Category: Africa

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New Dam Inaugurated in Dirfo Administrative Area

Source: APO


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A new dam in the Dirfo administrative area, Central Region, constructed at a cost of over 15 million Nakfa with a capacity to hold more than 200 thousand cubic meters of water, was inaugurated on 22 July.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Fesehaye Haile, Governor of the Central Region; General Filipos Woldeyohannes, Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces; as well as senior commanders of the Central Command and Popular Force.

Eng. Abraham Daniel, head of agricultural infrastructure in the Central Region, stated that construction of the dam began in December 2023 and was completed in April 2025 with strong participation from the public and members of the Defense Forces.

Commending the initiative as a lasting solution to the potable water supply problem of the residents, Mr. Omar Ibrahim, administrator of the area, expressed readiness to conduct regular follow-up for the sustainability of the dam.

Noting that the project provided valuable hands-on experience, the Commander of the Defense Forces involved in the construction said it would significantly contribute to their future participation in similar national development projects.

Mr. Fesehaye Haile, for his part, noted that in the past two years, new dams have been constructed in the administrative areas of Gul-i, Temameo, Adi-Qe, and Arbe Robu, and that the Dirfo dam is a continuation of the same initiative.

Certificates of recognition were awarded to individuals and groups who contributed to the project.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Ministro Eurico Monteiro reúne-se com empresários de Sotavento e reforça compromisso com melhorias na relação entre Estado e as Empresas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Promoção de Investimentos e Fomento Empresarial, Eurico Monteiro, reuniu-se, na tarde desta terça-feira, 22 de julho, com um grupo de empresários da região de Sotavento, numa conversa aberta promovida pela Câmara de Comércio de Sotavento (CCS), com o objetivo auscultar as inquietações do tecido empresarial e encontrar soluções conjuntas para responder às expectativas da classe, tendo em vista a melhoria da relação entre o Estado e as empresas.

Um encontro intenso e muito participativo, marcado por um debate franco sobre os principais desafios enfrentados pelo setor privado, que se revelou muito produtivo, com o reforço do compromisso por parte do Governo em encontrar soluções assertivas para os problemas do empresariado, nomeadamente, no que refere ao tempo de resposta e ao atendimento na Administração Pública, que constituiu o grosso das reivindicações.

“Efetivamente precisamos de uma atitude mais proactiva e de serviços que respondam de forma mais célere às necessidades das empresas”, admitiu o Ministro, em declarações à imprensa, reconhecendo que “o tempo do empresário não é o tempo do cidadão comum, tampouco o da Administração.

Eurico Monteiro apresentou, neste contexto, algumas iniciativas em curso para modernizar os serviços públicos, entre os quais, a ampliação dos balcões de atendimento integrados e a transformação digital na Administração Pública.  A título de exemplo, citou, o Portal Único dos serviços digitais do Estado e o novo Portal do Investidor – que contemplará o investidor da diáspora – constituem medidas que visam facilitar o acesso a informações e reduzir as burocracias.

Outras reivindicações ligadas à natureza fiscal; à adesão à e-fatura e a autofacturação e as dificuldades que estas podem criar, sobretudo, aos micro e pequenos empresários; à falta de mão de obra, particularmente nos setores do turismo e da construção; os atrasos nos pedidos de licenciamento, além do excesso de taxas e atrasos nos pagamentos por parte do Estado, foram abordadas, tendo o Ministro reconhecido a pertinência das preocupações e proposto a criação de um grupo de trabalho com a CCS, representantes do setor privado e o Ministério que tutela, para analisar, hierarquizar e resolver os problemas mais urgentes.

“Verificamos que, de uma forma geral, nós temos um quadro atrativo para as empresas, mas ainda com alguns constrangimentos, mas também alguma falta também da adequação que possa maximizar o aproveitamento das potencialidades que o setor privado empresarial merece em Cabo Verde”, afirmou Eurico Monteiro, para quem, embora algumas reformas estruturais exijam mais tempo, com boa vontade, muitas das questões levantadas podem ser solucionadas a curto prazo.

“Não podemos fazer contabilidade de tostões quando se trata de medidas que trazem benefícios globais para a economia”, declarou o Ministro, destacando que o Governo está disposto a rever taxas e simplificar processos para dinamizar a atividade empresarial.

Ao finalizar, o governante reiterou o compromisso em continuar o diá. com os empresários, criando, desta forma, um ambiente mais favorável ao investimento e ao crescimento económico.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Ministro Fernando Elisio Freire visita projetos sociais implementados em espaços comerciais subsidiados pelo Governo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Família, Inclusão e Desenvolvimento Social, Fernando Elísio Freire, visitou hoje, 23 de julho, dois projetos sociais em funcionamento na cidade da Praia, apoiados pelo Programa de Arrendamento Subsidiado de Espaços Comerciais, promovido pelo Governo de Cabo Verde através do Instituto de Fomento da Habitação (IFH).

Durante a visita à Fundação Garra, projeto dedicado à prevenção do uso de drogas e à Taola Mais, Rede Nacional de Conservação Ambiental, o Ministro destacou o impacto positivo do programa na consolidação da rede de apoio social no país, afirmando que se trata de uma política que reforça a cidadania e a capacidade de intervenção local das organizações da sociedade civil.

“Estamos a cumprir. O Governo comprometeu-se a criar condições reais para que as organizações da sociedade civil pudessem exercer as suas atividades com mais dignidade e impacto. E hoje, com mais de 120 espaços já distribuídos e 58 em pleno funcionamento, vemos que esta política está a dar frutos”, afirmou.

O Programa de Arrendamento Subsidiado visa atribuir espaços comerciais com subsídios de 80% para Organizações Não Governamentais e Confissões Religiosas, e de 50% para Câmaras Municipais, numa lógica de promoção de parcerias estratégicas entre o Estado e a sociedade civil. O objetivo é garantir que as organizações tenham acesso a infraestruturas adequadas para o desenvolvimento de projetos de intervenção comunitária, educação, inclusão, proteção ambiental, entre outros.

“Estamos a investir em quem faz a diferença nas comunidades. Estas associações desenvolvem um trabalho extraordinário, muitas vezes de forma voluntária e com poucos recursos. Ao assumirmos 80% do valor das rendas que, em média, ronda os 50 mil escudos mensais por espaço estamos a reduzir significativamente os encargos financeiros destas entidades, permitindo que concentrem os seus recursos diretamente na ação social”, sublinhou Fernando Elísio Freire.

O Ministro frisou ainda que este esforço representa um investimento financeiro considerável por parte do Governo, mas plenamente justificado pela natureza e impacto do trabalho desenvolvido pelas entidades beneficiárias.

“O crescimento económico tem de ter impacto na vida das pessoas. E este programa é um bom exemplo disso: é o Estado a criar condições para que os atores sociais locais possam intervir com mais eficácia, mais proximidade e mais resultados. E os resultados já são visíveis”, reforçou.

Com esta política, o Governo de Cabo Verde reafirma o seu compromisso com a justiça social, o desenvolvimento sustentável e o fortalecimento das parcerias com a sociedade civil, reconhecendo o seu papel estratégico na resposta aos desafios sociais do país.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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President Ramaphosa to visit BMW Group Plant and Training Academy

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this morning, Thursday, 24 July 2025, attend a showcase of the successful implementation of the latest investment for production of the new BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle at the automaker’s plant at Rosslyn, Pretoria.

Themed “BMW Group South Africa: Leading Today, Enabling Tomorrow”, the event marking the start of the new vehicle will highlight the firm’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s economic vitality and advancing industrial innovation.

The event will showcase the active partnership between industry and Government – a collaboration essential for driving innovation, catalysing job creation, and propelling sustainable growth within South Africa’s automotive sector.

It also demonstrates the BMW Group’s dedication to leading today through operational excellence and enabling tomorrow by strategically investing in the nation’s future. 

The new BMW X3 has been declared South Africa’s Car of the Year for 2025.

BMW Group announced further investment in its plant operations in Rosslyn during the President’s Investment Conference held on 13 April 2023, as a commitment to South Africa.

BMW has a long history in the country, and its footprint has grown significantly over time. 

BMW’s investment in its Rosslyn plant dates back five decades.

The plant operations are also a significant anchor and justification for the continued operations of BMW in South Africa, including the National Sales Company, BMW Financial Services, and BMW IT Development Hub. 

BMW and its supply chain sustain tens of thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly as a result of BMW Group activities in South Africa.

Details of the event are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 24 July 2025
Time:10h30am
Venue: Training Academy, BMW Group Plant, Rosslyn, Pretoria 
                 
Media access will be limited to coverage of President Ramaphosa’s remarks at the end of his tour of the plant, on which he will be accompanied only by BMW representatives.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Clôture de la Journée de l’Artisan 2025 : Lauréats et nominés repartent avec 48 millions en prix et équipements

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Journée de l’Artisan Béninois (JAB), édition 2025, a officiellement fermé ses portes le mardi 22 juillet 2025, au terme d’une cérémonie de clôture riche en émotions et en distinctions. Organisée par la Chambre des Métiers de l’Artisanat, avec l’appui du Fonds de Développement de l’Artisanat, la JAB a été une occasion de révéler au public, le talent et le savoir-faire des artisans béninois. 

Présidée par le Ministre des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises et de la Promotion de l’Emploi, Monsieur Modeste Tihounté KÉRÉKOU, la cérémonie de clôture, marquée par la distinction des lauréats, a rassemblé plusieurs personnalités, représentants d’institutions, acteurs du secteur artisanal et partenaires techniques. Tous ont salué la vitalité du génie créateur béninois et l’engagement des artisans à valoriser le savoir-faire local. 

« Cette édition a tenu ses promesses. Ensemble, nous avons célébré la créativité, la résilience et l’ingéniosité qui anime chaque artisane et chaque artisan », a déclaré Monsieur Soufiyanou IMOROU, président de la CMA Bénin. Quant au Préfet du Littoral, Monsieur Alain OROUNLA, l’artisanat révélera davantage le Bénin. 

Après une sélection rigoureuse et un travail méticuleux en présence d’un huissier de justice assermenté, les noms des lauréats de chacune des trois branches ont été dévoilés au public. Ils repartent chacun avec un trophée, un chèque d’une valeur de 3 millions FCFA et un lot d’équipements d’une valeur de quatre millions FCFA. Quant au deuxième de chacune des branches, ils repartent avec un chèque d’une valeur de 1,5 millions FCFA et un lot d’équipements d’une valeur de quatre millions FCFA. Le troisième de chaque branche n’a pas été oublié. Ils repartent avec un chèque de 1 million FCFA et un lot d’équipements d’une valeur de quatre millions FCFA. 

« L’artisanat béninois est plus que jamais un secteur stratégique au cœur de notre ambition de modernisation et de prospérité. L’ambition du Président Patrice TALON est claire, faire de l’Artisanat un véritable levier de développement local, un puissant relais pour notre politique de création de richesse et de lutte contre la pauvreté », a souligné le Ministre Modeste Tihounté KÉRÉKOU dans son allocution de clôture. 

L’autorité ministérielle a félicité les 271 candidats, les 8 nominés et les 3 lauréats pour leur endurance, leur amour pour le secteur avant de les inviter à redoubler d’efforts dans le sens de la qualité des produits finis. 

Le Ministre a fait une demande à l’endroit de la Chambre des Métiers de l’Artisanat dans le sens de doubler les récompenses pour l’édition 2026 afin de soutenir et encourager les valeureux artisans beninois. Il a également réaffirmé l’engagement du gouvernement à poursuivre les réformes et investissements en faveur du secteur. 

Au sortir de cette célébration, un sentiment unanime d’accomplissement et d’espoir a prévalu. La Journée de l’Artisan Béninois 2025 a tenu toutes ses promesses et inscrit une nouvelle page mémorable dans l’agenda du développement de l’artisanat au Bénin.

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

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Eritrea: Meeting on Implementation of Development Programs

Source: APO – Report:

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Ambassador Abdella Musa, Governor of the Anseba Region, conducted a meeting with residents of Keren city on 22 July focusing on the implementation of planned development programs.

At the meeting, Ambassador Abdella said that the progress registered over the past few years in water and soil conservation and dam construction was the result of strong public participation and involvement of the Defense Forces. He noted that this experience will be vital for the implementation of future development programs.

Ambassador Abdella also highlighted that the implemented programs have made significant contributions to food security efforts and called for continued public engagement in upcoming initiatives.

He further stated that the dams constructed so far have played a critical role in ensuring water supply for both the public and livestock, as well as in supporting irrigation farming. He called for reinforced participation to sustain these efforts and urged the public to ensure that school-aged children attend regular education.

The participants conducted extensive discussions on the issues raised during the meeting and adopted various recommendations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Hope for Liberia’s youth as country pioneers African Development Bank-financed Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank

Source: APO

  • Program will turn job seekers into job creators – Liberian President Boakai
  • The future of Liberia’s youth cannot be left to hustling – Dr. Adesina

Liberia has become the first country to launch an African Development Bank Group initiative (www.AfDB.org) that will help tackle youth unemployment among African youth.

President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr was joined in the capital Monrovia by the Bank Group’s President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina for the official launch of the first Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) (https://apo-opa.co/413UWzR), on Tuesday 22 July.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks will promote private sector-led inclusive economic development, by creating entrepreneurship opportunities for young Africans aged 18-35. According to the Bank’s Country Focus Report 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3GRnm9E), for Liberia, underemployment and informal employment have long undermined the country’s ability to harness a key demographic strength. 

To address these challenges, Liberia’s Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank is expected to finance 30,000 youth-led businesses, create 120,000 direct and indirect jobs, contribute $80 million to government revenues through taxes, and unlock up to $500 million in additional lending to youth-owned businesses across the country.

The Youth Bank is being jointly financed by the African Development Fund—the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank Group ($15.9 million)—and the Government of Liberia ($1.2 million in in-kind contributions).

“[The YEIB] speaks directly to the heart of our future because over sixty percent of our population is under the age of thirty. This program gives hope to our young people by turning them from job seekers into job creators,” said President Boakai. “It will provide financing, mentorship, and the skills they need to succeed in agriculture, technology, the knowledge based economy, and other emerging sectors.”

“Liberia must not watch as its best assets—its youth—falter,” Adesina said. “The future of Liberia’s youth cannot be left to ‘hustling.’” He added that with recruitment ongoing, and licensing expected to be completed shortly, the Liberian YEIB is scheduled to commence operations in early 2026, with a focus on “critical sectors with immense opportunities for the youth, including agriculture, value addition with agribusiness, digital services, mining and tourism.”

Youth entrepreneurship banks have also been approved for Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/4kQEeeF), Ethiopia (https://apo-opa.co/417MuzC), and Cote d’Ivoire (https://apo-opa.co/3H1eA8W), representing a growing commitment to enhancing private sector development through improved financing for entrepreneurs, on a continent where three-quarters of the population are below the age of 35.   

The Bank has since 1967 invested more than $1.02 billion in 72 projects in Liberia, and as of February 2024, it had an active portfolio of 18 sovereign operations worth $314.77 million, focusing primarily on transport infrastructure, energy development (https://apo-opa.co/45ev1Il), and agricultural transformation. These investments include the Mano River Union road network (https://apo-opa.co/44WwNfW) connecting Liberia with neighbouring countries, regional power interconnection initiatives, and programs supporting smallholder farmers across the country.

The Bank’s operations in Liberia are funded through multiple sources, with the African Development Fund—the concessional lending arm of the Bank Group—providing most of the financing, supplemented by the Transition Support Facility (https://apo-opa.co/4nZiwrH) and various specialized funds including the Nigeria Trust Fund (https://apo-opa.co/3UtSnn2).

Read President Boakai’s speech at the YEIB launch here (https://apo-opa.co/4m7qBbI).

Read Dr. Adesina’s speech here (https://apo-opa.co/3H11fNR).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contacts:
Natalie Nkembuh and Tolu Ogunlesi
Communication and Media Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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RESPECT Unveiled: Makes it Easy for EdTech Stakeholders to Embrace African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development’s (AUDA-NEPAD) Africa EdTech 2030 Vision

Source: APO – Report:

RESPECT™ (https://Respect.World), a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Education, was announced today during the STEMtastic Adventures! Africa symposium. RESPECT was developed by the Spix Foundation to make it easy for Africa’s EdTech stakeholders to embrace AUDA NEPAD’s Africa EdTech 2030 Vision and Plan (https://apo-opa.co/4kYulLY), announced earlier this month. AUDA NEPAD’s Vision proposes that, by 2030, “every African student should have access to the world’s best interactive digital courseware—developed in Africa by Africans—on smartphones already present in their pockets, households, and/or schools”.

With today’s release of RESPECT Version 1, Africa has gained a multi-year head start over the rest of the world. The United Nations has only this year started talking seriously about the need for a DPI for Education (https://apo-opa.co/4m5Xm9h). Africa has already released it. Africa is already ahead. To accomplish the Vision, Africa need only leverage its new advantage to the hilt.

Speaking at the launch, John Kimotho, EdTech Consultant, Spix Foundation and Head of RESPECT Africa Office, said: “Much of EdTech is pilot-driven and disconnected from education systems, leaving developers without clear growth pathways and teachers with tools that don’t last. RESPECT makes it easy for policymakers, educators, and developers, to build solutions that align with real classroom needs and can grow and last.”

The launch coincides with AUDA-NEPAD’s release of sobering statistics (https://apo-opa.co/3UfrwLH): only 40% of African primary schools have internet access, an estimated 30 million primary-age children remain out of school, and the continent will need 17 million additional teachers by 2030 just to maintain universal access. Meanwhile, billions in education technology investment have resulted in fragmented, unsustainable pilot projects rather than scalable solutions.

“Africa has a unique opportunity to simultaneously drive access to free localised edtech solutions that can reach all parts of the education ecosystem, even those offline, while making it profitable and sustainable to develop the world’s best interactive digital courseware, right here in Africa;” said John Kimotho. “The system has been failing the innovators, not the other way around, and RESPECT makes it easy for those innovators to deliver the education technology solutions that Africa’s children need.”

The scale of market fragmentation

Recent analysis by the mEducation Alliance (https://apo-opa.co/46VaNEG) revealed that developers must navigate different rules, requirements, and procurement protocols in nearly every African country, resulting in what researchers term “small-batch deployment” – a Kenya pilot here, a Senegal district project there, with each requiring complete retooling.

The consequence is a paradox: whilst Africa has produced world-class educational technology – from Kenya’s classroom management systems to Senegal’s Wolof-language XamXam platform serving 1.2 million users – these innovations remain largely isolated within their countries of origin.

“Teachers are experiencing ‘tool fatigue’ from juggling multiple siloed applications with no central access or data integration,” notes the mEducation Alliance’s 2024 report on digital courseware in low- and middle-income countries. “This discourages adoption, even when individual apps are excellent.”

Key problems – and solutions

AUDA NEPAD’s Vision and Plan notes two key problems: (1) the lack of real-time, reliable data about what digital courseware works best for different learners, and (2) barriers to scale including policy, commercial, and technological obstacles.

“AUDA-NEPAD observes that if Africa solves these two problems—by making it easy for courseware to generate real-time data for ranking and research, and by lowering policy, technical, and commercial barriers—then market forces will do the rest,” according to the Vision and Plan.

All RESPECT Compatible™ apps send data on every learner-app interaction to the relevant authority – within the bounds of the jurisdiction’s data privacy, security, and sovereignty laws – enabling that authority to implement data-dependent techniques such as Teaching at the Right Level and Structured Pedagogy. This data, federated at the continental level, enables courseware ranking and research.

RESPECT lowers the aforementioned policy barriers by implementing AUDA-NEPAD’s new Policy Framework for Standards-Based, Vendor-Neutral EdTech, a draft of which was released for public comment today.

RESPECT lowers the technical barriers through the implementation of a range of on-device technologies from data compression, web caching, proxy servers, and mesh networking to make it easy for courseware app developers to write a single app that works online, offline, and intermittently online. Likewise, it has early support for systematic text localization and, eventually, curriculum standards mapping, that are expected to provide easy technological fixes for complex scaling problems. Also, RESPECT enforces interoperability through internationally-standardized APIs such as xAPI, OneRoster, and OAuth.

RESPECT lowers the commercial barriers by providing all RESPECT Compatible™ apps for free to all students and intermediaries, while paying the developers and localizers of said apps based on those apps’ usage (and later, impact). RESPECT’s revenue, derived from sponsorships, will go primarily to these developers and localizers. Think of it as “YouTube meets PBS Kids” (https://apo-opa.co/3IJTrAC) for EdTech apps.

Looking ahead

“The opportunity is historic, but time is short,” concluded Kimotho. “We need to stop lamenting the barriers and start dismantling them systematically.”

– on behalf of Africa Practice Ltd.

Note to editors:
RESPECT and RESPECT Compatible are trademarks of the Spix Foundation.
RESPECT: https://Respect.World
Full African EdTech 2030: Vision & Plan: https://apo-opa.co/3UfrwLH
mEducation Alliance Report – Leading Perspectives on the State of Digital Courseware in Low Resource Countries: https://apo-opa.co/4195XzU

For interviews, please contact:
Joslyne Muthoni
Africa Practice
jmuthoni@africapractice.com

Follow RESPECT:
Website: https://Respect.World
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4kQiD5N

About RESPECT:
RESPECT is an open source digital library for EdTech apps. It makes it easier for educators to discover and use high-quality apps in all settings, while giving developers the platform they need to grow their impact globally.

RESPECT sets strong interoperable technical standards, while enabling developers to monetise their tools through a simple sponsor supported revenue model.

What RESPECT offers:
By aligning incentives across policy, pedagogy, and technology, RESPECT makes it easier to access,  build, scale and sustain resilient edtech innovations.

At its core, RESPECT connects the needs of developers and educators, supporting high quality, locally contextualised tools that reflect real classroom conditions and align with local languages and curriculum goals. It’s about building EdTech that lasts, where it matters most.

About AUDA-NEPAD:
The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) is the continental development agency of the African Union, established to coordinate and execute priority regional and continental development projects to promote regional integration towards the accelerated achievement of Agenda 2063.

Full African EdTech 2030: Vision & Plan: https://apo-opa.co/3UfrwLH 

About STEMtastic Adventures! Africa:
STEMtastic Adventures! Africa is hosted by the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) from July 22-25, 2025, bringing together leading thinkers, activists, and implementers to advance STEM education across the continent.

mEducation Alliance Report – Leading Perspectives on the State of Digital Courseware in Low Resource Countries: https://apo-opa.co/4195XzU

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HSRC to host free training academy to equip researchers for AI

Source: Government of South Africa

HSRC to host free training academy to equip researchers for AI

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), in collaboration with the University of Pretoria, the University of Zululand and Sol Plaatje University, will host the 6th Annual Emerging and Established African Researcher Training Academy from 28 July to 1 August 2025. 

The event will be held virtually and will run daily from 8:30am to 4pm.

This year’s academy is themed, ‘Research excellence reimagined: Preparing tomorrow’s scholars today‘, reflecting the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the research landscape.

“As AI increasingly transforms how research is designed, conducted, analysed, and communicated, the academy will explore how African scholars can engage with these changes while strengthening foundational research skills,” the statement read. 

The key focus of the academy is to equip participants with essential competencies in research design, data analysis, and academic writing, while also introducing tools and techniques that integrate AI into the research process. 

According to the HSRC, participants will examine important questions, such as how to preserve intellectual authenticity while harnessing AI’s transformative capabilities; where computational efficiency ends and human wisdom begins; and how to develop research skills that remain valuable as AI capabilities expand.

The academy was first launched as an in-person training programme in partnership with the University of Zululand. 

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it transitioned into a virtual format, allowing for broader participation and collaboration across institutions. 

“Now celebrating its sixth year in this format, the academy continues to evolve by offering both foundational and advanced modules that respond to the changing demands of the research community.” 

In line with its responsibilities to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the HSRC said it supports capacity building in research and research management, and ensures inclusive access to training for marginalised groups. 

This includes women and persons with disabilities and promotes a culture of lifelong learning among African scholars.

According to the chairperson of the academy’s organising committee, the HSRC’s Dr Bongiwe Mncwango, the academy aims to foster a collaborative and sustainable research environment, bringing together emerging and established scholars to share ideas, develop research skills, and pursue collaborative initiatives. 

“The programme also supports career development for early-career researchers and raises awareness about the value of research in addressing Africa’s societal challenges.

“It is more than training – it’s a strategic investment in the future of African research. As AI revolutionises scholarship, African researchers must be equipped to lead with innovation, integrity, and impact,” said Mncwango.

Registration information and programme details are available on the HSRC’s website https://hsrc.ac.za/sixth-annual-emerging-and-established-african-researchers-training-academy-2025-2026/. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile

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Morocco, Gambia Pledge to Make Partnership a Model of Inter-African Cooperation

Source: APO


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Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Mr. Sering Modou Njie, reiterated on Wednesday in Rabat their countries’ shared commitment to making the Morocco-Gambia partnership a model of inter-African cooperation based on values of solidarity and mutual support.

During their meeting, the two ministers also praised the strong ties of brotherhood and solidarity uniting the two countries, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency President Adama Barrow.

They also discussed various ways to deepen ties between Morocco and The Gambia, and reviewed cooperation between the two countries in areas of common interest at the bilateral, regional, and international levels.

Mr. Bourita and Njie also reaffirmed their commitment to exploring new prospects of cooperation in priority areas such as investment, industry, trade, fisheries and renewable energy, health, water, education, infrastructure, and ports.

In this regard, Mr. Bourita reiterated Morocco’s willingness to contribute to the implementation of The Gambia’s National Development Plan 2023-2027, which aims to provide basic social services and promote social and economic development in The Gambia.

Njie’s visit to Morocco is his first travel abroad since his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad.

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