The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture Water, Fisheries and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) have set up the El Nino Drought Action Committee (DAC) to develop drought mitigation strategies to combat the impacts of El Nino induced drought.

The DAC was set up this week through a multi-stakeholder meeting attended by more than 60 key stakeholders representing all provinces and sectors in Zimbabwe. The DAC will be responsible for coordinating all drought response interventions to save lives in the immediate-term and build climate-resilient livelihoods and agrifood systems in the longer-term. Chaired by the Permanent Secretary of MLAFWRD, Professor Obert Jiri, the Ministry and FAO are the secretariat to the taskforce, and they will play a key role in coordinating all the agriculture related drought response actions through its networks in Government, private sector, and development partners.

“We gathered as key stakeholders in the Agriculture sector to coordinate our efforts and create synergies as we address the ongoing El Nino induced drought that is ravaging our country. Together, we have the power to overcome the challenges posed by drought and build a more resilient and sustainable future for all. The formation of the Drought Action Committee marks a crucial step forward in our collective journey towards a drought-resilient nation,” asserted Clemence Bwenje, Chief Director, Business Development, Markets and Trade in the MLAFWRD.

The committee’s primary interventions are to develop short-term and long-term mitigation measures in the agriculture sector in particular areas on crops, water, livestock, fisheries, agriculture, and irrigation. Working in close collaboration with FAO and key stakeholders, the MLAWFRD through the Food Security and Livelihoods cluster, the sectoral response strategy is aligned to the Drought Risk Management Strategy 2017-2025 and the El Nino Response Plan (April 2024). The DAC’s strategy will protect lives and livelihoods allowing affected households to absorb and recover from the immediate impact of the El Nino induced drought.

“The El Nino weather phenomenon, coupled with widespread drought, is posing an increasing risk to food security in Southern Africa including Zimbabwe. Setting up of this committee is in line with FAO’s Anticipatory Action and Response Plan, which is anchored on mitigating the expected impacts of El Nino-induced climate extremes on agriculture and food security. FAO is committed to supporting the Drought Action Committee to achieve its objectives and action plan,” said Louis Muhigirwa, Deputy FAO Representative to Zimbabwe speaking on behalf of Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa.

During the meeting, the MLAFWRD presented the proposed Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the DAC including the expected deliverables and timelines in alignment to the Drought Response Plan. Stakeholders had the opportunity to deliberate on the proposed ToRs with the objective to formulate co-owned realistic and measurable interventions that clearly spell out roles and responsibilities of the DAC.

The meeting outlined the sectors that need specific response strategies and the required resources as well as the proposed resource mobilization strategy. The meeting agreed on sub-committees that will spearhead implementation of the El Nino mitigation strategy namely: Wheat, Crops, Livestock and fisheries, Horticulture, Irrigation, Grain mobilisation, strategic grain reserve, Water and WASH, Mechanisation, Data and Knowledge management.

FAO in liaison with the Ministry of Agriculture will lead the process through a consultant to engage key agriculture stakeholders, from the public sector and private sector to assist in the preparation of a comprehensive agriculture based costed resilience implementation plan which will focus on the short-, medium- and long-term interventions. This is expected to develop recommendations of key institutional arrangements and responsibilities for the successful implementation of the resilience plan and sustainability of the responses.

Going forward, each sub-committee will develop an action plan and implementation matrix with timelines and key deliverables. Progress of implementation will be continuously reviewed and reported to the main committee. The MLAFWRD is open to partnerships and a whole stakeholder approach to mitigate the impacts of the El Nino induced drought.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration,  Dr. Ibrahim Nyei participated in the Nordic-Africa Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The meeting, which took place on May 2, 2024, served as a platform for engaging discussions on fostering stronger ties between Nordic countries and African nations.

During the event, Minister Nyei had the privilege of holding a bilateral meeting with Lotte Machon, the State Secretary for Development Policy of Denmark.

Their discussions were focused on initiating dialogues to enhance development cooperation between Liberia and Denmark, particularly in light of Denmark’s adoption of a new strategy for Africa this year.

Liberia, with its commitment to sustainable development and economic growth, expressed keen interest in deepening cooperation with Denmark across various sectors.

Minister Nyei highlighted Liberia’s aspirations to collaborate with Denmark in areas such as trade and investment, particularly in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

Minister Nyei emphasized Liberia’s readiness to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships that would not only bolster economic development but also contribute to the welfare and prosperity of the people of both nations.

He underlined Liberia’s strategic location and abundant natural resources as potential areas for fruitful collaboration with Denmark.

Furthermore, Minister Nyei commended Denmark’s efforts in formulating a new strategy for Africa, recognizing the importance of such initiatives in fostering sustainable development and addressing the continent’s evolving needs. He expressed Liberia’s eagerness to actively participate in the implementation of Denmark’s Africa strategy and contribute to its success.

In response, State Secretary Lotte Machon expressed Denmark’s appreciation for Liberia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for cooperation.

Secretary Machon affirmed Denmark’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s development goals and welcomed the opportunity to engage in substantive dialogues on enhancing collaboration between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

The Vice President and Flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has commissioned a one hundred and twenty four (124)  housing units in Appiatse, the community which was destroyed by a fatal gas explosion in 2022.

In the unprecedented, deadly explosion, almost the entire Appiatse community, in the Western Region, was left uninhabitable, leaving  many dead, injured and community members displaced as their homes were burnt.

A Government delegation, led by Vice President  Bawumia, immediately visited the area with emergency relief items and promised a swift action to rebuilt the community for those affected.

That promise has now been fulfilled, following the construction, commissioning and handing over of 124 housing units, with water and drainage system, electricity, tarred streets and other important needs this afternoon.

Ahead of the commissioning, relieved and excited members of the Appiatse community held a candle light vigil, in rememberence of their loved ones who lost their lives during the explosion, as well as to celebrate their new home.

A GOVERNMENT THAT CARES

Speaking at the commissioning, Vice President Bawumia said the swift reconstruction of the community, as promised by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, underlines the government’s commitment to the welfare of those affected and the people.

Dr. Bawumia, recalled with sadness, events of January 20, 2022, adding, however,  that the commissioning, performed amidst fanfare by the community and  rainfall, marked a special blessings from God.

“On Thursday, 20th January, 2022, we witnessed a very tragic incident at this community, at this same place where we are gathered today. A sudden explosion shook our foundations, shattered lives, and left scars etched deep into our collective memory. It left the Appiatse community, and, indeed, the entire country in deep sorrow and distress,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“The following day, on behalf of the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I led a delegation, which included Ministers, heads of the security agencies, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other officials of the Presidency, to commiserate with the victims of the incident. I saw, at first hand, the devastation that the incident has caused to this once vibrant community, with some of our people unfortunately losing their lives, and others suffering various degrees of injuries, as well as the near-total collapse of the entire Appiatse community.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, today, we gather at this same venue, not just to commemorate the tragic event, but also to celebrate resilience, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Appiatse. While mourning those who lost their lives through this tragic incident, we stand in solidarity with the survivors who bear both physical and emotional wounds, and recognize the heroic efforts of our emergency responders, exemplified in the selflessness that defines our nation.”

“There was fire and we cried. Today, as we rejoice, God has opened the sky and send down rainfall. This can only be a blessing from God,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia stressed that the adversity that hit Appiatse and the entire nation has  haf a way of revealing our strength to “rise, rebuild, and re-imagine.”

“From this tragedy emerged resilience. The resilience to rebuild the community. The resilience to bring hope to the suffering, and the unwavering commitment to lift the downtrodden.”

“As we can all attest, Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, acted swiftly following the incident, and in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, relief was brought to the victims of the incident through the provision of relief items, the diversion of the road that was blown away, and its eventual fixing, and the provision of temporary accommodation for all those displaced.”

Senior government officials who accompanied Dr. Bawumia included the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Abu Jinaport, Western Regional Minister Kwabena Otchere Darko-Mensah,  Minister for Information Designate Fati Abubakar  among others. *Joy in Appiatse as VP Bawumia commissions 124 housing units for  reconstructed community*

The Vice President and Flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has commissioned a one hundred and twenty four (124)  housing units in Appiatse, the community which was destroyed by a fatal gas explosion in 2022

In the unprecedented, deadly explosion, almost the entire Appiatse community, in the Western Region, was left uninhabitable, leaving  many dead, injured and community members displaced as their homes were burnt.

A Government delegation, led by Vice President  Bawumia, immediately visited the area with emergency relief items and promised a swift action to rebuilt the community for those affected.

That promise has now been fulfilled, following the construction, commissioning and handing over of 124 housing units, with water and drainage system, electricity, tarred streets and other important needs this afternoon.

Ahead of the commissioning, relieved and excited members of the Appiatse community held a candle light vigil, in rememberence of their loved ones who lost their lives during the explosion, as well as to celebrate their new home.

A GOVERNMENT THAT CARES

Speaking at the commissioning, Vice President Bawumia said the swift reconstruction of the community, as promised by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, underlines the government’s commitment to the welfare of those affected and the people.

Dr. Bawumia, recalled with sadness, events of January 20, 2022, adding, however,  that the commissioning, performed amidst fanfare by the community and  rainfall, marked a special blessings from God.

“On Thursday, 20th January, 2022, we witnessed a very tragic incident at this community, at this same place where we are gathered today. A sudden explosion shook our foundations, shattered lives, and left scars etched deep into our collective memory. It left the Appiatse community, and, indeed, the entire country in deep sorrow and distress,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“The following day, on behalf of the President of the Republic, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I led a delegation, which included Ministers, heads of the security agencies, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and other officials of the Presidency, to commiserate with the victims of the incident. I saw, at first hand, the devastation that the incident has caused to this once vibrant community, with some of our people unfortunately losing their lives, and others suffering various degrees of injuries, as well as the near-total collapse of the entire Appiatse community.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, today, we gather at this same venue, not just to commemorate the tragic event, but also to celebrate resilience, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Appiatse. While mourning those who lost their lives through this tragic incident, we stand in solidarity with the survivors who bear both physical and emotional wounds, and recognize the heroic efforts of our emergency responders, exemplified in the selflessness that defines our nation.”

“There was fire and we cried. Today, as we rejoice, God has opened the sky and send down rainfall. This can only be a blessing from God,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia stressed that the adversity that hit Appiatse and the entire nation has  haf a way of revealing our strength to “rise, rebuild, and re-imagine.”

“From this tragedy emerged resilience. The resilience to rebuild the community. The resilience to bring hope to the suffering, and the unwavering commitment to lift the downtrodden.”

“As we can all attest, Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, acted swiftly following the incident, and in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, relief was brought to the victims of the incident through the provision of relief items, the diversion of the road that was blown away, and its eventual fixing, and the provision of temporary accommodation for all those displaced.”

Senior government officials who accompanied Dr. Bawumia included the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Abu Jinaport, Western Regional Minister Kwabena Otchere Darko-Mensah,  Minister for Information Designate Fati Abubakar  among others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

International energy company Azule Energy has officially farmed-in to Namibia’s offshore Block 2914A with the signing of an agreement with exploration company Rhino Resources Namibia. The transaction marks Azule’s entry into the country as well as its first international deal. Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (http://www.EnergyChamber.org) stands in support of Azule Energy’s venture into the Orange Basin, recognizing the value of the transaction in unlocking the full potential of the country’s oil and gas resources. The deal is a testament to the prospectivity of the basin as well as the high level of international interest in Namibia’s offshore oil and gas opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Azule Energy has secured a 42.5% interest in Block 2914A – located in PEL 85. Following the completion of the acquisition, Azule Energy plans to drill two high-impact exploration wells as part of a work program in the area, with the initiation of the first well anticipated as early as Q4, 2024. These wells are anticipated to play a crucial role in unlocking the hydrocarbon potential of the Orange Basin, thereby supporting Namibia’s energy security and economic growth.

Additionally, the agreement provides Azule Energy with an option to become the operator of PEL 85, showcasing the company’s commitment to responsible resource management and operational excellence. The current contractor group consists of Rhino Resources Namibia as the operator with an 85% interest, Namibia’s national oil company NAMCOR with a 10% interest and indigenous company Korres Investments with a 5% interest. This consortium represents a diverse range of expertise and resources, ensuring a well-rounded approach to exploration and development activities in the Orange Basin.

“It is an exciting moment for exploration in Namibia. This farm in further confirms Namibia as one of the world’s most prospective, underexplored hotspots, with billions of barrels of oil yet to be found. We still believe that there will be many more similar farm-in deals by companies holding exploration assets in this emerging country,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC. “The Chamber commends Azule Energy and Rhino Resources Namibia for their vision and commitment and look forward to supporting their efforts as they work to unlock the full potential of Namibia’s offshore resources”

The Orange Basin continues to reveal substantial deposits of untapped oil and gas. The discovery of light oil in the Enigma-1X well – located in PEL 39 – by energy major Shell marked the latest addition to Namibia’s string of sizeable oil discoveries. The discovery followed the Venus-1X, Graff 1-X, Jonker-1X, La Rona-1X, Lesedi-1X, Mopane-1X, and Mopane-2X finds, showcasing the immense potential lying within the basin. With each find, Namibia inches closer to harnessing these opportunities for commercialization. As the government progresses towards a strategic plan to capitalize on these prospects, it aims to streamline regulatory frameworks, attract further investment and foster sustainable delopment in the energy sector.

In this context, Azule Energy’s Farm-In Agreement assumes greater significance, as it underscores the company’s commitment to exploring and developing the region’s hydrocarbon resources. By participating in the exploration activities in Namibia’s Orange Basin, Azule Energy not only demonstrates its confidence in the prospectivity of the area but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing Namibia’s energy landscape.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.