MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

Chad, a Sahelian nation often associated with climate and humanitarian emergencies, is now joining Africa’s circular economy movement. Backed by the African Development Bank’s Circular Economy Facility (ACEF) (www.AfDB.org), the country has just adopted a national roadmap for the circular economy.  

Through this plan, which is rooted in the “Vision 2030” national development plan, Chad is not just recycling; it is rethinking growth. For years, informal collectors in N’Djamena have asked a familiar question: “Do you have any bottles?” The collectors gather and resell reusable waste at low prices, unwittingly perpetuating a circular economy model driven by necessity. Today, this popular practice is being scaled up, structured, and integrated into national policy, with the official publication, on 9 July 2025, of the Roadmap for the Circular Economy 2025–2035. The document promotes practices that have been largely overlooked and places them within a structured framework with governance, financing, and quantified targets. 

“This initiative is not a luxury, but rather a vital necessity for the future of Chad,” said Hassan Bakhit Djamous, Chad’s Minister for the Environment. “It’s about conserving our natural resources, fighting pollution, creating sustainable jobs, and supporting local innovation. It also offers us a path to diversify an economy still heavily reliant on oil.” 

In a country where more than 3.7 million people face food insecurity, post-harvest losses exceed 200,000 tons per year, and fewer than 12 per cent of citizens have access to electricity, the roadmap offers tangible solutions: turning agricultural losses into compost, producing biogas from animal waste, and reusing wastewater for irrigation.  

Chad’s strategy is part of a broader regional push supported by the ACEF, in partnership with the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA). Supported by three pillars – strengthening policy frameworks, supporting circular entrepreneurship, and consolidating continental cooperation – ACEF’s actions enable countries to anchor the circular economy as a structural lever for green and inclusive growth. Alongside Chad, countries like Benin, Cameroon, and Ethiopia are implementing their own circular economy roadmaps under the National Circular Economy Roadmaps (NCER) initiative, adapted to national priorities. 

The Chadian plan outlines bold targets: reducing non-recycled waste by 40 per cent by 2035, creating more than 25,000 green jobs, and raising access to electricity to meet the African median through biomass and organic waste recovery, among other circular solutions. 

Six priority sectors anchor the plan: agri-food, waste, plastics, construction, water, and energy. These are further broken down into 30 targeted initiatives, including the development of “circular farms” modeled on Benin’s Songhai Center, the integration of sustainable materials into construction standards, and the establishment of youth-led plastic recycling ventures. 

In N’Djamena, one such venture – Karo, founded by Ghislain Bindah Dingaotabet, is already bringing the roadmap to life. The company collects more than seven tons of plastic waste annually and has recycled 15 tons into eco-friendly bricks. Karo is also piloting biogas production from plant and animal waste in rural areas.  

“We are a team of innovative and committed young people, ready to put our energy at the disposal of the country,” said Dingaotabet. “We just need to be given the means to turn our ideas into reality.” 

Driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs, NGOs, and public institutions, this circular transition is now supported by strong governance. Two national workshops have helped structure the process, and a specialised technical committee is steering implementation alongside technical and financial partners. 

Through its roadmap, Chad is transforming its vulnerabilities into levers for action. It is leveraging circularity as a tool for sovereignty and a path towards a future grounded in African realities.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Source: APO

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The Conference in an initiative of the People’s Republic of China and brings together regional countries in the Horn of Africa—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. Also participating are delegations from the United Nations, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC).

The Conference was officially opened by Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs). He thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the strong cooperation with Africa to promote peace and sustainable development, through the Global Security Initiative which has contributed meaningfully to the international discourse on collective security. He appreciated China’s approach to regional peace and development which focuses on dialogue, respect for national sovereignty and comprehensive approaches to conflict.

H.E. Mr. Xue Bing, China’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs, represented the Government of the People’s Republic of China and thanked the Government of Uganda for hosting the Conference. He reiterated China’s commitment to actively engage with regional countries in various initiatives that promote peace and development. He said
China will continue to strengthen cooperation with Africa in areas such as military assistance and trade, counter-terrorism, landmines eradication and military personnel training to jointly maintain security and stability in the region.

Mr. Xue Bing said China’s engagement with the region on peace and development will be anchored on three pillars: first, the need to uphold dialogue for peace and safeguard universal security; secondly, the need to explore the potential for cooperation and realize common prosperity; and third, the need to deepen exchange of experience in governance and safeguard international justice and fairness.

Recognizing the role of economic cooperation in promoting peace and development, China is ready to negotiate and sign the Agreement on China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. China will also expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to 53 African countries. China will also encourage more Chinese Enterprises to invest in the region, increase the added value of their products and localization to boost economies and create jobs.

During the Conference, delegates will review the achievements of FOCAC and discuss related issues such as connectivity and infrastructure; development cooperation and industrial development; climate resilience and food security’ as well as multilateralism and global governance.

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

Source: APO

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A formal swearing-in ceremony took place this morning at State House for four newly appointed members of the Electoral Commission of Seychelles. Their appointment follows the conclusion of the term of office for four outgoing members on 27th July 2025.

In light of 2025 being an election year – and in a bid to ensure uninterrupted operations of the Commission – the Constitutional Appointments Authority initiated the recruitment process as early as March 2025, publicly advertising the vacant positions to facilitate a smooth transition.

Four members – two of whom have been re-appointed and two newly appointed – were officially sworn in before the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, in accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution. Their appointments were made following recommendations put forward by the Constitutional Appointments Authority (CAA).

The  four Electoral Commissioners sworn in this morning included;

• · Mrs. Jenny Adrienne (being re-appointed)

• · Mr. Patrick Hoareau (being re-appointed)

• · Mr. Steve Pointe  (new member)

· Dr. Bernard Monnaie (new member)

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, presided over the ceremony and formally addressed the newly sworn-in members following the administration of the oath of allegiance and oath of office. In his remarks, President Ramkalawan extended his congratulations to the Commissioners and underscored the pivotal role of the Electoral Commission in safeguarding the democratic foundations of the nation. He urged the appointees to uphold the highest standards of impartiality, transparency, and professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The Electoral Commission plays a central role in ensuring the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Seychelles – an essential pillar in maintaining public confidence in the democratic process.

As Head of State, President Ramkalawan further underscored the importance of the Commission’s independence, noting that its members are not appointed by the President. Instead, the selection process is managed by the Constitutional Appointments Authority which issues public calls for applications, conducts interviews, and submits a comprehensive report with recommendations unanimously endorsed by all members of the Authority.

Also in attendance for the ceremony at State House were the First Lady, Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan; Vice President, Mr. Ahmed Afif; Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne; Attorney General, Mr Vincent Perera, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ted Barbe; Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Michael Rosette, the Directory General SIS, Mr Benediste Hoareau, Members of the Constitutional Appointments Authority, Members of the Electoral Commission and other distinguished guests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The outgoing Non-Resident Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Seychelles H.E. Mr. Wael M. Nasr Eldin M. Attiya, paid a farewell courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, this morning at State House.

President Ramkalawan extended his appreciation to Ambassador Khalil for his dedication and efforts in strengthening the longstanding relations between Seychelles and Egypt during his tenure. He commended the Ambassador for his active role in promoting bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including education, health, and capacity building.

“I would like to thank you for your commendable efforts in strengthening the Bilateral relationship between Seychelles and the Arab Republic of Egypt. During your tenure, you have worked closely with various Seychelles Ministries to deepen our bonds of friendship, understanding, and cooperation in key areas of shared interest. I am confident that your successor will continue in your footsteps to ensure continuity and conclusion of the various avenues of cooperation,” said President Ramkalawan.  

The Head of State also expressed Seychelles’ commitment to further deepening the strong ties between the two countries and conveyed his best wishes to Ambassador Khalil in his future endeavours.

Ambassador Attiya, for his part, thanked the Government and people of Seychelles for the warm hospitality and cooperation extended to him throughout his mission. He reaffirmed Egypt’s continued support for Seychelles and expressed confidence in the continued growth of the Seychelles-Egypt partnership.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of tokens of appreciation and a commitment to continued collaboration between the two nations.

Ambassador, Attiya also paid a visit the Vice- President, Mr Ahmed Afif before departing State House.

Also present for the meeting were the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Vivianne Fock-Tave and Second Secretary Bilateral Affairs Division, Mr Davis Mathiot as well as the Political Officer, Mr Mohamed Eletreby.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

On July 29, 2025 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Gedion Timothewos, who is paying a working visit to Belarus.

This is the first visit to our country of the Head of the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry.

During the talks, the directions of the entire complex of the Belarusian-Ethiopian agenda were discussed with an emphasis on the practical implementation of previously reached agreements at various levels.

Mutual interest was expressed in increasing bilateral trade and cooperation in the field of food security, expanding humanitarian and cultural ties.

The parties agreed to take practical steps to launch joint projects in the areas of mechanization of the agricultural sector of Ethiopia using Belarusian equipment and technologies, educating personnel for its maintenance and training agricultural specialists in Belarusian institutions, technology transfer in agriculture, and the development of a legal framework.

A schedule of bilateral events between Belarus and Ethiopia until the end of 2025 was agreed, including inter-ministerial political consultations, the creation of intergovernmental commission, negotiations between relevant ministries and business circles.

The desire of Minsk and Addis Ababa to deepen the political dialogue, as well as further interaction and mutual support within the UN, BRICS and other multilateral platforms was confirmed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: APO

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Each year, Pan-African Women’s Day (PAWD) reminds us of the enduring legacy, resilience, and leadership of African women. However, as we celebrate, we must also confront a lingering truth: far too many pregnant and breastfeeding women in Africa are still left behind in HIV prevention efforts. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not merely recipients of care, they are architects of community wellbeing, leaders within households and societies, and central to the intergenerational health equity we must pursue.

The theme for PAWD 2025, “Advancing Social and Economic Justice for African Women through Reparations”, reminds us of the critical need to address systemic social and economic inequalities hindering women’s empowerment and advancement. PAWD 2025 coincides with the World Breastfeeding Week 2025, themed “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” Therefore, we are also called to translate that legacy into concrete action for the next generation, starting from pregnancy and the earliest days of life. This year, we call for an intentional shift to integrate HIV prevention, including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) into the broader maternal and child health ecosystem. Doing so is not only scientifically sound; it is a moral and human rights imperative, and a step toward redressing historic injustices through maternal health equity.

A Gendered Lens on HIV Prevention

The African Union Commission (AUC) has long championed the rights of African women and girls. AU frameworks, including the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the AU Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and the Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB, and Malaria by 2030, guarantees equitable and affordable access to HIV prevention and treatment services. Nonetheless, gender inequality continues to drive HIV vulnerability, especially among adolescent girls, young women, and mothers. On a continent where women bear the brunt of both unpaid care work and HIV infections, we must place pregnant and breastfeeding women at the heart of HIV prevention strategies.

Pan-African Women’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a policy moment. We should use this occasion to strengthen the link between reproductive health, HIV prevention, and gender equity. In our communities, we have witnessed firsthand ways midwives and frontline workers can transform maternal care when equipped with the tools, training, and trust to do so. We need to reimagine HIV prevention not as a siloed programme, but as a foundational component of respectful, comprehensive, gender-responsive maternal health.

Breastfeeding as a Health Justice Issue

The 2025 World Breastfeeding Week theme urges us to prioritise breastfeeding through sustainable systems- systems that must also prioritise the health and HIV status of the mother and child. Offering long-acting PrEP like CAB-LA, ensuring routine HIV testing during antenatal care, and integrating EID into immunisation schedules are essential to building that system. This is how we ensure that breastfeeding is not only a biological bond, but also a protective, empowering act, free of fear, stigma, or silence. Sustainable breastfeeding support must include comprehensive maternal diagnostics and wraparound care. Let us also ensure that every woman is met with dignity, discretion, and informed choice — whether through access to long-acting PrEP, timely testing, or compassionate postpartum support.

A United African Response

We must elevate community engagement, involve Traditional and Religious leaders, and support healthcare workers who are often themselves women and the first and sometimes only line of care for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Pan-African leadership on all levels, from governments to grassroots, must ensure that every mother has access to life-saving HIV prevention tools. Transforming outcomes for mothers and babies requires systems change, built on multisectoral partnerships. From ministries to midwives, from labs to legislatures, we must align our investments with our aspirations, for a future where no woman is left behind.

The AUC Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate and Africa REACH Leadership Council stand together to say: African women should live, lead, and breastfeed without the shadow of HIV. As we celebrate Pan-African Women’s Day and Breastfeeding Week, let us continue to advocate for and implement policies that lead to health emancipation. May we renew our collective resolve to ensure that African women can live, lead, and nourish the next generation, in health, in dignity, and in freedom from HIV.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO

Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a forward-thinking media platform dedicated to providing insightful, engaging content across various topics, including business insights, technology trends, innovation, and more. Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) aims to inspire and inform its audience through high-quality journalism and community-driven initiatives.We are a fiercely independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform based in Nigeria, and focused primarily on politics, policy and economy.

We are passionate, not just about the nice details, but also the ugly sides that speak truth to governments, businesses, and leaders, both locally and globally. We resolve to relentlessly pursue truth in our passion to inform and empower Nigerians.

Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a Nigerian digital news platform that provides accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information on a daily basis. The independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform focused primarily on politics, policy and economy. Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the editor in chief and CEO of Alexa News Nigeria is expanding its coverage beyond Nigerian borders and have been growing its official website’s news and media portfolio. www.Alexa.ng was created with intents to cover local and international news, politics, business, entertainment, technology and sports news.

“We are looking to make a significant impact on the country’s information narrative by bringing smart, straightforward news to Nigeria’s political and media space, with commentary from political heavyweights and Nigerian leaders & business innovators, whose collective insight will be instrumental in telling the Nigeria business story from inside,” says Joseph Omode.

In an industry saturated with sensational sites, clickbait giants, fake news merchants, religious/ethnic promoters, and pro/anti-government platforms, Alexa News Nigeria has stood out as a credible go-to news source for every southerner, northerner, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, anti-government/pro-government individual, secessionist, and its growing global audience. Hard work, grit, skilled journalists, and management with a keen eye for excellence, have set Alexa News Nigeria apart from the rest as it keeps building a unique audience.Joseph Omode later stated that the news platform would be tailored to meet the needs of an increasingly diversified readership base both in Nigeria and outside the shores of the country. Alexa News Nigeria is providing quality journalism, had defied the odds, broke boundaries, pulled down walls, and divided oceans.

What Makes Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) Unique (And Worth Betting On)

We are unique in different ways and we stand out for the following reasons:

• Prominence: Our Stories involve influential figures, like celebrities, businesses, influencers or politicians, often attract our media attention due to a collective public interest that has built up for decades on those individuals’ lives.
• Impactful Stories: Our stories demonstrate value and make clear effect on our audience. We are always looking for fresh stories to cover.We sometimes rely on product launches or major milestones to attract our media attention. Through thought leadership, organizations don’t have to wait for a newsworthy event to be in the media. They can earn media recognition for their brands and executives by staying on top of industry trends to be better seen as visionaries, rather than vendors.
• Relevant Stories: We publish relevant stories of interest to our audience.
• Human Interest: Our news are meant to evoke strong emotions or connect with people on a personal level. They can range from heartwarming tales–such as a firefighter saving a kitten stuck in a tree–to accounts of adversity such as a family struggling to rebuild after losing their home to a natural disaster. These stories often inspire empathy and compassion, reminding audiences of a shared sense of humanity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

Source: APO

Information technology company Easy People has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – the country’s premier industry event – as a Silver Sponsor. As a company dedicated to developing innovative solutions and services in the area of information technology, Easy People is positioned as a problem-solver for technological challenges. As Angola pursues enhanced oil and gas production, these solutions will be invaluable as operators target greater efficiency through digital solutions.

Easy People offers a diverse range of services and solutions that aim to support clients as they scale-up their operations. The company offers support in the infrastructure sector, through networking architectures, structured wiring and data centers; systems integration, through access and service management, network configuration and technical assistance; as well as technological solutions, including management solutions, business intelligence and information security. Easy People’s sponsorship at AOG 2025 reflects its commitment to supporting companies across the entire oil and gas value chain in the country.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Easy People’s participation comes as Angola strives to enhance oil and gas production through greater efficiency at producing assets, investments in new blocks and the development of frontier markets. Technological innovation represents a key driver of this ambition, enabling companies to leverage tools such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and digital processes to streamline operations and de-risk exploration and production. Angola’s efforts to scale-up production coincide with an ambition to reduce emissions across oil and gas projects. This requires an innovative and balanced approach to development processes, underscoring a strategic opportunity for companies such as Easy People to provide technological support.

As such, AOG 2025 represents a unique platform for companies such as Easy People to connect with operators and discuss strategies for producing more oil and gas. As the largest event of its kind in the country, AOG 2025 convenes a variety of stakeholders, from government representatives to international operators to financiers, service providers and technology experts. Easy People’s participation affirms the event’s role as a premier meeting platform for the country’s oil and gas industry.

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