Category: MIL-OSI

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International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) 2025

Source: APO


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WHAT: Celebration of the 2025 International Day of Rural Women (IDRW).

Theme: “Empowering Rural Women for Reparatory Justice: Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa.”

WHERE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, The African Union Commission.  

WHEN: 14–15 October 2025

Time: 9H00-17H00

  • 14 October 2025: Knowledge-sharing and lessons-learned workshop
  • 15 October 2025: Main celebration, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, testimonies, and exhibitions.

WHO: Organized by the African Union Commission, through the Rural Development Division within the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), in collaboration with other relevant Departments and organs.

Objectives of the Event:

  • Celebrate and promote reparatory justice interventions empowering women living in rural areas.
  • Highlight success stories in education, technology, and mechanization for women in agriculture.
  • Strengthen partnerships and advocacy for inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems in Africa.

Expected Outcomes:

The event will culminate in an IDRW 2025 Outcome Statement, reaffirming Africa’s commitment to gender-responsive agricultural transformation and reparatory justice for women living in rural areas.

Participants:

 The event will bring together AU Member States, government representatives, rural women leaders, civil society organizations, diaspora representatives, development partners, and private sector actors.
High-level dignitaries, including Ministers responsible for Gender and Agriculture, AU Commissioners, and partner organizations, are expected to participate.

Background:

The International Day of Rural Women (IDRW), established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, is celebrated annually on 15 October to recognize the critical role and contributions of rural women in agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.

In line with the African Union’s 2025 Theme of the Year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” the 2025 IDRW focuses on advancing reparatory justice as a pathway to empower rural women and promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems in Africa.

The event will be preceded by a Knowledge-Sharing and Lessons-Learned Workshop on 14 October 2025, bringing together rural women leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss best practices in empowerment initiatives across the continent.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Janet Edem, Head, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, African Union Commission Email: EdemeJ@africanunion.org

Ms. Nsama Nsemiwe Chikolwa,  Coordinator of Land Policy, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development email : NsamaC@africanunion.org

For media inquiries, please contact

Mr Molalet Tsedeke, Information and Communications Directorate; AU Commission Tel: +251-911-630631; Email: molalett@africanunion.org    

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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World Health Organization (WHO) and Carter Center sign new agreement to accelerate the elimination of Guinea Worm in Angola

Source: APO


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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Carter Center have signed a new cooperation agreement, worth US$300,000, which guarantees the continuity of activities to fight Guinea worm disease in the province of Cunene. The agreement reinforces the commitment of both organizations to support Angola in eliminating this Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), which is targeted for global eradication by 2030. 

The signing of this agreement was driven by the long-term collaboration and advocacy with the Ministry of Health and the province of Cunene, which was strengthened during the Health Circle, a public dialogue promoted by the WHO in partnership with the Private University of Angola, which, in its second edition, highlighted the urgency of a collective effort to eradicate this disease.

The Carter Center is a key partner of Angola in this fight, providing technical and material support for community surveillance, mobilization, and awareness-raising among affected communities, as well as practical solutions such as water filters and larvicides, which are essential to interrupt transmission. This new funding will allow, for six months, the expansion and consolidation of ongoing actions, ensuring active surveillance of cases, community monitoring, training of local volunteers, and intensifying awareness campaigns in the most affected areas.

“This agreement proves that open and inclusive dialogue can translate into concrete commitments. The Health Circle was a catalyst for consolidating the partnership and securing the resources needed to move towards a dracunculiasis-free Angola,” said Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO Representative in Angola.

Since 2018, Angola has reported 204 cases of Guinea Worm, three in humans and 201 in animals, specifically dogs. Although rare, the disease continues to affect vulnerable rural communities across Cunene and represents an obstacle to socioeconomic development. Transmission is strongly linked to the environment, especially stagnant water sources containing fleas infected with the parasite’s larvae, making a multisectoral response coordinated between health, education, environment, animal health, and infrastructure essential.

This agreement highlights the importance of international partnerships and community participation as drivers for accelerating progress. Continuing Guinea worm disease eradication activities represents a financial investment and a fundamental step toward protecting the most vulnerable populations and building more resilient communities.

The WHO and the Carter Center thus reaffirm their commitment to supporting Angola in meeting the global goal of eradicating Guinea Worm by 2030 through a multisectoral response based on strong partnerships and the leadership of local communities.

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

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Public Service Committee Welcomes Suspension of Gauteng Head of Health

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Public Service welcomes the suspension, with immediate effect, of the Head of the Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness, Mr Lesiba Arnold Malotana.

The Gauteng Premier announced the suspension on Tuesday.

Last year, the committee also asked the Public Service Commission to investigate the HOD’s appointment, in particular, whether proper procedures were followed in Mr Malotana’s appointment, including verification of his qualifications and consideration of alleged corrupt activities.

Committee Chairperson Mr Jan de Villiers said the committee welcomes this decisive action. “It again underscores the imperative of accountability, integrity and ethical leadership in public service. The committee reiterates its firm view that public officials must at all times be beyond reproach, and transgressions – particularly in matters of governance, procurement and service delivery – must be met with decisive consequences.”

The HOD’s suspension also comes amid revelations from the Special Investigating Unit relating to the misallocation and siphoning of funds, including the uncovering of over R122 million linked to corrupt payments and irregularities involving the Gauteng Health Department and Tembisa Hospital. At least 207 service providers have been identified as having traded with Tembisa Hospital and, so far, 108 matters have been referred to the provincial health department for administrative and disciplinary action.

“The committee views such allegations as a grave betrayal of public trust, especially when the funds in question are meant for essential healthcare services and vulnerable communities,” the Chairperson said.

“We commend Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s prompt appointment of Dr Darion Barclay as acting head to ensure continuity in leadership and minimise disruption in this critical department. The committee calls for stability to be upheld, while allowing the investigative processes to unfold without interference.”

The committee also expects consequences where wrongdoing has been confirmed. “We expect firm administrative, disciplinary or legal consequences, up to and including removal, prosecution and restitution where wrongdoing has been proved.”

The committee also stressed the need for a continuity of service delivery even as investigations proceed.

The Chairperson said that the suspension is a necessary first step but not an endpoint. “It signals the gravity with which government must treat corruption and maladministration in our health sector. The committee remains resolved to ensure that every public official is held to the highest standards, and that public resources serve the public interest rather than private gain.”

The committee will continue to monitor developments closely.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union launch collaboration to advance digitized health systems in sub-Saharan Africa

Source: APO


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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) announced today a new agreement to support the digital transformation of health systems and wider adoption of WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network (GDHCN) in sub-Saharan Africa. This EU–WHO partnership will improve pandemic preparedness and accelerate progress towards better health and well-being for all.

The agreement was announced at the World Health Summit 2025 by Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data; Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa; and Mr Martin Seychell, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships.

The GDHCN is a global system that enables countries to securely and reliably verify nationally approved digital health credentials across borders. The system builds on the European Union Digital COVID Certificate (EU DCC), which facilitated verification of vaccination, testing and recovery certification for international travelers connecting 76 countries and territories. However, only four countries from the WHO African Region—Benin, Cabo Verde, Seychelles and Togo—were able to join the EU DCC network.

Since its transfer to the WHO in 2023, the GDHCN has shown strong potential to support the digitization of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), commonly known as the Yellow Card, in alignment with the updated International Health Regulations (IHR). Making the most of its potential could enhance global vaccination tracking, reduce fraud, and simplify international health requirements.

Under the new joint agreement, which includes an €8 million EU grant spanning 2025 to 2028, WHO and the European Union will collaborate to bolster national efforts to advance the digital transformation of health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO will provide technical and policy expertise, in collaboration with regional partners such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The EU investment is part of the Digital Health workstream of the Team Europe Initiative on the EU-AU Health Partnership, which brings together European and African stakeholders to build resilient digital health ecosystems across the continent, and aligned with the EU Global Gateway strategy.

Empowering countries and people

The GDHCN supports countries in building trusted, interoperable digital health systems that directly benefit people — providing secure, portable health records accessible wherever they travel, including during health emergencies. Personal health records are managed securely by each individual country or their health system. These records cannot be accessed by other parties, including WHO.

The network is built on internationally recognized standards for privacy, data protection, and interoperability, and participation of countries is voluntary. The network fosters cross-border collaboration among countries and partners, strengthening health security today, while laying the foundation for more resilient, person-centered health systems for future generations.

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

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War Survivor Becomes life Saver

Source: APO

As Sterile Processing Week shines a spotlight on the critical role of sterile processing professionals, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) is honored to celebrate one of its own crew members Frank Seibure, a volunteer whose hard work brings healing and safety to surgical patients across Africa. This year’s theme ‘Serving with a purpose’ reflects the dedication and pride sterile processing professionals bring to their work, ensuring every instrument is clean, sterile, and ready to help save lives.  

Frank’s meticulous work aboard Mercy Ships ensures that every instrument in safe, protecting patients and supporting the life-saving surgical missions. “If instruments aren’t properly sterilized, patients can end up with more complications than they came in with,” he explained.  

Before scrubs and sterile trays, Frank was already serving his community as a young human rights advocate. Having witnessed the harsh realities of civil war as a child, he grew up determined to make a difference. That calling eventually led him to Mercy Ships in 2011, where he began as day crew in the sterile processing department. With no prior experience, but a deep passion to help, Frank embraced the training, quickly rising to become a full volunteer crew member, and later, a Certified Healthcare Leader in Sterile Processing.  

“My biggest driving force is to make an impact on society, help those in need, and serve humanity,” Frank shares.  

Sterile processing is often called the heart of the hospital because any failure in the process can have serious consequences. Improperly sterilized instruments can place patients at risk for contamination and cause potential outbreaks. Contrary to popular assumptions, sterile processing is not simply about washing tools. It is a knowledge-intensive discipline that integrates both life science and engineering.  

Last month, Surgical Directions announced the release of its last report, Unseen but essential: the knowledge demands and staffing crisis in sterile processing (https://apo-opa.co/4hiL0cY), which reveals a growing patient safety risk linked to chronic staffing shortages and underinvestment in sterile processing departments. The position continues to be one of the most challenging to staff due to its demanding knowledge requirements.  

Beyond his clinical duties, he also finds joy in training others, passing on his knowledge to new volunteers and local healthcare professionals, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in the field. 

“The highlight of my time with Mercy Ships is that I’ve trained many young people to become sterile processing technicians,” Frank says.  

Through Mercy Ships, Frank’s impact has rippled across nations. He continues to learn from the rich blend of cultures represented on board, and has felt the positive impact on his natural leadership qualities through service.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:  
international.media@mercyships.org    

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:  
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.  

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @ MercyShips on social media.

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Nigeria’s Boko Haram rehabilitation efforts ignore the emotional trauma of soldiers: why this matters

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Celestina Atom, Postgraduate Researcher and Part-time Lecturer in Politics and International Relations., Teesside University

Since 2009, Boko Haram has waged one of the deadliest insurgencies in Africa. Concentrated in north-east Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, the group has killed more than 35,000 people and displaced at least 2.5 million.

Its attacks on schools, markets, religious centres, and entire villages have torn at the fabric of Nigerian society, creating not only a humanitarian emergency but also a profound crisis of trust and cohesion.

In 2016, Nigeria launched Operation Safe Corridor, a state-run initiative for low-risk former Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province members who have surrendered or been captured.

The programme involves various ministries, departments and agencies of the Nigerian government, alongside the armed forces and other security institutions. It is coordinated by the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff and receives both technical and partial financial support from non-state partners such as the Centre for Democracy and Development, a Nigerian NGO. Its core mandate is to help rehabilitate ex-combatants and reintegrate them into society.

Participants undergo a six to 12-month rehabilitation process. This includes psychological counselling, religious reorientation, civic education, literacy classes and vocational training. As of 2025, the programme has processed over 2,000 ex-combatants. Around 789 participants were still in rehabilitation in February.

The logic of the programme is simple: peace cannot be won by force alone. Nigeria must offer pathways out for those willing to abandon violence.

Despite its ambitious design, few studies have evaluated the outcomes of Operation Safe Corridor beyond community perceptions. There is limited evidence on long-term indicators such as employment stability, psychological recovery, family reintegration and reduced recidivism. Other measures such as economic independence, social cohesion and follow-up support also remain underexplored. This gap raises questions about the programme’s effectivenes and sustainability.

On paper, the programme looks promising. Public ceremonies, such as the mass oath-taking of nearly 600 former fighters in March and another 390 in April 2025, have been highly publicised. But Operation Safe Corridor remains deeply controversial.

Victims and affected communities accuse the government of prioritising perpetrators over survivors. Others doubt the sincerity of those passing through the programme. They cite the risk of ex-fighters rejoining the group if their needs are not met, or acting as spies.

The focus has been on public perception, victims and community members. The perspectives of the soldiers responsible for carrying out these initiatives have received far less attention in both research and policy discussions. My recent study drew on in-depth, face to face interviews with eight soldiers and other security personnel. It examines their perceptions and lived experiences of the Operation Safe Corridor programme.

These soldiers now find themselves responsible for rehabilitating the very people they have long fought against. Their perspectives expose an underappreciated dimension of peacebuilding: the emotional labour of those asked to facilitate reconciliation.

Betrayal on three fronts

The soldiers’ testimonies reveal recurring feelings of betrayal – by the state, by colleagues, and by the communities they are meant to protect.

They described how soldiers fighting the insurgents had been neglected by the state. Despite Nigeria’s rising defence budget, frontline troops reported poor welfare, inadequate equipment, and delayed salaries. Many saw the government as channelling resources into high-profile rehabilitation schemes while neglecting the needs of soldiers.

They also spoke of soldiers who, due to institutional neglect and financial strain, had leaked sensitive information to Boko Haram. Such betrayals are devastating in a conflict that depends on trust and cohesion.

Soldiers in our study also spoke of incidents where villagers shielded insurgents, misdirected patrols, or remained silent under coercion. While many civilians acted out of fear or kinship ties, soldiers interpreted such actions as complicity. For them, the distinction between victims and perpetrators often blurred, leaving them isolated in a morally ambiguous terrain.

Between scepticism and redemption

These experiences of betrayal fuel deep scepticism about Operation Safe Corridor’s effectiveness. Much like community members, many soldiers doubt the sincerity of ex-combatants’ repentance. They suspect that hunger, dwindling supplies, or factional infighting – not moral transformation – drive surrender. Some fear that the programme may serve as a way for insurgents to regroup before rejoining the fight.

Yet glimpses of hope emerge. Soldiers described moments when ex-combatants provided actionable intelligence that disrupted Boko Haram operations, saving lives and reducing violence. Others witnessed genuine remorse among participants.

This tension between betrayal and redemption captures the psychological complexity of implementing deradicalisation. For some soldiers, supporting reintegration becomes a way to reclaim a sense of moral purpose amid the chaos of war. For others, it remains a bitter pill.

Why soldiers’ perspectives matter

Soldiers are not neutral functionaries; they are emotionally invested actors whose wellbeing and outlook directly shape programme outcomes.

Neglecting their perspectives risks undermining peacebuilding. When soldiers feel unsupported, cynicism festers. When they doubt the sincerity of reintegration, they may disengage or resist. Conversely, their fragile optimism can sustain long-term commitment to peace.

Deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes in Sierra Leone, Colombia and Uganda have shown similar dynamics: practitioners carry heavy emotional burdens, often without adequate support. The United Nations has acknowledged this, urging that staff welfare and psychosocial needs be met. Nigeria’s experience reinforces this lesson.

Towards a more holistic peace

What does this mean for policy? My study suggests three key steps.

  1. Support the supporters. Deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration staff, especially soldiers, need structured psychosocial support. This includes counselling, trauma debriefing, and safe spaces to reflect on moral dilemmas, with feedback mechanisms to share their experiences and perspectives.

  2. Reform welfare and recognition systems. Timely salaries, leave policies, and acknowledgement of frontline sacrifices are not luxuries. They are essential for sustaining morale and countering perceptions of institutional betrayal.

  3. Strengthen monitoring and community engagement. To address fears of recidivism and community resentment, reintegration must include follow-up and victim support.

An imperfect yet necessary step

Operation Safe Corridor has clear shortcomings, from weak transparency to limited attention to victims, but abandoning it would mean reverting to military solutions that have already failed. Soldiers’ testimonies show that reintegration is not hopeless, only incomplete.

Peace depends on rebuilding trust: between the state and soldiers, soldiers and communities, and communities and ex-combatants. Nigeria’s soldiers are guardians of peace, yet many feel betrayed. Acknowledging their experiences is essential, for reintegration is not only about transforming fighters but also supporting those guiding them back.

– Nigeria’s Boko Haram rehabilitation efforts ignore the emotional trauma of soldiers: why this matters
– https://theconversation.com/nigerias-boko-haram-rehabilitation-efforts-ignore-the-emotional-trauma-of-soldiers-why-this-matters-267023

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Rape within marriage is still silenced in South Africa – why women are being failed

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nyasha Karimakwenda, Associate Research Scientist, Wellesley College

Sexual violence in marriages is a very real issue in South Africa, but remains shrouded in silence and denial. It’s a subject that Nyasha Karimakwenda has researched for many years in various forms, from traditional practices to court judgments. We asked her to outline the issues.

What is marital rape and why should we pay more attention to it?

Though marriage rates in southern Africa have decreased over the past decades, marriage is still considered to be an ideal social tool for formalising relationships and building families.

But it’s also an environment where spouses can be exposed to different kinds of abuse. This includes sexual abuse by their partners.

Marital rape is the term commonly used to refer to sexual violence by a partner in a marriage or former marriage. It’s a significant problem globally and is mostly committed by husbands against wives.

It’s critical that we learn more about marital rape because it’s a feature of many women’s lives. And it’s not uncommon for it to happen alongside other kinds of violence in marriages. These can include emotional, verbal, economic and physical harms.

Why is there so much silence around marital rape?

Many cultures and legal systems around the world have supported the position that sexual violence committed by husbands against wives is not morally wrong. Or that it’s an issue that should remain within the family.

Historically, for example, Commonwealth countries inherited the marital rape exemption from England. This established that husbands could not be held criminally liable for raping their wives. Some African countries – such as Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria – still retain versions of this exemption and marital rape is not a criminal offence there.

Added to this are existing patriarchal cultural norms across the continent that reinforce the idea that husbands are entitled to sex with their wives, whether the wife says no or not.

Read more: It’s still legal to rape your wife in India. That could be about to change

It’s only in recent decades that countries around the world started to change their criminal laws to allow for rape in marriage to be prosecuted. But there is still a lot of progress needed to make sure that both laws and cultures fully recognise the existence and harm of marital rape.

In South Africa marital rape was made a crime in 1993. Even so, as my doctoral research shows, marital rape continues to be silenced because of social and cultural perspectives.

Read more: Rape is still rape even if you’re married – report finds some South African men don’t believe it is

I learned that among some communities the belief that marriage gives husbands unlimited sexual access to their wives remains strong. Under this thinking, husbands cannot rape their wives, because they have ownership of their wives’ bodies.

My research, along with the work of other scholars, also captures how women are socialised to accept that their bodies are no longer their own once they marry. So they suffer the sexual abuse in silence.

What is ukuthwala and what’s its connection to marital rape?

The term ukuthwala has various meanings in South Africa’s dominant Nguni languages. In the context of marriage, it describes particular customary practices used to make a marriage happen quickly, and often with less expense in poorer communities.

These practices exist across South Africa, but are mostly documented among the Xhosa and Zulu people. Historically, ukuthwala has also been practised in different forms. Some forms of ukuthwala are more like elopement. Other forms are extremely violent, where a girl is abducted by a group of men, beaten, raped and forced to marry a man typically much older than her and a stranger.

Read more: Rethinking ukuthwala, the South African ‘bride abduction’ custom

Examining violent ukuthwala is another way to understand how marital rape is condoned. A growing body of ukuthwala research, including my own, shows how, for generations, some families and communities have used the custom and rape to control unwilling brides and transform their social status from girl to wife.

Gradually, more research is showing how certain communities don’t view the sexual force in ukuthwala as rape, but see it as an acceptable means for creating and maintaining a marriage – a part of custom.

What happens when women turn to South Africa’s courts?

Because of the cultural misunderstandings of marital rape, wives face significant hurdles in getting their case moved along from police to prosecutors to trial before a judge. Participants in my marital rape research expressed how police sometimes mock wives seeking help. They believe it’s not possible for a husband to rape a wife and maintain that criminal punishment is not appropriate.

Prosecutors also have problematic views about marital rape. A 2017 rape attrition study by the South African Medical Research Council found that prosecutors were reluctant to refer intimate partner rapes, including marital rapes, for trial.

Read more: Rape in South Africa: why the system is failing women

We need more research about how marital rape is treated by the courts. But there’s evidence of similar thinking held by judges. In a few appeals cases that I analysed, judges affirmed husbands’ rape convictions but handed down lesser sentences because of the marital relationships. This minimises a wife’s pain and the seriousness of marital rape.

How does South Africa best address the problem?

My research emphasises that marital rape survivors need specialised, empathic and personalised assistance. Society can start by listening and being kind to women who divulge their pain.

I’ve found that women’s community-based organisations like Masimanyane and Mosaic are critical for providing non-judgmental and culturally-aware spaces for women seeking support when facing violence.

Awareness raising and education at national and local levels is vital to dismantle the longstanding idea that husbands are entitled to sex in marriage. This is also critical for wives to understand their rights to wellbeing and sexual autonomy.

Lastly, civil servants that survivors engage with – medical professionals, police, prosecutors, judges – must be properly sensitised to the unique circumstances of marital rape survivors. There should be greater oversight of their professional conduct.

– Rape within marriage is still silenced in South Africa – why women are being failed
– https://theconversation.com/rape-within-marriage-is-still-silenced-in-south-africa-why-women-are-being-failed-260856

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APO Group and Africanian News strengthen strategic alliance after three years of collaboration

Source: APO – Report:

After several years of successful collaboration, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, and Africanian News (https://Africanian.com), an international newspaper based in Equatorial Guinea, have officially formalised their partnership to enhance content amplification across the continent and beyond.

The signing of this agreement consolidates a relationship that has already proven effective, enabling Africanian News to distribute its stories through APO Group’s extensive network covering all 54 African nations and key international markets. This network includes hundreds of African media outlets, as well as strategic contacts in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, ensuring the publication’s stories reach diverse global audiences.

The renewed partnership aims to boost the visibility and impact of both Africanian News content and APO Group content, reinforcing both organisations’ presence within the African and international media ecosystems. It also includes the integration of the Malabo-based newspaper’s press releases into APO Group’s Africa Newsroom platform (www.Africa-Newsroom.com) – a trusted information hub used by organisations, governments, and corporations to distribute reliable news across the continent. This guarantees that Africanian News’ reports and analyses are delivered promptly to journalists, editors, and media professionals across multiple sectors.

For nearly two decades, APO Group has been Africa’s leading communications consultancy and press release distribution service, offering clients strategic and professional media exposure through its extensive global network.

Meanwhile, Africanian News stands out as an international publication headquartered in Equatorial Guinea, committed to promoting an African narrative told by Africans and shared with the world – with specialised coverage in economics, entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and the continent’s progress.

– on behalf of Africanian News.

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.  

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. 

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Egypt – During Her Participation in the Food and Agriculture Forum in Rome, Italy: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Sign a Letter of Intent on Egypt’s Membership and Hosting of the Regional Leadership Academy

Source: APO – Report:

  • Al-Mashat: “The Academy strengthens our partnership with FAO to prepare future leaders in the field of sustainable agri-food systems.”
  • Egypt is consolidating its regional role as a hub for knowledge, experience exchange, and South–South cooperation in food security and agricultural development.

Her Excellency Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), signed a Letter of Intent regarding Egypt’s membership and hosting of the Regional Leadership Academy.

Established by FAO, the Academy serves as a regional center for training leaders and decision-makers in public policy areas related to agri-food system transformation, contributing to institutional capacity-building and supporting policymakers in the region to advance this transformation efficiently and independently.

The signing took place during the World Food Forum (WFF) 2025, organized by FAO at its headquarters in Rome, with high-level participation from government representatives, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.

Dr. Al-Mashat stated that the signing of the Letter of Intent between the Ministry and FAO reflects the long-standing partnership between both sides and supports the Egyptian state’s efforts to promote sustainable development and build national and regional capacities in leadership and institutional transformation.

She emphasized that this step in bilateral cooperation reinforces joint efforts to accelerate the transformation of agri-food systems and facilitate dialogue among relevant institutions and investors, including financial institutions.

The Minister noted that Egypt’s hosting of the Academy represents an important milestone in consolidating its regional role as a hub for knowledge and experience exchange in food security and agricultural development, as well as in the transition toward sustainable food systems, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Dr. Al-Mashat further explained that the Academy aims to prepare young leaders capable of driving effective institutional change in agricultural and food policy areas, and of building resilient and sustainable systems to address global challenges such as climate change and natural resource scarcity.

She added that cooperation with FAO reflects the Egyptian state’s belief in the importance of investing in human capital and enhancing leadership competencies capable of formulating and implementing integrated development policies. She underscored that capacity-building remains a fundamental pillar of Egypt’s efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

The Minister also highlighted that the establishment of the Academy in Egypt will contribute to enhancing South–South cooperation and promoting knowledge and expertise exchange among Arab and African countries, further reinforcing Egypt’s position as a regional platform for development and international cooperation in the fields of food and agriculture.

According to the Letter of Intent, both parties agreed to advance digital transformation in agri-food systems across the Middle East and North Africa region, and to strengthen the efficiency, inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience of these systems. This will be achieved by supporting national policies, developing leadership and strategic capacities among decision-makers in governments and relevant institutions, and promoting innovative research and tailored solutions in the field of agri-food systems.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

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Civil Society and Gender Advocates Strengthen Coordination and Advocacy for Women’s Political Participation in Liberia

Source: APO – Report:

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Over 40 participants from civil society organizations (CSOs), women’s rights groups, gender advocates, the National Elections Commission (NEC), the Women’s Legislative Caucus, and the Law Reform Commission and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection have completed a three-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening coordination and advocacy for increased women’s political participation in Liberia.

The training, held from October 8 to 10, was organized by UN Women and UNDP, under the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden, and technical support from the UN Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

Over the course of the workshop, participants examined barriers to women’s participation in politics and explored strategies for promoting women’s equal participation in politics. International experts and facilitators led a series of interactive sessions designed to build knowledge and enhance practical advocacy skills, and strengthen coordination among women’s rights groups, youth and disability organizations, and election observers.

Maarten Halff, Senior Political Affairs Officer and Electoral Systems Expert with the UN Electoral Assistance Division in New York, facilitated online sessions on “The Obstacles of Women’s Participation in Liberia: An Analysis of the 2023 Results,” “Quotas in Context: An ABC of Electoral Systems and Quotas,” and “Quotas in the Liberian Context: Options and Implications.”

Rindai Chipfunde-Vava, an international consultant from Zimbabwe, and Zage Filiposki, a UNDP Liberia electoral specialist, facilitated discussions utilizing the Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) curriculum and methodology. These included on topics of Women’s Participation in Politics: Targets and Numbers; Sex and Gender Definitions and Equality; Level Playing Field and International Standards of Elections; Advocacy, Campaigning and Lobbying on Women’s Political Empowerment (Negotiation Skills); and Addressing Gender Inequalities through Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Mapping, and Message Delivery Methods.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Mr. Louis Kuukpen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Programmes, applauded participants for their dedication and underscored that gender equality is a shared responsibility that benefits all of society.

“Gender equality in my mind is not just about political participation. We need gender equality in all forms,” said Mr. Kuukpen. “We are not asking for too much. We are asking that a system which has not been fair, due to cultural, political, and economic reasons, be reset. We are not begging; we are asking that the right thing be done.” 

He called on stakeholders to sustain the momentum generated during the workshop and proposed the establishment of a network or reference group to continue collaboration and advocacy.

“Let’s leave here not closing the door,” he added. “We must keep the energy and continue to push the boundaries. The only way we can achieve sustainable development is by ensuring gender equality at every level.”

Ms. Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Country Representative, commended the level of engagement and partnership displayed by participants and institutions throughout the workshop. She commended the strong collaboration between the, NEC, Women’s Legislative Caucus, Law Reform Commission, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, UNDP, civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, and the media for their shared commitment to advancing women’s political empowerment.

“When I walked in here, I just felt a seriousness, focused energy in the room,” Ms. Lamptey said. “You have been doing serious work, and you were all committed. Liberia has offered the world much and can offer much more when it comes to political representation.”

She highlighted that Liberia remains among the lowest-ranking countries in Africa in terms of women’s political representation, stressing the importance of adopting temporary special measures, such as gender quotas, to bridge the gap.

“Ensuring you all understand and champion this approach is crucial,” she noted. “Let’s hope that by 2029, we will not only have 11% of women in the legislature, but at least 30%, which is the floor.”

Ms. Lamptey also praised civil society organizations for their powerful advocacy during the 2023 elections, which helped place women’s leadership and violence against women in politics high on the national agenda. She encouraged participants to maintain coordination and strengthen joint advocacy going forward.

“Your role is essential to hold policymakers and public institutions to account,” she said. “We are stronger together, and when we are together, everything is possible.”

The workshop concluded with renewed commitment from all partners to sustain collaborative advocacy and promote inclusive electoral reforms that guarantee women’s meaningful participation and representation in decision-making processes. Participants also expressed interest in establishing a CSO coordination or networking platform to sustain collaboration and joint advocacy on women’s political participation. 

The Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) supports national institutions and processes to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance. The project is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy and the National Elections Commission, with funding support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.