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Category: Africa

  • Extreme heat threatens global agrifood systems, FAO-WMO Warn

    Extreme heat threatens global agrifood systems, FAO-WMO Warn

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Extreme heat events are pushing agrifood systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods, health, and productivity of more than a billion people, according to a new joint report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

    The report, Extreme Heat and Agriculture, launched on Earth Day, warns that rising temperatures are exerting mounting pressure on crops, livestock, fisheries, forests, and the communities that depend on them. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu described extreme heat as a “major risk multiplier,” stressing its compounding effects on agrifood systems. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo added that extreme heat is no longer an isolated climatic hazard but a defining condition for agriculture, noting that early warnings and climate services are vital to adaptation.

    The report outlines how extreme heat affects plants, animals, fish, and humans. For livestock, stress begins at temperatures above 25°C, with chickens and pigs particularly vulnerable. Fish are also at risk, suffering cardiac failure in overheated waters with reduced oxygen levels.

    WMO’s State of the Global Climate 2025 found that more than 90 percent of the global ocean experienced at least one marine heatwave last year. For crops, yield declines typically begin above 30°C, with sensitive crops such as potatoes and barley affected at even lower thresholds. Heat waves also correlate strongly with wildfires, extending fire seasons and intensifying their impacts.

    Human labour is equally endangered. Agricultural workers face rising health risks and productivity losses, with the report warning that in regions such as South Asia, tropical Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Central and South America, the number of days too hot to work could rise to 250 annually.

    The danger of extreme heat lies not only in direct impacts but also in its role as a risk multiplier, exacerbating water stress, triggering flash droughts, fueling wildfires, and fostering the spread of pests and diseases.

    To counter these threats, the FAO-WMO report calls for innovation and adaptive measures. Recommendations include selective breeding of heat-resistant livestock, crop choices adjusted to new climate realities, shifting planting windows, and altering management practices to shield crops and agricultural activities.

    Early warning systems are emphasised as critical tools to help farmers prepare for extreme heat, while access to financial services such as cash transfers, insurance, and social protection schemes is highlighted as essential to recovery.

    The report urges governments and international institutions to strengthen resilience at both farm and systemic levels. It calls for collective political will to share risks and transition decisively away from high-emission futures. “Protecting the future of agriculture and ensuring global food security will require not only building on-farm resilience but also exercising international solidarity and collective political will for risk sharing, and a decisive transition away from a high-emissions future,” the report concludes.

    Released on Earth Day, the findings establishes the interconnectedness of climate change, food security, and ecosystem health. With extreme heat already reshaping the conditions under which agriculture operates, FAO and WMO stress that adaptation is not optional but essential to sustaining food production and protecting vulnerable populations.

  • Ramaphosa mourns South African legal icon Justice Jappie

    Ramaphosa mourns South African legal icon Justice Jappie

    PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and associates of Achmat Naeem Jappie, former Judge President of KwaZulu‑Natal, who has died at the age of 70.

    Ramaphosa described Justice Jappie as a distinguished jurist and a longstanding champion of justice whose contributions enriched South African jurisprudence and strengthened the administration of the courts.

    The President noted that Jappie’s service extended beyond the bench, including his work on tribunals addressing judicial conduct and other national assignments. “During his 28 years as a judge, Justice Jappie entrenched the rule of law, ensured that the law protected the interests and dignity of those who deserved relief, and that those who breached the law felt the consequences of their actions or attitudes,” Ramaphosa said.

    He added that the nation deeply appreciates Jappie’s dedication to justice and his legacy of fairness and integrity. Concluding his tribute, the President prayed: “May Allah have mercy on him.”

    Justice Jappie’s passing has been described as a profound loss to South Africa’s legal community and the nation at large, marking the end of a career defined by service, principle, and commitment to the rule of law.

  • Three years of war in Sudan, EU calls for immediate ceasefire

    Three years of war in Sudan, EU calls for immediate ceasefire

    AFRICA/INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The European Union has renewed its call for peace in Sudan as the country enters its third year of war, warning that the conflict continues to devastate lives and undermine the aspirations of the 2018/19 revolution.

    In a statement on 21 April 2026, the EU High Representative reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rejecting unilateral attempts to establish parallel governance that could risk partition. Preventing escalation into a full‑scale regional war, the EU stressed, remains paramount.

    The statement highlighted the Sudan Conference in Berlin held on 15 April, which demonstrated international resolve to pressure the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and affiliated militias to end hostilities.

    Recalling the October 2025 Council Conclusions, the EU urged all actors to engage in negotiations towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire. It expressed readiness to support credible peace initiatives, including international monitoring mechanisms, and called on external actors to stop fuelling the war.

    Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with civilians targeted, famine conditions persisting, and mass displacement destabilising communities and the wider region. The EU condemned attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities, aid workers, and humanitarian convoys, stressing that obstruction of relief efforts may constitute war crimes.

    At the Berlin Conference, donors pledged €1.5 billion in aid, including €812 million from the EU and its Member States, to support humanitarian response and protect critical infrastructure.

    The EU also denounced grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including systematic sexual and gender‑based violence, with rape used as a weapon of war. It pledged support for accountability mechanisms such as the UN Fact‑Finding Mission and the ICC, noting that sanctions targeting the war economy remain under consideration.

    Reaffirming support for Sudanese aspirations for democratic governance, the EU welcomed the Joint Call to End the War and Advance a Sudanese‑Owned Political Process, agreed by civilian actors at the Berlin Conference under the AU‑led Quintet. The statement concluded: “It is long overdue to bring this devastating conflict to an end.”

  • AU Deputy Chairperson Haddadi urges paradigm shift in global cooperation at WBG/IMF Spring Meetings

    AU Deputy Chairperson Haddadi urges paradigm shift in global cooperation at WBG/IMF Spring Meetings

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The African Union Commission (AUC) has urged a fundamental shift in multilateral cooperation to support job creation and economic transformation across the continent.

    Speaking at the Joint Ministerial Committee of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund during the 2026 Spring Meetings in Washington, AUC Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi stressed that Africa’s demographic strength must be harnessed through deliberate action to create more and better‑paid jobs.

    “For Africa, this is not an abstract policy question. It is an urgent development, economic, and stability imperative,” Haddadi said. She emphasised that Africa’s greatest asset is its people, particularly youth and women, but warned that prosperity will only be realised if enabling conditions are created.

    The Deputy Chairperson welcomed the World Bank report’s central message that job creation requires deliberate investment in infrastructure, digital public systems, skills development, institutional strengthening, regulatory certainty, and private sector growth. “Job creation does not happen by chance, but requires deliberate action to build the right enabling environment,” she noted.

    Haddadi, however, criticised the current multilateral system, saying it has not consistently provided the robust and predictable support needed for Africa’s transformation. “Too often, support remains fragmented, reactive, and insufficiently aligned with regional and continental development priorities and opportunities,” she said.

    She pointed to frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as evidence of Africa’s political resolve and institutional capacity to drive reforms. Member States, she added, are undertaking difficult reforms to strengthen competitiveness, enterprise, and employment.

    The AU–World Bank partnership, Haddadi said, has elevated the conversation by linking jobs more clearly to infrastructure, energy, trade, skills, industrialisation, and financial inclusion. What is now required, she argued, is a paradigm shift: “From fragmented initiatives to coordinated delivery, from short‑term interventions to long‑term transformation, and from dialogue to implementation at scale.”

    In closing, Haddadi underscored that job creation is central to Africa’s future. “Creating the enabling environment for more and better‑paid jobs is not peripheral to Africa’s future. It is central to resilience, dignity, and shared prosperity,” she said.

  • Police arrest female suspect, recover hijacked vehicle in Cape Town

    Police arrest female suspect, recover hijacked vehicle in Cape Town

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa (NPA) — The South African Police Service’s Makhaza Anti‑Hijacking Team on Tuesday afternoon arrested a 22‑year‑old female suspect linked to a hijacking gang and recovered a delivery vehicle stolen in Khayelitsha, Western Cape.

    According to police, the team was alerted at approximately 12:45 to the hijacking of a delivery vehicle in the Makhaza area. Officers swiftly mobilised and traced the vehicle to Nxaruni Street, J‑Section, Khayelitsha, where the driver and passenger were found. The victims reported that suspects had transferred all parcels into another vehicle before fleeing.

    Following up on intelligence, officers raided a premises in Mcewule Street, J‑Section, Khayelitsha, where stolen property valued at an estimated R250,000 was recovered. The female suspect was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property in connection with a Lingelethu West case. She is expected to appear before the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court.

    Vehicle hijackings remain a major security challenge in South Africa, with between 50 and 60 vehicles reportedly hijacked daily across provinces such as Gauteng, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape. These crimes are often carried out by organised syndicates targeting popular vehicle models for resale, dismantling, or cross‑border smuggling. Tactics range from impersonating police officers to ambushes on highways and residential driveways, underscoring the sophistication of criminal networks.

    Authorities note that underlying drivers include high unemployment, inequality, and a thriving illicit market for stolen vehicles. In response, the government has intensified law enforcement efforts, deploying specialised anti‑hijacking units, increasing patrols, and conducting rapid‑response operations that have led to arrests and recoveries. Police are also working with private security firms and using technology such as vehicle tracking systems to disrupt syndicates.

    Targeted crackdowns on organised crime groups and improved intelligence‑sharing are being implemented to address root causes. While these measures have yielded successes, experts stress that sustained investment in policing, border control, and socio‑economic reforms is essential to significantly reduce vehicle hijackings in South Africa.

  • ECOWAS BEST project audit assesses power access in Mauritania

    ECOWAS BEST project audit assesses power access in Mauritania

    NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (NPA) — The Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) of the Regional Electricity Access and Battery Energy Storage Technologies (BEST) project, led by the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines, has concluded an audit in Mauritania to evaluate progress on electricity access and storage systems.

    The audit, conducted from 14 to 19 April 2026, focused on adherence to the project schedule and the installation quality of battery energy storage equipment. Inspectors assessed whether the systems meet required standards and can reliably supply electricity to households across the country.

    According to ECOWAS, the objective is to enhance the stability of power systems, expand access to grid electricity, and strengthen renewable energy integration within the West Africa Power Pool. The findings will guide implementation and ensure that Mauritania benefits from improved energy infrastructure under the regional initiative.

    ECOWAS is executing the BEST project across West Africa to address chronic electricity shortages, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote regional energy integration. By expanding access to reliable and sustainable power, the initiative aims to drive economic growth, improve social welfare, and support the long-term vision of a resilient and interconnected energy market in the region.

  • African Union commission signs MoU with KAICIID to advance dialogue and peace

    African Union commission signs MoU with KAICIID to advance dialogue and peace

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union Commission (AUC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), aimed at strengthening cooperation in promoting dialogue as a foundation for peace, stability, and sustainable development across Africa.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony on 20 April 2026, AUC Deputy Chairperson H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi described the agreement as a milestone in advancing shared commitments to conflict prevention, social cohesion, and inclusive governance.

    “This Agreement reflects more than institutional cooperation; it affirms a common strategic vision that interreligious and intercultural dialogue is indispensable to conflict prevention, social cohesion, and the building of resilient, inclusive societies,” Haddadi said.

    Guided by Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the MoU underscores key principles, including:

    • Promoting dialogue and tolerance as tools for conflict resolution.
    • Engaging governments, civil society, faith-based actors, and citizens in shaping peace.
    • Empowering youth and women as central actors in mediation and resilience.
    • Translating commitments into practical cooperation through joint programmes, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange.

    The partnership builds on earlier cooperation between the AU and KAICIID dating back to 2016, and a formal MoU signed in 2019. Haddadi noted that the renewed agreement reflects a determination to counter the misuse of religion and culture as drivers of conflict, instead harnessing them as forces for reconciliation and human solidarity.

    She emphasised that the collaboration will provide a structured platform for scaling initiatives through the Citizens and Diaspora Organisations Directorate (CIDO) and the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), ensuring dialogue is anchored both at policy level and within communities.

    “This Memorandum is not an endpoint, but a platform for actions anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and a firm commitment to advancing peace through dialogue,” Haddadi concluded.

  • South African cities, Lagos rank among top crime hotspots in global index

    South African cities, Lagos rank among top crime hotspots in global index

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Several African cities have ranked among the world’s highest in crime levels, according to the latest Current Crime Index released by Numbeo (a crowd-sourced online database that provides information on cost of living, crime, healthcare, pollution, and quality of life across cities worldwide), highlighting growing safety concerns across parts of the continent.

    In the rankings, Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria emerged as the two most crime-affected cities globally, with crime index scores of 81.9 and 81.7 respectively, alongside extremely low safety ratings.

    Other South African cities also featured prominently, including Johannesburg (80.8), Durban (80.4), Port Elizabeth (78.3), and Cape Town (73.5), reinforcing concerns about persistent urban crime in Africa’s most industrialised economy.

    In West Africa, Lagos ranked 28th globally with a crime index of 69.0 and a safety index of 31.0, placing it among the highest in the region.

    Southern Africa also recorded high figures, with Windhoek posting a crime index of 67.4, while Harare recorded 61.8. In East Africa, Nairobi ranked 78th globally with a crime index of 59.1.

    North African cities appeared relatively lower on the index, with Casablanca at 55.4, Cairo at 49.8, and Algiers at 50.8, suggesting comparatively moderate crime perception levels.

    Globally, cities outside Africa also featured among the highest, including Caracas and Port Moresby, underscoring the widespread nature of urban crime challenges.

    The index, which is based on user-contributed data measuring perceptions of crime levels, safety concerns, and experiences with property and violent crimes, indicates that many African urban centres continue to grapple with insecurity, economic pressures, and rapid urbanisation.

    Analysts say the trend highlights the urgent need for strengthened policing, improved economic opportunities, and urban planning reforms to address crime and enhance public safety across the continent.

    The report adds to ongoing debates about security and governance in Africa’s fast-growing cities, where population expansion continues to outpace infrastructure and social services.

    At the lower end of the ranking, cities with the least perceived crime levels globally include Abu Dhabi (11.1), Ajman (12.6), and Ras Al Khaimah (14.6), reflecting significantly higher safety ratings compared to most urban centres worldwide.

  • Uganda exam board visits Nigeria to understudy NABTEB TVET model

    Uganda exam board visits Nigeria to understudy NABTEB TVET model

    BENIN CITY, Nigeria (Agency Report) —The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board has visited the National Business and Technical Examinations Board to understudy Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model.

    Leader of the delegation, Albert Akovuku, said on Monday in Benin City that the visit was aimed at strengthening UVTAB’s capacity through knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration.

    Akovuku said NABTEB’s longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economic resilience had positioned it as a model for Uganda’s ongoing reforms. “We recognise NABTEB’s decades-long contribution to Nigeria’s economic resilience, a journey that precedes and inspires Uganda’s current transformation,” he said.

    He noted that Uganda’s reform agenda, anchored on Vision 2040, focuses on transitioning from theory-driven systems to a digital, industry-led, and competency-based assessment model.

    “Our aspiration is to move beyond theory toward a system that empowers the workforce to solve real-world problems,” he added.

    Akovuku expressed optimism that the engagement would culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise collaboration and strengthen bilateral cooperation in skills development.

    He said the proposed partnership would promote knowledge sharing and support the development of sustainable TVET systems in both countries.

    Earlier, NABTEB Registrar, Aminu Muhammed, described the visit as a major step toward strengthening regional cooperation in technical education.

    Muhammed said discussions would focus on assessment methodologies, industry certification linkages, and frameworks such as the Nigeria Skills Qualification Framework.

    He added that the engagement would also explore digital innovations to enhance examination integrity and delivery. According to him, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening TVET systems as drivers of economic growth and youth empowerment across Africa.

    Muhammed expressed confidence that the visit would produce a clear roadmap for sustained partnership between both institutions.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, represented by Kolawole Osundeyi, said the visit underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing skills gaps and unemployment.

    He said partnerships of this nature were critical in responding to rapid technological changes and evolving labour market demands.

    “Africa’s future prosperity depends on how effectively we equip our citizens with relevant and practical skills,” he said.

    The minister added that the visit would deepen institutional linkages and advance technical and vocational education in both Nigeria and Uganda. (NAN)

  • Botswana President Boko to embark on state visit to Zimbabwe

    Botswana President Boko to embark on state visit to Zimbabwe

    GABORONE, Botswana (NPA) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has announced a State Visit by the President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Duma Gideon Boko, to Zimbabwe from 21–23 April 2026, aimed at deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.

    According to a statement issued by the ministry, a State Banquet will be hosted in honour of President Boko as part of activities marking the visit.

    During the State Visit, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and President Duma Boko will jointly preside over the 5th Session of the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), focusing on strengthening collaboration in key transformative sectors.

    The BNC will be preceded by Senior Officials’ Meetings on 19–20 April 2026 and a Ministerial segment on 21 April 2026, setting the stage for high-level discussions.

    President Boko will also serve as Guest of Honour at the official opening of the 66th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, scheduled for 23 April 2026 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.

    “H.E. President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe welcome President Boko to the Republic of Zimbabwe,” the statement concluded.