Category: English

Source: APO

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Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina has expressed her satisfaction on the commitments made following a three-day inaugural African Union-Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) Water Investment Summit which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa, in Cape Town, South Africa. The Minister announced that more than 10 billion has been raised in the last three days of the summit and is confident that more will be achieved.

The Summit, which was aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities of solidarity, equality, and sustainability, brought together Heads of State, Ministers, investors and development partners to drive solutions to challenges of water provision.

Accordingly, the 1690 delegates in attendance to this Summit rallied support behind the achievement of South Africa’s G20 priorities of rapid and inclusive economic growth, eradication of poverty and hunger, and climate sustainability, by accelerating investments into climate-resilient water and sanitation.

Minister Majodina said 80 priority water investment projects from 38 different countries were identified for the summit and they have already attracted an estimated projection of 10 to 12 billion US Dollars a year, worth of investments.

“In the last three days, we have identified governance, finance, capacity and data gaps in the water sector and together we commit to pay focused attention to these matters. We are making a call to governments to help level the playing fields in order to attract investment. Let us eliminate long and unnecessary red tape which undermines and discourages investment. We have also managed to showcase a pipeline of bankable water and sanitation projects to prospective funders and investors.”

“What we are grateful for is that the matchmaking sessions during the three days have managed to strengthen relations between governments, project developers, and financiers, building trust and paving way for long term collaborations,” Minister Majodina said.

She further noted that the Africa Water Investment Summit, hosted in the context of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, helped to advance efforts towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth and social advancement.

The summit was convened under the auspices of the African Union, the High-Level Panel on Water Investment for Africa and the Republic of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The commitments were made by the 20 ministers responsible for water, sanitation and environment across the continent and beyond, as supported by the African Heads of State and Government and other global leaders.

The inadequate investments in water have affected the gains made across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on water and sanitation, and the critical role that water plays in climate change adaptation and mitigation and the goals of Agenda 2063. This is due to the continent’s growing needs, resulting in Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap. Therefore, the delivery of water investments across Africa is below target to meet the continent’s growing needs.

In December 2023 during COP 28 in Dubai, UAE, the African Union Commission and AIP International High-Level Panel launched the Africa Water Investment Action Plan, outlining how countries can mobilise the additional US$30 billion per year required to ensure water security and sustainable sanitation on the continent.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Moses Vilakati has described the Summit convened under South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency as more than a gathering, but a call to action, a platform for transformation, and a proof to Africa’s leadership in climate-resilient water security and safe sanitation.

“We came together with a shared mission: to close Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap, and we leave with renewed momentum, concrete commitments, and a bold vision for the future. The African Union declared Water as the Theme for the Year 2026, and it is our fervent hope that this will help in our drive for better water investments in the Continent,” said Commissioner Vilakati.

The Summit also served as a platform to consolidate the position of AU Member States on water investment in preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be hosted by the Government of Senegal and the United Arab Emirates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Mr. Hassan Abdallah.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting addressed several topics related to the performance of the Egyptian economy during the current period, including efforts to reduce inflation rates and indicators for enhancing the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The meeting also reviewed the situation of the global economy, the repercussions of the challenges facing various countries around the world, and their implications for the overall economy.

President El-Sisi emphasized that the availability of sufficient dollar resources reflects positively on the provision of a reassuring stock of various goods, petroleum products, and production supplies for factories. The President also stressed the need to continue efforts to increase dollar earnings, particularly from local resources, and to continue coordination between the government and the Central Bank of Egypt to ensure the maintenance of a flexible and unified exchange rate for foreign currency.

The meeting also reviewed items related to providing opportunities and financing for the private sector to drive economic growth, which attract more investment flows and maximize the role of the private sector in economic activity. President El-Sisi gave directives to enhance incentives to benefit from the available economic opportunities and provide opportunities for the private sector to drive economic growth, which would contribute to attracting more investment flows. The President stressed the need to continue intensive efforts to provide conditions conducive to attracting more foreign investment and empower the private sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

Ghana today officially launches the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence, making it the first African country and the second globally after Indonesia to issue this licence. This historic milestone solidifies Ghana’s leadership in sustainable forest governance and legal timber trade.

The launching ceremony follows the successful go-live of Ghana’s FLEGT license system on Friday, August 15 2025, marking the beginning of verified, legal timber exports.

The launch marks the culmination of about 16 years of reform, collaboration and investment across Ghana’s forest sector, including the ratification of 131 Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs) by Parliament last month, the final regulatory hurdle that cleared the way for implementation.

A FLEGT licence certifies that timber and timber-related products exported to the European Union (EU) are legally harvested and processed in accordance with Ghanaian laws. Products covered by a valid licence automatically comply with the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), ensuring seamless access to the EU market while eliminating the risk of illegal timber trade.

More than 350 industry operators have been trained in the licensing process, ensuring smooth transactions for international buyers.

This major roll out also positions Ghana to meet broader international obligations, including compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation and commitments under global climate change frameworks. It further affirms Ghana’s readiness to supply FLEGT-licensed timber to the EU, eliminating additional due diligence for buyers and strengthening Ghana’s position as a frontrunner in sustainable forest governance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Ghana.

Source: APO

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Angola’s Copia Group of Companies has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference & exhibition– taking place September 3-4 in Luanda – as a Gold Sponsor. The sponsorship comes as the group scales up its integrated oil and gas solutions in the country, positioning the company as a strong partner for upstream and downstream project developers.  

Building on its multi-sector experience in Angola, Copia Group of Companies offers specialized services for the oil and gas industry. These include infrastructure for oil facilities, transport and logistics for heavy equipment and engineering, technology and industrial solutions. By leveraging partnerships with international companies, the group has committed to supporting Angola’s hydrocarbon growth. Copia Group of Companies’ AOG 2025 reflects this commitment and is expected to open new pathways for collaboration and contracts.  

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Beyond its oil and gas services, Copia Group of Companies is developing the Caculo Cabaça Hydroelectric Dam project in Angola. The project, currently under construction, will have a capacity of 2,172 MW following completion, with the first turbine on track for operation in October 2026. Subsequent phases brought online between 2026 and 2028 will bring the plant to full operational capacity. As of December 2024, the physical components of the project were 25% complete while tunnel excavation was well-advanced. The project showcases the role service companies play in developing strategic infrastructure in Angola, with the project set to significantly improve power generation across the market.  

As Copia Group of Companies expands its presence across the Angolan market, AOG 2025 serves as a strategic platform to foster collaboration and deals. Uniting the entire oil and gas value chain – as well associated sub-sectors –, the event drives investment into strategic projects. Copia Group of Companies’ participation is expected to support new deals as well as discussions surrounding Angolan services and innovative technologies. www.CopiaGroupofCompanies.com

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

Source: APO

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The United Kingdom (UK) is increasing its strategic investments in African mining to secure a reliable supply of both critical and traditional minerals essential for the energy transition and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Home to 30% of the world’s critical minerals, Africa features significant opportunities for UK-based financiers and mining companies. Increased investments are expected to fuel both UK mineral security and African development. 

The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature the European Partnerships in African Mining: A mutually Beneficial Future Roundtable, connecting European and UK investors with prospects across Africa. The event will highlight UK-backed projects that support Africa’s ambitions to expand mineral production and value addition. 

Across the continent, UK-based mining companies are expanding their footprint, targeting greater production in both producing and emerging markets. Notably, Blencowe Resources (https://apo-opa.co/4mhRHgR) is progressing the Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda. In August 2025, the firm signed a five-year offtake agreement with Perpetuus Advanced Materials Limited to supply the UK amid the kingdom’s growing graphite demand. The deal follows the project’s $1.5 million funding boost through an ongoing partnership with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. 

Similarly, UK’s Kore Potash (https://apo-opa.co/4mQRMIw) is bringing $2.2 billion in investments into the Republic of Congo through a strategic partnership with Swiss investor OWI-RAMS GMBH. The funding is aimed at advancing the Kola Potash Project. In late July, the British Geological Survey also partnered with Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development to publish a comprehensive study mapping the country’s critical mineral prospects. The report (https://apo-opa.co/3HvrEUw) highlights investment opportunities for UK firms and aims to increase the flow of UK investments within Africa’s second-largest copper producer. 

Gemfields (https://apo-opa.co/3Jeozsx) is also expanding its operations in ruby mining across Zambia and Mozambique as well as gemstone investments in Ethiopia and Madagascar. In June 2025, the company raised $30 million through a share placement to fund these developments. Other UK companies including Xtract Resources and Endeavour Mining continue to grow their presence in Senegal, Ivory Coast and Zambia. 

Through the British International Investment (BII), the UK continues to expand its footprint across Africa’s critical sectors, including mining. The BII’s investments in African companies surged by 40% in 2024, reaching £1.09 billion up from £725 million in 2023. AMW will build on the UK’s growing investment pipeline in African mining, connecting UK and African mining stakeholders and facilitating strategic partnerships and industry-changing deal signings. 

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

About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com. 

Source: APO

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Africa must prioritize pharmaceutical self-reliance by boosting local medicine production rooted in global quality standards, said Dr Owen Laws Kaluwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, in a keynote address delivered at a regional training workshop on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) held in Addis Ababa.

The two-day hands-on workshop, held from 22–23 July 2025, brought together 26 participants from National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and pharmaceutical manufacturers across seven East African Community (EAC) member states. It was jointly organized by the Local Production and Assistance Unit in WHO Headquarters, the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), and the WHO Country Office in Ethiopia, with financial support from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Designed to strengthen technical capacities in GMP implementation, the training offered a mix of instructional content and case-based learning. Core topics included Quality Management Systems, Quality Risk Management, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), data integrity, validation practices, and management of critical utility systems such as water and HVAC. The approach strengthened practical skills in complying with current WHO GMP standards and fostered active collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry professionals, enhancing mutual understanding and shared responsibility for quality-assured pharmaceutical production. 

Dr Jicui Dong, Unit Head of the WHO Local Production and Assistance Unit, remarked “Compliance with current GMP standards needs both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It is encouraging to see the commitment of pharmaceutical manufacturers within this region to invest in workforce development and ensure local production of quality pharmaceuticals.”  

Opening the workshop, Mr Dejene Daba, Head of the Medicine Manufacturers Inspection and Enforcement Desk at the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting manufacturers and attaining WHO Maturity Level 3 regulatory status—a benchmark for robust regulatory systems.

Dr Kaluwa underscored that reliance on imported medicines continues to pose significant health security risks for African countries, particularly in times of global supply chain disruptions. “Enhancing local pharmaceutical production is not only a strategic health priority but also an economic and political imperative,” he said.

The workshop represents a concrete step toward building regional capabilities to meet international manufacturing standards, aligning with broader continental goals such as the African Union and Africa CDC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

Source: APO

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Adam Ibrahim was working with the UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, in his home country, Sudan, when conflict between rival armed forces erupted in early 2023 and he became a refugee alongside thousands of others who continue to flee the ongoing violence.

Sudan is one of the world’s largest and most complex humanitarian crises, with more than 30.4 million people – over half the population – urgently needing humanitarian assistance, yet the 2025 Sudan humanitarian needs and response plan is severely underfunded, with only 13.3 per cent of the required resources received so far.

Forced to flee the country with his family after the war intensified, Mr. Ibrahim returned to help people affected by the war in Darfur. Ahead of World Humanitarian Day, marked annually on 19 August, he described his journey, from aid worker to refugee and back again to Sudan.

“I was at home helping my daughter revise for her grade six exams, scheduled for the next day. Then, out of nowhere, the sound of heavy gunfire shattered the silence in my hometown, Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur state, which remains gripped by insecurity and critical shortages of basic services.

At first, I thought the gunfire would pass quickly. I rushed to stock up on food supplies and water, enough for six days. But, the streets became battlegrounds. All I could do was try to keep my family safe.

Despite the chaos, I continued to work. Electricity and Internet access were sporadic, but I kept my phone charged to send daily updates to the OCHA Head of Office. It gave me purpose amid the uncertainty.

Eventually, it became too dangerous to stay.

The journey of displacement

On the 39th day, we fled. Our family of 10 began a harrowing journey with no clear destination, only the desperate need to escape. We left behind more than just walls and belongings; we left behind a life built with love and hope.

Our journey took us first to Nyala in South Darfur, then to Kosti in White Nile State. From there, we crossed the border into neighbouring South Sudan and eventually reached Uganda, a country I had heard offered stability and a good education system for children. The journey by car took 23 days. My children had no passports, and there were no refugee camps for Sudanese nationals at the time.

To my relief, migration authorities in both countries were kind and supportive. In Kampala, we rented a house and received asylum status within three days. The moment I held our refugee cards, I exhaled deeply and thought ‘we’ve made it.’

I enrolled my children in school and began working online, finally finding a sense of stability.

Here I was, an aid worker now a refugee, needing the same support I once provided to others.

Returning to Zalingei

Months later, I faced a difficult decision. Do I stay with my family or return to Darfur and continue the work I had done for years? I chose to return.

Leaving my family behind was incredibly hard, but their safety was paramount.

I returned to Zalingei with a renewed sense of duty to serve those still trapped in the hardship I had endured. I was also the sole breadwinner for my family and needed to ensure they could survive in Uganda.

My hometown changed

When I arrived in Zalingei, I barely recognised it. Buildings were scarred with bullet holes.

I found another family sheltering inside our house, a doctor and his family whose own home had been destroyed. I let them stay, setting aside a small section for myself and a colleague. The house had been looted. Windows were gone and our belongings had vanished. I had hoped to find my children’s school certificates, photos, any documents left behind. But, they were gone.

Everyone was armed, even children as young as 15. People were tense, traumatised and always bracing for the next wave of violence.

Machine guns and wreckage in West Darfur

I didn’t stay long in Zalingei. Soon I was called to El Geneina in West Darfur, a town devastated by violence, and whose people desperately needed humanitarian support.

El Geneina’s streets were strewn with the wreckage of burned-out military vehicles. Armed men patrolled in pickup trucks mounted with machine guns.

The humanitarian needs were immense. People lacked food, shelter, household essentials, healthcare, clean water and protection, but we never had enough resources for them.

Family, sacrifice and hope for Sudan

It’s heartbreaking to witness the suffering caused by the recent donor funding cuts. Many organizations have been forced to scale back their operations, leaving countless people without help.

Still, we did all we could.

Between 2023 and 2025, we reached more than 800,000 displaced people with critical assistance, in West and Central Darfur.

I also went on to work with OCHA colleagues in Chad to coordinate cross-border humanitarian convoys into Darfur.

These convoys were lifelines, delivering food, medicine and supplies to communities cut off by conflict.

Today, I remain in Sudan. 

My family is still in Uganda. I visit them once a year, but the separation is painful.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uganda hosted a delegation of External Relations Officers from the Parliament of the Republic of Zimbabwe for a High-level benchmarking exercise at the Ministry Headquarters in Kampala. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation, deepen mutual understanding in the fields of diplomacy, etiquette and protocol, and sharing best practices between the two countries.

The Permanent Secretary was represented by Ms. Sarah Nakamya, Ag. Deputy Chief of Protocol. The Zimbabwean delegation was led by Mr. Evans Gorogodo, the Principal External Relations Officer, Parliament of Zimbabwe

In her remarks, Ms. Nakamya commended the visit as a reflection of the shared Pan-African spirit, noting that the four thematic areas identified for discussion highlighted common challenges and aspirations that could be addressed collaboratively.

Mr. Evans Gorogodo expressed gratitude for Uganda’s exceptional hospitality, which he rated highly. He emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing foreign policy interests, identifying Uganda as a big brother whose experience offers valuable lessons. He commended President Yoweri Museveni’s steadfast leadership in championing Pan-Africanism. The session featured in-depth presentations on the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the ratification and domestication of international protocols, best practices on grooming, etiquette and deportment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.