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Nigeria 2019 Elections: Kingsley Moghalu announces candidacy for president

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Nigeria 2019 Elections: Kingsley Moghalu announces candidacy for president

The former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and founder of the Institute of Governance and Economic Transformation, Professor Kingsley Moghalu (https://KingsleyCMoghalu.com) has declared his intention to run as a candidate in the Nigerian presidential elections in 2019.

This was announced during a press conference held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja on Wednesday, 28 February, 2018.

Stating his vision, one laid out extensively in his recently launched book, ‘Build, Innovate and Grow: My Vision for Our Country’, Moghalu explained that he is taking a stand to unify Nigeria beyond ethnicity to break the stranglehold that the current political class has on leadership, to put the country on the right path and move it forward.

“We must stop recycling failed politicians and regenerate our leadership ranks with competent and experienced young men or women. Youths who have prepared themselves with the relevant qualifications must take over the mantle of leadership because this struggle is about the future of Nigeria, not its past. Strong, knowledgeable guidance is needed, and I offer myself for service with a solid track record of leadership,” he said.

Emphasising the importance to modernise Nigeria, the candidate also stated that competence, capacity, and character are required to reorient Nigeria into a strong and capable country – qualities that citizens should demand their president should possess.

“If it is about competence, my work as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria who played a leadership role in rescuing and stabilising the Nigerian banking system after the global financial crisis speaks for itself. In capacity, working in the United Nations to reconstruct countries torn by civil war or internal reform of the world body is there for everyone to see. About character, my colleagues, mentors, friends, and of course, my family are there to answer anyone,” he stated.

Professor Moghalu also explained that although he has been approached by a number of political parties, he would still focus on the people of Nigeria rather than parties that have been vehicles for capturing power. He stated that his decision to join any political party will be based on commonality of vision and the importance of a generational shift in political leadership, as he promised that his decision will soon be announced.

A global leader who has made contributions to the stability, progress and wealth of nations and communities across academia, economic policy, entrepreneurship, diplomacy and more, Kingsley Moghalu has taught and inspired citizens from more than 40 countries in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, mentoring men and women for leadership roles in business, military intelligence, non-profits, and government service.

As Deputy Governor of the CBN from 2009 – 2014, he also led the execution of extensive reforms in the Nigerian banking system after the global financial crisis. He has also had extensive experience working for the United Nations from 1992 – 2008, where he retired from in the highest career bracket as a Director.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ifedayo Adeleye.

For Press and Public Relations:
Press@TobuildANation.com

Facebook – @KingsleyMoghaluglobal – https://goo.gl/hPB7gb 
Twitter – @MoghaluKingsley – https://goo.gl/SCD7VK   
www.ToBuildANation.com

About Kingsley Moghalu
A visionary thinker and thought leader, Kingsley Moghalu (https://KingsleyCMoghalu.com) is the author of several books, including the international bestseller ‘Emerging Africa: How the Global Economy’s ‘Last Frontier’ Can Prosper and Matter’, an international keynote speaker at industry conferences, and a frequent commentator on global issues in the media including CNN, BBC World TV, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times.

As Deputy Governor of the CBN from 2009-2014, he led the execution of extensive reforms in the Nigerian banking system after the global financial crisis. He was a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee that brought inflation down into single digits.

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Sierra Leone – Politicians urged to protect children during electoral period: United Nations’ Children’s Fund

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Sierra Leone – Politicians urged to protect children during electoral period: United Nations’ Children’s Fund

Politicians and political parties engaging in Sierra Leone’s forthcoming elections should ensure that children are protected from any social unrest and are not manipulated for political gain, according to the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
 

“As we enter the electoral period, children must be kept out of harm’s way,” said Dr. Hamid El-Bashir, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone. “It’s important that all parties consider building a safe and promising future for children, who constitute more than half the population. But it’s important that democratic processes shouldn’t endanger children’s security or exploit them.”
 
Election periods tend to be times of heightened social tension, which can spill-over into unrest. In the worst cases, election disputes can lead to death and violence, with families at risk and schools closed for extended periods. Unrest in any form is not good for the development of a society as it can stop or reverse development and lead to confusion, danger and damage to infrastructure. In situations of violent conflict, girls, boys and women are at greater risk of kidnapping, trafficking and sexual violence, including rape.
 
“As Sierra Leone approaches the election on 7 March, I am appealing to all political party actors to stay away from children and their environment,” said Mrs Kadi Buya-Kamara, Director of Children’s Affairs at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs. “Children are not legally allowed to vote; therefore, it is very important not to involve them in any political party activities such as rallies, illegal use of alcohol and drugs, and the distribution of campaign materials. Parents, teachers and caregivers should make sure that children are well protected.”
 
“It has been reported that children are being used for various activities relating to the upcoming elections, which violate the rights and well-being of these children,” Chief Superintendent of Police, Aiesha Nanayaa Bangura, Head of the Police’s Family Support Unit. “We appeal to political parties and politicians involved in the elections not to exploit children during their campaign activities, and also ask parents who follow the electoral activities not to allow their children to engage in political rallies, cleaning of political party symbols or leaders. They are prone to abuse during this process.”
 
UNICEF is advising that children are kept away from political rallies and areas of potential violence, including taking part in demonstrations. Citizens are also urged to use discretion when sharing content on social media that could expose children to harm.
 
Recognising the heightened vulnerabilities for children – and especially adolescents – during the election period, UNICEF Sierra Leone is embarking on a one-year project to equip adolescents and their communities with the knowledge, attitudes, skills and practices, so that they can positively contribute to peace and stability in their community and society. With the support of the Government of Japan, education and child protection programmes will work with adolescents both in school and community settings, as well as duty bearers and community members, to promote peacebuilding and life skills.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNICEF Sierra Leone.

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Minister Davies and Deputy Minister Magwanishe to Attend the African Union Ministers Trade Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Minister Davies and Deputy Minister Magwanishe to Attend the African Union Ministers Trade Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies and Deputy Minister Mr. Bulelani Magwanishe will attend the African Union Ministers of Trade (AMOT) meeting in Kigali, Rwanda from 8-9 March 2018. The Ministers of Trade will consider the concluded legal instruments to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ahead of the Extra-Ordinary Summit of African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government on 21 March 2018. 

As pointed out by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation address on 16 February 2018, “Negotiations towards the Continental Free Trade Agreement are progressing at a brisk pace, and it is expected that the framework agreement could be concluded soon”. The negotiations were launched in June 2015, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Significant progress has been achieved over a period of less than two years setting a good basis for the establishment of the AfCFTA. The AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in January 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, agreed to hold an Extraordinary Summit on 21 March 2018 to consider the AfCFTA legal instruments and Declaration launching the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The envisaged AfCFTA offers an opportunity to create larger economies of scale, a bigger market and improve the prospects of the African continent to attract investment. South Africa is, therefore, committed to a coordinated strategy to boost intra-Africa trade and to build an integrated market in Africa that will see a market of over 1 billion people with a GDP of approximately US$2.6 trillion. Beyond the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), the AfCFTA will provide new export opportunities for South African products in West Africa and North Africa.

The AfCFTA is being pursued under the development integration approach that combines market integration with industrial and infrastructure development to address Africa’s productive capacity and supply side constraints, promote the diversification of Africa’s export base from dependence on raw materials to value added products, as well as alleviate the chronic infrastructure deficit in Africa. 

Most importantly, the AfCFTA is expected to facilitate the movement of goods and services among African countries. It will also result in harmonisation of customs documentation and processes thus enhancing trade facilitation. The AfCFTA will also establish an effective and functional dispute settlement mechanism to deal with trade disputes arising from the commitments countries will undertake.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa.

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Statement by Press Secretary Norio Maruyama on the Terrorist Attacks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Statement by Press Secretary Norio Maruyama on the Terrorist Attacks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Statement by Press Secretary Norio Maruyama on the Terrorist Attacks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso:

1. The Government of Japan strongly condemns the terrorist attacks which occurred on March 2, in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. Japan expresses its condolences to all the victims and their bereaved families, and its heartfelt sympathies to those who were injured in the attack.

2. No act of terrorism is justifiable with any reason. The Government of Japan firmly condemns all forms of terrorism.

3. The Government of Japan is determined to continue to support the efforts of the Government of Burkina Faso to improve the security situation in Burkina Faso, in cooperation with the international community.

 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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#MyChicAfrica, the digital campaign by AccorHotels and Air France to explore Africa makes a stop in Dakar

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: #MyChicAfrica, the digital campaign by AccorHotels and Air France to explore Africa makes a stop in Dakar

Launched last April by AccorHotels (www.AccorHotels.group) and Air France (www.AirFrance.com), the #MyChicAfrica digital campaign offers African influencers the possibility of becoming Ambassadors of their continent, both at the local and international level, in order to portray a bold and trendy Africa.

The premise is simple: an African influencer invites another influencer from the diaspora to their hometown to enjoy a tailor-made travel experience and discover Africa in the most unique way possible.

Feedback on #MyChicAbidjan

It is with the notorious Ivorian designer, Loza Maleombho (www.Instagram.com/lozamaleombho) that the adventure began last April in Abidjan. Loza welcomed actor Dycosh in her hometown, and introduced him to Ivory Coast’s many attributes and wealth. Gastronomy, nature and contemporary art punctuated the days of both influencers, who shared their favorite aspects of Ivorian life on the MyChicAfrica Instagram account.

The #MyChicAbidjan hashtag has generated many interactions

10,000,000 people were reached on Facebook with more than 300,000 user reactions.

1,500,000 people were reached on Instagram with more than 100,000 user reactions.

Focus on #MyChicDakar

It is now up to the famous Senegalese singer, Faada Freddy, to offer Scheena Donia, an influencer from the Gabonese diaspora, an unforgettable 48-hour getaway in Dakar and introduce her to the effervescence of her hometown:

  • A visit of the Léopold Sédar Senghor museum to delve into the intimacy of the poet-president.
  • A day trip to the Magdalen Islands and Les Mamelles Lighthouse offering a breathtaking view of the entire peninsula.
  • A Dance HALL class, at the leading urban dance studio in Dakar.
  • A meet-up with Senegalese start-ups and an Ataya tasting – the Senegalese tea ritual at the Air France premises.
  • A recording session in Faada Freddy’s studio where we get to discover the blogger’s hidden talent.
  • A Tchep djen tasting – a world-renowned Senegalese culinary art – at the Pullman Dakar Teranga, with a view over the Atlantic Ocean and the Island of Gorée.

It is photographer Cheikh Aliou Abitalib Diassé, also known as Aldi, who sits behind the camera lens for MyChicAfrica in Dakar. With a strong presence in social media, particularly Instagram, Cheikh Aliou Abitalib Diassé is one of Senegal’s popular young artists. 

Creation of the MyChicAfrica platform

The first edition of MyChicAfrica was such a success that AccorHotels Africa is working on developing the MyChicAfrica brand content platform, the aim being to showcase a trendy, dynamic Africa through its flagship destinations.  

“The artists, the influencers with whom we have launched this campaign, our teams in the hotels, we are all driven by the same desire to change the view that most people have of the continent, to showcase a modern, youthful Africa, in keeping with the current times… This is how the MyChicAfrica platform was born. We hence plan on attracting international tourists by promoting a multi-faceted Africa through its art, fashion, culture, gastronomy…” explained Souleymane Khol, VP Sales Marketing Distribution & Revenue Management for Africa & Indian Ocean.

The platform MyChicAfrica will be launched during the second quarter of 2018.

Visit the Instagram page of MyChicAfrica:

www.Instagram.com/mychicafrica

www.Instagram.com/FaadaFreddy  

www.Instagram.com/scheenadonia

The #MyChicAfrica campaign will continue in Spring 2018 in Casablanca – Morocco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AccorHotels.

Press contact
Hopscotch Africa – Agnès Guillard +212 6 00 39 59 39 AGuillard@HopScotchAfrica.com  
AccorHotels – Nysrine Laqsiouar Nysrine.Laqsiouar@Accor.com

About #MyChicAfrica
AccorHotels, a global leader in travel and lifestyle, partnered with air transport leader Air France to launch #MyChicAfrica, an exclusive social media campaign. This campaign aims to promote a bold, trendy Africa, off the beaten path.
April 2017 #MyChicAbidjan 
January 2018 #MyChicDakar 
April 2018 #MyChicCasablanca

About AccorHotels
AccorHotels (www.AccorHotels.group) is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,200 hotels, resorts and residences, as well as in over 10,000 of the finest private homes around the globe. Benefiting from dual expertise as an investor and operator, AccorHotels operates in 95 countries. Its portfolio comprises internationally acclaimed luxury brands including Raffles, Sofitel Legend, SO Sofitel, Sofitel, Fairmont, onefinestay, MGallery by Sofitel, Pullman, and Swissôtel; as well as the popular midscale and boutique brands of 25hours, Novotel, Mercure, Mama Shelter and Adagio; the much-prized economy brands including JO&JOE, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget and the regional brands Grand Mercure, The Sebel and hotelF1. AccorHotels provides innovative end-to-end services across the entire traveler experience, notably through the recent acquisition of John Paul, world leader in concierge services.
With an unmatched collection of brands and rich history spanning close to five decades, AccorHotels, along with its global team of more than 250,000 dedicated women and men, has a purposeful and heartfelt mission: to make every guest Feel Welcome. Guests enjoy access to one of the world’s most rewarding hotel loyalty programs – Le Club AccorHotels. 

AccorHotels is active in its local communities and committed to sustainable development and solidarity through PLANET 21, a comprehensive program that brings together employees, guests and partners to drive sustainable growth.
Accor SA is publicly listed with shares trading on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and the OTC marketplace (Code: ACRFY) in the United States.  

For more information and reservations visit www.AccorHotels.group or www.AccorHotels.com.  
Or become a fan and follow us on Twitter (https://goo.gl/gNyFZi) and Facebook (https://goo.gl/GN9Kor). 

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African capital markets indicate recovery in 2017 with overall increase in value and volume of equity capital market (ECM) transactions

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: African capital markets indicate recovery in 2017 with overall increase in value and volume of equity capital market (ECM) transactions

Overall, African equity capital market transaction volume and value improved in 2017 over 2016. In terms of value, 2017 saw the largest initial public offerings (IPOs) over the trailing five-year period, and an increase in the total value of equity capital market (ECM) transactions of 49% between 2016 and 2017 in US dollar terms.

PwC (www.PwC.com) released its 2017 African Capital Markets Watch (https://goo.gl/vogf7a) publication today, which analyses equity, and debt capital market transactions that took place between 2013 and 2017 on exchanges throughout Africa, as well as transactions by African companies on international exchanges. This report lists all new primary market equity initial public offerings (IPOs) and further offers (FOs) by listed companies, in which capital was raised on Africa’s principal stock markets and market segments. The report also includes IPO and FO activity of African companies on international exchanges or non-African companies on African exchanges, on an annual basis.

Andrew Del Boccio, PwC Capital Markets Partner notes: “Capital markets in Africa saw a recovery in 2017 with the positive impact of commodity stabilisation on economies such as Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria, which emerged from five successive quarters of GDP declines, and resilience in the face of economic and political uncertainty in South Africa.”

Since 2013, there have been 519 African ECM transactions raising a total of $52.7 billion, up 17% in terms of capital raised over the previous five-year period. Overall, ECM activity in 2017 was the second highest since 2013 in terms of volume with 121 issuances, up 25% over the prior year, and the highest since 2013 in terms of value, driven mainly by a few significant IPOs and FOs during the year.

“We are optimistic about the pipeline of companies seeking to access the capital markets in 2018, including cross-border IPOs of African companies, given encouraging indicators in large markets such as South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria, and the continued economic growth in East Africa and the Francophone West African countries,” Del Boccio comments.

African ECM activity in 2017 was largely driven by the financial services sector for FOs, and the consumer services sector for IPOs, though both of these statistics were impacted by a few very sizable transactions during the year. Businesses in sectors such as telecommunications, consumer goods and services, financials, and healthcare continued to form a significant component of African ECM activity.

Although levels of market capitalisation for many of Africa’s exchanges remain low in a global context, a number of initiatives have taken place to deepen liquidity and provide investment opportunities for foreign and domestic investors alike. Regulators in some African countries have made efforts in recent years to encourage companies in specific sectors to list shares on their domestic stock exchanges. Additionally, enhanced regulatory capital requirements have driven financial services companies to access both the debt and equity capital markets over the past year.

2017 also saw a greater focus by exchanges on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with the introduction of junior or alternative boards. In South Africa, the entry of four new exchanges altered the South African listing environment. Although there have been a number of listings on these new boards, with more activity in 2018, the listings to date have been technical in nature, with no new equity proceeds raised.

African IPO market

2017 saw the second-largest volume in IPO activity (28) over the past five years and is the largest in value, with $2.9bn raised in IPO proceeds, exceeding 2015 (the year with the next-largest value raised over the past five years) by 42%. Over the past five years, there have been 134 IPOs by African companies on both African and international exchanges, raising $9.1bn, a 37% increase in capital raised over the preceding five year period, 2012-2016.

Despite the policy gridlock and economic and political uncertainty South Africa has experienced over the past five years, the JSE has maintained its dominant role in the African capital markets. In 2017, capital raised from IPOs by companies on the JSE in US dollar terms increased by 178% as compared to 2016.  Since 2013, capital raised from IPOs by companies on the JSE alone of $4.8bn represents 52% of the total African IPO capital raised.

Over the five-year period, the Bourse de Tunis with 23 issuances, and the EGX with 13 issuances followed the JSE in terms of volume of IPO transactions. In terms of value over the past five years, the next largest value of IPO proceeds raised was on the EGX at $1.3bn.

While a stronger year for some exchanges in sub-Saharan Africa, IPO activity on the North African stock exchanges – Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria – decreased by 61% in terms of the value of IPO proceeds. There was also no IPO activity in Ghana compared to 2016, which saw $102.0 million raised on the Ghana Stock Exchange.

In contrast, elsewhere on the continent, 2017 saw some significant increases in IPO value on exchanges in Namibia, Rwanda and Tanzania compared to the prior year.

The top 10 African IPOs by value took place in South Africa, Egypt, Tanzania and the Francophone West African region, represented by the BRVM. On a sector basis, for the first time in five years the consumer services sector dominated the African IPO market with 44% of total value, followed by the financial services sector with 26%. In terms of volume, financial services accounted for the greatest volume of IPOs with 50%, followed by consumer goods with 14%.

African FO market

In 2017 FO activity was on a par with 2015 levels in terms of transaction volume, at 93 FOs – this represented an increase of 27% on the prior year. In terms of proceeds raised, 2017 saw an increase of 42% on the prior year, though it fell short of the highs noted in 2015. Over the past five years, there have been 385 FOs by African companies, raising $43.6bn on both African and international exchanges.

Over the five-year period, the vast majority of FO activity took place in South Africa representing 65% and 86% of total FO volume and value, respectively. This is broadly consistent with the 2017 year, when South Africa accounted for 51% and 86% in total FO volume and value, respectively. Egypt accounted for the next largest amount of FO volume for the 2017 year at 14% and for the five-year period 2013-2017 at 6%, respectively.  In terms of FO value, Mauritius accounted for the next-largest FO proceeds raised in 2017 at 5%, and Nigeria the next-largest proceeds for the five-year period at 4%.

During 2017, the sector composition of African FO activity was largely consistent with the five-year average in terms of value and volume, with the financial services sector contributing 56% of the total FO value, followed by the basic materials sector at 14%.

Inbound, outbound, domestic and cross-border activity, 2013-2017

In 2017, domestic activity represented 76% of total ECM activity in terms of volume, and 87% in terms of value. For African ECM data, this statistic is driven by significant activity on the larger exchanges such as the JSE and EGX. There was an overall drop of 17% and 44% in cross-border activity in 2017 compared to 2016 in terms of both volume and value respectively.

Outbound ECM volume in 2017 remained on a par with prior periods, ranging between a five-year low in 2016 of ten, and a high of 17 in 2014. However, there was a significant drop of 89% in the value of outbound ECM activity in 2017 compared to 2016.

African debt markets

In respect of DCM activity, non-local currency corporate issuances totaled $7.5bn, an increase of 68% in terms of value and 110% in terms of volume over the prior year, with several large first-time issuers tapping into a market with sustained appetite for emerging market yields. Most of this funding was targeted at refinancing existing debt, but there were also instances of these proceeds being put to use for acquisitions or strategic capital expenditure.

The year ahead

Del Boccio comments: “In terms of capital markets activity, we expect that the recovery seen in 2017 will gain momentum in 2018 against a more stable political and economic backdrop. This will likely include an increase in cross-border ECM activity for regional players looking to compete in global markets, the continued impact of partial privatisation efforts through the capital markets, and the effect of other regulatory drivers that will lead African companies’ capital markets.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

Media contacts: 
Andrew Del Boccio: PwC Capital Markets Partner 
Office: + 27 11 287 0827
Email: Andrew.Del.Boccio@PwC.com 

OR

Bontle Mnisi: Account Executive, Change the Conversation, South Africa
Office: + 27 11 028 7753/54 or mobile: 076 2283796
Email: Bontle@ChangeTC.co.za 

OR

Sanchia Temkin: Media Relations, PwC Africa
Office: + 27 11 797 4470 
Email: Sanchia.Temkin@PwC.com 

About PwC
At PwC (www.PwC.com), our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in 158 countries with more than 236,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.PwC.com.
PwC has a presence in 34 Africa countries with an office footprint covering 66 offices. With a single Africa leadership team and more than 400 partners and 9000 professionals across Africa, we serve some of the continent’s largest businesses across all industries. 

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.PwC.com/structure for further details.

 ©2018 PwC. All rights reserved.

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Africa: Conflicts and weather patterns strain food security

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Africa: Conflicts and weather patterns strain food security

High levels of food insecurity persist in the world, due largely to conflicts and to adverse climatic shocks that are taking a toll, particularly in East African and Near East countries, where large numbers of people continue to be in need of humanitarian assistance, a new FAO report notes.

Some 37 countries are in need of external assistance for food, unchanged from three months ago, according to the Crop Prospects and Food Situation report issued today.

Civil war and insecurity are direct reasons for high hunger rates in 16 of those countries, ranging from Burundi to Yemen. Conflict is displacing millions of people, hampering agricultural activities and, in many cases, also driving basic food prices up sharply, the report notes. Inflation in the Democratic Republic of Congo more than doubled in 2017 to a 42 percent annual rate. Violence has disrupted traditional trade routes around the Sahel, driving up prices, while food shortages are reported around southern and eastern Libya.

Meanwhile, inadequate and erratic rainfall poses a growing threat to food security in Southern Africa as well as in Eastern Africa, where many rural households have suffered from four consecutive drought-affected agricultural seasons.

Dry weather impacts East Africa

The overall cereal output rebounded in Africa in 2017, mostly due to strong gains in Southern Africa following the sharply reduced harvest in 2016.

Cereal production in East Africa, however, saw a 7.2 percent drop, leading to increased stress in various countries. Recently-concluded harvests of secondary season cereal crops are forecast to be below average in southeastern Kenya, northeastern Tanzania and southern Somalia, the report warns.

Aggregate cereal production from Somalia’s “deyr” rainy season is estimated to be 20 percent below average as seasonal rains had a late start and an early cessation. A similar pattern in rainfall and yields was observed in northeastern Tanzania. South Sudan’s cereal output from the 2017 planting seasons is estimated to be the smallest since the conflict started at the end of 2013.

Drought conditions in parts of Ethiopia and Somalia have eased, but not enough to fully offset accumulated deficits in soil moisture. Pasture availability is still below average and livestock body conditions are generally poor. In Kenya, seasonal rainfall was up to 80 percent below average levels, warranting close monitoring of rangeland conditions in eastern areas of the country.

Prices of staple cereals are also high in Ethiopia and the Sudan, where retail prices of sorghum, millet and wheat have doubled since last October in the majority of local markets. The price jump was triggered by the removal of government wheat subsidies, which increased demand for substitute cereals, and by weakening currencies.

Unfavourable seasonal rains in southern Madagascar are expected to result in a further drop in crop yields in 2018, which, coupled with historically high prices of rice, should put additional stress to food security conditions especially in southern areas.

Elsewhere, in Southern Africa, production is expected to fall from the record highs of 2017, heightening concerns about food security, which FAO flagged in a Special Alert issued last week.

The 37 countries currently in need of external food assistance are Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Haiti, Iraq, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

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Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism concludes visit to Egypt

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism concludes visit to Egypt

Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov, Head of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) concluded today a three-day visit to Cairo at the invitation of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

During the visit, Mr. Voronkov met with General Magdy Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Interior; Ambassador Ihab Fawzi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and International Security; and General Mohamed El Kishky, Assistant Defence Minister for International Cooperation. He also met with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, and visited the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism.

The Under-Secretary-General commended Egypt’s leadership during its recent Chairmanship of the United Nations Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee, under which “a number of crucial resolutions were adopted to upgrade the counter-terrorism responses of Member States,” he said.

Mr. Voronkov stressed that promoting international cooperation to prevent and counter terrorism in the context of all four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, is a high priority for the Secretary-General and the United Nations. Mr. Voronkov noted in a meeting with senior Egyptian officials and representatives of the diplomatic community organized by the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, that the “UN Counter-Terrorism week,” which will encompass the sixth Review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States that the Secretary-General has convened in New York in June, will be an unprecedented opportunity to enhance Member States’ collaboration.

The Under-Secretary-General also discussed with his interlocutors a number of areas of common interest in which the United Nations and the Arab Republic of Egypt could exchange good practices, including countering the financing of terrorism, strengthening border controls and aviation security, countering terrorist narratives, and the terrorist use of improvised explosive devices.

During his visit, Mr. Voronkov met with Mr. Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, to exchange views on the evolving terrorist threat at the regional level and strengthen collaboration between both organizations to effectively address it.

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism was established in June 2017 to provide leadership on the implementation of General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates, to enhance coordination and coherence, and to strengthen the delivery of the United Nations counter-terrorism capacity building assistance to Member States.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Information Centre in Cairo.

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Seychelles submits written statement to the International Court of Justice

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: Seychelles submits written statement to the International Court of Justice

In June 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Resolution, initiated by Mauritius, to refer the issue of sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, for an Advisory Opinion. The Resolution was adopted by a vote of 94 to 15, with 65 abstentions. Seychelles was one of the countries which supported this Resolution in respect of valuing the guidance that may emanate from this prestigious institution on this complex issue. 

Following this Resolution, all UN Member States were invited to submit written statements to the ICJ in a view to assisting the Court with its deliberations. On 28th February 2018, following Cabinet approval, the Government of Seychelles through the Department of Foreign Affairs submitted its written contributions to the ICJ. 

As noted by Ambassador Barry Faure, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, “Seychelles’ submission requests that the voices and unique perspectives of the Chagossian community in Seychelles be taken into account by the ICJ during its proceedings. As a people who have genuine connections and interests towards the Chagos Archipelago, and who have faced a myriad of indignities and difficulties in a dispute that has spanned over decades, their plight must be taken into account within any international deliberation on this matter.” 

The ICJ will be delivering its opinion in mid-2018. Although without binding effect, Advisory Opinions of the Court carries great legal weight and moral authority. They are often an instrument of preventive diplomacy and have peace-keeping virtues. Advisory opinions also, in their own way, contribute to the clarification and development of international law and thereby to the strengthening of peaceful relations between States. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles.

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South African Companies to Showcase Products at Foodex Trade Fair in Japan

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English – Report:

Headline: South African Companies to Showcase Products at Foodex Trade Fair in Japan

Twenty-eight South African companies will showcase their products and services at the Foodex Trade Fair in Chiba City, Japan from 6-9 March 2018. The companies received financial support from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme (EMIA) to participate in the trade fair as part of the department’s commitment towards increasing trade and investment relations between South Africa and the Japan.

Foodex 2018 will display a full range of food and beverage products from around the world. The annual exhibition is Asia’s largest, dedicated to food and beverage sectors across Japan and the whole world.  Over the four days of the exhibition, thousands of buyers from food service, distribution, and trading companies attend. Some of the products to be showcased by South African exporters will include bottled wine, mixed herbs and spices, olive oils, canned fruit and vegetables, nuts, fruit juices, dried fruit, rooibos tea and sauces.

The fair affords South African exporters with an opportunity to promote a broader food and beverage sector with a view of establishing a more prominent market presence and reputation for South Africa’s agro-processing sector in the Japanese market.

According to the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Bulelani Magwanishe, the trade fair will expose South African companies to available trade and investment opportunities and highlight their products and services in order to gain access to the multi-billion-rand Asian food and beverage market. It will also be an excellent platform to promote existing and potential exporters to new customers in different sectors from around the world.

“Japan has a more diversified economy and has invested significantly in productive sectors which sustain their high levels of productivity as well as the development of new knowledge and technology. These present opportunities for South Africa and Japan to collaborate with a view to increasing trade and investment, capacity building, and exchange of expertise,” says Magwanishe.

He adds that South Africa’s participation in the trade fair will have a positive impact in terms of increasing export sales from the South African agro-processing industry, particularly the food and beverage sector. This is in alignment with the country’s industrialisation programme and the Integrated National Export Strategy.

Japan is among the largest economies in the world and traditionally one of South Africa’s key established trading partners in the world. Two-way trade between South Africa and Japan was valued at R93.2 billion in 2017, with a trade balance amounting to R17.8 billion in favour of South Africa. South Africa exported goods worth above R55.5 billion, whereas, it imported goods worth R37.7 billion.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa.

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