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ExxonMobil Partners with African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Diamond Sponsor – Showcasing Major Investments, Youth Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Africa Initiatives, and Highlighting Women in Energy

Source: APO

As a Diamond Sponsor at AEW, ExxonMobil reaffirms its long-standing commitment to Africa’s energy future through ambitious new investments, frontier exploration and impactful educational programs. The company will take a central role in shaping dialogue on the continent’s upstream outlook, LNG development and the transition to more inclusive energy systems.

As the world’s largest publicly listed, private integrated energy company, ExxonMobil continues to be a leader in the frontier exploration space and deepen its footprint in Africa through a series of forward-looking, high-impact initiatives. In Nigeria, the company looks to make significant investment in the deepwater as part of a broader strategy to help increase national output. This comes on the heels of sustained production efforts at the Erha and Owowo fields, underlining the company’s strategic focus on optimizing existing deepwater assets.

Further south, ExxonMobil is maintaining production from the prolific Kizomba deepwater development in Angola’s Block 15, where it recently signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) extension with the Angolan National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), extending operations until 2037. The company also renewed its PSC for Block 17, in partnership with TotalEnergies to ensure continued production from key offshore Block 17 fields.

In East Africa, ExxonMobil is making headway with the long-anticipated Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique’s Area 4. The project – expected to reach a final investment decision in 2026 – aims to bring an additional 18 million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG to market, building on Mozambique’s emergence as a key global gas supplier.

Beyond upstream operations, ExxonMobil is also investing in long-term capacity-building through the ExxonMobil Foundation’s STEM Africa program. Launched in 2024, the program partners with Junior Achievement Africa to deliver immersive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to students in Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique. In its first year alone, the program reached over 3,000 students – 96% of whom expressed interest in pursuing STEM careers. In recognition of its impact, STEM Africa was awarded the Local Impact Award at the Big Five Board Awards in London earlier this month.

“ExxonMobil’s role as a Diamond Sponsor at AEW 2025 is a testament to their bold, future-focused investments – from revitalizing offshore oilfields in Nigeria and Angola to advancing LNG capacity in Mozambique and exploring new frontiers in Africa’s Atlantic Coast,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Their STEM Africa initiative demonstrates an equally strong commitment to building local talent and empowering young Africans to lead tomorrow’s energy industry. This is the kind of strategic partnership Africa needs.”

AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies will provide a premier platform for ExxonMobil to engage with African governments, investors, and stakeholders as the continent accelerates toward energy security and industrial growth. With a broad and growing portfolio, ExxonMobil continues to lead Africa into its next era of energy development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

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8 policies that would help fight poverty in South Africa’s economic hub Gauteng

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Adrino Mazenda, Senior Researcher, Associate Professor Economic Management Sciences, University of Pretoria

Poverty goes beyond income. It often arises when health, education and opportunities fall short of meeting people’s needs.

Individuals are classified as impoverished when they face deprivation in one-third or more of the indicators in a multidimensional poverty index. The index reflects the various influences on socioeconomic class. These include housing, sanitation, electricity, cooking fuel, nutrition and school attendance.

The index is one of the most comprehensive measures of poverty. The fact that the multidimentional index captures multiple dimensions enables it to reflect overlapping disadvantages. And provides a fuller picture of well-being. Other monetary measures such as income aren’t as comprehensive.

About 18% of the world’s population are poor by the definition of the multidimentional poverty index. Sub-Saharan Africa is especially affected, with a multidimensional poverty rate nearing 59%.

In South Africa, it is at around 40%. This means it experiences four in 10 of the dimensions of poverty.

The province of Gauteng is South Africa’s economic hub. Nevertheless it contains pockets of severe deprivation. About 4.6% of households are poor. In some wards up to 68% are severely deprived.

We are social scientists with research histories in food systems and livelihoods, public policy and economics of human capital. We recently conducted a study focused on Gauteng. We wanted to determine what could enable poor and vulnerable households to move out of those categories.

We used a modelling exercise that allowed us to isolate the most relevant factors for this transition.

The study found six factors: education, age, income, working time, medical aid and being a recipient of a low income municipal support grant. We concluded from this that attending to these six variables was the foundation for upward mobility.

Conversely, vulnerability to economic shocks, such as job loss or food insecurity, can trigger rapid downward mobility.

Based on our findings we make eight policy recommendations. These include boosting education and skills training, better healthcare and affordable, reliable transport.

Range of factors

Multidimensional poverty intersects with socioeconomic class structures. It reinforces inequality by placing individuals into hierarchical groups. These range from the affluent and middle class to the transient, vulnerable, and chronically poor.

These disparities shape access to resources, opportunities and upward mobility.

Lower-class households differ from middle-class and affluent (non-poor) households across multiple dimensions. These differences include income stability, consumption patterns, access to services, asset ownership, social capital and vulnerability to shocks.

In the light of this we adopted a multidimensional poverty approach to classify households. We used various dimensions and indicators of poverty to assess the extent of deprivation and associated poverty levels.

We calculated the deprivation score and classified households into three levels: not poor, moderate poverty (vulnerable), and severe poverty (chronically poor).

Working time had the strongest effect. Part- or full-time work greatly lowered odds of severe poverty (chronic poverty) and moderate poverty (transient poverty). Working time refers to the duration that a person is engaged in paid employment or work-related activities. This is usually between 35 and 45 hours per week for full-time employment. And fewer than 35 hours per week for part-time employment.

Some factors only influenced certain groups. For severe poverty, transport access, household health, food parcel reliance, household size, and skipping meals were significant. For moderate poverty, gender, food parcel reliance and skipping meals mattered. And for the vulnerable non-poor (middle class), distance from public transport was the only additional factor.

Social grants and being part of the black population group showed little influence. Transitions and the ability to transcend poverty classes were driven mainly by direct socio-economic factors.

These dynamics underscore the precariousness of low-income households. They also highlight the importance of targeted interventions to break cycles of poverty.

Higher education, stable income and access to full-time work, drastically reduce the odds of remaining in severe or moderate poverty or being vulnerable. Medical aid access and municipal assistance programmes that provide free or subsidised basic services, also serve as protective factors. These help households meet essential health and welfare needs.

However, several structural and socio-economic constraints hinder transitions out of poverty. For example, living a greater distance from public transport increases the likelihood of severe poverty and vulnerability.

Food insecurity, measured by skipping meals or dependence on food parcels, remains a persistent marker of entrenched deprivation.

Gender disparities suggest underlying labour market or social vulnerabilities that require targeted policy interventions. For example, male-headed households are more likely than female-headed households to be moderately poor.

What can be done

Escaping multidimensional poverty in Gauteng requires targeted, practical and complementary interventions. Examples include subsidised transport, decentralised clinics, or housing closer to jobs.

This will enable grants to be translated to improved well-being.

We suggest eight areas for improvement:

  • access to education, vocational training and digital skills. This will help to increase employment prospects

  • public works and youth entrepreneurship support. This will boost income generation

  • social protection like indigent benefits, food vouchers and subsidised medical aid

  • food security. This can be done through community gardens and nutrition programmes

  • support for female-headed households and young people

  • affordable, reliable public transport. Services also need to be decentralised

  • data-driven municipal planning to guide infrastructure and service investments

  • consistently tracking progress against defined objectives.

The province implements multiple poverty-reduction initiatives. These include expanded public works, township economy support, food gardens, free basic services, subsidised housing, and public transport projects.

These efforts address income, food security and mobility. But they have limited impact due to persistent barriers. This is because many, particularly young people, don’t have market-relevant skills. In addition, spatial inequality results in long, costly commutes. And housing shortages and rising food prices deepen vulnerability.

Fragmented funding, weak coordination and inadequate data tracking also undermine progress.

– 8 policies that would help fight poverty in South Africa’s economic hub Gauteng
– https://theconversation.com/8-policies-that-would-help-fight-poverty-in-south-africas-economic-hub-gauteng-261388

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Modi’s visit to Ghana signals India’s broader Africa strategy. A researcher explains

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Veda Vaidyanathan, Associate, Harvard University Asia Center, Harvard Kennedy School

Ghana has historically been an anchor of Indian enterprise and diplomacy on the African continent.

New Delhi and Accra formalised ties in 1957. At the time, their partnership was grounded in shared anti-colonial ideals and a common vision for post-independence development. India offered counsel on building Ghana’s institutions, including its external intelligence agency. Meanwhile, Indian teachers, technicians, and traders regularly travelled to the west African country in search of opportunity.

The July 2025 visit of the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, to Ghana – the first by an Indian leader in over three decades – came at a critical moment for the continent. As the global order shifts towards multi-polarity, countries like Ghana are navigating a complex landscape, which includes western donors scaling back commitments. This has opened space to deepen cooperation through pragmatic, interest-driven collaborations with longstanding partners like India. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ghana’s President John Mahama captured the spirit of this global realignment, noting that

as bridges are burning, new bridges are being formed.

Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Modi’s visit offered an opportunity to both revive and recalibrate bilateral ties. The visit carried a strong economic and strategic orientation. Ghana positioned itself as a partner in areas where India holds comparative advantage, such as pharmaceuticals. Over 26% of Africa’s generic medicines are sourced from India. The Food and Drugs Authority’s (Ghana’s regulator of pharmaceutical standards) listing of foreign pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities is dominated by Indian firms.

Defence cooperation was also on the agenda. Ghana is looking to India for training, equipment and broader security engagement in response to rising threats from the Sahel and coastal piracy.

This emphasis on shared security interests is underscored by Ghana’s alignment with India on counter-terrorism. President Mahama for instance has condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attacks that occurred in April, 2025.

Reviving economic ties

Economic ties are at the heart of this renewed engagement between the two countries. Bilateral trade currently stands at around US$3 billion. Both leaders aim to double it to US$6 billion over the next five years. Currently, Ghana enjoys a trade surplus with India. This is mainly due to gold exports, which account for over 70% of its shipments. Cocoa, cashew nuts, and timber are also key exports, while imports from India include pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicles, and various industrial goods.

India has invested more than US$2 billion in Ghana. These investments span private capital, concessional finance and grants across 900 projects. India now ranks among Ghana’s top investors. Indian firms and state-backed institutions play a key role in critical infrastructure development. Landmark projects include the 97km standard gauge Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan ICT Centre, a hub for innovation and research.

In an earlier study, I documented the perspectives of Indian entrepreneurs in Ghana. The findings underscored the country’s appeal as a land of economic opportunity. In interviews, Indian businesses highlighted Ghana’s stable political environment. An expanding consumer base, and relatively transparent regulatory framework were also mentioned. Together, these factors continue to attract investor interest.

This economic momentum likely paved the way to pursue a closer bilateral relationship, marked by the elevation to a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’.

While delegates in the July visit addressed issues such as financial inclusion, healthcare and agriculture, the tangible outcomes were limited. Four memoranda of understanding were signed. They cover cooperation on traditional medicine, regulatory standards and cultural exchange. The creation of a joint commission to structure and advance bilateral collaboration across priority sectors was also signed.

Moving forward, Ghana offers India an entry point into west Africa’s resource landscape. With reserves of gold, bauxite, manganese and lithium, Ghana is well positioned to contribute to India’s needs for critical minerals. President Mahama’s invitation for investment in mineral extraction and processing aligns with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission, New Delhi is looking for supply chains for its energy transition. It creates an opportunity for Indian mining companies to expand into African markets.

Read more: The world is rushing to Africa to mine critical minerals like lithium – how the continent should deal with the demand

Pragmatic diplomacy

With nearly US$100 billion in trade, cumulative investments of nearly US$75 billion, and a 3.5 million strong diaspora, the broader contours of India’s Africa policy is increasingly pragmatic and issue based.

New Delhi’s evolving relations with Accra reflects this. It comes as Ghana is making sweeping economic reforms domestically, particularly in fiscal management and debt restructuring.

This ambitious “economic reboot” hinges on attracting private sector investment. In this context, the Indian diaspora, already deeply embedded in Ghana’s commercial networks, is well positioned to foster stronger economic ties.

In his address to Ghana’s Parliament, The Indian Prime Minister spoke of development cooperation that is demand driven and focused on building local capacity and creating local opportunities. This approach “to not just invest, but empower”, signals India’s growing intent to anchor relationships in mutual agency, rather than dependency.

– Modi’s visit to Ghana signals India’s broader Africa strategy. A researcher explains
– https://theconversation.com/modis-visit-to-ghana-signals-indias-broader-africa-strategy-a-researcher-explains-261187

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Mining Elites in Africa 2026: It’s time to have your say

Source: APO

Do you know of a project, company or individual that making a difference in African mining?

Nominations are now open for Mining Elites in Africa 2026.

Every year Mining Elites in Africa recognises those companies and individuals who go above and beyond to ensure responsible and sustainable mining on the continent. Whether it is through financial contributions to countries and communities, protecting the environment or socio-economic development initiatives, they are creating an indelible legacy on the continent.

Mining Elites in Africa 2026 pays tribute to these often unsung heroes. In addition, this annual publication, published by Mining Review Africa, features projects that are making a substantial contribution to growing the African mining sector.

“Mining Elites is the perfect platform to recognise those who are truly making a meaningful difference in African mining. Through their leadership and innovations, they are ensuring that mining is sustainable and positively impacts the lives of all stakeholders, especially communities,” states Gerard Peter, Editor-in-Chief of Mining Review Africa.

Nomination process:

Nominations are open to all projects and leaders in the African mining minerals value chain in a number of categories. The final selection of projects and people is made by an independent advisory board composed of experienced industry figures with extensive mining knowledge across the African continent.

The 2026 categories are:

  • Leaders
  • Future leaders
  • ESG
  • Innovation and tech
  • Projects

How to nominate:

This is your opportunity to publically acknowledge those companies, projects and individuals whose efforts contribute to sustainable mining that benefits all.

To nominate simply scan the QR code or visit http://apo-opa.co/4mfrQpn

Nominations close on 1 September 2025

Check out the 2025 winners

Scan the QR to read Mining Elites 2025 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

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Merck Foundation Health Media Training provided for African Media to raise awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025, in presence of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej and African & Asian First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. During the Summit, Merck Foundation Health Media Training session was also conducted on Day 2, for African journalists, to emphasize on the important role the media plays to influence our society to create a cultural shift with the aim to Break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education, Stop Gender Based Violence, End Child Marriage, End FGM, and Empower Women at all levels. Moreover, to raise awareness about early detection & prevention of Diabetes & Hypertension.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Chairperson of MFFLI Summit, and President of “More Than a Mother” campaign, emphasized, “I strongly believe that media has the power to shape mindsets and create a culture shift. Journalists can drive real change through their daily reporting by raising awareness about critical social and health issues—such as breaking the stigma of infertility, promoting girls’ education, ending child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and encouraging early detection and prevention of diabetes and hypertension.”

Watch the Merck Foundation Health Media Training session here: https://apo-opa.co/4of6471

The Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Community Awareness Program. Since 2017, Merck Foundation has provided their Health Media Training for more than 3,700 media representatives from 35 countries in Africa.

During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that started in 2012.

On the Day 1, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.

Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: https://apo-opa.co/45pDNDo

During the Day 2 of the conference, two Medical and Scientific Sessions on Oncology and Diabetes & Hypertension also took place.

During the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit, the Call for Applications for 8 annual Merck Foundation Awards in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies were announced for best Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and emerging talents.

“I strongly believe that these awards encourage creative storytelling to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Since 2017, we have been launching these awards together with my esteemed sisters, the African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Campaign. I am looking forward to all the entries from young talents for these important awards,” Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.

Details of the Awards:

  1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: Media representatives and students are invited to showcase work raising awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV.
    Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.
  2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create long or short films (drama, documentary, or docudrama) addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.
  3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs delivering impactful messages on Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV.
    Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.
  4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025: African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.
  5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase work promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.
  6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create films promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.
  7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.
  8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.

Entries for all awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/45zG5yX
X: https://apo-opa.co/3IQzzMq
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4l1U9Xu
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3IRmzGi
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4m31SG3
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/40Hpd7C
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3IQFuRC

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/45zG5yX), X (https://apo-opa.co/3IQzzMq), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3IRmzGi), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4l1U9Xu), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4m31SG3) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/40Hpd7C).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

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Ghana: Finance Minister Inaugurates National Asset Management Working Committee

Source: APO


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The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a National Asset Management Working Committee with a mandate to identify, account for, and ensure the proper management of Ghana’s public assets.

Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, Dr. Forson highlighted the absence of a comprehensive State Assets Register as a major gap in public financial management.

He called for urgent steps to reverse years of neglect, misuse, and unlawful occupation of government properties.

He also expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of several state assets and the wanton sale of public lands, urging the committee to bring such practices to an end.

The committee is chaired by Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, who assured that the era of acquiring new public assets without taking stock of existing ones would be brought to an end under his leadership.

The full membership of the committee includes:

1. Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko – Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance (Chairperson)

2. Ms. Abigail Naa Odoi – Deputy Director, Office of the President

3. Mr. Edwin Nkrumah – Assistant Chief Estate Manager, Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources

4. Dr. Sylvia Adusu – Chief State Attorney, Attorney-General’s Department

5. Mrs. Mavis Asare Donkor – Director of General Administration, Ministry of Education

6. Mr. Frank Raji – Director of General Administration, Ministry of Health

7. Mr. Theophilus Okine – Director of Procurement and Supply Chain, Ministry of Defence

8. Dr. Gideon Asamoah Tetteh – Director of Finance and Administration, Ministry of the Interior

9. Mr. Erya Nutsugah – Director of Policy, Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

10. Mr. Dela Kemevor – Director of General Administration, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs

11. Mr. Walter A. Adabere – Acting Director of Administration and Deputy Director, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, Office of the Administrator-General

12. Dr. Gad Asowoe Akwensivie (Esq.) – Acting Administrator, Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands

13. Mr. Anthony Mallen Ntiador – Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, Lands Commission

14. Mr. James Bondzie – Principal Estate Manager, Public Works Department

15. Mrs. Millicent Atuguba – Acting General Manager, Operations, State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

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Parliament demands better publicity for African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament

Source: APO


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Parliament has raised concerns over the limited publicity as Uganda readies to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) which kicks off on Saturday, 02 August 2025.

Legislators raised the concerns during debate on a statement by the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang on Wednesday, 30 July 2025.

Members of Parliament praised the infrastructural progress but voiced frustration over the delayed and underwhelming promotion of the tournament.

Speaker Anita Among reminded the House that the successful hosting of CHAN would determine Uganda’s readiness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“How we host CHAN will determine how ready we will be to host AFCON,” she said commending the government for its investment in infrastructure.

AUDIO Kayemba 

Hon. Geofrey Kayemba (Bukomansimbi South) questioned the timing and sufficiency of publicity efforts noting that only days remain before Uganda’s first match.
“When was the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) given the Shs1 billion? This would have taken like three months back to do activations… the public needs to own it and to feel it,” he said adding that failure to invest in marketing was akin to hiding, ‘a beautiful thing… deep down our beds’.

Minister Ogwang clarified that although publicity is primarily a CAF responsibility, the government allocated Shs1 billion to FUFA to supplement these efforts given the short preparation window.
“This is a football event… we found it prudent that we use FUFA to help us as a government… to carry out this civic duty and popularise the event across the country,” he said adding that the campaign had begun in various towns with radio activations and advertisements.

AUDIO Ogwang

Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) warned that poor publicity could lead to empty stadiums.
“If we don’t publicise these games, the stadium will be empty. And that will not be very good for the country,” he said.

Hon. Susan Amero (Amuria District Woman Representative) used the occasion to call for balanced funding across all sports.
“We are treating football like it is the only game. I pray that in the subsequent budgeting, we should consider giving enough money to other sports,” she said.

AUDIO Amero

The Minister’s statement highlighted that Uganda will host 12 matches at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and that renovations at key training facilities including Kyambogo University, FUFA Kadiba, Mutesa II Stadium and Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) have met CAF standards.

Speaker Among also sought clarity on unaccounted funds previously allocated for sports infrastructure.
“There is the money… meant for Mbarara-Kakyeka Stadium. We want an explanation on what happened to that money. I also know that we gave money to Masaka. We also want an explanation on what happened,” she said.

Uganda is hosting Group C matches featuring Algeria, Guinea, Niger, South Africa and Uganda, as part of a joint East African PAMOJA bid with Kenya and Tanzania.

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

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South Africa: National Council of Provinces Passes Two Bills

Source: APO


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The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill and the Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill during its plenary sitting held today.

The Appropriation Bill is a key part of the national budget. It outlines how government funds will be allocated among various departments. Section 27(1) of the Public Finance Management Act requires the Minister of Finance to table the annual budget for a financial year in the National Assembly before the start of that financial year or, in exceptional circumstances, on a date as soon as possible thereafter.

The Minister of Finance tabled the National Budget for the 2025/26 financial year, including the Appropriation Bill and the Eskom Debt Relief Bill, in May this year. Following the passing of the Bill in the National Assembly last week, the Appropriation Bill was subsequently referred to the Select Committee on Appropriations for consideration and reporting back to the NCOP plenary sitting for adoption.

This Bill is the law that authorises government to use public funds for various departments and entities, enabling them to deliver services and develop infrastructure and social programmes such as healthcare, education and social grants, while also supporting economic growth. The Bill also focuses on job creation and addressing unemployment.

On the other hand, the main objective of the Eskom Debt Relief Bill is to amend the Eskom Debt Relief Act of 2023 by reducing the financial requirements for Eskom for the 2025/26 financial year. It proposes that the entire amount for that year be treated as a loan, which can be converted into equity upon the fulfilment of certain conditions.

The Bill also introduces interest into the Eskom debt relief package at a market-related rate. The aim is to balance the interest charge and Eskom’s cash flow, while reflecting a fair market-related rate. This is part of ongoing interventions to stabilise the power utility, which has faced years of operational challenges and financial crisis, and to modify its debt relief plan. Now that the Bill has been passed, there is hope that Eskom will have a more enabling balance sheet to spend more money on improving its capacity to supply electricity.

These two Bills passed by the NCOP will now be sent to the President for assent, as required by the Constitution.

Once Parliament passes the Appropriation Bill and signed into law by the President, government departments are allocated funds and commence implementing their approved spending plans. Parliament then exercises ongoing oversight through its portfolio and select committees to ensure accountability in the use of public funds. The Auditor-General conducts independent audits of departmental spending and reports the findings to Parliament. Where instances of financial mismanagement or underspending are identified, Parliament may recommend corrective action to ensure responsible and effective use of public resources.

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

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Marie Mediatrice Izabiliza: A Lifelong Journey Since Beijing 1995

Source: APO


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In September 1995, during Rwanda’s fragile recovery following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a young woman named Marie Mediatrice Izabiliza boarded a plane to represent her country at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. She wasn’t just carrying luggage; she was carrying hope.

Rebuilding from Ruins: The Power of One Woman’s Resolve

Back home, Marie got to work. She helped establish the National Women’s Council and the National Youth Council, and served as Vice Chairperson of both in their first terms. As mayor of the former Gisozi District, she introduced gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring women’s and youth’s priorities were reflected in local government plans.

In 2005, during the Beijing+10 commemoration, Marie mobilized over 800 community members for a three-day dialogue on gender equality, earning her a UNIFEM Certificate of Excellence.

Her leadership continued to grow from district executive to Member of Parliament (2013–2024), where she held influential roles, including Vice Chairperson of the Rwanda Women Parliamentarians Forum (FFRP) and member of the Public Accounts Committee, tirelessly championing gender-responsive budgeting and accountability across institutions.

Taking Rwanda’s Voice to Africa and Beyond

Marie didn’t stop at the national level. From 2015 to 2024, she served at the Pan-African Parliament, using her position as Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities to amplify the voices of African women in policymaking spaces. 

Beyond her public duties, Marie established REBEJO (Renforcement du Bien Être de la Jeunesse Ouvrière) to support girls and young women who have survived gender-based violence and unintended pregnancies. In 2025, she launched the Forum des Femmes Catholiques au Rwanda, a pioneering space for faith-based gender education targeting women who didn’t have the opportunity to complete formal schooling. 

She now plans to extend the platform to include men, encouraging more inclusive conversations on gender roles and shared responsibility in families.

The Legacy of Beijing: Still Her Guiding Light

Three decades later, Marie still draws strength from the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). The 12 critical areas of concern from Beijing from education and poverty to violence and political participation continue to frame her advocacy. Rwanda’s progress is undeniable: gender equality is enshrined in the Constitution, more than 63.8 per cent of representatives in Parliament are female, and progressive laws have been redefined such as land rights, inheritance, education and protection from violence. Institutions such as MIGEPROF, the Gender Monitoring Office, and FFRP have anchored this progress.

Yet, Marie remains grounded in reality. “The journey is still long,” she says. She calls for more deliberate engagement with men and boys, gender equality education starting in early childhood, and increased support to grassroots civil society and private sector actors to localize global frameworks like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and BPfA. She advocates for revitalizing national monitoring mechanisms that ensure Rwanda’s reporting and implementation are inclusive, evidence-based, and community-informed.

A Beacon of Hope at CSW69 and Beyond

At the CSW69 National Reflection Event, hosted by MIGEPROF in partnership with UN Women Rwanda, Marie shared her story alongside fellow Beijing alumni. The event served as a space to connect global outcomes, like the CSW69 Political Declaration, with national development strategies.

Hon. Consolee Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, acknowledged the pivotal contributions of women like Marie and reminded stakeholders that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains one of the most ambitious global frameworks for women’s rights. She issued a compelling call to action: to align CSW69 outcomes with national strategies through accelerated action, meaningful inclusion, and responsive solutions to emerging challenges such as digital transformation, climate change, and humanitarian crises. She honoured the contributions of Beijing alumni like Marie and Crescence Mukantabana, and recognized Rwanda’s youth as key drivers of continued progress.

Closing the event, Ms. Jennet Kem, UN Women Rwanda Country Representative, reminded the audience that global frameworks must be localized to truly impact the lives of women and girls. She commended Rwanda’s leadership and its new role as Co-Chair of CSW70, a role that reflects the country’s leadership and responsibility to inspire others in a time of global uncertainty.

“The Journey Is Still Long, But We Continue.”

Marie Mediatrice Izabiliza’s life is a testament to what happens when hope meets purpose. Sparked by the global solidarity of 1995, she has spent the past 30 years ensuring Rwanda doesn’t just rebuild but rises with women at the centre. As the world marks 30 years since Beijing, Marie’s story reminds us that transformation is not an event, it is a commitment.

epresenting civil society under the banner of “Team Karisimbi,” Marie was part of a unified Rwandan delegation of 40 drawn from government, civil society, and the private sector. At the time, Rwanda did not make an official presentation, as it had no achievements to showcase. “All we carried,” Marie recalls, “was a hope and a will to rebuild our country.” The stories she heard in Beijing from women fighting for rights in their corners of the world, transformed her worldview, “It was like a fire lit inside me. I came back knowing I had a role to play in Rwanda’s rebirth.”

The Beijing Conference ignited in Marie a lifelong commitment to gender equality and resilience. That spark became the compass that would guide her life’s work for decades to come.

Rebuilding from Ruins: The Power of One Woman’s Resolve

Back home, Marie got to work. She helped establish the National Women’s Council and the National Youth Council, and served as Vice Chairperson of both in their first terms. As mayor of the former Gisozi District, she introduced gender-responsive budgeting, ensuring women’s and youth’s priorities were reflected in local government plans.

In 2005, during the Beijing+10 commemoration, Marie mobilized over 800 community members for a three-day dialogue on gender equality, earning her a UNIFEM Certificate of Excellence.

Her leadership continued to grow from district executive to Member of Parliament (2013–2024), where she held influential roles, including Vice Chairperson of the Rwanda Women Parliamentarians Forum (FFRP) and member of the Public Accounts Committee, tirelessly championing gender-responsive budgeting and accountability across institutions.

Taking Rwanda’s Voice to Africa and Beyond

Marie didn’t stop at the national level. From 2015 to 2024, she served at the Pan-African Parliament, using her position as Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities to amplify the voices of African women in policymaking spaces. 

Beyond her public duties, Marie established REBEJO (Renforcement du Bien Être de la Jeunesse Ouvrière) to support girls and young women who have survived gender-based violence and unintended pregnancies. In 2025, she launched the Forum des Femmes Catholiques au Rwanda, a pioneering space for faith-based gender education targeting women who didn’t have the opportunity to complete formal schooling. 

She now plans to extend the platform to include men, encouraging more inclusive conversations on gender roles and shared responsibility in families.

The Legacy of Beijing: Still Her Guiding Light

Three decades later, Marie still draws strength from the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). The 12 critical areas of concern from Beijing from education and poverty to violence and political participation continue to frame her advocacy. Rwanda’s progress is undeniable: gender equality is enshrined in the Constitution, more than 63.8 per cent of representatives in Parliament are female, and progressive laws have been redefined such as land rights, inheritance, education and protection from violence. Institutions such as MIGEPROF, the Gender Monitoring Office, and FFRP have anchored this progress.

Yet, Marie remains grounded in reality. “The journey is still long,” she says. She calls for more deliberate engagement with men and boys, gender equality education starting in early childhood, and increased support to grassroots civil society and private sector actors to localize global frameworks like the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and BPfA. She advocates for revitalizing national monitoring mechanisms that ensure Rwanda’s reporting and implementation are inclusive, evidence-based, and community-informed.

A Beacon of Hope at CSW69 and Beyond

At the CSW69 National Reflection Event, hosted by MIGEPROF in partnership with UN Women Rwanda, Marie shared her story alongside fellow Beijing alumni. The event served as a space to connect global outcomes, like the CSW69 Political Declaration, with national development strategies.

Hon. Consolee Uwimana, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, acknowledged the pivotal contributions of women like Marie and reminded stakeholders that the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains one of the most ambitious global frameworks for women’s rights. She issued a compelling call to action: to align CSW69 outcomes with national strategies through accelerated action, meaningful inclusion, and responsive solutions to emerging challenges such as digital transformation, climate change, and humanitarian crises. She honoured the contributions of Beijing alumni like Marie and Crescence Mukantabana, and recognized Rwanda’s youth as key drivers of continued progress.

Closing the event, Ms. Jennet Kem, UN Women Rwanda Country Representative, reminded the audience that global frameworks must be localized to truly impact the lives of women and girls. She commended Rwanda’s leadership and its new role as Co-Chair of CSW70, a role that reflects the country’s leadership and responsibility to inspire others in a time of global uncertainty.

“The Journey Is Still Long, But We Continue.”

Marie Mediatrice Izabiliza’s life is a testament to what happens when hope meets purpose. Sparked by the global solidarity of 1995, she has spent the past 30 years ensuring Rwanda doesn’t just rebuild but rises with women at the centre. As the world marks 30 years since Beijing, Marie’s story reminds us that transformation is not an event, it is a commitment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

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Dialogue to mark start of Women’s Month 

Source: Government of South Africa

Dialogue to mark start of Women’s Month 

To mark the official launch of 2025 Women’s Month, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), Sindisiwe Chikunga, will hosts a Women Trade Intervention Dialogue.

This as Women’s Month will be launched at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng on Friday, 01 August 2025.

The department will launch the month in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gauteng Provincial Government, Standard Bank South Africa and ABSA Bank.

Observed annually in August, Women’s Month pays tribute to the pivotal role played by women in the struggle against all forms of discrimination, subordination, and exploitation.

It is also a time to reflect on the progress made in the past three decades of democracy and to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of South African women.
This year’s Women’s Month will be observed under the theme: “Building Resilient Economies for All”.

The DWYPD highlighted that as part of the launch, the Women Trade Intervention will focus on three priorities. 
These include support of the survival of informal economy across identified key economic sectors; identification of key sectoral interventions, including agriculture, manufacturing, and the Green Energy Sector; as well as calling for collaboration and leveraging off sector agreements to increase investments in local economies.

“Minister Chikunga will also lead a round table session which will focus on De-Risking Financial Inclusion of and for Women, aimed at equipping women with business skills, market knowledge and access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunities,” the department said.

According to the African Union, the AfCFTA aims to accelerate intra-African trade while boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market. – SAnews.gov.za

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