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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Global Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Ministerial opens: Small businesses key constituency in global trade, say South African SME minister, International Trade Centre (ITC) head

    Source: APO


    .

    The inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting opened today, marking a milestone in recognizing small and medium-sized enterprises as a key constituency in global trade. 

    The high-level event is co-hosted by the South African Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), with main events taking place on 23-24 July. The Ministerial was preceded by the Trade Promotion Organizations Leadership Dialogue on 22 July, in which heads of national trade promotion organizations developed strategies to better engage with SME ministers to bring the voice of small business into policymaking.

    Watch the livestream of the Ministerial high-level opening.

    More than 700 delegates from more than 60 countries are participating in the Ministerial, including ministers, heads of delegation, heads of national trade promotion organizations, business leaders and entrepreneurs. Ministerial-level delegates convened from across the world, from Bangladesh to Brazil, from Cameroon to Costa Rica, from Senegal to Switzerland, from the United Arab Emirates to the United Kingdom.  

    In her welcome remarks, South African Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni said: ‘Let this Ministerial Meeting mark the beginning of a bold new global compact for MSME development; one that expands access to markets, unlocks affordable finance, accelerates digital inclusion, and ensures that women, youth and underserved communities are not spectators, but architects of economic transformation.’

    She added: ‘Let us commit to practical, measurable actions that position MSMEs as central pillars of resilience, innovation and sustainability. Let us work towards a global enabling ecosystem, where no entrepreneur is left behind because of where they live, how much they earn, or who they are.’

    In her welcome remarks, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: ‘Now, this Ministerial is no talk shop. This is no place for posturing or politics. This is a space for us to marshal our collective knowledge and our energy and find solutions across the three areas that will bring the benefits of trade within reach of more SMEs: access to finance, digital transformation and green competitiveness.’

    Addressing ministerial-level delegates, she said: ‘When you go back to your capitals, your ministries, your cabinet meetings and your meetings with heads of state and government, you’ll be taking back with you concrete solutions, with the evidence to back them up.’

    Expected outcomes include the endorsement of a call-to-action in which countries align on the three main areas that will harness the development of SMEs—access to finance, digital transformation and green competitiveness —and develop a roadmap for future Ministerial Meetings to take place every two years, to ensure discussions produce outcomes for countries. 

    See the latest information on the Ministerial on the Global SME Ministerial Meeting landing page.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Wavel Ramkalawan sends condolence message following the passing of Mr. Jérémie Bonnelame

    Source: APO


    .

    “On behalf of the Government and People of Seychelles, and on my personal behalf, I extend our deepest condolence to the family, friends, and loved ones of former Minister and Ambassador, Mr. Jérémie Bonnelame, following his passing.

    Mr. Bonnelame served our nation with unwavering dedication, both as a Minister and as a distinguished diplomat in his various capacities. His contribution to Seychelles’ development and his commitment to public service has left an indelible mark on our country’s history. His leadership, wisdom, and passion for progress inspired many and will continue to resonate for generations to come. 

    In this moment of sorrow, we remember not only his professional achievements but also his integrity and deep love for Seychelles. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life well-lived, devoted to the betterment of our nation and its people. 

    May he rest in eternal peace, and may his family find strength and solace in the cherished memories during this time of loss.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Agricultural cooperatives in Senegal: Driving the sector’s modernization

    Source: APO


    .

    With an agricultural sector that employs more than 909,000 households, according to ANSD, organizing Senegal’s producers into well-equipped, operational cooperatives is a key lever for achieving the goals of the Senegal Vision 2050.

    The West Africa Competitiveness Programme in Senegal (PACAO-Senegal) serves as a relevant model as it supported the creation or compliance of 29 cooperative societies as well as strengthened their managerial and organizational capacities. Together, these cooperatives bring together over 545 producer organizations active in the mango and onion value chains. 

    Among these 29 cooperatives, the Cooperative Society for Support to Production, Processing, and Marketing (SCAPTC) of Pout (Thiès) perfectly illustrates the impact of this support.

    Created in 2021, the Cooperative SCAPTC covers four municipalities in the Thiès region (Pout, Diander, Keur Moussa, and Moroland) and brings together almost 2,940 members, including 20 producer organizations and over 20 individuals. Specializing in onion production, the cooperative was born from an urgent need to structure and professionalize producers who previously worked in a scattered manner, without coordination or appropriate management tools.

    Doudou Diop, President of the Board of Directors of the SCAPTC, recalls the difficult beginnings: “Before our cooperative society was born, our groups were not even structured. We didn’t have statutes or internal regulations. We each worked on our own, without a common strategy.”

    With support from PACAO-Senegal, SCAPTC benefited from training in financial management, leadership, conflict resolution, and strategic planning, which enabled its members to transform an informal structure into a high-performing, sustainable organization.

    Mamadou Lèye, a doctoral student in applied physics at Cheikh Anta Diop University committed to agriculture, combines his studies with farm work and serves as the Secretary General of SCAPTC. He says: “We learned to manage our cooperative like a business. We now organize our meetings efficiently, manage our finances rigorously, and resolve internal conflicts constructively. All these skills, acquired through PACAO-Senegal’s support, are key to our success.”

    Today, SCAPTC is cited as an example in the region for its rigorous management and effective organization. “Other cooperatives and even the supervising ministry send experts to study our model and draw inspiration from it,” adds Mamadou Lèye proudly.

    Amy Ndiaye, hired by PACAO-Senegal as a community development officer, confirms this transformation: “Meetings are held regularly, the General Assembly is organized every year, and members have become autonomous in managing their activities. SCAPTC has become a benchmark model in the region.”

    The members of SCAPTC have improved their yields and incomes. “Today, we have full control of our activity from A to Z, from production to marketing. It has changed our lives,” says Doudou Diop.

    From informal to a benchmark model, SCAPTC illustrates the transformative potential of cooperative societies. Thanks to targeted support, they become frameworks for structuring, formalizing, and strengthening agricultural value chains, thereby contributing to achieving the goals of Senegal Vision 2050.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership Conducts Mission Stop in Lae, Papua New Guinea, July 2025 [Image 1 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    LAE, Papua New Guinea (July 23, 2025) – Capt. Levi Jackson assigned to the 72nd Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support unit conducts a food and water risk assessment at the Christian Revival Center in Lae, Papua New Guinea, July 23, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 07.23.2025
    Date Posted: 07.23.2025 06:46
    Photo ID: 9197303
    VIRIN: 250723-N-YV347-1026
    Resolution: 7164×4776
    Size: 19.45 MB
    Location: LAE, PG
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    This work, Pacific Partnership Conducts Mission Stop in Lae, Papua New Guinea, July 2025 [Image 5 of 5], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Canada contributes CAD 250,000 for food, animal and plant health standards

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Canada contributes CAD 250,000 for food, animal and plant health standards

    WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Canada’s donation: “Compliance with international standards enhances food security in both importing and exporting countries by facilitating trade in agricultural products. The long-term impact of STDF-related programs will benefit producers, traders and governments along global and regional value chains, helping them raise export revenues, income levels and living standards. The STDF will continue to facilitate inclusive and safe trade worldwide, in close partnership with Canada.”
    Heath MacDonald, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said: “The Government of Canada will continue to support global efforts to adopt international standards for food safety and animal and plant health. Investing in larger-scale capacity building projects, like the Standards and Trade Development Facility, will help improve food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable economic growth around the world.”
    Beyond participation in the STDF Working Group, Canadian officials have shared expertise to strengthen the delivery of STDF projects. This includes innovative projects to pilot the use of Codex Guidelines on voluntary third-party assurance programmes (vTPA) in Africa and Central America for more effective risk-based food safety systems. For instance, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) hosted a learning visit for regulators from Honduras and Belize in 2024, and co-organized webinars in March and April 2025 attended by more than 100 experts, many in Africa, to share insights from Canada’s risk-based food safety model. Additionally, the CFIA will host a learning visit for regulators from Rwanda and Uganda in September 2025, as a follow up to the April 2025 webinar and to further share information on this model.  
    This donation underscores Canada’s major and long-standing commitment to the STDF’s programme goal, bringing its total contributions to CHF 7.6 million since 2005.
    Canada has contributed over CHF 15 million to WTO trust funds over the past 23 years.
    The STDF is a global multi-stakeholder partnership that promotes safe and inclusive trade. It was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Bank Group, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the WTO, which houses and manages the partnership.
    In support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the STDF responds to evolving SPS needs, drives inclusive trade and contributes to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, food security and resilience to climate change.
    Developing economies and least developed countries are encouraged to apply to the STDF for SPS project and project preparation grants. Information on how to apply is available here.
    To date, the STDF has funded over 260 safe trade projects benefiting developing and least developed country economies.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Gaza: As starvation spreads, our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away – joint statement

    Source: Amnesty International –

    As the Israeli government’s siege starves the people of Gaza, aid workers are now joining the same food lines, risking being shot just to feed their families. With supplies now totally depleted, humanitarian organisations are witnessing their own colleagues and partners waste away before their eyes.

    Exactly two months since the Israeli government-controlled scheme, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, began operating, 109 organisations are sounding the alarm, urging governments to act: open all land crossings; restore the full flow of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items, and fuel through a principled, UN-led mechanism; end the siege, and agree to a ceasefire now.

    “Each morning, the same question echoes across Gaza: will I eat today?” said one agency representative. 

    Massacres at food distribution sites in Gaza are occurring near-daily. As of July 13, the UN confirmed 875 Palestinians were killed while seeking food, 201 on aid routes and the rest at distribution points. Thousands more have been injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have forcibly displaced nearly two million exhausted Palestinians with the most recent mass displacement order issued on July 20, confining Palestinians to less than 12 per cent of Gaza. WFP warns that current conditions make operations untenable. The starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime. 

    Just outside Gaza, in warehouses – and even within Gaza itself – tons of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items and fuel sit untouched with humanitarian organisations blocked from accessing or delivering them. The Government of Israel’s restrictions, delays, and fragmentation under its total siege have created chaos, starvation, and death. An aid worker providing psychosocial support spoke of the devastating impact on children: “Children tell their parents they want to go to heaven, because at least heaven has food.” 

    Doctors report record rates of acute malnutrition, especially among children and older people. Illnesses like acute watery diarrhoea are spreading, markets are empty, waste is piling up, and adults are collapsing on the streets from hunger and dehydration. Distributions in Gaza average just 28 trucks a day, far from enough for over two million people, many of whom have gone weeks without assistance.

    The UN-led humanitarian system has not failed, it has been prevented from functioning. 

    Humanitarian agencies have the capacity and supplies to respond at scale. But, with access denied, we are blocked from reaching those in need, including our own exhausted and starved teams. On July 10, the EU and Israel announced steps to scale up aid. But these promises of ‘progress’ ring hollow when there is no real change on the ground. Every day without a sustained flow means more people dying of preventable illnesses. Children starve while waiting for promises that never arrive. 

    Palestinians are trapped in a cycle of hope and heartbreak, waiting for assistance and ceasefires, only to wake up to worsening conditions. It is not just physical torment, but psychological. Survival is dangled like a mirage. The humanitarian system cannot run on false promises. Humanitarians cannot operate on shifting timelines or wait for political commitments that fail to deliver access.

    Governments must stop waiting for permission to act. We cannot continue to hope that current arrangements will work. It is time to take decisive action: demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire; lift all bureaucratic and administrative restrictions; open all land crossings; ensure access to everyone in all of Gaza; reject military-controlled distribution models; restore a principled, UN-led humanitarian response and continue to fund principled and impartial humanitarian organisations. States must pursue concrete measures to end the siege, such as halting the transfer of weapons and ammunition. 

    Piecemeal arrangements and symbolic gestures, like airdrops or flawed aid deals, serve as a smokescreen for inaction. They cannot replace states’ legal and moral obligations to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure meaningful access at scale. States can and must save lives before there are none left to save.

    Signatories: 

    1. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
    2. A.M. Qattan Foundation
    3. A New Policy
    4. ACT Alliance
    5. Action Against Hunger (ACF)
    6. Action for Humanity
    7. ActionAid International
    8. American Baptist Churches Palestine Justice Network
    9. Amnesty International
    10. Asamblea de Cooperación por la Paz
    11. Associazione Cooperazione e Solidarietà (ACS)
    12. Bystanders No More
    13. Campain
    14. CARE 
    15. Caritas Germany
    16. Caritas Internationalis
    17. Caritas Jerusalem
    18. Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
    19. Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM)
    20. CESVI Fondazione
    21. Children Not Numbers
    22. Christian Aid
    23. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
    24. CIDSE- International Family of Catholic Social Justice Organisations
    25. Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS)
    26. Council for Arab‑British Understanding (CAABU)
    27. DanChurchAid (DCA)
    28. Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
    29. Doctors against Genocide
    30. Episcopal Peace Fellowship
    31. EuroMed Rights
    32. Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
    33. Forum Ziviler Friedensdienst e.V.
    34. Gender Action for Peace and Security
    35. Global Legal Action Network (GLAN)
    36. Global Witness
    37. Health Workers 4 Palestine
    38. HelpAge International
    39. Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
    40. Humanity First UK
    41. Indiana Center for Middle East Peace
    42. Insight Insecurity
    43. International Media Support
    44. International NGO Safety Organisation
    45. Islamic Relief
    46. Jahalin Solidarity
    47. Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
    48. Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals (KAMMP)
    49. Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation
    50. MedGlobal
    51. Medico International
    52. Medico International Switzerland (medico international schweiz)
    53. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
    54. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
    55. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
    56. Médecins du Monde France
    57. Médecins du Monde Spain
    58. Médecins du Monde Switzerland
    59. Mercy Corps
    60. Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
    61. Movement for Peace (MPDL)
    62. Muslim Aid
    63. National Justice and Peace Network in England and Wales
    64. Nonviolence International
    65. Norwegian Aid Committee (NORWAC)
    66. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)
    67. Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
    68. Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
    69. Oxfam International
    70. Pax Christi England and Wales
    71. Pax Christi International
    72. Pax Christi Merseyside
    73. Pax Christi USA
    74. Pal Law Commission
    75. Palestinian American Medical Association
    76. Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF)
    77. Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS)
    78. Peace Direct
    79. Peace Winds
    80. Pediatricians for Palestine
    81. People in Need
    82. Plan International
    83. Première Urgence Internationale (PUI)
    84. Progettomondo
    85. Project HOPE
    86. Quaker Palestine Israel Network
    87. Rebuilding Alliance
    88. Saferworld
    89. Sabeel‑Kairos UK
    90. Save the Children (SCI)
    91. Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund
    92. Solidarités International
    93. Støtteforeningen Det Danske Hus i Palæstina
    94. Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER)
    95. Terre des Hommes Italia
    96. Terre des Hommes Lausanne
    97. Terre des Hommes Nederland
    98. The Borgen Project
    99. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM)
    100. The Glia Project
    101. The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (GCR2P)
    102. The Institute for the Understanding of Anti‑Palestinian Racism
    103. Un Ponte Per (UPP)
    104. United Against Inhumanity (UAI)
    105. War Child Alliance
    106. War Child UK
    107. War on Want
    108. Weltfriedensdienst e.V.
    109. Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: As mass starvation spreads across Gaza, our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away

    Source: Amnesty International –

    As the Israeli government’s siege starves the people of Gaza, aid workers are now joining the same food lines, risking being shot just to feed their families. With supplies now totally depleted, humanitarian organisations are witnessing their own colleagues and partners waste away before their eyes.

    Exactly two months since the Israeli government-controlled scheme, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, began operating, 109 organisations are sounding the alarm, urging governments to act: open all land crossings; restore the full flow of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items, and fuel through a principled, UN-led mechanism; end the siege, and agree to a ceasefire now.

    “Each morning, the same question echoes across Gaza: will I eat today?” said one agency representative. 

    Each morning, the same question echoes across Gaza: will I eat today?

    Humanitarian agency representative in Gaza

    Massacres at food distribution sites in Gaza are occurring near-daily. As of July 13, the UN confirmed 875 Palestinians were killed while seeking food, 201 on aid routes and the rest at distribution points. Thousands more have been injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have forcibly displaced nearly two million exhausted Palestinians with the most recent mass displacement order issued on July 20, confining Palestinians to less than 12 per cent of Gaza. WFP warns that current conditions make operations untenable. The starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime. 

    Just outside Gaza, in warehouses – and even within Gaza itself – tons of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items and fuel sit untouched with humanitarian organisations blocked from accessing or delivering them. The Government of Israel’s restrictions, delays, and fragmentation under its total siege have created chaos, starvation, and death. An aid worker providing psychosocial support spoke of the devastating impact on children: “Children tell their parents they want to go to heaven, because at least heaven has food.” 

    Doctors report record rates of acute malnutrition, especially among children and older people. Illnesses like acute watery diarrhoea are spreading, markets are empty, waste is piling up, and adults are collapsing on the streets from hunger and dehydration. Distributions in Gaza average just 28 trucks a day, far from enough for over two million people, many of whom have gone weeks without assistance.

    The UN-led humanitarian system has not failed, it has been prevented from functioning. 

    Humanitarian agencies have the capacity and supplies to respond at scale. But, with access denied, we are blocked from reaching those in need, including our own exhausted and starved teams. On July 10, the EU and Israel announced steps to scale up aid. But these promises of ‘progress’ ring hollow when there is no real change on the ground. Every day without a sustained flow means more people dying of preventable illnesses. Children starve while waiting for promises that never arrive. 

    Palestinians are trapped in a cycle of hope and heartbreak, waiting for assistance and ceasefires, only to wake up to worsening conditions. It is not just physical torment, but psychological. Survival is dangled like a mirage. The humanitarian system cannot run on false promises. Humanitarians cannot operate on shifting timelines or wait for political commitments that fail to deliver access.

    Governments must stop waiting for permission to act. We cannot continue to hope that current arrangements will work. It is time to take decisive action: demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire; lift all bureaucratic and administrative restrictions; open all land crossings; ensure access to everyone in all of Gaza; reject military-controlled distribution models; restore a principled, UN-led humanitarian response and continue to fund principled and impartial humanitarian organisations. States must pursue concrete measures to end the siege, such as halting the transfer of weapons and ammunition. 

    Piecemeal arrangements and symbolic gestures, like airdrops or flawed aid deals, serve as a smokescreen for inaction. They cannot replace states’ legal and moral obligations to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure meaningful access at scale. States can and must save lives before there are none left to save.

    Signatories: 

    1. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
    2. A.M. Qattan Foundation
    3. A New Policy
    4. ACT Alliance
    5. Action Against Hunger (ACF)
    6. Action for Humanity
    7. ActionAid International
    8. American Baptist Churches Palestine Justice Network
    9. Amnesty International
    10. Asamblea de Cooperación por la Paz
    11. Associazione Cooperazione e Solidarietà (ACS)
    12. Bystanders No More
    13. Campain
    14. CARE 
    15. Caritas Germany
    16. Caritas Internationalis
    17. Caritas Jerusalem
    18. Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
    19. Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM)
    20. CESVI Fondazione
    21. Children Not Numbers
    22. Christian Aid
    23. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
    24. CIDSE- International Family of Catholic Social Justice Organisations
    25. Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS)
    26. Council for Arab‑British Understanding (CAABU)
    27. DanChurchAid (DCA)
    28. Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
    29. Doctors against Genocide
    30. Episcopal Peace Fellowship
    31. EuroMed Rights
    32. Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
    33. Forum Ziviler Friedensdienst e.V.
    34. Gender Action for Peace and Security
    35. Global Legal Action Network (GLAN)
    36. Global Witness
    37. Health Workers 4 Palestine
    38. HelpAge International
    39. Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
    40. Humanity First UK
    41. Indiana Center for Middle East Peace
    42. Insight Insecurity
    43. International Media Support
    44. International NGO Safety Organisation
    45. Islamic Relief
    46. Jahalin Solidarity
    47. Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
    48. Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals (KAMMP)
    49. Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation
    50. MedGlobal
    51. Medico International
    52. Medico International Switzerland (medico international schweiz)
    53. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
    54. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
    55. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
    56. Médecins du Monde France
    57. Médecins du Monde Spain
    58. Médecins du Monde Switzerland
    59. Mercy Corps
    60. Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
    61. Movement for Peace (MPDL)
    62. Muslim Aid
    63. National Justice and Peace Network in England and Wales
    64. Nonviolence International
    65. Norwegian Aid Committee (NORWAC)
    66. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)
    67. Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
    68. Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
    69. Oxfam International
    70. Pax Christi England and Wales
    71. Pax Christi International
    72. Pax Christi Merseyside
    73. Pax Christi USA
    74. Pal Law Commission
    75. Palestinian American Medical Association
    76. Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF)
    77. Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS)
    78. Peace Direct
    79. Peace Winds
    80. Pediatricians for Palestine
    81. People in Need
    82. Plan International
    83. Première Urgence Internationale (PUI)
    84. Progettomondo
    85. Project HOPE
    86. Quaker Palestine Israel Network
    87. Rebuilding Alliance
    88. Saferworld
    89. Sabeel‑Kairos UK
    90. Save the Children (SCI)
    91. Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund
    92. Solidarités International
    93. Støtteforeningen Det Danske Hus i Palæstina
    94. Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER)
    95. Terre des Hommes Italia
    96. Terre des Hommes Lausanne
    97. Terre des Hommes Nederland
    98. The Borgen Project
    99. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM)
    100. The Glia Project
    101. The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (GCR2P)
    102. The Institute for the Understanding of Anti‑Palestinian Racism
    103. Un Ponte Per (UPP)
    104. United Against Inhumanity (UAI)
    105. War Child Alliance
    106. War Child UK
    107. War on Want
    108. Weltfriedensdienst e.V.
    109. Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • India has 8.52 million tonnes reserves of rare earth elements: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has approximately 7.23 million tonnes of rare earth elements oxide (REO) contained in 13.15 MT monazite (a mineral of Thorium and Rare Earths) occurring in the coastal beach, teri and red sand and inland alluvium in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Maharashtra, while another 1.29 MT rare earths are situated in hard rocks in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

    The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy, is carrying out exploration and augmentation of minerals of rare earth group elements along the coastal, inland and riverine placer sands as well as in hard rock terrains in several potential geological domains of the country, said Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

    Additionally, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has augmented 482.6 MT resources of rare earth elements (REE) ore at various cut-off grades in 34 exploration projects, the minister informed. The quantum of rare earth minerals exported during the last 10 years is 18 tonnes, while there have been no imports of rare earth minerals, he further stated.

    The minister also said that the Ministry of External Affairs is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to alleviate the challenges arising from export restrictions on rare earth magnets imposed by certain countries.

    “There have been continued engagements at bilateral and multilateral level to increase cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including in rare earth minerals and related technologies. These efforts aim to mitigate disruptions in the supply chain and safeguard the interests of Indian importers,” said the minister.

    The Ministry of Mines has entered into bilateral agreements with the governments of a number of countries such as Australia, Argentina, Zambia, Peru, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Cote D’Ivoire and International organisations such as International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr Singh said.

    The Ministry is also engaging on various multilateral and bilateral platforms such as Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) for strengthening the critical minerals value chain, he explained.

    He further stated that the Ministry of Mines has set up Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a joint Venture company with the objective to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets that hold critical and strategic significance, specifically targeting minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, and others.

    KABIL has already signed an Exploration and Development Agreement with CAMYEN, a state-owned enterprise of Catamarca province of Argentina for Exploration and mining of Five Lithium Blocks in Argentina. KABIL is also having regular interactions with Critical Mineral Office in Australia with the primary objective of acquiring critical and strategic mineral assets.

    Further, the Ministry has initiated the process of entering into government-to-government (G2G) MoUs with Brazil and Dominican Republic for developing cooperation in the field of rare earth minerals and critical minerals. The broad objectives of these MoUs are to provide an overarching framework for cooperation in research, development and innovation in mining, with a particular focus on REE and critical minerals, the minister pointed out.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Lusophone Compact Presents Investment Opportunities to Accelerate Inclusive Development at 15th Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) Summit

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Lusophone Compact Secretariat last week engaged with leaders of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) at their 15th Summit and economic forum in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. The July 15-18 meetings provided a strategic platform to showcase the Lusophone Compact’s role in attracting private financing to accelerate sustainable economic development in African member countries. 

    An initiative by the African Development Bank in partnership with the Governments of Portugal and Brazil, the Lusophone Compact supports private sector investment in the six African member states of the CPLP: Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Equatorial Guinea. Representing a community of more than 300 million people across four continents, with a combined GDP of $2.3 trillion in 2024, the CPLP holds immense potential for trade, investment, and inclusive economic transformation. 

    Compact objectives are: promoting inclusive private sector development, mobilizing blended finance and technical assistance, strengthening economic resilience and regional integration, and aligning with national development priorities and the CPLP’s economic agenda. 

    During the summit, officials of the Lusophone Compact secretariat participated in high-level policy dialogues on food security, technology, and sustainability, which align with the thematic focus of the summit under Guinea-Bissau’s rotating presidency. The Compact team also presented its suite of financing tools and eligibility criteria while supporting resource mobilization efforts in member countries. 

    “The 15th CPLP Summit presented a unique opportunity to reinforce the strategic priorities of the Lusophone Compact, particularly in areas of food security, technology, and sustainability,” said Neima Ferreira Coordinator of the Lusophone Compact at the African Development Bank. “With the right tools, partnerships and vision, Portuguese-speaking countries can lead a new era of investment-driven development.” 

    The host country, Guinea-Bissau, reaffirmed its commitment to private sector-led growth and expressed strong interest in aligning the Compact’s support mechanisms with its national development strategy. 

    One of the Compact’s flagship achievements is the Cabeólica Project in Cabo Verde –  a large-scale public-private wind energy project, co-financed by the African Development Bank and the European Investment Bank. The project supplies more than 20 percent of Cabo Verde’s electricity, avoids the emission of thousands of tons of CO2 annually, and has created more than 150 local jobs. Cabeólica has become a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure and innovative finance in the region. 

    As Portuguese-speaking countries seek new engines for economic growth, the Lusophone Compact offers a robust mechanism for mobilizing private sector capital, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing shared development objectives. 

    Learn more about the Lusophone Compact here (https://apo-opa.co/44ZMHGt). 

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact: 
    Communication and External Relations Department 
    media@afdb.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) unveils massive online open course for waterbird management in African wetlands

    Source: APO – Report:

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    A new massive online open course (MOOC) developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners is set to support the sustainable management of wetlands and waterbirds in the Sahel and North Africa.

    The new course, ‘Identifying and counting waterbirds in North Africa and the Sahel – how and why?’, provides training in essential skills for international waterbird monitoring and insights into the ecological challenges facing wetland habitats.

    It was produced by the RESSOURCE+ Project as part of the FAO-led Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, and was designed in collaboration with Tour du Valat and the French Biodiversity Agency.

    A MOOC is a free online course that offers unlimited participation and is open to everyone, although this new course targets in particular French-speaking participants from North African and Sahelian countries.

    “By strengthening the national and local capacities in the participating countries, this massive online open course will foster sustainable wetland management and biodiversity conservation,” said Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division.

    Skills for waterbird monitoring

    Registration is now open until 1 December 2025 for the first session of the course.

    Participants will learn how to access networks of waterbird observers, collect and interpret data, and identify and count around 210 waterbird species in North Africa and the Sahel region.

    The course provides 40 hours of online training, structured into six modules and featuring 35 animated sequences, 10 video interviews with experts, over 5 000 photos and video clips of birds, and 210 factsheets designed to facilitate species identification, along with numerous quizzes, tests and further learning resources.

    It should take roughly six weeks to complete the training, which is self-paced, enabling participants to fit the course around their schedules. Participants are eligible for certification provided they successfully complete the course within three months.

    During the first six weeks, the course designers will be on call to respond to participants’ questions through the chat function. Additional MOOC sessions are planned for 2026 and beyond. 

    The RESSOURCE+ Project

    The RESSOURCE+ Project supports governments and communities in conserving wetlands and waterbirds in Sahelian countries. The project aims to promote waterbird monitoring, sustainable levels of hunting and effective wetland conservation policies in the Sahel. It is co-funded by the French Facility for Global Environment and the European Union through the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme.

    The RESSOURCE+ Project is led by FAO with support from technical partners recognized for their expertise, in collaboration with national authorities, wildlife institutions, NGOs and local communities.

    – on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Emergency food assistance grinds to a halt in Nigeria amid surging insecurity and record hunger

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will be forced to suspend all emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeast Nigeria at the end of July. This is due to critical funding shortfalls which come at a time of escalating violence and record levels of hunger.

    WFP’s food and nutrition stocks have been completely exhausted. The organization’s last supplies left warehouses in early July and life-saving assistance will end after the current round of distributions is completed.

    Without immediate funding, millions of vulnerable people will face impossible choices: endure increasingly severe hunger, migrate, or possibly risk exploitation by extremist groups in the region.  

    “Nearly 31 million people in Nigeria are now facing acute hunger, a record number,” said David Stevenson, WFP Country Director for Nigeria. “At the same time, WFP’s operations in northeast Nigeria will collapse without immediate, sustained funding. This is no longer just a humanitarian crisis, it’s a growing threat to regional stability, as families pushed beyond their limits are left with nowhere to turn.” 

    Children will be among the worst affected if vital aid ends. More than 150 WFP-supported nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states will close, ending potentially life-saving treatment for more than 300,000 children under two and placing them at increased risk of wasting. 

    In conflict-affected northern areas, escalating violence from extremist groups is driving mass displacement. Some 2.3 million people across the Lake Chad Basin have been forced to flee their homes, straining already limited resources and pushing communities to the brink.  

    “When emergency assistance ends, many will migrate in search of food and shelter. Others will adopt negative coping mechanisms – including potentially joining insurgent groups – to survive,” added Stevenson. “Food assistance can often prevent these outcomes. It allows us to feed families, help rebuild economies and support long-term recovery.”

    In the first half of 2025, WFP has been able to hold hunger at bay across northern Nigeria, reaching 1.3 million people with life-saving food and nutrition assistance. Support for an additional 720,000 people was planned for the second half of the year before funding shortfalls put life-saving programmes in jeopardy.  

    WFP has the capacity and expertise to deliver and scale-up its humanitarian response, but the critical funding gap is paralyzing operations. WFP urgently requires US$130 million to prevent an imminent pipeline break and sustain food and nutrition operations through the end of 2025. 

    – on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: New Bank Leadership, Capital Strategies Drive African Mining Investment Push

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Several African multilateral banks and financial institutions have undergone significant leadership transitions this year aimed at aligning financial strategies with the continent’s evolving development and industrialization goals. In June, the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) appointed Dr. George Elombi as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Professor Benedict Oramah after nearly a decade of leadership. Under Dr. Elombi, the bank aims to scale into a $250 billion institution and serve as a key enabler of investment in Africa’s mining sector.

    The African Development Bank (AfDB) also elected new leadership in May, appointing Sidi Ould Tah to replace Akinwumi Adesina. The Bank is now expanding its capital base – reaching $318 billion – while pursuing a $25 billion replenishment round and broadening its bond issuance strategy to support infrastructure and industrialization. Leadership changes have also extended to commercial banks. Standard Bank appointed Sim Tshabalala as interim CEO in April, while Absa Group named Kenny Fihla as CEO in March.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    At this year’s African Mining Week (AMW), a featured panel on The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization will explore how these and other institutions are adapting financial strategies to meet the continent’s infrastructure and beneficiation needs.

    Recent deals underscore the sector’s momentum. In June, Afreximbank signed a $3.8 billion agreement with Gabon to fund manganese and gold trading, energy development and rail infrastructure. It also extended a $25 million facility to Lilium Gold for operations at the Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines in Burkina Faso. Meanwhile, AfDB approved $325 million in financing for Mauritania’s state-owned SNIM to upgrade logistics and equipment for its iron-ore corridor.

    In South Africa, Standard Bank provided $300 million to Northam Platinum for a 140 MW wind power plant, ensuring long-term energy security for mining operations. It is also co-financing a $38.5 million deal with Lotus Resources for the Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi. Absa Bank is backing Angola’s Longonjo Rare Earth Project – operated by Pensana – with an $80 million facility. The project is expected to supply up to 5% of the world’s magnet rare earth elements critical to electric vehicle manufacturing.

    AMW 2025 will bring together African financial institutions, mining stakeholders and international partners to forge new investment alliances and accelerate mining sector growth. Held alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025, AMW is the premier platform for engaging with the full spectrum of Africa’s mining opportunities.

    – on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: European Union Commits €1.5m for Victims of Yelwata Crises and Other IDPs in Benue State and Supports Nigeria in Addressing the Nutrition Emergnecy Situation Particularly in the North-West and North-East

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The European Union (EU) has committed 1.5 million Euros (€1.5m) to support victims of the recent Benue State conflict.  The envelope is composed by the rapid humanitarian response from EU Humanitarian Office ECHO (€0.5m) and a repurposing of EU funded SIDPIN project for durable solutions (€1m).  IOM, UNHCR UNICEF, and UN-HABITAT as other international NGOs are among the agencies dealing with the response.

    The European Union (EU) has committed 1.5 million Euros (€1.5m) to support victims of the recent Benue State conflict.  The envelope is composed by the rapid humanitarian response from EU Humanitarian Office ECHO (€0.5m) and a repurposing of EU funded SIDPIN project for durable solutions (€1m).  IOM, UNHCR UNICEF, and UN-HABITAT as other international NGOs are among the agencies dealing with the response.

    This was disclosed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Gautier Mignot during a meeting between the EU delegation with the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Honourable Minister of State Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Permanent Secretary Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata and Directors of the Ministry, held in the Minister’s Office in Abuja on 14th July 2025. 

    The delegation was in the Ministry to follow up on the visit to Benue State (24-25 June 2025) and explore ways of support to the victims in the IDP camps in the State as well as discuss on high level of severe malnutrition and food crisis affecting the North East and North West and other emerging hot spots in the country in particular during the ongoing lean season.  Through ECHO, the EU has already brought 35 M€ of humanitarian assistance to Nigeria, mainly focused on nutrition, in 2025 and a possible top-up is being considered, in addition to the assistance also provided by several EU Member States. 

    The Minister, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appreciation of the continuous support of the International Community for vulnerable persons in the country. He said he recently visited Borno and Benue States and the communities are in dare need of humanitarian support “We are in acute need of nutrition for children under five years and lactating mothers” he said.

    He acknowledged EU contributions and Presidential commitment to leaving no one behind and confirmed ongoing food support mobilization and validated needs assessments, especially in Benue state. He stated plans to establish a pooled funding mechanism with Federal, State and donor contributions, advocacy engagement with the Nigerian Governors Forum and commitment to declare malnutrition an emergency.

    The two parties agreed to establish a task force to define roles and accelerate interventions in relation to the current nutrition emergency situation in the northern regions and collaborate on joint food security assessment, streamline supply chain processes and convene a collaborative platform with partners to coordinate humanitarian response to address the high level of malnutrition and food insecurity.

    Finally, on 19-20 July, Minister Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda and Ambassador Gautier Mignot went for a joint visit to Sokoto State together with humanitarian partners (UNICEF, ACF, MSF). They paid a courtesy call to the Executive Governor of Sokoto H.E Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto and visited nutrition stabilization centers for children under 5 operated by ACF and MSF and with the support of UNICEF, to get a first-hand knowledge of the situation and discuss urgent next steps to face the crisis. 

    – on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Ventures and Pudgy Penguins Co-Host First Joint EthCC Side Event in Cannes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC Ventures, the investment arm of the globally leading cryptocurrency exchange MEXC, co-hosted a side event during EthCC Cannes, Europe’s premier Ethereum conference, together with renowned Web3 IP Pudgy Penguins on June 30 and July 1. Held on the scenic beaches of the French Riviera in Cannes, the event offered a distinctive experience for Ethereum developers, project founders, and investors by blending community culture with industry engagement.

    The two-day event featured a VIP networking dinner followed by a relaxed beach gathering dubbed “BeachFest.” Designed as an invitation-only experience, the side event welcomed a curated group of attendees from EthCC’s core community, including top-tier investors, protocol founders, technical leaders, and influential builders. It offered a rare opportunity for high-quality networking and meaningful dialogue beyond the traditional conference setting.

    BeachFest was the first offline collaboration between MEXC Ventures and Pudgy Penguins, marking the start of more exciting partnerships to come. The event featured a Pudgy Penguins-themed interactive photo zone, creating a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere that stood out from conventional conference formats. Pudgy Penguins is not only a cultural icon in the NFT space, but has also successfully expanded into offline retail, e-commerce, and global brand licensing. The collaboration reflects MEXC Ventures’s continued support for Web3 innovation rooted in cultural relevance and real-world connection.

    Participation in EthCC Cannes underscores MEXC Ventures’s strategic commitment to Europe and its growing focus on nurturing regional developer communities. EthCC’s emphasis on technical innovation, open collaboration, and community-driven development aligns closely with MEXC Ventures’s mission of supporting early-stage projects, advancing multi-chain ecosystems, and investing in innovative teams. Through its involvement in EthCC, it demonstrates its ongoing dedication to technological progress and ecosystem growth.

    About MEXC Ventures
    MEXC Ventures is a comprehensive fund under MEXC dedicated to driving innovation in the cryptocurrency sector through investments in L1/L2 ecosystems, strategic investments, M&A and incubation. Upholding the principle of “Empowering Growth Through Synergy,” MEXC Ventures is committed to supporting innovative ideas and active builders in crypto. MEXC Ventures is an investor and supporter of TON and Aptos, and looks forward to staying at the forefront of TON and Aptos’ innovations while actively engaging with builders to drive ecosystem growth.

    For more information, visit: MEXC Ventures Website

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1bfe0489-ce92-4656-a0ae-24e980955c07

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a133abc2-7b36-4974-9a95-8be8b7ee535f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Leads Q2 Spot Market Share Growth with a 2.4% Increase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to TokenInsight’s Q2 2025 Crypto Exchange Report, the leading global cryptocurrency exchange MEXC posted the largest spot market share increase among major exchanges, rising 2.4% quarter-over-quarter. This exceptional performance pushed MEXC’s spot share from 7.2% to 9.6%, further cementing its position as one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges.

    The broader cryptocurrency market rebounded sharply in Q2 2025, with total market capitalization reaching $3.46 trillion, a 28.2% increase from Q1. This growth was largely fueled by institutional ETF inflows and a sustained Bitcoin rally, with BTC trading between $100,000 and $110,000 at the end of the quarter—up 25.5% quarter-over-quarter.

    Amidst this broader market recovery, MEXC achieved an 11.45% total market share (including spot and derivatives), placing it firmly behind only Binance, OKX, and Bybit. The platform’s steady performance reaffirms its growing influence among global users.

    While overall spot volumes contracted, MEXC bucked the trend, recording the highest growth in spot market share among its peers. This momentum reflects the exchange’s continued efforts to enhance liquidity, expand token listings, and improve user trading experience across regions.

    Meanwhile, MEXC also maintained a 10.5% market share in the derivatives segment, ranking among the top global platforms for futures trading. This consistent performance highlights the exchange’s balanced growth strategy across trading products.

    Amid this remarkable growth, MEXC has adopted a proactive spot listing strategy and introduced a series of impactful trading features designed to empower and reward users globally.
    M – Most Trending Tokens: Over 3,000 listed tokens providing diverse investment opportunities
    E – Everyday Airdrops: Simplified participation in daily airdrop events with substantial rewards
    X – Xtremely Low Fees: Competitive trading fees maximizing user returns
    C – Comprehensive Liquidity: Deep market liquidity ensuring efficient trade execution

    The full report is available on TokenInsight’s official website.

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    For more information, visit: MEXC Website｜X｜Telegram｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/143e1e54-39ec-4bb5-a3cb-ad835d4a6943

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the organizing committee to prepare for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of GITIS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS in 2028, chaired by Tatyana Golikova

    July 23, 2025

    Rector of GITIS Grigory Zaslavsky at the first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS in 2028, chaired by Tatyana Golikova

    July 23, 2025

    Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the organizing committee to prepare for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of GITIS

    July 23, 2025

    The first meeting of the organizing committee for preparations for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of GITIS chaired by Tatyana Golikova. From left to right: GITIS rector Grigory Zaslavsky, Deputy Minister of Culture Andrei Malyshev and Chairman of the Union of Theatre Workers Vladimir Mashkov

    July 23, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    The first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS in 2028, chaired by Tatyana Golikova

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the organizing committee for preparations for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS in 2028. The agenda included discussion of the plan of events. The meeting was attended by GITIS Rector Grigory Zaslavsky, Deputy Minister of Culture of Russia Andrei Malyshev, General Director of the NTV television company Alexei Zemsky, Head of the Vocal Arts Department of GITIS Tamara Sinyavskaya, Chairman of the Union of Theatre Workers Vladimir Mashkov and others.

    “GITIS annually confirms its status as a leading university in the field of theater education according to the K.S. Stanislavsky system. The upcoming anniversary – the 150th anniversary of the founding of GITIS – is a wonderful opportunity not only to look back on the path traveled, but also to fully present the achievements of the national theater school, recognized throughout the world,” emphasized Tatyana Golikova. – Many destinies and events are connected with GITIS. These are not just pages of history, but the very history of the transformation of our country. Epochs changed, but GITIS remained a forge of outstanding cultural figures. This is its true purpose and role in the fate of Russia.”

    Today, the institute has about 1,800 students from 30 countries, who are taught their skills by more than 500 teachers. Eight departments teach actors of dramatic and musical theater, directors of drama, musical theater and circus, choreographers and ballet teachers, theater artists and makeup artists, playwrights, producers and theater historians.

    Deputy Minister of Culture Andrei Malyshev emphasized that GITIS is an ambassador of Russian culture and identity, so the institute’s anniversary is important not only for GITIS and the theater community, but also for all of Russian culture.

    GITIS is actively developing. “Just two days later, on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on July 25, in the city of Blagoveshchensk, we open together with Governor Vasily Orlov of the Far Eastern branch of GITIS. The exams have already passed, the competition was, there was a competition, which is also very important for us, so we are just starting. The next day we move to Heihe, to China, and there we also present the Far Eastern branch of GITIS. It is very important for us that from the moment of changes, we not only have not decreased the flow of foreign students, but there are even more of them. This year we have almost accepted 46 students. This is Latvia, and Italy, and Iran, and Morocco. And of course, we are trying to maintain leadership in Central Asia, we have just held the GITIS school on Lake Issyk-Kul, the traditional, already fourth in a row. There were four countries with Russia. It is also important for us to expand the presence of GITIS in Central and South America. Last year, the second time was held by GITIS School in Chile, the first time GITIS School in Brazil after a long break in the framework of the “Russian seasons“. This year, the Brazilians came to us at the theater festival. It seems to me that one of the most important problems that we realized is that the theater is one of the arts, maybe the only one that cannot exist without constant self -understanding. The writer. It can be written in the world in 100 years by someone that can be brilliant in 100 years, no one will call the contemporaries, we have not been appreciated by the problem of the Institute of Expertise. We began the publication of the “Theater Journal“ and we consider this to be one of the most important tasks of returning a serious and high -quality examination to the theater, ”said the rector of the university Grigory Zaslavsky. 

    The plan to celebrate the 150th anniversary included 20 events, including festivals, tours, exhibitions and conferences.

    Key events include a gala concert dedicated to the 150th anniversary of GITIS, the International Competition of Young Choreographers named after R.V. Zakharov “Maria”, and the premiere of a documentary film about the history of the institute. In September 2028, GITIS will launch its branded train, on which students and teachers will travel from Moscow to Blagoveshchensk with performances and festive concerts, as well as master classes and selection tests in various regions of the country.

    Traditional GITIS festivals will be scaled up. The VIII International Student Festival of Diploma Performances “GITIS-fest” will be held in two cities – Moscow and Blagoveshchensk. In April 2028, the XIX International Competition of Young Choreographers named after R.V. Zakharov “Maria” and the XVIII International Festival of Stage Fencing “Silver Sword” named after N.V. Karpov will be held, and in November – the theater festival of the CIS countries “GITIS – Master Class”. The international scientific conference “Perspective – 150 years of GITIS” will bring together young specialists from leading universities in Russia, near and far abroad: art history, theater studies, philology, directing, choreography, scenography.

    An exhibition entitled “Russian Revolutionary Theatre” is planned for the fall of 2028, dedicated to the unique traditions of Russian theatre and domestic education in the field of theatrical art.

    Other events include tours of GITIS graduation performances in the CIS republics and regions of Russia where GITIS national studios were created. In addition, a series of 12 podcasts from GITIS students with stories about faculties and teachers will be released in 2028.

    An important event in preparation for the celebration will be the renovation and restoration work in the main academic building, as well as a major overhaul of the dormitory.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Emergency food assistance grinds to a halt in Nigeria amid surging insecurity and record hunger

    Source: World Food Programme

    ABUJA, Nigeria – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will be forced to suspend all emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeast Nigeria at the end of July. This is due to critical funding shortfalls which come at a time of escalating violence and record levels of hunger.

    WFP’s food and nutrition stocks have been completely exhausted. The organization’s last supplies left warehouses in early July and life-saving assistance will end after the current round of distributions is completed.

    Without immediate funding, millions of vulnerable people will face impossible choices: endure increasingly severe hunger, migrate, or possibly risk exploitation by extremist groups in the region.  

    “Nearly 31 million people in Nigeria are now facing acute hunger, a record number,” said David Stevenson, WFP Country Director for Nigeria. “At the same time, WFP’s operations in northeast Nigeria will collapse without immediate, sustained funding. This is no longer just a humanitarian crisis, it’s a growing threat to regional stability, as families pushed beyond their limits are left with nowhere to turn.” 

    Children will be among the worst affected if vital aid ends. More than 150 WFP-supported nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states will close, ending potentially life-saving treatment for more than 300,000 children under two and placing them at increased risk of wasting. 

    In conflict-affected northern areas, escalating violence from extremist groups is driving mass displacement. Some 2.3 million people across the Lake Chad Basin have been forced to flee their homes, straining already limited resources and pushing communities to the brink.  

    “When emergency assistance ends, many will migrate in search of food and shelter. Others will adopt negative coping mechanisms – including potentially joining insurgent groups – to survive,” added Stevenson. “Food assistance can often prevent these outcomes. It allows us to feed families, help rebuild economies and support long-term recovery.”

    In the first half of 2025, WFP has been able to hold hunger at bay across northern Nigeria, reaching 1.3 million people with life-saving food and nutrition assistance. Support for an additional 720,000 people was planned for the second half of the year before funding shortfalls put life-saving programmes in jeopardy.  

    WFP has the capacity and expertise to deliver and scale-up its humanitarian response, but the critical funding gap is paralyzing operations. WFP urgently requires US$130 million to prevent an imminent pipeline break and sustain food and nutrition operations through the end of 2025. 

    Note to editors:

    Broadcast quality footage of operations in northeast Nigeria can be accessed here.

    Nigeria Emergency Page here.

    #                 #                   #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Arab Emirates (UAE) leaders congratulate Egyptian President on July 23 Revolution anniversary

    Source: APO – Report:

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    President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt on July 23rd Revolution anniversary.

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar congratulatory messages to President El Sisi and to Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.

    – on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) to hold its 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (https://SECAM.org) will convene for its 20th Plenary Assembly from July 30 to August 4, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.”

    The plenary will bring together over 250 participants, including Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands, as well as partners from other continents.

    The Kigali Assembly will assess the progress made since the 19th Assembly, held in 2022 in Accra, Ghana, and chart a visionary course for the Church in Africa. Key agenda items include:

    • Presentation of SECAM’s long-term vision document for 2025–2050, built around 12 foundational pillars such as evangelization, family leadership, youth engagement, care for creation, digital mission, and political responsibility.
    • A pastoral reflection on accompanying Catholics in complex cultural realities, including polygamous unions.
    • Discussions on governance, justice, peace, interfaith dialogue, climate change, and safeguarding.

    The Assembly will also unveil the Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and initiate the renewal of SECAM’s leadership in line with its constitution.

    Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior                      
    Secretary General of SECAM                                                                                         

    Accra, Ghana

    – on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

    For more information, please get in touch with the Secretary General of SECAM at the following contact:
    secamsg@yahoo.com
    Communications Coordinators on the following contacts:
    communications.secam@gmail.com
    +233541717984
    mutabazifide@gmail.com
    +250783 462125

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Dispute Resolution

    Source: Government of Qatar

    New York, July 23

    The State of Qatar foreign policy gives the highest priority to the peaceful settlement of disputes, particularly through mediation. This commitment is reflected in a track record of successful mediation efforts that have contributed to enhancing security and stability across various regions of the world, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani stated.

    Delivering Qatar statement before the Security Council s high-level open debate on Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes at the UN Headquarters in New York, Her Excellency highlighted the tripartite summit held last March in Doha, during which HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani hosted HE the President of the Republic of Rwanda and HE the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The summit contributed to creating favorable conditions for de-escalation, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles between representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and representatives of the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement, last Saturday in Doha. This declaration complements the peace agreement signed last month in Washington, D.C., between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda under the auspices of HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump, and supports the path toward a comprehensive peace agreement facilitated by the State of Qatar.

    On the situation in Afghanistan, Her Excellency reaffirmed that the State of Qatar will continue its mediation efforts to support the country in facing major challenges to achieving peace and stability. This includes hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which aims to fully reintegrate Afghanistan into the international community.

    Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, Her Excellency stated that the outbreak of war in Gaza in 2023 posed a serious challenge to the international community. In line with its unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, the State of Qatar initiated intensive mediation efforts in cooperation with the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America. Despite the complexities, these efforts led to tangible outcomes, including a ceasefire agreement that improved humanitarian conditions and increased access to aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the exchange of hundreds of prisoners and detainees. Mediation efforts are still ongoing to achieve a final ceasefire agreement that would bring an end to the war and its resulting humanitarian catastrophe.

    Her Excellency emphasized that Qatar has spared no effort in working with regional and international partners to prevent the further escalation and regional spread of the conflict, while consistently warning of the grave consequences of regional destabilization. Nevertheless, despite repeated international warnings, the Israeli military escalation has persisted, not only in Gaza but also targeting Lebanese, Syrian, and other territories in the region, leading to heightened tensions and threatening the stability of the entire region, culminating in a peak last June.

    She noted that the escalation on June 23 resulted in a direct missile attack on Qatari territory. However, Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted the missile, preserving the country s territorial integrity.

    Her Excellency further stated that Qatar was among the first countries to warn of the dangers of regional conflict escalation and the consequences of continued Israeli military actions. She reiterated Qatar s call for prioritizing diplomatic solutions, upholding the principles of good neighborliness, and exercising restraint over escalation. She also welcomed the ceasefire reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, expressing hope that both parties would adhere to it and that it would serve as a foundation for meaningful dialogue and diplomacy, paving the way toward sustainable peace and stability.

    In conclusion, Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s emphasis on the need for the Security Council to maintain its commitment to advancing peaceful processes and political solutions to avoid further human suffering and promote global stability. She called on the Council to assume its responsibilities in preventing conflicts and addressing violations of international law by enforcing its resolutions, ensuring respect for international norms, and ending impunity. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA hosts key TB vaccine workshop

    Source: Government of South Africa

    South Africa is making a significant move in its global response to Tuberculosis (TB) by hosting a pivotal TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop. 

    This event is part of ongoing efforts to decrease the incidence and mortality of TB, under the ‘End TB Strategy,’ a global initiative established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) aimed at ending the TB epidemic by 2035.

    TB is a leading cause of death as an infectious disease and a major contributor to ill-health in South Africa and globally. 

    The Health Department said vaccination has proven to be one of the main effective and feasible ways to contain the spread of infectious diseases.

    “With several new TB vaccine candidates in the late stages of clinical trials, and the most promising expected to be available in the next few years, this workshop will position the country as one of the first to deliver a new generation of TB vaccines to the most vulnerable populations, including adolescents and adults.”

    According to the department, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine remains the only licensed TB vaccine available, and it has been used to effectively prevent severe TB in infants and young children for over 100 years.

    The two-day meeting, starting today, 23 July 2025, brings together scientists, policymakers, academic experts, donor funders, health regulators, TB survivor advocates, and civil society leaders. 

    This gathering signals a new era of proactive planning and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to expedite access to life-saving innovations that could significantly reduce TB deaths and infections.

    South Africa has one of the world’s highest TB burdens and has played a leading role in global TB vaccine development. 

    The workshop is being convened by the Department of Health and WHO, in collaboration with various stakeholders in the health sector. 

    The department said delegates will work toward developing a country-specific roadmap for TB vaccine introduction, including how to strengthen readiness across supply chains, financing, community engagement, health worker training, and policy frameworks.

    “This is the first national meeting of its kind focused exclusively on TB vaccine rollout preparedness. 

    “It signals South Africa’s intent to lead from the front in accelerating access to new health technologies,” the Health Department said. 

    Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will deliver the keynote address at the workshop on Thursday, 24 July. 

    He will be joined by the WHO Representative to South Africa, Shenaaz El-Halabi, and other senior health officials. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Well done Banyana Banyana!  

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Wednesday, July 23, 2025

    The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated Banyana Banyana on their performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

    “Well done Banyana Banyana! Mzansi is very proud of how far you’ve come,” said the department in a social media post on X.
    The team was beaten 1-2 by Nigeria in their semi-final match on Tuesday night.

    Played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, the match according to the South African Football Association (SAFA) was marred by a serious injury to Gabriela Salgado in the 83rd minute.

    SAFA said the incident “visibly traumatised the Banyana Banyana players and the entire South African bench” and the “defending WAFCON champions never recovered after the incident.”

    SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, wished Salgado a speedy recovery.

    “First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Gabriela Salgado. Banyana Banyana fought very well, and it was a brave performance from the WAFCON defending champions. You have established yourselves as one of the best teams on the continent. 

    “We fought bravely, and we are proud of your performance. Well done to the whole team, the team’s Head of Delegation Thabile Msomi, the coach Dr Desiree Ellis, the captain Refiloe Jane and all players. We are proud of your efforts,” said Dr Jordaan in the statement.

    The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations which began on 5 July is scheduled to conclude on 26 July 2025. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eskom clarifies dispute with Koeberg contractor

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Eskom has confirmed that the two contractual disputes with Koeberg Nuclear Power Station contractor, Framatome, are being addressed through an agreed resolution process.

    This after media reports that the French energy company had won a high court order instructing the power utility to pay some R1 billion to the company, following contractual issues.

    Framatome was contracted for the Steam Generator Replacement Project at the nuclear power station located in the Western Cape.

    “In accordance with the contract, disputes are first referred to adjudication and, if not resolved, to arbitration. 

    “Two disputes were adjudicated between December 2022 and February 2023. As Eskom was not satisfied with the adjudicator’s decisions, the two matters were escalated to arbitration as per the agreed process. The arbitration was held from June to July 2025, and a decision is expected in the last quarter of Eskom’s financial year.  

    “Recent media reports appear to have mixed separate legal processes. To clarify, no new payments are currently due, and all actions taken by Eskom have been in line with the applicable legal and contractual procedures,” the power utility said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Furthermore, Eskom said although it “disagreed with the adjudicator’s decisions” – it complied with the outcomes and made payments.

    “All payments had been made by March 2024 as part of standard contract processes – not as penalties or fines,” the electricity supplier said.

    Simultaneously, the power utility approached the courts.

    “Eskom approached the Cape High Court to have the adjudicator’s decisions set aside due to procedural irregularities (independent of the merits of the decisions). The court only delivered its judgment on 17 July 2025, over a year late. Eskom is currently reviewing the judgment to determine the appropriate next steps.

    “We encourage the public and media to trust the integrity of this process. Eskom is following the proper legal channels to resolve these matters responsibly, and we remain committed to transparency and accountability throughout.

    “Most importantly, despite these disputes, the core technical work, replacing the steam generators on Koeberg Unit 2, has been completed. This is a major milestone that contributes to the safe and extended operation of the power station, helping to ensure energy security for the country,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: eThekwini council approves strategy to improve solid waste management

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The eThekwini Municipality has approved the Cleansing and Solid Waste Turnaround Strategy during a special council meeting held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

    The strategic plan has been developed in line with National Treasury’s Metro Trading Services Reform Framework.

    The new strategy, which was adopted on Monday, will see the transformation of the Waste Management Unit to a Cleansing and Solid Waste Business Directorate, establishing a single point of accountability.

    This change will enable the Executive Director of the Waste Management Directorate to have the necessary responsibility and authority to improve its services and ensure accountability.

    As per the requirements by National Treasury, the strategy is supported by two key documents, including Cleansing and Solid Waste Directorate’s Institutional and Governance Roadmap (A1) and Business and Investments Plan (A2), also forming part of the Metro Trading Services Reform to improve all aspects of the solid waste business.

    According to the report, the institutional reforms focus on improved management and governance, while the Business and Investment Plan focuses on the Waste Business Development Plan.

    The Directorate is also required to develop a Performance Improvement Action Plan (A3) which is due in April 2026.

    “The report states that this will be submitted in due course, as it is a pre-requisite for the Urban Settlements Development Grant, an incentive grant that will be provided during the 2026/27 financial year,” the council said.

    This marks the third major turnaround strategy adopted by the Council under the National Treasury’s Trading Services Reform to improve the performance of trading services, following similar approvals in the Water and Sanitation and Energy sectors.

    “Metros, including eThekwini Municipality, had to first develop a turnaround strategy outlining plans to address structural and investment gaps affecting trading services,” the council said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President appoints new NYDA board members 

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Wednesday, July 23, 2025

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a new board for the National Youth Development Agency in terms of Section 9(1)(a) of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act of 2008.

    The new board members have been appointed for a period of three years starting from 1 August 2025.

    “The Agency functions as a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at national, provincial and local government level,” the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

    The new board members are:
    •    Kelly Sandra Baloyi
    •    Thembisile Precious Mahuwa
    •    Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya
    •    Sibusiso Makhathini
    •    Dr Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha
    •    Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende
    •    Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo

    “President Ramaphosa has also, in terms of Section 9(5)(a) of the NYDA Act, designated Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende as the Chairperson of the of the National Youth Development Agency Board, and Mr Bonga Siphesihle Makhanya as the Deputy Chairperson of the Board.

    “The President appreciates the willingness of the Board members to avail themselves for the national task of securing a promising future for the nation through the empowerment of young people,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: From online to onstage: Attending an international Trade Fair in The Gambia for the first time

    Source: APO – Report:

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    Participating in trade shows is crucial for the growth of small businesses. It provides them opportunities to sell, network and enhance their visibility. Yet, many entrepreneurs, especially in least developed countries, struggle to participate in trade fairs due to high costs. That was the case for Mariama S. Ceesay, founder of Her Sacred Veil, a bespoke fashion brand in The Gambia.

    “I had never participated in a trade show before because I did not have the financial means to cover the cost of a stall,” says Mariama. “As a small business owner, most of my resources focus on production and fulfilling customer orders.”

    This changed when the European Union Youth Empowerment Project – Tourism and Creative Industries, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), stepped in. The project covered 90% of her stall fee, provided training and visibility products.

    “I received training, help with my branding and an e-business card. Additionally, the project organized engaging activities around our stalls to attract more visitors and increase visibility for our businesses,” Mariama says said.

    Before the fair, Her Sacred Veil operated mostly online. “I was mainly selling my products online through TikTok and WhatsApp. I used TikTok to showcase my products and reach a wider audience, while WhatsApp helped me manage orders and communicate directly with customers. Now at the trade fair, I was able to show the quality, creativity and craftsmanship that go into every outfit I design,” explains Mariama. 

    The experience was a breakthrough. Mariama made several sales and gained a new customer base. “I was happy about the orders I received during and after the trade fair. I also made some useful business contacts that will hopefully lead to future opportunities,” she says.

    Mariama’s highlight was connecting directly with new customers and hearing their positive feedback about her bespoke outfits. “It was exciting that people appreciated my designs and placed orders on the spot.”

    She did not hit her target in terms of sales, but for Mariama, the trade fair was much more than that. `Sales were lower than expected, but I learned a lot, especially about converting interest into purchases.”

    Now, the business owner is thinking bigger. She plans to attend more fairs and seek for support to acquire equipment and a showroom. “I’m currently working with one sewing machine. I dream of getting an overlock machine and creating a space that truly reflects my brand.”

    – on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria’s Lekoil to Showcase Expansion Plans, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-Driven Growth Strategy at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

    Source: APO – Report:

    Edward During, Chief Financial Officer, and Sam Olotu, Chief Technical Officer of Africa-focused oil and gas company Lekoil, will join the lineup of industry leaders speaking at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town. Their participation comes as the Nigerian independent continues to make headlines with its rapid project execution, growing investments and increasing involvement in national development and energy transition initiatives.

    Lekoil holds interests in a diverse portfolio of marginal and offshore assets across Nigeria, with a track record that reflects both technical achievement and rapid project execution. The company was part of the consortium that drilled the Ogo-1 and Ogo-1 ST wells in the OPL 310 license offshore Lagos in 2013 – one of the largest offshore discoveries in Nigeria in recent history, with estimated recoverable resources exceeding 700 million barrels of oil equivalent. Building on that early success, Lekoil later acquired a majority stake in the Otakikpo field in OML 11, Rivers State, and brought it into production within just 18 months – setting a new benchmark for speed and efficiency among indigenous operators. Today, the company continues to build momentum at Otakikpo as part of a wider expansion plan to boost output and optimize existing infrastructure.

    Lekoil has also reinforced its commitment to ESG principles, with the company publicly advocating for stronger integration of environmental, social and governance practices across Africa’s energy industry. In January 2025, Lekoil announced a strategic partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government aimed at unlocking investment across the oil and gas value chain, with additional collaboration in agriculture and community development. The partnership reflects Lekoil’s long-term vision of integrating energy production with local economic empowerment, creating jobs and enabling broader development benefits.

    Lekoil’s leadership has made clear that it aims to serve as a model for how indigenous energy companies can lead the way in delivering tangible socioeconomic impact while meeting national production goals. The independent operator has targeted 250,000 barrels of oil per day in the long term, aligning this ambition with a strategy centered on marginal field development, local partnerships and integrated investment in infrastructure, job creation and regional growth.

    “At AEW 2025, the company’s participation will offer valuable insight into how indigenous firms are not only accelerating field development, but also shaping policy, investment and sustainability discourse across the continent. Lekoil is expected to provide updates on its expanding project pipeline, strategic partnerships and its approach to navigating both legacy challenges and the demands of a just and pragmatic energy transition. As Nigeria looks to scale up production and unlock the potential of its untapped reserves, Lekoil’s trajectory serves as a compelling example of what’s possible when local capacity is matched with focused leadership and collaborative investment,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. 

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Walaza crowned in 100m, USA claim 4 more swimming golds at Universiade

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Bayanda Walaza sprinted to the men’s 100m title to give South Africa its third gold medal at the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games, while Team USA continued to dominate the swimming pool with four more golds on Tuesday night.

    The Paris 2024 Olympian and world junior champion crossed the line in 10.16 seconds, edging Thailand’s Puripol Boonson (10.22), the same rival he beat at last year’s under-20 global competition in Peru. Asian champion Hiroki Yanagita finished third, just 0.01 seconds behind Boonson.

    “I feel glorified. I believe in winning. As soon as I was on that [start] line, I was looking at that finish line. My mind was there. I need to cross it before everyone,” said Walaza, who, at just 18, ran the leadoff leg in the men’s 4x100m relay final to help South Africa claim silver at Paris 2024.

    Ai Yanhan (3rd L) of China competes during the women’s 200m freestyle final of swimming at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Berlin, Germany, July 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

    Walaza became just the ninth South African to break the 10-second barrier in the 100m when he clocked 9.94 in Zagreb in May. Weeks earlier, he set a national junior record of 20.08 in the 200m.

    Australia’s Georgia Harris won the women’s 100m in 11.44, ahead of Poland’s Magdalena Stefanowicz (11.49) and South Africa’s Gabriella Marais (11.51).

    Germany claimed a one-two finish in the men’s discus, with Mika Sosna winning gold with a throw of 64.26 meters and Steven Richter taking silver at 61.77. Ukraine’s Mykhailo Brudin posted a season-best 60.71 to earn bronze.

    The women’s long jump podium was separated by just three centimeters. Portugal’s Agate Sousa leaped 6.60 meters, two centimeters ahead of China’s Asian Games champion Xiong Shiqi, who finished one centimeter ahead of Spain’s Natalia Gonzalez.

    “It’s a pity to miss the top place by just two centimeters,” said Xiong, who earned China’s first athletics medal at the Games. “But the result is compatible with my capability and my expectation. I want to inspire my teammates in the upcoming track and field competitions with this very first medal in the stadium for China.”

    Swedish Olympian Axelina Johansson won the women’s shot put with a throw of 18.45 meters. American top qualifier Abria Smith followed with 17.38, while South Africa’s Colette Uys claimed bronze at 17.34, narrowly ahead of compatriot Mine de Klerk by one centimeter.

    Seven finals were contested in the pool, with Team USA winning four. The American men continued their relay dominance with a record-breaking win in the 4x200m freestyle, finishing in 7:04.51 to break the previous Games mark of 7:05.49 set by Russia in 2013.

    Cavan Gormsen surged from eighth to first on the back half of the women’s 200m freestyle, winning gold for the U.S. in 1:57.21. She closed the final 50 meters in 29.13 to pass three swimmers and edge China’s Ai Yanhan by 0.3 seconds.

    Leah Shackley broke her own day-old meet record to win the women’s 50m backstroke in 27.31 seconds, trimming 0.3 off her semifinal time of 27.66.

    In the women’s 200m individual medley, another American, Leah Hayes, won gold in 2:09.48, improving on her Games record from the semifinal.

    Competing as a neutral athlete, Aleksandr Stepanov won his second freestyle distance title of the meet with victory in the men’s 800m in 7:46.51, finishing nearly four seconds ahead of Italy’s Tommaso Griffante.

    Italy’s Gianmarco Sansone claimed gold in the men’s 100m butterfly with a personal-best 51.40. Germany’s Bjorn Kammann finished second in 51.70, followed by Uzbekistan’s Eldorbek Usmonov (51.84).

    Federico Rizzardi earned Italy’s second gold of the session, winning the men’s 50m breaststroke in 27.14, nearly 0.2 seconds ahead of the field.

    In diving, China’s Zhang Wenao won gold in the men’s 1m springboard with 425.85 points, followed by teammate Hu Yukang (368.75). Germany’s Tim Axur took bronze with 354.80.

    South Korea claimed its fifth fencing gold by edging France 45-43 in the women’s sabre team event. Italy secured its third fencing title with a commanding 45-20 win over Poland in the men’s foil team final.

    The top three on the medal table remained unchanged after the sixth day of competition. The U.S. leads with 21 golds (20 in swimming), 12 silvers and 20 bronzes, followed by China (12-17-4) and South Korea (11-5-13). Host Germany sits fourth with seven golds, six silvers and eight bronzes. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The admission campaign for foreign citizens is in full swing at the Polytechnic University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Polytechnic University is completing the main stage of accepting documents from foreign applicants. During the large-scale campaign, the university team participated in educational exhibitions, quota selections and webinars in the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the CIS.

    Since autumn 2024, the university has presented its educational programs at 39 events, including 12 face-to-face (in China, Turkey, Vietnam, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan) and six online exhibitions, 17 information webinars and four regional selection rounds jointly with Rossotrudnichestvo representative offices. Foreign applicants familiarized themselves with the new admission algorithms. To promote the Open Doors international Olympiad, which gives talented students a unique opportunity to enter the Polytechnic University and study for free, an interview with the winners was held. They told their compatriots about studying at SPbPU. Also, specialized webinars on the master’s and bachelor’s degree tracks were held jointly with the Global Universities Association.

    This year, a unified algorithm for admission to Russian universities for foreign and Russian citizens was launched. Now foreigners participate in the general competition on an equal basis with Russian schoolchildren. The progress of admission can be monitored in real time through the competition lists, which are already available on the official website of the university. The results of the main stage of enrollment will be known in August. Based on the results of the summer campaign, additional recruitment will take place for the remaining vacancies.

    An important innovation of the international Open Doors Olympiad is the opening of the bachelor’s degree program for the winners. If previously only applicants for master’s and postgraduate studies participated, now future bachelors can too. At the moment, about 300 applications have been received, and about a hundred of them are for bachelor’s degree programs. Most of the guys participating in the Olympiad represent foreign countries and do not speak Russian. Therefore, after admission, they will begin their studies with a pre-university training program.

    Polytechnic University traditionally attracts great interest from applicants from key regions: the CIS countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are in the lead), China and other BRICS countries, Turkey and Latin America (especially Colombia and Ecuador). At the same time, the number of representatives of the African continent interested in studying in pre-university training programs is growing at the university. To develop this area, Polytechnic University took part in a special series of events organized by the Rosatom State Corporation. A series of exhibition and presentation webinars and educational lectures covered nuclear technologies in energy and their non-energy applications in related industries. Popular science lectures were given by Associate Professor of the Higher School of Mechanical Engineering Hamuda Khaled and Senior Lecturer of the Higher School of Technosphere Safety Jamilya Idrisova. The goal is to attract students from African countries to Rosatom’s flagship universities to study in nuclear and related specialties in Russia.

    A significant number of bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates choose to continue their education at SPbPU. According to preliminary data from the admissions campaign, over 2,000 applications have already been submitted for the main educational programs (bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate) under the contract, and over 800 for the preparatory faculty. Candidates within the Russian Federation Government quota are also being considered. Over 800 applications have been processed to date.

    The most popular bachelor’s degree programs among applicants are economics and international relations, engineering and construction programs, IT and high technology. Of particular interest is the English-language program “International Business”.

    The following areas are in demand in the Master’s program: construction, electric power engineering and electrical engineering, automation of technological processes, management, foreign regional studies, applied mechanics. The following English-language areas are also in demand: “Informatics and computing engineering”, “Biotechnical systems and technologies”, “Infocommunication technologies and communication systems”, “Development of international business”, “Intelligent systems”, “Microelectronics of infocommunication systems”, “Civil engineering” and “Molecular and cellular biotechnology”.

    In postgraduate studies, technical fields (energy, construction, mechanical engineering) and biotechnology are leading.

    “It is difficult to predict the results of the new admissions system, including the movement of competition lists, since this is the first such experience. We recommend that applicants closely monitor updates on the SPbPU website and be prepared for additional recruitment in August. Despite the novelty of the procedure and the complexity of the exams, the interim figures indicate a record interest in studying at the leading technical university in Russia,” said Evgeniya Satalkina, Head of the International Education Department.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Sets Course to Strengthen and Harmonise Health Data Governance

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) is set to kick off action towards strengthening and harmonising the framework of policies, procedures, and practices that ensure healthcare data is managed, protected, and used responsibly throughout its lifecycle — health data governance — across the continent.

    The landmark commitment on health data governance was made at the 2025 Africa Health ExCon, held in Cairo, Egypt, during a roundtable on ‘Strengthening Health Data Governance in Africa in the Artificial Intelligence Era’, co-hosted by Africa CDC, AUDA-NEPAD and Transform Health.

    Africa CDC announced that it will lead efforts to develop a Continental Health Data Governance Framework, to be tabled for endorsement by Member States at the AU Summit in February 2026.

    “Such a framework would establish an agreement between Member States around optimal legislation and regulation for the effective and equitable governance of health data, and build continental alignment and collaboration around a harmonised African position on health data governance that supports cross-border data flows, with the needed protections in place,” said Dr Martha Terefe, Deputy Chief of Staff, Africa CDC, in her welcome remarks.

    “Data is king, but governance is the throne,” said Dr Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services in Namibia.

    Dr Luvindao couldn’t have been more urgent. In today’s era of digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence, it is crucial to treat data as a valuable asset rather than allowing it to become a liability. Health data should inform decision-making, help predict disease outbreaks, and guide policy development. However, without reliable, ethical, and coordinated governance, we risk losing control over this invaluable resource.

    “Health data is powerful. When governed well, it can strengthen health systems, improve health outcomes, support real-time decision-making, and close equity gaps. It can enable what we call precision public health — the ability to tailor interventions based on real, timely, and localised data,” said Dr Terefe.

    The Framework will be informed by the AU Data Policy Framework and existing good practice and approaches currently employed by countries, while building on existing norms and standards, including the equity and rights-based principles set out in the widely endorsed Health Data Governance Principles.

     Africa CDC, at the request of Member States, has further committed to providing technical assistance and normative guidance to Member States to strengthen local capacity and support the development or enhancement of national health data governance legislation and regulation.

    “The commitment reflects the collective resolve of the continental agency to strengthen the governance, protection, and responsible use of health data as a cornerstone for equitable, resilient, and people-centred health systems,” said Judith Nguimfack, Principal Digital Delivery Specialist, Africa CDC, who moderated the session.

    In the face of a fast and ever-evolving governance landscape in the era of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, Africa CDC is marking a turning point in Africa’s digital and health transformation agenda. It anchors health data as a strategic asset to drive evidence-based policymaking, ensure data sovereignty, enhance public health outcomes, boost innovation, streamline the industry, and uphold the rights and trust of African citizens.

    The commitment towards a harmonised Continental Framework will foster the exchange of experiences and good practices across the continent, establish a common understanding and agreement around essential legislative provisions, support legal coherence across jurisdictions, enhance trust and facilitate cross-border data sharing and promote the development and scaling up of innovations across countries.

    The commitment builds on the African Union’s existing instruments like the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (2014), the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034 (STISA-2034), the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030), the Africa CDC Digital Transformation Strategy (2023), The AU Data Policy Framework (2022), and the AU Continental AI Strategy (2024–2030). It complements ongoing initiatives under Africa CDC, the Africa Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies – APET, AUDA-NEPAD, and the African Union Commission.

    The ongoing work of the Africa CDC Flagship Initiative on Health Data Governance, launched in 2023, aims to support regional efforts to strengthen health data governance.The initiative will support these efforts, including leveraging recent resources, tools, technical support packages, research, and the collective support of flagship partners.

    “This commitment by Africa CDC represents an important milestone on this journey. As one of the Flagship co-chairs, Transform Health is committed to continuing to support these efforts — towards more robust health data governance that safeguards rights, strengthens systems, and unlocks the potential of data for health for all in the digital age,” said Mathilde Forslund, Executive Director, Transform Health.

    – on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    MIL OSI Africa –