Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum and Energy of The Gambia, will speak at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition, taking place on December 8-10 in Dakar, Senegal. The annual conference and exhibition gathers government leaders, national oil companies and private investors from across Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry to explore new partnerships and opportunities in the region’s evolving energy landscape.

Minister Juwara is expected to highlight recent developments shaping The Gambia’s energy sectors, including the country’s strategy to attract new upstream investment, ongoing reforms in the power industry and partnerships to accelerate the development of renewable resources. His participation follows a series of initiatives positioning The Gambia as a competitive exploration destination and an emerging energy hub in the MSGBC Basin.

In October 2025, The Gambia strengthened its international partnerships through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey aimed at covering cooperation in renewable energy and infrastructure investment. The agreement covers joint projects in solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants; energy generation, transmission and distribution; as well as public‑ and private‑sector investment.

This energy partnership with Turkey is part of The Gambia’s efforts to expand generation capacity and achieve 90% electricity access by December 2025. Additionally, a 23 MW solar photovoltaic plant with 8 MWh battery storage commissioned in Jambur in 2024 marked a milestone in diversifying the national energy mix. Backed by the World Bank and European Investment Bank, the facility has expanded generation capacity while reducing diesel reliance.

Alongside renewable energy growth, The Gambia’s upstream potential can attract investor interest. With over eight offshore and two onshore blocks currently open for investment, the country represents one of West Africa’s most promising exploration frontiers. Covering 2,682 km², blocks A5 and A2 alone contain estimated reserves of one billion barrels of oil. Approximately 80% of offshore and 5% of onshore data coverage have already been acquired, significantly de-risking exploration and enabling faster entry timelines for investors. Additionally, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy is currently working on a new petroleum exploration, development and production bill to enhance transparency in licensing and streamline approval processes.

“The Gambia is ready for investment, supported by improved data access, transparent regulation and a strong commitment to regional energy cooperation,” said Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power. “At MSGBC 2025, Minister Juwara is expected to discuss The Gambia’s dual-track energy strategy– advancing oil and gas exploration while expanding renewable capacity,” Jeque added.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) appointed Algeria’s Farid Ghezali as its new Secretary General during the Ministerial Council Meeting in the Republic of Congo this week. Ghezali will take up the post in January 2026, marking the start of a new chapter for the continent’s oil producers as Africa positions its petroleum industry at the center of a just, inclusive and sustainable energy future.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – extends its congratulations to Ghezali on his appointment as Secretary General. Ghezali brings decades of experience in Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector and is set to lead the organization into a new era of collaboration and growth. The AEC also extends its gratitude to outgoing Secretary General Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, whose exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment have elevated APPO’s role as the leading voice for African oil producers. Under Dr. Ibrahim’s stewardship, APPO strengthened partnerships with governments and investors, advanced the localization of Africa’s energy value chain and reaffirmed the role of oil and gas in powering Africa’s development. His tireless advocacy for African energy independence and intra-African cooperation has left an enduring legacy.

Ghezali assumes the role at a time when Africa’s oil and gas sector is on the precipice of accelerated growth. Play-opening oil discoveries made in markets such as Namibia and Ivory Coast, in tandem with renewed exploration campaigns in established provinces such as Angola, Nigeria and Libya, signal new opportunities for strengthened production. Advancements in seismic acquisition, processing technologies and deepwater drilling capabilities have further bolstered exploration efforts, setting the stage for future discoveries. With these projects, African hydrocarbon production is set to rise to 13.6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MMboe/d) by 2030, showing a notable increase from 2026 – estimated at 11.4 MMboe/d. Despite this growth, much more investment is needed to unlock the full potential of Africa’s oil industry.

As the continent enters its next era of oil development, APPO will continue to play a central role in promoting Africa’s energy agenda on a global stage. While global policymakers call for an end to oil exploration and production, Africa maintains its right to develop its resources for the development of its economies. In this scenario, APPO plays an important role, serving as a bridge between African producers and global counterparts. The organization has long-advocated for Africa’s position – one that is centered on responsible resource development and an inclusive approach to the energy transition. Under Ghezali’s leadership, APPO is well-positioned to continue this drive, supporting the continent as it enters its next phase of energy development.

A cornerstone of APPO’s development strategy is the launch of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB). Spearheaded by APPO in collaboration with multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank, the $5 billion AEB offers a practical solution to the continent’s financial challenges, offering an avenue for African projects to access capital and drive developments forward. Under Ghezali’s leadership, APPO is tasked with realizing this important institution, supporting the continued growth of Africa’s oil industry.

“Farid Ghezali’s appointment comes at a decisive time for African oil producers. His deep industry knowledge and proven leadership will strengthen APPO’s mission to drive energy security, local value creation and regional collaboration. The AEC looks forward to working closely with him to ensure that oil remains a catalyst for industrialization and prosperity across our continent,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

As the continent accelerates the pace of oil developments, APPO’s coordination under Ghezali will be critical in harmonizing local content policies, optimizing resource management and ensuring that Africa captures greater value from its hydrocarbon wealth. The AEC stands ready to collaborate with APPO and its member states to advance these shared objectives, transforming Africa’s vast petroleum resources into a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

On 23 November 2025, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau will hold two elections: presidential and legislative. The new term of office for the President of the Republic will involve numerous challenges: national reconciliation, regional development, youth employment, security, infrastructure and regional integration. The 14 parties authorised to stand in the legislative elections will compete to secure a majority in the National Assembly. 

The Africa24 Group has developed an exceptional bilingual (French-English) editorial platform to enable citizens, decision-makers and national, regional, continental and international public opinion to discover the diversity and rich heritage of Guinea-Bissau.  

Discover Guinea-Bissau here: Présidentielle Guinée Bissau 2025 | Africa24 TV (https://apo-opa.co/4qJoz4H) 

Interviews with leaders, campaign journal, debates on major issues, and reports.  

Through Africa24 and Africa24 English, two full HD channels, discover our exceptional TV & Digital package with exclusive programming:  

• Interview : Talks with candidates who reveal their programmes and talks with the leaders who support them. 
• Campaign Journal : With our reporters deployed across Guinea-Bissau, discover daily news reports featuring candidate profiles, the expectations of Guinea-Bissau citizens, behind-the-scenes coverage of rallies, the country’s greatest achievements, and a postcard from a city, region or site.  
• Africa News Room : 52 minutes of debate and analysis on all the key issues in the election with the candidates or their representatives and experts.  

The Africa24 Group, a 360° coverage and global distribution to 120 million households 

Discover “Guinea-Bissau Presidential and Legislative Elections 2025” on all your screens live, replay, and on demand on : 

• AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) and AFRICA24 English (channel 254) on the Canal+ Africa bundle 
• On myafrica24 Africa’s first HD streaming platform.  
• On www.Africa24TV.com which gives you full access to all programs 

Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together. 

– on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact: 
Communication Department – Africa24 Group 
Gaëlle Stella Oyono 
Email : onana@africa24tv.com 
Tél. : +237 694 90 99 88  
| @ africa24tv | www.Africa24TV.com  

ABOUT THE AFRICA24 GROUP:  
Launched in 2009, the Africa24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the largest packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa 24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sports with Africa24 Sport, Africa’s first channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, and design… 

The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment:  

• AFRICA24 TV : Leader in African news in French, published by AMedia 
• AFRICA24 English : Leader in African news exclusively in English 
• AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art, and culture.  
• AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.  

The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform in Africa, available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers)… More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks. 

Source: APO – Report:

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Abuja, Nigeria, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, is intensifying efforts to eradicate all forms of polio by 2030 through government leadership, community engagement, and targeted vaccination campaigns.

Renewed Commitment on World Polio Day
Every year on 24 October, the global community reaffirms its commitment to eradicating poliomyelitis—a disease that can cause paralysis and, in some cases, death.

Although Nigeria successfully eradicated wild poliovirus in 2020, the experiences of survivors like Hassana Mohammed Bunur from Borno State serve as a reminder of the remaining challenge: eliminating circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), which still exists in parts of the country.

For Hassana Mohammed Bunur and Bukar Modu—both polio survivors—the fight to end polio is deeply personal. Hassana, who contracted the disease as a toddler, now uses a wheelchair and champions vaccination in her community. Bukar, 45, reflects, 

“Had I been vaccinated; my life would be very different. But I can use my voice to protect others.” 
Their experiences highlight the importance of immunisation and the power of advocacy in building a polio-free future.

Government Leadership Sustaining Progress
The Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), continues to demonstrate strong leadership in sustaining polio eradication gains.

Nigeria remains committed to halting all poliovirus transmission by 2030, investing in surveillance, routine immunisation, and supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs). Polio vaccination has been integrated with broader health initiatives through campaigns and community outreach to reach all eligible children.

The 2025 Measles–Rubella and Polio Vaccination Campaign aims to immunise over 106 million children, making it one of Africa’s largest immunisation efforts.

Eradicating All Forms of the Virus
While Nigeria remains free of wild poliovirus, cVPV2 cases persist. According to national surveillance data: As of 20 October 2024, 112 cases were recorded across 15 states.
In the same period in 2025, 66 cVPV2 cases were reported from 44 LGAs in 12 states—a 41% reduction, indicating progress in interrupting transmission.

Collective Commitment and Partner Support
WHO, in collaboration with national and international partners under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), supports Nigeria’s eradication efforts through:
•    Technical assistance for planning and executing immunisation campaigns
•    Logistical coordination to deliver vaccines to hard-to-reach areas
•    Capacity-building for health workers in surveillance and outbreak response
•    Data review mechanisms to identify gaps and guide corrective actions, including redeploying vaccination teams to missed settlements, strengthening social mobilisation, adjusting supply chains, and conducting targeted mop-ups to ensure no child is left behind

These efforts are complemented by partners including Rotary International, the Gates Foundation, Chigari Foundation, UNICEF, and others, who contribute to microplanning, social mobilisation, surveillance, and evidence-based decision-making.

Community Engagement Across States
Across Nigeria, WHO state offices joined government agencies, partners, and communities in commemorating World Polio Day, renewing advocacy for vaccination and stronger surveillance.
In Taraba State, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Buma Bordiya, emphasized the state’s commitment during a press briefing in Jalingo: 

“On World Polio Day 2025, we renew our collective commitment to reach every child, with every vaccine, everywhere—until polio is gone for good.”
•    In Taraba State, over 2.3 million children received at least one dose of the polio vaccine during April and June SIAs.
•    In Gombe, a 3 km awareness walk was held in collaboration with NYSC, Rotary, and others.
•    In Ebonyi, the Commissioner of Health expressed gratitude to the Government of Nigeria, WHO, and partners for supporting child vaccination.
•    In Kano, over 500 participants—including health officials, traditional leaders, and polio survivors—attended a commemorative event. The Chairman of the Polio Survivors Association urged continued advocacy and inclusion of survivors in outreach efforts.

Other states including Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara held similar events to reaffirm their commitment to reaching every child.

A Future Without Polio
For Hassana and other polio survivors, the fight against polio is deeply personal.
“If I had been vaccinated, my life would be very different,” reflects Bukar Modu, a 45-year-old polio survivor. “But I can use my voice to make sure no other child suffers as I did. Polio is still a threat, but vaccines save lives.”

Reaffirming WHO’s continued support, Dr. Kofi Boateng, Polio Eradication Programme Cluster Lead, emphasized:

“The only reason the poliovirus continues to circulate is because some children remain unvaccinated. The vaccine is safe and effective, and every child must be protected.”

Staying the Course and Taking Action
Nigeria’s strong government leadership, community resilience, and sustained partner collaboration are ensuring the country remains firmly on course toward a polio-free future by 2030—one where every child, everywhere, is protected.

To achieve this goal, continued community participation, timely vaccination, and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders are essential. Every caregiver, health worker, and partner has a role to play in ending polio for good.

– on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.