Category: MIL-OSI

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Winning medal design revealed for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Source: APO

“The Roar of Youth” – a striking design by 26-year-old Spanish designer Pilar Barbadillo Vicario – has been selected for the obverse of the medals for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The artwork was selected by a jury (https://apo-opa.co/4p2J3DJ) following a global call for designs and will feature on the medals awarded to athletes who step on to the podium in Senegal. 

Key facts:

  • “The Roar of Youth” by 26-year-old Spanish designer Pilar Barbadillo Vicario was selected as the Dakar 2026 YOG obverse medal design.
  • The medal features a lion, symbolising strength, courage and Senegal, with its mane forming symmetrical faces representing fairness and respect, each wearing olive crowns as a nod to Olympic heritage.
  • The design was chosen following a global call for designs that welcomed submissions from 103 countries.

A design inspired by Senegal and the Olympic values

Created following research into Senegalese art and symbolism, The Roar of Youth places a lion at the centre of the design, representing both the host country and the values of strength and courage. The lion’s mane is formed by two symmetrical faces inspired by Senegalese art and symbolising fairness and respect in sport. Each face is adorned with an olive crown, recalling the ancient origins of the Olympic Games and the pursuit of excellence. The design is completed with clean lines, creating a medal that reflects both local culture and the Olympic values.

Explaining her approach, Barbadillo Vicario said: “When I was designing the medal, I was thinking about what you see when you already have it at home afterwards. It represents everything you’ve achieved over time – not only the moment you win it, but all the work behind it and what can motivate you in the future.”

“I feel as if I had won one of those medals myself”

Currently studying for a master’s degree in UX/UI design, Barbadillo Vicario described the moment she learned she had won as deeply emotional. “I just can’t explain it,” she said. “My sisters and I love the Olympic Games – we always watch them together – and they won’t believe this. Even my fingers were shaking.”

Reflecting on what the achievement represents, she added: “Right now, I feel as if I had won one of those medals myself. Athletes express themselves through sport, and for me it’s art. Knowing that young athletes will wear a medal with my design is just incredible.”

“I wanted the medal to help winners remember where they were and what they achieved there. It’s about knowing you’ve travelled, that you’ve been somewhere, and that you’ve achieved something through your effort.”

The call for designs (https://apo-opa.co/4p2J3DJ), launched in September 2025, attracted submissions from 103 countries, highlighting strong international interest in Dakar 2026, with designers from India, Senegal, Brazil, Mexico and France submitting the highest number of entries. As well as seeing her design awarded to athletes at the YOG, Barbadillo Vicario will be invited to attend Dakar 2026.

The designs were evaluated by a jury featuring International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange OLY; Gangwon 2024 medal design competition winner Dante Akira Uwai; Olympian artist Annabel Eyres OLY; IOC Young Leaders Peniamina Percival OLY and Pragnya Mohan; IOC Young Reporters Yun Su Park and Yann Durand; and Dakar 2026 ambassador Elzo Jamdong. Coordination Commission Chair Kayange presented the jury’s recommendation to the IOC Executive Board last week.

The runner-up was Agisilaos Kyriazis from Greece, with the design entitled “The Sun of Values”, while third place went to Elizuba Joe Abraham from India for “The Celebration of Triumph”.

The reverse of the medal will be designed by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee through a national competition and will incorporate Senegalese cultural elements alongside the Youth Olympic Games emblem.

The opportunity for young designers to create the obverse of the Youth Olympic medals was first introduced at the inaugural YOG in Singapore in 2010, when Japan’s Setsuko Fukuzawa created the “Yes Youth Can” design. Since then, designers from Slovakia, Romania, Indonesia, New Zealand and Brazil have seen their creations presented to young athletes on the podium at the YOG.

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together 2,700 of the world’s best young athletes aged up to 17. The Games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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Ramokgopa announces 890MW solar boost as renewable rollout accelerates

Source: Government of South Africa

Ramokgopa announces 890MW solar boost as renewable rollout accelerates

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced the appointment of additional Preferred Bidders to deliver 890 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, marking a significant expansion of South Africa’s renewable energy programme and a R16 billion investment injection into the economy.

With the latest announcement, total capacity procured under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) now stands at 3 940MW, to be delivered through 18 solar PV independent power producer (IPP) projects.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Monday, Ramokgopa said the additional capacity forms part of government’s drive to stabilise electricity supply, while supporting economic growth and job creation.

“South African equity participation of 49% across all the Preferred Bidders and average Black Economic Empowerment participation of 40% have been committed by these projects,” Ramokgopa said, adding that these commitments will be formalised through Implementation Agreements between the department and the project companies.

The Minister said the additional projects in Bid Window 7 emerged from strong market interest, which attracted 48 bidders offering a combined 10.2 gigawatts — more than double the capacity originally requested.

“They were giving us twice the number of megawatts that we had called for,” Ramokgopa said, noting that government initially prepared preferred bidders for about 1 760MW of solar PV, close to the 1 800MW target.

He explained that when Bid Window 7 did not yield sufficient wind energy bids, government successfully converted that capacity allocation to solar PV, enabling the appointment of additional bidders.

“We were able to get six additional bidders that were going to add another 1 290 megawatts. After further engagements on pricing and compensation, we are now able to ensure that four of these projects go over the line, giving us an additional 890 megawatts,” he said.

Ramokgopa said the new projects are expected to reach the grid within the next 24 months, reinforcing government’s commitment to expanding generation capacity as economic activity picks up.

“The more the economy grows, the more electricity consumption we need to support that growth. We have to give the country assurance that electricity will be there,” he said.

The Minister confirmed that three of the four newly announced projects were awarded to Red Rocket, and that the solar PV facilities will be located in the Free State and Northern Cape — provinces well suited to renewable energy development.

Ramokgopa reiterated that South Africa remains an ideal destination for renewable energy investment, with energy seen as a key enabler of economic recovery.

“We want the South African economy to grow. We want investors to come into this space, we want to get people into employment, and we are going to use energy to get the economy going,” he said.

The Minister said the R16 billion investment linked to the newly announced projects would flow directly into the South African economy, supporting industrial development, employment and long-term energy security. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Rawbank renouvelle pour cinq ans son partenariat stratégique avec Visa pour accélérer la digitalisation des paiements en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Rawbank, banque leader en République Démocratique du Congo, annonce le renouvellement pour cinq ans de son partenariat stratégique avec Visa (www.Visa.com). Cet accord marque l’ouverture d’un nouveau cycle d’une collaboration engagée il y a plus de quinze ans, qui a joué un rôle déterminant dans la modernisation des paiements en RDC et l’accélération de la digitalisation des services financiers, en ligne avec les priorités nationales en matière d’inclusion financière.

Des résultats probants sur le cycle 2022-2025

Entre 2022 et 2025, Rawbank et Visa ont accompagné la montée en puissance des usages digitaux, avec une adoption croissante des paiements électroniques dans un pays où le cash reste dominant. Ce partenariat a permis de structurer l’écosystème des paiements : modernisation des infrastructures d’acceptation, élargissement du réseau de commerçants, soutien au décollage de l’e-commerce et opérations d’animation commerciale autour de grands rendez-vous sportifs mondiaux comme la CAN, la Coupe du Monde ou les Jeux Olympiques. Ces campagnes ont contribué à familiariser le grand public congolais aux usages de paiement digital.

Rawbank, partenaire clé pour la tokenisation

Dans ce nouveau cycle, Rawbank s’affirme comme banque partenaire de référence pour la tokenisation des paiements en RDC, permettant aux consommateurs et aux entreprises de bénéficier de transactions plus sécurisées et innovantes. Cette démarche s’inscrit dans la volonté commune de renforcer la confiance dans les paiements digitaux et de soutenir l’évolution vers une économie plus connectée.

Un nouveau cycle axé sur l’innovation, les solutions commerciales et l’international

Rawbank et Visa entendent accélérer le développement de solutions commerciales dédiées aux petites et moyennes entreprises, avec des outils de gestion des dépenses destinés à professionnaliser la gestion financière des PME. L’expansion des offres pour la clientèle aisée et le renforcement des solutions cross-border figurent également parmi les priorités, afin de répondre aux besoins d’une clientèle diversifiée et de soutenir la croissance des échanges internationaux. Sur le versant des marchands, l’expansion des solutions d’acceptation, terminaux physiques, solutions en ligne et outils de paiement à distance, doit soutenir la croissance de l’e-commerce et améliorer la sécurisation des flux.

En parallèle, les deux partenaires préparent la mise sur le marché de Companion Cards et de cartes virtuelles, conçues en collaboration avec les opérateurs de télécommunications, pour mieux répondre aux usages mobiles et offrir plus de flexibilité aux particuliers comme aux entreprises. Des campagnes ciblées d’inclusion financière, notamment via la Visa Academia Card et de futurs programmes conjoints, visent plus spécifiquement la jeunesse, les femmes et les entrepreneurs, avec un volet d’éducation financière et d’accès aux services bancaires formels.

« Ce renouvellement confirme la solidité d’un partenariat qui a profondément transformé l’usage des services financiers en RDC. Avec Visa, nous poursuivons un objectif clair : offrir aux Congolais des solutions de paiement modernes, sûres et adaptées à leurs besoins. » déclare Mustafa Rawji, Directeur Général de Rawbank.

« Nous sommes ravis de renouveler notre collaboration avec Rawbank un nouveau cycle de cinq ans, avec l’ambition de moderniser l’acceptation, de stimuler l’e‑commerce et de déployer des solutions mobiles innovantes. Ensemble, nous souhaitons élargir l’accès aux services financiers digitaux en RDC et accélérer l’inclusion pour tous. » affirme Sophie Kafuti, Directeur Général de VISA en RDC. »

Avec ce renouvellement sur cinq ans, Rawbank et Visa entendent consolider leur position de piliers de l’écosystème des paiements en RDC et s’inscrire dans la durée comme deux acteurs de référence de la transition vers une économie plus digitalisée, plus formelle et plus inclusive, au moment où le marché congolais attire de plus en plus l’attention des observateurs et investisseurs internationaux.

Distribué par APO Group pour Visa Inc..

Contact presse :
Noe SOULA
ns@35nord.com

Yvan GUEHI
yguehi@visa.com

À propos de RAWBANK :
Depuis 23 ans, avec un total d’actifs de 6,2 milliards de dollars, Rawbank soutient le développement de l’économie congolaise. Première banque de la RDC depuis 13 ans, Rawbank offre les produits et services les plus modernes à ses  500 000+ clients Corporate, PMEs et Particuliers à travers un réseau de plus de 100 agences dans 19 provinces du pays, une offre digitale avec Illicocash, la banque par internet et plus de 320 guichets automatiques. Son action est récompensée par l’African Bankers Award 2022 et 2024 de la meilleure banque régionale d’Afrique centrale, une note Moody’s B3, des certifications ISO/IEC 20000 et ISO/IEC 27001.  Les partenaires qui font confiance à RAWBANK sont entre autres : IFC, BAD, TDB, BADEA, AGF, etc 

Pour plus d’informations, visitez notre site web : https://Rawbank.com.

À propos de VISA :
Visa (NYSE: V) est un leader mondial des paiements numériques, facilitant les transactions entre les consommateurs, les commerçants, les institutions financières et les entités gouvernementales dans plus de 200 pays et territoires. Notre mission est de connecter le monde grâce au réseau de paiements le plus innovant, le plus pratique, le plus fiable et le plus sûr, permettant aux individus, aux entreprises et aux économies de prospérer. Nous croyons que les économies qui incluent tout le monde partout, élèvent tout le monde partout et nous considérons l’accès comme fondamental pour l’avenir du mouvement de l’argent.

En savoir plus sur www.Visa.com

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Majodina assures accountability in R53bn Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Source: Government of South Africa

Majodina assures accountability in R53bn Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina has assured that there will be full accountability for the R53 billion allocated for the implementation of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

“We will account at the right time. When the project is completed, the books will be audited… We will be transparent to both countries, showing what has been done and how much has been spent. If contingency funds were used, we will account comprehensively,” Majodina said.

The Minister was speaking to media on Monday during the second day of an oversight visit to Lesotho to assess progress on LHWP Phase II.

As part of the oversight programme, Majodina visited the newly upgraded Katse Lodge, which now has 81 rooms, including single quarters and dormitories, as well as conference facilities. She also toured the Botanical Garden, campsite and caravan park, Tunnel Access Adit, and the Katse Dam.

While acknowledging delays in the project’s completion, Majodina said some challenges were unavoidable.

“Some of these challenges are common to construction projects anywhere in the world. Lesotho receives a lot of rain, and when rainfall is excessive, work has to stop. Employees are withdrawn from sites because there is nothing that can be done,” she said.

She noted that delays were experienced particularly on feeder roads and housing construction. “We cannot build when it is raining,” she added.

Despite some challenges, the Minister said government was satisfied with how the project is being managed.

South Africa ‘not stealing water’

Meanwhile, Majodina has dismissed claims that South Africa is stealing water from Lesotho, emphasising that South Africa pays royalties for the water it receives under the LHWP agreement.

Her comments come amid opposition from some quarters in Lesotho, who argue that the project benefits South Africa at the expense of the host country.

“We want to [assure] all Basotho that we are not stealing any water here. We are paying royalties on a monthly basis. But those royalites were not meant for a particular village, but for the country [as a whole] .

“They go to the national fiscus and get distributed in accordance with the plan of the government of Lesotho, and we don’t enter into that space. What we do is to meet our requirement of payment,” the Minister said.

Majodina said South Africa and Lesotho are close to finalising discussions on hydropower arrangements linked to the project.

“While we are paying royalties, the question is how Lesotho will pay for hydropower services on our side,” she said.

She confirmed that Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to visit Lesotho soon, as the Bi-National Commission (BNC) has set a deadline for progress reports ahead of its next meeting.

“By now I am certain that we are going to give a more positive report to the BNC,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Job Offer: Private Personal Assistant to the Founder and Chairman (fully remote)

Source: APO


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APO Group  (www.APO-opa.com) is hiring a Private Personal Assistant to the Founder and Chairman (fully remote).

Mission:

To provide seamless, proactive, and highly discreet support to the Principal (https://apo-opa.co/48UVA5R) and his family, enabling them to maximize their efficiency, focus on their priorities, and maintain an optimal work-life balance. The ideal PPA will act as a strategic partner, gatekeeper, and problem-solver, managing private affairs with impeccable organization and utmost confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Executive & Administrative Support:

  • Manage complex and dynamic calendars, including scheduling, rescheduling, and prioritizing appointments across multiple time zones.
  • Coordinate extensive domestic and international travel itineraries, including flights, ground transportation, accommodations, and visa processing.
  • Handle confidential correspondence and information with integrity.

2. Personal & Lifestyle Management:

  • Manage all aspects of personal and family scheduling, including social engagements, medical appointments, and family activities.
  • Oversight and management of household staff (e.g., housekeepers, chefs, drivers) and vendors.
  • Coordinate personal projects.
  • Plan and execute private events, from intimate dinners to large-scale gatherings.

3. Financial & Project Coordination:

  • Assist with personal budgeting, expense tracking, and reconciliation of accounts.
  • Manage invoices, bill payments, and financial record-keeping with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Liaise with financial advisors, accountants, lawyers, and other professional consultants on behalf of the Principal.
  • Lead or support personal special projects from conception to completion.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, or similar role supporting high-net-worth individuals or C-level executives.
  • Discretion & Trustworthiness: Unquestionable integrity and a proven ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality. A signed NDA will be required.
  • Proactive Problem-Solver: Anticipates needs before they arise and takes initiative to resolve issues swiftly and efficiently. Possesses a “can-do” attitude and grace under pressure.
  • Exceptional Communicator: Exemplary verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with a wide range of individuals, from family members to high-profile contacts.
  • Tech-Savvy: High proficiency with productivity suites (Microsoft Office), communication tools (Teams, Zoom), and comfort with learning new software and smart home systems.
  • Organizational Mastery: Superior time-management and organizational skills with an impeccable attention to detail. Ability to juggle multiple tasks and priorities seamlessly.
  • Flexibility: Willingness to work outside standard business hours and be available via phone for urgent matters. Ability to travel as needed.

The job is fully remote.

Compensation:

EUR 3,000/month gross (£2,600), paid by the company.

Please note that the selected candidate will be required to register as a freelancer (self-employed) or under an equivalent independent status in her country of residence, and will be responsible for managing her own local taxes and social contributions.

APPLICATIONS must be submitted by 15 January 2026 using this form: https://apo-opa.co/459K7yg

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Jobs.

Company Description:
Founded in 2007, APO Group is a leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. We specialize in elevating the reputation of organizations across Africa, leveraging our deep-rooted African expertise and global perspective. Awarded for excellence and innovation, our clientele includes global giants such as Emirates, Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, Emirates, the UNDP, the WHO, and Coca-Cola. With teams in numerous African countries, we offer unmatched insights and reach across the continent, focusing on reshaping narratives about Africa and bringing inspiring African stories to a global audience.

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President Ramaphosa warns against false narratives aimed at dividing South Africans

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa warns against false narratives aimed at dividing South Africans

President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against misinformation and false narratives that seek to portray South Africa as a deeply divided society, warning that such narratives are designed to sow fear, hatred and division. 

Speaking at the National Day of Reconciliation commemoration at the Ncome Museum in Nquthu on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said there are individuals and groups, both inside and outside the country, who deliberately misrepresent the state of race relations and democracy in South Africa.

“There are those who are trying their utmost to paint a false picture of us as the South African people,” he said.

The President said detractors often ignore evidence showing that most South Africans remain hopeful about the country’s democracy and believe race relations have improved since 1994.

“They do not show the pictures of African, white, Indian and coloured children learning together, studying together and playing together. They do not want to talk about the friendships, neighbourliness and kindness shown by black and white towards each other,” he said.

President Ramaphosa pointed to everyday examples of social cohesion, including cross-cultural friendships, shared communities and young South Africans embracing each other’s languages, music and traditions.

“They don’t want to play all the social media clips we are seeing of young Afrikaners in veldskoens dancing to amapiano, and white teenagers speaking fluent isiZulu with their friends.

“Our country’s detractors are not talking about successful land restitution, communities sharing the land and successful black farmers. Instead, they are painting a false picture designed to sow fear and hatred,” he said.

He urged South Africans not to allow misinformation to undermine unity, stressing that the country’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.

The President reiterated the importance of the National Dialogue process, which aims to bring together all sectors of society to forge a shared vision for the future.

“No person, no group and no community must be excluded from that dialogue. Let us use the National Dialogue to resolve our differences and to find common ground,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said open engagement and honest conversation were essential to addressing South Africa’s persistent challenges, including poverty, inequality, crime, corruption and gender-based violence.

“We must not try to hide our differences. We must speak about them and continue to work to bridge them,” he said.

Reflecting on the historical significance of Ncome the President said hosting the 2025 commemoration at the heritage site reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to transforming painful symbols of the past into platforms for dialogue, healing and shared nationhood.

Ncome Museum is a tribute to the Battle of Ncome of 16 December 1838, where thousands of Zulu warriors lost their lives defending their land. 

“As we continue and together build our nation as South Africans, there will be no one who will be able to plant the seed of discrimination and exclusiveness amongst us,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

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President calls on South Africans to deepen reconciliation for future generations

Source: Government of South Africa

President calls on South Africans to deepen reconciliation for future generations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to reaffirm their commitment to reconciliation, unity and nation-building, saying the country’s democratic foundation was built on choosing healing over vengeance.

Delivering the keynote address at the national commemoration of the Day of Reconciliation at the Ncome Museum in Nquthu on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said the 16th of December remains a powerful moment for the nation to confront its painful past honestly while committing to a shared and peaceful future.

“This year, we return to eNcome not to reopen old wounds, but to reaffirm our promise to future generations that South Africa shall never again be divided by hatred, injustice or exclusion,” the President said.

The commemoration took place under the theme: “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations” and was led by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. 

President Ramaphosa reflected on the Battle of Ncome in 1838, where thousands of Zulu warriors lost their lives defending their land. He said the day symbolised the complexity of South Africa’s shared history. 

“Commemorating the 16th of December provides us with an opportunity to confront our past with honesty, acknowledge the complexities of our shared history and commit ourselves to building a peaceful future together,” he said.

He recalled the many historical events that marked brutal repression against black South Africans, including Sharpeville, Langa, Boipatong and the political violence that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal in the 1980s and 1990s.

Despite centuries of dispossession and oppression, the President said South Africans chose reconciliation at the dawn of democracy.

“Where others wanted to break, they chose to build. Where others wanted to sow division, they chose reconciliation,” he said, quoting former President Nelson Mandela’s call to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that reconciliation remains an ongoing process, noting that poverty, inequality, crime, corruption and gender-based violence continue to undermine social cohesion.

“For as long as the majority of black South Africans live in poverty, for as long as inequality persists, our country will not find true reconciliation. Our pursuit of inclusive economic growth and job creation, our efforts to reduce poverty and bring down the cost of living, are essential for reconciliation.

“We cannot be reconciled as a people if our communities are terrorised by criminals and deprived of what is due to them by corrupt officials,” he said.

He also called on men to play a decisive role in ending violence against women and children, urging them to “harness the warrior spirit” to protect the most vulnerable in society.

“Real men do not abuse women and children. Real men protect women and children,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa concluded by encouraging South Africans to use the festive season to reconcile within families and communities, saying healthy families are the foundation of a healthy nation.

“Our pursuit of inclusive economic growth and job creation, our efforts to reduce poverty and bring down the cost of living, are essential for reconciliation. 

“We cannot be reconciled as a people if our communities are terrorised by criminals and deprived of what is due to them by corrupt officials,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

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Le Centre médical africain d’excellence (AMCE) remporte deux succès historiques en réalisant sa première opération à cœur ouvert et la première radiothérapie stéréotaxique corporelle (SBRT) d’Afrique de l’Ouest pour le cancer du poumon

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Six mois seulement après son ouverture en juin de cette année, le Centre médical africain d’excellence (AMCE) d’Abuja redéfinit les soins médicaux de premier ordre en Afrique de l’Ouest, franchissant deux étapes cliniques inédites. Établissement médical tertiaire de classe mondiale développé par la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) en partenariat avec le King’s College Hospital de Londres, l’AMCE a réalisé avec succès sa première opération à cœur ouvert, un triple pontage coronarien complexe (CABG), et la première radiothérapie stéréotaxique corporelle (SBRT) de la région pour le traitement du cancer du poumon. Ces réalisations soulignent l’engagement de l’AMCE à fournir des traitements complexes et vitaux en Afrique, réduisant considérablement le besoin critique de voyages médicaux à l’étranger.

S’appuyant sur les récents progrès marquants réalisés par l’hôpital quaternaire en matière de soins ambulatoires et d’hospitalisation, les équipes cliniques de l’AMCE ont rapidement étendu la capacité du Centre à fournir des soins de haute intensité en médecine cardiovasculaire et en oncologie.

Dans le domaine de l’oncologie, l’AMCE a réalisé avec succès la première SBRT d’Afrique de l’Ouest pour le cancer du poumon, une technique de radiochirurgie très avancée qui permet d’atteindre une précision chirurgicale sans incision. Le cas marquant concernait un octogénaire atteint d’une tumeur pulmonaire localisée, qui avait reçu un traitement grâce à une imagerie sophistiquée, un suivi des mouvements en temps réel et une planification de radiothérapie hautement personnalisée.

Dans le domaine des soins cardiovasculaires, l’équipe cardiaque de l’AMCE continue de développer ses capacités en matière d’interventions et de chirurgie. Au cours de ses six premiers mois d’activité, l’hôpital a réalisé avec succès plus de dix interventions cardiaques, notamment des angiographies coronariennes, des implantations de stimulateurs cardiaques permanents et des interventions coronariennes percutanées (ICP).  La réussite de son premier pontage aorto-coronarien place désormais l’AMCE parmi les rares centres africains à offrir une prise en charge cardiaque entièrement intégrée, allant du diagnostic avancé et de la cardiologie interventionnelle à la chirurgie à cœur ouvert complexe, le tout au sein d’un même établissement.

Ensemble, ces réalisations reflètent l’engagement de l’AMCE en faveur de soins oncologiques de classe mondiale centrés sur le patient en Afrique de l’Ouest et accélèrent son objectif à long terme qui consiste à inverser le tourisme médical à l’étranger et à éviter la fuite des cerveaux en fournissant l’infrastructure, la technologie et le cadre de formation requis pour soutenir les spécialistes les plus qualifiés du continent.

Brian Deaver, Directeur général de l’AMCE, a commenté : « La réalisation de notre première opération à cœur ouvert et du premier traitement SBRT en Afrique de l’Ouest représente un moment décisif pour l’AMCE et pour les soins de santé sur le continent. Ces jalons reflètent les compétences et le dévouement exceptionnels de nos équipes multidisciplinaires, qui ont travaillé sans relâche pour que les patients puissent bénéficier des soins oncologiques et cardiaques les plus avancés ici même, en Afrique. Grâce à nos systèmes d’oncologie, nos laboratoires de cathétérisme cardiaque et nos blocs opératoires pleinement opérationnels, nous comblons les lacunes de longue date en matière d’accès à des traitements de haute qualité et permettons aux patients de bénéficier de soins vitaux à proximité de leur domicile. Notre engagement reste inébranlable : investir dans notre personnel, notre technologie et nos infrastructures afin que les Africains n’aient plus besoin de voyager à l’étranger pour bénéficier des meilleurs soins possibles ».

Commentant ces jalons remarquables, Oluranti Doherty, Directrice générale du Développement des Exportations pour Afreximbank, a déclaré : « Le succès de la première opération à cœur ouvert et du premier traitement SBRT en Afrique de l’Ouest réalisés par l’AMCE démontre l’impact transformateur de l’investissement d’Afreximbank dans des infrastructures médicales de classe mondiale. Ces réalisations montrent ce qu’il est possible d’accomplir lorsque nous renforçons les capacités locales, réduisons la dépendance du continent vis-à-vis du tourisme médical à l’étranger, conservons l’expertise clinique essentielle et renforçons l’écosystème sanitaire africain dans son ensemble. L’AMCE ouvre une nouvelle ère pour la dignité sanitaire des Africains, et nous sommes fiers de soutenir son leadership continu dans le domaine des soins complexes et innovants ».

L’AMCE prépare également les patients à des interventions plus complexes, notamment des réparations et des remplacements valvulaires. En élargissant ses services cardiovasculaires et spécialisés, l’hôpital renforce son engagement à freiner le tourisme médical en inversant la tendance qui voit les Africains dépenser chaque année entre 6 et 10 milliards de dollars pour se faire soigner à l’étranger, et à endiguer la fuite des cerveaux qui touche depuis longtemps les professionnels de la santé en créant des opportunités de carrière de haute qualité à l’intérieur des frontières africaines.

L’AMCE offre essentiellement des services cardiovasculaires, l’hématologie, l’oncologie complète et les services médicaux généraux. L’établissement a une capacité actuelle de 170 lits avec un plan d’expansion à 500 lits. Le centre abrite le plus grand laboratoire de cellules souches de la région, quinze salles de post-isolement de cellules souches et trois laboratoires de cathétérisme. L’établissement comprend également du matériel d’imagerie spécialisé, y compris un appareil d’imagerie par résonance magnétique de 3 Tesla, un tomodensitomètre à 25 coupes, un appareil de curiethérapie avec source d’iridium, de 4 enceintes de biosécurité et d’appareils de tomodensitométrie à 128 coupes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

À propos du Centre médical africain d’excellence : 
Le Centre médical africain d’excellence (AMCE) d’Abuja est un hôpital médical multispécialisé de niveau quaternaire développé par Afreximbank, en collaboration avec King’s College Hospital de Londres. Depuis son ouverture en juin 2025, l’AMCE fournit des soins spécialisés de classe mondiale et établit de nouvelles références en matière d’excellence clinique, de résultats pour les patients et d’innovation médicale à travers l’Afrique.

Conçu pour combler les lacunes critiques du paysage sanitaire africain, l’AMCE offre des services complets dans les domaines de l’oncologie, de l’hématologie, des soins cardiovasculaires et de la médecine générale. L’hôpital a déjà franchi des étapes cliniques importantes, notamment en réalisant avec succès des opérations à cœur ouvert et des interventions oncologiques avancées, consolidant ainsi son rôle de centre de soins complexes sur le continent.

La mission de l’AMCE va au-delà du traitement. En administrant des interventions qui nécessitaient auparavant de se rendre à l’étranger, le centre réduit directement le tourisme médical et contribue à retenir les meilleurs talents médicaux. Son personnel croissant, qui couvre des rôles médicaux, techniques et administratifs, contribue à la création d’emplois, au transfert de connaissances et au renforcement de l’écosystème de santé du Nigéria. Grâce à la recherche continue, à l’éducation et aux partenariats, l’AMCE façonne un avenir plus autosuffisant, plus qualitatif et plus sain pour l’Afrique.

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République démocratique du Congo (RD Congo) : de la peur à l’espoir, la riposte qui a vaincu le virus mpox à Mbandaka

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À Mbandaka, ces derniers mois ont mis à rude épreuve les soignants du centre Mama wa Elikya. Face à l’épidémie de virus mpox (anciennement variole du singe), qui se propageait chaque jour un peu plus dans ce chef-lieu de la province de l’Équateur, les personnels de santé ont travaillé dans un climat de peur et d’incertitude, redoutant chaque nouvelle admission dans leurs services.

Monique Mulo Itala, infirmière titulaire au centre de santé, était en première ligne. Comme ses collègues, cette quinquagénaire, mariée et mère de cinq enfants, a vécu la période avec une anxiété constante, partagée entre son devoir professionnel et la crainte de ramener la maladie chez elle.

« Je craignais d’entrer dans le site d’isolement. Même avec ma tenue de protection, j’appréhendais de donner les traitements ou de poser une perfusion aux malades. En rentrant à la maison, j’étais tourmentée. J’avais peur de contaminer ma famille, je leur demandais de ne pas m’approcher », se souvient-elle.

Face à la forte hausse des cas de mpox en République démocratique du Congo (8 517 cas suspects, 1 439 cas confirmés en 2024 et 417 décès entre janvier et novembre l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS), a déclaré la mpox comme une urgence sanitaire de portée internationale le 14 août 2024.

Dans la même période, l’Equateur cumulait 1 262 cas de mpox confirmés et 374 décès, soit 36 % du total des décès du pays.

« Nous avons reçu beaucoup de cas, 198 au total. Nous étions inquiets, car certains patients pouvaient être infectés sans présenter de signes évidents. Malgré cela, nous avons continué à isoler les malades, à leur administrer les soins, à leur donner des conseils sur l’hygiène et la prévention, en attendant les vaccins », explique Monique.

La Banque africaine de développement et l’OMS ont uni leurs efforts pour soutenir le gouvernement congolais et organiser la riposte dans la province de l’Équateur entre janvier et juillet 2025, dans le cadre du Projet d’aide d’urgence pour la lutte contre la variole simienne (MPOX) (https://apo-opa.co/4qbIs3u), financé par un don d’un million de dollars provenant du Fonds spécial de secours de la Banque.

L’intervention a ciblé les populations les plus exposées : personnel de santé de première ligne, groupes à haut risque, enfants, vétérinaires, chasseurs et commerçants de gibier. Elle s’est articulée autour de quatre axes clés : diagnostic précoce, vaccination, prévention et contrôle des infections, et coordination multisectorielle.

Cette mobilisation collective a porté ses fruits. En octobre 2025, tous les cas suspects nouvellement identifiés ont bénéficié d’une confirmation rapide en laboratoire, d’un traitement adapté et de la vaccination systématique des personnes contact. Cette approche intégrée a entraîné une forte diminution du nombre de nouvelles infections, ainsi qu’une réduction notable du nombre de décès. Au total, dans la province de l’Équateur, le nombre de cas confirmés de mpox a chuté de 60 % et seuls 14 décès ont été enregistrés en 2025, contre 417 à la même période en 2024.

Aujourd’hui, le regard de Monique a changé : les heures sombres de la crise sanitaire appartiennent au passé. Depuis le lancement de la riposte, elle aborde son travail avec davantage de sérénité.

« L’arrivée des vaccins nous a soulagés. Ils nous ont permis de nous protéger et de protéger nos familles. Nous n’avons plus peur de recevoir nos patients en consultation parce que notre organisme a développé des anticorps contre le mpox », assure-t-elle, plus confiante.

Plus de 13406 personnes ont été vaccinées dans la province de l’Équateur, dont 3 718 membres du personnel de première ligne.

Dans les villages comme dans les zones urbaines, les équipes ont parcouru les communautés pour informer, rassurer et protéger. Plus d’un million de personnes ont été sensibilisées, contribuant à dissiper les rumeurs et à encourager les comportements préventifs.

Pour renforcer la détection rapide, trois laboratoires, à Mbandaka, Ingende et Bikoro, ont été équipés et mis à niveau. Des milliers de kits de prévention ont été distribués tandis que 4 800 cartouches GeneXpert ont permis un diagnostic plus rapide des cas suspects.

« Notre centre a reçu des kits de prévention et de contrôle des infections pour mieux prendre en charge les patients, ainsi que des vaccins pour immuniser les enfants zéro dose. Sur 100 enfants identifiés dans nos registres et retrouvés dans la communauté, nous en avons vacciné 88, les autres ayant quitté la zone au moment de l’intervention », précise Monique.

Au-delà de la baisse des cas, la province de l’Équateur ressort plus résiliente : les structures sanitaires sont mieux équipées, le personnel mieux formé et les communautés davantage préparées face aux prochaines épidémies.

Aujourd’hui, l’Équateur ne célèbre pas seulement le recul du virus mpox. La province célèbre aussi la solidarité, la résilience et la force de ses communautés. Pour Monique et tant d’autres, la peur a laissé place à l’espoir. « Nous disons à la communauté qu’il faut se vacciner pour se protéger, qu’il faut être fier d’être vacciné. Vacciner, c’est se protéger. Vacciner, c’est aimer », conclut-elle, avec optimisme.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Images supplémentaires :
https://apo-opa.co/4q9QLwD 
https://apo-opa.co/3MKs6Ak
 

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O Centro Médico Africano de Excelência (AMCE) alcança dois marcos importantes ao concluir a sua primeira cirurgia de coração aberto e realizar a primeira Radioterapia Estereotáxica Corporal (SBRT) da África Ocidental para o cancro do pulmão

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Apenas seis meses depois da sua inauguração em Junho deste ano, o Centro Médico Africano de Excelência (AMCE) em Abuja está a redefinir os cuidados médicos de primeira classe na África Ocidental, alcançando dois marcos clínicos inovadores. O centro médico de nível terciário de classe mundial desenvolvido pelo Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com)  em parceria com o King’s College Hospital de Londres, o AMCE concluiu com sucesso a sua primeira cirurgia de coração aberto – uma complexa cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CABG) e realizou a primeira Radioterapia Estereotáxica Corporal (SBRT) da região para o cancro do pulmão. Estas conquistas reforçam o compromisso do AMCE em fornecer tratamentos complexos e que salvam vidas em África, reduzindo significativamente a necessidade crítica de viagens médicas ao estrangeiro.

Com base nos recentes avanços marcantes do hospital quaternário em termos de atendimento ambulatório e hospitalar, as equipas clínicas do AMCE expandiram rapidamente a capacidade do Centro para prestar cuidados de alta complexidade tanto em medicina cardiovascular como em oncologia.

Na área da oncologia, o AMCE realizou com sucesso a primeira Radioterapia Estereotáxica Corporal (SBRT) da África Ocidental para o cancro do pulmão, uma técnica radiocirúrgica altamente avançada que alcança uma precisão de nível cirúrgico sem incisão. O caso marcante envolveu um octogenário com um tumor pulmonar localizado que recebeu tratamento possibilitado por imagens sofisticadas, rastreamento de movimento em tempo real e planeamento de radiação altamente personalizado.

Nos cuidados cardiovasculares, a equipa cardíaca do AMCE continua a expandir as suas capacidades intervencionais e cirúrgicas. Nos seus primeiros seis meses de funcionamento, o hospital realizou mais de dez intervenções cardíacas bem-sucedidas, incluindo angiografias coronárias, inserções de pacemakers permanentes e intervenções coronárias percutâneas (PCI). A conclusão bem-sucedida da sua primeira CABG coloca agora a AMCE entre os poucos centros em África que oferecem um percurso de cuidados cardíacos totalmente integrado, desde diagnósticos avançados e cardiologia intervencionista até cirurgias complexas de coração aberto, tudo numa única instalação.

Em conjunto, estas conquistas reforçam o compromisso do AMCE com cuidados oncológicos de classe mundial e centrados no paciente na África Ocidental e aceleram o seu objectivo de longo prazo de reverter o turismo médico para o exterior e evitar a fuga de cérebros, fornecendo a infra-estrutura, a tecnologia e o ambiente de formação necessários para apoiar os especialistas mais qualificados do continente.

Brian Deaver, Director Executivo do AMCE, comentou: “Realizar a nossa primeira cirurgia de coração aberto e o primeiro tratamento SBRT da África Ocidental representa um momento decisivo para o AMCE e para os cuidados de saúde no continente. Estes marcos reflectem as competências e a dedicação excepcionais das nossas equipas multidisciplinares, que trabalharam incansavelmente para garantir que os pacientes possam ter acesso aos cuidados oncológicos e cardíacos mais avançados aqui mesmo em África. Com os nossos sistemas de oncologia, laboratórios de cateterismo e salas de cirurgia em pleno funcionamento, estamos a colmatar lacunas de longa data no acesso a tratamentos de alta qualidade e a permitir que as pessoas recebam cuidados que salvam vidas perto de casa. O nosso compromisso continua inabalável: investir nas nossas pessoas, tecnologia e infra-estruturas para que os africanos não precisem mais de viajar para o estrangeiro para obter os mais elevados padrões de cuidados de saúde.”

Comentando sobre estes marcos notáveis, Oluranti Doherty, Directora-Geral de Desenvolvimento das Exportações do Afreximbank, afirmou: “O sucesso do AMCE na realização da sua primeira cirurgia de coração aberto e do primeiro tratamento SBRT da África Ocidental demonstra o impacto transformador do investimento do Afreximbank em infra-estruturas médicas de classe mundial. Estas conquistas mostram o que é possível quando desenvolvemos capacidades a nível local, reduzindo a dependência do continente do turismo médico no estrangeiro, retendo conhecimentos clínicos vitais e reforçando o ecossistema de saúde mais alargado de África. O AMCE está a promover uma nova era de dignidade na saúde para os africanos e estamos orgulhosos em apoiar a sua liderança contínua em cuidados complexos e inovadores.”

O AMCE está igualmente a preparar os doentes para procedimentos mais complexos, incluindo reparações e substituições de válvulas. Ao expandir os seus serviços cardiovasculares e especializados, o hospital reforça o seu compromisso de reduzir o turismo médico, invertendo os 6 a 10 mil milhões de dólares que os africanos gastam anualmente em tratamentos no estrangeiro e a estancar a fuga de cérebros de profissionais médicos, criando oportunidades de carreira de alta qualidade dentro das fronteiras de África.

Os principais serviços do AMCE incluem serviços cardiovasculares, hematologia, oncologia abrangente e serviços médicos gerais. A instalação tem uma capacidade actual de 170 camas, com um plano de expansão para 500 camas. Possui o maior laboratório de células estaminais da região, quinze salas de isolamento pós-células estaminais e três laboratórios de cateterização. As instalações incluem igualmente equipamento de imagiologia especializado, incluindo um cíclotrão de 18 Mev, ressonância magnética de 3 Tesla, tomografia computadorizada de 256 cortes, máquina de braquiterapia com fonte de irídio, 4 cabines de biossegurança e máquinas de tomografia computadorizada de 128 cortes.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Sobre o Centro Médico Africano de Excelência (AMCE) de Abuja:
O Centro Médico Africano de Excelência (AMCE) de Abuja é um hospital multiespecializado de nível quaternário, totalmente operacional, no valor de 300 milhões de dólares americanos, desenvolvido pelo Afreximbank em colaboração com o King’s College Hospital de Londres. Desde a sua inauguração em Junho de 2025, o AMCE tem prestado cuidados especializados de classe mundial e estabelecido novos padrões de excelência clínica, resultados para os pacientes e inovação médica em toda África.

Construído para colmatar lacunas críticas no panorama dos cuidados de saúde em África, o AMCE presta serviços abrangentes nas áreas da oncologia, hematologia, cuidados cardiovasculares e medicina geral. O hospital já alcançou marcos clínicos importantes, incluindo cirurgias de coração aberto bem-sucedidas e procedimentos oncológicos avançados, consolidando o seu papel como um centro de cuidados complexos no continente.

A missão do AMCE vai para além do tratamento. Ao oferecer procedimentos que anteriormente exigiam viagens ao estrangeiro, o Centro está a reduzir directamente o turismo médico e a ajudar a reter os melhores talentos médicos. A sua força de trabalho em crescimento, que abrange funções médicas, técnicas e administrativas, está a contribuir para a criação de empregos, a transferência de conhecimentos e o reforço do ecossistema de saúde da Nigéria. Através de investigação, educação e parcerias contínuas, o AMCE está a moldar um futuro mais auto-suficiente, qualificado e saudável para África.

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