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The 13th African Games commenced with a breathtaking opening ceremony at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, capturing the rich cultural heritage, sporting prowess, and diversity of the African continent. This grand event […]
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Sowing the Seeds of Peace: Peace Education for Children in Ethiopia An international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), hosted a peace education program for children in Addis Ababa, […]
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by Reqiq In every corner of society, women are leading the way. From the working-class individuals in the hurried markets to the students striving for knowledge in the classroom, from the stay-at-home moms […]
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Between November 3, 2023, and January 31, 2024, the 80MW Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project delivered a total of 66 million kWh of electricity to three countries, with Burundi receiving the highest allocation […]
AFRICA FEATURED General News Radio & TV Special Edition TOP STORIES TOP VIDEOSBetween November 3, 2023, and January 31, 2024, the 80MW Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Project delivered a total of 66 million kWh of electricity to three countries, with Burundi receiving the highest allocation of 22 million KWh while Rwanda and Tanzania both received 21 million KWh. The Rusumo Project Manager (PM) Eng. Alloyce Oduor revealed this on February 1, 2024.
“After completing all required tests, NELSAP has signed the certificates of completion and handed over two of the three turbines to the Rusumo Power Company Limited (RPCL), the special purpose vehicle formed by the three countries to manage the plant on their behalf, after completion and handover from NELSAP,’ said Eng. Dr. Isaac Alukwe, NELSAP-CU Regional Coordinator. The Rusumo plant has three.
“All three turbines have been tested, and each can operate at 105% individually,’ said Eng. Alloyce Oduor. The Project Manager said this while addressing journalists from seven (7) NEL countries that visited the plant on January 31, 2024. Final tests on the third turbine are ongoing. Once engineers complete the tests, NELSAP and RPCL will sign a final handover certificate ahead of the official inauguration by the heads of States of the three countries, planned for April 2024.
“Burundi’s peak power demand is an average of 90MW, so if the country gets 27MW from Rusumo, it will represent a significant percentage of lower-cost power. Rwanda has an average peak power demand of 250MW, and an additional 27MW is technically substantial. Tanzania, on the other hand, has a peak power demand of over 1,000MW. Whereas an additional 27MW may look relatively small, it is significant because it will stabilize the voltage level of the Northern and North-Western parts of the country and make the quality of power in that region better and more reliable,” added Eng. Oduor. He explained that the critical causes of power outages are an imbalance between generation and uptake and added that these two must
<< All three turbines have been tested, and each can operate individually at 105%. Final tests on the third turbine are ongoing and once complete, NELSAP and RPCL will sign a final handover certificate ahead of the official inauguration >>
Match on a second-by-second basis, and disturbances can occur if they don’t match at any point.
The World Bank-funded 80MW Regional Rusumo Falls Hydroelectric Power Project is a low-cost renewable energy source that will lower the cost of power in the countries and stabilize the voltage levels. Once power from the plant enters the country’s grid, the utilities can switch off expensive fossil-fuel-generated energy sources. The utilities will then pass these lower costs to end users. The Rusu-mo Power project is a notable example of the benefits of transboundary collaboration, and it holds great promise for the economies and people of the three countries. It will spur industrialization, improve the delivery of water, health, and education services, support economic activities like manufacturing, and improve people’s lives through access to lower-cost electricity.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has announced the theme for Commonwealth Day 2024 as ‘One Resilient Common Future’. Commonwealth Day will be observed on Monday, 11 March. It will start with […]
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The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has announced the theme for Commonwealth Day 2024 as ‘One Resilient Common Future’. Commonwealth Day will be observed on Monday, 11 March. It will start with various events and activities, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events. Commonwealth Day is celebrated by people across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific, and Europe. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said: “Each year, we observe Commonwealth Day to recognize, celebrate, and invigorate our 56 member states, all of whom are committed to the Commonwealth Charter.
This year’s theme underscores the collective strength that enables us to confront and overcome present challenges, emerging with resilience. This paves the way for a future where wealth isn’t just widespread but genuinely equitable. “We have countries which are amongst the smallest and largest in the world. Our shared values bind us together, including a commitment to ensuring stronger and stable governance, a more sustainable environment, robust economies, and societies that empower Commonwealth citizens.” Secretary-General Scotland also took the opportunity, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to wish His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth, a complete and fast recovery.
2024 is a CHOGM Year. This year’s Commonwealth Day theme reflects the focus of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be held in Samoa in October 2024. When announcing the CHOGM theme in 2023, Samoa’s Prime Minister, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafasaid: “We look forward to sharing our unique Samoan communal culture and traditions as we come together to transform our one resilient family into a commonwealth.” During Commonwealth Week in March, world leaders, foreign ministers, young advocates, and delegates from across the Commonwealth will come together for wide-ranging conversations. Together, they will deliberate and decide on collective actions to solve shared challenges while suggesting initiatives that empower people, encourage growth, and bring transformative change. One of these initiatives is the declaration of the Commonwealth Year of Youth, which has focused on increasing projects to support the 1.5 billion young people of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth Day Activities Countries will observe the day by reading the Commonwealth Proclamation, hosting celebratory events, or dedicating the week to enlightening citizens about the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Secretariat’s website will serve as a central hub, providing free and accessible resources to support these diverse activities. In London, where the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters are located, a reception will be held welcoming invited representatives from across the Commonwealth. Additionally, a vibrant, multicultural, multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey on 11 March will celebrate the rich tapestry of the Commonwealth’s people, history, and culture. The event promises reflections, performances, and readings by individuals spanning the diverse nations of the Commonwealth. Each year, one of the highlights of Commonwealth Day is the procession of Commonwealth flags at Westminster Abbey, with young flag bearers representing each of the 56 member states.
This year, Commonwealth Day events will also include a contingent of Speakers and Presiding Officers from the Commonwealth countries, UK Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies, and the UK nations, specially invited by the Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons in the UK. Each year, Commonwealth Day is commemorated to inspire and foster a dynamic and united community of our 56 member states. This year, the Commonwealth will celebrate even more milestones. On 26 April 2024, the 75th Anniversary of the modern Commonwealth will be celebrated.
Celebrating radio’s rich past, ongoing relevance, and promising future is the topic chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to mark World Radio Day 2024 on 13 February 2024. […]
General Journalism and Communication Media Litracy NewsCelebrating radio’s rich past, ongoing relevance, and promising future is the topic chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to mark World Radio Day 2024 on 13 February 2024.
With radio having crossed the 100-year milestone, it is a significant occasion to commemorate the medium’s extensive virtues and continuing potency. However, radio faces challenges to its audience and revenue numbers from digital platforms, social media, digital and generational divides, censorship, consolidations, and economic hardships.
At this special and pivotal point in its century-long journey, UNESCO invites the global radio industry in all its many forms – commercial, public, and non-profit – to join in this global celebration of the medium.
The 2024 observance highlights the history of radio and its powerful impact on news, drama, music, and sports. It also recognizes the ongoing practical value as a portable public safety net during emergencies and power outages, caused by natural and human-made disasters, such as storms, earthquakes, floods, heat, wildfires, accidents, and warfare.
Furthermore, the continuing democratic value of Radio radio is to serve as a grassroots catalyst for connectedness within underserved groups, including immigrant, religious, minority, and poverty-stricken populations.
Broadcasters are encouraged to bring their own culture, style, and sensibilities to their celebrations leading up to and during the 13 February event. World Radio Day is an excellent opportunity for radio stations to connect with fellow broadcasters worldwide, and UNESCO invites them to take the initiative for such broadcasts.
UNESCO provides your station, network or show with a list of radio stations around the world willing to participate in programming partnerships with their colleagues in other countries. You can schedule interviews/conversations (either live or pre-recorded) with your broadcasting colleagues around the world to compare the history and role of radio in their respective countries on, or leading up to 13 February.
Simply register for the 2024 celebration and fill out the form if you, your station, or network is interested in partnering with others in this exciting process.
To celebrate World Radio Day, UNESCO releases several audio files that can be used free of charge and without copyright restriction in planning World Radio Day broadcasts and events.
Proclaimed in 2011 by the Member States of UNESCO and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/67/124) in 2012 as an International Day, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD).
Radio is a powerful medium for celebrating humanity in all its diversity and constitutes a platform for democratic discourse. At the global level, radio remains the most widely consumed medium. This unique ability to reach out the widest audience means radio can shape a society’s experience of diversity, stand as an arena for all voices to speak out, be represented and heard. Radio stations should serve diverse communities, offering a wide variety of programs, viewpoints and content, and reflect the diversity of audiences in their organizations and operations.
Radio is a low-cost medium specifically suited to reaching remote communities and vulnerable people, offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. It also plays a crucial role in emergency communication and disaster relief.
Radio is uniquely positioned to bring communities together and foster positive dialogue for change. By listening to its audiences and responding to their needs, radio services provide the diversity of views and voices needed to address the challenges we all face.
On this World Radio Day, we celebrate not only the history of radio, but also its central role in our societies, now and in the years to come”Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO – Message
Hate speech – including online – has become one of the most common ways of spreading divisive rhetoric on a global scale, threatening peace around the world. Find out more about the UN’s #NoToHate campaign.
What does it take to be a United Nations worker in some of the world’s most difficult and dangerous locations? Melissa Fleming finds out.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=z7HidjpyngM%3Fsi%3DZ0V4k9W5NZdxSw-T%26enablejsapi%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.un.org
Eyewitnesses said that more than 150 people were killed in Merawi city of Amhara region. Residents and eyewitnesses told the Africa News Channel that more than 50 people were killed in an attack […]
AFRICA FEATURED General Latest Magazine News Radio & TV Special Edition TOP STORIES TOP VIDEOSEyewitnesses said that more than 150 people were killed in Merawi city of Amhara region.
Residents and eyewitnesses told the Africa News Channel that more than 50 people were killed in an attack on Monday, January 20, 2016, in the Merawi town of the new North Gojam zone in the Amhara region.
Residents who spoke to the Africa News Channel said that several people were killed in an attack on residents following a battle between the Defense Forces and Fano militants in the town of Merawi, which is about 35 kilometers from the capital of the region.
The Bahir Dar office of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has informed the Africa News Channel that it has received information from various sources about the attack on innocent people in Marawi City and is conducting monitoring and investigation.
Following the incident, the BBC spoke to five people, including a hospital source, and most of the residents said that the killings were carried out on civilians in their homes and on the streets.
Monday, January 20, 2016 Residents say that there was a “heavy battle” between the Defense Forces and the Fano forces from midnight before the attack, after which 50 to 100 people “disappeared.”
The eyewitnesses said that this attack took place around five o’clock in the morning after Fano’s forces left the city, “the defense forces went from house to house and killed the people they found on the road.” They said the attack lasted until one o’clock in the evening.
A resident said that his brother, a father of four who worked as a day laborer, was killed. Then they entered my brother’s house and took him away.”
The residents, who were waiting for their brother to be taken for questioning and returned, stated that they watched them being taken away and killed along with others.
“They killed a child with five bullets and dumped him on the cobbles in our neighborhood. They also gathered them [their brother and other people], and together, they took 13 people to the asphalt and killed them. … We believed them because we killed them.”
Regarding this incident, a medical expert confirmed to the BBC that he knew that 13 people were killed on the side of the asphalt, adding that a total of 85 people were killed in the city that day.
The civil servant, who did not want to be named and said that his younger brother was killed, said that his brother was taken away from his child’s arms and “brutally left me.”
“My brother was taken from his house with his child and killed. His wife said, ‘I was forced to accept the child. I received the child…They killed him on the road while he was looking at his forehead. She told me that they killed his friend who was with him.
Apart from their brother, they said that they saw 50 dead bodies on the road that day. However, they estimated that many people must have been killed “on every road and in every forest.”
Another eyewitness mentioned that they attended several funerals and put the death toll at over 100.
The day after the attack, January 21/2016, E.C., A resident of Merawi, said that 48 bodies were counted in the morning; “From Marzeneb Hotel to Bared River, there were only corpses left and right,” he said.
Putting the death toll at around 115, an eyewitness says that “from a six-year-old child to a 75-year-old man” was killed in the neighborhoods of Stadium and Health Center after the city was taken over.
An eyewitness who is a hospital worker said that 25 people, including a six-month pregnant woman, were injured at the city’s primary hospital and said, “There are no survivors.”
“The 24 came to the hospital dead. A six-month pregnant woman died on arrival at the hospital. A total of 25 people came,” he said.
Apart from the house-to-house searches, the security forces also “kneeled with revenge” on street people and day laborers, including model students, residents, families, and eyewitnesses.
Residents said that a “revenge action” taken in response to the sudden attack by Fano militants on Monday morning among members of the defense forces stationed in two locations in the city administration building was the reason for the killing of several people.
“Fanon brought you up; It is you who attacked you. A resident whose house was searched said they were “threatening” while saying, “You will reverse Fanon.” They said the attack was revenge, saying that we were silent because of “farewell from death.”
Residents told the BBC that they witnessed a horrible situation where many people were killed and dumped in different places.
“Most people were distinguished by their clothes and body shape. A witness told the BBC that the mass burial took place because it was challenging to identify the bodies.
Residents said, “According to the culture and tradition, the proper burial was not done for the people who were killed.” They described the attack as saying, “What happened was more brutal than brutal,” saying that it is not acceptable to mourn and cry.
According to residents, two churches in the area were “damaged with heavy weapons” in the fighting between the security forces and Fano militants. At the same time, personal property and 15 three-legged vehicles (Bajaj) were set on fire.
Residents added that the attack, in which many people were killed, happened on the eve of Maryam King’s Day, which is celebrated in the city on January 21 every year.
Even though it has been five days since the attack, the residents say the city is still frigid, banks and commercial establishments are closed, and there is “no activity.”
Efforts by the BBC to get an explanation and response from the regional and zonal administration and the local command post about the incident were unsuccessful.
It may be recalled that we have previously reported that civilians have been injured in the clashes between government forces and Fano militants in different areas of the Amhara region since last year.
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) October 19/2015 E.C In July 2015, E.C., there were armed conflicts in all zones in the Amhara region at different levels and times. As a result, many civilians have been killed and injured.
Residents said, “According to the culture and tradition, the proper burial was not done for the people who were killed.” They described the attack as saying, “What happened was more brutal than brutal,” saying that it is not acceptable to mourn and cry.
According to residents, two churches in the area were “damaged with heavy weapons” in the fighting between the security forces and Fano militants. At the same time, personal property and 15 three-legged vehicles (Bajaj) were set on fire.
Residents added that the attack, in which many people were killed, happened on the eve of Maryam King’s Day, which is celebrated in the city on January 21 every year.
Even though it has been five days since the attack, the residents say the city is still frigid, banks and commercial establishments are closed, and there is “no activity.”
Efforts by the BBC to get an explanation and response from the regional and zonal administration and the local command post about the incident were unsuccessful.
It may be recalled that we have previously reported that civilians have been injured in the clashes between government forces and Fano militants in different areas of the Amhara region since last year.
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) October 19/2015 In July 2015, there were armed conflicts in all zones in the Amhara region at different levels and times. As a result, many civilians have been killed and injured.
A statement said the EHRC had confirmed “the identity of at least 45 civilians who were extrajudicially killed by government security forces for allegedly ‘supporting Fano,’ ” an ethnic Amhara militia.
“However, it can be assumed that the number of victims is even higher,” it underscored.
The killings in the town of Merawi follow months of clashes last year between Ethiopia’s military and Fano, a “self-defense” militia.
The fighting prompted the federal government to impose a state of emergency in August that lawmakers extended by four months this month.
The United States last week said it was deeply concerned by reports of “targeted civilian killings” in Merawi and called for an independent investigation.
The Amhara violence reignited concerns about the stability of Ethiopia months after a peace agreement was signed in November 2022 to end a two-year conflict in the neighboring region of Tigray.
Amhara regional forces fought alongside federal troops against Tigrayan rebels. However, ties frayed in April last year when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government decided to dismantle state paramilitaries across the country.
Amhara nationalists said it would weaken their region and protested against the move.
In September, the EHRC accused federal government forces of carrying out extra-judicial killings in Amhara and mass arbitrary detentions in the region and elsewhere.
EHRC, who explained that the killing of many people in Merawi city was due to the intense shooting and house-to-house search during the conflict, said he heard from eyewitnesses that mass killings were carried out by taking men out into the streets through house-to-house searches.
According to the congregation, two women and a 17-year-old boy were among the dead.
Residents who spoke to the BBC said that the killing of civilians was the result of fighting between the security forces and Fano militants.
Family members and eyewitnesses said that most of the residents of Merawi town, which is about 35 kilometers from the regional capital, Bahir Dar, were killed in their homes and by civilians found on the road.
The eyewitnesses said that the attack lasted until one o’clock in the evening after Fano’s forces left the city at around 5:00 a.m.
Residents who spoke to the BBC at the time, including a medic, said more than 50 people had been killed, ranging from “a six-year-old child to a 75-year-old man”, based on the bodies they saw, with many saying the death toll could be more than 100.
The BBC heard from residents that some of the residents who felt threatened after the massacre of civilians in Merawi City fled to Bahir Dar and other areas.
Neither the regional administration nor the federal government has officially said anything about the incident in Marawi City, which is almost two weeks old.
Since the end of last year, following the unrest in the Amhara region, it is known that there have been clashes between the Defense Forces and Fano militants in many areas of the region.
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) October 19/2016 E.C In July 2015, armed conflicts occurred in all Amhara region zones at different levels and times. As a result, many civilians have been killed and injured.
Samarkand, 12 February 2024 – The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report was launched today by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity […]
AFRICA Environmental Science FEATURED General Investigative Reports Latest Magazine News Radio & TV Special Edition TOP STORIES TOP VIDEOSSamarkand, 12 February 2024 – The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report was launched today by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty, at the opening of a significant UN wildlife conservation conference (CMS COP14). The landmark report reveals:
While some migratory species listed under the CMS are improving, nearly half (44%) show population declines. Over one in five (22%) of CMS-listed species are threatened with extinction. Almost all (97%) of CMS-listed fish are threatened with extinction. The extinction risk is growing for migratory species globally, including those not listed under the CMS. Half (51%) of Key Biodiversity Areas identified as necessary for CMS-listed migratory animals do not have protected status, and 58% of the monitored sites recognized as essential for CMS-listed species are experiencing unsustainable levels of human-caused pressure.
The two most significant threats to CMS-listed and all migratory species are overexploitation and habitat loss due to human activity. Three out of four CMS-listed species are impacted by habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, and seven out of 10 CMS-listed species are affected by overexploitation (including intentional taking and incidental capture). Climate change, pollution, and invasive species also profoundly impact migratory species. Globally, 399 migratory species threatened or near threatened with extinction are not currently listed under the CMS. Until now, no such comprehensive assessment of migratory species has been carried out. The report provides a global overview of migratory animals’ conservation status and population trends, combined with the latest information on their main threats and successful actions to save them.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said: “Today’s report clearly shows us that unsustainable human activities are jeopardizing the future of migratory species – creatures who not only act as indicators of environmental change but play an integral role in maintaining the function and resilience of our planet’s complex ecosystems. The global community has an opportunity to translate this latest science of the pressures facing migratory species into concrete conservation action. Given the precarious situation of many of these animals, we cannot afford to delay and must work together to make the recommendations a reality.”*****
Billions of animals make migratory journeys each year on land, in the oceans, and in the skies, crossing national boundaries and continents, with some traveling thousands of miles across the globe to feed and breed. Migratory species play an essential role in maintaining the world’s ecosystems and provide vital benefits by pollinating plants, transporting critical nutrients, preying on pests, and helping to store carbon.
Prepared for CMS by conservation scientists at the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), the CMS State of the World’s Migratory Species report uses the world’s most robust species data sets and features expert contributions from institutions, including BirdLife International, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
The report focuses on the 1,189 animal species recognized by CMS Parties as needing international protection and listed under CMS. However, it also features analysis linked to over 3,000 additional non-CMS migratory species.
Species listed under the Convention are those at risk of extinction across all or much of their range or needing coordinated international action to boost their conservation status.
Amy Fraenkel, CMS Executive Secretary, said: “Migratory species rely on various specific habitats at different times in their lifecycles. They regularly travel, sometimes thousands of miles, to reach these places. They face enormous challenges and threats along the way and at their breeding or feeding destinations. When species cross national borders, their survival depends on the efforts of all countries in which they are found. This landmark report will help underpin much-needed policy actions to ensure that migratory species continue to thrive worldwide.”
While there have been positive trends for numerous CMS species, the report’s findings underscore the need for more significant action for all migratory species. Listing species under CMS means that these species require international cooperation to address their conservation. But many of these species’ threats are global drivers of environmental change – affecting biodiversity loss and climate change. Thus, addressing the decline of migratory species requires action across governments, the private sector, and other actors.
Over the past 30 years, 70 CMS-listed migratory species – including the steppe eagle, Egyptian vulture, and the wild camel – have become more endangered. This contrasts with 14 species with improved conservation status, including blue and humpback whales, the white-tailed sea eagle, and the black-faced spoonbill.
Most worryingly, nearly all CMS-listed fish species – including migratory sharks, rays, and sturgeons – face a high risk of extinction, with their populations declining by 90% since the 1970s.
Analyzing the threats to species, the report shows the vast extent to which human activities are causing the decline in migratory species.
The two most significant threats to both CMS-listed and all migratory species were confirmed as overexploitation – which includes unsustainable hunting, overfishing, and the capture of non-target animals such as in fisheries – and habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation – from activities such as agriculture and the expansion of transport and energy infrastructure.
One key priority is to map and take adequate steps to protect the vital locations for breeding, feeding, and stopover sites for migratory species. The report shows that nearly 10,000 of the world’s Key Biodiversity Areas are essential for CMS-listed migratory species; still, more than half (by area) are not designated protected or conserved areas. 58% of monitored sites important for CMS-listed species are under threat due to human activities.
The report also investigated how many migratory species are at risk but not covered by the Convention. It found 399 migratory species – mainly birds and fish, including many albatrosses and perching birds, ground sharks, and stingrays – are categorized as threatened or near-threatened but are not yet CMS-listed.
While underscoring the concerning situation of many species, the report also shows that population and species-wide recoveries are possible and highlights instances of successful policy change and positive action, from local to international. Examples include coordinated local action that has seen illegal bird netting reduced by 91% in Cyprus and hugely successful integrated conservation and restoration work in Kazakhstan, bringing the Saiga Antelope back from extinction.
The State of the World’s Migratory Species report issues a clear wake-up call and provides a set of priority recommendations for action, which include:
Strengthen and expand efforts to tackle illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species, as well as incidental capture of non-target species; increase actions to identify, protect, connect, and effectively manage essential sites for migratory species; urgently address those species in most danger of extinction, including nearly all CMS-listed fish species, Scale up efforts to tackle climate change, as well as light, noise, chemical and plastic pollution, and, Consider expanding CMS listings to include more at-risk migratory species in need of national and international attention.
The UN wildlife conservation conference (CMS COP14), starting Feb. 12 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is among the most significant global biodiversity gatherings since adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Biodiversity Plan). It will also be the first COP of any global environmental treaty in Central Asia, a region home to many migratory species, including the Saiga Antelope, Snow Leopard, and many species of migratory birds.
Governments, wildlife organizations, and scientists will consider actions to advance the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan at the week-long meeting. The State of the World’s Migratory Species report will provide the scientific grounding along with policy recommendations to set the context and provide valuable information to support the deliberations of the meeting.
Havana (CUBA), February 10, 2024 – The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, on February 8, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Executive Director of the International […]
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Havana (CUBA), February 10, 2024 – The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC), Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, on February 8, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Executive Director of the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities, Dr. Rossana Valéria de Souza e Silva, in Havana, Cuba.
Through this historic agreement signed on the margins of the14th International Congress of Higher Education “Universidad: 2024” currently underway in Havana, the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities provides up to 400 annual scholarships per year for Master’s and Doctoral degrees to students from the universities of the OSC Member States to study in Brazil.
The Memorandum recognizes the necessity of South-South cooperation and solidarity for the emergence of a just, prosperous, and sustainable Third Way of Development, which will transform the lives of students of the countries of the South. It further states that “the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) and the International Cooperation Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB), resolved to join efforts in service of their shared principles and common objectives, have reached an Understanding, expressed in this Memorandum, on the modalities of their collaboration in the implementation of several projects in line with the Strategic Plan for 2023-2030 of OSC Member States and Associate Members”.
During the signature ceremony, the OSC Secretary-General stated that this Memorandum was a “historic step for the integration of our countries of the South to build the education we need” and constituted simultaneously a “concrete agreement to shape the future we want through a Third Way of Development.” Sheikh Mansour Bin Mussallam states that the “scholarships will have a transformative dimension in the lives of the beneficiaries.” “We should also note that the Memorandum of Understanding is a milestone not only but also a concrete step in the way OSC has embarked on reshaping collaborative and win-win relationships between our countries of the South,” he added.
The GCUB is an association of directors of high-level international Universities that offers a wide range of academic and professional opportunities at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a particular interest in the internationalization of its member Universities.
The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) was established on January 29, 2020, by countries and organizations across the Global South at the International Summit on Balanced and Inclusive Education held in the Republic of Djibouti. As the first intergovernmental organization of and by the Greater South, the OSC acts as an instrument of intellectual, technical, and financial cooperation and solidarity between its Member States and its Associate Members in pursuing a Third Way of Development – from the South, for Humanity.
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Ethiopia’s Economic Policies, Loans, and the Pursuit of Sustainable Development by 2030 ACE Investment & Impact Advisors As Ethiopia maps its economic course, a meticulous review of its monetary policies unveils a path […]
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ACE Investment & Impact Advisors
As Ethiopia maps its economic course, a meticulous review of its monetary policies unveils a path defined by strategic maneuvers, adaptability, and a steadfast dedication to ambitious development plans. This analysis spans from the initiation of Growth and Transformation Plans (GTP) to the contemporary Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda (HGER), offering a comprehensive insight into Ethiopia’s landscape of domestic loans and advances across economic sectors. The aim is to enhance comprehension of how the objectives outlined in the ten-year strategic development plan, extending to 2030, align with and shape this financial trajectory.
During the initial phase of Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP I), spanning from 2010 to 2015, the country’s monetary policy was characterized by a mix of strategies to support the ambitious development goals outlined in the plan. Key features of the monetary policy during this period included:
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) employed credit controls to direct funds towards priority sectors, such as infrastructure, agriculture, and industry. A credit cap that restricted lending was in place for three years on banks before it was ended in 2011, and NBE instructed all commercial banks to buy 27pc of their annual loan disbursement in bonds in tandem with its removal of the cap.
Implemented lending initiatives were strategically directed to allocate financial resources to key sectors essential for achieving the plan’s objectives. As evidenced by the policy bank – Development Bank of Ethiopia in its end-of-2016 budget year report, the bank actively participated in GTP-II by formulating plans for loan approval, disbursement, and collection, amounting to Birr 112.28 billion, Birr 104.34 billion, and Birr 39.15 billion, respectively, at the end of the fifth year. This reflects the bank’s alignment with the country’s GTP-I experience and the government’s overarching direction.
NBE strategically employed a multifaceted approach to foster investment in priority sectors while upholding overall economic stability. Through a range of monetary tools, the NBE meticulously balanced the quest for accessible credit with the imperative of averting inflationary pressures. Noteworthy measures included open market operations, where the NBE tactically engaged in T-bill purchases to fine-tune the money supply. This intricate strategy aimed to manage liquidity in the banking system, curbing inflation and ensuring a stable financial environment.
Additionally, the central bank utilized reserve requirements, stipulating the percentage of deposits that commercial banks must maintain as reserves to regulate the overall lending capacity of banks. Furthermore, the NBE adjusted the interest rate at which commercial banks could borrow from the central bank, thereby influencing banks’ borrowing costs and impacting lending rates throughout the economy. For instance, back in September 2021, the NBE raised the interest rate levied on commercial banks on loans from the central bank by 13% percentage points to 16%. The second phase, encompassing GTP II and the first Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda (HGER I), unfolded from 2015 to 2021, witnessing adjustments in Ethiopia’s monetary policy to align with evolving economic priorities. Key elements of the monetary policy in this extended period, especially in the HGER, include:
A shift towards a more market-oriented approach was observed, with efforts to liberalize selected sectors of the economy, including Finance and Telecom. The opening up of sectors aimed to attract foreign investment, enhance competition, and foster private sector development.
NBE has strategically shifted its focus towards inflation targeting as a primary objective, emphasizing the preservation of price stability in the economy. Recently, at a hearing in Parliament, the NBE set a 20% inflation target for the end of the Ethiopian fiscal year 2016 (2023/24), promising a significant drop from the previous year’s 33.7% baseline inflation rate.
To achieve this, interest rates and monetary tools have been strategically deployed to manage inflation within a specified target range, aligning with the goals set in the HGER I.
The specific measures include:
Transitioning towards a price-based monetary policy signifies a notable shift in how NBE manages the economy’s monetary dynamics. Moving away from direct control over the money supply, the focus now pivots towards adjustments in interest rates. However, a potential challenge emerges if the injection of money, facilitated by instruments like CDs over an extended period, accelerates. This rapid influx may pose difficulties for the bank in maintaining effective interest rate controls, impacting factors such as inflation, unemployment, and overall economic growth during this transitional phase. While the new approach enhances short-term control, ensuring seamless transition management is crucial to pre-empt potential challenges and ensure sustained success.
The NBE has allowed for a credit expansion, permitting a growth rate of up to 14% by 2023. This decision can be likened to adjusting the speed of a bicycle, where the economy serves as the bicycle, and the monetary policy lever operates as the gear shift controlling its speed. Much like a bicycle accelerating too quickly, leading to potential accidents, an economy growing too fast can result in economic imbalances or instability. The NBE, acting as a prudent driver, seeks to avoid such risks by permitting a controlled credit expansion. This approach serves as a metaphorical allowance on the gas pedal, regulating the amount of money circulating in the economy. The aim is to strike a balance—allowing enough money for economic growth while preventing an excessive surge in prices.
Transitioning to the subsequent segment, let’s examine a pivotal aspect: the trends in Total Loans Disbursed. This section provides a strategic perspective on the allocation of funds within the economy. Encompassing Phase 1 spanning from 2009/10 to 2017/18, and Phase 2 from 2018/19 to 2020/21, we will scrutinize the distribution of loans and discern the sectors receiving prioritized attention.
The substantial disbursement of Birr 629.35 billion signifies a significant financial allocation strategically directed towards pivotal sectors. Noteworthy is the prioritization of industry, commanding a substantial 28 percent, highlighting a clear emphasis on fostering economic diversification and growth. Agriculture remains a central focus with a 16 percent allocation, while housing and construction receive 11 percent. However, sectors such as Tourism and Mining are allocated a modest 2 percent and minimal attention, respectively.
Insights
During the GTP I, Ethiopia achieved remarkable economic growth, averaging 10.1 percent against the planned 11.2 percent. The country’s output, measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), soared from USD 30 billion in 2009/10 to USD 55 billion in 2013/14, representing an impressive 83 percent increase in just four years.
The broad-based economic growth, especially in agriculture, service, and industry sectors, created a substantial number of jobs. The service sector, in particular, experienced annual growth rates between 9.9 and 12.2 percent during the first four years of GTP I.
Sustainable and stable economic growth during the GTP I period contributed to relatively low inflation rates. Ethiopia’s economic growth irregularity was lower compared to many African countries, maintaining above ten percent growth, except for a dip to 8.6 percent in 2012.
In alignment with pro-poor spending initiatives, the government significantly increased spending on poverty reduction, leading to tangible improvements in the Human Development Index (HDI). Ethiopia experienced the fastest human development growth globally, with a 3.35 percent annual growth rate in the HDI between 2000 and 2013.
While achieving rapid and sustainable growth, Ethiopia faced challenges in structural transformation. The share of the industrial sector, particularly manufacturing, in the GDP did not meet the planned targets even though it enjoyed high priority both in policy and disbursement. The economy’s dominance by the service sector, mainly trade, indicated a slow structural shift.
Distributing a colossal sum of Birr 765.11 billion, the disbursement strategy reflects a diversified economic focus. Industry takes the lead with 19 percent, signalling a commitment to robust industrial development. Although Agriculture received only 10 percent, a significant focus shift was witnessed on Mining, which increased from nearly 0 percent share to 9 percent. Meanwhile, allocations for sectors like Tourism and others remained relatively unchanged.
Insights:
Ethiopia’s economic performance from 2018 to 2022 showcased a robust yet challenging landscape. Real GDP exhibited resilience, registering a growth rate of 5.3 percent in 2022, surpassing East Africa’s average. However, inflation surged to 34 percent partly because of the surge in money supply in terms of loans, influenced by internal conflicts, drought, and global events. The fiscal deficit widened to 4.2 percent of GDP in 2022 due to increased defense spending, while the banking sector, dominated by state-owned banks, remained stable with a nonperforming loans ratio of 5.4 percent in 2021. Despite sovereign ratings downgraded to CCC, public debt saw a decline to 50.1 percent of GDP in 2022. Income per capita grew by 2.7 percent, yet the humanitarian support requirements surged to 20 million people.
The transition from Phase 1 (2009/10 – 2017/18) to Phase 2 (2018/19 – 2020/21) reflects a notable surge in total disbursements, with an increase of Birr 135.76 billion, marking a substantial percentage change of 21.56%. Despite the eight-year span of Phase 1, Phase 2, encompassing just three years, demonstrated an accelerated average annual growth rate of approximately 7.19%, indicating heightened financial momentum. Noteworthy is the revelation that within the short duration of 2018/19 to 2020/21, the total disbursement of loans and advances constituted a remarkable 23.04% of the entire disbursement made in the extended 2009/10 – 2017/18 period, signaling an unprecedented surge in economic activity.
In examining the outcomes of these loans, the comparative sectoral GDP growth provides insightful patterns. The industry sector, aligning with the trend in sectoral loans, exhibited robust growth, averaging 16.8% from 2009 to 2022. Domestic Trade consistently received support, contributing to the services sector’s average growth of 10.9%. Despite a comparatively lower share in loans, the Agriculture Sector experienced a modest average growth of 5.4%.
As Ethiopia advances into its 10-Year Development Plan, the numbers reveal a grand economic design that allocates loans to the tune of birr 12.2 trillion (87.2%) to meet the investment needs of the private sector while birr 1.8 trillion (12.8%) would cover the finance need of public investment projects. The sectoral breakdown is as follows
The guiding principles of the ten-year development plan emphasize a shift towards a private-sector-driven economy, allocating a resounding 87.2% for private-sector investment. Diversified financing involving banks, savings, and financial markets underscores a holistic strategy to fund development initiatives. As the plan envisions a transformative period with loans exceeding the trillion ETB milestone, the monetary policy is poised to evolve in the next decade, emphasizing a private-sector-friendly environment. This shift aligns with measures to enhance credit access for businesses, particularly in priority sectors like agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, and ICT.
Further, the plan anticipates increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attraction through continued liberalization efforts, necessitating careful management of capital flows for macroeconomic stability. The central bank’s commitment to inflation control and economic stability is evident, with adjustments in interest rates and other monetary tools, set at 20% for 2023. To enhance resilience to global shocks, the monetary policy framework is expected to draw on lessons from experiences such as the COVID-19 pandemic, while also continuing to play a crucial role in directing funds towards critical infrastructure projects, supporting sustainable economic development.
The outlined transformation in the ten-year development plan lays a robust foundation for a decade-long evolution of monetary policy, emphasizing private sector development and growth in key sectors. To enhance economic stability, it is imperative for the National Bank to effectively deploy monetary tools, address exchange rate challenges, and ensure the prudent disbursement of credit to priority sectors. A dedicated commitment to managing capital flows and controlling inflation, especially within the set target of 20 percent for 2023, is crucial for macroeconomic stability. As Ethiopia progresses toward economic prosperity, the strategic and multifaceted monetary policy framework should be steadfastly implemented to navigate challenges, foster resilience, and achieve sustainable growth.
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| Economic Sectors | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 | 2012/13 | 2013/14 | 2014/15 | 2015/16 | 2016/17 | 2017/18 | 2018/19 | 2019/20 | 2020/21 | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | 4.44 | 8.25 | 14.18 | 9.71 | 10.87 | 13.08 | 13.38 | 13.13 | 11.40 | 17.95 | 24.90 | 30.78 | 172.06 |
| Industry | 4.96 | 10.47 | 16.51 | 19.30 | 20.39 | 23.44 | 25.50 | 25.04 | 30.50 | 41.59 | 43.07 | 60.61 | 321.36 |
| Domestic Trade | 5.17 | 6.73 | 9.70 | 8.33 | 9.10 | 15.59 | 15.04 | 23.61 | 19.94 | 32.87 | 36.40 | 49.96 | 232.44 |
| International Trade (Total) | 8.22 | 10.57 | 7.06 | 5.97 | 7.28 | 8.42 | 9.53 | 13.49 | 18.61 | 27.67 | 38.29 | 66.14 | 221.26 |
| International Trade (Export) | 5.28 | 5.92 | 2.66 | 2.57 | 2.97 | 3.78 | 4.40 | 6.06 | 11.60 | 17.41 | 28.02 | 51.71 | 142.39 |
| International Trade (Import) | 2.94 | 4.65 | 4.40 | 3.70 | 4.31 | 4.63 | 5.12 | 7.43 | 7.00 | 10.26 | 10.49 | 14.44 | 79.38 |
| Hotels and Tourism | 0.32 | 0.3954 | 0.46 | 0.88 | 1.19 | 1.62 | 1.89 | 2.21 | 2.20 | 4.94 | 5.29 | 8.17 | 29.57 |
| Transport and Communication | 0.97 | 1.85 | 1.92 | 1.58 | 1.56 | 3.63 | 4.49 | 6.92 | 4.53 | 2.65 | 25.04 | 16.43 | 71.55 |
| Hosing And Construction | 3.92 | 2.90 | 5.08 | 6.32 | 6.70 | 6.72 | 13.64 | 13.58 | 12.28 | 19.64 | 25.53 | 44.53 | 160.85 |
| Mines, Power and Water resource | 0.01 | 0.0073 | 0.02 | 0.08 | 0.27 | 0.17 | 0.34 | 0.36 | 0.32 | 0.85 | 48.53 | 20.17 | 71.12 |
| Others | 0.34 | 0.7119 | 0.91 | 1.53 | 1.90 | 2.16 | 3.16 | 8.45 | 12.67 | 4.90 | 4.58 | 9.11 | 50.43 |
| Personal | 0.27 | 0.3117 | 0.18 | 0.26 | 0.27 | 0.67 | 1.05 | 2.20 | 2.95 | 11.43 | 19.31 | 23.55 | 62.46 |
| Interbank Lending | 0.30 | 0.01366 | 0.09 | 0.00 | 0.45 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.85 |
| Total | 28.91 | 42.21 | 56.10 | 54.25 | 59.97 | 75.48 | 88.02 | 109.01 | 115.40 | 164.49 | 271.17 | 329.45 | 1394.46 |
Showing 1 to 14 of 14 entries
Declines in Africa’s rich ecological biodiversity threaten millions of livelihoods, increase food insecurity, cause conflict over land, and transmit zoonotic diseases that can lead to more pandemics. The African continent (20 percent of […]
AFRICA Environmental Science FEATURED General Investigative Reports Latest Magazine News Radio & TV Special Edition TOP STORIES TOP VIDEOSDeclines in Africa’s rich ecological biodiversity threaten millions of livelihoods, increase food insecurity, cause conflict over land, and transmit zoonotic diseases that can lead to more pandemics.
The African continent (20 percent of the planet’s land) is home to one-quarter of the world’s mammal species and one-fifth of the world’s bird species. At least one-sixth of the world’s plant species are endemic to Africa. The continent also boasts 369 wetlands of international importance.
More than 62 percent of Africa’s rural population relies on the continent’s diverse natural ecosystems for their food, water, energy, health, and secure livelihood needs. This biodiversity provides an arsenal of genetic capital beneficial not just to the people living in these ecosystems but to the world.
The continent also has around one-sixth of the world’s remaining forests, including those that comprise the Congo Basin, a 240-million-hectare rainforest straddling 8 African countries and supporting the livelihoods of 80 million people in the region. Often referred to as the world’s second green lung, the Congo Basin absorbs 4 percent of global carbon emissions every year, offsetting more than the entire African continent’s annual emissions.
“The conversion of natural habitat to low yielding cultivated land is the dominant driver of biodiversity loss in Africa.”
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), natural forests provide 21 percent of rural household income across 11 African countries and wild-harvested foods (including fisheries), contributing ocontributeof millions of Africans.
Two marine ecosystems along Africa’s west coast—the Benguela Current in the south-eastern Atlantic and the Canary Current in the north-eastern Atlantic—have enormous societal and economic importance for the adjacent countries and the global food supply. They, along witAlongrn parts of the Pacific Ocean, contain a contithey nuous upwelling of nutrient-rich deep water which gives ri, givingely high biological productivity that provides 20 percent of the world’s fish harvest.
Second only to tropical rainforests when it comes to biodiversity, coral reefs provide valuable resources for coastal communities and 25 percent of all marine life. Over half a billion people globally depend on coral reef ecosystems for food, income from tourism and fisheries, and coastal protection. The coral reef systems that stretch from Egypt all the way down to South Africa provide millions of Africans a source of food and coastal protection.
Africa’s rich biodiversity is under duress with ongoing losses of specispecies and habitat lossesthe International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 6,400 animals and 3,100 plants in Africa are at risk of extinction. Surveys of Africa’s bird populations show declines over the past 25 years, a pattern likely matched by fish and plant populations, though data is limited. Overall, populations of vertebrate species in Africa are estimated to have declined by 39 percent since 1970.
Africa hosts 9 of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots (defined as region than 1,500 endemic plant species which have lost athatst 70 percent of their primary native vegetation). On the island of Madagascar, for example, 82 percent of its plants and 90 percent of its animals are endemic and together create irreplaceable ecosystems. Scientists believe overexploitation alone threatens 62 percent of vertebrates on this ecologically unique island while unsustainable agriculture threatens 57 percent. Together, they endanger 90 percent of all Madagascar’s plant species. Of the 40,283 plant species known to be used by humans worldwide for medicine, food, and mitigation against climate change, 5 percent (1,916 in total) are found in Madagascar. Of these, 1,596 are endemic.
Adapted from: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
Some 20 percent of Africa’s land surface (6.6 million km2) is estimated to be degraded because of soil erosion, salinization, pollution, and loss of vegetatiol fertility. The Congo Basin loss, for example, is losing an estimated 500,000 to 1.2 million hectares of tropical rainforest annually. This has resulted in roughly a 30-percent decline in tree cover across large stretches of the African tropics since 2001.
Among wildlife, an IUCN assessment of five taxonomic groups (mammals, birds, amphibians, corals, and cycads) found that all have deteriorated steadily between 1993 and 2016.
Africa’s blue economy—ports, fisheries, tourism, and other coastal economic activity—is conservatively projected to grow from $296 billion in 2018 to $405 billion by 2030. However, repeated mass coral bleaching events in East Africa and the poleward migration of marine life from their habitats could result in a 30-percent contraction of this sector, leading to lost livelihoods for millions of African fishers.
Although it is not the pririver, climate change is exacerbating hexacerbatesdiversity losses. At global warming levels (GWL) above 1.5°C:
Above two °C GWL, the risk of sudden and severe biodiversity losses becomes widespread for much of Africa, including:
Source: IPCC
Africa’s marine biodiversity loss is also accelerated by global warming. The ocean absorbs around 23 percent of the annual CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Rising CO2 concentration leads to ocean acidification, endangering fisheries and aquaculture and weakening coral reefs, which affects coastal protection. According to the IPCC, this has resulted in a 20-percent reduction in phytoplankton biomass in the western Indian Ocean since the 1960s (potentially leading to reduced tuna catches). This is expected to have severe impacts on an estimated 30 estuarine and marine fish species (including anchovy, sardine, hake, and rock lobster).
East Africa’s coral reefs—from Kenya to South Africa—covering 11,919 km2 of reef, constitute 5 percent of the planet’s total coral reef area. Already, mass coral bleaching events in the western Indian Ocean in 1998, 2005, 2010, and 2016 have left coral cover just 30–40 percent of 1998 levels.
Coastal ecosystems, which include mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs, critically support nursery habitats for fish, sequester carbon, and provide shoreline protection. An acre of mangroves can store 5 to 10 times as much carbon as an acre of rainforest. Their loss will impact not just African coastal communities but the entire planet.
The conversion of natural habitat to low-yielding cultivated land is the dominant cause of biodiversity loss in Africa. In semi-arid regions, biodiversity losses and ecosystem degradation affect the quality of the soil and vegetation impacting agricultural output. The loss of grass-dominated biomes further reduces rangeland, impacting animal husbandry. Growing land pressure contributes to population displacements and the escalation of farmer-herder conflicts.
Adapted from Global Forest Watch
Under changing ocean conditions, some fishing exclusion zones and seasonal restrictions may no longer serve their purpose. As fish stocks shift from one zone to another, fishers may be tempted to venture into these marine protected areas, potentially harming the vulnerable resources enclosed within them. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing may also occur as stocks shift across national boundaries and into the fishing zones of other countries. There have already been a few instances of such conflicts between local and foreign fishermen in West Africa.
Tropical forest edges are a significant launching pad for novel human viruses. These edges arise as humans build roads or clear forests for timber production and agriculture. Humans and their livestock are more likely to contact wildlife when more than 25 percent of the original forest cover is lost. Hunting, transport, farming, and trade of wildlife for food, pets, and traditional medicine compound these routes of transmission and closely track deforestation. For example, bats are the probable reservoirs of Ebola, Nipah, SARS, and the virus behind COVID-19. The WHO found a 63-percent increa63 percent number of zoonotic outbreaks in Africa (particularly in the DRC and Nigeria) in the decade from 2012-2022 compared to 2001-2011.
While many species have already been lost, it is not to improve endangered plants and animals. Initiatives foc is not too late used on biodiverse-friendly entrepreneurship, education, and sustainable agriculture schemes would help protect Africa’s biodiversity and its citizens. Alongside these citizen-focused initiatives, African governments and their international partners can also focus on biodiverse-friendly governance.
“Bridging the gap between frameworks and actual implementation—by harnessing the power and knowledge of local communities, civil society, and law enforcement—would see results beneficial to biodiversity.”
Uphold and enforce existing conventions and laws. Many African countries are already party to various regional and international agreements against trafficking in natural resources such as wildlife and timber. Bridging the gap between frameworks and actual implementation—by harnessing the power and knowledge of local communities, civil society, and law enforcement—would see results beneficial to biodiversity and the communities that directly rely on them.
Expand the use of carbon credits to facilitate the preservation of ecosystems. Gabon issued carbon credits to help protect its rainforest in October 2022—the largest ever and potentially worth more than $2 billion. The use of such carbon credits and other conservation-based revenue schemes can help protect natural preserves while generating income for local communities. With citizen oversight, these funds could be a source of investment in economic diversification and sustainable livelihoods.
Scale up data collection to inform policy making. Despite impressive recent developments to track trade in biodiversity products and biodiversity loss, much is stilled at risk. Not least are the biodiversity-rich primary forests of the Congo Basin and coral reefs off the eastern coasts of Africa. More resources and attention toward data collection and strengthening the science-policy interface in governmental institutions is crucial in raising awareness and directing effective policy.
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by Ayele Addis Ambelu +251918718307 ayeleradio@gmail.com “It a great pride to see our @AfricaCDC growing, thriving, and achieving more than what one has ever thought of in just seven years of its existence. […]
AFRICA General Latest Magazine News Radio & TV Special Edition TOP STORIES TOP VIDEOSby Ayele Addis Ambelu +251918718307 ayeleradio@gmail.com
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is a specialized technical institution of the African Union established to support public health initiatives of Member States and strengthen the capacity of their public health institutions to detect, prevent, control, and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats. Africa CDC supports African Union Member States in providing coordinated and integrated solutions to their public health infrastructure inadequacies, human resource capacity, disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and preparedness and response to health emergencies and disasters.
Established in January 2016 by the 26th Ordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government and officially launched in January 2017, Africa CDC is guided by leadership, credibility, ownership, delegated authority, timely dissemination of information, and transparency in its day-to-day activities. The institution serves as a platform for Member States to share and exchange knowledge and lessons from public health interventions.
Africa CDC was established in response to the West Africa Ebola outbreak in 2014. The outbreak resulted in over 28,000 confirmed and probable cases, which led to over 11,300 deaths. This tragedy highlighted the need for better coordination in dealing with African public health emergencies. Africa CDC was founded in January 2016 and officially inaugurated in January 2017 as a specialized technical institution of the African Union.
In February 2022, Africa CDC was granted autonomy as the continental health agency of the AU. This autonomy gives Africa CDC the flexibility to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging health threats, facilitating seamless resource mobilization and collaboration with a broader range of partners.
In 2023, Africa CDC developed its 1st strategic plan for 2023-2027, which builds upon the lessons learned and insights from implementing the first strategic plan (2017- 2021). The strategic plan strengthens the Africa CDC’s efforts to implement the New Public Health Order and the Africa Health Strategy in achieving Agenda 2063’s aspiration on health.
The New Public Health Order aims to bolster the self-reliance of African public health systems, rectify global imbalances, amplify Africa’s influence in global health discussions, and improve the continent’s effectiveness in preparing for and responding to disease threats.
The main achievements of the Africa CDC are that since 2017, it has consistently supported member states in developing robust responses to recurrent and emerging health threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa CDC’s leadership and coordination were lauded across the continent and globally. Africa CDC played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of the virus, resulting in fewer cases and deaths being reported on the continent.
Africa experiences over 100 health emergencies per year. Currently, the Southern Africa region is grappling with the resurgence of infectious diseases such as Cholera. Since January 1st, 2023, more than 3,000 people have lost their lives due to Cholera, and over 183,000 cases have been reported in the SADC region. Zambia, in particular, has been hit the hardest, with 14,116 cases and 662 deaths reported since the beginning of this outbreak in October 2023.
In response to this urgent need for intervention, Africa CDC is initiating a multifaceted support strategy, which includes training and deploying 500 community health workers in the Kanyama and Matara districts—reinforcing Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) interventions.
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Additionally, Africa CDC aims to produce Information, Education, and
Communication (IEC) materials. This includes 10,000 flyers and radio jingles in various local languages to disseminate crucial information to affected communities.
The aim is to strengthen laboratory capacity for genomic sequencing to identify and prevent the spread of new variants of pathogens. To achieve this, fifty healthcare workers will be trained in sample collection and referral. At the same time, 150 clinical management staff, including doctors, clinical officers, nurses, laboratory technicians, environmental health technicians, and pharmacists, will be deployed to provide essential care.
Medical supplies, including oral rehydration salts (ORS) and disinfectants, and water quality monitoring will be procured. Reinforce cross-border surveillance measures, encouraging information sharing among member states within the region. Activated the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC)
These initiatives reflect Africa CDC’s proactive and concerted efforts to address the urgent health crisis and protect the well-being of affected populations in Southern Africa and beyond. However, the root cause of Cholera must be addressed by ensuring that all sectors involved are mobilized together beyond the health sector. There is a need for more vaccines and mobilizing resources to provide the countries with the resources necessary to manage outbreaks and other diseases. Water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) promotion and behavioral change, as well as strengthening the health system of our member states.
Africa CDC is dedicated to enhancing disease surveillance throughout the continent. The Regional Integrated Surveillance and Laboratory Networks (RISLNET) solidifies our pledge to detect diseases and respond to outbreaks promptly. Africa CDC has introduced numerous programs and initiatives to bridge this gap, such as Africa Volunteers Health Corps, Kofi Annan, and the Field Epidemiology Training Program.
January 29th marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education (UDBIE), and the establishment of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) with the election of the first Secretary-General. Celebrating […]
AFRICA Education FEATURED General Latest Magazine News Radio & TV Special Edition Technology TOP STORIES TOP VIDEOS
Celebrating this 4th twin anniversary, OSC held a series of events today under the leadership of its Secretary General, H.E. Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam, and the Minister of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia,H.E. BeleteMollaGetahun, as Guest of Honour, and with Ethiopian officials, the Addis-Ababa- based diplomatic community, Faculty Deans, Heads of Academic Research Centres, higher learning students in attendance.
Stock was taken of the occasion to inaugurate the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) Institute and Library, and to present two digital platforms developed by the OSC: the Greater South Information System (GreSIS), and the Greater South Learning Enrichment Resources Nexus (GreSLERN).
The OSC Institute is a flagship programme of the OSC established to provide experts and policy makers from Member States and Associate Members with comprehensive and intensive courses to build institutional capacities in:Balanced and Inclusive Education (BIE); transdisciplinary research and production; endogenous technology development; and strategic, economic transformation.
The GreSIS digital platform marks a pivotal milestone in democratising access to knowledge across the Global South. It aims to democratise access to, and the production of, knowledge in the Global South. It is a tool aimed at fostering collaboration and engagement among educational institutions, researchers, instructors, students, government officials, and Indigenous people’s organisations. The Greater South Learning Enrichment Resources Nexus (GreSLERN) is an open-source, free-of-charge and customisable digital tool for Member States and Curriculum Development Centers to facilitate the production of interactive, engaging, and contextualised digital learning resources. Both digital platforms, the Greater South Learning Enrichment Resources Nexus (GreSLERN) and the Greater South Information System (GreSIS), are a demonstration of the commitment of OSC to advancing the collective exchange of ideas, research, and knowledge.
In the afternoon, a panel discussion was held in collaboration with Addis Ababa University. The event brought together eminent speakers, academicians and students around the theme “Education Systems: Perspectives and Practices from the South”. Keynote speakers included Prof. AbdeljalilAkkari, Professor of International and Comparative Education of the University of Geneva in Switzerland who joined online, and Prof. Norbert Hounkonnou, Professor of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Abomey-Calavi in Beninwhois also President of the Network of African Science Academies, and Chair of the Conference of Associate Members of the OSC.
The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) was established on 29 January 2020 by countries and organisations from across the Global South at the International Summit on Balanced and Inclusive Education held in the Republic of Djibouti. As the first intergovernmental organisation of and by the Greater South, the OSC acts as an instrument of intellectual, technical and financial cooperation and solidarity between its Member States as well as its Associate Members in the pursuit of a Third Way of Development – from the South, for Humanity.
