Category: MIL-OSI

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Eritrea: Members of 38th Round of National Service Depart to Sawa

Source: APO

The second group of members of the 38th round of national service from the Central Region departed today for Sawa to continue their 12th-grade education.

The students are from 22 high schools in the region, with female students comprising 56% of the participants.

The students expressed their readiness to focus on their education during their stay in Sawa and to fulfill their national responsibilities through exemplary performance and conduct.

It is to be recalled that the first group of students from the Central Region departed to Sawa on 30 July.

Students from the Anseba, Gash Barka, Southern, and Northern and Southern Red Sea regions have already departed.

According to the report, out of the 8,000 members of the 37th round of national service from the Central Region who sat for the national school-leaving examination, 33.5% qualified for degree and diploma programs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrean Community Festival in Germany

Source: APO

The Eritrean community festival in Germany was colorfully conducted on 2 and 3 August in Frankfurt.

Mr. Yohannes Woldu, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, noted the significance of the timing of the festival, stating that it attests to the strong unity between the Eritrean people and Government as well as the resilience of the citizens.

The festival featured seminars, awards to outstanding students, youth-centered programs, interactions with foreign friends of Eritrea, community gatherings, cultural and artistic performances, a children’s village, African camp, and presentations on the Afambo boarding school project.

The annual festival was successfully conducted with the strong participation of national associations, particularly the National Union of Eritrean Women.

Mr. Yohannes Woldu also conducted a seminar for festival participants, focusing on the objective situation in the homeland and regional developments.

Highlighting that external hostilities aimed at demonizing Eritrea’s history, culture, identity, and values have been thwarted through the resilience and awareness of the people and Government, Mr. Yohannes called on nationals to strengthen their organizational capacity and participation in national affairs.

During the event, awards were presented to winners of various competitions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Ghana to host African health financing summit on Tuesday

Source: APO – Report:

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President John Mahama will on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, host Africa’s political leaders, policymakers, and global health stakeholders at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit.

The landmark initiative will explore bold steps to raise adequate funding to bridge the huge infrastructure gap in the wake of dwindling donor support and policy interventions to subsidise the treatment of deadly chronic diseases, as well as emerging health threats.

According to a statement signed by Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwaku Ofosu, the Summit will deliberate and formally endorse The Accra Initiative, which will establish shared principles, benchmarks, and a roadmap for reform.

Key outcomes of the Summit will include:
1. Creation of a Presidential High-Level Panel to design a roadmap for a re-imagined global health governance architecture aligned with national and international efforts.
2. Commitment to core principles of inclusivity, leadership, accountability, resilience, sustainable funding, and cross-sector collaboration.
3. Launch of the SUSTAIN initiative to promote country-led and investment-driven health systems, powered by domestic resources, private sector engagement, philanthropic partnerships, and technical expertise.
4. Endorsement of the Accra Compact, articulating Africa’s vision for health sovereignty and a more equitable global health order.

The Accra Summit is building on the ongoing efforts of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and African Union Institutions to improve health financing and continental health coordination.

The Summit follows President Mahama’s passionate speech in June 2025 at the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity in Brussels. It draws inspiration from his leadership during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, where he directed regional efforts to control the epidemic, showcasing Africa’s capacity to respond to crises with unity and determination.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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African Health Sovereignty in A Reimagined Global Health Governance Architecture: A Co‑creation Summit under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana

Source: APO


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On 5 August 2025, Accra will host a landmark gathering of African Heads of State, policymakers, and global health stakeholders at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit.

Convened by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, this summit will serve as a call to reimagine global health governance amid a rapidly shifting geopolitical and economic landscape. It aims to foster a new era of health sovereignty rooted in national ownership, investment, and leadership.

Progress and Urgency: Why this High-Level Meeting.
Significant progress has been made in global health over recent decades: child mortality has been halved since 1990, maternal deaths have decreased by over 40% since 2000, HIV/AIDS deaths have been halved since 2010, and 1.4 billion people now enjoy healthier lives thanks to improved tobacco control, cleaner air, and better access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.

However, these gains are at risk. Shifting geopolitics, diminished multilateralism, reduced donor funding, and emerging health threats have exposed significant structural flaws in the global health system. The current global health governance framework—designed in a different era—no longer adequately reflects today’s political, economic, or demographic realities.

Reform is now crucial; it is urgent both nationally and internationally. Countries must take greater responsibility for their health governance and funding. Globally, there is an immediate need to overhaul health governance systems.
In response, this African-led global gathering will advance multiple initiatives to mobilise global partners and global consensus to address these challenges.

Summit Deliverables
The Summit will deliberate and formally endorse The Accra Initiative. This bold, action-oriented outcome document will establish shared principles, benchmarks, and a roadmap for reforming global health governance in alignment with national priorities for health sovereignty.

Key outcomes of the Summit will include:
1. Creation of a Presidential High-Level Panel to design a roadmap for a re-imagined global health governance architecture aligned with national and international efforts.
2. Commitment to core principles of inclusivity, leadership, accountability, resilience, sustainable funding, and cross-sector collaboration.
3. Launch of the SUSTAIN Initiative to promote country-led and investment-driven health systems, powered by domestic resources, private sector engagement, philanthropic partnerships, and technical expertise.
4. Endorsement of the Accra Compact, articulating Africa’s vision for health sovereignty and a more equitable global health order.

This Summit builds on the ongoing efforts of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and African Union institutions to improve health financing and continental health coordination. However, it also calls for urgent reform of global health governance to better reflect the realities of a changed world, where Africa’s voice and leadership must take centre stage.

The Summit follows President Mahama’s passionate speech in June 2025 at the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity in Brussels. It draws inspiration from his leadership during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, where he directed regional efforts to control the epidemic, showcasing Africa’s capacity to respond to crises with unity and determination. That same spirit of continental and global solidarity now underpins the Accra Compact.

“Africa must take charge of its health destiny—not in isolation, but through determined, coordinated action. This Summit is our moment to lead not only in financing our systems but also in reshaping the rules that govern global health—rules that must reflect the voices and realities of our people”, President John Mahama said about the Summit.

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

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Generation fleet is building momentum – Eskom

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom says its generation fleet is showing ongoing momentum with more than half of coal-fired power stations operating with an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) exceeding 70%.

Some three stations are operating at an EAF of more than 90%.

“The power system continues to operate reliably, supported by an improved Energy Availability Factor, which reflects progress in plant performance and enables Eskom to meet winter electricity demand effectively. 

“When system constraints do arise, they are managed through the targeted use of emergency reserves during morning and evening peak periods,” the power utility said.

South Africa has not experienced load shedding since May this year.

“With 30 days of Eskom’s winter outlook period still remaining, the system remains well-positioned to maintain stability and meet demand effectively.

“As of [Friday], unplanned outages stand at 8 525MW, the lowest level in recent history, narrowly surpassing the 8 258MW recorded on 28 October 2024. The available generation capacity currently stands at 30 882MW,” Eskom said.

The power utility is expected to return some 3075MW back to the grid over the next week.

“Between 1 April and 31 July 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor, which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 28.58%. 

“This represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.4%, although it remains about 2.3% higher than the 26.28% recorded during the same period last year.

“As of [Thursday], the UCLF had dropped below the 20% mark, reaching 19.94%, signalling a significant and consistent improvement in generation performance.

“The Winter Outlook…covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid. It indicates that load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Report on South African Veterinary Council election process

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has requested a full report on the recent election process of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

According to the department, concerns have been raised about the transparency and procedural integrity of the process.

“These include inconsistent and conflicting communications to registered veterinary professionals regarding voting deadlines that created confusion and may have resulted in the exclusion of some eligible participants.

“In addition, questions have emerged about the eligibility of certain candidates, the fairness and independence of the verification process, and the overall credibility of the selection panel tasked with overseeing the elections. 

“Stakeholders have also alleged that the process lacked sufficient clarity and accessibility, potentially undermining the representativity and legitimacy of the council,” said the department in a statement.

The Minister has, said the department, emphasised that where there is credible concern about the legitimacy or procedural fairness of a statutory body’s governance processes, it is the duty of the Executive to intervene decisively to uphold public trust and institutional integrity.

The Minister has now:

  • requested a full report from the Department of Agriculture, including legal advice on the validity and procedural soundness of the SAVC election;
  • informed the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture in Parliament of the concerns raised, in the interest of full transparency and to enable appropriate legislative oversight; and
  • formally requested the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture to initiate a process to restart the SAVC election, should legal advice not conclusively endorse the validity of the current process.

Steenhuisen said: “Good governance is not optional; it is foundational. Public confidence in statutory regulatory bodies such as the SAVC rests on transparent, credible and procedurally fair processes. My actions are intended to ensure that these standards are upheld without compromise.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Treasury addresses inflation targeting reports

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, August 3, 2025

National Treasury has dismissed reports that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will make a pronouncement on inflation targeting during the upcoming Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

This after the South African Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee announced that it prefers to target inflation at some 3%.

“As a result of this announcement, an expectation has been created that the Minister of Finance will make an announcement at the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) confirming this move to a 3% target. Minister Godongwana has no plans to do this.

“It is well-established that policy making responsibility in this area resides with the Minister of Finance, working with the President and Cabinet, who sets the inflation target in consultation with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The SARB then operates independently in its pursuit of the inflation target,” the department said in a statement.

Godongwana emphasised that any adjustments to the inflation targeting framework will “follow the established consultation process”.

“This means comprehensive consultation between National Treasury, the Reserve Bank, Cabinet, and relevant stakeholders – not unilateral announcements that pre-empt legitimate policy deliberation.

“Any changes to the target, if necessary, will follow this process that I have outlined above,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

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BMA nabs nearly 10 000 illegal border crossers in first quarter

Source: Government of South Africa

The Border Management Authority (BMA) intercepted and deported nearly 10 000 people attempting to cross the border illegally during the first quarter of the financial year.

This is according to BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato who briefed the media on the first quarter performance of the agency on Sunday.

“Of the 9 954 persons, 5 826 were undocumented, 2 127 were inadmissible and 2 001 were undesirables. In this instance, the majority of the intercepted and deported individuals were Basotho, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.

“Incrementally since July 2022, the Border Guards have been able to stop about 496 622 people who attempted to enter South Africa illegally. In this quarter, our border law enforcement team also intercepted and handed over to SAPS a total of 15 high-powered suspected stolen vehicles for further handling,” he said.

Some 349 vehicles, which were meant to be smuggled out of the country, were intercepted.

“Additionally, in dealing with the illicit trade which negatively affects our economy, the Border Guards seized about 32 bales of counterfeit clothing and 201 pairs of counterfeit footwear with an estimated value of R1 098 000.00. 

“In terms of document fraud, 14 passports bearing fraudulent immigration stamps were identified and confiscated, further illustrating ongoing attempts to undermine national security and immigration controls,” he said.

Keeping children safe

The BMA also intercepted over ten children at borders across the country.

“[We] intercepted about 13 children across the various ports, of which 5 were unaccompanied and were therefore handed over to the officials of the Department of Social Development for further process. 

“The remaining 8 who were with their parents were refused entry as they did not meet the entry requirements into the country,” he said.

Masiapato reiterated some of the conditions required for travelling with children.

“A child who is under alternative care must produce a certified copy of an authorisation letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development prior to departure. Without this letter, the BMA immigration officer will refuse departure.

“Secondly, parents travelling with a child must produce the unabridged birth certificate of the child showing both parents’ details. If only one parent is travelling, an affidavit from the other parent authorising the travel, or a court order granting full parental rights, or a death certificate of the other parent would be required. 

“In cases where both parents are deceased and the child is travelling with a relative or another adult, approval from the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs must be obtained to permit such travel,” Masiapato said.

Furthermore, when an individual is traveling with a child who is not their biological child, the following is required:

  • the child’s unabridged birth certificate
  • an affidavit from the child’s parents or legal guardian granting them permission to travel with the child
  • copies of the parents’ identity documents or passports, and contact details of the parents or guardian

“This is to ensure that all travel involving minors is lawful and in the best interests of the child. 

“As for unaccompanied minors at a port of entry, the minor must present a letter or affidavit showing consent from one or both parents or legal guardians. If only one parent grants consent, a court order giving full parental responsibilities must also be provided,” Masiapato explained. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nigeria Expands Agro-Industrial Footprint with New Processing Hub in Oyo State

Source: APO – Report:

  • Oyo SAPZ will host up to 40 agro-processing industries, create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and benefit half a million farmers.
  • A great honour to do this on my last official visit to Nigeria as President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) – Adesina

Nigeria has launched a new Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Oyo State, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to boost agricultural transformation, job creation and rural industrialization.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held in the Ijaiye community near Ibadan on Saturday, was attended by national and international dignitaries, including the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina who was making his final official visit to Nigeria in that role. Also in attendance were the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

The Oyo site is the third to be developed under the national SAPZ program, and the first in southwest Nigeria. It follows earlier launches in Kaduna and Cross River States in April 2025.

According to Dr. Adesina, “I believe that Nigeria can and must be a global powerhouse in agriculture. But you need investments to be able to do that. You also need industrial platforms that will connect primary agricultural production all the way to how you store products, how you process and add value, and how you ship to be able to sell. And that is what the special agro-industrial processing zones are really about.”

The program is financed by the African Development Bank, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and Nigeria’s federal and state governments. Together, they have committed $538 million to the first phase of the program, covering seven states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Covering 3,000 hectares, with 300 hectares designated for immediate development, the Oyo SAPZ is expected to host up to 40 agro-processing industries, create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and benefit half a million farmers.

Oyo State Governor Makinde hailed the launch as a fulfilment of promises made: “Today is about promises kept. It is a strategic step on the journey of sustainable development. These hubs bring producers closer to processors and link farms to markets. They reflect our government’s belief that agriculture is not just about food, it is about infrastructure, enterprise and national relevance. We’re building a future where agriculture feeds not just homes, but industries; where it doesn’t just sustain families but entire economies.”

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari highlighted the SAPZ initiative’s alignment with national priorities: “Today’s event exemplifies the spirit of partnership and shared vision that is vital to our nation’s progress. The SAPZ initiative is one of the cornerstones of the renewed hope agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a vision rooted in restoring Nigeria’s dignity, unlocking our vast potentials and creating opportunities for every citizen.”

Dr. Adesina underscored the transformative vision behind SAPZs, calling them essential to unlocking agricultural value chains and lifting millions out of poverty.

“The export of primary commodities is the door to poverty. The export of value-added commodities and products is a highway to wealth. It doesn’t really matter what you have in terms of agricultural commodities, whether it is cocoa or coffee, or grains; if you’re not adding value to it, it’s actually going to make you poor. So, what we’re doing here is to be able to unlock that value,” Adesina stressed. “Our goal is very clear. It’s to reduce massive post-harvest losses, develop logistics, and improve linkages between farm production, agro-processing, and value addition, transform rural economies, and, of course, to create jobs.”

He outlined three critical pillars for the success of the SAPZs: political will, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships. “What we are witnessing today would not have happened without intense collaboration,” he noted.

Reflecting on his 10-year tenure as President of the African Development Bank, Adesina highlighted milestones achieved under his leadership, including the Bank’s capital increase from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion in 2024, and the two-time ranking of its sovereign portfolio as the most transparent among multilateral development banks globally

The SAPZ initiative is a flagship of the Bank’s ‘Feed Africa’ strategy, launched by Adesina in 2015. The zones are being developed in 28 sites across 11 African countries, with the Nigerian program being the largest.

The chairperson of the Ijaiye Farm Settlers Association, David Olatunji, described Saturday’s groundbreaking ceremony as “a memorable opportunity” for the community and the state. “We have a lot of unbroken forests around us, and the farmers are ready to work!” he declared.

Dr. Adebowale Adeyeye, an agripreneur specializing in soyabean and cashew production and processing, said: “The SAPZ project in Ijaiye is a strategic boost for businesses like ours. With targeted government support in areas like power, road access, and security, it creates the kind of enabling environment we need to scale operations, reduce costs, and attract long-term investment. It’s a move that will strengthen agribusiness value chains and enhance overall competitiveness.”

The SAPZ Programme is working to transform Nigeria’s rural economy into zones of prosperity, by facilitating industrial processing, expanding market access, and attracting private sector investment. The Zones are being developed in 28 sites across 11 African countries, with the Nigeria program being the largest.

Dr. Kabir Yusuf, National Coordinator of SAPZ Nigeria, announced plans to expand the program to an additional 10 states from September 2025, marking the beginning of the second phase that will cover the remaining States in the country.

Adesina was accompanied by senior Bank officials, including the Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara; Senior Special Adviser on Industrialization, Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka; and Director of Agricultural Finance and Rural Development Department, Richard Ofori-Mante.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Tolu Ogunlesi
Communication and External Relations
African Development Bank
Email: media@afdb.org

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Le Nigeria étend son empreinte agro-industrielle avec une nouvelle zone de transformation dans l’État d’Oyo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • La SAPZ d’Oyo pourra accueillir jusqu’à 40 industries de transformation agricole, créer plus de 100 000 emplois directs et indirects et bénéficier à un demi-million d’agriculteurs.
  • « C’est un grand honneur de réaliser cela lors de ma dernière visite officielle au Nigeria en tant que président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement » (www.AfDB.org) – Akinwumi Adesina.

Le Nigeria a inauguré une nouvelle Zone de transformation agro‑industrielle spéciale (SAPZ, sigle en anglais pour Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones) dans l’État d’Oyo, marquant une étape majeure dans ses efforts de transformation agricole, de création d’emplois et d’industrialisation rurale.

La cérémonie de pose de la première pierre s’est tenue samedi 02 août 2025 à Ijaiye, dans la localité d’Ibadan. Elle a réuni de hauts responsables nationaux et internationaux, notamment le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, Akinwumi Adesina, qui effectuait sa dernière visite officielle au Nigeria en tant que président du Groupe de la Banque. Étaient également présents le gouverneur d’Oyo, Seyi Makinde et le ministre nigérian de l’Agriculture, le sénateur Abubakar Kyari.

Le site d’Oyo est la troisième SAPZ développée dans le cadre du programme national, et la première dans le Sud-Ouest du Nigeria. Les Zones de transformation agro‑industrielle spéciales ont été lancées en avril 2025 dans les États de Kaduna et de Cross River.

« Je suis convaincu que le Nigeria peut – et doit – devenir une puissance agricole mondiale. Mais cela nécessite des investissements. Il faut aussi des plateformes industrielles qui relient la production agricole primaire jusqu’à la manière de stocker, de transformer, de valoriser et d’exporter les produits. C’est exactement ce à quoi servent ces zones agro‑industrielles spéciales », a déclaré M.  Adesina.

Le programme de Zones de transformation agro‑industrielle spéciales est financé par la Banque africaine de développement, en partenariat avec la Banque islamique de développement (BID), le Fonds international de développement agricole (FIDA), le gouvernement fédéral du Nigeria et les États fédérés bénéficiaires. La première phase du programme couvre sept États et le Territoire de la capitale fédérale pour un financement total de 538 millions de dollars mobilisé par l’ensemble des parties prenantes.

La SAPZ d’Oyo est un site qui s’étend sur 3 000 hectares, dont 300 hectares destinés au développement immédiat. Il devrait accueillir jusqu’à 40 industries de transformation, générer plus de 100 000 emplois (directs et indirects) et profiter à 500 000 agriculteurs.

Le gouverneur Seyi Makinde a salué le lancement comme l’accomplissement de promesses électorales :

« Aujourd’hui est la concrétisation des promesses. C’est une étape stratégique vers un développement durable. Ces hubs rapprochent les producteurs des transformateurs et relient les fermes aux marchés. Ils incarnent notre conviction : l’agriculture, ce n’est pas seulement nourrir, c’est bâtir des infrastructures, des entreprises et renforcer notre importance nationale. Nous construisons un avenir où l’agriculture nourrit non seulement les foyers, mais aussi les industries ; où elle soutient non seulement des familles, mais toute l’économie », a-t-il souligné.

Le ministre nigérian de l’Agriculture, le sénateur Abubakar Kyari qui représentait le vice‑président Kashim Shettima, a souligné l’alignement de l’initiative SAPZ avec les priorités nationales : « L’événement d’aujourd’hui illustre l’esprit de partenariat et de vision partagée essentiels à la progression de notre pays. Le programme SAPZ est l’un des piliers de l’Agenda de l’« espoir renouvelé » lancé par le président Bola Ahmed Tinubu, une vision fondée sur la restauration de la dignité du Nigeria, la libération de notre immense potentiel et la création d’opportunités pour chaque citoyen. »

M. Adesina a souligné la vision transformatrice des SAPZ, essentielles pour valoriser les chaînes de valeur agricoles et sortir des millions de personnes de la pauvreté.

« L’exportation de produits agricoles bruts fait entrer dans la pauvreté. L’exportation de produits à valeur ajoutée ouvre la voie à la richesse. Peu importe le type de cultures – cacao, café, céréales – sans valeur ajoutée, elles enrichissent peu. Ce que nous faisons ici, c’est libérer cette valeur », a-t-il insisté.

« Notre objectif est clair : réduire les pertes post-récolte, développer la logistique, améliorer la filière de la production agricole, de la transformation et de la valorisation, transformer les économies rurales et, bien sûr, créer des emplois », a détaillé le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement.

Il a souligné trois piliers essentiels au succès des SAPZ : volonté politique, mobilisation des ressources et partenariats stratégiques.

« Ce que nous célébrons aujourd’hui n’aurait pas été possible sans une collaboration intense », a-t-il observé.

Revenant sur ses dix années à la tête du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, M. Adesina a rappelé des réalisations marquantes, notamment l’augmentation du capital de la Banque, passée de 93 milliards de dollars américains en 2015 à 318 milliards de dollars en 2024, et le classement à deux reprises du portefeuille souverain du Groupe de la banque comme le plus transparent parmi les banques multilatérales de développement au monde.

L’initiative SAPZ est une composante phare de la stratégie « Feed Africa » (Nourrir l’Afrique), lancée par M. Adesina en 2015. Ces zones sont en développement dans 28 sites répartis dans onze pays africains, le programme nigérian étant le plus important.

Le président de l’Association des installés agricoles de Ijaiye, David Olatunji, a qualifié la cérémonie de « moment mémorable » pour la communauté et l’État : « Nous avons beaucoup de forêts intactes autour de nous, et les agriculteurs sont prêts à travailler ! »

« Le projet SAPZ à Ijaiye est un coup de pouce stratégique pour des entreprises comme la nôtre, a déclaré Adebowale Adeyeye, agripreneur spécialisé dans la production et la transformation de soja et de cajou. Avec un soutien ciblé de l’État (électricité, voirie, sécurité), il crée un environnement propice pour étendre nos activités, baisser les coûts et attirer des investissements à long terme. C’est une initiative qui renforce les chaînes de valeur de l’agrobusiness et améliore la compétitivité globale. »

Le programme SAPZ vise à transformer l’économie rurale nigériane en zones de prospérité en facilitant la transformation industrielle, en élargissant l’accès aux marchés et en attirant l’investissement privé.

Le coordonnateur national du programme SAPZ du Nigeria, Kabir Yusuf, a annoncé l’extension du programme à dix États supplémentaires à partir de septembre 2025, marquant le lancement de la seconde phase couvrant les États restants du pays.

M. Adesina était accompagné de hauts responsables du Groupe de la Banque. Il s’agit notamment du directeur général pour le Nigeria, Abdul Kamara, de son conseiller spécial principal à l’industrialisation, Oyebanji Oyelaran‑Oyeyinka et du directeur du Département de la finance agricole et du développement rural, Richard Ofori‑Mante.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Tolu Ogunlesi
Département de la communication et des relations externes
media@afdb.org

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