The tsetse genome was sequenced and annotated during a 10-year international collaborative effort that involved the Insect Pest Control Laboratory run jointly by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. The achievement allows scientists to better study the fly's genes and their functions, knowledge that should open the door for researching ways to control the insect.

Found only in Africa, tsetse flies are vectors for the single-cell parasites that cause trypanosomiasis, or nagana, an often-lethal disease that affects some 3 million animals in the region each year at massive costs to farmers' livelihoods and food security.

The disease leads to a debilitating chronic condition that reduces fertility, weight gain, meat and milk production, and makes livestock too weak to be used for ploughing or transport, which in turn affects crop production.

Humans bitten by carrier flies can develop African sleeping sickness, which can be fatal without treatment.

No vaccine against the disease exists for livestock or humans because the parasite is able to evade mammalian immune systems, so control methods primarily involve targeting tsetse flies through trapping, pesticide treatments and sterile male release strategies.

“Decoding the tsetse fly's DNA is a major scientific breakthrough that opens the way for more effective control of trypanosomiasis, which is good news for millions of herders and farmers in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Kostas Bourtzis of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture.

“Detection and treatment of trypanosomiasis is currently expensive, difficult and dangerous for the livestock as it often involves toxic drugs, but this new knowledge will accelerate research on tsetse control methods and help scientists develop new and complementary strategies to reduce the use of costly drugs and insecticides,” he said.

Unique biology

In their contribution to decoding the genome, scientists from the FAO/IAEA Insect Pest Control Laboratory focused on the tsetse fly's relationship with a symbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, which in many insect species affects its host's biology and physiology, including reproduction, mating behaviour and capacity as a vector.

“Our group was involved in the discovery of the horizontal transfer of large stretches of genomic sequence from the Wolbachia bacteria into the tsetse genome,” Bourtzis said. “How these gene insertions affect the biology of the tsetse is currently being investigated.”

The tsetse fly's complex relationship with Wolbachia and two other symbiotic bacteria are part of its unique biology, which also involves feeding exclusively on vertebrate blood, giving birth to live young, and feeding young by lactation.

A first set of findings on the tsetse fly genome will be published in the journal Science on Friday in a paper entitled ‘Genome Sequence of the Tsetse Fly (Glossina morsitans): Vector of African Trypanosomiasis'.

Sterile insect technique

The Joint FAO/IAEA Division is currently supporting 14 African nations in their efforts to tackle the trypanosomiasis problem by controlling tsetse fly populations by integrating the sterile insect technique with other control methods.

A form of insect birth control, the sterile insect technique involves releasing mass-bred male flies that have been sterilized by low doses of radiation into infested areas, where they mate with wild females. These do not produce offspring and, as a result, the technique can suppress and, if applied systematically on an area-wide basis, eventually eradicate populations of wild flies.

Tsetse flies were successfully eradicated from the island of Zanzibar using the sterile insect technique and are currently being suppressed in parts of southern Ethiopia. In January, Senegal reported that it was making significant progress in infested areas in the Niayes with the same method.

Established in 1964, the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture uses the talents and resources of both organizations to broaden cooperation among their member countries in applying nuclear technology and related biotechnologies to improve sustainable food security.

During his visit to Somalia, the Burundian President expressed optimism about Somalia's future, and reaffirmed his Government commitment to work in partnership with the Somali Government to promote peace and security.

“I am delighted to have visited Somalia at a crucial time for the Federal Government in their fight against Al Shabaab and terrorism. Burundi Government now has appointed its first Ambassador to Somalia, we also have our troops serving with AMISOM who have been in Somalia since 2007, and the relationship between the two countries is excellent”, said President Nkurunziza.

The President had a message to Somali people: “My message to Somalia is that of hope and peace. I encourage the people of Somalia to have hope. Burundi was once ravaged by civil war; however, thanks to the political goodwill of all Burundians, we now live in peace. There is a time for everything – a time for war and a time for peace and development, and now it's a good time for Somalis to think about peace and stability”.

During his time in Somalia, President Nkurunziza also addressed AMISOM troops and thanked them for the contribution they have made to the security and stability of Somalia. “We are deeply grateful to AMISOM forces for the sacrifices you have made to help our Somali brothers.”

Logo Tigo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/tigo-1.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=1020 (It's thumps up by Tigo Tanzania General Manager, Diego Gutierrez (L), and Facebook representative, Nicola D'Elia, during the launch of a historic partnership between their two companies today in Dar es Salaam)

It is the first time that Facebook will be free on any mobile network in East Africa, according to Tigo General Manager Diego Gutierrez.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership in Dar es Salaam, Gutierrez said: “What this partnership means is that Tigo customers can, for the first time, access Facebook through their handsets without incurring any data charges and connect with the social media network's two millions of users in Tanzania and its 1.2 billion users worldwide.

Gutierrez added: “It is the first time any major social media company has made a version in Kiswahili the national language spoken by Tanzanians and majority of the people in East, Central and Southern African region.

“Facebook has been a fantastic driver of data on mobile networks. With this unique partnership, we are making Tigo stand out from the crowd and giving many customers their first taste of the internet and social media, including in Kiswahili. That's what creating the digital lifestyle is all about, and it reinforces our strategy to encourage more Tigo customers to use data as part of their daily communications activity.”

The strategic partnership is part of Facebook's recent Internet.org initiative launched by the company's founder, Mark Zuckerberg.

Guttierrez said “The new service will open new frontiers to Tanzanians and to other Kiswahili speakers by offering them new business, educational and other socio-economic opportunities across the world.”

Apart from the five East African Community (EAC) member states, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, Kiswahili is also spoken in parts of Malawi, Somali, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.

With this launch Tanzania, a country recognized for being the cradle of Kiswahili language, becomes the first in the region the region to showcase this language globally, a breakthrough that that Tigo, its parent company Millicom and Facebook takes credit for.

This is the second time that Facebook and Millicom have partnered following the joint launch of free mobile access to Facebook with Tigo Paraguay in December 2013 and the service's launch in the historical native Guarani language there.

Nicola D' Elia, Facebook Director for International Growth and Partnerships commented "We're excited to be working with Tigo again to give more people in Tanzania the ability to share and connect free of data charges across Facebook apps and mobile website, and now in the traditional language of Kiswahili."

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Tigo Tanzania.

For further information visit: www.tigo.co.tz or contact:

John Wanyancha – Corporate Communications Manager

Mobile: 0658 123 089

john.wanyancha@tigo.co.tz

About Tigo:

Tigo (http://www.tigo.co.tz) started operations in 1994 as the first cellular network in Tanzania. It now covers 30 regions in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Tigo strives to be Tanzania's most innovative mobile phone operator, offering services ranging from affordable mobile voice communications to high speed Internet access and mobile financial services through Tigo Pesa.

Tigo is part of Millicom which provides affordable, widely accessible and readily available cellular telephone services to more than 50 million customers in 13 emerging markets in Africa and Latin America.

The success of Tigo is based on the "Triple A" strategy, which stands for Affordability, Accessibility and Availability. We create a world where mobile services are affordable, accessible and available everywhere and to all. This guarantees that our subscribers experience the best services at the most affordable rates throughout all 30 regions in both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

“SMILE, YOU'RE WITH TIGO”

Her Excellency, Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy, Vice President,The Gambia,

Her Excellency, Mrs Sia Koroma, First Lady, Republic of Sierra Leone,

Her Excellency, Madame Marieme Faye Sall, First Lady, Republic of Senegal,

Her Excellency, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, First Lady Ogun State, Nigeria,

Ms. Almas Jiwani, President, UN Women (National Committee) Canada,

Mr. Peter Metcalfe, President, Foundation for the Development of Africa (FDA) amongst other First Ladies from Africa join WAF 2014

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/waf.png

Watch the video: http://youtu.be/zYUkaL5QCPs

Women Advancement Forum - WAF (http://www.womenadvancementforum.com), Africa's most attended gender conference has consistently for 3 years made its foot print indelible as the formidable platform for deliberations and formulation of affirmative issues affecting the advancement, empowerment, and sustainable approach to motivating and inspiring women of Africa. Since 2010 WAF has become the annual rallying point for women of different race, age, on issues regarding women economic empowerment in business and global partnerships.

Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, Global Convener of Women in Logistics & Transport (WiLAT) speaking on the lunching of the Gambia chapter of Women in Logistics & Transport (WiLAT) at WAF 2014 said that it is a welcome trend adopted by WAF and WiLAT Africa because it will go a long way to address the issue of global partnerships among women. Women in Logistics & Transport (WiLAT) South Africa was formed and lunched at the WAF 2013.

At the 2014 WAF over 30 men and women in leadership roles are expected to deliver inspirational and lead delegates through gender advancement and empowerment; amongst them are First Ladies, Ambassadors, Women Business and Entrepreneurs, Professionals etc. Over 500 attendees are expected- with singular purpose of taking affirmative stand on issues on MDGs - empowering the woman, and giving the world a future beyond MDGs.

WAF-mdg and WAF Tribute Awards are coveted awards. These awards have unique value; offering the opportunity to honor distinguished women and men from Africa and around the world at a special Award/Charity gala night.

Women, develop your high level strategic network and business contacts – get introduced to the premium circles of business, politics and professionals of African women. Promote your product at the exhibition where buyers and sellers meet. Confirmed exhibitors are successful made in Africa products and services; developed for African women : dresses made from African fabrics, comestics and beauty products, business brands for franchise etc.

Learn from the best, at the High Performance Negotiation & Communicating Skills pre-conference workshop: find out the specific and essential contents for ambitious women in business, politics and society. Delegates will learn the secrets and insights which will get you to your goals faster!

Book your seat now : Visit www.womenadvancementforum.com

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Women Advancement Forum (WAF).

WAF is one unique African women's rallying point - expect great thing at WAF 2014 in Banjul!

FOR REGISTRATION/EXHIBITION/SPONSORSHIP & PARTNERSHIP:

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mr. Charles Chikezie

Contact media: +27 837850397

e-mail : charles@womenadvancementforum.com

Website: http://www.womenadvancementforum.com

On 23 April Guinea-Bissau announced the official results of the Presidential and legislative elections held on 13 April. The outcome of the Presidential election will now be decided by a second round of voting on 18 May.

Following the election results, Mr Simmonds said:

“I congratulate the people of Guinea-Bissau on the peaceful and orderly Presidential and legislative elections held on 13 April. The impressive turnout of over 85% demonstrates the importance of these elections to the aspirations of the entire country. They mark an important step not only towards ensuring lasting peace and security, but also towards the economic development and prosperity of Guinea-Bissau.

“I look forward to the establishment of the new National Assembly and hope that all parties respect the wishes of the people by maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in the second round of the Presidential elections.”

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/indigo-en.jpg

These good results confirm the group's excellent health and the durability of its economic model, based on exclusive paid-for information for professional subscribers.

They also show the positive impact of the digital development strategy it has been pursuing since 1995. Since April 2013, Intelligence Online and all the group's Africa publications, which are now grouped together on the Africa Intelligence website, have been 100% digital.

• The digital products have shown remarkable growth. The Web accounted for 84% of the group's growth last year across all publications.

• Electronic wallets, which offer the opportunity to buy single articles on Indigo Publications' six web sites, increased strongly in number and the number of transactions carried out rose 24%.

• The group remains very international. Fifty two per cent of its subscribers are registered outside France and these subscribers divide up equally into anglophone and francophone readers. The number of new subscriptions to the English language publications rose by 44% in 2013.

• Indigo Publications also continued to strongly develop its overall readership with subscriptions up 15% in 2013.

The digital development should continue to progress in 2014. In France, the VAT rate for online publications has at last been brought into line with that of the printed press, thus reducing it from 20% to 2.1% as of February this year. The legislation making this possible was passed unanimously by the French National Assembly and Senate. It is the culmination of a long struggle over several years by Indigo and its fellow French online publishers via their professional body, the Syndicat de la Presse Indépendante d'Information en Ligne (SPIIL). The law will enable the whole of the French press to make available the necessary resources for its digital development.

As a result, for Indigo Publications, 2014 will, even more than previous years, be a year of investment in digital technology:

• In May, a free Africa Intelligence mobile application will be made available to subscribers (with devices using iOS, Androïd and Windows Phone).

• In September, La Lettre A will inaugurate a new formula and launch a mobile application.

• In October, the Africa Intelligence web portal will be renovated with a new graphic identity and new navigational system as part of an effort to constantly improve quality of service to readers.

Indigo Publications is pleased with its financial results and positive prospects, which enable it to guarantee its present and future editorial independence. An independent press group, it is not constrained by any dependence on advertising and is free of all political and commercial affiliation, with 100% of its revenues coming directly from its readers.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Indigo Publications.

Contact

Elsa Berry, head of communication – berry@indigo-net.com – + 33 1 44 88 57 32

Indigo Publications - 142, rue Montmartre – 75002 Paris - France

About Indigo Publications

Indigo Publications (http://www.indigopublications.fr), which styles itself the “smallest international press group in the world”, publishes eight newsletters in English and French and runs four web sites in French and two in English. Headed by the group's founder, Maurice Botbol, its editorial team analyses and interprets the issues raised by political and economic power:

• The Africa Intelligence portal (http://www.AfricaIntelligence.com and http://www.AfricaIntelligence.fr) hosts all the group's publications on Africa:

• The West Africa Newsletter, which covers political and economic issues in West and Central Africa;

• The Indian Ocean Newsletter, which focuses on politics and business relations in African countries in the Indian Ocean region;

• Maghreb Confidential, which follows developments in the power structures of the Maghreb;

• Africa Energy Intelligence, which covers political and economic strategy in the African energy sector;

• Africa Mining Intelligence, which reports on political and economic strategy in the African mining sector.

• Intelligence Online, which specialises in coverage of state and economic intelligence gathering on its websites, http://www.IntelligenceOnline.fr and http://www.IntelligenceOnline.com

• La Lettre A, a newsletter reporting on power in France in all its forms, with its website, http://www.LaLettreA.fr

• Presse News, a newsletter covering French media news, with its website, http://www.PresseNews.fr

Indigo Publications website: http://www.indigo-net.com/index.aspx?lng=EN

Sierra Leone is one of the 155 States parties to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and is required to undergo regular examinations of its record before the Committee of 10 independent experts.

The Committee will engage in a dialogue with the Sierra Leone government delegation and also hear from NGOs. The public sessions, which will take place from 10:00 on 1 May and from 15:00 on 2 May, can be viewed here: http://www.treatybodywebcast.org/.

Sierra Leone's initial report is available at:

http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=890&Lang=en. The Committee will publish its concluding observations here on Friday 23 May.

A press conference is tentatively scheduled for Friday 23 May at 14:00 at Palais des Nations when the Committee will discuss its concluding observations on Sierra Leone and the other countries being reviewed – Uruguay, Thailand, Holy See, Guinea, Montenegro, Cyprus, and Lithuania.

What:

Workshop on Reforming Fossil Fuel Subsidies for an Inclusive Green Economy, 2014

When:

Monday, 28 April 9:00 a.m. – Tuesday, 29 April 16:30 p.m.

Where:

Conference Room 3, UN Compound, Gigiri

Who:

Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director

Benedict Clements, Division Chief, Fiscal Affairs Department, IMF

Detlef Schreiber, Head of the Competence Centre for Environment, Resource Efficiency and Waste Management, German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)

Laura Merrill, Senior Researcher, Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI)

Numerous Ministers of Finance, Energy and Environment from around the world

In today's complex economic environment, it is clear that we need to better understand the scale of fossil fuel subsidies and their potential for green investment. There is an urgent need to share countries' experiences of subsidy reform and to identify remaining knowledge gaps in data, methodology and policy guidance.

To tackle these issues, some 80 participants are expected to attend the Workshop on Reforming Fossil Fuel Subsidies for an Inclusive Green Economy, 2014, including government officials; international/regional organizations; academic institutions; NGOs and local UN missions.

Discussions will focus on the many stark facts concerning fossil fuel subsidies.

For example, it is estimated that subsidies use up as much as 20 per cent of government revenues in Asia and amount to 15 per cent of the GDP in the Middle East and North Africa – resources that could be better spend on advancing economic and social goals.

Spending on fossil fuel subsidies can be inefficient, given that 43 per cent of the subsidy benefits the richest 20 per cent of the population, while only 7 per cent reaches the poor.

At the same time, fuel subsidies can divert government resources from pro-poor spending. For instance, in Africa, governments spend 3 per cent of GDP on average on fossil fuel subsidies, equivalent to their total health care allocation, despite the daunting health care challenges many countries in Africa struggle to face.

Fossil fuel subsidy reform is essential not only to fighting poverty but also to confronting the threats of climate change, as emissions from the energy sector account for 78 per cent of the total greenhouse gas emissions increase in the past decade.

Join the world's leading experts in tackling these essential issues. One-on-one interviews are available upon request.

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

April 25, 2014

South Africa's Freedom Day

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I extend warmest wishes to the people of the Republic of South Africa on your Freedom Day on April 27.

This year's celebration is especially poignant: it marks the 20th anniversary of your nation's first democratic elections and follows the recent passing of the Rainbow Nation's beloved son, Nelson Mandela.

Madiba was a stranger to hate. He rejected recrimination in favor of reconciliation. On this 20th anniversary, we reflect on South Africa's transformation in these two decades as a testament to the power of reconciliation, forgiveness, and hope.

This year also marks an important milestone for the United States as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, which expanded voting rights to racial minorities. Our own commemoration is yet another reminder of the work ahead in our shared struggle for democracy and human rights.

As you prepare to hold general elections next month – your fifth in the post-apartheid era – we remember the spirit of that historic election in 1994, one filled with tremendous hope, goodwill, and promise for a better future.

Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration

April 25, 2014

Funding Opportunity Number: PRM-PRMOAPAF-14-016

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number: 19.517

Announcement Issuance Date: Friday, April 25, 2014

Proposal submission deadline: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. EDT (noon Washington, DC time). Proposals submitted after this deadline or incomplete proposal packages will not be considered.

ADVISORY: All applicants must submit proposals through the website Grants.gov (not GrantSolutions.gov). PRM strongly recommends submitting your proposal several days early to allow time to address any technical difficulties that may arise. Please note that Monday May 26, 2014 is a U.S. Federal holiday.

Proposed Program Start Dates: July 1 – September 15, 2014

Duration of Activity: Program plans from 12 to 36 months will be considered. Applicants may submit multi-year proposals with activities and budgets that do not exceed 36 months from the proposed start date. Actual awards will not exceed 12 months in duration and activities and budgets submitted in year one can be revised/updated each year. Continued funding after the initial 12-month award requires the submission of a noncompeting continuation application and will be contingent upon available funding, strong performance, and continuing need. In funding a project one year, PRM makes no representations that it will continue to fund the project in successive years and encourages applicants to seek a wide array of donors to ensure long-term funding possibilities. Please see the Multi-Year Funding section below for additional information.

Eligible Applicants: (1) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education; (2) Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education; and (3) International Organizations. International Organizations (IOs) should not submit proposals through Grants.gov in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement. Rather IOs such as UN agencies and other Public International Organizations (PIOs) that are seeking funding for programs relevant to this announcement should contact the relevant PRM Program Officer (as listed below) on or before the closing date of the funding announcement.

Current Funding Priorities for refugees in Ethiopia and Kenya:

(a) PRM will prioritize funding for proposed NGO activities that best meet the Bureau's priorities for filling programming gaps in the Horn of Africa region as identified below.

While PRM encourages activities that include host communities, because of PRM's mandate to provide protection, assistance, and durable solutions for refugees and victims of conflict, PRM will consider funding only those projects that include a target beneficiary base of at least 50% refugees. Please note that projects that do not meet the protection/assistance gap(s) below will not be considered.

ETHIOPIA

Proposals must focus on one or more of the following:

Dollo Ado (Melkadida, Bokolmayo, and/or Buramino camps ONLY)

1. Health (reproductive health, maternal and child health/nutrition, mental health, psychosocial support, or assistance to persons living with disabilities)

2. Protection (prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and/or child protection)

3. Education/Livelihoods (primary and/or vocational education/training that benefits both refugees and host nationals, and that for Somali refugees has a clear link to eventual voluntary return, and youth education)

Gambella

1. Protection (prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and/or assistance to unaccompanied or separated minors or persons living with disabilities)

Jijiga

1. Education/Livelihoods (primary and/or vocational education/training that benefits both refugees and host nationals, and that for Somali refugees has a clear link to eventual voluntary return, and youth education)

2. Health (reproductive health, maternal and child health/nutrition, mental health, psychosocial support, or assistance to persons living with disabilities)

3. Protection (child protection and/or prevention and response to GBV)

Tigray

1. Education/Livelihoods (primary and/or vocational education/training that will help minimize onward migration and youth education).

2. Health (reproductive health, maternal and child health/nutrition, or assistance to persons living with disabilities)

3. Protection (child protection and/or prevention and response to GBV)

KENYA

Proposals must focus on one or more of the following:

1. Protection (prevention and response to GBV, child protection, assistance to separated or unaccompanied minors, and/or activities to address/prevent xenophobia)

2. Health (mental health, psychosocial support, reproductive health, support and accessibility to adequate maternal and child health/nutrition for children; health support to persons living with disabilities)

2. Education/Livelihoods (primary and/or vocational education/training that benefits both refugees and host nationals, and that for Somali refugees has a clear link to eventual voluntary return), and youth education)

Please Note: Proposals may focus on urban areas; however, evolving Government of Kenya policy may not allow urban programming. In that case, PRM would not be able to fund such activities.

(b) For both countries, proposals should be shared with UNHCR in advance of submission and must be developed in full consultation with UNHCR to ensure coherence with its overall comprehensive planning for refugee operations. If PRM awards a grant and then circumstances subsequently preclude implementation in urban areas, PRM will work with you to determine how to proceed.

(c) PRM Standardized Indicator Initiative:

Health: Proposals focusing on health in camp based/returnee settings must include a minimum of one of the four following indicators and should try to include as many of the other indicators as are relevant:

• Number of consultations/clinician/day (Target: Fewer than 50 patients per clinician per day).

• Measles vaccination rate for children under five (Target: 95% coverage).

• Percentage of deliveries attended by a skilled birth attendant in a health care facility (Target: 100%).

• Percentage of reporting rape survivors given post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with 72 hours (Target: 100%).

Proposals focusing on health in urban settings must include a minimum of one of the six following indicators and should try to include as many of the other indicators as are relevant:

• Capacity-building: number of health care professionals/administrators trained on providing health services to beneficiary populations.

• Referrals: number of beneficiaries referred to appropriate services, and percentage of those referred who were able to get needed services.

• Community Outreach: number of beneficiaries who received targeted messages on their rights and health-related services available to them.

• Health Staffing: number of total consultations per health care provider, disaggregated by refugee/national, sex, and age.

• Patient Satisfaction: percentage of beneficiary patients receiving primary and emergency care who express satisfaction with services received.

• Post Exposure Prophylaxis: percentage of reporting beneficiary rape survivors given PEP within 72 hours (Target: 100%).

NGO proposals seeking to fund service provision may include the following indicators as appropriate:

• Primary Care: number and percentage of beneficiary patients, by sex and age, receiving primary health care assistance.

• Emergency Care: number and percentage of beneficiary patients, by sex and age, receiving care for trauma or sudden illness.

Proposals should include custom health indicators in addition to the relevant standardized indicator(s).

Key Resources – Health

• Sphere Handbook: http://www.sphereproject.org/handbook/

• UNHCR Health Guidelines, Policies, and Strategies: http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cdd.html

• OFDA NGO Guidance (pages 96-110): http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/guidelines_for_proposals_2012.pdf

Livelihoods: Proposals focusing on livelihoods in camp based/returnee settings must include a minimum of one of the three following indicators and should try to include as many of the other indicators as are relevant:

Camp-Based/Returnee Settings:

• Number of project beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) receiving training on appropriate skills as determined by market and livelihood assessments. This may include language and skills training, entrepreneurship building, financial literacy, business support services, job placement and apprenticeship schemes, and/or legal aid.

• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) reporting higher household income level by end of project period as compared to the pre-project baseline assessment.

• (Temporary Employment) Number of beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) participating in cash or food for work programs.

Proposals focusing on livelihoods in urban settings must include a minimum of one of the eight following indicators and should try to include as many of the other indicators as are relevant:

Urban:

• Number of project beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) receiving training on appropriate skills as determined by market and livelihood assessments. This may include language and skills training, entrepreneurship building, financial literacy, business support services, job placement and apprenticeship schemes, and/or legal aid.

• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) reporting higher household income level by end of project period as compared to the pre-project baseline assessment.

• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) in urban settings who are placed in jobs by completion of the project period. Note: A chart should be provided reflecting the length of employment for program participants.

• (Temporary Employment) Number of beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) participating in cash or food for work programs.

• The percentage of sampled host community employers who are able to identify at least two skill-sets (e.g., carpentry, embroidery) among program beneficiaries living in their municipality.

• The percentage of sampled host community employers who are able to describe accurately the procedures for hiring program beneficiaries.

• The percentage of sampled urban program beneficiaries who:

• Are able to describe accurately the procedures for receiving permits to conduct business.

• Apply for and receive for business permits.

• The percentage of sampled urban program beneficiaries who are economically self-reliant, as measured by self-reporting of household consumption and income sources.

Proposals should include custom livelihoods indicators in addition to the relevant standardized indicator(s).

Key Resources – Livelihoods

• USAID/OFDA Guidelines for Proposals, October 2012 (pgs. 82-96)

• Women's Refugee Commission, Preventing Gender Based Violence, Building Livelihoods: Guidance and Tools for Improved Programming

• Minimum Economic Recovery Standards, 2nd ed. Washington, DC, USA: The SEEP Network, 2010. http://communities.seepnetwork.org/econrecovery

• Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis Toolkit. (EMMA) Practical Action Publishing. 2010. www.emmatoolkit.info (In French as of 2011.)

• Local Economic Recovery in Post-Conflict: Guidelines. Geneva: ILO, 2010.

http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_emp/documents/instructionalmaterial/wcms_141270.pdf

(d) Proposals must have a concrete implementation plan with well-conceived objectives and indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and reliable, time-bound and trackable (SMART), have established baselines, and include at least one outcome or impact indicator per objective; objectives should be clearly linked to the aforementioned sectors.

(e) Proposals must adhere to relevant international standards for humanitarian assistance. See PRM's General NGO Guidelines for a complete list of sector-specific standards.

(f) PRM strongly encourages programs that target the needs of potentially vulnerable and underserved groups among the beneficiary population (women; children;; older persons; the sick; persons with disabilities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) individuals and other minorities) and can demonstrate what steps have been taken to meet the specific and unique protection and assistance needs of these vulnerable groups effectively. NOTE: PRM partners must now complete a gender analysis (see PRM proposal template, section 3a) that briefly analyzes (1) gender dynamics within the target population (i.e., roles, power dynamics, and different needs of men and women, girls and boys); (2) associated risks and implementation challenges for the project posed by those dynamics; and (3) how program activities will mitigate these protection risks and be made accessible to vulnerable groups (particularly women and girls). A gender analysis is a requirement prior to PRM making a final funding award.

(g) PRM will accept proposals from any NGO (refer to Eligible Applicants section above) working in the above mentioned areas although, given budgetary constraints, priority will be given to proposals from organizations that can demonstrate:

• A working relationship with UNHCR and/or current UNHCR funding. Proposals must include a letter of support from UNHCR for the proposed activities (this letter should highlight the gap in services the proposed program is designed to address and should include any UNHCR co-funding for the proposed activities and/or similar refugee activities);

• A proven track record in providing proposed assistance both in the sector and specified location;

• Evidence of coordination with international organizations (IOs) and other NGOs working in the same area or sector as well as – where possible – local authorities;

• Projects in protracted refugee situations and multi-year funding applications must include (1) concrete steps that will be taken during the program period to support the eventual transition of activities to government ministries, local NGOs, or development actors, (2) the estimated timeframe for the transition, and (3) what obstacles might inhibit the transition;

• A budget that is appropriate for meeting the objectives and demonstrates co-funding by non-U.S. government sources;

• where applicable, adherence to PRM's Principles for Refugee Protection in Urban Areas available online at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/187237.pdf;

• Appropriate targeting of beneficiaries in coordination with UNHCR and other relevant organizations; and

• Inclusion of persons living with disabilities within the targeted population.

(h) Country Specific Instructions

• Ethiopia: Proposals for activities must be accompanied by a letter from the UNHCR Addis Ababa Office showing endorsement of the proposed activities and inclusion on the Government of Ethiopia's Agency for Refugee and Returnee Affairs' (ARRA) accountability matrix (3W matrix).

• Kenya: Proposals for activities must be accompanied by a letter from the UNHCR Nairobi Office showing endorsement of the proposed activities and inclusion on the respective camp's accountability matrix (3W matrix). The UNHCR Nairobi letter should also acknowledge coordination with the relevant UNHCR sub-office.

Funding Limits: Project proposals may not exceed $1,500,000 per year or they will not be accepted.

As stated in the PRM General NGO Guidelines, PRM looks favorably on cost-sharing efforts and seeks to support projects with a diverse donor base and/or resources from the submitting organization.

Proposal Submission Requirements: Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov (not via GrantSolutions.gov). If you are new to PRM funding, the Grants.gov registration process can be complicated. We urge you to refer to PRM's General NGO Guidelines “New to PRM Funding” section for information and resources to help ensure that the application process runs smoothly. PRM also strongly encourages organizations that have received funding from PRM in the past to read this section as a refresher. Applicants may also refer to the “Applicant Resources” page on Grants.gov for complete details on requirements (http://test.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html).

Please also note the following highlights:

• Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application on Grants.gov. Organizations not registered with Grants.gov should register well in advance of the deadline as it can take up to two weeks to finalize registration (sometimes longer for non-U.S. based NGOs to get the required registration numbers). To register with Grants.gov, organizations must first receive a DUNS number and register with the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov which can take weeks and sometimes months. We recommend that organizations, particularly first-time applicants, submit applications via Grants.gov no later than one week before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties that could result in an application not being considered. PRM partners must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or an application under consideration by PRM or any federal agency.

• Applications must be submitted under the authority of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) at the applicant organization. Having proposals submitted by agency headquarters helps to avoid possible technical problems.

• If you encounter technical difficulties with Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at support@grants.gov or by calling 1-800-518-4726. Applicants who are unable to submit applications via Grants.gov due to Grants.gov technical difficulties and who have reported the problem to the Grants.gov help desk, received a case number, and had a service request opened to research the problem, should contact the relevant PRM Program Officer to determine whether an alternative method of submission is appropriate.

• Pursuant to U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001, stated on OMB Standard Form 424 (SF-424), the Department of State is authorized to consolidate the certifications and assurances required by Federal law or regulations for its federal assistance programs. The list of certifications and assurances can be found at: http://fa.statebuy.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=161&menu_id=68 )

Proposal Content, Formatting and Template: This announcement is designed to accompany PRM's General NGO Guidelines, which contain additional administrative information on proposal content and formatting, and explain in detail PRM's NGO funding strategy and priorities. Please use both the General NGO Guidelines and this announcement to ensure that your proposal submission is in full compliance with PRM requirements and that the proposed activities are in line with PRM's priorities. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in these guidelines will not be considered.

PRM strongly recommends using the proposal and budget templates that are available upon email request from PRM's NGO Coordinator. Please send an email, with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line, to PRM's NGO Coordinator. Single-year proposals using PRM's templates must be no more than 20 pages in length (Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins on all sides). If the applicant does not use PRM's recommended templates, proposals must not exceed 15 pages in length. Organizations may choose to attach work plans, activity calendars, and/or logical frameworks as addendums/appendices to the proposal. These attachments do not count toward the page limit total however annexes cannot be relied upon as a key source of program information. The proposal narrative must be able to stand on its own in the application process.

To be considered for PRM funding, organizations must submit a complete application package including:

• Proposal reflecting objectives and indicators for each year of the program period.

• Budget and budget narrative for each year of the program period.

• Signed completed SF-424.

In addition, proposal submissions to PRM should include the following information:

• Focus on outcome or impact indicators as much as possible. At a minimum, each objective should have one outcome or impact indicator. Wherever possible, baselines should be established before the start of the project.

• To increase PRM's ability to track the impact of PRM funding, include specific information on locations of projects and beneficiaries (GPS coordinates if possible).

• Proposals should outline how the NGO will acknowledge PRM funding. If an organization believes that publicly acknowledging the receipt of USG funding for a particular PRM-funded project could potentially endanger the lives of the beneficiaries and/or the organization staff, invite suspicion about the organization's motives, or alienate the organization from the population it is trying to help, it must provide a brief explanation in its proposal as to why it should be exempted from this requirement.

• The budget should include a specific breakdown of funds being provided by UNHCR, other USG agencies, other donors, and your own organization. PRM strongly encourages multilateral support for humanitarian programs.

• In FY 2014, PRM is asking applicants whose proposals address gender-based violence (GBV) through their projects to estimate the total cost of these activities as a separate line item in their proposed budgets. PRM's budget template document has been updated to reflect this new requirement.

• Gender analysis (See above. Required before an award can be made).

• Proposals and budgets should include details of any sub-agreements associated with the program.

• Copy of the organization's Code of Conduct (required before an award can be made).

• Copy of the organization's Security Plan (required before an award can be made).

• Most recent Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable.

• NGOs that have not received PRM funding since the U.S. government fiscal year ending September 30, 2004 must be prepared to demonstrate that they meet the financial and accounting requirements of the U.S. Government by submitting copies of 1) the most recent external financial audit, 2) proof of non-profit tax status including under IRS 501 (c)(3), as applicable, 3) a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, and 4) an Employer ID (EIN)/Federal Tax Identification number.

• Organizations that received PRM funding in FY 2013 for activities that are being proposed for funding under this announcement must include the most recent quarterly progress report against indicators outlined in the cooperative agreement. If an organization's last quarterly report was submitted more than six weeks prior to the submission of a proposal in response to this funding announcement, the organization must include, with its most recent quarterly report, updates that show any significant progress made on objectives since the last report.

Multi-Year Funding: Applicants proposing multi-year programs should adhere to the following guidance:

Applicants may submit proposals that include multi-year strategies presented in 12-month cycles for a period not to exceed 36 months from the proposed start date. Fully developed programs with detailed budgets, objectives and indicators are required for each year of activities. These can be updated yearly upon submission of continuation applications. Applicants should note that they may use PRM's recommended multi-year proposal template for this application, which is different from the single year template. Multi-year funding applicants may also use PRM's standard budget template and should submit a separate budget sheet for each project year. Multi-year proposals using PRM's templates must be no more than 30 pages in length (Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins on all sides). If the applicant does not use PRM's recommended templates, proposals must not exceed 25 pages in length. Organizations may choose to attach work plans, activity calendars, and/or logical frameworks as addendums/appendices to the proposal. These attachments do not count toward the page limit total.

Multi-year applications selected for funding by PRM will be funded in 12- month increments based on the proposal submitted in the initial application as approved by PRM. Continued funding after the initial 12- month award requires the submission of a noncompeting continuation application and will be contingent upon available funding, strong performance, and continuing need. Continuation applications must be submitted by the organization no later than 90 days before the proposed start date of the new award (e.g., if the next project period is to begin on September 1, submit your application by June 1). Continuation applications are submitted in lieu of responding to PRM's published call for proposals for those activities. Late continuation applications will jeopardize continued funding.

Organizations can request multi-year funding and continuation application templates by emailing PRM's NGO Coordinator with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line.

Reports and Reporting Requirements:

Program Reporting: PRM requires quarterly and final program reports describing and analyzing the results of activities undertaken during the validity period of the agreement. It is highly suggested that NGOs receiving PRM funding use the PRM-recommended program report template. To request this template, send an email with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line to PRM's NGO Coordinator.

Financial Reports: Financial reports are required within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar year quarter during the validity period of the agreement; a final financial report covering the entire period of the agreement is required within ninety (90) days after the expiration date of the agreement.

For more details regarding reporting requirements please see PRM's General NGO Guidelines.

Proposal Review Process: PRM will conduct a formal competitive review of all proposals submitted in response to this funding announcement. A review panel will evaluate submissions based on the above-referenced proposal evaluation criteria and PRM priorities in the context of available funding.

PRM may request revised proposals and/or budgets based on feedback from the panel. PRM will provide formal notifications to NGOs of final decisions taken by Bureau management.

Applicant Vetting as a Condition of Award: Applicants for programs in Kenya are advised that successful passing of vetting to evaluate the risk that funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition of an award for Kenya. Applicants may be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information (attached to this solicitation) about their organization and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by the U.S. Department of State as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. When vetting information is requested by the Grants Officer, information may be submitted on the secure web portal at https://ramportal.state.gov, via Email to RAM@state.gov, or by hardcopy to the Grants Officer. Questions about the form may be emailed to RAM@state.gov. Failure to submit information when requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for rejecting your proposal. The following clause shall be included in Section 9, Special Award Conditions, or as an addendum to the solicitation, whenever assistance is awarded after vetting:

• Recipient Vetting after Award: Recipients shall advise the Grants Officer of any changes in personnel listed in the DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information, and shall provide vetting information on new individuals. The government reserves the right to vet these personnel changes and to terminate assistance awards for convenience based on vetting results.

Branding and Marking Strategy: Unless exceptions have been approved by the designated Bureau Authorizing Official as described in the proposal templates that are available upon email request from PRM's NGO Coordinator, at a minimum, the following provision will be included whenever assistance is awarded:

• As a condition of receipt of this assistance award, all materials produced pursuant to the award, including training materials, materials for recipients or materials to communicate or promote with foreign audiences a program, event, project, or some other activity under this agreement, including but not limited to invitations to events, press materials, event backdrops, and podium signs must be marked appropriately with the standard U.S. flag in a size and prominence equal to (or greater than) any other logo or identity. Sub-recipients and subsequent tier sub-award agreements are subject to the marking requirements and the recipient shall include a provision in the sub-recipient agreement indicating that using the standard, rectangular U.S. flag is a requirement. In the event the recipient does not comply with the marking requirements as established in the approved assistance agreement, the Grants Officer Representative and the Grants Officer must initiate corrective action.

PRM Points of Contact: Should NGOs have technical questions related to this announcement, they should contact the PRM staff listed below prior to proposal submission. (Note: Responses to technical questions from PRM do not indicate a commitment to fund the program discussed.)

PRM Program Officer Madelina Young-Smith (YoungMM@state.gov; 202-453-9382), Washington, DC; please include PRM Program Assistant Lin'An Bartlett on email correspondence (BartlettL@state.gov)

Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Horn of Africa Bindi Patel (PatelBK@state.gov), U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Regional Refugee Assistant for the Horn of Africa Desire Diallo (DialloDA@state.gov), U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Deputy Refugee Coordinator for Kenya and Somalia Kristin Alderman (AldermanKL@state.gov), U.S. Embassy, Refugee and Migration Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya

The two-year SBA in the amount of SDR 1.146 billion (about US$1.78 billion, or 400 percent of Tunisia's quota at the IMF) was approved by the Executive Board on June 7, 2013 (See Press Release No. 13/202).

In completing the third review, the Executive Board approved the authorities' request for modification of end-June 2014 performance criteria and granted waivers of applicability for the end-March 2014 performance criteria for which data are not yet available and for which there is no evidence they were not observed.

Following the Executive Board discussion on Tunisia, Mr. Min Zhu, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said:

“The authorities have made progress on their Fund-supported economic program. End-March quantitative performance criteria appear to have been met, but progress on structural reforms has been slowed by last year's protracted political crisis.

“The adoption of a constitution and the formation of a new government led to greater confidence in political and economic prospects. Nonetheless, growth is moderate, unemployment remains high, and fiscal and external imbalances are elevated.

“Newly identified fiscal measures—coupled with those aimed at containing the high wage bill and reducing regressive energy subsidies— will help restrain the widening fiscal deficit in 2014. Revenue reforms, strengthened public financial management, and reform of public enterprises are necessary to improve the composition of fiscal consolidation. Improved procurement procedures and project execution are needed to reverse the under-execution in investment spending, which is important to promote inclusive growth. Social expenditures should continue to be preserved during fiscal consolidation.

“The current monetary policy stance is appropriate, but would need to be tightened if inflationary or exchange rate pressures arise. The removal of the lending rate cap is essential to strengthen monetary transmission channels and access to finance. Greater exchange rate flexibility would help rebuild external buffers, reduce liquidity injections, and improve competitiveness.

“Improved data reporting, strengthened supervision, and the new strategic vision for public banks are important steps taken to reduce banking sector fragilities. Priorities in the near term are to design bank restructuring plans, establish the asset management company for troubled tourism debt, address weak asset quality, and enhance resolution mechanisms.

“Accelerated implementation of structural reforms is crucial to ensure stronger and more inclusive growth. A well-targeted social safety net needs to accompany the energy subsidy reform so as to protect vulnerable households.”

The Board also concluded the 2014 Article IV consultation; a press release will be issued separately.

Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Min Zhu, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said: “The Tanzanian authorities are to be commended for the broadly satisfactory implementation of their economic program supported by the Fund's Standby Credit Facility. Prudent macroeconomic policies have delivered buoyant economic growth and successful disinflation.

“Preserving macroeconomic stability is essential for continued strong growth. Yet, vulnerabilities may be building up, with pressures for additional fiscal expenditures and a large current account deficit. To safeguard the sustainability of the public finances, improved public financial management is a priority, going forward.

“A key objective for the remainder of this fiscal year is to contain expenditures within the limits set in the mid-year budget review and to strengthen revenue administration. Looking ahead, efforts will be needed to mobilize additional revenues, beginning with the VAT reform, while ensuring that revenue assumptions are realistic, so as to eschew the accumulation of new arrears and to avoid abrupt expenditure cuts during budget execution.

“A crucial medium-term challenge will be to set up appropriate institutional arrangements to ensure that the benefits from the exploitation of natural gas fields accrue to all Tanzanians. This will involve establishing a fair taxation regime, transparent contracts with the companies involved, and a framework to manage resource wealth that promotes inter-generational equity and is fully integrated with the budget process.

Tanzania is becoming increasingly interconnected with the global economy and greater focus on international competitiveness is warranted. Accordingly, the exchange rate should fully reflect market conditions, and a variety of reforms need to be undertaken to dismantle remaining impediments to trade, including infrastructure bottlenecks, and improve the business climate.”

1 The SCF supports low-income countries that have reached broadly sustainable macroeconomic positions, but may experience episodic, short-term financing and adjustment needs, including those caused by shocks. The SCF supports countries' economic programs aimed at restoring a stable and sustainable macroeconomic position consistent with strong and durable growth and poverty reduction. It also provides policy support and can help catalyze foreign aid. (See http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/scf.htm.) Details on Tanzania's SCF are available at www.imf.org/tanzania

Mr. Agbénonci will also serve as United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative. The Secretary-General expresses his sincere thanks to Mr. Georg Charpentier, who served as Deputy Special Representative, United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative ad interim.

The new Deputy Special Representative brings extensive experience with the United Nations system to the position, having worked on conflict, development and governance issues. He has served throughout Africa, including as United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, from 2008 to 2011, and Congo, from 2003 to 2008. Previously, he was UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Côte d'Ivoire, from 1999 to 2003, and Cameroon, from 1996 to 1999.

Prior to his career with the United Nations, he was Senior Programme Coordinator and Chief of Staff at the Pan–African Social Prospects Centre in Benin, and worked in the Faculty of Law at the University of Nanterre in France. Most recently, Mr. Agbénonci was the Humanitarian Coordinator, United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Mali from 2012 to 2013.

Mr. Agbénonci earned graduate degrees in international trade law from the University of Paris X Nanterre and in institutional development, governance and environmental sciences from the University of Dakar in Senegal. He also holds a master's degree in business law from the University of Dakar.

Born in 1958, Mr. Agbénonci is married and has two children.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/app.png

Chaired by former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, last year's report Equity in Extractives – Stewarding Africa's Natural Resources for all, made headlines with its analysis of the oil, gas, and minerals industries in Africa.

This year's report will argue that Africa can and must unleash green and blue revolutions in its agriculture and fisheries. It will highlight the opportunities for Africa of the world's growing demand for food and the critical importance of agriculture and fisheries for two thirds of people in Africa engaged in these sectors. The report will also recommend related policies, including policies to scale-up Africa's infrastructure and extend its financial services. The report will also outline the urgent need to stop the plunder of Africa's timber and fisheries.

The following Panel Members and Members of the Secretariat will be attending WEF on Africa to outline findings shared in the report.

• Kofi Annan, Chair, Africa Progress Panel, and former UN Secretary-General

• Olusegun Obasanjo, Member, Africa Progress Panel, and former President of Nigeria

• Peter Eigen, Member, Africa Progress Panel, Founder of Transparency International, and Founding Chair and Special Representative of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)

• Bob Geldof, Member, Africa Progress Panel, Musician, Businessman, Founder and Chair of Band Aid, Live Aid and live8, Co-Founder of DATA and ONE Advisor and Advocate

• Caroline Kende-Robb, Executive Director, Africa Progress Panel

• Max Bankole Jarrett, Deputy Executive Director, Africa Progress Panel

Note to editor:

• Caroline Kende-Robb and Max Bankole will both be available for telephonic interviews from Tuesday 29 April until Friday 2 May, in build-up to WEF on Africa and the content expected to be shared during the official introduction of the 2014 report. There is limited interview slots available and email confirmation is required.

• Additional interviews with the panel outline above will be made available during WEF and can be arranged beforehand, again there are limited slots with each panel member and media will accommodated on a first come first served basis.

• The embargoed insights release and 2014 APP report will be sent out on Wednesday 7 May 2014.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Africa Progress Panel (APP).

For further information, please contact:

Hill+Knowlton Strategies (d) +27 11 463 2198

Victoria Williams (m) +27 72 452 1772

Email: victoria.williams@hkstrategies.co.za

Geraldine Trennery (m) +27 82 677 5201

Email: geraldine.trennery@hkstrategies.co.za

www.africaprogresspanel.org

http://www.facebook.com/africaprogresspanel

@africaprogress

About the Africa Progress Panel

Chaired by Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, the ten-member Africa Progress Panel (http://www.africaprogresspanel.org) advocates at the highest levels for equitable and sustainable development in Africa. The Panel releases its flagship publication, the Africa Progress Report, every year in May.