The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Japan support Angola to strengthen food and water security in drought stricken areas
In collaboration with the Government of Angola, WFP will scale up efforts to promote sustainable access to water, boost agricultural production, and improve the livelihoods of communities impacted by a prolonged drought and the El Niño event in Huíla and Cunene provinces. Through this initiative, WFP will provide solar-powered water supply and small-scale irrigation systems, skills training, and technical assistance to strengthen local value chains and create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.
WFP will also partner with a Japanese technology company, leveraging its expertise and innovative solutions to help unlock the country's agricultural potential and advance national development priorities.
'WFP's collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Japanese private sector has the potential to become a game-changer for Angola's agriculture sector,' said José Ferrão, WFP Head of Office in Angola. 'By combining WFP's deep field presence and knowledge of the local context and Japan's cutting-edge technology, this project will empower communities facing climate shocks to build long-term food and water security.'
This generous contribution comes from a new initiative dedicated to sustainable socioeconomic development in Africa, in the lead-up to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) to be held in Yokohama, Japan in August 2025.
'The project supported by this new initiative and implemented in collaboration with WFP and NEC Corporation will be presented at TICAD9 as a model of co-created innovative solutions with Africa,' said Toru Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to Angola.
'It also contributes to Japan's Country Development Cooperation Policy for Angola, which is aligned with the National Development Plan (2023-2027), that identifies the agriculture sector as a driver to promote food security and economic diversification and accelerating sustainable development.'
WFP has been complementing the Government's drought response efforts by delivering specialised nutrition support and food vouchers to families with malnourished children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls. WFP also trains and mentors health facility staff and community health workers to conduct nutrition screenings and deliver programmes to address moderate acute malnutrition and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
7 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Crypto exchanges eye Dubai, HK as Singapore clampdown prompts exodus
Major digital-asset exchanges are considering moves to Dubai and Hong Kong after Singapore introduced stringent new rules on overseas crypto activity, according to an executive based in the UAE's International Free Zone Authority (IFZA). Last month the Monetary Authority of Singapore ordered any crypto-services provider incorporated in the city-state and serving foreign clients to obtain a Digital-Token Service Provider licence by June 30, 2025 or cease those activities. Non-compliance could incur fines of up to SGD 250,000 (Dhs 734,500) and three years' imprisonment, with no grace period or 'small-player' exemption. 'This is effectively a moratorium on fresh licences, hence the migration -- or crypto exodus,' said Vikram R Singh, founder and chief executive of blockchain consultancy Antier, which recently expanded its operations in IFZA Dubai. While Singapore 'tightens the screws', Singh noted that the UAE has spent three years building a dedicated rule-book for digital assets. Consultancy Sumsub estimates the country attracted US$30 billion in crypto investment during 2024, a regional record. Individual investors in the UAE pay no income or capital-gains tax on crypto profits, and companies in free zones can often reduce the new 9% federal corporate tax to near zero if most business is conducted outside the Emirates. Regulation is flexible too. Federal bodies supervise mainland activity, but free-zone regulators in Dubai, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) run their own crypto frameworks, allowing founders to 'pick the regulator that fits the business model', Singh added. Dubai's credentials were underscored in April when TOKEN2049 drew about 15,000 delegates from 4,000 companies -- the world's largest crypto gathering. Local capital is also flowing: Emirates NBD's Liv digital bank and Abu Dhabi's MGX fund are backing plans for a 30-storey 'Crypto Tower' in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. The Dubai Financial Services Authority has recently issued guidance on tokenised securities and real-world assets, paving the way for wider institutional adoption. Antier says it is already working with UAE partners to build tokenised-asset marketplaces aligned with the emirate's digital-asset strategy. 'Dubai's proactive stance perfectly matches our real-world-asset tokenisation and digital-asset trading infrastructure,' Singh said. 'As tokenisation reshapes global finance, we intend to provide the bridge between traditional markets and Web3.' With Singapore's stricter rules now in force, observers expect licence-seeking crypto firms to relocate to Dubai, reinforcing the emirate's ambition to become a leading global hub for digital assets.
Filipino Times
9 hours ago
- Filipino Times
UAE ranks second globally as top destination for digital nomads in 2025
The United Arab Emirates has been ranked as the second-best country in the world for digital nomads in 2025, based on a global index released by the platform Immigrant Invest. The country climbed from fourth place in 2023, reflecting the country's continued investment in digital infrastructure, quality of life, and remote work initiatives. The ranking is based on key factors such as internet quality, tax policies, healthcare systems, cost of living, and safety, putting the UAE ahead of countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary, and just one spot behind Spain. Digital nomadism, once considered a niche lifestyle, is now a growing global workforce valued at around US$800 billion annually, WAM reported. Experts say the rise reflects the UAE's leadership in creating an environment where digital professionals can thrive. 'The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it,' said Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform and community. He shared that during his visits and time living in Sharjah, he observed first-hand the country's advanced infrastructure and multicultural appeal. 'I personally witnessed the advanced digital infrastructure, widespread high-speed internet, availability of co-working spaces, and a culturally diverse society,' he said. He also explained that the country's environment appeals to remote workers looking for stability and quality living. 'UAE cities shine on the global map. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have solidified their positions as must-consider destinations,' he added. He also pointed to specific programs that support digital workers, including Dubai's Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi's Virtual Working Programme.
Arabian Post
11 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Toncoin's UAE Golden Visa Deal Aims Crypto Stakers
Toncoin has unveiled a trailblazing ten-year Golden Visa programme in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, allowing high-net-worth crypto investors to secure long-term residency by staking TON tokens. Applicants must commit US $100,000 worth of TON for a fixed period of three years and pay a one-time processing fee of US $35,000. The staked assets remain under holders' control in a decentralised smart contract and may be withdrawn in full at the end of the lock‑in term. Approved applicants are expected to obtain a ten-year residency permit within approximately seven weeks, considerably faster and more cost-effective than traditional real estate investment routes that often require more than US $500,000. Visa privileges extend to spouses, children and parents, subject to standard government charges. During the lock‑in period, investors can benefit from annualised returns estimated between 3–4 per cent. This marks the UAE's first blockchain‑native residency initiative, reflecting a strategic shift towards attracting high‑calibre digital‑asset investors. By tying long‑term staking of TON to visa access, the initiative aims to fortify the TON network via sustained investment while reinforcing the UAE's reputation as an innovative, crypto‑friendly jurisdiction. ADVERTISEMENT Experts suggest this move may herald a new model of residency-by-investment, linking public policy with decentralised finance. It could prompt other nations to pursue blockchain‑based residency pathways, reshaping global strategies in investment migration. The programme addresses legal and regulatory concerns: staking occurs through a decentralised smart contract verifiable on the TON blockchain, and all application and staking procedures take place exclusively via Toncoin's official website to protect against fraud. For participants, the appeal lies in combining stable residency with liquidity and yield. Unlike property‑based Golden Visas—which demand large capital and tie up assets—the TON pathway offers asset flexibility. Investors retain control of their tokens, receive modest returns, and avoid holding illiquid real estate. The partnership arrives at a critical stage for both parties. The TON network is actively seeking to expand its user base and institutional credibility, while the UAE continues to promote itself as a global hub for digital asset innovation. Leveraging the visa incentive may draw both high‑net‑worth individuals and entrepreneurial crypto talent to contribute to the local blockchain ecosystem. Initial market response has been positive. TON's price reportedly rose by around 5 per cent following news of the partnership, signalling investor optimism about both demand for TON and confidence in the UAE's adoption strategy. Trading volume also spiked, indicating intensified market activity around the token. Analysts caution, however, that crypto‑volatility could affect returns. The estimated 3–4 per cent APY depends on token price stability during the staking period. A significant market downturn could erode incentive value, potentially discouraging participants. Long‑term credibility will hinge on seamless visa processing and continued operational transparency. While seven‑week approval is promising, execution must consistently match the timeline. The emphasis on official platforms and smart‑contract security aims to build user trust, but the unknown remains whether demand will justify sustained asset flow into staking. Backers of the initiative view it as a strategic alliance between public sector and crypto innovation. The UAE gains by attracting financial and intellectual capital; TON benefits from enhanced staking support and elevated legitimacy. The broader blockchain community may see this as a template for combining financial incentives with regulatory alignment.
