Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $6 million grant to support the African Risk Capacity (ARC) in boosting disaster preparedness and risk financing across Africa over the 2025-2026 period.

Approved on October 29, the grant—provided through the Bank’s African Disaster Risk Financing Initiative (ADRiFi) (https://apo-opa.co/3LA1b9J) — will help ARC maintain its core capacity-building and disaster risk financing services for the Bank’s regional member countries.

The project aims to help African governments move from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness. It will strengthen national institutions’ technical expertise and operational capacities in disaster risk management, including evidence-based risk assessment, early warning systems and training for policymakers and technical experts.

A key component of the project will enhance countries’ ability to plan and allocate resources for emergencies more efficiently. It will also support the development of stronger institutional frameworks to coordinate rapid and effective responses to natural disasters.

The ARC will work to expand country participation in its sovereign insurance risk pool through increased engagement and new climate risk insurance products offer to its member states. Planned activities include high-level advocacy for the ratification of the ARC Treaty, finalisation of its work programmes with participating countries, and facilitation of insurance premium support.

Implementation will cover all ARC member states, with a focus on regions most exposed to droughts, floods, tropical cyclones and epidemics. Beneficiaries will include policymakers, technical working groups and civil servants, who will receive targeted assistance in disaster risk quantification, contingency planning, risk financing, women’s inclusion, and monitoring and evaluation.

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

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communications and External Relations Department
media@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). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

About the African Risk Capacity:
Established in 2012 as a specialised institution of the African Union, the African Risk Capacity provides member states with risk modelling, contingency planning and sovereign disaster risk financing services. Since its inception, 39 African Union member states have signed the ARC Agreement, which has facilitated the disbursement of more than $230 million to 14 countries, protecting millions of vulnerable people through rapid and predictable financing in the aftermath of a disaster.

Source: APO

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The Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) this week hosts its 20th Scientific Conference under the theme “Transforming Health through Innovative Research.” The forum brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates from across Africa to share new scientific insights and strengthen the continent’s biomedical and biotechnology capacity.

Representing the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging research and innovation to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), improve disease prevention, and enhance emergency preparedness.

She noted that the evolving global health landscape — from infectious to non-communicable diseases — calls for collaborative, evidence-based approaches that integrate science, technology, and policy.

The PS encouraged participants to engage actively, share knowledge, and build partnerships that translate research into practical, scalable health solutions.

“Collaboration is key. Together, we can harness our collective expertise to improve health outcomes for all,” she said.

The conference is expected to yield actionable recommendations and reinforce Kenya’s leadership in health innovation, research, and biotechnology development across the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warn today of the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with acute food insecurity remaining stubbornly high and emergency hunger levels surging in the conflict-hit eastern provinces.

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, 26.6 million people nationwide are projected to face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse (IPC Phase 3 and above) by early 2026, including 3.9 million people in emergency levels of hunger (IPC Phase 4). This is an increase from the current figures of 24.8 million and 3.2 million respectively.

Food insecurity dire in the eastern provinces

The hunger crisis is most severe in the conflict-affected eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika. Ongoing violence, population displacement, and limited humanitarian access continue to worsen food insecurity in these areas. By January 2026, more than 10 million people in these four provinces – about one-third of the local population – are expected to face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse, struggling daily to meet their basic food needs. Among them, 3 million people are already experiencing emergency levels of hunger, representing 75 percent of all those in such conditions nationwide and an increase of 700,000 since March 2025.

Malnutrition among children remains a concern in the eastern provinces of Ituri, South Kivu, and Tanganyika, where poor dietary diversity, limited access to healthcare, and recurring disease outbreaks continue to exacerbate the situation.

Beyond these regions, malnutrition is widespread across the country. Nearly half of all children under five — approximately 3.2 million — are stunted due to chronic undernutrition, severely impacting their growth and development. An ongoing IPC Acute Malnutrition (AMN) analysis is currently underway to better understand the severity.

FAO Operations in DRC

“Emergency agricultural assistance is one of the most cost-effective ways to meet urgent humanitarian needs,” said Athman Mravili, Representative ad interim for FAO in DRC. “By equipping vulnerable and displaced families with the tools to grow their own food and earn income, this support not only addresses immediate hunger but also fosters resilience. Importantly, communities themselves consistently identify agricultural assistance as a top priority in times of crisis.”

But, by the end of August 2025, FAO had assisted just 217,000 people out of the 3.6 million planned, due to a massive funding gap. For 2026, FAO requires US$127 million to scale up support to assist around 2.4 million people.

WFP Operations in DRC

WFP continues to focus its response in the eastern provinces, but growing needs threaten to overwhelm already stretched resources. In 2025, WFP had planned to support 2.3 million people, but assistance has now been reduced to 600,000 people due to funding shortfalls, with a total pipeline break anticipated by February 2026. WFP’s country operation currently faces a US$349 million funding gap through April 2026.

“We are working tirelessly with the government and the humanitarian community despite shrinking resources for this neglected crisis,” said Cynthia Jones, WFP’s Acting Country Director and Representative in DRC. “The latest IPC figures make one thing clear: the eastern DRC’s food crisis is escalating. Without urgent resources and action, millions of lives are at risk, and regional stability will suffer. The time to act is now – before the cost becomes irreversible.”

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Source: APO – Report:

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Parliament has approved government’s proposal to borrow funds to strengthen cancer care in Uganda through the establishment of regional oncology centres in Mbale and Arua.

The resolution authorises government to borrow up to €9.4 million from UniCredit Bank Austria for the construction and equipping of the Mbale Oncology Centre, and US$36.5 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for the construction of the Arua Oncology Centre and procurement of radiotherapy equipment for Mbale.

The approval followed the presentation of the Committee on National Economy’s report by Chairperson, Hon. John Bosco Ikojo (Bukedea County), who said the loans will significantly expand access to quality cancer care across Uganda.

“Cancer is claiming thousands of lives every year because services are concentrated in Kampala. These loans will help decentralise oncology care and bring treatment closer to the people,” said Ikojo.

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) currently handles more than 54,000 patients annually, including 35,968 new cases and 24,629 deaths each year. Legislators overwhelmingly supported the proposal, noting that the Eastern and Northern regions, which contribute the highest patient numbers, urgently need specialised facilities.

Hon. Masaba Karim (Ind., Industrial Division, Mbale) welcomed the decision, describing it as a lifeline for the people of Eastern Uganda.

“I have always cautioned against approving loans without a clear purpose, but this is a development project that will benefit millions of Ugandans. Mbale Regional Hospital serves the entire Eastern region, and this investment will make a real difference,” he said.

Presiding over the sitting, Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa commended Members for supporting the loans, calling the move a milestone in promoting health equity.

“We are not just approving loans; we are approving hope for thousands of Ugandans who deserve timely cancer treatment,” Tayebwa said.

The UniCredit Bank Austria loan will have a tenure of 23 years, including a five-year grace period, while the IsDB financing carries a 25-year maturity on concessional terms. The government will provide US$4.79 million in counterpart funding.

The initiative aligns with Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV. Construction of both centres is expected to commence in the current financial year 2025/2026.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, signed the Barcelona Declaration on Tuberculosis (TB), marking South Africa’s formal commitment to a renewed global parliamentary movement to eradicate TB within a generation. The declaration was co-signed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, during a special signing ceremony held in Parliament yesterday.

In her address at the ceremony, the Speaker reaffirmed Parliament’s leadership role in championing the fight against TB, noting that “tuberculosis remains a health challenge globally despite it being a treatable disease. In order to raise the level of awareness, parliamentarians across the globe decided to become a voice that mobilises society on the need for churning the disease by advocating for better investments by government in addressing the diseases.”

She further highlighted Parliament’s commitment to “mounting popular campaigns that highlight the importance of treating the disease and also complying with treatment with those who have the disease.”

The signing ceremony coincided with the official launch of the South African TB Parliamentary Caucus, held in the presence of parliamentary peers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including the Chairpersons of Health Portfolio Committees from Lesotho and Zambia, who attended to demonstrate regional solidarity. The event also followed a Ministerial Statement in the National Assembly, presented by the Minister of Health, outlining government’s ongoing fight against the TB scourge.

The Barcelona Declaration, first adopted by international parliamentarians, recognises that TB has killed more people than any other infectious disease in human history and continues to claim 1.5 million lives annually.

It calls for the disease to be treated as a global political priority, demanding accelerated progress, investment in research, and equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for all.

The Declaration commits signatories to:

• Urge governments to increase investments in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
• Promote affordable and accessible healthcare for all TB patients;
• Support research and innovation for new TB drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines;
• Integrate care for co-infections such as HIV and diabetes; and
• Mobilise community and civil society participation to combat stigma and ensure treatment adherence.

By signing the Declaration, Parliament of South Africa joins a global parliamentary caucus that collaborates with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Global Fund, Stop TB Partnership, UNAIDS, and other multilateral organisations to end the TB epidemic within a generation.

The Speaker emphasised that today’s ceremony symbolises Parliament’s renewed commitment to health equity and global solidarity. “The Speaker and Members during the debate in the National Assembly highlighted the need for activism by Members of Parliament on this matter and encouraged the TB Parliamentary Caucus to be a champion towards eradicating TB in our country and globally,” she said.

She added that the declaration represents both a national commitment and a continental responsibility, reaffirming that South Africa’s Parliament will remain a strong advocate for universal health access, regional collaboration, and community mobilisation against TB.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Foreign Affairs Department hosted the Prize and Certificate Ceremony for the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secondary School Essay Competition, celebrating the creativity and insight of young Seychellois writers.

This year’s competition focused on the theme “How can innovation enhance SADC industrialisation and sustainable economic growth and development?”, encouraging students to reflect on the role of innovation in shaping the region’s future.

The ceremony was attended by Ambassador Ian Madeleine, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, along with the student participants and their families.

The top three national winners, all from Mt. Fleuri Secondary School, were:

• Ms. Catherine Tang – First Place
• Ms. Shantasha Elizabeth – Second Place
• Ms. Janelle Payet – Third Place

The three winners also represented Seychelles at the regional level of the SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, competing against students from across the Southern African region. Certificates of participation were also presented to other students in recognition of their valuable contributions.

In closing, the Foreign Affairs Department is encouraging more young people to take part in future SADC essay competitions, noting that “youth voices are essential to building the SADC we aspire to create.”

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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Financial institution Forvis Mazars has confirmed its participation as a Bronze Sponsor at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, taking place in Dakar from December 8-10. The firm is set to engage regional ministers, investors and industry stakeholders to advance dialogue on energy development across Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.

In July 2025, the government of Senegal mandated the firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of the country’s public debt – a portfolio that spans commercial, bilateral and multilateral liabilities. Senegal’s public debt stood at over 72% of GDP in 2024, making fiscal sustainability a national priority. Forvis Mazars’ audit stands to assess the accuracy of debt records, compliance with international reporting standards and the effectiveness of risk management frameworks. The findings are expected to guide government strategies in reducing debt vulnerabilities while maintaining financing for major infrastructure and energy projects.

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.

Meanwhile, in Mauritania, Forvis Mazars was shortlisted in April 2025 for a contract under pan-African development institution the African Development Bank-financed Public Enterprise Governance Support Project. The $10 million program aims to overhale the financial management of state-owned enterprises, many of which play a critical role in energy and extractives. The winning bidder will design and implement a new financial monitoring system for the General Directorate of Financial Supervision, strengthening budgetary oversight, improving transparency and helping curb inefficiencies in SOE operations. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance Mauritania’s macroeconomic stability as the country develops major projects such as the BirAllah and Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas fields.

The firm supports energy operators with audit, tax and advisory services, including landmark projects such as Senegal’s Sangomar oilfield – which produced nearly 17 million barrels in its first year – and the cross-border GTA LNG terminal, which delivered its first LNG cargo in April 2025. With over 200 professionals in its Dakar office and the backing of the $5 billion Forvis Mazars international network, the firm combines global reach with on-the-ground expertise.

“Forvis Mazars’ participation as a Bronze Sponsor highlights the crucial role of financial and advisory expertise in advancing the MSGBC region’s energy future. Their involvement reinforces the importance of transparent governance, effective risk management and strong institutional frameworks in unlocking investment. We look forward to their contribution at this year’s conference as we convene stakeholders to drive sustainable growth across West Africa’s energy sector,” states Sandra Jeque, Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency  Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a proclamation declaring Wednesday, October 29, 2025 as “National Youth Day” and it is to be observed throughout the Republic as a working holiday.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the proclamation calls on all international organizations, ministries and agencies concerned, public corporations, and citizens of Liberia to join the Ministry of Youth and Sports in implementing appropriate programs and activities that recognize the potential, creativity, and contributions of the youth befitting the occasion.

The release furthered that the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, diligently in collaboration with partners and stakeholders for creating opportunities that enhance youth empowerment, promote decent employment, encourage civic engagement in the national decision making will on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, celebrate this year National Youth Day. 

The Day will be celebrated under the Theme: “Recognizing the Gains; Building Resilience for Liberia’s Future”. The events will commence at 10 o’clock ante meridian.     

The proclamation added that this year’s National Youth Day will be celebrated in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, uniting young people from all the fifteen counties of Liberia to share experiences, showcase their talents, and reinforce their dedication to national unity and service.

The proclamation notes that the observance of this day presents an opportunity for both the Government and citizens of Liberia to reaffirm their commitment to empowering our youth through education, skills development, innovation, and leadership, and acknowledge their critical role in shaping our nation’s future.

The Presidential proclamation stressed that the Government of Liberia recognizes the vital importance of youth in the national life and the tremendous contributions and sacrifices made by youth worldwide. 

 In 1969, the Legislature of the Republic of Liberia declared through enactment, October 29 of each year to be celebrated as National Youth Day, a day to honor and celebrate the significant contributions of young people to our nation’s development, peace and progress.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.