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The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is launching a call for proposals for writing and co-production projects in three strategic sectors: books, film, and live performance. The goal is to support the development and production of Francophone works, foster interregional cooperation, and increase their international visibility. Objectives - Support the transition from development to production of artistic projects - Foster co-production and co-editing among Francophone cultural actors - Promote emerging voices, particularly women and young creators - Develop collaborative models for circulation and replication Eligible Sectors - Book and Publishing - Live Performance - Film and Audiovisual Eligibility Criteria - Entities must be legally registered in one of the 90 OIF member countries - Must have at least 3 years of experience in the cultural sector - Must be directly responsible for project preparation and management Funding - Grants range from 7,000 to 20,000 euros ...

  The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) has agreed to sell its 100% stake in Nation Media Group (NMG) to Taarifa Ltd, a company owned by Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi. Azizi has businesses in media, mining, telecoms, agriculture, and more. AKFED says the sale marks the end of its 66-year association with NMG, which started in 1959. The buyer plans to invest in NMG's digital growth and support its journalism tradition. The deal should wrap up in 3-4 months, pending approvals. Taarifa Ltd won't buy out other NMG shares or delist the company from securities exchanges. NMG is listed on Nairobi, Uganda, Dar es Salaam, and Rwanda stock exchanges. The Aga Khan founded NMG to promote a free press in Kenya.

1. Background Marine conservation in the WIO region is expanding, with countries strengthening Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), supporting Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs), and advancing blue economy strategies. However, sustainable financing remains a challenge. This call seeks to build the evidence base for long-term marine conservation financing. 2. Purpose This thematic call aims to: Quantify marine conservation financing needs and gaps Assess revenue potential and diversification strategies Examine governance and institutional design for durable financing Evaluate financial resilience and link to conservation outcomes Strengthen the analytical foundation for coordinated, long-term marine conservation financing 3. Priority Research Themes Applicants may focus on: a. Quantifying the Financing Gap b. Revenue Diversification and Stability c. Governance and Institutional Design d. Coordinated and Multi-Level Financing e. Linking Finance to Conservation Outcomes f. Equity and Investme...

In a dramatic turn of events, three suspected robbers who thought they had found the perfect hiding spot in a ceiling were caught by police in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District. The suspects, armed with pangas, had broken into the home of Patrick Kagenda Amooti (63) at around 3:30AM, stealing Shs570,000 and a Samsung Galaxy Note 10. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, police quickly surrounded the house and burial site. When they searched it, they found the suspects hiding above the ceiling like trapped rats!  The arrested suspects were identified as Acram Sekitoleko, Robert Oluka, and Bashir Mbazira.  Officers recovered the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Shs240,000 of the stolen cash. Police praised residents for tipping them off, saying community cooperation played a huge role in the dramatic arrest. "Thanks to the public for their vigilance," said Owoyesigyire. Authorities say operations are intensifying across Greater Kampala to crush t...

Muddy Shoes, Strong Message: President Ruto's Act of Solidarity Kenya's President William Ruto drew attention when he attended the burial of a Member of Parliament who died in a recent helicopter crash, choosing to walk through muddy ground alongside mourners rather than avoid the difficult conditions. Heavy rains had left the burial site waterlogged, but the president, continuing on foot, his shoes and trousers covered in mud as he made his way to pay his last respects. The decision to walk through the challenging conditions showcased his commitment to solidarity with the grieving community. The incident occurred at the funeral of a parliamentarian who lost his life in a tragic helicopter accident. The deceased MP was remembered for his service to the nation, and his burial attracted various dignitaries, including President Ruto. The president's actions were seen as a gesture of humility and respect for the deceased and his family. As the president navigated the muddy terr...

The European Union is launching a call for proposals under the Horizon Europe programme to support sustainable and climate-smart agriculture in Africa. The Optimising the water-nutrient-energy nexus for sustainable and climate smart agriculture in Africa (FNSSA) project aims to develop innovative solutions for smallholder farms in Africa. Objective : The project should assess needs and opportunities for sustainable water, nutrient, and energy management in agriculture, and develop new knowledge, practices, and tools for on-farm resource management. The goal is to enable sustainable, circular, climate-smart, and biodiversity-friendly practices at farm level, while considering the characteristics of local and regional levels in at least two different African agro-ecosystems. Scope : A nexus approach that identifies and develops mutually beneficial knowledge, practices, and tools in agriculture can enable sustainable, biodiversity-friendly, and climate-smart agriculture in African agro-ec...

Africa SDGs Mentorship Programme 2026: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders Are you an emerging African professional passionate about driving sustainable development in your community? Do you want to enhance your skills, network with sector leaders, and contribute to Africa's sustainable future? Look no further! The Africa SDGs Mentorship Programme, a 9-month professional fellowship, is now open for applications. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to strengthen the capacity of African professionals to drive measurable progress. Eligibility Requirements To apply, you must: Be a citizen of an African Union member state, aged 25-40 Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent Have at least 2 years of experience in sustainable development or related fields Demonstrate a strong commitment to SDGs and leadership potential Be proficient in English (programme activities will be conducted exclusively in English) Have ...

Uganda's air defence has been a topic of discussion, especially with the rise of sophisticated missile systems and air-defence shields in the Middle East. The country's airspace security is a concern that dates back to the 1976 Entebbe Raid, when Israeli commandos flew over 4,000 kilometres to rescue hostages at Entebbe International Airport. Today, Uganda's air defence falls under the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force, headquartered at Entebbe. The force operates a fleet of fighter aircraft, including Russian-built Sukhoi Su-30MK2 jets, and ground-based air-defence systems such as surface-to-air missiles and man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) ¹ ² ³. C urrent Air Defence Capabilities : Fighter Aircraft:Sukhoi Su-30MK2 jets for intercepting hostile planes and providing air superiority Ground-Based Systems: Surface-to-air missiles, MANPADS, and radar surveillance equipment Missile Systems:_ Newer systems capable of targeting aerial threats up to 70 k...

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is offering a fully online Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme for early-career health researchers in Africa. The programme aims to equip participants with skills to develop competitive research and fellowship proposals. Programme Details: - Dates : June 1-5, 2026, and July 29-31, 2026 (3-hour online sessions, 08:30-11:30 GMT) - Format : Online sessions via Zoom, with group work and preparatory exercises - Topics :     - Developing and expressing your unique research niche     - Formulating your compelling research question     - Understanding funders’ requirements     - Writing in plain English     - Writing the different sections of a proposal     - Key parts of a typical Case for Support / Project Description     - Planning your proposal project plan and budget     - Principles of managing your collaboration and team     - Understanding and practic...

Looking for funding for your project or organization? Here are the top 20 funders from the USA, along with what they fund: 1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ($4.2B annual giving)   Three   Focus areas 1. Helping mothers  2.Fight Health infectious diseases  3.Help to expand economic opportunity  They give help to protect mothers ,they support the development of new health care tools      Priority regions  Global, with focus on Africa and Asia     Mission  To create a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life. For more info checkout on  Bill and Bellinda Foundation 2. Ford Foundation ($556M annual giving)     Focus areas   Social justice Education Arts and culture     Priority regions Global, with focus on USA, Africa, and Asia For more info check here on  Ford Foundation 3. Silicon Valley Community Foundation ($1.8B annual giving)     Focu...

  Struggling to craft a winning grant proposal? You're not alone! Many have faced rejection due to poorly written applications. But with this comprehensive guide, you'll learn the secrets to writing a compelling proposal that gets funders excited! Start with  Grant Title , Funding source ( insert funder name ) deadline ( insert Project Deadline date ) Organizational History & Capacity Share a brief summary of your organization. Include when it was founded, what it does, who it serves, and how your team is prepared to run the proposed program. What's your strength? Why should the funder choose this organization as opposed to someone else? What's "stand out" about you? Organization background Funding year ,mission, team,community served etc  Write  a.Financial records manager b.Authorized signer eg executive director  c.organisations legal status eg nonprofit  d.Previous grant funding:list funders ,amounts ,how the funds were used and managed . Community ...

  Deadline : 11-Apr-2026 The Waiheke Local Board's grants program offers competitive and flexible financial assistance aimed at fostering participation by local organizations such as community groups, conservation initiatives, and property owners who contribute positively towards building thriving, equitable, and resilient neighborhoods. Funds span between $2, 000 and $10, 000; they focus on initiatives showing collaborative efforts, localized effects, and advantages for disadvantaged groups. Initiatives aimed at boosting biodiversity or those focused on conserving natural resources get significant attention. Overview of the Programme Recognizing the vital contribution of local communities through their organizations, the Waiheke Local Board's grants programme supports initiatives aimed at enhancing overall well-being across various aspects: society, environment, culture, and economy. As part of this endeavor, resources will be directed towards initiatives aimed at: Align with ...

Craft an outline detailing environmental goals, strategies for achieving them, and anticipated results. Make sure your efforts align with ZAA's priority areas for conservation, such as in-field activities, scientific studies, and interactions with local communities. Complete your application through the ZAA grant system by the specified timeframe.Make sure your financial plan is detailed; stick strictly within an expenditure limit of no more than five thousand dollars $5000 Expected Outcomes Increased protection and sustainability of endangered species, Improved habitat preservation and biodiversity Enhanced public awareness and education on conservation issues Enhanced participation by both regional and international stakeholders in environmental preservation efforts. Deadline is  Conclusion ZAA's conservation grants offer crucial financial support for groundbreaking studies aimed at safeguarding threatened wildlife and its environments. Through backing of on-the-ground initia...

  The 2026 Amenity Grant Scheme by Louth County Council provides funding for volunteer community organizations aiming to enhance local involvement and growth within their area of responsibility: County Louth. Eligibility Criteria: - Formally established groups with satisfactory evidence of existence - Voluntary in nature and tax compliant - Separate group bank account - Eligible groups include: - Community Groups - Residents Associations - Environmental Groups - Tidy Towns Groups Eligible Activities: - Cleaning, tidying, and maintenance - Gardening and landscaping - Amenity projects - Bio-diversity projects - Litter control projects - Sustainability initiatives How to Apply : 1. Obtain the application document by visiting Louth County Council's online portal. 2. Fill out the application completely and submit all necessary paperwork. 3. Complete your submission either via internet access or through an electronic mail attachment prior to March fifteenth, two thousand twenty-six. Gran...

The US consulate in Oslo was struck by an explosion; authorities claim it occurred in Norway. Forensic teams examine evidence left by an explosion at the U. S. consulate in Oslo, Norway. Image taken on March 8th, 2026 by Reuters.Police officers from Norway along with forensic investigators were dispatched to examine the scene where an explosion occurred.A bombing occurred at the American consulate in Oslo during the night; authorities claim it was perpetrated by Norwegian law enforcement. A substantial amount of assets was dispatched to the region within Oslo's vicinity around midnight Eastern European Time on Saturday morning according to law enforcement sources.The officers converse with their counterparts at the consulate without any casualties being recorded.The statement indicated that at present, no specific data exists regarding the circumstances of occurrence or identifying any potential parties involved. A diplomatic post experienced slight harm. US diplomats within this o...

  Call for Youth Climate Action in 2026 offers funding opportunities totaling up to $30,000. Involving youths in proposing solutions related to climate issues has become an international movement since 2026 through the Youth4Climate Call for Solutions event. The initiative seeks to foster innovative approaches among young people through education and assistance offered collaboratively by stakeholders. Eligibility - Prospective candidates need to meet criteria specifying they should fall within the age range of eighteen through twenty-nine years old. - Organizations spearheaded by young people, such as those in civil societies, NGOs, communities, or businesses, qualify if their core leaders fall within the age range of eighteen through twenty-nine years old. This individual is required to fall under this specified age bracket as well. - A team leader needs citizenship belonging to nations specified within an Annex for projects to take place in designated regions outlined under Focus...

  Federal officials are under fire after the death of Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old US citizen shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer stationed in South Padre Island, Texas.  Bodycam footage obtained by reporters contradicts the federal agency's account of what happened the day Martinez was killed. Protests and anger have erupted as citizens question ICE integrity and call for further investigation into Martinez's death. The shooting calls into question federal transparency, racial prejudice and ICE authority within civilian communities. Ruben Ray Martinez was shot and killed on March 15, 2025 by an ICE agent while driving on South Padre Island with his friend Joshua Orta. Martinez & Orta were traveling through a checkpoint created by local law enforcement in the wake of a crash down the street. Federal officials claimed Martinez drove his vehicle into the ICE agent, resulting in his death. However, recently released bodycam footage has called that clai...

Pope Francis has announced plans to visit Africa from April 13th to 23rd. He will spend 10 days traveling to four countries: Algeria , Cameroon , Angola , and Equatorial Guinea . The Pope's main goal is to promote peace and harmony across the African continent. He will share a message of peace with leaders and citizens, encouraging them to work together to build a more peaceful and united Africa. During his visit, Pope Francis will meet with local communities, government officials, and religious leaders. He will talk about the importance of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect. The Pope's visit is significant for several reasons. Algeria is a key country in North Africa, Cameroon is a hub for Central Africa, Angola is still recovering from a long civil war, and Equatorial Guinea has a unique cultural blend. The Pope's visit will highlight the Catholic Church's commitment to Africa and its people. The visit is expected to bring hope and joy to millions of...

Renowned Ugandan musician Spice Diana has done it again!  The queen of Afrobeats has shocked her fans with a beautiful gesture, sharing the joy of Iftar with 50 lucky individuals. Taking to her social media, Spice revealed that she's given 20,000 UgX to each of the 50 people, specifically targeting Muslims who've been fasting. This thoughtful move has left fans and followers in awe, praising the artist for her kindness and generosity. A Gesture of Kindness During Ramadan  As Ramadan draws to a close, Spice's gesture couldn't have come at a better time. The singer's act of charity is a reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and community during this holy month.  Spice's fans have been flooding her social media with messages of gratitude and blessings, thanking her for her thoughtfulness.  The musician's actions have not only brought joy to the recipients but have also inspired others to spread love and kindness. Sharing the Joy of Iftar  Iftar, t...

  Are you a musician struggling to cover travel costs for gigs? The SAMPRA Development Fund is here to help!  What does the fund cover? The fund can help with: - Road travel (fuel, tolls, etc.) - Visa application fees - Per diems (daily allowances) - Car hire - Accommodation - Band fees Am I eligible? You qualify if: - You're a SAMPRA member - You've earned at least R3000 from SAMPRA - You've been invited or booked to perform locally or internationally - You have the required travel documents (passport, ID, etc.) What do I need to apply? You'll need: - A detailed motivational letter - Artist profile - Promoter invitation letter - Copy of passport (international travel) or ID (local travel) - Quotations from third parties (to support your budget) Important dates - Application period: 16 Feb 2026 - 16 March 2026 - Eligible tour dates: 1 June 2026 - 31 May 2027 How do I apply? Submit your application and view original call here  Click here Tips for a successful application...

 Trump's Stance on the War: Unconditional Surrender US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he will only accept Iran's "unconditional surrender" in the ongoing war with Israel and America. In a social media post, Trump stated, "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" He added that after Iran surrenders, the US and its allies will help rebuild the country, making it "economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before" ¹ ² ³. Trump's Conditions for Surrender Trump's conditions for surrender include the selection of a "GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s)" in Iran. He has expressed his desire to be involved in choosing Iran's next Supreme Leader, saying "We're going to have to choose that person along with Iran"  Military Progress Trump claims that the US and Israel are making rapid progress in the war, weakening Iran's military capabilities. He stated that Iran's air fo...