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Unique to Exeter, the One Planet MBA is a joint venture between the University of Exeter Business School and WWF International, the world's largest environmental organisation.

The innovative programme aims to produce future business leaders and decision makers with hard-edged business skills rooted in a “one planet” mind set, which recognises that we live on a resource-constrained planet. At its core is the principle of “sustainability”. Already, the One Planet MBA has been recognised for its distinctive approach to sustainability by the Aspen Institute's ‘Beyond Grey Pinstripes' ranking (2nd in the UK, 9th in Europe, 47th in the world) and by winning a ‘Green Gown Award'.

Galib Virani, Director at Afren East Africa Exploration, said: “the Afren One Planet MBA Scholarship Programme is part of our commitment to support the development of managerial talent in the countries in which we operate, as well as encouraging a sustainable business framework and promoting awareness of the environmental challenges and potential solutions to energy exploration and production around the world. “

Afren is a leading energy company – listed on London's Main Market, and a constituent of the FTSE 250 – with a diversified portfolio of production, development and exploration assets in 12 countries. Maintaining strong relationships with indigenous companies and suppliers are top Afren priorities, as are ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility and ethical policies that ensure significant resources re-enter local economies. Together, these unique factors have contributed to Afren's strong positioning in the exploration and production sector.

Malcolm Kirkup, Director of MBA programmes at Exeter, said: “Afren's forward-thinking approach should be admired by the industry – it is training the future business leaders of Africa to consider how to resolve the potential conflicts of corporate success and the need to manage environmental resources responsibly. We are delighted that Afren has committed to a long-term relationship as this is the best way to ensure that we can make a beneficial impact on the countries our students come from.”

The first Afren One Planet MBA scholar is Karen Adu from Nigeria. She is currently working with Afren on her consultancy project, exploring how the business can engage even more effectively with local communities. She said: “The One Planet MBA at Exeter has opened up even more opportunities than I expected. Everything about it drives you to change – your perceptions, the way you think and the actions you consider. I feel that I'm learning so much – and in just one year! It was my dream to study abroad, and Afren's financial support has given my dream wings.”

The scholarships cover the full One Planet MBA tuition fee, as well as a contribution towards accommodation and living expenses. Eligible candidates will need to meet the full entry requirements for the One Planet MBA; have a background or demonstrable interest in the oil and gas sector; and be a resident of one of the following countries/regions: Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Iraqi Kurdistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Seychelles, Tanzania. Scholarships are available for 2013/14 and beyond. The deadline for applications for 2013/14 is 15th July 2013. For further information on the One Planet MBA and for the Afren scholarship, visit this website: http://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/mbaatexeter.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the University of Exeter Business School.

For further information contact:

Pelham Bell Pottinger (+44 20 7861 3232)

James Henderson

Mark Antelme

Notes to Editors

Afren plc

Afren is an independent upstream oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the Financial Times Stock Exchange Index of the leading 250 UK listed companies. Afren has a portfolio of assets spanning the full cycle E&P value chain. Afren is currently producing from its assets in Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire and the Kurdistan region of Iraq and holds further exploration interests in Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, the Kurdistan region of Iraq, Congo Brazzaville, the Joint Development Zone of Nigeria - São Tomé & Príncipe, Kenya, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Seychelles, Tanzania and South Africa. For more information please refer to www.afren.com.

The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter (http://www.business-school.exeter.ac.uk) is Sunday Times ‘University of the Year' 2012/13. It is one of the UK's top 10 universities and has recently joined the prestigious Russell Group, which represents the leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

Exeter combines internationally excellent research with exceptionally high levels of student satisfaction, a combination that has helped make it one of Britain's most popular and successful universities. Its campuses in Exeter, Devon, and near Falmouth, Cornwall, provide some of the UK's most beautiful, stimulating and creative learning environments for 18,000 students. Project offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Bangalore underline its international outlook.

The University of Exeter Business School

The University of Exeter Business School is amongst the UK's top business schools and was shortlisted for the Times Higher Education ‘Business School of the Year' award 2012.

The School's mission is “to deliver outstanding and innovative business education and research that address some of the major challenges confronting businesses and society.” Nationally, all of its main taught subject areas rank in the top 10 – one of only three UK business schools to achieve this. In 2012, academics successfully secured research grant funding totalling more than £8 million over five years.

The School has doubled in size since 2008. It currently has an annual turnover of £42 million, employs 155 academic and 76 administrative staff, and has in the region of 3,500 students. The next phase of the School's development seeks to strengthen even further this national standing and build the School's international profile.

The One Planet MBA is one of the School's flagship Masters programmes, which also include: the MSc in International Management and the MSc in Financial Analysis & Fund Management.

http://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/postgraduate/management/msc_im

http://business-school.exeter.ac.uk/programmes/postgraduate/finance/msc_ffm

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Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=455 (ICANN President and Chief Executive Officer Fadi Chehadé)

A recent inductee into the Internet Hall of Fame, Dr. Quaynor has spent two decades promoting the Internet's growth across the African continent. He will answer questions about the expansion of the Internet in Africa and how increased online access is expanding business potential and information access across the region.

The news conference will also address ICANN's role in Internet growth and its increased efforts to internationalize the organization.

In addition to taking questions on the global expansion of the Internet, the four will also answer questions on a variety of other ICANN related subjects, ranging from the new expansion of Domain Names to ICANN's plans to increase its presence in Africa.

Journalists are also encouraged to attend the Welcome Ceremony and President's Opening Session on Monday, 15 July at 0830. Dr. Elham Ibrahim, the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy will be among the speakers.

Journalists who are unable to attend the Durban meeting are encouraged to remotely participate in the news conference via a live video web stream or an international toll-free telephone connection.

A recording of the news conference will be posted to the press page of the ICANN web site (http://www.icann.org/en/news/press) after the event.

A list of other newsworthy sessions during the ICANN meeting can be found here: http://www.icann.org/en/news/press/kits/durban47/events-schedule-10jul13-en.pdf.

Here are the details of the News Conference:

WHAT: News Conference

WHO: Nii Quaynor (http://www.internethalloffame.org/inductees/nii-quaynor), Internet Hall of Fame Inductee, Fadi Chehadé (http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/chehade-en.htm), President and CEO and Dr. Stephen Crocker (http://www.icann.org/en/biog/crocker.htm), Chair of Board of Directors, Pierre Dandjinou (http://www.icann.org/en/about/staff/dandjinou.htm), Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement - Africa.

WHEN: Monday, 15 July 2013, 1630-1730. Durban, South Africa (1430-1530 UTC).

WHERE: Hall 3B – Durban International Convention Center (Durban ICC) (http://www.icc.co.za/Home.aspx), 90 M4 Durban, South Africa.

OFF-SITE ACCESS: Journalists from around the world can participate in the news conference via remote access.

• A live video webcast may be accessed at http://icann.adobeconnect.com/dur47-press.

• Telephone access may be obtained by dialling an international access number obtained from this list http://www.adigo.com/icann. The toll free access number in the U.S. is +1.800.550.6865. Once you have reached the conferencing center, dial 25594.

Here are the details of the Welcome Ceremony:

WHAT: Welcome Ceremony and President's Opening Session

WHO: Dr. Elham Ibrahim (http://ie.au.int/en/commissioner/biography), African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Fadi Chehadé (http://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/chehade-en.htm), President and CEO and Dr. Stephen Crocker (http://www.icann.org/en/biog/crocker.htm), Chair of Board of Directors.

WHEN: Monday, 15 July 2013, 0830 – 1000 Durban (0630 – 0800 UTC).

WHERE: Hall 6 – Durban International Convention Center (Durban ICC) (http://www.icc.co.za/Home.aspx) 90 M4 Durban, South Africa.

OFF-SITE ACCESS: Journalists from around the world can participate in the news conference via remote access.

• A live video webcast may be accessed at http://icann.adobeconnect.com/dur47-hall6.

• Telephone access may be obtained by dialling an international toll-free number obtained from this list http://www.adigo.com/icann. The toll free access number in the U.S. is +1.800.550.6865. Once you have reached the conferencing center, dial 25594.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Brad White

ICANN Director of Global Media Affairs

Washington, D.C.

Tel. +1 (202) 570 7118

brad.white@icann.org

Andrew Robertson

Edelman Public Relations

London, U.K.

Tel. +44 (7811) 341 945

andrew.Robertson@edelman.com

James Cole

ICANN Global Media Coordinator

Washington, D.C.

Tel. +1 (202) 570 7139

James.cole@icann.org

About ICANN (http://www.icann.org): ICANN's mission is to ensure a stable, secure and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet you have to type an address into your computer - a name or a number. That address has to be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN coordinates these unique identifiers across the world. Without that coordination we wouldn't have one global Internet. ICANN was formed in 1998. It is a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation with participants from all over the world dedicated to keeping the Internet secure, stable and interoperable. It promotes competition and develops policy on the Internet's unique identifiers. ICANN doesn't control content on the Internet. It cannot stop spam and it doesn't deal with access to the Internet. But through its coordination role of the Internet's naming system, it does have an important impact on the expansion and evolution of the Internet. For more information please visit: http://www.icann.org.

He shared these views in his letter to the WCC member churches in Egypt on 9 July.

With mass demonstrations before and after the ousting of former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, several people have been killed and injured during the last few weeks, according to media reports.

Together with the WCC member churches in Egypt, Tveit said, “we are praying for a peaceful and inclusive transitional process, in which all parties will work together to form a government that will lead the country to stability, justice and peace,” said Tveit.

He added that the WCC strongly supports efforts of the churches in Egypt, working together with their Muslim partners, other political parties and civil society organizations, to facilitate peace building through a reconciliation and healing process on the national level.

“We are also confident that political and religious leaders in Egypt are aware that in critical historical moments of change and transformation in political systems, inclusive processes are vital for the unity of the nation,” Tveit stressed.

He also expressed confidence in the Egyptian people who are claiming dignity, freedom and equality as they seek peaceful ways to reach these common goals while respecting political and religious diversity.

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In approving the CSP, the Board reviewed the Bank's role in post-conflict recovery and Liberia's relative economic growth with the support of the institution's Fragile State Facility. The Board placed the new CSP within the context of continuing risks of state fragility, enhanced regional dimension particularly under the Mano River Union as well as the need for investment selectivity and capacity building.

The new CSP for Liberia is guided by two strategic pillars: i) Promoting economic growth through transformative infrastructure investments which will address the huge infrastructure deficit focusing on energy and road infrastructure to promote a competitive private sector; increased agricultural production and market access, employment creation across age and gender thus improving the welfare and public service delivery; ii) Enhancing governance and the efficient management of resources through budget and institutional support reforms aimed at improving the capacity of the Government, private sector and civil society to manage resources effectively and transparently.

Discussing the important role the Liberia Field Office will play in the implementation of the CSP, the Resident Representative, Margret Kilo said that capacity building will form a major component of every Bank Group intervention with a view to providing competitiveness stimulus to the economy through selective development of the country's economic infrastructure.

According to Mrs. Kilo, the CSP will ensure increased project supervision, portfolio reviews and workshops, dialogue with the Government, aid coordination and leveraging of the Bank's limited resources through co-financing with other development partners.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

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The global review is the pre-eminent forum for discussing trade and development issues and brought together numerous Ministers, Heads (or Deputy Heads) of International Organizations and private sector leaders to discuss how Aid for Trade can help firms in developing countries to develop productive capacity and connect to value chains.

In his keynote address (http://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/article/africa-and-the-global-value-chain-time-to-raise-the-bar-afdb-president-donald-kaberuka-12092), Kaberuka observed that over the last decade Africa had witnessed remarkable growth in trade and investments. He noted, however, that despite growth, African firms continued to trade at the lowest rung of the global value chains ladder, exporting primary commodities while importing finished goods – a situation that would not be sustainable in the long run.

The AfDB President underscored the many opportunities for value chains to be upgraded through intra-regional trade and noted that African policy-makers needed to invest in developing a better understanding of regional and global production patterns and how they could plug into them. He emphasized that, to a great extent, one of the structural bottlenecks hindering the competitiveness of African firms was lack of infrastructure. The meeting was informed that the African Development Bank was working on an innovative financing vehicle called the Africa50 Fund in order to leverage the Bank's track record in infrastructure, Africa's natural resources, internal savings, external support and capital markets to finance bankable, high-return, transformational regional infrastructure projects.

A joint report prepared by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the WTO titled “Aid for Trade at Glance 2013” (http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/aid-for-trade-at-a-glance-2013_aid_glance-2013-en) was also launched during the Aid for Trade event. The report highlights the fact that since the last review, AfT flows continued to grow while the outlook for funding remains mixed due to the impact of a continuation of debt pressures and sluggish growth on OECD donors.

In contrast, the report points to the swift recovery of South-South aid, investment and trade since the downturn. It stresses that structural changes in patterns of global trade were becoming increasingly apparent with some 60% of merchandise trade now being in intermediate products. The report concludes by recommending that developing countries and donors scale up their efforts to improve the effectiveness and results of Aid for Trade.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The Secretary-General expressed his gratitude for the outgoing Executive Director's commitment in spearheading the Organization's work on gender equality and the empowerment of women at the global, regional and country level. He is particularly appreciative of Ms. Bachelet's exemplary leadership as the first Executive Director of UN-Women.

Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka brings to this position a wealth of experience in advocating for women's issues with a combination of strategic leadership, consensus building and hands-on management experience. She was the first woman to hold the position of Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008. Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka initially became a member of parliament in 1994 chairing the Public Service Portfolio Committee. She was Deputy Minister in the Department of Trade and Industry (1996-1999), Minister of Minerals and Energy (1999-2005) and briefly served as acting Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in 2004.

Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka was Young Women's Coordinator for the World Young Women's Christian Association in Geneva (1984-1986) and served as the first President of the Natal Organization of Women, an affiliate of the United Democratic Front, when it was formed in December 1983. Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka established Umlambo Foundation in 2008 to provide support to schools in impoverished areas in South Africa through mentorship and coaching for teachers and in Malawi through school improvements with local partners.

Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka holds a Master of Philosophy in educational planning and policy from the University of Cape Town (2003) and a Bachelor of Arts in education from the University of Lesotho (1980). In 2003, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Western Cape.

Born in 1955, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka is married with three children.

“The creation of South Sudan two years ago gave hope to its people for a better, brighter future.

“Canada continues to support the common goal of long-term peace, stability and prosperity in South Sudan and urges both Sudan and South Sudan to implement agreements on security, borders and oil without delay and without conditions.

“Canada is committed to supporting South Sudan's development as a democratic nation. In addition, we are helping South Sudan improve the health of mothers, newborns and children, helping farmers increase agricultural production and gain access to markets, and engaging at-risk youth in the social and economic development of their communities.”

For more information, please visit Canada: Active in Sudan and South Sudan.

"Gambian authorities are trying to protect themselves by denying their citizens the right to use modern communications fully," said Peter Nkanga, CPJ's West Africa consultant. "This amendment should be repealed immediately."

The Gambian Parliament on July 4 amended the 2009 Information and Communication Act to introduce a 15-year jail term and fine of 3 million Dalasis (about US$100,000) to any individual convicted of using the Internet to spread false news or make derogatory statements, incite dissatisfaction, or instigate violence against the government or public officials, news reports said. The penalties apply to individuals living in the country or abroad, the reports said.

Information Minister Nana Grey Johnson said the amendment had been passed to prevent Gambians from engaging in "unpatriotic behavior" against the government and public officials, according to news reports.

On April 16, the Gambian parliament amended the country's Criminal Code Act to include the president, vice president, ministers, and members of the National Assembly as public servants. The regional watchdog Media Foundation for West Africa reported that the amendment runs counter to the country's constitution, which does not recognize these officials as public servants. The amendment also increased the penalty for providing false information to a public servant from six months and a fine of 500 Dalasi (about US$15) to five years' imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 Dalasi (about US$1,515), Amnesty International reported.

The Gambia has employed other repressive tactics in recent months. On April 18, authorities banned the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype by companies and individuals at Internet cafés, citing "national interest," the state-owned Daily Observer reported.

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“We are extremely proud of our Independent Representatives donating to the WorldVentures Foundation for such a worthy cause as education, live at our biggest training event of the year,” WorldVentures Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Wayne Nugent said. “Our Representatives and DreamTrips™ Members have already helped complete 25 bottle schools with their donations of time and funding. We are amazed by their kindness.”

“I am inspired by how the WorldVentures community aligns to manifest positive change for children and communities, one experience at a time,” WorldVentures Foundation Executive Director Gwyneth Lloyd said.

Bottle schools provide permanent classroom structures for children in at-risk communities in Latin America. Instead of using cinder-blocks to build school walls, “eco-bricks” are used. Together with the entire community, Hug It Forward and WorldVentures Foundation volunteers craft eco-bricks by stuffing discarded plastic bottles with bags and other non-biodegradable, insulating trash. The eco-bricks are stacked between chicken wire and then covered by a cement and sand mixture. This method is eco-friendly, economical and safe, as endorsed by independent structural analysis. Construction has already begun in Xesuj - San Martin―the first of the eight additional bottle schools.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of WorldVentures.

About The WorldVentures Foundation:

Launched in 2010, the WorldVentures Foundation (http://wvfoundation.org) (formerly the Manifest Foundation) became the philanthropic arm of WorldVentures with a focus on positive global change for children and their communities. WorldVentures Independent Representatives and DreamTrips Members are inspired, serving and implementing sustainable economic and environmental solutions within communities around the world.

For inquiries, contact:

Hadas Sasson-Zitomer

Email: press@worldventures.com

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/apo-on-bloomberg.jpg (Africa-related news releases will be made available to thousands of professionals worldwide via the Bloomberg Professional® service (Bloomberg Terminal)

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Through this agreement with Bloomberg, Africa-related news releases issued by companies, governments, political and economical organizations, NGOs and UN Agencies

will be made available to tens of thousands of professionals worldwide.

"This new alliance with Bloomberg further enriches APO's portfolio of strategic partners, and reinforces our position as leaders in the distribution of business news-related to Africa", said Eloïne Barry, APO's Executive Director, considering that "APO is the mouthpiece of the African economy across the world".

"According to the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Donald Kaberuka, the dissemination of economic information related to Africa participates in the development of the African continent", added Barry.

APO is already engaged in active partnerships with LexisNexis (http://www.lexisnexis.com), Dow Jones Factiva (http://www.factiva.com), Acquire Media (NewsEdge) (http://www.acquiremedia.com), ProQuest (http://www.proquest.com), and more.

Contact:

Aïssatou Diallo

bdm@apo-opa.com

+41 22 534 96 97

About APO

The African Press Organization (APO) (http://www.apo-opa.com) is the leading press release wire in Africa, and the global leader in media relations related to Africa.

With headquarters in Dakar, Senegal, APO owns a media database of over 25,000 contacts and the main Africa-related news online community.

It offers a complete range of services such as press releases wire and monitoring, online press conferences, interactive webcasts, media interactions, strategic advice, public diplomacy, government relations, and events promotion. To know more please visit, http://www.apo-opa.com.

The increase would bring world cereal production to 2 479 million tonnes, a new record level.

FAO now puts world wheat output in 2013 at 704 million tonnes, an increase of 6.8 percent, which more than recoups the previous year's reduction and represents the highest level in history.

World production of coarse grains in 2013 is now forecast by FAO at about 1 275 million tonnes, up sharply (9.7 percent) from 2012.

World rice production in 2013 is forecast to expand by 1.9 percent to 500 million tonnes (milled equivalent) although prospects are still very provisional.

Import forecasts, cereal prices

Cereal imports of Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries for 2013/14 are estimated to rise by some 5 percent, compared to 2012/13, to meet growing demand. Egypt, Indonesia and Nigeria, in particular, are forecast to import larger volumes.

International prices of wheat declined slightly in June with the onset of the 2013 harvests in the Northern Hemisphere. By contrast, maize prices increased, supported by continued tight supplies. Export prices of rice were generally stable.

Food insecurity situations

The report focuses on developments affecting the food security situation of developing countries. In its review of food insecurity hotspots, the report highlights the following countries, among others:

In Syria, 2013 wheat production dropped significantly below average due to the escalating civil conflict leading to disruptions in farming activities. Livestock sector has been severely affected. About 4 million people are estimated to be facing severe food insecurity.

In Egypt, civil unrest and dwindling foreign exchange reserves raise serious food security concerns.

In Central Africa, serious food insecurity conditions prevail due to escalating conflict affecting about 8.4 million people in Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In West Africa, the overall food situation is favourable in most parts of the Sahel following an above-average 2012 cereal harvest. However, a large number of people are still affected by conflict and the lingering effects of the 2011/12 food crisis.

In East Africa, although household food security has improved in most countries, serious concerns remain in conflict areas in Somalia, the Sudan, and South Sudan, with 1 million, 4.3 million and 1.2 million food insecure people, respectively.

In Madagascar, damage caused by locusts and a cyclone is expected to reduce crop production in 2013, causing increased hunger, especially in the southern and western regions of the country.

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, despite improved cereal harvest of the 2012 main season and the near normal outcome of the ongoing harvest of the 2013 early season, chronic food insecurity exists. An estimated 2.8 million vulnerable people require food assistance until the next harvest in October.

In total, there are 34 countries requiring external food assistance, of which 27 countries are in Africa.

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The visit, which will include a meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, will have Mr Elumelu and other business leaders, including Folorunso Alakija, Femi Otedola and Oba Otudeko, representing Nigeria's business interests, thus emphasising President Jonathan's commitment to leveraging the private sector to drive both development and trade and investment links between China and Africa.

Speaking at the investment forum, which attracted over 700 potential investors, their Nigerian counterparts and several governors as well as the Ministers for Trade and Investment, Aviation and Power, President Jonathan said:

"Nigeria today is like China 20 years ago - it is entering into a high growth phase. The economy is suitable for private sector involvement; we offer the best incentives and we have put the right structures in place to reduce the cost of entry into Nigeria. All of this is to encourage private sector participation in Nigeria."

Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, the pan-African proprietary investment company, commented further: “The China-Africa relationship has historically been characterised by government-to-government engagement. However, Nigeria's leadership - and increasingly that of a number of African countries - is embracing an Africapitalist approach where the private sector is leading transformative growth. China's presence in Africa is important, but we would like that involvement to be more inclusive of the private sector to ensure a sustainable development path for the continent."

Elumelu's call comes on the back of the Chinese government's drive to minimize its role in its own economy and reform state owned enterprises (SOE), which are still dominant. However, private sector companies are increasingly contributing to China's overall GDP growth and the Chinese government is creating policies that will allow them to flourish.

"Globally, there is powerful evidence that the private sector is critical in driving a country's economic growth and China is recognising that locally," said Elumelu. "We hope President Jonathan's state visit will mark the start of a private sector-driven approach to China-Africa bilateral relations. The onus is now on us as African business leaders to ensure that future engagements will call for, and unlock opportunities for the private sector.”

According to the OECD, trade between China and Nigeria reached nearly US$18 billion in 2010, almost ten times more than just a decade ago.

During the visit, Mr Elumelu met with leading Chinese investors and business people to raise awareness of the numerous strategic projects under development in Nigeria and the opportunities for investment that they present.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Heirs Holdings.

About Heirs Holdings

Heirs Holdings (http://www.heirsholdings.com) is a pan-African proprietary investment company driving Africa's development. We are active long-term investors who specialise in building businesses and corporate turnaround. We aim to transform the companies in which we invest and grow them into businesses that last. We invest in Africa to create value for our shareholders and partners, and to create economic prosperity and social wealth for the continent. Our investments in power, financial services, oil and gas, real estate and hospitality, agri-business and healthcare are helping to build economies, create jobs, drive prosperity and ultimately transform the lives of ordinary Africans in Africa.

For more information:

Moky Makura

Heirs Holdings

Email: moky.makura@heirsholdings.com

Telephone: +234-1-277-4641

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Every year, 200 million euros are moved between those three countries in the form of money transfers. With the new service, Orange meets the needs of the growing number of Orange Money customers.

Orange Money International Transfer allows money to be sent and received from one's mobile phone with complete security. Users no longer need to have cash with them when they travel, and sending cash doesn't have to be done by a third party.

For example, a customer in Cote d'Ivoire can send money directly to friends and family or to suppliers in Mali or Senegal with their Orange Money account. All the sender needs to do is to dial #144# from his or her mobile phone, then enter the Orange telephone number of the recipient and the amount to be sent. The money is immediately available in the recipient's account to make payments, purchases or transfers, or it can be withdrawn at a nearby location from any Orange Money distributor. If the recipient is not yet an Orange Money customer, he or she can easily open an account free of charge.

“In launching Orange Money International Transfer today, several months of work to simplify life for our customers come to fruition. We are proud to be the first operator to offer customers the ability to make international money transfers between mobile phones in this area of Western Africa,” says Thierry Millet, Director of the strategic NFC and payment program at Orange.

Orange's goal is to expand this first-of-a-kind service in Africa to other countries in which the Group is present. Available in 13 countries in Africa and the Middle East, Orange Money has more than 7 million customers today.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of France Télécom-Orange.

About Orange

Orange (http://www.orange.com) is one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with sales of 43.5 billion euros in 2012 and has 170,000 employees worldwide at 31 March 2013, including 104 000 employees in France. Present in 32 countries, the Group has a total customer base close to 230 million customers at 31 March 2013, including 172 million mobile customers and 15 million broadband internet (ADSL, fibre) customers worldwide. Under the Orange Business Services brand, Orange is also one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.

Orange is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris (ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (ORAN).

For more information (on the web and on your mobile): www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com, www.orange-innovation.tv or to follow us on Twitter: @presseorange.

Orange and any other Orange product or service cited in this press release are trademarks held by Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

Press contacts: +33 1 44 44 93 93

Mylène Blin, mylene.blin@orange.com

Tom Wright, tom.wright@orange.com

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

July 11, 2013

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send my congratulations to the people of Sao Tome and Principe on the 38th anniversary of your independence this July 12.

The United States applauds your commitment to economic and democratic development. From the time Sao Tome and Principe gained its independence, your country has emerged as a force for peace and stability in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond. We also recognize your engagement on environmental issues, which are so vital to the region and demand a shared response.

As you celebrate your anniversary of independence, the United States looks forward to continued friendship and stands ready to work with the people and Government of Sao Tome and Principe to seize the common possibilities that lie before us.

"The conflict in the Darfur region has caused significant displacement of Sudanese and Chadian people," said Minister Fantino. "Canada's humanitarian assistance is an expression of our compassion for those most in need around the world. Through Canada's humanitarian assistance, we are ensuring that the needs of those displaced are being met."

Since January 2013, conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan has caused significant displacement both within Sudan and across the border into Chad. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that some 30,000 Sudanese refugees and an estimated 20,000 Chadians who were living in the conflict zones have fled to the Sila region of eastern Chad.

With Canada's assistance, shelter, blankets, safe drinking water, and cooking stoves will be provided. Emergency latrines will also be set up in the newly established Ab Gadam camp in the Sila region of eastern Chad. This assistance builds on Canada's earlier support to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, announced on May 13, 2013, to help meet the humanitarian needs of approximately 6,000 Sudanese refugees and displaced Chadians.

Canada's assistance has been provided through the Canadian Red Cross Society. For more details on this emergency operation supported by Canada, refer to Emergency Appeal—Chad: Population Movement.

Economic Action Plan 2013 reaffirms Canada's commitment to humanitarian assistance, including this support for Darfuri refugees. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain its mandate of poverty alleviation and the ability to respond to humanitarian crises.

“Our international assistance is rooted in the Canadian values of compassion, generosity, and the desire to help those in need,” said Minister Fantino. “Canada will continue to monitor the situation to make sure that those affected in Namibia have the support they need.”

Thousands of Namibians will face a food shortage this year due to a significantly below average harvest caused by drought. The lack of rainfall has also caused boreholes to dry up, forcing people to resort to drinking from unsafe water sources, which increases the risk of the spread of water-borne diseases. The effects of the drought are being particularly hard felt in the northern regions of the country — Kavango, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Kunene — which are more dependent on agriculture.

Canada's assistance has been provided through the Canadian Red Cross Society. For more details on this emergency operation supported by Canada, refer to Emergency Appeal — Namibia: Drought.

Economic Action Plan 2013 reaffirms Canada's commitment to humanitarian assistance, such as this support for the people of Namibia. The new Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development will maintain its mandate of poverty alleviation and the ability to respond to humanitarian crises.

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The report introduces a new and innovative resilience framework to gauge the impact of the recent crises (e.g. food crisis, financial crisis, Euro-debt crisis, Arab Spring) on North African countries and to critically assess government interventions aimed at minimizing their effects and identifying options for policy makers. The proposed crisis resilience framework considers crisis vulnerability as a product of ‘structural' or ‘nurtured' factors, and argues that a country's ability to cope during crises is largely determined by its ‘adaptive capacity' – that is its access to and control of resources to deal with shocks or stresses. The report argues that a country's structural vulnerabilities can, in the absence of a strong adaptive capacity, produce nurtured vulnerabilities which render an economy susceptible to the impacts of crises.

While analyzing how the recent crises are intertwined, the report highlights that North African governments' responses to the 2007 food crisis were slow, not well targeted towards those most affected by soaring food prices, and included measures that could not be easily terminated once food prices began to ease. Nurtured vulnerabilities – greater sensitivity to fluctuations in international prices, financial transfers and investments -- were all reinforced during this period. Despite this, North African economies demonstrated good macroeconomic resilience during the subsequent 2009 global financial crisis. However, the effects of the crisis were detrimental at microeconomic level, particularly for SMEs, informal sector workers and poorer households. Using the fiscal space created prior to the crisis, North African countries were able to implement countercyclical fiscal policies. Yet, these crisis responses deepened the nurtured vulnerabilities as they were a mere expansion of the measures introduced in response to the world food crisis. Moreover, a sizeable portion of the countries' fiscal stimulus packages was directed towards supporting international trade and export firms, rather than domestic companies or national development. The 2011 Arab Spring forced North African governments to become more responsive to the needs of the poor and unemployed, although poorly-targeted public policies continued to benefit mainly the affluent, further reinforcing the growing nurtured vulnerabilities.

Based on international best practices, the report makes a series of recommendations for promoting resilient growth in the Short to Medium Term:

• To strengthen adaptive capacity the report highlights the need for countries to continue to exercise monetary and fiscal restraint; redesign social policies and programs to firmly target vulnerable households; reform education systems and support state institutions to restore trust and inclusiveness.

• To reduce systemic vulnerability, the report insists on the need to diversify trade and financial partners; invest in agriculture and alternative energy; and, support SME development.

• To expand the drivers and distribution of growth the report indicates that countries should continue to pursue trade liberalization and privatization while ensuring that measures are in place to lower the risks associated with global integration; remove the legal and regulatory impediments to formal private sector growth, innovation and employment; and, promote sectorial diversification for more broad-based economic growth.

These policies can be financed through the involvement of a wider range of local and international partners as well as innovative funding sources, such as ‘diaspora bonds'.

The report deals extensively with two themes which are central to the reinforcement of resilience growth in North Africa, namely strengthening food security and promoting regional integration.

To improve food security at both national and household levels, the report argues that North African economies should (a) improve access to foods through better integration into global food markets and increased credit and financial resources to small and poor farmers; (b) improve agricultural productivity through higher government expenditure on the agricultural sector and related Research and Development activities; and, (c) reform social safety nets, particularly by moving away from regressive universal subsidies on food and fuel towards more targeted subsidies.

To enhance regional integration in North Africa, the report recommends the following policies : (a) elimination of nontariff measures; (b) improving cross-border trade facilitation and logistics; (c) reducing the cost of infrastructure (notably transportation and ICT); and, (d) giving a prominent role to the private sector. These, together with an alignment of policies and procedures related to investment and labor mobility, are meant to significantly improve regional integration and better protect the countries against global economic and financial crises.

Adoption of a resilient growth strategy is critical for turning political transitions in North African countries into decisive and tangible socio-economic gains. Such a growth strategy, which is also at the core of African Development Bank's new ten-year strategy, will pave the way for a more stable and equitable growth trajectory, which addresses the reclamations at the very heart of the Arab Spring. The report reiterates the African Development Bank's obligation to accompany the North Africa Region in its development journey, in the fulfillment of its responsibilities as the continent's premier development finance institution.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

About the African Development Bank Group

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (http://www.afdb.org) is Africa's premier development finance institution and the first multilateral development finance institution in Africa. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 29 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 53 regional member states.

For more information: http://www.afdb.org

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Over 400 participants took part in the three-day program opened by Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire, who expressed his support for low carbon development as a viable option for his country.

“To date Africa has the lowest number of registered CDM projects representing a little more than two percent of the overall registered CDM projects worldwide and is not sufficient,” said Kurt Lonsway, Manager of the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department at the African Development Bank. He added: “We hope that continuation and strengthening of CDM will facilitate the participation of many more on the continent.” During the first Plenary Session on CDM: Achievements and Lessons Learned; The Future of the Mechanism moderated by Lonsway, he polled the audience twice on whether they felt that the CDM had a future in Africa. Just over half were positive demonstrating that important improvements will be required to reduce transaction costs and simplify requirements for African countries to access the mechanism.

The AfDB has embarked on an ambitious program at powering a low-carbon pathway in Africa. Through the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department, the Bank serves as a platform to deliver advisory services necessary to mobilize transformative environment and climate finance, including helping countries and project gain access to carbon markets. Funds channeled through financing windows such as the Climate Investments Funds (CIF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), a recently created Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), the first phase of African Carbon Support Programme (ACSP), and the new Africa Hub of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4ALL) are directly invested to support the transport, communications, agriculture, water and energy sectors. The goal is to ensure that climate finance effectively reaches the continent and is tailored to Africa's needs.

During the 5th Africa Carbon Forum, the latest developments of the regulatory framework, including possible new market-based mechanisms to enhance the cost-effectiveness of climate mitigation actions, were discussed and debated. Diverse mitigation instruments such as domestic cap-and-trade, low-emission development strategies and nationally appropriate mitigation actions were highlighted. The Forum also stressed the growing interest in low-carbon development finance opportunities and the commitment of the development partners to support them on the continent.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Technical contact: Uche Duru +216 71 10 38 17 – u.duru@afdb.org

Media contact: Penelope Pontet +216 71 10 19 96 / +216 24 66 36 96 – p.pontetdefouquieres@afdb.org

For more information on our activities, please visit the AfDB website: www.afdb.org

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The Open Data Platform is part of the AfDB's Africa Information Highway initiative to scale up the collection, management, analysis, and sharing of quality statistics relating to the continent's development. This ambitious initiative sees the establishment of live data links between the AfDB, National Statistical Offices, Central Banks and line ministries in all African countries on the one hand and subregional organizations, international development institutions, and a worldwide community of users on the other. By providing quality data aligned to the highest international statistical standards, the initiative will foster evidence-based decision making, good governance and public accountability. It will also allow for the tracking of progress in areas such as the Millennium Development Goals at both national and regional levels.

International development agencies, including the IMF, will be uploading and regularly updating their statistics on African countries onto the AfDB's Open Data for Africa Platform. The Platform will function as a central hub for data-sharing with international development partners. In addition, the IMF and AfDB have formed a partnership to provide joint technical assistance to African countries to assist in their data submission and reporting.

The Open Data Platform takes statistics to a whole new level. Users can visualize time series development indicators, perform comprehensive analysis at country and regional levels, utilize presentation-ready templates or create their own visuals, blog, share their views and work with others. The website also provides new users with an introductory video on how maximize their use of the Open Data Platform, tailored to their own specific needs.

The AfDB initiative is expected to revolutionize the collection, analysis and sharing of information on Africa and so bring the continent to the forefront of the global information economy.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Contacts: Charles Leyeka Lufumpa, Director, Statistics Department ; Tel: +216 71 10 21 75 (office); +216 98 70 23 64 (mobile); c.lufumpa@afdb.org; Beejaye Kokil, Manager, Social & Economic Statistics Division ; Tel: +216 71 10 33 25 (office); +216 98 706 838 (mobile) ; b.kokil@afdb.org

http://www.afdb.org/statistics

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) (http://www.afdb.org) est la première institution multilatérale de financement dédiée au développement de l'Afrique. Elle comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). La BAD est présente sur le terrain dans 29 pays africains, avec un Bureau extérieur au Japon, et contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 53 Etats membres régionaux.