Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

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The ECOWAS Commission carried out a follow-up mission to the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) in Anambra State, Nigeria, on September 3, 2025, to assess Nigeria’s progress in implementing its National Automotive Industry Development Plan. Conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the mission brought together representatives from the ECOWAS Commission, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the management of IVM.

During the mission, delegates toured key production sites, including the assembly lines for 15- and 17-seater buses, the air conditioning and electrical sections, the compressed natural gas (CNG) bus installation unit, the surface treatment facilities, and the stability testing facilities. IVM also revealed its intention to commission two new large-scale plants before the end of the year, reflecting significant investments to increase production capacity. Beyond its operations in Nigeria, the company highlighted its role in manufacturing ambulances, military vehicles, and tractors, as well as its growing exports to Sierra Leone, Mali, and Ghana, with plans to establish an assembly plant in Sierra Leone.

In his remarks, Mr. Muhammad Bala, Director of the Department of Industrial Development at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, commended Innoson for its pioneering role in local manufacturing. Mr. Lassane Kabore, ECOWAS Director of Industry, emphasized the importance of the Innoson model in shaping the regional automotive policy. Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, President of Innoson, expressed optimism about Africa’s industrial future and pledged to continue supporting knowledge sharing and regional integration. The delegates praised the company’s significant investments and innovations, describing Innoson as a reference point for automotive development in West Africa.

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

Source: APO

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is pleased to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been named an African Genius Nominee at the 2025 African Genius Awards (AGA).

The African Genius Awards, established by Priority Performance Projects in collaboration with leading academic, research, media, and cultural institutions, recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional intellect, innovation, and impact across Africa.

The esteemed judging panel represents various areas of academic and professional interest and is drawn from South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. The five judges are nuclear physicist and environmental specialist Dr. Pulane Molokwane; Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at Rhodes University and the University of Johannesburg Professor Steven Friedman; author and academic Mr. Simon Gathua; Associate Professor at Ashland University Professor Rosaire Ifedi; and Senior Tech Talent Partner at Bank of New York Mellon Ms. Vuyiswa Mataka. Read more about the awards here (https://apo-opa.co/41GICpR).

Being shortlisted as a Nominee places Nicolas among an elite group of changemakers shaping Africa’s narrative. Past Nominees have included influential minds such as technology visionary Strive Masiyiwa, Dr. Mark Nasila, a data and AI leader in the financial sector, and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

“This nomination is a powerful validation of APO Group’s purpose, namely to champion Africa’s narratives, amplify Africa’s voices, and bridge Africa and the world,” Nicolas said. “It is a celebration of the power of storytelling, communications, and purpose-led leadership in shaping the continent’s future. More importantly, it is a tribute to the importance of African stories, and the individuals and organisations across Africa who are redefining our narrative with integrity and excellence.”

Along with its more recent awards and client successes, an example of the company’s commitment to the continent is its collaboration with the World Health Organization to deliver crucial health updates and potentially life-saving information to millions of people all over Africa during the pandemic.

Named among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 and 2024, Nicolas serves on multiple high-profile advisory boards and international committees. These include the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, as well as the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, World Football Summit, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, Sports Africa Investment Summit, EurAfrican Forum, and All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is also a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society of the United Kingdom, and to the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce, and a special advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.

Looking ahead, Nicolas emphasised his continued belief in Africa’s potential: “The future belongs to those who believe in the power of their own voice. Africa’s genius lies in its diversity, its resilience, and its ability to shape its own story. For almost two decades, APO Group has proudly supported this across all 54 countries in Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

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 Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.

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

Source: APO

Volunteer Turkish doctors performed orthopedic surgeries in Ethiopia as part of a health program organized in partnership with Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and Doctors Worldwide.

In collaboration with TİKA and the Doctors Worldwide Association, a volunteer medical team and specialist doctors from Türkiye held a one-week orthopedic camp in Jigjiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali State, from August 16-23, 2025.

During the program, 34 patients underwent successful orthopedic surgeries that could not have been carried out with existing healthcare facilities. In addition, more than 100 patients received medical examinations. Ethiopian colleagues who worked alongside the Turkish doctors also gained valuable surgical and clinical experience.

Appreciation from the State President

On the final day of the program, Mustafa Mohammed Omer, President of the Somali State of Ethiopia, visited the hospital and met with patients receiving treatment. Omer expressed his gratitude to Türkiye, TİKA, and the Doctors Worldwide Association, emphasizing that the historical and cultural friendship between Türkiye and the Somali State has been further strengthened through such cooperation projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Source: APO

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At the African Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, thirteen African countries convened for the first-ever ministerial deep dive on livestock, co-hosted by ILRI, AU-IBAR, and GIZ. The session placed livestock firmly at the centre of Africa’s food systems agenda, recognizing its potential to transform food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. 

With Africa hosting 85% of the world’s livestock keepers but producing just 2.6% of global milk, ministers acknowledged the urgent need to bridge productivity gaps, reduce dependency on imports, and expand regional cooperation. 

Key commitments included scaling up genetic improvement programs, establishing feed banks, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and strengthening crop-livestock integration. 

Success stories from Tanzania, Somalia, Uganda, and Mali demonstrated how locally adapted innovations—from digital traceability to mass vaccination—can drive resilience and prosperity. Ministers agreed to institutionalize annual livestock ministerial sessions to ensure accountability. 

As AU-IBAR Director Dr. Huyam Salih emphasized, putting livestock at the heart of policy is vital for turning subsistence farming into thriving agribusiness, and for millions of African families, it is the pathway “between poverty and prosperity.”

Read More: https://africa.com/african-ministers-commit-to-livestock-transformation-as-key-to-food-security-and-economic-growth-at-first-ever-ministerial-deep-dive-on-livestock/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Source: APO

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Member States in building resilience against climate shocks, protecting vulnerable populations, and reducing the risks associated with extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.

As part of its humanitarian Monitoring and Evaluation mission to Guinea Bissau, the ECOWAS delegation on 5th September, 2025, concluded its 5 day assessment mission with the evaluation of the  progress in the implementation of ECOWAS humanitarian support initiatives, which aimed not only at ensuring accountability in the delivery of humanitarian assistance but also at identifying opportunities to strengthen resilience and climate adaptation measures across Guinea-Bissau and the broader ECOWAS region.

Under the theme “Build Back Better and Leave No One Behind,” a total of 18,000 beneficiaries—comprising 70% women and 30% men—were identified and supported with food and non-food items. This intervention underscores ECOWAS’ focus on gender-responsive humanitarian action and its commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations are not excluded from recovery and resilience-building efforts.

The mission concluded with the formal handover of essential disaster management equipment purchased with ECOWAS support, initially mobilized in response to the devastating 2022 floods. This intervention also included provisions for capacity-building initiatives, aimed at reinforcing the technical expertise of Guinea-Bissau’s disaster management agency staff.

In line with this, ECOWAS organized a practical workshop to introduce a newly developed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tool designed for Member States. This digital platform enables countries to record and share humanitarian data in real time, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, strengthening data management and analysis, and enhancing regional monitoring of humanitarian interventions.

To bolster disaster preparedness, laptops and a dedicated server were delivered to Guinea-Bissau’s disaster management agency. These tools will support early warning systems and enable faster, more coordinated responses during emergencies—ensuring clarity on what actions to take, when and where to implement them, and who should be engaged. Importantly, the system will also create a centralized database of lessons learned, serving as a resource for other ECOWAS Member States.

During the visit, the delegation met with H.E. Aladje Botche Candé, Minister of Interior and Public Order of Guinea-Bissau, to reiterate ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting Member States and to brief him on the progress made so far. The Minister expressed his country’s readiness to deepen cooperation with ECOWAS, commending the organization for its consistent support in improving living standards, resolving conflicts, promoting peace, and advancing regional trade and integration.

The delegation also visited the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea-Bissau, where they were warmly received by H.E. Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, Discussions centered on strengthening collaboration and mobilizing further support to ensure the effective execution of ECOWAS’ mandate in Guinea-Bissau in overseeing ECOWAS activities and supporting stabilization efforts, including the work of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB).

Through these efforts, ECOWAS continues to demonstrate its solidarity with Member States and its commitment to building a more resilient and integrated West African region capable of withstanding climate and humanitarian challenges.

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

Source: APO

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The Minister of Tourism of Tourism, Patricia de Lille on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, today joined the community of Overstrand in a clean-up initiative that highlights the importance of collective responsibility in building cleaner and healthier living spaces.

The Department congratulates Overstrand Municipality on receiving first place in the Western Cape Municipal Waste Management Recognition Programme last month, awarded by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. This accolade recognises Overstrand as the top-performing municipality in the province for its innovative waste management systems, recycling efforts, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Despite challenges such as low recycling rates and illegal dumping in certain areas, Overstrand has continued to prioritise community education, with particular emphasis on engaging young people. These efforts are essential in fostering long-term behavioural change and ensuring that future generations grow up with a sense of environmental responsibility.

Clean cities, towns, and villages are not merely about aesthetics, but are also about public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. Cleaner environments attract visitors and investors, reduce pollution, safeguard natural resources, and ensure that communities live in safe and healthy surroundings.

Tourism is directly linked to the state of our cities and towns. The Department of Tourism has, therefore, implemented initiatives such as the Green Tourism Incentive Programme, which supports private sector tourism enterprises in adopting sustainable practices. Cleaner, more sustainable communities are not only more attractive to tourists but also help preserve biodiversity and natural attractions that form the backbone of South Africa’s eco-tourism offering.

The Clean Cities and Towns Campaign is part of the government’s District Development Model (DDM), which promotes collaboration, coordination, and community involvement in improving service delivery. Through activities such as clean-up drives, waste management initiatives, and infrastructure repairs, the campaign demonstrates government’s commitment to working with citizens to build sustainable communities.

The Department of Tourism reaffirms its dedication to the goals of the 7th Administration under the Government of National Unity, which include strengthening service delivery, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring a healthier environment for all. Citizens are called upon to take pride in their neighbourhoods, hold one another accountable, and work with government to enhance the cleanliness and beauty of South Africa. Together, we can create a sustainable future that all South Africans deserve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks that targeted security posts in southern regions of the Republic of Mali, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of law enforcement personnel.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reaffirmed the UAE’s strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Mali over these cowardly attacks, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the Northern Cape Region welcomes Cabinet’s pronouncement of Ms. Karabelo Mojanaga as the Regional Executive Manager (REM) of SASSA in the Northern Cape.

The appointment was confirmed by the Minister in the Presidency, Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing on Friday, 5 September 2025, on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.

In her new role, Ms. Mojanaga will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of SASSA in the Northern Cape, ensuring the effective and dignified delivery of social security services across the province.

As REM, her responsibilities will include:

• Setting and driving the strategic direction of the Northern Cape Region in alignment with SASSA’s national priorities;
• Overseeing the implementation and management of the Social Assistance Programme;
• Managing financial planning, budgeting, supply chain management, and risk controls;
• Leading regional staff and fostering a high-performance culture;
• Ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and audit requirements;
• Strengthening customer care, managing complaints and enquiries, and expanding outreach initiatives;
• Representing SASSA in key stakeholder engagements across the province; and
• Supporting and contributing to sustainable livelihoods to reduce poverty in the province.

Her appointment underscores SASSA’s commitment to capable and responsive leadership that places beneficiaries at the heart of service delivery.

Ms. Mojanaga brings with her a strong track record of public service leadership, having previously served in executive roles such as Senior Manager: Management Accounting at the Northern Cape Department of Health and Chief Financial Officer at the Provincial Treasury.

She graduated from the University of South Africa with a B.Compt Degree, and later obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of the Free State. She has also completed a certificate course on Africa’s Political Economy through the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of the Free State.

Reacting to her appointment, Ms. Mojanaga stated: “I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with leading SASSA in the Northern Cape Province. This role is both a responsibility and a privilege — to ensure that our beneficiaries receive services that are accessible, efficient, and delivered with dignity, speed, and care. I look forward to working hand in hand with our dedicated staff, communities, and stakeholders to strengthen service delivery, restore trust, and ultimately change lives for the better.”

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Mojanaga acted in the REM role from 1 November 2024, after serving as General Manager: Finance and Corporate Services at SASSA Northern Cape since 15 March 2021.

During her tenure as Acting REM, the Northern Cape was crowned the top-performing SASSA region in the country, achieving 13 out of 14 Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets — a 93% overall performance score, the highest nationwide.

In the first quarter (April to June 2025) of the current 2025/2026 financial year, the Northern Cape once again emerged as the top performer nationally, achieving all 11 APP targets — translating into a remarkable 100% performance.

SASSA in the Northern Cape extends its full support to Ms. Mojanaga as she assumes this vital leadership role and continues to build a strong, client-focused social security system in the province.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

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International Literacy Day is celebrated every year on 8 September to highlight the importance of high literacy rates in society.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is committed to creating an environment that supports readers and encourages a culture of reading across all ages. From story time to digital skills, public libraries across the Western Cape are opening doors to opportunity and lifelong learning.

The department supports literacy in the province through numerous programmes and interventions, including:

• 375 public library service points, supported by the Western Cape Library Service across the province
• 229 rural libraries providing free internet through more than 1 500 workstations as well as free Wi-Fi access at 180 of these libraries
• The department procured 160 307 hard copy books during the last financial year
• Access to 36 968 copies of e-books, audio books and online magazines
• Circulation of 275 194 e-books and 80 990 audiobooks in the past year
• 37 mini-libraries for the blind and visually impaired across the province
• Thousands more benefit annually from library storytimes, school class visits, book clubs, reading quizzes, writing competitions, and study support initiatives
• Various programmes to promote reading are being driven by our YeBoneers who are placed in the libraries stream

Libraries and literacy are crucial in our society. Reading is foundational for school success, employability and active citizenship. Libraries reduce barriers by offering free access to books, e-books, safe study spaces, skilled staff, and connectivity. Digital literacy is also essential: in an AI-enabled world, libraries equip residents to find, evaluate and create information responsibly.

Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, calls on all people across the province to join their local library and to keep reading:

“On International Literacy Day, we celebrate the everyday heroes—our librarians, volunteers, parents and young people—who keep the flame of reading alive. In a rapidly digitalising world, the Western Cape’s public libraries are more than buildings with books: they are springboards into learning, opportunity and hope. This year alone, our library literacy programmes directly supported more than 600 residents, and our network of 375 service points continues to bring stories, skills and connection within reach of every community. Reading opens doors—at school, at work and in life. I invite every resident to visit their local library, borrow a book or download an e-book, join a reading circle, and sign up for my ALMAL Book Club. Let’s build a province of readers.”

DCAS continues to roll out many programmes and activities across our libraries to ensure that we can build a culture of reading in our province.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.