The MSME Financing Gateway, a revolutionary digital platform tailored to address the unique challenges faced by MSMEs in securing financing was also launched in Kenya.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) developed the MSME Financing Gateway for the East African Community (EAC) under the first phase of the EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) funded by the European Union. The Gateway now launched in the second phase of EU-EAC MARKUP and to be hosted by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), will allow users to access financing instruments, business, and sustainable development services available in a country, filter, analyse and match their needs, and then link directly to providers at no cost.

This multi-lingual platform works on mobile phones, computers or tablets and is easy for hosts to maintain. Subscribers will also be able to receive updates and notifications via e-mail informing them about new facilities and resources. Providers will be able to update their data through easy-to-use templates and an administrators’ workflow system

The Gateway will be instrumental in supporting MSMEs to thrive and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

After giving birth to her fourth child, 28-year-old Ladi Musa, residing in Mararabci Gari, Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa state, slipped into an emotional crisis.

She was not sleeping well, became withdrawn, cried without cause, and was resentful toward the people around her.  

“The feelings started some days after I gave birth to my baby. I wanted to be left alone,” she recounted.  

A silent struggle 
Ladi Musa fell into depression and became withdrawn and droopy a week after giving birth. 

She later went missing after burning down her home, making her family homeless. Thankfully, no life was lost. Her relatives found her after about five days and brought her home. 

“The illness was strange, and we were confused about handling her case. Her case worsened every day, said Ladi’s mother, Dudu Umaru. 

Fortunately, Ladi got the support she needed when her mother informed the team of health workers, comprising a medical doctor, a mental health nurse, and a community health extension worker, who visited her community.

“I sought help from the health workers because well-meaning community members informed me that the team provides free medical services to people experiencing similar conditions like my daughter”.

Saving lifeline 

After careful evaluation by the healthcare workers, they assured Mrs Dudu that Ladi’s condition (psychotic disorder) was treatable, giving her family hope and a chance at recovery.

Ladi’s story is not unique; many vulnerable individuals face several mental health challenges in Adamawa state, primarily due to several factors, including the protracted humanitarian situation, separation from loved ones, and individual socio-economic status in the state.

Amid humanitarian crises, the mental health needs of displaced and underserved populations often go overlooked.

Recognising this gap, the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the United States Agency for International Development/Bureau for Humanitarian Aid (USAID/BHA), partnered with the Adamawa State government to train and deploy 100 healthcare workers across 17 local government areas to provide much-needed specialised mental health services to vulnerable people across the communities. 

The specialised mental healthcare and outreaches are the fourth layer of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) pyramid for emergency mental health and psychosocial support.

After multiple consultations and medication, Ladi is now stabilised, fully aware of herself and her environment and relates well with her family. 

“I’m grateful for a second chance at life,” Ladi said. “My family and the healthcare workers never gave up on me, and I cherish the support they provided to me.” 

Gaining result
Appreciating the undeterred commitment of WHO to ensuring health for all, Dr James Vasumu Jacob, Director of Disease Control and Immunization, Adamawa State Primary Health Care Agency, said, “The transformational initiative and the successes recorded is as a result of the effective collaboration between WHO and the Adamawa State Government. 

“WHO’s leadership is commendable because lives are being transformed and mental health services in the state are enhanced.” 

“WHO’s intervention in Adamawa State aligns with its fourth Country Cooperation Strategy (CCSIV) to address the root causes of mental health and commitment to achieving the triple billion target of ensuring better health and well-being for all, said Dr Kumshida Balami, WHO Interim Northeast Emergency Manager. 

“At least 54,000 vulnerable persons in Adamawa State, especially in the remote areas, benefitted from WHO’s mental health intervention in the first quarter of (2024).

While Ladi’s story demonstrates the impact of healthcare services and intervention among the vulnerable population, it is of utmost importance to note that “the mental health situation in Adamawa state and the beyond requires urgent and coordinated action, and it is paramount for the international community/partners to prioritise supporting the provision of mental health services.”

On Mental Health
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is integral to our well-being. Throughout our lives, multiple individual, social and structural determinants may combine to protect or undermine our mental health and shift our position on the mental health continuum. 

Among people who have experienced war or other conflict in the previous ten years, one in five (22%) will have depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. People with severe mental disorders are especially vulnerable during emergencies and need access to mental health care and other basic needs.

WHO continues to work nationally and internationally – including in humanitarian settings – to provide governments and partners with the strategic leadership, evidence, tools and technical support to strengthen a collective response to mental health and enable a transformation towards better mental health for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., accompanied by Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai and other members of the Liberian delegation, arrived in Beijing, China earlier today, September 4, 2024.

The delegation was warmly welcomed upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport by an Honor Guard, high-level officials of the Chinese Government, and with captivating Chinese cultural performances.

This official visit marks an important milestone in the bilateral relations between Liberia and China and Liberia’s participation at the Forum On China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

President Boakai and delegation’s visit and participation aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership and exploring avenues for increased cooperation in areas such as agriculture, trade, investment, infrastructure, education, technology, electricity, and cultural exchange.

During the visit, President Boakai is scheduled to hold high-level talks with his Chinese counterpart, the President of China, H.E. Xi Jinping, and other business leaders, participate in business forums, and engage in various cultural and diplomatic activities aimed at deepening the bond between the two nations.

The President’s Official Delegation includes: Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai, First Lady, Honorable Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Honorable Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Amin Modad, Minister of Commerce, Honorable Roland L. Giddings, Minister of Public Works, Honorable Wilmot Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy, Honorable Jerolinmek Piah, Minister of Information Cultural Affairs&Tourism, Honorable Dehpue Y. Zuo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management&Planning, Ministry of Finance Development Planning, and Honorable Sarh Johnny and Morley Kamara, Senior Economic Advisers to the President.

Other members of the delegation are: Honorable Jeff Blibo, Chairman, National Investment Commission, Honorable Sekou Dukuly, Managing Director, National Port Authority, Cllr. Neto Z. Lighe, Commissioner, Liberia Maritime Authority, Honorable Abdullai Kamara, Acting Chairman, Liberia Telecommunication Authority, Honorable Eugene Fahngon, Director General, Liberia Broadcasting System, and Honorable Prince A. Wreh, Executive Chairman, Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority.

Additionally, the President is accompanied by support staff, protocol and communication assistants, security personnel, and other key personnel.

The Liberia Chief Executive looks forward to further solidifying the longstanding friendship with China and seeks to leverage this visit to explore new opportunities for mutual growth and development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

President Joseph N. Boakai Sr. has reiterated his commitment to regulating and capping the salaries and benefits of executives and board members of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

The President emphasized the need for compensations to be in line with the economic realities of the country, signaling a significant step towards ensuring probity, the judicious use of public resources, transparency, and accountability within the public sector.

President Boakai spoke when he received a comprehensive report from the Bureau of State Enterprises (BSE), which outlined the outcomes of a thorough review of remunerations, stipends, and operational inefficiencies across various state-owned enterprises.

The report brought to light the lack of coordination between SOE Boards and management, prompting a call for the development of a regulatory framework to govern the SOE sector.

Expressing his appreciation for the diligent work of the BSE, President Boakai thanked Managing Director Arthur Massaquoi for the insightful report.

He recognized and empathized with the legitimate concerns of Liberians regarding financial mismanagement inefficiencies and waste within SOEs, signaling a proactive approach to addressing these issues.

The Liberian Leader urged the BSE Management and the Governance Commission to collaborate in formulating a comprehensive Corporate Governance Policy that would address the existing gaps and bypasses in the sector and harmonize operations.

This call to action reflects the Government’s commitment to driving sector-wide reform, ensuring efficiency, and fostering an environment of accountable governance within state-owned enterprises.

President Boakai noted that his Administration’s stance on the need for oversight and regulation of state-owned enterprises underscores his dedication to promoting transparency, efficiency, and responsible management of public resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.