Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi says enterprise development has to be a central part of the employment agenda in South Africa.

He insists that his department wants to ensure the development of enterprises that can progressively improve their productive capacity, participate in value chains, enter new markets, become sustainable competitors and create jobs.

He was speaking at the launch the of the R1 billion fund of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and National Empowerment Fund in Fourways, Johannesburg.  This fund is made up of contributions of R500 million from each agency and is aimed at directly stimulating enterprise growth to create 30 000 jobs.

The UIF is an agency of the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), and the NEF, an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)

Godlimpi said the scale of unemployment in the country requires greater coordination between institutions responsible for employment, skills development, enterprise finance, industrial development and economic infrastructure.

“This fund has been structured to connect enterprise support directly with employment outcomes. It combines financial support with business development, skills development, mentorship, technical assistance and other interventions intended to strengthen enterprises and improve their ability to sustain employment. This is particularly relevant to young people. Sustainable youth employment cannot rely only on placing young people into existing vacancies. South Africa must also expand the number of enterprises capable of creating those opportunities,” he said.

He added that this partnership provides an opportunity to demonstrate that institutions with different mandates can combine their resources and capabilities around a shared objective.

“The UIF has a labour activation and employment mandate while the NEF brings enterprise-finance capability. the dtic and its wider family of institutions have industrial development, investment, trade and enterprise-development instruments. Other departments and entities hold complementary resources relating to skills, infrastructure and sector development.

This is also why the matching and leveraging approach being taken through the programme is important,” he emphasised.

– on behalf of The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa.

Source: APO

The President made the remarks today while presiding over the national celebrations to mark World Tourism Day 2026 at Mbale Secondary School Grounds in Mbale City, held under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”

President Museveni said tourism is among the lucrative service industries, particularly for households with limited land for commercial agriculture, and encouraged communities to position themselves to benefit from the sector’s wide economic multiplier effect.

He contrasted the size of the global tourism industry with the coffee market, saying tourism presents economic opportunities on a much larger scale because it supports a broad chain of activities, including accommodation, transport, food, entertainment, guiding, cultural enterprises and other services.

The President also commissioned the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, commonly known as Mbale Zoo, established by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to promote wildlife conservation education and tourism in the Elgon Sub-region.

He commended UWA for establishing the regional facility, saying it would contribute to raising awareness about wildlife conservation while creating another tourism attraction for residents and visitors to the region.

President Museveni further urged residents of the Elgon Sub-region to take advantage of the country’s four broad wealth-creation sectors—commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)—to improve household incomes.

He said Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation depends on households participating in productive economic activities rather than relying solely on subsistence production.

President Museveni also unveiled a Tourism Conservation Strategy for the Elgon Sub-region, with emphasis on protecting forests and wetlands from encroachment and degradation.

He warned that environmental destruction threatens Uganda’s tourism industry because forests, wetlands, wildlife habitats and other ecosystems form an important foundation for the country’s natural attractions.

The President called for stronger conservation measures, particularly in the Elgon region, noting that changes in weather and temperatures demonstrate the importance of protecting the environment.

He observed that temperatures in the region have changed significantly compared with conditions experienced in the 1960s and called for greater utilisation of Uganda’s geographical advantages, including its latitude and altitude, while safeguarding the ecosystems that sustain them.

President Museveni described wetland encroachers and people involved in deforestation as enemies of Uganda’s tourism development, warning that environmental degradation could undermine the country’s tourism potential.

The President also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing last-mile infrastructure to tourism sites across the Elgon Sub-region and the rest of the country.

He said Uganda had made significant progress in establishing the basic conditions necessary for tourism growth, including peace, security, road connectivity and other supporting infrastructure.

The next priority, he said, should be extending roads, electricity, water, communication networks and other essential services to tourism attractions to make them more accessible and unlock their economic potential.

He said communities surrounding tourism sites should be positioned to benefit from increased visitor numbers through enterprises and services along the tourism value chain.

Bugisu Anthem for East African Federation:

During the celebrations, President Museveni also proposed that the Bugisu Anthem be considered as a possible anthem for the proposed East African Federation if the region’s long-term political integration aspirations are realised.

He praised the anthem’s lyrics and melody, highlighting its cultural significance to the people of Bugisu.

Tourism goes digital:

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, said the Government is increasingly embracing digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of efforts to promote domestic and international tourism.

Hon. Butime said AI and other smart technologies could transform how Uganda markets and showcases its tourism destinations while making information about attractions more readily accessible to domestic and international visitors.

The minister said the 2026 World Tourism Day theme provides an opportunity for Uganda to examine how emerging technologies can improve the tourism experience, including through digital booking platforms, smart park gates and AI-supported safari planning.

He said the adoption of such technologies would improve efficiency, accessibility and the overall experience of tourists visiting Uganda.

Hon. Butime described Mbale and the wider Elgon Sub-region as areas with distinctive tourism products, citing the region’s spectacular scenery, Mount Elgon landscape, cuisine, cultural heritage and the hospitality of its people.

He said promoting local tourism products would encourage more Ugandans to explore and appreciate the country’s natural, cultural and culinary heritage while creating employment and business opportunities for communities.

However, the minister identified several bottlenecks that continue to constrain the growth of tourism in the region.

These include limited investment and access to capital for developing tourism facilities and services, as well as visa-related challenges affecting some international visitors.

Hon. Butime said addressing these constraints, alongside improving tourism infrastructure, investment and accessibility, would be critical to unlocking the Elgon Sub-region’s tourism potential and increasing its contribution to local economic development.

Netherlands eyes tourism investment opportunities:

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Angèle Samura, highlighted emerging opportunities for increased tourism investment and cooperation between Uganda and European partners, particularly in the hospitality sector.

Ambassador Samura said areas of potential cooperation include human-capital development and skills training, sustainable hospitality practices, and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and other digital technologies to improve tourism services and enhance visitor experiences.

She said Uganda is increasingly attracting European tourists, citing figures showing that tourist arrivals from Europe increased from about 38,000 in 2024 to approximately 150,000 in 2025.

Ambassador Samura described Uganda as a destination with a broad tourism offering, including its rich natural environment, wildlife, wellness experiences, food and culinary culture and diverse cultural attractions.

She said these products provide opportunities for Uganda to attract more international visitors while creating space for stronger collaboration between Ugandan and European tourism stakeholders.

She further stressed the need for continued improvements across Uganda’s tourism ecosystem to ensure that growing visitor numbers translate into greater benefits for communities and businesses.

Mbale City Mayor Joyce Matuka Kidulu highlighted the potential of digital tourism in positioning Mbale as a strategic tourism destination and a gateway to East Africa from Uganda’s eastern region.

Mayor Kidulu said the adoption of digital technologies can strengthen the visibility of Mbale’s tourism attractions, improve access to information and help connect the city and the wider Bugisu region to domestic and international visitors.

She also outlined a number of major projects in the pipeline for the Bugisu Sub-region, including the proposed Regional University of Science and Technology and a stadium, among other developments expected to support the region’s growth and contribute to its tourism and economic potential.

Mayor Kidulu also commended President Museveni for what she described as Uganda’s transformative development journey, particularly Government efforts towards women’s emancipation and increased participation of women in national leadership and economic development.

She said the progress made in empowering women has created greater opportunities for their participation in public affairs, business and other areas of national development.

The World Tourism Day celebrations brought together Government officials, tourism sector players, local leaders, cultural leaders, development partners and other stakeholders to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential and discuss ways of leveraging technology, investment and innovation to grow the industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

Source: APO

Kenya is strengthening its defence diplomacy at the United Nations, leveraging strategic partnerships to advance global peace, expand women’s leadership in security, and build specialised capabilities for contemporary peace support operations.

A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) delegation led by the Managing Director, Defence Forces Welfare Services, Major General Edward Rugendo, held a series of high-level engagements with senior United Nations officials and partners in New York on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

On 24 September 2026, the delegation held talks with Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce, Acting Military Adviser in the Office of Military Affairs at the United Nations Headquarters, focusing on strengthening the Women, Peace and Security Chiefs of Defence (WPS CHODs) Network and advancing women’s participation in global peace and security.

Major General Rugendo underscored the importance of senior military leadership in driving the WPS agenda, noting that Lieutenant General Pearce’s extensive experience would be valuable in strengthening leadership ownership, expanding the Network and promoting greater participation of women in peace and security processes.

He further highlighted efforts by the Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, in his capacity as Chair of the WPS CHODs Network, to broaden the Network’s international engagement. General Kahariri had invited his Australian counterpart to join the Executive Committee, with Major General Rugendo seeking Lieutenant General Pearce’s support in advancing the engagement.

Lieutenant General Pearce commended Kenya for its contribution to United Nations peace operations, both in the field and at UN Headquarters, noting the professionalism and active contribution of Kenyan senior officers serving within the organisation.

The delegation also engaged the Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), Ms Kazumi Ogawa, where discussions centred on strengthening Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (Counter-IED) capabilities and specialised training.

The delegation welcomed the relocation of the UNMAS Threat Mitigation Advisory Team Regional Office to Nairobi, a development expected to deepen cooperation in Counter-IED capabilities and expand opportunities for weapons and ammunition management training through the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC).

Discussions also covered Kenya’s preparations to host the UNMAS Heads of Mine Action Components Conference in October 2026 at the School of Military Engineering. The engagement further explored specialised training opportunities for female Counter-IED instructors from WPS CHODs Network member countries, expanding women’s participation in technical and operational security roles.

At Kenya’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the delegation separately engaged representatives of the United Nations Triangular Partnership Programme (UNTPP) to explore expanded cooperation in peace support training and capability development.

The delegation acknowledged UNTPP’s support to specialised programmes at IPSTC, including the Field Medical Assistants Course, Heavy Engineering Equipment Operators Course and Engineering Project Management Programme. The programmes strengthen technical competencies required in peace support environments while reinforcing IPSTC’s role as a regional hub for specialised training.

The delegation included the Chief of Provost and Senior Gender Advisor at Defence Headquarters, Brigadier Asma Kofa, and Kenya’s Defence Liaison Officer to the United Nations, Colonel Safe Adan.

The engagements underscored Kenya’s integrated approach to defence diplomacy—connecting international partnerships with operational readiness, specialised training, gender inclusion and institutional capacity.

Through sustained cooperation with the United Nations and other partners, Kenya continues to contribute expertise and capabilities towards more effective, inclusive and responsive peace support operations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

Meskel, the Finding of the True Cross, was colorfully celebrated today, 27 September, across the country.

At the celebratory event held at Bahti Meskerem Square, Ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, Archbishops, Bishops and members of the Holy Synod, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and thousands of the faithful attended a prayer service led by His Holiness Abune Basilios, the 6th Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church.

Teacher Simon Beyene from the Office of the Patriarch gave a detailed briefing on the historical background of the Meskel holiday.

Teacher Simon also paid tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives to enable nationals to celebrate national holidays in peace and unity. He wished the Eritrean people peace and stability.

The ceremony was broadcast live by Eri-TV and Dimtsi Hafash Radio.

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

Source: APO

On September 24 2026, Minister Barry Faure delivered a statement at the High-Level Plenary Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise held during the High-Level Week of the United Nations 81st Session of the General Assembly. The meeting convened global leaders, experts and other stakeholders to address the urgent and escalating threat of rising sea levels. The meeting focused on building common understanding, mobilising political leadership and promoting multisectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration and international cooperation towards the objective of addressing the threats posed by sea level rise.

In his statement, Minister Faure emphasized that sea level rise is already shaping decisions on development, infrastructure and the protection of coastal communities in Seychelles. “Access to finance remains a major constraint and financing for adaptation and resilience must be adequate, predictable, accessible, concessional, and it must better reflect vulnerability,” stressed the Seychelles Foreign Minister.

He also reiterated that climate related physical changes must not undermine the continuity of statehood, sovereignty or established maritime zones and the rights and entitlements that flow from them. For Seychelles, these maritime rights are directly linked to livelihoods, national development and long-term economic security.

Minister Faure also pointed out that the Government of Seychelles welcomed the focus of this meeting for a practical and action-oriented outcome, with particular attention to the circumstances of Small Island Developing States.

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

Source: APO

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Seychelles and Rwanda Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation 

Minister Faure held discussions with Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Seychelles and Rwanda.

The two Ministers agreed on the need to activate the existing General Cooperation Agreement and begin the process of establishing a Joint Commission. Minister Faure also stressed the importance of moving towards the implementation of existing MoUs in various fields, with a view to translating these commitments into concrete areas of cooperation.

The discussions also covered the facilitation of movement between the two countries, with Minister Nduhungirehe highlighting Rwanda’s visa-free entry policy for nationals of Member States of the African Union, the Commonwealth and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Seychelles and Rwanda to further strengthening bilateral relations and advancing practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The meeting took place on 23 September 2026, on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Seychelles and Angola Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation 

Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, met with Angola’s Minister for External Relations, Mr Téte António, on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Ministers discussed the need to formalise the visa waiver agreement signed between Seychelles and Angola in 2025 and to advance the implementation of the General Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries in 2021. They also agreed to commence technical-level discussions to identify areas of bilateral cooperation.

Minister Faure also highlighted opportunities for technical cooperation in sport, including the possibility of Angola extending coaching expertise in basketball, handball and volleyball. Minister António, for his part, expressed interest in Seychelles’ recognised expertise in tourism, as Angola continues to develop its tourism sector.

The two Ministers also underscored the importance of strengthening air connectivity across the African continent, recognising its contribution to tourism, trade, people-to-people exchanges and broader economic cooperation.

Seychelles and Singapore Explore New Areas of Cooperation

Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, met with Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, in New York, where they exchanged views on areas of mutual interest, including digitalisation, institutional development, maritime connectivity, climate change and education. The Seychelles side expressed interest in learning from Singapore’s experience in digitalisation and institutional development, particularly in strengthening public sector efficiency and service delivery. Port management and development was also discussed as one area for collaboration.

Minister Balakrishnan welcomed the interest and highlighted the value of sharing Singapore’s experience, including the processes, challenges and lessons that have shaped its development.

The two sides also discussed maritime connectivity and opportunities for cooperation in the education sector. Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Mr Pierre Laporte, was also present during the discussions. The meeting took place on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Seychelles and FAO Discuss Food Security and Climate Resilience

On the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, met with Mr Maurizio Martina, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the priorities facing small island states in strengthening food security and building resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.

Minister Faure highlighted Seychelles’ efforts to enhance local food production, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen food security. He also underscored the importance of using appropriate technologies to increase agricultural production within Seychelles’ limited land resources.

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