Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, October 09, 2025
HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Thursday with HE Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the State of Qatar Natalia Al Mansour.
The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them.
Source: APO – Report:
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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Uganda on the occasion of the anniversary of their independence.
This auspicious occasion is a moment to honour the sacrifices of the Ugandan people in their struggle for freedom and sovereignty, and to reflect on the nation’s remarkable journey since attaining independence. Uganda has played an important role in advancing African solidarity, peacekeeping, and regional integration, in line with the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
The African Union applauds Uganda’s contributions to regional stability, continental initiatives, and its commitment to the principles of unity, democracy, and sustainable development. The celebration of this Independence Day is not only a national milestone, but also a reaffirmation of Africa’s collective aspiration for peace, prosperity, and shared progress.
May Uganda continue to shine as a beacon of Africa’s resilience and promise. Let us all draw inspiration from its journey as we collectively strive for a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated continent.
Happy Independence Day!
– on behalf of African Union (AU).
Source: APO – Report:
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The African Union Commission’s Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (AUC-WGYD) successfully concluded its inaugural Annual Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Focal Persons (GYFP) Meeting, held from 7-8 October 2025 at the AUC Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The hybrid meeting convened designated GYFPs from across AUC Departments/Directorates, AU Organs, Institutions, and Offices, marking a crucial step towards strengthening institutional coordination and accelerating gender equality and youth empowerment across the Union.
The two-day meeting served as a critical platform to build the technical capacity of Focal Persons to effectively integrate gender and youth perspectives into all phases of policy formulation, programme implementation, and monitoring and evaluation across their respective areas of work.
In her opening remarks, on behalf of Ms. Prudence Ngwenya, Director of Women, Gender and Youth Directorate (WGYD), Dr. Jeanne Flora Kayitesi, Acting Head of the Women and Gender Policy and Development Division, underscored the need for a coordinated institutional approach, noting that these efforts are firmly anchored in continental policy frameworks.
“To achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, particularly Aspiration 6 on an Africa whose development is people-driven, we must ensure that gender and youth mainstreaming is not an add-on, but a core component of our institutional DNA,” Dr. Kayitesi stated. “This commitment is guided by instruments such as the Maputo Protocol, the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, the African Youth Charter, the AU Strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) , and the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE).”
Key discussions during the meeting focused on:
The meeting directly addressed existing gaps in coordination, implementation, and monitoring, laying the groundwork for the forthcoming AU Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Strategy.
The AUC-WGYD reaffirms its dedication to working collaboratively with everybody to ensure that the AU achieves its targets, including the institutional commitment to achieve 50 percent women (50%) and 35 percent youth (35%) representation in the AU workforce.
– on behalf of African Union (AU).
Source: APO – Report:
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In response to the growing mental health needs triggered by public health emergencies or natural disasters in the African region, World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with countries to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into every stage of emergency response, aiming to have at least 80% of countries with functional mental health and psychosocial support systems by 2030.
In the African region, access to mental health services during emergencies remains critically low. Between 2020 and 2025, only 11 of the 47 countries incorporated MHPSS into their national disaster preparedness and risk reduction plans. Just five countries have implemented comprehensive mental health services at the primary care level, and only 10 have dedicated budget lines for mental health. Government spending remains below US$0.50 per capita—far short of what is needed to meet rising demand and build resilient systems.
Africa records over 100 major public health events annually, including outbreaks of Ebola, cholera, measles, and armed conflict. These emergencies not only strain fragile health systems but also trigger widespread psychological distress. WHO estimates that one in five people affected by emergencies will develop a mental health condition. Without timely support, these conditions can deepen suffering and hinder recovery.
“Emergencies don’t just threaten physical health—they leave lasting scars on mental well-being,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We must ensure that mental health services are available before, during, and after disasters, as these services are a lifeline.”
Efforts are being made to scale up mental health services through training, system strengthening, and community engagement. In Ethiopia, for example, in response to the humanitarian crisis in the north, 1 230 general health workers were trained using the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) Humanitarian Implementation Guide. This led to a consistent increase in mental health service uptake in the Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions within six months of the training.
During the 2023 Marburg outbreak in Tanzania, 72 social welfare officers were trained to provide emergency mental health support, reaching over 1 400 people with counseling and care. In Chad, mental health and psychosocial support is a core pillar of emergency preparedness, benefiting more than 19 000 people as of March 2025.
These examples offer a blueprint for scaling up access and building mental health resilience across the continent.
WHO continues to work closely with governments, partners and communities to ensure that mental health is prioritized—not just in times of crisis, but as a cornerstone of health and well-being for all.
“Access to mental health care is a matter of dignity, resilience, and recovery,” says Dr Janabi. “We are committed to helping countries build systems that protect mental well-being and leave no one behind.”
– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Source: APO – Report:
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Nearly 150 million people in Africa are living with mental health conditions, with limited access to decentralized and integrated care, highlighting the region’s mental health challenges, a new mental health dashboard launched today by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa shows.
Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are widespread in Africa, affecting individuals in every country and community. Despite growing recognition of mental health as a public health priority, services remain severely under-resourced, fragmented and inaccessible, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Suicide is also a major concern, with a regional age-standardized suicide rate of 11.5 per 100 000 population. Alcohol consumption rates exceed 10 liters per capita in some countries, further exacerbating mental health risks.
Despite the scale of the challenge, the dashboard shows that mental health systems remain under-resourced, with only nine countries in the region having dedicated mental health budget lines. Access to care is limited, with many countries lacking national mental health policies and trained professionals.
The dashboard—launched on World Mental Health Day which is being marked this year under the theme “Strengthening Mental Health Systems before, during and after disasters and emergencies”— allows users to monitor mental health sustainable development goal indicators, assess country alignment with regional frameworks and explore country-specific profiles on mental health systems and resources.
The WHO Africa Mental Health Dashboard, accessible via WHO AFRO Mental Health Dashboard, consolidates key indicators into a single, interactive platform that enables users to track progress, identify gaps and align national efforts with regional and global targets. It is designed to support ministries of health, policymakers, WHO staff, technical partners and the public in making informed decisions and driving action. The dashboard features an AI-powered chatbot that simplifies complex insights for users, making the data more accessible.
This initiative is part of WHO Africa’s broader commitment to strengthening data-driven health systems and promoting equitable access to care. By providing a one-stop shop for mental health data, WHO is helping build a healthier, more resilient future for Africa’s 1 billion people.
– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Source: Government of South Africa
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has conveyed the nation’s collective grief following the passing of South Africa’s Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who said he left a legacy of dedication and service to the country.
Lamola conveyed his condolences during an emotional official memorial service on Friday, attended by family representatives, diplomats, and colleagues which served as a reminder of the profound impact Ambassador Mthethwa had on South Africa’s diplomatic landscape.
“Our gathering here is a sombre reminder that Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa is no more.
“More than a week ago, our nation received the harrowing news of Ambassador Mthethwa’s passing. We have indeed suffered a monumental loss,” Lamola said.
The late Ambassador passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.
“He was faithful to the cause, the people and their hopes of a better tomorrow. He had a remarkable appreciation for the intersecting struggles of youth, workers and the people as a whole. A recurring theme in his lifelong service is unwavering dedication and loyalty to the people and our nation.“
At the time of his death, Ambassador Mthethwa served as South Africa’s highest-ranking diplomat in France, where his efforts significantly strengthened the bilateral relations between South Africa and France.
Lamola highlighted Mthethwa’s achievements since he assumed his role in 2023, emphasising the Ambassador’s commitment to enhancing ties and transforming global power relations.
“The news of his passing shook us profoundly, reminding us of the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of time,” Lamola said, as he reflected on the Ambassador’s contributions to both countries.
The Minister noted that Ambassador Mthethwa was honoured by French officials, including his counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.
Barrot referred to Mthethwa as “a friend of France” and emphasised his contributions to strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
The longstanding partnership between South Africa and France has seen immense growth since the normalisation of relations in 1994.
Lamola noted that South Africa has become a key destination for French exports to sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 16% of the total, with trade relations bolstered by significant investments since the pandemic.
“Trade between our countries has grown steadily since the pandemic… These exchanges reflect more than figures. They tell a story of partnership, respect and shared progress,” Lamola told mourners.
He underscored the importance of Ambassador Mthethwa’s role in facilitating these interactions through initiatives like the South Africa Investment Conference in Paris.
The Minister also recalled Ambassador Mthethwa’s firm stance on international issues, such as Western Sahara, where he reiterated South Africa’s support for the self-determination of the Western Sahara people.
“For his service and devotion, we owe him a great debt of gratitude,” Lamola stated, recognising the Ambassador’s dedication to critical global human rights discussions.
He said his journey was characterised by unwavering loyalty to the people of South Africa, having been a prominent activist during the anti-apartheid struggle.
He played a crucial role as a member of the South African Youth Congress and the African National Congress Youth League, contributing to the dismantling of apartheid and promoting democracy in South Africa.
“As an activist in the wave of youth resistance in the 1980s. Ambassador Mthethwa can be rightly counted as part of a generation that struck the final blow to apartheid,” Lamola said.
Lamola took the time to celebrate the Ambassador’s vital role in South Africa’s transition to democracy. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed a new investment package from the European Union (EU) valued at €11.5 billion (R230 billion), describing it as a significant step towards building South Africa’s economy of the future while deepening long-standing ties with Europe.
Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, President Ramaphosa said the initiative opens “new possibilities for trade and investment” and marks the beginning of “a new era of partnership and cooperation” between South Africa and the EU.
The President along with President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, jointly addressed the media following the announcement of the European Union’s investment package. The announcement took place on the margins of the Global Gateway Forum at the headquarters of the European Commission, The Berlaymont, in Brussels, Belgium.
The President said the investment package will drive growth in critical sectors, such as green hydrogen, renewable energy, critical minerals, e-battery development, and vaccine production, while also supporting infrastructure development across rail, road, ports, logistics, and digital connectivity.
“These investments will help to build the economy of the future in the South Africa of the present. We welcome the special focus on skills, small business development, and research and development. This is vital for the development of our people, our most valuable resource,” the President said.
The EU remains South Africa’s largest trading partner and one of its most significant sources of foreign direct investment, accounting for 41% of total FDI into the country. More than 2,000 EU companies currently operate in South Africa, creating over half a million direct and indirect jobs.
President Ramaphosa said the new investment package would advance the goals of the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, agreed upon at the South Africa–European Union Summit held in Cape Town in March 2024.
The partnership is aimed at promoting clean energy transition, technology transfer, skills development, and strategic industrial growth along value chains across Africa.
The President expressed confidence that the partnership will not only accelerate South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon economy but also position Africa as “the next frontier of clean global production.”
“We applaud the leadership of President von der Leyen and President Costa in giving form to this vision of a global gateway…We are grateful to the European Union for the strong support it has given to South Africa’s G20 Presidency, and our agenda of solidarity, equality and sustainability,” the President said.
He added that he looks forward to hosting EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next month, which will provide an opportunity to further advance “a peaceful, just and inclusive world order.” – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
Friday, October 10, 2025
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that no significant damage was observed on-the-ground damage assessment of the observed tornado in the vicinity of the Rand Airport, Germiston.
“The only impacts noted were broken tree branches at the golf course adjacent to the airport, along with signs of heavy rainfall from thunderstorms, including puddles and muddy conditions,” SAWS said on Thursday.
Community members in the area also confirmed that there were no structural damage or disruptive impacts associated with the event that was observed on social media.
Based on these findings, the SAWS has classified the event as an EF0 tornado.
“An EF0 is the weakest category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with estimated wind speeds of 105 – 137 km/h. Such tornadoes typically result in minor damage, such as broken branches, shallow-rooted trees being pushed over, and light damage to roofs.
“While EF0 tornadoes are relatively weak, they remain dangerous weather phenomena, and the public is urged to always exercise caution during severe thunderstorms,” the weather service said. –SAnews.gov.za
Source: APO
In a move that underscores the growing importance of cross-continental collaboration in the digital economy, Equatorial Guinean economist and author Oscar Nchaso has been appointed Ambassador for Africa and China by the Madrid Capital FinTech Cluster (MAD FinTech). The designation reinforces his long-standing commitment to building strategic connections between continents and complements his current responsibilities at Foro ECOFIN, where he represents the organization across both regions.
The appointment comes at a time when the lines between technology, finance, and policy are increasingly blurred — and when emerging economies are repositioning themselves not merely as recipients of innovation, but as active contributors to the global financial narrative. Representatives from MAD FinTech and Foro ECOFIN highlighted Nchaso’s “exceptional ability to connect people and build bridges of understanding,” describing him as a leader whose influence extends beyond borders and institutions.
Until recently, MAD FinTech’s footprint in Africa had been limited to partnerships with Moroccan financial entities and participation in a few entrepreneurship events. Nchaso’s ambassadorship signals a turning point: the beginning of a new phase of structured cooperation designed to weave together the financial and innovation ecosystems of Europe, Africa, and Asia. This expanded vision — which looks ahead to 2026 and beyond — aims to transform the cluster’s role from a European hub into a global connector for sustainable and inclusive digital growth.
A business economist, consultant, and founder of XAPIENS, Dreams Hub, and Africanian News, Nchaso’s career is defined by a rare blend of African pragmatism, European perspective, and deep ties with Asia. From Malabo to Madrid, Beijing to Washington, his work has consistently focused on creating meaningful intersections between innovation and opportunity. Recognized as one of Africa’s 50 Digital Champions in 2020 and serving as one of Ambassador of AfriLabs — the continent’s largest network of innovation hubs — Nchaso has emerged as one of the most articulate advocates for Africa’s innovation ecosystem and its integration into the global economy.
For AfriLabs, which connects more than 500 technology and innovation hubs across 53 countries, Nchaso’s appointment is more than a personal accolade; it is a strategic extension of Africa’s digital diplomacy. By occupying a key role within MAD FinTech, he positions AfriLabs — and, by extension, Africa’s innovators — at the forefront of transcontinental financial cooperation. His role opens new pathways for investment, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that link Madrid’s fintech ecosystem, Africa’s entrepreneurial dynamism, and China’s technological capacity.
Speaking after his appointment, Nchaso described the role as “an opportunity to bridge not only continents, but also mindsets — to move Africa from an aid-based narrative to one defined by innovation, value creation, and self-determination.” Through initiatives such as Dreams Hub in Equatorial Guinea and Africanian News, his message has been consistent: Africa’s growth depends on its ability to tell its own story and to design its own tools of progress.
As part of his new mandate, Nchaso is expected to work on initiatives that bring together capital, technology, and talent across continents. His focus will include facilitating access to European and Asian investment for African-led projects in sectors such as energy, fintech, and sustainable infrastructure; promoting inclusive financial solutions that expand access to digital payments and microfinance; and encouraging the creation of cross-border innovation programs that support young entrepreneurs and the regulatory frameworks that empower them.
For Salvador Molina, President of Foro ECOFIN and MAD FinTech, the appointment “reaffirms Madrid’s role as a bridge between continents and as a laboratory for the future of global cooperation.” He described it as “a decisive step toward transforming collaboration into tangible growth — economic, technological, and human.”
From a broader perspective, Nchaso’s appointment reflects the shifting center of gravity in global innovation. As Africa’s startup ecosystems mature and continental networks like AfriLabs continue to expand, the continent is increasingly seen not as a periphery, but as a catalyst for the next wave of digital transformation. Through figures like Nchaso — equally at ease in the boardrooms of Europe, the innovation labs of Africa, and the corridors of Asia — that transformation gains both structure and voice.
In the intricate geometry of global cooperation, Oscar Nchaso’s new role symbolizes the emergence of a triangular partnership between Africa, Europe, and China — one built on innovation, inclusion, and mutual respect. It is not only a recognition of individual leadership, but also a signal that the world’s financial and innovation ecosystems are, at last, beginning to speak the same language.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africanian News.
Source: APO
The joint parliamentary oversight delegation, which was engaging with underperforming municipalities in the Eastern Cape this week, today called for stronger cooperation between municipalities and provincial departments in the province to ensure effective support, oversight and service delivery.
Concluding a week-long engagement with 19 underperforming municipalities, the delegation raised concern about the continuing disconnect between provincial and municipal spheres of government. It emphasised that cooperative governance is a constitutional obligation and that provincial departments must provide timely and targeted intervention where municipalities are underperforming.
The delegation identified widespread weaknesses across Eastern Cape municipalities. Key among them were many municipalities’ dependence on consultants without any transfer of skills, along with poor financial management and persistent unauthorised and irregular expenditure. Other common challenges shared among the municipalities included leadership instability, a lack of much-needed technical skills and underspending on infrastructure maintenance, all of which continue to undermine service delivery. The delegation further noted poor revenue collection, which has an impact on municipalities’ financial sustainability, and limited consequence management.
It was observed that several municipalities continue to receive audit disclaimers year after year, despite having adopted detailed improvement plans. This, the delegation said, reflects weak leadership, poor accountability and a lack of consequence management. The delegation was of the view that many of the challenges identified could have been avoided if officials had carried out their responsibilities effectively. The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) must be used as a tool to enforce accountability and ensure that municipal councils, managers and executives fulfil their statutory and financial responsibilities. Persistent audit failures, the delegation noted, point to a deeper governance crisis that demands decisive corrective action.
The delegation called for stronger political and administrative will to act decisively on reported irregularities and misconduct. Members warned that the reluctance to confront wrongdoing undermines public confidence and perpetuates cycles of poor governance. Ms Dikeledi Direko, a member of the delegation who chaired the sessions, said, “Many of the failures we see are not because people do not know what to do, but because there is no willingness to confront misconduct. This must change.”
The delegation urged the Office of the Auditor-General to strengthen its early-warning systems by engaging with municipalities proactively throughout the financial year, rather than only at its conclusion. Members noted that proactive engagement would enable quicker responses to emerging financial and performance risks. “We need timely systems of reporting and investigation. Action must start early so that accountability follows quickly,” said Ms Direko.
Members also acknowledged that while some municipalities have begun to show progress, the overall pace of improvement remains too slow. “We have seen municipalities that are trying, but the pace of change is too slow,” said Ms Direko. “Municipal leadership must act decisively to implement what has been raised during these sessions.” The delegation urged municipal leaders to take pride and ownership of their institutions. Leaders were urged to prioritise the maintenance of infrastructure and planning and restore credibility through tangible improvements in communities.
Along with representatives from the national and provincial departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, the Office of the Auditor-General, and the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature’s committees on public accounts and COGTA, who attended proceedings, the delegation reaffirmed the need to restore financial discipline, strengthen institutional capacity and improve consequence management across all municipalities in the province. “The task before us is not easy, but it is necessary,” said Ms Direko. “Accountability begins with leadership that acts.”
The delegation has directed the MECs of Finance and COGTA to closely monitor council decisions, ensure investigations into maladministration are completed, and intervene decisively when municipal leaders and councils fail to act. Detailed reports, including timelines and measurable targets for addressing the issues raised this week, must be submitted to Parliament and the provincial legislature.
Parliament will continue to monitor developments in the Eastern Cape municipalities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
