Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: APO

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The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO), a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

About Aurionpro Solutions:
Aurionpro Solutions Ltd. (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO) is a global enterprise technology leader pioneering intuitive-tech through deep-tech IPs and scalable products. With a strong presence across Banking, Payments, Mobility, Insurance, Transit, Data Centers, and Government Sectors, Aurionpro is setting new benchmarks for AI innovation and impact. Its B2E (Business-to-Ecosystem) approach empowers entire ecosystems – driving growth, transformation, and scale across interconnected value chains. Backed by 3,000+ experts and a global-first mindset, Aurionpro is built to lead the next. For more information, visit us at www.AurionPro.com

Our latest launch – AI-Native Trade Finance Platform for Banks (https://apo-opa.co/4cHpJJ9)

For our latest launch in the Enterprise AI space for banks, visit https://apo-opa.co/4tDd9AB

Source: APO – Report:

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International Workers’ Day, 1 May, was celebrated at the compound of the Plastic Factory in Dubarwa at the Southern Region level on 28 April under the theme “Workers’ Organization: Motivator for Development.”

At the event, in which workers from various institutions took part, Mr. Tekeste Mihreteab, head of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers in the Southern Region, said that the day is being observed at a time when the world is facing increasing instability, and serves as a reminder to strengthen struggle and resilience.

Mr. Tekeste went on to say that, over the past year, the Southern Region has conducted organization and reorganization activities in 21 institutions, as well as training programs on health, administration and leadership, and financial and material management in the sub-zones of Dekemhare and Mendefera.

Noting that the history of Eritrean workers is the cornerstone of the country’s political ideology, Ms. Amete Neguse, secretary of the PFDJ in the region, called on the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers to strive to enhance the organizational capacity and productivity of workers.

At the event, the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students, the National Union of Eritrean Women, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, and Teachers’ Association in the region delivered messages of solidarity.

Similarly, International Workers’ Day was enthusiastically commemorated in Keren at the Anseba Region level on 28 April under the theme “Workers’ Organization: Motivator for Development,” featuring various programs depicting the day.

Noting the efforts Eritrean workers are exerting to ensure their rights and fulfill their national obligations through enhanced unity and awareness, Mr. Atobrhan Gebrat, head of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers in the region, said that the confederation’s organization in 2025 registered an 18% increase.

Mr. Tsehaye Hagos, head of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the region, said that, as indicated in Eritrea’s Labor Proclamation No. 118/2001, organizing workers has significant importance beyond ensuring rights and obligations, including strengthening professional capacity, awareness, and productivity.

Mr. Mulu’e Tesfamariam, head of Political Affairs of the PFDJ in the region, and Col. Kibrom Nirayo, Director General of Social Services, on their part, called on workers to strengthen their organizational capacity and productivity, as well as their participation in national affairs.

International Workers’ Day is being observed for the 35th time at the national level and for the 136th time at the international level.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The ECOWAS Commission, under the leadership of its Vice-President, H.E. Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA, convened in Praia, Republic of Cabo Verde, on 27 April 2026, a national advocacy and awareness session on the ECOWAS Vision 2050, bringing together government authorities, the diplomatic corps, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and technical and financial partners to advance stakeholder ownership and national appropriation of the Community’s long-term strategic framework, while promoting inclusive dialogue on its implementation and reinforcing the transition towards an ECOWAS of Peoples, within a coordinated regional sensitisation exercise simultaneously conducted in Cabo Verde, The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire.

Delivering her address, the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA, underscored the centrality of citizens in the new vision, stating that “ECOWAS exists to serve its people, and Vision 2050 is about ensuring that our programmes respond directly to their needs and aspirations.” She further emphasized that, at fifty years, the organisation is at a critical juncture of reflection and repositioning, noting that “peace and security remain the bedrock upon which all development and integration efforts must stand.”

The Director General for External Policy and Regional Integration of Cabo Verde, Dr. Carlos Fernandes Semedo, reaffirmed Cabo Verde’s commitment to the regional project, highlighting that “regional integration cannot remain at the level of governments alone, it must be owned by citizens, the private sector and civil society.” He pointed to Cabo Verde’s strategic contributions in governance, maritime security, renewable energy, tourism and the blue economy as key assets to the Community.

In her intervention, the Acting Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Cabo Verde, Dr. Kelly Lopes, described Vision 2050 as “not just a strategic document, but the expression of a collective ambition to build a fully integrated, peaceful and prosperous West Africa.” She stressed that “its success depends on strong leadership, political will and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.”

Providing a technical perspective, the Acting Director of the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate, Dr. Onyinye ONWUKA, highlighted the preventive dimension of the Community’s peace architecture, stating that “early warning is about collecting and analysing credible data before risks escalate, because prevention is always better than response.” She further explained that the system is “people-centred, focusing on human security across governance, health, environment and security sectors, to support informed decision-making at all levels.”

At the operational level, the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission reiterated the importance of expanding the Early Warning architecture to Cabo Verde, noting that “a regional system is only as strong as its weakest link, and Cabo Verde’s full integration into this mechanism is essential.” She welcomed the positive engagement of national authorities towards the establishment of a national early warning centre.

The session further benefited from a high-level technical presentation on the ECOWAS Vision 2050, jointly delivered by Dr. Mamadu MUDJATABA BALDÉ, Head of Planning, Programming and Coordination at the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Malick BABAH DAOUDA, Programme Officer for Strategic Development and Analysis in the Office of the Vice-President, and Ms Isa Morais Rodrigues, Coordinator of the ECOWAS National Office in Cabo Verde.

The presentation provided a structured and forward-looking overview of the transition from Vision 2020 to Vision 2050, articulating the Community’s long-term ambition around five interdependent strategic pillars, namely peace and security, governance and rule of law, economic integration and interconnectivity, inclusive and sustainable development, and social inclusion. Particular emphasis was placed on the consultative and evidence-based process underpinning the formulation of the Vision, as well as on the critical role of national ownership, institutional coherence and multi-stakeholder engagement in translating strategic priorities into measurable outcomes.

The presenters further highlighted that effective implementation will require strengthened coordination mechanisms at national level, sustained communication efforts and a citizen-centred approach capable of bridging regional policy frameworks with local realities across Member States. Participants were further briefed on key Community achievements, including the free movement protocol, regional energy and digital integration programmes, and initiatives supporting human capital development, all of which illustrate the tangible impact of ECOWAS policies across Member States.

While firmly anchored in Cabo Verde’s national context, the session reflects a broader regional dynamic, as parallel engagements in The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire contribute to a synchronized rollout of the Vision 2050 awareness campaign, ensuring coherence, inclusivity and collective ownership across the Community. Going forward, the ECOWAS Commission will continue to engage Member States and national stakeholders through targeted advocacy, technical dialogue and institutional support, with a view to translating Vision 2050 into concrete actions that deliver peace, prosperity and sustainable integration for all West African citizens.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of the Republic of Madagascar, through the Ministry of Industrialization and Private Sector Development, have signed a five-year Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) for the period 2026–2030.

The agreement was signed at UNIDO Headquarters in Vienna by UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller and Minister of Industrialization and Private Sector Development of Madagascar, Ny Riana Nampoina Raharimanjato, in the presence of representatives from both UNIDO and the Government of Madagascar.

The PCP is UNIDO’s innovative flagship model for accelerating sustainable economic and industrial development in a way tailored to a Member States’ unique priorities and needs. The signing marks a key milestone in UNIDO’s longstanding cooperation with Madagascar. It will accelerate the country’s journey towards becoming a competitive industrial hub in the Indian Ocean region. Building on a successful implementation of a Country Programme 2019-2023, this second phase was developed at the request of the Government of Madagascar and represents the first initiative of its kind in the country.  The programme aims to diversify Madagascar’s economy, strengthen its industrial competitiveness, promote more local value addition and decent job creation – particularly for youth and women – and support the country’s transition towards a greener and more climate-resilient economy. 

Under the leadership of the Government of Madagascar, the PCP will strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones, including with the private sector, to build a diversified, competitive, inclusive and sustainable industrial economy.

Speaking at the ceremony, UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller said: “This new Programme for Country Partnership marks a new quality of cooperation between UNIDO and Madagascar. It provides a strategic framework to unlock Madagascar’s great industrial potential into concrete results, working together in key sectors such as agro-industry, entrepreneurship, green energy, skills development, and regional integration. The PCP will help create more local value and decent jobs, especially for youth and women, while strengthening Madagascar’s resilience and competitiveness in the region.”

Minister Ny Riana Nampoina Raharimanjato emphasized that the PCP represents a strategic shift, in line with the current vision for the refoundation of Madagascar: “Madagascar is moving from fragmented initiatives to an integrated, coordinated and government-led approach to industrial development. The PCP provides a unified strategic framework to align, structure and guide industrial actions, placing industrialization at the core of economic transformation through local value addition and a competitive productive sector.”

UNIDO and Madagascar will continue to work together to advance inclusive and sustainable industrial development by strengthening local value addition and regional integration.

– on behalf of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the President of Hiroshima University, Mitsuo Ochi, in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif, Vice President of the University Shinji Kaneko, and Japan’s Ambassador in Cairo Fumio Iwai.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi expressed that Egypt valued the distinguished relations Egypt and Japan share and their longstanding partnership in the fields of basic and higher education. In this regard, the President commended the fruitful and constructive cooperation between Egypt and Hiroshima University.

The President also affirmed Egypt’s interest to expand cooperation with Japan in the fields of education and pedagogy to support Egypt’s efforts to develop curricula and enhance the quality and standards of education. This includes maximizing the benefits of modern technological applications in the education sector by keeping pace with the latest technological tools, including Artificial Intelligence, thereby contributing to equipping students with the best scientific methods and preparing them for the job market.

The President of Hiroshima University expressed his pleasure at visiting Egypt and meeting with the President, noting that the University highly values the longstanding cooperation with the Egyptian government. He also praised Egypt’s efforts to develop educational programs and the education system in general. The President of Hiroshima University added that during his visit to Egypt, he reviewed efforts related to the application of modern educational methods and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to continuing cooperation with the Egyptian government to strengthen fruitful collaboration and support Egypt’s priorities in this regard.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.