Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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With an agricultural sector that employs more than 909,000 households, according to ANSD, organizing Senegal’s producers into well-equipped, operational cooperatives is a key lever for achieving the goals of the Senegal Vision 2050.

The West Africa Competitiveness Programme in Senegal (PACAO-Senegal) serves as a relevant model as it supported the creation or compliance of 29 cooperative societies as well as strengthened their managerial and organizational capacities. Together, these cooperatives bring together over 545 producer organizations active in the mango and onion value chains. 

Among these 29 cooperatives, the Cooperative Society for Support to Production, Processing, and Marketing (SCAPTC) of Pout (Thiès) perfectly illustrates the impact of this support.

Created in 2021, the Cooperative SCAPTC covers four municipalities in the Thiès region (Pout, Diander, Keur Moussa, and Moroland) and brings together almost 2,940 members, including 20 producer organizations and over 20 individuals. Specializing in onion production, the cooperative was born from an urgent need to structure and professionalize producers who previously worked in a scattered manner, without coordination or appropriate management tools.

Doudou Diop, President of the Board of Directors of the SCAPTC, recalls the difficult beginnings: “Before our cooperative society was born, our groups were not even structured. We didn’t have statutes or internal regulations. We each worked on our own, without a common strategy.”

With support from PACAO-Senegal, SCAPTC benefited from training in financial management, leadership, conflict resolution, and strategic planning, which enabled its members to transform an informal structure into a high-performing, sustainable organization.

Mamadou Lèye, a doctoral student in applied physics at Cheikh Anta Diop University committed to agriculture, combines his studies with farm work and serves as the Secretary General of SCAPTC. He says: “We learned to manage our cooperative like a business. We now organize our meetings efficiently, manage our finances rigorously, and resolve internal conflicts constructively. All these skills, acquired through PACAO-Senegal’s support, are key to our success.”

Today, SCAPTC is cited as an example in the region for its rigorous management and effective organization. “Other cooperatives and even the supervising ministry send experts to study our model and draw inspiration from it,” adds Mamadou Lèye proudly.

Amy Ndiaye, hired by PACAO-Senegal as a community development officer, confirms this transformation: “Meetings are held regularly, the General Assembly is organized every year, and members have become autonomous in managing their activities. SCAPTC has become a benchmark model in the region.”

The members of SCAPTC have improved their yields and incomes. “Today, we have full control of our activity from A to Z, from production to marketing. It has changed our lives,” says Doudou Diop.

From informal to a benchmark model, SCAPTC illustrates the transformative potential of cooperative societies. Thanks to targeted support, they become frameworks for structuring, formalizing, and strengthening agricultural value chains, thereby contributing to achieving the goals of Senegal Vision 2050.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Source: APO

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“On behalf of the Government and People of Seychelles, and on my personal behalf, I extend our deepest condolence to the family, friends, and loved ones of former Minister and Ambassador, Mr. Jérémie Bonnelame, following his passing.

Mr. Bonnelame served our nation with unwavering dedication, both as a Minister and as a distinguished diplomat in his various capacities. His contribution to Seychelles’ development and his commitment to public service has left an indelible mark on our country’s history. His leadership, wisdom, and passion for progress inspired many and will continue to resonate for generations to come. 

In this moment of sorrow, we remember not only his professional achievements but also his integrity and deep love for Seychelles. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life well-lived, devoted to the betterment of our nation and its people. 

May he rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength and solace in the cherished memories during this time of loss.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting opened today, marking a milestone in recognizing small and medium-sized enterprises as a key constituency in global trade. 

The high-level event is co-hosted by the South African Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), with main events taking place on 23-24 July. The Ministerial was preceded by the Trade Promotion Organizations Leadership Dialogue on 22 July, in which heads of national trade promotion organizations developed strategies to better engage with SME ministers to bring the voice of small business into policymaking.

Watch the livestream of the Ministerial high-level opening.

More than 700 delegates from more than 60 countries are participating in the Ministerial, including ministers, heads of delegation, heads of national trade promotion organizations, business leaders and entrepreneurs. Ministerial-level delegates convened from across the world, from Bangladesh to Brazil, from Cameroon to Costa Rica, from Senegal to Switzerland, from the United Arab Emirates to the United Kingdom.  

In her welcome remarks, South African Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni said: ‘Let this Ministerial Meeting mark the beginning of a bold new global compact for MSME development; one that expands access to markets, unlocks affordable finance, accelerates digital inclusion, and ensures that women, youth and underserved communities are not spectators, but architects of economic transformation.’

She added: ‘Let us commit to practical, measurable actions that position MSMEs as central pillars of resilience, innovation and sustainability. Let us work towards a global enabling ecosystem, where no entrepreneur is left behind because of where they live, how much they earn, or who they are.’

In her welcome remarks, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: ‘Now, this Ministerial is no talk shop. This is no place for posturing or politics. This is a space for us to marshal our collective knowledge and our energy and find solutions across the three areas that will bring the benefits of trade within reach of more SMEs: access to finance, digital transformation and green competitiveness.’

Addressing ministerial-level delegates, she said: ‘When you go back to your capitals, your ministries, your cabinet meetings and your meetings with heads of state and government, you’ll be taking back with you concrete solutions, with the evidence to back them up.’

Expected outcomes include the endorsement of a call-to-action in which countries align on the three main areas that will harness the development of SMEs—access to finance, digital transformation and green competitiveness —and develop a roadmap for future Ministerial Meetings to take place every two years, to ensure discussions produce outcomes for countries. 

See the latest information on the Ministerial on the Global SME Ministerial Meeting landing page.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities asked Parliament’s Legal Services about the existence of a possibility to make amendments through a committee Bill to the National Council on Gender Based Violence Act.

The committee received a briefing yesterday from Parliament’s Legal Services on the establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF). During the engagement, the Chairperson of the committee, Ms Liezl van der Merwe, said the committee didn’t want to just tick a box and proceed with the processes while there are no resources available for the establishment of the NCGBVF.

The Chairperson also pointed out that the committee wanted to get more clarity regarding, among other things, the mandate of the body, which was why it requested Parliament’s legal services to appear before it for engagement on the NCGBVF.

The Chairperson highlighted a concern of the committee over the civil society that will be part of the Council and be remunerated. She also expressed the feeling of the committee about the proposed 24-member secretariat to serve in the Council, that it might be bloated.

The scope of the request that the committee gave legal services, was to assess the feasibility of introducing a committee Bill that would amend the NCGBVF Act, to determine what provisions within the act require amendments to ensure greater clarity regarding the council’s scope, mandate, and functions.

Parliament’s Legal Services was of the view that the amendments that the committee is seeking to do, are technical in nature, and where there are substantive amendments, those would be non-contentious.

Adv Charmaine van der Merwe of Parliament’s Legal Services said, she understands that the department has a different view and that was not in the agenda of the committee. She said contentious matters are Bills such as the National Health Insurance.

The Bill that the committee envisages might be a difference of opinion on what it should say, but it’s not contentious in the sense that it is likely to be faced with the public outcries. So said, Adv van der Merwe: “I think that the proposed amendments are probably a solution that can be executed by way of a committee Bill,” said Adv van der Merwe.

The Parliamentary Legal Services will undertake an evaluation of the NCGBVF Act which aims to focus on the following objectives:
• To assess the feasibility of introducing a committee Bill that would amend the act
• Determine what provisions within the act require amendments to ensure greater clarity regarding the council’s scope, mandate and functions.
• To provide competitive examples of existing structures within government established to perform an advisory function, for instance, the South African National AIDS Council.
• To explore the feasibility of remuneration of council members from civil society, notwithstanding government’s fiscal constraints, ensuring minimal impact on the public purse.
• Proposal for limiting the size of the secretariat, its composition and structure.
• Provide a time-frame in the event a committee bill is to be introduced.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

Zambia’s commercial and industrial sectors are at a critical turning point. As businesses across the country grapple with unreliable grid power and increasing energy costs, a transformative opportunity is emerging. The C&I Energy & Storage Summit Zambia 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3GDVh5F), taking place on 27–28 August in at The Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, invites Zambia’s leading private-sector energy users to apply for its exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme — a tailored initiative designed to connect large energy consumers with the technology, financing, and partnerships needed to secure reliable, clean power. The summit offers a powerful platform for strategic engagement between business, government, and solution providers.

Why Apply for the Hosted Buyer Programme?

The Hosted Buyer Programme is a premium, no-cost opportunity designed specifically for commercial and industrial (C&I) organisations in Zambia looking to future-proof their operations through energy independence.

Successful applicants receive:

• Full Access Pass to both days of the summit, including keynotes, panels, and masterclasses.
• Curated 1:1 Matchmaking with developers and technology providers in solar, hydro, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
• Facilitated Introductions to leading financiers and project developers ready to partner on viable energy solutions.
• 10% Discount for additional team members to maximise company-wide learning and engagement.

Whether you’re exploring embedded generation, considering power purchase agreements (PPAs), or ready to implement energy storage, the Hosted Buyer Programme gives you direct access to practical guidance and strategic connections to move your energy project forward.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for large energy-using businesses in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, retail, and logistics; project owners exploring clean energy options; and companies ready to implement private power solutions.

Apply now for the Hosted Buyer Programme: https://apo-opa.co/4o2P6Zr

Backed by Industry Leaders

The summit brings together an influential advisory board and speaker line-up featuring leading voices from Zambia’s energy ecosystem — including the Energy Regulation Board, Zambia Development Agency, Africa GreenCo, Standard Bank, and the Proudly Zambian Campaign. They’re joined by dynamic speakers from across the continent, such as representatives from Kenya Power, ENGIE Energy Access, and the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. All will be offering insights, case studies, and solutions tailored to Zambia’s energy reality. With even more powerful voices to be announced, this is a must-attend event for anyone committed to driving energy transformation in the region.

This year’s event is proudly supported by a network of sponsors and partners dedicated to advancing energy resilience across the continent. EnerJ, a leader in clean energy development, joins as Gold Sponsor, while global engineering and infrastructure players WEG and Vertiv participate as Bronze Sponsors.

The summit is also supported by influential Media Partners, including ESI Africa, Engineering News, EngineerIT, Global Africa Network, Green Economy Journal, Media Xpose, RDJ Publishing, and Happening News, who will bring post-event coverage and insights to a broader African audience.

Further strengthening the platform are Association Partners such as the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) and the Zambian Association of Manufacturers, alongside Industry Partners like the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) — all reinforcing the summit’s commitment to inclusive growth and industrial sustainability.

Zambia’s energy future is being written now — and your organisation can be part of the solution.

Download the programme: https://apo-opa.co/3GZ3UaU

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Contact:
For sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries, contact Marcel du Toit: marcel.dutoit@wearevka.com

For speaking opportunities, contact Babalwa Bungane: babalwa.bungane@wearevuka.com

About VUKA Group:
As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com), this Summit aligns with VUKA’s mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.

Source: APO – Report:

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The European Union (EU) has committed 1.5 million Euros (€1.5m) to support victims of the recent Benue State conflict.  The envelope is composed by the rapid humanitarian response from EU Humanitarian Office ECHO (€0.5m) and a repurposing of EU funded SIDPIN project for durable solutions (€1m).  IOM, UNHCR UNICEF, and UN-HABITAT as other international NGOs are among the agencies dealing with the response.

The European Union (EU) has committed 1.5 million Euros (€1.5m) to support victims of the recent Benue State conflict.  The envelope is composed by the rapid humanitarian response from EU Humanitarian Office ECHO (€0.5m) and a repurposing of EU funded SIDPIN project for durable solutions (€1m).  IOM, UNHCR UNICEF, and UN-HABITAT as other international NGOs are among the agencies dealing with the response.

This was disclosed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Gautier Mignot during a meeting between the EU delegation with the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Honourable Minister of State Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Permanent Secretary Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata and Directors of the Ministry, held in the Minister’s Office in Abuja on 14th July 2025. 

The delegation was in the Ministry to follow up on the visit to Benue State (24-25 June 2025) and explore ways of support to the victims in the IDP camps in the State as well as discuss on high level of severe malnutrition and food crisis affecting the North East and North West and other emerging hot spots in the country in particular during the ongoing lean season.  Through ECHO, the EU has already brought 35 M€ of humanitarian assistance to Nigeria, mainly focused on nutrition, in 2025 and a possible top-up is being considered, in addition to the assistance also provided by several EU Member States. 

The Minister, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation of the continuous support of the International Community for vulnerable persons in the country. He said he recently visited Borno and Benue States and the communities are in dare need of humanitarian support “We are in acute need of nutrition for children under five years and lactating mothers” he said.

He acknowledged EU contributions and Presidential commitment to leaving no one behind and confirmed ongoing food support mobilization and validated needs assessments, especially in Benue state. He stated plans to establish a pooled funding mechanism with Federal, State and donor contributions, advocacy engagement with the Nigerian Governors Forum and commitment to declare malnutrition an emergency.

The two parties agreed to establish a task force to define roles and accelerate interventions in relation to the current nutrition emergency situation in the northern regions and collaborate on joint food security assessment, streamline supply chain processes and convene a collaborative platform with partners to coordinate humanitarian response to address the high level of malnutrition and food insecurity.

Finally, on 19-20 July, Minister Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and Ambassador Gautier Mignot went for a joint visit to Sokoto State together with humanitarian partners (UNICEF, ACF, MSF). They paid a courtesy call to the Executive Governor of Sokoto H.E Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto and visited nutrition stabilization centers for children under 5 operated by ACF and MSF and with the support of UNICEF, to get a first-hand knowledge of the situation and discuss urgent next steps to face the crisis. 

– on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS.

Source: APO – Report:

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Several African multilateral banks and financial institutions have undergone significant leadership transitions this year aimed at aligning financial strategies with the continent’s evolving development and industrialization goals. In June, the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) appointed Dr. George Elombi as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Professor Benedict Oramah after nearly a decade of leadership. Under Dr. Elombi, the bank aims to scale into a $250 billion institution and serve as a key enabler of investment in Africa’s mining sector.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) also elected new leadership in May, appointing Sidi Ould Tah to replace Akinwumi Adesina. The Bank is now expanding its capital base – reaching $318 billion – while pursuing a $25 billion replenishment round and broadening its bond issuance strategy to support infrastructure and industrialization. Leadership changes have also extended to commercial banks. Standard Bank appointed Sim Tshabalala as interim CEO in April, while Absa Group named Kenny Fihla as CEO in March.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

At this year’s African Mining Week (AMW), a featured panel on The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization will explore how these and other institutions are adapting financial strategies to meet the continent’s infrastructure and beneficiation needs.

Recent deals underscore the sector’s momentum. In June, Afreximbank signed a $3.8 billion agreement with Gabon to fund manganese and gold trading, energy development and rail infrastructure. It also extended a $25 million facility to Lilium Gold for operations at the Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines in Burkina Faso. Meanwhile, AfDB approved $325 million in financing for Mauritania’s state-owned SNIM to upgrade logistics and equipment for its iron-ore corridor.

In South Africa, Standard Bank provided $300 million to Northam Platinum for a 140 MW wind power plant, ensuring long-term energy security for mining operations. It is also co-financing a $38.5 million deal with Lotus Resources for the Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi. Absa Bank is backing Angola’s Longonjo Rare Earth Project – operated by Pensana – with an $80 million facility. The project is expected to supply up to 5% of the world’s magnet rare earth elements critical to electric vehicle manufacturing.

AMW 2025 will bring together African financial institutions, mining stakeholders and international partners to forge new investment alliances and accelerate mining sector growth. Held alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025, AMW is the premier platform for engaging with the full spectrum of Africa’s mining opportunities.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will be forced to suspend all emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeast Nigeria at the end of July. This is due to critical funding shortfalls which come at a time of escalating violence and record levels of hunger.

WFP’s food and nutrition stocks have been completely exhausted. The organization’s last supplies left warehouses in early July and life-saving assistance will end after the current round of distributions is completed.

Without immediate funding, millions of vulnerable people will face impossible choices: endure increasingly severe hunger, migrate, or possibly risk exploitation by extremist groups in the region.  

“Nearly 31 million people in Nigeria are now facing acute hunger, a record number,” said David Stevenson, WFP Country Director for Nigeria. “At the same time, WFP’s operations in northeast Nigeria will collapse without immediate, sustained funding. This is no longer just a humanitarian crisis, it’s a growing threat to regional stability, as families pushed beyond their limits are left with nowhere to turn.” 

Children will be among the worst affected if vital aid ends. More than 150 WFP-supported nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states will close, ending potentially life-saving treatment for more than 300,000 children under two and placing them at increased risk of wasting. 

In conflict-affected northern areas, escalating violence from extremist groups is driving mass displacement. Some 2.3 million people across the Lake Chad Basin have been forced to flee their homes, straining already limited resources and pushing communities to the brink.  

“When emergency assistance ends, many will migrate in search of food and shelter. Others will adopt negative coping mechanisms – including potentially joining insurgent groups – to survive,” added Stevenson. “Food assistance can often prevent these outcomes. It allows us to feed families, help rebuild economies and support long-term recovery.”

In the first half of 2025, WFP has been able to hold hunger at bay across northern Nigeria, reaching 1.3 million people with life-saving food and nutrition assistance. Support for an additional 720,000 people was planned for the second half of the year before funding shortfalls put life-saving programmes in jeopardy.  

WFP has the capacity and expertise to deliver and scale-up its humanitarian response, but the critical funding gap is paralyzing operations. WFP urgently requires US$130 million to prevent an imminent pipeline break and sustain food and nutrition operations through the end of 2025. 

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: APO – Report:

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A new massive online open course (MOOC) developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners is set to support the sustainable management of wetlands and waterbirds in the Sahel and North Africa.

The new course, ‘Identifying and counting waterbirds in North Africa and the Sahel – how and why?’, provides training in essential skills for international waterbird monitoring and insights into the ecological challenges facing wetland habitats.

It was produced by the RESSOURCE+ Project as part of the FAO-led Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, and was designed in collaboration with Tour du Valat and the French Biodiversity Agency.

A MOOC is a free online course that offers unlimited participation and is open to everyone, although this new course targets in particular French-speaking participants from North African and Sahelian countries.

“By strengthening the national and local capacities in the participating countries, this massive online open course will foster sustainable wetland management and biodiversity conservation,” said Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division.

Skills for waterbird monitoring

Registration is now open until 1 December 2025 for the first session of the course.

Participants will learn how to access networks of waterbird observers, collect and interpret data, and identify and count around 210 waterbird species in North Africa and the Sahel region.

The course provides 40 hours of online training, structured into six modules and featuring 35 animated sequences, 10 video interviews with experts, over 5 000 photos and video clips of birds, and 210 factsheets designed to facilitate species identification, along with numerous quizzes, tests and further learning resources.

It should take roughly six weeks to complete the training, which is self-paced, enabling participants to fit the course around their schedules. Participants are eligible for certification provided they successfully complete the course within three months.

During the first six weeks, the course designers will be on call to respond to participants’ questions through the chat function. Additional MOOC sessions are planned for 2026 and beyond. 

The RESSOURCE+ Project

The RESSOURCE+ Project supports governments and communities in conserving wetlands and waterbirds in Sahelian countries. The project aims to promote waterbird monitoring, sustainable levels of hunting and effective wetland conservation policies in the Sahel. It is co-funded by the French Facility for Global Environment and the European Union through the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme.

The RESSOURCE+ Project is led by FAO with support from technical partners recognized for their expertise, in collaboration with national authorities, wildlife institutions, NGOs and local communities.

– on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.