Together with the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), AU-IBAR has been holding a workshop on transboundary marine ecosystem management from May 14th – 6th, 2024, in Kinshasa, DRC. The conservation of aquatic biodiversity and the environment in the Congo Basin are the primary goals of this joint effort. 

Due to the need to implement the African Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) and the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PFRS), AU-IBAR has taken note of the tremendous opportunities and threats that African aquatic ecosystems face. Climate change, habitat deterioration, pollution, and poor governance were highlighted in the research commissioned by AU-IBAR to evaluate the state of shared marine ecosystems. The study emphasised the need for concerted action to address these serious concerns. 

Strategic aims and objectives were suggested to direct conservation efforts based on the study’s findings: 

Enhancing ecological integrity and biodiversity conservation. 
Bringing attention to the importance of ecosystem products and services while valuing them. 
Ensuring that genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably. 

With an emphasis on the Gulf of Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystems, this consultative workshop seeks to facilitate the creation of coordinated plans for the management of transboundary marine ecosystems. Developing policy guidelines for conservation and environmental management, raising awareness, finding applicable policies and tools, filling in gaps in national frameworks, and so on are all important goals. 

In order to help with stakeholder involvement and technical assistance, AU-IBAR is working closely with COREP (La Commission Régionale des Pêches du Golfe de Guinée), the Commission on preserving the environment.  The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) is taking part in the consultation process, and each country’s focal point is in charge of coordinating national efforts to make sure they are in line with regional guidelines and recommendations. 

Workshop outcomes will consist of a detailed report outlining suggestions, policy guidelines for coordinated conservation efforts, and reports on the evaluation of current national instruments. Joint management plans and processes will be put into place with the help of these outputs, which will educate future actions. 

Through collaborative efforts and strategic planning, AU-IBAR aims to strengthen the management of transboundary marine ecosystems in the Congo Basin. By aligning national strategies with regional frameworks and recommendations, African countries can effectively conserve aquatic biodiversity and promote sustainable development in the blue economy sector. This initiative contributes to AU-IBAR’s broader goal of conserving aquatic biodiversity and fostering environmental sustainability in African Union Member States and Regional Economic Communities.

This initiative is being implemented under the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Africa Blue Economy – under funding from the Swedish International Development Corporation Agency (SIDA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

The Arab Africa Trade Bridges Program (AATB) General Secretariat is pleased to announce the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire as a new member of the program. This strategic addition marks a significant step towards enhancing trade, economic cooperation, and regional integration between Africa and the Arab world.

The AATB program has been very active in promoting economic partnerships between Arab and African nations. The membership of Cote d’Ivoire in this dynamic initiative demonstrates its commitment to strengthening regional ties and advancing its role within the AfCFTA framework.

Cote d’Ivoire’s participation in the AATB program holds great importance for its aspirations for trade expansion and economic growth. It positions the country very well to leverage on the benefits of increased market access, diversified trade routes, and expanded investment opportunities. By collaborating with AATB member countries, Cote d’Ivoire can enhance its export capabilities, attract foreign investments, and stimulate economic growth.

Eng. Hani SONBOL, the Secretary General of the AATB, expressed enthusiasm about Cote d’Ivoire’s membership, stating, “The membership of Cote d’Ivoire in the Arab Africa Trade Bridges AATB Program strengthens the program’s mission of promoting economic growth and partnership. We believe that this collaboration will not only benefit Cote d’Ivoire but will also significantly contribute to the economic advancement of the Arab and African regions.”

With its strategic geographical location, dynamic economy, and rich cultural diversity, Cote d’Ivoire is well-positioned to play a central role in facilitating trade and collaboration within the Arab and African countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

Contact us:   
E-mail: aatb@itfc-idb.org

About the Arab-Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program:
The AATB Program is a multi-donor, multi-country, and multi-organizations program supported by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Islamic Development Bank, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) and The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).  The Program aims to promote and increase trade and investment flows between African and Arab OIC member countries; provide and support trade finance and export credit insurance and enhance existing capacity-building tools relating to trade. The Program specifically focuses on supporting the key sectors of agriculture and related industries including textiles; the health industry including pharmaceuticals; infrastructure and transport; and petrochemicals, construction material, and technology.  

Today, United States Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga made his first visit to the American Gibbi in Addis Ababa and delivered a policy address on human rights and national dialogue there.

The Ambassador reflected on the Yekatit 12 Massacre of 1937, a tragic event where thousands of Ethiopians lost their lives.  He commended the bravery of Chargé d’Affairs Cornelius Van Engert, who sheltered hundreds of Ethiopians within the Gibbi’s walls, exemplifying a commitment to human rights.

Drawing parallels to present-day challenges, the Ambassador outlined key aspects of U.S. policy toward human rights and emphasized the imperative to protect human dignity and pursue peace through dialogue, rather than violence.  Addressing specific regions within Ethiopia and those governing Ethiopia, he urged genuine efforts for peace and reconciliation.

The Ambassador underscored the role of the international community, including the United States, in promoting human rights and facilitating dialogue.  He acknowledged challenges faced while reaffirming a commitment to rectifying past errors and striving for justice.

Closing his speech, he emphasized the key role that a right-respecting, stable, and vibrant Ethiopia plays for the African continent, calling for inclusivity, transparency, and consultation in addressing challenges.

As the home of the African Union and a symbol of African pride for many, Ethiopia’s actions have ripple effects throughout the continent.  A rights-respecting, stable, and prosperous Ethiopia is fundamental for the African continent.

The United States Embassy in Ethiopia remains committed to working alongside Ethiopian partners to promote human rights, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster inclusive dialogue for Ethiopia.

[Here is the link to video and transcription of the speech is attached]

To learn more about the #Ethiopia_US120Years of Partnership visit: U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia and follow U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa | Facebook,X and Instagram.

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