UN Women strongly condemns the murder in Kenya of the Ugandan Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei. She is the third elite female runner to be murdered in a most violent way in the past three years in Kenya. The suspects in all three cases were intimate partners of the slain athletes. Society roots for these athletes to win and bring medals home, and more must be done to protect them. 

Like the two victims before her, Cheptegei was a rising female star athlete who was clearly making a name for herself, doing what she loved the most, running. As an Olympic athlete, she had her future ahead of her to realize all her dreams, but this was cut short by a supposed ex-partner. Rebecca’s tragic death brings to light, once again, the growing problem of femicide in Kenya and around the world. Globally, there were 89,000 reports of women and girls murdered in 2022, the highest number recorded in 20 years. More than half of the women and girls were killed by intimate partners or other family members. Femicide and these reports do not occur in a vacuum and are part of a wider spectrum of violence against women and girls and the pushback against gender equality that continues to grow. All too often and across countries, there is impunity for perpetrators.

Governments have the urgent responsibility to reverse and stop the growing trend of femicide by investing in proven strategies to prevent violence against women and to address the impunity that often goes with these cases.

UN Women is committed to prevent femicide and all forms of gender-based violence, supporting the long-standing work of women’s rights organizations as key advocates for change, working with men and boys to transform patriarchal forms of masculinity, working with communities to transform discriminatory social and gender norms, and providing technical and financial assistance to state institutions, including specialized training for police and the judiciary as part of coordinated multi-sectoral responses essential to bringing an end to impunity. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

The Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, has reinforced Morocco’s status as an essential continental leader that places the development and prosperity of Africa at the heart of its diplomatic efforts, in accordance with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.

This significant event was an opportunity to reiterate the Kingdom’s firm and concrete commitment to work with China and for Africa, fostering pragmatic and solidarity-based cooperation within a win-win partnership framework.

This edition of the Forum, attended by Heads of State and Government and high-ranking officials from China and African countries that are members of the United Nations, is a perfect illustration of Morocco’s African policy, which has consistently advocated for the diversification of the continent’s economic partnerships and the promotion of effective and multidimensional South-South and triangular cooperation.

The Summit’s proceedings allowed participants to highlight the importance of FOCAC, especially in key areas for Africa such as industrialization and agricultural modernization, governance, infrastructure, peace, and security.

These priorities were reflected in the key documents adopted by consensus at the Summit, namely the Beijing Declaration and the 2025-2027 Action Plan, marking a pivotal step in strengthening China-Africa relations.

It is worth noting that since the start of the preparatory work for this Summit several months ago, Moroccan diplomacy has been actively promoting the Kingdom’s achievements for the benefit of the African continent, while also countering malicious attempts from Algeria, both in terms of participation in the Summit and in the documents adopted.

In every respect and on all fronts, this has been a successful mission, thanks to the patient work of Moroccan diplomacy under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

In this regard, the Beijing Declaration and the 2025-2027 Action Plan confirm in their first paragraph that only African states that are members of the United Nations are members of FOCAC, debunking the Algerian falsehood that the pseudo-entity is part of African partnerships.

Moreover, the cardinal principles of respect for and preservation of national unity, territorial integrity, and the sovereignty of African states, proposed by Morocco, were enshrined in several paragraphs of both the Declaration and the 2025-2027 Action Plan. No reference to self-determination was included, and several hostile proposals from Algeria were rejected. Algeria has now lost credibility in the eyes of an international community increasingly aware of its schemes.

The Beijing Declaration also acknowledged Morocco’s organization of COP 22 in November 2016 and the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration following the first African Action Summit on the sidelines of COP22. This Summit, organized by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, saw the participation of many African Heads of State and the launch of key initiatives, such as the creation of the three climate commissions for the African continent.

In recognition of the Kingdom’s pioneering role in Africa in the field of artificial intelligence, FOCAC participants commended the adoption of the African Consensus on Artificial Intelligence, following the High-Level Forum on AI held in Rabat in June 2024, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Additionally, the Beijing Action Plan makes a special reference to the Rabat Office of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Program and Training for Africa, a strong signal of the Kingdom’s commitment to cooperate with African countries in eradicating this scourge in Africa and beyond.

On the economic front, FOCAC, through the 2025-2027 Action Plan, praised the organization of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Morocco in 2023, reaffirming the importance of the objectives outlined in the Marrakech Declaration on accelerating Africa’s emergence, in order to implement a more equitable global financial architecture that promotes the development of Africa, respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African states, and contributes to the well-being of their populations.

Indeed, Morocco, deeply engaged in FOCAC since its creation 24 years ago, has been able to play a leading role in the Forum’s evolution, thanks to its privileged relations with China and African countries. The Forum has evolved into a successful and exemplary platform for cooperation between China and Africa, within which the Kingdom has become a key strategic player.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (www.GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org) has announced its line up and programme (https://apo-opa.co/4gf9Edj) for its annual two-day event on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. Taking place on 25-26 September, this year’s forum “Unstoppable Africa: The Solution for a Global Future” will bring together influential leaders from the public and private sectors to advance Africa’s role in shaping global business solutions.

This year, Unstoppable Africa will take place alongside the Summit of the Future, a landmark convening of the UN General Assembly.

Central to this event is the recent strategic partnership between the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the African Union Commission, which focuses on leveraging Africa’s business potential to drive sustainable development. This partnership aims to advance Agenda 2063 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development).

Titled “Unstoppable Africa: The Solution for a Global Future,” the 2024 GABI event will not only highlight Africa’s economic resilience and vast potential but will also be a platform for presenting novel and practical solutions to some of the most urgent global challenges. From addressing energy transitions and ensuring access to sustainable power, to advancing digital transformation across sectors and promoting inclusive growth, Unstoppable Africa will position the continent as a leader in the global pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future.

Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, which convenes GABI, commented, “With a market valued at over $3 trillion, Africa is poised for unprecedented growth and development. Africa’s GDP growth rate is expected to outpace the global average, with projections of 3.8% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025.

“GABI was born from a powerful realization: the world has been doing business in Africa, but not always with Africa. We stand to rebalance that equation. GABI isn’t just another forum; we are a solution-oriented platform dedicated to shaping Africa’s business future. Our mission is clear: Convene, Connect, Catalyze, and Convey. We convene stakeholders to address Africa’s unique challenges, connect Africa’s private sector with global partners, catalyze sustainable growth through collaboration, and convey support for initiatives that deliver real results.

“Unstoppable Africa will bring together Africa’s brightest minds and global leaders to collaborate on sustainable solutions. When Africa wins, the world wins. Africa is ready to lead, and GABI is where Africa meets the world’s political, business, and philanthropic leaders.”

This year, the event will focus on several key themes that address Africa’s growing role in shaping the global future:

Unlocking Inclusive Growth through Trade: Africa’s vast economic potential is increasingly tied to the development of inclusive trade systems that benefit all sectors of society. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) set to transform intra-African trade, the event will explore how policymakers and business leaders can capitalize on this agreement to spur economic growth, reduce poverty, and create jobs.
Africa: The Solution for Clean Energy: Leaders in the energy sector will discuss the continent’s unique ability to leapfrog into renewable energy solutions, overcoming the barriers of outdated infrastructure and delivering modern energy access to millions.
Africa’s Digital Revolution: Sessions on digital transformation will explore Africa’s rapid advancements in technology, from fintech to AI, and how these technological advances are enabling the continent to bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and trade.
Sport: And the Winner Is… Africa! Africa’s sports industry is emerging as a powerful driver of socio-economic transformation. From football to track, African athletes continue to make their mark on the world stage, and discussions will focus on building sports ecosystems that develop talent, attract investments, and foster national pride.
African Creativity for the World: The event will shine a spotlight on Africa’s cultural powerhouses—its creative industries and sports sectors—which are becoming major economic drivers. On Thursday, 26 September, GABI will host a special film showcase titled “Bold Stories” dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of African women filmmakers in the entertainment industry.

As Africa solidifies its role in the G20 and BRICS, the continent is poised for greater global significance. Despite economic challenges, Africa’s economy is projected to grow at 3.8% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025, outpacing the global average of 2.9% and 3.2%.

Unstoppable Africa will be hosted by Folly Bah Thibault from Aljazeera English and Larry Madowo from CNN and is supported by African Union, Afreximbank, BUA, Flour Mills Nigeria, Google, Rockefeller Foundation, Safaricom, and Summa Group among others.

Confirmed speakers include:

Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General
Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General
Aliko Dangote, Founder, CEO, and Chairman, Dangote Group
Selim Bora, Chair, Summa International Construction
Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Mo Abudu, CEO, Ebony Life Group
Claire Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa
Sara Sabry, Africa’s first female astronaut
Masai Ujiri, President, Toronto Raptors
James Manyika, SVP of Technology and Society, Google-Alphabet
Agnes Kalibata, President, AGRA
Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO, Axian Group

With the right investments, partnerships, and opportunities, Africa’s private sector has the potential to drive significant change in a world that urgently needs solutions. “Unstoppable Africa” will bring together the continent’s most dynamic current and future leaders on a powerful platform dedicated to collaboration and actionable commitments. Through this event, Africa’s changemakers will unite to address global challenges with impactful solutions and transformative actions.

To attend the Unstoppable Africa 2024 event in-person in New York, attendees are invited to register here: https://apo-opa.co/4dOQNUR.

For more information on the Global Africa Business Initiative, visit the website: www.GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Africa Business Initiative.

Media Enquiries:
Rosemary Otalor –
Rosemary.otalor@apo-opa.com

President Xi Jinping of China has announced a 10-point partnership action plan for Africa for the next three years.

These include the modernisation of industrialisation, agriculture, trade, investment, training, and infrastructure.

Others are access for Africa’s goods to the Chinese market, 30 infrastructure connectivity projects and development cooperation comprising 1,000 livelihood projects.

“In the next three years, China will work with Africa to take 10 partnership actions for modernisation to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead Global South modernisation,” he said.

Speaking when he opened the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing, President Jinping said the 10 action plans will provide Africa with $50 billion (KSh6.5 trillion) of financial support.

He said it will include a $29.4 billion credit line, $11.2 billion of various forms of assistance and at least $9.8 billion of investment in Africa by Chinese companies.

In addition, he said, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing Panda Bonds in China to enhance results-oriented cooperation.

“This provides new opportunities and driving forces for African countries and for our joint pursuit of modernisation,” he said.

President Xi said modernisation should put people first and strive to reduce poverty, provide jobs and foster inclusive growth.

“Modernisation should be just and equitable,” he said.

He said modernisation is an inalienable right of all countries and emphasized the need for open, win-win modernisation.

The Chinese leader noted that China and Africa together account for one-third of the world’s population, saying without the modernisation of the two, there will be no global modernisation.

President Xi announced that China will elevate the status of African countries with diplomatic relations to a strategic level so that they join what he called “the all-weather Chinese community”.

He said the 10-point plan will be achieved through cooperation in governance, experience-sharing platforms, knowledge networks and leadership training programmes.

President Xi also said the aim of the new deal is to foster economic opportunities by offering zero-tariff treatment to Least Developed Countries in Africa, expanding market access for agricultural products and establishing economic partnerships.

The leader said the partnership actions also focus on industrial cooperation, enhancing digital technology and implementing connectivity projects like infrastructure development to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

“China is prepared to implement 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and put in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development,” he said.

Additionally, President Xi said China plans to engage in health sector improvements by establishing medical alliances, sending medical personnel and supporting Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.

The partnership will extend to agriculture, with plans for emergency food assistance and agricultural development, people-to-people exchanges to strengthen vocational education and cultural programmes, and green development initiatives, including clean energy and disaster mitigation projects.

“China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, put in place meteorological early warning systems and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief as well as biodiversity conservation,” he said.

On security, he said, China will provide military assistance, training and conduct joint exercises to enhance cooperative security efforts with Africa.

“We will give Africa $140 million (KSh18.2 billion) of grants in military assistance, provide training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa, and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.