Category: English

Source: APO

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In continuation of implementing the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to localize the prosthetics and assistive devices industry and support mine victims in Matrouh Governorate, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, visited the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh to follow up on its efforts to support the injured and mine victims in the governorate, in cooperation with the Armed Forces Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology, and witnessed the delivery and maintenance of 100 prosthetic limbs for the injured people of the governorate who were affected by the mines.

During the visit, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat listened to the people of Matrouh who were affected by mines and held a dialogue about the mechanism for applying for a prosthetic limb, the manufacturing timeline, and obtaining it, reaffirming the government’s keenness to provide prosthetic devices with the highest levels and standards of efficiency, enabling the injured to reintegrate into society. She also emphasized the government’s interest in supporting development efforts in border governorates, whether through the investment plan or the presidential initiative “Decent Life.”

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation also inspected the process of manufacturing and fitting prosthetic devices at the Prosthetics Center by the center’s officials, stressing the need to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency and ensure continuous maintenance of prosthetic devices for the people of Matrouh.

Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the keenness to maximizing the efforts exerted by the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh, in coordination with the relevant entities, especially the Armed Forces Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology, to provide all aspects of support to the people affected by mines in Matrouh Governorate, by enabling them to reintegrate into society and overcome challenges that prevent their effective participation in various aspects of life.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat added that the ministry, in cooperation with the relevant national entities and in implementation of the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, is working on developing the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh in collaboration with the German side, in a way that contributes to enhancing its efficiency and strengthening its role in localizing the prosthetics industry in Egypt.

Last week, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat signed the reciprocal letters for the feasibility study grant for the National Prosthetic System Development Project, amounting to 1.52 million Chinese yuan, which aims to position Egypt as a regional hub in the Middle East and Africa for providing prosthetic limbs and assistive devices for people with disabilities, as well as acquiring manufacturing capability according to internationally approved standards.

It is worth noting that in 2007, the Executive Secretariat for Mine Clearance was established at the ministry under Ministerial Decree No. (125) to act as a national coordination and contact point among all entities concerned with mine clearance and the development of the North West Coast, whether governmental, private sector, or civil society, and to mobilize the financial resources necessary to implement its activities. Its current geographical scope of work covers the NorthWest Coast and its desert hinterland, from El-Hammam in the east to El-Salloum in the west and Siwa to the south.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Source: APO

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On July 16, Ambassador Yin Chengwu attended the 2025 Liberia Investment Conference. The event was also attended by Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, Representatives from relevant UN agencies and diplomatic missions in Liberia.

At the conference, Ambassador Yin briefed the outcomes of the recent Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He particularly highlighted the new measures such as China’s zero-tariff treatments for 100% of taxable items originating from African countries with diplomatic relations with China. He stressed the principles of openness and cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, as well as trustworthy partnership. Furthermore, he proposed five key recommendations for further advance China-Liberia cooperation, including enhancing strategic synergy, streamlining the business environment, pioneering emerging sectors, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering people-to-people bonds.

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

Source: APO

Since 10 July, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, has verified that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed at least 60 civilians in North Kordofan’s Bara locality, while civil society groups have reported that up to 300 were killed.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) also hit two villages in West Kordofan from 10 to 14 July, killing at least 23 civilians and causing more than 30 injuries.

Most recently, on Thursday, an SAF airstrike in Bara killed at least 11 civilians who were all members of a single family.

According to the High Commissioner’s statement, these deaths come amid worrying reports that the RSF is mobilising for an offensive on the capital of North Kordofan state, El Obeid.  

Continued concern for El Fasher  

At another major hotspot in the Sudan conflict, the besieged city of El Fasher in North Darfur state, the RSF has conducted multiple attacks recently. They include a ground attack on 11 and 12 July, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.  

The High Commissioner subsequently “expressed continued concern for the safety of civilians in El Fasher.”

“Callous disregard for civilians’ lives and safety”

The statement stressed that the High Commissioner “deplored the killing of dozens of civilians by both parties.”

“It is distressing that more than two years since the conflict began parties to the conflict in Sudan continue to demonstrate callous disregard for civilians’ lives and safety,” he said.  

“An escalation of hostilities in North Darfur and Kordofan will only further aggravate the already severe risks to civilians and the dire humanitarian situation in a conflict that has already wrought untold suffering on the Sudanese people,”  

Mr. Türk urged those with influence to prevent further escalation and ensure parties uphold their obligations under international law, including the protection of civilians.  

The High Commissioner renewed his calls for the warring parties to ensure safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid and to prevent violations of international law.  

“All alleged violations must be fully and independently investigated and those responsible brought to justice,” he concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, is pleased to announce the appointment of H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, as his Special Envoy for the Sahel region.

The Chairperson of the African Union is most grateful to H.E President Évariste Ndayishimiye for accepting this strategic political assignment in the collective interest of the Union.

President Ndayishimiye will spearhead the renewed African Union’s high level diplomatic support and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the prevailing security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel.

The Special Envoy’s mandate covers intensifying engagements with the governmental authorities, opinion leaders, regional actors and organizations, civil society and all relevant stakeholders to foster dialogue, build consensus, and promote comprehensive strategies towards durable peace and stability within the Sahel region.

President Ndayishimiye brings with him very rich political experience, and impeccable credentials of resolute commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional integration and cooperation. The appointment reflects the African Union’s steadfast commitment to supporting peacebuilding and regional cooperation in one of Africa’s most critical regions.

The Chairperson of the African Union has expressed full confidence in President Ndayishimiye’s ability to advance the Union’s vision through his distinguished leadership and deep understanding of the continent’s complex dynamics. In effect, this appointment is to foster the African Union’s drive to permanently silence the guns and promote peace, security, stability, and political dialogue in the Sahel region.

The Chairperson of the African Union therefore calls on the AU Commission, the AU Mission in the Sahel (MISAHEL); all stakeholders and the international community to extend support to the Special Envoy, who is expected to immediately commence his engagements in the region.

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

Source: APO

• Through American Tower’s Digital Communities program, the three-year partnership will provide technology-equipped spaces that offer digital literacy for youth, vocational training for adults, and access to healthcare services.
   
• The initiative will benefit institutions such as vocational training centers, dispensaries, secondary schools and special schools, directly impacting over 50,000 beneficiaries.

ATC Kenya (www.AmericanTower.com/en-KE), a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure, and the Mawingu Foundation—the social impact arm of Mawingu Networks Limited—are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at bridging the digital divide across Kenya. This partnership will provide underserved and unserved communities with access to connectivity, digital learning materials, modern equipment, and essential digital skills.

This initiative will benefit a wide range of institutions including Vocational Training Centers (VTCs), dispensaries, secondary schools, special schools, and surrounding communities. The program is expected to directly impact more than 50,000 individuals over the life of the partnership.

Central to this effort is ATC’s Digital Communities program, which offers technology-equipped spaces that deliver digital literacy for youth, vocational and financial training for adults, and access to healthcare services. By combining this model with the Mawingu Foundation’s community reach and expertise, the partnership aims to foster inclusive development and equitable access to digital opportunities.

“At ATC Kenya, we are driven by our commitment to bridging the digital divide and by the belief that connectivity—especially in underserved and unserved areas—is essential to transforming lives and empowering communities,” said George Odenyo, CEO of ATC Kenya. “This is why partnerships with entities like the Mawingu Foundation are vital to achieving our vision of building a more connected Kenya.”

Mawingu CEO, Farouk Ramji, noted that “As Mawingu Foundation, we believe that closing the digital divide must start where the gap is widest, and this is in the heart of rural and peri-urban communities that we are dedicated to transforming. The Digital Communities initiative is proof that with the right partnerships, we can deliver meaningful, sustainable internet access where it matters most.”

The collaboration will focus on identifying and supporting institutions most in need, ensuring that digital tools and connectivity are accessible where they can make the greatest impact. By addressing educational disparities and promoting digital inclusion, the partnership is set to create lasting change across Kenya.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of American Tower Corporation.

Media Contacts:
American Tower
media.relations@americantower.com

Mawingu Foundation
press@mawingu.co

About ATC Kenya:
ATC Kenya is a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, one of the largest global telecommunications Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate.

ATC Kenya owns and operates over 4,200 telecommunications sites across the country, helping mobile network operators and other telecommunication providers confidently deliver communications connectivity to consumers throughout Kenya. For more information, visit: www.AmericanTower.com/en-KE

About Mawingu Foundation:
Mawingu Foundation is the philanthropic and community development arm of Mawingu, dedicated to bridging the digital divide in underserved regions of Africa. The Mawingu Foundation is committed to expanding access to meaningful internet connectivity, digital infrastructure, and learning tools that empower youth, educators, and community institutions.

Through strategic partnerships and on-the-ground initiatives, Mawingu Foundation focuses on enabling inclusive access to knowledge, opportunity, and innovation, ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.

Source: APO

As global capital flows evolve and development assistance dwindles, Africa finds itself at a critical point. On 28 May, during the African Development Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings (www.AfDB.org), senior leaders, policymakers and financial experts gathered to chart a new course for the continent’s financial future – one based on mobilizing and deploying African resources and ingenuity.

Organized by the Bank Group’s Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Department, in collaboration with the Bank’s Making Finance Work for Africa initiative, this side event brought together leading African experts in a conversation moderated by Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank Group for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement.

With a 10 percent decline in development assistance and a 12 percent drop in foreign direct investment to USD 40 billion {in what period, and what’s the source of the data?}, the urgency of mobilizing domestic resources is pressing. The continent faces an annual infrastructure funding gap of between USD 68 billion and USD 108 billion, while attracting only 2 percent of global investment in this sector {Source?}.

“The real question is not whether the capital exists – it does. The question is how to mobilize it on a large scale for productive, high-impact investments,” said Solomon Quaynor, the African Development Bank Group’s Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization.

He added, “Africa is not poor. Our institutional investors – pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and even central banks – together manage more than USD 2.1 trillion in assets. If just 5 percent of these funds were directed towards infrastructure and the private sector, it would unlock more than USD 100 billion in long-term capital for the continent.”

Partnerships and innovation

The event highlighted some innovative African-led models for mobilizing institutional capital. For example, InfraCredit Nigeria, a pioneering credit enhancement institution, has secured more than USD 300 million in long-term financing in local currency for infrastructure projects.

“The real risk associated with infrastructure assets is often overestimated. We have not recorded any losses on a portfolio of more than 20 projects in 12 sectors in eight years,” said Chinua Azubike, CEO of InfraCredit.

Tafara Ethiopis, Vice President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC, the World Bank’s private-sector arm) for Africa, emphasized the need to strengthen the bankability of projects through more effective risk-sharing mechanisms. “It is essential to calibrate the distribution of risks and benefits between the public and private sectors properly to make projects bankable,” he said.

Speakers also identified obstacles to mobilizing institutional capital and proposed solutions. Boitumelo Mosako, CEO of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), highlighted the central role of good governance and rigorous project preparation in lowering risk and improving investor confidence.

The Director General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Timi Agama, stressed the importance of building trust through regulatory reforms, investor protection and financial education.

Denis Charles Kouassi, CEO of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Social Security Fund, underscored the importance of aligning pension funds with national development priorities, saying, “All the income we generate is reinvested directly into the national economy to finance our services and boost growth.”

A call for collective action

The Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Department of the African Development Bank Group is leading several initiatives aimed at mobilizing African institutional capital, including through instruments such as the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund, and strategic partnerships with regional and global stakeholders.

“Yes, we need governance and accountability. But as Africans, we also need to learn to trust each other,” said Mosako.

“The moment calls for vision. It also calls for innovation. And above all, it calls for action,” Quaynor affirmed, in his concluding remarks. “Let us pool our capital, our ideas, and our will, to build an Africa where infrastructure becomes a lever for prosperity, not a drag on it.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

To view photos from this session, click here (https://apo-opa.co/4f1e4og).

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Source: APO

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has urged Mauritius to accelerate structural reforms to unlock its vast capital potential and advance long-term, sustainable growth. The Bank made the call during the launch of its 2025 Country Focus Report for Mauritius, titled “Making Mauritius’ Capital Work Better for its Development.”

The report notes that while Mauritius continues to post strong economic performance—recording real GDP growth of 4.9% in 2024, slightly down from 5% in 2023—structural constraints and external shocks continue to undermine the country’s growth trajectory. Key growth drivers in 2024 included construction, financial services, trade, and tourism, with arrivals reaching 1.38 million, representing 97% of pre-pandemic levels. On the demand side, consumption and investment were the primary drivers of growth.

Despite the persistent challenges, the report underscores Mauritius’ significant untapped potential. In 2020, the island nation’s total national wealth was estimated at over $96 billion—more than six times its GDP—comprising human, financial, natural, and produced capital. In addition, Mauritius’ vast ocean economy resources, within its 2.3 million km² Exclusive Economic Zone, offer immense opportunities for developing a sustainable blue economy.

Speaking at the launch event, Mahess Rawoteea, Deputy Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, welcomed the recommendations in the report. “We are confident that the structural reforms outlined in the 2025–2026 Budget Speech will unlock significant investments, particularly in renewable energy, and contribute to higher GDP growth,” he said.

Rawoteea emphasized the central role of human capital in Mauritius’ development, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as education quality, skills mismatches, low female labor participation, demographic shifts, and youth emigration. He announced the establishment of a Climate Finance Unit within the Ministry of Finance to help bridge the country’s climate financing gap.

“Mauritius is undertaking institutional reforms to better mobilize domestic and foreign capital and promote sustainable development,” he added. “We are streamlining processes, enhancing transparency, and improving the ease of doing business. Environmental protection, including addressing beach erosion, is also a key priority.”

Rawoteea expressed appreciation for the African Development Bank’s support, particularly in mobilizing investments in renewable energy and the ocean economy—two sectors identified as future growth pillars.

In his keynote remarks, Prof. Kevin Urama, the Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, emphasized Africa’s broader potential for transformation. “If Africa commits to investing in its own development and managing its assets efficiently, it can reduce external dependency and harness its enormous capital for transformative growth,” he said.

Urama cited weak tax administration and inefficiencies in revenue collection as major constraints to development, urging a fundamental rethink of public financial management across the continent.

Wolassa Kumo, the Bank’s Principal Country Economist for Mauritius presented an overview of the report. The launch event attracted senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives.

Among those in attendance were Hervé Lohoues, the Bank’s Division Manager for the Country Economics Department covering Nigeria, East Africa and Southern Africa, and Nontle Kabanyane, the Bank’s Principal Country Programme Officer, who moderated a panel discussion.

The panel explored strategies for mobilizing domestic capital more effectively by strengthening institutions, improving regulatory frameworks, increasing transparency and accountability, and deepening regional trade integration. Panelists included:

• Dr. Zyaad Boodoo, Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (natural capital), Mauritius?
• Mr. Sanjev Bhonoo, Principal Statistician, Statistics Mauritius (natural capital)
• Mr. Ricaud M. Auckbur, Chief Technical Officer, Ministry of Education and Human Resources (human capital), Mauritius?
• Ms. Zaahira Ebramjee, Head of National Economic Collaboration, Business Mauritius (business capital)
• Mr. Vikram Ramful, Head of Listing, Stock Exchange of Mauritius (financial capital)

Click here (https://apo-opa.co/46KmHkM) to download the report.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Source: APO – Report:

Nigerian energy consortium Renaissance Africa Energy has confirmed its participation as a Silver Partner at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference, scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The announcement follows Renaissance Africa Energy’s strong operational start in early 2025, where the consortium exceeded its first-month oil production target by 40%.

Alongside this operational success, Renaissance Africa Energy recently unveiled an ambitious $15 billion investment plan over the next five years. The plan includes 32 projects focused on increasing crude oil and gas production, expanding pipeline infrastructure and doubling domestic gas output in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. This investment aims to enhance Nigeria’s energy security and support the country’s broader economic goals.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Renaissance Africa Energy’s 2025 milestones build on the consortium’s acquisition of energy major Shell’s fully owned subsidiary Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria’s onshore and shallow-water assets – completed in December 2024. The $1.3 billion deal marked a significant transfer of operational control from an international oil company to indigenous Nigerian firms, signaling a shift toward greater local ownership in the upstream sector.

In the gas sector, Renaissance Africa Energy is targeting an increase in production from 150 million to 300 million standard cubic feet per day. This target will be supported by infrastructure projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, which is expected to facilitate greater domestic gas utilization and support gas exports.

As such, the Renaissance Africa Energy consortium – comprising ND Western Ltd., Aradel Holdings Plc, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Ltd., Waltersmith Group and Petrolin – brings extensive expertise across upstream, midstream and downstream operations. Collectively, these partners have established a strong track record in performance, innovation and community engagement. With a combined asset base valued at approximately $3 billion and a current production rate of around 100,000 barrels per day, Renaissance Africa Energy is well-positioned to deliver significant energy solutions across Nigeria and the broader African continent.

“The rise of Renaissance Africa Energy as a prominent indigenous operator underscores the increasing maturity and capability of African energy enterprises. Their substantial investment commitments and demonstrated operational achievements are pivotal to enhancing Nigeria’s energy security and fostering sustainable economic development across the region. Renaissance Africa Energy’s participation as a silver partner at AEW: Invest in African energies 2025 exemplifies the vital role of local leadership in shaping the continent’s energy future through strategic investment and collaborative engagement,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.