Category: MIL-OSI

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Un retour vers la paix et la dignité : la Section DDR&S de la MONUSCO accompagne les ex-combattants étrangers vers un nouveau départ

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Au cœur des efforts de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO), la Section Désarmement, Démobilisation, Réintégration et Stabilisation (DDR&S) poursuit ses efforts au quotidien pour accompagner les membres des groupes armés étrangers qui choisissent de quitter la brousse, déposer leurs armes, et rentrer dans leur pays d’origine en toute sécurité et avec dignité.

« Derrière chaque retour, il y a une histoire de courage et d’espérance. Ces rapatriements volontaires illustrent que le dialogue, la confiance mutuelle et la coopération peuvent tracer le chemin vers une paix durable dans la région », a déclaré Bintou Keita, Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies en République démocratique du Congo et Cheffe de la MONUSCO.

« La MONUSCO, en étroite collaboration avec les autorités congolaises et rwandaises, demeure pleinement engagée à veiller à ce que chaque retour s’effectue dans la dignité, la sécurité et le plein respect des droits de chacune et de chacun », a-t-elle ajouté.

Entre janvier et octobre 2025, la Section DDR&S a facilité, en collaboration avec la Commission rwandaise de démobilisation et de réintégration, le rapatriement volontaire vers le Rwanda de 44 ex-combattants principalement membres des Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), un groupe armé rwandais opérant principalement en République démocratique du Congo, ainsi que 54 de leurs dépendants – soit 98 personnes au total.

Dans les centres de transit, soutenus par la MONUSCO, ces individus et leurs familles reçoivent un accueil digne, un accompagnement logistique et soutien psychologique, et une protection constante tout au long du processus de retour. Pour beaucoup, c’est le début d’un nouveau chapitre.  
« La vie que nous menons dans la forêt n’est pas une vie digne. C’est pourquoi j’appelle mes frères et sœurs encore dans la brousse à rejoindre la MONUSCO pour rentrer dans la paix et la sécurité », confie un membre des FDLR rendu à la MONUSCO .

Les témoignages partagés par la MONUSCO traduisent le chemin parcouru : la faim, la peur et l’isolement ont cédé la place au soulagement et à l’espoir d’un nouveau départ. « À ceux qui disent que la MONUSCO a fermé ses portes, je réponds que c’est faux : moi-même, j’ai été surpris d’y arriver en toute sécurité. » témoigne un autre ex-combattant.

Pour ces hommes et leurs familles, le retour symbolise une rupture avec la violence et une opportunité de réintégration dans la société. En facilitant ces opérations, la MONUSCO, à travers sa Section DDR&S, contribue à réduire la présence armée étrangère sur le territoire congolais et à renforcer la sécurité des communautés locales.

A travers ces efforts, la MONUSCO réaffirme son engagement à accompagner chaque pas vers une paix durable en Republic Démocratique du Congo, en travaillant main dans la main avec les autorités nationales, les communautés locales et ses partenaires régionaux et internationaux.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Physiotherapy Classroom for Visually Impaired Students Equipped in Tunisia

Source: APO


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The classroom of the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students at the Higher School of Health Sciences and Techniques of Tunis (École Supérieure des Sciences et Techniques de la Santé de Tunis – ESSTST), affiliated with the University of El Manar in the capital city of Tunisia, has been renovated and equipped by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).

Within the scope of the project, the classroom belonging to the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students – the first academic unit of its kind established in Africa – was renovated and reorganized in line with modern educational standards. The classroom was designed to be fully accessible for visually impaired students and furnished with essential physiotherapy training equipment. The project provided materials such as human skeleton and muscular system models, posture analysis tools, exercise bands and straps, physiotherapy tables, hot and cold therapy equipment, electrotherapy devices, and Braille reading and writing devices.

Established in 1965, ESSTST is one of Tunisia’s leading institutions in the field of public health, contributing significantly to the training of professional healthcare personnel. Since its establishment, the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students has graduated a total of 743 students with varying degrees of visual impairment from Tunisia, other African countries, and the Middle East.

Thanks to the newly equipped classroom, approximately 50 students will benefit from hands-on training with modern tools each year, aiming to enhance their professional competencies and employability. The project promotes equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups and supports the social and economic inclusion of visually impaired youth.

TİKA continues to contribute to local development in Tunisia through projects aimed at strengthening inclusiveness in education, supporting youth employability, and empowering disadvantaged groups in line with the country’s development priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

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Ad Hoc Committee Concludes Evidence from IDAC Head, Adv Johnson

Source: APO


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The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by the SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has concluded hearing evidence from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), led by Adv Andrea Johnson.

Adv Johnson’s testimony covered issues including alleged corruption in SAPS procurement processes, the role of Crime Intelligence (CI) within the criminal justice system, allegations made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi against IDAC, the charges against General Dumisani Khumalo, and the referral of cases involving CI officials to IDAC.

Adv Johnson also addressed allegations concerning Mr Brian Padayachee, her husband’s employment within CI, and ongoing IDAC investigations into Mr Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Committee members questioned Adv Johnson about her reference to “insinuations pertaining to the husband of the Head of IDAC working for CI,” a matter first raised during testimony by former Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele. Members further sought clarity on her involvement in the interview panel that appointed her husband.

Adv Johnson said the insinuations were intended to cast doubt on IDAC’s integrity in the arrests of General Khumalo and his CI colleagues. She explained that while her husband serves in CI at the rank of Brigadier, they do not discuss work-related matters due to the sensitive nature of their respective roles. Furthermore, she said they always maintained professional boundaries to protect the integrity of their work. However, she acknowledged that, in hindsight, she should have recused herself completely from her husband’s interview process.

Committee members also questioned Adv Johnson extensively about the arrests of General Khumalo and other CI officials. She rejected General Mkhwanazi’s claim that IDAC’s actions were intended to disrupt the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), noting that IDAC only became aware of General Khumalo’s role as PKTT coordinator on 6 July 2025.

Adv Johnson said cases referred by Mr Adams revealed how the Head of CI and senior managers allegedly manipulated systems for private gain. She said evidence shows that General Khumalo and his co-accused strategically placed individuals within CI to unlawfully access funding. Their token appointments did not prevent these acts, as IDAC found when reviewing the matter holistically.

It was reported that Mr Adams possessed classified information, and the circumstances under which he obtained this information were not explained. The committee further noted that it had not received all relevant documents related to these investigations and requested that the outstanding information be submitted as soon as possible.

On the investigation into Mr Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Adv Johnson told the committee that IDAC received a referral from SAPS on 16 February 2025 to probe alleged corruption in a SAPS tender awarded to Mr Matlala. She added that General Mkhwanazi’s public claims had compromised the confidentiality of this ongoing investigation. She said the 6 July 2025 media exposé has forced IDAC to make certain disclosures despite the potential risks to the investigation.

Committee members further engaged Adv Johnson on the absence of an oversight mechanism for IDAC’s operations. She informed to the committee that President Cyril Ramaphosa had appointed retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga as IDAC Inspecting Judge on 11 October 2025 for a five-year term.

The committee will reconvene on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, to hear evidence from the Head of the National Prosecuting Authority, Adv Shamila Batohi.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS MADE BY THE SAPS KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL HEAD, LT GEN NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI, HON MOLAPI SOVIET LEKGANYANE

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:

Name: Malentsoe Magwagwa (Ms)
Cell: 081 716 5824
E-mail: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za

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

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Global finance reform key for sustainable development

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called for urgent reforms to the international financial system so that multilateral banks can provide long-term and affordable capital for sustainable development and climate action.

According to the Global Stocktake, the collective global progress toward the Paris Agreement goals is insufficient.

“The Global Stocktake is clear. Progress is too slow. We must accelerate action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and the means of implementation.

“The Global Goal on Adaptation must deliver measurable indicators and the finance to achieve them. The Sharm el Sheikh Work Programme must unlock real investment through blended models. The Loss and Damage Fund must be capitalised,” the Minister said on Friday. 

He said the Baku to Belém Roadmap must advance 1.3 trillion dollars in grants, concessional finance and fiscal space measures.

The roadmap aims at scaling up climate finance to developing country to support low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development pathways. 

The Minister made these remarks at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP30 Leader’s Summit, taking place in Belém, Brazil, as part of the 30th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP).

“Climate change is the defining crisis of our time. No nation can face it alone. This is a time that demands courage, solidarity and multilateralism in action. World leaders have a moral duty to close the gap between ambition and finance in the fight against climate change.

“South Africa further, reiterates that climate change response measures by developed countries should not impact developing countries’ industrial, trade and socio-economic development goals, in line with international law,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the unilateral climate response measures should not have spill-over and negative cross-border impacts on developing countries. 

“Our firm view is that the unilateral trade measures which aim to achieve unbalanced climate objectives outside of the framework of the multilateral process, or unfairly restrict global trade in green technology, will only serve to hinder our ability to achieve a just transition, and slow the global effort to address climate change,” the Minister said.

In fulfilment of South Africa commitments, under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts, government has submitted its second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

They include a new mitigation target for 2035 of between 320 and 380 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent, showing clear progression from our 2030 range. 

“Our updated adaptation communication identifies our support needs for finance, technology and capacity building. South Africa’s expectations for COP30 are clear,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Ministro da Educação considera Boa Vista exemplo de estabilidade, funcionalidade e capacidade de mobilização de parcerias

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Educação, Amadeu Cruz, apontou a ilha da Boa Vista como um exemplo para o território nacional em termos de estabilidade, funcionalidade e capacidade de mobilização de parcerias.

Esta constatação foi feita esta quinta-feira (6), no âmbito da visita de três dias do titular da pasta da Educação à ilha para fazer o acompanhamento do novo ano letivo 2025/2026.

“Aqui na Boa Vista constatamos que o sistema educativo está estável. Temos a generalidade dos professores nas escolas, temos os pais e encarregados de educação motivados, temos um parque escolar bastante reabilitado, bastante digno, até acima da média nacional. Mas vamos continuar a melhorar. Temos o sistema de transportes a funcionar, o sistema de ação social igualmente a funcionar, ou seja, temos um sistema educativo aqui na Boa Vista que é um exemplo para o território nacional e nós aprendemos enquanto dirigentes com a dinâmica da Boa Vista, que tem uma capacidade de mobilização de parcerias, por exemplo, que outras ilhas têm menos”, considerou Amadeu Cruz.

A visita à ilha da Boa Vista teve início na quarta-feira, com a realização de audiências com o corpo docente local, cujo objetivo central foi abordar a implementação do Plano de Cargos, Carreiras e Remunerações (PCFR) do pessoal docente. O Ministro reforçou assim a postura de esclarecer dúvidas e realizar eventuais ajustes onde forem necessários e possíveis.

O titular da pasta da Educação comunicou que o processo de implementação do PCFR está na fase de conclusão. A generalidade dos salários atualizados foi paga, bem como a maioria dos retroativos de janeiro a agosto, estimando-se que quase 100% dos professores já tenham recebido estes valores.

“Os professores têm sempre legitimidade em colocar as questões e, se for uma questão que justifique a nossa correção, o Ministério estará disponível. No entanto, devo reforçar que pagamos a generalidade dos retroativos. Penso que quase 100% dos professores já receberam os retroativos, mas pode haver um ou outro caso em que haja necessidade de outro ajustamento”, argumentou.

O foco deste diá. é manter os professores motivados, reconhecendo-os como os “principais veículos da promoção da qualidade do ensino na Boa Vista.”

No âmbito desta visita oficial à ilha da Boa Vista, o Ministro da Educação e a sua comitiva efetuaram uma visita de cortesia à equipa camarária, tendo sido recebidos pela vereadora para a área da Educação, Clara Barros. Seguiu-se uma visita às escolas de Bofareira, do Norte, do Bairro de Boa Esperança, Nova e à Escola Secundária da Boa Vista.

No terceiro e último dia da missão de Amadeu Cruz na ilha, estão previstas mais duas visitas às escolas Mercedes Spencer e Estância de Baixo e um encontro com a equipa diretiva da Escola Secundária da Boa Vista.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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From Soil to Systems: How Zimbabwe is scaling innovation for food security and rural transformation

Source: APO


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In rural Zimbabwe, where dry riverbeds once marked the end of each farming season, a silent agricultural revolution is underway. Solar-powered irrigation, satellite analytics, digital advisory tools, and science-based food safety solutions are redefining how smallholder farmers grow food, access markets, and build resilience. With support from the Government of Zimbabwe, the European Union (EU), the Fleming Fund, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the AFC Land and Development Bank (AFC) and technical leadership and support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), transformative innovations are moving from pilots to practice, reshaping lives and landscapes.

Unlocking Water: Turning dry riverbeds into lifelines

For years, farmers in semi-arid regions faced seasonal production due to drying dams and erratic rainfall. With support from the EU, solar-powered irrigation systems combined with sand-abstraction technology — which taps hidden water beneath dry riverbeds — are now restoring year-round agriculture. These systems reduce labour, save energy, conserve water, and significantly increase yields. “We used to watch our dam dry up every year. Now, we grow crops all year round,” shared David Ndou, Chairperson at Sivuli irrigation scheme.

Grounded in indigenous knowledge systems and enhanced by modern engineering, this approach demonstrates how local solutions integrated with technology can deliver climate resilience and commercial potential.

Digital Villages Initiative: Connecting farmers to the future

Innovation in Zimbabwe stretches beyond water systems. Through FAO’s Digital Villages initiative, rural farmers are gaining access to digital identities, geo-referenced advisory services, mobile market platforms, AI-enabled crop insights, and agricultural information systems. More than 5 000 farmers — especially women — have already benefited from digital literacy and service access, enabling them to make informed decisions and connect to markets.

Women farmers are actively investing in smartphones to participate more fully in digital agriculture. “We are seeing women buying smartphones because they now see direct value through better extension support and market access,” noted lead farmer Sheyi Kahushe. This shift marks a major step toward bridging rural digital divides and accelerating inclusive growth.

Satellite-Powered Insights: A new era of data-driven agrifood systems

FAO’s Earth Observation for Agricultural Statistics (EOSTAT) is helping Zimbabwe harness satellite data to generate timely, reliable crop and yield estimates, achieving over 80 percent accuracy. The system tracks droughts and floods in real time, strengthening early warning and enabling faster, evidence-based responses to protect food security.

The initiative is also building national capacity by training specialists from the Zimbabwe Space Agency, National University of Science and Technology, and other key institutions in advanced geospatial analysis.

According to Hillary Mugiyo, Early Warning Specialist in the Ministry’s Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services Directorate, “EOSTAT is modernizing agricultural monitoring through digital innovation and driving Zimbabwe’s shift toward data-driven, climate-smart agriculture.”

Financing Resilience: Seed Revolving Fund boosts wheat and maize production

To enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in agriculture finance and input supply systems, FAO in partnership with AfDB and AFC Land Bank has introduced digital solutions into the loan management system. AFC now uses an e-voucher platform to enable farmers to access and receive inputs from suppliers, while the system tracks loan disbursement, repayment, and utilization in real time. This technology ensures that funds reach the intended beneficiaries quickly, reduces administrative delays, and allows both FAO and the AFC Land Bank to monitor progress and respond promptly to challenges. By combining digital loan management with traditional financing mechanisms, the programme is not only scaling production but also modernizing agricultural finance, making it more accountable, inclusive, and farmer friendly.

This support facilitated the cultivation of over 17 000 hectares of winter wheat and 72 000 hectares of maize under the Seed Revolving Fund; a milestone aligned with Zimbabwe’s efforts to achieve wheat self-sufficiency and enhance food security.

Safer Food Systems: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

With support from the Fleming Fund and the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund, FAO is helping Zimbabwe modernize its food safety systems by rehabilitating 14 sentinel laboratories and promoting responsible antibiotic use in livestock production.

The upgraded labs now provide real-time data on resistant bacteria—helping detect outbreaks faster, guide treatment, and shape stronger health policies. Farmers, meanwhile, are adopting better hygiene, biosecurity, and animal care practices, reducing reliance on antibiotics.

These efforts are protecting consumers, safeguarding vital medicines, and reinforcing the One Health approach that connects human, animal, and environmental wellbeing. Paving the way for a safer, more resilient agrifood system.

Innovation in Action

“Innovation is more than an idea – it is action and collaboration that delivers impact,” said Tendai Munyokoveri, Assistant FAO Representative – Programmes. “In Zimbabwe, we are showcasing solutions that work, partnerships that deliver, and ideas that grow into meaningful change.”

From sand-abstracted water and solar power to satellite intelligence and mobile-enabled advisory services, Zimbabwe’s transformation demonstrates how integrated innovation can accelerate food systems resilience. With continued investment, public–private partnerships, and community-driven leadership, these solutions offer replicable pathways for climate-smart, digitally-enabled agriculture across Africa and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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Southern African Large Telescope marks 20 years of astronomical achievements

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will deliver the keynote address at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) on Monday, 10 November 2025, in Sutherland, Northern Cape.

For the past two decades, Africa’s Giant Eye on the Sky, situated at the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) in Sutherland, has been the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. 

This research facility is managed by the NRF, which is part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

Since its inauguration in 2005, the department said SALT has been instrumental in advancing South Africa’s and Africa’s contribution to global astronomy, supporting discoveries such as new exoplanets, the optical afterglow of neutron star mergers, and distant galaxies that mirror the early universe. 

“SALT will enable South Africa to remain internationally competitive in astronomy well into the 21st century and provide a focus for the development of basic space science on the African continent.” 

According to the department, the anniversary celebration will bring together leading astronomers, international research partners, and science leaders to reflect on SALT’s scientific achievements and its impact on building local research capacity and inspiring young scientists. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government finalises 150 appeals in abalone sector

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

In decisive step that brings long-awaited clarity to many fishers, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, has finalised his determination of approximately 150 appeals in the abalone sector. 

These appeals stemmed from decisions to refuse exemptions under the Marine Living Resources Act, following a rigorous verification process by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. 

According to many appellants were found to have breached the conditions of their previously issued permits, resulting in their exemptions being denied. 

Since abalone fishing rights reverted to the State in 2014, the sector has been managed through annual exemptions to support former right holders and prevent a complete shutdown of the fishery. 

These exemptions were intended to cushion the economic and social impact, while a new rights allocation process was being developed.

The Minister has emphasised the importance of balancing livelihoods with conservation. I am deeply aware of the socio-economic realities facing fishers in the abalone sector. 

“However, we must also confront the fragile state of the abalone resource, which has suffered from years of overfishing and illegal harvesting. Its recovery demands a science-based and responsible approach,” George said on Friday.

The Minister has instructed the department to review the current management framework and explore ways to formalize and strengthen regulation in the sector, ensuring that both the sustainability of the resource and the well-being of coastal communities are protected.

He reaffirmed his commitment to a fair and transparent process, noting that sustainable management is key to securing the future of South Africa’s abalone fishery. –SAnews.gov.za

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Afreximbank extends $36.4-million contract financing facility to Egypt’s SAMCO-National Construction Company (SAMCO) for stadium project in Uganda

Source: APO


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African Export-import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has extended a US$ 36.4-million contract financing facility to Egypt’s SAMCO-National Construction Company (SAMCO) for the construction of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium in Uganda.

The Akii Bua Olympic Stadium, located in Lira, Uganda, is expected to host some of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games which Uganda is co-hosting with its East African neighbours Kenya and Tanzania in a joint bid.

The US$ 36.4-million facility, granted under Afreximbank’s Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) programme, which supports African EPC companies to bid for large-scale contracts in African countries, is expected to be used to finance and support SAMCO in the design, construction and development of the stadium project and in the acquisition of essential components required for the successful execution of the project.

Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank signed the facility agreement on behalf of Afreximbank during a ceremony held in Cairo on 29 October while Engineer Sameh Soliman, Chairman of SAMCO, signed for his company.

Commenting on the facility, Mrs. Awani, said that the deal reflected Afreximbank’s deep commitment to empowering local capacity in the execution of large-scale and complex infrastructure developments.

“We are pleased to support an African EPC company as part of Afreximbank’s EPC initiative, and to finance the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium, further aligning with our creative / sports strategy in one of our member countries (Uganda). Through this initiative, we aim to foster sustainable economic growth, enhance regional infrastructure and facilitate the hosting of CAF and FIFA- approved sports events that will contribute to Uganda’s social and economic advancement,” stated Mrs. Awani.

On his part, Engineer Sameh Soliman, Chairman of SAMCO, said: “We value Afreximbank’s partnership and support in this landmark project. This collaboration reinforces our strategic commitment to expanding our presence across Africa and strengthening our role in delivering impactful infrastructure solutions. We look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with the Bank, driving growth and sustainable development across the continent.”

The development of the Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is expected to greatly promote sports in Uganda and to engender regional integration and tourism in East Africa while supporting infrastructure development. It will also strengthen the government’s sports and infrastructure agenda, enhancing the country’s capacity to host CAF- and FIFA-approved events and contributing to national pride, youth engagement and economic diversification.

The project will help consolidate SAMCO’s position as a leading African contractor capable of executing large-scale, government-backed projects across the continent. The financing facility supports SAMCO in expanding its operations across Africa.

Additionally, the project is anticipated to catalyse local economic growth by generating employment opportunities during the construction and operational phases, stimulating local supply chains and attracting international events that will enhance Uganda’s global visibility.

The 2027 AFCON games will mark the first time the continental tournament will be hosted in East Africa since 1976.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Vincent Musumba
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Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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SABC journalists win gold for outstanding UN coverage

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has congratulated the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease, and videographer Aaron Berbrick for being recognised for their outstanding broadcast media coverage of the United Nations (UN). 

This accolade pertains to an interview conducted by Bryce-Pease and Berbrick with Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, before the UN General Assembly in September, focusing on crises in Gaza and other conflict zones.

In a sit-down interview with Bryce-Pease, Fletcher cautioned that the burden on humanitarian workers could be greater this year. 

He reflected on crises in Gaza, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where millions of people are facing emergencies while global funding for humanitarian relief continues to diminish.

The SABC duo was honoured as the gold winners of the Ricardo Ortega Memorial Prize. 

This prize is named in memory of Ricardo Ortega, who was the New York correspondent for Antena 3 TV of Spain and tragically passed away while on assignment in Haiti in 2004.

Lamola stated that this prestigious award, given by the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA), signifies a notable recognition of journalistic excellence on a global level.

“For many years, the SABC, through the dedicated work of Mr Bryce-Pease and videographer Aaron Berbrick, has provided the South African public with insightful, accurate, and timely reporting on the deliberations and developments within the United Nations. 

“Their work plays a vital role in keeping our nation apprised of critical international affairs and the multilateral efforts that shape our world,” the Minister added. 

Bryce-Pease stated that the SABC News team in New York is thrilled by this acknowledgement and that the award validates their work and commitment.

“But also, the investment that the public broadcaster continues to make in our operations in the United States. 

“Our ethos is to deliver quality, accurate content that not only inspires but also educates and informs, as well as being driven by substance and facts. Aaron and I are proud to receive this award but are only honoured to represent SABC News on the international stage,” he added.

The winners will be honoured at the 29th annual UNCA gala on Friday, 12 December 2025, at UN Headquarters in New York.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will be the guest of honour for the evening.

This black-tie event will be attended by UN ambassadors, high-level UN officials, Hollywood celebrities, humanitarians, representatives from corporate and cultural organisations, and media from around the world.

During the gala, UNCA will showcase a short video clip featuring only the gold award winners. – SAnews.gov.za