In the wake of new challenges and its prolonged oil-dependency, Equatorial Guinea’s government is aiming for economic diversification as a key course of action for growth and stability. The adoption of digital technologies has the potential to increase the productivity of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and stimulate innovation, increasing productivity, and create high-skilled jobs in Equatorial Guinea. Digital transformation could therefore play a critical role in diversifying Equatorial Guinea’s economy in the upcoming years.

The Digital Economy Country Diagnostic for Equatorial Guinea, developed by the World Bank and the Government of Equatorial Guinea and supported by the Digital Development Partnership (DDP), notes that, while many Sub-Saharan African countries are undertaking digital transformations, Equatorial Guinea must step up its efforts to capture a larger share of the dividends of the digital economy. The report focuses on challenges and opportunities facing Equatorial Guinea along the five foundations of the digital economy: digital infrastructure, digital public platforms, digital financial services, digital businesses, and digital skills.

“Looking at the size of Equatorial Guinea’s economy, digital marketplace platforms can help firms to expand and access other markets, which could be especially important to stimulate the development of the private sector in the country,” said Aissatou Diallo, Resident Representative for Equatorial Guinea.

The report further provides a series of specific, actionable, and prioritized recommendations for Equatorial Guinea to develop a vibrant, safe, and inclusive digital economy. These are intended to structure dialogue going forward between the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the private sector, and the country’s technical and financial partners to catalyze action and enable the country’s rapid digital transformation.

The highlighted quick-win recommendations from across the five digital economy pillars include:

Digital Infrastructure: Apply cost-oriented obligations in the international capacity and national network fiber wholesale markets, as well as conducting a cybersecurity maturity assessment.
Digital Public Platforms: Develop a national Strategy for digital public platforms and strengthen a whole-of-government approach.
Digital Financial Services: Assess the need to expand and strengthen agent networks to foster DFS adoption, especially in remote areas.
Digital Businesses: Articulate a roadmap to develop an inclusive digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as promoting public-private dialogue.
Digital Skills: Develop a national education ICT policy and conduct a digital skills gaps assessment.

“Going forward, it is essential for the Government of Equatorial Guinea to undertake concerted reform efforts across the five pillars, while addressing the following cross-cutting issues: Improving data quality, coverage, and usage; improving institutional coordination and access to reliable electricity; strengthening the implementation of the legal and regulatory framework; and bridging the island-continental digital divide and gender gap,” said Camila Mejia Giraldo, World Bank Senior Digital Development Specialist and lead author of the report.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

In commemoration of Martyrs Day, residents from various sub-zones in the Southern Region have generously contributed approximately 700,000 Nakfa to support the families of martyrs. This heartfelt initiative saw wide participation across the region, highlighting the community’s ongoing commitment to honoring their fallen heroes.

Accordingly, residents of 21 administrative areas in Adi-Keih sub-zone contributed 94 thousand 685 Nakfa, Government employees in the sub-zone 71 thousand 100 Nakfa and lecturers, students and staff of Adi-Keih College of Business and Social Science contributed 62 thousand 215 Nakfa.

The support extended beyond monetary contributions in Segeneity sub-zone, where residents actively ploughed the lands belonging to the martyr’s families, enhancing their day-to-day lives. Additionally, youth organizations and well-off individuals in the area donated a significant sum of 188,000 Nakfa.

Government employees in the Emni-Haili sub-zone also showed their solidarity by contributing 104,000 Nakfa to this cause, reaffirming the strong spirit of support within the community for those who have sacrificed for their country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

CityBlue Hotels (www.CityBlueHotels.com), Africa’s fastest-growing local hotel chain, has taken an equity position in the B2B platform Farm to Feed, which sources imperfect surplus produce directly from farmers, increasing their income and fighting food loss. This enhances CityBlue’s ESG credentials and solidifies the impact investment thesis of its parent, The Diar Group.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, up to 50% of crop production may be lost before the product reaches consumers. Market access is a huge problem for farmers with a lot of produce especially the imperfect-looking kind.

“I saw firsthand what farmers were not selling even when markets returned after COVID, and it is a huge devastation not only on food security, but on the economy too. Food loss has a climate change aspect, with rotting food producing methane, a greenhouse gas that is worse than carbon dioxide.” – Claire van Enk, Founder and CEO of Farm to Feed.

Farm to Feed’s tech-enabled platform paired on-the-ground aggregators and transportation using freezer trucks provides a solution to this climate issue setting a new standard for food sustainability in Kenya. Beyond sourcing imperfect produce, Farm to Feed is collecting data on drivers of food loss, to enhance farming practices and to create a more circular food system.

For more information visit: https://www.FarmToFeedKenya.com/

“Our ESG practices both as CityBlue Hotels and its parent, The Diar Group, will be enhanced by working alongside Farm to Feed. We hope that other businesses will follow our lead and work with Claire and her team in Africa on the pertinent issues of food security, sustainability and climate.” – Jameel Verjee, Founder and CEO of CityBlue Hotels stated at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia.

For more information visit: https://www.CityBlueHotels.com/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.

The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has presented credentials to nine newly appointed diplomats, urging them to actively promote Ghana’s image and interests abroad.

The appointees, comprising three High Commissioners, five Ambassadors, and one Ambassador-at-Large, have been entrusted with the critical task of representing Ghana in various countries and international organizations.

The newly appointed envoys include Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria; Mrs. Francisca Ashietey-Oduntun, High Commissioner-designate to South Africa; Mr. Ernest Yaw Amporful, High Commissioner-designate to Rwanda; Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, Ambassador-designate to Türkiye; Mr. Henry Tachie-Menson, Ambassador-designate to Belgium and the EU; Mrs. Charity Gbedawo, Ambassador-designate to Morocco; Ms. Abigail Naa Adzoko Kwashi, Ambassador-designate to Norway; Dr. Robert Afriyie, Ambassador-designate to Ethiopia and the African Union; and Nana Bediatuo Asante, Ambassador-at-Large.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the critical role these diplomats will play in advancing Ghana’s interests and enhancing its international reputation. “Your primary responsibility is to promote the image of Ghana as a stable, peaceful, and forward-looking country,” he stated.

“This entails engaging with your host nations to foster strong bilateral relationships, attract investments, and advocate for the interests of Ghana.”

The President highlighted the importance of strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering international cooperation, particularly in light of the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He underscored the need for Ghana to build robust relationships with other nations to navigate these challenges effectively.

“High Commissioners-designate and Ambassadors-designate, your postings have come at a particularly critical juncture not only in global affairs but also in the journey of our nation’s development,” President Akufo-Addo noted. “The world is gradually emerging from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a profound impact on all facets of life.”

The President also acknowledged the contributions of Vice Admiral Seth Amoama and Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh to Ghana’s military, commending their dedication and leadership. “Their meritorious service has been instrumental in safeguarding the sovereignty and stability of our nation, and maintaining the integrity of our armed forces,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo urged the new envoys to familiarize themselves with the Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme, which outlines the roadmap for revitalizing the Ghanaian economy. This ambitious program focuses on supporting commercial farming, building the light manufacturing sector, developing engineering and ICT industries, fast-tracking digitalization, and creating jobs for young people.

“The Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme sets out our roadmap towards the strong revitalization of the Ghanaian economy,” the President explained. “Each of you must help and contribute to the success of this programme by facilitating, amongst other things, as much foreign investment into the country as you can.”

The President also stressed the importance of engaging actively with Ghanaian communities abroad and leveraging their potential to contribute to the country’s development. “Our diaspora is a vital component of the Ghanaian fabric, contributing considerably to our economy and cultural heritage,” he said.

“By developing a strong bond with them, you will not only provide them with a sense of belonging but also harness their potential to contribute to Ghana’s development.”

In addition to promoting Ghana’s economic agenda, the new envoys have been tasked with addressing global issues such as armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, and illicit financial flows. President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for international cooperation to tackle these challenges effectively.

“Part of your responsibilities, at the multilateral level, is to work with the governments of your accreditation to assist in the prosecution of our common agenda in the fight against the scourge of armed conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, the threats of climate change, and the illicit outflow of funds from Africa,” the President stated.

As the new envoys embark on their missions, they carry the hopes and aspirations of the Ghanaian people. Their success in representing Ghana on the global stage will significantly influence the nation’s international reputation and contribute to its development.

The President concluded his address with a call for integrity and professionalism, urging the diplomats to carry out their duties with dedication and to enhance Ghana’s reputation internationally. “In executing your duties, it is imperative that you cultivate and maintain cordial working relationships with the professional Foreign Service officers who will be your colleagues in the high commissions and embassies,” he said.

“Their support and collaboration will be essential in achieving your objectives and ensuring the success of your missions.” The ceremony marks a significant step in Ghana’s diplomatic efforts, reflecting the nation’s commitment to global engagement and cooperation. The new envoys are expected to play a crucial role in promoting Ghana’s interests and contributing to its development on the international stage.

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