MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO

The in-person gathering of DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum (DCMI), co‑located with the DRC‑Africa Battery Metals Forum, has been postponed but will continue as an exclusive, high-impact digital webinar series.

The event was meant to take place in Kinshasa from 7 to 8 October. VUKA Group, the organisers of the event said a strategic decision was made “following consultation with our partners, industry stakeholders and advisory board members to ensure our agenda directly reflects the latest government priorities, project pipelines and investment structures.” The in-person Forum will return in 2027.

Critical mineral beneficiation
Samukelo Madlabane, VUKA Group’s Events Director – Mining: “The DRC government is currently updating and operationalising its $58 billion Master Plan for Industrialisation (Plan Directeur d’Industrialisation, PDI) originally launched in 2021. Rather than overhauling the base plan, the DRC Government is rolling out targeted, updated strategy frameworks to accelerate in-country critical mineral beneficiation, special economic zones and industrial corridors.”

“Therefore,” he explains: “to align directly with these updated national policy frameworks and allow the revised PDI implementation roadmaps to mature, we are extending our timeline and hosting the Forum in 2027.”

“Building on the momentum generated by DRC Mining Week,” Madlabane continues, “the Forum was conceived as a dedicated platform to accelerate the DRC’s transition from raw mineral extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and industrial development. The Forum’s core mission remains uniting government, investors, mining companies, refiners, manufacturers, infrastructure providers, investors and development partners to build localised value chains and ensure that the DRC uses its critical minerals as drivers for industrialisation.” 

He adds: “As part of our ongoing commitment to bringing the industry together, the Forum will now be delivered as a curated series of specialised digital sessions designed to keep critical discussions moving forward. Attendees can expect the same high-level panel discussions, regulatory updates, and industrialisation insights originally planned for the live event, now accessible through an engaging virtual platform that enables greater participation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across the sector.”

Digital webinar series
The launch date of digital webinar series will be announced soon, and it will run until 2027, providing convenient access to the insights, market intelligence and strategic discussions planned for the live event.

The series will cover topics ranging from beneficiation and industrialisation to investment, energy, ESG and the Lobito Corridor, helping participants stay informed on the trends, opportunities and developments shaping the critical minerals sector. The sessions will also feature advisory board members, industry leaders and strategic partners, providing valuable perspectives and connections ahead of the 2027 Forum. 

All registrations, sponsorships and expressions of interest will transfer to the 2027 edition, ensuring that all stakeholders’ investments and engagement with the Forum continue uninterrupted. 

DRC’s transition
DCMI unites government, industry and investors to accelerate the country’s transition from raw‑material extraction to high‑value manufacturing, underscoring the nation’s opportunity to convert mineral wealth into infrastructure, jobs and sustainable economic growth.

The DRC’s Ministries of Mines and of Industry and Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC) are official partners of the event. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media enquiries:
Gloria Mariane
Email: gloria.mariane@wearevuka.com  

Social media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4yQze1y
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About VUKA Group:
The DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum and DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum are organised by VUKA Group (https://WeAreVuka.com/) (formerly Clarion Events Africa), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/3S53l4X), Nigeria Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/44X6qqM), Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4x5ihyO), Africa’s Green Economy Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4yMky3w), Carbon Markets Africa Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4yJEDHL), Smarter Mobility Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4g3jjph), ECOM (https://apo-opa.co/4vTPtbz)Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4vTPtbz) and CEM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/45hSnMF).

Mining Review Africa (https://apo-opa.co/44TLEbs), the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event’s premium media partner.

Website: https://apo-opa.co/4yQzi1i

Source: APO

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) (https://AfricaCDC.org/), in collaboration with the African Union Commission, Member States and development partners, has convened a three-day Regional Validation Workshop in Cotonou, Benin, to strengthen continental action on sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH).

The workshop brings together senior government officials, technical experts and development partners from West, Central and North Africa to validate findings from the first continental assessment of policies, financing frameworks, governance, service delivery and accountability for sexual and reproductive health. The validated findings will inform a landmark continental report designed to guide evidence-informed policymaking, strengthen accountability and accelerate progress towards ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths across Africa.

The meeting advances Africa CDC’s Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda (AHSS) while supporting the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health initiative, led by H.E. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Champion’s initiative places maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health at the centre of Africa’s broader health security, resilience and sustainable development agenda.

Delivering opening remarks on behalf of H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, Dr. Alinon Kokou, the Western Africa RCC Regional Director, emphasized that strengthening reproductive, maternal and child health is fundamental to achieving Africa’s health sovereignty.

“The future of Africa’s health must be driven by African priorities, African leadership and African institutions. This workshop is not simply about validating a report, it is about ensuring that evidence translates into action, investment and measurable improvements in the lives of women, children and adolescents across our continent.”

Dr Kokou called on Member States and partners to use the workshop as a platform for stronger implementation, domestic ownership and mutual accountability.

Representing the African Union Champion, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, Head of Secretariat and Advisor to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, reaffirmed the Champion’s commitment to accelerating maternal and child survival across the continent.

He noted that the Champion’s Roadmap aligns with Agenda 2063, the Africa Health Strategy, and the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, while advancing three Zeros continental ambitions:

• Zero preventable maternal deaths
• Zero preventable newborn deaths
• Zero unvaccinated children

“The challenge before us is no longer identifying solutions. Africa knows what works. Our responsibility now is to implement those solutions at scale, strengthen accountability and ensure sustainable financing.”

Providing the technical context for the workshop, Dr Diana Nambatya Nsubuga, Head of the Division of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health at Africa CDC, highlighted the changing health financing landscape facing the continent.

She noted that declining external assistance, increasing debt burdens, climate-related shocks and continued dependence on imported health commodities require African countries to strengthen domestic investment and leadership in health.

“The transformation we seek requires moving from dependency to ownership, from vulnerability to resilience, and from aspiration to implementation.”

Dr Nsubuga outlined five strategic priorities underpinning Africa CDC’s approach:

• Strengthening primary health care;
• Increasing predictable domestic financing;
• Accelerating digital transformation;
• Expanding local manufacturing of medicines, vaccines and diagnostics; and
• Strengthening African leadership within the global health architecture.

She further announced that 53 of the 55 African Union Member States have participated in the continental assessment, representing one of the most comprehensive evidence-generation efforts ever undertaken on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in Africa. Africa CDC continues to engage the remaining Member States to achieve full continental representation.

The assessment will culminate in the publication of Africa’s first comprehensive continental report examining the policy, financing and health system determinants of maternal, newborn and child health outcomes. The report will provide Member States with evidence to strengthen national policies, improve resource allocation and monitor progress towards continental commitments.

Officially opening the workshop on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Enagnon Pétas AKOGBETO, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Health, welcomed delegates and reaffirmed Benin’s commitment to strengthening reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health through national leadership, policy reform and sustained investment.

“We have recognized that fragmented health systems, the lack of sustainable financing mechanisms and insufficient coordination continue to hinder progress. We must think together and develop structural actions that deliver lasting results,” said Mr. AKOGBETO.

Representatives from the African Union Commission, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, WAHO, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, and other partners commended Africa CDC for leading a continent-wide evidence-generation process that will strengthen national decision-making and improve accountability.

Throughout the three-day workshop, participants will review country findings, validate evidence, identify policy and financing gaps, exchange best practices and agree on priority actions to strengthen the implementation of high-impact interventions across Member States.

The validated continental assessment will serve as a key evidence base for policy dialogue, domestic resource mobilization and regional collaboration, while advancing the African Union Champion’s agenda and Africa CDC’s vision of a healthier, more resilient and self-reliant Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Source: APO

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Stakeholders implementing Ghana’s Pandemic Fund Project met in Accra for the first Annual Review Meeting to assess progress made over the past year, discuss implementation challenges, share lessons learned, and agree on priority actions for the year ahead.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and other implementing partners working under the One Health approach to strengthen Ghana’s pandemic preparedness and response systems.

Participants reviewed implementation progress across the project’s three key technical areas—strengthening laboratory systems, enhancing disease surveillance and early warning systems, and building a skilled health workforce. Discussions highlighted achievements made over the past year, identified implementation bottlenecks, and explored practical solutions to improve coordination and accelerate the delivery of planned activities. Over the past year, some key achievements under the Pandemic Fund in Ghana included … development of training materials for emergency preparedness and response capacity in one health context, strengthening the laboratory systems to improve the accuracy of diagnostic services for better patient outcomes and equipping over 200 animal and human health officers with skills and tools for enhanced surveillance, early detection and public health management of pandemic emergencies. 

The meeting also provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss cross-cutting issues critical to the project’s success, including multisectoral collaboration, civil society engagement, gender considerations, and progress towards strengthening Ghana’s health security capacities through internationally recognized assessment frameworks, including the Joint External Evaluation (JEE), State Party Self-Assessment Annual Reporting (SPAR), and the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) assessment.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service noted that the review offered an important opportunity for partners to reflect on progress and strengthen implementation going forward.

“This review has given us the opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved over the past year, identify where improvements are needed, and collectively chart the way forward”, she said.

The meeting also included a discussion on the upcoming Pandemic Fund Annual Report,  highlighting the importance of documenting tangible results of the activities implemented so far, lessons learned and how challenges were addressed. Participants agreed on priority actions to guide implementation during the second year, with a strong emphasis on improving coordination, strengthening accountability, and maximizing the impact of project investments.

Representing the World Health Organization, Dr. Sally-Ann Ohene commended the progress made by the implementing institutions and emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum.

“The progress made during the first year demonstrates what can be achieved when government institutions and partners work together under the One Health approach. As we move into the second year, our focus should be on accelerating implementation, strengthening coordination, and ensuring that these investments translate into stronger systems capable of preventing, detecting, and responding to public health threats”, she said.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all partners to sustain collaboration and ensure the successful implementation of the Pandemic Fund Project as Ghana continues to strengthen its capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to future public health emergencies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Source: APO

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Uganda is experiencing a growing climate of fear as increasing restrictions on fundamental freedoms leave opposition supporters, journalists, human rights defenders and civil society groups at heightened risk of abuse, according to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR).

Since the country’s general election in January, reports of enforced disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrests and other human rights violations have increased against people perceived to oppose the Government.

According to OHCHR, at least 50 opposition leaders and supporters, five human rights defenders and five journalists have reportedly been subjected to abuses in recent months.

The UN also said authorities have relied on legal provisions that do not comply with international human rights law to detain critics, further contributing to an atmosphere of intimidation and fear.

Civil society under pressure

The crackdown has also extended to civil society. Ten leading organisations have been suspended this year, while others have faced heightened scrutiny and harassment, further shrinking civic space and limiting independent voices.

“The actions of the authorities are creating a climate of fear that is increasing self-censorship, further stifling public debate and deepening polarization,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

His office warned that increasing military involvement in civilian institutions, combined with restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, is eroding the rule of law and encouraging widespread self-censorship. 

As civic space continues to shrink, many people are becoming increasingly reluctant to speak out for fear of reprisals.

Call for action

“I call on the Government to abide by its obligations under international human rights law, the African Charter and the Ugandan Constitution to ensure a vibrant civil society where everyone can freely express their views and participate in public affairs” Mr. Türk added.

The UN also called on the authorities to address the country’s broader economic and social challenges through a human rights-based approach that promotes inclusion, accountability and equal opportunities for all Ugandans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday denounced the crackdown on dissent in Uganda, alongside a gradual erosion of the rule of law, increased military involvement in civilian institutions, and shrinking civic space – all of which are creating a climate of fear throughout the country.

“I am appalled that the authorities are increasingly targeting any form of dissent, and deepening restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of all those living in Uganda,” said Türk. “Those who dare to speak out are silenced.”

Since the general elections on 15 January 2026, repression has increased against all those perceived to oppose the Government. According to information received by the UN Human Rights Office, since the elections, at least 50 opposition leaders and supporters, five human rights defenders and five journalists have been subjected to human rights violations. These include instances of enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, and arbitrary arrest or detention based on legal provisions which do not comply with international human rights law.

In addition, 10 leading civil society organisations have been suspended since January 2026, while others have been closely scrutinised and, at times, subjected to harassment.

The Office has also received information about increased military involvement in functions ordinarily carried out by civilian institutions. Some media outlets have been forced to close temporarily.

In May 2026, the Protection of Sovereignty Act was enacted, imposing extensive restrictions on international funding and foreign engagement with civil society organisations. The legislation includes severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to 10 years for violations.

“The actions of the authorities are creating a climate of fear that is increasing self-censorship, further stifling public debate and deepening polarisation,” said Türk.

“I call on the Government to abide by its obligations under international human rights law, the African Charter and the Ugandan Constitution to ensure a vibrant civil society where everyone can freely express their views and participate in public affairs,” he added.

The UN Human Rights Chief urged the Government to uphold the separation of powers and the rule of law, including by preventing military interference in civil institutions.

He also encouraged the leveraging of economic opportunities from the country’s resources and renewed international financial support to tackle structural issues and create a human rights-centred economy that upholds the fundamental rights of the Ugandan people.

The High Commissioner emphasised that his Office remains committed to supporting Uganda in preserving and reinvigorating respect for human rights.

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

Source: APO

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• The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the seventh review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw the equivalent of about $1.8 billion.
• Egypt’s economy has remained resilient to spillovers from the war in the Middle East, supported by the authorities’ timely and decisive policy response, including exchange rate flexibility, fuel price adjustments, and measures to contain budget spending.
• An appropriately tight monetary policy, continued fiscal discipline, and decisive implementation of the state ownership policy and divestment agenda will be essential to preserve macroeconomic stability and strengthen resilience.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the seventh review under the 48-month Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement for the Arab Republic of Egypt. Completion of the reviews allows the authorities to immediately draw the equivalent of SDR 1.11 billion (about US$1.5 billion) under the EFF and SDR 200 million (about US$272 million) under the RSF, bringing total purchases and disbursements under the two arrangements to about SDR 5.4 billion (about US$7.3 billion).

Egypt has faced the implications of the war in the Middle East in a stronger macroeconomic position than during previous episodes of external stress, with robust growth, inflation on a downward trend and rising gross international reserves. The economic impact of the war in the Middle East on the Egyptian economy has remained relatively contained, reflecting the authorities’ timely and decisive policy actions, including exchange rate flexibility, energy price adjustments, and measures to contain budget spending.

Economic activity has continued to recover, with real GDP growth reaching 5 percent in the third quarter of FY2025/26, bringing growth over the first nine months of the fiscal year to 5.2 percent. This performance is expected to help keep growth in FY 2025/26 at about 4.6 percent, only 0.1 percentage points lower than at the time of the 5 th and 6 th Reviews.

Headline inflation declined steadily until March 2026, when it increased to 15.2 percent—about 1.4 percentage points above staff expectations—mainly due to exchange rate depreciation and higher energy prices. Headline inflation subsequently eased to 14.3 percent in June, while core inflation rose to 14.3 percent, with IMF estimates indicating seasonally adjusted month-on-month core inflation remaining elevated at 1.5 percent.

The current account came under pressure in March following higher oil and gas prices. However, record remittance inflows, robust tourism receipts and a gradual recovery in Suez Canal revenues helped contain the impact, with the current account deficit estimated at 4.5 percent of GDP in FY 2025/26. Oil hedging contracts and long-term gas supply agreements further cushioned the impact of higher energy prices. Gross international reserves remained strong, reaching 119 percent of the ARA metric by end-June, including through recent purchases by the central bank amid renewed inflows.

Fiscal performance has remained strong. By end-March 2026, both the primary balance and tax revenue targets had been exceeded, reflecting strong revenue mobilization and expenditure containment efforts. At the same time, the authorities have made progress in reducing GFNs, which declined by 5 percent of GDP in FY2025/26. The tax-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise by 1.2 percentage points in FY 2025/26, while continued revenue mobilization is expected to increase the primary surplus from 4.8 percent of GDP in FY2025/26 to 5 percent of GDP in FY2026/27.

Progress on structural reforms has been uneven. The recently adopted State Ownership Policy (SOP) remains an important step towards strengthening the state ownership framework. The authorities have also taken steps to improve the business environment and enhance competition, including by streamlining customs clearance and tax administration procedures. However, efforts to reduce the state’s role in the economy and create greater space for private sector investment, including through the divestment program, have progressed more slowly than anticipated and need to be accelerated. The authorities have recently finalized the Gabal El Zeit deal, alongside MoF sales of shares in selected publicly traded companies, bringing divestment proceeds to around $520 million.

Heightened uncertainty continues to weigh on the near-term outlook. The lagged effects of the war—including weaker investment, higher input costs, and persistent uncertainty—are projected to moderate growth to 4.4 percent in FY2026/27. Inflation is expected to rise to 16.7 percent in the second half of 2026, reflecting higher energy prices, exchange rate depreciation, and unfavorable base effects, with convergence to the CBE’s inflation target range delayed by about one year. The current account deficit is projected to narrow, driven by an improving trade balance as oil prices normalize, together with a larger services surplus and strong remittance inflows. Gross international reserves are expected to remain broadly in line with previous projections and well above 100 percent of the ARA metric.

Substantial downside risks remain. A renewed escalation of regional tensions could weigh on growth, raise global inflationary pressures, tighten financial conditions, and put additional pressure on the fiscal and external positions. Domestic risks include difficulties in sustaining tight policies amid rising social pressures, elevated rollover and refinancing needs, and slower-than-expected progress in reducing the state’s role in the economy. On the upside, a renewal of the US-Iran ceasefire agreement may help lower energy prices and improve investor sentiment. A recovery in Suez canal activity and accelerated implementation of structural reforms could also help boost growth and foster private sector development.

Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

“Egypt entered the period of the war in the Middle East from a solid macroeconomic position, reflecting substantial progress in restoring stability and rebuilding buffers under the Fund-supported program. A timely and proactive coordinated policy response—including exchange rate flexibility, energy price adjustments, and targeted support—helped contain the impact of the shock.

“However, important vulnerabilities remain, reflecting elevated public debt, large gross financing needs, and a sizable state footprint. Continued fiscal discipline and accelerating structural reforms, notably decisive implementation of the State-Ownership Policy and divestment agenda, will be essential to preserve macroeconomic stability and strengthen resilience.

“An appropriately tight monetary stance, supported by clear communication, is important to anchor expectations, return inflation to target, and reinforce the credibility of the inflation-targeting framework. Maintaining exchange rate flexibility while continuing to build reserves remains important to absorb shocks and strengthen buffers.

“The authorities’ commitment to prudent fiscal discipline is welcome. Continued fiscal consolidation and stronger revenue mobilization—including through a broader tax base—remain essential to strengthen debt sustainability and rebuild fiscal buffers. The announced resumption of the automatic fuel pricing mechanism is important to reduce untargeted energy subsidies and advance toward energy cost recovery. Strengthening public financial management and mitigating fiscal risks, including those arising from SOEs and EGPC, remain critical.

“Sustained primary surpluses, voluntary liability management operations, and maturity extension remain key to reducing gross financing needs and rollover risks. Priorities include continuing to reduce reliance on short-term and non-market financing, limiting the use of one-off measures, broadening the investor base, mobilizing concessional financing, and strengthening debt management.

“Continued vigilance is needed to safeguard financial stability. The banking sector remains sound, and stronger contingency planning would enhance resilience to downside risks. The completion of governance diagnostics of state-owned banks is welcome, and timely implementation of corrective actions should strengthen risk management.

“Progress on structural reforms has been uneven. More decisive implementation of structural reforms is needed to support private sector-led growth and strengthen resilience. Accelerating divestment, implementing the State Ownership Policy, and strengthening SOE governance will be critical to reducing the state’s footprint and improving competitive neutrality. Continued reforms to the business climate, trade facilitation, and competition policy will help attract investment and boost productivity, while sustained progress on macro-critical climate reforms will further strengthen resilience and support sustainable long-term growth.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO

The Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth has described Uganda’s open and transparent response to health crises like HIV/AIDS and Ebola as a patriotic necessity aimed at protecting the international community.

The Speaker made these remarks while meeting the Chairperson of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health, Dr Beccy Cooper who paid a courtesy call on him on Thursday, 30 July 2026.

Oboth said that the government intentionally chose to speak about its medical challenges even when it had the right to keep silent to protect its economic interests. 

He added that this was done to develop effective management strategies and safeguard the world from the spread of infectious diseases.

“It was not about economics, it was about health,” the Speaker emphasized adding that, Uganda’s proactive stance helped the nation develop the necessary strategies to handle significant medical challenges.

Dr. Cooper expressed the UK government’s gratitude, describing Uganda’s achievements in the health sector as outstanding.

She remarked that because infectious diseases do not respect international borders, the United Kingdom directly benefits from Uganda’s leadership and health initiatives within the region.

The Minister of State for Health in Charge of Primary Health Care, Hon. Charles Ayume thanked the UK government for its continued support in training and capacity building for health workers, particularly during the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

More than one in five pregnant and breastfeeding women screened by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in the eastern Chadian border town of Adré during the first six months of 2026 were acutely malnourished. Three-quarters of them belonged to host communities excluded from local food distributions, due to rigid aid rules which limit access strictly to registered refugees amid critical funding shortfalls.

MSF is calling on international donors to fund Chad’s 2026 response plans and to explicitly include host communities in food and nutrition assistance. Amid crippling funding cuts, MSF stresses that Chadian authorities and UNHCR, the UN’s refugee agency, must guarantee that food, water, and health services meet emergency standards for both refugees and host communities before proceeding with any further relocations to Metché and Arkoum.

Since the war in Sudan began, more than 930,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into Chad, over 80 per cent of them women and children; more than 700,000 have crossed through Adré alone. Since April 2023, UNHCR and Chadian authorities have relocated 646,216 people from border transit sites inland, with 45,321 of those occurring since January 2026 under the accelerated programme. 

“Having survived months of relentless violence, refugees arrive in Adré physically shattered, malnourished and deeply traumatised, only to be met with a brutal new reality, finding themselves in areas where host communities are already living in poverty and humanitarian actors remain scarce,” says Léa Ledru, MSF Project Coordinator in Adré. “Relocation does not resolve this: it simply moves the refugee population from one under-resourced host community’s doorstep to another’s.”

Between January and June 2026, MSF screened 5,785 lactating and pregnant women in Adré; 1,225, or 21.2%, were moderately or severely malnourished (GAM), significantly above the 15% emergency threshold that defines a critical humanitarian crisis. This includes 937 women (16.2%) with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and 288 (5%) with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), drastically elevating risks of miscarriage, obstetric haemorrhage, and premature birth. 

No organisation provides structured treatment for malnourished women; responses are limited to sporadic distributions of fortified flour blends whenever supplies are available. Meanwhile, child malnutrition admissions at the MSF-supported Adré health centre rose 30% between January and April 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

Financial constraints triggered stockouts of World Food Programme (WFP) supplies for treating MAM in May and June, disrupting care for moderately malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women. Stock delivered at the end of June is projected to run out in September, with no clarity on further donations.

Pipelines to treat acute malnutrition also remain severely strained; only two-thirds of annual therapeutic food needs are covered, forcing humanitarian organisations to ration treatment to 10 packets per child weekly, instead of 14. While this stretches stock into early 2027, full clinical doses of therapeutic food would exhaust supplies by November 2026. Meanwhile, host communities remain excluded from general food distributions in Adré, even as soaring local markets push basic essentials out of reach. For example, the cost of a 20-litre container of cooking oil has skyrocketed from 12,000 CFA francs (US$21) to 20,000 CFA francs ($35).

The funding gap is not abstract: chronic underfunding has forced WFP to prioritise, covering food assistance in Adré and Metché since January 2026 through bi-monthly cash transfers portioned to last only 30 of every 60 days. Even that reduced amount runs out this month, putting the ration at risk of stopping for refugees too.

More than 10,000 refugees from Adré are expected to arrive in Metché camp before the end of September, adding to the 43,300 refugees and host community members already living there. Meanwhile, MSF and Action Contre la Faim (ACF) remain the sole healthcare providers in the camp. In addition, teams are receiving malnourished children from Arkoum and Allacha amid fading support, driving paediatric admissions at the MSF-supported hospital up 75 per cent, from 382 in the first half of 2025 to 670 in the same period of 2026. 

Water availability sits at just 8 litres per person daily, well below the 20-litre emergency minimum, forcing families to drink directly from unsafe water sources. Consequently, diarrhoea cases surged from 634 in the first half of 2025 to 1,044 in 2026. 

In camps lacking safe water and latrines, waterborne disease spreads rapidly among refugees and host communities alike, both already weakened by hunger. With the rainy season underway, these gaps echo the conditions behind last year’s cholera outbreak, which killed 167 people among 2,979 cases between July and December 2025.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Source: APO

President Dr Patrick Herminie promised that technology would be central to his vision for Seychelles’ future. Last week, that vision reached directly into the country’s classrooms, with Cabinet’s approval of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Framework 2026 – 2030, a landmark policy that will transform how AI is introduced and used across the country’s education system.

The Framework, developed by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development with technical support from the World Bank, provides the first comprehensive national roadmap for integrating Artificial Intelligence into teaching, learning, educational leadership, and school administration. It represents one of the most significant education reforms in recent years and places Seychelles among a growing number of countries developing national policies for the responsible use of AI in education.

The approval gives practical expression to a promise the President made from his earliest days in office. Shortly after assuming office, President Herminie declared:

“Our goal is to transform Seychelles over the next five years, with a strong focus on science, technology, and artificial intelligence.”

The newly approved Framework translates that vision into a practical implementation plan for every state school in the country and adds to a growing list of technology commitments the Administration has delivered since taking office, building on other technology initiatives undertaken by the Government, including the expansion of national connectivity through Starlink, likewise described by the Government as an election pledge fulfilled. For a President who has made innovation a defining theme of his agenda, the Framework is proof that the pledge extends beyond infrastructure and into the classroom, where it will shape the next generation of Seychellois learners.

Putting Teachers at the Centre of AI

Unlike many discussions around AI that focus primarily on technology, the Seychelles Framework places teachers firmly at the centre of the digital transformation.

It recognises that AI should enhance, not replace, the professional judgement, creativity, and expertise of educators.

To achieve this, the Framework introduces a comprehensive teacher development programme, including a four-level National Teacher AI Competency Framework, a mandatory AI micro-credential for all teachers, and the establishment of an AI Champion in every school to support colleagues in integrating AI into teaching and learning.

By investing in teacher capacity, the Ministry aims to ensure that educators are confident, competent, and equipped to use AI responsibly to improve learning outcomes, a commitment that speaks directly to the teachers who have long asked for support, not replacement, in a changing profession.

Preparing Learners for an AI-Driven Future

For learners, the Framework introduces a progressive approach to AI literacy from primary through secondary education.

Rather than creating a new standalone subject, AI concepts will be integrated across the existing curriculum, enabling learners to develop digital, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and ethical decision-making skills that are increasingly essential in the modern world.

The Framework also reinforces Seychelles’ transition towards competency-based education by using AI to support personalised learning, formative assessment, and differentiated instruction, ensuring that every learner receives the support needed to achieve their full potential, a direct answer to families who want assurance that no child will be left behind as the country modernises.

Building Public Confidence Through Responsible AI

A defining feature of the Framework is its strong emphasis on ethics, transparency, and learner protection.

Recognising the opportunities and risks associated with AI, the policy establishes robust safeguards relating to data privacy, child protection, academic integrity, cybersecurity, and responsible procurement.

Importantly, high-stakes decisions, including final grading, certification, and student placement, will remain under human oversight during the initial phases of implementation.

This human-centred approach reflects the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that technological innovation strengthens, rather than diminishes, the role of educators and the trust of parents and communities, the same trust the Administration has sought to build with every promise it has set out to keep.

Turning Policy into Practice

The National Artificial Intelligence in Education Framework is not simply a policy statement; it is already being translated into concrete action.

Earlier this year, the Ministry, in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning, conducted a national workshop on Digital Competencies for Teachers, equipping educators with practical skills in the use of Artificial Intelligence and Open Educational Resources (OER) to design digital content, create engaging lesson plans, and enhance classroom practice.

The Ministry is also implementing two innovative AI pilot projects in collaboration with the World Bank.

The AI Teacher Coach Programme supports Primary 5 and Primary 6 teachers across six schools by providing AI-assisted guidance to strengthen lesson planning, classroom practice, and professional development.

At the same time, the AI Student Tutor Programme is providing personalised learning support to Secondary 3 learners in Mathematics and Geography across four schools, demonstrating how AI can be used to improve learner engagement and achievement while maintaining teacher oversight.

These initiatives will become integral components of the national Framework as implementation progresses, giving the President’s promise a head start before the ink on the policy itself has even dried.

A Coordinated National Approach

To oversee implementation, the Framework establishes a National AI in Education Steering Committee, which will coordinate policy implementation, approve AI tools for use in schools, monitor progress, and ensure compliance with national standards relating to ethics, quality assurance, and data protection.

The Committee will also maintain nationally approved and prohibited AI tools lists, ensuring that schools adopt technologies that are safe, effective, and aligned with educational objectives.

Investing in the Future

Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Ambassador David Pierre described the Framework as an investment in Seychelles’ people as much as in technology.

“In embracing Artificial Intelligence with wisdom, responsibility, and vision, Seychelles is not only shaping the future of its education system but also investing in the limitless potential of its people.”

As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape societies and economies around the world, Seychelles is positioning itself not as a passive observer but as an active participant in shaping how these technologies can improve education.

The approval of the National Artificial Intelligence in Education Framework marks the beginning of a new chapter, one in which innovation is guided by ethics, technology is driven by purpose, and every teacher, learner and parent can see, in a policy now taking effect in their own schools, a presidential promise being kept, giving teachers, learners and parents confidence that Seychelles is embracing Artificial Intelligence in a responsible, ethical and purposeful way.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

The ECOWAS Commission, through its Small Arms Division, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of The Gambia, successfully organized an In-Country Training for National Focal Persons on the Exemption Procedure to the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Their Ammunition and Other Related Materials in Banjul, the Gambia from the 8th to 10th of July, 2026.

The three-day capacity-building activity brought together representatives from key national institutions involved in arms transfer management, including the Armed Forces, Police, Immigration, Customs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Intelligence Service, the Forest Guards and other relevant stakeholders. The training was designed to strengthen national capacities for the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Exemption Procedure and enhance inter-agency coordination in the control of lawful arms transfers.

The training provided participants with a comprehensive review of the national legal frameworks governing transfers of arms, the principles and procedures governing the ECOWAS Exemption Certificate, and practical guidance on the preparation and processing of exemption applications. Participants also exchanged national experiences on arms transfer management, examined operational challenges, participated in an inter-agency panel discussion, and undertook simulation exercises on the application and utilization of the standardized Forms A and B for exemption requests and delivery reporting.

In her opening remarks, H.E. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia, underscored the strategic importance of the training in strengthening regional peace and security. She highlighted that “the exemption procedure is much more than an administrative requirement. Rather, It is a confidence-building mechanism among ECOWAS Member States promoting transparency in arms acquisitions, strengthening mutual accountability, facilitating information exchange and reinforcing collective security throughout the ECOWAS region.” She further emphasized that effective implementation of the ECOWAS Convention requires a genuine whole-of-government approach built on trust, information sharing and coordinated decision-making among national institutions.

The training forms part of the ECOWAS Commission’s continued efforts to support Member States in strengthening the implementation of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons through technical assistance, policy development and institutional capacity-building.

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