Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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Through a demonstrated market coordination and investment matchmaking forum, the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform continues to play a critical role in strengthening coordination, investment and private sector integration across Africa’s livestock value chains. Representing the AU-IBAR Director, Mr. John Oppong, the Economics, Markets and Trade Coordinator, emphasized the essence of creating a more connected, transparent and market-oriented livestock economy that links production with processing, finance with opportunity and policy with enterprise. 

The 2-day roundtable, therefore, brought together key stakeholders in Kenya’s meat industry, feedlot operators, meat processors, financial institutions, and policymakers, to explore practical solutions for improving coordination, investment and value chain efficiency. While contributing approximately 12% of Kenya’s GDP and nearly 40%to agricultural GDP, the sector largely remains informal, with over 80% of beef produced by pastoral communities being channeled through unstructured markets and low processing value systems. 

The Naivasha forum underscored the urgent need for structured linkages between feedlot operators and meat processors. Feedlotters highlighted several issues affecting their operations, including high feed costs, limited access to affordable financing and logistical bottlenecks that translate to an increased production cost. Predominantly, the feedlot operators called for the introduction of quality-based pricing mechanisms by processors to reward producers for higher-grade cattle and improved feeding practices. Additionally, the stakeholders emphasized the need for timely payments from processors, as the delays in settling supplier accounts strain cash flow and the ultimate investment in the intensive livestock production system.

Feed costs emerged as a particularly significant constraint, with calls for targeted subsidies on livestock feed and inputs to stabilize production costs and enhance profitability. ” Without support to manage the cost of feed, the entire feedlot system struggles to compete.” noted Abdulrahim, reflecting a widely shared sentiment among stakeholders. 

In the bid for financial inclusion, the financial service providers (FSPs) presented emerging solutions to expand access to capital and insurance for pastoral value chain actors. Equity Bank, in its presentation on Livestock Ecosystems, showcased innovative approaches including asset-based lending, digital financial services and bankassurance insurance models. These instruments, the bank explained, can help de-risk investment in the livestock sector, particularly for the pastoral producers who often lack formal collateral but hold valuable livestock assets.

On examination, Kenya’s meat export grew by 39% in 2023, reaching a value of KES 19 billion (US$ 146 million), with major markets in the Gulf region including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. However, achieving sustained growth requires addressing systemic challenges such as poor infrastructure, fragmented coordination, limited cold-chain capacity and weak compliance with international quality and safety standards. 

By convening this forum, APMD reaffirmed its leadership in facilitating investment dialogue and partnership between public and private actors, while promoting evidence-based policymaking to drive sustainable pastoral market transformation. The expected outcome of the Naivasha engagement includes new business linkages between feedlot operators and processors, policy recommendations for improving coordination and a forthcoming market insight report that will inform investment and policy decisions within Kenya’s livestock sector. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Source: APO

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Uganda is taking bold steps to integrate health service delivery for communicable diseases (CDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), addressing the growing double burden of disease in the country.

Speaking at the three-day National Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases and 19th Joint Scientific Health Conference, Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero emphasized the urgency of unified action. “Health promotion and disease control are not the responsibility of the health sector alone, but require active collaboration across sectors,” she said.
Held under the theme “Unified Action Against Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases,” the conference aimed to explore the linkages between CD and NCDs and develop actionable recommendations to eliminate priority diseases and advance health equity.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr Queen Dube from WHO headquarters echoed the call for a multisectoral approach. “Most causes of ill-health lie outside the health sector. CDs and NCDs share risk factors, co-morbidities, and often compete for the same resources. Integration is not just logical, it’s essential,” she noted.

Conference deliberations led to consensus on four key enablers for integration:
1.    Breaking Silos by dismantling operational barriers between CD and NCD programs through innovative, evidence-based, and locally tailored solutions.
2.    Harmonizing Systems, by aligning health systems, interoperable data platforms, coordinated supply chains, and integrated workforce training.
3.    Prioritizing Prevention by promoting public awareness and early prevention alongside curative care for both CDs and NCDs.
4.    Investing in Primary Health Care (PHC) by embedding services for HIV, TB, malaria, and related comorbidities into PHC and community-based services.

Dr Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, affirmed the feasibility of integration, noting that what has been lacking is the language and determination. “The science is well known, and the practice is clear. Even with minimal resources, we can do it,” she said.

WHO Representative Dr Kasonde Mwinga, in remarks presented by Dr Christine Chiedza Musanhu, praised Uganda’s leadership, stating that “Uganda’s commitment to integrated, people-centred service delivery is a beacon in the region. By aligning national strategies with the broader regional vision, we can confront complex health challenges with unity and purpose. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous Africa, where no one is left behind,” she concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development has welcomed the progress made by the Department of Small Business Development in developing the Red Tape Reduction Framework. The committee received a briefing on the department’s progress during its meeting on Wednesday.

The framework, which addresses the regulatory and administrative challenges faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), aims to establish a systematic approach to reducing bureaucratic barriers across all spheres of government.

While commending the department for its efforts, the committee emphasised that the effectiveness of the framework would be significantly strengthened through the introduction of dedicated legislation to govern red-tape reduction.

In line with recommendations made by the National Planning Commission (NPC), which briefed the committee two months ago, committee members reiterated their view that a Red Tape Reduction Bill should be tabled in Parliament for consideration.

Committee Chairperson Ms Masefako Dikgale said: “The framework alone will be unenforceable across all spheres of government without the necessary legislative mechanisms to ensure its effective implementation.”

The framework proposes that the Minister of Small Business Development be responsible for its oversight, supported by an advisory council to guide implementation.

The committee has urged the department to expedite the finalisation of the framework, noting that the absence of standardised red tape reduction measures currently costs South African businesses an estimated 6.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

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

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has expressed its grave concern over the nonattendance of His Excellency Ambassador Stone Sizani with no apology to the committee’s oversight session in Brussels, where the committee engaged with European High Commissions during its unprecedented week-long oversight mission in the Europe region.

The committee considers this a missed opportunity for Ambassador Sizani to engage constructively with Parliament and to provide an account of how his work in Germany contributes to advancing South Africa’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges and promoting redress.

This is not the first instance where the committee has experienced limited cooperation from Ambassador Sizani. During its oversight visit to Germany in October 2023, the committee sought to assess two vacant state-owned properties in Bonn. Despite the significance of this engagement, the Ambassador did not attend, without tendering a formal apology to the committee for his absence.

The committee remains dedicated to fulfilling its constitutional role of oversight and ensuring accountability in the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy. In light of these developments, the committee has resolved to formally report its concerns to the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the committee will also recommend that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation initiate an investigation into the matter and consider appropriate measures. In addition, the committee will engage with the Presidency to express its view that the conduct observed does not meet the standards expected of a representative of South Africa’s national interests abroad.

The committee continues to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and mutual respect in its engagements with all Missions and looks forward to future interactions that reflect these shared values.

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

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama has assured investors of Ghana’s preparedness to spearhead an industrial revolution that will not only transform its economy but also serve as a catalyst for Africa’s next phase of development.

The President was speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a Solar Park at Agortor in the Dawa Industrial Enclave of the Greater Accra Region.

The project, which is being executed by Solar for Industries Limited (SFI), a subsidiary of LMI Holdings Limited, will be in two phases, beginning with an initial 200 MWp installation.

The first, with a capacity of 100MWp — about 2% of Ghana’s total power supply — is expected to be completed by December 2026, while the additional 100MWp will be added to the grid after 9 months.

This is expected to be expanded to 1,000 megawatts (MWp) by 2032, making it the largest and only private utility-scale solar farm in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa.

President Mahama, who was impressed by the company’s vision, said the Solar for Industries initiative supports a broader environmental agenda and aligns with the Blue Water Guards, the Tree for Life Reforestation Programme, and the Clean Ghana Campaign.

“This is how development should work, one project generating many opportunities,” he noted. The president added that the project symbolises the growing investor confidence in Ghana and that the ongoing reforms by his government are aimed at ensuring a win-win situation for both Ghana and businesses.

“Let us build this project with integrity, speed, and purpose, so that when we return here to commission it, we can all say with pride that this is the dawn of Ghana’s clean industrial revolution.”

He observed that Ghana’s long-term energy vision is founded on three pillars: sovereignty, sustainability, and the security of supply. “Sovereignty involves generating more of our energy locally and using the sun, wind, and water provided by nature to do so.”

He continued, “As we pursue industrial growth, we must also restore our natural heritage. Our rivers must run clear, our forests must regenerate, and our communities must breathe clean and fresh air.”

President Mahama observed that such initiatives are already transforming Ghana, emphasising that the SFI project is not just a power plant but a message that Ghana is prepared to lead the next phase of Africa’s industrial renaissance, energised by the sun, propelled by innovation, and upheld by their collective determination.

“As we cut the sod, let us remember that every light that shines from this Solar Park will illuminate not just the factories and homes, but the aspirations of millions of Ghanaians whose dreams rely on energy and power,”

Mr Kojo Aduhene, the Chief Executive Officer of Quarm Investments, announced that upon completion of the project, industries located in the Dawa Industrial Enclave taking power from them would enjoy a 10% discount.

He said the project demonstrates and supports an opportunity in the 24-Hour Economy, aligns with industrialisation, and shows the world that Ghana is very much open for business.

The project implementing partners include the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, Enclave Power Company, John Murphy Construction (JMC), China International Water and Electric Corp (CIWE) and SgurrEnergy.

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

Source: APO

On November 5, Ambassador Guo Haiyan visited Egerton University located in Nakuru County. During her visit, Ambassador Guo presented the “Chinese Ambassador Scholarship” to students of Egerton University, toured the China-Kenya Agricultural Demonstration Park, the China-Kenya Joint Laboratory on Crop Molecular Biology, and the Confucius Institute at Egerton University. Ambassador Guo also held meetings with Prof. Shaukat, PS for Science, Research and Innovation, and Prof.Kibwage, Vice Chancellor of Egerton University. Dr. Wu Rongshun, vice president of Nanjing Agricultural University, participated in the aforementioned activities.

Ambassador Guo encouraged students at Egerton University to study hard, serve their country, and contribute to the friendship between Kenya and China. She stated that the cooperation between Egerton University and Nanjing Agricultural University has yielded fruitful results, significantly promoting educational and technological collaboration between Kenya and China, and has cultivated a large number of scientific and technological talents for Kenya. She expressed hope that both sides would make persistent efforts to achieve more collaborative outcomes and actively contribute to build a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era.

The Kenyan side expressed gratitude to Ambassador Guo for presenting the scholarships to the students of Egerton University and spoke highly of the cooperative achievements between Egerton University and Nanjing Agricultural University. They look forward to further deepening the collaboration to foster the development of Kenya-China relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kenya.

Source: APO

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The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is developing a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Roadmap for Agriculture. This strategic initiative will enhance institutional coordination, drive innovation and support the transformation of South Africa’s agrifood system into one that is inclusive, resilient and aligned with national and regional development priorities.

Agriculture remains South Africa’s most resilient sector, but still faces persistent structural challenges that contribute to low productivity and slow GDP growth. These include high input costs, market competition, unreliable energy supply, climate change impacts such as droughts and shifting weather patterns, widespread rural poverty, food insecurity, underutilisation of arable land and household food insecurity.

The roadmap will promote the development of new high-value crops, livestock and agro-processed products; create expanded opportunities for women and youth in rural areas; enhance food and nutrition security through sustainable technologies; and strengthen value chains that support livelihoods and socio-economic transformation.

Anchored in South Africa’s STI Decadal Plan (2022-2032) and the 2019 STI White Paper, the roadmap aims to modernise productive sectors and promote inclusive growth through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships. In line with the FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031, the initiative supports the “Four Betters” – better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better life – and directly contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (zero hunger), 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure) and 13 (climate action).

The Decadal Plan emphasises key intervention areas for the challenges facing agriculture. These include, but are not limited to, plant and animal improvement, digital decision-support systems, precision agriculture, biosecurity, early-warning systems, agro-processing, value chain development, skills development and farmer development support. A key aim is to build an inclusive and competitive agricultural bioeconomy targeting marginalised groups, women, youth and smallholder farmers.

The roadmap also complements national strategies such as the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, championed by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; the Forestry Sector Master Plan and the Aquaculture Research and Technology Development Strategy, championed by Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; and the DSTI’s Agricultural Bio-economy Innovation Partnership Programme, to support public-private innovation partnership, new innovation opportunities, inclusive growth and economic recovery.

The directors-general of the key departments will appoint a steering committee to guide the STI roadmap, while an advisory committee will be established and constituted by members from industry, academia and implementing agencies for inclusivity. An inception meeting to introduce the project to key role-players convened in September 2025.

The South African government places a high priority on STI as a driver for addressing societal challenges such as food and nutrition security, while advancing the SDGs. The FAO also recognises STI as central to transforming agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable – leaving no one behind.

The roadmap is expected to be completed by end of September 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, welcomed Ms. Angélique Adeline and Ms. Hillary Nourrice for a courtesy call at State House on Wednesday morning, following their remarkable victory at the CAVB Zone 7 Beach Volleyball Tournament held in Comoros earlier this month.

President Herminie extended his warmest congratulations to the athletes, commending their outstanding performance, dedication, and the pride they have brought to the nation by raising the Seychelles flag high on the international stage.

During the meeting, discussions centered on strategies to further advance beach volleyball in Seychelles, with a particular focus on youth engagement and the long-term sustainability of the sport. The champions shared insights from their recent competitive experience and expressed their commitment to mentoring young players and inspiring the next generation of Seychellois athletes.

President Herminie reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to supporting volleyball and sports development more broadly, underscoring sport as a powerful vehicle for nation-building, youth empowerment, and international representation. His Excellency also pledged continued investment in training programmes and competitive opportunities to sustain Seychelles’ sporting momentum and ensure la relève, the succession of talented athletes who will carry the nation’s sporting legacy forward.

This golden triumph represents a defining moment in Seychelles sporting history and stands as a powerful inspiration for young Seychellois across the nation to pursue excellence and passion in their chosen sporting disciplines.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.