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Unemployed youth urged to apply for YearBeyond Programme opportunities

Source: Government of South Africa

Unemployed youth urged to apply for YearBeyond Programme opportunities

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) is inviting young people across the province to apply for opportunities within the YearBeyond Programme.

YearBeyond is a youth service partnership that includes government, the National Youth Development Agency, donors, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 

The programme, originally initiated in the Western Cape, is now a national initiative that provides unemployed youth aged 18 to 25 with meaningful work experience and a pathway to further studies or employment.

Running from 7 January to 13 February 2026, the #SayYeBo campaign invites young people to apply for a year of structured service – gaining valuable skills and experience while contributing positively to their communities.

Through YearBeyond, young people, known as “YeBoneers,” are placed in education and community-based programmes that respond to real needs. 

These include learner support in schools, early childhood development, libraries and reading initiatives, youth wellbeing and social-emotional learning programmes, play-based activities, and broader social cohesion work. 

Speaking about the campaign this week, Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the initiative aims to address youth unemployment. 

“Through the YearBeyond programme, we are creating meaningful pathways for young people who may be uncertain about their next steps. The programme provides an opportunity to gain a year’s practical experience, improve their CV and gain important skills which will help them to access future employment opportunities as employees or employers.” 

Mackenzie said the provincial government wants to offer the youth a hand up to help them take the next steps towards becoming independent, thriving adults. 

“Programmes like this give young people options. Without this, many young people might end up in gangs or on the street. I’m proud of this programme in that it provides a pathway to independence and employment,” Mackenzie added.

The MEC also highlighted that YearBeyond reflects the Western Cape Government’s commitment to hope, optimism and practical pathways for youth, offering young people the chance to gain experience, build confidence and develop skills that support their transition into work or further study.

“It is part of our responsibility to give young people the best possible chance to succeed in life – empowering them to uplift their families and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Western Cape Premier Alan Winde.

The Premier believes that YearBeyond is a vital investment in the potential of young people, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to secure jobs and thrive, ultimately playing an active role in our economy.

“I urge young people to take full advantage of this incredible programme,” he said.

Young people who are interested in applying are encouraged to:
Create or update their profile on www.sayouth.mobi.
Ensure their address details are correct and up to date.
Log in to the SAYouth.mobi platform and search for YearBeyond.
Open the opportunity card for their municipality and apply.
Select all 2026 YearBeyond programmes that interest them. For more information on qualification criteria, visit: https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply-1. 

Applications close on 13 February 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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BMA intercepts minors believed to be travelling to Zim 

Source: Government of South Africa

BMA intercepts minors believed to be travelling to Zim 

The Border Management Authority (BMA), in close collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has intercepted over 20 minors near the Limpopo River close to the Beitbridge border fence.

In the incident on Thursday, officials reported that the children, aged between five and 17, were believed to be travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe when they were intercepted during routine border safeguarding operations.

Among the group were 10 adults; however, preliminary checks by BMA officials revealed that only one adult was the parent of one of the children. 

The remaining minors were found to be travelling without parental supervision or legal guardianship.

BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, expressed serious concerns about child protection, potential exploitation, and the violation of immigration and child welfare laws as a result of this interception.

“All individuals have been placed under the care of the relevant authorities, and processes are underway to ensure the safety, well-being, and lawful handling of the minors in line with South African laws and international child protection protocols,” Masiapato said in a statement.

The BMA is collaborating closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development, and other relevant stakeholders to verify identities, understand the circumstances surrounding the movement of the children, and identify appropriate interventions.

Masiapato has emphasised the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards the unlawful movement of children across South Africa’s borders.

“The protection of vulnerable persons, particularly children, remains a priority for the BMA. We will continue to intensify joint operations with our security cluster partners to prevent exploitation and safeguard the integrity of our borders,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile

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New investments announced for coral reefs in Kenya

Source: APO


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The UN Development Capital Fund and the Global Coral Reef Fund sign two new financing agreements; funds aim to reduce wastewater pollution and promote sustainable fisheries, strengthening livelihoods. 

The United Nations Development Capital Fund (UNCDF), through the Global Coral Reef Fund (Gfcr), announced two new financing agreements to expand coral reef-friendly businesses in Kenya. 

Signed in Nairobi, the initiatives support circular economy solutions and sustainable fishing practices, with the aim of reducing pressures on marine ecosystems and strengthening coastal economies. 

Reduce pollution and protect reefs. 

The funding supports Sanivation and Kumbatia, two Kenyan companies working to reduce pollution from waste and promote sustainable fishing. 

Both companies already operate in the country and are expected to expand their solutions to new coastal areas, increasing the benefits for marine ecosystems and local communities. 

According to Pierre Bardoux, Director of the Gfcr at UNCDF, an investment of up to US$250,000, with conditions based on performance and impact, will allow for enhanced training. 

Other areas covered include quality systems, cold chains, and traceability mechanisms, including the planned implementation of monitoring systems for artisanal vessels. 

Circular economy in wastewater treatment. 

A $540,000 investment from Gfcr–UNCDF will allow Sanivation to expand its operations as an innovative waste-to-energy conversion company. 

The agreement will bring the company’s model to the Malindi National Marine Park, where wastewater that would otherwise be discharged… 

In sensitive ecosystems, they will be treated and transformed into clean energy briquettes for industrial use. 

The expansion of the model aims to reduce the load of nutrients and pathogens in coastal waters, create local jobs, and boost the circular economy in Kenya. 

Promoting sustainable fisheries and coastal incomes. 

A second investment from Gfcr–Uncdf will support Kumbatia Seafood in replicating and expanding its model in Lamu to the reef-rich coastal region of Kwale. 

The initiative seeks to shift fishing efforts away from destructive, reef-dependent practices towards offshore pelagic fishing, using selective and reef-safe methods. 

The company trains fishermen in sustainable practices, promotes the use of selective equipment, and establishes links with higher-value markets for responsibly sourced seafood. 

The funding aims to strengthen training, quality, cold chains, and traceability, linking access to premium markets to verified practices that are compatible with reef protection. 

Financing coastal economies  

With UNCDF as a catalyst partner, the GFCR’s Miamba Yetu program demonstrates how innovative financing can align sustainable economic development with the protection of coral reefs, climate resilience, and the well-being of coastal communities. 

The Global Coral Reef Fund is led by UNCDF, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 

The initiative mobilizes public and private capital for the protection and effective management of coral reefs in 22 countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Mozambique implements and expands program to strengthen climate adaptation

Source: APO


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In Mozambique, floods, cyclones, and droughts constantly threaten development; this initiative aims to strengthen the country’s climate resilience through investments led by local governments. 

Mozambique, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change in Africa, faces structural challenges exacerbated by economic shocks, conflict, and extreme weather events.  

To address these risks and protect development gains, the country has opted for a decentralized model of climate adaptation, integrating climate finance into national and local planning and budgeting systems. 

The LoCAL program supports climate adaptation.

The Government of Mozambique, with support from the United Nations Development Fund (UNCDF), implemented the “Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility” (LoCAL) program, with the aim of improving climate resilience by strengthening local governments’ access to performance-based financing.  

LoCAL was launched in 2014 as a climate finance program designed by UNCDF and implemented in Mozambique through the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Land and Environment. 

The program currently operates in seven provinces: Gaza, Inhambane, Nampula, Niassa, Zambézia, Cabo Delgado, and Sofala, and aims to improve climate resilience by strengthening local governments’ access to performance-based financing. 

LoCAL utilizes performance-based climate resilience grants, integrated into existing planning, budgeting, and investment processes at the local level.  

To access the funds, subnational authorities must meet minimum criteria, including climate risk assessments and the integration of climate adaptation into development plans in a participatory and gender-sensitive manner. 

Results and impact on vulnerable communities 

By 2024, the program had directly benefited more than 3 million people through the implementation of over 100 climate-adapted infrastructure projects, including health centers, maternity wards, schools, water supply systems, and desalination plants.  

Around 65% of the projects were selected by women, and community participation contributed to the creation of local jobs and the strengthening of resilient livelihoods. 

In response to the results achieved, the Government requested the expansion of LoCAL nationwide in 2022. By 2024, the program covered 54 of the country’s 154 districts and 7 of its 65 municipalities, with climate adaptation planning activities in nine of the 11 provinces.  

Over US$30 million has been mobilized in performance-based grants and capacity building, contributing to the institutionalization of climate adaptation and the strengthening of decentralized governance. 

Integration into national planning and public finance systems 

LoCAL supports the annual planning and budgeting cycles of local governments through existing fiscal systems, with performance evaluations that guide the future allocation of resources and technical support. 

A monitoring and evaluation system allows lessons learned at the local level to inform national policies, promoting the integration of climate considerations at all stages of public finance management. 

Mozambique’s experience with LoCAL is a case study of transforming climate vulnerabilities into development opportunities. 

It presents a scalable model for decentralized climate finance, based on community leadership, performance criteria, and alignment with national systems, strengthening the country’s capacity to address climate risks and support local development. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Sierra Leone’s President Bio Swears in Judicial Tribunal to Investigate Justice Halloway

Source: APO


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His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has presided over the swearing-in of a Judicial Tribunal established to investigate the conduct of Hon. Justice Allan Baami Halloway, urging members to uphold fairness, impartiality, and due process.

President Bio described the process as vital to strengthening the justice sector, emphasizing that the tribunal’s work must be guided strictly by the rule of law.

“The task is weighty, but I am confident in your ability to conduct this investigation with fairness and respect for due process,” the President stated.

The three-member tribunal is chaired by Justice Abdulai Masiyambay Bangura, JSC, with Francis Gabbidon, Esq. and Oladipo Robin-Mason as members. The tribunal was constituted pursuant to Sections 137 (5)(a) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.

The tribunal’s mandate follows the President’s directive of 15 September 2025, which led to the interdiction of Justice Halloway by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission pending investigation. Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Bangura, assured that the panel would conduct its work diligently and objectively.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

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Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Receives Letter of Credence from New Chinese Ambassador, Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Bilateral Relations

Source: APO


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His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has formally received the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Zhao Yong, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations.

Leading the credential ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, informed the gathering that Ambassador Zhao Yong succeeds Ambassador Wang Qing, who successfully completed his three-year diplomatic tenure in Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence that the appointment of the new envoy would further deepen the long-standing and cordial relations between the two countries.

Presenting his credentials, Ambassador Zhao Yong conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Xi Jinping to President Bio, the Government, and the people of Sierra Leone. He commended President Bio’s leadership, noting the significant progress achieved by Sierra Leone in social and economic governance under his administration.

The Ambassador further praised President Bio’s role in promoting peace and stability within ECOWAS, Africa, and the international community, while reaffirming China’s appreciation for Sierra Leone’s consistent support for the One China Policy. He assured that China remains ready to strengthen cooperation with Sierra Leone in areas of mutual strategic interest.

Welcoming the Ambassador on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, President Bio expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the enduring friendship between the two nations. He described China as a trusted and reliable partner that has consistently supported Sierra Leone’s development efforts, particularly in infrastructure, economic growth, and social development.

President Bio emphasized that the bilateral relationship is founded on mutual respect, shared values, and a win-win partnership, noting that China’s support demonstrates its genuine commitment to Sierra Leone’s progress. He encouraged Ambassador Zhao Yong to build on existing cooperation and oversee the continuation of ongoing development projects across the country.

The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China to ensure that the partnership continues to deliver tangible benefits to both nations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

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Joint Press Release of the African Union – China Strategic Dialogue

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Wang Yi, held the 9th China–African Union Strategic Dialogue at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa on 8 January 2026. On the same occasion, the two principals jointly attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

The Chairperson and the Minister exchanged on China-Africa joint efforts to advance modernization, global governance, zero-tariff treatment, the International Organization for Mediation and the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa.

Both sides noted that China and the African Union, members of the Global South, share broad consensus on major international and regional issues. They underscored the importance of jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other to safeguard their respective core interests and major concerns. In this regard, they emphasized the need to further strengthen coordination and cooperation in order to inject positive momentum into global and regional peace, stability, and development.

The African Union side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the One-China principle, and reaffirmed that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and firmly supported all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

The two sides reiterated the imperative of upholding a global order based on international law, in particular the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Both sides expressed concerns on the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and reaffirmed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law must be adhered to.

They exchanged views on the cooperation in various fields including China-Africa joint efforts in advancing modernization. In this context, they underscored the importance of enhanced alignment between China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and FOCAC commitments.

Both sides agreed to enhance communication, coordination and mutual support in their respective major initiatives, including Agenda 2063 as well as its flagship projects on Silencing the Guns by 2030, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on the African side, as well as the Global Security Initiative, the Global Governance Initiative and the International Organization for Mediation on the Chinese side.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed their commitment to promote the effective implementation of all signed cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding. They further agreed to explore the full potential for practical cooperation between China and the African Union, with a view to delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of Africa and China.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh I Spokesperson of the Chairperson I African Union Commission I Email: SheekhN@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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

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Qatar: Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Special Representative of African Union for Mali, Sahel Region

Source: APO


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HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met on Thursday with HE Special Representative of the African Union Commission for Mali and the Sahel region and Head of the African Union Mission in Mali and the Sahel, Mamadou Tangara, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the African Sahel region, in addition to initiatives to support stability and strengthen regional and international efforts aimed at achieving security and development in the Sahel countries. 

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

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Gabon : Présentation des voeux au Chef de l’État et la première Dame

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’administration centrale, les institutions, le secteur privé, les organisations syndicales et les confessions religieuses ont présenté leurs vœux de Nouvel An au Président de la République, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, et à la Première Dame.

Cette cérémonie s’inscrit dans la continuité des présentations de vœux déjà effectuées par le Corps diplomatique et les Forces de Défense et de Sécurité.

Le Vice-Président du Gouvernement a ouvert les allocutions en dressant un bilan des réformes et réalisations majeures engagées par les autorités, notamment dans les domaines de la modernisation de l’administration, des infrastructures, de l’éducation, de l’emploi, du social et du développement économique.

Les institutions et collectivités locales ont salué le démarrage effectif de la décentralisation, tandis que le secteur privé et les syndicats ont exprimé leurs attentes en matière de résultats concrets, de paiement des dettes de l’État et d’amélioration des conditions de travail.

Les confessions religieuses quant à elles ont appelé au respect des valeurs fondamentales et au renforcement du bien commun.

En réponse, le Chef de l’État a réaffirmé son engagement à prendre en compte les préoccupations exprimées, dans un contexte de rigueur budgétaire et de responsabilité accrue liée à l’entrée en vigueur de la Cinquième République.

Il a annoncé plusieurs mesures structurantes, notamment l’audit des caisses sociales et le renforcement de l’inclusion des travailleurs indépendants, tout en appelant à la promotion de la main-d’œuvre nationale.

Enfin, le Président de la République a exprimé sa volonté de faire de l’année 2026 une année de travail, placée sous le signe des trois P : Performance, Probité et Patriotisme, et a indiqué que le débat sur le retour éventuel de la peine de mort devra être tranché par le peuple à travers une consultation populaire.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

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Le Secteur Agricole en Pleine Transformation Depuis 2011

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En quatorze ans, la Côte d’Ivoire a fait de l’agriculture un puissant moteur de croissance, de stabilité sociale et de création d’emplois. Grâce à des réformes structurelles ambitieuses, le secteur agricole ivoirien affiche aujourd’hui des performances remarquables, alliant modernisation, sécurité foncière et hausse des revenus des producteurs.

Une gouvernance rénovée

Depuis 2011, la stratégie gouvernementale a profondément réorganisé le secteur. La création du Conseil du Café-Cacao, du Conseil du Coton et de l’Anacarde et du Conseil de l’Hévéa-Palmier à Huile a permis de réguler et professionnaliser les filières tout en garantissant de meilleurs prix aux producteurs.

Deux Plans Nationaux d’Investissement Agricole (PNIA) ont donné une orientation claire au développement du secteur, en cohérence avec le Plan National de Développement (PND). Le Programme d’Urgence de Réhabilitation des Grandes Filières Agricoles (PURGA) et le fonds à coûts partagés ont, quant à eux, permis le financement de plus de 1 000 projets privés, pour un montant global supérieur à 128 milliards de FCFA.

Sécurité foncière et inclusion

Parce qu’aucun développement agricole durable ne peut se faire sans sécurité foncière, la Côte d’Ivoire a fait du foncier rural une priorité nationale. La création de l’Agence Foncière Rurale (AFOR) en 2016 a permis d’accélérer la mise en œuvre de la loi foncière de 1998 et de moderniser les procédures grâce à la digitalisation.

Avec la Stratégie Nationale de Sécurisation Foncière Rurale (SNSFR) et le Programme National de Sécurisation Foncière Rurale (PNSFR), le Gouvernement vise une couverture intégrale du territoire d’ici 2030. Les ressources mobilisées sont passées de moins d’un milliard de FCFA en 2011 à près de 150 milliards de FCFA en 2024. À ce jour, plus de 70 000 certificats fonciers ont été délivrés, couvrant 704 000 hectares, et plus de 5 000 villages ont été délimités.

Des filières d’exportation plus compétitives

Cacao, anacarde, coton, hévéa, palmier à huile… les cultures de rente ivoiriennes affichent des résultats exceptionnels. Le cacao, colonne vertébrale de l’économie nationale, a vu sa production passer de 1,51 million de tonnes en 2011 à 1,89 million en 2024, avec un record à 2,36 millions en 2022. Le taux de transformation locale a atteint 754 218 tonnes en 2024, soit une hausse 83% par rapport à 2011. Le pays a franchi pour la première fois, en 2024, la barre des 1 800 FCFA le kilogramme versé aux producteurs. Pour la campagne 2025-2026, ce prix a été fixé à 2 800 FCFA. 

L’anacarde affiche une croissance spectaculaire : 944 673 tonnes produites en 2024, contre 400 000 en 2011, avec un taux de transformation locale de 36 %. Le coton a doublé sa production sur la même période, soutenu par la mécanisation agricole et la création de centres de services dans les zones productrices.

Dans les filières hévéa et palmier à huile, les résultats sont tout aussi probants. La production de caoutchouc naturel a bondi de 239 000 tonnes à 1,69 million de tonnes entre 2011 et 2024, soit une hausse de plus de 600 %. À cela s’ajoute l’extension progressive de la couverture maladie universelle à des milliers de producteurs, symbole d’une agriculture plus sociale et plus humaine.

Une sécurité alimentaire renforcée

L’agriculture vivrière a, elle aussi, enregistré des performances notables. Entre 2011 et 2024, la production est passée de 11,5 millions à 23,6 millions de tonnes. Le riz a triplé sa production pour atteindre 1,55 million de tonnes, le maïs a augmenté de 173 %, et le manioc dépasse désormais les 8,4 millions de tonnes. Les productions de banane plantain, igname et cultures maraîchères ont elles aussi connu une progression constante, soutenues par la mise en place de périmètres irrigués et d’unités de transformation locales.

Ces résultats témoignent des efforts constants du Gouvernement pour atteindre la souveraineté alimentaire et réduire la dépendance aux importations.

Des infrastructures rurales au service du développement

Pour soutenir cette croissance, près de 30 000 kilomètres de pistes rurales ont été aménagés ou réhabilités, 397 magasins de stockage construits et plus de 2 000 tricycles et 34 camions distribués aux producteurs. Ces actions facilitent la commercialisation des produits, réduisent les pertes post-récolte et améliorent les revenus.

En parallèle, des forages, écoles, logements d’enseignants et centres de santé ont été réalisés dans les zones agricoles, améliorant les conditions de vie en milieu rural.

Une agriculture tournée vers l’avenir

De la réforme foncière à la transformation locale, de la modernisation des filières à l’amélioration du bien-être rural, la Côte d’Ivoire a su poser les bases d’une agriculture performante, durable et inclusive. Aujourd’hui, le pays regarde vers l’avenir avec une ambition claire : faire de son agriculture un modèle africain de transformation économique et de prospérité partagée.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.