Category: MIL-OSI

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Nigus and Elmirate announce $200m initiative to support Africa’s security sector

Source: APO

Nigus International Investment Limited (www.Nigusng.com) and Elmirate Investment LLC (www.Elmirate.ae) (Elmirate Capital) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to develop a next-generation defense technology, satellite systems and advanced manufacturing platform in Nigeria, backed by a planned investment of up to $200 million.

“Africa is entering a pivotal phase in its development, where technological capability will increasingly define economic strength and national security,” said HRH Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, Executive Chairman of Nigus International Investment Limited. “Through this partnership we are working to build a platform in Nigeria that supports innovation, advanced manufacturing and meaningful technology transfer. Our objective is to create a sustainable industrial base capable of serving national priorities while contributing to the wider security needs of the region.”

“We are proud to partner with Nigus International on an initiative that aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading technology and aerospace hub,” told Pankajj Ghode, Managing Director of Elmirate Capital. “Our planned commitment of up to $200 million reflects strong confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential. By connecting our global network of defense, cybersecurity, aerospace and advanced technology partners with local expertise, we aim to support the development of a resilient ecosystem that drives industrial growth and strengthens regional stability.”

Nigeria moves toward sovereign defense capabilities

The collaboration will be implemented through a newly established Special Purpose Vehicle, Nigus Tactical Systems Ltd, which will serve as the central platform for investment, technology integration and operational development. The initiative is designed to support Nigeria’s ambitions to strengthen domestic defense production, build advanced technology capacity and reduce reliance on imported security infrastructure.

The partnership will operate within Nigeria’s regulatory framework under the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and in alignment with the provisions of the DICON Act 2023. By combining international technology partnerships with local leadership, the project seeks to accelerate the development of high-value industrial capabilities while supporting national security objectives and economic growth.

Building an integrated defense and space ecosystem

The planned platform will focus on building advanced manufacturing capabilities that can support multiple layers of modern security infrastructure. Central to the initiative is the development of Class C local defense manufacturing platforms that enable Nigeria to produce essential systems domestically while strengthening industrial self-reliance.

The project will also explore the development of tactical and ISR drones as well as tactical unmanned aerial systems designed to enhance situational awareness and operational readiness. Complementing these capabilities will be advanced counter-terror surveillance and intelligence systems that integrate modern data analysis and monitoring technologies.

Manufacturing activities are expected to include ammunition and munitions production, alongside the development of armored vehicles and protected mobility systems designed for modern operational environments. These capabilities will be supported by advanced surveillance technologies and integrated intelligence platforms that can enhance border security and national defense operations.

Positioning Nigeria as a regional technology hub

Beyond traditional defense manufacturing, the partnership intends to expand into cyber defense and digital security infrastructure. This includes the development of military cyber defense platforms and cyber ranges that can support training, testing and resilience against emerging digital threats.

Satellite technologies and space-based intelligence systems are also expected to form a key component of the initiative. Planned capabilities include earth observation technologies, communications infrastructure and secure satellite networks that could support both defense operations and civilian applications.

By integrating geospatial intelligence, satellite data and modern surveillance capabilities, the project aims to contribute to the creation of a comprehensive space-defense ecosystem in Nigeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigus International Investment Limited.

Contact:
Tracy Ezeji
info@nigusuae.com

Nimish Jadhav
nimish@elmirate.ae

About Nigus International Investment Limited:
Nigus International Investment Limited is a global investment and strategic development firm focused on infrastructure, energy, defense and emerging technologies. It works with governments, institutional partners and private sector stakeholders to develop large-scale projects that support economic growth, technology transfer and industrial development across multiple regions.

About Elmirate Investment LLC:
Elmirate Capital is a global investment and advisory firm headquartered in the UAE, specializing in defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, advanced technology and strategic industrial investments. It works with international partners to develop technology-driven projects that strengthen national capabilities and support sustainable industrial growth. Information sourced from company materials and public corporate descriptions.

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Benin Presidential Election 2026: AFRICA24 Group Provides Comprehensive Coverage

Source: APO

The presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2026, will once again position the Republic of Benin as a democratic showcase for Africa.

Benin seeks to anchor its political and democratic development by leveraging several key strengths:

  • A dynamic economy driven by trade and entrepreneurship
  • An engaged youth committed to innovation
  • Large-scale industrialization supporting the country’s structural transformation

Discover our Benin Presidential Election 2026 coverage: http://apo-opa.co/40DkzXQ 

Every vote counts. Each ballot contributes to shaping the future, driven by the commitments and programs of the candidates competing for the nation’s highest office.

For the 120 million households reached by AFRICA24 Group channels, an exceptional bilingual and multiplatform editorial coverage has been deployed to enable citizens, decision-makers, and regional, continental, and international audiences to follow and understand the key issues surrounding the Benin Presidential Election 2026.

A Benin with multiple strengths, a special TV & digital programming

Through AFRICA24 in French and AFRICA24 English, discover a comprehensive TV and digital coverage with dedicated programming:

Campaign Journal – Benin Presidential Election 2026

A daily immersion into the heart of the electoral dynamics:

  • Profiles of the candidates
  • Reports on the country’s economic, political and social challenges

Interviews

Exclusive interviews with candidates and their representatives to present their projects, priorities and vision for the Benin of tomorrow.

Postcards from Benin

A journey through the country’s cultural, artistic and tourism highlights.

A 360° coverage with global distribution

“Benin Presidential Election 2026” will be available live, on replay and on demand across all screens:

  • AFRICA24 TV (French – Channel 249 Canal+ Africa)
  • AFRICA24 English (English – Channel 254 Canal+ Africa)
  • MyAfrica24, the continent’s first HD streaming platform
  • https://Africa24TV.com

With an audience of more than 120 million households and a strong digital presence, AFRICA24 Group reaffirms its commitment to delivering rigorous, balanced journalism in support of African democracy.

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: +237 691 30 03 40
@africa24tv
https://Africa24TV.com

About AFRICA24 Group:
Founded in 2009, AFRICA24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD television channels broadcast on major international platforms. A reference for decision-makers and senior executives across Africa, AFRICA24 in French and AFRICA24 English pioneered the African news television segment.

AFRICA24 has further strengthened its leadership with AFRICA24 Sport, the first African channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and AFRICA24 Infinity, a channel devoted to the creative industries showcasing the creativity of Africa’s youth in art, culture, music, fashion and design.

As the continent’s leading audiovisual brand, AFRICA24 Group operates four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment:

  • AFRICA24 TV – Leading African news channel in French, published by AMedia
  • AFRICA24 English – Leading African news channel exclusively in English
  • AFRICA24 Infinity – The creative talents channel dedicated to music, art and culture
  • AFRICA24 Sport – The first channel dedicated to sports news and competitions

AFRICA24 Group also operates MyAfrica24 (Google Store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform dedicated to Africa, available on television, tablets, smartphones and computers.

More than 120 million households have access to AFRICA24 Group channels through major operators including Canal+, Bouygues, Orange and Bell, while more than 8 million subscribers follow its digital platforms and social media networks.

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Présidentielle Bénin 2026 : Le Groupe AFRICA24 offre une couverture intégrale

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’élection Présidentielle du 12 avril 2026, fera de la République du Bénin une vitrine démocratique de l’Afrique.

Le Bénin veut ancrer son développement politique et démocratique à travers de multiples atouts:

  • Une économie dynamique portée par le commerce et l’entrepreneuriat,
  • Une jeunesse engagée et tournée vers l’innovation,
  • Une industrialisation d’envergure

Découvrez notre couverture Bénin Présidentielle 2026: https://apo-opa.co/40DkzXQ

Chaque suffrage compte. Chaque vote contribue à bâtir un futur, qui se dessine à travers les engagements et programmes des candidats à la magistrature suprême.

Pour les 120 millions de foyers qui reçoivent les chaînes du Groupe AFRICA24, un dispositif éditorial exceptionnel, bilingue et multiplateforme, est déployé  afin de permettre aux citoyens, aux décideurs, à l’opinion publique régionale, continentale et internationale de partager les enjeux la Présidentielle Bénin 2026.

Un Bénin aux multiples atouts, une programmation spéciale : TV & Digital

À travers AFRICA24 en français et AFRICA24 English, découvrez un dispositif TV & digital exceptionnel avec une programmation inédite :

Journal de Campagne – Bénin Présidentielle 2026 : Immersion quotidienne au cœur de la dynamique électorale :

  • Portraits des candidats
  • Reportages sur les enjeux économiques, politiques et sociaux

Les Interviews : Des entretiens exclusifs avec les candidats et leurs représentants pour exposer leurs projets, leurs priorités et leur vision pour le Bénin de demain.

Carte Postale du Bénin : À la découverte des richesses culturelles, artistiques et touristiques du pays.

Une couverture 360° et une diffusion mondiale

« Bénin Présidentielle 2026 » est disponible en direct, en replay et à la demande sur tous vos écrans :

  • AFRICA24 TV (français – chaîne 249 Canal+ Afrique)
  • AFRICA24 English (anglais – chaîne 254 Canal+ Afrique)
  • MyAfrica24, première plateforme de streaming HD du continent
  • http://Africa24TV.com

Avec une audience de plus de 120 millions de foyers et une forte présence digitale, le Groupe AFRICA24 confirme son engagement en faveur d’une information rigoureuse, équilibrée et au service de la démocratie africaine.

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. : +237 691 30 03 40 
@africa24tv 
https://Africa24TV.com

Propos Du Groupe AFRICA24 :
Initié en 2009, le Groupe AFRICA24 est le premier éditeur TV & média digital du continent avec 4 chaînes full HD en diffusion dans les plus grands bouquets. Leader chez les décideurs et cadres dirigeants du continent, AFRICA24 en Français et AFRICA24 English, le Groupe est le pionnier et leader des chaînes d’informations sur l’Afrique. AFRICA24 a renforcé ce leadership à travers le sport avec AFRICA24 Sport, première chaine en Afrique dédié à l’information sportive et aux compétitions et AFRICA24 Infinity, première chaîne dédiée aux industries créatives qui valorisent le génie créatif de la jeunesse africaine dans l’art, la culture, la musique, la mode, le design… Première marque audiovisuelle du continent, le Groupe AFRICA24 dispose de 4 chaînes de télévisions en full HD chacune leader dans son segment :

  • AFRICA24 TV : Leader de l’information Africaine en Français, édité par AMedia
  • AFRICA24 English : Leader de l’Information Africaine exclusivement en Anglais
  • AFRICA24 Infinity : La chaîne des talents créatifs dédiée à la Musique, l’art, la culture.
  • AFRICA24 Sport : Première chaîne d’information sportive et des compétitions

Le Groupe AFRICA24 édite MyAfrica24 (Google store et App Store), la première plateforme de streaming HD mondiale sur l’Afrique disponible sur tous les écrans (Télévision, tablette, smartphone, ordinateurs)… Plus de 120 millions de foyers ont accès aux chaînes du Groupe AFRICA24 à travers les plus grands opérateurs : Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell… et plus de 8 millions d’abonnés sur les différentes plateformes digitales et réseaux sociaux.

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Dix années d’épreuve face à une tumeur grandissante: puis la lumière vers la guérison

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Pendant près de dix ans, Théogette, mère de trois enfants originaires des zones rurales de Madagascar, a vécu avec une tumeur faciale douloureuse qui grandissait et devenait de plus en plus visible au fil des ans. Sa souffrance et son isolement au sein de sa communauté s’intensifiaient. Il a suffi d’un instant pour que Ronaldo, le neveu de Théogette, ait l’idée de la mettre en contact avec des professionnels de santé qui lui prodigueraient les soins dont elle avait besoin.

Le calvaire de Théogette a commencé par un mal de dents sévère. La dent a été extraite dans une clinique locale, mais un petit gonflement est apparu le long de sa mâchoire qui grossissait avec le temps jusqu’à déformer toute la partie inférieure de son visage. Des rumeurs teintées de superstition se répandaient dans son village, jusqu’à ce que son mari, sous la pression, l’abandonne.

La vie dans les rizières était simple et Theogette avait une vie épanouie. Elle s’occupait de sa famille et travaillait chaque jour pour subvenir aux besoins de ses enfants. Mais à mesure que la tumeur prenait de la place dans sa vie, sa joie s’estompait, et il lui devenait de plus en plus difficile de travailler quotidiennement comme soutien de famille et de s’occuper de ses enfants.

L’histoire de Théogette illustre une réalité médicale plus vaste. La tumeur qui affectait Théogette, appelée améloblastome, est la tumeur odontogène la plus fréquente. Elle représente environ 1% à 3% de toutes les tumeurs et lésions tumorales de la région de la tête et du cou. Une analyse récente publiée dans le « Journal of Stomatology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery » (http://apo-opa.co/3NI5rWd), qui examine la prévalence de l’améloblastome en Afrique subsaharienne, souligne l’importance de l’amélioration de l’accès à un diagnostic précoce et au traitement chirurgical dans cette région. Bien que bénigne, cette tumeur peut croître pendant de nombreuses années et affecter significativement la capacité d’une personne à manger, respirer et accomplir ses activités quotidiennes si elle n’est pas traitée.

« Les gens disaient que j’étais malade et contagieuse », se souvient Théogette. « Je devais quand même aller aux champs pour pouvoir nourrir mes enfants, même si la tumeur me faisait mal quand je travaillais trop longtemps. »

Pendant dix ans, Théogette a enduré à la fois une gêne physique et un rejet social, car de nombreuses personnes dans sa communauté l’évitaient à cause de son état. L’espoir de soins est finalement arrivé lorsque son neveu Ronaldo, étudiant en médecine, a appris l’existence de Mercy Ships et des soins chirurgicaux que l’organisation dispensait gratuitement à bord de ses navires-hôpitaux.

« Elle évitait même d’interagir avec les gens », remarque Ronaldo, en expliquant comment la tumeur avait affecté la place de sa tante dans la communauté. « Je lui ai demandé de venir parce que je savais qu’ils pourraient la guérir. »

Déterminée à se soigner, Théogette a entrepris un voyage de trois jours en pirogue, en ferry et en voiture pour atteindre le port de Toamasina, à Madagascar, où le navire-hôpital Africa Mercy de Mercy Ships accueillait les patients. Là-bas, une équipe de chirurgiens bénévoles a réussi à retirer la tumeur, permettant à Théogette d’entamer un nouveau chapitre de sa vie.

Alors que les partenaires de la santé mondiale, les gouvernements et les organisations médicales continuent à renforcer les systèmes chirurgicaux et à former les professionnels de santé en Afrique, des efforts conjoints sont en cours pour réduire le temps d’attente des patients, parfois des années, à bénéficier des soins dont ils ont besoin.

Mercy Ships prévoit de retourner à Madagascar début mai pour continuer à dispenser des soins chirurgicaux et animer des formations, en collaboration avec les partenaires locaux du secteur de la santé.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.

À Propos de Mercy Ships :
Mercy Ships exploite des navires-hôpitaux qui offrent des interventions chirurgicales gratuites et d’autres services de santé aux populations ayant un accès limité à des soins médicaux sûrs. Organisation internationale d’inspiration chrétienne, Mercy Ships se consacre exclusivement, depuis trois décennies, à des partenariats avec des nations africaines. En collaboration avec des partenaires locaux, Mercy Ships assure également la formation de professionnels de santé et soutient le développement d’infrastructures médicales nationales afin de laisser un impact durable.

Chaque année, plus de 2 500 professionnels bénévoles originaires de plus de 60 pays servent à bord des deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux non gouvernementaux au monde, l’Africa Mercy® et le Global Mercy™. Chirurgiens, dentistes, infirmiers, formateurs en santé, cuisiniers et ingénieurs mettent leur temps et leurs compétences au service de l’amélioration de l’accès à des soins chirurgicaux et anesthésiques sûrs. Fondée en 1978, Mercy Ships dispose de bureaux dans 16 pays ainsi que d’un Africa Service Center à Dakar, au Sénégal. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur https://www.MercyShips.org et suivez @ MercyShips sur les réseaux sociaux.

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Sea levels around Africa are rising faster than the global average: what’s behind this alarming trend

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Franck Ghomsi, Postdoctoral Fellow, Nansen Tutu Centre, University of Cape Town

For over three decades, satellites orbiting Earth have measured the height of the ocean surface with remarkable precision. These measurements are crucial because changes in ocean height are one of the clearest indicators of how our planet is responding to climate change. Rising ocean surfaces signal warming temperatures, melting ice and shifting ocean currents.

These all directly affect coastal communities through flooding, erosion and habitat loss. Even a small rise in the baseline sea level means that normal tidal cycles and storm surges reach further inland. This can turn high tides into damaging flood events.

Many people assume ocean levels are uniform, like water sitting flat in a bathtub. In reality, the ocean surface is surprisingly uneven. Winds push water in certain directions. Ocean currents redistribute heat. Temperature differences cause water to expand or contract. Even variations in Earth’s gravity field create bumps and dips in the sea surface. All these factors combine so that sea level can vary by tens of centimetres from one region to another.

When we say sea level has risen, we’re comparing it to a stable reference level, the distance between the satellite and the ocean surface.

I’m an oceanographer and geophysicist who specialises in these measurements. My research team and I analysed ocean height measurements collected by radar instruments on orbiting satellites from 1993 to 2024, for all waters surrounding Africa.

Our analysis revealed that African seas have risen by approximately 11.26cm since 1993. This process is driven by warming waters and melting ice.

African sea levels are rising by approximately 3.54 millimetres each year, which exceeds the global average of 3.45 mm/yr. Perhaps more troubling is that the pace of rise is speeding up, especially in African waters. This acceleration is a long-term trend driven by ongoing ocean warming and ice sheet melting, and it persists regardless of whether any individual year features an El Niño or a La Niña. The ocean continues to absorb heat and receive meltwater from ice sheets year after year, and it is this relentless accumulation, not any single climate cycle, that drives the long-term acceleration.

Africa’s 38 coastal nations are home to over 200 million people living near the shore. Rising seas threaten these communities with flooding, coastal erosion, and saltwater contamination of drinking water and farmland. Rising and warming seas also disrupt fisheries that millions of Africans depend upon for food and livelihoods.

Dramatic changes

We analysed 32 years of records and isolated the long-term trends from short-term influences like the El Niño weather pattern. We also examined ocean temperature and salinity data from the surface down to 300 metres depth to determine how much of the sea level change was caused by the ocean warming and expanding versus gaining additional water mass.

Our study revealed something remarkable about the 2023 to 2024 period. The El Niño event, which every so often spreads warm water across parts of the Pacific Ocean and alters weather patterns around the world, combined with other climate phenomena. Together, they created the largest sea level spike ever recorded in African waters, reaching an anomaly of 27mm.

The most dramatic changes are occurring in specific regions. The ocean does not respond to warming and climate variability uniformly. Local factors, including the strength and direction of ocean currents, the depth of warm surface layers, the influence of nearby climate patterns like the Indian Ocean Dipole, and the shape of the coastline and seafloor, all combine to make certain areas far more sensitive to change than others.

The Western Indian Ocean, including waters around Mozambique, Madagascar and the Comoros Islands, shows the highest acceleration of sea level rise at 0.16 mm/yr² with a trend of 3.88 mm/yr.

The Eastern Central Atlantic, encompassing the Gulf of Guinea and waters off west African nations like Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon, follows closely at 3.90 mm/yr. These regions are experiencing both the fastest rise and the sharpest acceleration, making them priority areas for monitoring and adaptation.

Impact of El Niño

The western Indian Ocean and the tropical Atlantic were already abnormally warm in 2023-2024, with sea surface temperatures well above their long-term averages. This created a higher baseline from which El Niño could push up temperatures, and therefore sea levels.

Unusual wind patterns suppressed the normal process of upwelling. This is when winds push surface water aside, allowing colder, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to rise to the surface. The result was that heat was trapped at the surface instead of being mixed downward and replaced by cooler water. The ocean layers did not mix well.

The result was striking. Thermal expansion alone (warmer water) accounted for over 70% of the exceptional sea level rise during this event, reaching nearly 30mm across the African marine domain. Ocean heat content quadrupled compared to the 2015-2016 El Niño.

The 2023-2024 period contributed 2.34cm of rise, representing 19% of the total increase since 1993 in just two years.

Because sea levels have been steadily climbing for decades, the starting point before each new extreme event is already higher than it used to be. The Western Indian Ocean surged by 3.87cm in one year alone – nearly one third of its total rise since 1993.

What drives rising sea levels

Two main factors drive sea level rise globally. First, as ocean water warms, it expands. Second, melting glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica add water mass to the oceans. Both are consequences of human caused climate change.

This rise is not a natural cycle. While sea levels have fluctuated throughout Earth’s history, the current rate of rise is far faster than anything seen in thousands of years, driven by the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The human cost of rising seas

Major cities face mounting dangers. Lagos, with over 20 million residents, sits on low lying land increasingly vulnerable to flooding. Dar es Salaam in Tanzania faces similar risks. Small island developing states like the Comoros and Seychelles are particularly exposed.

The “normal” water level today is centimetres higher than it was 30 years ago. Each new event builds on an ocean that is already swollen from decades of warming.

And when upwelling doesn’t happen, fish populations decline and the communities that depend on them lose food and income.

What needs to happen next

Addressing this crisis requires action on multiple fronts. Most fundamentally, global carbon emissions must be drastically reduced to slow ocean warming. Without achieving carbon neutrality by mid century, Africa risks exceeding 2°C of warming by 2100.

Adaptation is equally urgent. African nations need expanded ocean monitoring networks to track changes and provide early warnings. Coasts need protection through sea walls, restored mangroves and improved drainage.

The West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program, a World Bank supported regional effort, is a promising model. It aims to help countries manage erosion, flooding and pollution through investments in infrastructure, nature based solutions, and policy coordination.

Protecting Africa’s coasts requires combining oceanographic science with community level planning to build resilience against an uncertain ocean future.

– Sea levels around Africa are rising faster than the global average: what’s behind this alarming trend
– https://theconversation.com/sea-levels-around-africa-are-rising-faster-than-the-global-average-whats-behind-this-alarming-trend-276888

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Do dads of disabled children do enough? Kenya study points to misunderstood ways of caring

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amani Karisa, Associate Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center

A child’s success at school doesn’t depend only on teachers and classrooms. Studies show that when parents engage with schools – by attending meetings, supporting learning at home and working with teachers – children tend to do better academically and socially.

In many African countries, fathers hold decision-making and financial authority within families. This gives them strong influence over children’s schooling.

But when a child has a disability – such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism or other conditions that significantly affect learning and daily functioning – a father’s involvement often shifts in complex ways.

Research from Kenya and other African settings shows that children with disabilities already face barriers to school access, continuity and support.

What is less well understood is how fathers engage with their education, and how ideas about masculinity, responsibility and disability shape that involvement.

Much of the existing research on parental involvement focuses mainly on mothers or treats parents as a single category. Fathers’ roles are often assumed rather than examined directly.

Our research set out to address this gap. My colleagues and I are education and disability researchers based in Kenya and South Africa. We looked at how a father’s involvement in the education of school-aged children with intellectual disabilities is constructed and negotiated in Kenya.

We studied a public special school at the coast that serves children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Like many such schools, it functions as a place of learning and a support hub for many low-income families navigating stigma, poverty and limited services.

We wanted to find out how fathers, mothers, teachers and learners themselves describe fathers’ roles, and what counts as involvement from their point of view.

The goal was to identify practical patterns: what a father’s involvement looks like in reality, what limits it and where opportunities exist to strengthen it. We found that many fathers see their main role in their child’s education as financial provision, such as paying school fees, rather than attending school meetings or events.

Social expectations also shape fathers’ visibility at school, with some avoiding engagement in spaces associated with intellectual disability. Work pressures in low-income settings further limit participation.

Our study also found that teachers’ assumptions about fathers’ disengagement can unintentionally reinforce their absence. However, when fathers do engage, their influence is often decisive because they are decision makers in many households.

Our findings challenge the assumption that fathers are simply absent or uninterested. They show instead that involvement often takes less visible forms that are shaped by economic pressures, social norms and school practices.

Recognising these patterns can help schools and policymakers design more effective ways to engage fathers and support children with intellectual disabilities.

The research

Our core evidence comes from case study research conducted in Kenya. Participants included fathers, mothers, teachers and learners with disabilities.

We collected data through individual interviews, focus group discussions and document reviews of school records and parent meeting notes. This allowed us to identify recurring patterns, not just individual opinions.

We extended the analysis by placing these findings within the broader Kenyan social and policy context of fatherhood, education and disability.

The findings cannot be assumed to represent all families. But they do reveal consistent mechanisms that likely operate in similar settings.

What to know about a father’s involvement

1. Many fathers see their main education role as financial provision

Across participants, one pattern was consistent: fathers strongly identified with the role of provider. Paying school fees, transport costs and buying uniforms and supplies was widely viewed – by fathers, mothers and teachers – as legitimate educational involvement.

Even when fathers rarely attended school meetings or events, they were still described as “involved” if they financed schooling. In contrast, mothers were expected to handle direct school contact and daily follow-up.

This means schools that define involvement only as physical presence may misread how the role of fathers is understood.

2. Masculinity norms shape how visible fathers are at school

Many teachers we spoke to linked the low attendance of fathers at school events to masculinity pressures. They suggested that some fathers avoided being publicly associated with a child with intellectual disability because disability was seen socially as weakness or imperfection that could damage male status.

Importantly, this interpretation came mostly from teachers. Fathers themselves framed their absence more often in terms of work and provider duties.

3. ‘Work demands’ are real – but also sometimes a shield

Fathers often explained non-attendance at meetings by pointing to unstable or casual labour conditions – missing a day’s work could mean losing income or even a job. In low-income settings, this constraint is credible.

But our research also found that fathers’ attendance was still low even when meetings were scheduled with advance notice or on weekends. Some teachers and mothers saw “work” as a socially acceptable explanation for fathers to protect their masculine identity.

Both readings can be true at once: economic pressure is real, and identity protection is also operating.

4. Teachers’ expectations can unintentionally push fathers away

Another finding is more uncomfortable for schools. Some teachers held strong prior beliefs that fathers of children with disabilities are uncaring or in denial. These assumptions shaped how, and how often, they contacted fathers.

Where teachers mainly communicated through mothers, fathers became even less engaged with the school. This confirms the original expectation.

5. When fathers are engaged, their influence is high

Where fathers did engage, their impact was often decisive. Their support accelerated school placement, fee payment and follow-through on school recommendations.

Teachers reported that when fathers backed a decision, implementation at home was easier. This suggests that increasing father engagement has practical effects on children’s educational stability.

What it means

The findings suggest that father involvement should be approached differently in disability education.

  • Schools should broaden what counts as involvement. Financial provision, decision support and consent are forms of engagement, even when fathers are not physically present. But schools should also create father-inclusive contact strategies. These include direct invitations, flexible meeting formats, and communication channels that do not rely only on mothers.

  • Teachers need to examine their own gender assumptions, so as to build relationships with fathers.

  • Policy messaging that links father involvement with protection, dignity and future stability may be more effective than messages around attendance.

  • Civil society organisations and family support programmes should design father-focused engagement spaces where men can discuss disability and schooling without stigma pressure.

It is too simple to label fathers as absent or resistant. In our study, fathers’ involvement was not missing – it was different.

– Do dads of disabled children do enough? Kenya study points to misunderstood ways of caring
– https://theconversation.com/do-dads-of-disabled-children-do-enough-kenya-study-points-to-misunderstood-ways-of-caring-274745

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After a Decade of Suffering Under a Growing Tumor, Hope and Healing Begins in an Instant

Source: APO

For nearly ten years, Theogette, a mother of three from rural Madagascar, lived with a painful facial tumor. That tumor grew larger and more noticeable every year, as did her pain and the isolation from her community. All it took was a moment for Theogette’s nephew Ronaldo to connect her to the treatment she needed.

Theogette’s burden began as a severe toothache. The tooth was removed at a local clinic, but a small swelling appeared along her jaw and grew over time until it overwhelmed the entire lower part of her face. Superstitious rumors spread throughout her village until eventually her husband caved under the pressure and abandoned her. Left alone to raise her three children, Theogette continued working through her pain in the rice fields.

The simple life of the rice fields had always been all the fulfilment that Theogette needed. She cared for her family and worked daily to support her children. But, as the tumor gradually took over her life, that joy faded, and working daily to support her family and care for her children grew increasingly difficult.

Theogette’s story reflects a broader medical reality. The tumor affecting Theogette, known as ameloblastoma, is the most common odontogenic tumor; it accounts for approximately 1% to 3% of all tumors and tumor-like lesions in the head and neck region. A recent systematic review in the Journal of Stomatology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (http://apo-opa.co/3NI5rWd) examining the prevalence of ameloblastoma in Sub-Saharan Africa highlights the importance of improving access to timely diagnosis and surgical treatment in the region.  Although benign, these tumors can still grow over many years and significantly affect a person’s ability to eat, breathe, and carry out daily activities if left untreated.

“People said I was sick and contagious,” Theogette recalled. “I still had to go to the farm to be able to feed my children, although the swelling hurts when I work for too long.”

For ten years, Theogette endured both physical discomfort and social rejection as many people in her community avoided her because of her condition. Hope for restoration finally arrived when her nephew Ronaldo, a medical student, learned about Mercy Ships and the surgical care the organization provides on board its hospital ships.

“She even avoided interacting with people anymore,” Ronaldo noted how the tumor had affected his aunt’s value in her community. “I called her to come because I knew they could treat her.”

Determined to find help, Theogette embarked on a three-day journey by canoe, ferry, and car to reach the port of Toamasina, Madagascar, where Mercy Ships’ hospital ship the Africa Mercy was serving patients.  There, the professional team of volunteer surgeons successfully removed the tumor, enabling Theogette to begin a new chapter in her life.

As global health partners, governments, and medical organizations continue working to strengthen surgical systems and train healthcare professionals in Africa, joint efforts are continuously underway to ensure that fewer patients have to wait years for the treatment they need. Mercy Ships plans to return to Madagascar in early May to continue providing surgical care and training alongside national health care partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

About Mercy Ships:   
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.    

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit https://www.MercyShips.org ​follow @ MercyShips on social media.   

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Starsight Energy Africa Group (“Starsight”) partners with British International Investment (“BII”) to advance clean energy growth in West Africa through US$15 million mezzanine funding

Source: APO

  • Capital will be deployed in Starsight’s existing West African operations to support growth, strengthen operations and scale energy solutions for commercial and industrial users.
  • Majority of the funds will assist in improving power security in Nigeria, where the unstable grid and reliance on diesel self-generation remain key characteristics of the energy sector.
  • The collaboration demonstrates BII’s confidence in Starsight’s long-term commitment to delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable power across the region.

Starsight Energy Africa Group (https://StarsightEnergy.com), a leading provider of clean energy solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers across Sub-Saharan Africa, has secured USD15 million mezzanine debt funding from British International Investment (www.BII.co.uk), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

The funding will drive clean energy growth in Starsight’s existing West African operations, with Nigeria earmarked to receive the majority of the funding. It will finance a substantial growth pipeline of renewable solar energy projects whilst also ensuring best-in-class service is maintained to existing clients including asset replacement.

The deployment of the funding within Starsight fits well with BII’s strategic objectives to support productive, sustainable and inclusive development. The collaboration between Starsight and BII also underscores a shared commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure, supporting private sector growth, and driving measurable climate impact across West Africa.

It has been estimated that up to 40GW of electricity in Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/4utGmik) is generated from diesel and petrol generators and Starsight’s funding round with BII is an important stride toward filling this vacuum with clean renewable energy for the C&I sector, says Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight.

“Partnering with BII marks a significant milestone for the Starsight Energy Africa Group. This funding strengthens our ability to scale more rapidly in Nigeria and Ghana (https://apo-opa.co/4sQSB7a), delivering reliable, clean energy solutions that support economic growth and improve energy resilience for our clients,” says Van Zijl.

“BII’s mission is to support sustainable socio-economic development in emerging markets. Their decision to partner with us is an endorsement of the role we play in increasing energy access within these markets, delivering affordable, low-carbon solutions while simultaneously uplifting the communities in which we operate,” adds Van Zijl.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter said: “The UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s transition to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. This investment by BII reflects that commitment in action. By expanding access to dependable renewable power for businesses across Nigeria, it will help unlock growth, strengthen energy resilience, and reduce dependence on costly and polluting diesel and petrol self-generation. It represents a practical step toward a greener, more sustainable future for both our countries.”

Benson Adenuga, West Africa Regional Director and Head of Office, Nigeria, at BII, says: “Nigeria’s businesses need dependable and affordable power to grow. We identified Starsight’s strong track record, combined with its clean energy model, as a strong fit with BII’s mandate. Starsight’s commercial and industrial solar solutions directly address this challenge by reducing dependence on refined petroleum products and improving reliability. By backing scalable distributed renewable platforms like Starsight, BII is supporting clean energy expansion in West Africa and demonstrating confidence in the region’s potential for sustainable, inclusive growth.”

Michael Chuchu, Group Commercial Director at Starsight, says that the BII funding will unlock new capacity in countries where energy stability has historically been a barrier to growth.

“Nigeria remains our second-largest market and a core focus area for expansion. For our West African customers, this investment tangibly proves that Starsight is here to support their operations and provide energy certainty through environmentally responsible solutions.

“With BII’s support, we’re set to pursue the next chapter of our growth journey,” Chuchu concludes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Starsight Energy.

Media contacts:
Starsight Energy Africa
Shalewa Olanrewaju  
marketing@starsightenergy.com  

British International Investment 
Nia Tam  
press@bii.co.uk

Social Media:
Follow Starsight Energy  
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4sLPQnm

Follow British International Investment 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4bnFkeX 
Bluesky: https://apo-opa.co/4bAbhB8 
X: https://apo-opa.co/4bsJqmb

About Starsight Energy Africa Group:
Starsight provides clean on-grid and off-grid energy services to commercial and industrial (https://apo-opa.co/4bIA0nQ) clients in Sub-Saharan Africa – eliminating upfront capital costs for clients making it financially viable for organisations to switch to clean energy solutions.

Starsight is redefining what it means for businesses to be energy efficient by delivering tailored power and cooling solutions to meet client requirements while optimising consumption through energy-efficient appliances and environmentally friendly practices and recommendations.

Starsight is backed by Helios Investment Partners (the largest Africa-focused private investment firm) and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) – one of Africa’s largest infrastructure-focused private equity fund managers.

For more information, visit https://StarsightEnergy.com. 

About British International Investment:
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good.

Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge (www.2XChallenge.org) which has raised over USD33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development. The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of GBP9.87 billion.

For more information, visit: www.BII.co.uk | watch here (https://apo-opa.co/4uDXaDx).

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Mnquma Municipality strengthens rural infrastructure development efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

Mnquma Local Municipality has intensified efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure development following an oversight visit by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) to monitor progress on key road construction projects in Ngqamakwe, valued at more than R33 million.

The recent oversight visit to the Eastern Cape municipality was led by MPAC Chairperson Zikhethele Mnqokoyi, together with councillors and senior municipal officials.

The delegation inspected the Sivangxa to Matshanganeni via Jojweni to Majamaneni Access Road construction project, which aims to improve mobility and strengthen access to essential services for surrounding rural communities.

The project includes the construction of new road infrastructure and the rehabilitation of 10.7 kilometres of existing road, with a five-metre road width. Stormwater drainage systems are also being installed to prevent soil erosion and enhance the road’s durability during heavy rains.

During the visit, the committee conducted site inspections and engaged with project managers and contractors to review progress and ensure that the project is being implemented in line with municipal standards and timelines.

The road upgrade forms part of the municipality’s broader programme to improve rural connectivity and enhance the quality of life for residents in remote areas.

Speaking during the visit, Mnqokoyi emphasised that the municipality remains committed to ensuring that infrastructure investments translate into meaningful benefits for communities.

“These oversight visits form an important part of strengthening transparency and ensuring that municipal projects deliver value for communities. As Mnquma Municipality, we are committed to ensuring that development projects are implemented effectively and that residents benefit from improved infrastructure and access,” said Mnqokoyi.

The six-month project has already created 26 temporary job opportunities for residents during the construction phase, contributing to local economic empowerment.

Community members have welcomed the progress, noting that improved road infrastructure will make travel safer and easier for school learners, workers, farmers and patients accessing healthcare services.

The MPAC oversight programme also included visits to the Jojweni to Mzitheni Access Road in Ndabakazi, the Ext 15 Ring Road street paving project in Ematankini in Ward 4, and the Ibika Taxi Route Phase 1 project spanning Wards 5, 6 and 7.

Once completed, the Ngqamakwe road project is expected to significantly improve transport connectivity, support local economic activity and enhance access to essential services for residents across the area, reinforcing Mnquma Municipality’s commitment to inclusive development. – SAnews.gov.za

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Buying local strengthens SA’s economic recovery

Source: Government of South Africa

Buying local strengthens SA’s economic recovery

South Africa’s economic recovery and long-term growth are built not only in boardrooms and policy meetings, but in everyday choices ordinary South Africans make, says Government Deputy Spokesperson William Baloyi. 

From the corner spaza shop in Ga-Mokgotho, Burgersfort, to proudly South African brands competing on the global stage, supporting local businesses is one of the most powerful ways to  build the economy. 

“When we choose local, we are not just buying a product, we are financially backing our own people.

“We are supporting the entrepreneur running a small business in the township, the young designer turning talent into opportunity, entertainment space creates a vibrant sound of amapiano and the factory worker, whose job depends on demand for locally made goods. 

“From the kasi to the world, South Africans have the creativity, resilience and talent to produce goods and services that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best anywhere. 

“Every rand spent on local products keeps money circulating within communities, supports families – helping to grow businesses that create jobs. Local brands are proving that South African businesses can compete at the highest level,” Baloyi said.

A great example is Portia M, which has grown into one of the country’s most successful beauty brands, showing how local entrepreneurship can transform an industry. 

MaXhosa Africa has become a global fashion player by integrating authentic African heritage with high-end fashion, appearing on international runways and opening a flagship store in Manhattan.

Whoa Collections and its premium packaging that combines artistry and sophistication, with each box representing a strong commitment to quality and design, has also become another South African success story. 

South Africans have also witnessed President Cyril Ramaphosa proudly supporting the local sneaker brand, Bathu, sending a powerful message that supporting local businesses is not only patriotic but practical. 

Over today and Tuesday, Proudly South African celebrated the 14th edition of its Buy Local Summit & Expo, which is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

“Initiatives such as the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo, which celebrates its 14th edition in 2026, continue to play a critical role in converging businesses, government and consumers to champion local production. 

“It’s a testament that over the years, this flagship event has grown into a dynamic two-day gathering, portraying highlights of the quality, innovation and diversity of products and services produced locally. 

“Proudly South African is the country’s national buy local campaign that was formed in 2001 to boost job creation by promoting South African businesses, products and services, rallying consumers, the public and private sector to procure locally manufactured goods and services,” Baloyi said.

Government is also committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and thrive. 

In the 2026 National Budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the compulsory VAT registration threshold for small businesses will increase from R1 million to R2.3 million per annum from 1 April 2026. 

“This reform will significantly reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for small enterprises, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on expanding their businesses, innovation and creating jobs. 

“Subsequently, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is finalising a National Industrial Policy to grow a globally competitive manufacturing sector, with a focus on decarbonisation, diversification and digitalisation,” Baloyi said. 

Sectoral interventions are supporting automotive manufacturing, critical minerals beneficiation, agro-processing, furniture, clothing and emerging industries such as cannabis and hemp. 

In addition, government is taking deliberate steps to reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods. Expanding local manufacturing and procurement strengthens domestic industries, broadens markets and unlocks opportunities for business expansion. 

Baloyi said by simplifying business regulations and compliance, government is working to ensure that companies and entrepreneurs can focus on growth, innovation and job creation. 

“Equipping people with the skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in the economy is equally important. When South Africans buy local, they help sustain factories, farms, small businesses and service providers that employ thousands of people across the country.

“These concerted efforts can play a vital role in reducing the unemployment rate in our country, which remains one of the most pressing hurdles. However, tackling this challenge would require a coordinated action by government, business and labour to increase production, stimulate demand for locally produced goods and expand employment opportunities. 

“This vision aligns with the goals of the National Development Plan 2030, which sets out South Africa’s long-term strategy to reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality, while building a more inclusive society,” he said. 

During the 2026 State of the National Address, Presidency Cyril Ramaphosa announced that over the coming year, government will provide more than R2.5 billion in funding to small and medium enterprises, and extend additional guarantees, with a particular focus on women- and youth-owned businesses. Red tape reduction, credit reform and targeted support will help unlock growth at the local level. 

“Every time you choose a South African product, you are not just making a purchase, you are making an investment. Supporting local businesses is the most direct, practical way to fuel our economic vision of South Africa. 

“It’s a simple choice that carries massive weight. It keeps people  employed, strengthens homegrown industries, and invests in a shared future. Collaboration among consumers, businesses and government is essential to build a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive economy for future generations,” Baloyi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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