Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held its 7th Annual General Assembly (AGA) at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, on 14th October 2025 under the theme, “A United ECOWAS Against Corruption: Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Asset Recovery and Exchange of Information.”

The Assembly marked a significant step forward in the fight against transnational corruption in West Africa, culminating in the adoption of the ECOWAS Guidelines on Asset Tracing, Recovery and Management, and Borderless Investigations, which strengthen the region’s legal tools against illicit financial flows.

Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored that the transnational nature of corruption demands immediate and uncompromising solidarity. “The consequences of corruption are serious. Every Naira, Cedi, Dalasi, or CFA lost to corruption is a school not built, a hospital not equipped, a road never constructed or paved,” she stated, while noting that corruption erodes public trust and undermines state legitimacy.  She reaffirmed the Commission’s renewed commitment to supporting the effective implementation of the 2001 ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight against Corruption, stressing that harmonized legal and regulatory frameworks across Member States are essential for building a unified front.

The Assembly, which is also a moment for renewal, coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS, featured a review of the current Executive Committee’s three-year tenure. Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and President of NACIWA, detailed significant achievements, including the operationalization of the Network’s permanent Secretariat in Abuja, securing Observer Status in the GlobE Network, and formalizing the EFCC Academy as a regional Centre of Excellence.

“At this critical juncture, when our subregion faces questions about unity and democratic resilience, NACIWA’s role assumes unprecedented importance,” Mr. Olukoyede remarked. “We must be perceived, and must act, as a stabilizing moral force, one that champions transparency, accountability, and the foundational values that define the ECOWAS vision.”

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Aba Kimelabalou, Secretary General of NACIWA, expressed profound gratitude to Member States, the host agency EFCC, the President of Nigeria, and development partners for their support. He particularly commended the ECOWAS Commission, under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, for its consistent institutional backing, which he described as vital for building stronger institutions and achieving a corruption-free and prosperous West Africa.

The Assembly concluded with closed-door deliberations among Heads of Member Institutions and is expected to issue a comprehensive communiqué outlining new resolutions and the outcome of the Executive Committee elections.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), the continent’s most influential technology event, has announced new additions to its 2025 speaker line-up. This expanded line-up reinforces the Festival’s reputation as the premier platform for conversations that are shaping Africa’s digital transformation, bringing together leaders from government, business, innovation, and sport.

Delivering the ministerial welcome and opening address is Hon. Solly Malatsi, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, whose participation underscores the host country’s commitment to inclusive connectivity, digital literacy, and policy alignment to accelerate its digital economy.

Also joining is Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, celebrated former Springbok rugby player and founder of The Beast Foundation, which empowers young Africans to unlock their potential both on and off the field. From the enterprise technology space, Adil El Youssefi, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Data Centres, will share his vision for expanding Africa’s AI capabilities through sustainable, secure, and scalable data infrastructure.

They will be joined by other notable and high-profile voices, including Mlindi Mashologu, Deputy Director-General: Digital Society and Economy at South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, who will contribute to discussions on what African AI governance should look like in practice; Obed Frimpong, Chief Information Security Officer at First National Bank Ghana Ltd, bringing insights into how cloud computing is driving digital innovation in African enterprises; and Charles Murito, Regional Director, Government Affairs & Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google, sharing strategic perspectives on developing a workforce ready for the demands of a digital future.

Together, these speakers represent the diverse forces driving Africa’s technology evolution, from policymakers and corporate visionaries to innovators and social changemakers.

“Africa Tech Festival continues to be the continent’s leading platform for creating national digital strategies, driving economic growth, advancing infrastructure, and fostering meaningful public-private collaboration,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. “The addition of these speakers underscores the Festival’s cross-sector appeal. It’s where vision meets action, and where public and private leaders, entrepreneurs, and even athletes come together to challenge convention and inspire transformation. This year’s programme will take those conversations even further.”

The 28^th edition of Africa Tech Festival 2025 takes place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The Festival will feature four flagship programmes: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town. These programmes will address the continent’s most critical digital priorities under the themes of responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation.

Register for Africa Tech Festival 2025 here (https://apo-opa.co/3J7pF9E).

– 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 – Report:

• 41 schools across Nairobi, Machakos and Kitui are now part of the initiative
• 439 educators are also benefiting from digital education tools
• The initiative targets 11,000 children and 470 teachers by end of 2025

In a continued effort to reduce the digital education gap, American Tower Kenya  (www.AmericanTower.com) and ProFuturo – the educational innovation program with technology, launched by the Telefónica Foundation and the “la Caixa” Foundation – have expanded their collaboration, now reaching 41 schools across Nairobi, Machakos, and Kitui. The initiative has benefited over 9,700 students and 439 teachers, with the goal of reaching 11,000 children and 470 teachers by year-end.

Since its inception in 2024, the project has achieved significant territorial deployment through strategic local partnerships: 30 schools in Nairobi and Machakos in collaboration with Don Bosco Development Outreach Network (DBDON) and 11 schools in Kitui together with the Diocese of Kitui. These alliances have enabled a swift, sustainable, and community-aligned implementation tailored to the needs of each educational community.

The implementation strategy centers on strengthening teaching capacities and leveraging ProFuturo’s educational resources. Teachers have undergone training on platform usage, curriculum alignment, and methodologies for integrating these tools in their day-to-day practice. Schools have also received ongoing support from dedicated coaches, who motivated and ensured consistent use of the ProFuturo tools, embedding them into daily classroom dynamics.

During a recent project review meeting between ATC Kenya and ProFuturo representatives, George Odenyo, CEO of ATC Kenya, recognized the impact of the initiative: “This project is a testament to ATC Kenya’s goal of improving quality of life through connectivity. It enhances digital access and fosters partnerships in the communities we serve. By equipping our Digital Communities with the right technology, we’re driving digital equity, literacy, and career development – efforts aimed at uplifting lives and transforming futures.”

Magdalena Brier, General Manager of ProFuturo Foundation, added: “The progress in Nairobi, Machakos, and Kitui demonstrates that no one transforms education alone. The combined forces of American Tower and ProFuturo, with support from Telefónica Foundation and la Caixa Foundation, turn educational innovation into a powerful tool for closing digital and social gaps, something that will directly impact 11,000 children and 470 teachers in 2025.”

– on behalf of American Tower Corporation.

Media Contacts:
ATC Kenya
Jonathan Thienemann
media.relations@americantower.com

Aderonke Adebanjo
aderonke.adebanjo@americantower.com

ProFuturo:
Ainhoa Siguero
ainhoa.siguerofadrique@telefonica.com
+34 661 74 36 38

Blanca Mendiguchía
bmendiguchia@atrevia.com
+34 667 63 29 24

About ProFuturo:
ProFuturo is an educational technology innovation program launched by the Telefónica Foundation and the “la Caixa” Foundation to reduce the educational gap in the world by providing quality education to children in vulnerable environments in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Its intervention model is based on impact evidence provided by continuous monitoring processes, studies and evaluations.

ProFuturo is based on innovative teaching methodologies with which it seeks to help teachers and students develop skills to face the challenges of the 21st century. The program works with other institutions and companies and aims to create a large international network of teachers who teach, learn, and share knowledge to achieve, together, better education in the world.

About ATC Kenya:
ATC Kenya is a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, one of the world’s largest real estate investment trusts (REITs), and a leading independent owner, operator, and developer of communications real estate.
ATC Kenya owns and operates nearly 4,500 telecommunications sites, helping mobile network operators and other telecommunications service providers confidently deliver connectivity to consumers throughout the country.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Representation in Benin, with financial support from the Commission, organised a capacity-building workshop on the 8th and 9th of October 2025 at the Nobila Airport Hotel in Cotonou a capacity-building workshop for 25 young people from the ECOWAS Clubs of the University of Abomey-Calavi, the University of Parakou, and youth associations involved in promoting regional integration.

Over two days, these young people from diverse backgrounds exchanged, learned and shared their experiences on the major challenges of regional integration and sub-regional development through presentations, panels and interactive sessions.

The opening ceremony, chaired by H.E. Amadou DIONGUE, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, took place in the presence of Dr Francis CHUKS NJOAGUANI, Director of the ECOWAS Centre for Youth Development and Sports (CDJS), and Mr BIO BANGANA BAWA Raïmou, representative of the ECOWAS National Office. The speakers praised the mobilisation and dynamism of Benin’s youth, inviting them to remain an essential link in community building.

The discussions focused on several key themes such as the history and Vision 2050 of ECOWAS, strategic communication and social mobilisation, peace, governance and regional integration. Participants also discussed youth programmes implemented by the CDJS, regional policy initiatives in agriculture (ECOWAP), health projects of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), and the free movement of people and goods.

An interactive panel on institutional cooperation and regional diplomacy brought young people closer to the concrete realities of community action, with the participation of the Resident Representative, the Beninese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Office.

This workshop helped to strengthen understanding of regional policies and promote the construction of an ECOWAS of the peoples, based on peace, solidarity and citizen participation.

By initiating this activity, the ECOWAS Representation in Benin reaffirms its commitment to making ECOWAS Clubs true agents of transformation, promoting the values of peace, unity and regional integration. The young participants now leave better equipped and more committed to contributing to a united, resilient and prosperous West Africa.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Sidi Ould Tah met with the finance ministers of The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Sudan this week, reaffirming the Bank’s partnership with the constituency and pledging to deepen cooperation on economic transformation and resilience.

The talks, held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, DC, USA, centred on economic challenges, debt vulnerabilities and the region’s development priorities, as well as the African Development Fund’s upcoming 17th replenishment (ADF-17).

The ministers, who are also Governors on the Bank’s Board, congratulated Dr Ould Tah on his recent election as Bank president and praised his previous record of leadership, including achievements as head of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).

Ghana’s minister Cassiel Ato Forson lauded Dr Ould Tah as “the right leader to take the African Development Bank Group to the next level” and endorsed Bank Group efforts to link agricultural transformation with Africa’s new financial architecture and green industrialisation agenda.

The five countries also reaffirmed their commitment to the African Development Fund (ADF) and pledged early support for the ADF-17 replenishment, which will take place in London in mid-December.

In a strong signal of confidence in the Bank’s governance and strategic direction the Ghanaian minister said that his country will  accelerate its subscription payment and co-host an ADF-17 pledging session with the United Kingdom. Gambia’s minister Seedy Keita announced his country’s intention to contribute to ADF-17, while Liberia’s minister Augustine Ngafuan and Sierra Leone’s Sheku Bangura committed to allocate funds for the replenishment in their respective domestic budgets.

The five governors also expressed strong support for the Bank’s strategic priorities in industrialisation, energy access, and private-sector growth. Sierra Leone stressed the transformative potential of Mission 300 – a joint initiative with the World Bank to extend energy access to an additional 300 million Africans by 2030 – to accelerate regional value chains and job creation.

Sudanese Minister Gibril Ibrahim expressed appreciation for the Bank’s continued support during this transitional period and requested enhanced assistance for post-conflict recovery in energy, agriculture, and education.

Addressing Debt Sustainability and Building Resilience

Additionally, the ministers voiced concern over rising debt vulnerabilities across Africa, urging the Bank to step up its support for debt restructuring, sustainability and domestic resource initiatives. They also underscored the vital need to tackle cross-cutting priorities under ADF-17 — including fragility, resilience, and youth employment.

President Ould Tah reaffirmed that addressing these challenges is central to his vision for a New African Financial Architecture—one that enhances Africa’s voice in global finance and channels more concessional and blended financing to countries in or emerging from crisis.

He thanked the ministers for their confidence in him and reiterated that the Bank would continue to work closely with each country to advance shared priorities, noting that their commitments to ADF-17 underscored growing confidence in the Bank’s vision and governance.

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

Media contact: 
Communication and External Relations
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). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org