Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr.Ahmed Attaf, held Wednesday a phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi.

The call allowed the two sides to review the various dimensions of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Algeria and China and prospects for elevating it to new heights, particularly in economic areas, in line with the special attention both countries’ leadership gives to the relations.

The two ministers also discussed key issues on this month’s UN Security Council agenda, notably the issue of decolonization in Western Sahara.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Source: APO

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• No member of the Eswatini security forces has been held accountable for deploying tasers, teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against participants and passers-by in the June 2021 pro-democracy protests.
• Over four years have passed since scores of students, activists, and passers-by were killed, and hundreds more injured, and many victims are in difficult situations but have been denied access to remedies.
• The government of Eswatini should strengthen its policies and procedures to guard against, and prevent, further unjustified and disproportionate use of force by security and law enforcement, and provide prompt and effective remedies to victims and survivors.

Eswatini has failed to conduct an effective investigation and to ensure justice and accountability for the students, activists, and passers-by killed and injured by security forces’ use of disproportionate and lethal force during the June 2021 pro-democracy demonstrations, Human Rights Watch said today. Instead, the government has intensified its crackdown on dissenting views by arresting government critics on spurious charges, hindering peaceful assembly, and ignoring longstanding calls for democratic reforms.

The 26-page report, “You’ll Die Waiting for Justice,” confirms that the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force improperly used tear gas, and rubber bullets, and physically assaulted civilians during the June 2021 unrest. The security forces also shot indiscriminately at protesters and passers-by with live ammunition, killing scores of protesters and injuring hundreds more, including children. The findings shine a spotlight on the absence of accountability since then and the precarious and desperate situation for the victims, requiring urgent action to remedy their situation.

“It is appalling that more than four years later, the victims and survivors are living with the consequences of the brutality they suffered without any remedies for their rights violations” said Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The government of Eswatini should promptly embark on effective and comprehensive investigations into all unjustified and disproportionate use of force against civilians by police and military officers implicated in the June 2021 protests.”

Human Rights Watch interviewed 15 people in-person, 6 women and 9 men, in April 2025. The individuals interviewed are all Swati nationals, ages 18 to 68, who were 14 to 64 at the time of the protests. Three of those interviewed had lost loved ones, while 8 were direct victims of security force violence.

Human Rights Watch also interviewed four key stakeholders in Eswatini’s political landscape, including a trade union representative, a representative of a political party, a businessperson, and a human rights lawyer. These four stakeholders, and one of the victims interviewed, fled Eswatini to escape persecution for their political activism and are living in exile in South Africa.

One of the victims opened a case with authorities after police shot and killed her husband in 2021, but has heard nothing from them since and has no indication if the case is still open or progressing. Her situation is emblematic of many of the victims and survivors.

The findings also highlight the impact of the killing of Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer and champion for democratic reforms, on justice for victims and survivors. Maseko was fatally shot on January 21, 2023, while at his home in Luhleko. Maseko often took cases that other lawyers considered too risky, including the woman who opened a case about her husband’s killing, and often did so pro bono. Maseko’s killing has left victims and survivors whom he was representing feeling disillusioned with the criminal justice system and hopeless that they will ever see justice.

In October 2021, the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration had released a report stating that 46 people were killed —2 of whom were children — and 245 people had gunshot injuries, including 22 people with multiple gunshot injuries. According to the Commission, all victims identified the Eswatini security forces as having shot them, but the Commission itself made no conclusions on the identity of those responsible. The Commission recommended a full, independent investigation into the June 2021 unrest. No such investigation has since taken place. Civil society in Eswatini believe the report downplays the number of civilians killed. Some of these groups estimate that the number of people killed may be over 100.

International human rights law obligates countries to ensure accountability in cases of security forces’ use of force, in particular lethal force, by conducting effective investigations capable of identifying those responsible and leading to prosecutions and remedies for victims.

“Eswatini authorities should initiate formal support mechanisms for the June 2021 unrest, victim and survivor networks, and work with such networks to build a victim-centred program of reparations,” Masiko-Mpaka said. “There needs to be effective investigations into the use of lethal and other excessive force with public reporting on the findings, and appropriate prosecutions and other sanctions for those responsible.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Source: APO

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Dr. Lanciné Condé, Director General of Guinea-Conakry’s national oil company (NOC) Société Nationale des Pétroles de Guinée (SONAP), has joined the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition as a speaker. Taking place in Dakar from December 8 –10, the event brings together policymakers, investors and industry leaders from across the region to explore opportunities in exploration, infrastructure and regional cooperation.

During the event, Dr. Condé is expected to highlight Guinea-Conakry’s growing role within the regional energy landscape as well as the country’s efforts to leverage high-quality geological data and strong governance to unlock investment opportunities. The event offers a strategic opportunity for the NOC to engage potential investors to drive exploration and development opportunities forward.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasandPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As the NOC, SONAP plays a central role in advancing Guinea-Conakry’s ambitions to develop its emerging oil and gas sector. Under Dr. Condé’s leadership, the company has strengthened its technical capacity through the acquisition of cutting-edge geological and gas detection equipment, enabling more efficient evaluation of both onshore and offshore prospects. SONAP has also established the National Seismic Data Visualization Center in partnership with SLB and TGS, giving investors access to an extensive database of more than 15,000 km² of 3D and 45,000 km² of 2D seismic data – a crucial foundation for exploration activities.

Initial exploration campaigns have yielded promising results. Wells such as GU-2B-1 and Sabu-1 have confirmed the presence of a functioning petroleum system in the Upper Cretaceous formations, with evidence of mature source rocks, quality reservoirs and hydrocarbon shows. These findings align with the geological characteristics of the Atlantic Equatorial Margin, shared by prolific hydrocarbon provinces such as Guyana and Suriname.

To attract investment and enhance transparency, SONAP has implemented a national petroleum cadastre and identified 22 exploration blocks for future licensing rounds. In 2025, the company also launched tenders for a storage and product management platform and for ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications in quality and safety – measures that underscore SONAP’s commitment to operational excellence and investor-friendly governance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

Emirates (https://www.Emirates.com), the world’s largest international airline, marks 30 successful years of flying to Nairobi, Kenya. Since the inaugural flight in October 1995, Emirates has carried over 6.6 million passengers to and from the country, on over 34,250 flights.

Served with a double daily Boeing 777 service, Emirates connects Nairobi, one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, with over 145 countries on its vast global network, facilitating trade and tourism. In the last year, key inbound traffic has been from Asia and Australasia, including South Korea, China, Thailand and Australia as well as ultra-long-haul passengers travelling from the US. The outbound traffic is similar, with travellers from Kenya visiting destinations such as Shanghai and Beijing, China; Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; and Seattle, New York and Washington.

Further expanding their combined footprints, Emirates and Kenya’s flag carrier, Kenya Airways, signed an interline partnership in 2023, offering seamless one-ticket-itineraries and unlocking connectivity to some of the most in-demand tourist destinations in East Africa. In the last 2 years, 31,000 passengers have taken advantage of the partnership – with almost a 50/50 balance between Kenya Airways passengers and Emirates passengers. The most popular destinations Emirates passengers travel to beyond Nairobi are Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro), Mozambique and Burundi.

Commenting on the milestone anniversary, Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, said: “Since launch, Nairobi has been one of the most consistently busy destinations on our African network, not just with international tourists but with corporate travellers connecting with one of the continent’s major economic hubs. Over the last three decades, we have steadily and strategically expanded our operations both in the skies and on the ground to provide our renowned world-class experience in Kenya. We are proud to play a key role in Kenya’s aviation, tourism and trade journey and remain committed to the destination for the decades to come.”

Nairobi is home to Africa’s very first Emirates World (https://apo-opa.co/43AdhpA) travel store, which opened its doors and introduced the airline’s reimagined retail concept in 2024. Centrally located in the ultra-modern Cube, Riverside Drive, the store offers customers expert travel advice, immersive displays and the airline’s elevated experience.

Since the very first flight, Emirates has provided an outstanding passenger experience and, to date, remains the only airline serving Kenya with private, enclosed First Class cabins. The airline also offers one of the most generous baggage allowances on the market, starting at two bags at 23KG each in Economy and two bags at 32KG each in First and Business Class, per traveller. Passengers in every cabin can enjoy regionally inspired menus prepared by award-winning chefs, and over 6,500 channels of entertainment, including Kenyan movies, TV shows and music.

Kenya and the UAE have deep-rooted and mutually beneficial bilateral and economic relations, headlined by the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, has played a key role in facilitating global trade with Kenya, operating three weekly freighters into Nairobi, in addition to the bellyhold capacity in passenger aircraft. Kenya is one of the top four flower producing countries in the world, growing popular buds such as roses, carnations and chrysanthemums. In 2024, Emirates SkyCargo uplifted over 16,000 tonnes of fresh cut flowers, transporting them from farm to florist in as little as 24 hours.

Emirates also created employment opportunities, both with the 50-person strong staff in Nairobi and across its global operations. Over 1,100 Kenyans work with The Emirates Group in a variety of different roles, from HR, sales and marketing, through to flight deck. 254 of those employees work as part of Emirates’ multinational Cabin Crew community, and a further 41 are employed as pilots, travelling all over the globe with the world’s largest international airline.

Beyond its operations, Emirates supports three Kenyan humanitarian organisations focused on child welfare through the Emirates Airline Foundation. The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School provides holistic education and rehabilitation for children, and the Foundation has supported its meal programme since 2014; Alfajiri Street Kids offers a safe space and a range of programmes focusing on art therapy for more than 200 children; and finally, the Foundation sponsors four-year scholarships for 10 students at the Starehe Boys’ Centre which delivers academic support for underprivileged boys and includes a high school and multiple tertiary programmes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

Source: APO

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South Sudan faces a renewed slide into full-scale conflict unless urgent international action is taken, the UN-appointed independent investigative body examining human rights there warned on Wednesday.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan highlighted escalating armed clashes, political detentions, and widespread human rights violations, calling for coordinated efforts to safeguard civilians and uphold justice.

“South Sudan’s political transition is falling apart,” Commissioner Barney Afako told the Assembly. “The ceasefire is not holding, political detentions have become a tool of repression, the peace agreement’s key provisions are being systematically violated, and the Government forces are using aerial bombardments in civilian areas. All indicators point to a slide back toward another deadly war.”

Fighting intensifies

The Commission noted that fighting has intensified since March, displacing over 370,000 civilians internally and driving many more to neighbouring countries.

Across South Sudan, nearly 2.6 million people remain displaced, in addition to some 600,000 refugees, mostly from Sudan.

“The suffering of South Sudan’s people is not collateral damage – it is the direct consequence of political failure,” said commission chair, Yasmin Sooka.

“Once again, civilians are being bombarded, women are being raped, children are being displaced and forcefully recruited into combat roles, and entire communities are living in fear – all of this is a tragic repetition of South Sudan’s painful past. This war on the people of South Sudan is man-made and preventable.”

Investigators highlighted the growing complexity of the conflict, with political power struggles intertwined with ethnic tensions and local grievances.

Government reshuffles and partisan appointments have deepened mistrust between signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, while localised fighting is being exploited for political and military gain.

Billions extracted, ‘while the population starves’

Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández linked the crisis to corruption: “Billions in oil revenues have been siphoned off while the population starves. Hospitals have no medicines, schools have no teachers, and soldiers go unpaid while elites enrich themselves through opaque contracts and off-budget deals. Corruption is not a side effect of the conflict — it is one of its engines,” he said.

The Commission’s report also details ongoing sexual violence, forced recruitment of children, and extrajudicial killings, with national authorities complicit in some cases.

Rule of law institutions remain underfunded and promises to reform detention powers have largely gone unfulfilled.

The investigators called on the UN, African Union, and regional partners to ensure accountability, expedite the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and engage the political class in an inclusive process.

Handshakes not enough

“Peace will not come through words or handshakes,” Sooka said. “It will come through concrete actions — ending impunity, protecting civilians, and building institutions that serve people, not power. Justice and accountability must not remain deferred promises. The international community must move beyond expressions of concern to concrete, coordinated action. Otherwise, the suffering will only intensify.”

The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2016, is an independent body tasked with investigating human rights violations in the country. Its mandate has been renewed annually, and its members serve without receiving any salary.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of Mr. Didier Dogley as the new Chairperson of the Board of the Islands Development Company (IDC), effective 29th October 2025.

Mr. Dogley brings to the role over three decades of distinguished public service and leadership in the fields of environment, sustainable development, tourism, and climate resilience. His extensive career in Government and international engagement has equipped him with a deep understanding of Seychelles’ environmental and economic landscape.

A former Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine (2018–2020), and Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change (2015–2018), Mr. Dogley played a pivotal role in shaping national policies on sustainable tourism, waste management, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. He spearheaded major reforms that strengthened Seychelles’ environmental governance framework, led the national Marine Spatial Planning process, and championed Seychelles’ first Debt-for-Nature Swap and Blue Bond initiative, which received international recognition.

Prior to his ministerial appointments, Mr. Dogley served as Principal Secretary for Environment, Director General for Nature Conservation, and Special Advisor to the Minister for Environment and Energy, where he oversaw the establishment of key national agencies, including the Seychelles National Parks Authority and the National Botanical Gardens Foundation.

Since 2020, Mr. Dogley has worked as a consultant in sustainable development, advising on blue economy strategies, forest rehabilitation, and climate transparency initiatives, both nationally and internationally. He has also represented Seychelles in several global forums on sustainable development, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.

Mr. Dogley holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Management from the University of Reading (UK), a Diplom-Ingenieur in Landscape Architecture from the University of Applied Science in Erfurt (Germany), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the Seychelles Management Institute. He is fluent in English, French, German, and Creole.

As Chairperson of IDC, Mr. Dogley will provide strategic oversight and guidance in advancing the sustainable development and management of Seychelles’ outer islands, ensuring that the Company continues to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Mr. Dogley has previously served as a member of the IDC Board, bringing valuable institutional knowledge and familiarity with the Company’s operations to his new role.

Mr. Dogley’s appointment comes as a result of the resignation of the previous Chairperson of the Board, Mr. Naadir Hassan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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As the African continent accelerates its digital transformation, South Africa prepares to host the 28^th annual Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/) from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.   

The choice of host city reflects the region’s growing reputation as Africa’s tech capital. The Western Cape – specifically Cape Town and its surrounds – has evolved into the heart of Africa’s innovation economy. The Cape Town-Stellenbosch tech corridor (https://apo-opa.co/48UHJOW) encompasses over 450 tech firms employing close to 40,000 professionals, supported by a network of incubators, accelerators, training providers, and investors that strengthen the region’s innovation economy. 

Home to over 60% of South Africa’s startups, Cape Town also boasts some of Africa’s highest concentrations of venture capital activity. World-class universities that feed a pipeline of skilled graduates into its technology ecosystem, robust digital infrastructure, a supportive business climate, and a lifestyle that attracts global talent are other factors that have led major tech firms and investors to choose Cape Town as their African base. 

The city’s leadership in digital infrastructure is also a contributing factor. This includes advanced fibre networks, renewable energy projects, and an expanding innovation footprint, all of which exemplify how technology can drive economic inclusion and sustainability.  

“Cape Town isn’t just where the Africa Tech Festival happens. The city embodies the collaboration and ingenuity that define Africa’s tech story. We look forward to welcoming the continent’s industry leaders and innovators to participate in a forum for conversations and connections that elevate African tech onto the global stage,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. 

Africa Tech Festival is Africa’s biggest showcase of enterprise tech innovation across key sectors like telecoms, connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud and data centres, green ICT, and media and entertainment. As over 15,000 global attendees, more than 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers come together in Cape Town, they are connecting the local ecosystem with the world and reaffirming the city’s status as Africa’s tech capital. 

The 2025 edition of Africa Tech Festival will unite its four flagship programmes: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town under a cohesive narrative that captures the continent’s shared ambition for responsible and inclusive growth. This ensures that conversations move beyond technology silos, exploring how areas such as connectivity, policy, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence intersect to accelerate Africa’s development goals. 

For more information, visit https://AfricaTechFestival.com/. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together more than 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The Festival encompasses four anchor events: 

• AfricaCom – The continent’s largest telecoms and connectivity event 

• AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth 

• AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa’s startup ecosystem 

• The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life 

With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and extensive networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the continent’s most influential gathering for those shaping Africa’s connected future. 

Source: APO

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Reacting to the news that two people were killed and several others injured during protests today calling for a boycott of this year’s general elections, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah said: 

“Reports that one general member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing. The risk of further escalation is high – we urge the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters. 

“The Tanzanian authorities must promptly conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the unlawful use of lethal force against protesters, and the perpetrators must be held accountable.  

“A reported nationwide internet disruption in Tanzania threatens to further inflame the situation. The authorities must allow unrestricted access to information both online and offline by ensuring full internet access and allowing local and international media to report freely on the election. The authorities have a constitutional responsibility to respect the human rights of all before, during and after the elections.”  

Background 

Tanzanians went to the polls on 29 October, in an election dominated by the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, with the two main opposition presidential candidates, Tundu Lissu from Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo, in English, Party for Democracy and Progress), and Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo, barred from standing. erified videos showed largelypeaceful protesters on the streets of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza among other towns.  Ahead of the elections, Amnesty International launched a briefing which outlined how the Tanzanian authorities have intensified their repression of dissent against the opposition, journalists, civil society and human rights defenders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO

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In a step toward unifying Libya’s security institutions, representatives from military and security bodies from across the country Tuesday approved a location for a joint border security centre, which is slated to begin operation within the next few weeks.

The Joint Border Security Communication and Information Exchange Centre’s launch is being overseen by a Joint Technical Coordination Team that was established with assistance from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in January.

The team established a similar information exchange centre in Tripoli in April.

Together, the centres will enable real-time information sharing and support unified responses to border-related challenges.

“The establishment of the joint centre in Benghazi comes at a crucial moment to support military unification and build mutual trust,” said Ali Kilkal, Senior Border Advisor for UNSMIL. “It highlights how cooperation, dialogue, and shared technical planning are translating into tangible progress on the ground advancing Libya’s journey toward unified, effective, and secure border management.”

The coordination team visited the venue, which was proposed by the LNA, as part of a two-day, UNSMIL-facilitated meeting about safeguarding Libya’s borders and combating cross-border threats.

During the meeting, the coordination team also reviewed and finalized new equipment lists and a training plan to support the centres’activities.

The Joint Technical Coordination Team is the first body bringing together senior military and security officials representing the Government of National Unity and the Libyan National Army to address border security related issues.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO

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Across Africa, digital technologies are rapidly reshaping the way governments, development partners, and farmers interact. In Zambia, this digital transformation is taking root through the Zambia Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (ZIAMIS) – a pioneering platform designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and resilience across agricultural programmes.

At the recent FAO Resilience Team for Africa Community of Practice (CoP) meeting, Zambia’s experience in integrating e-registers, e-vouchers and e-extension, underlined how digital tools are revolutionizing agricultural governance, service delivery and farmer resilience. These digital innovations are enabling better-targeted support to millions of smallholder farmers, while addressing persistent challenges such as weak data systems, financial leakages, and limited access to markets and advisory services. 

“Digital agriculture goes beyond technology. It is about connecting people, systems, and institutions to deliver support that is effective, inclusive, and accountable. It ensures that farmers, whether in remote areas or urban centers, have equal access to quality services and information,” expressed Priya Gujadhur, Senior Resilience Officer, Regional Office for Africa, in her opening reflections. 

Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) have both placed strong emphasis on digitization, integration, and data protection as core enablers for agricultural resilience. By investing in these areas, the country is transforming the way farmers are registered, supported, and linked to value chains.

Before the introduction of digital systems, Zambia’s agricultural programmes faced several operational bottlenecks: limited real-time monitoring, weak due diligence in beneficiary identification, inconsistent technical standards, and potential risks of misappropriation. Accountability and transparency were often compromised, and programme impacts were difficult to measure.

To overcome these issues, the Government of Zambia, with FAO support, developed electronic farmer registers covering 4.3 million verified and traceable farmers. Each farmer, cooperative, and vendor now receives a unique digital ID, improving traceability and compliance with public finance and procurement procedures. More than 1 million farmers, 22 suppliers, and 1 200 agrodealers are already participating annually in the digital system, with transactions fully tracked and validated.

ZIAMIS, a web-based and access-controlled platform operating on both Android and Windows applications, integrates agricultural data to support evidence-based planning and reporting. Through this system, all transactions – from input redemption to crop sales – are digitally recorded, ensuring integrity, reducing risks, and providing real-time insights for decision-makers.

While digital registration was a critical first step, Zambia has gone further by linking ZIAMIS to an e-Business Directory that connects farmers to reliable buyers, input suppliers, financial services, and mechanization providers. This integration is helping bridge the gap between smallholders and markets, turning digital inclusion into economic opportunity.

The results are striking, between 2022 and 2025, farmers receiving digital advisories and e-extension services recorded higher maize productivity, reaching up to 3.4 tonnes per hectare, compared to the national average of 2.14 tonnes. The number of farmers selling white maize also increased sharply, generating over USD 8.9 million in sales.

By connecting the farmer register to e-extension platforms and early warning systems, Zambia is also enabling targeted agronomic and agribusiness advisories based on rainfall, vegetation, and temperature data. This ensures that farmers receive season and location-specific information that helps them adapt to climate variability, manage risks, and make informed decisions.

“One of the key strengths of the ZIAMIS registers integrated with the e-Business Directory is its ability to deliver tailored information to different users through a web platform, mobile app, and chatbot. In areas with limited internet, farmers can still access essential updates via SMS and USSD” explained Mtendere Mphatso, FAO Zambia Chief Technical Advisor.

Digital innovation in Zambia is demonstrating that technology can be a powerful driver of agricultural transformation when integrated into robust policy frameworks and institutional systems. The integration of e-registers, e-vouchers, and e-extension into a single digital ecosystem enhances coordination, transparency, and service delivery.

“The Zambia experience demonstrates what can be achieved when technology is placed in the hands of those who need it most – farmers, extension workers, and service providers – and when strong partnerships and technical capacity support government leadership. It shows how data and digital systems can drive resilience, improve transparency, and link producers to opportunities that strengthen livelihoods,” reflected Lewis Hove, Senior Resilience Officer, Subregional Office for Southern Africa, in his closing reflections.

Through platforms like ZIAMIS, Zambia is not only modernizing its agricultural systems but also offering valuable lessons for the continent: that digital innovation, when combined with good governance and farmer-centered design, can unlock the full potential of Africa’s agriculture.

The FAO Regional Office for Africa will continue to facilitate knowledge exchange across the region, ensuring that lessons from Zambia’s digital transformation inform ongoing efforts to build smarter, data-driven, and resilient agricultural systems across the continent.

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