Latest news with #AUSummit
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African ministers hold strategic dialogue on visa-free movement to propel regional integration agenda for Africa's Transformation
On the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit, African leaders discussed obstacles to the continent's economic integration, underscoring visa-free movement to reduce illegal migration and strengthen official travel channels. The high-level dialogue, convened by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission alongside the AU Summit, brought together trade ministers and business leaders who pointed to Rwanda's experience as evidence that open borders enhance, rather than compromise, security. African Development Bank Group Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Nnenna Nwabufo expressed the Bank's continued commitment to supporting the acceleration of visa-free movement across the continent. "We do it for its promise to transform Africa and to create prosperity," she noted. "In fact, the goals of our new Ten‑Year Strategy (2024–2033) are designed around seizing Africa's opportunities for a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and integrated continent.' In his keynote address, Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals at the African Union Commission, outlined four priority areas to open up the continent. They include liberalizing the movement of categories of people critical for trade in goods and services, implementing the Strategic Framework on Key Actions to Achieve Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa, advancing to the next stage of African economic integration, particularly the African Common market, as envisaged under the 1991 Abuja Treaty, and establishing the appropriate facilitation measures, whether soft or hard infrastructure, to facilitate free movement of persons. Commissioner Muchanga stressed the need to make more progress on some continental projects, such as the trans-African highways (Cairo to Cape and Dakar to Mombasa), to facilitate free movement of persons. Presenting the 'State of play in visa-free movement in Africa,' which featured findings from the latest edition of the AfricaVisa Openness Index, AVOI, Principal Regional Integration Coordinator at the African Development Bank's Regional Integration Coordination Office, Ometere Omoluabi-Davies, highlighted the progress made by some countries regarding opening up their borders for Africans. The presentation reported that 39 African countries have improved their scores since 2016, indicating that visa openness across Africa is at its highest level since the inception of the index. Despite this inspiring trajectory, it was observed that there is still much room for progress to facilitate the unrestricted mobility of Africans within the continent. Rwanda Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahizi shared his country's experience and economic gains from implementing a visa-free regime. 'Rwanda does not agree with the usual excuse of security threats that accompany visa-free discussions because what is important is to invest in the systems, security, governance, monitoring,' he declared. 'In the end, people who travel for tourism and business will always use the official channels such as the borders and airports. This means the policy itself cannot contribute to security concerns but rather solve the issue of smuggling and illegal migration.' The event featured roundtable discussions in which Africa's policymakers and business leaders shared insights on implementing visa-free movement across the continent. With a resounding call to action, African Union's Youth Envoy, Chido Mpemba, emphasized that the interconnectedness of young people through social media and the internet enables experience sharing and cross-border collaboration. She noted that this was critical for building the social and cultural integration needed to create a shared African identity. The session concluded with a joint announcement of the 2025 Visa-Free Roadshow by Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office of the African Development Bank Group, and Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Employment, Labor and Migration Division of the African Union Commission. This roadshow aims to sustain advocacy and mobilize action for visa openness and free movement within Africa's broader regional integration agenda to deliver better results for all Africans. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Contact: Betty Baisiwa Dowuona-Hammond Communication and External Relations Department media@ About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
Zawya
15-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
UAE launches landmark $60mln initiative to expand accessible education for visually impaired students in Ethiopia
In collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, a USD 60 million (AED 220 million) investment by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation will fund the development of new schools and inclusive educational programmes Initiative reinforces the UAE's commitment to inclusive societies and its ongoing support for Ethiopia's efforts to expand educational access for the visually impaired nationwide Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in the lead-up to the AU Summit opening today — where advancing development in Africa is a key focus — the UAE announced a landmark USD 60 million (AED 220 million) education initiative in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic in Ethiopia. Launched through the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation – a portfolio entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies – the initiative will support the construction and development of schools tailored to the educational needs of visually impaired students across Ethiopia. The initiative reinforces the UAE's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Africa and builds on the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa, which was inaugurated in May 2024. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trustee of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, along with Her Excellency Mrs Zinash Tayachew, First Lady of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, among other dignitaries. With an estimated 1.2 million visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia, including 332,000 classified as blind, this initiative directly addresses a pressing humanitarian need by reaching rural areas where educational and healthcare services remain limited. Ethiopia also has one of the highest global rates of trachoma, a preventable eye disease that disproportionately affects underserved communities. With the support of the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, the new schools will serve as centres of excellence, integrating cutting-edge assistive technologies, specialised curricula, and tailored vocational programmes to empower visually impaired students with the skills necessary for higher education and workforce integration. His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, said: 'The UAE remains dedicated to supporting people of determination worldwide. A key element is ensuring that visually impaired students in Ethiopia can access inspiring and inclusive learning environments that meet their specialised needs, thereby enabling them to reach their full potential. This initiative represents the shared commitment by the UAE and Ethiopia to ensure that everyone, regardless of the challenges they may face, can thrive in an inclusive and equitable global society.' His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said:"The UAE has long recognised that sustainable development and strategic collaboration are the key drivers of lasting change. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to uplifting communities, creating economic opportunities, and expanding access to essential services. Our partnership furthers the vision of African states to invest in education as a catalyst for future prosperity, empowering youth to realise their full potential and drive sustainable growth." Her Excellency Mrs Zinash Tayachew, First Lady of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, added, 'We are grateful to the UAE for their continued partnership, which supports our goal of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality education. Together, our shared commitment will help to create a more inclusive society where every student has the opportunity to succeed." His Excellency Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, said: 'Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that supports their unique needs. By strengthening educational systems, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future. This initiative reaffirms the power of global partnerships in driving lasting impact, ensuring that education remains a catalyst for opportunity and empowerment for generations to come.' Together with the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, the new schools announced today will create a network across Ethiopia to expand access to inclusive education. The UAE's commitment to strengthening Ethiopia's educational infrastructure ensures that every visually impaired child, regardless of socioeconomic background, can thrive in a supportive learning environment that empowers them to contribute to society. Fikeru Bejo, IT Teacher at the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, said: 'I am inspired by the incredible resilience and determination of our students to overcome challenges, grow in confidence, and achieve their goals. Their progress is a constant reminder of the transformative power of education. Thanks to the generous contribution of the UAE, we have enhanced our facilities, provided specialised training for our teachers, and introduced assistive technology that greatly improves our students' learning experiences.' He added that this support has equipped students for success and raised the quality of education they can offer. 'Moreover, it has brought a sense of hope and optimism to our students and their families, knowing that they have access to better opportunities and a brighter future.' Erth Zayed Philanthropies will support cross-sector initiatives to accelerate global progress and empower underserved communities worldwide. About Erth Zayed Philanthropies Erth Zayed Philanthropies was established in November 2024 by federal decree to consolidate the UAE's global philanthropic efforts carried out under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Erth Zayed Philanthropies upholds the legacy of giving instilled by the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is chaired by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council. Erth Zayed Philanthropies oversees a portfolio of philanthropic foundations and awards across diverse sectors with the aim of delivering transformative impact to communities in need worldwide. For media queries, please contact: Edelman Raneem Khatib ErthZayed@
Egypt Today
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Deputy FM holds series of meetings on sidelines of meetings of Executive Council of AU
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Abu Bakr Hanafi Mahmoud held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the second day of the Executive Council of the African Union in Addis Ababa- press photo CAIRO – 15 February 2025: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Abu Bakr Hanafi Mahmoud held a number of bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Zambia, Ghana, The Gambia, Mozambique and Lesotho. He also met with the acting foreign minister of Eswatini, the secretary general of the ministry of foreign affairs of Mauritius and the deputy foreign minister of Cabo Verde. The talks were held on the sidelines of the second day of the Executive Council of the African Union in Addis Ababa. The official was attending the meeting on behalf of the minister of foreign affairs, emigration and Egyptian expatriates affairs. In a statement on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry said the meetings discussed ways of boosting cooperation between Egypt and these countries within the bilateral and multilateral frameworks in the African Union (AU). They also exchanged viewpoints regarding the most important issues in the African arena and topics of the agendas of the executive council and the AU Summit, with an emphasis on peace and security in the continent and international and regional nominations.
The National
13-02-2025
- Politics
- The National
UAE and African partners to host high-level humanitarian conference for Sudan
The dire humanitarian situation in Sudan is not drawing enough attention from the world, a senior UAE official told The National on Thursday. 'While conflicts are taking place in the Middle East and Europe – and these are important – there is a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportion in Sudan that is overlooked,' said Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation. The UAE, Ethiopia, the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are set to jointly host a high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa on Friday, aiming to mobilise urgent support for the Sudanese people as the conflict in the country nears its two-year mark. The conference, held on the sidelines of the AU Summit, seeks to raise international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and ensure aid reaches those in need despite increasing restrictions to access, Ms Al Hashimy said. Sudan's civil war, which started in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and devastated the country. Famine has been detected in at least five areas, including three camps for displaced people in Darfur, the Integrated Food Security Classification has said. Both the Sudanese government and the RSF have been implicated in obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid during the conflict. Aid groups say they struggle to reach the most vulnerable as warring parties limit access, especially in Darfur. The UAE is expected to announce a $200 million aid package in Friday's summit, senior officials told The National, bringing its total humanitarian assistance for Sudan since the outbreak of war to $600 million. The funds will be channelled through UN agencies and other humanitarian organisations. 'The global community should focus on Sudan and take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of its people,' Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told The National. 'Relief assistance should not be politicised. It is essential to underscore that no entity should have the right to arbitrarily challenge lifesaving assistance.' Ms Al Hashimy noted that 'the initiative comes ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan", a time when humanitarian efforts traditionally intensify. The UAE also called for a ceasefire during holy month, a call rejected by the Sudanese army. The Emirates has been a key responder to global humanitarian crises, having provided more than $3.4 billion in aid over the past decade. This conference marks the first major international effort this year dedicated to the humanitarian situation in Sudan, with organisers hoping to push the international community to step up support.
Morocco World
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Algeria's AU Peace Council Bid Ends in Failure Despite Intensive Lobbying
Doha – Algeria has registered another major diplomatic failure as its bid to reclaim its seat on the African Union's Peace and Security Council collapsed on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, a source told Morocco World News (MWN). The country failed to secure the required majority despite an intensive mobilization campaign, forcing the postponement of the elections and marking yet another setback in its declining continental influence. Held during the 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, the elections were meant to fill the seat Morocco has held for the past three years in the Peace and Security Council, the AU's executive body responsible for promoting peace, security, and stability in Africa. Throughout its tenure, Morocco has championed transformative initiatives within this crucial organ, spearheading solutions to the continent's pressing challenges such as the Sudan crisis and conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The prestigious French newspaper Le Monde recently highlighted Morocco's exemplary and growing leadership across Africa, describing the kingdom as a key ally for the West and an agent of genuine peace and stability in the Sahel region. Le Monde commended the significance of Morocco's diplomatic weight in the Sahel, particularly noting the country's recent successful interventions in securing the release of French security officers in Burkina Faso. This diplomatic prowess was further cemented by the recent Rabat Declaration, where 20 African Atlantic parliaments enthusiastically endorsed Morocco's continental vision, including its groundbreaking Atlantic access project for Sahel states and the strategic Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline Algeria's unsuccessful bid represents a crushing defeat for its diplomatic apparatus, which had mounted an aggressive campaign to secure the position. This latest failure unfolds as foreign ministers from AU member states convene in the Ethiopian capital for crucial two-day deliberations ahead of Saturday's summit. The Executive Council meeting carries particular significance this year, with elections scheduled for six AU commissioners, five Peace and Security Council members, and one member of the African Space Agency, along with several other key positions within the Union's structures. 'Leadership for Africa, not over Africa' In a powerful intervention during the Council meeting, Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita delivered a decisive rebuke to Algeria's hegemonic ambitions. Quoting King Mohammed VI's historic 2017 AU Summit speech, Bourita emphasized, 'Some say that through this commitment, Morocco seeks to acquire leadership in Africa. I tell them that it is to Africa that the Kingdom seeks to give leadership' on the world stage. Bourita systematically dismantled Algeria's approach, highlighting Morocco's responsible participation in AU elections to provide the organization with the most qualified profiles. 'This participation in this noble competition does not stem from a hegemonic ambition, as some might think,' he declared, contrasting sharply with Algeria's aggressive lobbying tactics. The top Moroccan diplomat went further, pointing to the urgent need for transformative AU leadership: 'We need, more than ever, leaders capable of alleviating the bureaucratic burden weighing on our Organization, making its management more transparent, more connected to African realities, and its actions on the ground more efficient.' His statement is a clear indictment of the type of obstructionist politics that Algeria has consistently pursued within the organization. Mounting failures expose Algeria's continental isolation Algeria's latest setback follows a pattern of diplomatic defeats that have exposed its growing isolation within the African Union. Since Morocco's triumphant return to the AU in 2017, Algeria has watched its influence steadily erode, particularly in its failed attempts to maintain the Polisario Front's presence in AU proceedings. The country's diplomatic apparatus has suffered repeated blows, most notably with the July 2024 decision at the Accra summit that effectively excluded the Polisario Front from all meetings between the AU and its international partners. This decision, supported by an overwhelming majority of 52 out of 54 votes, dealt a severe blow to Algeria's decades-long strategy of using the separatist group as a political weapon against Morocco. These developments mirror a broader shift in continental dynamics, where Algeria's traditional stronghold on AU politics has crumbled in the face of Morocco's pragmatic, development-oriented diplomacy. Morocco's approach has resonated strongly across Africa, securing support from both traditional allies and new partners, while Algeria's obsession with antagonizing Morocco has left it increasingly marginalized. And while any rational state would learn from such a catastrophic diplomatic trajectory, Algeria appears determined to plunge deeper into isolation. Its deteriorating regional position is evident as neighboring states openly denounce its destabilizing interference. Mali's government delivered a scathing rebuke to Algeria's meddling on January 1, declaring that 'Mali neither seeks nor accepts lessons from Algeria,' while accusing it of 'closeness and complicity with terrorist groups.' Similarly, Mauritania's recent military restructuring in late December 2024 came as a direct response to aggressive Algerian border violations, with Mauritanian officials rejecting what they termed 'absurd and unconvincing' explanations for territorial incursions. As the African Union prepares for its 38th Ordinary Summit this weekend, where new leadership for the AU Commission will be elected, these developments signal a significant evolution in the continental organization's political landscape. The summit will notably feature the election of a new AU Commission leadership, with candidates from Eastern Africa competing for the Chairperson position and North African candidates vying for the Deputy Chairperson role. Morocco's Latifa Akherbach has emerged as a frontrunner for the latter, facing competition from Egypt's Hanan Morsy and Algeria's Selma Malika Haddadi, amidst growing support for Morocco's increased continental engagement. Read also: Algeria: Diplomatic Stubbornness Amidst Twisting Geopolitical Time Tags: African UnionAlgeriaMorocco-Africa Relations
