Source: APO – Report:
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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. @ymahmoudali received H.E. Mahamat Ali Hassan, Ambassador of Chad to Ethiopia & Permanent Representative to the AU this morning. They discussed the political & humanitarian situation in the Sahel & Sudan, and the need for a diplomatic solution to these situations.
The Chairperson expressed appreciation for Chad’s contributions & support to the African Union.
– on behalf of African Union (AU).
Source: APO – Report:
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) (www.GTCOPlc.com), Africa’s leading and most profitable Financial Services Group, has recorded a significant milestone in its growth and expansion journey with the successful admission of its Ordinary Shares to the Equity Shares (International Commercial Companies Secondary Listing) category of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange.
This historic achievement makes GTCO Plc, the 1st Financial Services Institution in West Africa to dual list its Ordinary Shares on both the Nigerian and London stock exchanges, and subject to certain criteria, it is expected that the Shares will be transferrable between the two exchanges.
The admission follows the successful pricing of its fully marketed offering (The Offering) on the London Stock Exchange to raise gross proceeds of $105million in exchange for 2.29 billion of new ordinary shares in the company, which was supported by a strong book of high-quality, long-term institutional investors.
Concurrent with the Offering, the Company also gave notice of its intention to cancel the listing of its existing GDRs on the certificates representing certain securities (depositary receipts) category of the Official List of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and the admission to trading of GDRs on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities.
Building on the momentum of the successful first tranche of its equity capital raise programme in July 2024, which secured ₦209 billion, GTCO will deploy the proceeds from the Offering to strengthen its capital base, meet its recapitalization target, and fund strategic expansion across high-growth markets and priority sectors within and outside Nigeria.
It is expected that Admission and unconditional dealing in the Shares will become effective on or before 8.00 a.m. (UK time) on 9 July 2025 under the ticker “GTHC”. Following the cancellation of the GDRs listing, the Company intends to change the ticker symbol for the Shares from “GTHC” to “GTCO” and will issue a separate announcement in due course to that effect.
Commenting on the LSE Listing, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said: “Today marks a major milestone—not just for GTCO, but for the future we see for African financial institutions on the global stage. We are incredibly proud to be the 1st Financial Services Institution in West Africa to list our ordinary shares on London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities, and even more honored by the trust placed in us by the investing community. For us, this was not just about raising capital. It was about validating the strength of our franchise, the clarity of our strategy, and the discipline with which we execute.”
He further said; “I would like to thank everyone who made this possible—our advisors and legal teams, our longstanding shareholders, the regulators both in Nigeria and in the UK, as well as the Nigerian government for creating an environment that supports our bold ambition and vision to be Africa’s leading financial services institution.”
GTCO’s fully marketed offering attracted long-term institutional capital, reflecting investor confidence in the Group’s fundamentals, governance, and strategic outlook. It also signals improving market sentiment, buoyed by ongoing economic reforms by the Federal Government and a return to traditional orthodox monetary policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which have gone a long way to stabilising the macroeconomic environment and gradually restoring investor confidence in Nigeria’s long-term prospects.
– on behalf of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc.
About GTCO Plc:
GTCO Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial services institutions with a longstanding track record of strong growth, service excellence, and shareholder returns. The Group operates across banking, payments, asset management, and pension administration in eleven countries, including Nigeria, the UK, and key African markets.
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Source: APO – Report:
The Working Party on Collaboration and Cooperation in Tuna Fisheries (WPCCTF) from the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), met in Mauritius to continue its work on strengthening regional cooperation for the effective management of tuna fisheries and other highly migratory fish in the region.
The 13th Session of the WPCCTF brought together during two days (17-18 June 2025) 11 from the 12 SWIOFC countries – Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania. Partner organizations, namely the World Bank, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nairobi Convention – UNEP, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the South West Indian Ocean Tuna Forum (SWIOTUNA) attended the meeting as SWIOFC Observers. Other Regional Fishery Bodies – the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)- actively participated in the discussion with members, specifically regarding SWIOFC compliance and reporting requirements.
Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the WPCCTF as a platform for dialogue and collective action, underscoring the need for coastal states to manage tuna stocks responsibly within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and to collaborate regionally to rebuild overexploited stocks, particularly yellowfin tuna. Talla stressed the importance of strengthening national capacities to comply with Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) and to implement effective Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) systems.
Mbuli Charles Boliko, FAO Representative in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, highlighted the significance of the Indian Ocean as the second-largest tuna-producing region globally, playing a vital role in supporting national economies and livelihoods. Boliko stressed that challenges such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate-induced migratory shifts, and external competition require a unified regional response grounded in science, cooperation, and shared commitment.
The Working Party members acknowledged the progress made in the region, including the adoption and progressive implementation of the SWIOFC-led instrument, the MTC Guidelines, and the regional effort for jointly regulating and managing foreign fishing access for the best interest of the region. The MTC Guidelines (the Guidelines for Minimum Terms and Conditions for foreign fishing access) were officially adopted by all SWIOFC member countries in February 2019. WWF, a long-standing partner of the WPCCTF, presented recent work conducted on this subject, which was led by the Minimum Terms and Conditions Task Force (MTCTF) of the SWIOFC. This work received technical support from NFDS and focused on the joint and concerted actions required for the implementation of the priority provisions of the SWIOFC instrument, such as the provisions regulating licensing requirements, the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), transshipments and compensations and access fees.
Other subject thoroughly discussed was the cooperation between SWIOFC, SADC and IOC on regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) initiatives. The new workplan for 2025–2026 was adopted, and the WP formulated joint recommendations for the upcoming plenary session of the SWIOFC, scheduled to take place in November 2025.
The event was supported by the SWIOFish5 TRANSFORM project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by IOC with technical assistance from FAO. The project, ending in 2030, has the objective of strengthening regional, evidence-based fisheries management in the region.
– on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
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Source: APO
On His own behalf and on behalf of the Moroccan people, HM the King extends His warmest congratulations and best wishes for good health and happiness to President Trump, and to the American friendly people for further progress and prosperity, under his wise leadership.
The Sovereign takes this opportunity to reiterate how much He values the historical ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America, which are rooted in close friendship, constructive cooperation, and mutual esteem.
“Our shared commitment to developing our relations has enabled us to give fresh momentum to our strategic partnership, thus paving the way for closer cooperation in various areas of common interest, and promoting stability and development at the regional and the international levels.”
In this message, the Sovereign reaffirms His unwavering desire to continue working with the American President to further deepen and expand the special relationship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
Source: APO
President Wavel Ramkalawan received a delegation of Chinese medical specialists at State House this morning, in a courtesy call that marked four decades of successful medical cooperation between China and the Republic of Seychelles. The delegation was accompanied by Her Excellency Ms. Lin Lan, Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles.
During the meeting, President Ramkalawan warmly welcomed the delegation to State House, expressing sincere gratitude and appreciation for their exceptional contributions and expertise in caring for Seychellois citizens during their two- year of posting with the Seychelles Hospital. President Ramkalawan extended his best wishes for their future professional endeavors.
The discussions centered on the experiences of the five attending specialists and recommendations to diversify areas of cooperation to better improve the quality of life for the nation. The delegation comprised one cardiologist, one general surgeon, one acupuncturist, one orthopedic specialist, and one radiologist.
The delegation representative expressed honour at having the meeting with the President, describing it as a historical moment in China’s medical services to Seychelles. On behalf of his delegation, he expressed gratitude for having served the community for two years, stating that this cooperation represents an affirmation of achievement with local counterparts in sharing expertise that helps improve healthcare.
Following the meeting, Dr. Danny Louange, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Care Agency, commended the thoughtfulness of the group of specialists in extending their stay to allow for a smooth transition with the new group of doctors arriving in the country over the weekend.
“The cooperation between China and Seychelles has enabled local medical professionals to enhance their knowledge through medical training, particularly in the dynamic aspects of health practices,” Dr. Louange stated. “The Ministry is grateful for the dedication of this group of specialists and looks forward to broadening areas of cooperation, taking into account other sectors that could benefit our health system.”
The 40-year medical cooperation between China and Seychelles continues to strengthen healthcare delivery in the Republic, with ongoing exchanges of medical expertise and training programs that benefit both nations.
Present for the Meeting were the Minister for Health Mrs. Peggy Vidot, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Health Care Agency, Mr. Marc Chang Lam, Counsellor for The Chinese Embassy ,Mr Mu Jianfenf and Third Secretary Chinese Embassy Ms, Ma Tianhu.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Source: APO
The IAEA, in cooperation with Algeria’s National Nuclear Safety and Security Authority (Autorité Nationale de Sûreté et de Sécurité Nucléaires – ANSSN), hosted the first national workshop on nuclear law in Algiers since the country enacted its new comprehensive national nuclear law in 2019.
The three-day workshop, held from 15 to 17 June, gathered more than 100 participants from various stakeholders. It offered a forum to discuss and foster awareness and understanding of the international nuclear legal instruments related to safety, security, safeguards, and civil liability for nuclear damage as well as the elements of a comprehensive national nuclear legal framework.
The event also focused on the regulatory functions exercised by the regulatory body and the principle of the prime responsibility of the authorised person, triggering rich exchanges among the participants on the practical implementation of the country’s national nuclear legal framework.
Opening the workshop, ANSSN President Rachedi Menadi said: “This workshop aims to raise the awareness of the best international practices and their implementation at the national level through the national nuclear legal framework.” He further underlined that while “an adequate legislative framework is necessary to protect the people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation, it is only the first step. Effective implementation of the legal framework requires active contribution and involvement of all the stakeholders.”
The legislative assistance mission was held as part of the framework of the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme and organized through an inter-regional project of the IAEA technical cooperation programme.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Source: APO
About 60 exemplary farmers and heads of agricultural offices, along with experts from Segeneity sub-zone, conducted a tour to the organic farming extension in Akria, Central Region, on 2 July. The program was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Public Relations Office of the Ministry stated that the objective of the program was to facilitate experience-sharing among exemplary farmers on integrated organic farming, as well as the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides.
Participants expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Agriculture’s role in enhancing their capacity and experience. They also pledged to share the knowledge they gained with fellow farmers in their respective areas and called for the continuation of such programs.
Mr. Michael Medhanie, Manager of Orgamic Farming, noted that the farmers gained valuable insights into organic farming methods and encouraged them to apply these practices and share their experiences with others.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Source: APO
Mr. Fitwi Woldegergis, Director of the Students’ Summer Work Program, indicated that the program is set to be conducted from 7 July to 16 August at the national level.
In this 27th round of the program, about 30,000 students—including 41% female students—along with around 1,000 teachers, medical, and agricultural experts, will participate from 150 centers.
Mr. Fitwi further indicated that 95% of the participants will engage in water and soil conservation activities, afforestation, preparation of holes for tree planting, road renovation, construction of terraces, and environmental sanitation at schools and surrounding areas. The remaining 5% will participate in road traffic safety and documentation work in Asmara, Keren, and Mendefera.
According to the program plan, about 1.3 million tree seedlings will be planted, 1,100 km of terraces and over 41,000 cubic meters of water catchment schemes in arable lands will be constructed, and 630 km of terraces along with about 24,000 cubic meters of water catchment schemes will be renovated.
Due to climate conditions, the program in the Northern and Southern Red Sea Regions commenced in the first week of June.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
La Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a signé, jeudi 3 juillet 2025 à Accra, une lettre d’intention historique avec le gouvernement du Ghana visant à soutenir le développement du corridor économique de la Volta, une initiative transformationnelle dans le cadre du programme phare du pays pour une économie de 24 heures et un développement accéléré des exportations (24H+).
L’accord signé en partenariat avec le secrétariat du programme 24 H+ et le Fonds d’investissement pour les infrastructures du Ghana (GIIF) ouvre la voie à un effort ambitieux visant à repositionner le lac Volta en tant que voie de transport multimodale pour l’expansion agricole et industrielle, et en tant que porte d’entrée pour le commerce transfrontalier avec les pays voisins enclavés, notamment le Burkina Faso, le Mali et le Niger.
Cette signature fait suite au lancement officiel du programme 24 H+, une initiative nationale visant à promouvoir la production 24 heures sur 24, à améliorer la compétitivité des exportations et à attirer les investissements privés grâce à des partenariats public-privé stratégiques.
Aux termes de cet accord, le secrétariat 24H+, hébergé par la présidence du Ghana, dirigera la coordination générale et la mise en œuvre stratégique du projet de corridor économique de la Volta. Le Fonds d’investissement pour les infrastructures du Ghana servira d’institution d’ancrage pour les infrastructures et créera trois entités ad hoc pour stimuler les investissements et l’exécution dans des domaines critiques notamment, le transport fluvial et les infrastructures portuaires ; les Parcs agroécologiques et les systèmes d’irrigation ; et enfin les Parcs industriels et les zones logistiques lacustres.
La Banque africaine de développement, une institution financière multilatérale de premier plan engagée dans le progrès économique et social durable de ses pays membres, explorera les options de cofinancement pour les composantes clés des infrastructures tout en aidant à mobiliser des financements supplémentaires auprès d’autres partenaires de développement et de prêteurs privés.
Augustus Goosie Tanoh, conseiller présidentiel et chef du secrétariat 24H+, a décrit cette collaboration comme une reconnaissance forte du potentiel du programme.
« Ce partenariat témoigne de l’engagement du Ghana à mobiliser des capitaux transformateurs, une expertise de classe mondiale et des partenariats public-privé pour concrétiser notre ambition de production 24 heures sur 24 et accroître notre compétitivité à l’exportation », a-t-il souligné. « La collaboration de la Banque africaine de développement avec le GIIF et le secrétariat nous conforte dans notre capacité à réaliser des projets créateurs d’emplois, à accroître les revenus et à positionner le Ghana comme un pôle commercial et industriel de premier plan dans le cadre de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) », a-t-il poursuivi. Il a souligné que le programme sera piloté par le secteur privé, le financement d’amorçage du gouvernement contribuant à débloquer des réserves de capitaux privés plus importantes.
Nana Dwemoh Benneh, PDG du Fonds d’investissement pour les infrastructures du Ghana, a réaffirmé le rôle du GIIF comme intermédiaire entre le gouvernement et les investisseurs privés pour la réalisation d’infrastructures essentielles. Il s’est dit optimiste quant au fait que le GIIF, soutenu par un financement d’amorçage gouvernemental, est bien placé pour attirer les capitaux nécessaires à une mise en œuvre à grande échelle.
Signant la lettre d’intention au nom de la Banque africaine de développement, Mike Salawou, directeur des infrastructures et du développement urbain, a souligné l’engagement de la Banque en faveur de la transformation axée sur les infrastructures en Afrique. « La Banque africaine de développement se félicite de cette opportunité d’approfondir sa collaboration avec le Ghana en travaillant en étroite collaboration avec le secrétariat 24H+ et le GIIF pour soutenir la réussite du projet de corridor économique de la Volta », a-t-il affirmé.
Le corridor économique de la Volta est un exemple emblématique de la manière dont le programme 24 H+ du Ghana traduit les priorités nationales en projets bancables et à fort impact. En améliorant la logistique intérieure, en soutenant la croissance industrielle et agricole et en débloquant les échanges avec ses voisins enclavés, le corridor fait directement progresser les engagements du Ghana dans le cadre de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf). Il s’inscrit dans les objectifs de l’Agenda 2063, le plan directeur de l’Union africaine pour une industrialisation durable et l’intégration régionale. Le projet s’inscrit également dans les priorités de développement de la Banque africaine de développement : « nourrir l’Afrique, industrialiser l’Afrique et intégrer l’Afrique ».
Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact média :
Kwasi Kpodo
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org
L’offre de formation dans la région du Hambol s’enrichit grâce à un lycée professionnel moderne, en accord avec la vision du gouvernement visant à disposer d’une main-d’œuvre qualifiée et spécialisée.
En effet, l’ouverture des portes du lycée professionnel de Dabakala, avant septembre 2025, représente une opportunité tant pour les habitants de Dabakala que pour ceux des localités voisines.
Établi sur 4 hectares d’un terrain total de 10 hectares, le lycée professionnel de Dabakala aura une capacité d’accueil de 300 élèves dont plus de 200 internes.
Doté d’un internat de 250 lits, de bâtiments pour l’administration, de salles de cours, d’une infirmerie, d’infrastructures sportives, d’ateliers, de laboratoires, cette infrastructure de référence répond au souci du gouvernement d’augmenter les capacités d’accueil du dispositif de formation et de diversifier l’offre de formation professionnelle.
Le lycée professionnel de Dabakala proposera des formations menant au Certificat d’aptitude professionnelle (CAP) et au Brevet de technicien (BT) dans quatre domaines, à savoir l’Agriculture, l’Élevage, le Machinisme Agricole et la Mécanique Automobile. « Ce lycée professionnel est un véritable chef d’œuvre architectural qui permettra d’absorber des élèves issus du cycle général vers le système professionnel. Toute chose qui contribuera à la réduction du taux de chômage chez les jeunes », indique Ouattara Zana Victor.
La création du lycée professionnel de Dabakala apportera à la région du Hambol, qui comprend les départements de Katiola, Dabakala et Tafiré, un développement équilibré. En ce sens, cette infrastructure scolaire jouera un rôle crucial dans le développement inclusif et durable du pays. « La formation professionnelle, tout en répondant aux exigences particulières des entreprises, permettra de promouvoir l’employabilité des jeunes afin de favoriser leur insertion professionnelle par l’emploi ou l’auto-emploi », a souligné Anita Koné, institutrice.
Les travaux de cette infrastructure ont démarré en septembre 2022 pour un coût d’un peu plus de 05 milliards FCFA, y compris les équipements.
Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.
