Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

A new era in African mining logistics is emerging with the 1,300 km Lobito Corridor railway, spanning Angola, Zambia, and the DRC. This corridor will transport critical minerals from the Copperbelt to global markets via the port of Lobito, unlocking significant economic opportunities for the region. 

More than just a railway, the Lobito Corridor is a strategic enabler of regional trade, cost-efficient mining operations, and sustainable development. By reducing transportation costs and improving access to export routes, the project could make previously uneconomical ore grades viable, catalyzing new investment and growth in the mining sector. 

To explore the transformative impact of this initiative, Mining Review Africa and the Angolan International Mining Conference invite stakeholders to a free live webinar: 

Date: 18 September 2025 
Time: 14:00 SAST 

This expert-led discussion will unpack the Lobito Corridor’s role in shaping the future of African mining and its contribution to the global supply of critical metals. 

Key topics include: 

• Angola’s leadership in corridor development 

• Operational impact on mining in the DRC and Zambia 

• Regional integration and intergovernmental cooperation 

• Economic upliftment and ESG considerations 

• Broader benefits beyond mining 

Featured speakers: 

• Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO, The Critical Minerals Africa Group 

• Zack Hartwanger, Senior Commercial Development – Africa, OPEN MINERAL 

• Nuno Chaves Frota, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Lobito Atlantic Railway 

• Alex Pickard, EVP Corporate Development & Investor Relations, Ivanhoe Mines 

Register now to be part of this pivotal conversation: Click here (https://apo-opa.co/47Ey7Ho)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Source: APO

The Longevity Store® (https://TheLongevityStore.com/) launches today as the first Dutch brand to focus 100% on healthy ageing & sports optimisation. Notably, Dr. Samefko Ludidi – former head of Nutrition at The South African UCI Cycling Team Qhubeka and known for putting intermittent fasting on the map in Europe (featured by BBC) – is joining as Chief Science Officer. With this, the outspoken food-first scientist makes a deliberate choice: lifestyle first, while still allowing room for supplements for health-optimisation.

Interesting/notable: At the helm of The Longevity Store is Tom van der Kolk, former Managing Director of the international scale-up Ekster®.

Why is this newsworthy?

In the United States, longevity – after AI – has already grown into one of the fastest-rising health trends and only last week, even global leaders (Putin, Xi, Eds.) have now publicly touched on the subject. The global market is heading toward tens of billions – Silicon Valley is investing heavily, while Europe does not yet have a clear market leader. At the same time, the supplements sector is under pressure due to misleading claims and stricter enforcement. The Longevity Store® opts for the opposite route: transparency, scientific substantiation and lifestyle-first. Here, Dr. Ludidi’s remarkable take is to merge a human-centred (ancestral, anthropological) approach with cutting edge science, as previously proven effective when working with Team Qhubeka (RSA). In doing so, The Longevity Store® takes a proactive role in evidence-based prevention, as a commercial player.

What is different?

– International scientific compass led by a South African Scientist. Strategy led by Dr. Ludidi, with an advisory panel including Prof. Robert Lufkin (UCLA/USC; NYT bestselling author), Elizabeth Parrish (BioViva) and Dennis Tsveiuk, MD (Non-Nocere Clinic).

– Lifestyle first. Through the Longevity Academy, the brand shares directly applicable advice, based on ancestral human foundations seen across the globe: rhythm, food, movement and rest. Supplements are intended only as an addition to a solid foundation.

– Tested for banned substances – which allows it to be included in elite athletes’ nutrition programming.

– A new generation of supplements. Introduction of Longevity Complete™ – a completely new generation of supplement that is dynamically updated (ingredients are added or removed) based on the latest science. This breaks with static supplements that stay the same for years and still dominate the supplements market. The formula includes the novel Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) – an NAD+ precursor that plays a role in cellular energy and mitochondrial health.

Context: down-to-earth longevity

While expensive anti-ageing protocols from Silicon Valley grab the headlines, The Longevity Store® chooses an accessible, rather down-to-earth approach: behaviour and lifestyle as the foundation, and only then targeted supplementation. No quick fixes – but measurable, step-by-step optimisation.

Given Dr. Ludidi’s firm ties to African sports & lifestyle science and performance nutrition, The Longevity Store® is exploring future collaborations on the continent, particularly in areas of preventive health, lifestyle education, and athlete wellness. ‘Africa has immense untapped potential in the wellness space,’ says Dr. Ludidi. ‘We see an opportunity to co-create solutions that are scientifically grounded, culturally relevant, and globally impactful.’

From fasting front-runner to longevity pioneer

Five years after he made intermittent fasting mainstream – against the status quo at the time – IF remains a popular topic for health in science and practice. Dr. Ludidi now applies that same down-to-earth, evidence-based approach to longevity: biorhythm, nutrition, movement and recovery – inspired by indigenous cultures of his fatherland – as the foundation; supplementation should happen smart and transparent.

Quotes

“Unique to our approach is that we focus on bio-optimisation inside the cell. Restoring and maintaining energy with a new generation of supplement that optimises your cells’ powerhouses instead of being merely nutrient-driven. Among other things, we steer NAD+ – the cell’s energy currency – which roughly halves between your thirties and fifties. The formula continuously keeps pace with science: pioneering and evidence-based.” – Dr. Samefko Ludidi, Chief Science Officer

“Too often in this sector, supplements are pushed as a quick fix. We reverse that: we even advise against them if your basics aren’t in order. We value nutrition, movement, sleep and mental health – that is where healthy ageing begins. That honesty is our starting point.” – Tom van der Kolk, co-founder

“Longevity research is moving very fast and we want to translate that into products that move with that science. No static formula that stays the same for years, but a new generation of supplements that is updated continuously. Our collaboration with clinics such as LNGVTY Health shows this is not an empty promise, but that we truly unite science and practice. That’s why now we are entering the elite sports scene too!” – Bas Duijnstee, co-founder

What they say about Dr. Ludidi

Former Olympian Anaso Jobodwana (RSA)

“As a professional athlete, there is not a single day that we don’t wake up and don’t obsess over all the little things that we can apply to our craft to give us that extra edge over our competitors.
I am one of those professional athletes and in my years of competing at a high level, I’ve realized that the topic of nutrition has often been elusive.

This is where Dr Ludidi has come in and shed a much needed light on the subject. As a Xhosa man himself (I’m proud of this fact so I have to mention it, he brings attention to detail in all aspects of nutrition not just for the sports person but for the general well being of any person.

His enthusiasm about the general well being of our bodies shines through whenever I discuss nutrition with him and this positivity goes a long way in developing healthy habits and also developing a functional relationship with our body and the foods we consume. We only have one body and he stresses so much the importance of treating it like a sanctuary.

As a family man, I also appreciate his insight when it comes to the type of foods that we feed our children. In a world where sugar is ubiquitous, it is important that we watch the ingredients that are being put into our kids food and he does a great job of making us aware of these perils and providing great alternatives to keep our children healthy but also happy. A healthy body and minds accentuates happiness and speaking to Dr Ludidi, he is a living example of this principle because he is always energetic, always positive, smiling, and has great advice on life”.

Team Qhubeka Principal Douglas Ryder (RSA)

“There is so much emphasis on performance and performance optimization that we sometimes get lost in numbers and treat people almost like robots. That is not always favorable for the riders and their performance and that does not fit in with our Ubuntu philosophy, which focuses very strongly on the human factor. We are therefore pleased that we are now joining forces with Dr. Ludidi”.

Heavy Weight GLORY Kickboxer Jamal Ben Saddik (MOR)

“Ramadan is a month of discipline and growth. With the right approach, you can come out of the fasting period stronger and fitter. I never knew foundations were so important. It all starts with good timing, or Rhythm, as doc. would say.  Through working with Dr. Ludidi, I was able to win 2 matches, one right before and another one only 1 week after Ramadan.” 

Heavy Weight GLORY Kickboxer Badr Hari (MOR)

“Dr. Ludidi, Health Expert in charge of my nutrition, let me end this Holy Month in a very strong shape. I feel sharp, strong and alert.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Longevity Store®.

Media Kit:
Click to see our launch video & media kit (https://apo-opa.co/4mVlTyH)

Note to editors (not for publication):
The first user reviews come from pilots in the Netherlands and the UK (early 2025).

Source: APO

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, “It was a pleasure meeting my dear sister H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic and the Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025. Together, we have begun providing scholarships for young doctors in the fields of Oncology and Diabetes care. This is just the beginning of our efforts to transform the public healthcare landscape in the country, and we will continue to scale up the number of scholarships.”

Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, First Lady of the Gabonese Republic & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother stated, “Our partnership with Merck Foundation, though initiated only last year in 2024, has already begun to yield meaningful outcomes. Together, we’ve embarked on initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare capacity and addressing critical social and health challenges in Gabon. We have started to enroll our local doctors for the scholarship program. Moreover, we are also implementing the impactful program Educating Linda, through which we are providing annually, scholarships to 20 high performing girls who are underprivileged, ensuring they can continue their education until graduation. This program is particularly close to my heart because each of these girls will now have the opportunity to pursue the career of her choice and dreams.”

Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Gabon & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/42s0jcS

On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.

Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/3JYXMAA

“Merck Foundation has always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and has been working for it since 2012. We have so far provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties. We will soon be enrolling more doctors from Gabon in various medical specialties in partnership with the First Lady and Ministry of Health of Gabon“, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation, together with the Office of the First Lady of Gabon, recently conducted their first Health Media Training program with the aim to build the capacity of local media representatives to raise awareness on critical social and health issues such as ending gender-based violence and female genital mutilation, supporting girl education and women’s empowerment, and addressing health challenges like diabetes and hypertension.

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Gabon for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.

Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Gabon, Merck Foundation has also launched seven children’s storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark’s Pressure”. The storybooks launched in French language, address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness.

The 7^th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3Vch0VW), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ns6hCS) , Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46yAXMQ), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3K13KRs).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4noYqWv), X (https://apo-opa.co/3IhetH2), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4nkP2mM), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3K1w7Pr).

Link to the YouTube live stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies High Level Panel: https://apo-opa.co/4piMirL

Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:

• 2280+ Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for doctors from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  

Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:

• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues

• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs

• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa

• 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages – English, French, and Portuguese

• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages – English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.

• Pan African TV Program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community

• 950+ Scholarships provided to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls to empower them to complete their studies

• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3Vch0VW
X: https://apo-opa.co/4ns6hCS
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3K13KRs
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/46yAXMQ
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4nk1Xp0
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3VevzZ3
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3Vch0VW), X (https://apo-opa.co/4ns6hCS), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/46yAXMQ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3K13KRs), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4nk1Xp0) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3VevzZ3).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Source: APO

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Members of the Cabinet, led by the Dean of the Cabinet, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, today converged at the Rehab Offices of President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., for a commiseration visit on the passing of Honorable Sylvester M. Grigsby, the deceased Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.

Coordinated by the Office of Director of the Cabinet Nathaniel Kwabo, the gathering, which brought together an array of senior cabinet members as well as several other key government officials, featured prayers and tributes.  The late Minister was remembered as a dedicated public servant committed to whatever position he occupied. Some of his colleagues described him as a steady hand, calm character and one who always gave listening ears.

Reflecting on their relationship that lasted over sixty years, President Boakai said, “Sylvester will remain in my memory as a brother.” He noted the depth of the trust he had in the late Minister, describing the passing as a great loss to the nation.

On Saturday evening, August 9, while driving back from an official function in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, President Boakai received from family sources the sad news of the passing of Minister Grigsby in the United States.

Honorable Grigsby passed on Saturday, August 9, at the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, United States.

The Government is working with the family of the deceased to put into motion funeral arrangements which will be announced shortly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Source: APO

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Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has attracted a wave of high-level diplomatic visits to Monrovia, signaling the country’s rising influence in international affairs and its renewed role in shaping global peace and security.

In the past weeks, Liberia has welcomed delegations from several countries, each underscoring the importance of Liberia’s upcoming tenure on the Council and exploring opportunities for collaboration on pressing global challenges. Notably, visits from the Ambassador of Israel to Liberia, H.E. Roey Gilad; a special envoy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Saad Alqathami and most recently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, have all been linked to Liberia’s new position at the UNSC.

These visits reflect the confidence of the international community in Liberia’s ability to use its seat on the Council as a platform to promote peace, justice, and sustainable development values rooted in Liberia’s own history as Africa’s first independent republic and its journey from conflict to peacebuilding.

At the center of the Rwanda Foreign Minister’s visit to Liberia was a shared recognition of the importance of the UNSC in responding to today’s complex and rapidly evolving global challenges. Minister Nduhungirehe, who led a high-level Rwandese delegation, congratulated Liberia on its election and reaffirmed Rwanda’s readiness to partner with Liberia on issues of peace, security, and sustainable development.

“The election of Liberia to the Security Council comes at a time of major geopolitical uncertainty and challenges around peace and security,” Minister Nduhungirehe stated. “I congratulate Liberia on this remarkable achievement at the United Nations. This seat is not only a victory for Liberia but for the African continent. We are confident that Liberia will use this platform to advocate for peace, justice, and development across the world.”

Bilateral discussions between the two Foreign Ministers covered cooperation on peace and security, the configuration of the UNSC, and the broader role of African representation on the Council. The deliberations highlighted both nations’ experiences with conflict, reconciliation, and recovery, underscoring how these perspectives can inform Liberia’s contribution to global security debates.

The visit also included a bilateral dialogue between Liberia’s national security agencies and their Rwandese counterparts, with the aim of sharing best practices in peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and regional security cooperation. This dialogue, both sides emphasized, represents an important step in advancing the security dimension of Liberia–Rwanda relations.

As part of the deepening of relations, Liberia and Rwanda took a historic step toward strengthening bilateral ties. In a formal ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia, Foreign Ministers Nyanti and Nduhungirehe signed two landmark agreements: the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation, which provides a structured framework for sustained bilateral engagement across multiple sectors and a Reciprocal Visa Waiver Agreement, which allows citizens of both countries to travel without visa restrictions, fostering greater mobility and people-to-people connections.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized that the agreements go beyond formal instruments of cooperation, describing them as enduring symbols of African unity and progress.

“The signing of these agreements will allow the free movement of people on the continent of Africa,” he noted. “Our nations have both known the pain of conflict and instability in the past. Yet, we have come out of these tragedies with renewed vigor and determination to chart a path of peace, stability, and sustainable development. Today’s agreements represent a vision of hope and partnership, where Liberia and Rwanda will work together to uplift their peoples.”

Foreign Minister Nyanti warmly welcomed her Rwandan counterpart and delegation, describing the visit as a defining moment in Liberia–Rwanda relations. She affirmed Liberia’s commitment to ensuring that the new agreements deliver concrete benefits to both nations.

“Today, Liberia and Rwanda are writing a new chapter in our history of cooperation. These agreements will strengthen the bonds between our peoples, and they reflect our shared vision of using economic diplomacy as a tool for progress and development,” Foreign Minister Nyanti declared.

She further highlighted that the Reciprocal Visa Waiver Agreement aligns with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), designed to foster economic growth through strategic international partnerships. the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation, she said, will serve as a key instrument for collaboration in education, agriculture, governance, health, and peacebuilding.

Foreign Minister Nyanti also expressed heartfelt appreciation for Rwanda’s ongoing support in education, particularly the opportunities extended to over 3,000 Liberian students currently studying in Rwandan universities and colleges.

“Education is a foundation for national transformation,” she emphasized. “We thank Rwanda for opening its doors to more than 3,000 Liberian students, who are benefiting from quality education and skills development. These students are the bridge between our countries and the future ambassadors of this growing partnership.”

The Rwandan Minister’s visit follows a growing list of diplomatic missions to Liberia tied to its UNSC election. A fortnight ago, the Israeli Ambassador to Liberia held consultations with government officials, focusing on peace and security cooperation. Similarly, a special envoy from Saudi Arabia visited Monrovia to discuss opportunities for collaboration during Liberia’s upcoming Council tenure.

Meanwhile, the Reciprocal Visa Waiver Agreement will eliminate visa requirements for citizens of both countries, significantly boosting mobility, tourism, and business travel. This agreement will ease cross-border engagement and bring Liberia and Rwanda closer to the vision of a borderless Africa.

Both governments expressed confidence that these agreements will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute to Africa’s collective pursuit of peace, justice, and development.

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

Source: APO

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On behalf of the African Union Commission, I extend warmest greetings to the Government and people of Ethiopia on the celebration of Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year.

As Ethiopia ushers in a new year, we wish for renewed peace, stability, and prosperity for the nation and its people, and for their continued contributions to the unity and progress of our continent.

Happy Enkutatash!

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

Source: APO

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Without strong action, climate change could cut Uganda’s economic growth by up to 3.1% by 2050, pushing more than 613,000 people into poverty and turning 12 million more into internal migrants.

The Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Uganda, published by the World Bank Group and launched today in Kampala, examines the country’s vulnerability to climate change and outlines interventions to mitigate its impacts.

The report highlights serious risks from climate change, including a drop in overall labor productivity up to 2.4% due to heat stress, threats to 21% of the electricity network, and annual road damages costing as much as $26 million. To address these challenges, it recommends a shift toward climate-resilient, low-carbon growth through coordinated actions across sectors, focusing on building resilience among Uganda’s youth and low-income earners while strengthening agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and urban development.

“Uganda faces a critical moment as the 14th most climate-vulnerable country,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank Division Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda. “Climate action is not only essential but offers an opportunity to redefine the country’s development trajectory. The CCDR provides a roadmap for integrating climate consideration into national policies and investments, ensuring that growth is sustainable, inclusive, and climate resilient.”

To achieve climate-positive growth, the report recommends four multisectoral intervention packages, backed by economy-wide measures and strong private sector engagement.

“Private investment in climate-smart agriculture, solar irrigation, renewable energy, e-mobility, and green building can enhance food security, energy access, and livable cities—while creating jobs and driving economic growth,” said Mary Porter Peschka, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Division Director for Eastern Africa. “By fostering private engagement in climate-resilient projects, Uganda can build a greener and more prosperous future.”

The four intervention packages recommended by the report are:

1. Boost resilience through jobs for youth and services for the poor: Expand shock-responsive social protection; digital financial services, including insurance; and access to water, sanitation, hygiene, and climate-resilient health systems. Promote education and job placement for climate-resilient occupations.
2. Advance sustainable agriculture and natural resources: Increase irrigation without depleting water sources; improve livestock productivity while reducing methane emissions; protect natural resources; reduce unsustainable firewood use and charcoal production and accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies.
3. Invest in climate-smart infrastructure: Scale renewable energy (hydro, solar) to meet growing demand; expand climate-resilient transport and digital connectivity to underserved populations; support sustainable mining of energy transition minerals; and improve logistics and transport infrastructure systems to leverage in a low-carbon economy.
4. Plan for climate-positive urbanization: Incorporate climate change projections and risks into urban planning and infrastructure design; support decentralization of decision-making regarding climate action; promote e-mobility, green building materials, and better transport systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The report also calls for coordinated climate action across government, private sector, communities and partners. Key actions include:

• Implementing Uganda’s National Climate Finance Strategy.
• Integrating climate considerations into public procurement, public-private partnerships, fiscal policies, and financial regulations.
• Strengthening disaster risk management and legal frameworks for crisis management.
• Adapting trade policies to access international and regional markets for low-carbon goods and services.
• Expanding real time climate data collection and early warning systems and making them user friendly for households, communities, and firms.
• Enhancing private sector engagement through carbon markets, green finance, affordable insurance, and innovative climate financing.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Source: APO

The landscape of Jonglei is dominated by the Al-Sudd, a vast wetland through which the White Nile flows. These conditions create fertile ground for crops in this severely deprived region of South Sudan, where thousands of people are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity.

However, the flat terrain also makes it prone to extraordinary flooding during the rainy season, with rapidly accumulating water submerging farming and grazing areas.

To help peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan reach vulnerable communities isolated on small pockets of land among a sea of water, the Indian Government has deployed high-powered amphibious, all-terrain vehicles.

“Previously, we could only travel about five kilometers by foot while patrolling in the wet season. Even using our existing vehicles, we could only reach about 10 to 15 kilometers,” explains the commander of the Indian peacekeeping battalion in Jonglei, Colonel Arjun Kumar Butola.

“After the introduction of these specialist mobility vehicles, our patrol range has increased to 60 kilometers. We’ve even done long duration patrols, travelling about 100-150 kilometers in two days.”

These vehicles, carrying up to six passengers, have been specifically designed to overcome rough and soggy terrain, and even to cross rivers.

This has allowed the peacekeepers to provide a protective presence even during the monsoon season. However, despite their efficiency, some challenges remain.

“The water rises rapidly in the rivers during the heavy rains, and it can be difficult to navigate the very strong currents. The sticky black cotton soil also gets stuck to the tyres and it’s very difficult to get under the vehicle to remove it and repair any damage.”

While there is no perfect solution to the many obstacles in this challenging operating environment, the United Nations peacekeeping mission relentlessly searches for new and innovative ways to deter conflict, support the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and promote peacebuilding.

“Introducing these vehicles to the UN mission has increased our reach to a larger population in need and I’m confident this will help our peacekeepers provide more peace and security to communities in this region,” says the Ambassador of India to South Sudan, Anil Nautiyal.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).