Category: MIL-OSI

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Heritage, identity, and the risk of digital mimicry

Source: APO – Report:

As South Africans recently celebrated a day of communal braais and shared national pride, our digital lives inevitably mirrored our physical ones. We posted family photos, shared traditions, and celebrated our diverse cultures online. But in this outpouring of celebration, we risked exposing the very essence of our identity to cybercriminals who see our heritage not as a source of pride, but as a blueprint for manipulation.

“Heritage is not just about our traditions and history,” asserts Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & CISO Advisor  at KnowBe4 Africa (https://www.KnowBe4.com/). “It’s also about an individual’s unique digital footprint that includes their personal information and cultural affiliations.” While celebrating heritage is a positive act, she warns that oversharing details online can provide cybercriminals with the ammunition they need for highly targeted attacks.

The digital shadow of a shared identity

Criminals consistently flock to where public interest is highest, and the increased social media activity around Heritage Day makes it a prime hunting ground. “The celebratory nature of Heritage Day makes people more trusting and less likely to scrutinise suspicious communications,” says Collard. “Cultural pride can override usual scepticism when receiving messages that appear to celebrate or acknowledge one’s heritage.”

This is compounded by a tendency to share more personal information during cultural celebrations, including family photos, location data, and even ancestral origins or family names. This data helps criminals build detailed victim profiles for highly effective social engineering (https://apo-opa.co/4ai7HMO) campaigns.

When ‘ubuntu’ becomes a vulnerability

Cybercriminals are adept at exploiting the cultural significance of the occasion, using traditional greetings and heritage symbols to establish a false rapport. “They leverage the strong sense of ubuntu and community spirit in South African culture to lower victims’ defences,” Collard explains.

This can manifest in several ways, from bogus charity appeals for a community project to phishing campaigns (https://apo-opa.co/3XUN3es) promising tickets to sold-out cultural events. Some scams are even more elaborate, exploiting deep-seated cultural beliefs. “Fraudsters may claim to represent traditional healers (sangomas) or deceased ancestors, promising to ‘bless’ (https://apo-opa.co/3KQS9W3) or double your money through a ritual to manipulate victims into handing over their life savings,” she comments.

Fraudsters can also use artificial intelligence to study cultural posts to impersonate community leaders or heritage groups, exploiting the trust people have in these figures. “Be especially wary of attacks that leverage personal data from your social-media accounts to create a false sense of trust,” she cautions.

Another risk is the deliberate use of “rage-bait” around culturally sensitive topics. “Rage-bait is internet content intentionally designed to provoke anger or outrage to increase engagement,” Collard elaborates. “It’s best not to comment on these posts, as they can be used as a tactic in a larger social-engineering campaign to exploit cultural stereotypes or vulnerabilities for malicious purposes.”

Building our cognitive defences

Protecting our digital identity  is not a purely technical problem; it is a psychological one. “Heritage and identity are deeply emotional topics that could bypass rational security thinking if exploited by scammers or disinformation actors,” Collard maintains. “Technical solutions alone ignore how values influence decision-making and risk assessment – we need to foster digital mindfulness and teach people how to be aware of these tactics.”

For individuals, this means:

  • Smart sharing: Review privacy settings before posting heritage-themed content. Avoid sharing specific locations, family details, or financial information that could be exploited.
  • Verification habits: Double-check heritage-related offers or invitations through official channels. Be sceptical of unsolicited messages, even if they reference your culture.
  • Digital hygiene: Use a password manager to create and manage strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on all your accounts.

For organisations:

  • Run proactive awareness campaigns: Make employees aware of the specific dangers that exist online when sharing too much personal information
  • Use culturally relevant training: “Using culturally relevant examples and scenarios in security awareness training (https://apo-opa.co/48SeZ7v) is a good idea,” says Collard, as it helps make the threats more tangible and memorable.

Heritage Day should be a time to strengthen our cultural bonds, not to make us vulnerable. “By staying culturally connected while remaining digitally cautious,” Collard concludes, “we can celebrate our heritage while securing our futures, safely.”

– on behalf of KnowBe4.

Contact details:
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek
 anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

Media files

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Action strategy to fast-track children’s rights and development

Source: Government of South Africa

Action strategy to fast-track children’s rights and development

Government’s newly approved national strategy aimed at accelerating action for children is one tool aimed at improving the circumstances of the country’s most vulnerable.

In his address to the nation through the weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that despite the gains made since the advent of democracy, nearly half of South Africa’s children still live in poverty and face high levels of abuse, neglect and poor health outcomes.

Earlier this month, Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), a wide-ranging framework designed to improve the health, safety and development of children and adolescents. The strategy will be implemented through the 5th National Plan of Action for Children (2025–2030) and seeks to mobilise government, business, labour and civil society around a shared agenda for children.

“The best way to secure our country’s future is to invest in the health and well-being of its children,” President Ramaphosa said, noting that while progress has been made in reducing child poverty and mortality since 1994, significant challenges remain.

According to a recent Statistics South Africa report, child poverty declined from 69% in 2006 to 49% in 2023. However, children remain the most affected group, with nearly half living in poverty – the highest rate of any age group.

The newly approved strategy identifies 10 national priorities aligned to key stages in a child’s life, with particular focus on adolescents and children with disabilities. It follows extensive consultations with government departments, the children’s sector and children themselves, and is intended to strengthen coordination across all sectors of society.

President Ramaphosa highlighted early-life disadvantages as a critical concern, pointing to maternal undernutrition and its impact on birth outcomes, breastfeeding and child immunity. Poor nutrition in early childhood, the President said, continues to undermine children’s health, education and long-term prospects.

“This domino effect must be broken,” he said, stressing the need for early interventions to prevent children from falling behind before they even start school.

Crimes against children were also flagged as a major national crisis. During Child Protection Month in May, authorities reported more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect in the 2024/2025 financial year, with the majority involving sexual abuse.

“The experience of children today will determine our nation’s social and economic wellbeing over the next twenty years,” President Ramaphosa said, warning that failure to act decisively would have long-term consequences for communities and the economy.

As part of the new strategy, government has announced the launch of a national “Hold My Hand” campaign, calling on every South African to take practical action to improve the lives of children.

The campaign urges citizens to imagine the impact if every child had “enough love, enough food, safety and brainpower”, arguing that such collective action could fundamentally change the country’s future.

Business and organised labour were singled out as key partners in the effort. 

President Ramaphosa said the private sector’s resources and logistics networks could help support under-resourced early learning programmes, while trade unions have a role to play in advocating for time and support for working parents.

The President also paid tribute to civil society organisations, health workers, teachers, social workers, child and youth care workers, as well as parents and grandparents, for their longstanding role in protecting and nurturing children.

“For the sake of our shared future, we must work together to ensure that our nation’s children and young people grow, thrive and are happy,” he said, calling for renewed commitment as the country heads into the new year. – SAnews.gov.za

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Patrimoine, identité et le risque de l’imitation numérique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Alors que les Sud-Africains célébraient récemment une journée de braais communautaires et de fierté nationale partagée, nos vies numériques ont inévitablement reflété nos vies physiques. Nous avons publié des photos de famille, partagé des traditions et célébré nos diverses cultures en ligne. Mais dans cet élan de célébration, nous risquons d’exposer l’essence même de notre identité à des cybercriminels qui voient notre patrimoine non pas comme une source de fierté, mais comme un modèle de manipulation.

« Le patrimoine ne concerne pas seulement nos traditions et notre histoire, » affirme Anna Collard, SVP de la Stratégie de Contenu et Conseillère CISO chez KnowBe4 Africa (https://www.KnowBe4.com/). « Il s’agit également de l’empreinte numérique unique d’un individu, qui comprend ses informations personnelles et ses affiliations culturelles. » Bien que célébrer le patrimoine soit un acte positif, elle avertit que le fait de partager trop de détails en ligne peut fournir aux cybercriminels les munitions dont ils ont besoin pour des attaques très ciblées.

L’ombre numérique d’une identité partagée

Les criminels affluent toujours là où l’intérêt public est le plus grand, et l’activité accrue sur les réseaux sociaux autour du Jour du Patrimoine en fait un terrain de chasse privilégié. « La nature festive du Jour du Patrimoine rend les gens plus confiants et moins susceptibles d’examiner attentivement les communications suspectes, » dit Collard. « La fierté culturelle peut prendre le dessus sur le scepticisme habituel lors de la réception de messages qui semblent célébrer ou reconnaître le patrimoine. »

Ceci est aggravé par une tendance à partager plus d’informations personnelles lors des célébrations culturelles, y compris des photos de famille, des données de localisation, et même des origines ancestrales ou des noms de famille. Ces données aident les criminels à bâtir des profils de victimes détaillés pour des campagnes d’ingénierie sociale (https://apo-opa.co/4ai7HMO) très efficaces.

Quand « ubuntu » devient une vulnérabilité

Les cybercriminels sont passés maîtres dans l’exploitation de la signification culturelle de l’occasion, utilisant des salutations traditionnelles et des symboles patrimoniaux pour établir un faux rapport. « Ils tirent parti du fort sentiment d’ubuntu et de l’esprit communautaire dans la culture sud-africaine pour abaisser les défenses des victimes, » explique Collard.

Ceci peut se manifester de plusieurs façons, allant des faux appels de bienfaisance pour un projet communautaire aux campagnes de phishing (https://apo-opa.co/3XUN3es) promettant des billets pour des événements culturels à guichets fermés. Certaines escroqueries sont encore plus élaborées, exploitant des croyances culturelles profondément ancrées. « Les fraudeurs peuvent prétendre représenter des guérisseurs traditionnels (sangomas) ou des ancêtres décédés, promettant de ‘bénir’ (https://apo-opa.co/3KQS9W3) ou de doubler votre argent par le biais d’un rituel pour manipuler les victimes et les inciter à remettre leurs économies, » commente-t-elle.

Les fraudeurs peuvent également utiliser l’intelligence artificielle pour étudier les publications culturelles afin d’usurper l’identité de leaders communautaires ou de groupes patrimoniaux, exploitant la confiance que les gens ont envers ces figures. « Soyez particulièrement méfiants face aux attaques qui exploitent les données personnelles de vos comptes de réseaux sociaux pour créer un faux sentiment de confiance, » met-elle en garde.

Un autre risque est l’utilisation délibérée de « rage-bait » (appâts à colère) autour de sujets culturellement sensibles. « Le rage-bait est un contenu internet intentionnellement conçu pour provoquer la colère ou l’indignation afin d’augmenter l’engagement, » précise Collard. « Il est préférable de ne pas commenter ces publications, car elles peuvent être utilisées comme tactique dans une campagne d’ingénierie sociale plus vaste pour exploiter des stéréotypes ou des vulnérabilités culturelles à des fins malveillantes. »

Bâtir nos défenses cognitives

Protéger notre identité numérique n’est pas un problème purement technique ; c’est un problème psychologique. « Le patrimoine et l’identité sont des sujets profondément émotionnels qui pourraient contourner la pensée rationnelle en matière de sécurité s’ils sont exploités par des escrocs ou des acteurs de la désinformation, » soutient Collard. « Les solutions techniques seules ignorent la manière dont les valeurs influencent la prise de décision et l’évaluation des risques – nous devons encourager la pleine conscience numérique et enseigner aux gens comment être conscients de ces tactiques. »

Pour les individus, cela signifie :

  • Partage intelligent : Révisez les paramètres de confidentialité avant de publier du contenu sur le thème du patrimoine. Évitez de partager des emplacements spécifiques, des détails familiaux ou des informations financières qui pourraient être exploités.
  • Habitudes de vérification : Vérifiez les offres ou invitations liées au patrimoine par des canaux officiels. Soyez sceptique face aux messages non sollicités, même s’ils font référence à votre culture.
  • Hygiène numérique : Utilisez un gestionnaire de mots de passe pour créer et gérer des mots de passe forts et uniques, et activez l’authentification multi-facteurs sur tous vos comptes.

Pour les organisations :

  • Mener des campagnes de sensibilisation proactives : Sensibilisez les employés aux dangers spécifiques qui existent en ligne lorsqu’ils partagent trop d’informations personnelles.
  • Utiliser une formation culturellement pertinente : « L’utilisation d’exemples et de scénarios culturellement pertinents dans la formation de sensibilisation à la sécurité (https://apo-opa.co/48SeZ7v) est une bonne idée, » dit Collard, car cela aide à rendre les menaces plus tangibles et mémorables.

Le Jour du Patrimoine devrait être un moment pour renforcer nos liens culturels, et non pour nous rendre vulnérables. « En restant connectés culturellement tout en restant prudents sur le plan numérique, » conclut Collard, « nous pouvons célébrer notre patrimoine tout en sécurisant notre avenir, en toute sécurité. »

Distribué par APO Group pour KnowBe4.

Détails du contact :
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek
anned@knowbe4.com

Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za

Media files

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President to address commemoration of Reconciliation Day

Source: Government of South Africa

President to address commemoration of Reconciliation Day

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address at the national commemoration of Reconciliation Day, taking place at the Ncome Museum within the uMzinyathi District, in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government will lead this year’s national event under the theme: “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations.”

This year’s theme enshrines on the call for South Africans to deepen commitment to unity, healing, forgiveness and nation-building for shared future.

The selection of the Battle of Blood River heritage site at the Ncome Museum signifies the value of cherishing unity and peace collectively as South Africans.

“The fierce battle between the Voortrekker invaders and the Zulu forces unfolded 187 years ago in 1838 and marked a historical episode that shaped differing and often divisive commemorative customs for more than a century.

“However, as a part of redressing the past injustices in South Africa, the democratic government redefined the day in 1995 as the National Day of Reconciliation onwards.

“That was a unifying effort to transform the day from a symbol of division into a transformative platform for truth, justice, dialogue, healing and a shared nationhood,” the Presidency said on Sunday.

Hosting the programme on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at Ncome reaffirms this commitment and invites the nation to engage honestly with its complex past while advancing a future rooted in inclusion, understanding and unity, it said. 

READ | South Africans urged to deepen commitment to unity this Reconciliation Month

–SAnews.gov.za
 

 

nosihle

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e São Tomé e Príncipe assinam três novos acordos de financiamento

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) e o Governo de São Tomé e Príncipe aprofundaram a sua parceria de desenvolvimento com um novo financiamento de 18 milhões de dólares.

Assinados na quinta-feira, no Fórum de Investimento em São Tomé e Príncipe, realizado em Bruxelas, os três acordos apoiarão a energia, a agricultura climaticamente inteligente e a segurança integrada da água, energia e alimentos.

O primeiro acordo disponibiliza 7,5 milhões de dólares para a terceira fase do Programa de Sustentabilidade Fiscal e Resiliência – Financiamento Suplementar (FSERP-SF) – parte de uma operação de apoio orçamental, lançada em dezembro de 2023. Isto eleva o valor acumulado para 20 milhões de dólares a serem desembolsados diretamente no orçamento nacional. 

O programa impulsiona reformas em dois pilares: sustentabilidade fiscal e transição do setor energético. No âmbito do programa, o Governo de São Tomé e Príncipe comprometeu-se a realizar reformas cruciais no sistema de compras públicas, alfândegas e gestão da dívida.

No que diz respeito à transição energética – uma prioridade máxima no Plano Nacional de Desenvolvimento do país –, o programa financia a melhoria da governação da empresa nacional de serviços públicos, ajustamentos tarifários para recuperação de custos e uma transição acelerada para fontes de energia renováveis. Este quadro político complementa o investimento na transformação energética em infraestruturas de produção e distribuição. O Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF), administrado pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, financia esta terceira fase.

O segundo acordo de financiamento canaliza os recursos do Fundo Global para o Meio Ambiente (GEF) para o Projeto de Gestão de Extremos Climáticos para a Resiliência da Agricultura e da Pesca (PRIASA III). O objetivo é fortalecer as cadeias de valor da agricultura e da pesca, ao mesmo tempo que se implantam tecnologias resilientes ao clima para proteger os meios de subsistência contra secas, inundações e escassez de água.

Com um investimento total de 18,9 milhões de dólares, incluindo 10 milhões de dólares em financiamento do BAD e 8,9 milhões de dólares do GEF, o projeto será implementado através de três componentes: aprimoramento das cadeias de valor e benefícios socioeconómicos, redução da vulnerabilidade via tecnologias climaticamente inteligentes e capacitação, e garantia de uma gestão eficaz do projeto para a adaptação climática integrada na agricultura e na pesca.

O terceiro acordo é para um Fundo de Preparação de Projetos (PPF) de 1,4 milhões de dólares para o Nexo Água-Energia-Segurança Alimentar no âmbito da iniciativa NEW-ERA, para impulsionar o desenvolvimento sustentável nos setores de água, energia e agricultura.

Ao longo de dois anos, o fundo desenvolverá estudos críticos e planos diretores para a gestão integrada dos recursos hídricos, incluindo o desenvolvimento de uma barragem multifuncional, uma estação de tratamento de água, medidas de resiliência climática e um plano de saneamento para toda a cidade.

O PPF estabelece as bases para investimentos futuros que proporcionarão acesso universal à água potável, explorarão o potencial de geração de energia hidroelétrica e melhorarão a produção alimentar até 2030, ao mesmo tempo que reforçam a governação e a capacidade das partes interessadas. O projeto criará empregos, aumentará a resiliência do ecossistema e apoiará os compromissos climáticos do país.

O representante nacional do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para Angola e São Tomé e Príncipe, Pietro Toigo, afirmou: “À medida que São Tomé e Príncipe apresenta à comunidade global o seu Plano Nacional de Desenvolvimento e aborda investidores para impulsionar o seu setor privado, estes três acordos de financiamento são um sinal claro de que o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento apoia o país como fornecedor de capital paciente e mitigação de riscos”.

A 30 de novembro de 2025, a carteira ativa do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento em São Tomé e Príncipe totalizava cerca de 89,4 milhões de dólares, distribuídos por 12 instrumentos de financiamento, com uma idade média de 4,2 anos e uma taxa de desembolso de 49,5%. A sua distribuição setorial é liderada pela agricultura (43%), seguida por operações multissetoriais (23%), finanças (17%), energia (15%) e água (2%). 

A carteira do Banco reflete uma forte ênfase na resiliência, segurança alimentar, transição energética e reformas macroeconómicas, juntamente com um envolvimento crescente na economia verde e azul e na infraestrutura financeira.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas 
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e Canadá reúnem-se para redefinir a cooperação

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A vice-presidente sénior do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, recebeu o enviado especial do Canadá para África, o embaixador Ben Marc Diendéré, na terça-feira, 9 de dezembro de 2025, na sede da instituição. Um encontro cordial durante o qual trocas francas permitiram estabelecer as bases para uma relação renovada. 

“O Canadá é um parceiro e um grande apoiante do Banco. O seu país demonstrou liderança em temas como o clima, o crescimento inclusivo e também a questão da igualdade de género», declarou Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade. Também lembrou que o Canadá é um dos cinco maiores contribuintes do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento, a janela concessional do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, cuja 17ª reconstituição de recursos ocorrerá em Londres nos dias 15 e 16 de dezembro de 2025.

“Acreditamos no Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, um instrumento importante para o continente”, sublinhou Ben Marc Diendéré, presente na Costa do Marfim por ocasião da tomada de posse do presidente Alassane Ouattara. “Para além da relação que mantemos, o Canadá lançou a sua estratégia Canadá-África para reforçar a nossa cooperação com o continente. Como país, temos desafios políticos de diversificação dos mercados. Queremos ver como as empresas canadianas podem beneficiar do instrumento que é o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento»”, acrescentou.

O enviado especial do Canadá para África abordou alguns temas que poderão, no futuro, estar no centro desta parceria, destacando as energias renováveis, as minas, o agronegócio, a saúde, o ensino e a formação técnica e profissional, a inteligência artificial, a transformação digital ou as indústrias culturais e criativas.

Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade e a sua equipa apresentaram a Estratégia Decenal adotada em 2024, bem como os Quatro Pontos Cardeais que orientam os investimentos do Banco. A vice-presidente sénior destacou os pontos fortes que permitem reforçar a parceria, nomeadamente os seminários sobre oportunidades de negócio que se realizam duas vezes por ano. Em seguida, salientou que o Fórum Africano de Investimento – cuja última edição foi encerrada em 29 de novembro e registrou cerca de 15,3 mil milhões de dólares em promessas de investimentos em 39 projetos – é uma oportunidade perfeita para as empresas canadianas.

Por fim, levantou possibilidades de parcerias, começando pelo financiamento da conceção e estudos de viabilidade de projetos, e incentivou as empresas a participar nos concursos públicos dos programas que o Banco acompanha.

O representante especial convidou o Banco a visitar o Canadá para apresentar as suas atividades ao setor privado. Os participantes da reunião concordaram em estabelecer um roteiro para lançar as bases para uma renovação do relacionamento e trabalhar juntos de maneira diferente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Aissatou Diallo
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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African Development Bank and São Tomé and Príncipe sign three new grant financing agreements

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe have deepened their development partnership with $18 million in new grant financing.

Signed on Thursday at the São Tomé and Príncipe Investment Forum in Brussels, the three agreements will support energy, climate-smart agriculture, and integrated water-energy-food security.

The first agreement delivers $7.5 million for the third phase of the Fiscal Sustainability and Resilience Program -Supplementary Financing (FSERP-SF) – part of a budget support operation, launched in December 2023. This brings the cumulative value to  $20 million to be disbursed directly into the national budget.

The programme drives reforms across two pillars: fiscal sustainability and energy sector transition. Under the programme, the Government of São Tomé and Principe committed to critical reforms to the public procurement system, customs, and debt management.  

On energy transition – a top priority in the country’s National Development Plan – the programme finances improved governance of the national utility, tariff adjustments for cost recovery, and an accelerated transition to renewable energy sources. This policy framework complements investment in energy transformation in generation and distribution infrastructure. The Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF), administered by the African Development Bank, finances this third phase.

The second financing agreement channels the Global Environment Fund’s (GEF) resources into the Co-Management of Climate Extremes for Agriculture and Fisheries Resilience Project (PRIASA III). The goal is to strengthen agriculture and fisheries value chains while deploying climate-resilient technologies to safeguard livelihoods against droughts, floods, and water scarcity.

With a total investment of $18.9 million, including $10 million in AfDB financing and $8.9 million from GEF, the project will be implemented through three components: enhancing value chains and socio-economic benefits, reducing vulnerability through climate-smart technologies and capacity building, and ensuring effective project management for integrated climate adaptation in agriculture and fisheries.

The third agreement is for a  $1.4 million Project Preparation Facility (PPF) for the Water-Energy-Food Security Nexus under the NEW-ERA initiative, to drive sustainable development in the water, energy, and agriculture sectors.

Over two years, the facility will develop critical studies and master plans for integrated water resources management, including a multipurpose dam development, a water treatment plant, climate-resilience measures, and a city-wide sanitation plan.

The PPF lays the groundwork for future investments to deliver universal access to potable water, explore potential hydropower generation, and improve food production by 2030, while strengthening governance and stakeholder capacity. The project will create jobs, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support the country’s climate commitments.

African Development Bank’s Country Manager for  Angola and São Tomé and Principe Pietro Toigo said: “As São Tomé and Principe presents to the global community its National Development Plan and approaches investors to power its private sector, these three financing agreements are a clear sign that the African Development Bank stands with the country as a provider of patient capital and risk mitigation”.

As of 30 November 2025, the African Development Bank Group’s active portfolio in São Tomé and Principe totals about $89.4 million, spread across 12 financing instruments, with an average age of 4.2 years and a disbursement ratio of 49.5 percent. Its sectoral distribution is led by agriculture (43 percent), followed by multisector operations (23 percent), finance (17 percent), energy (15 percent), and water (two percent).

The Bank’s portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on resilience, food security, energy transition, and macroeconomic reforms, alongside growing engagement in the green and blue economy and financial infrastructure.

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

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African Development Bank Group welcomes Canadian Africa Envoy for discussions to reshape cooperation

Source: APO – Report:

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The Senior Vice-President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade welcomed Canada’s Special Envoy for Africa, Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré, to the institution’s headquarters. The cordial meeting was marked by frank discussions, putting the relationship between Canada and the Bank on a new footing.

“Canada is a partner and a great supporter of the Bank. Your country has shown leadership on issues such as climate, inclusive growth and gender equality,” Akin-Olugbade said. She also noted that Canada is one of the five largest contributors to the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group. The 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund will take place in London next week, on 15 and 16 December.

“We believe in the African Development Bank as an important instrument for the continent,” Diendéré. “Beyond our existing relationship, Canada has launched its Canada-Africa Strategy in order to strengthen our cooperation with the continent. As a country, we have a political commitment to market diversification. We are keen to see how Canadian companies can benefit from the African Development Bank as an instrument,” he added.

Canada’s Special Envoy for Africa discussed key themes that could be at the heart of a partnership in the future. These include renewable energy, mining, agribusiness, health, technical and vocational education and training, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the cultural and creative industries.  

Akin-Olugbade and her team presented the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, adopted in 2024, and the Four Cardinal Points, outlined by Bank president Sidi Ould Tah, that guide the Bank’s investments. The Senior Vice-President highlighted opportunities for strengthening partnership through business opportunity seminars that are held twice a year. She emphasised that the Africa Investment Forum, which ended on 29 November and attracted nearly $15.3 billion in investment interest for 39 bankable projects, is a perfect opportunity for Canadian companies.  

She also raised the possibility of partnerships, beginning with the financing of project design and feasibility studies, and encouraged Canadian companies to participate in calls for tenders for programmes supported by the Bank.

Diendéré invited the Bank to send its representatives to Canada in order to present its work to the Canadian private sector. Akin-Olugbade and Diendéré agreed to prepare a roadmap, which will put the relationship between Canada and the Bank on a new footing and enable them to work together more productively.  

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

Media Contact:
Aissatou Diallo
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Former Gucci and Loro Piana Public Relations (PR) Executive Diego Moriondo Appointed Chief Marketing and Communication for APO Group’s Volunteer Program Supporting the Roman Catholic Church in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press-release distribution service, is proud to announce the appointment of Diego Moriondo as Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for its Volunteer Programme supporting the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

Diego Moriondo brings a rich background in luxury brand management and global communications to the non-profit sector. He will serve in this critical volunteer role following a distinguished career in Media and Marketing at prestigious international fashion houses Gucci and Loro Piana. His high level strategic experience will be instrumental in professionalizing and scaling the Roman Catholic Church’s outreach across the African continent.

In his role as Chief Marketing and Communication Officer for the APO Group Volunteer Program, Diego Moriondo will be responsible for supporting SECAM’s officials in envisioning, developing, and overseeing the entire communication and marketing strategy for the Roman Catholic Church in Africa. His mandate is to strengthen SECAM’s public voice, enhance its visibility, and ensure the cohesive dissemination of its messages across the 38 national and regional episcopal conferences it represents.

“The addition of Diego Moriondo’s world class expertise is a significant milestone for our volunteer program and our partnership with the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group. “Diego’s experience in crafting compelling narratives for global luxury brands like Gucci and Loro Piana will be pivotal in shaping a powerful and unified communication strategy that resonates deeply with Africa’s Catholic community and a wider global audience.”

Diego Moriondo expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this new challenge: “I am honoured to dedicate my experience to supporting APO Group’s mission and the vital work of SECAM. The opportunity to leverage strategic communications to impact the lives of millions across Africa is profoundly meaningful. I look forward to working with the team to develop an integrated strategy that empowers SECAM to communicate effectively throughout the continent.”

The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres.

According to recent data from the Vatican, there are 1.39 billion Catholics worldwide, representing around 18% of the world’s population. Africa’s 236 million Catholics already make up about 20% of the global Catholic population, but they are also the fastest-growing region in the world. By 2050, the World Christian Database estimates that African Catholics will make up 32% of the global Catholic population.

According to the United Nations’ 2022 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report, there are an estimated 862.4 million volunteers globally. Engaging in volunteerism offers individuals a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience, enhance their professional profiles, and develop valuable skills through impactful service.

More information about APO Group’s volunteer programme supporting the Roman Catholic Church in Africa: https://apo-opa.co/3Kuq32Q

– on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

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 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, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.

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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Two suspected blue light robbers shot and killed

Source: Government of South Africa

Two suspected blue light robbers shot and killed

Two suspected blue light robbers were shot and killed on Sunday following a shootout with the police in Parys, Free State.

It is reported that a team of various police units in Gauteng, including Tactical Response Team, Traffic Airwing, Detectives Tracking Team, Head Office Counter Intelligence and private security companies operationalised intelligence information about a VW Golf 7 vehicle involved in blue light robberies. 

The team strategically placed themselves and the vehicle was spotted driving on the R59 road fitted with blue lights. 

As police attempted to stop it, the vehicle sped off leading to a high-speed chase and a shootout between the suspects and the police. The suspects’ vehicle lost control and collided into a fence in the Parys area. 

Two suspects dressed in police uniform were found dead in the car. The team further recovered two unlicensed firearms with ammunition, SAPS uniform with insignia, blue lights, sirens and false registration numbers.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects have been involved in blue light robberies happening on the R59 and other roads between Gauteng and Free State provinces. They hijack victims and kidnap them for hours, while withdrawing sums of money from the victims’ bank accounts.

“The police will continue to intensify their efforts to crackdown on these robberies. The public is once more urged not to stop on isolated areas but rather drive to the nearest police station or filling station. For any criminal activities, the public can report on the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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