MIL Africa Engine

April 27, 2026

Climate change is worsening violent extremism in Kenya – what can be done

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Dylan O’Driscoll, Professor in Peace and Conflict, Coventry University

Climate change and its associated impacts can worsen security challenges, including those associated with violent extremism.

This is particularly the case in areas that are both vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and characterised by social and political instability.

In north-eastern Kenya, for instance, droughts, flooding and livelihood destruction are unfolding alongside, and worsening, activity by al-Shabaab, a terrorist network headquartered in Somalia. The terror group has evolved from carrying out large-scale attacks in Kenya, such as the Westgate Mall attack (in 2013) and the Garissa University attack (2015), to persistent, low-intensity attacks and broader community engagement in the border region.

Despite these overlapping crises, the understanding of how climate change and violent extremism interact remains limited.

As a multidisciplinary team, we set out to address this gap through workshops with policymakers and practitioners working across relevant policy areas in Nairobi and north-eastern Kenya, as well as focus groups and interviews with community members and leaders in the region.

Our findings highlight how in vulnerable environments, climate change acts as a threat multiplier. It intensifies:

economic instability, by damaging and destroying livelihoods
social fragmentation, by increasing the strain on social networks
psychological strain, through the scale of destruction caused by cumulative climate events
institutional weaknesses, by increasing pressure on public services and government access.

These conditions provide increased opportunities for extremists to influence or coerce the local population.

When we spoke with local herders and community leaders in north-eastern Kenya, we found that the impact of climate change left local communities more vulnerable to recruitment by extremists. At the same time, al-Shabaab activities in the area made it harder for communities to adapt to a changing environment. This reinforces a cycle of fragility.

Climate impacts and insecurity are interwoven dynamics that shape everyday life, governance and prospects for stability in north-eastern Kenya.

Our findings challenge the idea that climate change and security can be addressed separately. Effective responses must combine environmental, social and security strategies to build long-term resilience.

Livelihood destruction

For pastoralists in the north-eastern Kenyan counties of Garissa and Wajir, keeping livestock is not just a job. It is their identity, their food security and their children’s future.

However, as droughts and flash floods become more frequent, herds are being decimated. In times of desperation, al-Shabaab positions itself as a provider.

As one community member told us:

When the land dries up, animals die, farms fail, and people go hungry, especially the youth, they become desperate. Al-Shabaab knows this and exploits it. They offer food, money, and what seems like ‘purpose’ to young boys who feel abandoned by their own government.

What we had not anticipated before undertaking this research was the profound emotional toll of climate change and how this is creating ideal conditions for al-Shabaab recruitment. The loss of livestock causes a deep sense of shame among men who can no longer fulfil their role as providers.

A local herder told us:

We are men, supposed to provide, but we found ourselves helpless.

In a culture where “a man without animals is seen as a child, no matter his age”, as one respondent put it, this loss of status leads to depression and hopelessness.

Extremist groups exploit this emotional emptiness. They offer a sense of status to men who feel they have lost everything else.

Increased migration

As water and pasture vanish, herders are forced to travel much further from home, often entering remote, insecure areas where the state has limited presence.

This increased mobility is a necessary survival strategy. But it increases the likelihood of encountering al-Shabaab.

Individuals arriving in new areas with depleted resources and no social contacts are vulnerable to recruitment. In these remote areas, al-Shabaab often steps in to provide assistance, such as protection.

The lack of veterinary services and schooling creates several further vulnerabilities. When children drop out of school to follow herds, they become soft targets for recruiters.

Social breakdown

Beyond individual loss, violent extremism is unravelling social bonds.

In the past, neighbours could count on each other. Now, they are drifting apart because nobody has anything left to give, leading to a profound loss of community dignity.

As one community member put it:

When your neighbour comes asking for milk or sugar, you have nothing to offer. Our economy is not just about money; it is about sharing. When livestock die, that sharing disappears, and we become poorer not only in wealth but also in spirit.

Even the authority of community elders is under pressure. They are losing influence because their traditional wisdom about the seasons is no longer effective. Their status diminishes, creating a leadership vacuum.

Al-Shabaab is quick to attempt to fill this void, offering a new sense of order.

Governance challenges

The reach of the Kenyan state is limited in the remote and arid northern region.

When aid is delayed or distributed unevenly, it fuels grievances about neglect. Al-Shabaab is highly effective at using religious and political language to channel these frustrations against the state. It presents its own ideology as a path to justice.

Furthermore, insecurity prevents the delivery of the services needed for climate adaptation, leaving the most vulnerable populations dependent on anyone who will help. This gives al-Shabaab a clear entry point.

The way forward

Breaking this cycle of vulnerability requires a policy shift that integrates environmental and security strategies. It is necessary to formally recognise climate change as a critical security issue, to trigger the multi-agency coordination necessary for mitigation.

In practice, this means aligning national and county-level plans to prevent and counter violent extremism with climate adaptation strategies. This would enable agencies to share knowledge and pool funding.

Climate adaptation plans must incorporate conflict analyses to ensure aid does not inadvertently fuel grievances.

Most importantly, future interventions must look beyond technical solutions to address the emotional weight of lost dignity and the breakdown of social structures. This will foster resilience in the local economy and the community.

– Climate change is worsening violent extremism in Kenya – what can be done
– https://theconversation.com/climate-change-is-worsening-violent-extremism-in-kenya-what-can-be-done-279604

April 27, 2026

Kenya’s Sawe breaks the 2-hour barrier: what’s next for the men’s marathon world record?

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Simon D. Angus, Professor, Department of Economics & SoDa Laboratories, Monash Business School, Monash University

Well, well. Kenyan marathon runner Sabastian Sawe has officially broken through the fabled “sub-2-hour” marathon barrier.

On a reportedly perfect Sunday, 26 April 2026 in London, the 31-year-old Sawe ran through the finish gate on the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace’s gilded architectural flourishes in an official marathon time of 1 hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds.

This betters the marathon world record by a whopping 65 seconds, the largest single improvement since 2018. The previous world record was held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, also of Kenya. Kiptum’s 2 hours and 35 seconds, set in Chicago in 2023, now somehow seems an entire era away.

In fact, saying Sawe broke 2 hours is something of an understatement. Such was the brilliance of the moment, that Sawe pushed the second-placed Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia below the sub-2-hour mark as well, just 11 seconds behind Sawe.

But as we absorb all of this, it’s hard not to wonder, “What next?”

My interest as a data scientist and economist (and fellow runner) lies in analysing the historical progression of the men’s and women’s world marathon records.

If sub-2 was the driving force behind the marathon in the last decade, what’s left to aim for?

Humanity seems obsessed with the limits of human creativity, ingenuity and performance. We award extravagant prizes for world firsts and remember the greatest achievements through bronze statues in prominent squares the world over.

But can we actually calculate these limits? Is there a “maths” of human endeavour?

Historical world record progression

Back in 2018, the legendary Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya ran 2 hours 1 minute and 9 seconds in the official Berlin Marathon. At the time, many dared to dream Kipchoge could be the one to take the men’s marathon below 2 hours.

In fact, a year later, Kipchoge appeared to do just that – running a phenomenal 1 hour 59 minutes and 40 seconds in a tightly orchestrated “breaking 2” display in Vienna.

However awe-inspiring, the Vienna effort would never make it into the official marathon books. The run was contrived in a number of ways, fully understood and acknowledged by Kipchoge and the organisation around him. This was never about the record, but instead, it was, he said, about proving that limits are there to be broken.

Around the same time, I had been working on a statistical approach to modelling the progression of marathon world records over the last few decades. I was intrigued to apply learnings from technological change in economics to the question of human performance.

There are all kinds of factors that feed into a world-record marathon performance. These range from training methods, nutrition, supplementation and biometrics, to performance analysis, and of course, clothing and shoe technology.

However, my approach, drawn from the economics of innovation, is founded on the idea that while performance gains can be made in any of these areas at any time – providing innovation rates stay steady over time – then the next world record marathon performance should be somewhat predictable.

Back then, I estimated that the official men’s marathon would break the sub-2 barrier around May 2032. That is, assuming a pretty rare 1-in-10 chance on any given marathon day of it happening.

Since then, we’ve had Kipchoge himself break his own record at Berlin in 2022, then Kiptum in Chicago in 2023, and now Sawe in London.

At each point, I’ve adjusted my predictions, since the model can use the new world record marks to improve its accuracy.

My most recent prediction, made in October 2023 for a runner similar to Kiptum, would be that the official sub-2 would go down in March 2027. From the perspective of a prediction exercise starting with data from the 1960s, Sawe was just a touch early!

How likely was Sawe’s run?

Analysis of the male world record marathon progression. Author created.

Using my original modelling framework, if we include data only up to Kiptum’s Chicago run in Oct 2023, the likelihood of a sub-2 on 26 April 2026 is estimated to be 1 in 4.29 (just less likely than 1 in 4 odds). In other words, pretty likely!

However, this is the likelihood of a run of just under 2 hours – 1 hour 59 minutes 59 seconds to be precise.

But Sawe went well under 2 hours, so what were the odds of his actual run?

If I use my framework to calculate the odds of Sawe’s actual time on that day, given the sweep of historical world records since 1960, I find the likelihood of 1 hour 59 minutes, 30 seconds on 26 April 2026 to be 1 in 7.4 (around 2 in 15) – that’s pretty rare.

Clearly, a lot of things had to click for the performance that played out in London. And indeed, the backstory already includes:

the timing of Sawe’s fitness meshing perfectly with the London event;
the importance of getting fuelling and shoe technology right;
the “just so” conditions in London on Sunday (something that was absent in Berlin during Sawe’s previous attempt on the record); and, of course,
the competitive environment that saw Sawe pushed by the second-best-of-all-time Kejelcha until the final few hundred metres.

So then what’s next?

My statistical framework uses an assumption that, over time, performance gains get harder and harder to achieve. Any of us who have aimed to improve on our local park run time will know all too well how hard it becomes to eke out more performance gains after the initial euphoria of the first week or two’s improvements is over.

In my model, if we follow the improvement process out for very long time periods, we can estimate the eventual limits of human performance. That is, an estimate of the best possible human marathon time ever. I call it the “limiting” time.

In 2019 when my findings were first published, based on men’s world record times up to and including Kipchoge’s world record of 2 hours 1 minute and 39 seconds set in 2018 in Berlin, the limiting men’s marathon time came out to be 1 hour 58 minutes and 5 seconds.

In 2023 I updated this forecast to include Kipchoge’s next world-record time of 2 hours 1 minute and 9 seconds (also set in Berlin, 2022) and Kiptum’s astonishing Chicago run of 2 hours 35 seconds (2023). At that time, and following the “Kiptum line” – a runner like him closer to the 1 in 4 odds line – the new limiting marathon time dropped to 1 hour 55 minutes 40 seconds.

As I remarked then, Kiptum had given the limits of human performance a real bump.

After Sawe obliterated the men’s 2-hour barrier, rerunning my model sees the limiting time once more drop, but this time, not by quite so much.

The new limit comes out to 1 hour 54 minutes – a full 5 minutes 30 seconds faster than Sawe produced in London. In performance gap terms, there is still around four and a half percent of performance gains to be made.

Naturally, there are a lot of inherent assumptions. And such is the exercise that new data points (new world records) tend to have a significant impact on forecasts. Furthermore, we are talking here about the limits of human endeavour – potentially hundreds of years into the future.

The tiniest deviations in a line of forecast today can have outsize impact on a point thousands of days into the future.

Which is a long way of saying, when Sawe’s Italian coach, Claudio Berardelli, hinted that Sabastian might go faster on a better suited course like Chicago or Berlin, I for one, will not be surprised.

The statistical arc of human endeavour in the marathon keeps bending upwards. There is still much to be inspired by.

– Kenya’s Sawe breaks the 2-hour barrier: what’s next for the men’s marathon world record?
– https://theconversation.com/kenyas-sawe-breaks-the-2-hour-barrier-whats-next-for-the-mens-marathon-world-record-281568

April 27, 2026

Government strengthening criminal justice system and rooting out corruption

Source: Government of South Africa

Government strengthening criminal justice system and rooting out corruption

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system, rooting out corruption and building a police service and a prosecuting authority in which people can have trust and confidence.

“We call on all South Africans to be part of this work, to build communities, homes, schools and workplaces that are safe and secure,” President Ramaphosa said.

Speaking at the national Freedom Day celebration held at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, President Ramaphosa said government is using the day to reflect, renew and reaffirm government’s commitment to the social contract entered into 32 years ago.

Freedom Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.

“This is a compact that demands active citizenship, democratic oversight and a State that delivers justice, services, opportunity and dignity in return for public trust,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the Government of National Unity is determined to drive inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and build a capable, ethical and developmental State.

“This means we must address and overcome the many challenges facing South Africans today. Failing water infrastructure, collapsing municipalities and deteriorating services are not mere inconveniences. They directly affect the quality of daily life. They constrain the growth of businesses and the creation of jobs.

“Our resolve to strengthen local government provides an opportunity to transform municipalities, making them better run, more efficient and more responsive to the needs of our people,” the President said.

Transforming lives

President Ramaphosa said in the 32 years of democracy, South Africa has built a progressive constitutional democracy firmly anchored in the rule of law, with an independent judiciary that serves as a guardian of the rights of all.

“We have expanded access to healthcare, housing, education, water and electricity on an unprecedented scale.”

President Ramaphosa said government has also transformed the education system that was used to perpetuate oppression to ensure universal access to education by introducing no-fee schools to expand access to education to children from poor households.

“Our National School Nutrition Programme feeds more than nine million learners every single day. Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, we have made tertiary education accessible to students from low-income households.”

The President said since the dawn of democracy, government has steadily worked to expand access to quality health care for all.

“We have built clinics and hospitals, provided free health care to pregnant women and young children, reduced child mortality and increased life expectancy.

“Now we are working together to establish the National Health Insurance so that every person in this country has equal access to quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay.

“We are making progress on land reform, restoring land to many of those dispossessed since the introduction of the 1913 Natives Land Act and continuing to support its productive use.”

The President said 32 years ago, more than 20 million South Africans participated in the first democratic election that was peaceful, free and fair.

President Ramaphosa said it is an honour to mark that occasion in Bloemfontein, where the flame of freedom was lit.

“It was here in Mangaung that the African National Congress was born in 1912, bringing together for the first time people from across our country to stand against oppression and dispossession.”

President Ramaphosa said the Free State is a province that suffered the cruelty of colonialism and apartheid.

“Here in Bloemfontein and in towns across the province, tens of thousands of Afrikaners and Africans were held in inhuman conditions in British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War.

“Many thousands, mostly women and children, died. Their suffering stands as a shared, though unevenly remembered, chapter of South Africa’s past, one that calls for remembrance, honesty and humanity. This is a province with a history of courageous resistance.

“Women from the then Orange Free State were among the first to rise against the extension of pass laws in 1913, with protests breaking out in Jagersfontein, Winburg and Bloemfontein.

“They were arrested and imprisoned and their families were left without caregivers. Instead of being broken, the women of the Orange Free State became more determined because they would not accept a system that denied them dignity and freedom,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said it was the people of the Free State province that took Mama Winnie Mandela into their hearts and gave her comfort when she was banished to Brandfort in 1977.

“When Mama Winnie Mandela was banished to Brandfort, the apartheid rulers thought they were isolating her and breaking her spirit and influence.

“The people of Brandfort here in the Free State did something remarkable: they did not let that voice fade. They carried it. They strengthened it. And they made it their own. They united in compassion and that became stronger than the system of a apartheid itself.”

President Ramaphosa said 30 years ago, the Constitution of the Republic was signed into law and became the “birth certificate” of the nation.

“Our Constitution, which is widely regarded around the world as one of the most progressive, visionary and influential constitutions ever adopted, is a powerful promise about freedom and stands as our collective shield protecting the freedom our people fought for.

“We stand here today not only as citizens of a democratic nation, but as custodians of a hard-won legacy of freedom — a legacy won in struggle. A legacy shaped by sacrifice, courage and an unbreakable belief in in freedom and justice,” the President said.

Celebrating democracy

In her welcome remarks, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae said Freedom Day is an important day in the history of South Africa.

“This day ushered in a new dawn, It was the day when South Africans showed their determination for a new government.”

Letsoha-Mathae said since the President’s visit to the province in December, much has been done to improve people’s lives.

“We have doubled our efforts to improve people’s lives.”

The Freedom Day celebration was attended by senior government officials, Cabinet Ministers, politicians and members of the public, who came in their numbers.

Freedom Day 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994 and stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity.

The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.

This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March if 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising.

These milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 04/27/2026 – 12:52

April 27, 2026

Journée mondiale de lutte contre le paludisme : au Bénin, le lancement du rapport sur le paludisme dans l’espace francophone appelle à une mobilisation accrue pour un avenir sans paludisme

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre le paludisme, célébrée le 25 avril sous le thème « Mettre fin au paludisme : Nous le pouvons. Nous le devons », le Bénin a accueilli, du 24 au 26 avril, une série d’activités de haut niveau mobilisant décideurs politiques, partenaires techniques et financiers, société civile, jeunes, chercheurs, athlètes et médias autour d’un objectif commun : accélérer l’élimination du paludisme en Afrique francophone.

Temps fort de cette mobilisation, le lancement officiel du rapport « Un effort collectif contre le paludisme dans l’espace francophone », par le Ministre de la Santé du Bénin, Pr. Benjamin Hounkpatin, a mis en lumière une réalité préoccupante : les pays francophones, qui ne représentent que 13 % de la population mondiale exposée au paludisme, concentrent plus de 42 % des cas et 40 % des décès liés à la maladie. Ce rapport appelle à une action collective renforcée autour de priorités clés, allant du financement domestique et international à l’innovation, en passant par l’engagement du secteur privé et une mobilisation de l’ensemble de la société.

Le Ministre de la Santé du Bénin, Pr. Hounkpatin, a souligné l’importance de ce rapport dans l’orientation des politiques publiques et du plaidoyer international : « Le rapport sur le paludisme dans l’espace francophone met en lumière une réalité que nous ne pouvons plus ignorer : notre région est en première ligne. Mais il démontre également que des progrès sont possibles lorsque le leadership politique, le financement et la mobilisation collective sont au rendez-vous. Le Bénin est déterminé à poursuivre ses efforts et à porter cette ambition au niveau régional et international. ».

Cette ambition se traduit déjà par des résultats concrets. Le Bénin s’est imposé ces dernières années comme un exemple de leadership, ayant presque quadruplé son budget national consacré à la lutte contre le paludisme entre 2022 et 2025. Cette dynamique, portée par une approche multisectorielle associant gouvernement, parlementaires, société civile et secteur privé, a contribué à une réduction significative du fardeau de la maladie.

Dans ce contexte, Speak Up Africa, à travers ses différentes initiatives, a joué un rôle clé dans la mobilisation des acteurs autour d’appels à l’action clairs pour l’élimination du paludisme. Comme l’a rappelé Yacine Djibo, Directrice exécutive de Speak Up Africa : « À travers cette Journée mondiale de lutte contre le paludisme, nous avons voulu transformer un moment de sensibilisation en un véritable catalyseur d’action. Le rapport que nous lançons aujourd’hui est un appel clair : nous devons agir maintenant, collectivement, pour protéger les vies et financer un avenir sans paludisme. ».

Les activités organisées au Bénin se sont inscrites dans la continuité de la plateforme Speak Up Africa en Action, déjà déployée lors de la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations en janvier dernier, et qui vise à mobiliser des publics larges à travers le sport, la culture et le storytelling d’impact. Au Bénin, cette dynamique s’est traduite par une série d’activations mêlant plaidoyer de haut niveau, engagement communautaire avec les Voix EssentiELLES et mobilisation de la jeunesse, notamment à travers un Media Day, un atelier de storytelling et un tournoi de basketball 3×3 en partenariat avec la I AM Foundation.

Cette approche, qui place les jeunes et les communautés au cœur de la réponse, a été portée par des figures emblématiques du sport, dont Khalilou Fadiga, Ancien international sénégalais et co-capitaine du Zéro Palu Football Club, qui a rappelé le rôle du sport comme levier de transformation sociale : « Le paludisme est une réalité que des millions de familles vivent au quotidien. En tant qu’ancien sportif, mais surtout en tant qu’africain, je suis persuadé que nous avons tous un rôle à jouer. À travers le sport et la mobilisation des jeunes, nous pouvons sensibiliser, engager et faire bouger les lignes. ».

Au niveau international, les partenaires ont également insisté sur l’urgence d’accélérer les efforts dans un contexte de pression croissante sur les financements et de risques de résurgence de la maladie. Comme l’a souligné Dr Michael Charles, CEO du Partenariat RBM pour en finir avec le paludisme : « Le Big Push contre le paludisme est un appel à accélérer l’action, renforcer la coordination et protéger les acquis. Le Bénin montre la voie avec un engagement politique fort et des résultats concrets. Nous devons maintenant amplifier ces efforts à l’échelle régionale pour maintenir l’élimination du paludisme au cœur des priorités de développement. ».

Au-delà de cette séquence nationale, les messages portés à Cotonou résonnent à l’échelle de l’ensemble de l’espace francophone. Dans un contexte marqué par un déficit croissant de financement mondial de la lutte contre le paludisme, la nécessité de renforcer la souveraineté sanitaire, de maintenir la solidarité internationale, d’impliquer pleinement le secteur privé, d’accélérer l’innovation et de placer les femmes, les jeunes et les communautés au cœur des stratégies apparaît plus urgente que jamais. Cette mobilisation s’inscrit également dans une perspective plus large, avec l’ambition de faire du Bénin un acteur moteur du plaidoyer francophone en faveur de l’adoption d’une résolution ambitieuse sur le paludisme lors du prochain Sommet de la Francophonie en novembre 2026.

Distribué par APO Group pour Speak Up Africa.

Media files

April 27, 2026

World Malaria Day: In Benin, the launch of a report on malaria in the Francophone world calls for increased mobilization for a malaria-free future

Source: APO

To mark World Malaria Day, observed on April 25 under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”, Benin hosted a series of high-level activities from April 24 to 26, bringing together policymakers, technical and financial partners, civil society, youth, researchers, athletes, and media around a shared objective: accelerating malaria elimination in Francophone Africa.

A key highlight of this mobilization was the official launch of the report “A Big Push Against Malaria in the Francophone World” by Benin’s Minister of Health, Professor Benjamin Hounkpatin. The report sheds light on a concerning reality: while Francophone countries represent only 13% of the global population at risk of malaria, they account for more than 42% of cases and 40% of deaths. It calls for strengthened collective action across key priorities, including domestic and international financing, innovation, private sector engagement, and whole-of-society mobilization.

Professor Hounkpatin emphasized the report’s importance in shaping public policy and international advocacy: “The report on malaria in the Francophone world highlights a reality we can no longer ignore: our region is on the front line. But it also shows that progress is possible when political leadership, financing, and collective mobilization come together. Benin remains committed to continuing its efforts and advancing this ambition at both regional and international levels.”

This ambition is already reflected in tangible results. In recent years, Benin has emerged as a model of leadership, having nearly quadrupled its national malaria budget between 2022 and 2025. This progress, driven by a multisectoral approach involving government, parliamentarians, civil society, and the private sector, has contributed to a significant reduction in the disease burden.

In this context, Speak Up Africa has played a key role in mobilizing stakeholders through its various initiatives, driving clear calls to action for malaria elimination. As highlighted by Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa: “Through this World Malaria Day, we aimed to transform a moment of awareness into a true catalyst for action. The report we are launching today is a clear call: we must act now, collectively, to save lives and finance a malaria-free future.”

The activities organized in Benin built on the momentum of the Speak Up Africa in Action platform, previously deployed during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. The initiative aims to engage broad audiences through sport, culture, and impactful storytelling. In Benin, this translated into a series of activations combining high-level advocacy, community engagement through Voix EssentiELLES, and youth mobilization, particularly through a Media Day, a storytelling workshop, and a 3X3 basketball tournament in partnership with the I AM Foundation.

This approach, which places youth and communities at the center of the response, was championed by prominent figures from the world of sport, including Khalilou Fadiga, former Senegal international and co-captain of Zero Malaria Football Club. He emphasized the role of sport as a powerful driver of social change: “Malaria is a reality that millions of families face every day. As a former athlete, and above all as an African, I believe we all have a role to play. Through sport and youth engagement, we can raise awareness, mobilize communities, and drive change.”

At the global level, partners also stressed the urgency of accelerating efforts amid increasing pressure on funding and the risk of resurgence. As noted by Dr. Michael Charles, CEO of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria: “The Big Push Against Malaria is a call to accelerate action, strengthen coordination, and protect hard-won gains. Benin is leading the way with strong political commitment and tangible results. We must now scale up these efforts regionally to keep malaria elimination at the forefront of development priorities.”

Beyond this national moment, the messages conveyed in Cotonou resonate across the entire Francophone space.

In a context marked by a growing global funding gap for malaria, the need to strengthen health sovereignty, maintain international solidarity, fully engage the private sector, accelerate innovation, and place women, youth, and communities at the center of strategies is more urgent than ever. This mobilization also feeds into a broader ambition: positioning Benin as a leading voice in Francophone advocacy for the adoption of an ambitious malaria resolution at the upcoming Francophonie Summit in November 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Speak Up Africa.

Media files

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April 27, 2026

South Africa commemorates Freedom Day

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa commemorates Freedom Day

Communities in and around Bloemfontein in the Free State have gathered at the Dr Rantlai Molemele Stadium in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality for the national Freedom Day celebrations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will give the keynote address at the stadium.

Similar celebrations are being held in all provinces throughout the country, led by the Premiers.

Freedom Day 2026 marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections held on 27 April 1994, and stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity.

Freedom Day 2026 is commemorated under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.

Freedom Month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the gains of democracy, honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and recommit to building a united, inclusive and just society.

It also serves as a platform to promote active citizenship, deepen understanding of constitutional rights and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among young people.

SAnews spoke to Seipate Moeti from Botshabelo, who reflected on the importance of this year’s Freedom Day celebrations.

“To me, celebrating Freedom Day means a lot. We fought for our freedom. Today South Africa is a free country. Unfortunately many paid a heavy price for our freedom.”

Moeti called on all South Africans to take part in Freedom Day celebrations in their provinces. “Celebrating our Freedom Day is something big to us.”

Echoing Moeti’s sentiments, Israel Molantoa said many lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.

“Today as South Africans, we are enjoying the benefits of our freedom,” Molantoa said.

This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising.

These milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie continues the Ministerial Outreach Programme in Bloemfontein investing in young talent, inclusion and community development through sport.

The Minister is expected to handover two multipurpose sport facilities to two schools in Bloemfontein prior to commencement of the Freedom Day celebration. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 04/27/2026 – 10:02

April 27, 2026

Keynote address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 2026 Freedom Day National Celebrations, Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Premier of the Free State, Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae,
Premiers, MECs and Executive Mayors,
Members of Parliament,
Members of the Judiciary,
Representatives of Chapter Nine Institutions,
Traditional, faith-based and community leaders,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished guests,
Fellow South Africans,

Dumelang. Goeie môre. Sanibonani. Molweni. Lotjhani. Ndi matsheloni. Good morning.

I greet you all on this Freedom Day.

Thirty-two years ago, on the 27th of April 1994, South Africa was born.

The morning of the 27 April 1994 did not begin like an ordinary day. It began with great anticipation, excitement and a determination by millions of South Africans to participate in the birth of a nation.

Before sunrise millions of our people stood in long lines – young and old, rural and urban, black and white. Many were exposed to heavy rain and burning sun but they waited with patience, pride and dignity to cast their votes for the very first time.

More than 20 million South Africans participated in an election that was peaceful, free and fair.

It was a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity.

It is an honour to mark this occasion here in Bloemfontein, where the flame of freedom was lit.

It was here in Mangaung that the African National Congress was born in 1912, bringing together for the first time people from across our country to stand against oppression and dispossession.

This is a province that suffered terribly the cruelty of colonialism and apartheid.

Here in Bloemfontein and in towns across the province, tens of thousands of Afrikaners and Africans were held in inhuman conditions in British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War.

Many thousands, mostly women and children, died. Their suffering stands as a shared, though unevenly remembered, chapter of South Africa’s past, one that calls for remembrance, honesty and humanity.

This is a province with a history of courageous resistance.

Women from the then Orange Free State were among the first to rise against the extension of pass laws in 1913, with protests breaking out in Jagersfontein, Winburg and Bloemfontein.

They were arrested and imprisoned and their families were left without caregivers. Instead of being broken, the women of the Orange Free State became more determined because they would not accept a system that denied them dignity and freedom.

This was the site of the Witsieshoek Peasants’ Revolt of 1950 against the apartheid government’s oppressive land control policies. This was one of the most significant acts of resistance in rural South Africa.

The revolt was about the livelihood of rural people regarding their cattle, wealth, security, identity and dignity that an oppressive government wanted to destroy.

The Witsieshoek Peasants’ Revolt demonstrated that the struggle for freedom was also fought in the valleys, in the fields and in the hearts of rural communities. It was fought by farmers in the rural areas, families and ordinary people who chose courage over silence.

It was the people of this province that took Mama Winnie Mandela into the hearts and gave her comfort when she was banished to Brandfort in 1977.

History is often told through great speeches and grand events. But sometimes, its most powerful chapters are written by ordinary people who choose humanity over fear.

When Mama Winnie Mandela was banished to Brandfort, the apartheid rulers thought they were isolating her and breaking her spirit and influence. The people of Brandfort here in the Free State did something remarkable: they did not let that voice fade. They carried it. They strengthened it. And they made it their own. They united in compassion and that became stronger than the system of a apartheid itself.

Last month we laid to rest a son of this province, the first Premier of the Free State and a stalwart of the liberation struggle, Mr Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota. He was a brave and principled leader who served this country with distinction.

On this Freedom Day, we honour his memory.

Today, we recall the words of our first democratic President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela at his inauguration, when he said:

“The time for the healing of wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us.”

On that first day of our freedom, as a nation, we entered into a social contract to build a society anchored in human dignity, equal rights and freedom for all.

Thirty years ago, the Constitution of the Republic, the legal foundation of that contract, was signed into law. That constitution became our birth certificate as a nation.

Our Constitution, which is widely regarded around the world as one of the most progressive, visionary and influential constitutions ever adopted, is a powerful promise about freedom and stands as our collective shield – protecting the freedom our people fought for.

Out of struggle came freedom; through our Constitution we have entrenched it as the unshakable foundation of our nation.

We have come far.

We stand here today not only as citizens of a democratic nation, but as custodians of a hard-won legacy of freedom. A legacy won in struggle. A legacy shaped by sacrifice, courage and an unbreakable belief in in freedom and justice.

There was a time in this country when freedom was not a right but a dream.

It was a time when voices were silenced, dignity was denied to millions who were excluded from the life of the country they called home. But our people refused to accept that fate.

They organised. They resisted. They endured. And they won their freedom.

And in that struggle, they made a simple but powerful declaration. The people of South Africa shall be free and that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.

When freedom came it was not a political transition. It was moral transformation. And at the centre of that transformation stands our constitution.

It is not just a legal document. It is a shield against injustice. A foundation for equality. A promise to every citizen that through it South Africa will never be governed by exclusion. Dignity will never be denied to the citizens of South Africa and freedom will never be reserved for a few.

Our freedom resulted and the right to speak and be heard. The right to move and belong. The right to vote and shape our future. The right to live with dignity. Our constitution ensured that freedom is not a slogan but a live reality.

In the 32 years of our democracy, we have built a progressive constitutional democracy, firmly anchored in the rule of law, with an independent judiciary that serves as a guardian of the rights of all.

We have expanded access to healthcare, housing, education, water and electricity on an unprecedented scale.

We have transformed our education system that was used to perpetuate oppression to ensure universal access to education by introducing no-fee schools to expand access to education to children from poor households. Our National School Nutrition Programme feeds more than nine million learners every single day.

Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, we have made tertiary education accessible to students from low-income households.

Last year, we recorded the highest matric pass rate in the history of South Africa.

Since the dawn of our democracy, we have steadily worked to expand access to quality health care for all. We have built clinics and hospitals, provided free health care to pregnant women and young children, reduced child mortality and increased life expectancy.

Now we are working together to establish the National Health Insurance – the NHI – so that every person in this country has equal access to quality health care regardless of their ability to pay.

We are making progress on land reform, restoring land to many of those dispossessed since the introduction of the 1913 Natives Land Act and continuing to support its productive use.

The Free State is one of the provinces that is leading the country in providing comprehensive agricultural support to emerging and aspiring farmers.

Over the last 32 years, we have used our broad-based black economic empowerment policies to expand the participation of black South Africans, women and persons with disability in the economy.

We have begun to redress the economic injustices of our past, expanding ownership, control and management of our economy beyond a privileged few.

The progress we have made is evident in improvements in the income and quality of life of African, coloured and Indian South Africans and the gradual reduction in inequality between races.

But this is not enough. There is much more that needs to be done.

That is why we are working to strengthen our broad-based black economic empowerment policies, to make them more effective and more efficient – to ensure that they actually deliver the fundamental changes that our economy needs.

Dignity means that people must be able to live free from fear and violence.

To give greater effect to our freedom, we have dedicated greater resources and effort to tackling organised crime, gangsterism, gender-based violence and other forms of violent crime.

We are reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system, rooting out corruption and building a police service and a prosecuting authority in which people can have trust and confidence.

We call on all South Africans to be part of this work, to build communities, homes, schools and workplaces that are safe and secure.

Today we take the opportunity to reflect, renew and reaffirm our commitment to the social contract we entered into 32 years ago.

This is a compact that demands active citizenship, democratic oversight and a State that delivers justice, services, opportunity and dignity in return for public trust.

This is a solemn agreement that must be renewed in every interaction between the state and the people to whom it is accountable, in every service delivered and in every life improved.

The Government of National Unity is determined to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.

This means we must address and overcome the many challenges facing South Africans today.

Failing water infrastructure, collapsing municipalities and deteriorating services are not mere inconveniences. They directly affect the quality of daily life. They constrain the growth of businesses and the creation of jobs.

Our resolve to strengthen local government provides an opportunity to transform municipalities, making them better run, more efficient and more responsive to the needs of our people.

This is important because the truest test of our democracy is whether freedom translates into material change in people’s lives.

Dignity starts with the most basic things: a roof over one’s head, clean running water, reliable electricity. Freedom is about the ability to go to a clinic when one is are sick, to have a school for one’s children, and being provided for in old age.

Advancing human dignity is the promise of our Constitution and the fundamental value from which all other human rights flow.

It is in pursuit of this fundamental value that we set out in the 2026 State of the Nation Address an ambitious economic agenda anchored in massive infrastructure investment, structural reforms and economic transformation.

We are removing obstacles to investment, making our economy more competitive and fixing key state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet.

We are working with all social partners to grow industries that create jobs, such as agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital industries.

It is to advance human dignity that we continue to act without fear or favour against those who undermine the promise of freedom.

Every rand stolen is an attack on our democracy.

Every project that is not completed is a betrayal of a community.

We will not rest until those who have hollowed out our institutions and diverted public resources for private gain are held to account.

No society can be free and equal while women and children continue to live in fear.

We must therefore do more to end gender-based violence.

When we held the Free State Men’s Indaba here in Bloemfontein last year, I said:

“South Africa does not need a so-called new generation of men. It needs the men and boys of this generation to do better, and to be better. We need men who are protectors of women, not perpetrators. Men of South Africa must stand up and be counted, and say: Not in our Name.”

That is the challenge that we, the men of South Africa, need to take up on this Freedom Day.

Fellow South Africans,

We did not walk alone into freedom.

We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others.

These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves.

The leaders and people of Africa kept our struggle alive.

It cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.

We are a people who live the value of ubuntu.

We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.

We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia, directed towards people from other African countries or other any parts of the world.

Instead, we must insist that the law be upheld and enforced.

That is why we are clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses that flout our laws by hiring undocumented persons at the expense of our citizens.

We are actively rooting out corruption in our immigration system.

We will not allow people to take the law into their own hands.

We extend hospitality to those who are guests in our country, with the expectation that generosity is honoured with respect for our society and its laws.

As a nation that defeated colonialism and apartheid through international solidarity, we carry a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond our borders.

We remain committed to multilateralism, respect for international law and principled diplomacy.

International law was born from the devastation of global conflict. It is a shield for all countries, regardless of their size or influence.

True multilateralism demands respect for diversity while remaining firm on core principles: sovereignty, human rights, accountability and peaceful coexistence.

This Freedom Day stands as a reminder that political liberation was never the final destination. It was the beginning of a longer journey towards economic freedom and social justice.

Let us continue to work together, sparing neither strength nor courage, to complete the unfinished task: the realisation of freedom that is grounded in justice, dignity and prosperity for all.

Our future will not be built by forgetting where we come from, but by acting with courage on what we have learned – united by one Constitution, bound by a collective responsibility to each other, and in pursuit of a shared destiny.

The Freedom were celebrating today belongs to all of us.

It does not belong to one party. It does not belong to one generation.

It belongs to the people of South Africa – past, present and future.

Let us protect it. Let us uphold it. Let us live by it.

And so, as we reflect on how far we have come, and as we look to the future we must still build, let us remember this:

The freedom we enjoy today was not handed to us – it was fought for by our people and secured forever by our Constitution.

Let us be worthy of that freedom.

Let us deepen it. Let us defend it. And let us ensure that it is felt by every South African, every day.

May God bless South Africa.
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso.
God seën Suid-Afrika.
Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika.
Hosi katekisa Afrika.

Kea leboga.

I thank you.

April 27, 2026

Uganda: Parliament passes Shs84.3 trillion 2026/27 Budget

Source: APO – Report:

Parliament has passed a Shs84.3 trillion national budget for the 2026/2027 financial year following the adoption of the Appropriation Bill and the report of the Budget Committee that details how the funds will be raised and spent amid growing fiscal pressure from debt and statutory obligations.

The budget was approved during the sitting of the House chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Friday, 24 April 2026.

Finance State Minister, Hon. Henry Musasizi told Parliament that the budget will be financed through domestic revenue of Shs44.18 trillion, representing more than half of the total budget.
Other sources include domestic borrowing of Shs11.97 trillion, external project support of Shs11.27 trillion, domestic refinancing of Shs13.97 trillion, petroleum revenues of Shs1.44 trillion, budget support grants of Shs1.22 trillion and local government revenues of Shs339 billion.

Of the approved expenditure, Shs47.16 trillion has been allocated as discretionary spending while Shs37.23 trillion is classified as statutory expenditure covering debt servicing, wages, pensions and other legally mandated obligations.

Presenting the Budget Committee report, the Deputy Chairperson, Hon. Remigio Achia noted that a significant share of the budget is absorbed before reaching service delivery sectors, largely due to debt obligations.

Debt servicing alone is projected to consume about Shs33.4 trillion nearly 40 per cent of the total budget.
Interest payments are estimated at Shs12.4 trillion driven mainly by domestic borrowing, while principal repayments push total debt servicing above Shs33 trillion, making it the single largest expenditure item.

Achia said the budget is anchored on boosting production, industrialisation, and household incomes across key sectors.

Agro-industrialisation has been allocated Shs2.2 trillion for agricultural research, inputs, irrigation, extension services, agro-processing and market access.
Tourism development receives Shs571.5 billion for infrastructure at tourism sites and global promotion.

Mineral-based industrial development including oil and gas is allocated Shs435.5 billion for mineral exploration, the national mining company, mineral markets, and ongoing petroleum infrastructure projects.

Science, technology and innovation including ICT and the creative industry, is allocated Shs1.1 trillion to support innovation, digitisation of government services, internet expansion and business process outsourcing.

Shs2.5 trillion has been allocated to wealth creation programmes under the Parish Development Model, Emyooga and youth initiatives, while the security sector receives Shs10.2 trillion to maintain peace and stability.

Human capital development takes the largest share at Shs13.5 trillion including a phased 25 per cent salary enhancement for teachers and Shs496.3 billion for preparations for AFCON 2027.

Infrastructure development is allocated Shs10.8 trillion for roads, railways, water, electricity and transport systems.
Manufacturing receives Shs1.04 trillion, while environmental protection is allocated Shs514 billion.
Other allocations include Shs651.5 billion for administration of justice and Shs1.2 trillion for legislation and oversight.

Additional funding has also been provided for priority gaps, including Shs664.3 billion for road completion works, Shs45 billion for rural electrification, Shs100 billion for medicines and health supplies, Shs20 billion for export promotion, Shs100 billion for cattle compensation in Northern Uganda, Shs20 billion for ambulances and Shs10 billion for maintenance.

In a minority report, Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ssemujju Nganda strongly opposed the late changes, accusing government of undermining the Public Finance Management Act by introducing what he termed as last-minute “trafficking” of budget figures.

Ssemujju Nganda said the corrigenda, introduced just 48 hours before the deadline, increased the budget by Shs997 billion and reallocated Shs862 billion without supporting procurement or recruitment plans.
“This money is susceptible to abuse,” Ssemujju warned adding that the late movements were deliberately designed to shift funds into areas with easier access.

He argued that four expenditure items alone consume about 70 per cent of the budget; debt servicing at Shs33.6 trillion , wages and salaries at Shs14.1 trillion, administrative expenses at Shs8.2 trillion and classified expenditure at Shs2.6 trillion.

Ssemujju Nganda also questioned Uganda’s reparations to the Democratic Republic of Congo amounting to Shs260.4 billion.

During debate, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (JEEMA, Bugiri Municipality) called for support for sickle cell disease in the budget noting that the prevalence is high in Uganda and yet no support was provided in the budget.

Speaker Among asked government officials to desist from borrowing money and then doing a feasibility study later.

The Minister for Information, Communication and Technology and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi defended borrowing stating that everywhere in the world people borrow, and that Uganda is paying back and using it well.

Kassanda County North MP, Hon. Patrick Nsamba Oshabe proposed that several allocated funds could be rechannelled for example from Atiak Sugar works to health workers and education.

Hon. Edson Rugumayo, the Youth Representative Western Region said Ugandans are interested in deliverables and thereby indicating in the budgets which roads will be constructed and how it will impact them is crucial.

Buhanguzi East Representative, Hon. Stephen Aeera (expressed disappointment that Shs100 billion had been proposed for Bunyoro University but it was reduced to Shs87 billion later to Shs12.5 billion.

The Minister of State for Education (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang said government will work to ensure that the university is built based on the pledge made by the President.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi stated that government has been allocating funds for the International Specialised Hospital Lubowa and yet there is no progress.
“Why do you keep coming back for money here? We should stop playing around with money, because nearly Shs1 trillion has been spent,” he said.

The Minister of State for Primary Health Care, Hon. Margaret Muhanga said the hospital is at 75 per cent completion, but pledged to provide a comprehensive statement on the status of the hospital in less than two weeks.

Speaker Anita Among stated that government has decided not to pay money directly to ROKO Construction but to the supplier. She said ROKO’s work hard completely slowed.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

April 27, 2026

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Holds Phone Call with Saudi Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 26, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a phone call with HH Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud.

During the call, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance it, and discussed regional developments, particularly those related to the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as well as efforts aimed at de-escalation to support security and stability in the region.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of all parties responding to ongoing mediation efforts, in a way that would help address the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, and lead to a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation.

April 27, 2026

Studia Inc renforce son développement en Afrique et conclut un partenariat stratégique avec D.IA Advisory pour accélérer le déploiement local de ses solutions d’état civil

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Forte de la numérisation de près de 10 millions d’actes d’état civil à Madagascar, Studia Inc (https://STD-Inc.mg) dispose aujourd’hui d’une capacité opérationnelle éprouvée pour traiter, structurer et fiabiliser des volumes massifs de données critiques, constituant le socle indispensable à toute stratégie d’identité numérique. La modernisation de l’état civil s’impose comme une priorité pour les États. Dans ce contexte, Studia Inc se distingue par la maîtrise complète de son cœur de métier : la digitalisation industrielle des registres d’état civil, y compris dans des environnements complexes caractérisés par des archives dégradées, dispersées ou difficilement exploitables.

Les chiffres sont sans appel : selon le rapport The Right Start in Life de l’UNICEF (décembre 2024), seulement 51 % des enfants de moins de 5 ans sont enregistrés en Afrique subsaharienne — une région qui concentre à elle seule la moitié des 90 millions d’enfants sans identité légale dans le monde. La situation est encore plus critique en Afrique de l’Est et Centrale, où ce taux tombe à 41 %. Sans accélération significative, le continent pourrait compter plus de 100 millions d’enfants non enregistrés d’ici 2030. Ces individus demeurent invisibles aux yeux de l’État, sans accès aux droits fondamentaux ni aux services publics.

Une expertise technologique au service de la fiabilite des donnees

Studia Inc, entreprise spécialisée dans la numérisation et l’indexation de données à forte volumétrie, s’affirme comme un acteur de référence dans ce domaine. Dans le cadre du programme national à Madagascar, l’entreprise a conduit l’inventaire, la numérisation et l’indexation de près de 10 millions d’actes d’état civil, mobilisant 500 personnes sur 7 mois — soit 70 000 jours/hommes — pour couvrir 1 695 communes à travers 11 régions prioritaires, jusqu’aux zones les plus isolées du territoire, grâce à des unités mobiles autonomes équipées en connectivité satellite et énergie solaire.

L’approche de Studia Inc repose sur l’intégration de l’intelligence artificielle au cœur des processus de digitalisation.

Ses modèles d’OCR spécialisés permettent l’extraction automatisée de données manuscrites complexes et la segmentation intelligente des registres en actes exploitables. Cette capacité à transformer des archives physiques en données structurées constitue un levier déterminant pour les États. Un dispositif de double saisie aveugle, combinant traitement algorithmique et validation humaine indépendante, garantit un niveau de fiabilité élevé, conforme aux exigences des systèmes d’identité nationaux.

Un partenariat structuré autour de la complémentarité des expertises

Le partenariat avec D.IA Advisory, entreprise de services numériques basée au Sénégal, repose sur une répartition claire des rôles.

Studia Inc conserve la pleine responsabilité des opérations de digitalisation et d’indexation des registres d’état civil, cœur de son expertise métier.

D.IA Advisory intervient en appui sur les dimensions d’intégration locale et de déploiement, notamment pour :

l’intégration des données dans les systèmes d’information existants
l’interopérabilité avec les plateformes nationales
l’adaptation aux cadres réglementaires et aux exigences de souveraineté
l’accompagnement des institutions

Cette organisation permet d’assurer à la fois un haut niveau d’expertise technique et une exécution efficace au plus près des réalités locales.

« Notre expertise repose sur la maîtrise de la digitalisation à grande échelle des registres d’état civil, avec un niveau d’exigence élevé en matière de qualité et de fiabilité des données. Ce partenariat avec D.IA Advisory nous permet de renforcer notre capacité à déployer nos solutions dans des environnements locaux variés. » JEAN-CLAUDE FIORAVANTI — DIRECTEUR GÉNÉRAL, STUDIA INC

« Notre rôle est de garantir une intégration fluide et durable des solutions dans les systèmes existants, en tenant compte des spécificités institutionnelles et réglementaires locales. » ABDOULAYE DIA — FONDATEUR, D.IA ADVISORY

En combinant expertise métier, capacité opérationnelle et ancrage local, ce partenariat vise à accompagner concrètement les gouvernements africains dans la modernisation de leurs registres d’état civil, tout en contribuant au développement d’infrastructures d’identité numérique fiables, inclusives et durables.

À l’occasion du Sommet ID4Africa 2026 (12–15 mai 2026, Parc des Expositions d’Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire), les deux partenaires présenteront leur vision commune et les solutions développées à destination des États et institutions du continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour Studia Inc..

CONTACTS PRESSE :
JEAN-CLAUDE FIORAVANTI
Directeur Général — Studia Inc
jean-claude.fioravanti@studia.fr
+261 38 49 138 00 (WhatsApp)

ABDOULAYE DIA
D.IA Advisory
adia@dia-advisory.com
+33 7 82 35 31 30
+221 78 961 80 95

À propos de Studia Inc :
Studia Inc est spécialisée dans la numérisation, l’indexation et la valorisation de données complexes et volumineuses. Elle accompagne les institutions publiques et privées dans leurs projets de transformation digitale, notamment dans le domaine de l’état civil, en proposant des solutions innovantes, sécurisées et adaptées aux enjeux de souveraineté des données. www.Studia.fr

À propos de D.IA Advisory :
D.IA Advisory est une ESN sénégalaise spécialisée dans le conseil stratégique et le déploiement de solutions numériques en Afrique. Elle accompagne les organisations publiques et privées dans la conception et la mise en œuvre de projets technologiques à fort impact social et institutionnel. www.DIA-Advisory.com

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