Deputy Minister Mhlauli to join Politically Aweh online Family Meeting

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will participate in an online Family Meeting hosted by Politically Aweh on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

The session forms part of an open and youth led dialogue platform that creates space for direct engagement between young South Africans and public leaders. The Deputy Minister will engage on issues affecting young people, including youth unemployment, opportunities available through government programmes, the future of South Africa’s economy, and broader political questions raised by participants.

The discussion follows heightened interest from young people on economic reform, the upcoming local government elections, and global developments such as South Africa’s role in the G20. The Deputy Minister will respond to questions submitted live during the session and engage in a candid conversation focused on accountability, participation and solutions.

Members of the public, particularly young people, are encouraged to register and participate.

Event details:

Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Time: 18:00 to 19:00
Platform: Zoom Webinar
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6Ps-Fo2zTC20B86nZRrSeQ#/registration

The online Family Meeting provides an opportunity for young people to speak directly to decision makers and contribute to shaping the national conversation on youth development, employment and governance.
 

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Eritrea: Capacity upgrading training to pre-school teachers

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Education branch in the Northern Red Sea Region, in collaboration with the teachers’ association branch in the region, provided capacity upgrading training to over 80 pre-school teachers from the sub-zones of Ghinda, Massawa, Sheib, Gelalo, Foro, and Dahlak.

Mr. Girmay Zerayakob, head of human resources development at the education office, said that the theoretical and practical training covered pedagogy, the use of teaching materials, as well as the care and guidance of children.

Noting that the effectiveness of the training should be measured by the results achieved on the ground, Ms. Gemila Hassan, head of pre-school education, and Mr. Salah Hassan, head of the teachers’ association, called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained in their daily teaching activities.

Ms. Amna Salah, head of administration and finance at the regional education office, noted that investment in children makes a significant contribution to enhancing the capacity of the education sector and called for the organization of sustainable capacity upgrading training programs.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Eritrea: Funeral service for Professor Asmerom Legesse

Source: APO – Report:

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A funeral service for Professor Asmerom Legesse was held today at Asmara’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery in Asmara in the presence of Ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, religious leaders, and family members.

Prof. Asmerom was a prominent and illustrious anthropologist who produced important research on various themes during his tenure at the Universities of Harvard, Boston, Northwestern, Chicago, and others.

Prof. Asmerom served his country and people in various capacities over the past four decades. These include, among others, serving as Chairman of the U.S. branch of the Eritrean Relief Association from 1984 until independence; publishing well-researched documents on the atrocities perpetrated by the Ethiopian regime against Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin in 1998; documenting and exposing extensive gender-based violence committed by the Ethiopian army during its occupation of various areas, particularly in the Senafe sub-zone during the border war; and playing a significant role in foiling attempts to dehumanize Eritrea in 2015 through allegations of human rights violations.

Professor Asmerom Legesse passed away on 31 January at the age of 94 in the United States.

Expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Prof. Asmerom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its condolences to his family and friends.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026 Charts a Course from Vision to Viability

Source: APO


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The Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) 2026 opened its doors in Cape Town today, marking a pivotal moment in the continent’s economic trajectory. Convening a powerful coalition of policymakers, financiers and innovators, the summit signals a decisive shift from conceptual ambition to concrete, bankable action in the pursuit of a sustainable African future.

Under the banner of From Ambition to Action: Scaling Opportunities in Africa’s Green and Blue Solutions,” AGES 2026, proudly sponsored by Sanlam Investments, is not merely a forum for discussion but a catalyst for deal-making and partnership. The gathering is built on a singular premise, that Africa’s environmental challenges are, in fact, its greatest economic opportunities.

“Ambition lights the path, but it does not pave it. To transform our economies and uplift our communities, we must move beyond rhetoric to robust execution,” said Lerato Mbele, Summit Moderator. “This summit is a marketplace of ideas where we connect visionaries with investors, ensuring that Africa’s green transition is not just sustainable, but also scalable and profitable.”

The strategic focus of this year’s agenda is underpinned by compelling data. The summit is shining a spotlight on the blue economy, a colossal yet often under-leveraged asset that already injects nearly $300 billion annually into the continent’s GDP and sustains 46 million livelihoods through fisheries, tourism and logistics. Simultaneously, the green economy, with agriculture and renewable energy at its core, is projected to unlock a staggering $10 trillion in global business value over the next decade, positioning Africa to generate an estimated 300 million new jobs for its burgeoning youth population.

These are not distant prospects, but immediate frontiers for investment and innovation.

Echoing this sentiment, the Honourable Naren Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, addressed delegates with a call for holistic progress. “Our journey towards a low-carbon future must be defined by a fundamental truth: sustainability is a three-legged stool, balancing the health of our planet, the prosperity of our people and the creation of shared value,” he stated. “By investing in our natural capital, we are investing in the most resilient infrastructure of all our communities.”

Over the next two days, the summit floor will be a hive of activity. Attendees will engage in high-level interactive sessions, witness live project pitches from Africa’s most promising green entrepreneurs, and participate in curated networking forums designed to fast-track collaboration and knowledge transfer.

AGES 2026 is more than an event, it is a declaration that Africa is ready to build a future where economic resilience and environmental stewardship are the same.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

For media enquiries and interview requests:
Elize Engle
Pr1@tishalacommunications.com
+27 63 574 5249

Tshepang Mokoena
Pr@tishalacommunications.com
+27 76 682 9608

About Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES):
Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES) is a premier pan-African platform dedicated to accelerating Africa’s transition to a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy. Hosted by VUKA Group, AGES brings together policymakers, investors, project developers, innovators and business leaders to unlock green finance, scale bankable projects, and drive actionable solutions across energy, mobility, infrastructure, agriculture, water, waste, and the blue economy. Through high-level content, deal-making opportunities, and strategic networking, AGES turns ambition into action for Africa’s green future.

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect through platforms that drive growth and transformation across Africa’s key industries. With over 20 years of experience on the continent, VUKA delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Mobility, Retail, Sustainability, and Women Empowerment—creating spaces where knowledge is shared, partnerships are formed, and real economic impact is achieved.

For more information or registration: www.GreenEconomySummit.com

Qatar Participates in High-Level Segment of Conference on Disarmament

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, February 25, 2026

The State of Qatar participated in the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament held in Geneva.

Qatar was represented at the event by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Jawhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi.

Al Suwaidi affirmed that the international system is going through a critical phase marked by the increasing number of armed conflicts, declining commitment to international law and the Charter of the United Nations, rising polarization and geopolitical competition, as well as the acceleration of nuclear modernization programs and the integration of emerging technologies into military systems, in addition to the growing risks of the weaponization of outer space.

She stressed that these developments place the disarmament and non-proliferation architecture before unprecedented challenges.

Al Suwaidi expressed the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the continued Israeli aggression and crimes committed against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, including the targeting of civilians and vital facilities, the imposition of restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the use of heavy and internationally prohibited weapons.

She explained that 2026 represents an important milestone for the global nuclear order with the convening of the Eleventh Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which constitutes the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and the fundamental basis for pursuing nuclear disarmament. She stressed that disarmament is not merely a political option, but a humanitarian, security, and developmental necessity.

Al Suwaidi affirmed that the establishment of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction remains an urgent priority to enhance regional security and stability, reiterating the State of Qatar’s support for United Nations efforts in this regard.

The Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva renewed Qatar’s commitment to the principles and objectives of disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, the promotion of international security, and its support for international mechanisms aimed at disarmament, given their essential role in strengthening peace and security at both the regional and international levels.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies Announces Debt Repayment and Agrees New Credit Facilities

Source: APO

Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), has today confirmed the full repayment of its ZAR term loan and USD revolving credit facility.

In tandem with this repayment, Liquid has agreed $410 million in new ZAR and USD credit facilities from a syndicate of commercial and development finance lenders. Cassava Technologies is further reinforcing Liquid’s financial position by injecting $195 million in fresh capital into the business.

Commenting on these developments, Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO stated: “These transactions, alongside the recent sale of a minority stake in a data centre subsidiary in South Africa, are part of a significant strengthening of our capital structure as we position the Group for accelerated growth. Through our One Cassava ecosystem, we are delivering innovative AI, cloud, data centre, payments, and low latency broadband connectivity solutions to enterprise customers across Africa.”

Africa Data Centre Holdings (“ADCH”) remains a wholly owned subsidiary of Cassava Technologies as the minority stake sale was in the ADCH South Africa business.

Looking ahead, Liquid intends to issue a new $300 million bond to replace its existing $620 million bond in advance of its maturity in September 2026. This move will reduce Liquid’s overall leverage and further strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies: 
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.

Cassava Technologies: 
Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage. https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com/

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President Ramaphosa to address Annual Opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 26 February 2026, deliver the keynote address at the Annual Official Opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at Parliament, Cape Town.

The address marks the official opening of the NHTKL and underscores the integral role of the institution of traditional leadership in advancing and deeping constitutional democracy. 

The collaboration and partnership between government and traditional leaders is rooted in the promotion of seamless integration of the traditional and democratic governance systems.

The NHTKL comprises traditional leaders who are delegates from the Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders of South Africa and who represent the nine Provinces at national level.

The institution of Traditional and Khoi-San leadership is an important pillar of unity and cohesion in our democratic constitutional dispensation. 

As custodians of culture and heritage, Traditional and Khoi-San leaders promote the interests of citizens through their active participation in efforts to address the broader socio-economic challenges, especially those in traditional communities.

Invited guests include Kings and Queens, Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Members of Executive Councils (MECs) responsible for Traditional Affairs, Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Provincial Houses, CONTRALESA, royalities, representatives from business and religious sectors, NGOs, Chapter 9 Institutions, the National Khoi-San Council, and delegations from SADC countries.

The President’s address will be as follows:

Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Time: 10h00
Venue: Good Hope Chamber, Parliament, Cape Town
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President 
media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Mashatile to officiate the launch of the Strategic Hydrogen Localisation Investment Facility at Wits University

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Friday, 27 February 2026, officiate the launch of the Strategic Hydrogen Localisation Investment Facility, a landmark R100 million investment aimed at advancing South Africa’s hydrogen research, innovation and localisation capabilities, at the University of the Witwatersrand in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

The Wits–South Africa Hydrogen Localisation Initiative (Wits-SAHLI) is a partnership between Air Liquide South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University), and the Localisation Support Fund.

Funded by Air Liquide South Africa, the R100 million initiative seeks to strengthen South Africa’s research capacity and build local expertise to support the country’s just energy transition towards a low-carbon hydrogen economy.

The initiative represents a concrete step towards decarbonisation and sustainability, directly aligning with national and global commitments to build a low-carbon and sustainable society. It is designed to empower South African companies by creating direct opportunities to participate, innovate and grow within the hydrogen value chain through targeted development and industrial integration.

Wits-SAHLI will also pioneer research, development and the scaling of hydrogen technologies, bridging the gap between laboratory scale research and industrial scale implementation. The establishment of a modular pilot hydrogen plant on Wits University’s West Campus in particular will support applied research and teaching, enable on-campus testing of hydrogen applications, and provide a de-risked platform for industry partners to explore and scale hydrogen solutions.

Central to the initiative is fostering localisation by building competitive local industrial capacity and developing a tangible domestic supply chain for hydrogen components and services, thereby reducing reliance on imports.

Wits-SAHLI also represents a collaborative ecosystem that unites industry, academia and government in pursuit of a shared vision for South Africa’s energy transition.

The launch event will bring together Executive Leadership of Air Liquide, University leadership, industry partners, including representatives from Sasol, as well as Cabinet Ministers and key stakeholders across the energy, higher education and industrial sectors.

Deputy President Mashatile will be joined by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event as follows:

Date: Friday, 27 February 2026
Time: 08h00 – 12h30
Venue: Wits University, West Campus, Johannesburg

Media wishing to cover the launch event are requested to RSVP by submitting their full names, ID number and media house by 18h00 on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to Matome@presidency.gov.za or 082 318 5251.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Governor of Istanbul Meets Consul General of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Istanbul, February 25 

HE Governor of Istanbul in the Republic of Turkiye Davut Gul met with HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Istanbul Dr. Nayef bin Jassim Al Abduljabbar.
The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bids Farewell to Portuguese Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, February 25, 2026

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Wednesday with HEآ Ambassador of the Portuguese Republicآ to the State ofآ Qatar Paulo Neves Pocinho, on the occasion of the end of his tenure.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs thanked HE the Ambassador for his efforts in supporting and strengthening bilateral relations, wishing him success in his new duties.