Latest news with #AUDA-NEPAD
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
The Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and African Union Commission (AUC) Set to Advance Ocean Priorities at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) Side Event
At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the African Union (AU), through its various institutions including the Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), will showcase a united and strategic front in catalyzing ocean action to realize Africa's Sustainable Blue Economy aspirations. The AU side event titled 'Accelerating Action to Meet Africa's Sustainable Blue Economy Aspirations', scheduled for June 12, 2025, at the UNOC3 Blue Zone, will bring together high-level policymakers, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society actors, and regional institutions. Co-organisers The side event will be co-organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and AU-IBAR. The initiative will highlight Africa's growing consensus that its aquatic wealth, when sustainably managed, can serve as a transformative engine for economic resilience, food security, and climate adaptation. Background and Purpose Africa, surrounded by some of the world's richest marine biodiversity, strategic trade routes, and extensive blue carbon ecosystems, will continue to harness the potential of these assets. Through the African Blue Economy Strategy and Agenda 2063, the AU will use this side event as a continental platform for reflection, alignment, and momentum-building towards SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and related blue economy priorities under Agenda 2063. The objectives of the event will be: • To reflect on Africa's achievements and aspirations in blue economy development; • To present scalable solutions and partnerships; • To mobilize voluntary commitments and financial mechanisms; • To issue a strong continental Call to Action. Key Issues to be Discussed Participants will engage in a high-impact dialogue focusing on: • Showcasing Africa's achievements in sustainable coastal and marine governance. • Presenting key thematic insights on governance, financing, innovation, inclusion, and biodiversity conservation. • Demonstrating leadership commitment through a high-level roundtable with African Ministers and champions. • Mobilizing cross-sector partnerships to support inclusive project implementation and innovation. • Creating a continental network of purpose, centered on sustainability, equity, and tangible impact. • Issuing a united Call to Action to strengthen ocean-related cooperation, investment, and capacity building. Key Recommendations and Voluntary Commitments The event will culminate in the adoption of a Call to Action, with specific recommendations to guide future efforts: 1. Defend ocean ecosystems through nature-based solutions and evidence-based planning for critical habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands. 2. Scale up private sector investment and support MSMEs in blue economy sectors with climate adaptation tools and inclusive finance. 3. Embed inclusive governance by ensuring the participation of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities. 4. Enhance implementation capacity through research, data-driven decision-making, and African-led innovation. 5. Mobilize innovative financing mechanisms—including blue bonds and ecosystem service payments—to unlock Africa's ocean wealth. 6. Align international frameworks such as the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and BBNJ Treaty with Africa's blue economy priorities. 7. Ensure equity in ocean action, balancing conservation with socio-economic realities to avoid displacing African development goals. 8. Encourage voluntary commitments that support the SDGs and the Blue Economy Strategy through collaborative, cross-sector initiatives. AU-IBAR's Role and Strategic Contributions AU-IBAR will play a pivotal role in highlighting the importance of sustainable aquatic food systems, regional fisheries governance, and climate-resilient livelihoods. The bureau will focus on: • Strengthening community-based approaches in coastal and inland fisheries. • Integrating biodiversity conservation with food systems. • Advancing regional platforms for capacity building and technology transfer. • Promoting blue economy practices that benefit small-scale fishers and women-led enterprises. As a technical arm of the AU, AU-IBAR will reaffirm its commitment to coordinating implementation efforts with Member States and partners, and supporting policy coherence across fisheries, environment, trade, and animal resources sectors. Session Highlights • Opening remarks will be delivered by Hon. Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment. • Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, will call for solidarity-driven partnerships and investments in African blue solutions. • The Ministerial Roundtable will showcase leadership from coastal and island states advancing national blue economy strategies. • Multi-stakeholder panels will feature RECs, non-state actors, and private innovators highlighting field-level successes and opportunities. • The session will conclude with a Call to Action—a bold reaffirmation of Africa's ocean leadership and demand for global support. Expected Outcomes The side event will generate momentum around key outcomes: • Stronger continental leadership and coordination on ocean governance. • New and renewed voluntary commitments supporting Africa's blue economy frameworks. • Prioritized partnership and financing opportunities for accelerated implementation. • Reinforced cooperation between African and global actors, emphasizing equity and solidarity in ocean action. Africa's Moment to Lead This side event at UNOC3 will be a big step towards Africa's goal of having a sustainable blue economy. The accepted Call to Action will convey a strong message: Africa's seas are very important to its growth, and we must take care of them in a fair, scientific, and cooperative way. AU-IBAR, along with AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, and IGAD, will keep leading the way to make sure that Africa's water resources help its people, strengthen ecosystems, and make a real difference to the health of the world's oceans. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Cairo hosts the 4th Edition of 'Africa Health ExCon' from June 25–27
Under the Patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi: Cairo, Egypt: The Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement (UPA), Medical Supply and Technology Management announced the launch of the fourth edition of ' Africa Health ExCon ', the largest and most significant healthcare event across Africa. The event will be held under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi from June 25 to 27, 2025, at Al Manara International Conference Center, Egypt's International Exhibition Center (EIEC). It is organized in collaboration with both the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). This high-level cooperation reflects the growing international and continental stature of the event, further cementing Egypt's position as a leading regional hub for medical care in Africa. This year's edition of ' Africa Health ExCon 2025' is held under the theme: "Innovation and Independence: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Local Manufacturing to Strengthen African Health Systems", which highlights the continent's most pressing priorities. The event focuses on two main pillars: deepening local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies within the continent to achieve self-sufficiency, and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into the management and operation of healthcare systems. These pillars aim to establish health independence and reduce reliance on external imports, ultimately advancing Africa's health sovereignty and resilience. The fourth edition is expected to attract over 350 local, regional, and international companies, and 42,743 visitors from around the globe. Participants will engage in over 21 panel discussions, technical sessions, and workshops covering vital topics such as digital health, research and development, smart systems, and sustainable manufacturing. Commenting on Egypt's hosting of this event, Dr. Hisham Stait, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and the Management of Medical Technology (UPA), stated: 'Over the past editions, 'Africa Health ExCon' has proven to be more than just an annual event, it has evolved into an integrated platform that brings together all key players within the African healthcare ecosystem. It is where policymakers convene to set regulatory frameworks, the industrial sector showcases its latest innovations, research institutions exchange knowledge, and private sector representatives explore partnership and investment opportunities. This unique gathering aims to shape a unified and comprehensive vision for the future of healthcare in Africa, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).' He added: 'This year, we are placing a special emphasis on opportunities for intra-African cooperation and integration, driven by our firm belief that achieving health sovereignty in Africa depends on solidarity and collective action. The continent possesses the capabilities and human capital needed to attain self-sufficiency across various medical fields, and that's what we aim to promote and activate through this vital forum.' For his part, Dr. Kamal Ebeid, Executive Director of Africa Health ExCon, stated: 'We take pride in this event as it serves as a real launchpad for strengthening Egypt's role as a bridge for African healthcare integration and a pivotal regional hub for medical manufacturing and innovation. We hope this year's edition outlines a clear roadmap for the future of healthcare across the continent. By supporting local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, we aim to achieve Africa's health independence and reduce our reliance on global supply chains that have shown vulnerability during crises.' He added: 'There is a growing global focus on harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize the management and operation of healthcare systems. That's why the 2025 edition of Africa Health ExCon is set to be truly exceptional not just in the types of partnerships we're building, but also in the scale of high-level institutional participation and the depth of international engagement that will bring togeher leading minds from around the world to explore how AI can be practically and meaningfully applied to improve the health and lives of people across Africa.' For the first time, this year's exhibition will feature the launch of the AI Pavilion, a fully dedicated space showcasing the latest breakthroughs in medical artificial intelligence. This pavilion will host global companies and leading research centers, highlighting advanced AI applications in areas such as precision diagnostics, complex health data management, epidemic prediction, and smart hospital operations. This marks a significant step forward in connecting advanced technology with the realities of Africa's healthcare systems and opens new avenues for innovation and improvement in health services across the continent. Africa Health ExCon serves as a vital platform for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to explore Africa's vast investment potential. The conference aims to strengthen intra-African trade as an essential pillar of the African Union's Agenda 2063, thereby accelerating growth in these strategic industries. This approach aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, which emphasizes deepening local manufacturing, fostering African cooperation, and embracing the latest technological and digital tools in the healthcare sector. These efforts contribute to achieving sustainable health security, pharmaceutical sovereignty, and universal health coverage across Africa. This year's edition is supported by a wide range of leading global healthcare companies, with 22 official sponsors contributing to the event's success, further solidifying it's position as a global destination for experts and investors. The Platinum sponsors include Genvax Technologies, Roche, GE Healthcare, Clinilab; the Gold sponsors include, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Opella, and Sanofi; while the Silver sponsor is Bayer. The third edition of Africa Health ExCon 2024, held under the theme of " Your Gateway to Innovation and Trade" witnessed a remarkable success. It attracted approximately 48 healthcare and trade professionals from 142 countries, with over 360 government healthcare representatives, CEOs, and decision-makers attending from across the globe. The event featured 32 scientific conferences, 32 workshops, and 264 sessions, with the participation of 1410 speakers. A total of 350 exhibitors showcased their state-of-the-art products and innovation in medical technology, while 25 sponsors, 5 pavilions, and 24 international partners participated in the event. The conference addressed strategies for developing a sustainable healthcare system in Africa, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving healthcare services across the continent. It also provided an ideal platform for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to explore investment opportunities in Africa, thereby accelerating growth of these industries continent-wide. Furthermore, the event played a vital role in fostering public-private partnerships in the medical field, unlocking new avenues for investment and trade. About the UPA: It is a national economic entity under the presidency of the Egyptian Cabinet. It aims to ensure equitable access to medical and healthcare technology products through scientifically based technological assessments, efficient strategic procurement processes, and supply chain management. The authority strives to be a strategic partner enabling effective resource utilization and sustainable, equitable access to medical technology at the national level.
The South African
09-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
EXPLAINER: About the B20 Task Forces
The B20 Task Forces are the strategic engine of B20 South Africa, responsible for developing business-driven, actionable policy recommendations to be presented to the G20. Each Task Force is comprised of global business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and civil society representatives, collectively committed to advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development. Guided by a diverse leadership structure – comprising of Chairs, Deputy Chairs and Co-Chairs – these platforms reflect regional, sectoral and gender diversity. Through expert consultations, stakeholder dialogues, and collaborative drafting, the Task Forces are on track to deliver robust policy proposals that reflect global imperatives, cementing B20 South Africa's role as bridge between business, policy and shared prosperity. This Task Force will focus on enhancing global trade flows, removing barriers to market access, and encouraging sustainable investments that benefit businesses of all sizes. Of particular importance will be initiatives to empower small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) by improving their access to financing, international markets, and value chains. Chair: Busi Mabuza – IDC Deputy-Chair: Mmakgoshi Lekhethe – IDC Co-Chairs: Nardos Bekele-Thomas – Africa Union Development Agency – New Partnerships for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Professor. Benedict Oramah – Afreximbank Duncan Wanblad – Anglo American Mary Vilakazi – FirstRand Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem – DP World José Serrador – Embraer Mpumi Madisa – Bidvest Group Dr. Patrik Kovacs – Business at OECD Harsha Agarwal – Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Dr. Miao Janmin – China Merchants Group Limited 4 Barbara Cimmino – Confindustria David Roth – Amazon H.E. Wamkele Mene – African Continental Free Trade Area This Task Force will focus on promoting inclusive job creation, addressing skills gaps, and aligning education systems with future workforce needs. This task force will develop policies to foster innovation in workforce development and drive equitable access to education and training. Chair: Paul Hanratty – Sanlam Deputy-Chair: Shadi Chauke – Sanlam Co-Chairs: Asif Valley – Microsoft Professor Haroon Bhorat – Sygnia Ltd Saïd Alj – Sanam Holding Dr. K.P. Krishnan – Shriram Capital Private Limited Mary-Alice Vuicic – Thomson Reuters Nicola Galombik – Yellowwoods Holdings Renate Hornung-Draus – International Organization of Employers Leila Fourie – Johannesburg Stock Exchange This Task Force will address one of the most urgent challenges of our time: driving a just, sustainable, and inclusive energy transition. Its mission is to develop bold, actionable policy recommendations that accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, strengthen energy security, foster innovation in green technologies, and support global climate resilience efforts. Chair: Daniel Mminele – Nedbank Deputy-Chair: Shamini Harrington – Minerals Council South Africa Co-Chairs: Simon Baloyi – Sasol Leslie Maasdorp – British International Investment Dan Marokane – Eskom Holdings Dipak Patel – South African Presidential Climate Commission 5 Roger Martella – GE Vernova Peter Njenga – Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) Paolo Scaroni – Enel Catherine Koffman – Green Climate Fund This Task Force will develop recommendations to advance digital inclusion, enhance cybersecurity, and foster innovation in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain. Its work will also explore enabling policies for smart infrastructure and digital trade. Chair: Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa – Naspers Deputy-Chair: Bassim Haidar – BH Holdings Group Co-Chairs: Charles Murito – Google Lauren Dreyer – Space X Lord Karan Bilimoria – International Chamber of Commerce Shameel Joosub – Vodacom Sir Mohamed Mansour – Mansour Group Smriti Irani – The Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality (AGG-GEE) Kate Purchase – Microsoft Ling Hai – Mastercard Segun Ogunsanya – Airtel Africa Charitable Foundation Shalini Khemka – E2Exchange This Task Force will develop recommendations to combat corruption, enhance transparency, and foster robust compliance systems. The focus will include aligning global regulatory frameworks and encouraging responsible business conduct. Chair: Ruwayda Redfearn – Deloitte Africa Deputy-Chair: Ashleigh Theophanides – Deloitte Africa Co-Chairs: Maria Archimbal – Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF, SA) Nicola Allocca – OECD Business Group Caroline Lee – International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Dr. Futhi Mtoba – Non-Executive Director Mary Obasi – Bank of America Farzana Mohomed – NEOM Yılmaz Argüden – ARGE Consulting Reynaldo Goto – BRF Brazil Keki Mistry – Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) Uche Ike – United Bank for Africa This Task Force will focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving supply chain resilience, and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food. Chair: Debra Mallowah – Bayer Deputy-Chair: Midred Pita – Bayer Co-Chairs: Alice Ruhweza – AGRA Emily Rees – Crop Life International Nicole Roos – Nestle Seelan Gobalsamy – Omnia Group Yasmin Masithela – ABSA Group This Task Force will focus on driving innovation in financing models, ensuring greater inclusivity in financial systems, and addressing infrastructure gaps critical to economic growth. Particular attention will be given to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by removing financial barriers, expanding access to affordable credit, and fostering their integration into global markets. Chair: Sim Tshabalala – Standard Bank Group Deputy-Chair: Lungisa Fuzile – Standard Bank Group Co-Chairs: Daniel Pinto – JPMorgan Chase 6 Anne Richards – Fidelity International Samaila Zubairu – Africa Finance Corporation Luciana Ribeiro – eB Climate & eBCapital John W.H. Denton – International Chamber of Commerce Strive Masiyiwa – Econet Global Benjamin Hung – Standard Chartered Thierry Déau – Meridiam Andrew Torre – VISA Gianluca Riccio – Business at OECD (BIAC) & Lloyd's Banking Group This Task Force will focus on modernising industrial sectors, strengthening manufacturing capacity, and promoting sustainable development across industries. It will explore innovative approaches to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and encourage investment in emerging markets, fostering equitable growth and development. Chair: Andrew Kirby – Toyota Deputy-Chair: Nigel Ward – Toyota Co-Chairs: Delphine Traoré – Sanlam Allianz Nádia Júnia Almeida de Souza – Khenē Brazil Shinta Kamdani – Sintesa Group Dany Qian Jin – JinkoSolar Stephen Saad – Aspen Pharmaceuticals Yemi Ahouanmenou – Benin Textile NOTE: More Co-chairs are expected to join throughout the B20 South Africa Presidency Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Al-Ahram Weekly
11-02-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
El-Sisi chairs NEPAD's 42nd Steering Committee session - Foreign Affairs
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi chaired the 42nd session of the Steering Committee of Heads of State and Government of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) via video conference on Monday, reviewing NEPAD's activities in 2024. Heads of state, government leaders, and representatives from African committee member states participated in the online conference, a statement by the Egyptian presidency read. The discussions principally focused on the progress of the feasibility study concerning establishing the African Development Fund. They also discussed the second 10-year plan for the African Development Agenda 2063, which addresses the continent's development challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and declining food, water, and energy security. Moreover, they reviewed efforts to develop infrastructure, education, and healthcare, create youth jobs, boost intra-African trade, address climate change, and enhance cooperation among African nations. Egypt assumed the presidency of NEPAD's Steering Committee after Rwanda's President Paul Kagame handed over the two-year presidency. NEPAD, the African Union's (AU) development arm, was established in 2001 by the leaders of Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa to coordinate and fund projects and programmes to achieve the continent's sustainable development goals. Short link:
Egypt Today
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
President Sisi Chairs AUDA-NEPAD Steering Committee Session for Heads of State and Government
President Sisi CAIRO – 10 February 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi chaired via video conference the 42nd session of the Steering Committee of Heads of State and Government of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), with the participation of heads of state and government and representatives of the African member states of the committee. The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting reviewed NEPAD's activities during 2024, most notably developments pertinent to the feasibility study for establishing the African Development Fund, in addition to the second ten-year plan for implementing Agenda 2063, with the aim of overcoming the challenges facing development in the continent. Those include high rates of poverty and unemployment, and declining rates of food, water and energy security. The meeting focused on continental efforts to develop infrastructure, educational and health systems, provide job opportunities for the continent's youth, stimulate inter-trade, address climate change, and explore opportunities for joint cooperation among the countries of the continent.
