Category: English

Source: APO

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The UN Development Capital Fund and the Global Coral Reef Fund sign two new financing agreements; funds aim to reduce wastewater pollution and promote sustainable fisheries, strengthening livelihoods. 

The United Nations Development Capital Fund (UNCDF), through the Global Coral Reef Fund (Gfcr), announced two new financing agreements to expand coral reef-friendly businesses in Kenya. 

Signed in Nairobi, the initiatives support circular economy solutions and sustainable fishing practices, with the aim of reducing pressures on marine ecosystems and strengthening coastal economies. 

Reduce pollution and protect reefs. 

The funding supports Sanivation and Kumbatia, two Kenyan companies working to reduce pollution from waste and promote sustainable fishing. 

Both companies already operate in the country and are expected to expand their solutions to new coastal areas, increasing the benefits for marine ecosystems and local communities. 

According to Pierre Bardoux, Director of the Gfcr at UNCDF, an investment of up to US$250,000, with conditions based on performance and impact, will allow for enhanced training. 

Other areas covered include quality systems, cold chains, and traceability mechanisms, including the planned implementation of monitoring systems for artisanal vessels. 

Circular economy in wastewater treatment. 

A $540,000 investment from Gfcr–UNCDF will allow Sanivation to expand its operations as an innovative waste-to-energy conversion company. 

The agreement will bring the company’s model to the Malindi National Marine Park, where wastewater that would otherwise be discharged… 

In sensitive ecosystems, they will be treated and transformed into clean energy briquettes for industrial use. 

The expansion of the model aims to reduce the load of nutrients and pathogens in coastal waters, create local jobs, and boost the circular economy in Kenya. 

Promoting sustainable fisheries and coastal incomes. 

A second investment from Gfcr–Uncdf will support Kumbatia Seafood in replicating and expanding its model in Lamu to the reef-rich coastal region of Kwale. 

The initiative seeks to shift fishing efforts away from destructive, reef-dependent practices towards offshore pelagic fishing, using selective and reef-safe methods. 

The company trains fishermen in sustainable practices, promotes the use of selective equipment, and establishes links with higher-value markets for responsibly sourced seafood. 

The funding aims to strengthen training, quality, cold chains, and traceability, linking access to premium markets to verified practices that are compatible with reef protection. 

Financing coastal economies  

With UNCDF as a catalyst partner, the GFCR’s Miamba Yetu program demonstrates how innovative financing can align sustainable economic development with the protection of coral reefs, climate resilience, and the well-being of coastal communities. 

The Global Coral Reef Fund is led by UNCDF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 

The initiative mobilizes public and private capital for the protection and effective management of coral reefs in 22 countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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In Mozambique, floods, cyclones, and droughts constantly threaten development; this initiative aims to strengthen the country’s climate resilience through investments led by local governments. 

Mozambique, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change in Africa, faces structural challenges exacerbated by economic shocks, conflict, and extreme weather events.  

To address these risks and protect development gains, the country has opted for a decentralized model of climate adaptation, integrating climate finance into national and local planning and budgeting systems. 

The LoCAL program supports climate adaptation.

The Government of Mozambique, with support from the United Nations Development Fund (UNCDF), implemented the “Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility” (LoCAL) program, with the aim of improving climate resilience by strengthening local governments’ access to performance-based financing.  

LoCAL was launched in 2014 as a climate finance program designed by UNCDF and implemented in Mozambique through the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Land and Environment. 

The program currently operates in seven provinces: Gaza, Inhambane, Nampula, Niassa, Zambézia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala, and aims to improve climate resilience by strengthening local governments’ access to performance-based financing. 

LoCAL utilizes performance-based climate resilience grants, integrated into existing planning, budgeting, and investment processes at the local level.  

To access the funds, subnational authorities must meet minimum criteria, including climate risk assessments and the integration of climate adaptation into development plans in a participatory and gender-sensitive manner. 

Results and impact on vulnerable communities 

By 2024, the program had directly benefited more than 3 million people through the implementation of over 100 climate-adapted infrastructure projects, including health centers, maternity wards, schools, water supply systems, and desalination plants.  

Around 65% of the projects were selected by women, and community participation contributed to the creation of local jobs and the strengthening of resilient livelihoods. 

In response to the results achieved, the Government requested the expansion of LoCAL nationwide in 2022. By 2024, the program covered 54 of the country’s 154 districts and 7 of its 65 municipalities, with climate adaptation planning activities in nine of the 11 provinces.  

Over US$30 million has been mobilized in performance-based grants and capacity building, contributing to the institutionalization of climate adaptation and the strengthening of decentralized governance. 

Integration into national planning and public finance systems 

LoCAL supports the annual planning and budgeting cycles of local governments through existing fiscal systems, with performance evaluations that guide the future allocation of resources and technical support. 

A monitoring and evaluation system allows lessons learned at the local level to inform national policies, promoting the integration of climate considerations at all stages of public finance management. 

Mozambique’s experience with LoCAL is a case study of transforming climate vulnerabilities into development opportunities. 

It presents a scalable model for decentralized climate finance, based on community leadership, performance criteria, and alignment with national systems, strengthening the country’s capacity to address climate risks and support local development. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has presided over the swearing-in of a Judicial Tribunal established to investigate the conduct of Hon. Justice Allan Baami Halloway, urging members to uphold fairness, impartiality, and due process.

President Bio described the process as vital to strengthening the justice sector, emphasizing that the tribunal’s work must be guided strictly by the rule of law.

“The task is weighty, but I am confident in your ability to conduct this investigation with fairness and respect for due process,” the President stated.

The three-member tribunal is chaired by Justice Abdulai Masiyambay Bangura, JSC, with Francis Gabbidon, Esq. and Oladipo Robin-Mason as members. The tribunal was constituted pursuant to Sections 137 (5)(a) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.

The tribunal’s mandate follows the President’s directive of 15 September 2025, which led to the interdiction of Justice Halloway by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission pending investigation. Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Bangura, assured that the panel would conduct its work diligently and objectively.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Source: APO

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His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has formally received the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.

Leading the credential ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, informed the gathering that Ambassador Zhao Yong succeeds Ambassador Wang Qing, who successfully completed his three-year diplomatic tenure in Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence that the appointment of the new envoy would further deepen the long-standing and cordial relations between the two countries.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Zhao Yong conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Xi Jinping to President Bio, the Government, and the people of Sierra Leone. He commended President Bio’s leadership, noting the significant progress achieved by Sierra Leone in social and economic governance under his administration.

The Ambassador further praised President Bio’s role in promoting peace and stability within ECOWAS, Africa, and the international community, while reaffirming China’s appreciation for Sierra Leone’s consistent support for the One China Policy. He assured that China remains ready to strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone in areas of mutual strategic interest.

Welcoming the Ambassador on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, President Bio expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the enduring friendship between the two nations. He described China as a trusted and reliable partner that has consistently supported Sierra Leone’s development efforts, particularly in infrastructure, economic growth, and social development.

President Bio emphasized that the bilateral relationship is founded on mutual respect, shared values, and a win-win partnership, noting that China’s support demonstrates its genuine commitment to Sierra Leone’s progress. He encouraged Ambassador Zhao Yong to build on existing cooperation and oversee the continuation of ongoing development projects across the country.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China to ensure that the partnership continues to deliver tangible benefits to both nations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Wang Yi, held the 9th China–African Union Strategic Dialogue at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa on 8 January 2026. On the same occasion, the two principals jointly attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

The Chairperson and the Minister exchanged on China-Africa joint efforts to advance modernization, global governance, zero-tariff treatment, the International Organization for Mediation and the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa.

Both sides noted that China and the African Union, members of the Global South, share broad consensus on major international and regional issues. They underscored the importance of jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other to safeguard their respective core interests and major concerns. In this regard, they emphasized the need to further strengthen coordination and cooperation in order to inject positive momentum into global and regional peace, stability, and development.

The African Union side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the One-China principle, and reaffirmed that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and firmly supported all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

The two sides reiterated the imperative of upholding a global order based on international law, in particular the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Both sides expressed concerns on the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and reaffirmed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law must be adhered to.

They exchanged views on the cooperation in various fields including China-Africa joint efforts in advancing modernization. In this context, they underscored the importance of enhanced alignment between China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and FOCAC commitments.

Both sides agreed to enhance communication, coordination and mutual support in their respective major initiatives, including Agenda 2063 as well as its flagship projects on Silencing the Guns by 2030, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on the African side, as well as the Global Security Initiative, the Global Governance Initiative and the International Organization for Mediation on the Chinese side.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed their commitment to promote the effective implementation of all signed cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding. They further agreed to explore the full potential for practical cooperation between China and the African Union, with a view to delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of Africa and China.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

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HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met on Thursday with HE Special Representative of the African Union Commission for Mali and the Sahel region and Head of the African Union Mission in Mali and the Sahel, Mamadou Tangara, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the African Sahel region, in addition to initiatives to support stability and strengthen regional and international efforts aimed at achieving security and development in the Sahel countries. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

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The Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Henry Jardine paid a virtual farewell call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure on Thursday 08 January 2026.

During the call, Ambassador Jardine expressed his gratitude to the Minister and staff of the Ministry for the strong collaboration during his three-year tenure as non-resident Ambassador. He emphasised that bilateral cooperation between the two countries would remain strong and that existing programmes would continue.

He highlighted several areas of cooperation, including collaboration between the Central Bank of Seychelles and the United States Department of the Treasury to combat financial crime, law enforcement training initiatives, capacity-building in the military domain, and the United States’ annual participation in Seychelles’ National Day celebrations.

Minister Faure thanked Ambassador Jardine for his commitment and engagement towards the relationship between the Seychelles and the U.S.A.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

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On January 7, Ambassador Yin Chengwu and Hon. Gregory O.W. Coleman, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, attended the handover ceremony for the China-Aid police supplies project to Liberia. The event was also attended by Counselor Zhang Yimin of Chinese Embassy, Hon. William K. Mulbah, Deputy Inspector General for Administration of Liberia National Police, and others.

Ambassador Yin noted that these police supplies are one of the outcomes of the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai during the Beijing Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation. They concretely demonstrate China’s support for Liberia in strengthening its law enforcement capacity, reflect China’s commitment to supporting the ARREST agenda of the Liberian government. Furthermore, they serve as a vivid demonstration of China-Liberia strategic partnership. China remains committed to strengthening law enforcement cooperation with Liberia and promoting the development of China-Liberia strategic partnership.

Coleman expressed gratitude for the long-term strong support from the Chinese side. He stated that the supplies would significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Liberian police. He reaffirmed Liberia’s firm adherence to the One-China Principle and support for China’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Following the ceremony, both sides signed the handover certificate and cut the ribbon for the assisted supplies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

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On January 6, 2026 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Evgueni Sobolevski, met with the First Deputy Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt and Head of the Egyptian Commercial Service, Abdelaziz Al-Sherif.

The schedule of high-level visits to Belarus and meetings of bilateral cooperation bodies, including the organization of the 8th meeting of the Belarusian-Egyptian Joint Trade Commission in Minsk, was discussed.

Particular emphasis was placed on industrial cooperation, including the resumption of assembly operations for Belarusian agricultural machinery in Egypt, and the need to establish direct interbank cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.