Category: Africa

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has noted with sadness the passing of the former High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Mr Mninwa Johannes MJ Mahlangu.

According to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Mahlangu passed away on Sunday, 24 August 2025 on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness. He served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia and as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). His distinguished career also included serving as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America.

Mr Mahlangu was part of the group that drafted South Africa’s post-apartheid Constitution and was elected to the first democratic Parliament in 1994. He went on to serve as Deputy Chairperson and later as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

Mr Mahumapelo extended the committee’s condolences to Ambassador Mahlangu’s family, friends and colleagues who worked alongside him. The committee acknowledges the loss felt by all who knew him.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday used the opening of the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum to pitch Ghana as a “reliable gateway” to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calling Africa “investable” and urging deeper South–South partnerships amid a more fragmented global economy.

“We are here to learn, to partner, and to deliver,” President Mahama said at his first engagement on a three-day state visit to Singapore. “Africa is investable, and Ghana is your reliable gateway to the continent.”

Framing Africa and Asia as the world’s “two youngest, fastest‑urbanising regions,” Mahama said the pair are complementary in resources, markets and know‑how, and should be “champions of open markets, trusted rules and practical partnerships that deliver jobs, technology transfer and shared prosperity.”

President Mahama also warned that “the death knell of multilateralism is sounding” as tariffs proliferate and supply chains remain fragile, arguing that tighter global financial conditions demand new alliances.

He, however, insisted the fundamentals in Africa are compelling: a 1.4 billion‑strong population that is young and digitally connected; a $3.4 trillion single market under the AfCFTA; and leadership in mobile money and fintech adoption.

Trade ties are already deepening. Mahama noted Africa–Singapore trade climbed about 50% between 2020 and 2024 to nearly $14 billion, with West Africa accounting for more than half. Ghana–Singapore trade reached more than $215 million in 2024, while 69 Singaporean companies are registered in Ghana with cumulative investments exceeding $2 billion.

Positioning Ghana as a continental launchpad, Mahama pointed to Accra’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat and to the country’s access to more than 400 million consumers through ECOWAS. “Ghana is, therefore, a trusted entry point to scale across the continent,” he said.

He also outlined a slate of domestic reforms and flagship projects intended to sharpen Ghana’s competitiveness and absorb more capital.

“Ghana is OPEN FOR BUSINESS 24 hours a day,” Mahama said, describing his national strategy to align infrastructure, incentives and skills so factories, farms, ports and service centres can run round‑the‑clock shifts safely and competitively.

He also touted his four integrated pillars — Grow24 (irrigating more than 2 million hectares for year-round farming), Make24 (agro-industrial parks for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing), Show24 (tourism along Lake Volta), and Connect24 (turning Lake Volta into an inland transport spine to cut logistics costs).
Mahama said inflation is easing, the cedi has stabilised, and ratings outlooks are improving. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre now offers sector‑specific, region‑by‑region opportunity maps to guide decisions with “credible data.”

He cast Singapore as a catalytic partner for Africa across finance, logistics and technology. “Your excellence in project preparation, blended finance, risk management, standards and dispute resolution is precisely what African projects need to move from pipeline to bankable to build,” he told the audience, which included Singapore’s Ministers, trade officials and corporate leaders.

The president also used the platform to press for reforms to the global financial architecture and to highlight Africa’s homegrown integration efforts. As the African Union Champion on Financial Institutions, he cited an annual African financing gap of roughly $1.3 trillion, with infrastructure needs of $181–$221 billion per year through 2030 and a climate‑finance shortfall of about $213 billion annually.

Mahama summed up Ghana’s offer to investors as “a stable, reform‑minded country, connected to the AfCFTA, designed for scale,” with “a pipeline of investable projects in agribusiness, logistics, manufacturing, energy, digital and tourism” and “a partner that values integrity, predictability and long‑term relationships.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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The Director General of the Customs and Tariff Bureau at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, Mr. Teraoka Mitsuhiro has reaffirmed Japan commitment to support the East African Community (EAC) in harnessing technology to strengthen trade facilitation and integration across the region.

This follows a high-level meeting between the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Hon. Annette Ssemuwemba, and the Director General of the Customs and Tariff Bureau at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, held in Tokyo on the sidelines of Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD 9)

During the bilateral discussions, both parties explored avenues for deepening cooperation in customs modernization, digital trade facilitation, capacity building, and the application of cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and transparency in cross-border trade.

Hon. Ssemuwemba welcomed Japan’s continued support and underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in realizing EAC’s goal of becoming a fully integrated and competitive region.

“The integration of digital solutions into trade processes is no longer optional—it is imperative for unlocking the full potential of intra-regional and international trade. Japan’s partnership will go a long way in advancing our customs and trade digitalization agenda,” She said.

On his part, Mr. Mitsuhiro commended the EAC for the significant strides made in regional integration and assured continued Japanese support to EAC programs, particularly in areas aligned with Japan’s trade facilitation priorities and international cooperation efforts.

The meeting builds on the long-standing cooperation between Japan and the EAC and aligns with Japan’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and connectivity in Africa through innovative and inclusive approaches.

The meeting further underscored the importance of collaboration between Africa and development partners in advancing shared goals under the TICAD framework, particularly in the areas of trade, infrastructure, and digital innovation.

TICAD 9 brought together African leaders, development partners, and international organizations to discuss inclusive growth, sustainable development, and partnership opportunities for Africa’s future. The EAC’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that advance its integration agenda.

Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has actively supported the EAC in customs, trade and infrastructure projects through a series of technical cooperation and grant-aid projects since 2007.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Singapore this afternoon (morning in Ghana) for a three-day State Visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and advancing partnerships in education, science and innovation, urban solutions, agribusiness, and the digital economy.

During the visit, President Mahama will hold bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and the Prime Minister, The Hon. Lawrence Wong. He will also deliver the keynote address at the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) and headline a Ghana country-specific Investment and Business Forum, convening public- and private-sector leaders to unlock new opportunities between Ghana and Singapore.

Speaking on arrival, President Mahama said: *“Ghana and Singapore share a forward-looking outlook anchored in innovation, skills, and enterprise. This visit will translate our shared values into practical cooperation—bringing Singaporean investment and know-how into Ghana’s priority sectors while opening new pathways for Ghanaian businesses across Southeast Asia.”*

The president is accompanied by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs; Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Advisor and Special Aide to the President; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (MP), Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; and Haruna Iddrisu (MP), Minister for Education.

Also part of the delegation are Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications; Simon Madjie, Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; and Francis Kwarteng Arthur, Chief Executive of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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The Presiding Officers of Parliament have learned with sadness the passing of the former Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and one of the first generation of Members of the democratic Parliament, Mr Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu.

Mr Mahlangu, fondly known to many as “MJ”, leaves behind a towering legacy of political activism, exemplary parliamentary leadership, and diplomatic service to the nation.

Born on 8 October 1952 in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Mr Mahlangu was part of a generation of leaders whose political activism and courage helped lay the foundations of South Africa’s democratic breakthrough. He was involved in the historic multiparty negotiations that paved the way for South Africa’s transition to democracy, where he contributed meaningfully to shaping the democratic order and laying the foundations for the democratic Constitution.

Following the historic 1994 elections, Mr Mahlangu was elected to the first democratic Parliament in the National Assembly. He served as a member of the Constitutional Assembly, where he formed part of the collective that drafted South Africa’s internationally acclaimed Constitution, which remains the bedrock of our democracy.

Mr Mahlangu later transitioned to the National Council of Provinces, where he was elected as its Permanent Deputy Chairperson and subsequently rose to serve as Chairperson of the NCOP. In these roles, he provided steady guidance and strengthened the constitutional mandate of the NCOP as the chamber, ensuring that the voice of provinces is heard within the national sphere of governance.

Said the Presiding Officers: “Throughout his tenure, ‘MJ’ distinguished himself as a champion of cooperative governance, intergovernmental relations, and the representation of provinces in national decision-making. His ability to build consensus, his humility in leadership, and his deep belief in participatory democracy left an indelible mark on the institution of Parliament.”

Beyond his service in Parliament, Mr Mahlangu continued to represent South Africa with distinction on the global stage. He served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, later as High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). In these roles, he carried forward the values and principles that guided his service in Parliament, embodying the highest ideals of South Africa’s democracy. With dignity, wisdom, and patriotism, he projected the nation’s voice abroad and stood as a true representative of the South African people in the community of nations.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament pay tribute to Mr Mahlangu as a leader who exemplified dedication, integrity, and patriotism. His life’s work embodies the ethos of servant leadership and devotion to the democratic project.

Parliament extends deepest condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and colleagues.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Infrastructure and supply chain services firm Dorman Long Engineering will participate at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a Silver Partner – reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading engineering firms and a key proponent of technology transfer and local workforce development.

In March of this year, the company signed an MoU with the Nigerian Society of Engineers to strengthen professional development and training, including structured programs for student members and a one-year graduate scheme with stipends to boost employability and bridge industry skills gaps.

At AEW 2024, Dorman Long Engineering secured a landmark $10-million revolving trade finance facility from pan-African finance institution Afreximbank to expand operations and service delivery. The facility was signed by Peter Olowononi, Head of Client Relations for Anglophone West Africa, Afreximbank, and Dr. Timi Austen-Peters, Chairman, Dorman Long Engineering.

The company’s recent initiatives align with Nigeria’s local content agenda, focusing on domestication of engineering works, training of local talent and sourcing of materials for major projects. These efforts aim to strengthen in-country capacity, create sustainable jobs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s engineering sector.

In recent years, Dorman Long Engineering has expanded its fabrication, construction and maintenance capabilities to support large-scale infrastructure projects across Nigeria and West Africa. Leveraging strategic facilities in Lagos and Port Harcourt, the company delivers turnkey solutions that integrate engineering, design, procurement, fabrication and installation – enabling faster delivery, cost efficiency and knowledge transfer to the local workforce.

“By combining infrastructure investment with targeted skills development, Dorman Long Engineering is helping to shape an engineering sector that is more resilient, self-reliant and competitive on a global scale. Their work demonstrates how strategic partnerships and local content initiatives can drive lasting economic and industrial growth,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Source: APO

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UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday called on Egyptian authorities to put an end to a practice that allows Government critics to be held arbitrarily and for prolonged periods, even after serving their sentences or completing maximum pretrial detention.

Human rights defenders, activists, lawyers, journalists, peaceful protesters and political opponents have been targeted by this strategy, which has come to be known as “rotation”. The practice entails the authorities bringing new charges against individuals when they are about to complete their prison sentences or as they reach the maximum legal period of pretrial detention, thus preventing their release. These fresh charges, often under counter-terrorism laws, are usually similar to those for which they had already been charged or convicted, and often lack substantive foundation.

The latest case concerns poet Galal El-Behairy, who was arbitrarily detained after completing a prison term on 31 July 2021 for writing songs and poetry critical of the Government. Since then, he has faced similar charges in two different cases under the counter-terrorism law and the penal code. The latest charges were brought against him on 19 August 2025, when El-Behairy was questioned by the Supreme State Security Prosecution, extending his detention for at least 15 more days.

“The Egyptian Government must immediately stop this practice of ‘rotation’ and release all those who have been subjected to it,” Türk said. “It appears to be used to circumvent the rights of individuals to liberty, due process and equality before the law.

“Most of those targeted by ‘rotation’ should not have been detained or jailed in the first place – the charges brought against them are often related to the exercise of their legitimate rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the High Commissioner added. “This practice has become a tool by which the Egyptian Government represses those perceived to be critical of, or in opposition to, its policies.”

The UN Human Rights Office is closely following a number of cases of “rotation”. Indications are that the practice is widely used in cases of politically motivated charges. The lack of transparency in such cases, however, makes it difficult to assess the full scale of the problem.

In addition to El-Behairy’s case, this practice has been used in the case of writer and activist Alaa Abdel Fattah; lawyer and former member of the National Council for Human Rights, Hoda Abdel-Monei; lawyer and coordinator of the Association of the Families of the Forcibly Disappeared, Ebrahim Metwally Hegazy; and political activist and former spokesperson for the 6th of April Youth Movement, Mohammad Adel Fahmy Ali. All of them remain in arbitrary detention.

“All those arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms or defending human rights must be released immediately,” Türk said. “It is crucial that Egyptian authorities ensure that legal processes and, in particular, the application of counter-terrorism or other criminal laws, are never used to punish people for exercising their basic human rights.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).