The Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is organizing an Engagement with Political Parties to Promote Participatory and Inclusive Electoral Process in Ghana from 17 to 20 September 2024. This Engagement is part of ECOWAS’ support to accompany Ghanaians in their determination to consolidate on the country’s democratic credentials as the country prepares to hold its ninth successive elections on 7th December 2024.

The Engagement, which adopts an innovative and fit-for-purpose approach aims to reinforce the capacity of political parties’ officials on democratic values, peaceful and inclusive electoral processes, campaign/political party finance and electoral integrity as a measure to deepen their role in consolidating democratic gains in Ghana. The Engagement avails political parties and other stakeholders to reflect and share their experiences on how they have fared on evolving electoral issues and agreed among themselves on the best way to address these challenges as electoral events unfold.

Delivering his Opening statement at the Engagement, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, represented by Mr. Ebenezer Ofosu Asiedu, Head of Democracy and Good Governance encouraged political parties to continue conducting their activities in a manner that support peaceful and credible electoral process, as Ghana remains a model of thriving democracy in ECOWAS region. He further reiterates ECOWAS’ firm commitment and readiness to accompany Ghana in ensuring that the forthcoming polls are inclusive, credible and transparent.

Representatives of major political parties, including the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Peoples National Party (PNP), Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Progressive People’s Party (PPP) are attending the Engagement. Also in attendance at the Engagement are representatives from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Judicial Service Commission, Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Media houses and Civil Society Organizations.

The ECOWAS Commission will also facilitate similar engagement with Media practitioners and CSO actors from 24 – 27 September to enhance their capacities on countering fake news, misinformation, disinformation and inciting statements during the electoral period.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The upsurge of mpox in a number of countries in the region highlights the need for vigilance and response to emerging disease threats. This week USAID provided support for the World Health Organization to procure two kits (96 tests each) of advanced polymerase chain reaction tests to aid mpox detection.  This is in addition to the previous provision on September 1 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of one kit with 96 tests.  These kits equip the South Sudan National Public Health Laboratory with essential tools to rapidly test and enhance detection of the virus.  To date, these kits have enabled South Sudan to perform 74 tests, of which all have been negative.

USAID Acting Mission Director Yohannes Araya emphasized, “The U.S. is committed to global health security and improving the health of the people of South Sudan. We are pleased to deliver these important testing supplies to halt the spread of mpox in the region.”

In 2023, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), delivered a first tranche of $5 million for infectious disease surveillance and response as part of a comprehensive strategy to build Global Health Security.  In 2024, the U.S. contribution to outbreak prevention, detection and response increased to $7 million.   As we continue to provide this assistance, we call upon the transitional government to increase its use of public revenue to support the health sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in South Sudan.

The EAC Secretary General, H.E. Veronica M. Nduva, held a meeting with the Chairperson of the Summit of the EAC Heads of State and President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, at State House, Juba, South Sudan.

During the meeting, the Secretary General updated President Kiir on the preparations for the upcoming EAC Silver Jubilee celebrations, to commemorate the milestones made in the last 25 years and providing a platform to address issues hampering integration.

The Secretary General updated the Chairperson of the Summit on the proposed agenda items for the EAC Heads of State Ordinary Summit scheduled for November 2024.

They further discussed the necessity for a comprehensive review of the Treaty establishing the EAC to ensure it continues to meet the needs of all Partner States. This review aims at ensuring that the Treaty addresses the evolving challenges and aspirations of the EAC Partner states, thereby enhancing regional cooperation and integration.

To enhance EAC’s collaborative efforts, the Secretary General proposed the establishment of a regional Tripartite Forum on Peace and Security, which would provide a platform to address shared security challenges and promote regional stability.

On his part, President Kiir reaffirmed his commitment to the EAC integration and urged the Secretary General to strategically devise strategies that will further enhance the integration of South Sudan into the Community.

The President further directed the Secretary General to put in place mechanisms to increase South Sudan’s level of participation in intra-regional trade in addition to initiatives that will enable the people of South Sudan to fully capitalize on the benefits of the Community.

President Kiir commended the current close collaboration between EAC Organs and Institutions as a clear commitment towards achieving the objectives of the Community. 

H.E. Nduva stressed the urgency of operationalising the Nimule-Elego border crossing with Uganda, a critical step for enhancing regional connectivity and trade, adding that fully operationalising this border would facilitate the movement of goods and people, thereby boosting South Sudan’s economic engagement in the EAC.

Additionally, she urged South Sudan to prioritise the domestication of the EAC Customs Union Management Act to align its customs operations with EAC standards and improve trade relations with other Partner States.

They further discussed on the full operationalization of the One Network Area in South Sudan to lower communication costs and enhance connectivity among EAC nations.

They also discussed the need for South Sudan Parliament to pass legislation to domesticate the EAC Treaty Bill, ensuring that citizens can fully benefit from regional integration. This legislative action is critical for embedding the principles of the EAC within South Sudan’s legal framework, enabling citizens to realize the benefits of integration.

The Secretary General conveyed her deepest condolences to the President following the loss of his elder sister last night and expressed her appreciation for His Excellency finding time to engage the EAC delegation during this difficult period.

A meeting between the EAC delegation and the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, and South Sudan’s Minister of EAC Affairs, Hon. Deng Alor Kuol preceded the courtesy call on the Head of State. Hon. Alor was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Coordinating Committee and Undersecretary at the Ministry of EAC Affairs Hon. Beny

H.E. Nduva was accompanied by the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, and the Counsel to the Community, Dr. Anthony Kafumbe.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community.

Businesses say the lack of clarity around ESG and AI regulation is a key challenge to realising the benefits of technology and innovation; Despite recognising the business opportunity with AI, as firms opt to bring in suppliers rather than recruiting in-house specialists, they may be left without the internal talent – risking falling behind the curve in the future. 

New survey data from global law firm, DLA Piper, has shown that the Financial Services (FS) sector is calling out for clearer and proportionate regulations surrounding AI and ESG to help them realise the benefits these trends offer.  

In its global report – Financial Futures: Disruption in global financial services (https://apo-opa.co/3zhzr4e), published today, the firm found that eight in ten respondents are optimistic about future industry growth prospects for  the financial services industry. UK and US organisations reported the highest confidence (93% and 90% respectively) with Africa remaining more cautious (50%). 

Amongst organisation types, the research finds that banks are the most optimistic (88%), with optimism being driven by digitalisation and advancements in technology. Respondents from global FinTechs however, are feeling the least positive (72%).  

The high levels of optimism are being attributed to advancements in technology (71%), the launch of new products and services to drive growth (55%) and changing consumer and investor behaviours (38%).  

However, clarity and a proportionate approach is key as 58% of respondents cite regulation complexity around technology as a key challenge globally, and nearly three quarters (73%) go on to say that current regulations stifle innovation efforts.  

For those looking at other locations for optimal conditions for growth , the US is seen as the most attractive market (35%), followed by the EU (24%). South African and Middle Eastern respondents are the most optimistic for the positive impact AI will bring (72%, and 64% respectively), highlighting an appetite for investment, despite apparent lower levels of confidence in the local market.  

AI and Digitalisation will transform the financial services sector, but businesses need a plan  
Whilst the majority of respondents (86%) believe that AI will transform the sector, half (53%) see AI as one of their main challenges- even so, only four in ten (both 39%) are committed to hiring experts in the field of AI and imposing governance /oversight structures to maximise the related opportunities;  and half of the companies surveyed lack in-house specialists and are opting to work with specialist subcontractors.  

Without this internal talent, businesses risk falling behind the curve in the future. 

Ethical AI concerns are highly documented, yet only 56% of the organisations surveyed are developing ethical frameworks to guide their efforts. Without an ethical framework in place, businesses put themselves at risk of not meeting stakeholder, customer and board demands around AI deployments. It is vital for businesses to have a clear plan and direction in place before they start their AI journey.  

Despite not having frameworks to use, businesses report a clear understanding of the benefits AI can offer, such as managing regulatory compliance (63%); followed by fraud detection and prevention (62%). A fifth (21%) of businesses are worried about compliance issues as they look to manage the cyber security and data protection risks associated with AI.  

The importance of ESG cannot be understated  
As businesses grapple with changing ESG regulations across multiple jurisdictions, nearly (46%) half of businesses globally have ambitions to position themselves as a leader and innovator on sustainability and ESG.   

The appetite to drive ESG agendas forward is clear, but businesses report concerns on achieving their goals – over half of respondents (56%) would like to see more ESG regulation to support them in meeting their objectives, and 43%% want to understand the current regulations better.   

Businesses seem clear on the ESG challenges they need to navigate, with half stating that the reputational risk of ESG positioning is their biggest challenge, followed by integration of ESG throughout the business (47%). Businesses also ranked accurate reporting as a challenge which they are struggling to address. 

The negative external reputational risk of not complying with and need to comply with regulations are the biggest drivers for firms to engage in ESG activities (70% and 52% respectively). However, pressure from shareholders and senior management ranked lowest at 36% and 34% respectively.  

As the sector engages with ESG activities, almost 6 in ten (57%) plan to develop new ESG-focused products and services, and half are developing new technologies, yet staff development and training to optimise ESG efforts remains low on the agenda (17%).  

Almost half of the sector has ambitions to position their business as an ESG leader, whilst a third (34%) plan to replicate successful approaches by their peers. Not all organisations are so proactive – A fifth (19%) will wait until stakeholders and customers demand an approach, before making any decision. 

Mark Dwyer  Global Co-Chair of the firm’s Financial Services sector group at DLA Piper commented: “While our survey shows a high level of optimism within the financial services sector, our research reveals a need for FS organisations to go further in planning around resourcing and regulatory horizon scanning in order to navigate the opportunities that AI and other new technologies offer. 

“It is clear that ESG factors are driving changes to activity in financial markets; from financing the enormous capital requirements for transition, to ensuring accurate reporting of environmental, social and governance metrics to facilitate choice for investors and supervision and stress-testing by regulators. It is therefore vital that leaders take note of the challenges and opportunities presented by ESG and define a clear plan. Both ESG and innovation will be key to business success long into the future.” 

Johannes Gouws, Country Managing Partner, DLA Piper South Africa added: “In light of the challenges our report identifies, financial services organisations are placing a higher focus on horizon scanning, as well as mapping out global regulatory implications. Balancing adequate and over-regulation in developing markets is always challenging. However, it is crucial for regulations in African markets to keep pace with international developments in order to limit regulatory arbitrage and protect the sector’s integrity. Proportionate regulation in the sector is key, and can be a competitive advantage in attracting business and investment. With DLA Piper’s pan-African and global reach, we can help clients to simplify their cross-border challenges whilst supporting their resilience in the face of constantly changing risks.”  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DLA Piper.

Notes to editors: 
DLA Piper commissioned Coleman Parkes Research to canvass views of key decision-makers in global financial services organisations across the EMEA and APAC regions and North America. Nearly 800 interviews were conducted online in March and April 2024 with executives in key businesses across banking, funds and fund managers, fintech and financial services market infrastructure firms with revenues from USD1 million.  

Contact:
Suraj Mashru
Senior PR Manager (UK&International), DLA Piper
+44 (0) 207 153 2617
Suraj.Mashru@dlapiper.com 

About DLA Piper 
DLA Piper is a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services (https://apo-opa.co/3MPSGou). With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific (https://apo-opa.co/4dczEU6), we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.  

Every day we help trailblazing organizations seize business opportunities and successfully manage growth and change at speed. Through our pro bono (https://apo-opa.co/3BkLxde) and sustainability (https://apo-opa.co/4djCiHE) work, we support communities around the world and help create a more just and sustainable future. Visit www.DLAPiper.com to discover more.