Category: MIL-OSI

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BWH® Hotels Strengthens Commitment to African Development Ahead of Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2026

Source: APO – Report:

BWH Hotels (https://apo-opa.co/4uyD3GL), a leading global hospitality enterprise including WorldHotels™ (https://apo-opa.co/4uzDlgu), Best Western® Hotels & Resorts (https://apo-opa.co/3NbqMr0) and SureStay® Hotels (https://apo-opa.co/4lHsm0A), announced today its renewed commitment to the African continent as the group prepares to participate in the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa  (www.FutureHospitality.com/Africa), taking place from 31 March – 1 April, 2026. The company will once again be represented by Wytze van den Berg, VP International Operations, BWH Hotels and his team, who will contribute to key discussions on hospitality investment and growth across the region.

Strong Momentum Across High Growth Markets

BWH Hotels continues to see rising confidence and sustained investor interest across African markets, driven by increasing regional stability and strong long-term inbound travel projections. “Investor confidence comes with predictability. While the world is filled with uncertainties, we are seeing growing trust and confidence across many African countries,” said van den Berg. “The continent’s future projected tourism numbers are promising and reinforce investor appetite across key markets.”

The company highlights Ethiopia, Tanzania, Egypt and Morocco as markets showing particularly strong development momentum, supported by a wave of new pipelines and hotel projects, especially in Northern Africa.

Record Pipeline Growth in Morocco and Egypt

Morocco and Egypt are now the two fastest‑growing development markets in Africa. “In the past year, we have signed more than 25 new pipeline properties in Morocco, and we are actively working on a dozen additional projects in Egypt,” noted van den Berg. “These two markets are rapidly accelerating and represent major growth engines for our brand family across Africa.” This expansion supports BWH Hotels’ strategy to broaden its portfolio including Best Western Hotels & Resorts and WorldHotels, offering diverse development opportunities for different market segments—from upscale and upper‑midscale properties to soft‑branded luxury.

New Openings Strengthen Regional Presence

Strategic expansion across Africa continues with four new hotel openings planned for this year, strengthening the group’s footprint in key regional markets. The growth includes two new properties in Nigeria, one in Ethiopia, and one in Tanzania—reflecting the brand’s commitment to supporting Africa’s dynamic tourism and business‑travel sectors. In Nigeria, the Best Western Premier McDons Skye Hotel and the Best Western Plus Ambience Hotel Ikeja represent the group’s upscale and upper‑midscale offerings, combining modern design, international service standards and locally inspired hospitality. These openings underscore BWH Hotels’ long‑term investment in Africa and its mission to deliver high‑quality accommodations in fast‑growing destinations.

Hotel Highlights

Best Western Premier McDons Skye Hotel, Owerri, Nigeria

  • Upscale, contemporary hotel designed for both business and leisure travelers
  • Rooftop bar and restaurant offering panoramic city views
  • Stylish guestrooms with premium bedding, modern technology and workspace-friendly layouts
  • State-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor pool
  • Flexible meeting and event facilities equipped with advanced AV solutions
  • Convenient access to major commercial districts and transport links

Best Western Plus Ambience Hotel – Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

  • Upper-midscale hotel situated in one of Lagos’ key business hubs
  • Modern, comfortable rooms featuring ergonomic design and high-speed connectivity
  • On‑site restaurant serving international and Nigerian cuisine
  • Well-equipped meeting room ideal for small corporate gatherings
  • Fitness center and relaxation areas for business travelers on the go
  • Proximity to Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Ikeja City Mall

Looking Ahead to FHS Africa 2026

As BWH Hotels prepares for FHS Africa, the company aims to further engage with investors, developers and hospitality leaders to drive conversations around sustainable hotel growth, brand diversification and the longterm outlook for African travel demand. “We are proud to once again participate in FHS Africa, which remains a critical platform for shaping the future of the continent’s hospitality sector,” concluded van den Berg. “Africa continues to be a priority region for BWH Hotels, and we look forward to contributing our insights and strengthening our partnerships across the continent.”

– on behalf of Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa).

About BWH® Hotels:
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from luxury to economy, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline. 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli responds to Governance Cluster Oral Questions

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, will respond to Governance Cluster Oral Questions in the National Assembly.

This engagement forms part of Parliament’s oversight role, providing an opportunity for Members of Parliament to pose questions to the Executive on matters relating to governance, service delivery, and the implementation of government programmes.

Members of the media and the public are invited to follow the proceedings live on Parliamentary broadcast platforms.

Details of the engagement are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026
Time: 15h00
Platform: Live on Parliamentary channels

Media enquiries: MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za/082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Nos campos de Mpumalanga, na África do Sul, uma revolução silenciosa está em curso — e as mulheres agricultoras estão a liderá-la

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Outrora excluídas dos mercados formais devido à formação, tecnologia e literacia financeira limitadas, 25 agricultoras da província de Mpumalanga, na África do Sul, estão agora a fornecer grandes retalhistas, programas de alimentação escolar e alojamentos locais — uma prova do poder transformador do investimento direcionado nas mulheres rurais.

Numa quinta na aldeia de Marite, Skhulile Malibe caminha por entre fileiras de vegetais prósperos. Não muito tempo atrás, ela não tinha como saber se a sua quinta era lucrativa. “Antes de entrar no programa, eu não sabia dizer no final do dia se tinha ganho dinheiro ou não”, lembra. Hoje, regista meticulosamente cada transação, acompanha as colheitas e aumentou a sua força de trabalho para além dos três funcionários originais, e está a caminho de se tornar uma quinta totalmente comercial.

A sua vizinha e colega de turma, Kolile Malibe, partilha uma história semelhante. “Isto abriu a minha mente”, resume. “Agora estou a tornar-me uma agricultora comercial e a aumentar o meu número de funcionários dia após dia”, acrescenta.

Esses sucessos não são avanços isolados. Fazem parte de uma iniciativa agrícola centrada nas mulheres, financiada pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, pelo Fundo de Investimento Climático e pelo Absa Bank, e implementada pela UVU Africa. Este programa funciona no âmbito do South Africa Just Energy Transition Jobs First Project: Gender and Social Inclusion (SAJJOF) (http://https://apo-opa.co/4bewjpR), liderado pela Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency. Redefiniu discretamente o que é possível para as agricultoras rurais numa das províncias economicamente mais vulneráveis da África do Sul.

Quebrando barreiras, construindo mercados

Lançada como um programa piloto em Bushbuckridge, a iniciativa abordou as barreiras estruturais que há muito mantêm as mulheres rurais à margem da economia agrícola da África do Sul: acesso limitado a formação, oportunidades de mercado, tecnologia e baixa literacia financeira. Cada uma das 25 participantes recebeu formação abrangente em agricultura e gestão empresarial, mentoria individual e um tablet equipado com ferramentas digitais para gerir operações, controlar despesas e aceder a previsões meteorológicas em tempo real.

Para Gracious Masuku, da aldeia Belfast Trust, a formação financeira mudou a sua vida. “As minhas finanças não estavam em ordem e agora sou capaz de registá-las sozinha e manter um bom fluxo de caixa”, explica. “Estou a construir um sistema que funcionará muito depois de eu partir, para que alguém depois de mim possa continuar a usá-lo”, aponta.

Lara Rosmarin, Cluster Catalyst na UVU Africa, afirma que o programa superou as expectativas. “Mais de 90% dos formandos fornecem agora grandes retalhistas, centros agrícolas, programas de alimentação escolar e alojamentos locais, criando 66 novos empregos através de empresas agrícolas sustentáveis; este programa demonstra que a formação personalizada, a mentoria e as ferramentas digitais podem permitir que as mulheres agricultoras rurais entrem nas cadeias de abastecimento formais e prosperem”, afirma.

O impacto estende-se ao setor de turismo de safári da África do Sul, avaliado em mil milhões de dólares. Nawsheen Elaheebocus, Gestora de Tarefas do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para o SAJJOF, explica: “A economia do turismo de safári da Grande Kruger, que atende quase dois milhões de visitantes anualmente e sustenta centenas de alojamentos de luxo, representa um mercado de hospitalidade estimado em mais de mil milhões de dólares por ano, criando uma oportunidade significativa para os agricultores locais fornecerem produtos frescos de alto valor”, disse.

“Através do projeto SAJJOF, as agricultoras de Mpumalanga podem agora entrar neste mercado premium, fornecendo diretamente alojamentos de luxo e transformando a agricultura local numa oportunidade económica inclusiva”, acrescentou.

Talvez o exemplo mais marcante seja o de Smangele Makutu, que passou cinco anos a viver nas ruas antes de garantir um contrato de 15 anos para cultivar os terrenos da sua antiga escola secundária. Os seus produtos agora abastecem supermercados locais e contribuem diretamente para a educação agrícola dos alunos atuais — uma história completa de restauração e propósito.

Os resultados do programa são mensuráveis: todos os participantes relataram melhorias no layout das suas quintas e maiores rendimentos, 92% diversificaram ativamente as suas culturas, 77% dos formandos solicitaram financiamento ou investimento e 66 novos empregos foram criados através de empreendimentos agrícolas sustentáveis. Cinco agrupamentos regionais de agricultores agora permitem o acesso coletivo ao mercado e o apoio entre pares.

Ampliação

Dado o sucesso do projeto-piloto, os parceiros planeiam expandir a iniciativa para outros locais em Mpumalanga, aprofundando as ligações com o mercado, alargando o acesso ao financiamento e expandindo os programas de literacia digital. As fases futuras irão introduzir tecnologia agrícola moderna, processamento de culturas de valor acrescentado e centros de colaboração locais para fomentar a inovação.

“Muitos agricultores desta região têm operado num ambiente de ‘sobrevivência, não de prosperidade’ há gerações”, diz Dheepak Maharajh, CEO da UVU Bio. “Este projeto-piloto prova que, com os sistemas de apoio certos, o caminho para sair da pobreza que se transmite de geração em geração torna-se tangível e mensurável. Com os colaboradores e parceiros certos, isto representa o próximo passo na construção de um ecossistema agrícola mais competitivo, resiliente e focado no futuro — um ecossistema que abre caminhos económicos genuínos para as comunidades rurais em Mpumalanga”, acrescentou Maharajh.

A iniciativa faz parte da Transição Energética Justa da África do Sul, um esforço nacional para garantir que a mudança da energia dependente do carvão beneficie todas as comunidades.

Babatunde Omilola, Diretor da Divisão de Desenvolvimento Humano do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, enfatiza a importância do projeto: “Esta iniciativa é crucial para uma transição energética justa na África do Sul, promovendo a criação de empregos, a igualdade de género, a inclusão social e garantindo que todos beneficiem da economia verde, particularmente em Mpumalanga”.

Nos campos de Mpumalanga, uma nova geração de mulheres agricultoras não está apenas a sobreviver. Está a construir

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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President Boakai congratulates Ireland on Saint Patrick’s Day

Source: APO

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and People of the Republic of Ireland on the occasion commemorating Saint Patrick’s Day and the National Day. Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick “the Day of the Festival of Patrick”, is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland. 

According to a Foreign affairs release, in his message to H.E. Mr. Michael D. Higgins, President of the Republic of Ireland, President Boakai conveyed sincere best wishes to the Government and People of Ireland, on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name.  “As we join you in celebrating this historic milestone in your national existence, we reflect on the longstanding and cordial relations subsisting between our two nations as we jointly strive towards the attainment of a changing world and international development,” President Boakai stated.

 He further stated that his country being a member of the comity of nations, Liberians are elated that both nations remain committed to supporting actions that uphold world peace and security.The Liberian Leader recommitted his nation to the bond of friendship and cooperation, particularly as the Irish Government under the watchful eyes of President Higgins.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

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Beyond the Code: How Africa’s Top Fintech is Reimagining the “Woman in Tech” Narrative

Source: APO

In the rapidly evolving digital economy of Nigeria, where fintech companies have seen a 70% growth in just one year, a quiet revolution is taking place that goes beyond mobile wallets and transaction volumes. At the heart of this shift is the PalmPay Purple Woman program, a program designed to bridge a stark reality: women currently represent only 17% of Nigeria’s tech workforce.

For many, the barrier to entry into technology is as much psychological as it is technical. “I’d seen the tweets, heard the buzz, but to me, tech just meant ‘hacking and coding,’” says one participant in a recent first-hand account. “I never imagined it was a space I could truly belong in”.

This participant was one of 100 women selected for a competitive 3-day masterclass 2025 cohort. What began as a “quietly terrified” leap of faith transformed into a career pivot. After the intensive training, she became one of only ten women selected for a high-stakes, six-month internship within PalmPay’s internal teams.

Unlike traditional “coding bootcamps,” the PalmPay Purple Woman program recognises that a thriving fintech ecosystem requires diverse talent. The program provides specialised training in;

  • Technical Tracks: Software Engineering, Data Analysis,  and UI/UX Design.
  • Operational Excellence: Product Management, Digital Marketing, and Human Resources.
  • Economic Resilience: Personal Financial Management and Workplace Policy.

For the aforementioned participant, the path led to the Human Resources department, where she now manages hiring, onboarding, and payroll. “Interning in HR was more than I ever imagined,” she notes. “I am learning aspiration, resilience, and responsibility”.

The program which is in its third year, is indeed impacting careers and lives as participants are equipped to thrive even in a male-dominated corporate world.

  • Cumulative Reach: In the past 3 years, the program has empowered approximately 250 young women.
  • Direct Employment: It has facilitated 20 internships to date, moving women directly from classroom theory to the fast-paced environment of Africa’s #1-ranked fintech company by Financial Times x Statista Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies 2025.
  • Knowledge Driven Masterclass: Every year, the shortlisted women are empowered with knowledge to thrive at work and life.

A key component of the international appeal is PalmPay’s unique corporate culture, which seeks to dismantle traditional African corporate hierarchies. The program introduces participants to a “no door” policy, where interns can walk directly up to the Managing Director to pitch ideas.

“It completely shifted the vibe—less hierarchy, more collaboration,” the intern shared. “It makes the workplace feel open, empowering, and far from toxic”.

As Nigeria cements its status as a leading emerging tech hub, the Purple Woman program serves as a blueprint for how market leaders can build sustainable, inclusive growth. By focusing on both “hard” technical skills and “soft” organisational leadership, PalmPay is ensuring that as the sector scales, the faces behind the technology are as diverse as the millions of customers they serve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PalmPay.

About PalmPay:
PalmPay is a leading emerging markets-focused fintech platform committed to driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money. PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products including mobile payments, embedded credit, savings and micro-insurance via its app and mobile money agent network. Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 35 million app users and connects over a million businesses through its network of agents and merchants. PalmPay has operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh..

For more information, visit www.PalmPay.com

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Advisor to Prime Minister: Stopping Iranian Attacks Requires Clear Decision, Not Investigative Committees

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | March 16, 2026

The State of Qatar has said that Iran must take “a clear decision” to stop attacks on the countries of the region, rejecting suggestions that investigations or joint teams are needed to address the issue.

Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly media briefing, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that the matter is “very simple”, and what is required is “to stop the attacks on countries that have not targeted Iran”. He stressed that the State of Qatar, along with the rest of the countries of the region, has distanced itself from this war and escalation since day one.

His remarks came in response to statements by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Al Ansari added that the targeting of the State of Qatar is still ongoing, as it was subjected Sunday, to an attack by five drones. He emphasized that the State of Qatar will continue to defend itself and reserves the right to respond to these attacks.

He indicated that Iranian attacks during the past period targeted civilian and vital facilities in the State of Qatar, including residential areas and facilities in Ras Laffan, Mesaieed, and Hamad International Airport, in addition to threats published through unofficial Iranian media to target specific residential areas within the country.

The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the evacuation that affected parts of Doha on Saturday came after an Iranian missile was launched at a residential complex, which was intercepted.

He explained that following this interception, all measures were taken to secure and protect citizens and residents of the State of Qatar, stressing that Iranian attacks on civilian facilities in the State of Qatar have not stopped.

Dr. Al Ansari commended the efforts of Qatar’s Armed Forces, noting that Qatari soldiers have demonstrated their high competence and ability to handle various challenges. He said that the Armed Forces have achieved the highest levels of readiness and preparedness, in addition to establishing a deterrent that has contributed to protecting the country from real harm resulting from these attacks, indicating that the rate of interception of Iranian attacks has reached more than 90 percent.

Regarding diplomatic moves, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the consultations held with the Egyptian side on Sunday addressed general coordination between the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, in addition to broader Arab coordination in light of regional developments.

He indicated that communication between officials in the GCC countries is ongoing on an almost daily basis and at various levels, whether between Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders or the foreign ministers, stressing that the Gulf countries are speaking with one voice to the world today in rejecting Iranian aggression and in calling for de-escalation.

He noted that this unified Gulf position is also evident in communication with international partners, including the United States and European countries, where efforts are underway to enhance regional security and ensure the stability of the region.

Dr. Al Ansari stressed that Gulf diplomacy is active at this stage, seeking to reduce escalation and reach diplomatic solutions to the crisis. He noted that these efforts do not mean accepting or tolerating Iranian attacks, but rather are accompanied by defensive coordination and clear messages to the international community regarding the seriousness of these attacks.

As part of the Qatari diplomacy to counter the rising tensions in the Middle East, Al Ansari highlighted HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani’s talks with HE Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The two officials discussed the latest military escalation in the region and its potential impact on regional security and stability. During the meeting, HE Sheikh Mohammed renewed Qatar’s condemnation of Iranian attacks on the country and warned against “irresponsible” targeting of vital infrastructure, particularly facilities related to water, food supplies and energy.

Al Ansari also noted HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi’s engagement in two virtual ministerial meetings. These included a joint meeting between Their Highnesses and Excellencies Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Kingdom, as well as another joint meeting involving Their Highnesses and Excellencies Foreign Ministers of the GCC with the Kingdom of Morocco, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

In response to developments in recent days, the foreign affairs spokesperson, added, Qatar issued several official statements. On Wednesday, the country welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemns Iranian attacks on countries in the region.

A day later, Qatar condemned an Iranian strike on the Port of Salalah in Oman, describing it as a hostile act and a violation of international law. The same day, Doha also condemned Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, calling them a breach of international law and of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. On Saturday, it also denounced an attack on the United Arab Emirates’ consulate general in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, saying the targeting violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Qatar also sent an eighth identical letter on Friday to HE Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and to HE Michael Waltz, the US permanent representative to the UN and president of the Security Council for March, detailing Iran’s attack on its territory.

Submitted by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, the letter said the incident constituted a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and represented an “unacceptable” escalation that threatens regional security and stability.

Separately, Al Ansari highlighted the humanitarian assistance announced by the State of Qatar for people affected by the escalating conflict in Lebanon. Through the Qatar Fund for Development, Doha said it would provide urgent support to those displaced by ongoing Israeli attacks in the country.

The emergency response, implemented in cooperation with Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent, aims to assist more than 40,500 displaced and affected families. The aid includes the distribution of more than 12,000 food baskets along with other essential non-food items.

Al Ansari said the assistance reflects Qatar’s continuing commitment to humanitarian relief and its support for people in need in both neighboring and partner countries, including Lebanon. 

#MOFAQatar

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Sierra Leone’s digital ID push: how local brokers help citizens gain legal identity

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Laura Lambert, Senior Researcher, Leuphana University

An estimated 542 million Africans lack identity cards and potentially face statelessness. Without a legal identity, they can be excluded from basic human rights like education, healthcare and protection.

Most African countries have tried to rectify this by adopting a digital identity system to provide “legal identity for all, including birth registration” according to the Sustainable Development Goal 16.9 by 2030. Digital identity systems use databases to store biometrics and personal identity information together.

These systems claim to abolish identity fraud and corruption, because the identity is permanently fixed in the database and cannot easily be tampered with. In practice, however, creating and maintaining the system relies on many intermediaries. Chiefs, legal personnel, local authorities, teachers, employers, document brokers, family and friends all participate in enrolling, updating and certifying identities. These intermediaries make the system vulnerable to manipulation. But without them, hardly a legal identity could be established.

Within a transnational research project on digital identification, I have done ethnographic research with some of these intermediaries in Sierra Leone. I argue that they act as “brokers of citizenship”. They support people in becoming citizens by establishing an understanding of who is a citizen and what it means to be a citizen in terms of rights and duties.

In Sierra Leone, they have helped more than six million undocumented citizens to be included in the digital civil register and obtain a legal identity. My research in Sierra Leone illustrates that intermediaries have a crucial role in achieving the goal of citizenship for all.

Leave no one behind

Digital identity projects pursue the “one person, one identity” rule. They promise to create a permanent, secure and unique official identity for everyone based on linking a person’s biometrics to a permanent digital government database. Secure ID cards or birth certificates are then delivered based on these data entries.

But the process to obtain this official identity is a challenge for many people in Africa and more broadly the global south. People without sufficient recognised documents like birth certificates have difficulties in proving their identity. Minority ethnic groups, migrants, refugees and borderland communities struggle to prove their citizenship. Those excluded from citizen documents thus risk further exclusion from getting the new digital identities.

ID services are often distant and expensive. In rural populations especially, there is a need to travel far to registration centres. Rolling out digital identification to people in remote areas needs equipment, electricity, connectivity and tech-savvy staff. In Sierra Leone, the new digital ID card for citizens costs 165 Leones (about US$8). It is seven times more expensive than the old paper card.

Despite the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals to “Leave No One Behind” and provide digital identity for everyone, many Africans indeed risk being left out. Intermediaries are crucial for remedying these gaps.

Making identities official

Sierra Leoneans without sufficient documents to register for a digital identity can approach a “justice of the peace”. These usually retired men and a few women are appointed by the government to document oaths. Citizens can swear an oath about their identity to this official or his or her clerks. Against a small informal fee paid by the client, they document the claims about their name, date and place of birth on a form, a so-called “affidavit”. My research shows that this renders the identity claim of the client official.

Citizens can then use these affidavits to get biometrically enrolled at the responsible state office, the National Civil Registration Authority. Officials at the state office told me they widely trusted the declared information: “What you put on it is what we now believe in.” They appreciated this work of the justice of the peace, because otherwise undocumented people would be “disenfranchised” and risk becoming stateless.

As a colonial legacy, justices of the peace exist in many countries worldwide. There’s a risk they can exclude people based on discriminatory understandings of citizenship drawing on race, ethnicity or indigeneity for determining belonging. But they have played a crucial role in the inclusion of underdocumented people as citizens in digital identity projects.

Bridging the state and marginalised citizens

Justices of the peace do not only formalise identities. They are a bridge between the administration and marginalised citizens.

The Sierra Leonean justices of the peace are selected by the president of the republic for their good character and authority in their community as long-term civil servants, pastors, imams or chiefs. They hold a lot of authority and knowledge on the state and the administration.

In contrast to their status, many of them operate from a small table right in the bustle of urban informality. This is crucial for being accessible to marginalised citizens who might be fearful of contact with the administration. They might know little about its workings and experience civil servants as condescending or even authoritarian. They share information with citizens on how the administration works and give them advice on how they should act when they want to get the ID card.

Inclusivity needs intermediaries

In contrast to their promise, digital identities do not abolish intermediaries. Instead, they rely on the intermediaries’ work for identifying people and orienting them in the process. In addition to the justices of the peace, many other relatives, chiefs and state officials get involved in people’s identification. Although their involvement may make the system vulnerable to manipulation, intermediaries will remain important in the years ahead to remedy the civil registration gaps in Africa.

The work of these intermediaries has far-reaching consequences for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 16.9 and for bringing citizenship into being.

– Sierra Leone’s digital ID push: how local brokers help citizens gain legal identity
– https://theconversation.com/sierra-leones-digital-id-push-how-local-brokers-help-citizens-gain-legal-identity-276336

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La Ligue africaine de basketball nomme PUMA comme fournisseur officiel des tenues de la ligue à quelques jours du lancement de la saison 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • PUMA fournira les tenues officielles des équipes, des supporters et des arbitres de la BAL
  • Coup d’envoi de la sixième saison de la BAL le 27 mars en Afrique du Sud ; achetez vos places dès maintenant

La Ligue africaine de basketball (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) et PUMA, le chef de file mondial des vêtements et accessoires de sport, annoncent aujourd’hui une collaboration pluriannuelle qui permet à PUMA de devenir le fournisseur officiel des tenues de la BAL. 

La collaboration, qui démarrera avec le lancement de la saison 2026 de la BAL le vendredi 27 mars à la SunBet Arena de Pretoria, en Afrique du Sud, verra PUMA fournir tous les vêtements officiels des équipes, des fans et des arbitres de la BAL, y compris les tenues de match, le matériel d’échauffement, les vêtements d’entraînement, les accessoires et les t-shirts griffés pour les participants des programmes d’impact social et d’engagement des joueurs de la ligue.

Le fanwear, qui reflète l’énergie, la diversité et la créativité de la culture africaine du basket, sera disponible cette saison dans les arènes de la BAL, dans la boutique en ligne de la BAL sur https://BALStore.NBA.com, dans la boutique en ligne de PUMA https://za.PUMA.com, ainsi que dans les trois boutiques NBA et les deux magasins PUMA en Afrique du Sud.

« Notre collaboration avec PUMA témoigne de notre engagement commun à soutenir l’industrie sportive africaine et le basketball en particulier », déclare Amadou Gallo Fall, président de la BAL.  « L’innovation, la créativité et le lien profond de PUMA à l’écosystème sportif du continent et à notre sport en font un partenaire idéal pour nous aider à continuer d’élever le niveau du basket africain, à optimiser l’expérience des équipes, des joueurs et des fans et à pérenniser le développement de la BAL. »

« La collaboration avec la BAL marque un jalon majeur dans l’engagement de la marque PUMA à développer ce sport dans le monde entier », déclare Johan Adamsson, vice-président de PUMA, marketing et licences sportives. « Nous nous réjouissons à la perspective de mettre notre technologie au service de la performance des joueurs et de nouer des liens avec les nombreux fans de la BAL dans le monde entier. »

PUMA rejoint la liste de partenaires de la BAL, qui comprend également le Foundational Partner Rwanda Development Board et les partenaires officiels Afreximbank, Air Sénégal, Amazon Web Services, Castle Lite et RwandAir.

Les billets pour la Conférence du Kalahari sont maintenant en vente sur Ticketmaster.za (https://apo-opa.co/4db9e95). Les billets pour les séries éliminatoires et les finales sont en vente sur BAL.NBA.com/ Billet (https://apo-opa.co/415EbUG). Les billets donnent un accès gratuit à chaque Fan Zone de la BAL.

Des informations supplémentaires sur la saison 2026 de la BAL seront annoncées dans les prochains jours.

Distribué par APO Group pour Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact :
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Ligue africaine de basketball
+221 78 637 70 62
Manamba@theBAL.com

Denise Thrasher 
PUMA Hoops
denise.thrasher@puma.com

À propos de la BAL :
Fruit d’un partenariat entre la Fédération internationale de basketball (FIBA) et NBA Africa, la Ligue africaine de basketball (BAL) est une ligue professionnelle regroupant 12 équipes de club de toute l’Afrique qui entamera sa sixième saison en mars 2026. Basée à Dakar, au Sénégal, la BAL s’inspire des compétitions organisées en Afrique par le bureau régional de la FIBA et vient marquer la première collaboration de la NBA pour gérer une ligue hors Amérique du Nord. Suivez la BAL (@theBAL) sur Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/418VuUR), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/40AD4wc), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4rCk5fB), X (https://apo-opa.co/3Nm9Az4) et YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4bfyUzP). Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur https://BAL.NBA.com.

À propos de PUMA :
PUMA est l’une des plus grandes marques de sport au monde, concevant, développant et vendant des chaussures, des vêtements et des accessoires. Créé en 1948, PUMA aide les athlètes et équipes du monde à donner le meilleur d’eux-mêmes grâce à ses produits innovants. Reconnue pour l’emblématique félin et la bande Formstrip de son ., la société propose des produits de performance dans des catégories telles que le football, la course à pied et l’entraînement. Ses collections Sportstyle sont ancrées dans le sport et inspirent les consommateurs en célébrant la culture sportive. Fort de sa longue histoire et de son solide héritage, PUMA est fier de pouvoir compter sur un portefeuille de produits devenus emblématiques, à l’instar des styles Suede et Speedcat. Basée à Herzogenaurach, en Allemagne, l’entreprise distribue ses produits dans plus de 120 pays et emploie plus de 20 000 personnes. Pour de plus amples renseignements, rendez-vous sur https://About.PUMA.com.

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La CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 arrive au Royaume-Uni : conçue à l’échelle mondiale, mise au point localement

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • Longue autonomie, confort haut de gamme et sécurité cinq étoiles : la CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 offre une expérience de conduite électrique résolument technologique.
  • Une technologie électrique de pointe qui réunit design, ingénierie et production à l’échelle mondiale.

Changan UK (www.GlobalChangan.com) a lancé la CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 100 % électrique, un SUV compact du segment C qui associe design premium, technologies intelligentes et praticité au quotidien.

« La CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 a été conçue pour les personnes qui recherchent un SUV électrique parfaitement adapté à la vie de tous les jours », a déclaré Nic Thomas, directeur général de Changan UK. « Elle offre des performances rassurantes, un confort bien pensé et une technologie simple à utiliser, le tout sans le prix d’un modèle premium. »

CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 : autonomie, confort et sécurité

Dotée d’une batterie LFP de 68,8 kWh, la CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 offre une autonomie WLTP pouvant atteindre 303 miles en version propulsion (RWD) et 278 miles en version transmission intégrale (AWD). À bord, le cockpit inspiré de l’aéronautique comprend des sièges avant chauffants et ventilés en cuir vegan, dont un siège passager « zéro gravité » à inclinaison complète. Un écran tactile rotatif de 15,4 pouces, un affichage tête haute en réalité augmentée (AR-HUD), un système audio à 14 haut-parleurs et la connectivité smartphone sans fil complètent cet habitacle high-tech.

La sécurité est au cœur de la CHANGAN DEEPAL S05, qui a obtenu la note maximale de cinq étoiles à l’Euro NCAP. Elle est équipée de série de 17 systèmes intelligents d’aide à la conduite, permettant une conduite autonome de niveau 2 grâce à un réseau de caméras, de radars et de capteurs ultrasoniques, dont un système de vision panoramique à 540 degrés.

Bien plus qu’un modèle : comment la CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 incarne une vision mondiale

Changan est désormais présent sur 16 marchés européens, avec des lancements prévus prochainement en Italie, en Espagne et en Pologne. Le Royaume-Uni constitue un hub stratégique de ce déploiement pour le développement local. Fer de lance de cette dynamique, la CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 repose sur une base véritablement mondiale. Dessinée au Changan Design Center Europe de Turin et calibrée au centre de R&D de Changan UK à Birmingham, elle a été minutieusement mise au point pour les routes locales.

Pour le marché britannique, la CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 est produite à l’usine Changan de Rayong, en Thaïlande, créée en 2023 comme hub dédié aux marchés mondiaux à conduite à droite. Avec environ 60 % d’approvisionnement local, le site garantit la constance de la qualité, des essais et de la chaîne d’approvisionnement, tandis que sa localisation stratégique facilite la logistique mondiale. Plus qu’un nouveau modèle, la S05 témoigne des ambitions mondiales de Changan, en intégrant design, ingénierie et production sur plusieurs continents pour proposer un véhicule électrique véritablement international.

Distribué par APO Group pour Changan.

Contact :
global@changan.com.cn

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Basketball Africa League Names PUMA as League’s Official Outfitter Ahead of 2026 Season

Source: APO

  • ​PUMA to Supply Official BAL Team, Fan and Referee Apparel
  • Sixth BAL Season Tips Off on March 27 in South Africa; Tickets on Sale Now

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) and PUMA, one of the world’s leading sports brands, today announced a multiyear collaboration that makes PUMA the Official Outfitter of the BAL. 

The collaboration, which will begin with the 2026 BAL season that tips off on Friday, March 27 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, will see PUMA supply all official BAL team, fan and referee apparel, including game uniforms, warm-up gear, practice wear, accessories, and branded tops for participants in the league’s social impact and player programming. 

The fanwear, which reflects the energy, diversity and creativity of African basketball culture, will be available this season at BAL arenas, the BAL’s e-commerce store at https://BALStore.NBA.com, PUMA’s e-commerce store at https://za.PUMA.com, and at the three NBA Stores and two PUMA stores in South Africa.

“Our collaboration with PUMA reflects our shared commitment to elevating the African sports industry and basketball in particular,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.  “PUMA’s innovation, creativity and deep connection to the continent’s sports ecosystem and our game make them an ideal partner to help us continue to raise the standard of African basketball, enhance the experience for teams, players and fans, and drive the BAL’s continued growth.”

“The collaboration with the BAL is an important step in PUMA’s brand commitment to growing the game worldwide,” said PUMA Vice President Sports Marketing & Sport Licensing, Johan Adamsson. “We look forward to bringing our performance technology to the forefront of the game and connecting with the many BAL fans globally.”

PUMA joins the BAL’s roster of partners that also includes Foundational Partner Rwanda Development Board and Official Partners Afreximbank, Air Senegal, Amazon Web Services, Castle Lite and RwandAir.

Tickets for the Kalahari Conference group phase are on sale now at Ticketmaster.za (https://apo-opa.co/4db9e95). Tickets for Playoffs and Finals are on sale at BAL.NBA.com/Ticket (https://apo-opa.co/4uxRMBF). Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to the BAL Fan Zone at each arena.

Additional information about the 2026 BAL season will be announced in the coming days.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact:
Marie-Pierre Anamba Onana
Basketball Africa League 
+221 78 637 70 62 
Manamba@theBAL.com

Denise Thrasher 
PUMA Hoops 
denise.thrasher@puma.com

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its sixth season in March 2026.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/418VuUR), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/40AD4wc), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4rCk5fB), X (https://apo-opa.co/3Nm9Az4), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4bfyUzP) and register their interest in receiving more information at https://BAL.NBA.com.

About PUMA:
PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, and selling footwear, apparel and accessories.  Founded in 1948, PUMA helps the world’s best athletes and teams perform at their best with its innovative products.  Known for its iconic cat logo and the Formstrip, the company offers performance products in categories such as Football, Running and Training.  Its Sportstyle collections are rooted in sports and inspire consumers by celebrating sports culture.  With its long history and strong heritage, PUMA is proud of having one of the strongest archives in the industry, with many iconic products such as the Suede and the Speedcat.  The company distributes its products in over 120 countries, employs more than 20,000 people and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.  For more information, please visit https://About.PUMA.com.

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