Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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The Minister of Health of the Republic of Liberia, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, has called on African nations to build stronger and more resilient health systems, urging member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region to unite in confronting the continent’s pressing health challenges. The Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, is accompanied by Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, Deputy Minister/Chief Medical Officer R.L., and members of the County Health officials.

Delivering her remarks at the 75th Regional Committee Meeting (RC75) of the WHO African Region in Lusaka, Zambia, on August 25, 2025, Dr. Kpoto congratulated the newly elected WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, describing the election as a “resounding reflection of the trust and confidence that African member states have in your leadership capacity.”

She commended the new Regional Director’s vision and policy agenda, which she said offered a pragmatic and forward-looking roadmap to transform health outcomes across the continent. “Your vision in advancing public health in our region, and your manifestos which lay out a clear and pragmatic roadmap for transforming health outcomes in Africa, are more visionary and deeply rooted in the realities we face as African countries,” Dr. Kpoto declared.

She underscored that Liberia and other member states were particularly encouraged by the alignment between the new leadership’s strategies and their respective national health agendas. “Your focus on health system resilience, particularly primary healthcare revitalization, emergency preparedness, equity, and local interventions, resonates strongly with our collective aspirations,” she noted, adding that such priorities will be critical in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Speaking in her capacity as Acting Chair of the RC74, Dr. Kpoto urged the new leadership to embrace the “spirit of African unity and common responsibility,” warning that the continent continues to confront multifaceted challenges, including recurrent outbreaks of cholera, mpox, and other infectious diseases, coupled with long-standing gaps in health financing and service delivery. “It is only by working together across sectors and borders that we can build resilient, people-centered health systems that our populations need and deserve,” she emphasized.

The Health Minister cautioned that shifts in the global development landscape were also affecting Africa’s progress in preventive healthcare. She pointed to disruptions in child immunization programs, challenges in combating preventable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria, and the growing struggle to secure sustainable financing for essential services. “The shrinking donor envelope and shifting geopolitical priorities continue to affect our ability to sustainably finance essential health services and scale up innovation,” Dr. Kpoto warned. “Addressing this situation requires innovative approaches to increasing health financing, building stronger partnerships, and ensuring greater efficiency in resource mobilization and utilization. We must, therefore, redefine what self-resilience and sustainability mean for Africa.” On epidemic preparedness, she stressed the importance of strengthening continental capacity in surveillance, data management, vaccination, contact tracing, risk communication, and community engagement. “Breaking the chain of transmission for disease outbreaks requires a holistic strategy, one that integrates health, environmental, and intergovernmental approaches,” she said. “Such an approach must strengthen prevention and response systems across all sectors.”

Dr. Kpoto also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on public health, urging African governments to confront the crisis with urgency and coordinated action.

She concluded her address with a message of optimism, expressing confidence that the new WHO Regional Director will steer Africa’s health agenda toward greater resilience and sustainability. “I am confident that under this new leadership, we will rise to the occasion and confront the challenges before us with determination and solidarity,” she affirmed.

The RC75 gathering in Lusaka has brought together health ministers, policymakers, and development partners from across Africa to deliberate on health financing, system resilience, pandemic preparedness, and strategies for achieving Africa’s long-term health security.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO – Report:

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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the European Union have successfully concluded an innovative disaster preparedness project aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from urban flooding in Adamawa State, northeast Nigeria. 

Climate-change is fueling disasters and floods at unprecedented rates in places already affected by conflicts and crises. In 2024, unprecedented flooding in Nigeria caused food insecurity and cholera outbreaks, last month’s devastating flash floods in Niger State claimed over 150 lives.

In a region facing escalating humanitarian needs due to conflict, displacement, and the growing impacts of climate change, urban flooding remains a persistent and deadly threat—especially in informal settlements. The project focused on reducing these risks through community-led anticipatory action, empowering local residents to prepare for and respond to floods before disaster strikes.

Throughout the project, communities were equipped with early-warning systems, inclusive planning tools, and localised preparedness protocols. Special attention was given to ensuring the participation of women, youth, people with disabilities, and displaced populations—those often most affected by climate-related shocks.

However, while this project marks a significant milestone, the need for anticipatory action in Nigeria is far from over. Climate change is accelerating the frequency and severity of disasters, and without sustained investment, the most vulnerable will continue to face devastating losses. We urge government, donors, and humanitarian actors to integrate anticipatory action into national disaster risk reduction strategies, ensure predictable financing for early action, and scale up community-led resilience programs nationwide. The lessons from Adamawa show that acting before disaster strikes is not only cost-effective, but essential for safeguarding lives, strengthening resilience, restoring livelihoods, and the dignity of our clients. 

Babatunde Ojei, IRC Nigeria Country Director, said:

“Investing in early action saves lives. This project has transformed how we respond to climate-driven disasters in fragile, urban settings. By putting communities at the centre—especially women and marginalised groups—we’ve helped lay the foundation for long-term resilience and local ownership.”

The IRC has operated in Nigeria since 2012, initially responding to catastrophic flooding in Kogi State. Today, the organisation supports crisis-affected communities across the northeast with health, protection, education, economic recovery, and climate resilience services. With over 700 staff in the country, the IRC brings deep expertise in disaster preparedness and anticipatory action.

The project also built on strong collaborations with local and national institutions, including the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA) and the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), ensuring long-term sustainability of the model.

With over EUR 762,500 in funding from the European Union, the project has reached more than 52,000 people across the Adamawa State. As the program concludes, it leaves behind strengthened systems, trained local organisations, and empowered communities better equipped to face future floods—and a model for urban anticipatory action that can inform future interventions across the region.

– on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

Source: APO – Report:

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The Japanese Resident Ambassador, H.E. Mr. SAKUTA Makoto, paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, on Tuesday 26th August at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

Discussions covered the ongoing procedures to finalise a visa waiver for Seychellois official and diplomatic passport holders, as well as the prospect of extending such facilitation to ordinary passport holders.

The two sides also reviewed the ongoing school exchange programmes, which saw Japanese high school students visiting Seychelles in January this year, followed by a group of Seychellois students who recently travelled to Japan. They further exchanged views on Seychelles’ participation in Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, as well as the International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN x EXPO 2027) in Yokohama.

Ambassador SAKUTA also briefed on the outcome of the recent TICAD Summit held in Yokohama.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Seychelles and Japan and the commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO

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Equatorial Guinea’s national oil company, GEPetrol, has joined African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 as a Bronze Partner. Taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, the event will highlight GEPetrol’s commitment to revitalizing legacy assets, advancing upstream development and forging strategic collaborations to strengthen national production and energy security.

Under the leadership of CEO Bienvenido Nguema Envo, GEPetrol recently assumed operatorship of Block B, home to the country’s flagship Zafiro field. The company has launched a multi-phase redevelopment plan to increase production, optimize operations and ensure the field’s long-term growth.

Phase one, initiated in early 2025, involves reconnecting selected wells previously tied to the Zafiro Producer floating production unit. Phase two targets cost optimization and enhanced well exploitation, while phase three will deliver a full redevelopment of the field. Supporting these efforts, GEPetrol signed a $350 million technical services contract with Petrofac, covering onshore support, FPSO operations and platform services.

Beyond Zafiro, GEPetrol is expanding its upstream portfolio through new partnerships. In Block EG-23, the company holds a 20% interest alongside operator Panoro Energy (80%). Located north of Bioko Island, the block has yielded multiple hydrocarbon discoveries, with contingent resources estimated at 104 million barrels of oil and condensate and 215 billion cubic feet of gas. Under the current production sharing contract, subsurface studies are underway, with exploration drilling anticipated in future phases.

GEPetrol has also partnered with Chevron on deepwater Blocks EG-06 and EG-11 near Zafiro. These assets form part of Equatorial Guinea’s infrastructure-led strategy to reverse production declines and open new exploration frontiers.

With 1.1 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 1.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Equatorial Guinea is positioned as a key regional supplier and investment destination. GEPetrol’s transition from state representative to competitive upstream operator reflects a broader national strategy to attract investment, redevelop mature fields and drive long-term growth.

“Equatorial Guinea’s proven reserves, ongoing field redevelopment and new exploration partnerships position the country to emerge as a leading oil and gas player in the region. GEPetrol’s transformation into a competitive upstream operator is opening new investment opportunities and accelerating projects that will bolster energy security and economic growth,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has noted with sadness the passing of the former High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Mr Mninwa Johannes MJ Mahlangu.

According to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Mahlangu passed away on Sunday, 24 August 2025 on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness. He served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). His distinguished career also included serving as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America.

Mr Mahlangu was part of the group that drafted South Africa’s post-apartheid Constitution and was elected to the first democratic Parliament in 1994. He went on to serve as Deputy Chairperson and later as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

Mr Mahumapelo extended the committee’s condolences to Ambassador Mahlangu’s family, friends and colleagues who worked alongside him. The committee acknowledges the loss felt by all who knew him.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday used the opening of the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum to pitch Ghana as a “reliable gateway” to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calling Africa “investable” and urging deeper South–South partnerships amid a more fragmented global economy.

“We are here to learn, to partner, and to deliver,” President Mahama said at his first engagement on a three-day state visit to Singapore. “Africa is investable, and Ghana is your reliable gateway to the continent.”

Framing Africa and Asia as the world’s “two youngest, fastest‑urbanising regions,” Mahama said the pair are complementary in resources, markets and know‑how, and should be “champions of open markets, trusted rules and practical partnerships that deliver jobs, technology transfer and shared prosperity.”

President Mahama also warned that “the death knell of multilateralism is sounding” as tariffs proliferate and supply chains remain fragile, arguing that tighter global financial conditions demand new alliances.

He, however, insisted the fundamentals in Africa are compelling: a 1.4 billion‑strong population that is young and digitally connected; a $3.4 trillion single market under the AfCFTA; and leadership in mobile money and fintech adoption.

Trade ties are already deepening. Mahama noted Africa–Singapore trade climbed about 50% between 2020 and 2024 to nearly $14 billion, with West Africa accounting for more than half. Ghana–Singapore trade reached more than $215 million in 2024, while 69 Singaporean companies are registered in Ghana with cumulative investments exceeding $2 billion.

Positioning Ghana as a continental launchpad, Mahama pointed to Accra’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat and to the country’s access to more than 400 million consumers through ECOWAS. “Ghana is, therefore, a trusted entry point to scale across the continent,” he said.

He also outlined a slate of domestic reforms and flagship projects intended to sharpen Ghana’s competitiveness and absorb more capital.

“Ghana is OPEN FOR BUSINESS 24 hours a day,” Mahama said, describing his national strategy to align infrastructure, incentives and skills so factories, farms, ports and service centres can run round‑the‑clock shifts safely and competitively.

He also touted his four integrated pillars — Grow24 (irrigating more than 2 million hectares for year-round farming), Make24 (agro-industrial parks for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing), Show24 (tourism along Lake Volta), and Connect24 (turning Lake Volta into an inland transport spine to cut logistics costs).
Mahama said inflation is easing, the cedi has stabilised, and ratings outlooks are improving. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre now offers sector‑specific, region‑by‑region opportunity maps to guide decisions with “credible data.”

He cast Singapore as a catalytic partner for Africa across finance, logistics and technology. “Your excellence in project preparation, blended finance, risk management, standards and dispute resolution is precisely what African projects need to move from pipeline to bankable to build,” he told the audience, which included Singapore’s Ministers, trade officials and corporate leaders.

The president also used the platform to press for reforms to the global financial architecture and to highlight Africa’s homegrown integration efforts. As the African Union Champion on Financial Institutions, he cited an annual African financing gap of roughly $1.3 trillion, with infrastructure needs of $181–$221 billion per year through 2030 and a climate‑finance shortfall of about $213 billion annually.

Mahama summed up Ghana’s offer to investors as “a stable, reform‑minded country, connected to the AfCFTA, designed for scale,” with “a pipeline of investable projects in agribusiness, logistics, manufacturing, energy, digital and tourism” and “a partner that values integrity, predictability and long‑term relationships.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.