MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

.

Angolan authorities must respect and ensure the right of peaceful assembly and guarantee that nationwide protests planned for 19 and 26 July against high cost of living, are facilitated and protected, said Amnesty International.

The organization has documented how members of the Rapid Intervention Police and the Service for Criminal Investigation repressed similar protests held in Luanda, on 12 July where at least two people were critically injured, and 17 others were arrested.

“Police must refrain from violating the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, including through the use of unnecessary and excessive force against protestors as witnessed in past protests, including on 12 July, where some of the protesters were arbitrarily arrested and others injured following unlawful use of force by the police,” said Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Campaigns in East and Southern Africa.

“Angolan authorities must immediately open independent, thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of human rights violations committed by members of the Angola Police and to bring the perpetrators to account in a fair trial”.

“Authorities must refrain from harassing and intimidating those who exercise their right of peaceful assembly”.

Background

Members from civil society organizations, such as Movement Fúria 99, from the Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and from the Angola Students Movement called for a two-day protest on 12 and 19 July 2025, following high fuel and transportation costs. On 12 July, thousands of people joined the protest, which was planned to start at the São Paulo Square and to end at the Maianga Square, in front of the National Assembly, in Luanda. The protest was impeded by the Police.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

Source: APO

.

The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) officially announced the launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa (2024–2034) today. Introduced by Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, and Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, the plan is designed to advance sustainability, drive economic growth, and enhance resource efficiency across Africa over the next decade.

The CEAP focuses on transitioning African economies to a circular model by reducing waste, promoting resource reuse, and encouraging recycling. As a key component of the African Union’s Agenda 2063,  the initiative was developed with co-financing and technical support from the European Union. The CEAP offers a strategic framework for sustainable investments aligned with the Europe-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package and international partnerships. The CEAP will focus on priority sectors including agriculture, packaging, energy, construction, manufacturing, electronics, technology, as well as the fashion and textiles industries.

Following a comprehensive approach, the CEAP will:

• Foster Circular Economy Across Sectors: The plan seeks to promote sustainable practices in key areas such as agriculture, industry, and energy by transforming waste into resources and encouraging innovation in resource management.

• Improve Waste Management: CEAP will enhance waste management systems and recycling infrastructure, particularly through the application of green technologies and local innovations.

• Create Green Jobs: The initiative aims to generate millions of green jobs and foster sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly among young and women.

• Enhance Regional Cooperation: The plan will facilitate cross-border collaboration to share best practices, align policies, and create a collective impact across the continent.

• Build Climate Resilience: By reducing consumption and promoting sustainable production, CEAP will help mitigate climate change and support biodiversity conservation.

AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati said “The launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan is a pivotal moment for Africa’s sustainable development. Through this collaboration with the EU, we are setting the stage for a green, inclusive, and resilient future. This plan represents a unique opportunity for Africa to lead in the global circular economy and tackle the challenges of climate change head-on.”

EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall added “The CEAP is a landmark initiative that builds on the strong partnership between the EU and AU. It is an opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce environmental impact. By adopting circular economy principles, we can achieve sustainable development and build a stronger future for both Africa and Europe.”

The launch of CEAP reflects the joint commitment of the African Union and the European Union to tackle global environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Both unions are actively supporting its implementation by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and capacity-building resources to ensure its success across all African countries. The overarching goal, however, is for the CEAP to serve as a transformative driver of sustainable economic growth throughout the continent. To achieve this, the AU is seeking additional support from international partners, including development banks and the private sector. 

The CEAP was launched on the sidelines of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment, with attendance from African Ministers of Environment, representatives from Regional Economic Communities, UN Agencies, the private sector, and Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), who  showcased their circular economy initiatives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya.

Source: APO

 PalmPay (www.PalmPay.com), a leading neobank and fintech platform focused on emerging markets, has been recognised in CNBC and Statista’s 2025 Top 300 Fintech Companies in the World list. This marks the second year in a row that PalmPay has earned a place among the world’s most innovative and impactful financial technology firms.

The selection is based on a rigorous evaluation of thousands of companies globally, assessing growth, innovation, market penetration, and impact.  This year’s list includes a mix of global leaders – including Revolut, Nubank and Ant Group –  alongside rising stars from high-growth markets, underscoring the growing influence of emerging-market fintechs like PalmPay.

PalmPay’s inclusion reflects its continued momentum as one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms. With over 35 million registered users and up to 15 million transactions processed daily, the company offers a comprehensive suite of digital financial services tailored to the needs of underserved communities.

In its main market, Nigeria, PalmPay operates as a full-service neobank, offering consumer financial services such as transfers, bill payments, credit, savings, and insurance – all accessible through its user-friendly app and supported by a nationwide network of over 1 million agents and merchant partners. The company also provides POS and API-driven B2B solutions tailored to the needs of merchants and enterprise clients.

“To be recognised as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista is a powerful affirmation of our mission to build a more inclusive financial system,” said Sofia Zab, Founding Chief Marketing Officer at PalmPay. “Through cutting-edge technology, deep local distribution, and a customer-first mindset, we’ve built Nigeria’s leading neobank. As we scale PalmPay to more emerging markets, including Tanzania and Bangladesh, our focus remains on closing financial access gaps for everyday consumers and businesses, while expanding the partner ecosystem that fuels our reach and impact.”

As part of its broader expansion strategy, PalmPay recently launched in Tanzania and Bangladesh through a smartphone device financing model that serves as an entry point to digital financial services.

“PalmPay is building a neobanking platform tailored to the realities of emerging markets,” said Jiapei Yan, Group Chief Commercial Officer at PalmPay. “We are creating the infrastructure for a connected digital economy – where people and businesses can thrive through reliable, inclusive financial tools. This recognition from CNBC and Statista affirms our progress and also the scale of the opportunity ahead. As we expand across more emerging markets, we are committed to creating lasting value for our users, partners, and the communities we serve.”

PalmPay’s inclusion follows another major recognition earlier this year: the company ranked #2 overall and #1 in the financial services sector on the Financial Times  – Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2025 list. The ranking, based on revenue growth between 2020 and 2023, highlighted PalmPay’s rapid scale and market traction across Africa.

PalmPay currently operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh, and is expanding its presence across Africa and Asia through device financing, digital banking, and B2B payment services. Backed by a robust neobanking platform and a partnership-led approach, the company is committed to shaping the next chapter of inclusive financial growth. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PalmPay.

About PalmPay:
PalmPay is a leading neobank and fintech platform driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved emerging markets. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money.

PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products, including mobile payments, credit, savings and micro-insurance via its app and mobile money agent network.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 35 million app users and processes up to 15 million transactions daily. PalmPay has operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.

For more information, visit  www.PalmPay.com

Source: APO

.

A harmonized Made in Africa certification is set to boost the global visibility and competitiveness of African products. The framework, governance, and branding of the scheme was discussed in Nairobi, with the International Trade Centre (ITC) contributing technical insights and implementation support.

Despite growing opportunities for intra-Africa trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), many African producers face challenges in gaining visibility and market access. Consumers continue to lack trust in locally made products and services, often perceiving them as inferior to imports. Quality exists but consumers need confidence in that, so African firms can grow in local and regional markets while positioning themsleves globally.

The African Union established the Made in Africa (MiA) initiative to ensure African small businesses have a competitive edge and can scale in markets increasingly driven by standards, consumer trust, and brand reputation, through a harmonised continental certification system. This builds on earlier continental efforts to strengthen Africa’s industrial base and promote the continent’s products. 

The initiative advanced another milestone at the Meeting of the Made in Africa Ad-hoc Committee in Nairobi, Kenya from 1 to 2 July 2025. The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Pan African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI) convened the meeting with technical assistance from ITC. Technical institutions, private sector and consumer representatives gathered with international partners such as Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) and World Customs Organisation (WCO). Together, they finalized the MiA implementation guide, defined governance and coordination structures, and agreed on the implementation framework.

Highlights included presentations of MiA branding concepts and governance options, drawing on a soon-to-be launched concept testing and benchmarking study of the AUC, PAQI and ITC.

Through the EU-funded Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme, ITC is supporting the African Union with technical input and analysis to help shape a credible and market-oriented brand for African products. ITC involvement builds on its broader mission to empower small businesses to compete, connect, and change lives.

The Nairobi meeting marks an important step in delivering a practical, African-led solution that will help producers build trust, meet quality expectations, and grow their share in regional and global markets. The finalization of the implementation framework and agreement on next steps bring the MiA scheme closer to launch, building on and consolidating national and regional level labels in Africa.

The MiA was adopted as part of the African Union’s Niamey Action Plan on Industrialisation and Economic Diversification, where it was identified as critical to realising the gains of the AfCFTA. The MiA Certification Scheme will be anchored on the  AfCFTA Agreement’s rules of origin and intellectual property provisions and aligned with the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Annexes to ensure high standards and market compatibility. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Source: APO

.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met on Thursday with HE Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for Africa at the US Department of State Massad Boulos, who is currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States and discussed ways to support and enhance them. They also discussed joint efforts to address the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with a number of issues of mutual interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

.

 UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday deplored the killing of dozens of civilians by both parties amid ongoing hostilities in Sudan’s Kordofan region over the past week.

The UN Human Rights Office has verified the killing of least 60 civilians by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Kordofan’s Bara locality since 10 July. Civil society groups have reported that up to 300 people were killed.

At least 23 other civilians were reportedly killed and more than 30 others injured when airstrikes by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) hit two villages in West Kordofan from 10 to 14 July. In addition, on 17 July, at least 11 civilians – all members of a single family – were killed in a SAF airstrike in Bara locality.

“It is distressing that more than two years since the conflict began parties to the conflict in Sudan continue to demonstrate callous disregard for civilians’ lives and safety,” said Türk.

The latest civilian deaths come amid worrying reports that the RSF is mobilising for an offensive on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state. The UN Human Rights Chief also expressed continued concern for the safety of civilians in El Fasher, North Darfur, following multiple RSF attacks on the besieged city in recent days, including a ground attack on 11 and 12 July, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.

“An escalation of hostilities in North Darfur and Kordofan will only further aggravate the already severe risks to civilians and the dire humanitarian situation in a conflict that has already wrought untold suffering on the Sudanese people,” said Türk. “I urge those with influence to act to prevent such an escalation, and to ensure that both parties uphold their obligations under international law, including on the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

The High Commissioner renewed his calls on the warring parties to ensure safe, sustained and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, including through humanitarian pauses, and to prevent and repress violations of international law. “All alleged violations must be fully and independently investigated and those responsible brought to justice,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO

.

President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday reaffirmed Ghana’s firm commitment to international trade and investment, outlining the wide-ranging reforms actively fostering economic transformation and better governance.

He was speaking during a courtesy call from the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan.

The President stated that these strategic reforms, begun just six months into his administration, are already showing tangible results.

He spoke about the renewed business confidence, the relative appreciation of the Cedi, and a decreasing inflation rate as important signs of economic stability and progress, especially after recent global challenges and inherited public debt burdens.

“We are striving to cultivate a new sense of thinking, a fresh approach to doing things, and to ensure that we effectively serve the people who elected us to lead,” President Mahama stated.

He elaborated on key government initiatives, including the ’24-Hour Economy’ policy, drawing inspiration from London, a city he described as “never sleeping.”

The President explained, “We’ve launched a 24-Hour Economy initiative to harness Ghana’s vibrant youthful population and address the challenges of rapid urbanisation by promoting continuous economic activity and opportunities.”

President Mahama further emphasised Ghana’s burgeoning digital landscape, indicating the country’s readiness to fully integrate into the global FinTech community with numerous digital services and innovative companies emerging across the country.

He also reiterated the government’s strong focus on agriculture and agribusiness as vital sectors for creating more opportunities, particularly for young people.

Discussions between the two leaders also delved into the deep historical and business ties connecting Accra and London.

President Mahama acknowledged Accra’s rapid growth and expressed Ghana’s keen interest in learning from London’s extensive expertise in urban planning, efficient transport systems, modern waste management solutions, and effective flood control strategies.

“For a city like London, the efficiency of your transport system, even with perceived challenges, is truly remarkable,” the President noted, adding, “We aspire to develop similar reliable systems where punctuality is the norm for our citizens.”

In his remarks, Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan congratulated President Mahama on his re-election and commended the positive signals his administration is sending to the international community regarding Ghana’s potential.

He praised the invaluable contributions of Londoners of Ghanaian origin, who are enriching various sectors of the city’s economy and public life, from healthcare and transport to the arts.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

.

The Ministry for the Interior has unveiled groundbreaking initiatives aimed at reforming the Prison Service and strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

Speaking at the inaugural “Government Accountability Series” at the Presidency in Accra, Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, announced a pivotal shift for the Prison Service, transforming it into a key contributor to national production and inmate rehabilitation.

As part of the government’s strategic efforts to resource state institutions and foster meaningful rehabilitation, the Ministry for the Interior has initiated discussions with the Ministry of Education to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This landmark agreement will empower the Prison Service to supply:

• 20% of sanitary pads for the nation’s Free Sanitary Initiative.
• 30% of all school furniture procured by the government.
• 30% of all school uniforms distributed nationwide.

Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak, articulating the rationale behind the initiative, stated that the initiative is designed to engender reforms within the nation’s prisons, where inmates are mostly caged.

“We are moving beyond mere incarceration to equip inmates with valuable skills, foster productivity, and prepare them for successful reintegration into society.

The Minister stated that the Ghana Police Service plays a critical role in upholding public order and supporting the government’s economic agenda.

He lauded the Service’s unwavering commitment to public safety, highlighting its sustained efforts against illegal mining operations.

These robust efforts have significantly curbed illicit activities in forest reserves and along water bodies, effectively preventing foreign nationals from engaging in small-scale mining and safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.

In response to the government’s 24-Hour Economy programme, Mohammed-Mubarak announced the establishment of a dedicated 24-Hour Economy Secretariat at the Police Headquarters in Accra. This secretariat is designed to provide round-the-clock security for businesses, ensuring the safe movement of goods and people, and fostering unhindered economic growth across the country.

The Minister further detailed the Ghana Police Service’s impressive successes in crime combat.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.