Category: English

Posted on

Red Cross and Red Crescent network supports the African Union and its Member States’ commitment to eliminate cholera by 2030

Source: APO – Report:

.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), in collaboration with its African National Society members, fully supports the African Union (AU) and its member states in their efforts to eliminate cholera across the continent. 

Forged during a high-level meeting of AU member states in June, this new commitment centers on strengthening community-based health services and epidemic preparedness, working closely with local communities to achieve lasting solutions.  

The IFRC commends the leadership and united commitment demonstrated by the Heads of State, Government, and Delegations, who gathered in June under the AU’s framework to advance a strong and coordinated response to the ongoing multi-country cholera outbreaks, which in 2025 are affecting approximately 20 Member States.  

The IFRC and its African National Society members, fully endorse the priorities outlined in the Call-to-Action to End Cholera and Achieve Elimination by 2030 with particular emphasis on: 

• strengthening national and regional preparedness,

• scaling up investments in sustainable water, sanitation and health (WASH) infrastructure,

• placing communities and civil society at the heart of cholera elimination agenda. 

A deep community presence

As auxiliary partners to public authorities in the humanitarian field, Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies in Africa bring unique value through their deep community presence, trusted local networks, and mandate to complement government action. 

With operations in all AU Member States, the IFRC and its African National Society members are uniquely positioned to deliver localised, people-centred responses that translate policy commitments into life-saving action.  

Recognising the cross-cutting impacts of cholera on already strained health systems—the Red Cross Red Crescent Network has scaled up its efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks through high-impact, community-driven interventions such as:  

  • Community-based Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT): Delivered at the household level via Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs), ensuring timely access to lifesaving care.
  • Emergency water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions: Implemented in affected households and surrounding areas to stop transmission.
  • Support to Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaigns: Including community mobilization, social mobilization, and logistics assistance.
  • Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE): Embedded across all pillars of response to promote behaviour change, drive surveillance, and enable early action.
  • Cross-border collaboration facilitated to prevent, control and recover from cholera outbreaks at community level in collaboration with local authorities. 

In addition, the IFRC hosts the Country Support Platform (CSP), the operational arm of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control, which supports AU Member States in developing and implementing National Cholera Plans, accessing technical expertise, and mobilizing domestic and external resources. 

Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Continental Framework for Cholera Elimination, IFRC is also investing in multi-hazard anticipatory action to prepare authorities, communities and other concerned stakeholders ahead of Cholera outbreaks. 

This is done in part through the development of Early Action Protocols, systems that trigger preparatory actions before a crisis hits. Such protocols empower African National Societies to act early by pre-positioning supplies, training volunteers, and accessing forecast-based financing enabling faster, more cost-effective responses before outbreaks escalate. 

With more than 3.8 million trained volunteers across Africa and a presence in every community, the Red Cross Red Crescent Network is well-positioned to bring life-saving interventions to those most at risk before, during and after outbreaks.  

Together, we can eliminate Cholera

Cholera is preventable, and together, we can eliminate it. Our volunteers are trusted members of the communities they serve. Through early action, health education, and emergency interventions, we are proud to contribute to this continental ambition to eliminate cholera and protect lives. 

Through these efforts, the IFRC and African National Societies reaffirm their unwavering commitment to support AU Member States in achieving national and continental targets for cholera control and elimination. 

The IFRC is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with the African Union Commission, Africa CDC, Member States, and other partners to build resilient health systems, empower communities, and end cholera as a threat to public health and development across the continent. 

Together, we can defeat cholera and ensure that no one is left behind. 

– on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Posted on

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Secures €250M for Lobito Corridor as Rail Projects Drive African Mining Boom

Source: APO – Report:

.

Africa’s railway sector is undergoing a renaissance, with strategic transport corridors rapidly expanding to unlock the continent’s mineral wealth and strengthen global trade ties. In June, the Africa Finance Corporation secured a €250 million (http://apo-opa.co/3Tje8ph), 10-year loan from Italian development finance institution Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to accelerate the development of the Lobito Corridor – an essential mineral transport network linking Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to global markets. The loan will finance the procurement of goods and services from Italian companies for both the corridor and associated renewable energy projects.

The Lobito Corridor is among several strategic projects that will feature prominently at African Mining Week (AMW), taking place October 1–3, 2025, in Cape Town. AMW will showcase high-impact investment opportunities across Africa’s mining and infrastructure value chains, with a focus on how rail logistics are transforming landlocked mineral-rich regions into competitive, export-oriented hubs.

Simandou Rail Hits Construction Milestone

In West Africa, Guinea-Conakry marked a key milestone in June with the completion of a 903-meter tunnel on the 650-km Simandou Railway (http://apo-opa.co/45SkT8V). Once operational by early 2026, the line will transport up to 120 million tons of high-grade iron ore annually from the Simandou deposit — home to an estimated 2 billion tons of reserves. U.S. company Wabtec (http://apo-opa.co/4l9hRlk) was awarded a $248 million contract in February to supply locomotives for the project. At AMW 2025, a high-level panel, “From Mines to Markets: Strengthening Trade and Connectivity for Africa’s Mineral Future (http://apo-opa.co/44sE5Yv),” will explore how megaprojects like Simandou are strengthening Africa’s mineral value chain.

Mauritania Advances Iron Ore Rail Expansion

Mauritania has also made strides in rail development, securing a €113 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) (http://apo-opa.co/45SWH6n) in June to co-finance the expansion of a key iron ore railway between Zouérat and Nouadhibou. The project – backed by a total €461 million investment involving national mining company SNIM, EIB and private investors – will optimize exports of Mauritania’s iron ore to international markets. AMW 2025 will provide a platform for global investors to engage with opportunities emerging in Mauritania and similar markets.

Cameroon Strengthens Bauxite Logistics

In Central Africa, Australia’s Canyon Resources acquired a 9.1% stake in Cameroon’s national rail operator, Camrail (http://apo-opa.co/4kn52D4), to bolster logistics for the Minim Martap Bauxite Mine (http://apo-opa.co/3TnW8Kn). The acquisition – from TotalEnergies and Société d’Exploitation des Bois du Cameroun – aims to enhance rail access from the mine to port infrastructure, facilitating the export of up to 6.4 million tons of bauxite annually. AMW will feature investment-ready opportunities tied to bauxite and other critical minerals (http://apo-opa.co/45SkV0x) driving the energy transition.

China Deepens Rail Footprint in Africa

In East Africa, the China Railway Engineering Group signed a $2.15 billion agreement in February with Tanzania and Burundi (http://apo-opa.co/3ZYN8Pz) to build a 282-km cross-border railway. The line is expected to support the export of up to 3 million tons of minerals annually, improving regional and global market access. In Nigeria, the China Development Bank (http://apo-opa.co/3TZOrdr) provided a $254.76 million grant in January to finance the Kano-Kaduna rail line – a vital link between the Lagos-Ibadan and Kano-Maradi corridors. This project will enhance mineral and energy transportation across West Africa. At AMW 2025, the China-Africa Cooperation on Minerals Roundtable (http://apo-opa.co/45SkWl7) will convene public and private sector leaders to strengthen bilateral ties, while the Invest in Nigeria Infrastructure session (http://apo-opa.co/4la5V2L) will further spotlight opportunities like the Kano-Kaduna rail project as cornerstones of Nigeria’s mining and logistics growth.

– 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.

Posted on

Eco labels in South Africa don’t do the job: how to help customers make informed choices

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Miemie Struwig, Professor, Department of Business Management, Nelson Mandela University

South Africans want to shop more sustainably, according to research published in the journal Sustainable Development. But most can’t tell which products are environmentally friendly.

Some food manufacturers have introduced eco labels – a certification symbol placed on product packaging. This indicates the product meets specific environmental standards set by a third party organisation.

These labels are meant to signal to consumers that a product has been produced in a way that limits harm to the environment. But our recent study with 108 South African consumers showed low recognition of eco labels, widespread confusion, and a need for clearer guidance.

The results show that most South African shoppers are unfamiliar with these labels or unable to differentiate between real and fictional ones.

In the European Union eco labels like the EU Energy Label are easily understood and highly visible. They are also usually supported by government awareness campaigns. Other examples of labelling systems that work well include those of Germany and Japan.

These countries show that long term institutional support, mandatory labelling in key sectors, and consistent public messaging can greatly improve eco label recognition.

We concluded from our research that South Africa lacks that national visibility and public education, leaving even motivated consumers unsure of what labels to trust. Based on our findings we recommend steps businesses, government and nonprofits can take to ensure that eco labels are clear, visible and understood.

Eco labelling at its best

The EU Energy Label is used on appliances such as fridges, washing machines and light bulbs to indicate their energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).

In countries like Germany and Japan, eco labels are government backed as well as being integrated into school curricula, public service announcements and shopping platforms.

Germany’s Blue Angel label, which states “protects the environment”, has been in use since the 1970s. It appears on over 12,000 products and services, including paper goods, cleaning products, paints and electronics, that meet strict environmental criteria. It is supported by ongoing public education campaigns.

In Japan the the Eco Mark appears on products with minimal environmental impact. It appears on items like stationery, detergents, packaging and appliances. Many retailers display explanations next to these products to help consumers understand the label.

South Africans struggle to identify eco labels

We conducted a structured online survey of 108 South African consumers. Participants were asked about their environmental awareness and their ability to recognise both real and fictional eco labels across ten images. According to the global directory of eco labels and environmental certification schemes, there are around 50 eco labels in South Africa.

The EU Energy Label was the most recognised (87%).

The Afrisco Certified Organic label, which is a legitimate South African label, was the least recognised, identified by just 22% of respondents.

Fictional labels were mistakenly identified as real by many participants, revealing widespread confusion.

Only 3 out of 10 labels were recognised by at least half the participants, suggesting a general lack of eco label awareness. These include the Energy Star Eco label; the EU Energy label and the Forest Stewardship council label.

Age and employment status were significantly related to environmental awareness. Older and employed individuals showed higher levels of awareness.

These findings suggest that consumers are not opposed to eco labels, they simply lack the knowledge and confidence to use them effectively.

Eco labels have the potential to build brand trust, drive green purchasing behaviour, and support national sustainability goals. But they only work if consumers recognise and trust them.

In South Africa, inconsistent use, small label size, and a lack of consumer education are holding eco labels back from achieving their purpose.

What businesses can do

Based on our findings, we recommend the following:

  • Use recognised and credible labels: Third-party certified labels are more trustworthy and reliable.

  • Improve label visibility: The most recognised label in our study was the EU Energy Label and was also the most prominent. Small, cluttered logos go unnoticed.

  • Educate your market: Explain what eco labels mean through packaging, marketing, and digital platforms.

  • Partner with government and NGOs: Awareness campaigns at national and community levels can help standardise eco label understanding.

  • Tailor communication efforts: Awareness efforts should consider age and employment demographics, as these affect levels of environmental engagement.

The way forward

South Africans are willing to support environmentally responsible products, but they need help identifying them.

Businesses, government and nonprofits all have a role to play in making eco labels clearer, more visible, and more trustworthy.

Eco labels must become more than symbols. They should be tools for transparency and trust, and a gateway to more sustainable shopping.

– Eco labels in South Africa don’t do the job: how to help customers make informed choices
– https://theconversation.com/eco-labels-in-south-africa-dont-do-the-job-how-to-help-customers-make-informed-choices-258081

Posted on

Defence Committee Expresses Concern Over Continued Delays in Military Veterans’ Benefits

Source: APO


.

The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has expressed deep concern over the ongoing challenges faced by military veterans, many of whom remain in limbo due to delays in receiving their service-related benefits from the Department of Military Veterans (DMV).

During a briefing today on the amended Strategic Plans, annual performance plans, and the 2025/26 Budget of the DMV and the Castle Control Board (CCB), the committee stressed that the absence of a permanent Director-General undermines the department’s ability to deliver on its mandate and to manage its budget effectively. The committee also highlighted the dysfunctional organisational structure as a major frustration.

Committee Chairperson, Mr Dakota Legoete, said: “We urgently need the appointment of a Director-General. The current Acting Director General is uncertain about her future, which compromises accountability and decision making. The continued delays in making this appointment destabilise the department and make it difficult for us, as the oversight committee, to track the department’s expenditure and performance.”

The committee said it was sad that the DMV through its inability to put its stakeholders first continued to return unspent funds back to National Treasury. Members of the committee pointed out that on various occasions veterans were reaching out to them complaining after waiting for more than a year for their benefits.

Of specific concern is the roll-out of the pension benefit where it appears that the DMV and implementing agent, the Government Pensions Administration Agency, appear to lack a coherent and responsive plan to serve them. The committee also raised serious concerns about the DMV’s failure to establish a functioning internal audit unit which is an essential tool for financial accountability and risk management.

The committee highlighted the need for urgent intervention by the executive to turn around the DMV, starting with the appointment of a permanent Director-General, re-evaluating the organisational structure, addressing the findings of the Auditor-General and developing a more responsive department.

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

Posted on

Zimbabwe: Arbitrary detention of journalist an assault on freedom of expression

Source: APO


.

Responding to the arrest and detention of Faith Zaba, editor of the weekly Zimbabwe Independent, on allegations of undermining the authority of or insulting the country’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Senior Researcher in East and Southern Africa, said:

“Amnesty International strongly condemns the arrest and detention of Faith Zaba for exercising her constitutionally guaranteed rights as a journalist. This is an assault on the right to freedom of expression and press freedom.

“Zimbabwean authorities must immediately release Faith Zaba and drop all charges against her as she is detained simply for doing her job. Journalism is not a crime. Authorities must allow journalists to carry out their work freely, safely and without fear of harassment, intimidation or reprisals.

“The arrest of journalists such as Zaba, and her colleague Blessed Mhlanga who was arbitrarily detained earlier this year simply for doing their job, are part of an ongoing pattern in which the criminal justice system is being misused to target independent media voices to instill fear and curb press freedom.

“These tactics pose a significant threat to a free media in Zimbabwe and the public’s right to information. Authorities must end the growing restriction on civic space in the country and allow everyone to freely exercise their human rights.”

Background

Faith Zaba was arrested on 1 July and detained in Harare on allegations of undermining the authority of or insulting the President. According to her lawyer, Chris Mhike, the charge relates to a satirical article published in the weekly’s Muckraker column last Friday. Her bail application has been postponed to 3 July, pending a review of her medical record due to her ill health. Zaba’s arrest comes after the recent arrest and lengthy detention of another journalist from the same outlet, Alpha Media House’s head of news at HSTV, Blessed Mhlanga, who spent 72 days in pretrial detention.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Posted on

Applications Open for the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Startup Program – Africa’s Launchpad for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Founders

Source: APO

 The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) (www.Meltwater.org), a leader in tech entrepreneurship training and early to growth stage startup support, has officially opened applications for its newly evolved Training Program; the MEST AI Startup Program. This bold redesign of MEST’s flagship Training Program is built to prepare Africa’s most promising tech talents to build, launch, and scale world-class AI startups.

For over 17 years, MEST has trained and supported software entrepreneurs across the continent, contributing to Africa’s innovation economy. Now, as artificial intelligence transforms industries at a very rapid pace, MEST is positioning Africa’s tech entrepreneurs at the forefront of this shift.

“Africa has world-class tech talent, and it’s time AI solutions built on the continent reach users everywhere,” says Emily Fiagbedzi, Director of the MEST AI Startup Program. “MEST is proud to contribute to this reality through our training and incubation program that equips talent from across Africa with training and mentoring from international experts for the development of globally relevant AI Software.”

The MEST AI Startup Program is a fully-funded, immersive experience hosted in Accra, Ghana that equips Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills to build and scale globally competitive startups. Over an intensive seven-month training phase, founders receive hands-on instruction, technical mentorship, and business coaching from global experts while developing AI-powered solutions to real-world challenges. The top ventures then advance to a four-month incubation period, where they refine their products, secure market traction, and sharpen their go-to-market strategies. At the end of incubation, startups have an opportunity to pitch for pre-seed investment of up to $100, 000 and join the MEST Portfolio.

As MEST Founder Jorn Lyseggen notes, “Mastering AI and the advanced AI tools available today is a must for any entrepreneur and further levelling the playing field. The world has never been flatter. We are proud and excited to announce that the next batch of MEST entrepreneurs will be trained by some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry from companies such as OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and Meltwater.”

For the 2026 intake, the program is open to African founders based in West Africa aged 21 – 30 with software development experience who want to start their own AI startup.

Apply now at https://bit.ly/MESTAI26_APO

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

Media Contact:
Ophesmur Naa Adjeley Adjei
Marketing and Communications Manager
ophesmur@meltwater.org

About MEST Africa:
Established in 2008 as the non‑profit arm of Meltwater, the Meltwater Foundation drives job creation and economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Support Organisation—MEST—delivers a full-time, in-person intensive tech‑entrepreneurship training to emerging talent from more than 22 African countries and provides early‑stage investment to promising ventures. To extend this impact, the Foundation launched MESTx, a suite of collaborative programs designed and delivered with like‑minded partners to expand digital‑skills training and startup acceleration across the continent. Since inception, the Meltwater Foundation has trained 2,000+ entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups across the continent—fueling innovation, creating jobs, and shaping Africa’s next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

Media files

.

Posted on

Azentio appoints Harikrishnan Venkataramanan as President – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to spearhead next phase of innovation and growth

Source: APO

Azentio Software (“Azentio”) (www.Azentio.com), a leading technology enabler in the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors, today announces the appointment of Harikrishnan Venkataramanan as President – ERP.

With over 25 years of experience in enterprise technology, including more than two decades in senior leadership at Ramco Systems, Hari brings a rare combination of strategic vision and deep executional expertise. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in Azentio’s journey to transform and scale its ERP business across high-growth markets.

Hari has led ERP transformations across industries and geographies, delivering double-digit growth, sustained client success, and cutting-edge innovation in complex enterprise environments. He is known for building agile, customer-focused organizations that unlock real business value.

In his new role, Hari will lead Azentio’s ERP strategy across product, engineering, and go-to-market, with a focus on expanding into new verticals, accelerating product innovation, and elevating customer experience. His leadership will be key to shaping the next generation of Azentio’s ERP offerings for sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and financial management.

Sanjay Singh, CEO of Azentio, commented:
“Hari joins us at a transformative time for our ERP business. His track record of growth, innovation, and customer-centric execution makes him the ideal leader to drive our ambitions forward. We are thrilled to welcome him into the Azentio leadership team as we sharpen our focus on regional momentum and product excellence.”

Harikrishnan Venkataramanan, President – ERP, added:
“I’m energised by the opportunity to lead Azentio’s ERP business into its next phase. Today, ERP is about far more than operations, it’s about enabling intelligent, connected, and scalable enterprises. With Azentio’s strong regional foundation and product DNA, I’m excited to unlock new value for our customers and partners.”

Hari’s appointment reinforces Azentio’s commitment to delivering transformative, industry-specific ERP solutions that empower businesses to scale, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Azentio Software Private Limited.

Contacts:
Media
Sohini Bhattacharya
sohini.bhattacharya@azentio.com

About Azentio:
Azentio is a leading provider of purpose-built, intelligence-driven technology solutions designed to transform the banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) sectors. By combining cutting-edge innovation with deep domain expertise, Azentio empowers businesses to accelerate growth, enhance operational efficiency, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. With a strong presence across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Azentio delivers world-class technology that streamlines processes and delivers tangible results, enabling organizations to achieve sustainable success. For more information on Azentio, please visit www.Azentio.com.

Media files

.

Posted on

“All of our 86 million people are our brothers and sisters”

Source: President of Turkiye

Speaking at a meeting with the AK Party’s provincial heads, President Erdoğan said: “Our place is with our nation. Whether they vote for us or not, all of our 86 million people are our brothers and sisters, a dear part of our lives.”

President and Justice and Development (AK) Party Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech during a meeting with the party’s provincial heads in Ankara.

Stating that they never have and never will be a cadre that disregards the nation or their problems, President Erdoğan said: “Our place is with our nation. Whether they vote for us or not, all of our 86 million people are our brothers and sisters, a dear part of our lives.”

“We will do what the nation wants. We have always been the companions of the poor, the destitute, the orphans and those in need, not of the elite. We have embraced the poor, the orphans and those in need with sincerity, and endeavored to lift them up. Today, we are doing politics in the same line,” President Erdoğan said.

“We are want to position Türkiye in the strongest way possible in global politics and eco-politics where the cards are being reshuffled. We are striving for a Türkiye that has completely solved the terror problem, consolidated its internal front, and gotten rid of its baggage and problems. We want to wage this struggle with the widest participation possible,” President Erdoğan said.

“It is unacceptable that some immoral people who are devoid of the values of this nation and who do not know decency and good manners disrespect our Prophet. It is a clear provocation, a despicable provocation in the guise of humor. Our police and judiciary immediately took action against this hate crime, the magazine in question was confiscated and the necessary processes were initiated. Those who insult our Prophet and other prophets will be held accountable for this before the law, and we will follow up on this,” President Erdoğan said.

“I especially want our young people to keep their hearts at ease. As long as we are in these offices, we will not allow anyone to insult our sacred values in this country. Everyone should stay away from steps that will put them in a wrong position even though they are right. No young brothers or sisters should let anger cloud their judgement,” President Erdoğan said.

Posted on

“Our mission is to build the Century of Türkiye with all its magnificence”

Source: President of Turkiye

Speaking at “AK Party’s Women Branches Organization Academy Leadership School Camp” event, President Erdoğan said: “Our goal is a great and strong Türkiye. Our mission is to build the Century of Türkiye with all its magnificence. Our compass is our ancient values that make us who we are. Our guide is our nation’s most precious, esteemed will.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a speech at the “AK Party’s Women Branches Organization Academy Leadership School Camp” event in Ankara.

Stating that they are a political movement which was emerged from the hearts of the nation, which set out with the prayers of the august Turkish nation and whose hearts are full of the love of serving the country, President Erdoğan said: “Our goal is a great and strong Türkiye. Our mission is to build the Century of Türkiye with all its magnificence. Our compass is our ancient values that make us who we are. Our guide is our nation’s most precious, esteemed will. And our source of strength and inspiration is the entire 86 million with all its individuals, regardless of political parties, ethnic roots, or faiths.”

Underscoring that they will never give up on serving the nation, defending the national will or working to achieve their goals, President Erdoğan noted: “We will grow Türkiye bigger in economy, foreign policy, trade and other areas, and maintain the activities that will carry our country to much higher levels at the same pace. We will show no weakness in protecting Türkiye’s and our nation’s dignity and prestige.”