MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

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Shiga Digital (https://Shiga.io), a fast-growing fintech company focused on blockchain-based financial applications, is redefining how pan-African businesses access and interact with modern financial services while unlocking the transformative potential of blockchain finance to empower Africa’s economic growth. 

Shiga Digital has recently been awarded the prestigious DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) Innovation License, marking a significant regulatory milestone that underscores the company’s commitment to operating within a robust and well-respected regulatory framework. The additional license, overseen by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), provides Shiga Digital with enhanced credibility and regulatory certainty as it continues to expand its blockchain-based financial services across Africa. 

The DIFC Innovation License positions Shiga Digital within one of the world’s leading financial centers, offering access to a sophisticated ecosystem of banks, asset managers, and financial service providers while operating under a clear regulatory framework specifically designed for virtual assets and blockchain technology. This achievement reinforces the company’s dedication to compliance and building trust with stakeholders across the continent. 

Shiga Digital’s platform was built specifically for African businesses seeking alternatives to legacy financial systems. By integrating blockchain-based tools, the company simplifies payments, enables faster cross-border trade, offers treasury management solutions, and provides transparent access to stable, secure digital finance. As a professional partner, Shiga Digital makes it easy for companies to start using blockchain technology, removing the traditional barriers that have made it difficult for businesses to leverage these powerful tools without an intermediary. 

The blockchain enables remarkable efficiency in critical business areas including payment processing, cross-border transactions, treasury operations, and financial reporting. However, in its current state, without an intermediary like Shiga Digital, it remains very difficult for most businesses to effectively leverage blockchain technology. This is precisely why Shiga Digital’s solutions have become the go-to choice for forward-thinking African companies. 

Shiga Digital’s capabilities were recently further boosted by a significant investment and formation of a strategic partnership with Tether, the largest company in the digital asset industry. This move signals growing international confidence in Africa’s fintech potential and Shiga Digital’s innovative approach to making blockchain finance accessible across the continent. 

The company is now uniquely positioned to help grow blockchain adoption among both customers and regulators alike, thanks to its deep understanding of African markets, regulatory compliance expertise, and commitment to building locally relevant solutions. By partnering with licensed financial transmitters in each of its markets, Shiga Digital ensures its services are fully compliant and aligned with applicable regulatory requirements, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders. 

“Africa is on the cusp of a financial transformation, and at Tether, we believe in being more than just observers; we are active enablers,” said Paolo Ardoino, Chief Executive Officer at Tether. “Our strategic alliance with Shiga Digital is rooted in a shared belief that access to stable, secure, and scalable financial tools should not be a privilege, but a right. This partnership represents a long-term commitment to equipping African businesses with the technology and infrastructure needed to thrive in an increasingly digital global economy. Together, we are unlocking new pathways for growth and innovation and helping to shape a more inclusive financial future for the continent.” 

“At Shiga Digital, we’re not just developing technology, we’re building the infrastructure that will power Africa’s financial future,” added Abiola Shogbeni, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Shiga Digital. “Our mission is to level the financial playing field by equipping African businesses with blockchain tools that are intuitive, reliable, and locally relevant. We’ve experienced firsthand how seamless financial services can be in developed markets, and our goal is to make that a reality on the African continent as well. The opportunity before us is immense, blockchain finance has the power to empower Africa in unprecedented ways, and we’re working tirelessly to enable this transformation for our customers.” 

“What sets Shiga Digital apart is not just what we’re building, but why and how we’re building it – blockchain-based technology that makes digital finance accessible and relevant to African businesses,” said Dami Etomi, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Shiga Digital. “Our partnership with Tether is more than financial backing; it’s a strategic alliance rooted in a shared commitment to empowering the future of digital finance in Africa. The DIFC Innovation License further validates our approach and commitment to regulatory excellence. Together, we’re co-creating solutions and scaling impact to ensure African businesses are not only included but thrive in the global digital economy.” 

The company’s end-to-end platform, available via https://Shiga.io, offers businesses a reliable alternative to traditional banking systems, enabling seamless cross-border trade, simplifying stablecoin payments, providing comprehensive treasury management capabilities, and offering access to secure digital asset investments. By combining global technical standards with local insights, Shiga Digital’s unique perspective enables the fintech to deliver intuitive and effective tools specifically designed for businesses across the African continent which can be accessed via web application and will soon be available via mobile app for iOS and Android devices. 

Aligning with its vision of a world where financial freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental right, Shiga Digital’s innovative solutions are empowering African businesses with cutting-edge digital financial tools that harness the full potential of blockchain technology to drive economic growth and prosperity across the continent. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Shiga Digital.

Contact: 
Daniel Okechukwu 
+2348067499714 
daniel@shiga.io 

About Shiga Digital:
Shiga Digital is an international fintech company specialising in the development of cutting-edge applications utilising blockchain and AI technology. The company is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain, enabling users to access blockchain-powered financial services from anywhere, at any time. Founded in 2021, Shiga Digital provides innovative solutions to clients in over 15 countries worldwide, making digital finance more accessible and efficient for both businesses and individuals through professional partnership and expert guidance in blockchain adoption. 

If you are a business looking to understand more about how you can start to securely leverage blockchain technology, you can speak to us at product@shiga.io or contact us through the form at https://apo-opa.co/45lFgJW

Source: APO

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As Sudan humanitarian crisis deepens with escalating famine and conflict, women and girls are the bearing the brunt. A new report, Gender Snapshot: Women, Food Insecurity, and Famine Risk in Sudan, reveals that female-headed households face triple the risk of severe food insecurity compared to male-headed families. 

According to the Snapshot, 75 per cent of female-headed households cannot meet the basic food needs and severe food insecurity has nearly doubled in one year. Just 1.9 of them are food secure, versus 5.9 of male-headed households. The report also shows that 73 per cent of women nationally do not meet minimum dietary diversity, endangering maternal and child health.

This crisis is driven by systemic gender inequalities, compounded by conflict and displacement. s more women are left to head households—often due to the death or disappearance of male relatives—they face the steepest barriers to food, income, and aid. 

“With conditions now at near famine thresholds in several regions in the country, it is not just a food crisis, but a gender emergency caused by a failure of gender-responsive action”, says Salvator Nkurunziza, UN Women Representative in Sudan. “Women and girls are bearing the brunt of severe food insecurity, with fewer resources, less access to aid, and greater exposure to risk.”

Across Sudan, women-led organizations (WLOs) are operating food kitchens, delivering meals, and supporting displaced families — often without adequate funding. One WLO operating in eight states has been forced to shut down over half its kitchens due to lack of resources.

“Women are not only victims of conflict; they are also powerful agents of change,” continued Salvator Nkurunziza. “Women-led organizations are reaching last-mile communities and saving lives yet remain underfunded and excluded from key decision-making.”

As the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to escalate, UN Women is intensifying its support through partnerships with WLOs, providing critical incubation and mentorship to grassroots women’s groups, ensuring their active participation in humanitarian response efforts.

UN Women urgently calls humanitarian actors and donors to:

• Prioritize female-headed households and at-risk groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and adolescent girls, in all food assistance.
• Fund and elevate women-led food support initiatives with flexible, direct, and predictable financing and integrate women-led organizations into decision-making at all levels of the humanitarian response.
• Link food assistance to protection and recovery, including GBV mitigation and women’s livelihoods.

UN Women reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Sudan and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. UN Women urges parties to return to the negotiating table and engage in inclusive peace dialogue to restore stability and uphold human rights.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO

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When the white tent appears at the edge of Bougweni, it feels like relief after a long drought. For Sitty Ahamadi, moving joyfully and smiling while at the clinic, “The place has opened my eyes. I now know that I can choose when to have a child, think about my health, and my children’s future. I feel stronger, freer.”

At 26, Sitty was expecting for the third time. On her first visit to the mobile clinic, she was exhausted but curious. Alongside other women from her village, she entered a large tent pitched under the shade of the trees. Inside, she says she discovered much more than care. She discovered a space for listening, respect, and learning. She found another world. Women in scrubs spoke to her gently, patiently explaining things.

“I learned things I didn’t know before,” she says. “Like how you can prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, or the right way to position your baby when feeding.”

For Sitty, this was transformative. The clinic also introduced her to family planning, an unspoken subject in her community. For the first time, she understood that birth spacing was not only possible, but her right. It was a way to protect her health, regain her strength between pregnancies, and give her children the attention they deserved.

Breaking the distance barrier

The mobile clinic on the island of Anjouan has been in use since 2020. Funded by UNFPA, the space is a much-needed safe haven for pregnant women. From the Village of Bougweni, the nearest hospital, Sima Health Center, is 10 kilometers away, a hard distance for a pregnant woman to reach on foot. 

“Sometimes, after a late period, you think you might be pregnant, but the journey, especially when you have to travel miles, makes you less likely to want to go to the doctor. Sometimes you don’t even have enough taxi fares. Then you get to a point where you think you’re just waiting for the birth,” explains Hanati Sidi, 37. Hanati is expecting her fourth child and shares the relief and happiness of having a clinic that’s close.

Consistency is key

The regular arrival of the mobile clinic, with the support of UNFPA, breaks this isolation. With UNFPA’s innovation and deployment of the mobile clinic, the rhythm of life for women in Bougweni has changed. Because the Mobile Clinic not only treats but also directs and encourages pregnant women to go to the hospital to prevent preventable maternal deaths.

“I wish she would come more often. I won’t hide it from you, when she comes here to Bougweni, everyone is happy. It’s like when it’s the dry season and you see the rain fall. Currently, I’m waiting for the clinic to check my vaccinations and be up to date,” Sitty explains.

The clinic provides essential healthcare services, including medication, personalized advice, and a compassionate ear. It embodies a humanistic approach, reaching out to those isolated by distance and lack of resources, assuring them they are not alone.

As a result, women like Sitty and Hanati are better informed and more empowered. While the mobile clinic is only a part of our interventions and actions, it paves the way for prevention, fosters autonomy, and restores dignity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNFPA – East and Southern Africa.

Source: APO

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 “It’s difficult to say how people feel. We all long for the violent outbreaks to stop but people also fear not being able to defend themselves if the worst happens.” 

At Manyang Kuel market, Alook Deng Akok has witnessed the conflicting sentiments of her customers about the disarmament campaign initiated by the new governor across Warrap State. 

Haunted by persistent cattle raids and outbreaks of violence, the mother of five recently resettled from Tonj to Kuajok where she is selling vegetables to support her family.

“Things feel safe here, but the situation is very different if you leave the surroundings of Kuajok. There is no safety outside,” she says.

For her, resettling has been easier because her husband is a Kuajok resident, which means they have shelter and the means to sustain themselves economically, albeit facing challenges due to slow business. 

For many others, their living experience is very different.

Following the return of hundreds of South Sudanese refugees over the years, Kuajok residents report a severe lack of accommodation, sanitation, food and clean drinking water.

“We don’t know how to support new community members as even long-term residents of are lacking the basic means to survive,” explains Alook. “What we need most is for the random violence to stop across Warrap State.” 

The government believes that disarming communities will decrease violence. However, these very weapons have also served as a deterrent and means of self-defense. It is difficult to get the balance right. 

Many traditional chiefs have not been supportive of the initiative, fearing they will be held responsible if the campaign leads to their communities suffering from further violence without the ability to protect themselves. 

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Kuajok is supporting efforts to improve security across the state by increasing daily and long-distance peacekeeping patrols. 

Alternating daily between over 72 local schools, markets, police stations and health care facilities, they aim to provide a protective presence while also gathering insights about the needs of local communities.

“This country lies, first and foremost, in the hands of its people, so we try to dedicate as much time as possible to hear directly from them about how to best support their communities,” explains UNMISS Kuajok Patrol Leader Augustine Michael. 

For Alook, what matters most right now is achieving peace, through any means possible, not just for her family but all communities across South Sudan.

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

Source: APO

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In Lakes state, cattle are a form of currency, a source of wealth, and a symbol of status.

Owning large herds means having a higher social standing, being able to pay a dowry for marriage, and never going hungry.

While these animals are precious, they are also a driver of violence, particularly amid an economic and humanitarian crisis. What was once a traditional practice of using spears to terrorize cattle-owning communities and steal their stock, these raids have become even more deadly with a proliferation of automatic weapons used to take many more lives. The result is a persistent cycle of revenge attacks, insecurity and tension among different ethnic groups.

According to reports by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, cattle theft has become the most rampant crime in Lakes, with over 112 deaths reported so far this year and around 10,000 stock stolen in the three months prior to June.

In response to this growing threat to civilian lives and peace, a fact-finding mission comprised of UNMISS police officers from Uganda, Kenya, Fiji and Sierra Leone visited the state to better understand the causes and share best practices from their own countries. These anti-cattle raiding unit is also investigating how UNMISS can help support local authorities, security forces and rule of law institutions to address the issue.

“We are not here to impose solutions,” said UNPOL officer, Moshe Iporotum. “What works in Uganda may not work in South Sudan. We are here to understand the causes, the effects on the pastoralist communities, and to support the national police force”.

Cattle raids occur both within state borders and across the neighbouring states of Warrap and Unity, making it harder for Lakes’ security forces to respond effectively in places where they do not have jurisdiction.

Armed youth take advantage of this impunity, relying on the limited cooperation between states. The proliferation of weapons has made the situation more dangerous for both civilians and security forces.

“Cattle theft used to be about stealing one or two cows for sustenance,” said South Sudan National Police Service officer, Lieutenant James Aru Majok, in Cueicok. “But now they steal because guns empower and enable them to boldly raid and steal. Disarmament should be the first line of defense against cattle raiding.”

Economic and cultural pressures also play a role in this practice.

“The young men want to get married, but the bride prices are very high,” said Gony Aguc, a youth activist in Cueicok. “If there were jobs in factories, farms or with the government, young people will not think about stealing cattle. What makes matters worse is that many young men are using drugs and alcohol which makes them more willing to steal and hurt others.”

After a week-long consultations with community leaders, police forces and youth activists in Lakes, the delegation returned with a clearer understanding of the causes and effects of cattle raiding. Their next step will be to work on a comprehensive plan, jointly with the national security forces and rule of law institutions, to combat this persistent and deadly practice.

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

Source: APO

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The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohammed Yakubu Janabi, have commenced an official visit to Ghana from 4–6 August 2025. Their visit comes ahead of the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit: The Accra Compact, scheduled for 5 August in Accra, and signals a renewed commitment to advancing regional cooperation on sustainable financing for health and systems resilience.

The Summit takes place at a time of mounting global health challenges and constrained financing, with countries across Africa striving to build stronger, more resilient health systems. Ghana’s recent progress in universal health coverage, local vaccine manufacturing, and emergency preparedness demonstrates the country’s growing leadership in shaping sustainable and equitable health outcomes.

During their stay, Dr Tedros and Dr Janabi will hold high-level meetings with national authorities including H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and key stakeholders to reaffirm WHO’s support for Ghana’s health priorities. 

The summit will convene African heads of state, health ministers, and global partners to align national, regional, and global agendas around the principles of self-reliance, innovation, and coordinated action.

The delegation includes senior officials from WHO headquarters in Geneva, the WHO Regional Office for Africa, and the WHO Ghana Country Office. The visit is expected to reaffirm WHO’s technical partnership with Ghana while spotlighting the country’s leadership in advancing inclusive and sustainable health development across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

Source: APO

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As global demand for minerals grows, Africa – boasting 30% of the world’s critical minerals – has become a key market for mining investors and project developers. A new report released by global consultancy dss+ identifies six global trends reshaping Africa’s mining sector. The report comes ahead of the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town. The event will unpack recent macro-trends, with a view to connecting foreign capital to African mining projects.

Geopolitical Realignment

Geopolitical shifts are intensifying competition among the U.S., China, Europe and the Middle East for African minerals. China continues to deepen its footprint in Africa through its $21.7 billion Belt and Road Initiative, while the U.S. is investing in strategic mining and infrastructure projects through the Export–Import Bank of the United States and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. UAE-based companies such as International Holdings Resources, Ambrosia and NG9 holdings are enhancing investments in African mining through projects in Zambia, the DRC, Ethiopia and Mali. AMW 2025’s dedicated US-Africa, EU-Africa, Middle East-Africa and China-Africa roundtables will fostering strategic dialogue, linking global investors with high-value opportunities across Africa.

Strategic Supply Chains

Supply chain volatility – from Red Sea disruptions to U.S. tariffs and climate-related impacts – has led to the creation of regional value chains, economic zones and direct export routes via infrastructure like Tanzania–Zambia Railway and Lobito Corridors. At AMW, a panel titled From Mines to Markets: Strengthening Trade and Connectivity for Africa’s Mineral Future will unpack how trade agreements and enhanced infrastructure networks are impacting mineral exports and supply chains.

Reinvigorating Safety

Reinvigorating safety has become a top priority for many African governments, owing to the new era of complexity given the rise of digitalization. Across the continent, countries are implementing reforms to enhance safety procedures. For example, South Africa amended its 1996 law with the Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill of 2024 to strengthen managerial responsibility and accountability while enhancing mine safety.

Local Content Development

African countries are advancing sustainable mining growth through culture, leadership and inclusion. Ghana, for instance, introduced its Gold Board in 2025, an agency which will buy gold from the local miners in an effort to formalize the sector. Zambia is set to finalize its draft Local Content Regulations for the mining sector in 2025. An AMW panel titled The Skills Dividend: Investing in Local Talent to Power Africa’s Mining Future, will highlight various local content strategies across Africa and how they are driving local beneficiation and skills development.

Technology Transformation

Digitalization is rising in African mining, with AI, automation and remote tools being used to enhance exploration and operational efficiency. Notably, startups in Zambia and the DRC have made new discoveries using digital twins and sensors, while Botswana Diamonds is using AI to target new critical mineral discoveries. US startup KoBold Metals is leveraging digital tools to enhance copper exploration in Zambia and lithium operations in the DRC. The Technology Forum at AMW 2025 will showcase how Africa is harnessing the power of data analytics to predict failures, enhance safety and drive sustainable resource management.

Operationalizing ESG

ESG performance has become a critical requirement for mining projects to attract investment. Today, more than 80% of institutional investors channel capital based on ESG criteria. Canadian firm Giyani Metals is capitalizing on this shift, securing a $26 million ESG-linked funding package to advance a battery-grade manganese project in Botswana to the financing phase. Similarly, Mkango Resources has attracted support from the European Union for its Songwe Rare Earths project in Malawi, after aligning its development strategy with the International Finance Corporation’s ESG standards. At AMW, a panel titled Harmonizing ESG Standards and Driving Industry-Wide Adoption will explore the impact ESG plays in African mining.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Source: APO

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met and held talks with the Egyptian delegation led by the Foreign Minister, Dr. Badr Abdelatty. During the meeting that took place at State House Entebbe, the Foreign Minister conveyed greetings from Egyptian President H.E Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He also called for the formation of a joint Egyptian-Ugandan business council to boost investment in sectors like construction, energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Badr pointed out the potential for joint projects through a financing mechanism recently established by Egypt to support development in southern Nile Basin countries. “It’s a great honor and pleasure to be here to convey the best wishes from your brother President Abdel Fattah who is looking forward to discussing with you and hopefully have a business forum where the business community can explore the existing opportunities for investment and mutual benefits,” he said.

He added that his government values President Museveni’s wise leadership as well as his vision for Africa especially on Pan-Africanism and South-South cooperation. The meeting also reflected on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries by encouraging more investments in different sectors including energy, security as well as digitalization.

Dr. Badr also saluted President Museveni and Uganda in general for its role in peace keeping missions in Somalia and other countries in Africa. President Museveni and the Egyptian delegation also discussed Egypt’s existential concerns over its water security and ways to boost bilateral ties, among other things. In this regard, President Museveni emphasized the importance of preserving the African waters.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, among others.

File Attachment

PPU – PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTER.pdf (180.81 KB)

Source: APO

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Uganda and Egypt have concluded the Second Round of Bilateral Consultations at Serena Hotel, Kampala, during which the two countries have agreed on a new cooperation framework to boost investment, capacity building and development of water resources.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Henry Okello Oryem, commended the Egyptian government for excellent relations rooted in common history and shared values. He noted that over the past years, Uganda and Egypt have implemented a number of joint projects under the existing cooperation framework, and now the two countries will leverage this relationship to implement more projects of interest.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, H.E Badr Abdelatty, commended the government of Uganda for taking leadership on many fronts including promotion of regional peace and security. He said Egypt was ready to step up her cooperation with Uganda in a number of fields including protection and promotion of mutual investment, immigration, technical cooperation, capacity building, energy and agriculture.

Under the new cooperation framework, Uganda and Egypt will work together to promote localization of some Egyptian industries in Uganda, especially those involved in the development of vaccines and other pharmaceutical products. Both countries will also implement a number of projects along the Nile basin. These include dam construction, ground water harvesting, mechanized irrigation and solar energy generation.

The bilateral consultation meeting was also attended by Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Prof. Hani Sewilam, and other senior officials from the Egyptian Government.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.