The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Capricorn Foundation and the University of Namibia (UNAM), recently conducted a three-day transformative hands-on training on value addition in the Hardap Region of Namibia.

The training brought together 45 participants, including youth and women from farmsteads in Stampriet, Schlip, Bernafay, and Maltahöhe, who acquired new skills in food preservation and processing. The  smallholder farmers converted locally grown food such as carrots, tomatoes, and beetroot into value-added products such as carrot juice, beetroot juice, pickled beetroot, vacuum-packed sliced carrots, and tomato paste. 

“Growing food for everyday consumption is a necessity, but we need to look beyond the everyday,” said Tiwonge Machiwenyika, WFP Country Director Officer in Charge (OIC).  “Value addition is essential to ensure that the production of food not only enables consumption but also enables farmers to create sustainable livelihoods from the food they produce.” 

Themed “Promoting Nutrition-Sensitive and Sustainable Food Processing through Value Addition to Reduce Post-Harvest Loss and Food Waste,” the training aimed to enhance farmers capacity to increase and diversify their incomes while connecting them to market actors. Participants received value addition equipment, such as solar dryers and agricultural input to boost on-farm productivity and the usage of skills in a sustainable way. 

WFP and Capricorn Foundation have partnered since 2022 on ensuring food and nutrition security through reducing food waste and improving the nutritional value of food.

“Food loss and waste as well as the inadequate access to food, resulting in malnutrition, remains a great concern in Namibia,” said Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation. These are challenges that the Capricorn Foundation aims to address alongside like-minded organisations and as connectors of positive change, we are proud of our partnership with the World Food Programme.” 

The training is part of a larger effort by WFP and UNAM, which has reached over 600 smallholder famers from Zambezi, Oshana, and Oshikoto regions in 2023 with value addition and food preservation training. During this intake, participants were capacitated by GS1 Namibia on food safety, market access and product commercialization strategies, including branding, barcoding, and market research.

“At the University of Namibia, we are deeply committed to empowering our communities with practical skills that foster food security, self-reliance and drive social progress,” said Prof. Kenneth Matengu, Vice Chancellor at UNAM. “This training exemplifies the kind of impact and value we can offer our communities when academic knowledge is paired with strategic partnerships.”    

This multi-stakeholder collaborative effort represents WFP’s ongoing commitment to improving food systems value chains in Namibia, contributing to improved lives, livelihoods, skills development, and national food security. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

From August 14 to 16, Lord Collins of Highbury, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa, made his inaugural visit to Africa, marking a significant step in strengthening UK-Angola relations.

During his visit, Lord Collins met with President João Lourenço to discuss Angola’s pivotal role in mediating peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The UK acknowledges and supports Angola’s efforts in conflict resolution in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Lord Collins also engaged with key ministers, including Finance Minister Vera Daves and Transport Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu, to highlight the UK’s commitment to trade, growth and addressing climate and sustainability challenges. His visit to the Province of Huambo included a meeting with Governor Pereira Alfredo, where he witnessed the impactful demining work of The HALO Trust, funded by the UK and Angola.

In the Province of Benguela, Lord Collins met with the Vice Governor for Technical Services and Infrastructure, Adilson Gonçalves to gain insights into the Lobito Corridor, further emphasizing the UK’s support for regional development initiatives.

Expressing optimism about the future of the UK-Angola partnership, Lord Collins stated:

“This was my first visit to Angola and Africa since my appointment, and I am delighted to be here at such an exciting time for the UK-Angolan partnership. Meeting President Lourenço and other key leaders has reinforced our shared commitment to regional stability and development.”

“I visited Huambo to understand more about the Lobito Corridor and how it will improve cross-border economic activity across the region. During my visit, I also saw how UK funding is having a positive impact on demining efforts in the country, thanks to the fantastic work of The HALO Trust, transforming land for growth.”

“I look forward to seeing the UK and Angola partnership continue to thrive and improve outcomes that benefit all of us.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of British Embassy Luanda.

Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among visited the home of the former Speaker, late Jacob Oulanyah, in Omoro District and laid a wreath on his grave.  

Among made the visit on Tuesday, 27 August 2024 accompanied by Government Chief Whip,Hon. Hamson Obua, Commissioner Solomon Silwany, Kilak North MP Hon. Anthony Akol, Tochi County MP Peter Oko and, Omoro District Woman Representative, Hon. Catherine Lamwaka.

The area MP and son of the late, Hon.  Andrew Ojok Oulanyah was also present.

A brief prayer session was led by Bishop Emeritus of Northern Uganda Johnson Gakumba, who read from Proverbs 3:5-6, urging Speaker Among to continue trusting in the Lord and acknowledging him in all her endeavours.

“Do not forget how God has lifted you from one level to another. Continue to trust in Him, and do not lean on your own understanding, but in all your ways, acknowledge Him,” Bishop Gakumba advised. 

He expressed confidence that God, who called Speaker Among to serve, would help her fulfil her duties successfully.

AUDIO Bishop Gakumba

Nathan Okori, the late Oulanyah’s father praised Parliament and the government for their support since his son’s passing. However, he noted that the house and projects Oulanyah had been working on have stalled since his death and appealed to the government for assistance in completing them.

Speaker Among assured the family that the government and Parliament remain committed to supporting them. She pledged that during the regional sitting in Gulu, the issue of completing the late Speaker’s house would be addressed.

“We promised to support the family, and I hope we have not disappointed. We have ensured that Oulanyah’s children have access to education and employment,” she said.

The Speaker also emphasised the significance of the upcoming regional sitting in Gulu, stating that it would not only boost the local economy but also highlight important regional issues.

“The sitting in Gulu, like all our sittings, follows the law. Parliament is not just a building in Kampala; we can convene anywhere in this country. Bringing Parliament to Gulu is an opportunity for the region to benefit from hosting it,” she added.

AUDIO Speaker Among

She added that the sitting also offers members of Parliament and staff, many of whom have never been to Gulu, a chance to explore the region and contribute to its development.

“We are elected by the people, and it is only right that we bring Parliament closer to them. Those who may choose to boycott will not stop this from happening,” she asserted.

Parliament’s first regional sitting in Gulu is scheduled for Wednesday, 28 August to Friday, 30 August, 2024. 

The session aims to bring Parliament closer to the people, with subsequent sittings planned for the East, West, and Central regions.

 The Gulu session will be held at Kaunda Grounds, focusing on the northern region’s concerns.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

President Ramkalawan formally accepted the credentials of H.E. Mr. Filali Ghouini, the newly appointed Ambassador of Algeria to Seychelles, during a ceremony at State House this morning. Ambassador Ghouini succeeds H.E. Mr. Bafdal Mokaddem, whose tenure ended on October 31, 2023.

President Ramkalawan congratulated Ambassador Ghouini on his accreditation and warmly welcomed him to Seychelles. The President expressed deep appreciation for the strong cooperation between Seychelles and Algeria.

During their meeting, Ambassador Ghouini conveyed greetings from the Algerian President, H.E. Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to the President and people of Seychelles. The discussion centered on further strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation, including cultural exchanges, education, health, sports, and business investment.

Following the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Ghouini paid a courtesy call to Vice President Ahmed Afif.

The ceremony was also attended by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivienne Fock-Tave, Director General of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Ms. Lindy Ernesta and Third Secretary of the Bilateral Affairs Division, Mr. Davis Mathiot.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.