Category: Africa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Eritrean community festival in the Scandinavian countries has convened today, 4 August in Stockholm with patriotic zeal.

The festival is graced by the presence of Eritrea’s Regional Governors: Mr. Fesehaye Haile, Governor of the Central Region; Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Southern Red Sea Region; and Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, Governor of the Southern Region. The festival is attended by a number of nationals from cities in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.

At the event, Mr. Yonas Manna, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, and Mr. Alem Teklegergis, Chairman of the Holidays Coordinating Committee, emphasized the importance of Eritrean festivals in fostering the noble societal values and national identity among the youth and that participation in national festivals has been increasing over the past 25 years.

The festival, which will stay open until August 6, features cultural events, seminars on the objective situation of the nation, as well as youth and kid-oriented activities.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The UN human rights office in Uganda will cease operations on Sunday after the Government decided not to renew the host country agreement, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday, affirming that he “remains committed” to working in the country, in line with his global mandate.

The closure of the office in Kampala follows the recent closure of sub-offices in Gulu and Moroto sub-offices.

In February, the Government decided to terminate the mandate of the High Commissioner’s Office, OHCHR, in Uganda. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights defenders denounced the move and had called for its reversal, according to media reports.

“I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with State institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans,” Volker Türk said in a news release.

“On our part, the UN human rights office remains committed to working on human rights in Uganda, in line with my global mandate,” he added.

Progress, but challenges remain

High Commissioner Türk recalled the engagement with the Government and partners, including integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in national planning, and the adoption of a national action plan on business and human rights.

“Much progress has been made in the country over the years, but serious human rights challenges remain in the path to full enjoyment of human rights for all,” he said.

In particular, Mr. Türk expressed concern about the period ahead of the 2026 elections, given an increasingly hostile environment in which human rights defenders, civil society actors and journalists are operating.

Earlier this year, other UN human rights mechanisms, such as the Committee against Torture and the Human Rights Committee, also expressed concerns, including over the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May 2023 that criminalises consenting sexual relations between adults of the same sex and provides severe sanctions, including the death penalty.

‘Chronic’ underfunding of national rights body

Mr. Türk called on the Government to ensure the Uganda Human Rights Commission can function effectively and independently, as the main body tasked with human rights oversight in the country.

“[The Commission], our long-standing partner in the protection and promotion of human rights in the country, is chronically under-funded and under-staffed, and reports of political interference in its mandate undermine its legitimacy, independence and impartiality,” he said.

“I urge the Ugandan government to provide the Commission with adequate human, technical and financial resources so that it may more effectively execute its important mandate.”

Established in 2005

OHCHR’s Uganda office was established in July 2005 with offices in Gulu, Kitgum, Kotido, Lira, Pader, Soroti, and the head office in Kampala.

Its initial mandate focused on the human rights situation in the conflict-affected areas of Northern and Northeastern Uganda. In 2009, the mandate was extended to cover the entire country and all human rights issues.  

The OHCHR office in Uganda was among the largest stand-alone UN human rights presences in Africa. 

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Malawi were held in Lilongwe on 04 August 2023. The Indian side was led by Shri Puneet R. Kundal, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa ) and the Malawi side was led by Mr. Bernard H. Sande, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malawi.

​During the FOC, both delegations reviewed their wide ranging bilateral relationship, covering political exchanges, development partnership, defence cooperation, trade and economic matters, consular issues and cooperation in areas such as Agriculture, Education, Health, Mines & Minerals, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy, Art & Culture, etc. Both sides agreed to further diversify cooperation in various areas to further strengthen this relationship.

Both sides also discussed multilateral issues of mutual interest, including UN Security Council reforms, peace and security in Southern Africa, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and South African Development Community (SADC).

The two sides agreed to continue high level political exchanges and regular meetings of the joint institutional mechanisms to keep the partnership vibrant and mutually beneficial.

The Indian side invited Malawi to join the Coalition for Disaster, Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).

It was agreed to hold the next round of Consultations at mutually convenient dates in 2024 in New Delhi.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

As a valued partner in Military Cooperation, Minister Radegonde received the new Defence Attaché of the Republic of India to the Republic of Seychelles, Captain Shirdikant Velagada. The Defence Attaché is in Seychelles to attend the 11th High-Level Joint Defence Co-ordination Committee (HLJDCC).

Minister Radegonde reiterated the Government of Seychelles’ appreciation towards India as a commendable partner in Military Cooperation during the meeting on Thursday, 3rd August 2023, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy. “Along with the collaborations and joint operations, officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces have benefited from various capacity-building training. Let us work on identifying where our interests converge to develop cooperation further,” said Minister Radegonde.

The Minister also stated his appreciation for India’s military participation in the Seychelles National Day parade and the recent joint EEZ surveillance by the INS Trishal with the Seychelles Coast Guard.

On his end, Captain Velagada acknowledged the upright progression in the Search and Rescue operations of the Seychelles Defence Forces and reassured India’s continued support towards Seychelles security.

Other topics addressed were the surveillance challenges of the Seychelles EEZ and the growing concerns about illegal activities at sea.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – the voice of the African energy sector – is proud to announce that Marcellin Bilomba Mbale, Director General of the National Oil Company (NOC) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), will speak at this year’s edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition – Africa’s premier event for the energy sector, scheduled for 16 – 20 October in Cape Town. During the event, Mbale will provide insights into how the country plans on integrating sustainability with oil and gas exploration, and how regional collaboration is set to accelerate the country’s local content and infrastructure development.

Representing one of the final frontiers for oil and gas exploration worldwide, the DRC – through Sonahydro – is working towards unlocking the full potential of its untapped acreage with the aim of scaling up energy security and long-term economic growth. While the country’s proven oil reserves equate to 180 million barrels, estimated reserves are measured at over five billion barrels, offering lucrative opportunities for frontier E&P players.

Under efforts to boost foreign direct investment and attract new players to the sector, the DRC launched a 30-block licensing round in 2022. To date, three gas blocks have been awarded with 27 oil blocks still on offer. As such, AEW 2023, with its upstream-focused panel discussions and numerous networking opportunities, represents the best platform for Mbale to showcase the central African country’s upstream potential, signing new deals with E&P players. In addition to bringing in new investments and players across the DRC’s energy landscape, the licensing round will help increase the country’s oil production from the current rate of 25,000 barrels of oil per day. Sonahydro, in partnership with international E&P firm Perenco, is responsible for this production.

As a frontier market, the DRC is also leveraging cooperation with regional producing neighbors, including Angola, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo, to advance energy security, infrastructure and local content development. DRC stands to learn a great deal from regional producing markets, particularly when it comes to sustainable hydrocarbon practices. Through knowledge and skills transfer, the DRC plans on scaling-up sustainability within its sector while ensuring new developments prioritize environmental protection and economic opportunities.  

Partnerships with regional producers include a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Uganda for the utilization of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline; an agreement signed with Equatorial Guinea for the joint development of an oil refinery and storage facilities in the DRC; and a deal signed with Angola for the joint development of Block 14 – situated on the maritime border of the two countries. AEW 2023, with its regional cooperation focus, represents the best platform for Mbale to network with representatives from NOCs from other African countries to discuss current and potential partnership opportunities.

“Sonahydro has played a crucial role in laying the foundation on which the DRC’s energy market is expanding. The NOC is targeting unlocking the country’s full energy potential through a series of exploration and production activities and partnerships with regional and global energy players. The untapped energy potential across the DRC’s Coastal Basin, the La Cuvette Basin and the West Branch Basins will be crucial for driving regional energy security and adding value into the local economy,” states NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Taking place under the theme ‘The Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets’, AEW 2023 will unite African hydrocarbon producing countries including the DRC with global investors to showcase, discuss and maximize investment and partnership opportunities within the continent’s burgeoning energy industry.

AEW is the AEC’s interactive exhibition and networking event uniting African energy stakeholders, driving industry growth and development, and promoting Africa as the destination for African-focused events. For more information about sponsorship, attendance, and partnership opportunities, visit www.AECWeek.com

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

African Energy Week 2023 will host energy-focused workshop sessions, set to take place on October 16 at the Westin Hotel. Under the theme, “The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets,” the workshops will cover a diverse range of subjects that address key challenges and opportunities in the African energy sector. Through these workshops, participants can expect in-depth discussions, case studies and interactive sessions that foster knowledge-sharing, networking and collaboration.

With Africa rapidly emerging as a significant player in the global energy market, the workshop sessions aim to explore innovative strategies, technologies and best practices for sustainable energy development across the continent. Potential workshop topics being considered include renewable energy integration, energy financing, regulatory policies and frameworks, local content, addressing energy poverty, natural resource management, energy efficiency, decarbonizing the energy sector and the role of digitalization in the energy industry.

Furthermore, one of the main goals of the workshop sessions is to foster meaningful partnerships between governments, private sector entities and international organizations. By creating an environment that encourages collaboration and partnerships, AEW aims to unlock new investment opportunities, facilitate knowledge transfer and promote the implementation of sustainable energy solutions across the continent. These collaborative efforts will play a crucial role in leveraging Africa’s vast energy potential, driving inclusive growth and accelerating Africa’s energy transition while alleviating energy poverty.

“We are excited to offer these engaging workshop sessions at African Energy Week. They provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to dive deep into specific energy topics and explore viable strategies for overcoming challenges. We are confident that these workshops will inspire fruitful dialogue and enable stakeholders to develop actionable plans for Africa’s energy future,” states NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

In addition to the workshops, AEW will feature an extensive line-up of high-level panels, keynote presentations, exhibitions and networking events. The event will attract participants from various sectors, including government officials, industry executives, project developers, financiers, engineering and technology providers, and service companies with the aim of developing Africa’s energy sector to meet the needs of local and global demands while prioritizing the energy transition.

As Africa continues to achieve its ambitious energy goals, AEW remains at the forefront of driving the dialogue and collaboration needed for sustainable and inclusive energy development. The workshops hosted at the Westin Hotel on October 16th will undoubtedly serve as a necessary platform for advancing Africa’s energy agenda and harnessing the energy potential of the continent.

African Energy Week is the African Energy Chamber’s premier event dedicated to showcasing Africa’s vast energy potential and fostering investments into the continent’s energy industry. What’s more is that the event will unite all those interested in energy to share knowledge, build new relationships, and create a space where African nations’ rich hydrocarbon, minerals, and renewables can shine to ultimately create a rich energy mix. Thus, ultimately transforming Africa’s energy landscape to one which prospers.

For more information and to register for African Energy Week, please visit: https://AECWeek.com

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition has inked a multi-year deal with the world-renowned Cape Town International Conference Center (CTICC), with the venue officially booked for November 2024. The deal will see Africa’s biggest energy event utilize venues at both the V&A Waterfront – the home of the conference for the last three years – as well as the CITCC, enabling the conference to host more delegates, larger exhibition floors and provide expanded opportunities for investment and deals.  

Since AEW’s inception, the event has witnessed substantial growth in size, with delegates and investors from across the African and global energy sector travelling to Cape Town to engage in discussions about the future of the African energy sector. Through its innovative conference structure – AEW has been taking place across a variety of venues at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, one of the biggest tourist attractions on the continent – the event has welcomed thousands of delegates and quickly emerged as the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent. Now, AEW hosts the largest number of African energy and petroleum ministers and represents the official deal-signing platform for the African energy sector.

In a relatively short period of time, AEW has emerged as the foremost deal-signing platform in Africa. The conference emphasizes networking and collaboration, therefore providing stakeholders the unique opportunity to directly engage with Africa’s decision-makers. Delegates have a chance to meet with policymakers, ministers, high-level financiers and regulators, with an emphasis on signing deals and advancing investment. In 2022 alone, AEW saw over $2.5 billion dollars-worth of deals signed during the conference week, with billions-of-dollars more inked in the weeks following the event.

The multi-year deal with the CITCC builds on this success to offer stakeholders a wide variety of options to meet, engage and partner. Additional conference and meeting venues enables the AEW program to expand, therefore broadening discussion topics as well as opportunities for stakeholders to do business. The growth that the conference has experienced is expected to only accelerate, and as such, AEW will be moving to the CTICC in 2024 to support this expansion. In addition to the CTICC venue, by utilizing the V&A Waterfront, AEW will leverage the complex’s diverse and vibrant mix of restaurants, attractions and hotels to provide a variety of unique networking opportunities for delegates. At its core, AEW is committed to advancing collaboration in Africa and connecting players to opportunities. These networking opportunities offer delegates just that while unlocking a wave of economic benefits for the city of Cape Town.

Meanwhile, the move to the CTICC will allow bigger crowds to gather while broadening opportunities for the conference exhibition. As one of Africa’s largest conference venues, the CITCC represents a top exhibition trade show complex, comprising more than 21,000 m² of dedicated exhibition space. The venue comprises 10 exhibition halls as well as an auditorium room, meeting rooms, ballrooms and much more. This will allow AEW’s exhibition to significantly grow, providing companies, governments, entrepreneurs and policymakers with the chance to increase their brand awareness, connect with potential partners and promote their services to a strong slate of energy stakeholders.

“We started this conference with one key objective: to make energy poverty history by 2030, and we are proud to announce our multi-year deal signed with the CTICC. We have already seen high demand for AEW next year, which requires us to think innovatively and have a larger venue to host the numbers we are anticipating. With the multi-year deal, AEW has significantly expanded opportunities for investors and companies to do business and grow,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC).

AEW is the AEC’s annual energy event which unites African policymakers and governments with global investors and project developers. The 2023 edition takes place from October 16-20 at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and thereafter across multiple venues including the CTICC. For more information, visit www.AECWeek.com.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

With the help of the International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), The town of Luangwa, located in eastern Zambia, has implemented an innovative program to increase revenue collections and economic stability in the face of mounting climate change impacts.

According to a detailed report by local officials, Luangwa has been plagued by increased flooding in recent years due to climate change. The floods have led to repeated business closures and economic disruption. This spelled trouble for the Luangwa Town Council, which relies heavily on local revenue sources like markets and shops for its budget.

Overall revenue collection was meeting 92% of estimates, but revenue specifically from local sources languished at just 74% of expectations in 2022. Not only did this impact the council’s expenditures and services, but a portion of the tax proceeds had to be spent on tax collection itself.

Faced with this crisis, Luangwa officials developed a multi-pronged strategy focused on long-term financial health, economic pivoting, and tapping new revenue streams. Central to the plan were core values of participation, transparency, accountability, and equity/inclusion.

Specific initiatives included:

• Frequent audits by the Town Council’s audit department decreased the risk of revenue loss by 41%. This provided greater oversight and transparency.
• Construction of an elevated market in a flood-resistant area aimed to directly replace vulnerable revenue sources. The new market has already drawn many new women shopkeepers.
• An 80% increase in women operating shops and stalls at the market. Officials noted the importance of inclusion and participation by this marginalized group.
• A 10% increase in total revenue generation from the new market area. This provided a direct offset to losses from flooding.
• Engagement efforts leading to a 30% increase in community participation in Town Council meetings. This boosted input on spending priorities.
• A 38% increase in community input on the Town Council’s annual budget. Promoting participation and transparency.
• Economic stability during downturns improved by 40% due to diversified revenue sources. This increased overall resilience.
• The town’s ability to pivot to market changes increased by 50%. This adaptation promotes long-term viability.
• Total revenue available for investment and growth increased 38% from 2021 to 2022. This supports future sustainability.

The comprehensive plan promoted inclusion, transparency, and participation by marginalized groups like women and youth. Officials credited this community engagement with the program’s success.

Total locally generated revenue increased 38% year-over-year, indicating improved economic stability despite climate change impacts. Officials say increased revenues will allow expanded services and local development.

“Working closely with our core values allowed us to constantly audit revenue flow,” said the Luangwa team. “Increased stability benefits our whole community.” Their innovative model provides a blueprint for other towns facing climate change worldwide.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Anroux Marais, hosted the reunion of the South African netball team who reached sporting glory with their silver medal finish at the World Netball Championships in Birmingham, England in 1995.

The team brought renewed hope to South Africans with their remarkable 1995 campaign. They have now come from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to reunite and to support the current Spar Proteas team in their Netball World Cup campaign.

Captain Debbie Hamman shared her own reflections on traveling to Birmingham and the team’s success at that tournament. Various members of the team also had the opportunity to share their experiences of that time.

Head of Department Guy Redman expressed the power of sport to bring hope to many people across the country and the importance of the legacies of players. “There is a saying that says: If you are traveling a path, you ask those who have gone that way already. You are the ones who have walked the path for others to follow.” he said.

Minister Marais thanked the team and praised them for their achievements: “You were the ones who paved the way for the next generation of netball players in our country. You played in difficult times but you did not let anything detract from your passion and dedication for the sport. Thank you for everything that you have done for netball in South Africa.”

The team will remain in Cape Town to support the last weekend of the Netball World Cup.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English

Striving to help fill gaps in education and literacy, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), recently funded the full renovation of Mibior Primary School in Angui, Gogrial West.

The refurbished school—consisting of four classrooms, three toilets and 60 benches—was funded through the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) programme.

QIPs are small-budget, infrastructural interventions that contribute greatly to addressing urgent community needs.

Residents of Angui attended a joyous handover ceremony, secure in the knowledge that school going children now no longer need to brave inclement weather or walk for miles to continue their lessons.

“We are delighted that children can now study in proper classrooms and focus on their education. They no longer need to learn under trees,” stated Gon Madol Gon, community leader of Angui.

An added benefit: The school expands opportunities for girls to have equal opportunities.

“Seeing the school in such a good state makes us parents hopeful that we can extend to our daughters the opportunities that we didn’t get,” said Adut Chol Mou, a parent. “Girls shouldn’t be confined to only taking care of homes and kitchens.”

“Many people who were displaced by conflict from Angui are also beginning to return and this will benefit them greatly,” she added.

For his part, Achuil Malei Aliap, Warrap state’s Minister of Education underscored the need for momentum in educating young minds.

“I assure you that the state government will fully support the school with stationery and additional teaching staff to boost learning,” he promised.

For his part, Benard Mugisha who represented UNMISS at the function, urged the government and community members to use this new facility judiciously.

“Such projects must be sustained, and we hope that this school, under the supervision of the Ministry of General Education and the watchful eyes of communities benefiting from it, will help bring people together,” he stressed.

The project was actioned by local implementing partner, Community Initiative for Development Agency (CIDA).