diplomacy&development

Elinor Hammarskjöld appointed United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Elinor Hammarskjöld as Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel. Ms Hammarskjöld currently serves as Director-General for Legal Affairs and Head of the Directorate-General for Legal Affairs at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. “We are very proud of Elinor Hammarskjöld’s appointment. It is among the highest offices a Swede has held in the UN. This enhances Sweden’s representation in the UN and shows that we have a great deal to offer as regards knowledge of international law. This is good for Sweden. At the same time, we are losing a valued key employee here at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard.  Ms Hammarskjöld has more than 30 years’ experience working in foreign and security policy, public international law and human rights. She is currently...

Rising on the site of the current headquarters, the new building will showcase architectural innovation through its energy-efficient design and advanced security features, marking a new chapter in the African Development Bank Group’s presence in Abidjan The executive directors unanimously approved the proposal, stating it was important for the Bank to maintain its strong presence in Abidjan and to invest in a work environment that supports the well-being of its staff. The African Development Bank Group’s ( www.AfDB.org ) Boards of Directors have approved yesterday the proposal by the Bank’s Management to construct a modern, state-of-the-art building to host its headquarters in Côte d’Ivoire’s commercial capital, Abidjan. The executive directors unanimously approved the proposal, stating it was important for the Bank to maintain its strong presence in Abidjan and to invest in a work environment that supports the well-being of its staff. The President of the African Development Bank Grou...

  L’Ambassadeur de France en République Démocratique du Congo, M. Rémi Maréchaux, a accueilli le jeudi 12 décembre 2024, une soirée à la Résidence de France en l’honneur des entrepreneurs congolais participant au projet « Le Succès des Repat ». Cette initiative, conduite par l’Ambassade de France en partenariat avec RFI, offre une tribune aux talents de la diaspora congolaise à travers une rubrique diffusée dans l’émission « 8 milliards de voisins ». Ces portraits mettent en avant les parcours de ces entrepreneurs, appelés repats, qui partagent les défis surmontés liés au retour à leur pays d’origine pour mener à bien un projet entrepreneurial. Célébration des talents congolais : un modèle de réussite pour la coopération franco-congolais La soirée a été marquée par la présence des cinq entrepreneurs congolais ayant pris part au projet : - Tisya Mukuna de la marque de café La Kinoise - Christelle Nkento Mabungu - Ursula Ndombele de la plateforme Hoja - Marie-Ange Lub...

Lors du Kobo Art Festival, Kobo Hub et l’Ambassade de France en RDC ont annoncé le lancement de l’Institut Régional de la Mode - Kobo Art Fashion, un hub dédié à la mode en RDC et dans le bassin du Congo. L’inauguration officielle est prévue pour mai 2025.  Ce projet, soutenu par le Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères français et l’Ambassade de France, a pour objectif de promouvoir l’industrie de la mode en RDC et de mettre en valeur le talent créatif local.  Un Hub Unique pour Créateurs et Passionnés  Kobo Fashion se structure autour de trois composantes majeures:  1. Programme d’Incubation et de Formation  En partenariat avec Nadine Gonzalez, fondatrice de ModaFusion et des écoles de mode CASA 93, ce programme accompagnera les talents créatifs en RDC ainsi que ceux provenant d’autres pays du Bassin du Congo (Cameroun, Gabon, République Centrafricaine, République du Congo). Des formations sur l’entrepreneuriat dans la mode seront proposées afin de ...

The Swedish Government has decided to contribute funds to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).  Over the next three years, Sweden will provide SEK 615 million to IFAD, a UN agency that promotes food security and creates livelihood opportunities for women and men living in poverty in rural areas of developing countries. Through low-interest loans and donations, IFAD supports people in poor and disadvantaged rural areas, such as women smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups. The increasing food insecurity in the world requires renewed efforts to reduce poverty and strengthen the resilience of the people affected. IFAD’s projects help boost production capacity and enhance livelihood opportunities, enable people living in poverty to access markets for their products, and enhance environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change in rural areas. In 2025–2027, IFAD’s activities will prioritise measures for climate change adaptation and enhanced biodive...

The company has introduced 16 unique digital solutions and built robust end-to-end eVisa platforms for 12 sovereign governments. • Last 100 million applications have come in the past 5 years – despite pandemic- driven travel slow-down of 2020-2022 • Trusted partner of 69 governments; working with 25 of them for over 15 years VFS Global ( www.VFSGlobal.com ), the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has crossed the 300 million applications milestone. It is notable that the last 100 million applications have been achieved in the past 5 years despite the pandemic-driven travel slow-down of 2020-2022. In 2023 alone, the company processed 24.1 million applications, 35% more than 2022. (Source: ISR 2023) ( http://apo-opa.co/3ZMmkSO ), and between January to May 2024, it has processed approximately 100,000 applications a day. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, said, “We are very ple...

Lauréat du MAC 2024_Theodore-Ohene Botchway La grande finale de MAC 2024 a marqué le point culminant de la compétition, qui a célébré les solutions agro-technologiques innovantes à l'origine du changement en Afrique de l'Ouest. L'école de Technologie Meltwater Entrepreneurial  (MEST Africa) ( www.Meltwater.org ) a annoncé SAYeTECH ( https://apo-opa.co/4imJ3Mq ) comme lauréat du concours MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2024. La grande finale de MAC 2024 a marqué le point culminant de la compétition, qui a célébré les solutions agro-technologiques innovantes à l'origine du changement en Afrique de l'Ouest. Organisé en partenariat avec l'ambassade de Norvège à Accra, le thème de cette année, « Find Your Soil », était axé sur l'innovation agro-technologique dans la région.  Le MAC 2024 a attiré des candidats de pays importants de la région de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, notamment le Bénin, le Cap-Vert, la Côte d'Ivoire, la Gambie, le Ghana, la Guinée, la Guiné...

Lauréat du MAC 2024_Theodore-Ohene Botchway La grande finale de MAC 2024 a marqué le point culminant de la compétition, qui a célébré les solutions agro-technologiques innovantes à l'origine du changement en Afrique de l'Ouest. L'école de Technologie Meltwater Entrepreneurial  (MEST Africa) (www.Meltwater.org) a annoncé SAYeTECH (https://apo-opa.co/4imJ3Mq) comme lauréat du concours MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2024. La grande finale de MAC 2024 a marqué le point culminant de la compétition, qui a célébré les solutions agro-technologiques innovantes à l'origine du changement en Afrique de l'Ouest. Organisé en partenariat avec l'ambassade de Norvège à Accra, le thème de cette année, « Find Your Soil », était axé sur l'innovation agro-technologique dans la région.  Le MAC 2024 a attiré des candidats de pays importants de la région de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, notamment le Bénin, le Cap-Vert, la Côte d'Ivoire, la Gambie, le Ghana, la Guinée, la Guinée-Bi...

St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, recently hosted its Familiarization Program, welcoming education agents and school counselors from Africa and around the world to its campus. The program offered a comprehensive overview of SGU’s medical curriculum and campus facilities, providing valuable insights into the university’s offerings. During the visit, the delegates were introduced to the life of an SGU medical student and learned how the institution’s programs and tracks are designed to prepare students for real-world medical practice. The tour included exclusive access to SGU’s modern medical facilities, including specialist simulation and anatomy laboratories, clinical exam rooms, a sonogram room and the campus security center. In addition, the delegates explored other campus amenities such as the fitness and wellness center, health services clinic, and accommodation halls, gaining a holistic understanding of the university’s commitment to student...

The efficiency of the disbursement reflects Transnet’s fulfilment of the Bank’s rigorous requirements for governance, the environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. The African Development Bank ( www.AfDB.org ) has released the first tranche of its $1 billion loan to Transnet, the South African state-owned conglomerate managing the country’s ports, railways and pipelines. This disbursement is the first in a series of four tranches planned for an unparalleled financing arrangement to support Transnet’s business’s recovery plan.   Approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors five months ago, this funding underpins a recovery plan to address pressing operational challenges of the company, while bolstering South Africa’s critical infrastructure.  The funding will allow Transnet to commence the first phase of its ambitious ZAR 152.8 billion (USD 8.1 billion) five-year investment plan to upgrade existing infrastructure while enhancing key logistic chain segments. ...

Sweden has announced a contribution of SEK 8.2 billion to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), a fund for the world’s poorest countries. In doing so, Sweden is contributing to the record-breaking 21st replenishment of the fund, which will generate a total of USD 100 billion for reforms, investment, and development in low-income countries. The 21st replenishment of the IDA concluded in Seoul, South Korea on 5–6 December. It comes at a time of stagnating social and economic development in many low-income countries around the world. In recent years, these countries have also been hit by rising debt levels, increasing climate risks and limited access to funding due to increased economic and geopolitical uncertainty.  “The Government’s pledged support of SEK 8.2 billion to the IDA is an investment in the future for the world’s low-income countries and for Sweden. The IDA plays an important role in supporting reform efforts and improving the local investment clim...

La deuxième phase du Projet de valorisation des eaux pour le développement des chaînes de valeur couvre neuf régions administratives : Louga, Thiès, Kaolack, Fatick, Kaffrine, Diourbel, Ziguinchor, Sédhiou et Kolda. Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement ( www.AfDB.org ) a approuvé, le 2 décembre 2024 à Abidjan, un prêt de 55,33 millions d’euro au Sénégal pour la réalisation de la deuxième phase du Projet de valorisation des eaux pour le développement des chaînes de valeur. L’objectif est d’augmenter durablement les productions agricoles, les emplois et les revenus dans les régions ciblées par le projet à travers notamment la mobilisation des eaux de surface et souterraines. « Les résultats satisfaisants obtenus par la première phase du projet ( https://apo-opa.co/3Zo1s2L ), et fortement appréciés par les bénéficiaires, ont fait naître de nouveaux défis liés à la consolidation des acquis du projet, et l’accompagnement des agripreneurs, jeunes et f...

Sweden and the United States have signed on 3 December a statement of intent on enhanced cooperation between Swedish and US special forces. The contents of the statement are secret, but it will allow for enhanced operational and capability-developing cooperation between special forces. “The current security situation has increased the importance of cooperation. The United States is an important partner to Sweden and the special forces are an important resource in addressing developments in our neighbourhood. This statement of intent will further strengthen our already good relations with the United States and enable enhanced cooperation,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.   “Collaboration is our greatest collective advantage. This statement of intent is another important step in the deep relationship between the United States and Sweden, and allows us to strengthen our partnership, address regional challenges, counter provocations, and work towards our common security,” sa...

St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies is accepting applications for aspiring African medical students for its January 2025 intake. SGU offers rolling admissions across three intakes—January, April, and August—at its True Blue campus in Grenada, giving students the flexibility to choose a start date that best suits their personal and academic schedules.  Each intake offers unique benefits, allowing students to tailor their medical course to fit their individual needs. In addition, SGU’s partnership with Northumbria University in Newcastle offers students the flexibility to begin their medical education in the UK with September and January intakes. This partnership merges the strengths of both these institutions, offering a global perspective and access to a more comprehensive medical curriculum. By starting at Northumbria, students benefit from the experience of both Caribbean and UK-based medical systems, equipping them for a successful internatio...

Cette initiative s’inscrit dans l’objectif d’Afrobarometer de renforcer l’écosystème de recherche du continent. Afrobarometer ( www.Afrobarometer.org ) a organisé son premier atelier pour les chercheurs émergents en novembre, réunissant des chercheurs en début de carrière et des chercheurs confirmés pour améliorer leurs compétences analytiques et soutenir la prochaine génération de chercheurs africains. Cette initiative s’inscrit dans l’objectif d’Afrobarometer de renforcer l’écosystème de recherche du continent. L’atelier, qui s’est tenu sur le campus Future Africa de l’Université de Pretoria, a réuni 12 chercheurs émergents – dont la moitié étaient des femmes – représentant neuf pays : Botswana, Bénin, Cameroun, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigéria, Afrique du Sud et Ouganda. Les participants ont présenté des articles de recherche couvrant divers sujets, ont reçu des commentaires de leurs mentors et pairs et ont participé à des séances de développement professionnel conçues pour propulser l...

This initiative aligns with Afrobarometer’s objective of strengthening the continent’s research ecosystem. Afrobarometer ( www.Afrobarometer.org ) held its inaugural Emerging Scholars Workshop in November, bringing together early-career researchers and established scholars to enhance analytical skills and support the next generation of African researchers. This initiative aligns with Afrobarometer’s objective of strengthening the continent’s research ecosystem. The workshop, held at the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa campus, brought together 12 emerging scholars – half of them women – representing nine countries: Botswana, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda. Participants presented research papers covering diverse topics, received feedback from their mentors and peers, and engaged in professional development sessions designed to propel their academic and professional growth. According to Jason Owen, Afrobarometer capacity building manager (a...

On the occasion of the official visit of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Félix Tshisekedi, to Paris last spring, the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, and his Congolese counterpart decided to launch a strategic defense dialogue between France and the DRC. The first edition was organized in Kinshasa on November 27, 2024. This dialogue aims to consolidate ties between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and their French counterparts, by establishing a framework for in-depth exchange to strengthen cooperation in security and defense. During this meeting, in which around thirty senior officers took part, three main priorities to guide this cooperation were identified: 1. Share common strategic analyses between the two countries 2. Assess the current state of military cooperation in order to better meet the specific needs of the FARDC 3. Lay the foundations for the updating of the Franco-Congolese defense agreement signed in 1974. This strategic d...

  A l'occasion de la visite officielle du Président de la République démocratique du Congo, M. Félix Tshisekedi, à Paris au printemps dernier, le Président de la République française M. Emmanuel Macron et son homologue congolais avaient décidé le lancement d’un dialogue stratégique de défense entre la France et la RDC. La première édition a été organisée à Kinshasa le 27 novembre 2024. Ce dialogue vise à consolider les liens entre les Forces armées de la RDC (FARDC) et leurs homologues françaises, en instaurant un cadre d’échange approfondi pour renforcer la coopération en matière de sécurité et défense. Lors de cette rencontre, à laquelle une trentaine d’officiers supérieurs ont pris part, trois priorités principales pour orienter cette coopération ont été identifiées : 1. Partager des analyses stratégiques communes entre les deux pays 2. Evaluer l’état actuel de la coopération militaire afin de mieux répondre aux besoins spécifiques des FARDC 3. Poser les bases de la réactualisat...