MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Secretary General to present WAPP, its mandate, and its role in the development and integration of the electricity sector in West Africa. He also provided an update on the progress of the West African Regional Electricity Market, with particular emphasis on the imminent launch of Phase 2, dedicated to the Day-Ahead Market (DAM).

This new phase is expected to contribute to strengthening cross-border electricity trade, optimizing the use of available energy resources across the region, and creating new opportunities for the various market participants.

Discussions also focused on the potential economic benefits for Benin, particularly through the financial flows and foreign-currency transactions that will be generated by the operation of the regional market. In this regard, the Secretary General sought the Minister’s support in facilitating, in compliance with the applicable regulations, the international foreign-currency transactions required for the smooth functioning of the market. Having previously served at the headquarters of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) in Dakar, the Minister is well placed to support the forthcoming operationalization of the Market Clearing Bank, with which WAPP signed an agreement on the 13th of July, 2026.

This audience reflects WAPP’s commitment to strengthening its cooperation with the Beninese authorities and consolidating the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of the Regional Electricity Market, in support of deeper energy integration across West Africa.

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

Source: APO

.

The Secretary General of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), Mr. Abdoulaye DIA, received Mr. SHIBATA Kazunao, the newly appointed Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, during a courtesy visit to the WAPP Headquarters in Abomey-Calavi, Benin.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both officials to discuss WAPP’s mandate, the progress achieved in the regional power integration process, as well as the valuable support that JICA has been providing to the institution over the years. They also exchanged views on prospects for further strengthening the partnership between WAPP and JICA.

Following the meeting, Mr. SHIBATA Kazunao attended a working session during which he was presented with an overview of WAPP. The presentation highlighted the institution’s mandate, key achievements, ongoing strategic projects, and its vision for advancing the West African Regional Electricity Market.

The visit continued at the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre (ICC), a key hub for the supervision, coordination, and operation of the regional power system.

The JICA Resident Representative toured the ICC control room, where he was briefed on the technical and operational systems established to ensure the reliable, secure and coordinated operation of the interconnected West African power grid. He also visited the ICC market room, which will host the Day-Ahead Market operations as part of the progressive operationalisation of the Regional Electricity Market.

The courtesy visit reflects the strong relationship between WAPP and JICA and reaffirms their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in support of regional energy infrastructure development and the integration of the West African Regional Electricity Market

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

Source: APO

The Secretary General of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), Mr Abdoulaye DIA, paid a working visit to the Beninese Power Production Company (SBPE) as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between WAPP and national stakeholders in the electricity sector.

The WAPP Secretary General, accompanied by members of his Management Committee, responded to a request from Mr. Laurent TOSSOU, the new Director General of SBPE, for support with the digitalization process, which has been fully implemented at WAPP since the beginning of 2025.

The technical and strategic meeting focused primarily on preparing SBPE for more structured participation in the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Market, as well as on the modernisation and digitalisation of its operational, administrative and digital processes.

The discussions enabled the two institutions to examine several priority issues, including the synchronisation of the regional power system, payment and transaction-security mechanisms, data reliability, real-time monitoring, contractual arrangements and capacity building. Particular attention was also given to the development of integrated digital tools, the dematerialisation of procedures, electronic archiving, and the improvement of management and maintenance systems.

The meeting also helped align SBPE’s ambitions with the technical, commercial, financial and regulatory requirements of the regional market. In this regard, WAPP could support the company through training programmes, technical immersion sessions at the Information and Coordination Centre, and the provision of operational guidelines.

At the end of the meeting, the two parties agreed to strengthen their follow-up mechanism, designate focal points and prepare a roadmap for SBPE’s participation in the Regional Electricity Market. This cooperation will contribute to improving SBPE’s performance and consolidating the integration of the West African power system.

As a reminder, the recently appointed Director General of SBPE previously served as Chairman of the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), where he worked closely with the WAPP Secretary General on the establishment of the Regional Electricity Market.

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

Source: APO

Today in New Alamein City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, and Minister of Justice, Counselor Mahmoud Helmy El-Sherif.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated that the meeting reviewed a number of portfolios within the Ministry of Justice, starting with assessing the completion rates of the “Justice City” project in the New Capital. This included reviewing the digital infrastructure, components of the digital transformation system, and modern technological applications scheduled for operation within the city’s judicial facilities.

In this regard, President El-Sisi affirmed that the objective of the “Justice City” is to establish an integrated digital judicial environment befitting the New Republic, ensuring streamlined and expeditious justice and providing citizens with distinguished judicial services. The President directed that the specified timelines for completing the project be strictly adhered to, with a high degree of technical precision to be commensurate with the status of Egypt’s long-established judiciary.

During the meeting, the President followed-up on the latest developments regarding the modernization of real estate registration and notarization services. Counsellor El-Sherif noted that the Ministry of Justice signed two joint cooperation protocols with the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr to open 11 premium notarization branches within the premises of each bank. He added that additional modernized mobile notarization vehicles operating on a one-stop-shop system were deployed to provide all real estate registration and notarization services with high productivity, speed, and full efficiency anywhere. The Minister of Justice highlighted the opening of two new notarization branches in the governorates of Sohag and Minya, which allow remote services through the “I Want to Make a Power of Attorney” application.

Furthermore, the Minister of Justice reviewed efforts to improve family court and lawsuit services, including the launch of an electronic integration system to suspend certain government services for individuals failing to pay alimony across 38 offices in primary courts, ensuring the protection of family rights. Minister El-Sherif also reviewed the latest developments regarding measures taken to expedite the resolution of lawsuits, noting the Ministry’s keenness to achieve prompt justice by providing a suitable working environment for judges and litigants. This environment shall contribute to the accuracy and regularity of work across all courthouses in the Republic, with a commitment to the speedy resolution of cases.

The Minister highlighted the launch of a package of measures and initiatives aimed at upgrading the judicial system, reducing burdens, expediting the settlement of pending cases, and increasing completion rates. These include establishing an integrated tech system to manage proceedings before criminal courts electronically, as well as signing the “Unified Digital Justice Strategy” document and the official launch of the “Collaborative Data Platform for Judicial Entities and Bodies” to achieve information and procedural integration between the Ministry of Justice and all pillars of the judicial system.

During the meeting, the Minister of Justice reviewed the ongoing measures to implement the new Criminal Procedure Law, which will take effect starting October 1, 2026. He reviewed the executive status of increasing the efficiency of collecting state revenues and the Ministry of Justice’s self-generated resources.

In this regard, the President directed the expansion of advanced service offerings, affirming the state’s commitment to building an integrated government services system worthy of the Egyptian citizen. President El-Sisi also emphasized the necessity to advance efforts toward upgrading the judicial system, ease burdens, expedite the resolution of pending cases, and increase completion rates, thereby strengthening citizen trust in state institutions.

The President also stressed the importance of applying the highest standards of cybersecurity and digital sovereignty to protect litigants’ data, as well as the vital need to take all measures to guarantee the swift execution of rulings issued in alimony lawsuits.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

Across Jonglei, communities are struggling to rebuild their lives in the wake of persistent conflict which has cost lives, caused widespread displacement, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.

Many of those forced to flee their homes have found refuge in Pading, Nyirol County.

They are calling for an end to the fighting, increased humanitarian support, restoration of basic services, and a united effort to secure peace so they can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

“We are tired of conflict and displacement. We urge the Government to convene a meeting between organized forces to discuss a ceasefire and lasting peace. We cannot achieve this peace alone,” explained Paramount Chief, Mabil Hoth Bol.

During a patrol to the area, United Nations Mission in South Sudan peacekeepers assessed the security situation and engaged with local authorities and communities to hear their concerns and work together to identify solutions.

“It was an important opportunity to interact with a wide range of stakeholders who were welcoming and happy to share information with us,” said UNMISS Senior Military Observer, Vinay Kumar Singh. “We found that Pading remains generally calm and stable, although insecurity in surrounding areas continues to create humanitarian and protection concerns.”

Those concerns were echoed by Nyien Dut Deng, a women’s representative, who has spent four days without food after being displaced from neighbouring Lankien.

“As a mother of five, I am in pain. During the fighting, I lost my son who had to go on the run. I don’t know whether he is alive or dead. Please stop the bleeding in Nyirol.”

The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission says that 2,405 displaced families have fled fighting in the area and arrived at the county headquarters since January. The World Food Programme is endeavoring to support them, but the continued arrival of new families has created shortages of food, clean water and shelter.

“The situation could worsen with the ongoing rains given communities are not expecting a good harvest this year. Many displaced people, including women and children, are sheltering under trees and becoming sick,” says Bol Kay, from the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.

“We urgently need help to avoid the situation reaching catastrophic levels.”

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Source: APO

President Dr. Patrick Herminie delivered his maiden address to Heads of State and Government at the Official Opening Ceremony of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit today, calling on the region to seize what he described as “Africa’s moment” to transform the continent’s resources into shared prosperity.

Speaking under the Summit’s theme of resilience, sustainable and inclusive industrialization through infrastructure development, agriculture and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just world, President Herminie told the Assembly of 16 African countries that the generation before had secured political liberation and laid the foundations for regional cooperation, and that the present generation was now called to convert Africa’s potential into tangible prosperity for its people.

The President stressed that industrialization, infrastructure, agricultural transformation and the responsible development of critical minerals were not separate priorities, but formed the foundation of a resilient, competitive and prosperous Southern Africa. He noted that as an island nation, Seychelles felt the effects of global disruptions directly, through the cost of food, fuel and essential goods, and through pressures on its tourism-dependent economy, underscoring that the resilience of every Member State depends on the resilience of the Community as a whole.

President Herminie called for deeper regional integration, describing it not as an aspiration but as an economic necessity, and urged Member States to connect their complementary strengths, in agriculture, critical minerals and trade gateways, into a single integrated regional economy. He further emphasised that industrialization was fundamentally about dignity and opportunity for Africa’s young people, and that the continent should no longer export raw materials only to import finished products at a premium.

The President concluded by affirming that history would judge the current generation not by the speeches delivered or declarations adopted, but by whether resources were transformed into opportunity, integration into prosperity, and shared vision into tangible progress for the people of the region. He reaffirmed that Seychelles stands ready to play its part in this shared endeavour.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

The PFDJ office in the Northern Red Sea Region provided training in social science to its members with the aim of enhancing their capacity.

The training, which was conducted at Mai-Habar, was attended by 190 members, including 106 females, from 10 sub-zones in the region.

The training covered the history and development of ideology and its meaning, the history and development of Eritrean identity, as well as psychological warfare.

Noting that the objective of the training was to nurture committed citizens with an awareness of social science, Mr. Idris Ali, head of Political Affairs at the PFDJ office in the region, called for sustained and organized support for the families of martyrs.

The representative of the trainees, underlining that they had received extensive training in politics, economics, culture and diplomacy, called for the continuation of the program.

Noting the significance of the training programs being organized in raising public awareness and understanding, as well as participation in national development programs, Ms. Asmeret Abraha, Governor of the region, expressed the regional administration’s readiness to play its part.

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

Source: APO

Students who went to Sawa from high schools across the country to pursue their 12th-grade education and fulfil their national service obligations as members of the 39th round have officially begun the 2026/2027 academic year.

At the opening event conducted on 16 August, the director of the school, Mr. Russom Gebrehiwet, provided detailed information regarding the school’s regulations and guidelines. He also called on the students to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the school and excel in their studies.

Noting that the number of students has increased by 20% compared with last year, Mr. Russom confirmed that the school and the national service training center have made all the necessary preparations.

Mr. Russom went on to say that, alongside its regular academic program, the school also conducts various activities, including sports and cultural activities, general knowledge competitions, debates and discussions, programs aimed at empowering females, seminars, entertainment programs and popular campaigns.

Commending the detailed information provided, the students expressed their readiness to make the best use of the opportunities available to them.

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

Source: APO

.

The East African Community (EAC) will convene the 2nd EAC Regional Conference on Education in Nairobi, Kenya from 24th to 28th August 2026 to accelerate practical action towards transforming education systems in the region.

The Conference will be held under the theme, “Transforming Education in East Africa: From Commitments to Impact, Fostering Resilience and Future-Ready Systems for Sustainable Development.”

It will bring together high-level government officials, policymakers, education practitioners, teachers, students, youth representatives, academia and research institutions, civil society organisations and development partners from the EAC Partner States and beyond.

Register for the 2nd EAC Regional Conference on Education

The Conference will provide a strategic regional platform for stocktaking, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange and collective action, with a strong focus on moving from commitments to measurable and sustainable impact.

Participants will review progress since the 1st EAC Regional Conference on Education held in August 2024, identify systemic and implementation gaps and agree on priority actions to accelerate education transformation at national and regional levels.

The 2nd Conference comes at a critical time when education systems across East Africa continue to face persistent inequalities in access and quality, weak transitions across levels of education, skills mismatches and limited links between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and industry.

Speaking ahead of the Conference, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Aguer Ariik Malueth, said the Conference will focus on strengthening foundational learning and teacher capacity as well as promoting inclusive education.

“Particular attention will be given to future-ready skills, leveraging digitalisation and innovation and improving education financing and governance,” said Hon. Ariik.

The Conference will also advance the East African Common Higher Education and Research Area (EACHEA), with emphasis on harmonisation, innovation and partnerships to improve the quality and relevance of higher education.

Hon. Ariik said the Conference is expected to generate practical policy recommendations and implementation actions. It is also expected to produce a Conference communiqué or roadmap outlining agreed commitments, flagship initiatives, timelines and next steps.

The Conference builds on the outcomes of the 1st EAC Regional Conference on Education, held in August 2024 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. It follows the approval by the 15th Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Education, Science and Technology, Culture and Sports to establish an EAC Regional Forum on Education, anchored in Articles 102 and 103 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, which provide for cooperation in education and training, and science and technology.

Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, Co-Chair of the Conference Organising Committee, called on stakeholders across the region to participate in the Conference and strengthen collective action towards transforming education systems.

“We call upon all stakeholders – governments, academia, civil society and development partners – to join us in Nairobi. Together, we can foster resilient and future-ready education systems that drive East Africa’s transformation,” she said.

The five-day Conference will feature pre-conference co-workshops, keynote addresses, plenary and roundtable discussions, policy dialogues, country exhibitions, fireside chats and interactive question-and-answer sessions designed to facilitate evidence-based dialogue, cross-country learning and the co-creation of solutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).