Journée Mondiale des Compétences des Jeunes : Les jeunes africains citent l’insuffisance de formation et le manque d’expérience professionnelle comme principaux obstacles à l’emploi des jeunes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

D’après les récents résultats de l’enquête Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org), les jeunes africains considèrent le manque de formation adéquate et le manque d’expérience professionnelle comme les principaux obstacles à l’emploi des jeunes. 

D’après des enquêtes nationales représentatives menées dans 38 pays africains en 2024/2025, la création d’emplois est la priorité absolue des jeunes en matière d’investissement public pour les aider, suivie par l’éducation, la formation professionnelle, l’accès aux prêts aux entreprises et les services sociaux. 

Si on leur donnait le choix entre différents secteurs d’activité, la majorité des jeunes africains préféreraient créer leur propre entreprise plutôt que de travailler dans le secteur public, l’industrie ou le secteur à but non lucratif. 

Plus de la moitié des jeunes africains déclarent avoir au moins un peu envisagé d’émigrer dans un autre pays, principalement pour des raisons économiques. La recherche d’un emploi et de meilleures opportunités professionnelles ainsi que le désir d’échapper aux difficultés économiques et à la pauvreté figurent parmi les principaux facteurs qui motivent ce projet de départ. 

Résultats clés 

  • En moyenne, à travers 38 pays africains, au moins la moitié des jeunes (50% des 18-25 ans et 54% des 26-35 ans) expriment une préférence pour l’entrepreneuriat plutôt que pour le travail dans le secteur public (25%), le secteur privé (13%) ou les organisations non gouvernementales (6%) (Figure 1). 
     
  • Interrogés sur les principaux obstacles empêchant les jeunes d’accéder à l’emploi (outre la conjoncture économique générale et la rareté des emplois), les répondants de tous âges pointent principalement du doigt les lacunes structurelles en matière de compétences et de formation (Figure 2). 
    • Le manque de formation adéquate apparaît comme le principal obstacle, cité par environ un quart (26%-27%) des jeunes, suivi du manque d’expérience professionnelle (19%-20%). D’autres évoquent la réticence des jeunes à occuper certains emplois, comme ceux dans l’agriculture ou les emplois « difficiles » (14%-15%), l’inadéquation entre la formation et les besoins des employeurs (14%) et le manque de compétences entrepreneuriales et de motivation chez les jeunes (11%). 
  • Près de la moitié (48%) des jeunes africains estiment que le gouvernement devrait orienter les dépenses consacrées aux programmes jeunesse vers la création d’emplois. Des minorités moins importantes privilégieraient l’éducation (17%), la formation professionnelle (14%), les prêts aux entreprises (13%) et les services sociaux (8%) (Figure 3)
     
  • . Plus de la moitié (55%) des jeunes citoyens ont au moins « un peu » pensé à émigrer, dont plus de quatre sur 10 (43%) qui l’ont envisagé « quelque peu » ou « beaucoup » (Figure 4). 
    • Plus de six jeunes sur 10 ont envisagé l’émigration « quelque peu » ou « beaucoup » en La Gambie (67%), au Cabo-Verde (66%), au Libéria (66%), en Guinée-Bissau (65%) et au Ghana (63%). 
  • Les facteurs économiques sont les principales raisons qui motivent les jeunes à envisager l’émigration : La plupart citent la recherche de meilleures opportunités d’emploi (52%), la volonté d’échapper aux difficultés économiques (18%) et la pauvreté (9%) ou d’autres facteurs économiques (6%) (Figure 5). 

L’enquête Afrobarometer 

Afrobarometer est un réseau panafricain et non-partisan de recherche par sondage qui produit des données fiables sur les expériences et appréciations des Africains, relatives à la démocratie, à la gouvernance et à la qualité de vie. Dix rounds d’enquêtes ont été réalisés dans un maximum de 45 pays depuis 1999. Les enquêtes du Round 10 (2024/2025) couvrent 38 pays. Les Partenaires Nationaux d’Afrobarometer réalisent des entretiens en face à face dans la langue de choix du répondant avec des échantillons représentatifs au niveau national qui produisent des résultats nationaux avec des marges d’erreur de +/-2 à +/-3 points de pourcentage à un taux de confiance de 95%. 

Cette analyse portant sur 38 pays repose sur 50.961 entretiens. Les données sont pondérées afin de garantir des échantillons représentatifs au niveau national. Pour le calcul des moyennes internationales, tous les pays sont pondérés de manière égale (et non proportionnellement à leur population).

Distribué par APO Group pour Afrobarometer.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter : 
Hassana Diallo 
Chargé des communications d’Afrobarometer pour l’Afrique francophone 
Téléphone : +221 77 713 72 53 
Email : hdiallo@afrobarometer.org 
Visitez-nous sur www.Afrobarometer.org

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World Youth Skills Day: Young Africans cite inadequate training, lack of work experience as main barriers to youth employment

Source: APO

African youth identify inadequate training and a lack of required job experience as the leading barriers to youth employment, the latest Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) survey findings reveal.

Based on nationally representative surveys in 38 African countries in 2024/2025, job creation is young people’s top priority for greater government investment to help youth, followed by education, jobs training, access to business loans, and social services.

Given a choice of employment sectors, a majority of young Africans would prefer to start their own business rather than be employed in government, industry, or the nonprofit sector.

More than half of young Africans say they have given at least “a little bit” of thought to moving to another country to live, mostly for economic reasons. Young citizens mention finding work, pursuing better business opportunities, escaping economic hardship or poverty, and other economic factors as primary considerations for thinking about moving abroad.

Key findings

  • On average across 38 African countries, at least half of youth (50% of 18- to 25-year-olds and 54% of 26- to 35-year-olds) express a preference for entrepreneurship over working in the public sector (25%), the private sector (13%), or for nongovernmental organisations (6%) (Figure 1).
     
  • When asked about the main barriers preventing young people from accessing employment (aside from general economic conditions and job scarcity), respondents of all ages point primarily to structural gaps in skills and training (Figure 2).
    • Lack of adequate training emerges as the top barrier, cited by about one-quarter (26%-27%) of young respondents, followed by lack of work experience (19%-20%). Others point to youth unwillingness to work certain jobs, such as those in agriculture or “difficult” jobs (14%-15%), a skills mismatch between training and employers’ needs (14%), and a lack of entrepreneurial skills and motivation among young people (11%).
       
  • Nearly half (48%) of young Africans say that the government should direct spending on youth programmes toward job creation. Smaller minorities would prioritise education (17%), jobs training (14%), business loans (13%), and social services (8%) (Figure 3).
     
  • More than half (55%) of young citizens have given at least “a little bit” of thought to moving to another country to live, including more than four in 10 (43%) who have considered it “somewhat” or “a lot” (Figure 4).
    • More than six in 10 young people have considered emigration “somewhat” or “a lot” in The Gambia (67%), Cabo Verde (66%), Liberia (66%), Guinea-Bissau (65%), and Ghana (63%).
  • Economic factors dominate as young people’s primary motivation for considering emigration: Most cite better job opportunities (52%), escaping economic hardship (18%), escaping poverty/destitution (9%), or other economic factors (6%) (Figure 5).

Afrobarometer surveys

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys cover 38 countries surveyed in 2024/2025. Afrobarometer’s National Partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice that yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

This 38-country analysis is based on 50,961 interviews. The data are weighted to ensure nationally representative samples. When reporting multi-country averages, all countries are weighted equally (rather than in proportion to population size).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Asafika Mpako
Communications coordinator for Southern Africa
Email: ampako@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +27 83 979 8299
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Ebola outbreak response needs urgent scale-up after two months

Source: APO

  • The Ebola disease outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo continues to outpace response efforts.
  • In two months, this outbreak has become the third largest, and fastest growing, Ebola disease outbreak on record.
  • Expanded international support is urgently needed to ensure the response is adequately resourced.

Two months after the Ebola disease outbreak was officially declared in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), there have more than 2,000 confirmed cases and 750 deaths. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling for an urgent scale-up of the medical response. The epidemic continues to spread at an unprecedented pace and into new areas, while efforts to control it remain insufficient.

“Every delay costs lives. We are still chasing the outbreak instead of staying ahead of it,” says Trish Newport, MSF emergency programme manager. “More people become infected, more families lose loved ones, and the epidemic becomes harder to contain. We need stronger, more coordinated international action to move faster and improve access to both Ebola care and other essential health services.”

In just two months, the current Ebola disease outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has become the third largest, and the fastest growing, Ebola outbreak on record. In less than five weeks, the number of confirmed cases has tripled, from 650 to nearly 2,000 as of 12 July.

The number of deaths has increased more than fivefold, from 130 to over 700. The epidemic has already exceeded half the number of cases recorded during DRC’s 2018–2020 Ebola outbreak, which lasted almost two years.

The situation is particularly alarming, as the outbreak continues to expand geographically. Limited access to medical care, an overstretched surveillance system, and increasing pressure on treatment centres mean that entire communities outside of major urban areas remain without adequate support.

MSF is calling on health authorities and humanitarian organisations to swiftly increase resources across all aspects of the Ebola response, including community engagement, surveillance, testing and diagnosis, patient care, survivor support, and the safe and dignified management of bodies and burials. This must be done while ensuring that other urgent health needs are also addressed.

Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak, accounts for approximately 90 per cent of all confirmed cases. 

“In Mongbwalu [in Ituri], we are seeing the deadly human consequences of these gaps every day,” says Ayokunnu Raji, doctor and MSF medical program manager. “At the ebola treatment centre, we continue to see patients arriving in critical condition, little chance of survival.” 

“Since MSF started its Ebola response activities, we have treated 57 survivors, but more than 110 patients have died,” says Raji. “Increased national and international resources would help prevent further transmission and loss of life.”

​​“In Bunia, the 90-bed Elikiya Ebola treatment centre is almost always operating at full capacity. People regularly tell us they prefer to wait at home and come only when a bed becomes available,” says Sylvie Kaczmarczyk, MSF emergency coordinator in Bunia. “As a result, we continue to receive patients who arrive late and are already critically ill.”

“It is devastating to know that many of these deaths could have been prevented through earlier diagnosis and timely access to care and treatment,” says Kaczmarczyk.

Bringing the response closer to communities

While other medical organisations are working alongside the Ministry of Health in eastern DRC, significant gaps remain. 

DRC’s surveillance system is designed to detect cases early through strong community networks and the local health system. However, the current Ebola disease outbreak, combined with multiple other disease threats, has pushed the system to its limits. 

The key to slowing and ultimately stopping the spread of the epidemic is to bring the response closer to communities while boosting the medical response and surveillance system, so that cases can be identified and isolated as early as possible. Efforts to expand testing, contact tracing, and community engagement must also continue.

The authorities in DRC and other countries are applying movement restrictions, including border closures, self-monitoring requirements and measures affecting humanitarian personnel, that create additional challenges for placing and rotating specialised Ebola staff. 

MSF currently runs seven Ebola treatment centres and more than 15 isolation units across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo provinces, with a combined capacity of more than 430 beds. Since the beginning of the outbreak and up to 14 July, our teams had admitted more than 968 patients, including 357 confirmed cases.

We have also supported the recovery of 116 survivors, following treatment and care. In addition, MSF supports the Ministry of Health with surveillance and detection activities, community engagement, training, and efforts to ensure safe access to other essential healthcare services.

Ebola: a crisis amid multiple emergencies

The Ebola outbreak is unfolding in a context of armed conflict, displacement, and multiple concurrent health emergencies. Insecurity continues to restrict access to some communities, while MSF teams are simultaneously responding to other urgent medical needs, including cholera and malaria. The approaching rainy season is also expected to drive a surge in malaria cases, placing further strain on an already overstretched health system.

It is crucial to accelerate efforts to improve access to Ebola care while ensuring the provision of other basic humanitarian assistance, including healthcare and water and sanitation services. 

“We cannot continue responding to the epidemic with the same limited resources while it continues to outpace us,” says Newport. “Only a robust, adequately resourced medical response that truly reflects the scale of needs on the ground can prevent this outbreak from becoming a crisis beyond our ability to contain. To achieve that, expanded international support is urgently needed.​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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African SaaS Leader Becomes Seamless Technologies, Unveils Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Financial Solutions

Source: APO


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SeamlessHR (www.SeamlessHR.com), a leading African HR technology company, today announced its evolution into Seamless Technologies, a strategic transition driven by the company’s expansion into AI and financial services and its ambition to build a broader technology platform serving businesses and workers across Africa. 

Having established itself as a market leader in HR technology, Seamless Technologies is extending its capabilities beyond workforce management to address one of the continent’s most significant challenges: access to financial services. Working with partners, the company is enabling businesses and their employees to access financial solutions directly within the flow of work, creating new opportunities for financial inclusion, operational efficiency, and business growth.

Under the new corporate structure, Seamless Technologies operates through three core verticals: SeamlessHR, its flagship workforce management platform; Breeze, an embedded financial service that gives businesses and workers access to Employee Self-Service, financial solutions including payroll financing, earned wage access, and lifestyle services; and SeamlessProcure, a procurement solution designed to streamline enterprise purchasing and vendor management.

As part of this evolution, Seamless Technologies is expanding its workforce technology portfolio with the launch of BWOP (Blue Collar Operations Platform), a solution built for organisations managing frontline and shift-based workforces. Together with SeamlessHR’s existing platform for office-based teams, BWOP enables the company to support the full spectrum of workforce operations, helping businesses digitise attendance, payroll, workforce records, communication, and employee self-service regardless of where work happens.

Supporting these products is Samira, the company’s artificial intelligence layer, designed to help organisations and employees automate tasks, access insights, and interact more intelligently with technology across the Seamless ecosystem.

Commenting on the transition, Dr Emmanuel Okeleji, CEO and Co-Founder of Seamless Technologies, said, “This evolution reflects a much bigger opportunity than HR technology alone. As we looked at the challenges facing businesses and workers across Africa, it became clear that access to finance sits at the centre of economic participation and productivity. Our expansion into financial services is a natural extension of our mission, and Seamless Technologies gives us the platform to solve these challenges at a much larger scale.”

Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder Deji Lana added, “The future belongs to platforms that connect people, work, and financial services in a seamless way. Through financial solutions, artificial intelligence, and our growing suite of products, we are building infrastructure that helps businesses operate more efficiently and enables workers to access more opportunities.”

Irfan Keshavjee, Chairman of the Advisory Board, said, “The transition to Seamless Technologies reflects the company’s maturity and ambition. Having built a leading position in HR technology, the business is now entering a much larger addressable market with the capabilities to create long-term value across multiple sectors.”

The transition provides a unified corporate identity designed to support product expansion and international market entry, while enabling individual product brands to maintain clear positioning and operational focus.

The move reflects the company’s long-term commitment to building technology infrastructure that supports productivity, access, and enables prosperity for working Africans. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SeamlessHR.

About Seamless Technologies:
Seamless Technologies is a technology platform company building infrastructure for work, finance, and empowering working Africans.

The company operates through four business verticals: SeamlessHR, BWOP (Blue Collar Operations Platform) for frontline workforces, SeamlessProcure, and Breeze, supported by Samira, its artificial intelligence layer. Together, these solutions help organisations and individuals manage work, access financial services, streamline operations, and navigate everyday life more seamlessly.

Serving more than 1,500 medium and large organisations across multiple markets, Seamless Technologies helps businesses manage people, access financial services, streamline operations, and improve productivity through a connected technology ecosystem.

Headquartered in Nigeria with operations in Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya, Seamless Technologies continues to expand its presence across the continent while building solutions designed for the realities of the African market.

The company has raised over $20 million in funding to accelerate innovation across its platform and advance its mission of expanding access, improving efficiency, and creating economic opportunity for businesses and workers across Africa.

Government Considers Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Recruitment For Skilled Ugandans Repatriated From South Africa

Source: APO


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The Government of Uganda is considering recruiting skilled Ugandans recently repatriated from South Africa into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as part of wider efforts to reintegrate them into the country’s workforce and harness their expertise for national development.

​The Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, said he would engage the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on the possibility of recruiting qualified returnees who have expressed interest in serving in the military.

Lt. Gen. Tumukunde made the remarks on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, while delivering a lecture on employment and reintegration opportunities to more than 1,000 returnees currently undergoing rehabilitation and ideological orientation at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi.

During the interactive session, many of the returnees expressed a desire to join the UPDF, citing their professional experience in driving, forensic investigations, machine operation, and other technical fields.

“We have many of them who are drivers, and I think the army wouldn’t mind having professional drivers. We shall discuss with General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has been very helpful in bringing these people back, to see whether we can absorb some of them directly because they are very skilled,” Lt. Gen. Tumukunde said.

He noted that many of the returnees had worked as Uber drivers and in other specialised occupations in South Africa, making them a valuable human resource for Uganda.

According to the minister, the 1,030 Ugandans currently undergoing the re-entry programme at Kyankwanzi, including 331 children, represent a significant pool of skills acquired while living and working abroad.

“I must say that this is a very big pool of skilled people, ranging from plumbers, refrigeration and cooling systems technicians, dog handlers and trainers, machine operators, and many other professions,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Tumukunde said the government had initially anticipated challenges in reintegrating the returnees but had instead found a disciplined, resilient, and highly skilled group capable of making meaningful contributions to the country’s socio-economic transformation.

“I came here worried that we were going to receive people who would struggle to fit into our society, but I am extremely impressed. Despite what we are calling a bad experience, Uganda is receiving back people with valuable skills,” he said.

He added that the government intends to identify highly skilled individuals and facilitate their involvement in training fellow Ugandans, while supporting others to establish businesses through existing government empowerment programmes.

“We shall ensure that those who are highly skilled are supported to teach others. Those who want to start businesses will receive assistance, and we are also organising them into a pool of skilled workers so that Ugandans can easily access their services,” he said.

The minister highlighted several government initiatives that will support the returnees, including the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and Emyooga.

He also urged the returnees to remain law-abiding citizens as they reintegrate into society.

“I warned them about lawlessness because South Africa has developed tendencies towards lawlessness. That is not something we are going to accommodate here,” Lt. Gen. Tumukunde said.

Expressing optimism about Uganda’s capacity to receive more citizens returning home, he said the government remains committed to welcoming all Ugandans who choose to return.

“Enjovu teremererwa masanga gaayo’ (An elephant is never burdened by its own tusks). We shall receive them. They are in a very good mood, very impressive, and they will receive certificates after completing this re-entry course,” he added.

The minister further observed that although reports indicate that about one million Ugandans are living in South Africa, only about 1,000 have so far returned under the first phase of the voluntary repatriation exercise.

“We need to be even more receptive to their return,” he said.

Speaking on Africa’s future, Lt. Gen. Tumukunde emphasised that the continent’s development must remain the responsibility of Africans.

“Either way, the business of developing Africa is ours,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the NRM Chapter in South Africa, Mr. Luzige Isma, appealed to Ugandans still living in South Africa who wish to return home to remain calm and patient as the government prepares subsequent phases of the voluntary repatriation programme.

He urged them to stay safe and continue following official communication from the Government of Uganda.

The rehabilitation and ideological orientation programme at NALI Kyankwanzi is being coordinated by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps under the leadership of Commissioner Hellen Seku.

The day’s programme also featured presentations by the Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, Mr. Alan Kasujja, and the Uganda Police Force spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, who guided the returnees on responsible citizenship, personal security, crime prevention, and the responsible use of social media as they prepare to reintegrate into Ugandan society.

The returnees are expected to complete the programme on Friday, July 17, 2026, during a pass-out ceremony to be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who spearheaded the repatriation initiative following the recent xenophobic violence in South Africa.

The programme is designed to provide ideological orientation, facilitate the returnees’ successful reintegration into Ugandan society, and connect them with government programmes that promote employment, skills development, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

Sudan: “War economy” sustains conflict, United Nations (UN) report warns

Source: APO


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Sudan’s war economy is helping to sustain the three-year-long conflict, exposing global supply chains to serious human rights risks, a UN Human Rights Office report published on Wednesday warns. It calls on all parties to the conflict, and States and corporations involved in Sudan’s gum arabic value chain, to ensure compliance with international law.

As the costs of sustaining military operations have grown, warring parties have relied on the control and exploitation of territory, trade routes and commodities to generate revenue — contributing to what the report describes as an “increasingly self-perpetuating” conflict.

“Sudan’s vast wealth of natural resources should benefit its people. Distressingly, what we are seeing today is anything but that. In fact, this wealth is only serving to undermine human rights and drive conflict, bringing pain and suffering on an enormous scale,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

“This war economy must be disrupted, and the international community must pay much closer attention to the commodities and trade routes that help keep it alive.”

The report specifically examines the trade in gum arabic – a key ingredient in products such as soft drinks, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals – as a case study on the adverse human rights impacts of Sudan’s war economy. Although modest in export value compared with other commodities, gum arabic remains one of Sudan’s most internationally relied-upon exports, accounting for roughly 70 to 80 per cent of global crude gum arabic exports before the war.

Gum arabic remains an important source of income for millions of Sudanese. Yet, the report finds that many individuals and families who depend on, or are linked to, the gum arabic trade have faced threats to their physical safety, arbitrary detention, looting and extortion, including through actions by parties to the conflict and associated actors.

Large-scale looting and conflict-related disruptions of the gum arabic value chain have also adversely affected the livelihoods and working conditions of individuals involved in it. In May 2025, for example, the Gum Arabic Exchange and its warehouses, as well as parts of the wider market in El-Nuhud, West Kordofan, were reportedly looted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) when stocks were full and ready for export, severely disrupting local trade and affecting livelihoods linked to the sector.

Since the conflict began in 2023, Sudan’s gum arabic trade has been increasingly reshaped by territorial fragmentation, with some quantities from areas controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) moving toward Port Sudan for export, while significant quantities from areas controlled by the RSF have been redirected through cross-border smuggling routes to neighbouring countries.

The report points to the role of neighbouring and transit States in the onward movement of Sudanese gum arabic. It warns that Sudanese gum arabic may enter customs or commercial export channels and, in some cases, be treated, documented or traded as locally produced, making its origin difficult to verify.

The UN Human Rights Chief stressed that international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, provide a framework for action. He urged States and companies linked to trade in Sudanese commodities, including gum arabic, to take stronger action to ensure that trade and export practices do not contribute to adverse human rights impacts or to sustaining the conflict.

Türk called on States to strengthen accountability, traceability, regulatory oversight and access to remedy. He also urged companies to act in line with their responsibility to respect human rights.

“Companies cannot continue business as usual when sourcing from conflict-affected value chains,” Türk said. “They should undertake heightened, conflict-sensitive human rights due diligence, including stronger scrutiny of routes, intermediaries, documentation and possible re-labelling, and ensure that affected people have access to safe and effective grievance and response mechanisms.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

SRCC Ambassador Diene congratulates Somalia on Somali Youth Day

Source: APO


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The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, has congratulated the people and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) on the commemoration of the 83rd anniversary of the Somali Youth League (SYL).

In his message marking Somali Youth Day commemorated annually on 15 May, Amb. Diene paid tribute to the Somali Youth League for its historic contribution to the country’s struggle for independence and nation-building.

“The Somali Youth League played a defining role in Somalia’s journey to independence, inspiring generations through its courage, patriotism and commitment to unity,” he said.

The SRCC also commended Somali youth for their continued contribution to peacebuilding, reconciliation, stability and national development, describing them as a driving force behind Somalia’s progress and future aspirations.

“Somali youth continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation and determination in advancing peace and development across the country. Their role remains crucial in shaping a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Somalia,” Amb. Diene noted, urging the youth to continue promoting dialogue, unity and positive change as Somalia advances on its path towards lasting stability and prosperity.

He reaffirmed AUSSOM’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at empowering young people and strengthening their participation in governance, peace and development processes.

Somalia commemorates Somali Youth Day every year on 15 May in honour of the founding of the Somali Youth League, the country’s first political party, which played a central role in the struggle for independence during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

In Search of Unstoppable Africans, Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) Invites Nominations from Across the Continent

Source: APO

The search is on for “Unstoppable Africans”. The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (www.GABI.UNGlobalImpact.org) has opened nominations for a new community-led campaign to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers whose ideas, leadership and actions are driving Africa’s economic transformation.

This global call to action leads into Unstoppable Africa 2026, GABI’s flagship event in New York from 20–21 September, co-convened by the United Nations and African Union and organized by the UN Global Compact.

Building on the momentum of the four previous Unstoppable Africa convenings, the campaign aims to recognize the business people whose work reflects the innovation, resilience and leadership driving Africa’s growth today.  An Unstoppable African is someone whose vision, courage, or actions are rewriting what is possible in their community, industry, country or continent. GABI is calling on people everywhere to propose business leaders who are driving meaningful change and influencing Africa’s present and future.

The campaign will spotlight changemakers across five areas: Energy, Digital Transformation, Trade, Creative Industries and Sports. The Energy category honours leaders driving Africa’s move to sustainable, reliable and affordable energy solutions. Digital Transformation celebrates those advancing Africa’s digital economy through technology, innovation and digital infrastructure. Trade recognises individuals creating economic opportunity, strengthening regional trade and helping African businesses grow. The Creative Industries celebrates those building sustainable businesses across film, music, fashion, art and design while strengthening Africa’s creative economy. Sports recognises athletes, investors, administrators and innovators using sports to create jobs, grow industries and unlock economic opportunity across the continent.

Through #UnstoppableAfricans, GABI is creating a global platform to amplify the people whose leadership and ideas are helping shape Africa’s future but whose stories are not always widely recognised.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, highlighted the spirit of the initiative: “With 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies in Africa, the continent’s contribution to business, trade and investment continues to grow. Every day, African entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders are shaping industries, driving markets and strengthening economies. Through the Unstoppable Africans campaign, we want to recognize these changemakers, celebrate their achievements and provide a global platform to share their stories. We encourage people across Africa and around the world to nominate the individuals whose work deserves to be seen and recognized.”

How to Nominate

  • Opening date: July 15, 2026
  • Closing date: September 9, 2026
  • Who can nominate: Anyone may nominate themselves or someone else whose ideas, leadership or work are driving business, investment, innovation or economic opportunity across one or more of the campaign’s five focus areas.
  • Complete the nomination form here: Nominate your Unstoppable African (https://apo-opa.co/4bM3CAj)

Following the close of nominations, GABI will identify five changemakers, one from each focus area, to be featured in the #UnstoppableAfricans storytelling series ahead of Unstoppable Africa 2026. Their stories will be shared with a global audience of business leaders, investors, policymakers and partners, showcasing the people helping shape Africa’s future. Under the theme: ‘Powering Business, Scaling Economies, Shaping the Future’, Unstoppable Africa, GABI’s flagship event, will take place at the Marriott Marquis in New York on Sunday and Monday September 20-21.  

For a chance to attend the Unstoppable Africa 2026 event in person in September, please register here: https://events.unglobalcompact.org/unstoppableafrica26/rta (https://apo-opa.co/4gFdQ8Z).

Follow the latest developments at www.GABI.UNGlobalImpact.org and (136) Unstoppable Africa — YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wBAeF4)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.

Media Enquiries: 
Ekene Nwakonobi
Ekene.Nwakonobi@apo-opa.com
 
Tel: +(234) 90 2130 8781

Journalists wishing to cover Unstoppable Africa 2026 can apply for media accreditation here – https://apo-opa.com/unstoppable-africa-2026/

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President Ramaphosa to drive investment, regional ties and Mandela Day initiatives

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa to drive investment, regional ties and Mandela Day initiatives

President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a busy programme from Thursday to Saturday, with engagements focused on investment, industrialisation, regional cooperation and improving access to basic services.

On Thursday, the President will attend the Toyota Hilux Line-Off Ceremony at Toyota South Africa Motors’ manufacturing plant in Prospecton, Durban.

The event marks the commencement of local production of Toyota’s latest-generation Hilux model.

Toyota’s R10.4 billion investment is expected to strengthen South Africa’s manufacturing capacity, improve export competitiveness and support job creation.

The Presidency said the investment reinforces South Africa’s position as a leading automotive manufacturing hub while demonstrating continued investor confidence in the country’s industrial sector.

During the visit, President Ramaphosa will tour the manufacturing facility and engage with business leaders.

President to address SEZ Awards Gala Dinner

Later on Thursday evening, President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Achievement Awards Gala Dinner at the Durban International Convention Centre.

The event celebrates the contribution of South Africa’s 12 designated Special Economic Zones to industrialisation, exports, investment attraction, job creation, skills development and technology transfer.

According to the Presidency, the programme has attracted more than R31 billion in investment from 224 companies, creating more than 28 000 direct jobs.

The awards will recognise excellence in leadership, governance, investment promotion, innovation, local procurement, export growth, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) integration and sustainable industrial development.

South Africa and Namibia strengthen strategic partnership

On Friday, President Ramaphosa will co-chair the fourth South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Pretoria.

The commission serves as the highest structured platform for bilateral cooperation between the neighbouring countries.

The Presidency said South Africa and Namibia share a long history of solidarity during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid and continue to work together to advance regional integration, Pan-Africanism and multilateral cooperation.

The two countries have concluded 75 bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding covering political cooperation, trade, defence and security, environmental management, science and technology, social development and the historic transfer of Walvis Bay.

The session will also include the South Africa–Namibia Business Forum under the theme: “Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa–Namibia Partnerships.”

More than 50 South African companies invested approximately US$1.2 billion in Namibia between 2023 and 2025, creating around 4 900 jobs across sectors including mining, banking, insurance, renewable energy and property.

Mandela Day programme targets water access

On Saturday, President Ramaphosa will officiate the launch of the Unserved Communities Access Acceleration Programme as part of activities marking Nelson Mandela International Day.

The programme is aimed at expanding access to water infrastructure in historically underserved communities.

The launch will take place in the Eastern Cape and Hammanskraal in Gauteng.

According to the Presidency, the programme supports the long-term objective of the Presidential Water Crisis Committee to provide sustainable, decentralised groundwater treatment solutions to rural and peri-urban communities.

The initiative forms part of government’s broader interventions to restore dignity, combat poverty and advance the 2026 Mandela Day themes of equality and active citizenship.

The Presidency said the programme aligns with the spirit of Nelson Mandela International Day, which encourages citizens to dedicate 67 minutes to community service in honour of the former President’s lifelong commitment to justice and equality. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa welcomes UN report reaffirming findings on Palestinian children in Gaza

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa welcomes UN report reaffirming findings on Palestinian children in Gaza

South Africa has welcomed the latest report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, saying it reaffirms previous findings that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and documents the devastating impact of the conflict on Palestinian children.

Addressing a media briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the report, published on 23 June 2026, details widespread violations committed against Palestinian children and reinforces concerns South Africa first raised before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023.

“South Africa has taken note of the latest report on Israel’s violations and crimes against… Palestinian children, published on 23 June 2026 by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel…” Magwenya said.

According to Magwenya, the commission found “a clear pattern of conduct”, in which Israeli forces directly targeted Palestinian children and inflicted severe physical and psychological harm through bombings, shootings, collapsing buildings, denial of medical care, food and water.

The commission further concluded that Israel created “living conditions that are fundamentally incompatible with the physical growth and intellectual development of children and the holistic environment necessary for children’s well-being”, while systematically restricting healthcare for newborns and attacking Palestinian education.

Magwenya said the findings confirm the concerns South Africa raised in its application before the ICJ.

“These findings unfortunately confirm that the risks South Africa warned about in its application to the International Court of Justice in December 2023 have materialised, and children are bearing the costs of the international community’s inaction,” he said. 

He noted that despite three provisional measures issued by the ICJ and two advisory opinions, little has changed on the ground.

“Rather than allowing aid in at scale, Israel has forced humanitarian organisations and human rights defenders to halt or scale back their work in the occupied Palestinian territory through ‘sustained harassment, threats, bans, sanctions and attacks on their reputations’, leaving Palestinian children ‘even less protected’ and risking the continuation of violations of their rights with impunity,” he said. 

Magwenya said South Africa would continue to pursue legal and diplomatic avenues in support of Palestinian self-determination and the protection of civilians.

“South Africa will continue to follow the example of the children of Soweto in 1976: to confront injustice with bravery,” he said. 

He added that meaningful healing cannot occur while the conflict continues.

“Most importantly, healing cannot take place during an on-going genocide, as it requires the continued existence of a group,” he said.

Magwenya expressed hope that the report would galvanise greater international action.

“As the news of the massacre in Soweto in 1976 catalysed a movement of broad international solidarity, perhaps the horrific practices now outlined in the Commission of Inquiry’s report will encourage a broader movement of solidarity and encourage more and more States to join South Africa and act with urgency,” the spokesperson said. – SAnews.gov.za

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