As we commemorate the 2024 Pan African Women’s Day under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, through the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering women and girls, and upholding their fundamental rights to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

We extend our heartfelt solidarity and recognition to all African women across the continent and in the diaspora. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength, resilience, and leadership of African women in the face of adversity and their pivotal role in shaping the future of our continent.

We continue to honour the legacy of the women who have led and continue to lead struggles for freedom, equality, and justice in Africa. From grassroots activists to policymakers, African Women have been at the forefront of movements advocating for human rights, peace, and sustainable development. Their commitment and contributions have not only transformed communities but have also had a lasting impact on the collective progress of our nations.

Regarding the theme for this year’s celebration, investing in women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for societal progress. By ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and decision-making roles, we have seen tangible benefits such as increased economic productivity, improved health outcomes, and more inclusive governance structures. These are just a few examples of how investing in women paves the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Investing in women through education is crucial to accelerating progress and achieving gender equality. Education empowers women and girls by giving them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.

Within the African Union Agenda 2063 framework, education is a pivotal priority for the continent’s advancement, aligning harmoniously with the African Union’s overarching theme of “Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century.” The agenda strongly emphasizes the significance of providing quality education to all individuals, focusing on girls and women. Through strategic investments in the education of women and girls, States can disrupt cycles of poverty, diminish gender inequalities, and unleash the complete capabilities of their citizenry.

Quality education equips women with the tools to access better opportunities, participate in decision-making processes, and challenge societal norms perpetuating gender inequality. It also significantly improves health outcomes, increases economic empowerment, and fosters community cohesion.

Furthermore, education catalyzes sustainable development, innovation, and progress across various sectors. By ensuring that women have equal access to education at all levels, including STEM fields and vocational training, countries can harness the talents and perspectives of their entire population to drive inclusive growth and development.

Therefore, as part of investing in women and accelerating progress, a strong focus on education is essential to realizing the vision of Agenda 2063 and creating a future where African women are empowered, engaged, and thriving contributors to their societies and economies.

As we celebrate African Women’s achievements, we call on governments, civil society, and all stakeholders to intensify efforts to empower women, safeguard their rights, and ensure their full participation in all aspects of society. The future of Africa is inextricably linked to the empowerment of its women.

Together, through concerted efforts to promote gender equality in education and beyond, we can unlock the full potential of African women, accelerate progress toward a more just and prosperous future, and honor the spirit of empowerment and resilience that defines the African woman.

Hon. Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, Vice-Chairperson and  Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR).

Pan-African multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) will support the establishment of Ammonia and Urea Fertilizer’s (AMUFERT) fertilizer plant in Soyo, Angola with a $1.4 billion financing facility. Afreximbank will act as the lead arranger and financial advisor for the project, with Angolan conglomerate OPAIA Group and state-owned Sonangol P&P Natural Gas (Sonagas) serving as sponsors.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), the voice of the African energy sector, applauds this initiative, which represents a milestone in Africa’s pursuit of energy security and agricultural self-sufficiency. The AEC supports this project as it aligns the common goal of advancing industrialization and sustainable economic growth across the continent. The AEC commends Afreximbank’s critical contribution to structuring the project’s financial framework and recognizes the significant roles played by OPAIA GROUP and Sonagas. OPAIA Goup’s expertise and resources are crucial for the successful implementation of the plant, while Sonangol P&P’s provision of essential resources and technical support underscores the collaborative effort necessary for the project’s success.

Currently, Angola imports over $120 million worth of fertilizers annually to meet local consumption demands. The completion of the AMUFERT plant, with its full production capacity of 3,870 tonnes of fertilizer per day – with production expected to start early 2027 – is expected to dramatically reduce these imports. This move is not only economically beneficial but is also critical for the country’s food sovereignty.

The establishment of the AMUFERT plant is poised to have far-reaching impacts, including job creation, technological advancements and economic diversification. This project is essential for Angola as it aims to address the country’s dependence on imported fertilizers. By establishing a local production facility, the plant will enhance Angola’s agricultural self-sufficiency, reduce import costs and support local farmers with a reliable supply of high-quality fertilizers. This initiative is expected to strengthen the domestic agricultural sector, contribute to food security and boost economic development by creating jobs and fostering technological developments in the region.

“Afreximbank’s $1.4 billion investment in the AMUFERT fertilizer plant is a strategic and transformative move for Angola. This initiative not only addresses critical gaps in agricultural self-sufficiency but also underscores the interconnected role of energy in driving sustainable agricultural development. The involvement of OPAIA GROUP and Sonagas is pivotal to the project’s success and will set a new benchmark for industrial growth and economic resilience in Angola,” Executive Chairman of the AEC NJ Ayuk says.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

On the margins of the West Africa Monetary Agency (WAMA) Statutory meetings in Dakar, Senegal, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje TOURE-LITSE paid a courtesy call on the Hon Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Abdourahmane SAAR.

During the visit, the Commissioner conveyed warm felicitations from the President of the ECOWAS Commission on the Hon Minister’s recent appointment and expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Senegal for their unwavering support towards the regional integration agenda.

The Commissioner also informed the Hon Minister of the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming ECOWAS Convergence Council meeting, which will bring together Ministers in charge of Finance and Central Bank Governors from ECOWAS Member States. She solicited the Hon Minister’s support in ensuring the participation of his colleagues from ECOWAS Member States, with a view to achieving a milestone in strengthening the Multilateral Surveillance Mechanism.

Hon Commissioner reiterated the imperative for ECOWAS Member States to work towards meeting the convergence criteria, emphasizing the significance of this objective in the ECOWAS Monetary Cooperation Program.

In his response, the Hon Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Senegal to the ECOWAS integration programme. He underscored the need for Member States to be encouraged to meet the convergence criteria, in order to meet the timeline enshrined in the roadmap. The Hon Minister reassured the Commissioner that his doors are open to facilitate the smooth implementation of ECOWAS integration initiatives.

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

The Community Development Programme (CDP) organized a virtual meeting on July 23, 2024, with Member States, Commission Departments, and specialized agencies of ECOWAS to launch the CDP revision process. To recall, the CDP was adopted in 2014 by the Conference of Heads of State and Government as an operational tool for ECOWAS Vision 2020. In this regard, the CDP served as the regional counterpart to national development programs within the member countries.

The formulation of the CDP, conducted through a participatory approach with all regional development stakeholders, resulted in its adoption with 230 flagship projects totaling approximately $49 billion, of which 80% of the funding remained to be secured. With the adoption of Vision 2050, it has become necessary to revise the CDP to align it with this new vision.

Dr. Abdoulaye ZONON, the CDP Coordinator, provided an update on the program’s progress as well as the challenges and constraints in its implementation. The meeting allowed representatives from Member States and ECOWAS Commission officials to review and approve the consultant’s work program. Participants emphasized the importance of consulting all stakeholders, including the Commission, Member States, and civil society, to produce a high-quality report.

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