diplomacy&development

With Diop’s new appointment, AFRIMA is poised to deepen its impact within the Western African region, and other Francophone regions within the continent. The International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA) ( www.AFRIMA.org ), in conjunction with the African Union Commission (AUC), on Tuesday, appointed Mr Makhtar Diop as the country director of AFRIMA in the Republic of Senegal.  The decision reflects AFRIMA’s principle of inclusiveness, especially as regards unifying the entire continent via the tool of music. With Diop’s new appointment, AFRIMA is poised to deepen its impact within the Western African region, and other Francophone regions within the continent.  “AFRIMA is made up of real people, with core passions and energetic enthusiasm. It’s a collective of pan-African spirited individuals who draw strength and inspiration from the concept and vision of AFRIMA, which is the ultimate recognition of African music globally, positioned to boost the co...

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp with Merck Foundation Alumni from Kenya • Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health provided more than 720 scholarships of one-year Post-Graduate Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology to doctors from 45 countries in Africa, Asia and beyond. These scholarships are included in the total 1450 scholarships Merck Foundation provided to doctors from 47 countries in 32 critical and underserved medical specialties such as oncology, fertility, respiratory medicine, acute medicine, orthopaedic and many more. Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Heart Day 2022” in partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies, and Academia, through their long-term commitment toward transforming patient  care landscape and building health care capacity in Africa, Asia an...

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej et Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp avec les Alumni du Kenya de la Fondation Merck • La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec les Premières Dames Africaines et les Ministères de la Santé, a fourni plus de 720 bourses d'études supérieures d'un an et un master de deux ans en Médecine Cardiovasculaire Préventive, Diabète et Endocrinologie à des médecins de 45 pays d'Afrique, d'Asie et au- delà. Ces bourses sont incluses dans le total des 1450 bourses que la Fondation Merck a accordées aux médecins de 47 pays dans 32 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies telles que l'oncologie, la fertilité, la médecine respiratoire, la médecine aiguë, l'orthopédie et bien d'autres. La Fondation Merck, la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne célèbre la « Journée Mondiale du Cœur 2022 » en partenariat avec les Premières Dames Africaines, les Ministères de la Santé, les Sociétés Médicales et les Universités, par le biais de leu...

The visit will give President Infantino the chance to witness the progress that the western African country has made in recent years.     FIFA ( www.FIFA.com ) President to visit Nigerien Football Association in January; Development in Niger hailed as an example to follow by the FIFA President; FIFA Forward funding key in sustaining Nigerian football development. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has accepted an invitation to visit Niger following a visit from Hamidou Djibrilla, his opposite number at the Nigerien Football Association (FENIFOOT), in Paris. “We’ve spent the best part of the last year hoping the FIFA President will come and see us and he accepted our invitation today,” explained the FENIFOOT President. “He’s coming to Niger in January and our people will be delighted to welcome him.” The visit will give President Infantino the chance to witness the progress that the western African country has made in recent years. In addition to the national team’s impressive per...

The grant will be sourced from the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund, a multi-donor fund administered by the African Development Bank.   The African Development Bank ( www.AfDB.org ) has signed a grant agreement for $400,000 with the Caisse des dépôts et consignations of Côte d'Ivoire (CDC-CI). The funds will support CDC-CI to accelerate its activities to assist Ivorian small and medium-sized enterprises. The agreement was signed on 27 September 2022 in Abidjan. CDC-CI is  a State bank that handles official deposits. The grant will be sourced from the Capital Markets Development Trust Fund, a multi-donor fund administered by the African Development Bank. The financing will enable CDC-CI to promote entrepreneurial initiatives for women and youth, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in Côte d'Ivoire to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. CDC-CI will do this through - among other things - the development of a strategy document that defines the scope ...

The WURI is a multi-phase programme financed by the World Bank and implemented by Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Niger and Togo, and the ECOWAS Commission. The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission), through the Directorate of Free Movement of Persons and Migration is organizing the Maiden Regional Sensitisation and Awareness Event on the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) programme. The meeting which is scheduled to hold virtually on 29th September 2022 aims to sensitise the stakeholders with identification management-related functions from all the ECOWAS fifteen (15) Member States to enhance their understanding of the WURI programme and highlight the opportunities of regional integration inherent in the programme. Specifically, the meeting will seek to (1) Create awareness about the WURI programme and the Commission’s role in facilitating regional dialogues for the interoperability of f...

Le premier ministre s'engage à travailler avec l'AFC pour construire rapidement des infrastructures essentielles. Le Cameroun s'associe à l'Africa Finance Corporation ( www.AfricaFC.org ) pour créer des infrastructures qui aideront à transformer l'économie en un centre manufacturier, contrairement aux exportations de minerais bruts actuelles, favorisant ainsi la création d'emplois, le transfert de compétences et l'augmentation des recettes d'exportation. En devenant le 36e État membre de l'AFC, le Cameroun œuvrera avec la Corporation sur des infrastructures clés afin d'approfondir l'intégration, de permettre le remplacement des importations et de développer la capacité manufacturière et industrielle pour qu'elle représente 40 % du PIB, dans le cadre du programme Vision 2035 du gouvernement. Premier fournisseur de solutions d'infrastructure en Afrique, l'AFC a, à ce jour, alloué plus de 300 millions de dollars au Cameroun afin de t...

Malawi has been known to be endemic for trachoma since the 1980s. World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Malawi as having eliminated trachoma—a bacterial eye infection that can cause irreversible blindness if untreated—as a public health problem. Malawi becomes the first country in southern Africa and the fifth in Africa to achieve this significant milestone. “Malawi’s achievement is life-changing for millions of children who were at risk of this devastating disease. Trachoma results in painful late complications leading to sight impairment, a life-long disability which causes significant emotional and economic hardship for families. With Malawi showing the way I hope other endemic countries in southern Africa will prioritize the fight against neglected diseases that cause untold suffering to vulnerable populations,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. Malawi has been known to be endemic for trachoma since the 1980s. However, it was not until 2008 when su...

With nominations ending Tuesday, 20 September 2022, the number is expected to bludgeon, especially because major political parties represented in the House are yet to register their candidates. Fifteen contenders for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) representative slots, including former MPs Jacquiline Amongin and Veronica Kadogo, have sought nomination in the crowded race to the regional Parliament. With nominations ending Tuesday, 20 September 2022, the number is expected to bludgeon, especially because major political parties represented in the House are yet to register their candidates. So far, the Justice Forum (JEEMA) solely represented in the House by MP Asuman Basalirwa (JEEMA, Bugiri Municipality) has presented the only political party sponsored candidate in the pack of 15, after signing in its Secretary General, Mr Mohamed Kateregga. The other candidates include Salaama Nakitende, Gilbert Agaba, Ambrose Murangira, Allan Muyima, and journalist Julius Bukyana, Ronex...

On the first day of South Sudan Oil & Power 2022, Djibouti’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources signed a memorandum of understanding with South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum to enhance cooperation across the energy sector for both countries. The South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2022 ( https://bit.ly/3A1hgvV ) conference and exhibition, taking place this week in Juba, is centered around the role the country plays as a gateway to East African energy development, and as such, represents the official platform for deals to be signed that will advance the regional energy sector. To this effect, during the first day of the conference, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Djibouti and South Sudan to enhance cooperation across the energy sector for both countries. The signing was conducted by Djibouti’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, H.E. Yonis Ali Guedi, and South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Puot Kang Chol. Under the terms of the cooperation agr...

Representing the official partner of AEW 2022, a strong delegation from Afreximbank led by the organization’s Chairman and President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, will be coming to AEW 2022 to lead discussions, sign oil and gas deals, and reshape the narrative on Africa’s energy future. In pursuit of consolidating Africa’s own narrative around oil, gas and financing large-scale project developments, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has confirmed that a strong delegation will attend the continent’s premier energy event, African Energy Week (AEW) ( www.AECWeek.com ) – taking place from October 18-21, 2022, in Cape Town – to sign deals and forge partnerships while driving Africa-centric dialogue around the future of African energy. With financing African oil and gas projects representing a hot point of debate globally, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) remains resilient in its support for investing in African hydrocarbons, recognizing the role these resources will play in making ener...

The theme of the forum is “Science, Technology and Innovation for a more Competitive ECOWAS”. ECOWAS launched the first edition of the African Forum for Research and Innovation (FARI 2022) during press conference in Abuja, Nigeria. The theme of the forum is “Science, Technology and Innovation for a more Competitive ECOWAS” which was adopted to reflect the numerous challenges in the World economy as member states of the ECOWAS look inwards for a better and brighter sub-region. African Forum for Research and Innovation (FARI) will take place from 17th – 21st October 2022 in Abuja. In his welcome address, the ECOWAS President, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray whose speech was delivered by the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, welcomed all to the launch and thanked the Presidents of Nigeria and Guinea Bissau for their commitment to regional integration. He explained that “Innovation is at the heart of knowledge economies. It is the foundation of competitiven...

Hydrocarbons remain a necessary part of the global energy mix. For the East African nation, unlocking its fossil-fuel resources will help meet its development needs – and even reduce emissions.  With the world now practically unanimous about the need for more sustainable energy solutions, the idea of what exactly these solutions should be is coming into sharper focus.  African energy players are making the point that their countries are at a vastly different stage of their development journey compared to industrialised nations. For this reason, meeting their people’s needs while reducing emissions will look completely different in Africa.  The traditional wisdom that hydrocarbons constitute the worst “dirty energy” solution is inaccurate. In Uganda, where basic energy needs are often met via tree cutting, improving access to energy from fossil fuels would reduce carbon impacts. Africa’s role in global carbon emissions is minuscule. Environment, Health, Safety and Security...

EPSA 5 aims to address four key priorities: power, connectivity, health and agriculture, and nutrition.  Following the announcement of an additional $5 billion to the African Development Bank’s ( https://www.AfDB.org/ ) Enhanced Private Sector Assistance (EPSA) ( https://bit.ly/3QoLwa2 ) program from the government of Japan, the Bank’s Central Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office is seeking to engage with private sector organizations from the region with economically viable projects for investment. Serge N’Guessan, African Development Bank Director General for the region, said: “The Bank is very keen to support private promoters’ investments in Central Africa since they are critical for the economic growth and job creation in this important region of the continent. The EPSA Program financing will contribute tremendously to achieving this noble development objective.” The announcement, made in Tunis during the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Deve...

L’EPSA 5 vise à répondre à quatre priorités clés : l’électricité, la connectivité, la santé et l’agriculture, ainsi que la nutrition. Après l’annonce du gouvernement japonais d’octroyer 5 milliards de dollars supplémentaires au programme d’Assistance renforcée au secteur privé (EPSA) ( https://bit.ly/3QoLwa2 ) de la Banque africaine de développement ( https://www.AfDB.org/ ), la Banque à travers son Bureau régional pour l’Afrique centrale va dialoguer avec les organisations du secteur privé de la région ayant des projets d’investissement économiquement viables. Le directeur général de la Banque pour l’Afrique centrale, Serge N’Guessan   a déclaré : « La Banque est très désireuse de soutenir les investissements des promoteurs privés en Afrique centrale, car ils sont essentiels pour la croissance économique et la création d’emplois dans cette importante région du continent. Le financement par le Programme EPSA contribuera énormément à la réalisation de ce noble objectif de dével...

We regret that there are still people capable of such crimes with no respect for human life or safety. On Thursday, a horrific act of gun violence against the people and property of the Turkish Football Association (TFF) occurred at the TFF’s headquarters in Istanbul. As much as we are relieved that these acts resulted in no injuries, we regret that there are still people capable of such crimes with no respect for human life or safety. FIFA and UEFA jointly condemn this violent act and express our full support for the TFF and its staff at this difficult time.  Violence is a disease that cannot be tolerated in any form. Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor

Nous regrettons que des individus soient capables de tels actes mettant en danger des vies humaines et la sécurité des populations. Ce jeudi à Istanbul, une terrible attaque armée a été perpétrée contre le personnel et les bâtiments de la Fédération Turque de Football (TFF). Si nous nous réjouissons qu’aucune victime ni blessé ne soit à déplorer, nous regrettons que des individus soient capables de tels actes mettant en danger des vies humaines et la sécurité des populations. La FIFA et l’UEFA condamnent conjointement cet acte d’une extrême violence et apportent leur plein soutien à la TFF ainsi qu’à tous les membres de son personnel en ces moments difficiles. La violence est une maladie qui ne peut être tolérée sous aucune forme. Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editeur

Après des mois d'attente, la conférence exposition MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022 a ouvert ses portes dans le célèbre CICAD de Dakar, avec une liste impressionnante de 69 intervenants de premier plan dans le domaine de l'énergie en Afrique, avec en tête une série de sept discours d'ouverture prononcés par les principaux décideurs et pionniers de l'énergie de la région. Alors que des centaines de délégués de haut niveau se pressaient dans le hall principal de la CICAD, la première journée du MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022 (https://bit.ly/3a4fuRb)  a été officiellement ouverte par un discours de NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l'énergie. "Le gaz va façonner l'Afrique. Nous voyons déjà le marché changer mois après mois, à mesure que les gouvernements et d'autres acteurs s'unissent pour faire avancer le gaz au niveau régional et mondial... C'est la meilleure industrie qui existe et nous devons en être fiers tous les jours, n...