Category: English

Source: APO

Ethiopia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in agricultural mechanization technologies, with a particular focus on advancing teff production through modern machinery and innovative technologies.

Speaking during discussions between the two sides, Abera Lema, Adviser to the state minister at the ministry of agriculture underscored Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its agricultural sector to boost production and productivity while ensuring national food sovereignty.

He noted that, over the past five years, Ethiopia has undertaken significant agricultural reforms, including the revision of its agricultural and rural development policy and the implementation of a range of strategic initiatives. These efforts have delivered notable achievements, such as the expansion of irrigated wheat production, the strengthening of the Green Legacy Initiative, and the scaling up of the “Yelemat Trufat” (Bounty of the Basket) Initiative, all of which have contributed to improved agricultural performance.

Abera said Ethiopia will continue accelerating agricultural transformation through technology adoption, irrigation expansion, improved inputs, and modern production systems to enhance productivity and strengthen food sovereignty. He also commended the Chinese government for its commitment to reviving the teff mechanization initiative launched nearly a decade ago in partnership with Ethiopian institutions.

For his part, Ma Jingchun (PhD), Chairman of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization Science, Technology and Industrial Development, highlighted the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and China and noted the continued collaboration between the two countries across various agricultural development programs.

Ma Jingchun (PhD) stated that China is keen to assess the status and performance of teff mechanization equipment previously developed and tested by Chinese agricultural research institutions. He added that both sides are exploring avenues for deeper collaboration to further advance the mechanization of teff production in Ethiopia.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two parties agreed to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the machinery previously deployed under the teff mechanization program. Based on the study’s findings, they will identify potential financing mechanisms and formulate strategies to resume and expand joint implementation efforts.

The renewed partnership is expected to support the development and adoption of appropriate agricultural mechanization technologies, improve the efficiency of teff production, reduce labor requirements, and enhance Ethiopia’s agricultural productivity through technology transfer and strengthened international cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia.

Source: APO

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The Ministry of Health (MOH), through its National Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Program, has completed a series of capacity-building trainings aimed at strengthening preparations for the ongoing 2026 Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign across Liberia.

With support from the Reaching the Last Mile Fund through Sightsavers International, the Ministry conducted a three-day Training of Trainers (TOT) for NTD Focal Persons and National Supervisors in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, from October 5 to 7, 2026.

The training was designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills in the prevention, identification, treatment, and management of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Sessions focused on Mass Drug Administration orientation, NTD prevention and management, medicine quantification and calculation, completion of MDA reporting forms, monitoring and supervision, community engagement, and the effective delivery of MDA interventions.

Participants, including national and county-level supervisors, were also oriented on their roles and responsibilities in overseeing field activities, ensuring compliance with established guidelines, promoting accurate reporting, and improving the quality and effectiveness of community-based service delivery.

In a related effort to strengthen accountability and ensure efficient management of campaign resources, the Ministry conducted a Financial Management Training for County Accountants, County Procurement Officers, and County NTD Focal Persons from October 9 to 10, 2026, at K-Plazza Hotel in Buchanan.

The training focused on financial reporting and procurement procedures under the Reaching the Last Mile Fund, which supports Liberia’s efforts to control and eliminate onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis.

 Participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage campaign funds, maintain financial compliance, and ensure transparent implementation of MDA activities across all 15 counties.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

The Minister of State for Primary Health Care, Hon. Charles Ayume has defended government’s proposal to borrow Shs139 billion from the French Government to construct and equip the Uganda Cancer Institute Mbarara Regional Oncology Centre.

Appearing before the Committee on Health on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, Ayume said the proposed facility is one of the four regional centres planned to reduce congestion at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in Kampala.

“The out-of-pocket expenditure of someone travelling from Kisoro or Kaabong District, who also has to come with a caretaker, is costly. That is why we are trying to decentralise these services,” Ayume said.

The loan request was tabled before Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi on 29 September 2026.

Ayume said that the Mbarara centre will initially provide essential services like cancer screening, chemotherapy and surgery. These services he said, will improve early detection and prevent avoidable deaths.

“In my district, Koboko, when one comes to Mulago for cancer treatment, they return in a body bag because there are no screening services and no early diagnosis. This is what we want to address through the regional cancer centres,” he said.

Ayume added that although the centre will primarily serve Ugandans, it will also support medical tourism by attracting patients from the East African Community and other African countries. He noted that foreigners currently constitute about 20 per cent of patients treated at UCI.

“The priority of this centre is Ugandans but in the spirit of Pan-Africanism, we will use it for medical tourism, targeting the East African Community and other African countries,” said Ayume.

The minister said that they soon introduce proton therapy, an advanced form of radiation treatment that precisely targets tumors while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. He said the service will position UCI as a leading cancer centre in Africa.

The Uganda Cancer Institute Executive Director, Dr Jackson Orem however, clarified that the Mbarara centre will not initially offer radiotherapy because of limited funding adding that patients requiring the service will in the meantime be referred to UCI in Kampala.

“Instead of spreading ourselves thin, we decided to first provide basic services and later introduce the more sophisticated modes of treatment,” Orem said.

Mbarara University of Science and Technology Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ngonzi said the university has allocated 8.5 acres of land for the project and is finalising a memorandum of understanding with UCI.

“The University Council approved the request and a letter of offer was given to UCI. We are in the process of finalising the memorandum of understanding regarding this engagement,” said Ngonzi.

Ngonzi added that the centre will support MUST’s move towards super specialised medical training and confirmed that the university has trained personnel, including biomedical engineers to operate the centre.

The Committee Chairperson, Hon. Julius Rude sought assurance that government’s Shs16 billion counterpart contribution had been provided for in the budget. 

“If the counterpart funding is not provided for in the budget, it will delay the project or it will get stuck along the way,” Rude said.

Hon. Peter Kiti (NRM, T’oo County) called for establishment of a special cancer-treatment fund to finance expensive medicines. 

“Cancer medicines are expensive and beyond the reach of an ordinary person. We need a special fund to support their procurement and make treatment more affordable,” Kiti said.

He also called for scientific studies into herbal remedies reportedly used to treat cancer.

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

Source: APO

Equatorial Guinea has fewer than seven exploration blocks still available, down from more than 20 a year ago, Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Mines, Hydrocarbons and Energy, said during the Global Energy Leaders Forum at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town. Speaking on a panel moderated by Acha Leke, Chairman of McKinsey & Company Africa, the minister said the acreage has gone to U.S. and European companies, along with a smaller number of Asian firms.

“When I was here last year, we had more than 20 blocks available. Today, we have only a handful of them, I believe less than seven,” Oburu Ondo announced. The uptake follows the ministry’s decision in May to award acreage through direct negotiation, rather than licensing rounds.

The minister used the session to court Japanese and U.S. investment in the country’s Gas Mega Hub. The hub brings gas from multiple fields, including the cross-border Yoyo-Yolanda resource shared with Cameroon, to the EG LNG plant at Punta Europa. “I can see the opportunity here of increasing the processing capacity, not only of EG LNG, but also building different plants,” he said.

He also identified mainland LPG infrastructure as an immediate opening, noting the country currently relies on a converted vessel for storage. “One investment that is very clear that can be done is to build LPG storage in the mainland,” he said. He added that the EG-27 discovery remains open to investors, with talks continuing with ConocoPhillips on a non-exclusive basis.

Japanese trading house Marubeni already holds a 6.067% stake in EG LNG through its UK-registered subsidiary.

Yasuhiro Hashimoto, Special Advisor to Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Chief Representative for Africa at METI, said Africa is becoming an increasingly important supply option for Japan. He described Japan’s response to the disruption in three parts: diversifying suppliers, expanding markets and strengthening emergency preparedness. He also pointed to a stable business environment as the key condition for deeper cooperation.

Oburu Ondo also discussed how Equatorial Guinea has deepened its energy investment relationship with Washington over the past year. Joshua Volz, Special Envoy for Global Energy Integration at the U.S. Department of Energy, said U.S. development finance institutions, including the Office of Strategic Capital, are pursuing closer partnerships with African downstream projects, particularly in refining. “When the United States takes an equity position in a project, that’s a long-term commitment,” Volz said.

Volz cited local capital as a strong signal to foreign investors. The minister responded that regulatory certainty and legal stability can carry similar weight in capital-intensive projects. “This is the time to capture the momentum,” Oburu Ondo said, “so that we make sure that we are trusted, not only to attract businesses, but to keep the businesses in Africa.”

The ministry has said it will continue awarding acreage through direct negotiation until further notice, leaving the remaining blocks open to bilateral offers from investors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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Cameroon’s Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) launched the country’s 2026 Bid Round during the African Farmout Forum at African Energy Week in Cape Town, offering six blocks for exploration across three sedimentary basins. The bid round comes as the country seeks new investment across frontier acreage and offers a strategic entry point for both established and emerging operators seeking new opportunities across a proven Central African hydrocarbon market.

The acreage covers Blocks Ndian River and Bakassi in the Rio del Rey Basin; Kombe-Nsepe and Bomono in the Douala/Kribi-Campo Basin; and Zina and Makary in the Logone Birni Basin. All the blocks feature 2D seismic data coverage and lie in close proximity to strategically proven acreage in other markets. Delivering a presentation at the African Farmout Forum, Pierre Eric Nkoa Nkoa, Deputy Exploration Manager, SNH, said the company is accepting bid submissions until May 28, 2027, with results expected in June 2027.

Organized Moyes & Co, Farmout Angel & Envoi Ltd, the African Farmout Forum brought together a program of 23 farmout presentations.

North and East Africa: Frontier Acreage Meets Gas Development

Offshore Somalia, SOMA Oil & Gas is seeking co-funding for 3D seismic across PSAs 129, 130 and 192, supported by 23,000 line kilometers of licensed seismic. Liberty Petroleum presented Block 131’s Leopard opportunity, outlining a $20 million seismic acquisition program.

Joint Oil showcased its Tunisia-Libya offshore bid round, which closes on December 31, 2026. Opportunities comprise the undeveloped Zarat gas-condensate discovery and exploration across the 3,055-square-kilometer Joint Oil Block.

Offshore Seychelles, Petroquest Africa is seeking a partner for a $15 million program to reprocess Junon 3D seismic and acquire new coverage over Beau Vallon, highlighting the drill-ready Junon South prospect.

West Africa: Seismic and Drilling Opportunities Seek Capital

In Sierra Leone, FA Oil is seeking drilling partners for License 001/23, supported by 3,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic. Nigeria’s Resourceful Group presented the Oza field in OML 11, highlighting stacked reservoirs and export access through the Trans Niger Pipeline to Bonny.

In Ghana, GeoPartners outlined a basin-scale farmout covering approximately 11,700 square kilometers, with an 11,000-square-kilometer 3D survey scheduled for early 2027. AMNI International is offering participation in its 90% interest in Offshore Central Tano, with a contracted rig and Kusia-1x drilling scheduled for the second or third quarter of 2027.

Sonidep presented 15 blocks available for investment in Niger, with key datasets for each. In Ivory Coast, Harvex and Petroci is seeking pre-funding for 3D seismic on deepwater Block CI 604.

Southern Africa: Orange Basin Upside Meets Domestic Gas Demand

Namibia’s Oregen Energy outlined a farmout process for Orange Basin Block 2712A, welcoming operators, seismic companies and financial investors. South Africa’s Nomad Energy is seeking a partner for 10-12 Northern Karoo gas wells, highlighting existing discoveries and nearby power and pipeline infrastructure.

Complementing upstream opportunities, ccCash presented payments supporting households’ transition to clean cooking, with measurable impact reporting for participating companies.

Central Africa: New Blocks and Discoveries Open Investment Routes

Chad’s CGIP is seeking partners for drilling, workovers and discovery tie-ins across Block H and DOC/DOD, highlighting a $400 million cost recovery pool and potential early production within 18 months.

In the DRC, CoMiCo is seeking seismic or drilling partners for Cuvette Centrale Blocks 1, 2 and 3. A separate Albertine Graben opportunity covers Blocks 1 and 2, seeking a phased farm-in for 3D seismic and exploration drilling on the DRC side of Lake Albert.

Gabon’s DGH presented 26 available blocks spanning onshore to ultra-deepwater acreage. Angola’s ANPG highlighted Kwanza opportunities, including Block 36 and 37 in the current bid round. In the Republic of Congo, SNPC and Xcalibur presented Falcon AGG to support exploration in the Cuvette Centrale.

International Opportunities: Global Prospects Seek Partners in Cape Town

Grenada presented six blocks under its upcoming 2027 licensing round, with a virtual data room and proposal process scheduled for 2027 and awards targeted by year-end. The UAE’s Sharjah National Oil Company showcased Area A’s approximately 1 tcf of discovered gas and Area C exploration prospects, while expressing interest in African investments.

Liberty Petroleum presented five Australian Officer Basin licenses covering oil, gas, helium and natural hydrogen potential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

The Minister for Water and Environment, Maj Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has questioned the value of the US$25 million Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) saying the project added little to the police’s existing surveillance infrastructure.

Appearing before the Committee on Physical Infrastructure chaired by Mwine Mpaka on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, Otafiire who was the former Minister for Internal Affairs said the police was not involved in the procurement process.

Otafiire said he resisted the project because the technology that was introduced from Russia was not compatible with the Chinese technology used in the cameras already installed.

He added that he eventually faced pressure to allow the project to proceed despite his reservations.

Otafiire also questioned the origins and reliability of the equipment, saying information obtained during the due diligence indicated that it was being assembled from components manufactured by different companies.

He said his experience with the system before leaving the Ministry of Internal Affairs was that it functioned more like a fleet-management service than the advanced transport-monitoring system Uganda had been promised.

To illustrate the limitation, Otafiire recounted an experiment in which number plates were removed from a vehicle and taken to his office on Jinja Road while the vehicle remained in Kololo.

The system, he said, continued to indicate that the vehicle was in Kololo, demonstrating that tracking the device did not necessarily mean tracking the vehicle itself.

“So what they are selling to us is a tracking system. That is all,” he said.

Otafiire challenged the committee to establish whether the US$25 million paid for the system was justified.

“If Wavamuno, who is a Ugandan was making number plates and employing our people, why did we abandon Wavamuno and others who are making number plates here to go and import number plates when they could be made here and employ our people?” he asked.

However, former Works Minister, Gen (Rtd). Katumba Wamala offered a different perspective saying he had personally benefited from the police’s vehicle-tracking and surveillance capabilities.

Katumba Wamala said Police was able to trace people who almost killed him in a gun attack in Kampala in 2021 and later see them in court.

“So for me, I am a beneficiary of the system which the police is operating,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that his assessment could be limited because he had benefited from the system whose effectiveness he was discussing.

He explained that he could not confirm whether the improvements introduced by Global Security were connected to the system that had helped police trace the people involved in the attack.

Otafiire responded by drawing a distinction between the police’s existing camera network and the ITMS project, insisting that the two should not be treated as the same system.

“There are two systems. There is the camera system. Its problems notwithstanding, it works,” he said.

Otafiire added that two computers had been installed at the police central monitoring system in Naguru, but that even the IT experts he consulted did not understand what the equipment was doing.

Bukoto County Central MP, Hon. Richard Sebamala said the pricing model required closer examination, particularly the different charges applied to existing and new vehicles despite what he described as the same package of services.

Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. William Tiyo warned that the country risked wasting public resources by embracing foreign technology without adequately assessing its suitability and cost.

He described the original contract with Joint Stock as “a total fiasco, a total failure”, arguing that a proposed additional investment of US$158 million was intended to address weaknesses in the initial project.

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

Source: APO

Educational visits by military colleges exemplify military diplomacy through professional exchanges. Such engagements strengthen institutional ties and enhance regional security cooperation. This was reinforced on 12 October 2026 when the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC) hosted a delegation from the Nigerian Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

The delegation, led by Brig Gen Murtala Mohammed Abu, Director of the Department of Joint Studies, paid a courtesy call on the Commandant of JCSC, Major General Eric Kinuthia, before joining the rest of the delegation for a briefing on the College’s mandate, organization, training programmes and key activities.

The engagement reaffirmed the importance of institutional partnerships in strengthening professional military education, promoting the exchange of ideas and enhancing cooperation between the two military training institutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

Developing competent, disciplined and forward-looking military leaders is central to strengthening operational effectiveness, institutional excellence and national defence capabilities. The Kenya Air Force (KAF) continues to invest in professional military education to prepare newly commissioned officers for the evolving demands of military service.

Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Bernard Waliaula, recently officially opened the Induction/Junior Officers Course for newly commissioned Specialist Officers and Special Duty Officers (SDOs), marking an important milestone in their transition into the KAF Officers Corps.

Congratulating the officers on successfully completing their basic military training at the Kenya Military Academy, Maj Gen Waliaula emphasised that the course would deepen their understanding of the Service’s mandate, organisational structure, operational environment and contribution to national security.

He underscored that commissioning carries significant leadership responsibilities, demanding unwavering integrity, discipline, accountability and professional competence.
“An officer must be a problem solver, a critical thinker and a role model. Lead by example, take responsibility for your decisions and let your conduct reflect the highest standards of the Kenya Air Force,” he emphasised.

The Commander challenged the officers to embrace critical thinking, innovation, continuous learning and exemplary leadership while remaining grounded in military values, traditions and professional ethics.

Commandant Kenya Air Force Training Wing, Colonel Charles Munyao, commended the officers for completing their initial military training and urged them to approach the course with dedication, intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to professional excellence.

Declaring the course officially open, Maj Gen Waliaula expressed confidence that the training would equip the officers with the knowledge, leadership attributes and professional foundation necessary to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

The course reinforces the Kenya Air Force’s commitment to developing adaptable, competent and mission-ready officers capable of strengthening operational readiness, advancing institutional transformation and safeguarding Kenya’s national security interests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

The University of Seychelles Alumni Association has outlined its plans to strengthen student support, mentorship and career development during a courtesy call on the President of the Republic and Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, at State House this morning.

The call provided an opportunity for the Association to share its objectives, discuss the challenges it is facing and explore ways to strengthen the University’s visibility at both national and international levels.

In his introductory remarks, the Chairperson of the Association, Mr Dominique Sabino, thanked President Herminie for his support and introduced the members of the team. He explained that the Association’s main aim is to promote the University of Seychelles and encourage more students to pursue their studies at the institution.

The Association brings together young professionals who have completed their studies at the University at master’s, degree and diploma levels. It currently has approximately 158 registered members. With the University having approximately 3,000 alumni, the Association is working to attract more graduates from diverse professional fields to participate in its activities and contribute their knowledge and experience. Discussions also focused on the potential for Seychelles to serve as a living laboratory for students pursuing environmental studies. As an island nation committed to environmental protection, Seychelles offers opportunities for practical, outdoor learning and research. The possibility of improving accommodation arrangements for international students was also discussed as part of efforts to attract more students to the University.

Looking ahead, Mr Sabino outlined the Association’s priority areas for its 2027 calendar of activities. These include student support, mentorship and career opportunities, sustainability initiatives, and wellness. He explained that wellness would be approached holistically, extending beyond physical health to encompass other aspects of personal well-being.

The Association is currently finalising its programme of activities, which will be published on its website https://uniseyalumni.org once completed. It also hopes to expand its membership by encouraging more alumni, particularly those working in diverse professional fields, to join and contribute to its initiatives.

Mr Sabino also shared details of the Association’s first-anniversary celebrations, marked by the successful organisation of the UniSey Alumni Gala on 3 October at La Brio Lounge. The event brought together approximately 70 guests, including alumni and partners, to celebrate the Association’s journey and strengthen connections among graduates.

For his part, President Herminie welcomed the initiative taken by young professionals to organise themselves and develop activities that can benefit both current students and graduates. He expressed his willingness to support the Association, both in his capacity as President of the Republic and as Chancellor of the University of Seychelles.

Also present during the courtesy call were the Association’s Vice-Chairperson, Ms Corinne Adolphe; Treasurer, Mr Ramgie Pillay; and Secretary, Ms Shannon Francis. Other members who were unable to attend were Ordinary Member Ms Samba Brioche and Liaison Officer Mr Hendricks Vidot.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The Office of Sudan Affairs hosted a commercial diplomacy panel at U.S. Embassy Cairo bringing together 35 Sudanese entrepreneurs, YALI alumni, and emerging business leaders for an important conversation on the future of economic partnership.

OSA moderated two panels featuring the senior Foreign Commercial Service Officer at U.S. Embassy Cairo, established Sudanese business leaders with experience working with U.S. companies, and leaders of Sudanese international business networks.

In his opening remarks, the Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Howard highlighted the tremendous importance of Sudanese entrepreneurs and the critical role they can play in shaping Sudan’s economic future. The discussion offered a rare opportunity to connect Sudan’s emerging economic leaders with U.S. expertise and explore the value of commercial partnerships, investment, and collaboration. Investing in Sudanese talent and entrepreneurship means investing in mutual prosperity

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Sudan.