Power system ‘stable’ as festive season demand approaches

Source: Government of South Africa

Power system ‘stable’ as festive season demand approaches

Eskom has assured that it will keep the lights on this festive season and meet demand.

In a statement, the power utility said the national power system remains stable and consistently meets “demand as Eskom’s generation performance continues to improve”.

“The success of the Generation Recovery Plan, combined with the intensified planned maintenance implemented last year, has strengthened the fleet and enhanced operational resilience.

“These achievements position Eskom to reliably meet peak festive season demand, support economic activity and reinforce energy security for South Africa,” Eskom explained.

The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) stands at some 66.12% – an improvement of 8.43% at the same time last year when the EAF stood at 57.69%.

“Year-to-date, EAF has increased to 63.85%, with the fleet achieving or exceeding the 70% benchmark on 39 occasions. These results demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in generation performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability.

“The improvement in EAF is largely attributable to a continued reduction in unplanned outages, alongside a moderate decline in planned maintenance levels,” the power utility said.

Eskom has gone more than 217 days without implementing load shedding, with only 26 hours of load shedding recorded earlier this financial year.

“To maintain a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 4 670MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak [today].

“Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no load shedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Une campagne panafricaine célèbre les joies du retour au bercail, avec KFC

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Durant la période des fêtes, que pouvez-vous vous permettre chez vous, en ville, mais que vous n’imagineriez même pas faire de retour à la maison ?

Une campagne panafricaine lancée par KFC célèbre précisément cet aspect de la vie à travers le continent, c’est-à-dire les vies parallèles que les jeunes mènent entre la ville où ils habitent et le lieu où ils ont grandi.

Au Kenya, retourner dans les zones rurales s’appelle « aller à Shagz », et il existe un tas d’autres expressions vernaculaires pour cela. Le choc culturel du retour à la maison est un aspect amusant de notre culture africaine partagée, le temps de Noël.

La campagne Home-Home de KFC montre que, s’il existe certaines parties de nous-mêmes que nous ne voulons peut-être pas ramener au bercail, la seule chose sur laquelle tout le monde est d’accord, c’est le goût savoureux de KFC.

« Dans la ville, tout passe ; vous pouvez montrer vos tatouages, porter n’importe quoi et parler comme vous le souhaitez », déclare Mukundi Munzhelele, directeur marketing de KFC, EW&I et Marketing Excellence. « Mais de retour à la maison, ça ne passe plus. Vous êtes censé revenir à vos paramètres par défaut. Heureusement, avec KFC, que vous soyez en ville ou de retour à la maison, vous pouvez toujours être vous-même. »

La campagne Home-Home a été lancée sur plusieurs marchés africains et se déroule tout au long de la saison des fêtes. Elle dispose de deux volets sur les réseaux sociaux, de plusieurs clips de la marque, et du hashtag #KFCHomeDos&Donts à la radio et sur les réseaux.

Ce dernier déploiement a attiré l’imagination des auditeurs dans toute l’Afrique, qui partagent ce qu’ils font à la ville et qui ne passerait jamais de retour à la maison, sous la forme de messages vocaux, de commentaires ou de réponses. Les participants gagneront des bons et des prix KFC.

La campagne a également lancé des tendances sur les réseaux, les influenceurs ayant adopté l’idée, avec des vlogs de voyage et du contenu « à la ville vs de retour à la maison » devenant le thème du moment. Les clips générés par les utilisateurs montrent des blagues faites aux parents, en les appelant par leurs prénoms ou en laissant la télévision allumée en allant se coucher !

Laisser de la vaisselle dans l’évier toute la nuit ? Porter des chaussures à l’intérieur, de faux ongles de toutes les couleurs ou des tenues glamour ? Parler un peu trop ouvertement ? Toutes ces habitudes courantes dans les grandes villes doivent être mises en veilleuse lorsque les jeunes Africains rentrent à la maison.

Certains ont même relevez les règles tacites qui s’appliquent lorsque vous partagez un seau de KFC en famille. C’est à papa que revient le plus gros morceau de poulet, alors qu’il faut une diplomatie à toute épreuve pour obtenir le dernier morceau. Une autre vérité éternelle est que celui qui va chercher la commande KFC n’est jamais celui qui paie !

Que le seau festif soit dégusté en ville ou « à la maison », la joie de partager KFC avec les amis et la famille reste la même.

La campagne KFC Home-Home a été conçue par KFC en collaboration avec l’agence Ogilvy.

« La campagne a commencé avec l’idée culturelle que de nombreux Africains urbanisés vivent des vies parallèles, entre le chez-soi en ville et les autres maisons dans les communautés de nos familles élargies », déclare Snooze Kambuwa, directeur exécutif de la création pour l’Afrique du Sud, Ogilvy. « Nous voulions célébrer cela, avec tous les subterfuges bon enfant et les changements de codes qui l’accompagnent. Mais nous avons également rappelé qu’avec KFC, vous pouvez toujours être vous-même, où que vous soyez. »

La campagne Home-Home de KFC se déroule au Ghana, en Tanzanie, au Sénégal, au Kenya, en Ouganda, au Rwanda, au Gabon et à Maurice, jusqu’au début janvier.

Distribué par APO Group pour KFC Africa.

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Heirs Energies conclut un accord de financement de 750 millions USD avec Afreximbank pour stimuler sa croissance à long terme

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Heirs Energies Limited (https://HeirsEnergies.com/), la principale société énergétique intégrée du Nigeria, vient de finaliser un financement de 750 millions USD avec African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank).

L’opération a été conclue lors d’une cérémonie de signature à Abuja le samedi 20 décembre 2025, en présence de Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, président du conseil de Heirs Energies, et de George Elombi, président et président du conseil d’Afreximbank.

L’opération représente l’un des plus importants financements conclus par une société énergétique africaine et témoigne de la confiance des bailleurs de fonds dans les performances opérationnelles, les normes de gouvernance, l’excellence en projets de redéveloppement propriétaires et la trajectoire de croissance à long terme de Heirs Energies.

Depuis qu’elle est devenue société exploitante d’OML 17, Heirs Energies a proposé un programme de transformation discipliné, axé sur la restauration de la production, le renforcement de l’intégrité des actifs et l’amélioration de l’efficacité opérationnelle. Grâce à des interventions ciblées dans le cadre de projets de redéveloppement et à l’optimisation des infrastructures, la société est passée avec succès du financement par acquisition à une structure de capital alignée sur le profil de développement à long terme de ses réserves.

La production de pétrole et de gaz a doublé, passant d’un niveau de production d’acquisition de 25 000 barils de pétrole par jour (b/j) et de 50 millions de pieds cubes standard de gaz par jour (MMscf/j). Aujourd’hui, OML-17 produit plus de 50 000 b/j et 120 MMscf/j. L’ensemble de la production de gaz est destinée au marché intérieur nigérian du gaz et a été un catalyseur pour la production d’électricité au Nigeria. Les relations communautaires ont été transformées et les normes les plus élevées en matière de santé et de sécurité ont été mises en œuvre.

La facilité de financement d’Afreximbank accélérera le développement sur le terrain, optimisera la production et permettra à Heirs Energies de saisir des opportunités de croissance à valeur ajoutée, tout en maintenant une gestion disciplinée du capital.

S’exprimant lors de la signature, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, président du conseil de Heirs Energies, a déclaré :

« Cette transaction est une véritable confirmation de ce que les entreprises africaines peuvent accomplir lorsqu’elles sont soutenues par une exécution disciplinée et des capitaux africains à long terme. Elle reflète aussi le parcours de Heirs Energies – du redressement à la croissance – et renforce notre conviction que le capital africain travaille pour les entreprises africaines. C’est l’Afrique qui finance l’avenir de l’Afrique ».

George Elombi, président et président du conseil d’Afreximbank, a ajouté :

« Afreximbank est fière de soutenir Heirs Energies durant cette étape charnière de sa croissance. Ce financement reflète notre confiance dans le leadership, la gouvernance et la base d’actifs de la société, et s’aligne sur notre mission consistant à soutenir les champions africains qui sont à l’origine d’une transformation économique durable sur l’ensemble du continent ».

L’opération renforce encore le rôle d’Afreximbank en permettant aux opérateurs locaux de disposer de l’échelle et de la capacité nécessaires pour assurer le développement énergétique durable, la sécurité énergétique et la valeur économique à long terme dans toute l’Afrique.

En franchissant ce nouveau jalon, Heirs Energies a maintenant toutes les cartes en main pour entamer sa prochaine phase de croissance, axée sur l’excellence opérationnelle, le développement responsable des ressources et la création de valeur durable pour les parties prenantes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Heirs Energies.

À propos de Heirs Energies : 
Heirs Energies Limited est la principale entreprise énergétique intégrée appartenant à des Africains sur le continent. La société s’engage à répondre aux besoins énergétiques uniques de l’Afrique, tout en s’alignant sur les objectifs mondiaux en matière de durabilité. En mettant l’accent sur l’innovation, la responsabilité environnementale et le développement communautaire, Heirs Energies est à l’avant-garde de l’écosystème énergétique et contribue à une Afrique plus prospère.

À propos d’Afreximbank :
African Export-Import Bank est un établissement financier multilatéral panafricain chargé de financer et de promouvoir le commerce intra- et extra-africain. La banque joue un rôle essentiel dans le soutien à l’industrialisation, à l’expansion commerciale et à la transformation économique de l’Afrique.

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Africa-wide campaign celebrates the joy of going ‘home-home’ – with KFC

Source: APO

What can you get away with at home, that you could never dream of doing when you get back “home-home”, over the festive season?

An insightful pan-African KFC campaign celebrates exactly this fascinating part of life across the continent – the parallel lives that young people live at “home” in the city, and “home-home”, where they come from.

In Kenya, visiting the rural areas is called “going to Shagz,” and there are a bunch of other vernac expressions for it. The culture clash of going home is a hilarious part of our shared African culture, come Christmas time.

The KFC Home-Home campaign shows that while there are certain parts of ourselves that we might not want to bring “home-home”, the one thing that everyone agrees on is the finger-lickin’ good taste of KFC.

“In the city, anything flies; you can rock your tattoos, wear anything, and speak any way you want,” says Mukundi Munzhelele, KFC Marketing Director, EW&I and Marketing Excellence. “But when you’re home-home, that doesn’t fly. You’re expected to go back to your default settings. Luckily, the good thing about KFC is that it always flies – whether you’re at home or home-home.”

The Home-Home campaign launched across several African markets and runs throughout the festive season. It features two social-media components, several branded films, out-of-home, and the #KFCHomeDos&Donts rollout on radio and social.

The latter rollout has grabbed the imagination of listeners and users right across Africa, as they share what they got up to at home that would never fly at home-home — via voice notes, comments or replies. Participants stand to win a range of KFC vouchers and prizes.

The campaign also launched trends on socials, as influencers embraced the idea, with travel vlogs, and “home vs home-home” content becoming the flavour of the moment. User-generated clips could see kids pranking their parents, by calling them by their first names, or leaving the TV on when they went to bed!

Leaving unwashed dishes overnight? Wearing shoes indoors? Fancy nails? Glam outfits? Speaking your mind a little too freely? All these big-city ways must be put on the back burner when young Africans return home.

Some have even noted the unwritten rules that apply when enjoying a bucket of KFC with the family. Dad has dibs on the biggest piece of chicken, while it takes brave diplomacy to secure the last piece in the package. Another eternal truth is that the one who goes to pick up the KFC order is never the one who pays for it!

Whether the festive bucket is brought home, or all the way home-home, the joy of sharing KFC with friends and family remains undiminished.

The KFC Home-Home campaign was devised by KFC along with lead agency Ogilvy.

“The campaign began with the cultural insight that many urbanised African people live parallel lives, between our homes in the city and our other homes in the communities of our extended families,” says Ogilvy South Africa Executive Creative Director Snooze Kambuwa. “We tried to celebrate that, complete with all the good-natured subterfuge and code-switching that goes with it. But we also made the point that KFC flies wherever you are – at home, or home-home.”

The KFC Home-Home campaign rolled out across Ghana, Tanzania, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Gabon and Mauritius, and runs into early January.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.

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Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure Exhibition (DEAL) 2026 to Accelerate Africa’s Next Wave of Theme Parks, Family Entertainment Centre (FECs) and Location-Based Entertainment

Source: APO

African family entertainment centre (FEC) operators, mall owners, mixed-use developers, hospitality groups, leisure investors and tourism agencies are invited to source the next generation of attractions, rides, VR/AR experiences and turnkey indoor concepts at DEAL 2026 – the Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure Exhibition (www.DealMiddleEastShow.com), taking place 10–12 February 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Now in its 32nd year, DEAL is the Middle East and Africa’s longest-running B2B platform for the amusement and attractions industry. Visitors from Africa can register here – https://apo-opa.co/3MM18bH.

“As organisers, our brief has always been simple: DEAL must be a commercial engine, not a ceremonial expo,” said Abdulrahman Falaknaz, President, International Expo-Consults (IEC). “Buyers from Africa are no longer just benchmarking global concepts; they are sourcing partners, signing agreements and budgeting for delivery. That momentum is exactly why we expect DEAL 2026 to be our most impactful edition yet—especially for African operators looking to scale quickly, safely and sustainably.”

Why this matters for Africa, now?

Africa’s youth base is a live demand engine: more than 60% of Africans are under 25, a cohort that expects premium, safe and tech-enabled entertainment close to home. As per Cognitive Market Research, the Middle East & Africa FEC market is projected to grow at 11.5% CAGR through 2031, implying regional spend already pushing beyond USD700 million in 2025.

DEAL 2026 will showcase the full commercial spectrum of today’s location-based entertainment economy: themed rides and large-format attractions; turnkey family entertainment centres; waterparks and water play solutions; VR/AR and immersive gaming arenas; esport and arcade systems; participatory play equipment; redemption and coin-operated machines; high-tech show effects; admissions, ticketing and operations tech; themed retail, décor and IP/licensing; and full concept-to-delivery support from masterplanners, fabricators and fit-out specialists. This show profile is designed for decision-makers who are building or upgrading theme parks, malls, mixed-use leisure districts, hotels and resorts, and municipal or tourism-led attractions, and it lets them source everything under one roof — from content and hardware to safety compliance and revenue models.

African trade visitors will be able to evaluate proven revenue models—from pay-to-play and memberships to esports leagues and subscription-based edutainment—designed for markets with a high share of Gen Z and young families; source suppliers whose attractions meet global safety and maintenance standards (critical for lenders, insurers and regulators); benchmark pricing, throughput and ROI with operators already active in the Gulf’s integrated entertainment districts; and build partnerships with IP owners, masterplanners and tech companies that can localise content for African audiences.

Falaknaz added: “With manufacturers, IP owners, waterpark specialists, VR/AR content studios, esports infrastructure providers and turnkey FEC developers under one roof, DEAL compresses months of sourcing into days. Our goal is to help African stakeholders move from concept to commercially bankable projects—backed by the right standards, operating know-how and partners.”

DEAL 2026 runs 10–12 February 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Exhibitor and visitor information for African delegations is available at www.DealMiddleEastShow.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dubai Entertainment Amusement & Leisure Exhibition (DEAL 2026).

For booth bookings and hosted-buyer enquiries, contact:
Frida
frida@iecdubai.com

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Heirs Energies Agrees $750m Afreximbank Financing to Drive Long-Term Growth

Source: APO

Heirs Energies Limited (https://HeirsEnergies.com/), Nigeria’s leading indigenous integrated energy company, has executed a USD 750 million financing with the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The transaction was concluded at a signing ceremony in Abuja on Saturday 20th December 2025, attended by Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Energies, and Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank.

The transaction represents one of the largest financings secured by an indigenous African energy company and demonstrates lender confidence in Heirs Energies’ operating performance, governance standards, proprietary brownfield excellence capability, and long-term growth trajectory.

Since assuming operatorship of OML 17, Heirs Energies has delivered a disciplined transformation programme, focused on restoring production, strengthening asset integrity, and improving operational efficiency. Through targeted brownfield interventions and infrastructure optimisation, the Company has successfully transitioned from acquisition-led financing to a capital structure aligned with the long-term development profile of its reserves.

Oil and gas production has doubled, from an acquisition production level of 25,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d). Today, OML-17 produces over 50,000 bopd and 120 mmscf/d. All the gas production goes into the Nigerian domestic gas market and has been catalytic for power generation in Nigeria. Community relations have been transformed and the highest standards of health and safety implemented.

The Afreximbank facility will accelerate field development, optimise production, and allow Heirs Energies to pursue value-accretive growth opportunities, while maintaining disciplined capital management.

Speaking at the signing, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman of Heirs Energies, said:

“This transaction is a powerful affirmation of what African enterprise can achieve when backed by disciplined execution and long-term African capital. It reflects the successful journey Heirs Energies has taken – from turnaround to growth – and reinforces our belief in African capital working for African businesses. This is Africa financing Africa’s future.”

Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, stated:

“Afreximbank is proud to support Heirs Energies at this pivotal stage of its growth. This financing reflects our confidence in the Company’s leadership, governance, and asset base, and aligns with our mandate to support African champions that are driving sustainable economic transformation across the continent.”

The transaction further reinforces Afreximbank’s role in enabling indigenous operators with the scale and capability to deliver sustainable energy development, energy security, and long-term economic value across Africa.

With this milestone achieved, Heirs Energies is firmly positioned to advance into its next phase of growth, focused on operational excellence, responsible resource development, and enduring value creation for stakeholders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Heirs Energies.

About Heirs Energies:
Heirs Energies Limited is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs, while aligning with global sustainability goals. Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads in the evolving energy landscape and contribute to a more prosperous Africa.

About Afreximbank:
The African Export-Import Bank is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. The Bank plays a critical role in supporting Africa’s industrialisation, trade expansion, and economic transformation.

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A Heirs Energies chegou a acordo com o Afreximbank para obter um financiamento de 750 milhões de dólares para impulsionar o crescimento a longo prazo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Heirs Energies Limited (https://HeirsEnergies.com/), a principal empresa nigeriana de energia integrada, assinou um financiamento de 750 milhões de dólares com o Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank).

A transação foi concluída numa cerimónia de assinatura em Abuja, no sábado, 20 de dezembro de 2025, com a presença do Sr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Presidente da Heirs Energies, e do Dr. George Elombi, Presidente e Presidente do Afreximbank.

A transação representa um dos maiores financiamentos garantidos por uma empresa de energia africana e demonstra a confiança dos credores no desempenho operacional da Heirs Energies, nas suas normas de governação, na sua capacidade de excelência em campos industriais abandonados e na sua trajetória de crescimento a longo prazo.

Desde que assumiu a exploração do OML 17, a Heirs Energies tem levado a cabo um programa de transformação disciplinado, centrado no restabelecimento da produção, no reforço da integridade dos ativos e na melhoria da eficiência operacional. Através de intervenções específicas em áreas industriais abandonadas e da otimização de infraestruturas, a Empresa conseguiu passar de um financiamento baseado em aquisições para uma estrutura de capital alinhada com o perfil de desenvolvimento a longo prazo das suas reservas.

A produção de petróleo e gás duplicou, passando de um nível de produção adquirido de 25.000 barris de petróleo por dia (bopd) e 50 milhões de pés cúbicos padrão de gás por dia (mmscf/d). Atualmente, o OML 17 produz mais de 50.000 bopd e 120 mmscf/d. Toda a produção de gás vai para o mercado interno nigeriano e tem sido um catalisador para a produção de eletricidade na Nigéria. As relações com a comunidade foram transformadas e foram aplicadas as mais elevadas normas de saúde e segurança.

A linha de crédito do Afreximbank irá acelerar o desenvolvimento dos campos, otimizar a produção e permitir que a Heirs Energies procure oportunidades de crescimento que criem valor, mantendo uma gestão de capital disciplinada.

Falando na assinatura, o Sr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Presidente da Heirs Energies, afirmou:

“Esta transação é uma afirmação poderosa do que as empresas africanas podem alcançar quando apoiadas por uma execução disciplinada e por capital africano a longo prazo. Reflete o percurso bem-sucedido da Heirs Energies – da recuperação ao crescimento – e reforça a nossa convicção de que o capital africano trabalha para as empresas africanas. Isto é África a financiar o futuro de África.”

O Dr. George Elombi, Presidente e Diretor do Afreximbank, declarou:

“O Afreximbank orgulha-se de apoiar a Heirs Energies nesta fase crucial do seu crescimento. Este financiamento reflete a nossa confiança na liderança, governação e base de ativos da empresa, e está em conformidade com o nosso mandato de apoiar os heróis africanos que estão a impulsionar a transformação económica sustentável em todo o continente.”

A transação reforça ainda mais o papel do Afreximbank na capacitação de operadores locais com a escala e a capacidade de proporcionar desenvolvimento energético sustentável, segurança energética e valor económico a longo prazo em toda a África.

Com este marco alcançado, a Heirs Energies está firmemente posicionada para avançar para a sua próxima fase de crescimento, centrada na excelência operacional, no desenvolvimento responsável de recursos e na criação de valor duradouro para as partes interessadas.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Heirs Energies.

Sobre a Heirs Energies:
A Heirs Energies Limited é a principal empresa de energia integrada de propriedade indígena de África, empenhada em satisfazer as necessidades energéticas únicas de África, ao mesmo tempo que se alinha com os objetivos globais de sustentabilidade. Com um forte foco na inovação, responsabilidade ambiental e desenvolvimento comunitário, a Heirs Energies lidera o panorama energético em evolução e contribui para uma África mais próspera.

Sobre o Afreximbank:
O Banco Africano de Exportação-Importação é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana mandatada para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. O Banco desempenha um papel fundamental no apoio à industrialização, à expansão do comércio e à transformação económica de África.

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Qatar, US Officials Hold High-Level Talks on Strategic Partnership

Source: Government of Qatar

Washington, December 18, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, held a series of meetings with senior US officials on the sidelines of the seventh strategic dialogue between the two countries in Washington.

HE Al Khulaifi met separately with HE Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur; HE Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for Africa at the Department of State, Massad Boulos; HE Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak, HE Near Eastern Affairs Senior Officer, Robert Palladino; and HE CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation, Ben Black.

Discussions focused on the close bilateral relationship, ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors, and shared perspectives on regional and international issues.

The US side highlighted the importance of continued coordination and consultation with Qatar, strengthening cooperation mechanisms, and further developing bilateral relations, while recognizing Qatar’s role as an effective mediator and trusted partner in resolving regional and international conflicts.

Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, Mr. Masrour Barzani. The meeting was also attended by Chief of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad; Minister of Interior in the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, Mr. Rebwar Ahmed; and Head of the Kurdistan Region Intelligence Service, Mr. Mohsen Kamal.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi underscored Egypt’s full and unwavering support for Iraq, its unity and territorial integrity, and for its efforts to confront the numerous challenges facing the region, particularly terrorism.

The President commended the level of ongoing cooperation between the Egyptian and Iraqi security agencies, lauding the efforts of Iraq and the authorities of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to foster stability and peace in the region.

For his part, Mr. Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq’s appreciation for Egypt and President El-Sisi’s role in support of Iraq and in restoring peace and stability in the region. He emphasized that the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq looks forward to further strengthening its cooperative relations with Egyptian institutions.

The meeting also addressed economic cooperation between Egypt and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s keenness on deepening all aspects of the economic cooperation between the two sides, highlighting the significant capabilities of Egyptian companies, particularly in the fields of energy and infrastructure as well as the extensive expertise they possess in Egypt and abroad. The President invited the Kurdistan Regional Government to benefit from these companies’ capabilities in the implementation of projects with high quality and competitive cost.

Mr. Barzani welcomed the role of Egyptian companies in Iraq, stressing that during his visit he looks forward to working with the relevant Egyptian authorities to explore ways to forge closer cooperation and benefit from Egyptian expertise in a number of priority sectors for the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on a multitude of regional issues of mutual interest. President El-Sisi outlined Egypt’s vision for restoring security and stability in the region, and listened to the assessment of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in this regard.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Table Mountain ready to welcome visitors this festive season

Source: Government of South Africa

Table Mountain ready to welcome visitors this festive season

The South African National Parks (SANParks) says it is fully prepared to welcome increased visitor numbers to Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) this festive season. 

Visitors can expect an enjoyable visit at TMNP’s iconic sites, strong safety measures, and enhanced firefighting and environmental protection capacity.

“Visitors can look forward to fantastic scenery and unmatched views in the richly biodiverse TMNP with highlights including visiting the African penguins at Boulders penguin colony, 360-degree views from the Cape Point lighthouse or Signal Hill, standing on the table at the top of Table Mountain after a ride up the cableway or a hike up Platteklip Gorge, and picnicking at Silvermine Dam or Oudekraal beach. 

“A total of 850 kilometres of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails await the adventurer to explore,” SANParks said in a statement. 

From April to October 2025, TMNP recorded 1 708 289 entries across its access points — an almost 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 

With expected increases in flight and cruise ship arrivals, this upward trend is set to continue into December and January.

“TMNP now has 157 rangers deployed across the park, working closely with the 40-member Sea-Air-Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit. This unit was bolstered earlier this year with 24 additional elite rangers and the recent addition of six new operational vehicles,” SANParks said.

Drone technology has also been introduced to support safety patrols and firefighting operations.

“The park’s specialist teams continue to play a key role in visitor protection and environmental crime prevention, achieving significant successes in reducing poaching, theft and other illegal activities. 

“The TMNP canine unit will receive further support through contracted, trained dogs and handlers during the festive period, while the unit undergoes a review to strengthen its long-term operations,” SANParks said.

To bolster the range of different measures in place, a Senior Manager responsible for visitor safety and resource protection will assume duties before mid-December to oversee safety coordination and guide volunteer involvement. 

Volunteers already play an important role in joint safety campaigns and operations to address groups conducting illegal activities in the park, such as overnighting and making fires outside of designated areas.

SANParks urged all visitors to prepare adequately. These are some of the steps they can take to prepare:

  • Plan routes in advance and hike in groups.
  • Share your itinerary and expected return time.
  • Carry enough water and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Use tracking apps where possible.
  • Ensure your phone is fully charged and carry a power bank.

Emergency contacts:

  • TMNP Emergency Number: 086 110 6417
  • Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR): 021 937 0300
  • National Emergency Number: 112 (from a cellphone)

–  SAnews.gov.za

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