Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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Violence against children in Namibia remains alarmingly high despite the government’s commitment to ending it.

The 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) shows that nearly 40% of girls and 45% of boys suffered from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during childhood. Physical violence is the most widespread, affecting 32.9% of girls and 41.2% of boys before they turn 18.

Many victims do not seek help for the violence they face. Only about half of children and young people experiencing physical violence disclose it, with even fewer reporting abuse. Approximately girls (32.0%) and boys (35.2%) know where to find help, and only around 15% of all children receive support.

Namibia has been a pioneer in child protection, being one of the first countries to adopt a proactive approach to ending violence against children and to developing national plans with dedicated resources. The country also maintains a strong policy and legislative framework for protecting women and children from violence, exploitation, and abuse.

Nevertheless, the need and urgency to improve service delivery and multisectoral coordination are crucial. The adoption of the Global Responding to Child Maltreatment: A Clinical Handbook for Health Professionals demonstrates the country’s political will and dedication to safeguarding and protecting every Namibian child’s safety.

The Namibian Responding to Violence Against Children: A Clinical Handbook for Health Professionals in Namibia was launched on 26 September during a colorful event as part of the commemoration of the Day of the Namibian Child.

Honorable Linda Mbwale, the Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, said that the launch of the clinical guidelines is timely as it contributes to the ongoing ‘standardization of service provision for child victims of abuse, ensuring that no matter where a child seeks help, whether at a police station, hospital, or with a social worker, they receive the same quality of care, protection, and dignity’. She further stressed that the guidelines symbolize Namibia’s commitment to upholding international standards while adapting them to local needs. She also emphasized that ‘it bridges the gap between global best practice and national realities, ensuring that our professionals are not only well equipped but also culturally and contextually responsive’. 

At the same event, Mr. Noriaki Sadamoto, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Japanese Embassy in Namibia, highlighted the partnership between the Japanese government, WHO, and the Namibian government to strengthen the health sector. This partnership has received support from the Japanese government, amounting to up to USD 2 million from 2019 to 2024, for various contemporary issues. He mentioned that the clinical handbook was developed as part of the 2024 project titled Increasing Access to Quality Nutrition and Protection Services for Vulnerable Populations, including women and children, valued at USD 500,000.00. The aim was to enhance clinical care and promote safer, more patient-centred services.

Dr Richard Banda, WHO Representative, praised the Namibian government for its commitment to ending violence against children and expressed his gratitude for the partnership with the Government of Japan in turning this commitment into action.

He further stressed the need to strengthen the health sector’s response to violence against children within the broader child protection framework. Dr. Banda highlighted that early detection and intervention are vital in addressing child maltreatment, and that healthcare professionals and social workers, because of their distinct roles, are essential in recognizing signs of abuse early. He concluded that early identification enables prompt intervention, preventing further harm and promoting the child’s overall well-being. Violence against children is a complex issue that requires collaboration among various professionals. 

The event was attended by hundreds of children from local schools in Swakopmund, including youth leaders from various organizations. WHO will continue to partner with the government in strengthening the capacity of the health workforce to address violence against children.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Namibia.

Source: APO

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The Eritrean Aviation School has provided theoretical and practical training to 63 members of Asmara International Airport over the course of one year.

The training covered topics such as security awareness and systems, radio and equipment maintenance, flight control, and meteorology.

Noting that the aviation industry is dynamic, Mr. Simon Araya, Director of the School, emphasized the significance of the training. He also stated that Asmara International Airport, with a view to enhancing the capacity of its staff, is conducting continuous capacity-building programs both with internal capacity and by inviting trainers from abroad.

Indicating that the training program is directly related to the safety of passengers and aircraft, Mr. Bereket Berhane, General Director of Asmara International Airport, congratulated the trainees and urged them to apply the knowledge they gained in their daily activities.

In related news, training on administration and leadership, as well as financial management and documentation, has been provided to 80 workers in the Hagaz Sub-Zone. The training was attended by area administrators, managing directors, and staff members of the Hagaz sub-zone and municipality.

The program covered human resource management, documentation, procurement and auction procedures, material management, budgeting, financial management, and workplace ethics, among others.

Col. Kibrom Nirayo, Director General of Administration and Finance in the Anseba Region, underscored the significance of the training and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to deliver timely and effective services to the public.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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President Isaias Afwerki and his delegation returned home in the early afternoon hours today, concluding a fruitful five-day visit to Egypt.

During his stay, President Isaias Afwerki held extensive discussions with his counterpart, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, focusing on the consolidation of the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as well as on shared perspectives regarding regional issues and the security of the Red Sea.

President Isaias also attended the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which was graced by representatives from 79 countries, including 39 heads of State and Government.

In an interview with Egypt’s Cairo News television yesterday, President Isaias referred to the historical ties between Eritrea and Egypt, which have strengthened over time, and highlighted their closely aligned positions on various regional and international issues.

President Isaias further underlined the imperative for countries of the region to work together to promote peace and security and to foil harmful external interferences.

The presidential delegation included Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The NEPAD-Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF), a multi-donor special fund hosted by the African Development Bank (https://AfDB.org/), has successfully held its 40th Oversight Committee  Meeting  to take stock of progress and chart a renewed course for Africa’s regional infrastructure transformation.

The meeting, held online on 27th October 2025, brought together donor representatives, partner institutions, Regional Economic Communities and implementing agencies. It coincided with the 20th anniversary of NEPAD-IPPF, marking two decades of partnership, knowledge, and impact in advancing Africa’s regional connectivity agenda.

The committee reviewed and approved the NEPAD-IPPF 2024 Annual Report, the 2025 Mid-Year Report and Technical Assistance Fund Activities. It endorsed the proposed 2026 Work Programme and Technical Assistance Fund,  with an envelope of USD 16 million focused on accelerating the preparation of regional infrastructure projects under PIDA-PAP 2 and deepening collaboration with stakeholders.

Since its inception, NEPAD-IPPF has supported 113 regional projects across energy, transport, ICT, and water, committing over $124 million in project preparation and helping to mobilize more than $13 billion in downstream investment.

For Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development Department at the African Development Bank, it was a moment to celebrate enduring collaboration and renewed ambition. He noted that NEPAD-IPPF’s achievements are made possible through the steadfast support of donors.

“At the heart of NEPAD-IPPF’s operations are our valued partners — the Regional Economic Communities, Power Pools, Corridor Authorities, and Regional Specialized Agencies,”  Salawou said.

The facility’s evolving role in accelerating corridor development and bankable project pipelines is aligned with the G20 Regional Project Preparation Toolkit and the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP 2), Salawou said.

Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré, Canada’s Permanent Observer to the African Union and Special Envoy for Africa who participated in the meeting, reaffirmed Canada’s longstanding partnership with NEPAD-IPPF. “Canada’s continued engagement in NEPAD-IPPF aligns closely with our broader priorities for Africa—particularly our commitment to inclusive economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development,” Diendéré said.

Birgit Pickel, Director-General for Africa (BMZ), commended NEPAD-IPPF for its impressive track record in driving regional infrastructure development.  She said since its inception, the Fund has supported the preparation of more than 60 infrastructure projects, half of which have reached financial closure and are now under construction or completed. “These efforts have helped catalyze over USD13 billion in investment commitments, demonstrating the Facility’s strong ability to turn technical studies into bankable and impactful projects.”

Other donor countries participating in the session included Spain and the United Kingdom, who commended the Fund’s achievements and its work in advancing Africa’s infrastructure agenda through sound governance, effective partnerships, and tangible results.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

Technical contact:
Kareen Njounkwe
NEPAD-IPPF Coordinator
email: knjounkwe@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

About  NEPAD-IPPF:
NEPAD-IPPF provides financial and technical assistance to African countries, Regional Economic Communities and Specialized Agencies to prepare viable and bankable regional infrastructure projects across the energy, transport, information technology and communication (ICT), and trans-boundary water sectors. The Facility pools resources from multiple donors to support early-stage project preparation and strengthen Africa’s infrastructure investment pipeline.

Click here (https://apo-opa.co/4nJhLl3) to learn more. 

Source: APO – Report:

Speaking at the opening of the 25th Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar (ATFS) in Abidjan, Ms Gwen Mwaba, Managing Director for Trade Finance and Correspondent Banking at Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com), called for stronger trade finance capabilities and deeper collaboration among African financial institutions to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent. 

“Africa is richly endowed with natural resources such as minerals, hydrocarbons, agricultural commodities, and a growing array of value-added opportunities across energy, metals, and logistics. These resources present immense potential for development when they are financed responsibly, efficiently, and with rigorous risk management. To translate this potential into tangible outcomes, we need banks and financial institutions that are not only risk-aware but structurally proficient,” said Ms Mwaba. 

She emphasized the pivtal role of skilled financial professionals in shaping Africa’s trade future and the importance of capacity building in translating Africa’s abundant natural and human resources into tangible economic development. 

“Well-trained bankers with sophisticated deal-structuring capabilities can tailor financing to capital-intensive value chains and align project finance with local development needs and environmental safeguards,” said Ms Mwaba. 

“Trade finance built on trust, risk assessment, and liquidity remains the lifeblood of commerce, investment, and job creation. Our collective task is to ensure that this lifeblood flows reliably to the firms that need it and that its benefits are broadly shared.” 

The opening ceremony was attended by among others representatives from the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, including Mr. Patrick Olivier Daipo, Deputy Director of Cabinet, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Ministry of Trade, Mr Chalouho Coulibaly, National Director of  the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) who represented Dr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governor, BCEAO, and Mr. Jérôme Ahua, Deputy Managing Director of BNI Bank who also represented the Bankers Association.  

Now in its 25th year, this annual Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar is Afreximbank’s flagship capacity-building programme providing training for thousands of African bankers, lenders, financiers and policymakers since its inception. This year’s edition marks a major milestone: a quarter-century of empowering African financial professionals and deepening the continent’s expertise in structuring and delivering trade finance solutions. 

Highlighting Afreximbank’s leadership in Africa’s trade finance ecosystem, Ms. Mwaba said that the Bank has, over more than three decades, built a portfolio of programmes and facilities supporting regional integration, value addition, and job creation. These include: 

• Large-scale financing for export-oriented sectors and trade-enabling infrastructure; 
• Innovative risk-sharing and credit enhancement tools to mobilize private capital; 
• Specialized facilities for commodity and project finance aligned with environmental and social safeguards; and 
• Targeted capacity-building programmes to strengthen the skills of African bankers and policymakers. 

The Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar will explore key themes shaping the future of trade finance in Africa, including the role of digitalisation, data, technology and transparency; robust risk management in an increasingly volatile global environment; and the importance of collaboration among banks, multilateral development institutions, fintechs, exporters, and policymakers to create scalable and sustainable solutions. 

Concluding her address, Ms. Mwaba expressed confidence that the discussions in Abidjan would lead to tangible outcomes and further strengthen Africa’s trade finance ecosystem. 

The Afreximbank Trade Finance Seminar runs from 4–6 November 2025 in Abidjan under the theme, “Strengthening Trade Finance Capabilities for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Africa”. The Seminar will be followed by a one-day Factoring Workshop on 7 November 2025. 

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
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