Category: English

Source: APO

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From 29 June to 4 July 2025, Zimbabwe conducted its second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) to assess the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats under the International Health Regulations (2005). The JEE, coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) with support from WHO and partners, marks a critical milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe’s public health emergency preparedness and response systems.

The JEE is a voluntary, collaborative process used globally to assess a country’s readiness to manage infectious disease outbreaks and other health emergencies. It is conducted every five years, with the country’s first evaluation completed in 2018.

“The JEE gives us a structured opportunity to check how ready we are to detect and respond to public health threats and we thank all the partners who have made this possible,” said Dr Wenceslaus Nyamayaro, MoHCC Acting Chief Director, Public Health. 

The internal self-assessment, the first phase of the JEE, was completed in July 2025 with over 100 participants from across sectors including health, environment, veterinary services, defense, disaster management, civil society, and development partners including WHO, UNICEF, FAO, Africa CDC and others. This participatory process assessed 19 technical areas ranging from biosafety and surveillance to legislation and points of entry.

Key areas that emerged as requiring urgent attention include outdated or poorly implemented legal instruments, coupled with limited availability of legal support at subnational levels. Gender equity in emergencies remains a concern, with notable gaps in funding for gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, as well as low representation of women in emergency preparedness and decision-making processes. Funding for emergency response activities was also highlighted as inadequate.  Surveillance systems for foodborne illnesses and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are still fragmented, highlighting the need for stronger cross-sector coordination. Coordination between the human, animal and environmental health sectors is still weak, showing the need to improve how these groups work together. Biosafety and biosecurity capacities also require strengthening, particularly in terms of laboratory infrastructure and staff training. Additionally, readiness at points of entry remains limited, with gaps in the ability to detect and respond to public health threats at borders and airports.

Zimbabwe also assessed its progress in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global threat. While the country has developed a robust One Health AMR National Action Plan and established 14 multisectoral surveillance sites, challenges remain in laboratory capacity, integration of data systems and containment of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

The next phase of the JEE will involve an external validation mission scheduled for 6–13 September 2025. A team of international subject matter experts, coordinated by WHO’s Regional Office for Africa, will work with technical teams in Zimbabwe to validate scores, review documentation and conduct site visits to key health facilities including laboratories and points of entry. Following the mission, Zimbabwe will develop or update its National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS). This plan will consolidate findings from the JEE, past outbreak reviews, and risk assessments to guide future investments and reforms in public health preparedness.

“The evaluation is about continuous improvement. It reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to protect the health of its people through stronger systems, better data, and broader collaboration,” said Dr. Desta Tiruneh, WHO Representative to Zimbabwe.

The evaluation was made possible with funding from the Health Resilience Fund (HRF) through WHO, with additional support mobilized by MoHCC from Africa CDC and UNICEF. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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Mineral-rich African countries are accelerating the rollout of refineries and processing facilities to strengthen local beneficiation, reduce raw material exports and retain more mineral value within national economies.

Amid this wave of value-added industrialization, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – will highlight the continent’s downstream mining sector and connect African stakeholders with global investors to unlock new opportunities. Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, the event will showcase Africa’s commitment to transforming its mineral sector from extraction to industrialization.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

In June 2025, mining firm Buenassa signed an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government to develop the country’s first integrated copper and cobalt refinery. Under the agreement, the DRC government will hold a 10% golden-share in the project. Backed by a $3.5 million grant awarded in 2024, the refinery is expected to commence operations in 2027, with a projected annual output of 30,000 tons of copper cathode and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulfate.

Mali

In Mali – Africa’s second-largest gold producer – construction began in June 2025 on a new gold refinery in Senou, near Bamako. The project – a collaboration between Mali’s government, Russia’s Yadran Group and a Swiss investor – aims to process up to 200 tons of gold annually. The refinery will enhance regional gold processing, reduce smuggling and increase national revenue from value-added gold exports. The Ministerial Forum to be held at AMW will spotlight national policies and incentives accelerating beneficiation across the continent.

Angola

Meanwhile, Angola reached a 70% completion milestone on its first gold refinery in Luanda. The $5 million facility, expected to be operational by the end of 2025, will produce 50 kgs of gold per day. Part of the country’s 2023 – 2027 Sectoral Development Plan, the project reflects Angola’s strategic effort to diversify beyond oil, stimulate job creation and expand value-added exports. AMW’s Invest in Angola session will showcase opportunities within Angola’s growing mining and refining value chain.

Zambia

In Zambia, Canada’s Jubilee Metals is expanding its Sable Copper Refinery by adding a second tank-house to boost monthly processing capacity to between 500 and 550 tons. The upgrade supports Zambia’s broader goal of reaching 3.1 million tons in annual copper output by 2031 while shifting toward value-added production. The project is set to be completed by Q1 2026. AMW will feature this and similar initiatives during a dedicated panel titled Elevating Africa’s Mineral Wealth: Case Studies in Local Beneficiation – Value Addition and Industrialization.

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

About African Mining Week (AMW):
AMW, as the premier platform where Africa’s mining sector opportunities and value addition efforts are discussed and optimized, will showcase these and many more projects driving the region’s beneficiation agenda.

Source: APO

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On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend best wishes as the people of South Sudan mark their country’s independence day on July 9.  

We reaffirm the friendship between the people of our two countries, which began decades before South Sudan’s independence in 2011.  We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure a more peaceful and prosperous future that benefits the people of both our countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of State, United States of America.

Source: APO

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• The IMF Executive Board completed the sixth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and approved a fifteen-month extension and an augmentation equivalent to thirty percent of quota under the ECF arrangement. The Executive Board also approved a fifteen-month extension of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement and the rephasing of availability dates under the RSF arrangement.
• The ECF arrangement aims to strengthen public finances, ensure debt sustainability, minimize fiscal risks from public enterprises, modernize monetary policy, and raise potential growth. The RSF arrangement aims to support the government’s climate reforms and catalyze private climate finance.
• All end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria (PCs), continuous PCs, and structural benchmarks (SBs) under the ECF arrangement were met. The indicative target (IT) on social spending at end-December 2024 was not met, albeit by a small margin. Implementation of reform measures (RMs) under the RSF arrangement has been slower than expected, reflecting the complexity and interconnectedness of the reforms and capacity constraints.

The Executive Board of the IMF completed the sixth review under the ECF arrangement, which was approved on June 15, 2022, and approved a fifteen-month extension and augmentation under the arrangement. The augmentation of 30 percent of quota (SDR 7.11 million) brings access under the ECF arrangement to SDR 52.14 million. The completion of the sixth ECF review allows the disbursement of SDR 4.51 million (approximately US$6.18 million). The Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for a fifteen-month extension under the RSF arrangement, rephasing of the availability dates for delayed reform measures (RMs), and the modification of one RM.

Cabo Verde’s economy continues to perform well, underpinned by tourism, robust export performance, and private consumption growth. Economic growth in 2024 was strong at 7.3 percent, with 5.2 percent growth expected in 2025. Inflation is projected to stay near 2 percent, and the current account is expected to  return to a small deficit in 2025. Continued data-driven adjustments in monetary policy may be needed to protect the exchange rate peg and appropriate reserves buffers. The financial system is liquid, profitable, and well capitalized. The 2024 fiscal balance exceeded program targets, driven by lower primary expenditures and strong tax revenue growth. The public debt-to-GDP ratio continues to decline.

Performance under the ECF arrangement continues to be strong. All end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria (PCs), continuous PCs, and structural benchmarks (SB) for end-December 2024 were met. Implementation of RMs under the RSF has been weaker than expected despite efforts and ongoing CD support.

Cabo Verde’s medium-term economic outlook remains favorable. Growth is expected to gradually converge to 4.8 percent by 2028, with inflation remaining around 2 percent, broadly in line with euro area inflation. The current account is expected to remain in deficit in the medium term as temporary factors dissipate due to increased capital expenditure on climate and infrastructure, while tourism-related growth moderates. The 2025 budget is aligned with the program and a continued decline in the public debt-to-GDP ratio to 104.9 percent by end-2025, below pre-pandemic levels.

The macroeconomic outlook remains favorable but is subject to downside risks. Risks stem from global uncertainty, uncertainties in global trade frameworks, and external financing challenges, while rising spending on climate and infrastructure, as well as slower tourism growth, could contribute further to imbalances. Delays in SOE reforms may impact fiscal stability. The high level of debt is a source of vulnerability, and concessional financing to limit debt servicing costs remains important. On the upside, continued strength in tourist arrivals could lift growth.

Following the Executive Board discussion on Cabo Verde, Acting Chair and Deputy Managing Director Bo Li issued the following statement:

Economic activity in Cabo Verde in 2024 was strong, growth in 2025 is projected to remain above potential, and the near-term outlook is favorable despite downside risks. Inflation has been low and is expected to remain at moderate levels in the medium term. Risks to the outlook include lower external demand in major tourism source countries; uncertainties related to global trade frameworks; and climate-related shocks.

“Program performance under the ECF was strong. All performance criteria were met. All program-supported structural reforms were also implemented. Progress under the RSF arrangement has been weaker than expected, reflecting the complexity and interconnectedness of the reforms and domestic capacity constraints.

“The fiscal position in 2024 exceeded program targets, and the debt-to-GDP ratio has continued to decline. The execution of public capital spending improved relative to 2023. Over the medium-term, domestic revenue mobilization and steadfast progress on fiscal structural reforms will continue while protecting social spending and prioritizing high-quality public investments. Steady progress on state-owned enterprise (SOE) reforms remains critical for limiting fiscal risks and improving services.

“The monetary policy framework is focused on safeguarding the peg. The BCV has continued to normalize monetary policy: interest differentials with the ECB have turned positive which will help protect external buffers. The financial sector remains stable, well-capitalized, profitable and liquid, although non-performing loans require continued monitoring.

“The authorities should continue implementing their ambitious structural reform agenda. This includes the implementation of the reform measures under the RSF arrangement to help catalyze broader financial and technical support for building climate resilience. To improve reform implementation capacity under the RSF, more resources need to be invested in planning and management. Other important actions include accelerating reforms to improve the business environment.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has expressed significant concerns regarding the centralisation of state-owned entities (SOEs) as outlined in the National State Enterprises Bill (B1-2024).

During a meeting on Wednesday, the committee received a briefing from the National Treasury (NT) and the Financial Fiscal Commission (FFC) on the Bill, which aims to develop a strategic approach to enhancing the governance and operational efficiency of SOEs. National Treasury highlighted critical issues, particularly the proposed non-application of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to the holding company and its subsidiaries, which could undermine transparency and accountability in financial management. NT cautioned that the centralisation model poses risks, such as increased political interference and the potential for state capture, emphasising the importance of ensuring that SOEs remain financially sustainable without undue reliance on public funds.

In its presentation, the FFC stated that it does not support the Bill in its current form, noting that it fails to address longstanding governance concerns experienced over the past 30 years. The FFC recommended that the holding company be established within the National Treasury’s budget baseline, in accordance with Sections 213 and 216 of the Constitution.

During the questioning phase, committee members raised significant concerns about the centralisation issues presented in the Bill. They argued that a centralised model could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, making it more vulnerable to corruption and political interference. Members highlighted that consolidating oversight of SOEs under a single holding company might exacerbate existing vulnerabilities rather than mitigate them, potentially creating an environment where decision-making becomes opaque and less subject to scrutiny. Additionally, there were worries that centralisation could undermine the transformative goals for SOEs, distancing them from the necessary checks and balances that ensure equitable governance and public accountability.

The committee members expressed a strong sentiment that the Bill, as it stands, does not adequately protect the interests of the public or ensure the effective functioning of SOEs. Members highlighted the importance of maintaining robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the erosion of accountability, particularly given the historical context of governance challenges within SOEs. Members voiced their commitment to ensuring that any legislative framework promotes transparency and fosters public trust, arguing that the proposed centralisation could lead to a concentration of power that is detrimental to democratic principles.

While National Treasury did not explicitly call for the Bill to be withdrawn in its current form, it acknowledged the necessity for reworking the legislation. The committee flagged the risk that the holding company could be controlled by multinational corporations, raising concerns that Parliament might enact a law that leaves the state powerless in managing public funds effectively. Members articulated a shared apprehension that the proposed changes could inadvertently enable the very issues the Bill seeks to address, further complicating the governance landscape for SOEs.

The committee also raised alarms about the fiscal risks associated with establishing the holding company, particularly the significant funding requirement of R615 million. Members expressed scepticism regarding the feasibility of the innovative funding mechanisms proposed. Furthermore, committee members indicated that the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME) appears to be circumventing the public procurement process, suggesting that the DPME’s approach could remove SOEs from the public procurement environment altogether.

In response to the FFC’s presentation, the committee welcomed their directness, contrasting it with the more diplomatic approach taken by National Treasury. Following a robust engagement among committee members regarding the next steps for the Bill, there was a prevailing view to pause its progress in light of the presentations received. The committee resolved to seek further guidance and legal advice, as there was overwhelming sentiment among members to halt the process, despite the Bill already being before the committee.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Noting increased reports of continued military build-up in and around Tripoli, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly urges all parties to refrain from using force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes.  

As reiterated in the Security Council press statement on 17 May, UNSMIL reminds all political and security actors of their obligation under international law to protect civilian lives and property and that those responsible for attacks against civilians will be held accountable. 

The Mission continues its efforts to help de-escalate the situation and calls on all parties to engage in good faith towards this end.  UNSMIL urges the swift implementation of security arrangements developed by the Truce and Security and Military Arrangements Committees, which the Mission continues to support. Forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay.  

Dialogue – not violence – remains the only viable path toward achieving lasting peace, stability in Tripoli and across Libya.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO

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Effective immediately, and in keeping with the U.S. Government’s global efforts to tighten U.S. immigration requirements, the U.S. Embassy Yaoundé is revising its visa procedures, as well as the validity periods and issuance fees for most visa classifications. Cameroonian citizens who successfully apply for a tourist, business, exchange, or student visa are now issued a single-entry, three-month validity visa, with a significantly reduced issuance fee of $35 or its equivalent in FCFA (down from $215) to be paid if the visa is approved. Temporary work visas now also have a single-entry, three-month validity, with a reduced issuance fee of $45.

A U.S. visa permits the visa holder to travel to the United States up until the visa’s expiration date. The traveler’s authorized duration of stay in the United States is distinct from the visa validity and is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (that is, the U.S. immigration authorities travelers encounter upon arrival at port of entry).

In addition, the Embassy is suspending indefinitely the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program that allowed some visa applicants who had had prior visas to apply without coming into the Embassy for an interview. Henceforth, all nonimmigrant visa applicants applying in Cameroon are now required to appear for an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.

The Embassy remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining the integrity of its visa adjudication and issuance process. We strongly encourage all applicants to visit the Embassy’s website at https://cm.usembassy.gov/ for detailed procedural information and to schedule a visa interview accordingly. Applicants should also carefully review the legally-established visa eligibility criteria prior to paying for an appointment to try to assess objectively whether they are likely to qualify for the desired visa under U.S. law. Doing an objective self-assessment against the legal criteria will save applicants time, effort, and money on a visa application that is likely to be denied.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Cameroon.

Source: APO

The Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Madam Angie Lavela von Ballmoos, has officially taken leave of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio after three years of dedicated service in Sierra Leone.

Reflecting on her time in the country, Ambassador von Ballmoos noted that it was with a heavy heart that she bids farewell, marking the end of a fulfilling tenure in what she described as a beautiful and welcoming nation. She expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality she received and remarked that she would greatly miss the people, the shared cultural heritage, and the local cuisine.

Ambassador von Ballmoos also extended her heartfelt congratulations to President Bio on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“Your appointment brings hope not only to Sierra Leone but to the entire sub-region and Africa at large,” she stated. “We in Liberia are humbled and proud of your achievement, especially because of the personal and historical ties we share.”

She further commended President Bio’s leadership, particularly his role in the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10), his commitment to human capital development, and his advocacy for gender equality.

“We are optimistic about what ECOWAS can achieve under your leadership. The people of the region stand to benefit immensely from your efforts in fostering peace and building capacity across the sub-region,” she added.

In his response, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the outgoing ambassador for her outstanding service and contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.

“Your service in Sierra Leone has been impactful. You have championed Liberia’s interests with distinction, and as the exemplary public servant that you are, I am confident you will continue to make Liberia proud—and should be proud of yourself as well,” he stated.

President Bio added that Ambassador von Ballmoos would be deeply missed and assured her that Sierra Leone, especially Freetown, would always be home.

“You are always welcome to return anytime,” he concluded warmly.

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