Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

Justina Erastus, Founder of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit in Namibia, called on the country’s leaders to empower the youth across the industry by providing access to job experiences and skills training. Highlighting the need to provide youth with the chance to gain experience, she drew insight into the instrumental role youth play in the evolving oil and gas sector – not only as participants, but as the visionary leaders of tomorrow.

Delivering opening remarks during the second edition of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit in Namibia this July, Erastus explained that youth often face challenges gaining experience across the oil and gas sector, particularly in emerging markets such as Namibia. As such, the country’s leaders have a vital role to play in ensuring accessibility.

She said: “Investing in young Namibians is investing in the promise of a brighter tomorrow. How else do we empower the youth without giving them chances? It is not about experience, if you don’t have the experience, how will you gain it if the leaders do not give us a chance? Enough about the social media clickbait – we need to start hiring and training our youth.”

The Youth in Oil and Gas Summit offered a platform for industry leaders, international companies and Namibian youth to connect. Erastus explained that the summit “is a movement fueled by passion, true collaboration and the belief in our youth.” She added that the summit has evolved to become “a national project that is designed to empower every young Namibian, so that they see themselves as innovators and decision makers. This summit is situated at the crossroads of policy, investment and talent development, giving Namibians the tools to leverage their networks, sharpen their skills and launch their various careers.”

The summit comes as Namibia prepares for first oil production by 2029, led by industry players such as TotalEnergies, Shell, Chevron, Galp, Rhino Resources, ReconAfrica and more. This milestone is expected to spur the creation of a domestic fuel hub in Namibia, further bolstered by ongoing gas development at the Kudu field and onshore exploration in the Kavango basin. For Namibians, domestic oil and gas production offers the promise of fuel security, job creation and local business opportunities.

“I see a future where Namibia is 100% electrified, thanks to our oil and gas resources. I see a Namibia where we are a leading oil producing country, fueling industrial growth and driving regional integration. To every young person here – seize this moment,” added Erastus.

Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry offers a range of opportunities across the entire value chain. As a sector largely in its infancy stage, the oil and gas industry requires significant levels of investment, innovation and technology. It is within this scenario that the youth have a vital role to play.

“Oil and gas is not an industry that is exclusively for the petrochemical, engineer or geophysicist. It is a long, interconnected value chain that calls for logistics experts, catering companies, waste managers, asset custodians, communicators and even creatives. There is room for every passion every skill and every dream,” stated Erastus. 

As such, Erastus called for a rethinking when it comes to youth in the Namibian oil and gas sector. The country has a unique opportunity to implement bold policies, prioritize inclusivity and empower the youth before the industry has even developed. For Namibia’s youth, Erastus underscored the need to think, not only of opportunity today, but how the youth can transform the industry of tomorrow.

“Let us think of ourselves not only as participants but as the visionary leaders of tomorrow. We should be leaders that uplift our communities and choose integrity over convenience. Leaders who rewrite the narrative of possibility. Let us create a future that is prosperous, safe and enabling, not just for ourselves but for the generations yet to come,” Erastus concluded.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector is set to become a cornerstone of national economic development, with youth empowerment, skills training, infrastructure readiness and policy reform forming key pillars of its long-term strategy. Speaking at the second edition of the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit held in Walvis Bay, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org), discussed the importance of inclusive participation in the energy sector, calling for stronger public-private collaboration to ensure Namibia’s resources deliver impact for local communities.

As Namibia prepares for first oil from major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin – led by global energy players such as TotalEnergies, Shell, Galp and Chevron – the summit spotlighted the need for foundational capacity building, including STEM education, vocational training and investment in youth entrepreneurship. The event, spearheaded by Justina Erastus, and supported by key national institutions such as Petrofund, emphasized local ownership and workforce integration as the industry scales up.

“A future that speaks to the hearts and minds of all Namibians is a future that speaks to the hearts of every Africa,” Ayuk stated, adding, “When we see what you are building for your country, we know the future is bright.”

According to the AEC, Namibia’s anticipated offshore production will require robust support infrastructure ranging from marine services and logistics hubs to data centers and grid-connected baseload power. Ayuk highlighted that energy demand linked to digital infrastructure – including AI, cloud computing and data storage – would require consistent, large-scale electricity generation. This positions Namibia’s oil and natural gas sector as a potential anchor for industrial development.

While acknowledging global climate priorities, the AEC emphasized that Namibia and other African nations must have the right to leverage their natural resources to combat energy poverty. With Africa contributing less than 3% to global greenhouse gas emissions, the Chamber maintained that international climate policies must account for the continent’s development needs.

“There are forces around the globe telling us that climate change is the problem. But how do you think Europe became what it is? How do you think America became what it is? How do you think Asia became what it is? They use oil. They use coal. They make billions for themselves. And right now, they tell you in this country, you don’t deserve the right to use your oil. We don’t agree with that,” Ayuk stated.

Institutional partners such as Petrofund were recognized for their role in providing scholarships and technical training for Namibians, especially women and youth. Petrofund’s investment in vocational education and postgraduate studies has directly supported the country’s efforts to create a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demand.

Ayuk also called on industry players, government and academia to create synergy around youth capacity building. He urged energy companies operating in Namibia to commit to meaningful local content policies and to make space for young professionals in both technical and leadership roles.

“We’ve got to figure out how to make industries more accommodating to young women. Globally, we’ve seen less than 70% women in the oil and gas industry. That’s not enough,” Ayuk added.

The summit also underscored the importance of regulatory and policy coherence to support industrial growth. The AEC reaffirmed its support for ongoing efforts by Namibia’s Upstream Petroleum Unit to align national frameworks with global best practices, while tailoring them to the country’s unique socioeconomic landscape.

Namibia’s growing energy ecosystem, including downstream infrastructure, local fabrication capacity and training institutions, stands to benefit from strategic investments aligned with long-term goals. The AEC maintains that a balanced, pragmatic approach to energy – one that includes both hydrocarbons and renewables – will allow Namibia to transition sustainably while building wealth and creating jobs.

“It starts with you. It starts with what role you want to play. And the role you have to play that shaped the future. You represent that,” Ayuk concluded.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent congratulatory messages to President Patrice Talon of Benin, and President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation on the occasion of their countries’ National Days.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also dispatched similar messages to the Presidents of Benin and the Swiss Confederation.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO – Report:

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With support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with the Government of Uganda to train 78 multidisciplinary One Health responders under the Strengthening and Utilizing Response Groups for Emergencies (SURGE) flagship programme.

The AVoHC-SURGE training, a cornerstone of WHO’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) strategy, is designed and led by WHO to equip countries with skilled, coordinated teams capable of deploying rapidly during health emergencies. In Uganda, WHO has convened and facilitated a diverse group of participants from multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, internal affairs, animal and fisheries industries, and the Uganda Defence Forces, reflecting the One Health approach to managing threats at the human–animal–environment interface.

“This training equips Uganda with the human capacity to respond quickly and decisively when emergencies occur. I commend the Ministry of Health for its leadership and commitment to strengthening emergency readiness,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative to Uganda.

Through WHO’s technical guidance, the training immerses participants in intensive sessions covering outbreak investigation, risk assessment, coordination, Gender based violence and Prevention and response of sexual exploitation, abuse and Harassment and rapid deployment operations. Practical simulations and scenario-based exercises replicate the realities of emergency response, ensuring participants are ready for coordinated action in the field.

For many participants, the experience is transformative: “I am honoured to attend the AVoHC-SURGE training by WHO Uganda. I gained critical skills in rapid response, coordination, and outbreak investigation, which empowers me to protect lives and build stronger, safer communities,” shared Dr Andama Adinani, one of the participants from the district local government.

Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how WHO’s training builds technical capacity and strengthens networks across ministries and disciplines; connections that are critical to a cohesive national response when emergencies strike.

The inclusion of responders from multiple ministries underscores the Government of Uganda’s commitment to a multisectoral approach, supported by WHO’s technical expertise. Emergencies such as Ebola, Marburg, cholera, and zoonotic diseases require coordination between human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. By strengthening this integrated response capacity, Uganda, through WHO’s SURGE programme is better prepared to contain outbreaks before they escalate.

“Preparedness is an investment in the future. Every skill gained here, every relationship built across ministries, will help us act faster, smarter, and more effectively to protect Ugandans,” Lubwama Benard, Deputy Incident Commander, Ministry of Health.

The AvoHC-SURGE initiative, supported by FCDO and implemented by WHO across Africa, has been rolled out in several countries. So far 27 out of the 30 countries have completed their trainings and the details of the trained teams have been uploaded in the responders database.

As health threats grow increasingly complex, WHO’s continued support to Uganda in strengthening its national response capacity offers a model for other countries in the region. With a trained cadre of 78 multidisciplinary responders ready for deployment, the country is poised to respond to public health emergencies with speed, precision, and confidence.

Designed for impact, this training represents a best preparedness and readiness practice model to improve capacity to manage emergencies, disasters and other climate related emergencies on the African content.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

Source: APO

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Parliament has approved a motion allowing Kabale Regional Referral Hospital sublease five acres of land to Kabale University, clearing the way for the university to expand its Faculty of Medicine.

The Minister of Health, Ruth Aceng presented the proposal during the plenary sitting of Thursday, 31 July 2025.

Kabale University made the request in August 2022.

The university aims to build new teaching and medical facilities, including specialized clinics, patient wards, lecture halls and operating rooms.

Aceng said the move is a major boost for medical training and healthcare in southwestern Uganda noting that Kabale Regional Referral Hospital serves over 2.4 million people, including patients from Rwanda.

“This is more than just a land deal, it is an investment in better healthcare, stronger medical education and growth for the Kigezi sub-region and beyond,” Aceng said.

She noted that the expansion will help the university train more doctors and nurses for the region, addressing a critical shortage of healthcare workers in districts like Kabale, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Kisoro and Rukungiri.

Currently Kabale University’s medical school operates out of run-down hospital building that is set for demolition.  Aceng emphasised that the sublease will allow the university to create a modern medical school and teaching hospital.

“This will improve training, enhance research, and bring better healthcare closer to the communities that need it most,” she said.

The Koboko Municipality MP, Hon. Charles Ayume said the motion was timely considering the state of the Medical school and its symbiotic relationship with the Regional Referral Hospital.

“A Medical school and hospital have a symbiotic relationship where they all benefit. The University does the teaching but the hospital benefits from extra services of lecturers and students during their training,” said Ayume adding that, “We had queried the type of doctors that will come from that dilapidated building”.

Tororo District Woman MP, Hon. Sarah Opendi asked fellow legislators to look into the status of Regional Referral Hospitals across the country, saying most are performing way below the capacity of a regional referral hospital.

“Kabale Regional Referral Hospital is challenged in terms of space and infrastructure, it remains a 100 bed capacity hospital which is below the requirement of a regional referral hospital,” Opendi said.

She noted that most of the regional referral hospitals are understaffed between 25 to 30 percent staffing level, praying that it should be addressed in the next budget cycle.

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

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Justice Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa.

Mr Xola said Justice Mlambo brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record in the judiciary. He served as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court for over a decade.

Justice Mlambo has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, and the transformation of the legal system, said the Chairperson. “His appointment is another positive step in the transformation of the judiciary and ensuring that it remains the protectors of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

“The portfolio committee extends its congratulations to Justice Mlambo on his appointment and wishes him success in this new role of national importance. We are confident that he will serve with integrity, wisdom, distinction and dedication to the Constitution,” emphasised the Chairperson.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.