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IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Peace Fund and the Quest for Peace and Security in Africa
In 1993, the Peace Fund has remained dormant due to African leaders' lack of commitment and political will to act on their resolution and financially support the AU. Image: Pixabay In June, thirty-two years ago, in its quest to ensure and implement African-led peace and security initiatives, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which preceded the African Union (AU), resolved to establish a Peace Fund. This was seen as a strategic and vital financial instrument for achieving home-grown peace and security in Africa. However, since its establishment in 1993, the Peace Fund has remained dormant due to African leaders' lack of commitment and political will to act on their resolution and financially support the AU. The fund was revitalised in 2016 and officially adopted by the AU in 2018 after 25 years of dormancy. The revitalisation happened after the African heads of state resolved in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, that Africa, more than ever before, needs financial autonomy and ownership of its peace and security initiatives to practically implement the fourth aspiration of the AU Agenda 2063 of building a peaceful and secure Africa through the critical step of silencing the guns by 2020. Unfortunately, this target has not been met to date. The resolution further indicated that the peace fund, as one of the pillars of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), must encompass critical areas of stabilisation, including preventive diplomacy, mediation, institutional capacity building, and peace support operations (PSO), while also financing the preparedness of other APSA structures. The AU urges its member states, individuals, and the private sector to contribute to the peace fund. Following the restructuring and adoption of the funding model for the peace fund, the secretariat launched an intensive and extensive resource mobilisation strategy aimed at raising at least US$400 million by 2021. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading This target was only achieved in June 2025. However, research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) reveals that before 2024, of the US$392 million mobilised for the peace fund, AU member states contributed 98% of the budget, while US$6 million (2%) came from individuals and the private sector. Towards the end of 2024, however, contributions from member states decreased by 34%, while private donations rose from 2% to 36%. Despite all these interventions and resource mobilisation efforts, Max Boqwana (October 2024) argues that Africa still accounts for 70% of global conflicts. And, almost eight years after revitalising the peace fund, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation convened the inaugural African Peace and Security Dialogue from 4 to 6 October 2024. The dialogue critically analysed, discussed, and provided insights into the root causes of prolonged violent conflict in Africa, focusing particularly on two regions: West Africa and the Horn of Africa. Many panellists and participants expressed concerns about the lack of strong leadership and political will to mobilise domestic resources for financing peace and security initiatives. Some argue that Africa is home to the most critical minerals, which should be harnessed and utilised for the continent's development. The ongoing protracted violent conflict and civil wars in Africa necessitate a thorough analysis of the effectiveness of the peace fund, more so since there is a narrative that the financial contribution of the member states towards the fund continues to face a spiral decline. It is essential to highlight that over two weeks ago, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation held its annual governance symposium in Marrakech, Morocco, where Ibrahim raised a serious concern regarding the fact that 70% of the AU's annual budget comes from Europeans under the pretext of 'development partners'. Africa's dependency syndrome continues to undermine its agenda of achieving socio-economic and political self-reliance in pursuing development and home-grown peace and security initiatives. At the next summit in February 2026, I still contend that the AU needs to discuss and develop a criterion for selecting the so-called 'development partners', as even parasitic partners are masquerading as genuine partners of Africa. It can be posited that if this partnership and resource mobilisation issue is not effectively addressed, it will continue to obfuscate and derail the intended purpose of the peace fund. Asuquo (2025) argues that one of the reasons African States fail to fund the AU's peace fund sufficiently is 'a (created) culture of external mediation: Post-independence, African nations have routinely turned to external actors like the UN, World Bank, and Western powers for arbitration and funding, setting a precedent that weakens pan-African accountability'. It is time for the AU to develop its African-led conflict resolution, mediation and peacebuilding. Critically, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have been locked in a prolonged diplomatic crisis, leading Kinshasa (DRC) to seek sanctions from France against Kigali (Rwanda). This shows that some African leaders still perceive European nations as having the most effective solutions to African problems; this belief persists despite the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) attempting to de-escalate tensions in the Eastern DRC. However, the reality is that there was inadequate coordination among mediators, compounded by insufficient financial support. Evidence shows that only US$5 million was allocated from the peace fund for the conflict in Eastern DRC. The budget proved inadequate to the point that the PSC utilised its annual council-to-council meeting with the European Union to request additional funding for mediation. The AU has also urged its member states to contribute their dues to the peace fund. A crucial question must be addressed: who and how has the peace fund been financially managed since its revitalisation? For instance, two weeks ago, the AU advertised positions for an independent fund manager and the hiring of a custodian bank for the AU peace fund. It is concerning that the post-criteria are not clearly stated within the context of the peace fund's objectives, which may further undermine the AU's financial autonomy and ownership of its peace and security architecture. Regarding the conflict between Kinshasa and Kigali, it is evident that there has been no adequate preventative diplomacy, PSO, and well-coordinated mediation, as these essential interventions fall within the mandate of the peace fund as stated in Article 21 of the PSC protocol. In South Sudan, Africa's newest state, which has experienced violent conflict since it seceded from northern Sudan in 2011, effective interventions through the peace fund have yet to be effectively implemented. As a result, South Sudanese established a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called the Peace Canal in 2019 and adopted a fundraising strategy, 'Peace Opportunity Fund,' to finance locally led peacebuilding initiatives in South Sudan. Seventeen advisors from four major ethnic groups lead the NGO; unfortunately, this initiative has attracted donors from beyond the continent, and some have undermined the noble intention of inclusive peacebuilding, particularly the integration of indigenous peacebuilding methods and strategies into the broader post-conflict reconstruction and development. This is a great initiative that AU was supposed to effectively support through the peace fund in a quest to realise its strategic objective of African-led peace and security initiatives. On the other hand, two weeks ago, Naomi Kilungu, an armed conflict expert in Africa, predicted that 'Africa will have spent over US$ 300 billion by the end of this year (2025) on armed conflicts'. However, because AU has only managed to secure US$400 million for the peace fund, there will be a shortfall of at least US$ 299.6 billion. If the shortfall cannot be mobilised domestically, the so-called 'development partners' would take over and continue their nefarious agenda in Africa. Indeed, Africa needs the emergence of Pan-African thought leaders who will act locally and think globally with unflinching love for the people of this continent. Leaders who will genuinely end parasitic partnerships and colonialism in its forms and content. Orapeleng Matshediso is a Masters graduate of Pan African Development Studies and Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg (Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation). The author is also an alumnus of the then Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute (TMALI). Orapeleng Matshediso is a Masters graduate of Pan African Development Studies and Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg (Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation). Image: Supplied.
Business Insider
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Aliko Dangote eyes Namibia for the next big investment move amid pan-African expansion
Aliko Dangote, billionaire and one of the most prominent African investors, is considering Namibia as a potential destination for his group's extensive investment portfolio. Billionaire Aliko Dangote considers Namibia for expanding his investment portfolio. His investment approach emphasizes Africa-wide economic self-reliance and development. Namibia is implementing strategies in green hydrogen and private sector collaborations. Fresh off the completion of what is now the world's largest oil refinery, Dangote hinted at his plans to expand into Namibia during a high-level meeting with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in Windhoek this week. The visit marks another step in the Dangote Group 's ongoing expansion into energy and industrial markets across over a dozen African countries, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Tanzania. ' Africa is Africa. It's not about Nigeria alone. If we sit back, there is no entrepreneur; whether from Japan, the U.S., or elsewhere, who can come and build our continent for us. ' The billionaire said. Why Namibia? Dangote's interest in the southern African nation aligns with its emerging green hydrogen strategy and energy ambitions, as well as its renewed focus on pan-African private sector partnerships. Most notably, he announced the completion of a 650,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery, now the largest in the world, alongside significant production capacities for polypropylene, fertilizer, LPG, and other industrial products. He stated, " We now have oil and gas. We've just finished building the largest refinery ever built, not just in Africa, but globally." 'We produce one million tonnes of polypropylene, carbon black feedstock, LPG, sulphate chips, and a fertilizer capacity of over three million tonnes; the second largest in the world." He added. The billionaire investor highlighted his $620 million investment in South Africa as part of a broader strategy to promote economic self-reliance and intra-African trade, stating,"It's not about Nigeria; it's about Africa. We must show that it can be done, and done by us." In response to his comments, President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the need for African-owned investments to drive value addition and job creation. She said: " We are too few to be poor, considering the resources we have; both human and natural." "We don't want to be seen as a rich continent with poor people. African entrepreneurs like you give hope to the young ones that it is possible." She added. In a potential investor-wooing effort, she invited Dangote to consider Namibia as "a home away from home" and affirmed the country's readiness to support African-led investment projects with long-term local impact. 'When we meet successful African entrepreneurs like you, it is not just business; it is inspiration,' she said. 'Namibia is ready for this kind of partnership.' Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
Business Insider
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Lagos Startup Week turns 10: Celebrating a decade of Africa-led innovation
Fast forward to 2025: Lagos is not just participating in the global startup narrative, it's shaping it. From Dealroom to Partech, Lagos is consistently ranked among Africa's most active startup cities, attracting founders, VCs, and global tech operators. Born in 2015 under the vision of Prime Startups, Lagos Startup Week was launched to spark a movement: one that would not just showcase startups, but shape the very future of innovation across Africa. That vision has now become a reality. In 2025, as LSW celebrates its 10th edition, Lagos has earned its place on the global tech map. According to and Partech reports, Lagos is now one of the most active startup ecosystems on the continent, with Nigerian startups attracting over $3.5 billion in venture capital funding, launching globally relevant startups , and fostering a new wave of digital pioneers redefining what's possible ahead of Istanbul, Turkey and Pune, India. having created five unicorns and grown its ecosystem valuation 11.6x since 2017 despite having a smaller economy,' the report stated. According to the report, Lagos is home to five unicorns, comprising Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay, and Moniepoint, which makes the state stand out and the major acquisition of Paystack by Stripe for over $200 million. The event organisers have curated a range of activities for over 5,000 attendees. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from tech experts and business leaders, gain valuable advice on scaling or starting a business, and network with high-profile entrepreneurs,regulators and investors. Lagos Startup Week is undeniably the destination for anyone seeking to forge connections within the global tech industry. 'This is more than an event. This is where Africa's future gets prototyped,' says Olumide Olayinka, Partner, Prime Startups and Convener of Lagos Startup Week. What began as a grassroots gathering has evolved into one of the continent's most consequential platforms for innovation, venture, and ecosystem development. The 10th edition of Lagos Startup Week marks more than a milestone; it signals a new era. Under the bold theme 'DND – Disrupting the Next Decade,' LSW 2025 will examine what it takes to build in complex markets, elevate African-led innovation on the global stage, and define the next 10 years of entrepreneurial impact. From resilience to radical thinking, this year's event will spotlight founders who are not just building products but rewriting narratives. LSW is proudly powered by Prime Startups, an ecosystem builder supporting African founders beyond the event stage. Through year-round founder support, cross-border ecosystem partnerships, and policy engagement, Prime Startups is helping to lay the foundation for Africa's next wave of high-growth ventures. According to Olumide Olayinka, Co-organiser and Partner at Prime Startups. ' Lagos Startup Week was never just an event; it was always a declaration. Olumide said that 'the city needed a platform where founders could breathe, build, and belong. Ten years later, we are still doing that at scale, and with global attention.' THE LSW EXPERIENCE– 2025 AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS 📅 Dates: July 7–12, 2025 📍 Venue: Civic Centre, Lagos, Nigeria 🌍 Theme: DND – Disrupting the Next Decade To accommodate the expanding scope of this landmark edition, the event will span seven floors of the iconic Civic Centre for three unforgettable days. This year's edition promises to be even more spectacular, featuring 4 stages and Demo Days, all designed to showcase the visionary technology that will shape our collective future. Expect: Previous editions have welcomed visionaries such as: WHY THIS MATTERS In an era of global realignment and digital acceleration, Lagos Startup Week is more than a timestamp. It's a bellwether for how emerging markets will define the future of commerce, connectivity, and capital. It's where Africa builds and the world watches. Join us in Lagos this July. The future isn't coming. It's being built here. Watch 2024 recap: Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned industry leader, or an enthusiast looking to stay ahead of the curve, Lagos Startup Week is the ultimate destination to witness the cutting edge of innovation. See you there!
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
World Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions' complaint to UN-backed labor body
GENEVA (AP) — A group of African-led trade unions urged the U.N.-backed International Labor Organization on Wednesday to create its highest-level inquiry into Saudi Arabia, citing alleged abuses of migrant workers in the 2034 World Cup host nation. On the same day in Geneva, the ILO signed a renewed working agreement with the kingdom's government. 'It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labor policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities,' said ILO director general Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo. A different view was suggested by trade unions in 36 countries — including Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal — who filed a formal complaint with the ILO asking for a 'Commission of Inquiry.' It alleged evidence of forced labor, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse and systemic racism targeting African workers, and continued Saudi use of the kafala system tying them to employers especially in construction and domestic work. 'Workers are being treated as disposable in Saudi Arabia. They leave alive and return in coffins,' said Joel Odigie, general secretary of the Africa chapter of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 'The ILO must act.' A previous complaint filed by the Building and Wood Workers' International union one year ago is being investigated by the ILO, which unites governments, workers and employers to set labor standards and promote decent work. Vision for Saudi Arabia's future Saudi Arabia has started a massive construction program as part of the Vision 2030 plan directed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize its society and economy beyond dependence on oil. Sport is key to the program and the biggest Saudi win has been getting picked by FIFA to host the men's World Cup in 2034. Most of the 15 planned stadiums must be built or renovated for the 104-game tournament, and some have extravagant designs. Concerns about Saudi Arabia's treatment of migrant workers echo the intense scrutiny on neighboring Qatar before it hosted the 2022 World Cup. That decision in 2010 led to the current FIFA leadership insisting on human rights assessments of future World Cup bidders. Saudi government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. A Saudi promise to FIFA last year included 'equitable wages and decent working and living conditions for all individuals involved in World Cup preparations.' The Saudi bid accepted then only to work with the ILO and seemed to rule out partnerships with international unions, NGOs and independent rights advisors. Union frustration Saudi Arabia 'has shown no real intention to address the situation,' the ITUC said Wednesday, despite its top official engaging with the kingdom's government. 'This (kafala) system strips workers of their freedom and dignity, silences complaints and grants employers near-total control over their lives,' the ITUC added. Still, the ILO's Houngbo said the updated Saudi working accord would 'expand protections for vulnerable workers.' 'Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labor market,' government minister Ahmed Al Rajhi said after signing the deal in Geneva. It also includes sending young Saudi professionals on international development work through the ILO and posting three government officials to the labor body's headquarters in the Swiss city. Speaking with reporters last week, Houngbo said the ILO also is working to create an occupational health and safety center in the Saudi capital Riyadh. 'I am not too much worried on (Saudi issues) in 2025,' the ILO leader said in Geneva last week, noting 2030 was the deadline for much of what the kingdom wants to achieve. ___ AP soccer:
Fox Sports
04-06-2025
- Business
- Fox Sports
World Cup host Saudi Arabia targeted by African-led unions' complaint to UN-backed labor body
Associated Press GENEVA (AP) — A group of African-led trade unions urged the U.N.-backed International Labor Organization on Wednesday to create its highest-level inquiry into Saudi Arabia, citing alleged abuses of migrant workers in the 2034 World Cup host nation. On the same day in Geneva, the ILO signed a renewed working agreement with the kingdom's government. 'It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labor policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities,' said ILO director general Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo. A different view was suggested by trade unions in 36 countries — including Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal — who filed a formal complaint with the ILO asking for a 'Commission of Inquiry.' It alleged evidence of forced labor, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse and systemic racism targeting African workers, and continued Saudi use of the kafala system tying them to employers especially in construction and domestic work. 'Workers are being treated as disposable in Saudi Arabia. They leave alive and return in coffins,' said Joel Odigie, general secretary of the Africa chapter of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). 'The ILO must act.' A previous complaint filed by the Building and Wood Workers' International union one year ago is being investigated by the ILO, which unites governments, workers and employers to set labor standards and promote decent work. Vision for Saudi Arabia's future Saudi Arabia has started a massive construction program as part of the Vision 2030 plan directed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to modernize its society and economy beyond dependence on oil. Sport is key to the program and the biggest Saudi win has been getting picked by FIFA to host the men's World Cup in 2034. Most of the 15 planned stadiums must be built or renovated for the 104-game tournament, and some have extravagant designs. Concerns about Saudi Arabia's treatment of migrant workers echo the intense scrutiny on neighboring Qatar before it hosted the 2022 World Cup. That decision in 2010 led to the current FIFA leadership insisting on human rights assessments of future World Cup bidders. Saudi government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. A Saudi promise to FIFA last year included 'equitable wages and decent working and living conditions for all individuals involved in World Cup preparations.' The Saudi bid accepted then only to work with the ILO and seemed to rule out partnerships with international unions, NGOs and independent rights advisors. Union frustration Saudi Arabia 'has shown no real intention to address the situation,' the ITUC said Wednesday, despite its top official engaging with the kingdom's government. 'This (kafala) system strips workers of their freedom and dignity, silences complaints and grants employers near-total control over their lives,' the ITUC added. Still, the ILO's Houngbo said the updated Saudi working accord would 'expand protections for vulnerable workers.' 'Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labor market,' government minister Ahmed Al Rajhi said after signing the deal in Geneva. It also includes sending young Saudi professionals on international development work through the ILO and posting three government officials to the labor body's headquarters in the Swiss city. Speaking with reporters last week, Houngbo said the ILO also is working to create an occupational health and safety center in the Saudi capital Riyadh. 'I am not too much worried on (Saudi issues) in 2025,' the ILO leader said in Geneva last week, noting 2030 was the deadline for much of what the kingdom wants to achieve. ___ AP soccer: recommended in this topic
