Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) and in collaboration with the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), brought together organisations of farmers, as well as their regional networks, in Dakar from 22 to 25 June 2026 to gather their input on the revision of the Regional Food Security Storage Strategy.

More than seventy representatives of farmer organisations and their regional networks, as well as partner organisations active in food security stockpiling, from the seventeen countries of the ECOWAS-UEMOA-CILSS region, assessed the management of local stockpiles – also known as the ‘first line of defence’ of the regional storage strategy.

This consultation provided an in-depth assessment of the management of local stocks, examining their level of functionality, the governance mechanisms in place, and the procedures for procuring, managing and replenishing stocks.

Participants assessed the results achieved in terms of preventing and responding to food crises, in particular the ability of these mechanisms to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to staple foods during lean periods or in the event of shocks. Discussions also focused on best practices developed at community level, the difficulties encountered in mobilising financial resources, access to institutional markets, the management of storage infrastructure, and the challenges relating to coordination between the various stakeholders. Local storage operators also highlighted the lack of information on stock availability and their limited capacity to supply the Regional Food Security Reserve (RFSR).

As a key instrument of regional solidarity within ECOWAS for the prevention and management of food and nutrition crises in West Africa, the Regional Reserve has achieved significant results since its creation in 2013. However, changes in the regional context and the growing scale of food and nutrition challenges now make it necessary to review its strategic and operational framework as part of the revision of the Regional Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP).

This review of the regional strategy also calls for adjustments to the rules and operating procedures of the Regional Food Security Reserve (RFSR), as the third line of defence in the regional strategy.

The work undertaken is based on building on existing achievements, analysing the lessons learnt from the implementation of the regional storage strategy, and assessing developments in the regional context and projections for the next ten years.

At the end of four days of discussions, organised into plenary sessions and working groups, the participants compiled a collection of experiences, lessons learnt and best practices currently in use on the ground, as well as their expectations for the future.

In light of emerging issues and changes observed at regional and national levels, the participants engaged in an in-depth discussion on adapting and strengthening the regional food security stockpiling framework. These discussions helped to identify the main areas for improvement in the current strategy, in line with ECOWAP’s guidelines, particularly regarding stock governance, coordination between the different levels of storage (local, national and regional), sustainable financing of the systems, and the establishment of platforms to obtain information on stock availability in order to respond to food and nutrition crises.

The work has also identified further needs in terms of research, decision-support tools, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, digital information and early warning systems, and, finally, capacity-building for stakeholders. These elements should help to guide and frame the envisaged developments, with a view to ensuring a regional strategy that is more effective, inclusive and resilient, and better adapted to the new food and nutrition security challenges within the Community.

The work resulted in a matrix of proposals and recommendations, including reform options that could effectively inform the process of revising the Regional Food Security Storage Strategy as well as the regional agricultural policy.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

.

Seychelles this morning stepped onto the continental stage, as President Dr Patrick Herminie officially opened the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) and its accompanying Thematic Conference on Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth, held at the Kempinski Resort Seychelles. Before an audience of African tourism leaders, the President set the tone for the two-day gathering with a clear message: the future of tourism on the continent rests not on infrastructure, but on its people.

In his keynote address, President Herminie described tourism as “above all, a people business” and reaffirmed that his government had placed people at the centre of its development agenda. He cited Seychelles’ sustained investment in developing tourism talent, including the strengthening of the Seychelles Tourism Academy, the expansion of hospitality and tourism education, the introduction of tourism clubs in schools, and the creation of clear pathways for young people into the industry.

Building on this, the President turned to the continental picture, urging African nations to invest more deliberately in their people as the foundation of the sector’s growth. He said the future of African tourism “will not be defined solely by the number of hotels we build or visitors we welcome” but by the people the sector empowers and called on the continent to position itself as one defined by excellence in tourism education, training and service.

UN Tourism Secretary-General, Ms Shaikha Al Nuwais, addressing the opening ceremony, said that connectivity brings opportunity, but that it is people who turn opportunity into growth, adding that this growth is strongest when it includes everyone. Her remarks echoed President Herminie’s call to strengthen Seychelles air connectivity and source markets at a time of uncertainty in the Middle East.

Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Amanda Bernstein, addressing the conference, said tourism was Seychelles’ largest economic sector and among its biggest employers, with the industry currently employing roughly 10,800 people, of whom approximately 57 per cent are Seychellois and 43 per cent are foreign workers. She said this had informed the development of Seychelles’ first-ever Tourism Human Resource Development Strategy for 2026 to 2029, built around five priority areas including workforce planning, education and training, localisation and career progression, leadership development, and strategic partnerships.

The Minister said localisation was not about replacing foreign workers, but about creating the conditions for more Seychellois to enter, remain and progress within the tourism industry, particularly into supervisory and leadership roles.

She encouraged fellow African ministers to place human capital development firmly on the continental agenda, stressing that investment in hotels, airports and tourism products would not achieve their full potential without a skilled workforce to deliver them.

The opening ceremony of the two-day conference was attended by Vice-President, Mr Sebastien Pillay, Speaker of the National Assembly Mrs Azarel Ernesta, Ministers and Deputy Ministers from across the Africa region. It has brought together delegates from 27 countries across the African region, including Angola, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, among others, to discuss strategies for boosting human capital development in the tourism sector, a key pillar of the continent’s economic growth.

The ceremony was a vibrant showcase of Seychellois Creole culture, brought to life through traditional song, dance and arts. Following the opening ceremony, President Herminie visited an exhibition of handicrafts by local Seychellois vendors.

Seychelles has been a member of UN Tourism since 1991, and having first hosted the CAF Meeting 20 years ago, this week’s gathering marks the country’s second time as host.

This year’s CAF carries added significance as the first meeting convened under the leadership Ms Al Nuwais since she assumed office as Secretary-General of UN Tourism in January 2026, and her presence in Seychelles marks one of her first official engagements with the African region since taking up the post.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The East African Community (EAC) has successfully concluded national consultations on the drafting of the Constitution of the East African Political Confederation in the Republic of Rwanda, following extensive stakeholder engagements held in Kigali, Huye, Nyagatare and Rubavu.

The EAC Constitutional Experts paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame, who reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the East African integration agenda and underscored the importance of sustaining momentum towards the realization of the East African Political Confederation.   

President Kagame observed that the aspirations of East African citizens continue to demonstrate strong support for deeper regional integration and encouraged the Constitutional Experts to develop practical and forward-looking recommendations that would facilitate progress towards the Political Confederation.

He further emphasized the need to address existing challenges affecting regional integration and thanked the Constitutional Experts for their commitment in undertaking the integral task of developing a constitutional framework for the Political Confederation.

The two-week consultations, conducted by the EAC Constitutional Experts, brought together representatives from government institutions, Parliament, the Judiciary, academia, the private sector, civil society organisations, youth, women, persons with disabilities, faith-based organisations, political parties and the media to gather views and aspirations that will inform the drafting of the Constitution of the East African Political Confederation.

The Chairperson of the EAC Constitutional Experts Team and Chief Justice Emeritus of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Odoki, noted that the Rwanda consultations generated substantive views that will be instrumental in shaping the drafting of the Constitution of the East African Political Confederation.

“What stands out from the Rwanda consultations is the depth and diversity of views expressed, which will be critical in shaping a practical and forward-looking constitutional framework for the East African Political Confederation.” Hon. Odoki noted.

Rt. Hon. Odoki further noted that following consultations in each Partner State, the Constitutional Experts will prepare a report capturing the views, recommendations and aspirations expressed by stakeholders. The reports are subsequently submitted through established EAC structures for consideration by the EAC Heads of State as part of the broader process of developing the Constitution of the East African Political Confederation.

On his part, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Hon. Aguer Ariik Malueth, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Rwanda for their active participation and constructive contributions throughout the process. He reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to pushing for completion of consultations in the remaining EAC Partner States.

“The EAC remains committed to ensuring that the consultation process is inclusive, participatory and reflective of the aspirations of all East Africans. The insights gathered from the Partner States will contribute to the development of a constitutional framework that reflects the collective priorities, interests and ambitions of the peoples of East Africa,” he said.

The East African Political Confederation is the transitional model towards the ultimate goal of a Political Federation and represents the fourth and final pillar of the EAC integration process, following the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union.

– on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO – Report:

.

A new World Bank report released today calls for urgent structural reforms in the public finance sector and the mobilization of domestic resources in the Central African Republic (CAR) to consolidate macroeconomic stability and support human development, boost growth, and create the conditions for job creation.

Entitled “Strengthening the Transparency, Sustainability and Efficiency of the Public Sector“, the CAR Public Finance Review highlights that, despite a window of opportunity opened by the relative improvement in security and recent progress in public finance reform, the country still faces deep structural fragilities that limit its ability to finance its development. Domestic revenue mobilization remains below 10% of GDP, while the wage bill absorbs up to 73% of public resources, severely limiting the state’s investment capacity. These constraints are compounded by a persistent dependence on external aid, as well as insufficient investment in key sectors of human capital, including education and health.

“By strengthening domestic revenue mobilization and public financial management, CAR can generate the fiscal space needed to invest in its human capital, public services, and lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth,” said Cheick Fantamady Kante, World Bank Country Director for Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, the Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea.

The report identifies significant potential for resource mobilization, particularly in the forestry and mining sectors, as well as through the modernization of tax administration and the strengthening of transparency in public governance. It formulates a reform agenda structured around five key priorities:

• Strengthen domestic revenue mobilization, including through broadening the tax base and digitizing the administration;
• Improve cash and debt management to restore fiscal discipline;
• Increase transparency and accountability, including through reforms of public procurement and public enterprises;
• Redirect spending towards priority social sectors;
• Strengthen international assistance coordination.

The report concludes that, through better domestic resource mobilization and more effective management of public spending, CAR can gradually reduce its dependence on external aid, finance its development priorities, and create an environment conducive to private sector growth and job creation.

– on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) has established itself as Libya’s premier gateway for upstream capital, consistently unlocking multi-billion-dollar oil, gas and renewable energy agreements since its 2021 launch in Tripoli. The summit has become a central mechanism for turning policy momentum into bankable energy projects.

The upcoming 2027 edition of LEES will build directly on this trajectory, expanding Libya’s investment pipeline across hydrocarbons, renewables and infrastructure while deepening international participation following record deal activity in 2026.

In 2026, the fourth edition of LEES delivered its most significant upstream package to date: a $20 billion, 25-year Waha Concession amendment between Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and TotalEnergies alongside ConocoPhillips. The agreement targets a production increase to 850,000 barrels per day through redevelopment of mature assets including North Zella and NC-98, fully financed through foreign capital under an enhanced recovery and infrastructure upgrade framework.

https://apo-opa.co/3QZPuw6

At LEES 2026, NOC Chairman Masoud Suleman signed a MoU with Chevron to evaluate oil and gas exploration opportunities, field development and enhanced recovery initiatives, later expanding cooperation to assess unconventional resources across the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins. Suleman also oversaw a letter of intent between NOC subsidiary NAGECO and TGS to expand multi-client seismic acquisition programs and generate high-resolution subsurface data supporting future licensing rounds and exploratory drilling.

At the government level, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek formalized a Libya-Egypt petroleum cooperation MoU aimed at strengthening technical collaboration, infrastructure development and capacity building across the oil, gas and mining sectors. During the summit, the Libyan Council for Oil, gas and Renewable Energy signed a strategic partnership with Business France focused on expanding private-sector participation and supporting Libyan SMEs.

https://apo-opa.co/4eUoPZP

The 2024 edition of LEES acted as a platform for advancing projects already under development, most notably showcasing progress on TotalEnergies’ 500 MW Sadada solar PV project with the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL), first announced during the inaugural 2021 summit. The project remains a cornerstone of Libya’s renewable energy strategy, supporting grid stabilization and diversification away from oil-dependent power generation in partnership with the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya.

https://apo-opa.co/4vbja7A

Beyond solar, 2024 also formalized Libya’s international upstream reopening through the launch of a national licensing round, drawing qualified interest from majors including Eni, Repsol and BGN Energy. Additional outcomes included exploratory discussions on a Malta-Libya undersea renewable energy interconnector, designed to evaluate cross-Mediterranean power exchange potential and long-term grid export opportunities, reinforcing Libya’s positioning as both a hydrocarbons exporter and emerging regional energy hub.

https://apo-opa.co/445y1Wh

https://apo-opa.co/4f1ytKb

The inaugural LEES 2021 marked Libya’s reintegration into global energy investment flows after a prolonged hiatus, featuring the announcement of TotalEnergies’ 500 MW solar partnership with GECOL and parallel gas-flaring reduction initiatives across western oilfields. Infrastructure-focused agreements, including upgrades linked to the Misrata Free Zone, further supported logistics and export capacity expansion. Initial discussions involving ConocoPhillips, Hess Corporation and other international operators laid the groundwork for subsequent upstream rehabilitation efforts and the wave of large-scale investments that would follow in later editions of the summit.

https://apo-opa.co/4wo8gMX

“LEES has become the decisive platform for converting Libya’s energy potential into structured, bankable investment opportunities across hydrocarbons and renewables,” says James Chester, CEO, Energy Capital & Power. “The 2027 edition will build on this momentum, further accelerating international capital inflows and long-term sector partnerships.”

Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2027 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2027 offers a premier platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth. Visit www.LibyaSummit.com to secure your participation. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

.

Libya’s upstream sector has staged a remarkable operational recovery, with crude production reaching approximately 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) – its highest level in more than a decade. As the country works to sustain this momentum, strengthening the investment environment will be just as important as increasing output to attract long-term upstream capital.

While Angola and Libya have distinct political and institutional landscapes, both rank among Africa’s leading hydrocarbon producers with significant resource potential. In Crude Oil: Power, Turnaround and Transformation in Angola, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, examines how Angola strengthened its investment climate through a series of regulatory reforms. Although focused on Angola, the book offers valuable insights into how policy certainty can complement geological potential in attracting investment.

A defining moment in Angola’s upstream transformation came in 2019, when the country separated Sonangol’s commercial responsibilities from regulatory oversight through the establishment of the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG). The reform streamlined decision-making, improved transparency and helped reinforce investor confidence, supporting an upstream investment pipeline expected to exceed $60 billion between 2025 and 2030.

As Libya continues advancing its upstream sector, experiences from markets such as Angola illustrate how clear institutional frameworks can strengthen investor confidence and support project development over the long term. Building on recent production gains, continued efforts to enhance regulatory clarity and streamline investment processes could further reinforce Libya’s position as a leading destination for upstream capital.

Angola also introduced a permanent offer licensing mechanism, allowing companies to negotiate available acreage outside traditional bid rounds. The approach has provided greater flexibility for investors while ensuring opportunities remain available beyond periodic licensing rounds. As Libya re-engages international investors through its renewed licensing program, flexible mechanisms that encourage continuous investment could help broaden participation over time.

Beyond licensing reform, Angola introduced policies to extend production from mature offshore assets while implementing dedicated natural gas legislation that supported new discoveries, including Gajajeira-01 gas exploration well, and accelerated gas commercialization through greater regulatory clarity and clearly defined investor rights.

Libya likewise possesses substantial undeveloped oil and gas resources. As the country advances future upstream developments, predictable frameworks for brownfield redevelopment, marginal fields and gas monetization could help unlock additional investment while supporting domestic energy security and long-term production growth.

“Geology alone does not attract investment. Investors commit capital where regulation is predictable, contracts are respected and governments compete for long-term partnerships. Angola’s experience shows that reform is not about giving resources away – it is about creating the confidence that allows capital to develop them,” says Ayuk.

Libya’s production recovery demonstrates the resilience and potential of its energy sector. As the country looks toward its next phase of growth, Angola’s experience underscores how regulatory reform and policy certainty can complement resource wealth, helping translate production gains into sustained investment and long-term sector development.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

.

Dr. Sandra Ablamba Johnson, Minister-Secretary General of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Togo, emphasized the importance of statistics as a source of information and data essential for rational development planning.

Speaking on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Lomé, Togo, at the joint opening of workshops dedicated to the construction cost index and training on disability statistics, Dr. Johnson—represented by Béguédouwè Paneto, Secretary General of the Ministry of Development Planning—noted that reliable, objective statistical data serve as a vital tool for planning, monitoring, and evaluating development policies and programs.

“This statistical information and data must be reliable and compiled using internationally recognized methods and standards to facilitate realistic and objective planning,” stated Mr. Paneto.

In his view, these two workshops represent not only a decisive step in consolidating the West African statistical framework but also provide a suitable setting to strengthen the methodological and statistical tools essential for formulating effective and inclusive public policies at the regional level.

He expressed confidence that the outcomes of these meetings would help strengthen the capacity of member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to produce, harmonize, and utilize statistics to inform strategic decision-making.

This sentiment was echoed by Essokiza Anakpa, Head of the ECOWAS and West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) National Office in Togo, who noted that statistics—and data in general—enable the shaping of public policies and guide decision-makers in the choices they must make.

Beyond their formal nature, the holding of these two meetings represents a decisive step in consolidating our regional statistical architecture, he suggested.

Echoing these sentiments, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo, Ms. Deweh Emily Gray, highlighted the ambition behind these workshops, which aim—in her view—to equip the ECOWAS region with reliable statistics that provide meaningful insights for public policy.

“This is the very essence of the ECOWAS regional statistical policy, which targets common standards and methods to ensure high-quality, comparable statistics. Each of these two workshops represents a concrete step in that direction,” stated Ms. Deweh Emily Gray.

Reinforcing Ms. Gray’s remarks, the Acting Director of Research and Statistics at the ECOWAS Commission, Prof. Félix Fofana N’Zué, noted that holding these workshops simultaneously reflects ECOWAS’s firm commitment to placing statistical production at the heart of West Africa’s structural transformation. This aligns with the aspirations of “Vision 2050,” which seeks to build an integrated, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable community.

“In this context, statistics should no longer be viewed merely as a technical tool, but as a strategic lever for decision-making. We need reliable, harmonized, and timely data to effectively guide our public policies,” he emphasized.

Mindful of the significant stakes involved in both workshops, Prof. Félix Fofana N’Zué urged participants to demonstrate openness and a shared sense of purpose, to pool their expertise, and to share their experiences. He called on them to help strengthen the foundations of a regional statistical system that is robust, inclusive, and resolutely forward-looking.

It should be noted that the first workshop focuses on the construction cost index. This index is a composite indicator based on monitoring construction materials, labor, management resources, and equipment rental and depreciation, with the aim of achieving a more comprehensive and representative measure of costs in the construction and civil engineering sector.

The second focuses on disability statistics and highlights a key dimension of the regional agenda: inclusion. In this regard, it is important to underscore the significant contribution of the Washington Group on Disability Statistics, which has fundamentally transformed the approach to measuring disability at the international level.

Training on disability statistics is essential, as it enables a better understanding of the realities faced by persons with disabilities, helps guide public policy, and improves workforce integration through reliable, comparable data. It serves as a strategic tool for training institutions, policymakers, and social stakeholders.

These two workshops are part of the implementation of the Project for the Harmonization and Improvement of Statistics in West and Central Africa (PHASAOC). Funded by the World Bank, this project aims to improve statistical performance, regional harmonization, and data access and usage, while strengthening the modernization of statistical systems in participating countries.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

.

As part of the program initiated by the Communication Directorate of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the ECOWAS Club of Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor (UASZ) organized a major educational initiative for high school seniors preparing for the baccalaureate exams at Djignabo High School in Ziguinchor, Senegal, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

With the baccalaureate exams scheduled from June 30 to July 3, 2026, members of the ECOWAS Club at UASZ, under the leadership of their representative, Mr. Ahmet Ndo, considered it both timely and strategic to host a day of review and synthesis for the graduating students of Djignabo High School, in order to support them in their exam preparation.

Initially designed for students of that school, the initiative drew an exceptional turnout, with nearly 500 students coming from various localities across Casamance. This remarkable enthusiasm, amplified by the spread of information on social media, reflects both the relevance of the activity and the real need for student support during exam periods.

To ensure the pedagogical quality of the day, the organizers selected highly respected teachers, including Professor Arona Niang, a consultant in geopolitics and a renowned History-Geography teacher with strong influence in the educational community and on digital platforms, as well as Mr. Barry, a Philosophy teacher. Their expertise greatly contributed to achieving the goal of knowledge dissemination and consolidation.

Throughout the day, the facilitators alternated between motivational coaching sessions aimed at boosting students’ confidence and program synthesis sessions, allowing candidates to revisit key concepts covered during the school year.

Both the students and the teaching staff praised this high-value initiative, which reflects the ECOWAS Club’s commitment to education, youth support, and the promotion of academic excellence.

Through such actions, ECOWAS—via the ECOWAS Club of UASZ actively contributes to building a youth that is better prepared, more confident, and more engaged, in line with the values of solidarity, sharing, and development that the organization promotes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).