Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The National Association of Eritrean War Disabled Veterans in the Anseba Region has distributed over 300 million Nakfa in loans to its members.

Mr. Shimwele Woldegerigis, chairman of the association’s regional branch, said the initiative aims to empower disabled veterans by enabling them to engage in income-generating activities and become productive members of society. He also encouraged other members to take advantage of the opportunity.

The beneficiary veterans, expressing gratitude for the support, affirmed their readiness to work hard and improve their livelihoods.

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

Source: APO

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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (www.IsDBInstitute.org) and Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship (MBSC) are pleased to announce the launch of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Flagship Program, as part of a strategic collaboration aimed at nurturing the next generation of innovative entrepreneurial leaders.

The partnership reflects a shared vision to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs across IsDB Member Countries and Muslim communities worldwide, fostering sustainable growth through innovation, ethical business practices, and economic inclusion.

Participants of the program will gain access to world-class faculty, diverse global perspectives, and peer learning opportunities, enabling them to build impactful networks and acquire actionable skills.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Flagship Program consists of three intensive modules, combining live online sessions with immersive in-person experiences at the MBSC campus in King Abdullah Economic City.

In his comments on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General, IsDB Institute, said, “Our strategic collaboration with MBSC is inspired by our commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and dynamic learning experiences.”

For his part, Professor Zeger Degraeve, Executive Dean, MBSC, said, “Prince MBSC’s collaboration with the IsDB reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities and delivering credible world-class business education.”

Learn more and apply to the Program here (http://apo-opa.co/3TTHsmv).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

Social media handles:
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Facebook:  https://apo-opa.co/4kJQPQx
LinkedIn:  https://apo-opa.co/3UmQkRE

About the Islamic Development Bank Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org

Source: APO

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As a result of a rigorous awareness campaign to eradicate harmful practices, Nakfa sub-zone has officially declared itself free of female genital mutilation (FGM).

At the declaration event, Mr. Yakob Idris, administrator of the sub-zone, stated that the achievement is the result of the active and conscious participation of the public, government institutions, and national associations. He emphasized that maintaining this status is a shared responsibility.

Religious leaders, noting that FGM has no connection to religious teachings, commended the initiative and called for integrated efforts and participation to ensure its sustainability.

Mr. Rezene Feseha, chairman of the committee for the rights of children and women, said the declaration in Nakfa sub-zone reflects the coordinated efforts conducted at the regional level and called for continued active involvement by all.

The event featured cultural and artistic performances to mark the occasion.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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Africa Tech Festival (www.AfricaTechFestival.com), the longest running and most influential tech event on the continent, has announced the first wave of 25 headline speakers for its 2025 edition, bringing together influential voices from global tech, government, and business who are driving the growth and transformation of Africa’s digital economy.

The 2025 speaker line-up features some of the most influential voices in global technology and African business leadership. Among them is Bernardo Mariano Junior, Assistant Secretary-General and Chief Information Technology Officer at the United Nations, who brings a global governance perspective to digital development. Mark Elliott, President for Africa at Mastercard, will offer insights into advancing inclusive finance across the continent. Representing the frontier of artificial intelligence, Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Senior Director and Head of Africa at OpenAI, will contribute to conversations around AI adoption and policy readiness in African markets.

Also speaking is Odunayo Eweniyi, a prominent tech entrepreneur and investor, serving as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of PiggyVest and General Partner at First Capital, who will share perspectives on fintech growth and funding in Africa. From the telecoms and enterprise space, Tumi Chamayou, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN South Africa, and Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer at Microsoft Africa, will explore enterprise innovation and the role of strategic partnerships in enabling digital infrastructure.

They will be joined by senior decision-makers from across the public and private sectors, including technology and strategy executives from African Bank, Transnet, Cell C, Telkom, the Department of Public Service and Administration of South Africa, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Together, these leaders represent a broad spectrum of industries and expertise, united by a common goal: to drive forward Africa’s digital transformation.

Africa Tech Festival 2025 will be held in Cape Town from 11 to 13 November. The conference will feature a structured programme built around four core tracks: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town. Each track is designed to address key areas of technological advancement and policy development across the continent. This year’s agenda is also framed by four central themes: Responsible Innovation, Inclusive Investment, Connectivity for Development, and Policy Harmonisation. These themes reflect the Festival’s commitment to providing a platform for examining the challenges and opportunities shaping Africa’s digital economy.

“We’re excited to share a speaker roster that truly represents the diversity of experience shaping Africa’s tech future,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. “These are individuals who are actively working to improve systems, close gaps, and build digital infrastructure that works for everyone.”

“This year, you’ll also notice a bold new look and feel as we unveil our refreshed branding. It marks the start of a new era for the Africa Tech Festival—one that reflects the scale, ambition, and innovation of the continent’s thriving tech ecosystem.”

Following the success of 2024, Africa Tech Festival will continue to provide in-depth discussions on national digital strategies, economic growth, infrastructure, and public-private collaboration. Although a formal partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) is still under consideration, last year’s engagement with senior government officials led to meaningful policy dialogue. Now in its third decade, the Festival remains a key platform for shaping Africa’s digital transformation through informed debate, investment, and strategic partnerships.

Further programme details and additional speakers will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Registration for Africa Tech Festival 2025 is now open and can be completed via the official portal here (https://apo-opa.co/450ROWS).

– on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival:   
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The festival encompasses four anchor events:

• AfricaCom – The continent’s largest telecoms and connectivity event
• AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
• AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa’s startup ecosystem
• The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life
   

With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and multiple networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the largest and most influential tech event on the continent.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met and held fruitful discussions with the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, H.E Qu Dongyu at State House, Entebbe.

Welcoming the Director-General, President Museveni underscored the critical role of the FAO in supporting the transformation of agri-food systems, reiterating that agricultural development remains a top priority for Uganda.

President Museveni assured H.E Dongyu of his unwavering support to facilitate smooth collaboration with the FAO.

The two leaders further discussed how they could enhance collaboration in key areas such as sustainable agriculture, and food security that are vital for Uganda’s agricultural transformation.

 A significant emphasis was also placed on the need for income security, nutrition and hygiene to provide a stable foundation for well-being and development of individuals.

H.E Dongyu expressed gratitude for Uganda’s ongoing commitment to the FAO and affirmed the organization’s readiness to provide strong support to Uganda’s investment plans.

“Uganda has significant potential for rapid growth and development.”

The FAO delegation included; Mr. Maximo Torero, Chief Economist; Mr. Abebe Haile Gabriel, Assistant D.G and Rep. for Africa; Ms. Lineo Molise, Regional Coordinator for Africa; and Mr. Shen Hong, Assistant to the Director General.

– on behalf of State House Uganda.

Source: APO

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The First Lady’s humanitarian organisation, the Lordina Foundation, has donated a quantity of essential medical supplies and equipment to the Techiman North constituency to enhance healthcare delivery.

The items were officially handed over to the Member of Parliament for Techiman North and Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, by Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady and President of the Foundation.

Mrs Mahama reiterated the Foundation’s enduring commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the country.

“We are dedicated to contributing to the development of deprived children and women in both rural and urban areas, focusing on quality healthcare promotion, education, and overall well-being,” Mrs. Mahama stated during the presentation ceremony.

“This donation highlights our belief in collaborative efforts to foster sustainable development within Ghana’s health sector.”

Mrs Ofosu-Agyare (MP) expressed her gratitude and that of the people of Techiman North for the gesture, noting that the equipment and supplies will have a positive impact on the health delivery service.

“This contribution from the Lordina Foundation will play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in our healthcare system. It reflects our shared commitment to improving the well-being of our people,” she said.

This initiative is part of the Lordina Foundation’s broader mission to modernise and strengthen under-resourced health facilities across communities, and to ensure medical professionals are equipped with the necessary tools to provide high-quality, life-saving care to patients.

The items presented include Hospital and Theatre Beds, Delivery Beds, Incubators, Theatre Lights, Phototherapy Machines, Baby Scales, Syringes and Gloves and Trolleys. The remaining items include Wheelchairs, Commodes, Baby Cots, Baby Carts, Medical Screens, Baby Baths, Bedside Cabinets, and Overhead Tables.

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

Source: APO

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Many young South Sudanese women and men are involuntarily idle and desperate for any opportunities to earn qualifications that may lead to gainful employment or enable them to start their own small businesses.

In Akobo and Bor, in volatile Jonglei State, a significant number of them were given such chances, with the graduates of three-month-long vocational trainings in both towns determined to grab them with both hands.

“Everyone should plant vegetables. If you do, you gain good health and a possibility to earn money without subjecting yourself to the risks of assaults we women run when we collect firewood,” says Rodah Nyathuok Lual in Akobo.

There, more than 100 youth, with the majority being women, have learnt income-generating skills like farming, tailoring, hairdressing, marketing and financial management.

The initiative, funded by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and implemented by the national non-governmental organization Community Initiative for Development, is timely as resources in Akobo, following the return of many previously conflict-displaced persons, have become scarcer than usual.

“When we work, we become role models in our communities by promoting both development and peace. When everyone is busy, there is no time or room for conflict,” says Domach Makuach Mark, another proud owner of new and marketable skills who, like all graduates, was also given a starter kit and connected to banks and other lenders for possible investments.

UN peacekeepers from South Korea have given 77 of Domach’s peers in Bor reason to be equally optimistic about their futures. In the state capital, they have learnt everything from wiring a building safely and repairing a leaking pipe to cultivating food and raising poultry.

“From now on, I hope people will buy eggs and chickens from me,” says Akuoch Mary Atem as she details her plan to open a poultry farm to support herself and her family.

More young, aspiring women and men in and around Bor are likely to benefit from similar opportunities in the future.

“In cooperation with the government, we hope that we’ll be able to expand our vocational school,” says Colonel Kwon Byung Guk, Commander of the South Korean contingent, who also revealed that his government will provide five top students with full scholarships for advanced studies in the East Asian country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

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On Monday 21st July 2025, the High Commissioner-designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Zokey Ahad, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy, ahead of his official accreditation ceremony scheduled for tomorrow.

Discussions centered around the conclusion of six Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), including one focused on the Blue Economy, a key sector which will be mutually beneficial for both countries.

The meeting also served as an opportunity for the two parties to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and to explore new avenues for cooperation in areas such as tourism, agriculture, trade, investment, and education.

Due to the size of the Bangladeshi community in Seychelles, both sides recognized the importance of appointing an Honorary Consul for Bangladesh in Seychelles to better serve and support the growing Bangladeshi community.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.