Category: English

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Prime Minister of Lebanon Nawaf Salam. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty, as well as the two countries’ ambassadors.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi welcomed Lebanon’s Prime Minister on his first visit to Egypt since assuming the premiership. The President lauded the positive steps taken by the Lebanese government in recent months to restore the regularity of state institutions and extend its authority over all Lebanese territory. President El-Sisi also emphasized Egypt’s full support for the Lebanese state’s efforts to restore stability and launch the process of economic recovery and reconstruction. The President stressed the vital need for the Lebanese state to continue exerting all necessary efforts to ensure that Lebanon’s stability, internal security, and national unity are not compromised.

President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s unwavering position in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The President noted Egypt’s ongoing intensive contacts with various international and regional parties, with the aim of ensuring Lebanon’s stability and the full Israeli withdrawal from the south of Lebanon. This is in addition to the importance of the international community’s support for the Lebanese state institutions, mainly the army, to enable it to perform its assigned national duties.

The Lebanese prime minister expressed his deep appreciation for the President for the great support Egypt provides to Lebanon, which reflects the deep historical ties between the two countries and peoples. He reviewed his government’s priorities for the next phase, mainly strengthening cooperation and integration ties with Arab countries, especially Egypt, noting the ongoing efforts to hold the 10th session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Higher Joint Committee, scheduled to be held in Cairo later this year.

The meeting also addressed developments pertinent to a number of regional issues and emphasized the alignment of the positions of Egypt and Lebanon on the developments in the Gaza Strip. There was agreement, during the meeting, on the importance of intensifying joint efforts to find political and peaceful solutions to the crises facing some countries in the region, while emphasizing the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these countries. Both sides agreed to continue consultation and coordination between Egypt and Lebanon to serve common interests and enhance regional security and stability.

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

Source: APO

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The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their strategic collaboration in support of vaccine equity, local production, and health innovation across the region.

Signed on the sidelines of the Seventy-fifth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Lusaka, Zambia from 25 to 27 August 2025, the MoU reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional capacity for vaccine research, development and manufacturing—critical pillars for health sovereignty and pandemic preparedness.

The MoU was signed by Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, and Dr Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI. It marks a new phase in efforts to expand access to life-saving vaccines and medicines for African populations.

“This MoU comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s health future. By joining forces with IVI, we are investing in the continent’s capacity to produce vaccines locally, respond to emerging health threats, and reduce dependency on external supply chains. It’s a step toward equity, resilience, and self-reliance,” said Dr Janabi.

Dr Kim echoed the urgency and opportunity: “IVI is proud to partner with WHO to support Africa’s leadership in vaccine innovation. Together, we will advance clinical research, regulatory harmonization, and technology transfer to ensure that African countries are not just recipients of vaccines—but producers and innovators.”

The MoU outlines key areas of collaboration:

• Vaccine R&D and clinical trials: Supporting African-led research and development, with a focus on diseases of regional priority.
• Regulatory strengthening: Enhancing the capacity of national regulatory authorities and harmonizing standards across countries.
• Local manufacturing: Facilitating technology transfer and investment in regional production hubs.
• Workforce development: Building expertise in vaccinology, biomanufacturing, and regulatory science.
• Emergency preparedness: Strengthening joint responses to outbreaks and health emergencies through coordinated vaccine deployment.

The timing of the agreement is significant. As global health financing faces new constraints, regional partnerships such as the one between the WHO Regional Office for Africa and IVI are essential for sustaining progress and ensuring that Africa’s health priorities remain front and center.

The collaboration signals a bold step toward inclusive innovation and regional leadership in global health. It affirms the power of partnerships to deliver long-lasting impact—and to ensure that every person in Africa has access to the vaccines and medicines they need to thrive.

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

Source: APO

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Progress against malaria in the African region has significantly slowed down, with cases declining by just 5% since 2015 and mortality by 16%, far short of the 75% reduction target that was to be achieved by 2025. Without intensified efforts, the region risks missing the 2030 targets under the Global Technical Strategy for malaria.

The Global Technical Strategy for malaria 2016–2030, adopted in 2015, sets the target of reducing global malaria incidence and mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030.

Weak health systems characterized by poor and delayed access to quality health services; impacts of conflicts and natural disasters; inadequate domestic financing; and climate change are among the factors hindering progress against malaria. Widespread insecticide resistance; and resistance to diagnostics and antimalarial drugs; as well as insufficient coordination also contribute to the stagnation.

Few African governments have met their commitments to increase domestic financing to end malaria due to constrained economic environment and conflicting national priorities. In 2023, a total of US$ 4 billion was invested globally in the malaria response, compared with against the US$ 8.3 billion needed. About 63% of malaria funding came from international sources. Recent funding cuts and the global funding shifts could further undermine the gains made so far but present an opportunity for rethinking the financing model of malaria programmes.  

Meeting for the Seventy-fifth session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Lusaka, Zambia from 25 to 27 August 2025, African health ministers called for urgent action to accelerate malaria prevention and control.

The health ministers agreed on a range of urgent actions including strengthening local institutional capacity to drive health system resilience, training and retaining skilled health workers, including community health workers; strengthening supply chains for malaria commodities through pooled procurement systems and local manufacturing ; improving the use of data analytics to sustain and expand coverage in cost-effective interventions including the roll out of malaria vaccination; as well as increasing domestic funding, coordination and accountability of Governments and stakeholders .

“Progress has been made, but it is not nearly enough. Cases and deaths are not falling fast enough. We must do more, and we must do it faster,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Ending malaria is not only about saving lives. It is about unlocking human potential, driving economic growth and securing Africa’s stability and future. Together, governments, partners, civil society and communities can consign malaria to the history books.”

Over the past two decades, the gains made in malaria control and elimination have led to about 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths averted thanks to scaled up malaria control efforts.

There have been increases in the coverage of malaria control measures. Insecticide-treated net use rates increased from 46% in 2021 to 59% in 2023; the number of children accessing seasonal malaria chemoprevention increased from 200 000 in 2012 to 53 million in 2023 across in 18 countries, and by July 2025 close to 6 million children had received malaria vaccines by in 20 countries.

We are also seeing some progress in malaria elimination, and since 2015, two countries in the Region, Algeria in 2019 and Cabo Verde in 2024, have been certified malaria-free.

Rwanda and Sao Tome and Principe are on track to meet the 2025 targets, Rwanda for reducing case incidence, and Sao Tome and Principe for lowering mortality, underscoring that tailored, data-driven strategies can deliver lifesaving results.

With sustained commitment, it is possible to end malaria.

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

Source: APO

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Across the African continent, fragile health systems are often the first to falter when crisis strikes, with profound impacts on lives and, livelihoods and health, and often times causing long-term socio-economic disruptions.

Renewing efforts to protect communities from the growing threat of health emergencies, health ministers meeting for the Seventy-fifth session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Lusaka, Zambia, agreed to take urgent steps to reinforce national capacities to anticipate, respond to, and recover from public health threats.

A central focus of the discussions was the development of a robust and equitably distributed health workforce. Countries pledged to expand recruitment, ensure fair deployment between urban and rural areas, and invest in continuous training to prepare health workers for both routine care and emergency response. Educational institutions will be engaged more closely to align training programmes with national strategies and evolving health security needs.

In 2025, WHO and partners have responded to more than 21 public health emergencies across the continent, ranging from mpox, cholera, measles, and dengue outbreaks to complex humanitarian crises driven by conflict and displacement. Each response has required rapid mobilization of experts, supplies, and funding, often in multiple countries at once, underscoring the relentless nature of emergency work in the region.

“We can no longer afford to be caught unprepared,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our region has made significant progress in recent years, but every emergency that disrupts health systems and upends people’s health and well-being is an important lesson to learn from. We must build resilient systems to cope with health emergencies and at the same time deliver routine services effectively.”

Ministers also underscored the need to integrate resilience into the core of health service delivery, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas. They emphasized the importance of empowering leadership, improving coordination mechanisms, and ensuring infrastructure and services can withstand future shocks. Past experiences will be used to guide system-wide improvements and reinforce preparedness at every level.

The ministers also deliberate on closely involving communities in preparedness planning, co-developing early warning systems with frontline actors, and strengthening grassroots organizations with the tools and training necessary to respond effectively when emergencies arise. This shift toward localized readiness is seen as critical to improving trust, accelerating response times, and ensuring no community is left behind.

The ministers acknowledged that these commitments must be backed by sustainable resources. To this end, they agreed to mobilize domestic funding to ensure that preparedness and response efforts are not dependent solely on external emergency appeals. Resources will be directed where they are needed most, at the frontlines to support both immediate needs and long-term capacity building.

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

Source: APO

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India-funded projects, cooperation in defence and maritime security, as well as tourism were among the highlights of the farewell call paid by H.E. Mr. Kartik Pande, the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde on Wednesday 27th August 2025, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

The two diplomats took stock of the key achievements during High Commissioner Pande’s tenure. Minister Radegonde conveyed his appreciation for High Commissioner’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing ties between the Republic of India and the Republic of Seychelles. He also noted that Seychelles and India will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Minister Radegonde expressed gratitude to the Indian Government for its continued support towards safeguarding the Indian Ocean against illicit maritime activities, and for assisting the Seychelles Defence Forces in their endeavour to preserve maritime security.

Another milestone highlighted was the introduction of flights by Indian low-cost airline IndiGo, which is expected to further stimulate visitor arrivals from India and contribute to the growth of Seychelles’ tourism industry.

Minister Radegonde and High Commissioner Pande concluded by expressing confidence that the close partnership between Seychelles and India will continue to deepen under the leadership of his successor.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

By Edith Kikonyogo, Managing Director – Africa, at Aggreko (www.Aggreko.com). 

The cost of electricity in sub-Saharan Africa is 3,188% of income per capita making it the highest globally and nearly 3.5 times the cost of the next highest region, South Asia [1]. While precise continent-wide gross domestic product (GDP) loss figures aren’t universally agreed on, the World Bank and a variety of academic institutions agree that unreliable and expensive energy supply is a significant inhibitor of competitiveness and economic growth [2] [3]. For industrial operators across mining, manufacturing, and oil and gas, reliable and cost-effective energy is both a development challenge and a risk multiplier – manufacturing enterprises experience an average of 56 days a year in power outages [4].

Energy instability increases downtime, inflates costs, and reduces competitiveness, and with grid unreliability and fuel price volatility becoming the norm rather than the exception, companies want options that give them both a sustainable foothold and a strategic advantage.

Hybrid systems, as a result, have become increasingly popular. They combine solar energy, battery storage and thermal generation to deliver a flexible, reliable and cost-effective energy supply. They allow companies to generate power independently of the grid while smoothing out the intermittency challenges often associated with renewables.

Solar energy provides near-zero marginal cost electricity once installed with batteries storing surplus generation while helping to balance the load. Diesel and gas generators then act as fast-response backup solutions in the event solar is not sufficient. Combined, these three solutions provide operators with the agility to manage costs and guarantee uptime in even the harshest or most remote environments.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the global weighted average levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from utility-scale solar PV fell by approximately 90% between 2010 and 2023, with a further 12% drop in 2023 alone [5]. In high-irradiance African countries, recent studies and project data show that the LCOE for utility-scale solar PV can reach as low as $0.04 per kWh, particularly in regions with strong solar resources and favourable financing, such as northern Ghana and parts of Botswana and Namibia.

For industrial operators, the financial upside of a hybrid system reliant on solar and with stable backup is clear. Clients switching to solar-plus-battery configurations can potentially save fuel costs of up to 15%, depending on irradiance, contract length and generator runtime. When the solution is extended across a multi-site operation, those savings can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.

Beyond fuel, hybrid systems also reduce maintenance costs and fewer generator hours mean less wear and tear, longer service intervals and a lower chance of unplanned outages. Battery storage smooths power delivery which allows thermal units to run at optimal loads rather than inefficient partial loads. The payoff is lower operational expenditure, more predictable cost curves and significantly improved uptime.

Uptime is Africa’s real competitive advantage. Uptime equals revenue, whether this is pumping water, refining ore or processing crops – the difference between 98% and 85% uptime is significant. Hybrid systems directly improve this percentage and energy resilience. During peak solar hours, battery charging maximises renewable usage. At night or in overcast conditions, stored energy is dispatched first with thermal generators providing final backup, providing a layered architecture that ensures power continuity even during generator failures or sudden weather shifts.

In the context of Africa’s often fragile grids which are prone to loadshedding and voltage dips, control over energy is a lifeline, and an asset.

The climate case for hybrid power is also strong. Africa contributes just 3.9% of global carbon emissions but is among the hardest hit by climate shocks [6]. As companies face increased scrutiny over their Scope 1 and 2 emissions, hybrid solutions provide a tangible way of decarbonising without compromising operational goals.

Aggreko’s hybrid model ensures that companies achieve measurable emissions reductions by replacing diesel with solar and implementing smart controls that optimise generator loading and avoid inefficient idling. Introducing systems-level thinking, Aggreko helps companies manage costs and climate responsibilities with solutions that are scalable, modular and adaptable to Africa’s varied terrain and operational requirements.

Unlike pure renewables which can be vulnerable to intermittency, or standalone thermal which is exposed to fuel price shocks, hybrid systems offer a practical middle ground. From mining in the DRC to agriculture in Zambia, hybrid energy installations are helping African operators move away from reactive energy spending and towards forward-planned, performance-driven power systems. And while many providers support this shift, success depends on hardware, systems design, local experience and the ability to manage complex energy flows in real-time – and that’s where Aggreko’s expertise makes the difference.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aggreko plc.

Link to additional information: https://apo-opa.co/4p0rSE0

Source: APO

Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR) has affirmed African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) A- issuer credit rating with a stable outlook.

The rating reflects JCR’s assessment of Afreximbank’s strong strategic positioning, robust risk management framework, consistent profitability, prudent liquidity policies and resilient capital base. JCR also noted the Bank’s important role in supporting trade finance and economic development across Africa and the Caribbean.

The rating agency stated that it expects Afreximbank’s rating to remain stable over the next 12 to 18 months, despite external macroeconomic challenges and potential pressures in its operating environment.

Reacting to the announcement, Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, said the affirmation reinforces the Bank’s credibility in global markets and highlights its systemic importance to Africa. “JCR’s rating underscores our strong fundamentals and prudent risk management practices,” he said. “It strengthens our ability to diversify our funding sources, including tapping into Japan’s capital markets, to further advance our mandate of promoting and financing intra- and extra-African trade.”

Mr. Denya reaffirmed Afreximbank’s unwavering commitment to its member states, partners and clients, noting that its consistent delivery, even in challenging times, has been a key driver behind its strong credit standing. “This rating is a testament to the Bank’s resilience and strategic focus, enabling us to mobilise resources to drive trade and development in Africa and the Caribbean,” he added.

The JCR affirmation is expected to bolster confidence among investors and stakeholders, supporting Afreximbank’s ongoing efforts to expand its global funding base and enhance its market presence.

In line with this, Afreximbank successfully completed its inaugural Samurai bond issuance in Japan in 2024, raising JPY 81.3 billion (US$530 million). The transaction, which attracted strong participation from a diverse pool of Japanese institutional investors, underscored the Bank’s growing appeal in international capital markets and its ability to mobilise resources beyond traditional geographies. The success of the issuance further demonstrates Afreximbank’s credibility and capacity to secure innovative funding solutions in support of its mandate. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com