Category: English

Source: APO

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Health professions regulatory bodies, education leaders and technical experts from across the African Region have reached a landmark consensus on the Africa Health Professions Education Quality Standards (AHPEQS), establishing a shared continental framework to strengthen the quality, relevance and responsiveness of health professional training.

The agreement comes at a critical time for the Region, which faces a projected shortage of 6.1 million health professionals by 2030, driven by high attrition, outmigration and persistent mismatches between training outputs and evolving population health needs. In many countries, this challenge is compounded by a structural labour market paradox, where workforce shortages coexist with unemployment, particularly affecting primary health care and specialized services, and placing additional strain on fragile and vulnerable settings. 

Adopted during a three-day meeting in Potchefstroom, South Africa, the standards mark a decisive shift from expanding training capacity alone toward ensuring consistent quality, accountability and competence across health professions education systems. While the African Region has made significant progress in increasing training output, with more than 4,000 institutions producing over 225,000 graduates annually, concerns remain about the readiness of some graduates to meet increasingly complex health system demands. 

Evidence continues to highlight gaps in competencies, including challenges in diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making, underscoring the need for stronger, more harmonized education and accreditation systems. Variations in education quality, regulatory capacity and institutional performance have further contributed to inconsistencies in the delivery of safe, effective and people-centred care.

The newly adopted AHPEQS respond directly to these challenges by providing a comprehensive framework structured across nine domains and 35 standards, covering regulatory systems, institutional governance, curriculum and educational processes, student selection and support, academic and support staff, infrastructure and technology, institutional quality assurance, partnerships, and health workforce competence. Together, these standards establish a common reference for countries to strengthen accreditation, improve institutional performance and ensure that health professionals are equipped with the competencies required to respond to evolving health needs.

The consensus, formalized through the Potchefstroom Consensus, reflects a growing recognition among countries and partners that improving health outcomes depends not only on increasing the number of health workers, but also on ensuring the quality and relevance of their education. It also aligns with continental priorities, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes the development of a competent workforce and the free movement of health professionals across the continent. 

“We are collectively shaping a continental architecture for health professions education that reflects African realities, responds to African health priorities and is built on African leadership and consensus” said Dr Adelheid Onyango, Director of Health Systems Strengthening at the WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Participants also issued a strong call to action to accelerate implementation of the standards. The World Health Organization was urged to work with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and partners to finalize technical guidance, benchmarking tools and supporting materials, and to support countries in adopting and operationalizing the standards. Member States were encouraged to integrate the standards into national regulatory, accreditation and curriculum review processes, while regulatory bodies and training institutions were called upon to advance competency-based education, strengthen collaboration and leverage innovation to improve learning outcomes. 

The AHPEQS form part of the broader Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035, which aims to educate, employ and retain an additional three million health workers across the continent. Building on the development of regional prototype competency-based curricula launched in 2025, the standards represent a critical next step in aligning education systems with health system needs and ensuring that investments in workforce development translate into improved service delivery and better health outcomes.

“These standards will support countries to strengthen accreditation systems, enhance accountability and improve comparability of qualifications, while also advancing mutual recognition and mobility of health professionals across borders” said Dr James Avoka Asamani, Health Workforce Team Lead at WHO Regional Office for Africa.

With the adoption of the AHPEQS, countries across the African Region have taken a significant step toward ensuring that health professionals are not only trained in greater numbers, but are equipped with the skills, competencies and professionalism required to deliver quality care and advance progress toward universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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• IMF staff and the Seychellois authorities reached a staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the two final reviews under the 36-month Extended Fund Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility.
• Seychelles has made strong progress toward key economic objectives, including a reduction of public debt, rebuilding foreign exchange reserves, strengthening the monetary policy framework and financial sector supervision, and advancing climate related reforms.
• Supported by strong economic outturns in 2025, these achievements have left Seychelles in a stronger position as it confronts new shocks emanating from ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Todd Schneider, Mission Chief for Seychelles, visited Victoria from March 4-19, 2026, to conduct discussions for the two final reviews (5th and 6th) under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangements and the 2026 Article IV Consultation. Consideration by the IMF Executive Board is tentatively scheduled for May 2026.

At the end of the mission, Mr. Schneider issued the following statement:

We are pleased to announce that IMF staff and Seychellois authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on policies to complete the final reviews of Seychelles’ 36-month EFF and RSF arrangements. Subject to reform implementation and approval by the IMF Executive Board, Seychelles will receive a disbursement of up to SDR 32.9 million (about $45 million), bringing total disbursements to SDR 76.7 million (about $105.1 million) since May 2023.

The Seychelles economy saw robust performance in 2025. Real GDP growth is estimated at 5.1 percent, driven by record tourist arrivals, while consumer price inflation was just below zero. The government fiscal balance for 2025 is estimated as a primary surplus of 2.5 percent of GDP, which helped reduce the level of public and publicly guaranteed debt to 53.6 percent of GDP. Higher tourism earnings helped shrink the external current account deficit to 6.5 percent of GDP—facilitating an increase in central bank foreign exchange reserves to just over 4 months of import cover. 

Performance under the EFF arrangement has been strong. All quantitative targets for end-June 2025 were met, and all but one for end-December. The government has implemented (or is expected to finish soon) most structural reforms under the EFF, although two will take additional time. The Central Bank of Seychelles had intended to launch a pilot retail-oriented window for banks to purchase government securities by January 2026, but more time is needed to complete prerequisite reforms, specifically to establish a Real Time Gross Settlement System and a Central Securities Depository. A second reform—to complete pilot functional reviews of the ministries of finance, education, and health by end-2025—is now expected to be completed, with support from the World Bank, before the end of 2026 as an important input to a comprehensive analysis of the size and structure of the public sector.

Climate-related reforms under the RSF have also made good progress. Several measures with respect to managing and reporting climate-related financial sector risk have been completed by CBS. Remaining reform measures related to an analysis of gaps in climate-related data, and publication of a climate risk exposure assessment of the banking sector are expected to be completed before the end of the program. One other reform measure—to establish an implementation framework for a multi-year system for end-use electricity tariffs that are cost reflective—is pending, subject to review and approval by the Cabinet. 

The mission held detailed discussions on the outlook for 2026 considering recent developments in the Middle East. Based on conservative assumptions regarding the disruption to air connectivity and tourist spending, real GDP growth is projected to slow to about 1.5 percent in 2026. Higher international prices for oil and food together with rising freight costs are projected to bring average consumer price inflation to 2.6 percent in 2026. The decline in tourist income, combined with higher import prices, could lead to a deterioration of the external current account balance to an estimated 7.8 percent of GDP, and a modest decline in central bank foreign exchange reserves. Lower tourism activity is also likely to reduce government revenues and increase the overall fiscal deficit. These projections are highly tentative given the rapidly changing external environment.

The mission recommends the government consider contingency measures on both the expenditure and revenue side to adjust to these developments, and that any additional spending measures are well targeted to the most vulnerable segments of the population and temporary in nature. Exchange rate flexibility will also be a necessary tool to enable adjustment and maintain external buffers. Emphasis on structural reforms to enhance the business environment, promote diversification, inclusive growth, and stronger resilience to climate related shocks will be critical over the medium-term.

“The mission is grateful for the authorities’ excellent cooperation as well as the candid discussions. As Seychelles approaches the successful conclusion of the EFF and RSF arrangements, the IMF remains committed to supporting Seychelles in maintaining macroeconomic stability in the face of new shocks and advancing its reform agenda to support resilience and sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO

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The Government of the Republic of Zambia, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and with support from the Government of the United States of America, has officially launched the Zambia Soil Partnership (ZSP) and the Global Soil Doctors Programme (GSDP) to strengthen national coordination on sustainable soil management and support more productive, resilient and market-oriented agrifood systems in the country.

These initiatives are being implemented under the Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) programme which is operational in seven countries across Africa and Central America. SoilFER is funded by the United States Department of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The programme generates and transforms soil science and data into concrete actions, informing the decisions of farmers, governments and agribusiness actors to increase agricultural productivity, improve crop selection, optimize fertilizer use and strengthen agrifood value chains.

The event also marked the inauguration of a soil moisture monitoring station (Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor – CRNS) under the programme, installed and calibrated by FAO in collaboration with the FAO/IAEA Joint Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture at the University of Zambia (UNZA). The station forms part of broader efforts to strengthen soil analysis capacity in Zambia through upgrades to laboratory equipment and infrastructure, alongside targeted training for national technical staff.

The launch took place during a national technical workshop held in Lusaka on 17-18 March, officially opened by the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Zambia, Representatives of the United States Embassy and Department of State, a representative from the Embassy of Japan and the FAO Representative in Zambia. The event marks the start of a series of activities taking place from 17 to 24 March, including field-based training sessions at the ZARI Kabwe Research Station in Central Province and in Chongwe District, Lusaka Province. During the week extension agents and farmers will participate in hands-on training to strengthen practical knowledge on soil health and fertilizer management.

In Zambia, agriculture is a key driver of rural livelihoods and economic growth. However, soil degradation and declining soil fertility challenge sustainable agricultural production, making improved soil health essential for increasing crop productivity, strengthening local markets and rural livelihoods, and supporting long-term agricultural stability.

The ZSP will serve as a national multi-stakeholder platform bringing together government institutions, research organizations, universities, soil laboratories, farmer organizations, private sector actors and development partners. During the technical workshop, stakeholders agreed on priorities and a roadmap for coordinated soil management actions under the partnership.

The Global Soil Doctors Programme is a farmer-to-farmer training initiative that equips farmers and extension agents with practical tools to assess soil health, identify soil threats and improve soil and fertilizer management.

Speaking on behalf of Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Zambia, Mr John A. Mulongoti, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, highlighted the importance of strengthening soil health to support Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda.

“Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable agriculture and food security in Zambia. Strengthening soil management and coordination among national institutions is essential to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring the long-term resilience of our agrifood systems.”

The launch also underscored the role of international partnerships in advancing sustainable soil management. Ms Suze Percy-Filippini, FAO Representative in Zambia, noted FAO’s continued commitment to supporting the Government of Zambia and national partners.

“The SoilFER programme demonstrates how investments in data, innovation, technologies, technical capacities and partnerships can transform agrifood systems to become more efficient, resilient, sustainable and productive.”

Highlighting the importance of innovation, soil information, and results from the ground, Ms Julie Kapuvari, Science and Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of State, emphasized the broader impact of soil health on food systems and nutrition.

“Healthy soils grow healthy crops, and healthy crops nourish healthy people. Soil health matters: it’s not just about productivity, but also about resilience and better nutrition. It ensures that food contains the nutrients families need.”

The establishment of the ZSP and the GSDP aligns with the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, a global initiative coordinated by FAO to promote sustainable soil management, protect soil resources, and contributes to regional efforts under the African Soil Partnership.

The launch of these initiatives marks an important step towards boosting agricultural productivity, expanding agrifood trade and encouraging greater private sector engagement across agrifood value chains.

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

Source: APO

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Africa Global Logistics (AGL) is positioning sustainability at the center of its operations across Africa – but the real value of its ESG performance is not in reporting frameworks but in the impact the company delivers on the ground. Through a strategy built around three pillars – enabling logistics decarbonization, fostering inclusive trade and addressing social challenges – the company is aligning its corporate commitments with the practical realities of operating across one of the world’s fastest-growing logistics markets.

As a Diamond Sponsor and Logistics Partner of African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies (AEW) 2026 – taking place October 12-16 in Cape Town – AGL will join governments, investors and industry leaders to explore how ESG strategies can translate into measurable economic and social outcomes across the continent. By bridging reporting and reality, the event offers companies the chance to demonstrate how ESG and local content goes beyond compliance to deliver impactful projects across the continent.

AGL’s CSR strategy is rooted in enabling logistics decarbonization and protecting the blue planet. Under this pillar, the company has committed to reducing emissions and environmental impact across the logistics sector. It’s latest sustainability report identified nine priority areas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including the gradual replacement of fossil fuels with low-carbon energy as well as broader electrification. This commitment has already yielded tangible results. Two of the company’s depots in Zambia are fully powered by solar energy while 100% of the terminal equipment in Ivory Coast is electric. Up to 13 AGL-operated terminals have also been awarded ‘Green Terminal Status’ – in recognition of efforts undertaken by the company to support the energy transition and reduce emissions.

The company’s second sustainability pillar – fostering inclusive trade – is particularly relevant in Africa, where logistics infrastructure remains a major barrier to economic integration. The company has committed to addressing this challenge, with outcomes already evident. AGL is developing and operating more than 40 logistics corridors and 66 dry ports across the continent, connecting inland production basins to export markets and domestic consumption centers. These include the launch of the Kribi Industrial Zone (KPIZ) in Cameroon in March 2026 – a 520 billion FCFA project featuring vital infrastructure networks such as transport, energy, water and telecommunications. The company also operates the Lobito Corridor Terminal – an export facility linking the Lobito Railway to international markets.

“Africa’s energy future depends on strong infrastructure, resilient supply chains and responsible business practices. Companies like AGL are helping shape that future by investing in logistics systems that support trade, create opportunities for communities and reduce environmental impact. The company’s sustainability strategy reflects a broader commitment to ESG – moving beyond compliance to delivery,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AGL’s third pillar – addressing social challenges – showcases a commitment to capacity building and workforce development. The company aligns its policies with international frameworks such as the UN Global Compact and has introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship and youth innovation across Africa. One example is a hackathon initiative launched in Ivory Coast with the MSC Foundation and the Horn Foundation, designed to support young entrepreneurs working on solutions for sustainable development and logistics challenges. The company also partnered with the French African Foundation in 2024 to identify and support a new generation of committed African and French talents and leaders who are creating a positive and lasting impact.

As AGL’s sustainability strategy continues to take shape across the continent, platforms such as AEW: Invest in African Energies 2026 will play a key role in accelerating the shift from ESG reporting to tangible impact. Convening policymakers, operators and service companies across the energy and logistics chains, the event provides a platform to align sustainability frameworks with Africa’s developmental priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

A new Kaspersky (http://Kaspersky.co.za) survey undertaken in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region reveals that digital anxiety is becoming a defining feature of modern work culture, as employees don’t disconnect even during their free time and vacations.

According to the findings, 83% of respondents keep an eye on work tasks outside working hours. An overwhelming 85% reply to all work-related messages in instant messaging apps, while the same share (85%) check work emails during their time off – and 81% admit they are responding to work emails while on vacation or in their personal time.

The pressure to remain constantly available is contributing to heightened stress levels in the workplace. Other sources of stress include work issues, for example, 43% experience anxiety after accidentally sending a random message to a work chat. Interestingly, not all digital mishaps are perceived equally: 40% report that they take it calmly when they send an unfinished email, proving that some mistakes are considered less damaging than others.

Blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, combined with instant communication tools, are intensifying feelings of constant monitoring and fear of making digital errors. More than a third (36%) of respondents say they feel extremely uncomfortable or even scared if their boss notices them scrolling through social media at work instead of working. The “always-on” culture may undermine employee well-being, increase burnout risks, and reduce overall productivity in the long term.

“Digital anxiety doesn’t just affect employee well-being – it can also increase cybersecurity risks for organisations. When people feel constant pressure to respond immediately to messages and emails, they are more likely to act impulsively, without carefully verifying links, attachments, or sender identities. This urgency can make employees more vulnerable to phishing, and other scams using social engineering techniques,” comments Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky.

Kaspersky recommends employees to follow the below tips to avoid digital anxiety and associated cyber risks:

• Slow down before clicking or replying. Digital anxiety can trigger automatic reactions. A short pause to check sender details, URLs, or attachments can prevent security breaches.
• Treat urgency as a red flag. Cybercriminals often exploit pressure and fear. Always verify unexpected or urgent requests before responding.
• Avoid handling sensitive information on unsecured networks. Public Wi-Fi, often used when working outside regular hours, increases exposure to cyber threats. Mobile network and VPN should be applied in such cases.
• Use technologies that will help reduce risks. For example, Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.co/4cRPM0P) offers AI-powered anti-phishing features designed to help warn of potential threats.

Businesses can reduce cybersecurity risks related to employees’ digital anxiety by providing regular cybersecurity training that helps staff recognise threats and respond correctly even under stress. At the same time, organisations should use robust cybersecurity solutions to minimise the impact of human error. Kaspersky Next’s adaptable and robust cloud-native protection, underpinned by an unequalled cybersecurity track record, is one of such products. Protection solutions for mail servers, such as Kaspersky Security for Mail Server, with anti-phishing capabilities, help to additionally decrease the chance of infection through a phishing email.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact
Nicole Allman
nicole@inkandco.co.za

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About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them.

Learn more at https://www.Kaspersky.co.za 

Source: APO

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For decades, Europe’s energy relationship with North Africa has centered primarily on hydrocarbons – Algerian pipeline gas, Libyan oil and LNG shipments from the Mediterranean basin. At the same time, another energy link is gaining momentum: electricity. With growing renewable capacity, expanding transmission networks and new cross-Mediterranean interconnectors under development, North Africa’s power sector is emerging as a strategic complement to Europe’s energy system.

The trend is already visible in major infrastructure projects linking the two regions. The ELMED interconnector, a planned high-voltage subsea cable connecting Tunisia to Sicily, will allow bidirectional electricity flows between the African and European grids when it comes online later this decade. The project will transmit up to 600 MW of power through a 220-km cable, helping integrate North African electricity markets with Europe and enabling exports when surplus generation is available.

Libya’s Untapped Electricity Potential

Libya’s electricity sector remains largely domestically focused today, but the country sits at the center of a potential North African power corridor. Discussions between Libya, Algeria and Tunisia have already explored an “electric corridor” project linking their grids, a step that could eventually connect with broader Mediterranean power systems feeding into Europe.

Such initiatives would allow electricity generated in North Africa – whether from gas-fired plants, renewables or hybrid systems – to flow across borders and ultimately toward European markets. For Libya in particular, electricity exports could complement its longstanding role as a hydrocarbon supplier to Europe.

The country already holds substantial gas resources and power-generation capacity, much of which is fueled by domestic natural gas. With targeted investment in grid modernization, renewable integration and regional transmission infrastructure, Libya could evolve into a flexible power exporter within a wider Mediterranean electricity market.

Complementing LNG With Power

Electricity trade does not replace Africa’s LNG expansion – it complements it. Across the continent, gas developments in countries such as Mozambique, Senegal-Mauritania and Nigeria are strengthening Africa’s position in global LNG supply chains.

North Africa’s electricity ambitions add another layer to this energy relationship. Gas-fired generation can provide stable baseload power for export through cross-Mediterranean cables, while renewables help reduce emissions intensity and align with Europe’s decarbonization targets.

For European buyers facing volatile energy markets and geopolitical supply risks, this hybrid model – LNG imports paired with electricity interconnections – offers diversification across both fuels and delivery systems.

New Opportunities for Energy Investors

These developments are set to inform discussions at the upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum (IAE) in Paris, where government officials, utilities and infrastructure investors will assess emerging cross-border energy opportunities. Participation from the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya, including Chairman Dr. Abdulsalam Elansari, signals growing Libyan interest in positioning the country within this evolving regional power landscape.

For investors, the appeal lies not only in generation projects but also in the infrastructure connecting them: high-voltage transmission lines, subsea cables, storage systems and grid modernization.

Electricity trade between North Africa and Europe remains at an early stage, but the foundations are forming rapidly. As Europe accelerates its search for diversified and lower-carbon energy sources, North Africa’s combination of gas resources, solar potential and geographic proximity could transform the region into a strategic electricity partner.

If the current wave of interconnectors and regional grid initiatives succeeds, the Mediterranean may soon carry not only pipelines and LNG tankers – but high-voltage power as well. And for investors gathering in Paris, that emerging electricity corridor could become one of the most compelling energy stories linking Africa and Europe.

IAE 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/40Fn8sA) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.