Le Groupe de coordination arabe célèbre le 50e anniversaire de sa création

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Groupe de coordination arabe (GCA)  (www.TheACG.org) se prépare à célébrer le 50e anniversaire de sa création à travers une cérémonie de haut niveau, prévue le 15 octobre 2025, à Washington D.C. Cet événement réunira des dirigeants, partenaires et participants du monde entier afin de rendre hommage à cinq décennies de contributions du Groupe à la promotion du développement durable à l’échelle mondiale.

Placée sous le thème : « Le Groupe de coordination arabe à son 50e anniversaire : Unis dans la coopération et l’action pour un avenir durable », cette rencontre vise à explorer de nouvelles perspectives de collaboration collective et de renforcer l’impact global du Groupe.

Depuis cinq décennies, le GCA joue un rôle essentiel dans la réponse aux défis du développement mondial, l’amélioration des conditions de vie, la consolidation de sociétés plus résilientes et l’appui à des trajectoires de croissance inclusive. Cet événement marquera une étape clé pour valoriser les réalisations, partager des visions et esquisser les orientations futures.

Le programme de l’événement comprendra des tables rondes de haut niveau, des présentations exceptionnelles, ainsi que des courts-métrages illustrant une vision commune d’un avenir plus durable et prospère, guidée par les valeurs fondamentales du Groupe et son engagement inébranlable envers le partenariat mondial.

La célébration du jubilé d’or mettra également en évidence les enseignements tirés au fil des décennies, illustrant l’évolution du Groupe, sa capacité d’adaptation aux nouvelles réalités, et l’élargissement de son champ d’action face aux transformations mondiales. Grâce à la coopération, à l’innovation et à un engagement ferme envers des valeurs partagées, le Groupe s’est affirmé comme un acteur incontournable de développement inclusif et durable à l’échelle internationale.

Distribué par APO Group pour Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

A propos du Groupe de coordination arabe :
Le Groupe de coordination arabe est une alliance stratégique offrant une réponse concertée au financement du développement. Depuis sa création en 1975, le Groupe a joué un rôle central dans l’accompagnement des économies et des sociétés vers un avenir meilleur, avec plus de 13.000 projets de développement financés dans plus de 160. Son action vise à autonomiser les pays en développement et à générer un impact positif durable.

Le Groupe est composé de 10 institutions nationales, régionales et internationales : le Fonds d’Abou Dhabi pour le Développement, la Banque arabe pour le développement économique en Afrique, le Fonds arabe pour le développement économique et social, le Programme du Golfe arabe pour le développement, le Fonds monétaire arabe, la Banque islamique de développement, le Fonds koweïtien pour le développement économique arabe, le Fonds de l’OPEP pour le développement international, le Fonds qatarien pour le développement, et le Fonds saoudien pour le développement.

President Boakai Congratulates Nigeria on Its 65th Independence Anniversary

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a congratulatory message to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the occasion marking that country’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in his message to his H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Joseph Boakai on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia and in his own name, extended best wishes through President Tinubu to the Government and People of Nigeria as they celebrate this historic day.

“I hope that this momentous occasion will allow us to reflect on our historic journey of partnership. Our two Countries share a long history of friendship and cooperation, rooted in our common membership in ECOWAS and the African Union, as well as our Mutual commitment to peace, democracy, and development across West Africa “, President Boakai declared.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

The European Union remains a steadfast partner to the Seychelles

Source: APO – Report:

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Ambassador Oskar Benedikt, the Head of the European Union Delegation to the Seychelles held discussions with the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ian Madeleine on Tuesday 30 September 2025 at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

Ambassador Benedikt congratulated Ambassador Madeleine on his recent appointment as Principal Secretary. The EU Ambassador provided an update on the ongoing cooperation between Seychelles and the European Union (EU) in various fields; such maritime security, fisheries, financial governance and trade among others.

They discussed the Port Victoria Extension Project, which is currently in the tendering phase. Ambassador Madeleine acknowledged that the project is of great strategic importance for the country. Once completed it will significantly contribute to Seychelles’ socio-economic development. He expressed his appreciation to the European Union for its valuable support in this endeavour.

Ambassador Madeleine reiterated that the partnership with the European Union is of great importance to Seychelles, not only in terms of support for national projects but also within multilateral fora, where the EU has consistently championed the cause of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In response, Ambassador Benedikt expressed his appreciation to Seychelles for being a strong voice and reliable partner in such engagements.

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

President Boakai Declares Wednesday, 1st October as “Global Coffee Day”

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has by Proclamation declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025 as “Global Coffee Day”. 

The Proclamation calls on citizens, businesses, and government agencies to execute appropriate programs and activities that will celebrate Liberia’s coffee sector and its workforce; promote fair trade and sustainability within the coffee supply chain; educate the public on coffee’s history, culture and economic impact; and encourage consumption on locally grown coffee.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, October 1st is recognized annually as Global Coffee Day by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), and it seeks to promote sustainable practices, raising awareness of coffee farmers’ challenges, and celebrating coffee’s journey from bean to cup.

The Proclamation stated that coffee is one of the world’s most consumed beverages, a global commodity that fuels economic growth, supports millions of livelihoods, and enriches cultures worldwide.

The Presidential Proclamation disclosed that Liberia’s coffee industry holds historical and economic significance, contributing to national heritage, exports, and employment.

A Foreign Ministry release says that Coffea librica, a robust, native species to West and Central Africa, offers distinct smoky, nutty, and chocolatey flavors with rich body and lasting aroma, setting it apart from Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta) are commonly traded.

Cultivating Coffea liberica presents an opportunity to diversify Liberia’s coffee sector, improve climate resilience through its hardiness and disease resistance, and open niche markets for local farmers. Its recognition also reflects Liberia’s dedication to biodiversity, sustainable farming, and the preservation of indigenous agricultural crops 

The Proclamation stated that President Boakai has recognized Coffea liberica as a strategic agricultural asset and directed the Ministry of Agriculture, Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, and relevant institutions to advance research to improve Coffea liberica quality, yield, and disease resistance; promote cultivation of Coffea liberica among smallholder farmers in suitable regions; and support marketing efforts to position Coffea liberica as a premium Liberian product.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

President Boakai Congratulates China on 76th National Day Celebration

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion commemorating the 76th National Day of Independence of that Country on October 1, 2025.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in his message to his Chinese counterpart, His Excellency Xi Jinping, President Joseph Boakai extended heartfelt Congratulations to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia and in his own name.

President Boakai stressed that this significant milestone reflects not only a remarkable history of resilience and progress but also the enduring legacy of culture, innovation, and determination that continues to define the Chinese People over the past 76 years, as they rise to the stature of a global leader, exemplifying unity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

President Boakai furthered that under the distinguished leadership of H.E. Xi Jinping, China has successfully confronted challenges and embraced opportunities, foster transformative development that has improved the lives of millions and set an admirable standard on the international stage. 

“As your nation observes this millstone, may it serve as an inspiration for continued prosperity, growth, and harmony among your people. I look forward to the deepening of our collaboration as we jointly uphold the principles of the United Nations and advance the cause of international peace and security”, the Liberian leader declared.

President Boakai then expressed that H.E. Xi Jinping continued to be endowed with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his compatriots to greater prosperity.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU) and World Bank launch capacity building workshop on r-p3sat tool for regional infrastructure projects

Source: APO – Report:

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The ECOWAS Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU) and the World Bank are bringing together experts from ECOWAS Member States, the ECOWAS Commission and Agencies, technical and financial partners on the 29th and 30th of September, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, for a training workshop on the regional tool for selecting and analysing regional public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure (R-P3SAT).

The main objective of this workshop is to train experts and focal points from ECOWAS Member States in the use of the R-P3SAT tool to evaluate, analyze, and select regional PPP projects. It will enable participants to gain practical experience of the tool’s processes and functionalities in order to streamline the evaluation of PPP infrastructure projects.

The welcome address was delivered on behalf of Mr. Sediko DOUKA, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, by Mr. Olumuyiwa SHOKUNBI, PPDU Program Manager, representing the Acting Director of PPDU.

The World Bank’s address was delivered on behalf of the Vice President in charge of Infrastructure by Ms. Adetoun ADETONA, PPP Specialist.

The proceedings were opened on Monday, September 29th, 2025, by Mr. Frederick DARTEY, Director of the Ghana PPP Unit, representing His Excellency the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Ghana.

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

Arab Coordination Group (ACG) to Celebrate 50 Years of Global Impact in 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (www.TheACG.org) will mark its 50th anniversary with a high-level Golden Jubilee celebration on October 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The event will bring together global leaders, partners, and stakeholders to honor five decades of ACG’s contributions to sustainable development around the world.

Under the theme “ACG at 50: United in Collaboration, Transforming Development for a Sustainable Future,” the Golden Jubilee will celebrate ACG’s legacy and look ahead to new opportunities for collective action and global impact.

For five decades, the ACG has played a vital role in tackling global development challenges, improving lives, building resilient communities, and driving inclusive growth. This event serves as an opportunity to reflect on achievements, share insights, and set the foundation for the future.

The event will feature high-level discussions, engaging presentations, and video highlights—offering a shared vision for a more sustainable and prosperous world, guided by the Group’s core values and long-standing commitment to global partnership.

The Golden Jubilee will also highlight key takeaways from the past years, showcasing how the ACG has evolved, adapted, and expanded its mission in response to a changing global landscape. Through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to shared values, the Group has become a key player in shaping inclusive and sustainable development worldwide.

– on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. ACG works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact.

The Coordination Group is considered one of the most important and effective development partnerships at the international level. The group actively works to adopt the best global practices in sustainable development work. It also aims to align the efforts of these institutions to achieve convergence and harmonization in the policies governing their financing operations.

The Group comprises 10 national, regional, and international institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development,  the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.

SA launches National Action Plan to combat substandard medical products

Source: Government of South Africa

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has reaffirmed his department’s commitment to ensuring that all medicines, vaccines, and health products are safe, effective, and of the highest quality.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of Africa’s first comprehensive National Action Plan (NAP) aimed at combating the serious threat posed by substandard and falsified medical products (SFMP) at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo Airport, Kempton Park, Gauteng, on Tuesday. 

This initiative positions the country as a leader on the continent in the fight against fake and poor-quality medicines.

The Minister emphasised that this plan is crucial in the effort to protect innocent lives. 

“Substandard and falsified medical products are a threat to individual lives and the integrity of health systems globally,” said Motsoaledi.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that SFMP contribute to a significant number of deaths worldwide each year, many of which go undetected.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), in collaboration with the Department of Health and the WHO, officially unveiled this landmark NAP. 

The NAP was developed by a multistakeholder committee following the guidelines of the WHO’s draft handbook pilot. 

This launch signifies the conclusion of the pilot phase, allowing the WHO to implement the handbook across all Member States.

According to Motsoaledi, a large percentage of SFMP found worldwide are present in Africa, raising substantial public health concerns. 

The Minister believes that this situation poses challenges to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure universal health access for all.

He stated that the development of the NAP provides a framework for addressing the threat of SFMPs. 

In addition, it supports the enhancement of technical capacity and fosters collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the manufacture, importation, distribution, and supply of medical products.

“All actors within the supply chain, particularly at key pinch points in both the public and private sectors, must be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and equipment to identify and report suspicious products to SAHPRA. 

“All activities should mitigate the risk of SFMP. This includes increased vigilance at ports of entry, through to post-market surveillance of high-risk products, inspection of manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers.”

During the Fifth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Health, Population, Nutrition, and Drug Control, held in Ethiopia last year, Motsoaledi said delegates expressed concern regarding the growing prevalence of SFMP on the continent. 

He stressed that this poses a serious threat to public health and also causes significant economic losses throughout Africa.

Meanwhile, the number of incidents involving SFMP reported from Africa through the WHO Global Surveillance Monitoring System has been increasing over the years. 

According to the Minister, in October 2022, several children’s deaths in Gambia were linked to SFMP. 

“The launch represents a milestone in protecting the integrity of South Africa’s health system and medicines supply chain. The network that strives to protect public health by sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices for the betterment of our health system.”

He expressed his gratitude to the WHO for selecting South Africa for this opportunity. 

The Minister announced that South Africa is prepared to present this pilot initiative in collaboration with the 14th Member State Mechanism on Sustainable Financing, scheduled for November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. – SAnews.gov.za

African Energy Week (AEW): Africa Energy Bank Moves to Close Continent’s Energy Finance Gap

Source: APO

The African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) and Afreximbank shared updates on the establishment of the $5 billion Africa Energy Bank on Monday at AEW: Invest in African Energies, aimed at addressing Africa’s persistent energy financing challenges.

Speaking during a workshop titled Africa Energy Bank Take-Off – Bridging the Financing Gap for Africa’s Energy Sector, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO, said the bank has made rapid strides in raising funds.

“We have succeeded in raising a large chunk of the funds we needed to get this bank started. In the last two to three years, we have achieved what no other development bank has in terms of the timeline,” Ibrahim said. He highlighted the continent’s energy access challenges: “More than 600 million Africans lack electricity… yet we export 75% of our oil production and 45% of gas. If we want energy for our people, then we have to fund the projects.”

Ibrahim emphasized that Africa must lead its own energy financing. “We have a duty to ensure the African continent is not left behind in terms of energy access; in doing so, we cannot continue to look to others to help us. If we get outside support, it should be to supplement what we have done.”

Haytham El Maayergi, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, noted the continent’s current financing challenges. “Africa is being penalized – we pay more per kilowatt before subsidies than anywhere in the world, because the costs of financing energy projects are higher. When we borrow, we pay more because our credit ratings are not as high… It’s a toll on Africa.”

According to the workshop presentation, Africa currently receives only 4% of global climate investment, while $1.6–$1.9 trillion will be required by 2030 to transition away from fossil fuels. The annual energy finance gap is estimated at $31–50 billion, and fossil fuels still account for 35 – 82% of government revenues in some countries, making closing these gaps critical to achieving energy access and supporting development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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ExxonMobil Foundation Brings STEM Regional Competition to African Energy Week

Source: APO

Young innovators from Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Nigeria have presented their STEM-driven solutions at the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa Regional Finals in Cape Town. The competition, implemented by non-governmental organization JA Africa, marks the culmination of a year-long program of quizzes and innovation camps.  

The projects were presented during the ExxonMobil Foundation STEM Africa 2025 pre-conference workshop at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, hosted by energy major ExxonMobil. The presentation was presided over by Alvin Abraham, President, ExxonMobil Foundation; Katrina Fischer, Managing Director, ExxonMobil Angola; and Arne Gibbs, General Manager, ExxonMobil Mozambique.  

“Today, we’re continuing to support young individuals in developing innovative, STEM-based solutions to some of the most significant challenges we face today,” Abraham stated. 

The Angola team presented an innovative solar-powered system designed to reduce coastal and marine pollution. Using a photovoltaic system, lift, containment net and recycling unit, the project removes solid waste from water bodies, mitigates waterborne diseases, supports tourism and converts plastic waste into revenue, promoting environmental protection and local economic development.  

Meanwhile, the Namibia team showcased a sustainable, user-friendly system that converts fish waste into bio-feed for plants using a 3D-printed frame The project promotes sustainable farming, turns organic waste into valuable nutrients and supports efforts to combat hunger. 

The Nigeria team presented UltraClean, a solar-powered water purification system for classrooms and homes. The solution uses sand filtration, charcoal purification and biochar creation to provide safe water, convert waste into fertilizer and support sustainable development. 

Finally, the Mozambique team showcased a sanitation and energy solution that converts human waste into biogas, which is then transformed into electricity. The system combines a carousel and biodigester to support clean water access, sanitation for children and increased agricultural capacity through irrigation and energy production. 

The winners of the regional finals will be announced during the AEW: Invest in African Energies African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner on September 30.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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