Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday condemned in the strongest terms the continued killing and injuring of civilians in El Fasher. This follows reports that at least 53 civilians were killed and more than 60 injured by the Rapid Support Forces between 5 and 8 October alone. Preliminary information from the area suggests the number may be even higher.

“I am appalled by the RSF’s endless and wanton disregard for civilian life,” said Türk. “Despite repeated calls, including my own, for specific care to be taken to protect civilians, they continue instead to kill, injure, and displace civilians, and to attack civilian objects, including IDP shelters, hospitals and mosques, with total disregard for international law. This must end.”

The UN Human Rights Office has confirmed that at least 46 civilians were killed in artillery and drone strikes in the Abu Shouk and Daraja Oula neighbourhoods and the Abu Shouk IDP camp. This includes at least 14 civilians who were killed during attacks on 5 and 7 October on the Saudi Hospital – the last major functioning health care facility in North Darfur. The hospital, which has repeatedly come under attack, was already operating at a reduced capacity, before suffering further substantial damage in these latest attacks.

At least seven other civilians were reportedly summarily executed in home-to-home searches during RSF ground attacks. Initial information indicates that these killings may have been ethnically motivated, targeting members of the Zaghawa community.

“I urge the RSF – indeed all parties to the conflict – to draw lessons from this week’s conviction of Ali Kushayb by the International Criminal Court for the war crimes and crimes against humanity he committed in Darfur,”said Türk.

The High Commissioner also reiterated his call for UN Member States with direct influence to take urgent measures to protect civilians and to prevent further atrocities in El Fasher and across Darfur.

– on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO – Report:

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A citizen of Côte d’Ivoire and holder of a PhD in Economics from Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan, where he has been teaching since 1997, Dr Kalilou SYLLA took up his post on the 1st of October 2025 as Head of the ECOWAS Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, replacing Ms Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, who has been called to other high responsibilities by her country.

Prior to his appointment, Dr Kalilou SYLLA, who has 27 years of professional experience, served as Director General of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire, where he coordinated foreign trade policy and served as chief negotiator for trade agreements and at the WTO. He has also worked to mobilise and support private sector actors on issues related to foreign trade, as well as the modernisation and digitalisation of the foreign trade sector.

Former Chief of Staff at the Ministry for African Integration, he coordinated negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and relations with regional organisations such as ECOWAS, UEMOA, CILSS and the African Union.

His time at the ECOWAS Commission between 2007 and 2012, as Head of the Office of the Commissioner for Macroeconomic Policies, enabled him to acquire in-depth knowledge of the institutional functioning of the organisation.

He has also headed pan-African structures such as the Network of West African Farmers’ Organisations and Agricultural Producers (ROPPA) and the Pan-African Farmers Organisation (PAFO), where he has helped to strengthen the capacities of agricultural actors and mobilise innovative financing for the sector.

A specialist in macroeconomic, trade and agricultural policies, Dr Kalilou SYLLA has worked on the formulation and implementation of regional integration programmes, strategic planning, the free movement of goods and people, and the competitiveness of agricultural sectors. He also has expertise in managing projects funded by partners such as IFAD, the European Union, the World Bank and UNDP, demonstrating recognised expertise in resource mobilisation and international cooperation.

At the head of the Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, the new Commissioner’s main mission will be to strengthen the economic and food resilience of the West African region.

His priorities will be to accelerate agricultural transformation, promote food security, stimulate regional trade and strengthen the competitiveness of ECOWAS economies in a global context marked by crises and geopolitical changes.

The new Commissioner has several publications to his credit. These include “Corruption on the roads in Africa in a context of conflict. Experience of Côte d’Ivoire. Multidisciplinary Journal of Economics and Social Affairs”, published in 2018, as well as “Socio-economic impact of the 2002 political-military conflict in Côte d’Ivoire”. In 2015, he published “Youth in West Africa, a potential for building”; and in 2012, a book entitled “Emerging from underdevelopment: what new paths for West Africa? (Volume 1) Historical aspects, institutions and integration.

He has also received several distinctions, including that of Officer of the Ivorian Order of Merit in 2019, winner of the CODESRIA Prize for Research on Civil Society and AIDS in 2003, the Prize for Excellence in Economics from the University of Abidjan in 2000 and the Prize for Excellence for the best doctoral thesis in economics from the University of Abidjan in 2018. Dr Kalilou SYLLA is fluent in French and English. He has a basic knowledge of Portuguese and Spanish.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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The Republic of Seychelles participated in the 24th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit of Heads of State and Government, held from 7 to 9 October 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya. The Seychelles delegation was led by Mr. Conrad Mederic, Permanent Representative to the African Union and Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles accredited to Kenya. He was accompanied by Ms. Trisha Hoareau, Second Secretary from the Department of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles.

During the Summit, H.E. Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, officially assumed the Chairmanship of COMESA, taking over from H.E. Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi. The symbolic handover was marked by the presentation of the COMESA gavel, signifying the transfer of leadership.

The Summit was convened under the theme: “Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth’’. Discussions emphasised improving access to markets and strengthening regional and global value chains. In addition to economic discussions, the Heads of State reviewed the outcomes of the 20th Meeting of the COMESA Committee on Peace and Security, convened virtually from 29 to 30 September 2025, underscoring the importance of peace and stability as prerequisites for sustainable economic development.

During the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 8 October 2025, Ambassador Mederic provided an update on Seychelles’ ongoing Presidential elections, following the first round held on 27th September. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democratic principles and constitutional processes. He also expressed the Government’s appreciation to the COMESA Secretariat for the pre-election assessment conducted in July, and to the COMESA-AU observer mission for their continued support throughout the electoral processes.

The next Summit will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2026.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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Three months of vocational training has been provided to 492 youth, including 290 females, in Tiravolo sub-zone in the Central Region. The training was organized in collaboration with the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students branch in the Central Region and Vocational Training Centers.

Accordingly, 122 youth were trained in administration, 91 in first aid, 81 in computer technology, 78 in video and graphics editing, 66 in ideology, and 54 in video and still photography.

Noting the importance of equipping youth with vocational skills alongside academic education, Ms. Leul Asrat, administrator of the sub-zone, called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained from the training for the benefit of the society.

Mr. Samson Kifle, head of the union branch in the region, on his part, said that the program was part of the union’s mission to equip youth with vocational skills and called on the trainees to continue developing their skills through practice.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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A senior Sudanese delegation led by Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris returned home in the late morning hours today, concluding a fruitful two-day working visit.

In a statement to the local press at the airport, Dr. Kamil stated that the agreements previously reached in the political, social, cultural, and economic fields to further strengthen the brotherly and historical ties between the two countries will be reinvigorated to ensure their full implementation in the period ahead.

Dr. Kamil further underlined Sudan’s appreciation of Eritrea’s firm position calling for the resolution of the conflict in Sudan by the Sudanese people themselves, with the modest contribution of its friends and neighbors, and without the compounding interference of extraneous forces.

The senior Sudanese delegation included Ambassador Mohi El-Din Salem, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Khalid Ali Aleisir, Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism.

The delegation was seen off at Asmara International Airport by Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Ambassador Isa Ahmed Isa.

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

Source: APO

Affluenz Magazine, a leading luxury and business publication, unveils a landmark feature spotlighting 50 Women Transforming Real Estate Across Africa and the Middle East. This edition elevates the industry’s most influential female leaders, showcasing how they combine profitability with purpose to drive one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors. It is also part of the magazine’s wider initiative to secure developmental funding for real estate firms across the Middle East and Africa.

From Lagos to Dubai, Accra to Kuwait City, Nairobi to Cairo, these women are redefining how real estate is financed, developed, and consumed. They are setting global standards in sustainability, driving inclusive growth, and proving that women are not just participants in the industry but architects of its future.

In Nigeria, Saadiya Aliyu, Managing Director and CEO of Urban Shelter Limited, continues to expand one of West Africa’s most respected real estate portfolios. Alongside her, Ichechi Chinarhu Okonkwo, CEO of Victoria Crest Homes, and Dr. Jayne Obioma Onwumere, co-founder and Group Managing Director of PWAN Group, are pioneering affordable housing solutions that bring homeownership within reach for thousands of families. Margaret Oki, Chief Executive Officer of Orwell Properties Management Limited, is emerging as a formidable force in property management, building a business model that aligns long-term asset value with tenant satisfaction. Sade Balogun, Founder and CEO of Amen Estate and Director of Redbricks Homes, is redefining luxury residential communities in Nigeria, while Dr. Ibukun Adebayo, Managing Director of Rock Realty, is spearheading innovative approaches to urban real estate investments.

In Ghana, Dr. Theresa Oppong-Beeko, CEO of Manet Group, has developed some of the country’s largest residential and commercial projects, while Hanna Atiase, CEO of E. Wells Realty and Consultancy, is bridging real estate investment with diaspora wealth creation.

In the Gulf, Muna Easa Al Gurg of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and Amira Sajwani, CEO of PRYPCO, are expanding Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for innovation in property development. Nadia Zaal, co-founder of Zaya, has transformed the luxury housing market with her commitment to sustainable communities. In Kuwait, Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar, President of the National Bank of Kuwait Group, brings financial expertise to real estate investment, while Mayan Adnan Mahmoud in Bahrain is pioneering new valuation practices at Carlton Real Estate.

Elsewhere, Rawya Mansour, founder of Egypt’s RAMSCO, is blending sustainability with property development, while Nasra Nanda, CEO of the Kenya Green Building Society, is leading the charge for greener construction across East Africa.

This feature is more than recognition; it is a signal of where the market is headed. As Africa and the Middle East accelerate urbanization and infrastructure investment, these 50 women represent the vanguard of an industry that stands at the crossroads of culture, capital, and community. Their leadership demonstrates that real estate is not only about building structures but also about building economies, opportunities, and enduring legacies.

Speaking on the feature, Adedotun Olaoluwa, Publisher of Affluenz Magazine, said, “These women embody the resilience, vision, and innovation that will define the future of real estate across Africa and the Middle East. Our goal is to shine a global spotlight on their achievements while creating pathways for developmental funding that can scale their impact and transform entire communities.”

Complete List https://apo-opa.co/46LIxnD

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Affluenz (formerly Pleasures Magazine).

Source: APO – Report:

Water security is one of the most pressing risks for South Africa’s industries. To equip leaders with the skills, strategies and frameworks to manage this challenge, Water Security Africa Johannesburg will host a series of facilitated discussion sessions on 4–5 November 2025 at The Maslow Hotel, Sandton 

These highly interactive sessions will provide hands-on guidance for decision-makers from agriculture, mining, food & beverage, manufacturing and hospitality sectors — giving them actionable tools to future-proof their operations. 

Day 1: Risk & Responsibility 

Do We Really Have a Water Problem at Scale? A panel session with top executives from leading South African companies exploring the realities of South Africa’s water crisis. Delegates will gain clarity on infrastructure reform, licensing bottlenecks, and balancing ESG with operational imperatives 

Securing Operations Across Sectors – From Field to Factory – Practical case studies on irrigation, water reuse, and industrial recovery — including speakers on Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s circular reuse innovation and NEPAD’s regional perspectives. 

Day 2: Capital, Circularity & Compliance 

Banking on Water Security – unpacking how to structure and finance large-scale efficiency and reuse projects. 

From Farm to Facility – a case-study-driven session on safeguarding supply, ensuring compliance, and deploying AI-powered monitoring. 

From Pit to Plant – mining and manufacturing discussion, covering water reuse, pollutant reduction and rehabilitation strategies, with case studies from Harmony Gold and Glencore. 

Wastewater to Wealth Water – a collaborative wrap-session distilling insights into actionable steps and circular water value strategies 

Why attend? 

These sessions provide a unique opportunity for executives, sustainability managers, and operations leaders to move from discussion to action. 

• For delegate registration enquiries, contact Vuyisa Mfobo: Vuyisa.mfobo@wearevuk.com 
• For sponsorship opportunities, contact Stephen Campbell: Stephen.campbell@wearevuka.com     

Practical examples 

Ahead of Water Security Africa Johannesburg, the team invites you to a join the conversation during a free, expert-led online discussion during which our experts will unpack practical strategies for mine water treatment, catchment restoration and closed-loop reuse. With a focus on what’s scalable, sustainable and already delivering results, whether you’re driving ESG strategy, overseeing wastewater systems, implementing digital monitoring, or shaping policy frameworks, you’ll walk away with actionable insights.  
 
Webinar title: From pit to plant: Scalable mine water rehabilitation & reuse 
Watch on-demand here: https://apo-opa.co/4h8ZsUL

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

About 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 https://WeAreVUKA.com/ 

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank (https://AfDB.org), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), has released a new study urging coordinated and innovative investments to strengthen food security and unlock the agricultural potential of northern Nigeria.

Launched on the margins of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, the report emphasizes the need for sustained, evidence-based investment to rebuild livelihoods and drive inclusive agricultural transformation in regions affected by fragility and conflict.

 “Investing in Innovative Food Systems Solutions in Challenging Contexts,” provides a roadmap for revitalizing northern Nigeria’s food systems. It identifies actionable policy, institutional, and investment priorities that can accelerate agricultural recovery, restore livelihoods, and promote long-term resilience.

During a high-level panel session organized to launch the report, government officials, northern state governors, traditional rulers, and development partners held a dialogue on rethinking and advancing sustainable food systems.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, noted that farmers continue to rely on traditional storage systems because most national silos are located far from production hubs. “We are working to ensure that at least 80 percent of silos are sited in small farming communities,” he said.

Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, emphasized that long-term solutions require consistency and private-sector investment and that fixing agricultural value chains and encouraging long-term investment is the best way to tackle poverty in northern Nigeria.

Abdul Kamara, Director General for Nigeria at the African Development Bank, who moderated the session, highlighted the importance of mobilizing private capital and strengthening value chains.  He noted that reviving agriculture in northern Nigeria is fundamental to achieving food sovereignty and shared prosperity. “By building resilient agricultural value chains, we can create sustainable jobs, empower women and youth, and lay the foundations for long-term stability.”

The African Development Bank’s agricultural portfolio in Nigeria currently stands at close to $900 million, channelled through flagship initiatives such as the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) and the National Agriculture Growth Scheme (NAGS). These initiatives reflect the Bank’s commitment to value addition, productivity, and market access across the agricultural value chain.

The report identifies eight key crops: sorghum, millet, maize, wheat, cowpeas, soybeans, groundnuts, and tomatoes – as strategic entry points for investment. It maps production clusters, trade corridors, and supply chain costs, offering an evidence-based framework for policymakers and investors to catalyze inclusive growth in fragile contexts.

“The study offers clear, data-driven guidance on how to strengthen food systems in fragile contexts,” said Dr. Steven Were Omamo, Executive Director of IFPRI. “By grounding policy and investment decisions in rigorous evidence, we can ensure lasting impact and smarter resilience-building,” he added.

While humanitarian assistance remains essential, the report calls for a shift toward market-led solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and public–private partnerships that can move communities beyond crisis response toward sustained recovery.

“Rebuilding northern Nigeria’s breadbasket requires more than emergency aid – it demands bold investments rooted in peace, resilience, and long-term recovery,” said David Stevenson, WFP Nigeria Country Director and Representative.

The partners called on governments, investors, and development partners to use the study as a framework for channeling financing to ensure a food-secure, resilient, and inclusive future for northern Nigeria.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Nkiruka Ugoh
African Development Bank Nigeria Country Department
Email: media@afdb.org

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