Le Système Coca-Cola Génère Un Impact Économique De 724 Millions De Dollars Au Maroc Et Soutient Plus De 37 000 Emplois, Révèle Une Nouvelle Étude

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • En 2024, le système Coca-Cola au Maroc a contribué à hauteur de 724 millions de dollars en valeur ajoutée à l’économie nationale, à travers l’ensemble de sa chaîne de valeur.
  • Le système et ses partenaires ont permis de soutenir plus de 37 000 emplois directs et indirects dans des secteurs aussi divers que le commerce de détail, l’agriculture, l’industrie manufacturière, le transport ou encore les services.
  • À lui seul, le système Coca-Cola a acheté pour 302 millions de dollars de biens et services auprès de fournisseurs marocains en 2024, renforçant ainsi la vitalité du tissu industriel local et la résilience des communautés à travers le pays.

Le système Coca Cola (https://Coca-ColaCompany.com/) au Maroc a annoncé les résultats d’une étude d’impact socio-économique complète, menée par le cabinet de conseil mondial Steward Redqueen, lors de l’inauguration de deux nouvelles lignes de production dans l’usine d’Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) à Casablanca.

Une étude indépendante conduite par le cabinet international de conseil Steward Redqueen met en lumière l’ampleur de la contribution du système Coca-Cola à l’économie, à l’emploi et au développement communautaire du Maroc.

L’analyse révèle que le système Coca-Cola au Maroc, composé de The Coca-Cola Company, de ses embouteilleurs autorisés, en collaboration avec un vaste réseau de fournisseurs, distributeurs et détaillants locaux, a généré 724 millions de dollars de valeur ajoutée à l’économie nationale en 2024.

À travers sa chaîne de valeur, le système a contribué à la création et au maintien de plus de 37 000 emplois, dont 2 273 emplois directs au sein du système lui-même, et plus de 35 000 emplois supplémentaires soutenus via ses partenaires, fournisseurs et clients. Autrement dit, chaque emploi direct généré par le système Coca-Cola se traduit par quinze emplois additionnels dans l’économie marocaine.

« Ces résultats confirment le rôle du système Coca-Cola comme un véritable moteur de valeur partagée au cœur de l’économie marocaine », a déclaré Farid Benchekroun, Directeur Général d’ECCBC Maroc. « Notre activité est intimement liée aux communautés locales, et nous restons pleinement engagés à créer des opportunités pour nos collaborateurs, nos partenaires et les citoyens que nous servons. »

L’étude souligne également le fort ancrage local du système Coca-Cola, qui a consacré en 2024 302 millions de dollars à l’achat de biens et de services auprès d’entreprises marocaines. Ces approvisionnements concernent des domaines aussi variés que la production de sucre, l’emballage, le transport ou la communication, illustrant la contribution du système Coca-Cola au dynamisme industriel du pays et son rôle de partenaire du développement économique national.

« Le Maroc constitue l’un de nos marchés les plus stratégiques en Afrique, où nous sommes solidement implantés depuis plusieurs décennies », a expliqué Charbel El-Beyrouthy, Directeur Général de The Coca-Cola Company, Maroc. « Notre vocation est d’apporter de la fraîcheur au monde tout en générant un impact positif. Cela passe par le soutien aux moyens de subsistance, la promotion de l’entrepreneuriat et l’investissement dans la résilience durable des communautés locales. »

Au cours des cinq dernières années, ECCBC Maroc a considérablement renforcé sa présence dans le Royaume, notamment à travers l’acquisition d’Atlas Bottling Company, confirmant ainsi son engagement durable à produire, distribuer et investir localement, tout en accompagnant le progrès social et économique du Maroc.

L’impact du système Coca-Cola s’étend bien au-delà de la seule sphère économique. Le Maroc compte parmi les pays bénéficiaires de l’initiative Africa Water Stewardship (https://apo-opa.co/3Jbpni9), un programme d’investissement de près de 25 millions de dollars déployé à l’horizon 2030 pour renforcer la sécurité hydrique dans vingt pays africains. Cette initiative vise à améliorer l’accès à l’eau potable, à protéger les ressources hydriques locales et à accroître la résilience climatique des communautés.

L’étude menée par Steward Redqueen a mesuré les impacts économiques directs, indirects et induits du système Coca-Cola au Maroc, en combinant les données opérationnelles de l’entreprise avec des sources économiques tierces fiables. L’analyse met en évidence la manière dont les activités locales de Coca-Cola se répercutent sur l’ensemble de l’économie, des agriculteurs cultivant la canne à sucre jusqu’aux détaillants vendant les boissons, en créant des emplois, générant des revenus et favorisant de nouvelles opportunités.

« Notre évaluation met en lumière l’étendue et la profondeur de l’empreinte économique du système Coca-Cola au Maroc », a affirmé Teodora Nenova, Directrice Associée chez Steward Redqueen. « Au-delà des contributions directes, c’est tout un écosystème de partenariats et de chaînes de valeur locales qui engendre un impact durable et à large portée. »

Distribué par APO Group pour Coca-Cola.

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Qatar Participates in 8th Paris Peace Forum

Source: Government of Qatar

Paris, October 29, 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the eighth Paris Peace Forum, held in the French capital with the participation of global political leaders, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations and institutions.
HE Ambassador to the French Republic Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani represented the State of Qatar at the event.
Qatar has been a supporting partner of the Paris Peace Forum since its inception, with this year’s edition organized in partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development, the Doha Forum, and the QatarDebate Center.
The forum focused on building new alliances for peace, people, and the planet, emphasizing the need for tangible and sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges – particularly the climate crisis. 

The Coca-Cola System Has an Economic Impact Of $724 Million Across Its Value Chain, Supporting More Than 37,000 Jobs in Morocco, New Study Shows

Source: APO

  • In 2024, the Coca-Cola system in Morocco contributed $724 million in value-added economic impact across its value chain. 
  • The Coca-Cola system and its value chain supported over 37,000 direct and indirect jobs in Morocco in sectors including retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services. 
  • The Coca-Cola system purchased $302 million worth of goods and services from suppliers in Morocco in 2024, strengthening the country’s industries and communities.

The Coca‑Cola system (https://Coca-ColaCompany.com/) in Morocco announced the results of a comprehensive socio-economic impact study, conducted by global consulting firm Steward Redqueen, during the inauguration of two new production lines at Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company’s (ECCBC) Casablanca facility.

This new independent study highlights the scale of the Coca-Cola system’s contribution to Morocco’s economy, employment, and communities.

The study reveals that the Coca-Cola system in Morocco – comprising of  the Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottlers – alongside a broad network of local suppliers, distributors, and retailers, contributed $724 million in value-added economic activity in 2024.

Through its value chain, the Coca-Cola system supported over 37,000 jobs, including 2,273 direct jobs within the system and an additional 35,000 jobs supported through suppliers, partners, and customers. This means that for every direct job created by the system, 15 more jobs were supported across Morocco’s economy.

“These findings reaffirm the Coca-Cola system’s role as a driver of shared value in Morocco’s economy,” said Farid Benchekroun, Managing Director, ECCBC Morocco. “Our business is interconnected with local communities, and we remain committed to creating opportunity for our people, our partners, and the communities we serve.”

The study also highlights the Coca-Cola system’s strong local integration, with $302 million worth of goods and services sourced from suppliers in Morocco in 2024. This local procurement supports industries as diverse as sugar production, packaging, transportation, and marketing, reinforcing the Coca-Cola’s system role as a partner for growth in Morocco’s economic development.

“Morocco is one of our most strategic markets in Africa, where we have been present for decades,” said Charbel Beyrouthy, General Manager, The Coca-Cola Company, Morocco. “Our purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference, and this means working to support livelihoods, enable entrepreneurship and invest in the long-term resilience of local communities.”

Over the past five years, ECCBC has strengthened its footprint in Morocco through its acquisition of Atlas Bottling Company, underscoring its long-term commitment to invest, produce, and distribute locally while supporting Morocco’s social and economic progress.

The Coca-Cola system’s contribution extends beyond economic impact. Morocco is one of the beneficiaries of the Africa Water Stewardship Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3Jbpni9), a nearly $25 million investment through 2030 to improve water security across 20 African countries. This work focuses on helping enhance access to safe water, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience.

The study conducted by Steward Redqueen measured the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of the Coca-Cola system in Morocco, combining company operational data with trusted third-party economic sources. The analysis demonstrates how Coca-Cola’s local operations ripple across the economy – from farmers growing sugarcane to retailers selling beverages – creating jobs, generating income, and building opportunity.

“Our assessment clearly shows the depth and breadth of the Coca-Cola system’s economic footprint in Morocco,” said Teodora Nenova, Managing Partner at Steward Redqueen. “This is not just about direct contributions – it’s about the far-reaching value generated through local partnerships and supply chains.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.

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Press conference remarks by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State Visit to Switzerland, Bern, Switzerland

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Madam President,
Your Excellencies, Members of the Federal Council,
Ambassadors,
Members of the media,

It is a great honour to be here today on the first South African state visit to Switzerland since the dawn of democracy in our country. 

This is an important milestone in our longstanding partnership and a testament to our mutually-beneficial relations. 
 
During our discussions today, we focused on international issues and the bilateral relations between our two countries.

We discussed cooperation in trade and investment, science and innovation, and higher education and training. 

We noted that Switzerland is one of our major trade, investment and economic cooperation partners and we agreed that this visit will give our relationship new momentum. 

This visit will not only raise the profile of our relations but contribute to better political and economic ties. It will foster greater cooperation and understanding between the people of Switzerland and South Africa. 

We note with appreciation that Switzerland has recently launched its new Africa Strategy for the period 2025-2028, reflecting its commitment to supporting democratic processes, good governance and development. 

We further noted Switzerland’s role in advancing peace and security within the United Nations and around the world, notably in various conflict areas on the African continent such as Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan.

I also used the opportunity to commend the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs for their significant contributions to improving the lives of South Africans through various initiatives to foster economic growth, sustainability and inclusivity. 

The President and I had previously discussed the development of a youth cooperation framework and I look forward to our further engagement in this regard.

We thanked Switzerland for its public support to our G20 presidency and the priorities of inclusive economic growth, debt management, support for multilateral development banks, climate change and the reform of global governance institutions.

South Africa and Switzerland are aligned in our pursuit of a more sustainable and resilient future. 

We are pleased to sign two important instruments, promoting cooperation in arts, culture and heritage and in peace mediation and democracy resilience.

I conclude by thanking the Swiss Government for the constructive cooperation in the repatriation efforts of the heritage objects of the Nkuna Royal Family, which will now occupy their rightful place in Limpopo in South Africa.

Relations between South Africa and Switzerland have come a long way. From this State Visit, we are confident that they will go even further and achieve greater benefits for the people of both countries.

I thank you.

Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova subvenção de 6 milhões de dólares para reforçar a gestão do risco de catástrofes em África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org/pt) aprovou uma subvenção de 6 milhões de dólares para apoiar a Capacidade Africana de Risco (ARC) no reforço da preparação para catástrofes e do financiamento do risco em todo o continente durante o período 2025-2026.

Aprovada a 29 de outubro, a subvenção – concedida por meio da Iniciativa Africana de Financiamento de Riscos de Desastres (https://apo-opa.co/4oKlorT) (ADRiFi) do Banco – ajudará a ARC a manter os seus serviços essenciais de capacitação e financiamento de riscos de desastres para os países membros regionais do Banco.

O projeto visa ajudar os governos africanos a passar de uma resposta reativa a desastres para uma preparação proativa. Fortalecerá a capacitação técnica e operacional das instituições nacionais em gestão de riscos de desastres, incluindo avaliação de riscos baseada em evidência, sistemas de alerta precoce e formação para decisores políticos e especialistas técnicos.

Um componente-chave do projeto será o aprimoramento da capacidade dos países de planear e alocar recursos para emergências de forma mais eficiente. Também apoiará o desenvolvimento de estruturas institucionais mais sólidas para coordenar respostas rápidas e eficazes a desastres naturais.

A ARC trabalhará para expandir a participação dos países no seu fundo comum de seguro soberano, através de um maior envolvimento e da oferta de novos produtos de seguro contra riscos climáticos aos seus Estados-Membros. As atividades planeadas incluem a promoção de alto nível para a ratificação do Tratado da ARC, a finalização dos seus programas de trabalho com os países participantes e a facilitação do apoio aos prémios de seguro.

A implementação abrangerá todos os Estados-Membros da ARC, com foco nas regiões mais expostas a secas, inundações, ciclones tropicais e epidemias. Os beneficiários incluirão decisores políticos, grupos de trabalho técnicos e funcionários públicos, que receberão assistência específica na quantificação do risco de catástrofes, planeamento de contingência, financiamento de riscos, inclusão das mulheres e monitorização e avaliação.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media: 
Alexis Adélé
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

Sobre a Capacidade Africana de Risco:
Criada em 2012 como uma instituição especializada da União Africana, a Capacidade Africana de Risco fornece aos Estados-Membros serviços de modelação de riscos, planeamento de contingência e financiamento soberano de riscos de catástrofes. Desde a sua criação, 39 Estados-Membros da União Africana assinaram o Acordo ARC, que facilitou o desembolso de mais de 230 milhões de dólares a 14 países, protegendo milhões de pessoas vulneráveis através de financiamento rápido e previsível na sequência de uma catástrofe.

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African Development Bank approves $6 million grant to strengthen disaster risk management in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $6 million grant to support the African Risk Capacity (ARC) in boosting disaster preparedness and risk financing across Africa over the 2025-2026 period.

Approved on October 29, the grant—provided through the Bank’s African Disaster Risk Financing Initiative (ADRiFi) (https://apo-opa.co/3LA1b9J) — will help ARC maintain its core capacity-building and disaster risk financing services for the Bank’s regional member countries.

The project aims to help African governments move from reactive disaster response to proactive preparedness. It will strengthen national institutions’ technical expertise and operational capacities in disaster risk management, including evidence-based risk assessment, early warning systems and training for policymakers and technical experts.

A key component of the project will enhance countries’ ability to plan and allocate resources for emergencies more efficiently. It will also support the development of stronger institutional frameworks to coordinate rapid and effective responses to natural disasters.

The ARC will work to expand country participation in its sovereign insurance risk pool through increased engagement and new climate risk insurance products offer to its member states. Planned activities include high-level advocacy for the ratification of the ARC Treaty, finalisation of its work programmes with participating countries, and facilitation of insurance premium support.

Implementation will cover all ARC member states, with a focus on regions most exposed to droughts, floods, tropical cyclones and epidemics. Beneficiaries will include policymakers, technical working groups and civil servants, who will receive targeted assistance in disaster risk quantification, contingency planning, risk financing, women’s inclusion, and monitoring and evaluation.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

About the African Risk Capacity:
Established in 2012 as a specialised institution of the African Union, the African Risk Capacity provides member states with risk modelling, contingency planning and sovereign disaster risk financing services. Since its inception, 39 African Union member states have signed the ARC Agreement, which has facilitated the disbursement of more than $230 million to 14 countries, protecting millions of vulnerable people through rapid and predictable financing in the aftermath of a disaster.

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La Banque africaine de développement accorde un don de six millions de dollars pour le renforcement des capacités et le financement des risques de catastrophes en Afrique pour la période 2025-2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé le 29 octobre 2025 à Abidjan, une allocation exceptionnelle de six millions de dollars américains pour soutenir l’African Risk Capacity (www.ARC.int/), (ARC, en français Mutuelle panafricaine de gestion des risques).

Ce financement, provenant du Programme de financement des risques de catastrophe en Afrique (ADRiFi) (https://apo-opa.co/3LA1b9J), permettra à l’ ARC de maintenir les services essentiels de renforcement des capacités et de financement des risques de catastrophe en faveur des pays membres régionaux de la Banque sur la période 2025-2026.

La première composante du projet prévoit de renforcer l’expertise technique et les capacités institutionnelles des pouvoirs publics nationaux en matière de gestion des risques de catastrophe. Elle met l’accent sur la mise en place de cadres d’évaluation des risques plus solides, fondés sur des données probantes, l’amélioration des systèmes d’alerte précoce et la dotation des décideurs en compétences nécessaires pour mettre en œuvre efficacement des solutions de gestion des risques de catastrophe.

La deuxième composante vise à aider les pays membres à passer d’une action réactive face aux catastrophes à une préparation proactive en améliorant la planification d’urgence, l’allocation des ressources et les mécanismes de réponse institutionnels.

L’ARC va accroître la participation à son pool de risques souverains en renforçant son engagement et en proposant de nouveaux produits d’assurance contre les risques climatiques à ses États membres. Au nombre des principales activités prévues dans le cadre de cette composante figureront les engagements de haut niveau pour soutenir la campagne de ratification du traité de la future Mutuelle, la finalisation de ses programmes de travail avec les pays, et la facilitation du soutien aux primes.

Le projet sera mis en œuvre dans tous les États membres de l’ARC, en mettant l’accent sur les régions très vulnérables aux sécheresses, aux inondations, aux cyclones tropicaux et aux épidémies. Au nombre des bénéficiaires directs figurent les décideurs en matière de politiques, les groupes de travail techniques et les fonctionnaires qui recevront une assistance technique dans les domaines de la quantification et de de l’évaluation des risques de catastrophe, des plans d’urgence, du financement des risques de catastrophe, de l’inclusion des femmes, du suivi et de l’évaluation.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias : 
Alexis Adélé
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org

À propos de African Risk Capacity :
Créée en 2012 en tant qu’institution spécialisée de l’Union africaine, l’African Risk Capacity fournit aux États membres des services de modélisation des risques, de planification d’urgence et de financement des risques souverains de catastrophe. Depuis sa création, 39 États membres de l’Union africaine ont signé l’Accord portant création de l’ARC qui a facilité le versement de plus de 230 millions de dollars à 14 pays, protégeant ainsi des millions de personnes vulnérables, grâce à un financement rapide et prévisible à la suite d’une catastrophe.

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Kenya Advances Health Innovation through Research

Source: APO


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The Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) this week hosts its 20th Scientific Conference under the theme “Transforming Health through Innovative Research.” The forum brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates from across Africa to share new scientific insights and strengthen the continent’s biomedical and biotechnology capacity.

Representing the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging research and innovation to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC), improve disease prevention, and enhance emergency preparedness.

She noted that the evolving global health landscape — from infectious to non-communicable diseases — calls for collaborative, evidence-based approaches that integrate science, technology, and policy.

The PS encouraged participants to engage actively, share knowledge, and build partnerships that translate research into practical, scalable health solutions.

“Collaboration is key. Together, we can harness our collective expertise to improve health outcomes for all,” she said.

The conference is expected to yield actionable recommendations and reinforce Kenya’s leadership in health innovation, research, and biotechnology development across the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) call for urgent action as hunger deepens in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Source: APO – Report:

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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warn today of the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with acute food insecurity remaining stubbornly high and emergency hunger levels surging in the conflict-hit eastern provinces.

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, 26.6 million people nationwide are projected to face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse (IPC Phase 3 and above) by early 2026, including 3.9 million people in emergency levels of hunger (IPC Phase 4). This is an increase from the current figures of 24.8 million and 3.2 million respectively.

Food insecurity dire in the eastern provinces

The hunger crisis is most severe in the conflict-affected eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika. Ongoing violence, population displacement, and limited humanitarian access continue to worsen food insecurity in these areas. By January 2026, more than 10 million people in these four provinces – about one-third of the local population – are expected to face crisis levels of food insecurity or worse, struggling daily to meet their basic food needs. Among them, 3 million people are already experiencing emergency levels of hunger, representing 75 percent of all those in such conditions nationwide and an increase of 700,000 since March 2025.

Malnutrition among children remains a concern in the eastern provinces of Ituri, South Kivu, and Tanganyika, where poor dietary diversity, limited access to healthcare, and recurring disease outbreaks continue to exacerbate the situation.

Beyond these regions, malnutrition is widespread across the country. Nearly half of all children under five — approximately 3.2 million — are stunted due to chronic undernutrition, severely impacting their growth and development. An ongoing IPC Acute Malnutrition (AMN) analysis is currently underway to better understand the severity.

FAO Operations in DRC

“Emergency agricultural assistance is one of the most cost-effective ways to meet urgent humanitarian needs,” said Athman Mravili, Representative ad interim for FAO in DRC. “By equipping vulnerable and displaced families with the tools to grow their own food and earn income, this support not only addresses immediate hunger but also fosters resilience. Importantly, communities themselves consistently identify agricultural assistance as a top priority in times of crisis.”

But, by the end of August 2025, FAO had assisted just 217,000 people out of the 3.6 million planned, due to a massive funding gap. For 2026, FAO requires US$127 million to scale up support to assist around 2.4 million people.

WFP Operations in DRC

WFP continues to focus its response in the eastern provinces, but growing needs threaten to overwhelm already stretched resources. In 2025, WFP had planned to support 2.3 million people, but assistance has now been reduced to 600,000 people due to funding shortfalls, with a total pipeline break anticipated by February 2026. WFP’s country operation currently faces a US$349 million funding gap through April 2026.

“We are working tirelessly with the government and the humanitarian community despite shrinking resources for this neglected crisis,” said Cynthia Jones, WFP’s Acting Country Director and Representative in DRC. “The latest IPC figures make one thing clear: the eastern DRC’s food crisis is escalating. Without urgent resources and action, millions of lives are at risk, and regional stability will suffer. The time to act is now – before the cost becomes irreversible.”

– on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

Parliament Approves Loans for Regional Cancer Centres

Source: APO – Report:

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Parliament has approved government’s proposal to borrow funds to strengthen cancer care in Uganda through the establishment of regional oncology centres in Mbale and Arua.

The resolution authorises government to borrow up to €9.4 million from UniCredit Bank Austria for the construction and equipping of the Mbale Oncology Centre, and US$36.5 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for the construction of the Arua Oncology Centre and procurement of radiotherapy equipment for Mbale.

The approval followed the presentation of the Committee on National Economy’s report by Chairperson, Hon. John Bosco Ikojo (Bukedea County), who said the loans will significantly expand access to quality cancer care across Uganda.

“Cancer is claiming thousands of lives every year because services are concentrated in Kampala. These loans will help decentralise oncology care and bring treatment closer to the people,” said Ikojo.

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) currently handles more than 54,000 patients annually, including 35,968 new cases and 24,629 deaths each year. Legislators overwhelmingly supported the proposal, noting that the Eastern and Northern regions, which contribute the highest patient numbers, urgently need specialised facilities.

Hon. Masaba Karim (Ind., Industrial Division, Mbale) welcomed the decision, describing it as a lifeline for the people of Eastern Uganda.

“I have always cautioned against approving loans without a clear purpose, but this is a development project that will benefit millions of Ugandans. Mbale Regional Hospital serves the entire Eastern region, and this investment will make a real difference,” he said.

Presiding over the sitting, Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa commended Members for supporting the loans, calling the move a milestone in promoting health equity.

“We are not just approving loans; we are approving hope for thousands of Ugandans who deserve timely cancer treatment,” Tayebwa said.

The UniCredit Bank Austria loan will have a tenure of 23 years, including a five-year grace period, while the IsDB financing carries a 25-year maturity on concessional terms. The government will provide US$4.79 million in counterpart funding.

The initiative aligns with Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV. Construction of both centres is expected to commence in the current financial year 2025/2026.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.