NEC Corporation and San Francisco-based startup ClimateAi have developed an AI-driven model designed to support smart farming in Africa by measuring the effectiveness of climate adaptation strategies for crops like cocoa and rice. The model integrates ClimateAi’s long-range climate forecasting with NEC’s agricultural technology to assess how climate change may impact crop yields and evaluate… [Read More]
Industry
ILO Mission Boosts Public–Private Partnerships to End Child Labour in Agriculture in Northern Türkiye
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with local authorities and private sector actors, has advanced efforts to eliminate child labour in seasonal agriculture in northern Türkiye. A high-level mission began in Ordu, bringing together provincial leaders, municipalities, education officials, and representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), alongside the Association of… [Read More]
Australian Government Awards $50.4 Million in Grants to Boost Innovation
Since 2016, the Cooperative Research Centre Project (CRC-P) grants have played a key role in funding new technologies, products, and services that support Australian businesses. These grants are designed to back short-term, industry-led research projects that deliver practical, real-world solutions while addressing Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities. The latest round of funding is supporting… [Read More]
Australian Innovative Businesses to Receive $28.7 Million from Industry Growth Program
The Australian Government is strengthening support for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Industry Growth Program, designed to help innovative businesses overcome challenges in bringing their ideas to market. Recognizing the vital role SMEs and startups play in driving economic growth, the program offers tailored advisory services and matched funding grants to… [Read More]
Airtel Africa Foundation Launches Tech For Her Program to Upskill Women in Africa
Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has launched its Tech For Her Program to empower young women in Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya with in-demand digital skills. Delivered in partnership with Tertiary DNS, the five-week online program provides intensive training in areas such as Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics, helping participants… [Read More]
Mozambique Launches Industry-Focused Training to Empower Youth
The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its IFAD-funded Projecta Jovem Project, has partnered with the Government of Mozambique and the National Institute for Employment Promotion (INEP) to enhance youth employability and practical skills. The initiative provides professional and paid internships in collaboration with private sector companies, already benefiting 432 young people. Recently, ten Technical and… [Read More]
Ghana Issues Africa’s First FLEGT Timber Licence, Pioneering Forest Governance
Ghana has officially launched the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence, becoming the first African country and only the second in the world after Indonesia to issue this certification. The launch follows the go-live of Ghana’s FLEGT licensing system on August 15, 2025, paving the way for the export of verified legal timber…. [Read More]
ILO Welcomes Malaysia’s First National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights to Advance Decent Work
Malaysia has adopted its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), reinforcing its commitment to eliminating forced labour, promoting fair recruitment, and protecting labour rights in business practices. The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomed this milestone, highlighting that the inclusion of a labour pillar demonstrates Malaysia’s strong dedication to international labour standards… [Read More]
WHO Urges Africa to Cut Reliance on Imported Medicines at Regional GMP Training Workshop
Africa must prioritize self-reliance in pharmaceuticals by strengthening local medicine production that meets global quality standards, urged Dr. Owen Laws Kaluwa, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, during a keynote address at a regional training workshop on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in Addis Ababa. He stressed that Africa’s continued dependence on imported medicines poses major health security… [Read More]
Ohio Invests $7.1M in Career Pathways to Prepare Students for High-Demand Jobs
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, along with Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin, announced a $7.1 million investment to strengthen career-connected learning and planning across the state. The funding, launched through the Career Pathway Support Networks Request for Applications, will be implemented over two years and is designed to help students explore… [Read More]
Sharing Zero-Emission HGV Infrastructure: Accelerating Clean Transport Adoption
The transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) presents both opportunities and challenges for the UK’s freight sector. Sharing charging and refuelling infrastructure has the potential to lower costs, increase resilience, and accelerate adoption. The UK Government’s flagship Zero-Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, supported by £200 million in investment, is exploring these issues… [Read More]
Experts Approve Report on Cross-Border Cocoa and Rice Value Chains in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
In a major step to boost regional trade and agricultural development, stakeholders from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana convened to review a draft assessment report on cross-border cocoa and rice value chains. The initiative, led by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and ECOWAS, seeks to… [Read More]
Skills Development Fund to Train 2,900 Youth and Workers for In-Demand Jobs Amid U.S. Tariffs
The Ontario government is investing more than $5 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to support over 2,900 youth, jobseekers, and apprentices in the Northumberland and Peterborough regions. The funding will help participants prepare for in-demand careers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, aviation, and other skilled trades. This initiative is part… [Read More]
ILO Launches New Project to Strengthen Worker Protections in Lao PDR
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a new project in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to strengthen worker protections against violence, discrimination, and child labour, while supporting the country in meeting international labour standards. The initiative, titled “Promoting Trade in Lao PDR by eliminating Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Child Labour”, is funded by the… [Read More]
ILO and AFTECH Partner to Expand Financial Access for Dairy Farmers with Digital Innovation
Indonesia’s dairy sector is witnessing increasing opportunities for investment, fueled by rising domestic demand and government initiatives such as the Free Nutritious Meals Program. However, local production currently supplies less than a quarter of national consumption, largely from smallholder farmers, highlighting the need for greater financing to expand herds, modernize farms, and strengthen supply chains…. [Read More]
MDA Invests $560K+ to Strengthen Meat Processing Workforce and Education
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded over $560,000 in grants to enhance workforce development and hands-on training in meat processing across the state. This funding is distributed through two programs: the Meat Processing Train and Retain Grant program and the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Meat Education and Training (MEAT) Grant program,… [Read More]
How Nuclear Technology is Revolutionizing the Fight Against Seafood Fraud
Deceptive practices in the seafood industry, from mislabeled fish to hidden additives, are threatening livelihoods, food safety, and consumer trust. An international initiative backed by the United Nations is now leveraging advanced nuclear science to ensure seafood is safe, authentic, and traceable, protecting both consumers and the fishing industry. Seafood consumption per capita has doubled… [Read More]
Breeding Networks Driving Better Crop Varieties in East Africa
Collaboration networks are essential to advancing agricultural research, especially in crop breeding, where partnerships between researchers, private companies, and public institutions generate innovation. At the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), this collaborative approach is strengthened through partnerships with CGIAR and national institutes across East Africa. By pooling resources, expertise, and market knowledge, these… [Read More]
Clean Industry Projects Boost Climate Action and Create Quality Jobs
The Government of British Columbia is investing $35 million to support new industrial projects aimed at creating local jobs, strengthening communities, and expanding the province’s clean industry. Through the CleanBC Industry Fund, companies can adopt cleaner technologies, accelerate electrification, and transition toward net-zero operations. The fund, which reinvests part of B.C.’s industrial carbon pricing revenues,… [Read More]
African AI Startups Raise Over $40 Million in 2025, Eye $16.5 Billion Market
Africa’s AI sector, though currently holding just 2.5 percent of the global market, is attracting increasing investor interest. Valued at $4.51 billion in 2025, the industry is projected to reach $16.53 billion within five years. Following a funding slowdown in 2023 and 2024, tech startup investment across Africa is rebounding, with the first half of… [Read More]
IOM Partners with Mission 89 to Combat Child Trafficking in Sports
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has joined forces with Mission 89 to launch a campaign tackling the use of sport as a cover for child trafficking. Mission 89, a research and advocacy organization focused on protecting young athletes, has highlighted how traffickers exploit children’s aspirations for athletic success, luring them into abuse and exploitation…. [Read More]
Canada Strengthens Wildfire Preparedness with Strategic Knowledge Investments
Canada is experiencing an intense wildfire season, with communities across the country facing growing risks and impacts. In response, the Government of Canada is investing in wildfire resilience, prevention, mitigation, and recovery through advances in knowledge, science, and innovation. Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced $45.7 million in… [Read More]
Minister Olszewski Pledges New Support for Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Sector
The Government of Canada, through PrairiesCan, is investing over $4.2 million to strengthen Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector, aiming to boost innovation, production, and value-added activities. These investments target advanced breeding programs for crops and livestock, local grain bin manufacturing, food processing, and the promotion of value-added agriculture. The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the… [Read More]
