insert_link APO International World Food Programme (WFP) and the Republic of Madagascar sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen food security and transform agricultural systems The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the World Food Programme (WFP) have reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting food and nutrition security, strengthening the resilience of vulnerable groups, and transforming the country's food systems by signing a memorandum of understanding in Madagascar. This strategic cooperation is based on four pillars: supporting the definition and implementation of agricultural policies; establishing coordination, strategic direction, and monitoring mechanisms for joint projects/programmes; contributing […] todayDecember 23, 2024 3
insert_link APO International Advancing Gender Equality and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Response in Malawi Malawi, a nation previously grappling with high HIV prevalence and entrenched gender inequalities, is rewriting its narrative through transformative interventions spearheaded by UN Women. Gender inequalities and harmful societal norms fuel Malawi's HIV epidemic, disproportionately affecting women and girls. With approximately 991,600 people living with HIV (2024 Spectrum/Naomi estimates), the epidemic intersects with gender-based violence (GBV), creating a complex web of vulnerabilities. Recognizing this, UN Women launched the Gender and […] todayDecember 23, 2024 5
insert_link APO International An mpox survivor’s tale of hope Twenty-year-old Anna Akola smiles, a beautiful wide smile that lights up her whole face. She speaks very softly, and if you are not attentive, you can miss her words. It is hard to believe that this is the same person who, a fortnight ago, was writhing in pain and discomfort in the isolation unit at Pallisa General Hospital in Eastern Uganda. Anna had been diagnosed with mpox, a viral disease […] todayDecember 23, 2024 3
insert_link APO International United Nations (UN) Emergency Fund allocates $6 million to support refugees fleeing Sudan in Egypt The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $6 million to bolster the humanitarian response for refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan and seeking protection in Egypt. The Rapid Response CERF allocation will strengthen the UNs efforts in Egypt, complementing the delivery of life-saving support, including emergency food and cash assistance, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as enhanced protection for refugees. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, […] todayDecember 23, 2024 3
insert_link APO International Africa’s critical mineral resources, a boon for intra-African trade and regional integration Africa - rich in critical minerals - will accelerate intra-continental trade and harness its natural resources for sustainable development by rolling out effective trade policies, to benefit from the global rush for green energy transition. With approximately 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, including cobalt, lithium, and nickel, which are considered essential for the green transition, African countries need to exploit these resources to drive its development, particularly trade and […] todayDecember 23, 2024 4
insert_link APO International Agreement in principle reached on Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Zambia for the Promotion and Protection of Investment Japan and the Republic of Zambia have agreed in principle on the Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Zambia for the Promotion and Protection of Investment at the third round of negotiations held in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, on 16-17 December, 2024. The Japanese delegation to this round was led by Mr. MURAKAMI Kenju, Deputy Director General, African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Zambian delegation […] todayDecember 23, 2024 3
insert_link APO International African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) honours Ugandan troops for contributions to Somalia’s stability Ugandan troops serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have been honoured for their significant contributions to peace, security, and stability in the country. The soldiers from Battle Group XXXIX (39) were awarded certificates and commemorative medals at an event attended by senior ATMIS and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officials. “I want to thank them for the commitment, hard work, and zeal to maintain and implement […] todayDecember 23, 2024 3
insert_link APO International Siraj Finance PJSC signs an agreement with Azentio for iMAL core and digital financial services solution subscription optimization Siraj Finance PJSC, a leading Islamic Finance Company in the UAE, has signed an agreement with Azentio (www.Azentio.com), a pioneer in the core banking technology service provider. The agreement represents the collaboration for implementation of the core and digital banking solution to further enhance the operational capabilities and digitization of Siraj Finance’s product and service offerings. The step is directly in line with Siraj Finance’s goal of providing diversified Islamic […] todayDecember 23, 2024 3
insert_link APO International European Commission provides €1 billion in macro-financial assistance to Egypt The European Commission has adopted a decision to disburse €1 billion in loans to Egypt following the fulfilment of the policy conditions agreed with the EU under the ongoing Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA). This disbursement, which corresponds to the first and only instalment, will take place in the coming days. This financial support will help Egypt cover part of its financing needs for the fiscal year 2024/2025 and ensure macroeconomic stability, while supporting its home-grown […] todayDecember 23, 2024 3