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Tag: AU

  • AU anti-graft body pledges to partner youth to tackle corruption

    AU anti-graft body pledges to partner youth to tackle corruption

    The African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) has indicated the collective intention of its members to work with the youth to tackle corruption and carve a future characterised by integrity and justice.

    AUABC Chairperson Kwami Edem Senanu, in a statement issued in Arusha, Tanzania, on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, said the youth as future custodians of this continent are not just victims of corruption and illicit financial flows, but they are also potentially formidable agents of change.

    Senanu said on the anti-corruption day, the AUABC is reminded that across the African continent and across the world, corruption severely undermines development, erodes public trust, and critically impedes humanity’s progress, by stealing resources and opportunities.

    “Mo Ibrahim estimates that our continent loses a staggering $125  billion annually. Yet today is also a day of hope. It is another opportunity to reflect on not just our losses, but in addition our shared commitment to combat corruption in all its forms and to strengthen our resolve, to be more militant about addressing the canker of corruption!

    “The theme for this year, ‘Uniting with the Youth: Shaping tomorrow’s Integrity’, underscores the potential transformative power of youth in general and in our context, Africa’s burgeoning youth demographic and the need to strategically harness this. Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are critical change-makers for today! Their energy, innovation, and unwavering desire for justice are absolutely essential in building societies where integrity flourishes and where corruption is eschewed.

    “They are key partners in eradicating corruption and securing the continent’s future. Therefore, our fight against corruption will benefit from a critical generational shift in mindset, technology and leadership, and across Africa, millions of young people are speaking out, demanding ethical leadership, and driving grassroots movements for social justice and transparency.

    “They are the heartbeat of our continent’s progress, a rising movement for constructive change and ultimately the real vehicle for the Africa we want! By investing in them and embracing their voices, their ideas, their digital and other talents, we can bypass old, corrupt systems and build transparent institutions, creating a dynamic force for Africa’s growth and development. “

    Senanu  hailed the youth of Africa and encourage them to stand up, speak out and take their place in history, by catalysing the change this continent sorely needs.

    “The AUABC remains committed to empowering you and investing in the next generation of ethical leaders. In sync with this imperative, we will strengthen our ongoing and future initiatives to equip more young Africans with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to champion integrity and to promote accountability across the continent.

    “Furthermore, we urgently call upon all stakeholders, including governments, institutions, and citizens at large, to unite with our youth. Let us create permanent and regular spaces for youth empowerment, dialogue, initiative support and nurture a culture where integrity is celebrated.

    “Together, hand in hand with our youth, we can transform Africa’s future, ensuring that honesty, fairness, and accountability  guide our actions and that integrity becomes our hallmark and our enduring legacy!” Senanu said.

  • Igweshi urges AU to fast-track ratification of youth, free movement protocols

    Igweshi urges AU to fast-track ratification of youth, free movement protocols

    In a strategic push to deepen youth participation and strengthen continental integration, Augustine Igweshi, Executive Director of the Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD), DG of the African Transformer Institute (ATI) and Convener of the Youth Model African Union (YMAU) Summit, has urged the African Union (AU) to accelerate the ratification of key youth-focused and mobility frameworks across Member States.

    Igweshi made the call during a high-level meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), where he also presented the African Transformer Magazine, a publication showcasing young Africans driving leadership, innovation, and development across the continent.

    He highlighted three priority areas requiring immediate political action: ratification and implementation of the African Youth Charter; ratification of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in Africa; and domestication of the AU Continental Framework on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS).

    According to him, despite the AU’s strong policy commitments to youth empowerment, slow implementation at the Member State level continues to limit young people’s inclusion, mobility, and socio-economic opportunities.

    “Africa cannot achieve the Africa We Want while young people remain on the margins of decision-making,” Igweshi told the Chairperson. “Ratifying the African Youth Charter and the Free Movement Protocol will unlock opportunities for millions of young Africans and strengthen continental unity, economic integration, and peacebuilding efforts.”

    He noted that the Free Movement Protocol is essential to building a borderless and interconnected Africa, enabling young innovators, entrepreneurs, and peacebuilders to collaborate across borders. 

    He described free movement as “a catalyst for cultural exchange, trade, knowledge transfer, and Pan-African solidarity.”

    On the Youth, Peace and Security Framework, Igweshi called for domestication and operationalization of national action plans, stressing that young people already play a central role in preventing violence, mediating disputes, countering hate speech, and promoting peace education.

    “Young people are not just beneficiaries of peace — they are creators of it,” he added. “With the right legal and policy environment, Africa’s youth can build resilient, peaceful, and prosperous communities.”

    Responding, the AU Chairperson reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to pushing for the ratification of the Youth Charter and the Free Movement Protocol. 

    He commended Igweshi for his dedication to youth empowerment and for providing a strong continental platform through the YMAU Summit, describing it as “a powerful platform for preparing the next generation of African diplomats, policymakers, and transformative leaders.”

    The meeting also discussed deeper collaboration between CEPASD, ATI, and the AU on youth leadership development, peacebuilding, and continental integration initiatives.

    Igweshi reiterated his commitment to advancing the AU’s Agenda 2063 and strengthening youth inclusion in governance, assuring the Chairperson that African youth are ready to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development.

    “We are not waiting for the future — we are building it,” he said. “And we need an Africa that gives its young people the freedom, voice, and tools to lead.”

    The engagement is part of Igweshi’s broader advocacy to ensure that African youths are recognized and empowered as key partners in governance, diplomacy, and development processes across the continent.

  • AU, ACBF, AUDA-NEPAD unveil Africa Think Tank Platform for researchers

    AU, ACBF, AUDA-NEPAD unveil Africa Think Tank Platform for researchers

    In a bid to create a sustainable ecosystem, fostering the agenda 2063 of “Africa We Want”, the African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) and AUDA-NEPAD, is calling for “strong” consortia proposals for its initiative under the Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP).

    The “transformative initiative,” generously funded with $50 million from the World Bank, is expected to elevate African think tanks to become the architects of “cross-border development policy,” according to a press release signed by Fatou Diouf, Head of Communications and Influencing, ACBF.

    The think tanks are expected to apply with 3-5 consortia with “strong proposals” to pursue “policy-relevant research” across the six thematic areas of the African Union.

    The successful applicants will receive a $10 million multi-year funding for two and a half years to support programs aligned with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and regional integration of priorities.

    Speaking at the grand launching of ATTP on Thursday, Samer Al-Samarrai, the Lead Economist at the World Bank, said Africa holds a significant potential, yet at the same time, “faces persistent challenges.”

    According to Al-Samarrai, this necessitates the need for “these opportunities and constraints call for policies that are evidence-based, regionally coordinated and grounded in the Continent’s realities.”

    READ ALSO: FG applauds Owolabi Salis as first Nigerian to travel to space and return

    African think tanks are central to this effort, she added. “They generate homegrown, evidence-based analysis that reflects local contexts and priorities and provide actionable recommendations that are practical and relevant.”

    Africa, as a continent, experiences a significant research deficit. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) data for 2024, the continent contributes just less than one per cent to Africa and global research. 

    The gap in research findings, commonly attributed to inexperienced scholars, poor infrastructure, and low funding, has indirectly contributed to the emergence of many of Africa’s challenges, making them a prevalent plague. 

    There is a need to engage African think tanks in conducting credible research relevant to policy change and the continent’s growth, says Selma Malika Haddadi, the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC.

    “ATTP will support,” Chairperson Haddadi continues, “by enabling high-quality policy research that is responsive to continental priorities and attuned to national contexts.”

    ATTP is expected to contribute to the consolidation of an integrated knowledge ecosystem that enhances the capacity of member states, AU Organs, and regional economic communities to design, monitor, and evaluate transformative interventions.

    In her closing remark, Ms Faten Aggad, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson, says, “ATTP is not simply a project, it is a structural response to a systemic need to elevate African-generated and African-owned evidence as a cornerstone of policymaking.”

    Applications to ATTP are now open, with the proposal submission window closing by 24 September 2025. The award notification is scheduled for 14 November 2025, while the disbursement is expected on 19 December 2025.

  • First Lady pledges greater advocacy for women, youths at AU forum

    First Lady pledges greater advocacy for women, youths at AU forum

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to advocacy, resource mobilisation, and partnerships to close the gender gap and advance women and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

    Mrs. Tinubu spoke at the 29th General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    The Nigerian First Lady emphasised the need for African nations to harness their heritage in shaping a new vision for women’s leadership and rights.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme: Building on Beijing: First Ladies Championing Women’s Leadership and Rights through African Heritage, reflecting on Africa’s values and their role in promoting gender equality.

    “This year marks three decades since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration. The impact of this declaration is evident in the remarkable progress Nigerian women have made, emerging from our villages to big cities and even the world stage,” she said.

    Mrs. Tinubu noted that while women in Nigeria have made long strides in education, health, science, technology, politics, business, and the arts, significant challenges remain, particularly in health, female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, gender-based violence, and girl-child education.

    As a new member of OAFLAD’s Steering Committee, Senator Tinubu pledged to strengthen partnerships that would drive the implementation of the organisation’s 2025-2030 Strategic Framework.

    “As we progress with #WeAreEqualInAction, I am committed to advocacy, resource mobilisation, and fostering partnerships to close the gender gap and boost women and youth empowerment in Nigeria,” she said.

    The First Lady promised to intensify efforts through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to enhance opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.

    Highlighting the key interventions the RHI had embarked upon, she announced that the initiative had procured 60,000 professional kits (comprising scrubs and Crocs) for midwives to support the Federal Government’s retraining of 120,000 health workers.

    Read Also: First Lady elected member of OAFLAD Steering Committee

    Mrs. Tinubu recently distributed 10,000 kits in the Northcentral with other regions set to benefit in the coming months.

    To tackle Nigeria’s high HIV/AIDS burden, the First Lady launched the Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign on January 30 to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis, while improving reproductive health services.

    She announced her plan to partner the Federal Ministry of the Environment to expand environmental awareness programmes in secondary schools and universities, including the re-launch of the Environment Climate Change Club.

    Other speakers at the continental event included Ambassador Minata Samaté Cessouma (African Union), Prof. Senait Fisseha (Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation), and H. E. Winnie Byanyima (UNAIDS), underscoring the urgent need for increased funding and policy action to bridge gender disparities, combat gender-based violence, and secure Africa’s future.

    The 29th OAFLAD General Assembly, attended by 13 First Ladies in person and eight representatives, marks a significant moment in Africa’s journey towards gender equality, building on to the legacy of the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference.

    Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed that true African prosperity would be built on “the foundation of our rich history, vibrant cultures, and the strength of our people, with women and youth playing a pivotal role in shaping our future”.

  • FULL LIST: AU’s top 10 digital technology entrepreneurs who have shaped africa over the last decade

    FULL LIST: AU’s top 10 digital technology entrepreneurs who have shaped africa over the last decade

    The African Union (AU), through its Youth Start-Up Programme, has unveiled a historic list of 10 Digital Technology Entrepreneurs Who Have Shaped Africa between 2015 and 2025, spotlighting innovators transforming the continent across E-Governance, Health Technology, Education Technology, FinTech, Agri-Tech, and Land & Property Verification Systems.

    The announcement was made during the Intra African Trade Summit (IATS) held in Algiers, Algeria, from February 2 to 4, 2025.

    According to the AU, the decade long recognition underscores the transformative role of African entrepreneurs who have built sustainable digital solutions addressing critical sectors from land verification and logistics systems, to telehealth platforms enabling patient-to-doctor video consultations, educational and credential verification tools, financial inclusion systems, and e-governance platforms that promote civic engagement and transparency.

    The AU emphasized that those listed were carefully selected based on four core criteria:
    1. Demonstrated innovation in applying technology to address African challenges.
    2. Socioeconomic impact through job creation, capacity development, and cross sector collaboration.
    3. Sustainability and scalability of their digital solutions within or beyond their regions.
    4. Leadership and inclusion, showcasing both male and female pioneers in the digital technology ecosystem.

    The selection committee reaffirmed that, just as Africa has produced outstanding men in the digital economy, women are equally leading in technological innovation and transformation, a balance visibly represented on this year’s list.

    The 2015 to 2025 List of Digital Technology Entrepreneurs:

    1. Oluwatosin “Mr Eazi” Ajibade: PawaPay ( FinTech), EmPawa Africa (Creative-Tech, Digital Platforms)

    2. Afeez Akinfola Oyinloye: WakaForMe Ride (Logistics Tech); MacTech Global Venture Ltd (SaaS Solutions) — (Mobility & SaaS Innovation)

    3. Tope Omikunle: LogiPro (Agri-Tech & Logistics-Tech); Levy Pal (FinTech Platform) — (Agriculture, FinTech & Smart Transport)

    4. Seun Paul Olatunji: WeVoteYou (E-Governance); EFIKO NG (EdTech, Learning Platform) — (Governance & Digital Education)

    5. Ayoola Adetutu Oniyinde: Cadastra360 (Land & Property e-Registry); MediTrust e-Clinic (Telehealth) — (LandTech & Health Innovation)

    6. Sophia Alj: Chari (B2B E-Commerce / FinTech, Morocco) — (E-Commerce & Financial Inclusion)

    7. Chidozie Felicitas Chiamaka: CredVerify App (Credential Verification); HealthSyn Nigeria (Telehealth Platform) — (Health & Education Technology)

    8. Juliana Rotich: Ushahidi (Civic-Tech); iHub (Innovation Hub) — (Open Data & Civic Engagement)

    9. Ifeoluwa Opeyemi Oladejo: HTreasure Technology (SaaS Solutions); VaultSoft Nigeria (Land Registry Tech) — (Enterprise & Real Estate Technology)

    10. Betelhem Dessie: iCog – Anyone Can Code (EdTech, AI Learning Platform, Ethiopia) — (Artificial Intelligence & Digital Literacy)

    Driving Africa’s Digital Transformation

    The African Union stated that this recognition reflects not just the achievements of individuals but also the continent’s steady march toward a digitally empowered future where technology is a bridge to governance reform, healthcare accessibility, credible education systems, and inclusive economic growth.

    By unveiling these entrepreneurs at the Intra African Trade Summit (IATS 2025), the AU Youth Start-Up Programme reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Africa’s innovators, connecting youth entrepreneurship to continental integration goals outlined in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

    This list, spanning multiple regions like West, East, North, Central, and Southern Africa celebrates both men and women whose innovations continue to redefine Africa’s place in the global digital ecosystem.

    *DISCLAIMER*

    This publication is subject to updates and revisions. Kindly note that the information herein may be modified or expanded over time to reflect new developments.

    JUNE 6, 2025

  • AU, Fed Govt to increase Nigeria’s cattle population

    AU, Fed Govt to increase Nigeria’s cattle population

    The Federal Government and the African Union – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) are collaborating to enhance Nigeria’s cattle population, currently at 20.76 million, while also generating employment opportunities within the livestock sector.

    Presently, Ethiopia leads Africa with a cattle population of 70.3 million.

    Speaking during the opening ceremony of African Pastoral Market Development (APMD)’s  platform Technical Work Planning and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Abuja, yesterday,  Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,  Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi noted that Nigeria has immense potentials for livestock development given its natural endowment in livestock population, suitable/favourable climate and vegetation, and a long standing culture of animal husbandry by pastoralists in the country.

    He said: “Nigeria’s livestock resources include about 21.2 million cattle, 76.3 million goats, 48.6 million sheep. These farm animals greatly contribute to and facilitate the supply of animal protein, foreign exchange, raw materials for agro-allied industries which will ultimately assist to achieve Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

     “Nigeria is a major hub of animal product consumption in West Africa and is the most important market for livestock in the sub- region.

    It is also one of the largest livestock-raising countries in the region. Meeting the ever-increasing domestic demand and access to these flourishing markets are major economic stakes for Nigeria and for the neighboring Sahel countries that raise livestock.”

    He noted however that due to inadequate market information, most smallholder farmers who constitute the majority of the farming populace are unable to take advantage of the prevailing high price for animal agricultural products, thereby allowing the greater part of the profit margin to go to the middlemen.

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     “The pastoralists should form cooperative societies so that they can pool their resources together. This will go a long way in ensuring that they procure inputs like feed, vaccines, drugs etc. together from genuine sources hence better quality at a reduced cost. They could also source for loans from credit institutions under that umbrella. Expectedly, the workshop aims to enhance knowledge and exchange the successful experiences of the pastoral livestock market system in the above stated countries. It is hoped that the benefits of selecting Nigeria as the light house will promote cooperation, income generation and entrepreneurship especially among socially disadvantaged groups including pastoralists, women and youths, thus effectively contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs),” he said.

    The Director, AU-IBAR Dr. Huyam Salih, represented by the APMD Project Coordinator, Prof. Ahmed Eibeltagy, said the platform aims to bolster the livestock sector and safeguard rural incomes derived from meat and livestock products.

    She described the APMD Platform as a beacon of hope for millions of pastoralists, saying: “The launch of the APMD Platform occurs at a pivotal moment, allowing us to address existing challenges. By promoting collaboration and innovation, we can create sustainable growth opportunities. This workshop is a crucial step towards developing strategies that empower pastoral communities and facilitate transformation.”

    She outlined three primary pillars guiding their initiatives: an enabling policy environment, a functional data ecosystem, and private-sector integration. She expressed gratitude to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their financial backing and strategic collaboration, noting that their ongoing investment in the pastoral livestock value chain is both visionary and impactful, helping to tackle significant challenges and foster sustainable economic growth for pastoral communities throughout the region.

     “As Nigeria serves as one of our leading countries, I am optimistic that the insights and success stories shared during this workshop will motivate other nations to join our efforts,” she said.

    APMD Platform Technical Pillar Planning and Stakeholder Engagement workshop brought together experts and key stakeholders from Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon and Chad  to chart a transformative path for Africa’s pastoral communities.

    Nigeria and Kenya have been identified as a “Lighthouse Country,” where the APMD Platform will initially translate strategies into action.

    Six additional Strategic Outreach Countries (SOCs) will benefit from the lessons learned during this phase, in a bid to scale up success across the region.

    “The goal is to foster collaboration among pastoral livestock stakeholders and ensure that pastoralists can access more profitable markets while ensuring food security across Africa,” she added.

  • AU selects Olumide Ajayi to serve on Reference Group

    AU selects Olumide Ajayi to serve on Reference Group

    The African Union (AU) has selected the Executive Director/CEO of the Africa Leadership Foundation, Dr. Olumide A. Ajayi, to serve on its Reference Group.

    The position was advanced in line with Goal 17 of Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 at the 37th Summit of the AU held earlier in the year with to address the high preponderance of gender-based violence perpetrated mainly against women in Africa.

    According to the AU, the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence in conflict situations and harmful practices, will help to bridge the inequality gap between men and women.

    The Reference Group, which is expected to provide advisory and technical support in drafting and negotiating a Convention for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (C-EVAWG) among member states, comprises leading legal and gender experts on the continent.

    The group will provide expertise on the text of the draft convention, including addressing contestations, finding consensus and ensuring compliance/alignment with the AU agreement language on issues under discussion.

    Dr. Ajayi, alongside other well-meaning experts in the development space across Africa, will be steering this group.

    The Reference Group is expected to function until the adoption of the Convention by the Assembly of Heads of States.

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    Dr. Ajayi is a Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) advocate and expert with pedigree.

    As an Advisor and Consultant to a number of African countries, UN agencies and inter-governmental organisations, he has devoted a great amount of professional expertise in the design of performance and accountability framework for some of Africa’s women rights instrument, including the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA) and the Additional Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa generally known as the Maputo Protocol.

    He will bring to the Reference Group his wealth of experience in gender, development, and inclusive governance.

    The Reference Group is the first of its kind in the global setting and the United Nations (UN) is very keen on supporting its formation.

  • AU seeks increase in Nigeria’s livestock population

    AU seeks increase in Nigeria’s livestock population

    African Union (AU) is seeking to increase Nigeria’s 156 livestock million population to boost industry productivity and income of farmers.

    Despite having about 156.31 million ruminants—including cattle, camels, goats, and sheep—Nigeria trails behind Benin Republic, Burkina-Faso, Mauritania, Chad, Niger Republic and Kenya in its livestock-gross domestic product(GDP) contribution.

    There were goals of the continental meeting of African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems Project (RAFFS)  in Nairobi, Kenya.

     The continental meeting wants governments of Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, six African Union member states covered under the project, to make major strides towards improving the local production of milk and beef through alternative feed and fodder systems.

    The high-level meeting by AU-IBAR aims to adopt strategies to counter livestock sector challenges.

    It had delegates from Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, six  African Union Member-States covered under the project.

    The Director, AU-IBAR,Huyam Salih  said the six  countries, including Nigeria, have a population of close to 400 million people who face tremendous challenges that have profound implications for food and nutrition security.

    She stressed that availability of feed is a key factor in ensuring the well-being of livestock, and subsequently, food security, adding that all the six countries have insufficient feed and fodder.

    She said the project aims at raising the incomes of cattlemen and farmers in Nigeria and five other countries by increasing production and improving the quality of livestock.

    As livestock are an important pathway out of poverty for the rural poor, she indicated that it has become critical to strengthen the capacity of livestock keepers to experiment with  fodder technologies to address the high cost of feed, increase  milk yields and the sale of dairy products  for the rural population whose livelihoods largely depend on livestock farming.

    In her presentation, the Project Coordinator, RAFFS, Dr Sarah  Ossiya said feed is an important part of cattle health and has a substantial impact on yield. According to her, increasing poor access to concentrate feed and fodder, as well as poor feeding regimens mean that most cattle are not reaching their highest productivity potential.

     To improve the situation, she indicated that the project has taken up the challenge but specifically focused on Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda and Zimbabwe due to their unique contexts and challenges.

    She wants more   women involved in livestock stock production to drive economic growth and foster resilience in the face of global challenges like climate change, global COVID-19 pandemic and conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

    “We must change the narrative. It is us who decide it and to articulate it,” Dr Sarah  Ossiya said. She stressed the importance of establishing strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing resilience and increasing feed and fodder production.

    At the meeting, Nigeria had notable delegates. These included the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, who was represented the  Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, Dr. Winnie Lai-Solarin, Chairperson of AWARFA-N, Dr. Chinyere Ikechukwu-Eneh and Group Head, Agric Finance and Solid Minerals, Sterling Bank, Olushola Obikanye, among others.

    The  Minister of Agriculture and Food Security told The Nation,  Nigeria was   committed to developing its feed and fodder sector in a bid to promote economic growth and create job opportunities.

    Through the AU-IBAR’s RAFF, the Minister indicated that the  government  has set a strategy to overcome the challenges.

    Read Also: Fed Govt targets $2.5b opportunities in green economy     

    The Minister added that a lot of farmers have been trained in the whole production cycle of fodder crops.

    He also added that the government had introduced strategic interventions such as supporting the introduction of multiplication farms and training farmers in good animal husbandry.

    The Focus Person,AWARFA-N, Dr. Chinyere Ikechukwu-Eneh said  the chapter  was  seeking  to enhance women’s participation and benefits across animal resource value chains, including feed and fodder.

    She believes women could play pivotal roles in livestock production that will contribute to household, and community incomes.

    She said  there  was a need for the intensification of livestock production to meet the increasing demands for livestock products.

    During the meeting experts, government representatives, and stakeholders discussed strategies, investment areas, distilled information from the RAFFS survey and assessments to adopt strategies for a better feed and fodder sector to enhance food and nutrition security.

    Since its rollout in January last year , the RAFFS Project has achieved significant milestones. Key actions include the selection of six core countries (Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe), stakeholder identification, and a continent-wide survey and assessments to understand the status of the feed and fodder sector. The project has closely collaborated with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and other stakeholders to develop reports, integrate findings into the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 4th Biennial Review Report, and endorse urgent actions by the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment.

  • AU gets G-20 permanent member status

    AU gets G-20 permanent member status

    The G-20 has given a permanent membership position to the African Union (AU) to represent the interest of its member-states on the table of the world strongest economies.

    Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who introduced the Chairperson of the AU, Azaly Assoumani, as the newest permanent member, also lamented the infestation of a new global crisis of trust deficit, which has been worsened conflicts.

    He charged world leaders on finding ways to remedy the trust deficit, noting that just as countries across the world worked together to overcome the COVID-19, there is to tackle the menace and all other crises currently facing the world.

    “After COVID-19, a huge crisis of lack of trust has come in the world. Conflict has deepened this trust deficit. Just as we can overcome COVID, we can also overcome this crisis of mutual distrust.

    “Today, as the President of the G-20, India invites the entire world to come together and, first and foremost, transform this Global Trust Deficit into global trust and confidence.

    “This is a time for all of us to walk together, and the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ can become a guiding light for all of us.

    “Whether its a turbulent global economy,

    or the North-South divide, or the distance between East and West, management of food, fuel and fertilizer, or dealing with terrorism and cybersecurity or ensuring health, energy, and water security, we must move towards concrete solutions for these challenges, not just for the present but also for future generations,” he said.

    Speaking about the efforts of India’s G-20 Presidency at unifying cultures and nation’s, Modi said the offering of permanent membership status was part of it.

    “The 21st century is a time that has the potential to give a new direction to the entire world. It’s a time when years old challenges demand new solutions from us. Therefore, we must move forward by fulfilling all our responsibilities with a Human Centric approach.

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    “India’s G-20 presidency has become a symbol of inclusion, both within the country and beyond, representing the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath’.

    “It has become a ‘People’s G-20’. Millions of Indians have engaged with it. Over 200 meetings have been held in more than 60 cities across the country.

    “It was in the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath’ that India proposed permanent membership for the African Union in the G-20. I believe that we all agree on this proposal”, he said.

    “With your consent, before we proceed with further proceedings, I invite the Chairperson of the African Union to take their place as a permanent member of the G-20,” he said.

  • Indian PM proposes G20 slot for AU

    Indian PM proposes G20 slot for AU

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed to make the African Union (AU) a full member of the Group of 20, while also pitching his country as the solution to supply chain woes in advance of the bloc’s summit in New Delhi next month.

    “We have a vision of inclusiveness and with that vision, we have invited the African Union to become permanent members of the G20,” Modi said yesterday as he addressed the Business 20 Summit in New Delhi days before the September 9-10 G20 summit.

    The G20 major economies consist of 19 countries and the European Union (EU), making up about 85 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) and two-thirds of the world’s population – but South Africa is the only member from the continent.

    Read Also: AU saves ECOWAS blushes

    In December, United States President Joe Biden said he wanted the AU “to join the G20 as a permanent member”, adding that it had “been a long time in coming, but it’s going to come”.

    Yesterday, New Delhi also called for including the pan-African bloc, which collectively had a $3 trillion GDP last year.

    As the host of G20 this year, New Delhi has struggled to bridge the differences among its members, particularly on the issue of the Ukraine-Russia war. India has refused to join the West’s policy of isolating Moscow and has instead become the biggest buyer of Russian crude. In its previous meetings, the G20 delegates have failed to issue a single communique raising doubts about the outcome of the September meeting.

    With its headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, the AU has 55 members, but five military-ruled nations are currently suspended.

    Modi also said India was the “solution” to creating an “efficient and trusted global supply chain” following disruptions during the coronavirus pandemic, with New Delhi working to bolster manufacturing to compete with China.

    “The world before COVID-19 and after COVID-19 has changed a lot – the world cannot view the global supply chain as before,” Modi said.

    “That is why today when the world is grappling with this question, I want to assure that the solution to this problem is India.”

    Relations between the world’s two most populous nations nosedived after a deadly Himalayan border clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese servicemen in 2020.

    Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a rare face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of a summit on Thursday, with Beijing saying they held “candid and in-depth” talks to ease tensions along their disputed frontier.

    Washington has been seeking closer ties with New Delhi to counter a rising China – the world’s second-largest economy.

    But India has continued to engage with Russia despite Western pressure and last week attended a summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies that is considered a counterweight to Western powers.

    At its three-day annual summit in Johannesburg last Thursday, the BRICS invited six countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iran – major producers of oil in the world – as its new members. Brazil, South Africa, China and Russia are the other core members of the group.