Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided agricultural equipment support to farmers operating in village cooperatives affiliated with the Municipality of Birni N’Gaouré in the Dosso region, one of the areas with the most intensive agricultural production in Niger.

As natural factors such as recent droughts and global warming have reduced agricultural production in Niger, policies aimed at strengthening the agricultural infrastructure of the country have grown in importance. The Nigerien government has prioritized industrializing agricultural production processes and supporting innovative technologies.

On the other hand, in the country, where access to agricultural technologies and mechanisation opportunities is limited, planting, harvesting and tillage activities are still mostly carried out using animal power or manual labor.

TİKA Stands With Nigerien Farmers

TİKA supports agricultural activities in Niger, one of the countries most affected by the negative effects of climate change.

TİKA provided agricultural equipment such as hand tractors and manual seed drills to farmers operating in the village cooperatives of Anniya, Yobbi, Etti, Gomni and Sourou in the Municipality of Birni N’Gaouré in the Dosso region, one of the regions with the most intensive agricultural production.

A total of 10 hand tractors and 20 manual seed drills and plows were distributed to farmers for use in agricultural processes.

Practical training on the use of the machinery was provided to the cooperative authorities to increase productivity. Nearly 200 families are anticipated to benefit from this project.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Uganda has plans to open a resident Diplomatic Mission in the Republic of Korea to ensure Uganda achieves maximum benefits from the relations between the two nations, Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has revealed during a bi-lateral meeting with Hon. Chung Byung-won, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea on the sidelines of the Ministerial meeting of the first Korea-Africa Summit held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea in Seoul, on 2 nd June 2024. The Summit which comes in the wake of the 7th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference, in September 2023, will run from 4-5 th June 2024, under the theme “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity.” Uganda’s delegation, led by H.E. the Vice President, Jessica Alupo includes Minister of Finance, Hon. Matia Kasaija, ICT, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Science, Technology and innovation, Hon. Monica Jane Musenero Masanza, State for Works, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru and Hon. Davinia Esther Anyakun, Minister of State for Gender, Labor and Social Development in charge of employment and Industrial Relations and Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fred Opolot. Speaking from Seoul, Hon. Okello revealed that among the topics up for discussion are collaborative solutions for sustainable development, with a focus on tackling global challenges such as climate change, food security, supply chain stability, and health security.

“These issues are critical for Africa’s development and we all look forward to seeing their effective implementation,” he said. Against the backdrop of ten (10) existing MoUs between Uganda and Korea, Hon. Okello said that an additional two would be signed during the Summit, including a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework Agreement and another in Loan Financing. Such a framework provides the Korean Investors predictability and stability in the cooperation that serves also as a channel to resolve difficulties faced by companies of the two nations investing and advancing into each other’s markets. “We look forward to the additional signing of an MOU between our two ministers of Finance from Korea and Uganda on the Summit sidelines under which South Korea will increase its concessional loan commitment to Uganda from USD 34-US$500 million for the period 2024-2028” said Okello, adding that Uganda will, in addition, submit a raft of Bankable projects to be considered for funding by Korea in the area of Infrastructure and Energy. Thanking the delegation of Uganda for responding positively to the invitation to the Summit, Deputy Foreign Minister Chung said Korea considers Uganda a valued and key strategic partner and the Summit was going to lay a strong foundation for stronger cooperation and partnership. “Korea is focusing on capacity building programmes aimed at extending technology transfers and building required skills, manufacturing capacities for Uganda’s industrial growth and development and also sharing of expertise and knowledge,” said Chung.

On the sidelines of the summit, there will be a series of conference sessions across a wide range of topics, including business, agriculture, ICT, forestry and desertification, vaccine and health security, tourism, infrastructure among others aimed at creating partnerships between Korea and Africa. On 5th June a Business Summit will be held at Lotte Hotel Seoul and will focus on two topics: (a) Industrialization and Trade promotion and (b) Infrastructure enhancement and job creation. The Uganda delegation will participate in the following side events: (i) Korea-Africa Tourism Forum (ii) Korea- Africa Future Partnership Conference (KOICA) (iii) The Korean –Africa Health Partnership (iv) Korea-Africa Infrastructure Forum, (v) Enhancing Vaccine access and Health Security in Africa, (vi) The 10th Global ICT Leadership Forum, and (vii) Korea Africa Youth Startup Forum. In attendance at the bi-lateral foreign ministers meeting was Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, also accredited to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Amb. Kaahwa Tophace and Amb. Elly Kamahungye, Ag. Director Regional and International Economic Affairs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan is currently leading the Seychelles delegation at the Korea-Africa Summit taking place at Kintex, Ilsan Province in South-Korea.

The Summit was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol during which he extended a warm welcome to all the African leaders and delegates participating in this important conference hosted by South Korea.

Amongst the various African leaders who addressed the conference during the Heads of State Plenary segment in the morning, President Ramkalawan described this inaugural Korea-Africa Summit as a significant milestone signaling the dawn of new opportunities for strategic collaboration and prosperity.

Speaking at the summit, President Ramkalawan highlighted the various challenges affecting the African continent and stressed on how these can only be addressed through the collective collaboration and strategic partnerships. 

“In addressing the complex challenges of our times, such as climate crisis, transnational crime, and conflicts, it is evident that no single nation can address these issues in isolation. The theme of our Summit, “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity” resonates deeply with the vision outlined in Agenda 2063 for Seychelles and the entire African continent. It emphasises the urgent need for collective action to foster mutual economic growth and realise our shared aspirations as equal partners.

The potential for a transformative partnership between Africa and Korea is palpable, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. By leveraging our respective strengths and synergies, we have the opportunity to catalyse positive change not only within our regions but also on a global scale” stressed President Ramkalawan. 

The President emphasized on the critical importance of the combined partnership for growth potentials that exist through the Korea-African enhanced relations. “Central to our discussions lies the imperative of inclusive growth. Korea’s technological prowess, coupled with Africa’s youthful demographic and abundant natural resources, present a fertile ground for collaboration across various sectors. It is essential that our cooperation benefits all segments of society, empowering our youth through quality education and embracing sustainable economic models. Additionally, the robust economy of Korea and Africa’s progress in economic integration, exemplified by initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), serve as cornerstones for fostering economic growth, enhancing trade, and increasing investment opportunities for both regions.”

Addressing the conference, President Ramkalawan also took the opportunity to stress on the important role of African Small Island nations and the cooperation possibilities Africa Small Island Developing States (Africa SIDS) has to offer. He further highlighted Seychelles’ strong commitment towards enhancing relations in various domains with the Republic of Korea.

“Africa, which – lest we forget – also comprises of small African Island Developing States. Seychelles, with its strategic location and conducive business environment, is eager to enhance economic ties with Korea. We have unique advantages to offer for fostering entrepreneurship and connections. As fervent advocates for sustainability, Seychelles is committed to deepening cooperation with Korea in areas such as climate change adaptation, environmental protection, and the Blue Economy. Investing in sustainable infrastructure projects will not only bolster Africa’s economic stability but also enhance resilience, fortifying the Korea-Africa partnership for the long term. Sustainability, I should emphasise, is not merely a goal but a moral obligation that underpins our collective future.”

During the Leaders morning plenary session, various other African Heads of State also took the floor, including countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mauritius, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bisau, Central Africa Republic, Ghana, Cabo Verde, Kenya and many others. The Korea-Africa Summit Pleanary session was also an opportunity for President Ramkalawan to interact with other African leaders and senior government officials. 

President Ramkalawan will tomorrow hold discussions with the President of the Republic Korea.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

From the 30th – 31st April 2024, High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche participated in the 26th Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which was hosted by Sri Lanka, the present IORA Chairmanship, in a virtual mode.

Participants from the 23 Member States, IORA Specialized Agencies and the IORA Secretariat focused their discussions on the theme of “Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity,”.

During the meetings, High Commissioner Accouche highlighted Seychelles’ role as the Coordinating Country for the European Union as a Dialogue partner to IORA as well as Seychelles’ commitment to the Association’s values.  She also shared Seychelles’ priority areas as the country presently holding the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and briefed the meeting on the Ocean Knowledge Education Programme project being undertaken by Seychelles, with the aim of bolstering the Blue Economy concept in the IORA region, particularly through sustainable ocean management education for 12 to 13-year-olds.

The objectives of the CSO’s centre on establishing regional economic cooperation priorities and coordinating work programs for specific actions and projects.

The IORA Council of Ministers is expected to take place in the last quarter of this year. Seychelles joined IORA in November 2011.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.