Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

.

As West Africa marks 50 years of integration and shared progress, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is reaffirming its leadership in promoting regional trade, innovation, and sustainable investment through the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum & Exhibition (ECOTIFE) — a flagship initiative at the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), taking place from 7–16 November 2025.

The opening ceremony on Friday 7th November 2025 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Nigéria, brought together top ECOWAS officials, diplomats, and business leaders from across the region. It was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, represented by Dr Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner en charge of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, while the Lagos State Government was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medem. Also in attendance was the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, ECOWAS Commissioners, representatives from Member States, and members of the diplomatic corps, underscoring the forum’s significance in strengthening regional trade and investment cooperation.

ECOTIFE 2025 is an integral part of the year-long ECOWAS@50 celebrations, symbolizing the region’s collective vision for a borderless, prosperous, and self-reliant West Africa. It brings together policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and development partners to strengthen trade linkages, unlock investment opportunities, and celebrate the creativity that drives regional growth. The initiative underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to deepening regional integration and promoting shared prosperity through stronger trade linkages and inclusive economic growth.

“This platform captures the spirit of ECOWAS@50 — the drive to connect markets, empower people, and unlock opportunities that transcend borders,” said H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Dr Kalilou Sylla, the ECOWAS Commissioner in charge of Economic Affairs and Agriculture. “ECOTIFE is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of West Africa’s resilience and creativity as we trade, innovate, and grow together.”

“Trade facilitation and investment promotion are central to ECOWAS’ economic integration agenda,” noted Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission. “ECOTIFE aligns with our strategic objective to deepen intra-regional trade, strengthen regional value chains, and position West Africa as a competitive and sustainable investment destination.”

On 7 and 8 November, the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair featured expert panels and dynamic exhibitions, highlighting West Africa’s immense potential. The expert discussions also focused on the theme of ‘Facilitating Trade and Digital Transformation,’ allowing participants to explore technological solutions that could revolutionize trade and market access across West Africa.

The Lagos International Trade Fair is one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and longest-running trade exhibitions, attracting over 1,600 exhibitors across 40,000m² of exhibition space and welcoming more than 500,000 visitors annually. Supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government, the Fair serves as a strategic platform for business networking, investment promotion, and cross-border partnerships.

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

Source: APO – Report:

.

Eswatini faces one of the highest burdens of cervical cancer globally. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office has supported the Ministry of Health in the development and ongoing implementation of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Acceleration Plan (2024–2028). This plan aims to achieve the 90–70–90 targets by 2030, in alignment with the WHO Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem.

“The Ministry of Health (MOH) has embarked on a task-sharing initiative to build the capacity of nurses to perform LEEP procedures, with doctors providing ongoing mentorship and support at hospital and health center levels. Meanwhile, HPV testing,  Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) services have been decentralized to primary care facilities  and laboratories” Ms Xolisile Dlamini National Cancer Control Unit Program Manager – MOH 

On 24 October 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Eswatini, in collaboration with Eswatini’s Ministry of Health and with technical support from the WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), organized a comprehensive Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) training program for healthcare workers (HCWs). The training aimed to strengthen national capacity for the treatment of cervical precancerous lesions, aligning with the third pillar of the Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem. Held over 10 days from 6 to 17 October 2025, the program combined theoretical and hands-on clinical components, resulting in enhanced technical knowledge, improved procedural skills, and greater adherence to WHO-recommended standards. 

“The  training equipped health care workers’ with the necessary technical skills and decision-making capacity for appropriate indication and referral of precancer treatment; aligning LEEP and thermal ablation procedures with WHO guidelines; reinforcing infection prevention and control measures and patient safety; and promoting the integration of cervical cancer treatment services within primary health care (PHC) settings,” Dr. Dille, Surgical Oncologist and Regional Advisor on Cancer for the WHO Regional Office for Africa.

The training was co-organized by WHO and Eswatini’s National Cancer Control Unit (NCCU) – MOH combining two days of theoretical sessions with seven days of supervised hands-on practice across three clinical sites including Phocweni Clinic, AHF Clinic, and Chakaza Clinic and one overall training debrief and planning session.  A total of 31 healthcare workers (HCWs), including doctors (8) and nurses (23) , participated in the sessions, covering modules on anatomy, screening (VIA/VILI), pre-cancer treatment ( thermoablation, and LEEP), infection prevention and control (IPC), pathology, and data management. 

More than 80 procedures were performed across the three training sites, including over 33 LEEPs , one thermal ablation and three biopsies thus clearing the backlog which was existing prior to training. One minor complication (bleeding) occurred and was managed successfully according to WHO-recommended clinical protocols. 

“The training has contributed to improved clinical decision-making regarding lesion assessment, treatment eligibility, and appropriate referral. In addition coordination and communication between screening, treatment, and pathology services have been significantly strengthened” Dr Teluleko  Maseko , National Cervical cancer Coordinator MOH.

 The course enhanced HCWs’ knowledge and practical skills, ensuring better case selection for pre-cancer treatment and more consistent referral practices. 

Discussions during the training emphasized the need to establish a National Cervical Cancer Task Force and to revise national screening and treatment guidelines based on WHO standards, which will serve as critical next steps to sustain national progress toward elimination.

The Eswatini training marks a major milestone in strengthening the third pillar of the cervical cancer elimination strategy. It demonstrated that targeted capacity building can transform service delivery and accelerate elimination progress, even in settings with a high burden. The establishment of a national task force and guideline revision will institutionalize the’ outcomes of the training, ensuring sustainability and policy integration. 

Next steps include trained participants to conduct a Total of 30 LEEP cases in order to get certified by March 2026, integrating data into DHIS2, and establishing mentorship and quality assurance frameworks.

“The LEEP training in Eswatini, facilitated by WHO, exemplifies how national and regional collaboration, evidence-based training, and government ownership can translate the Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination into action. It stands as a success story for the WHO African Region, proving that with partnership, commitment, and technical excellence, even the highest burden countries can advance toward elimination,” Dr. Susan Tembo, WHO Eswatini Representative.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Eswatini.

Source: APO – Report:

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Bas Wijne, will deliver a keynote address at this week’s  Africa Tech Festival and serve as an official judge at the Africa Tech Festival Awards. 

As the continent’s premier gathering of innovators, investors, and policymakers, the Africa Tech Festival showcases the organisations, people, and ideas driving Africa’s digital transformation. Wijne’s participation underscores APO Group’s commitment to this rapidly growing and influential sector.  On Wednesday, 12 November, Wijne will take to the main stage with a keynote address titled “Future Signals for Africa’s Emerging Tech Landscape”, sharing insights on the technologies reshaping industries across the continent, and how the current state of policy, investment, and communication intersect to influence Africa’s tech boom. “At APO Group, we don’t just tell Africa’s innovation stories; we help track the signals of what’s next,” said Wijne. “Africa’s growth depends on how effectively we interpret these signals and invest in readiness. Visibility drives value, and when the world sees Africa’s progress, confidence and opportunity follow. We’re proud to play a part in driving this growth.”

Wijne will also join an elite panel of judges for the Africa Tech Festival Awards 2025, a flagship celebration of the most innovative and impactful achievements in Africa’s digital economy. Finalists will be evaluated across ten categories, ranging from innovation in connectivity and fintech to sustainability and digital inclusion, before the winners are announced at the festival’s awards gala on 12 November.

Affirming APO Group’s role in amplifying the voices of Africa’s technology pioneers, Wijne added: “The Africa Tech Festival Awards recognise the changemakers who are not only advancing technology but also shaping Africa’s most profitable story – one of ingenuity, inclusion, and growth. It’s an honour to serve alongside other industry leaders in celebrating the progress of our continent’s innovators.”

For APO Group, participation in both the conference and awards aligns perfectly with its mission to connect innovators, investors, and policymakers with the right audiences and to drive Africa’s tech transformation through storytelling. As the trusted communications partner for businesses and institutions across Africa, the company continues to reshape narratives by challenging stereotypes and showcasing African success stories on global stages.

APO Group’s leadership presence at Africa Tech Festival 2025, complemented by Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard’s (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com) continued service on the event’s Leadership Council, highlights the organisation’s long-term commitment to Africa’s digital transformation. By supporting platforms that bring together public and private sector decision-makers, APO Group strengthens the ecosystem that enables innovation to thrive.

“As technology moves from hype to value, Africa must own its narrative,” said Wijne. “When we tell our stories confidently and invest with foresight, Africa doesn’t just adapt to global trends, it defines them.”

The Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/) will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 11 to 13 November 2025.

– on behalf of APO Group.

APO Group Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputations and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media by crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact on the continent and globally.   

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024.  Additionally, in 2025, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.  

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.  

Source: APO – Report:

.

It has been 14 years since South Sudan officially obtained independence.

But it has been 26 years since Angelina Wael left her home to seek safety in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. 

Today, her search for safety has come full circle and she is, once again, in her home country after fleeing the ongoing crisis in neighboring Sudan. Having grown up in Bentiu, she left soon after delivering her first child, hoping to build a life without constant fear. 

“This is my first time here since Independence. I don’t know if I should feel proud or scared about what the future holds,” she shares. 

Although her lively expression doesn’t reveal much, Angelina has been through a lot. She’s lost her husband and her brother to repeated violence and is the only caretaker for her late brother’s two children. 

As a single mother to eight children, her life has been an endless struggle to ensure a secure life for them: “I may not be able to take away their suffering, but I am trying to do everything I can to give them some moments of happiness.”

This need for security is what led her to leave Khartoum, embarking on a five-day long car ride to Renk in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state. She and her dependents then got on a boat that brought them to Bulukat, a transit center in Malakal, built and supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). 

“Bulukat is supposed to be a place where people can rest and recover from their journeys. Residents have come a long way, often without any food or water, and need a place to just be ok for a while,” explains Alex Wani, IOM Operational Assistant and focal point for Programming and Shelter in Upper Nile. 

Divided into two sections, one for returnees and the other one for refugees, since 2023, the center has provided exactly that much needed relief to some 1000 residents who pass through each week. 

Every week, three to four boats take up to 500 people each from Renk to Bulukat where they receive food, water, medical checkups, and trainings to prepare them for their onward journeys and destinations. This provides a much needed, albeit temporary, respite from the ravages of war.

But like Angelina, everyone in this situation is apprehensive about what life holds for them when they reach their final destinations.

“I have been trying to provide for these children for so long that I don’t know what to expect anymore. Maybe, when I am finally home in Bentiu again, this will change.” 

For now, she is waiting for more people to arrive in the next days in order for the plane to take her to Bentiu to depart. To come home.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

.

Driven by concern for the safety and wellbeing of families displaced from Nagero county in Western Equatoria, this week, peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) travelled more than 70 kilometers to remote Bazia, a payam in South Sudan’s Western Bahr El Ghazal.

An eruption of conflict in mid-October 2025 between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and opposition forces forced more than 16,000 people to flee their homes, over the border in Bazia.

The joint assessment mission—comprising UNMISS representatives and state representatives—aimed to find out about security and humanitarian challenges in the area. What they saw was concerning—acute food shortages, a lack of clean drinking water, limited access to healthcare, and no opportunities for education. 

For Susan Okello, Protection, Transition, and Reintegration Officer, UNMISS, the presence of government representatives and the UN Peacekeeping mission brought hope to people, if not immediate relief to these issues as humanitarian partners are being forced to scale down aid or withdraw entirely from locations across the country due to funding shortages, leaving countless people without the help they urgently need: 

“We joined this government-led delegation, and our Bangladesh peacekeepers conducted a free medical camp and distributed dignity kits to women. As a Mission, we remain committed to supporting the government in strengthening security so these families can return home.” 

The scale of the crisis was greater than anyone had expected. 

“We were not expecting such a large number of people in desperate need of urgent assistance,” said Musa Barsham, Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission. “Their condition is dire, yet we have no immediate resources to support them. We appeal to all people to help.” 

According to Dr. Francis Michael Hassan, State Minister of Health and Chairperson of the Government Committee, the initial assessment confirmed that among those displaced were about 700 schoolchildren, 41 of whom were preparing for their Primary Eight leaving examinations. 

“Our findings will be compiled into a report to be presented to the government for further intervention because they need all the help they can get, particularly school-going children who should return to the classroom as soon as possible.” 

For now, these families of Nagero wait in Bazia—tired but hopeful that peace will soon allow them to return home. 

“We are here because of insecurity,” explained Alex Marko Nazamba, one of those displaced and also Executive Director of Nagero county. “We need the Nagero County Commissioner to return and assure us of our safety and we will return.”

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO – Report:

Enlit Africa and Water Security Africa are pleased to announce the official launch of the Call for Speakers for the 2026 edition, taking place from 19–21 May 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). This flagship event serves as the continent’s premier gathering point for thought leaders, technology providers, regulators, financiers and innovators across Africa’s energy and water value chains. Africa’s power and water sectors are undergoing profound transformation. From grid modernisation and storage integration to climate-resilient water infrastructure, the Enlit Africa 2026 conference will spotlight real-world progress and strategic direction.

The organising committee now invites professionals at the forefront of this transformation to share their insights, innovations and policy frameworks that are shaping sustainable, inclusive futures.

Speaker applications are open until 30 January 2026 and approvals will be processed in two tranches – 5 December 2025 and 4 February 2026.

Stages and hubs at Enlit Africa 2026

The 2026 programme will once again feature a multi-track agenda designed to reflect the integrated nature of Africa’s development imperatives. The Strategise Stage will focus on leadership, policy, regulation and climate finance. The Innovate Stage will showcase emerging technologies and operational excellence across the value chain, including smart grids, digitalisation, energy access and customer experience. The Renewable Energy & Storage Hub will dive into the utilisation of alternative energy sources, system integration, BESS deployment and energy equity.

In response to new sector reforms and market restructuring, along with an ongoing conversation around the financial viability of municipalities, the Municipal Forum will provide a platform for municipal leaders and city officials to consider these in the context of a holistic ecosystem. Meanwhile, Water Security Africa will bring together experts working on ESG-aligned governance, resilient water systems and cross-sector collaboration under the water-energy-food nexus. Specialised technical stages, such as the Power & Water Hubs, will provide in-depth technical discussions tailored for engineers, operators and planners.

The Project & Investment Network will highlight project pipelines, blended finance solutions, and public-private partnerships accelerating implementation across the continent. Part of the Level 2 experience, this is the newest opportunity to connect dealmakers, technology partners and investors, in deal rooms, masterclass sessions and country spotlights.

Why speak at Enlit Africa

Speaking at Enlit Africa positions individuals and their organisations at the centre of the conversation shaping Africa’s energy and water future. Presenters gain direct access to over 7,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and investors from more than 68 countries, creating opportunities for visibility, influence, and meaningful engagement with real project decision-makers.

Enlit Africa 2025, the most recent edition, featured over 260 speakers, $3 billion in project showcases, and launched pivotal platforms such as the Project & Investment Network, the Women in Energy Forum, and Water Security Africa. The 2026 edition promises to build on this momentum, continuing to challenge the status quo and inspire collective action.

To submit an abstract and contribute to this leading African dialogue, visit:
https://apo-opa.co/4oDPUUO

To explore insights from the previous edition, download the 2025 Post-Event Report:
https://apo-opa.co/3JCB9Cn

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

About the event organisers: VUKA Group
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other, across Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through innovative events, content, and strategic networking. By integrating industry introductions, curated events, and digital engagement, the group empowers businesses to navigate complex markets, forge valuable connections, and drive sustainable success.

Venture partners to The Global Trust Project, Founders of WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of NPO, Go Green Africa. The VUKA Group’s diverse portfolio acts to contribute to its purpose of ‘Connecting Africa to the World’s Best, to Influence Sustainable Progress’

Discover more at WeAreVUKA.com

Source: APO – Report:

.

A new climate resilience schools programme launched in South Sudan will help more than 200,000 school children to get an education as the country battles repeated floods, droughts and heatwaves, Save the Children said.  

Save the Children, with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), has launched a US$17 million project to strengthen climate resilience through education across South Sudan.

The Building the Climate Resilience of Children and Communities through the Education Sector (BRACE) pilot will support the Ministry of General Education and Instruction to reform education policies, rebuild schools, and train young people to safeguard learning as climate disasters across the country intensify.

More than 200,000 children, half of them girls, are expected to benefit directly.

This new global Education and Resilience project aims to protect learning for millions of children impacted by climate-related disasters, starting initially in South Sudan, Cambodia and Tonga.

South Sudan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and natural hazards. These climate extremes – which are becoming more frequent and severe due to the climate crisis – are disrupting learning, destroying school infrastructure, and displacing thousands of children every year. 

Currently, more than 1 million people across six states in South Sudan are affected by flooding, including nearly 355,000 people who have been displaced, with Jonglei and Unity states accounting for nearly 90% of those impacted. 

Besides flooding, back-to-back heatwaves have forced schools to close for weeks at a time in the past two years, putting learning out of reach for many children. 

The new programme will help thousands of children remain in school by adapting school infrastructure to a changing climate, with improvements such as better ventilation, installing solar panels, water harvesting, and installing water and sanitation systems. 

During the launch of the project in Juba this month, H.E. Josephine Lagu, Vice President of South Sudan and the chair of the Service Cluster in the country, said: 

“As we launch this project, we are reviewing our education curricula and practices. We must put children at the centre and the process should be inclusive. I believe that teacher training will equip educators with the necessary tools to deliver climate-responsive education. We will also engage the community, mobilise local stakeholders to participate in climate adaptation and education planning.

Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok, the Minister of General Education and Instruction for South Sudan, said:

“We stand here today because visionary partners believe in our potential. To the Global Climate Fund (GCF), Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and all our back donors, we extend our deepest gratitude, your co-funding is more than financial support; it is an investment in stability opportunity, and in breaking the cycle of climate-induced vulnerability. The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to ensure that every child, no matter the climate challenges they face, enjoys access to quality education. We pledge to go beyond the launch and work tirelessly to turn this promise into reality.”

Hon. Agot Alier, Deputy Speaker of the Child Council, said: 

“If resilience is about bouncing back, then let’s make sure every child has a reason to rise. Let this BRACE project not just build assets in our land but also make confidence in our hearts because one day, it will be the children standing here, launching the next project, telling new stories of hope, success and peace. We are not too young to have developmental ideas; we are not too small to build something great for South Sudan”

Chris Nyamandi, Country Director for Save the Children in South Sudan, said:

“Recurrent floods, droughts, and extreme heat are leaving communities with little time to recover between crises, displacing families, and crippling vital services, including education.  The climate crisis is threatening every child’s right to a quality, safe education. Education is not only about learning, but also survival. Through this project, we are helping children learn, adapt, and lead in a changing climate.”

Morten Sigsgaard, GPE Secretariat Country Team lead for South Sudan, said: 

“The impacts of climate change are felt by many in South Sudan – floods, droughts, heatwaves, and displacement. They disrupt schooling, damage infrastructure, and threaten the future of an entire generation of learners. Every time a school is damaged by floods, or closed due to prolonged heatwaves, each time a teacher or a student cannot reach their classroom because the road was flooded, children’s right to learn is jeopardized. To make this vision a reality, let’s also face reality. The success of BRACE depends not only on international financing – what’s much more important is national leadership and domestic investment.”

Ms. Yayoi Segi-Vlthcek, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to South Sudan, said: 

“UNESCO, in partnership with Save the Children and the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning, has been working to lay the foundations for climate resilient education through climate smart Education System Initiative (CESI). Building on this progress, UNESCO will continue its support under the BRACE programme in South Sudan to strengthen policy, planning, and curricula that prepare learners for climate challenges. Every child has a right to learn, no matter the crisis, no matter the climate.”

Every year, climate events interrupt learning for about 40 million children around the world, a figure likely to rise as the intensity and frequency of weather events increase. Altogether, climate change is likely to displace more than 143 million people by 2050, disrupting the education and psychological wellbeing of millions of children.

Through BRACE, Save the Children and partners aim to ensure that education systems not only survive climate shocks, but emerge stronger, protecting the right of every child to learn, grow, and thrive in a changing world.

Save the Children has worked in South Sudan since 1991, when it was part of Sudan. The child rights organisation provides children with access to education, healthcare and nutritional support, and families with food security and livelihoods assistance.

– on behalf of Save the Children.