that will align with the peace deal signed in Washington, D.C., by DRC and Rwanda on 27 June 2025.

“As diplomatic efforts continue, Amnesty International calls on Qatar to press M23 to stop abducting and forcibly disappearing individuals. In addition, the United States should push the Congolese government to implement a vetting mechanism to identify and remove armed group members and security force officials who may have been implicated in serious human rights abuses or violations,” said Tigere Chagutah.

• Names have been changed to protect the identities of the interviewees

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO – Report:

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The IFRC is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ato (Mr.) Honelegn Fentahun, a dedicated staff member with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and stands in solidarity with the Ethiopian Red Cross (ERCS) during this difficult time. 

Ato Honelegn Fentahun was on duty when he lost his life. On 14 August, a security incident occurred in the Cheneq area of Janamora Woreda, North Gondar Zone, Amhara Region. Three ERCS staff members including Ato Honelegn Fentahun, were abducted by unidentified armed individuals while returning from delivering an ambulance. They were released on 15 August, but upon release, Ato Honelegn Fentahun required immediate medical attention and was transported to hospital, where he tragically passed away shortly after arrival. 

Today marks World Humanitarian Day, and this heartbreaking loss highlights once again the dangers faced by humanitarian workers who put themselves at risk serving vulnerable communities. Since the beginning of 2025, 18 Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers from across the globe have lost their lives while carrying out their humanitarian duties.

Any attack, abduction, or obstruction targeting humanitarian personnel compromises the ability of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to deliver life-saving assistance. The Movement strongly condemns such incidents and calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers, who dedicate their lives to helping those in need.

Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Ato Honelegn Fentahun, as well as with our colleagues at the Ethiopian Red Cross Society during this very difficult time.

– on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Source: APO – Report:

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On 20 August, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) thematic event ‘Human Security and Economic Development in Africa: Addressing Multidimensional Challenges and Shaping the Future Beyond 2030’ and delivered a speech at the beginning of the event. The summary of his speech is as follows:

1. Foreign Minister IWAYA began by stating that Japan has fulfilled its role as a reliable partner to Africa, and that in the current global environment of complex crises, it is important for Japan and Africa to work together to pursue solutions that leverage the strengths of both sides in order to address the challenges Africa and the world are facing. He also stated that Japan aims to ‘co-create innovative solutions’ with Africa.
2. Foreign Minister IWAYA also stated that in recent years, Africa has been facing complex and interrelated crises such as climate change, and that traditional development approaches are not sufficient to solve these issues. He said that human security, which Japan has promoted as a pillar of its foreign policy, is a comprehensive approach that emphasises the protection of each and every human being, and that human security is an indispensable concept for building a future full of freedom, safety, and hope for the people, with an emphasis on peace and development in Africa.
3. Furthermore, Foreign Minister IWAYA introduced the ‘Agenda 2063,’ Africa’s long-term strategy, which aims to ‘eradicate conflict and violence (Silencing the Gun) ’ as its flagship initiative based on the concept of human security. He reaffirmed Japan’s support for Africa’s efforts to prioritize human security and pointed out the critical importance of high-quality development cooperation by JICA and the role of international organizations such as the United Nations. He then stated that Japan will continue to prioritize multilateralism and actively promote international cooperation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.