Category: English

Source: APO

Ayo is a young lion who symbolises the joy and energy of Senegalese youth. The name means “joy” in Yoruba – a language widely spoken in West Africa – and reflects the spirit of celebration and unity associated with the Games. Ayo wears a traditional Fulani Tingandé hat, representing wisdom, dignity and a connection to rural life, Ayo represents the values of Dakar 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/3LmO6k1) and highlights the cultural heritage of Senegal as the host nation. 

The mascot was unveiled by the YOG Organising Committee, during a special ceremony at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar as part of the celebrations to mark one year to go. 

The unveiling was attended by the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, alongside International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry (https://apo-opa.co/48WILtG); Humphrey Kayange (https://apo-opa.co/4nz1rDg), Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Dakar 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4oHyk1v) ; and Mamadou D. Ndiaye, President of the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and the Senegalese Olympic Committee. 

At the One-Year-to-Go ceremony in Dakar, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “These Games represent so much for Africa; they will inspire the next generation and open doors of opportunity across our continent and beyond.” 

“Mascot Ayo carries a powerful message of joy and breaks many boundaries, a true symbol of how young and dynamic our continent is. Every day, new opportunities are opening up for Senegal’s youth, and these Games are making that happen. I can’t wait to be back here a year from now to celebrate together.” 

The mascot was selected through a nationwide competition launched by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education. Open to middle and secondary school students, the competition received more than 500 entries from across all 16 academic inspectorates in Senegal. The initiative was aimed at promoting creativity among young people and strengthening their connection to the Games in the lead-up to the first Olympic event to be held on African soil. 

In addition to the mascot launch, the “One Year to Go” celebrations will include the unveiling of the official countdown clock later today, at 6.30 p.m. local time, in the heart of the Senegalese capital by Worldwide Olympic Partner OMEGA. 

Celebrations will continue in early November with the fourth and final edition of Dakar en Jeux, the annual cultural and sports festival that has become a central feature of the Dakar 2026 engagement programme. Taking place from 4 to 9 November across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, the festival will bring together local communities through sport, music and visual arts, while continuing to promote the Olympic values among young people across Senegal. 

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together 2,700 of the world’s best young athletes aged up to 17. The Games will be held across three host sites in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

For more information, please contact:
IOC Media Relations Team:
Tel: +41 21 621 6000
email: pressoffice@olympic.org
visit our web site at www.IOC.org. 

About International Olympic Committee:
The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 4.7 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world. 

Source: APO

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is currently dispatching critical medical commodities and supplies following the 28 October 2025 attack on the Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan. The assault, which killed hundreds of patients and caregivers and led to the abduction of several health workers, has crippled one of the few remaining medical facilities in the region and raised grave concerns about the continuity of essential health services.

Africa CDC, in collaboration with the African Union Humanitarian Affairs Division, has recently deployed emergency medical and laboratory experts to assess the situation in Sudan and support outbreak control, sustain essential health services and reinforce biosafety in the affected area. The agency’s Epidemic Intelligence team is working closely with Sudan’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization to verify casualty figures, monitor potential disease outbreaks and assess the broader public-health impact.

“This is not only a human tragedy but a public-health emergency,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “Our immediate priority is to preserve life, prevent secondary outbreaks and protect the health infrastructure that communities depend on. Health facilities and workers must never be targets of war.”

Africa CDC is also urging all parties to the conflict to protect the integrity of laboratories and biomedical facilities that store or handle high-consequence pathogens, warning that any compromise of these sites could pose serious biosecurity and public-health risks.

Sudan continues to face multiple overlapping outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, measles and diphtheria — all intensified by conflict, mass displacement, and restricted access to healthcare. Repeated attacks on hospitals and clinics are further undermining the fragile system that supports outbreak control, maternal and child health, and immunisation services, placing millions at increased risk across the region.

In light of these escalating health risks, Africa CDC is calling for an immediate halt to violence against health facilities and personnel, the protection of humanitarian and medical access, and full respect for international humanitarian law. The agency is reaffirming its commitment to work with the Sudanese Ministry of Health, the African Union, WHO and humanitarian partners to restore essential services, strengthen outbreak response and safeguard regional health security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Source: APO

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On behalf of the Government and People of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, extends his profound sympathy and unwavering solidarity to Jamaica and all Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The people of Seychelles share in the sorrow of those who have lost loved ones, those displaced, and communities now grappling with the immense challenges wrought by this catastrophic storm. As island nations, Seychelles and the Caribbean are bound by a shared heritage of resilience and an intimate understanding of the power and unpredictability of nature. When one nation endures hardship, it is felt across all; and when one rises, that renewal is a beacon of hope for the region as a whole.

At this solemn time, the Government and People of Seychelles convey their thoughts, prayers, and deepest encouragement to all affected families and communities. May strength and courage guide you through these difficult days, and may the enduring spirit of the Caribbean bring comfort, healing, and hope to all who have been impacted.

The President affirms that the Republic of Seychelles stands with you in solidarity of heart and spirit, confident in your resilience and unwavering determination to overcome these trying times.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Ms Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA, carried out a high-level advocacy mission to the Government of Senegal, focusing on the establishment of the National Early Warning and Response Centre. As part of this mission, Ms. TCHINTCHIBIDJA was received on the 28th of October 2025 by H.E. Mr. Cheikh NIANG, Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad; on the 29th of October 2025, by General Birame DIOP, Minister of the Armed Forces; and on the 30th of October 2025, by H.E. Mr Ousmane SONKO, Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal.

These meetings are part of the follow-up to the decentralisation process of the ECOWAS Regional Early Warning and Response Mechanism, initiated after the adoption of the Supplementary Act by the Conference of Heads of State and Government in July 2014. This project aims to strengthen the capacities of Member States in the areas of crisis prevention, anticipation and management.

During the discussions, the Vice-President presented the progress made by ECOWARN, a regional mechanism dedicated to conflict prevention and the promotion of human security. Already operational in most member countries, this system has yet to be deployed in four states, including Senegal.

Ms TCHINTCHIBIDJA emphasised the need to place citizens at the heart of the system, recalling that the well-being of populations remains a priority for ECOWAS in its regional strategy for peace and stability. She also reaffirmed the Commission’s willingness and commitment to support the Government of Senegal in the final stages leading up to the official launch of the National Centre and its effective operationalisation.

For his part, Prime Minister Ousmane SONKO reiterated the Senegalese Government’s willingness to accelerate the process of establishing the Centre, which he described as a strategic tool for securing communities, both nationally and regionally. Finally, he raised the possibility of an official inauguration in the first quarter of 2026, marking a decisive step in the implementation of this regional initiative.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

Afriex (www.Afriex.com), a global fintech platform, today announced a collaboration with Visa, a world leader in digital payments, to bring real-time cross-border payments to more than 160 markets. By integrating Visa Direct through Afriex’s financial institution partner, Afriex is making it faster and easier for individuals and businesses to send and receive funds across borders.

Together, Afriex and Visa Direct enable real-time delivery^[1] of funds directly to eligible Visa endpoints, connecting to billions of accounts. This collaboration enhances Afriex’s mission of making international payments accessible and affordable, while leveraging Visa’s payment network to extend reach and reliability.

“For the millions of families and businesses who depend on remittances, speed and transparency matter most,” said Tope Alabi, CEO at Afriex. “Working with Visa allows us to pair Afriex’s innovation with Visa Direct’s global network, so money moves in real time, not days.”

According to the World Bank ² (https://apo-opa.co/4hHiNN4), remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached $669 billion in 2023. With Afriex and Visa Direct, these vital funds can reach families, communities, and businesses faster than ever before. This demand underscores the need for faster, more accessible cross-border payment solutions.

The integration is now live on the Afriex platform, available immediately through the Afriex mobile app.

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afriex Inc.

About Afriex:
Afriex is a global fintech platform making cross-border payments fast, affordable, and seamless. From personal remittances to business transactions, Afriex enables users worldwide to send, receive, and hold money across multiple currencies with zero-to-low fees and instant transfers. Founded with the mission to make international payments more accessible and affordable, Afriex leverages cutting-edge technology to provide fast, secure, and transparent financial services to individuals and businesses.

Visa Direct capability is enabled through Afriex’s financial institution partner. Push to Wallet functionality is not yet commercially available.

Source: APO

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A conference aimed at enhancing the quality and content of arts and cultural activities was held at the Asmara Municipality Hall on 30 October.

Mr. Asmerom Tsegabrhan, Director General of Culture and Sports in the region, said that the objective of the conference was to preserve the strengths and address the weaknesses of cultural and artistic programs presented in connection with national celebrations. He also highlighted the importance of organizing artistic and cultural works based on research that could be passed on to future generations.

At the event, six discussion papers were presented, and participants conducted extensive deliberations on the topics raised.

Mr. Zerit Tewoldebrhan, Managing Director in the region, on his part, provided guidelines in line with the issues raised in the discussion papers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) tomorrow evening, Saturday, November 1, 2025. This represents an extraordinary event in the history of human culture and civilization. A total of 79 official delegations are expected to participate in the opening ceremony, including 39 delegations headed by kings, princes, and heads of state and government, reflecting the international community’s interest in the ancient Egyptian civilization and Egypt’s unique cultural and humanitarian role.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the historical event will be attended by kings, queens, crown princes, princes, and members of ruling families from Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Jordan, Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Japan, and Thailand.

Also attending are the Presidents of Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Portugal, Armenia, Germany, Croatia, Cyprus, Albania, Bulgaria, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Eritrea, and the Sovereign Order of Malta, along with the Chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council and the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council.

The Prime Ministers of Greece, Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and Uganda will also participate in the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum.

This is in addition to high-level ministerial and parliamentary attendance from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Austria, the United Kingdom, France, the Vatican, Malta, Romania, Russia, Ireland, Serbia, Turkey, Italy, Singapore, India, Kyrgyzstan, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zambia, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, South Africa, Gabon, Chad, Kenya, Rwanda, Togo, Brazil, Canada, and the United States.

Regional and international organizations will be represented by the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Furthermore, the Speaker of the Arab Parliament, the President of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), and a number of CEOs and representatives of major international companies will also attend.

This unprecedented level of representation and attendance for the opening of the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization demonstrates international interest in the Egyptian state’s vision of combining the authenticity of the past, the creativity of the present, and the prosperity of the future. It also reaffirms Egypt’s unparalleled status as a civilizational bridge between all peoples of the world who cherish culture and peace.

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

Source: APO

On a quiet morning in Gnamagnoa, in western Côte d’Ivoire, farmer François Dadi Serikpa harvests his coffee. The former bus driver switched to coffee farming after his retirement. The father of twelve children and grandfather of twenty-one grandchildren, has found new meaning in life and newfound prosperity thanks to the Nescafé Plan, a global initiative launched by Nestlé (www.Nestle.com) to make coffee farming more sustainable, fair and environmentally friendly. 

He says: 

“With the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé agronomists taught us how to care for our soil, plant new varieties and better manage our plantations. Now my trees are more resistant, and my production has improved. Coffee is our life: it feeds us, clothes us and gives us hope for the future.” 

Serikpa’s experience reflects the reality of thousands of people involved in the coffee industry in Côte d’Ivoire. 

At every stage of this sector, namely agricultural production, processing and marketing, Nestlé is committed to participating in their development, aware that they represent an entire economy in Côte d’Ivoire. With its Nescafé brand, the company has been present in Côte d’Ivoire for more than 65 years, contributing to job and business creation. This commitment begins at the soil level. 

An industry rooted in the soil 

The tropical climate and fertile soil of Côte d’Ivoire make it an ideal place for growing Robusta coffee, which dominates local production. However, the industry has faced considerable challenges. In 2000, the country produced nearly 380,000 tonnes of coffee, ranking it among the top African producers. By 2023, production had fallen to just under 47,000 tonnes, a decline attributable to ageing plantations, climate change, limited access to finance and competition from other crops. 

Despite this slowdown, coffee remains an important commodity in the country. It supports tens of thousands of rural households and contributes to regional trade in Central and West Africa. Domestic consumption has grown steadily. In 2025, coffee consumption in Ivory Coast is projected to reach approximately 1.38 million kilograms, generating $32.13 million in total revenue across both at-home and out-of-home markets (https://apo-opa.co/43N8npf). 

 Building resilience through training 

To address decline in the industry, public and private stakeholders have implemented programmes focused on sustainable development and productivity. The Nescafé factory in Abidjan has been producing instant coffee from locally grown coffee beans for over 65 years. It employs hundreds of people and trains talent in Côte d’Ivoire. These employees are mainly Ivorian, but also include other nationalities, some of whom have become certified coffee experts. In 2022, the factory received the Ivorian Government’s national award for excellence for its efforts in waste reduction, economy, energy and responsible operation. 

Every second, around 5,500 cups of Nescafé are enjoyed around the world. In Central and West Africa, many of these cups began their journey in Ivory Coast, cultivated by local farmers, processed by Ivorian experts and sold by Ivorian entrepreneurs. 

Through the Nescafé Plan, Nestlé supports more than 21,000 coffee-producing families in Côte d’Ivoire. Farmers receive practical training from agronomists on practices that comply with the Common Code for the Coffee Community (4C standards), which aim to make coffee production more sustainable, fair and traceable. 

To improve productivity, farmers receive high-yield Robusta seedlings developed at Nestlé’s Research and Development Centre in Zambakro. These efforts are carried out in partnership with the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC) and the National Centre for Agricultural Research of Côte d’Ivoire (CNRA). 

Nestlé also sources green coffee directly from farmer cooperatives through its Farmer Connect programme. 

For farmers like Serikpa, these Nestlé interventions have led to a significant improvement in yields, which can range from 600 to even 1200 kg per hectare depending on climate conditions. Through its entrepreneurship support initiative, called My Own Business, Nestlé supports more than 600 urban hot coffee vendors by providing them with equipment and training, as well as a cart or coffee stand, enabling them to run their own businesses and generate stable incomes. This programme has proven beneficial for young people wishing to integrate into the social and economic fabric. Kamenan Assanvo, one of these entrepreneurs, received ten new coffee carts to develop his network in Greater Abidjan. He owns a total of 45 businesses. This year, there are 80 coffee stands run by young vendors, thereby contributing to the development of street businesses and local employment. 

Mame Pane Sakho, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire, said: 

“We believe that investing in local farmers and entrepreneurs is essential to building a strong and sustainable coffee industry. It’s not just about coffee; it’s about creating a lasting impact in the communities we serve.” 

The history of Nescafé in Côte d’Ivoire is an example of shared value. From the Serikpa plantation in Gnamagnoa to the Assanvo coffee stands in Abidjan, each cup reflects a shared commitment to quality and collaboration. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nestlé.