Author: Database of Press Releases related to Africa

GENEVA, Switzerland, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Tunisia’s Ministry of Justice, the Council of Europe and IOM will today (15/4) open a two-day international conference on “The Fight against Human Trafficking: A Multiple Response to a Multi-faceted Challenge”. The event will take place through April 16th at the Golden Tulip, El Mechtel Hotel in Tunis.

Participants will discuss the human trafficking in Tunisia, the Mahgreb and the Western Mediterranean and international measures to combat the problem, including the Council of Europe’s Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. They will also share practical experiences and best practices.

NEW YORK, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, will pay a four-day visit to West Africa.

His tour, which will start tomorrow, will include stops in Senegal, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau.

Mr. Feltman will meet with senior government officials to discuss peace and security issues in West Africa, including the situation in the Sahel region and Guinea.

For his first stop tomorrow, Mr. Feltman will meet in Dakar with the President of Senegal Mr. Macky Sall (Tuesday 15 April 2014 – 11:00). He will also meet with the leadership of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and other UN officials.

In Mauritania, he will meet with the current Chairman of the African Union, President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania, to discuss UN-AU collaboration.

NEW YORK, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is shocked and saddened by the many lives lost today in a bomb attack …

NEW YORK, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu ( Nigeria):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the multip…

OTTAWA, Canada, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement following a deadly bombing on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, that claimed the lives of more than 70 people and left over 100 injured:

“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms this cowardly terrorist attack during rush hour at a busy bus station in Abuja.

“On behalf of all Canadians, we extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the innocent victims of this attack.

“Such brutal acts of terror cannot be allowed to go unpunished. Canada reaffirms its support to Nigeria as it combats terrorism.”

No group has claimed responsibility for this terrorist attack, the first in Abuja since April 2012.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 15, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is deeply shocked and appalled by the bomb attack that took place this morning in the ou…

LONDON, United-Kingdom, April 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Secretary condemns Abuja bomb attack and offers continued UK support for Nigeria.

The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the bomb explosion in the east of Abuja. I unreservedly condemn those responsible and hope they are swiftly brought to justice.

“I offer the British government’s deepest condolences to the bereaved and those who have suffered injury. We will continue to work closely with the Nigerian government to help them tackle the threat from terrorism.”

Notes for Editors

The FCO has updated its travel advice, advising British Nationals to avoid the area concerned: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nigeria

DUBAI, UAE, April 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Leading Businesses, government officials and International businesses converged in Dubai on the 6th and 7th of April for the second investment Summit (http://bit.ly/NEQVuU) hosted by the Somalia Economic Forum.

Event Banner: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/somalia-investment-summit-2014.jpg

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/somalia.jpg

Photo 1: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=992 (Hassan Al Hashimi of Dubai Chamber (Left), H.E Said Ali Korshel (Midle) H.E Ali Ghedi Former PM, Federal Republic of Somalia)

Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=993

Photo 3: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=994

The federal Government of Somalia was represented by H.E Said Ali Korshel, Who is the minister of Transport and Civil aviation, H.E Yusuf Moallim Amin, Minister of ports and Marine Transport and former Prime Minister of Somalia H.E Ali Ghedi.

In reassuring the business community, H.E Korshel said, “Rebuilding the State of Somalia is our key priority and investment is what our country needs, this summit shows that Somalia is getting back to its normality”.

In his keynote address, Mr Hassan Al Hashimi, Vice President Dubai Chambers of Commerce highlighted the role of Dubai as a gateway to Africa and the annual Africa Global Business forum was an indication of the importance of Dubai to Africa. On Somalia Mr Al Hashimi stressed that the long standing bilateral relation between Somalia and Dubai. In 2013 trade between the two countries was up to $1.3 Billion and further security stability in Somalia will see an increase in this. Mr Al Hashmi said Dubai was home to many successful Somalia Businesses whose contribution to the society was invaluable.

The summit attracted the attention of International Governments with the United States Sending their Embassy Staffers from Nairobi whilst Sweden sent their Diplomats from Dubai and Nairobi.

Hassan Dudde, MD Somali Economic Forum in an interview spoke of his organisation’s commitment to driving Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Somalia, the summit was a clear indication of these efforts. Mr Dudde said that over 70 firms attended the forum and was quite pleased to see the level of interaction that took place at the summit.

Somalia Businesses in one accord voiced concern over security, urging governments to honour part of their agreement. Investing in general infrastructure as well as ensuring security stability throughout the country.

Legal practitioners from Hogan Lovells and Anjawalla and Khana spoke of the importance of a clear legal framework as a driver to Investment.

‘Investors need to know where and how to invest, when to take out their money and who to go to if there is a dispute’ Africa must become better in establishing this clarity. Mohamed Elgatit – Hogan Lovells Stated.

The summit highlighted potential in Somalia’s Infrastructure sector, Agriculture, Energy as well as Telecom.

Mr Samer Khalaf, Director for Africa and Middle East at the Russian Gazprombank was very pleased to have attended the summit. ‘There is certainly an interest for Somalia from Gazprombank, we are on the ground working on due diligence before getting to the real work”.

PTA bank, the Trade and Development Bank of Eastern and Southern Africa (PTA Bank) is a treaty-based regional institution, announced of the recent lifting of sanction against Somalia. A clear indication of the bank’s commitment to the region and especially in Somalia’s Stability.

Somalia’s finance sector is very lucrative, the interest shown by the financial institutions represented at the summit.

Dahabshiil Bank Ceo , Mr Hirsi Dirir indicated plans to open up banks in Somalia and Nairobi, other institutions were Chase Bank, IBS and the recently launched micro finance bank targeting rural farmers, traders and fishing community in Somalia , Barwaqo Bank.

The summit concluded by calling the Government to play its role in providing security and infrastructure and from the Government, the minister reassured the business community that efforts were being done to ensure security of investment.

The Government stressed that the Investment regulation would ensure the overall benefit of Somalis as well as Investors.

There was a rallying call too from the Government for 3rd Investment Summit scheduled for next year to be hosted in Mogadishu.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Somali Economic Forum.

Media contact:

Hassan Dudde

admin@somalieconomicforum.org

CAIRO, Egypt, April 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ —

• Philips’ fifth Cairo to Cape Town roadshow contributes to ambitions to significantly expand its business footprint on the continent

• Focus on the UN Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 as well as the post-2015 Development agenda; maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases and energy efficient LED lighting

• 21st century LED technology to highlight iconic city monuments

Royal Philips (http://www.philips.com) (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) announces its fifth consecutive pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow (http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow) (from 14 April to 3 September 2014) continuing to focus on key challenges facing Africa today – the need for energy-efficient lighting and the revitalization of African healthcare infrastructure.

Logo Philips: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/philips-1.jpg

Download the bannere: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/bannere.jpg

Download the infographic: http://www.apo-mail.org/140414.pdf

Photo 1: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/140320-1.png (JJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President & CEO Philips Africa)

Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=990 (Solar street lighting – Ghana)

Photo 3: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=989 (World first game of soccer under solar lightin Nairobi – Kenya)

Photo 4: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=988 (Ghana – Clinical Trainings – Ridge Hospital)

Photo 5: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=987 (Ghana – Clinical Trainings – Ridge Hospital)

With an Africa-relevant product portfolio and a strong historical presence on the continent, Philips is committed to significantly expand its business footprint in Africa in the coming years and enhance life in Africa with meaningful innovations. The annual pan-African Cairo to Cape Town roadshow is an important vehicle in Philips’ approach to enhance understanding of local needs and growing the market.

“As investment demand continues to grow in most of Africa (1), we are very positive about expanding our business footprint on the continent. In the past decade (2), 6 of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world were in Africa; Philips is therefore aiming for double digit growth in the coming years”, states JJ van Dongen, Senior Vice President and CEO Philips Africa. “Local entrepreneurship and talent development continue to be key in addressing the complexities of the African market and in developing locally relevant innovations that meet the needs of Africa’s growing middle class.”

Focus on Post-2015 Development Agenda and non-communicable diseases

Philips remains consistently committed to reducing child mortality and improving maternal health, linked to the current UN Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 (MDGs) (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals). In contribution to the Post-2015 Development Agenda (http://www.post2015hlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/UN-Report.pdf), Philips calls for improving universal access to healthcare and reducing the double-disease burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as additions to the current MDGs.

Figures from Philips’ latest Fabric of Africa Trends Report (http://philips.to/1e7oYBe) show that in 2008, nearly three million African deaths were attributable to preventable or treatable NCDs. That figure will rise by more than 25 percent in the next decade. This year’s roadshow will have an increased focus on non-communicable diseases in addition to Mother and Child care.

21st century technology to highlight iconic city monuments

Next to healthcare solutions, Philips will introduce its latest LED and solar innovations during the roadshow. More than 600 million people in Africa currently have no access to electricity; Philips’ off-grid LED solar powered solutions illuminate the most remote areas and provide energy-efficient lighting. Philips has committed to installing 100 “light centers” to off-grid communities by 2015, over a third of these “light centers” have already been installed and more will be inaugurated during the upcoming roadshow.

Additionally, Philips has committed to lighting up and illuminating one iconic monument in every city visited during the roadshow with the latest LED technology. As the number one lighting company in the world, Philips has transformed iconic city landmarks around the globe and will now provide a stunning lighting makeover of historic, well-recognized monuments in African cities.

Scaling innovations in technology and education

Research and innovation are central to Philips’ activities in Africa. The recently launched Philips Africa Innovation Hub (http://philips.to/P05GIq) in Nairobi, Kenya, will be the center for developing innovations “in Africa-for Africa”. To increase the impact of newly developed solutions, Philips continues to combine the introduction of new innovations with dedicated focus on clinical education and training. Since 2011 Philips has trained over 2,500 healthcare professionals during the Cairo to Cape Town roadshow and clinical education and healthcare training continues to remain a priority.

Addressing aspirational needs of the African consumer

Philips’ consumer lifestyle portfolio, through innovation and localization, will focus on the continent’s desire for healthier cooking as well as beauty and grooming solutions by introducing new products to meet the aspirational needs of the rising middle class in Africa.

Cairo to Cape Town Roadshow 2014

The roadshow brings together key stakeholders including governments, NGO’s, professional associations, and research institutions to exchange best practices, collaborate and develop public-private partnerships aimed at addressing key challenges in Africa.

“We have been in Africa for many years and have a strong installed base of our equipment, but we strongly acknowledge the benefits of dialogue during this roadshow and the need for our company to listen to the local market and understand how we can adapt our products to better serve this continent”, summarizes JJ van Dongen.

The roadshow kicks-off in Cairo on 14th April 2014 and will make its next stop in Algiers on 12th May, and concludes in Cape Town on 3rd September.

For more information please follow the Cairo to Cape Town roadshow on: http://www.philips.com/africaroadshow

(1) International Monetary Fund (IMF) – Regional Economic Outlook : Sub-Saharan African. http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/reo/2013/afr/eng/sreo1013.pdf

(2) The Post-2015 Development Agenda : A new global partnership: Eradicate Poverty and Transform Economies through Sustainable Development – http://www.post2015hlp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/UN-Report.pdf (page 46)

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Royal Philips.

For further information, please contact:

Radhika Choksey

Philips Group Communications – Africa

Tel: +31 62525 9000

E-mail: radhika.choksey@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (http://www.philips.com) (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 115,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.

OSLO, Norway, April 14, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — “South Sudan is experiencing a humanitarian crisis as a result of the armed conflict in the country. We cannot simply stand by and watch this happen. In response to a request from the UN, Norway will hold a conference in Oslo in May to mobilise resources for alleviating this serious crisis,” says Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.

The situation in South Sudan is extremely serious. More than a million people have fled their homes. Almost 300 000 of them are refugees in neighbouring countries. Four million people are in need of food, and this figure will increase dramatically unless extensive emergency relief is made available. Only 30 % of the required humanitarian aid has been pledged so far. Norway has been engaged in what is now South Sudan for many decades.

“The international community must respond far more actively to this crisis. Money is needed, and it is needed now. This conference will be important for raising awareness of the situation, mobilising more resources to alleviate the crisis, and emphasising our shared responsibility to respond. So far, Norway has allocated NOK 100 million to South Sudan for humanitarian purposes. We will also restructure Norwegian aid in order to be better able to meet the humanitarian needs in South Sudan,” says Mr Brende.