Category: MIL-OSI

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South Africa’s Rail Reforms to Bolster Mineral Trade

Source: APO


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South Africa is revamping its rail logistics infrastructure and services through strategic investments and partnerships to enhance mineral distribution across local and export markets.

The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1 – 3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated panel discussion exploring the readiness of Africa’s logistics sector to drive increasing mineral flows. Titled From Mines to Markets: Strengthening Trade and Connectivity for Africa’s Mineral Future, the panel will showcase cooperation between mining projects and logistics operators in building a competitive mineral trade ecosystem.

In August 2025, South Africa approved licenses (https://apo-opa.co/3HFsGxn) for 11 new private operators to run trains and logistics services across its national rail network. State-owned logistics company Transnet will grant 10-year licenses enabling new private investments in rail infrastructure and unlocking an additional 20 million tons of freight annually from the 2026/27 financial year. The milestone aligns with South Africa’s target to raise total rail haulage to 250 million tons per annum by 2029, covering minerals and other key goods.

Transnet has also entered into strategic partnerships with mining firms to boost rail efficiency. The firm signed an agreement with Exxaro Resources in August 2025 to improve rail infrastructure and expand capacity between the mining firm’s 3.6 million tons per annum Leeuwpan coal mine in Mpumalanga and domestic, regional and international markets. The partnership supports Exxaro’s 2025 sales target of 38.3 to 42.4 million tons of coal, including up to 7.2 million tons for export, while advancing South Africa’s broader goals of export growth, GDP expansion and job creation. Similarly, in July 2025, United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) (https://apo-opa.co/47UHRNB) concluded a 10-year deal with Transnet to transport manganese from its Northern Cape operations to ports for export, bolstering the country’s drive to maximize critical mineral exports under its upcoming Critical Minerals Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3Vw5TXQ).

A series of funds have also been allocated to strengthen rail and port operations. In July 2025, an additional R94.8 billion in government support was approved for Transnet, following a R51 billion package in May 2025. International partners have also stepped in, with the New Development Bank extending a $278 million loan and the African Development Bank approving a $1 billion loan to upgrade the country’s logistics backbone.

At AMW 2025, these milestones will be unpacked to assess their impact on South Africa and the wider continent’s mining and logistics landscape, while underscoring the crucial role of rail in ensuring sustainable growth across Africa’s mineral value chains.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Finalists Announced for the 2025 Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards

Source: APO

The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) announces the finalists for the prestigious AWIEF Awards for 2025. 

Held annually as part of the AWIEF Conference, the AWIEF Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs and business leaders across the African continent. The aim is to shine a spotlight on women who are driving innovation, building impactful businesses, advancing gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. 

“The AWIEF Awards are a powerful platform to honour women whose innovation, resilience, and leadership are shaping the future of Africa,” said Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO. “Our 2025 finalists embody the transformative role women entrepreneurs play in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.” 

This year’s finalists were selected by an international panel of judges from a highly competitive pool of outstanding nominees spanning diverse sectors, from technology and agriculture to energy, creative industries, and social entrepreneurship. Their journeys exemplify the resilience, ingenuity, and leadership of African women shaping the future of the continent. 

AWIEF AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS (listed in alphabetical order) 

Young Entrepreneur Award 

Norah Kimathi – Kenya 
Enyo Kossiwa Midjresso-Amouzou – Togo 
Chisom Victory Okorie – Nigeria 

Empowerment Award 

Mathildah Amollo – Kenya 
Naima Mohamed – Somalia 
Mampho Sotshongaye – South Africa 

Energy Entrepreneur Award 

Chenez Henderson – South Africa 
Rufaro Marufu – Zimbabwe 
Nidal Tafah – Morocco 

Creative Industry Award 

Mahlet Afework – Ethiopia 
Stella Ndekile – Nigeria 
Soraya da Piedade – Angola 

Social Entrepreneur Award 

Farana Boodhram – South Africa 
Naom Monari – Kenya 
Barbara Nabigambo – Uganda 

Agri Entrepreneur Award 

Linda Davis – Kenya 
Ruth Ede – Nigeria 
Millicent Okumu – Kenya 
Josephine Takundwa – Zimbabwe 

Tech Entrepreneur Award 

Vivian Arinaitwe – Uganda 
Maryanne Gichanga – Kenya 
Naledi Magowe – Botswana 

Recognizing Africa’s Women Leaders 

The AWIEF Awards continue to champion women-led innovation and enterprise across Africa, celebrating women who are not only creating successful businesses but also making a positive social and economic impact in their communities and beyond. 

Join Us at AWIEF2025 

The winners of the AWIEF Awards 2025 will be announced at awards ceremony and gala dinner which will take place during the AWIEF Conference, Exhibition and Awards, taking place on 30 – 31 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the celebration and connect with Africa’s most inspiring women entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and business leaders. 

To register and book your delegate ticket for AWIEF2025, please follow this link: https://apo-opa.co/3HY5cDF

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

Media Contact:
Yolanda Mtshawu 
Email: info@awieforum.org
Phone: +27 21 002 8264 

Follow @ AWIEFORUM:   
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/41AjZLl
X (formerly Twitter): https://apo-opa.co/45KRRrn
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/41CxQRs
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/46f2rHj

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KaliSpot launches its first 1Net smart kiosks in Senegal and announces the appointment of its first distributor for the Congo Basin

Source: APO

KaliSpot (www.KaliSpot.com) announces the deployment of its first 1Net smart kiosks in the Senegalese capital, marking a decisive turning point in its mission to bring finance and essential services closer to citizens, everywhere, for everyone. 

Designed as neighborhood access points available 24/7, the KaliSpot 1Net kiosks bring together, within a shared and hybrid infrastructure, cash-in and cash-out services for customers of Banks, Fintechs, and Mobile Money providers. These kiosks simplify daily life for users by providing a seamless, accessible, and fully interoperable experience, aligned with the regional initiatives currently underway in the UEMOA zone. 

“Our ambition is to make finance accessible to everyone, everywhere, and at any time—without technological barriers or exclusions,” declared the founding team of KaliSpot. 

Powered by proprietary technology that combines shared infrastructure, conversational AI in local languages, and biometric verification, KaliSpot 1Net kiosks guarantee ease of use and maximum inclusivity. The solution addresses the fragmentation and limitations of cash-in/cash-out services in urban areas during peak hours as well as in rural areas ; offering unprecedented access in what the founder of the startup, Mika DIOL, defines as “Financial Deserts”. 

The launch of the first units in Dakar paves the way for a large-scale rollout across Senegal in 2025, before expansion to other countries in the sub-region. As part of this growth dynamic, KaliSpot has signed its first distribution partnership with Solarix, which will cover the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo, thereby strengthening its presence in the Congo Basin. 

“This strategic partnership with KaliSpot reflects our commitment to building sustainable and interoperable infrastructure solutions in the DRC and Congo. Together, we will deploy technology that redefines access to financial services, while enhancing integration between the Congo Basin markets and the rest of Africa. We believe this alliance paves the way for a new stage of growth and transformation for our financial and technological ecosystems” stated Jacinthe Masamba, CEO of Solarix. 

KaliSpot’s ambition : to build within three years, by relying on carefully selected partners, the first hybrid (physical and intelligent) proximity platform in West and Central Africa. A revolution in the relationship between consumers and financial services. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KaliSpot.

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NPA welcomes court decision in Senzo Meyiwa case

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the dismissal of the S174 applications brought by accused number four, Mthokozisi Maphisa, in the Senzo Meyiwa case.

Such an application requests the court to find that there is no case to be answered by the accused.

In the judgement handed down in the Pretoria High Court, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng found that there is prima facie evidence that Maphisa must answer to.

Maphisa, along with four other accused, are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearm and possession of ammunition related to the 2014 murder of Meyiwa.

“In his application through his legal representative, the accused said the state had no case against him, thus lacking evidence to link him to the offences [he is] charged with. The state, however, opposed their applications and submitted that there was sufficient evidence that could lead to the conviction of the accused. 

“The state relied on the testimony of constable Zungu who was with the five accused on the day of the incident. The state also relied on other pieces of evidence, including ballistic evidence that was put before the court by other witnesses in the case,” the NPA said in a statement.

The prosecutorial body insists that it will continue its pursuit for justice for the former Bafana Bafana captain’s family.
“This court outcome is encouraging as the state overcomes a second hurdle presented in this case. The state will continue to put forward a formidable case to ensure that justice is served for the Meyiwa family,” the statement concluded. 

Following the dismissal of the application, the case was postponed to 22 September to allow the defence to prepare its case. – SAnews.gov.za

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Global innovators unite in G20 hackathon 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Group of 20 (G20) Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) Hackathon which brings together innovators to tackle pressing challenges like climate change, is currently underway.

Hosted by South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the hackathon is a flagship deliverable of this year’s G20 RIWG agenda.  

The department announced that the hackathon, which began on Tuesday, aims to support a demonstrator project centred on the theme “Disaster Risk Reduction through Open Innovation (DRR-OI).”

The hackathon which will run until Friday, 5 September, brings together global innovators to collaboratively tackle one of the most pressing challenges the world faces, including disaster risk in the context of accelerating climate change.

This initiative is designed to utilise digital technologies, open data systems, and cross-border collaboration to enhance resilience in regions that are vulnerable to climate change and water scarcity.

“This year’s challenge focuses on forecasting informal urban expansion and its implications for flood risk using advanced digital tools and real-world data.  

“Building on previous DRR-OI platforms and pilot projects, the hackathon is a dynamic test bed for scalable, evidence-based solutions that can inform policy and urban planning in rapidly growing cities,” the statement read. 

Throughout the week, multidisciplinary teams from G20 countries and their partners will develop innovative digital solutions utilising artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and geospatial analytics, all while adhering to the principles of responsible and ethical AI.

Participating teams include experts in data science, urban studies and disaster risk management from countries such as Botswana, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malawi, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. 

South Africa is proudly represented by a group of emerging leaders and innovators, including Dr Charles Takalana, the Deputy Director at the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development, located at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town.

“The involvement of these experts underscores the depth of local scientific and entrepreneurial talent and ensures that African urban contexts and lived experiences are at the forefront of the development of globally relevant solutions.”

The event is being held virtually, enabling inclusive participation and real-time collaboration across time zones.  

The department announced that the final prototypes and solution demonstrations will be showcased at the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting on 23 September 2025. 

These presentations will contribute to high-level discussions on climate adaptation, urban resilience, and the role of digital innovation in sustainable development.

“By harnessing the power of open innovation, the G20 RIWG hackathon exemplifies how international scientific cooperation can generate actionable insights and scalable technologies to build safer, more resilient communities in the face of growing environmental uncertainty,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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KaliSpot lance ses premiers guichets intelligents 1Net au Sénégal et annonce son premier distributeur pour le bassin du Congo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

KaliSpot (www.KaliSpot.com) annonce le déploiement de ses premiers guichets intelligents 1Net dans la capitale sénégalaise, marquant un tournant décisif dans sa mission de rapprocher la finance et les services essentiels des citoyens, partout et pour tous. 

Pensés comme des points d’accès de proximité, accessibles 24/7, les guichets KaliSpot 1Net fédèrent, sur un réseau, les services de dépôt et retraits d’argent pour les clients des Banques, Fintechs et du Mobile Money au sein d’une infrastructure mutualisée et hybride. Les guichets KaliSpot 1Net simplifient la vie des utilisateurs en leur offrant une expérience fluide, accessible et totalement interopérable, à l’image des initiatives régionales en cours dans la zone UEMOA. 

« Notre ambition est de rendre la finance accessible à tous, partout et à tout moment, sans barrières technologiques ni exclusions. », déclare l’équipe fondatrice de KaliSpot. 

Grâce à une technologie propriétaire qui combine infrastructure mutualisée, IA conversationnelle en langues locales et biométrie, les guichets KaliSpot 1Net garantissent simplicité d’usage et inclusivité maximale. La solution répond à la fragmentation et aux contraintes liées aux services de dépôts/retraits dans les zones urbaines à certaines heures et dans les zones rurales ; ouvrant ainsi un accès inédit aux services dans ce que le Fondateur de la startup, Mika DIOL, appelle les « Déserts Financiers ». 

Le lancement à Dakar des premières unités ouvre la voie à un déploiement massif prévu courant 2025 dans les autres régions du Sénégal, avant extension à d’autres pays de la sous-région. Dans cette dynamique d’expansion, KaliSpot a conclu un premier partenariat de distribution avec la société Solarix, qui couvrira la République Démocratique du Congo et la République du Congo, consolidant ainsi sa présence dans le bassin du Congo.

« Ce partenariat stratégique avec KaliSpot s’inscrit dans notre volonté de bâtir des solutions d’infrastructure durables et interopérables en RDC et au Congo. Ensemble, nous allons déployer une technologie qui redéfinit l’accès aux services financiers, tout en renforçant l’intégration entre les marchés du bassin du Congo et le reste de l’Afrique. Nous croyons que cette alliance ouvre la voie à une nouvelle étape de croissance et de transformation pour nos écosystèmes financiers et technologiques », déclare Jacinthe Masamba, Directrice Générale de Solarix.

L’ambition de KaliSpot : bâtir, d’ici trois ans, en s’appuyant sur des partenaires triés sur le volet, la première plateforme hybride (physique et intelligente) de proximité en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre ; une révolution dans la relation entre consommateurs et services financiers. 

Distribué par APO Group pour KaliSpot.

Contact presse :
Email : infos@kalispot.com

À propos de KaliSpot 1Net :
KaliSpot est une Fintech Sénégalaise née aux États-Unis, avec l’ambition de repenser l’infrastructure de distribution des services financiers en Afrique de l’ouest et du Centre. Sa solution 1Net fédère sur un réseau hybride les services de Banques, Mobile Money et Fintechs à travers un réseau de guichets intelligents nativement interopérables. KaliSpot vise à rapprocher les services financiers essentiels de centaines de millions de citoyens, directement au cœur des zones urbaines et rurales. 

Pour en savoir plus : www.KaliSpot.com 

À propos de Solarix :
Solarix est une société basée en République Démocratique du Congo, active dans les domaines des technologies, de l’énergie et du digital. L’entreprise et ses partenaires proposent des solutions innovantes allant des infrastructures TIC (VSAT, fibre optique, réseaux) et d’énergie, jusqu’à l’exploitation de contenus médias. Engagée dans la transformation numérique et énergétique du continent, Solarix met son expertise au service des entreprises, des communautés et des institutions pour accélérer l’accès aux services essentiels. 

Pour en savoir plus : www.Solarix-Group.com  

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CORRECTION – AFREXIMBANK : Foire commerciale intra-africain (IATF) 2025 – AFRICA24 un dispositif exceptionnel

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Du 4 au 10 septembre 2025 à Alger (Algérie), la quatrième édition de l’Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) se tient dans la capitale algérienne, sous le thème « Bâtir des passerelles pour une ZLECAf réussie ». Organisée par Afreximbank en collaboration avec la Commission de l’Union africaine et le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf, cette foire constitue une plateforme stratégique majeure pour dynamiser le commerce intra-africain, encourager les investissements et renforcer l’intégration continentale.

Cette édition rassemblera plus de 1 600 exposants, 35 000 participants et délégations de 75 pays, avec un volume d’affaires attendu dépassant les 44 milliards USD. Elle mettra en lumière des secteurs clés tels que l’innovation, l’industrialisation à valeur ajoutée, les technologies, les industries créatives, l’automobile, la jeunesse et les femmes en affaires.

L’IATF, un moteur pour la transformation

Les enjeux de l’IATF 2025 sont de premier plan. L’événement vise à soutenir l’essor d’un marché africain véritablement unifié, porté par la force de 1,4 milliard de consommateurs et un PIB cumulé de plus de 3,4 trillions de dollars. Il s’agit également de promouvoir une intégration économique renforcée sous l’égide de la ZLECAf, en favorisant la conclusion d’accords commerciaux concrets et la tenue de forums sectoriels stratégiques.

Au-delà des échanges commerciaux, l’IATF 2025 entend valoriser les innovations africaines dans des domaines clés tels que la technologie, l’agriculture, l’industrie durable et la créativité. Une attention particulière sera accordée à l’inclusion des jeunes, des femmes et des entrepreneurs, dont le dynamisme constitue l’un des moteurs essentiels de la transformation économique du continent.

Une couverture éditoriale à 360° par Africa24

Le Groupe Africa24, premier groupe média panafricain TV et digital, déploie un dispositif audiovisuel et digital complet pour faire vivre l’IATF 2025 :

  • Diffusions en direct des sessions d’ouverture, panels sectoriels, forums ministériels et zones d’exposition.
  • Interviews exclusives avec chefs d’État, dirigeants économiques, institutions financières, entrepreneurs et jeunes leaders.
  • Reportages immersifs depuis les pavillons pays & entreprises, Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), Automotive Show, Youth and Women in Trade Programmes, et Investment Deal Rooms.
  • Analyses approfondies sur les perspectives de l’AfCFTA, la transformation industrielle verte et l’ajout de valeur continentale.

Suivez l’IATF 2025 avec Africa24

Vivez chaque temps fort de cet événement continental en direct, en replay ou à la demande :

  • AFRICA24 en Francais (chaîne 249), AFRICA24 English (chaîne 254) du bouquet Canal+Afrique
  • Application MyAfrica24 (googlePlay)
  • Site web www.Africa24tv.com, avec reportages exclusifs, analyses, interviews et dossiers spéciaux

Avec le Groupe Africa24, Ensemble Transformons l’Afrique

Distribué par APO Group pour AFRICA24 Group.

Contact:
Direction de la Communication – Groupe Africa24
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email : onana@africa24tv.com
Tél. : +237 694 90 99 88
www.Africa24tv.com

Suivez-nous :
@ africa24tv

À propos du Groupe Africa24 :
Fondé en 2009, Africa24 est le premier groupe média TV et numérique dédié à l’Afrique. Il propose quatre chaînes HD 24h/24 (information, sport, créativité) et la plateforme de streaming HD MyAfrica24. Repris par les principaux bouquets internationaux (Canal+, Orange, etc.), il couvre plus de 80 millions de foyers et rassemble plus de 8 millions d’abonnés numériques.

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CORRECTION- AFREXIMBANK: Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 AFRICA24 – an Exceptional Coverage

Source: APO

From 4 to 10 September 2025 in Algiers (Algeria), the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) will take place in the Algerian capital, under the theme “Building Bridges for a Successful AfCFTA.” Organized by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, this fair stands as a major strategic platform to boost intra-African trade, attract investments, and strengthen continental integration.

This edition will bring together more than 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 participants, and delegations from 75 countries, with an expected business volume exceeding USD 44 billion. It will highlight key sectors such as innovation, value-added industrialization, technology, creative industries, automotive, youth, and women in business.

IATF, a Driver of Transformation

The stakes of IATF 2025 are of the highest importance. The event aims to support the rise of a truly unified African market, backed by the power of 1.4 billion consumers and a combined GDP of more than USD 3.4 trillion. It also seeks to promote deeper economic integration under the AfCFTA, through the signing of concrete trade agreements and the organization of strategic sectoral forums.

Beyond trade exchanges, IATF 2025 will showcase African innovations in key areas such as technology, agriculture, sustainable industry, and creativity. Special focus will be placed on the inclusion of youth, women, and entrepreneurs, whose dynamism remains a key driver of the continent’s economic transformation.

Africa24’s 360° Editorial Coverage

Africa24, the leading digital and TV pan-African media group, is deploying a comprehensive audiovisual and digital coverage to bring IATF 2025 to life:

  • Live broadcasts of opening sessions, sectoral panels, ministerial forums, and exhibition zones.
  • Exclusive interviews with Heads of State, business leaders, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and young leaders.
  • Immersive reports from country and company pavilions, Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), Automotive Show, Youth and Women in Trade Programmes, and Investment Deal Rooms.
  • In-depth analysis on AfCFTA prospects, green industrial transformation, and value addition across Africa.

Follow IATF 2025 with Africa24

Experience every highlight of this continental event live, on replay, or on demand:

  • AFRICA24 in French (Channel 249) and AFRICA24 English (Channel 254) on Canal+Afrique
  • MyAfrica24 app (Google Play)
  • Website www.Africa24tv.com with exclusive reports, analyses, interviews, and special features.

With Africa24 Group: Together, Let’s Transform Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact:
Communication Department – Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Tel: +237 694 90 99 88 
www.Africa24tv.com

Follow us:
@ africa24tv 

About Africa24 Group:
Founded in 2009, Africa24 is the first TV and digital media group dedicated to Africa. It offers four HD channels broadcasting 24/7 (news, sports, creativity) and the HD streaming platform MyAfrica24. Carried by major international operators (Canal+, Orange, etc.), Africa24 reaches more than 80 million households and gathers over 8 million digital subscribers.

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Le Comité International Olympique (CIO) invite à créer les médailles des Jeux Olympiques de la Jeunesse de Dakar 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Esprits créatifs et fans des Jeux partout dans le monde, le moment est venu d’écrire une page de l’histoire olympique. Vous avez désormais la possibilité de créer l’un des symboles les plus puissants des Jeux en concevant l’avers de la médaille des Jeux Olympiques de la Jeunesse (JOJ) de Dakar 2026. Le motif retenu figurera sur les médailles remises aux athlètes qui monteront sur le podium au Sénégal. Les projets peuvent être envoyés du 2 septembre au 7 octobre 2025 via une plateforme spécifique sur le site web olympics.com.

Le créateur de l’avers de la médaille des JOJ de Gangwon 2024, Dante Akira Uwai, a expliqué l’impact qu’avait eu sur sa vie sa participation au concours 2024 : “Énormément de choses ont changé depuis Gangwon. Le concours de création de médailles m’a ouvert de nombreux débouchés, en particulier professionnels. Mais je pense que le changement le plus important a été intérieur. J’ai pu prendre toute la mesure du pouvoir de transformation qu’ont l’art et le sport.”

En plus de pouvoir envoyer leurs créations du 2 septembre au 7 octobre 2025 via la plateforme spécifique sur olympics.com (https://apo-opa.co/4mTEo6H), les candidat(e)s auront également accès à une boîte à outils pour la création des médailles contenant des prescriptions techniques, des lignes directrices ainsi que le règlement. Les propositions seront jugées sur la base de cinq critères : la créativité, l’originalité, la pertinence par rapport au récit des JOJ, la faisabilité et la description écrite.

Un jury composé du président de la commission de coordination du Comité International Olympique (CIO) pour Dakar 2026, Humphrey Kayange OLY, du gagnant du concours de création des médailles de Gangwon 2024, Dante Akira Uwai, des jeunes leaders du CIO, Peniamina Percival OLY et Pragnya Mohan, des jeunes reporters du CIO, Yun Su Park et Yann Durand, et de l’ambassadeur de Dakar 2026, Elzo Jamdong, examinera les motifs proposés, en établira un classement et fera part de ses recommandations à la commission exécutive du CIO pour approbation.

Le revers de la médaille sera conçu par le comité d’organisation de Dakar 2026 et intégrera des éléments de la culture sénégalaise ainsi que l’emblème des JOJ.

“Le pouvoir de transformation qu’ont l’art et le sport”

La possibilité de concevoir l’avers de la médaille a été offerte pour la première fois à l’occasion des JOJ de Singapour 2010, lorsque la Japonaise Setsuko Fukuzawa a créé le motif “Yes Youth Can”. Depuis, de jeunes designers originaires de Slovaquie, de Roumanie, d’Indonésie, de Nouvelle-Zélande et du Brésil ont vu leurs créations remises aux athlètes sur les podiums des JOJ. Pour les JOJ de Gangwon 2024, plus de 3 000 créations provenant de 120 pays avaient été envoyées. L’artiste et architecte brésilien Dante Akira Uwai avait ainsi été sélectionné pour son projet “A Sparkling Future” (Un avenir étincelant).

“Lorsque j’ai conçu ma médaille, j’ai visualisé l’athlète qui la recevait”, a confié Dante Akira Uwai. Qu’est-ce que je veux qu’il ou elle ressente ? Qu’est-ce que je veux qu’il ou elle voit ? Et lorsqu’il ou elle sera plus âgé(e) et repensera à ce moment, quels souvenirs la médaille devrait-elle lui évoquer lorsqu’il ou elle la verra accrochée au mur ?”

Se remémorant les JOJ de Gangwon 2024, il a ajouté : “Je pense que le souvenir le plus marquant a été de voir la remise de la toute première médaille. J’avais imaginé cette scène pendant toute une année, et lorsqu’elle s’est enfin produite, ce fut un moment très, très émouvant.”

Pour rappel, les JOJ de Dakar 2026 se tiendront sur deux semaines à partir du 31 octobre et réuniront les meilleurs jeunes athlètes du monde (âgés de 17 ans au maximum). Les Jeux se dérouleront sur trois sites hôtes : Dakar, Diamniadio et Saly.

Distribué par APO Group pour International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) launches call for medal designs for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Source: APO

Creatives and Olympic fans now have the chance to leave their mark on Olympic history. A global call is open to shape one of the most meaningful symbols of the Games by designing the obverse side of the medal for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The selected design will feature on the medals awarded to athletes who reach the podium in Senegal. Designs can be submitted from 2 September to 7 October 2025 through a dedicated platform on Olympics.com.

The designer of the obverse of the Gangwon 2024 medal, Dante Akira Uwai, explained the impact that his participation in 2024 had on his life: “A lot has changed since Gangwon. Many opportunities have opened up to me thanks to the medal design competition, especially for my career. But I think the most important change was actually internal. It was realising the transformative power of both art and sport.”

As well as being able to submit their designs from 2 September to 7 October 2025 through the dedicated platform on Olympics.com (https://apo-opa.co/4mTEo6H), candidates can also access a toolkit with design specifications, guidelines and rules. Entries will be judged on five criteria: creativity, originality, relevance to the YOG narrative, feasibility and the written description.

A jury featuring International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange OLY; Gangwon 2024 medal design competition winner Dante Akira Uwai; IOC Young Leaders Peniamina Percival OLY and Pragnya Mohan; IOC Young Reporters Yun Su Park and Yann Durand; and Dakar 2026 ambassador Elzo Jamdong, will review applications, rank designs and share their recommendation with the IOC Executive Board for validation.

The reverse of the medal will be developed by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and will incorporate Senegalese cultural elements alongside the YOG emblem.

“The transformative power of both art and sport”

The opportunity to design the obverse of the medal was first introduced for the Singapore 2010 YOG, when Japan’s Setsuko Fukuzawa created the “Yes Youth Can” design. Since then, young designers from Slovakia, Romania, Indonesia, New Zealand and Brazil have seen their creations presented to athletes on the YOG podium. For Gangwon 2024, more than 3,000 entries from 120 countries were submitted, with Brazilian artist and architect Dante Akira Uwai selected for his design, “A Sparkling Future”.

“One thing that happened to me a lot when designing my medal was to visualise the athlete receiving it,” said Uwai. “What do I want them to feel? What do I want them to see? And when they are older and full of stories to tell, what memories should the medal bring back when they see it hanging on the wall?”

Looking back on Gangwon 2024, he added: “I think the most impactful memory was seeing the medal being awarded to an athlete for the very first time. I had imagined that scene for a whole year, and when it finally happened, it was a very, very emotional moment.”

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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