MIL-OSI – Page 62 – MIL Africa Engine

August 21, 2026

Kenya–Thailand Seek to Deepen Strategic Partnership Ahead of 60th Anniversary

Source: APO

On 19 August 2026, Deputy Director General, Asia and Pacific Directorate, Amb. Jane B. Makori, held bilateral talks with the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Thailand to Kenya, H.E. Ms. Jirusaya Birananda, to explore opportunities to deepen and diversify the Kenya–Thailand strategic partnership.

The discussions focused on translating longstanding political goodwill into tangible economic, development and people-to-people outcomes, with priority areas including agriculture, trade and investment, health, tourism, education, culture, development cooperation, the blue economy and maritime cooperation, as well as coordination on regional and multilateral issues.

Kenya and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1967, and their partnership has progressively expanded across political, economic, development and people-to-people cooperation. The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 provides a strategic opportunity to renew the partnership and establish an ambitious forward-looking agenda through high-level exchanges, business and investment forums, cultural and academic programmes, and targeted cooperation initiatives.

A key priority is the revitalisation of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), established in 2005. While the inaugural session identified cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, education, health, security and culture, the second session remains outstanding. Convening the next JCBC would provide an important institutional platform for reviewing progress, identifying new areas of cooperation and developing measurable outcomes and deliverables for the bilateral relationship. Cooperation has also evolved to include emerging areas such as the blue economy, fisheries and maritime affairs.

Expanding trade and investment was identified as an important avenue for delivering greater economic value from the partnership. Bilateral trade remains significantly weighted in Thailand’s favour, with Kenya importing approximately US$151.5 million worth of goods from Thailand in 2024, compared with exports of about US$23.1 million. Kenya therefore seeks to address this imbalance by expanding market access for Kenyan products, promoting value addition and strengthening private-sector linkages, while positioning Kenya as an attractive destination for Thai investment in agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, healthcare, ICT and infrastructure.

Agriculture presents particularly strong opportunities for practical cooperation. Building on the Thailand–Kenya Agricultural Technology Learning Center at the Kenya School of Agriculture, the two countries can scale up collaboration in irrigation, rice production, agricultural research and technology, mechanisation, post-harvest management and agro-processing. Such cooperation could contribute directly to Kenya’s objectives on food security, productivity, value addition, technology transfer and rural economic development.

The partnership also offers scope for expanded cooperation in health, tourism, education, youth and academic exchanges, digital transformation and innovation, alongside blue economy, fisheries, environmental sustainability and connectivity. These areas provide opportunities to strengthen institutional linkages while creating direct benefits for communities, businesses, students, researchers and young people.

At the regional and multilateral levels, Kenya and Thailand can strengthen coordination on sustainable development, climate action, peace and security, combating transnational organised crime and reform of the multilateral system. The two countries can also leverage their respective positions to advance Africa–ASEAN cooperation, creating additional platforms for trade, investment, knowledge exchange and South–South cooperation.

Looking ahead to 2027, Kenya seeks to use the 60th anniversary not merely as a commemorative milestone, but as a launchpad for a more ambitious and results-oriented phase of bilateral relations. The anniversary could therefore be anchored around a clear programme of deliverables, including the convening of the JCBC, enhanced trade and investment engagements, expanded agricultural and technical cooperation, increased people-to-people exchanges and strengthened coordination on shared regional and global priorities.

The objective is to move the Kenya–Thailand relationship from longstanding friendship to a more structured, mutually beneficial and results-driven strategic partnership that delivers measurable value for both countries and their peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Kenya.

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August 21, 2026

Eritrea: Ambassador Beyene Participates in Regional Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting

Source: APO

Ambassador Beyene Russom, Eritrea’s Ambassador to Kenya, participated in the Fourth Regional Ministerial Steering Committee meeting, convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 18 August under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Health Security and Sovereignty: Predictable and Innovative Investment in Maternal and Child Health and Primary Health Care.”

Representing Ms. Amina Nurhusein, Minister of Health, Ambassador Beyene addressed the meeting and outlined Eritrea’s community-based approach to primary health care.

“Eritrea strongly believes that resilient primary health care is the foundation of both improved health outcomes and stronger health security. We have invested in a community-based primary health care system anchored in a cost-effective Basic Health Care Package that extends essential services to rural, remote and nomadic communities,” Ambassador Beyene said.

Noting that Eritrea’s health policy does not stand alone, Ambassador Beyene said that the Government’s broader approach is to reach marginalized communities with an integrated package of basic services, including education, water, agriculture and other essential services.

Ambassador Beyene reiterated Eritrea’s readiness to share its experiences, learn from fellow member states and support regional collaboration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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August 21, 2026

Eritrea: Five-Year Strategic Plan to Eradicate Illiteracy

Source: APO

At a conference held in Keren to review progress made in efforts to eradicate illiteracy over the past 10 years, the Ministry of Education developed a five-year strategic plan extending through 2030.

At the national conference, conducted from 18 to 20 August, Mr. Gebrezgi Dimam, Director General of Adult Education and Media, said that the Ministry of Education is working diligently to enable every citizen to become literate and continue learning through adult education programs, evening classes and the establishment of community libraries. Mr. Gebrezgi also called for the strengthened participation of partners in the effort.

Presenting a detailed report on the progress of the adult education program, Mr. Gebrezgi called for integrated efforts by all concerned institutions and partners to implement the five-year strategic plan and enable residents of remote areas to benefit from the program.

The participants held extensive discussions on the issues raised at the conference and adopted various recommendations.

Commending the efforts being exerted by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Defense, to eradicate illiteracy, Ambassador Abdella Musa, Minister of Local Government, called on teachers to play a leading role in the endeavor.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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August 21, 2026

Lesotho: Over M1 Million Raised at Shoeshoe Ea Moshoeshoe Foundation Launch

Source: APO

More than M1 million was raised at the official launch of the Shoeshoe ea Moshoeshoe Trust and Foundation held in Maseru on Thursday evening.

The Shoeshoe ea Moshoeshoe Foundation is an initiative of Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso, committed to preserving the heritage, identity and dignity of the Basotho nation while promoting meaningful national development.

Speaking at the event, King Letsie III commended Princess Senate for her initiative saying she has demonstrated remarkable commitment from a young age.

He indicated that Princess Senate had pursued the initiative independently only approaching him and the Queen for advice when necessary.

The King said the Royal Family, close relatives and friends were proud of the young adult Princess Senate had become.

In her remarks, Princess Senate stated that the Foundation was established as a platform for creating meaningful national impact following her return from studies in Canada.

She said that the Foundation emerged from the spirit and achievements of Lesotho’s bicentennial celebrations which marked 200 years of the existence of the Basotho nation.

Princess Senate highlighted that the Foundation focuses on youth development, cultural preservation, education, mental wellness and sustainable community development across Lesotho.

She emphasised that the Foundation places particular importance on investing in people, especially young people as they are central to the future of Lesotho.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane who is also the founder of the SAM Matekane Foundation delineated that initiatives of this nature require transparency, accountability and dedication to ensure their sustainability.

He applauded the initiative saying it is going to contribute towards reducing youth unemployment which remains a major challenge facing Lesotho.

The funds raised during the launch were collected through individual pledges and donations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.

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August 21, 2026

Clôture De L’Atelier De Formation En Partenariat Public-Privé (PPP) Et D’Appropriation Des Textes Standards PPP Au Mali

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

s’est achevé l’Atelier de formation en Partenariat Public-Privé (PPP) et d’appropriation des textes standards PPP au Mali.

Durant cinq jours d’échanges intenses, les cadres du Cabinet du Premier ministre et des services rattachés se sont approprié les outils stratégiques indispensables à la conduite des projets majeurs. Organisé avec le concours de l’Unité de Partenariat Public-Privé (UPPP), cet atelier a permis de vulgariser le guide méthodologique des PPP, les documents de consultation ainsi que le clausier-type.

Ces travaux ont permis de garantir une utilisation rigoureuse de documents adaptés aux exigences locales et conformes aux meilleures pratiques internationales. Les participants ont ainsi renforcé leur expertise technique pour assurer un montage sécurisé, transparent et efficace des futurs projets.

Comme l’a souligné le Coordinateur de l’UPPP, M. Issa Hassimi Diallo, la démarche offre un cadre attractif et structuré pour associer durablement le secteur privé au financement, à la conception, à la réalisation et à la gestion des grands investissements.

Le Directeur de Cabinet Adjoint par intérim du Premier ministre, M. Abraham Bengaly, a salué l’engagement des participants et la qualité des réflexions. L’appropriation de ces instruments permettra désormais aux services de la Primature d’impulser une nouvelle dynamique dans le déploiement des infrastructures nationales.

Distribué par APO Group pour Government of the Republic of Mali.

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August 21, 2026

Zambia’s messy but decisive election: government shows strength; democracy shows weakness

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Michael Wahman, Professor, Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin

Across southern Africa, sitting presidents have faced a wave of turnovers and electoral setbacks in the past few years.

Malawi and Botswana saw opposition victories. In Namibia and South Africa, incumbents were re-elected, but with significantly smaller majorities.

In Zambia, the Patriotic Front suffered a humiliating defeat in 2021 as voters reacted to poor economic performance. This resulted in a new government led by Hakainde Hichilema and his United Party for National Development.

Hichilema’s government has ruled in a time of extreme global economic anxieties. Conflict, supply chain interruptions and aid withdrawal have piled pressure on governments, not least in Africa. In southern Africa, erratic weather conditions have brought droughts, food insecurity and energy shortages, adding to economic woes. In this environment, how did Zambia’s incumbent party secure such a decisive re-election in 2026?

In an impressive showing, Hichilema secured an increased 61% of the vote compared to 38% for the main opposition challenger, Brian Mundubile. However, accusations of fraud and manipulation have tainted the election.

We are politics scholars who focus on democracy and elections in the region. We’ve been following developments in Zambia as the vote turned increasingly controversial.

In our view, however, it would be a mistake to understand the party’s victory as purely a reflection of manipulation. Other important factors contributed, including voter approval of the government’s handling of the economic crisis as well as education, healthcare and food security.

Was it fraud?

While many of us political scholars had anticipated a decisive victory for the United Party for National Development, academics Nic Cheeseman and Nicole Beardsworth published a remarkable article days after the election analysing voting patterns. The numbers were not adding up.

Election results announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia showed improbably high voter turnout in many government-party strongholds. Even more suspicious were large and illogical differences in votes cast in parliamentary and presidential elections in some constituencies.

This was compounded by a highly unusual country-wide suspension of vote counting imposed by the electoral commission the day after the election, amid reports of violence. The European Union Election Observation Mission noted that the “overall conduct of tabulation (vote counting) deteriorated significantly” after the lifting of the suspension.

If fraud was indeed perpetrated inside ruling party strongholds, the critical question is whether it is decisive. Focusing only on 16 particularly suspicious constituencies, analysis found a difference of 170,000 votes between the number of presidential and parliamentary votes, but the nationwide vote difference was more than 1.1 million between the president and the opposition challenger.

Much more clarity came after the respected domestic election observer network, the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), published their regular Parallel Voting Tabulation survey. Indeed, the parallel results did not match the official results. It appears United Party for National Development votes were inflated.

Importantly, however, the monitoring group still had the party as the runaway winner in the presidential election. According to their survey, Hichilema received 56% of the vote (give or take 1.7 percentage points), compared to Mundubile’s 42%. In other words, manipulation does not seem to be enough to explain Hichilema’s decisive victory.

His party’s re-election was a reflection of both opposition weakness and government strength.

Opposition weakness

Throughout most of the presidential term, voters expected a re-match between Hichilema and former president Edgar Lungu. However, Lungu unexpectedly died just over a year before the election and the opposition was left without a leader.

Internal succession struggles within the Patriotic Front tore the party into factions. And the Registrar of Societies, which regulates political parties, frustrated attempts to register new political challengers. Polling voters after Lungu’s death, we did not find any opposition party with more than 12% declared support.

After dramatic nominations, Mundubile emerged as the main opposition candidate. He ran under the banner of a previously obscure opposition party, National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity. Mundubile’s strategy was to revitalise the former Patriotic Front coalition. In campaigns, he proudly declared that as president he would “rule like Lungu”.

This strategy may have been sound for uniting the opposition. However, to win national elections, emulating a coalition that voters soundly removed from office five years ago was not enough.

The final performance was nonetheless impressive for a party that was virtually nonexistent three months earlier. It won more votes than the government in most areas where the Patriotic Front dominated in 2021. It also made inroads among urban voters, a notoriously volatile voter group in Zambia.

However, the 2026 election reaffirms an old truth about Zambian politics: elections are won by mobilising the base and winning regional strongholds with big margins.

Given the apparently inflated votes in many of these strongholds, we need to treat official vote counts with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, some patterns are so clear that we can still draw some conclusions.

Mundubile’s party simply lacked the ground organisation needed to win. And the government was winning respectable shares of the vote in areas that were supposedly opposition strongholds.

Government strength

While we will probably never know the real voter turnout, independent estimates put it at around 54% of registered voters. In the last election, it was 71%.

In 2021, voters were highly motivated to vote and oust a highly unpopular government. This wasn’t the case in 2026.

Key to the government’s popularity is its strong handling of the economy. The government successfully restructured debt, kept inflation under control, and delivered steady growth. Voters credited government with stepping up drought initiatives to ease the suffering of rural Zambians.

Our poll showed strong approval of the government’s performance on education, healthcare and food security. Hichilema’s approval rating was measured at an unusually high 79%. His party’s campaign posters touted slogans such as “continuity”, a globally rare campaign message in days of anti-incumbent sentiment.

A weakening of democracy

A decisive victory leaves Hichilema with a strong mandate and a weakened opposition.

His party is now looking to gain a comfortable majority in parliament. This dominance was certainly helped by controversial constitutional changes instituted just ahead of the election. A new bill created new constituencies, expanded presidentially nominated seats, and introduced new seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This aided the party.

It has also asserted stronger party discipline. The debate over the bill ignited infighting, but the election seemed to settle the contest. Hichilema took a hard line against MPs who voted against it. He now leads an increasingly unified and loyal party.

However, the election is not settled and leaves many questions unanswered. The opposition intends challenging the results in the Constitutional Court. Crucially, they will have to show that manipulation changed the outcome. While it will be hard to argue it did, it looks like it may have affected the proportional distribution of parliamentary seats.

Generally, the election has weakened Zambia’s democratic credentials in an environment where western pressure to protect democratic institutions is weaker than it has been in decades.

Not only did the election itself raise questions, but also a mysterious security operation the day after. This targeted opposition officials, including Mundubile. It left one person dead and several more detained. It raises serious human rights concerns.

This will be Hichilema’s last term, and the battle over who succeeds him is likely to begin soon. How his party uses its new dominance, whether to manage succession or to change the rules to consolidate its position further, will shape Zambian politics in the years to come.

– Zambia’s messy but decisive election: government shows strength; democracy shows weakness
– https://theconversation.com/zambias-messy-but-decisive-election-government-shows-strength-democracy-shows-weakness-289953

August 21, 2026

Foreign Ministers of Qatar and seven Arab and Islamic countries condemn Israel’s continued illegal settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territory and reaffirm their rejection of the “E1” settlement plan

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | 21 August 2026

The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, unequivocally condemn Israel’s continued illegal settlement policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and categorically reject the “E1” settlement plan and related settlement activities east of occupied East Jerusalem.

They further reiterate their condemnation of the violations and acts of violence perpetrated by settlers, with the support of the Israeli occupying authorities, against the Palestinian people and their property. They stress that such acts in no way diminish the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and constitute violations of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, while posing a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

The Ministers warned that the “E1” settlement plan constitutes a dangerous escalation that further advances settlement expansion and annexation and undermines the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly between the West Bank and East Jerusalem, thereby threatening the viability and realization of an independent, contiguous Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. Such actions constitute a direct challenge to international efforts aimed at achieving peace, foremost among them President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan, including its unequivocal rejection of annexation and forced displacement, and the mechanisms envisaged for its implementation, including through the Board of Peace, as well as President Trump’s firm commitment to not allow annexation of the West Bank, with a view to achieving stability and bringing the conflict to an end.

The Ministers reaffirm that the two- State solution, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, remains the only viable path towards a just, comprehensive and lasting peace. They warn that actions aimed at undermining this solution risk further escalating tensions, threatening regional and international peace and security, and jeopardizing prospects for lasting peace and stability in the region.

In this context, the Ministers support all efforts aimed at ensuring accountability, including through appropriate international measures and sanctions against entities and individuals responsible for illegal settlement activities, including the “E1” settlement plan, as well as those supporting, facilitating or implementing policies of settlement expansion and annexation. They further call for an end to any support or financing that contributes to the establishment, expansion or entrenchment of illegal settlements. They stress that the lack of accountability contributes to the continuation of violations and further undermines prospects for a just and comprehensive peace.

The Ministers call for immediate action to halt the “E1” settlement plan, rescind all measures taken in connection with it, and cease all settlement activities and other measures aimed at altering the geographic and demographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They further call upon the United Nations Security Council, all States and relevant international actors to uphold their responsibilities under international law and take urgent and effective measures to halt illegal settlement expansion, and to ensure the protection of the Palestinian people, safeguard their inalienable rights, including their right to self- determination, and realize their independent State, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

August 21, 2026

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum’s Digital Webinar Series Kicks Off on 23 September

Source: APO – Report:

The organisers of the DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum (DCMI), co‑located with the DRC‑Africa Battery Metals Forum, have announced the first dates of its exclusive, upcoming, high-impact digital webinar series.

While the event was meant to take place in Kinshasa from 7 to 8 October, the event organisers, VUKA Group, postponed the in-person Forum to 2027 to align directly with the DRC Government’s updated national policy frameworks and to allow the revised roadmaps for the $58 billion Master Plan for Industrialisation (Plan Directeur d’Industrialisation, PDI) to mature.

The digital webinar series will kick off on 23 September and run until 2027, providing convenient access to the insights, market intelligence and strategic discussions planned for the live event.

Expert speakers and moderators confirmed to participate in these webinars include:
– Edmond Cibamba Diata, Lawyer, Elite Law Firm, DRC
– Shantha Bloemen, CEO, Mobility for Africa, Zimbabwe
– Bryan Mav, Sales Team Manager & Brand Manager, Moderne Construction, DRC 
– Ghislain Kabumba Baderha, Doctoral Researcher, UOB, DRC 
– Jem Kishabaga, Managing Director, Renewable Energy, DRC 
– Prof. Hercule Kalele Mulonda, Technical Director, CCB and Representative of CAEB, DRC 
– Marc Nyunzi Mutambala, Capital Markets Manager, FSD Africa, Kenya 

The first four editions of the digital webinar series will focus on the following:

Webinar 1: 23 September 2026, 10h30–12h00

UNLOCKING THE DRC’S INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL:  The A-to-Z masterclass strategy 

The DRC masterclass examines how the nation can harness its mineral wealth for sustainable growth and industrialization. Experts will discuss policies to move beyond raw exports, enforce security and strengthen ESG standards. Priorities include local beneficiation, human capital development and tailored financing to balance global markets. By defining collaborative actions and investment pathways, the session seeks to accelerate value addition, enhance competitiveness and position the DRC as a responsible global leader in the minerals value chain.

Webinar 2: 21 October 2026, 10h30–12h00 

FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE & INDUSTRIALISATION DEVELOPMENT

The panel on infrastructure and industrialisation highlights the DRC’s need to move beyond raw material extraction by focusing on local transformation. Building resilient industries will drive job creation and strengthen the economy. Experts will examine how transport, energy and logistics projects accelerate industrialisation, with case studies such as ports, railways and cross‑border initiatives. By prioritising strategic development and leveraging mineral revenues, the DRC can unlock sustainable growth and position itself as a competitive hub within the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Webinar 3: 11 November 2026, 10h30–12h00 

NEW TECHNOLOGIES DRIVING THE GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION

This session explores how technology and ESG‑aligned investment can transform the DRC’s critical minerals sector. With global demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper rising, responsible sourcing and compliance are essential to build investor confidence. Discussions will focus on local processing, advanced metallurgical methods, renewable energy and automation to accelerate industrialisation. By shifting from raw exports to in‑country beneficiation, the DRC can strengthen sustainability, unlock long‑term value and position itself as a competitive player in the global energy transition.

Webinar 4: 25 November 2026, 10h30–12h00 

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: BUILDING A STRONGER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE CRITICAL MINERALS VALUE CHAIN

This discussion explores how strategic partnerships can strengthen the DRC’s critical minerals value chain. By fostering collaboration between governments, regional integration systems and investors, the focus is on building resilience and supporting sustainable growth. Key themes include industrialisation through global partnerships, prioritising sectors for development and aligning with international partners. With effective models of cooperation, the DRC can unlock socio‑economic benefits, enhance competitiveness and establish a stronger foundation for a sustainable and inclusive minerals sector.

DRC’s transition
DCMI unites government, industry and investors to accelerate the country’s transition from raw‑material extraction to high‑value manufacturing, underscoring the nation’s opportunity to convert mineral wealth into infrastructure, jobs and sustainable economic growth.

The DRC’s Ministries of Mines and of Industry and Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC) are official partners of the event.

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media enquiries:
Gloria Mariane
Email: gloria.mariane@wearevuka.com

Social Media:
Website: https://apo-opa.co/3U69IWs
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4zwNgWq
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3ULybjT
Linkedin: DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4c60Cz8)

About VUKA Group:
The DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum and DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum are organised by VUKA Group (https://WeAreVuka.com) (formerly Clarion Events Africa), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4qv6QhJ), Nigeria Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4g9WxMJ), Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4wHWUmD), Africa’s Green Economy Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4c5ceCl), Carbon Markets Africa Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4qqSAGN), Smarter Mobility Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4hMUUWy), ECOM (https://apo-opa.co/4hHKLdC)Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4hHKLdC) and CEM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3U9Lk6g).

Mining Review Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4gbCaPb), the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event’s premium media partner.

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August 21, 2026

More than half of African youth consider emigration, but better opportunities at home could make staying a choice, advocates say

Source: APO – Report:

More than half of young Africans say they have considered emigrating, most to find better work and economic opportunities, according to the latest Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) survey findings.

This reality was the focus of a #VoicesAfrica youth webinar (https://apo-opa.co/4g6Hqne) co-hosted Tuesday by Afrobarometer and the Nuru Trust Network to commemorate International Youth Day under the theme “Youth on the move: Rethinking migration and opportunity in Africa.” The discussion brought together youth advocates, researchers, gender experts, and practitioners to examine what young Africans’ migration aspirations reveal about employment, opportunity, governance, and the future they want to build.

Opening the discussion, Mary Yvonne Ododah, executive director of the Nuru Trust Network, urged stakeholders to look beyond the question of whether young Africans are leaving and focus instead on what would make staying, moving, or returning a real option.

“The bigger question is what would make staying a genuine choice?” Ododah said. “What would make moving a safe choice? And perhaps most importantly, what would make returning and contributing at home a very attractive choice?”

She noted that young people’s desire to emigrate is not a rejection of Africa but an affirmation of hope as they seek jobs, education, business opportunities, and the chance to build a better future.

Afrobarometer findings presented by monitoring, evaluation, and learning officer Kofi Otu Beecham show that 55% of 18- to 35-year-olds across 38 African countries have thought “a little bit,” “somewhat,” or “a lot” about emigrating. Among young potential emigrants, 52% cite better work opportunities as their main reason, while 18% wish to escape economic hardship.

The findings also show that young people are not only looking outward: Job creation is their top priority for investment in youth by their own government, followed by education, job training, and access to business loans.

A panel discussion explored factors behind these aspirations and what governments, civil society, development partners, and regional institutions can do to expand opportunities for young Africans.

Participants highlighted weak employment opportunities, skills gaps, limited access to finance, gender inequalities, weak trust in institutions, and gaps in regional economic integration as some of the factors shaping young people’s choices. They also cautioned against treating migration solely as a security concern for receiving countries, noting that unsafe migration routes can expose young people to exploitation, trafficking, and recruitment by criminal and armed groups.

The speakers further called for greater investment in Africa’s young population and more meaningful partnerships that respond to local priorities. They stressed that regional and continental frameworks must translate into tangible opportunities for the young people they are intended to serve.

The message emerging from the discussion was clear: Migration should be a choice, not an escape route. Creating the conditions for young Africans to thrive at home will require turning their aspirations into concrete opportunities.

– on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Maame Akua Amoah Twum
Afrobarometer communications manager
Telephone: +233208326343
Email: maameakua@afrobarometer.org
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org

Social Media:
Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica

About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 440,000+ interviews in 45 countries,

representing the views of more than 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent’s data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website (www.Afrobarometer.org) and may be analysed free of charge using AB’s online data analysis tool. (https://apo-opa.co/4hGZlSF)

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August 21, 2026

South Africa: Eastern Cape Officials Should Be Vigilant in Considering Deep Process To Avoid Poor Performance by Contractors, Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana

Source: APO – Report:

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegation leader to the Eastern Cape, Hon Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, has called on government officials in the Eastern Cape to be vigilant in scrutinising bid processes and avoid institutionalizing poor performance. The delegation was visiting the Eastern Cape as part of Provincial Week to follow up on recommendations made during previous Provincial Week visits to the province.

“Poor performance of contractors who provide sub-standard infrastructure should never be associated with the Eastern Cape and that they should never be used as an excuse for non-performance,” Hon Nkosi Nonkonyana said.

Hon Nkosi Nonkonyana said the practice of hijacking government funding for projects at bid adjudication is pervasive and derails service delivery. “The Provincial Week is an eye-opener and necessitates that parliamentary oversight is enhanced and frequent to municipalities. Parliamentarians are being judged for coming to communities for electioneering when the reality is that projects get funded but are held up in plans and poor performance on the part of contractors who fail to deliver the necessary infrastructure,” he said.

The Eastern Cape delegation visited multimillion rand infrastructure projects in the Chris Hani District, none of which was found to be completed, nor where any to the satisfaction of surrounding communities. The projects visited on Thursday included the Eco-Industrial Park in Komani, a waste water sewer plant and Louis Rex Primary School.

Hon Nkosi Nonkonyana it is concerning to note how many government officials blamed poor performance on contractors, even though they had been appointed on their recommendation, and yet the officials had not monitored the contractors’ performance nor supported small, medium and micro enterprises that were harmed when projects were abandoned.

“It is not enough to just fire contractors for non-performance when they had been paid. There must be a way to recover the funds if projects are not visible … We are not happy with what we found,” the delegation leader said.

“Infrastructure cannot be in planning forever. Without mitigation plans, it is not enough to blame disasters forever when in fact failure had been at conducting due diligence. That is unacceptable. Infrastructure backlog must not happen at the expense of people’s suffering,” Hon Nkosi Nonkonyana concluded.

The delegation was however satisfied with its programme and hoped this visit will enhance service delivery to poor communities. Hon Nkosi Nonkonyana noted there would be a follow-up engagement on issues that had been reported to the Provincial Legislature and the Premier’s office. Both institutions attended the report back session.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.