Category: English

Source: APO

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In a decisive move toward operational modernization and national policy alignment, WHO Ethiopia has completely transitioned its fuel management system to the fully digital TeleBirr       e-payment platform, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and digital transformation.

Beginning in April 2024, all fuel transactions across Ethiopia were mandated by the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority to shift from traditional paper-based coupons to electronic payment systems. 

WHO Ethiopia, with its fleet of 89 vehicles deployed across urban and remote regions to support public health initiatives, has embraced this transition by integrating Ethio-Telecom’s SMS-based TeleBirr system into its transport operations.

This digital transformation comes at a critical time, not only for compliance with national regulations but also for strengthening WHO Ethiopia’s capacity to manage resources with accountability and agility. By going digital, WHO has eliminated the need for physical fuel coupons and manual processes, replacing them with a real-time, traceable payment system that simplifies fuel purchases across the country.

“This shift represents more than just a change in payment methods,” said Monssan Basile Yapo, WHO Ethiopia Senior Operations Officer. “It’s about building a smarter, more responsive operational framework that supports our health teams in the field with minimal disruption and maximum accountability.”

The selection of TeleBirr was a strategic one. TeleBirr operates via SMS, making it especially reliable for remote and underserved areas where connectivity remains limited. With close to 52 million users nationwide, the platform is not only robust but also widely accessible—an ideal fit for WHO Ethiopia’s expansive, field-based operations.

Through a phased implementation, WHO Ethiopia has registered all its suboffices with TeleBirr, procured necessary mobile hardware, and established unique e-wallet accounts for secure fund management. Each regional and central office now uses a short code linked to its respective wallet, allowing for targeted fuel disbursements and instant monitoring.

The rollout followed rigorous system testing, the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fuel disbursements and replenishments, and comprehensive training for drivers, transport officers, and regional program assistants.

“From headquarters in Addis Ababa to distant health outposts, WHO staff are now equipped to purchase fuel quickly and securely, without the need for cash or paperwork”, the senior operations officer added.

“The impact of this transition is already being felt across multiple fronts. Transactions are now digitally recorded, offering real-time visibility into fund flow and fuel consumption. Secure digital tracking has eliminated opportunities for misuse of fuel allocations, and the burden of managing, storing, and distributing paper coupons has been lifted” WHO Transport Officer, Kalkidan Alemayehu indicates.

Time and resources once spent on manual fuel tracking are now redirected toward mission-critical work. Vehicles across the country can refuel confidently, regardless of their location or internet access, ensuring continuous support to health interventions in even the most hard-to-reach communities, she added.

Behind the scenes, cross-functional coordination has been key. The project was led collaboratively by WHO Ethiopia’s Operations, Finance, ICT, and transport teams, with close engagement from the WCO Ethiopia Management Team and WHO Global Fleet Management Unit. Field office staff, including regional coordinators and transport officers, played an essential role in training and feedback collection, ensuring a smooth adoption process.

While the transition has been largely successful, adapting to a fully digital system did come with initial hurdles. Some drivers and staff required time to adjust to the new SMS-based interface, especially those less familiar with mobile money systems. However, targeted trainings and ongoing technical support helped bridge the gap.

“Change is never without its learning curve, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges,” Ayenachew Zewdie, WHO ICT Focal Person. “Now, we have a smarter system that puts control and accountability at our fingertips.”

This initiative positions WHO Ethiopia as a model for operational innovation within the United Nations system in Ethiopia. It reflects a broader institutional shift toward digital-first approaches, supporting Ethiopia’s national digital transformation goals while enhancing the Organization’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to health emergencies and development priorities.

By embracing TeleBirr for fuel payments, WHO Ethiopia has not only ensured compliance—it has unlocked new levels of operational integrity, responsiveness, and service delivery. As this system continues to evolve, the lessons and best practices gathered will inform future digital initiatives across the Organization’s workstreams.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

Source: APO – Report:

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On September 18, 2025 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Evgueni Sobolevski, met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt for Cultural Affairs, Yasser Shaban.

The interlocutors discussed the state and prospects of cooperation in the field of culture and arts, possibilities for holding joint events, in particular the Week of Belarusian Culture in Egypt. 

The parties also expressed interest in developing the Belarusian-Egyptian legal framework in the field of culture.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: APO – Report:

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Somalia continues to grapple with overlapping humanitarian crises, including conflict, drought, and mass displacement, leaving millions in urgent need of assistance. In response, the Somalia Humanitarian Country Team endorsed the establishment of the Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) Working Group in February 2024. Chaired by the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), with Save the Children as co-chair and UN Women Somalia as secretariat, the group is tasked with ensuring that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls remain central to humanitarian response efforts.

Since its inception, the GiHA Working Group has worked closely with Women-Led Organizations (WLOs) and Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) to amplify women’s voices in humanitarian decision-making. On 6 September 2025, the group held a coordination meeting at SoDMA headquarters in Mogadishu, with a dedicated agenda on strengthening the role of WLOs in humanitarian action. The session highlighted the importance of inclusive leadership and greater collaboration among actors to ensure that humanitarian response reflects the diverse needs of affected communities.

Opening the meeting, SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moallim stressed the urgency of mobilizing local solutions to Somalia’s humanitarian challenges. “We must confront donor fatigue in Somalia by finding local solutions. It is essential to mobilize our own resources, including the private sector, diaspora, and non-traditional donors. Women-led organizations must be central to coordination and decision-making,” he said. UN Women Somalia’s Country Program Manager, Ms. Rukaya, emphasized the need for stronger representation of WLOs and WROs in humanitarian clusters and leadership roles. “WLOs and WROs are a strong revolution in humanitarian action. Our efforts and power should be joined to fight for space in this changing environment and to survive,” she remarked. The Director of the NGO Consortium, Ms. Naima, echoed this call, urging organizations to use evidence-based data to influence decisions. “This gathering is a demonstration of our shared commitment. But we must go beyond meetings; we need to influence decision-making with evidence-based data and advocacy,” she said.

Following presentations by SoDMA and the GiHA Working Group, both highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation affecting the most vulnerable women and girls and underscored the urgent need to strengthen local leadership and capacity in driving effective and inclusive humanitarian responses. The discussions stressed that without meaningful engagement of Women-Led and Women’s Rights Organizations (WLOs/WROs), humanitarian action risks overlooking critical community perspectives. By positioning WLOs/WROs as central actors, Somalia can build more resilient, localized, and sustainable responses that not only meet immediate needs but also empower women as leaders in shaping long-term solutions.

Participants emphasized the importance of advancing the localization agenda by strengthening Women-Led and Women’s Rights Organizations (WLOs/WROs) and bringing their leadership and connectivity to the forefront. They highlighted the need for a unified vision that can sustain women’s voices and influence in an increasingly competitive humanitarian environment, where funding is shrinking and humanitarian priorities continue to evolve.

Zahra Mohamed Ahmad, Chairwoman of the Africa Women Leaders Network Somalia Chapter, said: “We often talk about the localization agenda, but if we are truly committed, we must come up with strategic and dedicated actions to shift power. WLOs and WROs must stand united with a shared vision so that women’s leadership is not sidelined but placed at the center of shaping humanitarian priorities.”

Shukria Dini, Executive Director of the Somali Women Studies Centre (SWSC), said: “As the humanitarian landscape grows more competitive, women-led organizations cannot afford to work in isolation. Building stronger connections and advocating collectively is the only way to ensure our leadership is recognized, our priorities are reflected, and our voices remain indispensable in the future of humanitarian action.”

In conclusion, the discussions reaffirmed GiHA’s role as a national hub for empowering WLOs and WROs, with clear commitments to expand women’s access to funding, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure regular coordination at the national level. GiHA also pledged to support the competitiveness and collective voice of women-led organizations in a challenging humanitarian landscape through united and visionary mechanisms that amplify their voices within the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT).

At the same time, participants emphasized the expectations of WLOs and WROs to take a proactive role in shaping humanitarian action by uniting under a shared vision, engaging more actively in leadership and decision-making spaces, and using evidence-based advocacy to influence policies and priorities. These mutual commitments and expectations reflect a joint determination to place women’s leadership at the center of inclusive, localized, and sustainable humanitarian responses in Somalia.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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Egyptian media reported on September 22, 2025, that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had issued a presidential pardon for the imprisoned Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abdel Fattah. Abdel Fattah is set to be released once Sisi’s decision is published in the Official Gazette. He rose to prominence during Egypt’s 2011 Arab uprisings and has been imprisoned more or less continuously since 2014. 

The following quote can be attributed to Amr Magdi, senior Middle East and North Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch:

“President Sisi’s pardon of the imprisoned Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah is long overdue good news. Though we celebrate his pardon, thousands of people like Alaa are still languishing in Egyptian jails simply for exercising their rights to freedom of speech. Hopefully his release will act as a watershed moment and provide an opportunity for Sisi’s government to end the wrongful detention of thousands of peaceful critics.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Cameroonian authorities must immediately release 36 opposition supporters arbitrarily detained for five years for exercising their right to peaceful assembly and put an end to arbitrary detention in the country, Amnesty International said on the fifth anniversary of their arrest.

On 22 September 2020, over 500 people were arbitrarily arrested for participating in peaceful protests organized by the opposition party ‘Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon’ (MRC) in several cities across the country. Of the protesters arrested 36 remain in detention, languishing in Kondengui prison in Yaoundé after being sentenced by a military court to between five- and seven-years’ imprisonment.

“The Cameroonian authorities must immediately release these individuals, who have committed no crime other than to express their opinion,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

“The authorities must address these concerns and ensure that no person is arbitrarily arrested or detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The authorities must also refrain from trying civilians in military courts, as it is incompatible with the right to a fair trial and therefore in violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

By the end of September, 24 of those imprisoned will have served their five-year sentences. Among them, one has suffered three strokes but has not been released on medical grounds despite their requests, according to the lawyer Hippolyte Meli Tiakouang, coordinator of a collective defending detained opposition supporters.

“Thirty-six appeals have been lodged since 2022 with the Supreme Court of Cameroon, which has not yet ruled on any of them. The delays are unreasonable. One might think that judiciary drag things out so that the sentences handed down will be carried out” said Hippolyte Meli Tiakouang.

On 4 November 2022, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention published an opinion which found that the detention of 15 of the MRC leaders and activists was arbitrary.  

“We are deeply disappointed that the authorities have failed to recognize the arbitrary nature of the ongoing detention of these protesters,” said Marceau Sivieude.

Increasing wrongful arrests and detentions ahead of presidential election

A few weeks ahead of the presidential election in which President Paul Biya runs for an eighth term, restrictions on civic and democratic space are worsening, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned on 2 September.

On 4 August, at least 54 MRC supporters were arrested next to the Constitutional Council in Yaoundé during pre-election dispute hearings, according to Hippolyte Meli Tiakouang. All of them are now on bail. Twenty-three are facing prosecution for allegedly inciting revolt and disturbing public order, and if convicted face several years in prison.

On 9 August, a man who posted videos calling for demonstrations against the rejection of the candidacy of MRC leader Maurice Kamto was arrested and has been held at New Bell prison in Douala on the orders of the Douala military court. According to his lawyers, he is being prosecuted for ‘publicly condoning the crime of undermining the internal security of the state’.

“These opposition supporters should never have been arrested in the first place. The fact that they were arrested points to the alarming crackdown on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Cameroon. The charges against those who are prosecuted for exercising their human rights must be dropped,” said Marceau Sivieude.

“In recent years, anyone who dares criticize the authorities, whether a human rights defender, a journalist, a political activist or a protester, runs the risk of being arbitrarily arrested and detained, tortured or otherwise ill-treated, and tried by military courts. Unfortunately, this trend increases as the presidential election approaches. This travesty of justice must end.”

“The authorities must uphold the country’s international human rights obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Cameroon is a state party.”

President Paul Biya, 92, who has been in power in Cameroon for nearly 43 years, will face 11 other candidates in his bid for a new seven-year term on 12 October.

– on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “I was pleased to meet my dear sister H.E. Dr. H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. We discussed our joint programs to build healthcare capacity, support girl education and address a wide range to health and social issues.

I am happy to share that we provided several scholarships for the local doctors in the fields of Oncology and Diabetes Care. Moreover, we through our Educating Linda program, we are sponsoring the education of 40 best performing but underprivileged schoolgirls, till they graduate.

H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” stated, “It is a great honour to be part of the 7^th edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and to meet my dear sister Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej. Our partnership has marked a transformative chapter for São Tomé and Príncipe, as work on so many meaningful programs to benefit our people, this is happening for the first time.

I am especially proud to have launched the ‘Educating Linda’ program in our country, through which we are supporting 40 bright yet underprivileged schoolgirls to continue their education. This is not just about education; it is about transforming the future of an entire generation. Equally significant are our efforts to strengthen our healthcare capacity by providing specialized scholarships in the critical fields of Oncology and Diabetes Care”.

Watch the Speech of First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/47VAiqa

Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej receiving H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe & Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/4mv3h7E

On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/4pzUVOX

“We have provided over 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties until now, building a new generation of highly skilled medical experts in key but underserved areas”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation together with the office of The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe has also conducted 2 editions of Online Health Media Training to emphasize on the critical role of media in addressing critical social and health issues.

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of São Tomé and Príncipe, Merck Foundation has also launched seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks launched in Portuguese language, address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. The storybooks have been launched in Portuguese language.

The 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4mrtlAs), X (https://apo-opa.co/4mserKw), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3KdoRjK), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4mvwsrs).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4mx6T9t), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nIbAhq), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3VxaWr8), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/46Or1iy).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4mpEj9X

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa

• 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese

• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community

• 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies

• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3KAo1gU

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4mrtlAs), X (https://apo-opa.co/4mserKw), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3KdoRjK), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4mvwsrs), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3KyvZqR) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/46NE83o).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Source: APO – Report:

• AngloGold Ashanti’s Geita Gold Mine to be connected to Tanzania’s national electricity grid, powered 45.5 percent by renewable energy
• The 80 percent reduction in diesel usage will help the mine save on the cost of fuel for power generation
• Ensuring grid stability, Hitachi Energy’s power quality STATCOM solution is the first of its kind in Africa 

Hitachi Energy (https://www.HitachiEnergy.com) announces the deployment of its power quality solution to securely connect Tanzania’s leading gold producer, Geita Gold Mine Limited (GGML), to the national grid, which comprises 45.5 percent renewable energy sources¹. The project replaced 80 percent of the fossil-fuel gensets used by GGML for power generation and is expected to reduce the site’s carbon emissions by at least 50 kilotons (Kt) CO² per annum.

AngloGold Ashanti plc, the owner of GGML, collaborated with the government of Tanzania, its power utility Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), and Hitachi Energy to execute the project.

As part of the project, Hitachi Energy delivered a state-of-the-art power electronic converter that stabilizes the mine’s connection to the grid, featuring a PCS 6000 STATCOM system. The system’s performance is further optimized through MicroSCADA, which provides crucial real-time monitoring and control.

With extensive project execution capabilities, Hitachi Energy engaged with partners in Tanzania, providing supervision and training to contractors, fostering skills development, and contributing to community upliftment. The company strengthened local capacity through these efforts, ensuring long-term success and sustainability while delivering cutting-edge technology. 

“We are proud to support Geita Gold Mine Limited in this landmark achievement. AngloGold Ashanti’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and climate resilience across their business, value chain, and communities sets a remarkable standard in the industry,” said Mohamed Hosseiny, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy in Africa. “It is reassuring that our pioneering technologies and solutions are advancing a sustainable energy future for all.”

The project is a testament to Hitachi Energy’s expertise in providing solutions, executing projects, and developing pioneering technologies. The PCS 6000 STATCOM system was pre-assembled, tested to the highest standards, and shipped as a containerized package for fast installation on-site. Its compact design and adaptability to harsh mining environments make it a compelling solution for industrial and remote grid applications.

Electrification solutions, like the STATCOM system, are vital to accelerating the global energy transition. By delivering innovative technology to high-impact markets, Hitachi Energy empowers the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, secure, resilient, and affordable.

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– on behalf of Hitachi Energy.

Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4muK2eq
X: https://apo-opa.co/42Cw2bl

About Hitachi Energy:
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD.

https://www.HitachiEnergy.com

About Hitachi, Ltd.:

Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at https://www.Hitachi.com.

Source: APO – Report:

Africans lead the way – in some cases by wide margins – in working together for change, a new Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) flagship report (http://apo-opa.co/42CssxV) reveals. Perhaps reflecting the continent’s long history of participatory/local democracy, they are far ahead of other regions when it comes to attending community meetings and joining with others to raise an issue.

The new report, which compares Afrobarometer data from 39 African countries with findings (where available) from other regional survey organisations, offers a glimpse of the variation in levels of political and civic engagement around the world. The analysis focuses on key indicators of citizen engagement: Voting, political party affiliation, political discussion, attending community meetings, joining with others to raise an issue, contacting leaders, and protesting.

Compared to Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East/North Africa (MENA), Africans are more likely to attend community meetings and join with others to raise an issue. They are also more likely than Asians to contact their local government councillors and traditional leaders.  When it comes to self-reported voting and political party affiliation, Africa is second to Asians, while the MENA countries dominate the other regions when it comes to hitting the streets in protest.

The new flagship report is accompanied by country scorecards (http://apo-opa.co/3KcKiBw) on citizen engagement that provide an at-a-glance snapshot of the key indicators of citizen participation at the national level for each of the 39 surveyed countries in Africa.

Afrobarometer survey

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine survey rounds in up to 42 countries were completed between 1999 and 2023.

Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. National samples of 1,200-2,400 yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Key findings

• Africans outpace other regions when it comes to attending community meetings and joining with others to raise an issue. On average across 39 African countries, almost half (48%) of citizens say they attended at least one community meeting during the previous year, compared to 26% across 17 Latin American countries.
  • Similarly, 42% of Africans say they joined with others to raise an issue during the preceding 12 months, vs. 12%-17% across the Asian, Latin American, and MENA countries.
• Africans are also ahead of Asians with regard to contacting their traditional and elected local leaders, while Asians are slightly ahead on contacting members of Parliament (MPs).
• In self-reported voter turnout during their country’s most recent national election, Africa (72%) trails Asia (81%), matches Latin America (71%), and is well ahead of the MENA countries (55%).
• Similarly, Africa comes second to Asia in party affiliation (41% vs. 53%), ahead of the other two regions (24% each).
• When it comes to participation in a protest or demonstration, the MENA countries lead the other regions (20% vs. 8%-10%).

– on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact: 
Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny 
Director of Communications 
Email: jappiah@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +233 243240933 
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org
Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica.