Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has launched the 2025 National Budget Outreach and FY2026 Pre-Budget Consultation in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, as part of its Open Budget Initiative (OBI).

The initiative, which kicked off on Saturday, aims to strengthen fiscal transparency and public participation in the national budget process.

It provides citizens with updates on the implementation of the FY2025 National Budget while soliciting their views and priorities for the upcoming FY2026 budget year.

Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs, Hon. Anthony G. Myers, who formally launched the program, underscored the importance of the national budget as a “key policy tool” for advancing Liberia’s development agenda under the Agenda for Accelerated Inclusive Development (AAID). He noted that Article 7 of the Liberian Constitution makes it a legal obligation for the government to ensure public involvement in budgetary matters.

“The budget is the tool for decentralization,” Deputy Minister Myers said. “It provides resources for County Development Agendas and County Services Centres, builds schools, improves healthcare, supports farmers, creates jobs,
maintains roads, and delivers essential services.”

He described the choice of Sanniquellie as symbolic, representing the government’s renewed commitment to decentralization and inclusiveness in decision-making. Myers also cited the 2011 amendment to the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law, which mandates citizen engagement in the budget preparation and implementation process.

Highlighting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration’s priorities, Hon. Myers said decentralization, road access, and citizen-centered consultations remain central to national development policy.

Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Hon. Bill McGill Jones also addressed the gathering, stressing that the Open Budget Initiative is not merely symbolic but demonstrates the government’s dedication to openness and accountability.

“The National Budget may seem technical, but it reflects our collective priorities and aspirations,” Hon. Jones stated. “It is about the quality of education our children receive, the strength of our healthcare system, the roads that connect our communities, and the opportunities that improve our daily lives.”

He added that citizens’ voices are vital in shaping a budget that responds to the needs of the people.

Representing the local administration, Prince Nyae, proxy for the Superintendent of Nimba County, welcomed the initiative as an opportunity for residents to present their challenges and development priorities.

He emphasized the need for improved road networks, stronger healthcare and education systems, and better support for agriculture to boost local livelihoods and economic growth.

The event drew participants from diverse groups, including students, people with disabilities, civil society organizations, and the business community.

Discussions centered on government allocations to counties, transparency in budget implementation, and ways citizens can track how funds are spent at the local level.

As part of the outreach, the government pledged to continue engaging the public, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing accountability in the management of public resources.

Civil society organizations were also included in the process to provide independent oversight and strengthen transparency.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance & Development Planning: Republic of Liberia.

Source: APO

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Government of Ghana has signed a ¥3 billion (Japanese Yen) grant agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to overhaul the Inner Ring Road in Kumasi.

The agreement, signed today by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, promises to drastically ease traffic congestion and improve mobility in Ghana’s second-largest city.

The Inner Ring Road is a critical artery linking the N6 and N8 within Kumasi and forming part of the Takoradi/Tema Ports–Ouagadougou Corridor. Sadly, growth in traffic has turned sections of this road into bottlenecks, with congestion, delays, and safety risks for road users. This project directly tackles those challenges.

The comprehensive road improvement initiative will deliver:

• Widening of 3.2 km of road between Santasi and Ahodwo Roundabouts,
• Upgraded intersections with modern traffic signals,
• Enhanced pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, and
• Improved connectivity between Santasi Roundabout and the N8.

When completed, travel speeds on this stretch are expected to more than triple, slashing journey times for commuters, while boosting efficiency for both passenger and freight transport.

Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, welcomed the JICA support, stressing that the Inner Ring Road upgrade is part of a broader transformation plan for Kumasi’s transport system.

“We are deeply grateful to JICA for this generous support and continued partnership with Ghana. But this is only one piece of the puzzle. From the Suame Interchange to the Konongo Bypass and the forthcoming 45km Kumasi Outer Ring Road, our vision is to reshape Kumasi’s transport landscape and unlock economic and social opportunities for millions,” he said.

Mr. ODA Ryotaro, senior representative of JICA Ghana, highlighted the broader significance of the grant.

“This project is especially significant as it marks the first Grant Aid to be newly delivered from the Government of Japan after TICAD 9 in August. It aligns directly with the Yokohama Declaration, which emphasizes improving transport connectivity as a driver of growth and prosperity,” he said

Beyond easing congestion, Mr. Ryotaro underscored that the project will strengthen access to schools, hospitals, and markets, reduce accident risks, and foster a safer, healthier urban environment in Kumasi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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On Thursday, October 2, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTOM) to Abidjan in the context of the presidential election scheduled for October 25, 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, approved the deployment of the LTOM in accordance with the provisions of ECOWAS instruments. This legal framework includes the 1993 Revised Treaty, the 1999 Mechanism for the Prevention, Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, Peace and Security, the 2001 Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and Article 53(c) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework adopted in 2008.

Fifteen (15) experts from ECOWAS member states will remain in the country until October 29, 2025. During this period, they will be deployed in all districts of Côte d’Ivoire. These experts have varied expertise in areas such as constitutional law, political affairs, diplomacy, media, electoral operations, conflict prevention, gender and inclusion, as well as security aspects.

The long-term mission observers will monitor all key stages of the electoral process before, during, and after the election. Their analyses will serve as early warning and rapid response mechanisms to help prevent and manage any conflicts that may arise in connection with the elections. The observers will provide real-time analysis, make concrete recommendations, and help create a climate of transparency and trust conducive to high citizen participation.

In order to ensure effective coordination of the LTEMO in the run-up to the deployment of the short-term Election Observation Mission, which will be composed of around 100 observers, ECOWAS will set up a situation room to monitor developments at the national level and publish daily updates for the attention of the ECOWAS Commission authorities for assessment.

Through the deployment of the MOELT, ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in organizing credible, transparent, and peaceful presidential elections, as well as its continued determination to promote democracy, good governance, peace, and stability in the region.

It should be recalled that, pursuant to the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, in particular Articles 12 to 14 relating to support for Member States organizing elections, the President of the Commission deployed a pre-election fact-finding mission to Côte d’Ivoire from June 29 to July 5, 2025. This mission met with political actors, including government representatives, political party coalitions, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and several civil society actors, and submitted a post-mission report to the ECOWAS Commission.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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On the anniversary of the glorious October victories, we extend our greetings to the noble people of Egypt and the valiant Armed Forces. We proudly recall the spirit of determination and unity that built glory and protected the homeland.  

As the region undergoes a critical historical phase and witnesses intensive efforts to bring peace, Egypt affirms its unwavering position: sustainable security and stability will only be achieved through just and comprehensive peace based on the principles of international legitimacy, peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, and opens unlimited prospects for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among all peoples of the region.

May our beloved Egypt and its great people enjoy lasting security and peace every year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO

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Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minster of the Republic of Uganda will pay a visit to Japan from October 7 to 9.

1. During her stay in Japan, Prime Minister Nabbanja will participate in the National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, on October 8, as the official guest of the Government of Japan.
2. The visit of Prime Minster Nabbanja is expected to further develop the bilateral relations between Japan and Uganda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, Ms Kgomotso Ramolobeng, has wished the National Library and the Department of Correctional Services a successful Funda Mzantsi Competition for the year 2025.

Ms Ramolobeng said the competition is happening as the committee had prioritized the Eastern Cape province for its oversight visits that will start tomorrow, 6 Monday. She said:

“This is a long running program in conjunction with the National Library and has contributed immensely to the lives of the incarcerated. This week offers a nice context for the surprise oversight visit that the committee is conducting in the provinces of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.”

“We will not tire in ensuring that inmates are treated with dignity. This is an obligation we have in the context of our Ubuntu principles, and the constitutional dispensation whose fundamentals are corrective approach to offenders,” emphasised Ms Ramolobeng.

She said the committee is fully aware that the society has different opinions on how to handle prisoners but the truth is that the society still has an obligation to ensure that the welfare on these people is guaranteed and that even in chains they are treated with dignity.

The committee will from tomorrow undertake a week-long visit to the Eastern and Western Cape, to assess among others:

• Skills Programmes provided to offenders,
• Conditions of detention for both remand and sentenced inmates,
• Treatment offenders who are Mothers, and,
• Overall Infrastructure of correctional centres

The committee will conduct physical walkabouts of the correction facilities.

Ms Ramolobeng said the intention was not so much to catch out officials but to ensure dignity for the most disadvantaged of our society.

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

Source: APO

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The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) congratulates the AUSSOM Sector 1 troops and the Somali Security Forces (SSF) on the successful recapture of Awdheegle town in Lower Shabelle region.

“The recapture of Awdheegle town is a testament to the strong cooperation between African Union forces and the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab and other illegal armed groups,” said the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene.

“The successes achieved in these joint military operations are proof that Somalia is on the verge of achieving peace and stability its citizens have been yearning for.”

The AU Mission confirms that its forces are working closely with SSF in clearing Al-Shabaab remnants and any Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) left behind by fleeing terrorists.

The joint forces have also held meetings with local elders to assure them and other residents of their security in the newly liberated town.

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

Source: APO

Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces the Colorado XL-series, a new platform of 3.4m printers that extends the proven advantages of Canon’s UVgel technology to the 3.2m graphics market. Available in hybrid and roll-to-roll configurations, the modular, field upgradable platform powered by UVgel technology delivers great versatility and exceptional productivity for both flexible and rigid media applications from signage and décor to point of sale and packaging.

The Colorado XL-series comprises two easy-to-operate models: the Colorado XL7 roll-to-roll printer and Colorado XL7 hybrid printer. The new series brings the benefits of UVgel to a new market segment with exceptional application versatility across a comprehensive range of media – from banner, paper, vinyl and films to soft signage, heat-sensitive materials, foam board, fluted polypropylene, acrylic, aluminium composite boards and cardboard – providing the flexibility to tackle diverse customer requirements. With print speeds of 70m² per hour in quality mode, 106m² per hour in production mode and up to 211m² per hour in express mode, the system delivers the productivity needed for demanding production environments while accommodating substrates up to 52mm/2 inches thick for rigid applications.

The new platform includes multiple technology innovations, such as the UVgel 860 ink set, which has been optimised to cover a wide variety of both rigid and flexible applications. It also provides the proven benefits of UVgel: odourless and instant-dry prints, high mechanical and chemical robustness, dimensional stability due to low-temperature curing, excellent colour consistency, TPO [1] – and VCL [2] -free, and matte and gloss finish without the need of a separate varnish.

The Colorado XL-series also incorporates new UVgel 850 PrintHeads. Each printhead has 4,544 nozzles and features automated built-in nozzle performance monitoring and compensation. A single printhead supports two colours simultaneously, so that only two printheads are required to print CMYK, plus an optional third if white is configured. Additionally, the Colorado XL-series has an agile and precise printhead carriage that features UVgel DynamicMotion Control to ensure exceptional print quality even with challenging media.

Taking the UV LED curing process to the next level, the Colorado XL-series introduces UVgel FullBeam Curing. This technology uses a unique 3.4-metre-wide LED curing array that, combined with an ingenious mirror system, delivers consistent UV light dosing across the entire print width, guaranteeing exceptional print uniformity over large surfaces and enabling a wider colour gamut. Media handling is optimised by the new UVgel TRIdrive vacuum belt system, which features three interactive rollers and multiple powerful vacuum zones that reduce wrinkling and skewing by automatically detecting and correcting the media positioning. This results in highly repeatable media transport through the printer, ensuring accurate positioning both longitudinally and laterally and enabling razor-sharp applications.

Optional features for the Colorado XL-series, which are already available on the highly successful and modular Colorado M-series, include:

• UVgel White for hassle-free white printing,
• FLXfinish⁺ for creative effects using matte or gloss or mixed matte and gloss on the same print without additional varnish, and
• FLXture for textured finishes that mimic materials like leather, wood or fabric.

Mathew Faulkner, Director, Marketing & Innovation, Wide Format Printing Group, Canon EMEA, comments: “For the past decade, Canon has been at the forefront of the inkjet evolution in large format, with market-leading technologies including the Colorado roll-to-roll printer series powered by UVgel technology and the Arizona flatbed printers. Large format print providers are looking for systems that deliver high productivity, versatile applications and reliable quality while addressing the challenge of finding skilled operators – which is why Canon is launching our new, breakthrough Colorado XL-series, an addition to our portfolio that will set a new standard in productivity and versatility.

“This innovative solution brings the proven advantages of our unique UVgel technology to the 3.2m market for the first time, combining it with extensive automation and a modular design that will enable customers to extend their application possibilities into markets such as packaging and décor. Print service providers already producing high-value signage and graphics can now leverage UVgel’s distinctive finishes, including mixed gloss and matte effects and textured printing, at scale to stand out in these new markets. And with its hybrid capabilities, users can print both roll-to-roll and rigid applications on the same device, using the same ink, the same colour profiles and the same unique features and finishes. For brands, for example, this translates to seamless campaigns that span the full spectrum of applications, ensuring perfect consistency across campaign assets whether they’re roll-fed graphics, rigid signage, packaging, or décor elements. This is particularly valuable when these different applications appear side by side in-store, where maintaining that consistent quality and finish elevates the entire brand experience that today’s brands demand.”

The Colorado XL-series will be available from the beginning of 2026 via Canon’s direct sales organisations as well as from accredited partners.

For more information about the Colorado XL-series, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3WltKtM

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/46QS0ZE) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

Source: APO

As the landscape of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Africa is being reshaped, Senegal aims to capture a growing share of this capital through the Forum Invest in Senegal 2025 (Fii Senegal 2025) (http://apo-opa.co/3KzxBkp), which opens on Tuesday in Diamniadio.

“Senegal is positioning itself as a crossroads between Africa and the rest of the world, a gateway for attracting capital, technology, and expertise,” explains Bakary Séga Bathily, Director General of APIX, the agency responsible for investment promotion and major infrastructure projects.

With the central theme of ‘connecting opportunities, building the future,’ the event—held under the patronage of His Excellency, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye—aims to showcase a portfolio of strategic projects across three key sectors:

Energy: The development of natural gas from Yakaar-Teranga, combined with investments in solar and wind power, aims to position Senegal as a regional energy hub, both as an exporter and a cost-competitive provider of electricity.

Infrastructure: The $1.2 billion Ndayane Port, the Dakar-Bamako transport corridor, and large-scale water projects are designed to strengthen logistical connectivity and secure water supply.

Digital: The development of a sovereign cloud, a national data center, and support for a startup ecosystem in fintech, AI, and cybersecurity aim to diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors.

With growth projected at around 8.4% in 2025, driven by the first gas exports, Dakar aims to strengthen its reputation as a stable and attractive destination for investors.

Beyond the projects themselves, Dakar aims to capitalize on its structural strengths: recognized political stability, a strategic geographic location offering access to 400 million consumers across ECOWAS, and a shifting regulatory framework that includes the new Investment Code, the Startup Act, and a reinforced public-private partnership system.

“Fii Senegal 2025 is more than a forum—it’s a signal to global markets. Senegal seeks to position itself as a key player in Africa’s transformation, guided by transparency, innovation, and sustainability,” emphasizes Bathily.

In 2024, the country attracted nearly $3 billion in FDI, primarily in energy and infrastructure, according to official data. Authorities hope that the 2025 edition of the forum will help turn more announcements into concrete, bankable projects.

Full programme details are available at www.FiiSenegal.sn.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APIX Senegal S.A.