News & Events

The Commonwealth has welcomed four new organisations to its accredited family, expanding to 92 members, as announced at a special ceremony hosted by Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC. The new members—the Commonwealth Chemistry Association, Commonwealth Security and Resilience Group, Institute for Economics and Peace, and The Links, Incorporated—all share peace-building commitments.

The Secretary-General commended accredited organisations’ support of Commonwealth mandates, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting their work in democracy, governance, and social development. Notable contributions include the Chemistry Association’s reach across 27 regions with 87,000 professionals, and The Links Incorporated’s network of 17,500 women volunteers raising £21 million.

A new verification badge system was also introduced at the ceremony. Through unique numbering and verification features, it will provide official recognition for all Commonwealth-accredited organisations.

Read the original article here: https://thecommonwealth.org/news/four-accredited-organisations-join-commonwealth-family-accreditation-badges-announced

Mozambique Energy Chamber Chairman Florival Mucave has emphasised the nation’s commitment to maximising oil and gas exploration during the Invest in African Energies Roundtable in Maputo. Speaking alongside African Energy Chamber Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk, Mucave stressed that developing these resources is crucial for the country’s economic growth and poverty eradication.

The leadership advocated for stronger public-private partnerships and pushed back against fossil fuel criticism, highlighting plans to fast-track £15 billion worth of projects. The initiative aims to create local employment opportunities and drive economic development, with officials emphasising the importance of local content and sustainable resource management.

Read the original article here: https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/mozambique-commits-to-drill-baby-drill-during-aec-stakeholder-roundtable?lang=en

Three sub-Saharan African nations are preparing for and implementing biometric voter registration ahead of elections scheduled within the next year. In Cameroon, the electoral authority plans to improve the consistency of biometric data capture for the voter register through staff training. Meanwhile, officials in Gabon’s transitional government are urging citizens to enrol on the electoral roll and Uganda’s government asserts that identity verification by security forces is essential to ensure the integrity of the national voter register.

In Cameroon, the elections management body (ELECAM) is reportedly planning to retrain voter enrollment personnel to enhance biometric data capture in the field. This initiative, discussed during a recent ELECAM board meeting, aims to increase voter registration figures while ensuring the accurate capture of biometrics, such as fingerprints and facial images, to reduce rejection rates.

Gabon’s transitional leader has mobilised government ministers to support the voter registration exercise as the deadline approaches. Following a ministerial cabinet meeting that set the presidential election date for 12 April, top public servants have been dispatched to various localities to encourage participation in the biometric voter registration process, which concludes on 31 January.

In Uganda, the ongoing process to update the national biometric voter register has drawn criticism due to the significant involvement of security forces.

Read the original article here: https://www.biometricupdate.com/202501/cameroon-gabon-uganda-tackle-biometric-voter-registers-integrity-engagement