Category: Africa

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Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah Joins African Collaborations Group (ACG) Advisory Board to Advance Sport and Entertainment Districts Across Africa

Source: APO – Report:

African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com), the leading strategic project origination and collaboration platform focused on the industrialisation of sport in Africa through the origination of bankable sport and entertainment district ecosystems, today announced the appointment of Herbert Mensah to its Advisory Board.

As President of Rugby Africa, the continent’s governing body for rugby, Mr Mensah has been elected to the Executive Board of World Rugby, the global governing body of the sport — often described as the “FIFA of rugby.”

His leadership was further recognised when he was elected Chairman of the World Rugby Regions Association, the body uniting the presidents of all six continental rugby confederations: Rugby Europe, Asia Rugby, Rugby Americas North, Sudamérica Rugby, Oceania Rugby, and Rugby Africa.

Moving seamlessly between meetings with heads of state, ministers, and presidents of development finance institutions, Mr Mensah champions the vision of sport as a business, and is developing innovative approaches to financing the growth of rugby across the continent. These combined mandates place him among the most influential sports administrators in Africa — a standing further reinforced by South Africa’s position as reigning World Rugby champion.

His appointment to the ACG Advisory Board brings to the platform an unparalleled network across African sport federations, national ministries, heads of state, and the global institutions of world sport — capabilities directly relevant to originating and structuring large-scale sport and entertainment district projects across the African continent.

“Herbert Mensah’s leadership has redefined what continental sport administration in Africa can look like. His voice carries in every capital where sport is a serious matter of state, and his understanding of how sport, governance, infrastructure and finance must come together is exactly the perspective ACG requires as we originate bankable sport and entertainment district ecosystems across the continent. His presence on our Advisory Board is both a privilege and a strategic advantage,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Executive Chairman of ACG.

The ACG Advisory Board provides strategic guidance as ACG originates and structures large-scale sport and entertainment district projects across the continent, aligning governments, development finance institutions (DFIs), investors, sport bodies and infrastructure partners to support the development of financially sustainable, mixed-use district ecosystems.

Africa’s sport economy is projected to reach $20 billion by 2035, yet the continent continues to lack the integrated district ecosystems required to support large-scale development. ACG addresses this gap by originating bankable sport and entertainment district projects, moving beyond single-venue development models towards mixed-use, revenue-generating and financially sustainable district ecosystems.

Through its collaborative model, ACG convenes governments, PPP authorities and regulators, development finance institutions, private investors, developers, designers and engineers, legal and transaction advisors, operators, sport federations and leagues, event promoters, media and broadcast partners, academic institutions and host communities, creating structured pathways from concept to feasibility, bankability and delivery.

– on behalf of African Collaborations Group (ACG).

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About African Collaborations Group (ACG):
African Collaborations Group (ACG) (www.ACGafrica.com) is the leading strategic project origination and collaboration platform focused on the industrialisation of sport in Africa through the origination of bankable sport and entertainment district ecosystems. By convening governments, private-sector partners, development finance institutions, sport and entertainment stakeholders, and academic institutions, ACG creates structured pathways that transform concepts into investable and deliverable district projects across the continent.

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Egypt market opens opportunities for South African red meat producers

Source: Government of South Africa

Egypt market opens opportunities for South African red meat producers

The conclusion of export negotiations between South Africa and Egypt is set to pave the way for South African beef and livestock producers to access Egypt’s substantial consumer market, providing a potential boost to the country’s red meat industry.

The Minister of Agriculture, Willie Aucamp, announced the breakthrough at the recent Agri North West Congress.

The minister noted that the development represents a significant development, as the red meat sector continues to navigate one of South Africa’s biggest Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks in decades.

“This is a major milestone for South Africa’s agricultural sector, which has been facing one of the biggest Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks in decades,” Aucamp said.

South Africa and Egypt successfully concluded negotiations on the Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) governing the export of red meat from South Africa to Egypt, paving the way for shipments to be cleared to move once the final signatures have been formally appended to the agreement.

Aucamp emphasised the urgency of concluding the negotiations to his team, given the importance of new markets to red meat farmers.

“I sat with my team on Monday [last week] and emphasised that we have to get this right as our red meat farmers need this, and I am pleased that the team made it happen,” he said.

The minister thanked the negotiating team for its efforts highlighting that government’s role is to support and enable the agricultural sector to succeed, rather than create unnecessary obstacles.

“The outcome of these negotiations was achieved through constructive engagement with the Egyptian veterinary authorities. Government remains committed to strengthening international trade relations and expanding market access opportunities for South Africa’s red meat sector,” the Minister said.

The finalisation of the VHC provides South African exporters with a clear regulatory framework for accessing the Egyptian market while ensuring that the necessary animal health and food safety requirements are met.

The development could enable South African red meat producers and processors to expand their operations, diversify export destinations and grow their contribution to the economy.

The minister noted that the agreement is aligned with government’s apex priority of inclusive economic growth and job creation, while supporting efforts to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.

“Every international market South Africa opens creates an opportunity for money to flow back into the rural economy and build commerce along our value chains,” Aucamp said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Gauteng Community Safety committee calls for intervention at Honeydew police station

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Community Safety committee calls for intervention at Honeydew police station

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Community Safety committee has raised “serious concern” over growing crime rates in Honeydew, Gauteng, following a critical oversight visit to the local police station.

This after the station was rated as the worst performing station in Gauteng and the fourth worst nationally in the 2026/27 first quarter crime statistics released late last month.

READ | Crime stats show areas of progress, but criminal threats remain

During the visit to the station, the committee engaged the station management, as well as of the provincial Community Safety Department, the local ward councillor, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), community representatives and residents.

“The committee was alarmed by crime trends in the precinct. Murder increased by 11%, sexual offences by 22%, and assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm by 26% compared to the same period in the previous financial year. These figures are unacceptable and represent real victims, families and communities whose lives have been severely affected by crime.

“Community members also highlighted growing concerns about gangsterism, particularly the involvement of young people, including school-going children, in criminal activities. The committee was deeply disturbed by reports that some offenders are using pangas, knives and firearms to commit violent crimes.

“The availability and abuse of alcohol were also identified as major contributors to crime, with concerns raised about certain liquor establishments allegedly operating beyond permitted trading hours,” the committee said in a statement.

The committee called for an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to turning around the current performance of the station.

“The committee emphasised that the crime challenges facing Honeydew cannot be addressed by the police alone.

“A coordinated response involving law enforcement agencies, government departments, municipalities, schools, community structures, liquor enforcement authorities, civil society organisations and residents is urgently required,” the statement read.

The growing reliance on park homes as a temporary “substitute for properly constructed police stations” has also been raised as a concern.

“While intended as a temporary solution, park homes have become a permanent feature of policing infrastructure in many communities. The committee believes that effective policing cannot be delivered from temporary structures, which often limit service delivery and undermine the working environment of police officers.

“The committee, therefore, calls on the Minister of Police and the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to prioritise the replacement of park homes with permanent, purpose-built police stations. Communities facing serious crime deserve modern, fully functional policing facilities that support professional and effective law enforcement,” the statement continued.

A community safety imbizo is expected to be held in Honeydew in the wake of the oversight visit to “develop practical and coordinated interventions to tackle crime”.

“The Imbizo will involve the Gauteng Executive Authority responsible for Community Safety, SAPS management, local law enforcement, community structures, ward councillors, the CPF and residents.

“The committee will use the imbizo to secure concrete commitments, clarify responsibilities and ensure that interventions translate into measurable improvements in community safety.

“The committee also stressed that the involvement of young people in gangsterism requires an urgent multi-sectoral response focused on crime prevention, youth development, school safety, substance abuse interventions, and addressing the social conditions that contribute to criminal behaviour,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Vaccinate your children to prevent diseases

Source: Government of South Africa

Vaccinate your children to prevent diseases

Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko has urged parents and caregivers to keep children up to date on routine immunisations, warning that missing these critical vaccines leaves children vulnerable to preventable diseases that may have lifelong consequences.

The call comes after visits to communities by the MEC and health teams revealed that a large number of children under the age of five have missed immunisations.

“This concerning observation is reflected in the province’s immunisation coverage during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, which remains below target, with 72% coverage among children under one year of age and 70.7% coverage for the second dose of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine administered at one year of age.

“Across Gauteng’s five health districts, the West Rand recorded the highest coverage at 90.6% for children under one year and 86.3% for the second dose of the MR vaccine. However, other districts continue to face challenges in improving the uptake of routine childhood vaccinations.

“Tshwane District remains the province’s poorest-performing district, recording only 59.2% coverage among children under one year and 58.7% coverage for the second dose of the MR vaccine, followed by Sedibeng, which recorded 69.5% and 69.1%, respectively. These figures are concerning, as low immunisation coverage increases the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, leaving more children vulnerable,” the provincial Health Department noted.

Parents’ role

Mazibuko emphasised the role that parents play in ensuring the health of their children.

“This decline is concerning, as it increases children’s vulnerability to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, which can result in severe illness, long-term complications and even death. It is important for parents to ensure that children receive all scheduled vaccinations on time and complete their immunisation programme.

“We also urge parents to bring children who have missed vaccinations to their nearest healthcare facility for catch-up immunisation without delay. Vaccination remains one of the most effective and proven public health interventions for preventing disease, disability and death,” Mazibuko said.

Parents are urged to utilise the Road to Health Booklet and bring it to every clinic visit.

The booklet tracks immunisations, monitors growth and nutrition, developmental milestones and oral health, ensuring that children receive the necessary screenings, preventive care and health interventions.

“In addition, children aged between six months to five years should be taken to healthcare facilities every six months to receive Vitamin A supplementation and deworming treatment, which are essential for supporting healthy growth, strengthening immunity and preventing nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections.

“Parents are further urged to watch for symptoms of vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in children who have missed routine immunisations. Warnings signs such as fever, rash, persistent cough, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, jaundice, severe headache or seizures should not be ignored.

“Those who have lost their children’s Road to Health Booklets should not be discouraged from visiting healthcare facilities. Healthcare workers are ready to assist and provide catch-up immunisations where required, ensuring that every child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases and given the opportunity for a healthier and brighter future,” the department stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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Young entrepreneurs urged to join forces to unlock business growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Young entrepreneurs urged to join forces to unlock business growth

Emerging entrepreneurs in local communities can give their businesses a competitive edge by joining forces, pooling their resources and harnessing their collective purchasing power.

This according to Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Deputy Minister, Zuko Godlimpi, who addressed an empowerment workshop, hosted by the Methodist Church’s Young Women’s Manyano, in KuGompo City, in the Eastern Cape, over the weekend.

The workshop, also attended by Buffalo City Mayor Princess Faku, aimed to equip young women with information on government support programmes that can help strengthen and grow local businesses.

The women showcased their entrepreneurial skills at a mini exhibition featuring products, including beadwork, pottery and textiles.

Using their talents as a springboard, Godlimpi urged them to work together to buy and sell in bulk, enabling them to access better opportunities and accelerate the growth of their businesses.

“… Township businesses need to work together to procure from wholesalers if they wish to [be competitive],” he said.

Glodlimpi’s call comes against the backdrop of a recent report by the Competition Commission of South Africa on the Township and Rural Economy, which found that local businesses face challenges in sourcing, selling and regulatory compliance. 

“These constraints prevent many enterprises from scaling up, formalising and becoming more integrated into broader value chains,” he said.

Godlimpi also encouraged the young entrepreneurs to embrace technology, establish an online presence and use digital platforms to market their products.

He urged them to think beyond South Africa’s borders too, encouraging them to explore opportunities to take their businesses into international markets. – SAnews.gov.za

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Positioning SA as an attractive investment destination

Source: Government of South Africa

Positioning SA as an attractive investment destination

Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Minister Parks Tau hopes to use the AIM Congress (formerly known as the Annual Investment Meeting) to position South Africa as a credible, competitive and attractive destination for investment.

The congress is a flagship investment platform of the AIM Global Foundation held annually in the UAE. It brings together senior government officials, investors and business leaders to address global economic challenges and explore investment opportunities.

Tau is in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the AIM Congress, which starts today and ends on Wednesday. 

The Minister said South Africa has significant strengths that it continues to place before the international investment community, including “sophisticated financial and services sectors, established industrial capabilities, extensive infrastructure, abundant natural resources, world-class institutions and a strategic position as a gateway to the African continent”.

“We recognise that investment is not simply about capital flows. It is about building productive economies, creating decent and sustainable jobs, developing industrial capacity, transferring skills and technology, and expanding opportunities for our people,” the Minister said.

On Tuesday, Tau is expected to address a high-level ministerial roundtable on investment to be held under the theme: “Investment 4.0: Shaping a Resilient and Intelligent Global Economy”. – SAnews.gov.za

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Resocialisation et Insertion Professionnelle : Les Centres de Service Civique Offrent une Deuxieme Chance aux Jeunes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Resocialisation, alphabétisation, renforcement de la discipline, du civisme, de la citoyenneté, formation…

Chaque année, ce sont des centaines de jeunes, qui ont repris confiance et acquis des compétences qui sortent des centres de service civique bien déterminés à prendre en main leur avenir.

Lundi 20 juillet à Tioroniaradougou, à environ cinq kilomètres de Korhogo. Nous sommes au centre de service civique de la localité. Les pensionnaires préparent leur sortie programmée pour le samedi 25 juillet. L’effervescence que l’on perçoit traduit certainement la confiance retrouvée et sûrement la perspective de lendemains meilleurs. Encadreurs et pensionnaires s’activent…mais la bonne ambiance ne déroge pas à la discipline militaire.

« Être dans ce centre représente une grande chance. Après mon passage ici, je peux avoir un boulot, un travail pour moi-même, pour l’avenir », assure Marius Dolou, ex-migrant de retour, qui apprend la mécanique automobile.

Nahoua Coulibaly, a quant à lui choisi la filière agro-pastorale pour construire son avenir. « C’est une chance pour moi d’être ici. J’ai appris beaucoup de choses avec l’aide de l’Anader. La formation agro-pastorale regroupe l’élevage et le maraichage, nous avons même appris des techniques de culture hors-sol. Ce que j’ai appris ici est un acquis pour moi. », affirme le délégué de cette filière.

Ainsi à Korhogo, le centre civique offre une nouvelle chance aux jeunes à travers une resocialisation et une formation. Les jeunes sont formés à des métiers qui doivent leur permettre de préparer la suite de leur parcours.

Les formations qualifiantes concernent les métiers du Btp (maçonnerie, électricité bâtiment, carrelage, peinture), la mécanique automobile et moto, le maraîchage, l’élevage, la transformation de produits locaux, le froid…

« Des jeunes qui erraient sans repères ou en proie à certains travers sont remodelés, apprennent avec passion des métiers qui les valorisent et les rendent utiles à la société », indique le directeur du centre de service civique de Korhogo, Nazaire Didier Koffi.

Le samedi 25 juillet 2026 à Tioroniaradougou, 500 stagiaires volontaires ont reçu leur attestation lors de la cérémonie d’inauguration du centre de service civique Amadou Gon Coulibaly. Le centre peut accueillir 1 000 jeunes par an, en deux cohortes de 500.

Les centres de service civique sont gérés par l’Office du Service Civique National (OSCN), une structure du ministère de la Promotion de la Jeunesse, de l’Insertion professionnelle et du Service civique.

Dans la même ligne, le centre de Bouaké a ouvert depuis le 10 avril 2023. Avant la formation qualifiante, il a permis à de nombreux jeunes comme Patricia Adjoua Kouassi, Pamela Sialou, d’apprendre à lire et à écrire à travers le programme d’alphabétisation.

En effet, dans les centres de service civique, les cours d’alphabétisation pour les pensionnaires déscolarisés trop tôt ou qui n’ont jamais été scolarisés sont une étape importante, après la resocialisation.

« Je ne savais pas qu’un jour, je pourrai y arriver. Maintenant, je sais lire et écrire », se souviendra toujours Pamela Sialou.

A Adzopé le centre de service civique baptisé centre de service civique Patrick Achi d’Adzopé, a officiellement été inauguré le lundi 27 juillet 2026, à l’occasion de la sortie de la première promotion de 500 jeunes volontaires, composée de 250 jeunes femmes et 250 jeunes hommes originaires de 17 régions et de 28 villes de Côte d’Ivoire.

Les bénéficiaires de ce programme, après la remise des attestations, sont suivis avec l’Agence Emploi Jeunes et plusieurs autres partenaires, avec pour ambition de réussir une insertion professionnelle durable.

En 2025, le pays comptait 8 centres de service civique à Bouaké 1, Bouaké 2, Bimbresso, Guinguéréni, Guédikpo, Adzopé, Daloa et Korhogo.

Le programme « CSC 2021-2025 » prévoit la construction de 14 centres de service civique. À terme, quatorze centres seront répartis sur l’ensemble du territoire national, permettant de former 14 000 jeunes chaque année.

Selon le bilan du gouvernement 2011-2025, ce sont 55 496 jeunes bénéficiaires des dispositifs du Service civique (SCAD, SNJ, volontariat, bénévolat).

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Customer Experience Management (CEM) Africa 2026 closes on a high with a strong community response

Source: APO

CEM Africa 2026 concluded at the Century City Conference Centre following three days of strong engagement across Africa’s customer experience community.

The 14th edition welcomed 970 attendees from more than 260 companies across 20 countries, bringing together senior CX, customer service, marketing, digital, technology and transformation leaders alongside solution providers and industry partners.

The event achieved a Net Promoter Score of 69, reflecting a strong response from delegates and reinforcing the relevance of the CEM Africa platform.

Across the programme, delegates had access to 43 workshop and breakout sessions and 10 main stage content sessions, with feedback consistently highlighting the quality, relevance and practical value of the content.

Discussions tackled the issues shaping CX today, including AI adoption, trust, customer intelligence, employee experience, digital transformation, customer journeys and the growing pressure to demonstrate measurable business value.

Standout voices and timely conversations

Under the theme “Trust, Technology and the Human Future of CX in Africa”, the programme combined global perspective with distinctly African CX challenges and opportunities.

Business journalist and best-selling author Bruce Whitfield delivered “The Trust Advantage”, exploring the role of trust in reducing friction and creating stronger business outcomes.

Zahirah Variawa, Founder of The Fourth Thread, opened Day Two with “The Moments People Remember: Why the Experiences We Create Matter More Than We Think”, placing human connection firmly at the centre of customer experience.

Martin Urrutia, Head of Global Retail Experience at The LEGO Group, delivered “Experience Is the Brand”, examining how organisations can design experiences that differentiate, scale and build loyalty.

From the public sector, Rashid Toefy, Deputy Director-General at the Western Cape Government, presented “Citizen Experience by Design: Building Trust Through Better Public Services”, highlighting the importance of experience design in strengthening trust between institutions and the people they serve.

Together, these sessions reinforced one of the strongest messages to emerge from CEM Africa 2026: technology is reshaping customer engagement, but trust, relevance and human connection remain fundamental to great experience.

Engagement across every part of the event

CEM Africa 2026 was designed to encourage participation beyond the main stage.

Delegates moved throughout the venue between keynote sessions, 43 workshops and breakouts, panel discussions, solution demonstrations, the exhibition and direct conversations with technology providers and peers.

Day Zero set the tone with The Social Club: Play. Taste. Connect, live podcast discussions and opening drinks, creating an informal environment for the community to connect before the main conference programme began.

Across Days One and Two, engagement continued through the exhibition, matchmaking and smaller-format sessions, while Matchmaking and Happy Hour and the CEM Engage Party created further opportunities for delegates, speakers and partners to build relationships outside the formal programme.

The event closed with WiN CX Africa, bringing female leaders together around leadership, safety, trust and inclusion in customer and employee experience.

Strong response from partners

Sponsors and exhibitors also reported a highly positive response, with partners contributing actively to both the content programme and the wider event experience.

NiCE, Lead Sponsor of CEM Africa 2026, played a prominent but integrated role throughout the summit, bringing practical perspectives on AI-powered customer experience, enterprise AI agents and the evolving relationship between human and AI-enabled service.

The wider partner community contributed expertise across Voice of Customer, customer intelligence, automation, conversational engagement, journey orchestration, contact centres and CX measurement, helping ensure that technology conversations remained grounded in real operational and commercial challenges.

The numbers behind CEM Africa 2026

The post-event results underline both the scale of the community and the depth of engagement across the programme:

970 total attendance

260+ companies represented

20 countries represented

43 workshop and breakout sessions

10 main stage content sessions

+69 Event NPS

For CEM Africa, the NPS of 69 is particularly significant. It is not simply a measure of satisfaction, but an indication that delegates found genuine value in the content, connections and overall event experience.

“The response to CEM Africa 2026 has been incredibly encouraging. What stood out was the level of engagement across every part of the event, from the main stage and workshops to the exhibition, matchmaking and networking functions. An NPS of 69 reinforces that the community is finding real value in these conversations and in the connections CEM Africa creates.”

Terry Southam, Group Director retail – VUKA Group

Momentum builds towards CEM Johannesburg Edition

With the Cape Town flagship complete, attention now turns to the CEM Johannesburg Edition, taking place on 10–11 November 2026 at NH Hotel in Sandton.

The event expands to a full two-day format in 2026, bringing together senior CX decision-makers, practitioners and solution providers around practical workshops, peer-led insight, solution discovery and purposeful business networking.

The strong response in Cape Town is already carrying forward into Johannesburg, with growing interest from delegates, speakers and commercial partners.

Download the CEM Johannesburg Edition Sponsorship Brochure

Download Sponsorship Brochure (https://apo-opa.co/4ymJqhg)

Register your interest to attend

Register Interest (https://apo-opa.co/4igD4LH)

Explore the CEM Johannesburg Edition

Visit the CEM Johannesburg Edition website (https://apo-opa.co/4igK6jK)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact: 
Steven.dennett@wearevuka.com
Marketing Manager
VUKA Group / CEM Africa
www.CEMAfricasummit.com  

About CEM Africa: 
CEM Africa is Africa’s leading customer experience summit and a platform for the people and organisations shaping the future of customer engagement across the continent.

Through its flagship Cape Town summit, the CEM Africa Awards and regional Editions, CEM Africa connects senior leaders, practitioners, technology providers and innovators around practical insight, collaboration and the business value of stronger customer experiences.

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Cape Town to host Africa and the Middle East’s creative community for Loeries Creative Week 2026

Source: APO – Report:

The people shaping the creative identity of Africa and the Middle East will gather in the City of Cape Town from 4 to 9 October for Loeries (www.Loeries.com) Creative Week 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4iPX2gz), a six-day programme bringing together creative professionals, brands, agencies, marketers, media, educators and emerging talent from across the region.

More than an awards event, Loeries Creative Week creates a meeting point for the ideas, conversations and relationships that move the creative industry forward. It combines the recognition of outstanding work with opportunities to learn from leading creative thinkers, encounter new talent and examine how creativity is responding to changing cultural, commercial and technological realities.

The week will culminate in the Loerie Awards on 8 and 9 October 2026, when the regions’ most impactful creative work will be recognised.

The 2026 edition returns to the City of Cape Town, which will once again provide the setting for judging, learning, industry exchange and celebration. With its concentration of agencies, production companies, design businesses, educational institutions and cultural organisations, Cape Town gives delegates direct access to one of the region’s most active creative economies.

Loeries Creative Week will play host to a number of creative events including the Loeries International Seminar of Creativity, where more than a dozen speakers from around the world will share creative insights and inspiration. Additionally attendees will get to experience the MasterClasses, the Loeries Expo and the highly-anticipated Loeries Official Afterparty to be held at Cabo Beach Club.

“Loeries Creative Week is constantly innovating and this year will provide another opportunity for the industry to not only experience a wide range of events but also access to the latest thinking on how to create breakthrough  work,” said Loeries CEO, Preetesh Sewraj. “We will also be bringing some legends of the global communications industry to Cape Town, including Susan Credle, from the USA, and Dörte Spengler-Ahrens, from Germany.”

This year will also introduce changes to the Loeries award categories, reflecting the continued evolution of creative practice and the need to recognise both the thinking behind the work and the new talent shaping its future.

The new Creative Strategy category has been created to celebrate the ideas and strategic thinking that enable outstanding creative work. It will recognise the role that insight, problem-solving and clear strategic direction play in producing ideas that connect with audiences and deliver meaningful impact.

The Young Directors Award, another new addition for 2026, will create an opportunity to recognise emerging film directors from across Africa and the Middle East. By placing young directors within the region’s leading creative awards platform, the category is intended to give new filmmaking voices greater visibility and strengthen pathways into the wider industry.

The Audio & Radio category has also been expanded to include new subcategories, acknowledging the growing range of ways in which audio is being used across broadcasting, digital platforms, branded content and emerging formats.

Together, the changes underline the Loeries’ role not only in recognising established excellence, but in continually examining where creativity is moving and who should be brought into the conversation.

“The City of Cape Town is a truly global city which is why attendees from across Africa and the Middle East feel at home to celebrate their work, perspectives and talent during Loeries Creative Week. said Leonora de Souza-Zilwa, Director of Film & Events for The City of Cape Town. “We are such proud hosts of The Loeries and look forward to welcoming everyone to The City in October.”

Tickets and attendance information available at https://LoeriesCreativeWeek.com

– on behalf of Loeries.

Additional Links:
https://LoeriesCreativeWeek.com/ 
https://www.Loeries.com/ 

Members of the media interested in covering Loeries Creative Week 2026 or arranging interviews with Loeries representatives and participating partners may direct inquiries to:

General Queries:
Operation executive
Cherise John
cherise@loeries.com

Media Contact:
on behalf of Loeries
Ima Peter
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za

Loeries Creative Week 2026 returns to Cape Town with new awards categories:
Loeries Creative Week will return to Cape Town from 4 to 9 October 2026, bringing together creative professionals, brands, agencies, marketers, media, educators and emerging talent from across Africa and the Middle East.

The first 2026 announcement positions Creative Week as a regional meeting point for judging, learning, talent development, industry exchange and the recognition of work that influences business and culture.

The 2026 awards will also introduce a new Creative Strategy category and the Young Directors Award, created to recognise emerging film directors across Africa and the Middle East. Audio & Radio has been expanded with additional subcategories.

The Loeries Awards Nights take place on 8 and 9 October. For more information visit https://www.Loeries.com

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Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ONISHI’s Visit to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

Source: APO – Report:

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From September 1 to September 6, Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe to attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.

1. Attendance at the Presidential Inauguration

On September 3, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI attended the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony of H.E. Mr. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, held in the capital, Sao Tome, as well as a luncheon hosted by the President and the First Lady.​

2. Courtesy Call on President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova

On September 4, the day following the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, during which he presented a letter from Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, and conveyed Japan’s congratulations on President Vila Nova’s reelection. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI also congratulated Sao Tome and Principe on the 50th anniversary of independence, commemorated last year, and stated that he was pleased to be the first Japanese government official at the ministerial level to visit Sao Tome and Principe, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sao Tome and Principe. In response, President Vila Nova welcomed Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI’s visit, expressed his appreciation for Japan’s assistance to date, and conveyed his intention to further strengthen bilateral relations.

3. Informal Talk with Prime Minister Americo d’Oliveira dos Ramos and Minister of Environment, Youth, and Sustainable Tourism Nilda Borges da Mata, and Courtesy Call on Minister of Foreign  Affairs, Cooperation, and Communities Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz

On September 3, at the margins of the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI held informal talks with H.E. Mr. Americo d’Oliveira dos Ramos, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, and H.E. Ms. Nilda Borges da Mata, Minister of Environment, Youth, and Sustainable Tourism.

On September 4, Vice-Minister ONISHI paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Ilza Maria dos Santos Amado Vaz, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Communities of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, and conveyed Japan’s desire to further deepen bilateral relations toward the next 50 years, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sao Tome and Principe. Minister Dos Santos Amado Vaz expressed her gratitude for Japan’s assistance to date and stated her intention for Japan and Sao Tome and Principe to continue collaborating across a wide range of fields.

4. Meeting and Informal Talks with High Levels from Participating Countries

On the evening of September 3, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Manuel Augusto Lima Amante da Rosa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Community, and Defense of the Republic of Cabo Verde. The two sides congratulated each other on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which was commemorated last year, and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Furthermore, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI held informal talks with H.E. Mr. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, H.E. Mr. Luis Montenegro, Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic, and H.E. Mr. Tete Antonio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola.​

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.