Staff Writer

 As a prominent member of the G20, Brazil has been actively fostering energy cooperation with African nations, aiming to bolster regional energy development and address shared challenges. Last month, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) hosted the "Invest in African Energies" reception in Rio de Janeiro to highlight investment opportunities in Africa's energy sector and underscore the pivotal role of Brazilian entities, including Petrobras, the Brazilian Petroleum Association and independent […]

 The Republic of Seychelles has officially assumed the Chairpersonship of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities (CGIMA) from the Republic of Kenya in a formal handover ceremony held at Eden Bleu Hotel, Mahé, Seychelles, on 18th February 2025. Seychelles and Kenya formalised the handover of the CGIMA Chairpersonship through their respective addresses. Major General Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces of the Republic of Seychelles, and Brigadier Mohammed Shee Shemote, […]

 EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will visit South Africa from 19-21 February. Her visit will aim to strengthen EU-South Africa relations and include participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting. The visit comes as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the EU-Africa partnership, culminating in a Summit with EU and African leaders. On 19 February, Kaja Kallas will co-chair […]

 With support from WHO, the Ministry of Health of Zanzibar and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Irrigation, and Livestock have finalized the costing and budgeting of its National Action Plan (NAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for 2025–2029. Using the WHO Costing and Budgeting Tool, this costed NAP is essential for identifying funding gaps and mobilizing additional resources to ensure that prioritized interventions are effectively implemented. The exercise reaffirmed Zanzibar’s commitment to a […]

 External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will be visiting Johannesburg, South Africa on 20&21 February 2025 to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) at the invitation of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Ronald Lamola. 2.​ EAM’s participation in the G20 FMM will strengthen India’s engagement with G20 countries and bolster the voice of the Global South in this […]

 The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is deeply concerned by clashes in Nassir, Upper Nile, and persistent tensions between organized forces in Western Equatoria that have led to deaths, destruction of property and civilian displacement in both states. On 14-15 February, a series of violent exchanges took place between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed youth in Nassir. These included the use of heavy weaponry […]

 The Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, expresses his deep concern regarding the humanitarian consequences of the continued expansion of the conflict, particularly in South Kivu. The rapid and uninterrupted expansion of the conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, continues to inflict a heavy toll on the civilian population, as evidenced by new movements of displaced people forced to flee combat zones in precarious […]

 Sierra Leone is deploying a range of measures to control and end an outbreak of mpox in which 18 cases have so far been reported since the disease was confirmed on 13 January 2025. The National Public Health Agency, with support from partners, including World Health Organization (WHO), is stepping up disease surveillance to swiftly detect cases, provide care and prevent further spread of infection. With technical and logistical support […]

 Following the conclusion of the Internet Society's 2025 Internet Development Conference (apo-opa.co/3XavxCL), key stakeholders are calling for policy action to address critical challenges and opportunities for Internet development across Africa. The conference brought together policymakers and tech leaders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss Internet development in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda). 250 attendees representing stakeholders across Africa heard from 50 […]