Category: Africa

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Attendance of Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Onishi at the Departure Ceremony for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) (18th Intelligence and Engineering Staff Officers)

Source: APO


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On August 25, Mr. Onishi Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attended the departure ceremony for two members of the Japan’s international peace cooperation contingent who will be dispatched as 18th headquarters staff to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) (Major Sato Noriko and Major Ushio Shota).

Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI expressed his expectations for their contribution to nation-building in South Sudan and, by extension, to peace and stability in East Africa, and wished them a successful completion of their mission.

Reference:
Japan has been dispatching the staff officers to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) since November 2011. Currently, four individuals are working as information analysis, logistics, engineering, and aviation operations staff officers and one member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is serving as Force Chief of Staff at the UNMISS Headquarters in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

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Keynote address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 2026 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA), Century City Convention Centre, Cape Town

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers from South Africa and the Continent,
Premiers,
Mayors from South Africa and the Continent,
Head of Infrastructure South Africa,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Leaders of business and labour,
Representatives of development finance institutions and multilateral organisations,
Infrastructure professionals and practitioners,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to join you at the sixth Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa.

We meet just a week after the leaders of the Southern African Development Community held the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in eThekwini.

At the centre of discussion at the Summit was the work we must collectively undertake to further integrate the economies of our region.

Infrastructure is fundamental to the integration of our Southern African region and the African continent.

We need roads, bridges, rail lines, ports, power lines, data cables and gas pipelines that cross our region and continent.

We must link mines to factories and farms to markets. We must link gas fields to industrial plants and wind farms to homes and businesses.

We must link mobile phones to data centres. We must link businesses to customers.

It is for this reason that South Africa has placed infrastructure investment at the centre of our drive for inclusive growth and job creation.

We know that our ability to grow the economy depends on whether we can secure reliable energy, sufficient water, efficient ports and railways, functioning roads, digital connectivity and cities and towns that work.

Infrastructure affects the daily lives of South Africans.

It determines whether a household has clean water, whether a community has functioning sanitation, whether a learner has a safe and suitable school, whether a commuter can travel safely and affordably, and whether a business can rely on the basic services it needs to operate.

When we embarked on the infrastructure investment drive, we were clear that South Africa needed to fundamentally change the way in which infrastructure is planned, prepared, financed and delivered.

We recognised that our infrastructure system was too fragmented.

The result was delay, escalating costs and, in too many instances, projects that did not proceed at all.

We have strengthened coordination through the Infrastructure Development Act and the work of Infrastructure South Africa in preparing and advancing the country’s strategic infrastructure pipeline.

We expect Infrastructure South Africa to ensure that our infrastructure pipeline is progressing, that projects are properly prepared, that funding is secured, and that procurement takes place when it is supposed to.

The economic imperative for doing so is clear.

South Africa’s level of investment remains far below what is required to achieve faster and more sustained economic growth.

Gross fixed capital formation – which measures investment in productive assets such as infrastructure, machinery, equipment and productive capacity – stood at around 14 percent of GDP in 2025.

This is less than half of the 30 percent investment level envisaged in the National Development Plan for 2030.

These figures should concern us.

And they should motivate us to work with greater urgency and diligence to build the infrastructure our country needs.

As we meet at this sixth Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium, we can say with confidence that we are moving ahead at a greater pace.

The estimated capital value of the portfolio of our Strategic Integrated Projects has grown from approximately R340 billion in 2020 to more than R1.67 trillion today.

There are 195 public and private led infrastructure projects across priority sectors in the current portfolio.

Over the last several years, 32 projects with an estimated value of approximately R48 billion have been completed.

At present, 55 projects with an estimated value of more than R407 billion are in construction.

This tells us that the pipeline is becoming more mature.

But it also tells us where our attention must now be concentrated.

We must focus on conversion.

We need to convert plans into prepared projects, convert prepared projects into investment, and convert investment into construction.

Most importantly, we need to convert construction into infrastructure that supports economic activity and improves the lives of our people.

The role of Infrastructure South Africa is vital to this.

Drawing its mandate from the Infrastructure Development Act, Infrastructure SA plays a critical role in coordinating and facilitating Strategic Integrated Projects across Government.

It identifies blockages and brings the relevant institutions together to resolve them.

One of the most important lessons we have learned is that South Africa does not suffer from a shortage of infrastructure proposals.

Our constraint is that too many of these projects are not adequately prepared.

There is an important difference between a project that is needed and a project that is ready.

Through Infrastructure South Africa’s R600 million project preparation facility, 26 projects have received and are receiving project development support.

This kind of support is particularly important as we shift our focus towards municipal infrastructure delivery.

Municipal infrastructure is not only where the effectiveness of the state is most directly tested. It is the foundation of inclusive economic growth.

Businesses cannot function without reliable municipal infrastructure. Children cannot be schooled. Workers cannot get to work. Communities cannot be developed.

That is why we have to address municipal infrastructure differently.

Providing another grant without addressing the underlying capability of the institution is not sufficient.

Building a new asset without making provision for its operation and maintenance is not sustainable.

Developing long lists of projects without preparing them properly does not constitute an infrastructure pipeline.

The approach we are developing places project preparation, institutional capability, financing and asset management together.

This work is beginning to bear fruit.

For example, Infrastructure South Africa just spent R1.8 million to prepare and package a project for the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to replace over 1,700 kilometres of water pipes.

That relatively modest investment in preparation helped to unlock an R800 million debt financing facility from the Development Bank of Southern Africa.

Through the Adopt-a-Municipality pilot programme, Infrastructure South Africa is preparing and packaging projects to unlock R7 billion of investment.

The programme is focusing on municipal trading services such as water and sanitation, electricity and energy, and waste management.

One of the important reforms we have pursued in recent years is to provide greater certainty and visibility around the country’s infrastructure pipeline.

Today we are releasing the 3rd Edition of the Construction Book.

This showcases projects worth more than R350 billion, spanning sectors such as water and sanitation, transport and logistics, energy and electricity, and municipal infrastructure.

The Construction Book provides the market with a clear view of funded and investment-ready infrastructure projects that are expected to enter procurement over the next 12 to 18 months.

This Edition contains over 170 projects with an estimated value of R264 billion.

To ensure that these projects move from the page onto the ground, we will now publish quarterly performance reports of the Construction Book.

As South Africa, we have situated our infrastructure ambitions within the wider context of regional and continental integration.

I understand that the third Leaders Forum, held yesterday, gave particular attention to the infrastructure required to better connect our economies and markets.

This aligns with the discussions we held last week at the SADC Summit.

We know that physical infrastructure alone will not deliver integration.

We must continue the work of harmonising the policies, regulations, standards and institutional arrangements that enable infrastructure systems to operate effectively across national boundaries.

That is why we are particularly encouraged by the participation of leaders, investors, financiers and technical experts from across the African continent.

None of this work can be undertaken by Government acting alone.

The scale and complexity of infrastructure development demand partnership across the State, with the private sector, with development finance institutions and commercial lenders.

It requires strong cooperation between national, provincial and local Government.

It requires capable state-owned entities and implementing agencies.

It requires engineers, planners, quantity surveyors, construction companies and other infrastructure professionals.

It also requires universities and training institutions that develop the skills our country needs, as well as international and development partners who bring experience, expertise and capital.

This Symposium is important because it brings these different partners together around a common purpose: to improve the way we plan, finance and deliver infrastructure.

The task before us is substantial, but so too is the opportunity.

If we continue to improve the quality of project preparation and strengthen the institutions responsible for delivery, we can significantly increase the pace and scale of infrastructure investment.

If we create greater certainty for investors and build enduring partnerships across Government, business and society, we can create opportunity for all our people.

Let us ensure that what we build will serve our nation, our region and continent not only today, not only tomorrow, but for many generations to come.

I thank you.

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The Constitution is a tool to carve out South Africa’s future

Source: Government of South Africa

The Constitution is a tool to carve out South Africa’s future

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel has called on all South Africans to treat the Constitution not merely as a historical achievement born after years of hardship, but as an active tool for shaping the nation’s future.

Nel addressed the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the constitution hosted by the Centre for Constitutional Values.

He noted that over the past three decades, the supreme law has “fundamentally changed” South Africa’s legal and political landscape by entrenching an extensive Bill of Rights, establishing a judiciary that is independent as well as institutions supporting constitutional democracy.

“It also recognised that political freedom could not be separated from the social and economic conditions in which people live. That is why socio-economic rights form such an important part of our constitutional order.

“But thirty years is also long enough for us to reflect critically. The Constitution cannot transform society simply by existing. It cannot by itself overcome the enormous inequalities produced by our history. It cannot create jobs, eradicate poverty, end gender-based violence, defeat crime and corruption or ensure that every community receives decent public services,” he said.

Nel added that the responsibility belongs to all: government, Parliament, the courts, civil society, business, labour, communities and citizens.

“Every generation has to acquire an understanding of the Constitution for itself. Young South Africans who were born long after 1996 must be able to see the Constitution not simply as an historical achievement of an earlier generation, but as an instrument through which they can shape their own future.

“We need to renew our commitment to constitutionalism, to the rule of law, to accountable and capable government and to strong democratic institutions. But we must also recommit ourselves to the transformative objectives of the Constitution,” the Deputy Minister urged.

Reflecting on the promises of the preamble of the Constitution, he added that although much work still needs to be done but much has also been achieved.

“We can be proud of our Constitution and what it has enabled us to achieve over the past thirty years. But perhaps the best way to honour that achievement is not simply to celebrate what we did then. It is to ask what the Constitution requires of us now.

“The Constitution belongs to all of us. So does the responsibility for making its promise real,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Changing the world through humility and simplicity

Source: Government of South Africa

Changing the world through humility and simplicity

Her Majesty Queen Neo Mopeli is making her mark in the world by embracing simplicity and defying the stereotype that royalty is disconnected from everyday life. 

In fact, for the recognised Queen of the Bakoena Nation in the Free State. serving humanity is the cornerstone upon which she hopes her legacy will be built. 

“I’m a simple girl; at the core of it all. I am a wife and mom. I am a daughter, a friend and a sister. I am a community leader and worker. My biggest purpose and goal in life is to always work for the marginalised and the vulnerable,” she said in an interview with SAnews.

Her Majesty also serves as one of the 25 commissioners of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC).

The Commission is an independent, multi-stakeholder body, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to oversee and facilitate a just and equitable transition to a low-emissions and climate-resilient economy.

The President announced the second cohort of PCC commissioners in January this year.

The Queen described her appointment as a humbling experience as the commissioners move into the implementation phase of their work centering on the lived realities of ordinary South Africans.

“When you look at the group of Commissioners, it’s really the cream of the crop of their various industries. I have a deep respect for the work done in the first five years (of the Commission).

“We are moving from conceptualisation into implementation, and we are going to centre our work around the lived realities of ordinary South Africans. I come from the traditional constituency, which makes up a large part of the public that would ordinarily never find themselves in these kinds of rooms, platforms and tables.

“I would like to ensure that the voices of the rural communities, particularly the women and the young people, are heard and incorporated into the recommendations and ultimately, the work of the PCC,” she explained.

Just Energy Transition and climate change
She added that South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET), which is central to the work of the Commission, must take into account issues such as jobs, inequality and food security.

According to the PCC, the JET focuses on the transition of the energy sector as the country navigates the shift away from coal towards cleaner energy sources.

She added that climate change is often misunderstood.

“Our job is to assist in translating climate change and the Just Transition into the ordinary, normal lives of people. Remember, the most important thing is that the transition doesn’t happen to people; it happens with people – that is the motto and the slogan that we are using at the PCC. 

“People think that climate change is all about today’s weather being cold and yesterday being hot. Climate change takes into account water security, food security, energy and agriculture. If the weather is on and off, what happens to agricultural produce?” she asked. 

Another important aspect of climate change is that it does not affect everyone equally.  For example, those who have built their homes along the floodlines will be impacted differently to those who live in the suburbs.

“Everybody will be affected in one way or another. It is not a problem that is for the elite or those in rural areas. It’s a generational problem. We need to look at renewable energy, technology, sustainable agriculture, emerging industries and importantly, we need to look at bringing everybody into this new phase. It also needs a quick response.”

Royalty
While Her Majesty always knew she had a greater purpose in life, this did not include the prospect of becoming a Queen.

“I didn’t think that purpose would find me so early on in life. It’s been such a fulfilling role that has taught me humility, gratitude and thankfulness,” she said.

Having people stand up when she enters a room is one of the biggest culture shocks she recalls experiencing since becoming Queen six years ago.  While the role includes an element of glamour, attending events and meeting with prominent people, it is the quiet moments that are not caught on camera that she cherishes most.

Her Majesty recalls a party she hosted at orphanage whereby a child hugged her and told her it was the first time they had ever had a party.

“This is why I do it…and this is why I continue to do it,” gushed the mother of Prince Motebang and Prince Seeiso, who are aged four and two, respectively.

She added that the two are being raised with the understanding that leadership comes with responsibility and the need for humility and grace.

“Morena ke Morena ka sechaba – a King is a King by the people,” she said, adding that relatability is an important cog of leadership.
This is because people need to see something of themselves in those who lead them.

Supporting traditional communities

In the wide-ranging interview with SAnews, Her Majesty spoke of the work of the South African Queens Council, where she serves as Deputy Chair.

Born from the Majesties Forum (of recognised traditional Kings), the Council brings together queens from different provinces to tackle issues affecting traditional communities.
The Council, first announced by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velinkosini Hlabisa on 27 October 2024, provides a platform for queens to support their majesties in their customary duties and serve as trusted advisors on key matters impacting their communities.

Her Majesty added that while the Majesties Forum is focused on national policies, related structures, and legislation, the Queens Council has a particular focus on women, youth and other community programmes.

The Queen said traditional communities face a range of interconnected challenges.
These include access to services, land and resources, cultural preservation, poverty, unemployment and gender-based violence.

She said the Council provides an opportunity for queens from different provinces to learn from each other.

Challenges that emerge in one province may also be experienced elsewhere, making the sharing of ideas and solutions valuable.

Gender-based violence (GBV)
On GBV, the Queen said while government continues to do what it can to address the scourge, more needs to be done.

“Until we have zero percent GBV, whatever we do will never be enough.” She added that South Africa’s response to GBV should include a change in how the boy child is raised and socialised.

She believes some people have grown up in households where violence was normalised.
“We need to completely re-alter every structure we have known; we have to try something different because what we have been doing in raising our boys is not working.”

She said the change must begin at grassroots level and include better parenting and a change in attitudes among men and boys.

Celebrating SA’s Constitution
Reflecting on 30 years of the Constitution, Her Majesty, who is also an attorney, is of the view that much progress has been made.

She says the Constitution’s emphasis on dignity, equality and freedom was an extraordinary achievement and that South Africans should celebrate the rights that have been secured.

At the same time, she believes the country must be honest about the work that remains.

“As a community leader, I can never divorce myself from people’s lived realities. I also see how the Constitution is sometimes so far removed from the everyday realities of the local person on the ground. We need to bridge that gap; the next 30 years need to really be about implementation. We need to implement the rights of the Constitution, and if they need to evolve, let them evolve to suit where we are right now,” she explained.

Legal Eagles
The Queen’s commitment to community building is also reflected in her Legal Eagles Mentorship Programme. The initiative started after she advertised on the social media platform X for an intern or legal officer. One CV became 50 and then 100.

She realised there was a significant gap and created a WhatsApp group where opportunities could be shared. What started as a single group has since grown to five groups on the platform. To date, the group assists over 2500 young graduates from legal-related courses to find work opportunities.

The programme has gone beyond sharing job opportunities. Members of the groups, many of whom have no idea that they are interacting with a Queen, also ask her to review their CVs and offer interview advice.

Spending a few minutes daily across the groups, the Queen enjoys the secret identity she has, as she only uses her initials across the groups.
Balancing her responsibilities as a mother, Queen, attorney and Commissioner requires careful organisation.

“I will sleep when I’m dead. For the time that I’m living, I’m going to make the most of every single hour.”

She says she often sleeps very little and uses a notebook to keep track of the many issues that arise during the day.

She categorises and prioritises her activities, while also relying on support from her family, friends and colleagues.

A typical day begins with checking her laptop and reviewing the meetings and calls scheduled for the day.

The calendar, she says, ultimately determines the direction of the day.

Recognition
The Queen was among the women honoured by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities at the 40 Under Forty Awards last year.

She won in the charity and philanthropy category, an achievement she describes as particularly meaningful as it recognises work centred on people and giving back.

“Having them is great; it is a form of validation and affirmation,” she said, while acknowledging that awards are not the reason she serves. 

Women’s Month
As South Africa continues to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, Her Majesty thanked the country’s older women for the sacrifices made to carry families throughout generations while also urging young women to never apologise for their ambition.

“To our young women: never allow your circumstances to define the limits of your dreams. Your voice matters, your education matters, and your leadership matters. Walk boldly into spaces where decisions are made and never apologise for your ambition.

“To our older women: thank you for the sacrifices that have carried families, communities, and this nation through generations. Your wisdom is a treasure that must continue to guide and mentor those who come after you,” she said.

She stressed that Women’s Month should not only be a celebration of women but also a renewed commitment to protecting women, empowering women economically and ensuring that every girl grows up in a South Africa where she is safe, valued and given equal opportunity to thrive.

Asked what she would  like her legacy to be, Her Majesty reiterated her desire for service, integrity and empowerment.

“As Queen, as a professional woman, and as a servant of the people, I hope to be remembered as someone who used every platform entrusted to her to uplift others -particularly women, children, and communities that have historically been overlooked. If, years from now, young women believe more deeply in their own potential because they saw someone who carried both tradition and modern leadership with grace and conviction, then I would consider that a meaningful legacy,” she said.

For Her Majesty, all that she does is a blessing.

“This is a blessing; it’s not a right,” she concluded. –SAnews.gov.za 

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Seychelles: Stronger Families, Brighter Futures: President Herminie and Adventist Mission Unite Against Social Ills

Source: APO – Report:

Strengthening families and giving young people hope emerged as key areas of discussion as President Dr Patrick Herminie received a delegation on Tuesday from the Seventh-day Adventist Mission for a courtesy call at State House.

The delegation was led by Pastor Ntep Ntep, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission, accompanied by Pastor Theophile Tefison, Executive Secretary; Mr Hugh Watts, Chief Financial Officer; and Mr Garry Woodcock, a theology student preparing for pastoral ministry.

Discussions focused largely on the role strong families can play in addressing some of the social challenges affecting Seychelles, particularly drug abuse, and on how the Church can complement national efforts through prevention, family support and community-based initiatives.

Among the initiatives discussed was the establishment of a Family Centre in Seychelles. The proposed centre would provide support to families and contribute towards strengthening the family as a core foundation of society, while placing greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

The delegation also highlighted its work with families and communities, including initiatives on Praslin and La Digue, and expressed its willingness to work alongside the government in areas where the Church’s experience and community presence could make a difference.

President Herminie welcomed the proposed collaboration, noting that the drug situation remains a serious concern and requires different sectors of society to work side by side. He stressed that efforts must continue to address demand reduction while ensuring that young people are given positive alternatives, role models and a sense of hope for their future.

“Tackling drug abuse can no longer be limited to simply telling young people not to use drugs. Greater attention must be placed on creating an environment in which young people can see opportunities ahead of them and have the support needed to make positive choices,” said the President.

For his part, Pastor Ntep Ntep said strengthening the family must remain at the core of efforts to address the social challenges affecting communities. He explained that the proposed Family Centre would provide a space dedicated to supporting and empowering families, while promoting stronger family relationships and helping to address problems before they escalate.

Pastor Ntep also highlighted the importance of perseverance and prevention in tackling drug abuse, stressing that the Church is prepared to work alongside the government and other partners in this effort.

The meeting also explored how the government and the Seventh-day Adventist Mission could support each other’s efforts, with President Herminie encouraging the delegation to identify practical areas in which the Church could contribute to the country’s broader social agenda.

With a short prayer, the meeting concluded, and the delegation offered a blessing for President Herminie.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Media files

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Uganda: President Museveni Approves Three New Skilling Hubs To Expand Vocational Training Opportunities For Vulnerable Youth

Source: APO – Report:

Two of the new hubs will be established in Ntungamo and Bushenyi districts in the Ankole sub-region, while the third will be constructed in Kalangala District to serve young people in the island district.

The expansion follows concerns from regional leaders over stiff competition for the limited training opportunities available at existing Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs.

State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye announced the development on Monday, August 24, 2026, during stakeholder engagements at the Ankole Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub and the Greater Masaka Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub.

The Ankole Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub currently serves 17 administrative units, including districts, municipalities and a city, creating intense competition for the available training slots.

Ms. Barekye said some administrative units receive an average of only 14 slots per intake, compared with more than 25 slots allocated to some other zones.

She noted that the establishment of additional hubs is expected to ease pressure on existing centres and enable more young people to acquire practical skills that can improve their employment and income prospects.

In Greater Masaka, the new hub in Kalangala is expected to address the unique challenges faced by young people in the island district, particularly the difficulties and costs associated with travelling to mainland training centres.

The existing Greater Masaka Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub serves 10 administrative units. Once the Kalangala facility is established, the administrative units will be shared between the two centres, with each hub serving five administrative units.

According to Ms. Barekye, the construction of the three facilities will commence once the respective local governments identify and formally provide suitable land for the projects.

The Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs at State House, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, said the expansion will also be accompanied by the introduction of new vocational courses.

On the directive of President Museveni, four additional courses are being introduced: weaving and knitting, plumbing, electrical installation and electrical wiring.

The new courses are intended to broaden the range of practical skills available to beneficiaries and equip young people with competencies that can be applied directly in the labour market or used to establish small businesses.

The State House also relaxed admission requirements for vulnerable young people who do not possess National Identification Cards.

Eng. Kamugisha said applicants without National IDs can now present recommendation letters from their respective LC1 chairpersons and be admitted while efforts are made to help them acquire the required identification documents.

The measure is aimed at ensuring that a lack of national identification does not prevent vulnerable young people from accessing skills training.

Meanwhile, Eng. Kamugisha further raised concerns over the low uptake of SACCO loans by graduates of the skilling programme, despite funds being made available to help beneficiaries establish income-generating activities.

He urged graduates to take advantage of the available financing opportunities and translate the skills acquired through the programme into sustainable businesses and employment.

Greater Masaka Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub Chairperson, Mr. Rodgers Bulegeya called for an increase in enrolment, proposing that the number of beneficiaries be raised from the current 24 young people per district to 100.

Mr. Bulegeya said the growing demand for vocational training demonstrates the need for the government to expand both the number of training centres and the number of beneficiaries admitted in each intake.

The proposed hubs in Ntungamo, Bushenyi and Kalangala are expected to reduce pressure on existing centres while bringing vocational training closer to vulnerable young people who might otherwise struggle to access such opportunities.

The expansion reinforces the government’s focus on practical skills development as a pathway to youth employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

– on behalf of State House Uganda.

Media files

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Mrs. El-Sisi Greets Egyptians, Arab and Islamic Nations on Occasion of Prophet’s Birth

Source: APO


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On the occasion of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), I extend my sincere greetings to the Egyptian people and the Arab and Muslim nations, praying to Almighty Allah to return this noble occasion upon all with goodness, prosperity, and blessings.

We draw inspiration from the life of our noble Prophet (PBUH), embracing the values of compassion, love, and tolerance to foster a spirit of solidarity and build a more cohesive society.

May Almighty Allah continue the recurrence of this commemoration.

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

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Uganda: ‘Delayed land acquisition stalling road works’

Source: APO

Implementation of road projects under the Ministry of Works and Transport has stalled due to challenges in land acquisition and insufficient counterpart funding.

According to the Undersecretary (Finance and Administration), Barbara Mugambe, the two factors require substantial amounts of resources, which has prompted the ministry to align its borrowing towards funds for civil works separate from funds for land acquisition.

She commended Parliament’s efforts in approving loans for transport infrastructure projects but noted that the ministry does not have adequate resources to cater for all projects.

“Government has moved to change that trajectory, which is why we are borrowing money for civil works as well as money for land acquisition under the 127km Jinja-Mbulamuti-Kamuli-Mukungu road and 10km of Jinja City roads. This will help us to curb shortages regarding land acquisition,” Mugambe said.

She revealed this during an interface with the Committee on National Economy where the ministry presented a report on the status of all externally funded projects.

The report indicated that projects including the 23.7km Busega-Mpigi Expressway, 191km Rwenkunye-Apac-Lira-Puranga road and improvement of 11.45km of national roads in refugee hosting areas of West Nile sub-region were encumbered by delayed land acquisition caused by inadequate budget allocation and ownership disputes.

For projects like the 92km Kampala-Jinja Expressway Project, only 4,519 project affected persons (PAPs) out of 16,000 have been compensated to a tune of Shs502.9 billion.

“Out of the outstanding balance, the ministry has been provided with Shs338 billion for the Financial Year 2026/2027,” reads the report in part.

The report also indicated that implementation of the Bukasa Port Development Project valued at Euros50 million, is faced with a challenge of project affected persons that have failed to vacate the area until they are given land to resettle as promised by the President in 2023.

The Committee Chairperson, Hon. Jane Avur noted that continued delays on transport infrastructure projects are straining their financing.

“Why do the technocrats in the ministry push for projects for financing when you know that the critical things that should be prioritised, have not been done. Why do you want to get finances first and then work backwards,” Avur queried.

Hon. David Okwere (NRM, Bukedea County) raised concerns over 13 road works that have been abandoned adding that some roads that have been developed do not last up to their projected lifespan.

“We have discovered that many roads are being damaged by heavy cargo trailers. The Ministry of Works established weigh bridges and I want to know if they work or not. How well do you supervise implementation of these projects?” Okwere asked.

Gulu City Woman Representative, Hon. Betty Aol urged the ministry to promote the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.

“When are we going to start involving local contractors in some of these projects and build their capacity?” Aol asked.

Eng. Isaac Wani, the Commissioner in charge of National Roads explained that design reviews impact on project timelines, noting that they are undertaken in the period between completion of the project design and acquisition of funds for construction.

“For example, design for the Nebbi-Goli road was completed in 2019 but funds came in 2025, which means we spent nine years looking for funds for construction. If a design delays for five years, it will have to be updated because characteristics like traffic-usage have changed overtime,” Wani said.

He added that externally funded projects are based on development partner procurement guidelines which do not often support the BUBU policy adding that local contractors are hired under government funded projects.

On concerns over abandoned projects, Wani explained that these transitioned from the former Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) during the rationalisation process to the Ministry.

“The Ministry of Works and Transport presented papers to Ministry of Finance and we managed to get supplementary funding, so most of these projects have resumed and works are ongoing. The main issue was that contractors had not been paid, but this has since been resolved,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Media files

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Dentons, Clifford Chance to Spotlight Legal Pathways to Mining Investment at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

Africa’s mining sector is entering a new investment cycle, driven by growing demand for critical minerals, efforts to expand domestic processing and a push to develop the infrastructure needed to move projects from discovery to production. As governments revise mining codes and seek greater local value creation, the legal and regulatory frameworks underpinning these projects are becoming increasingly important to investors.

That dynamic will be explored at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 14–16, where legal and advisory specialists will join industry leaders to examine how regulatory frameworks, financing structures and strategic partnerships can accelerate mineral development.

As part of the “Accelerating Mineral Production: The Energy, Water & Waste Nexus” panel, Iyunola Adekanye, Partner at Dentons, and Ope Osinubi, Senior Associate at Clifford Chance, are expected to discuss the legal and policy considerations shaping investment across Africa’s mining value chain. The session comes as mining companies and governments increasingly look beyond resource development itself to address the energy, water and infrastructure constraints that can determine whether projects reach production.

Dentons has been expanding its mining and natural resources capabilities as activity grows across Africa’s critical minerals sector. In June 2026, the firm opened a new office in Kolwezi, the mining hub of the DRC, strengthening its presence in one of the continent’s most important copper and cobalt markets. The move gives the firm a closer base from which to support mining companies and investors navigating the DRC’s regulatory environment, transactions and project development.

The expansion comes as the DRC seeks to attract greater investment into exploration, mining and downstream processing while increasing the domestic value captured from its mineral resources. Dentons’ wider African mining practice spans 17 countries and provides legal support across mining transactions, regulatory matters, project development and investment, reflecting the increasingly cross-border nature of Africa’s mineral supply chains.

Clifford Chance, meanwhile, advises mining companies, financiers and strategic investors on transactions spanning project finance, acquisitions, infrastructure and resource development. Its work across Africa includes advising financial institutions such as Deutsche Bank, the African Development Bank, Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement, Standard Bank and Stanbic IBTC Bank on financing transactions supporting infrastructure and resource-sector development.

The firm has also advised on major energy and mining-related financings, including a $250 million financing for Aradel Energy in Nigeria, highlighting the growing intersection between resource development, energy infrastructure and access to capital.

At AMW 2026, Adekanye and Osinubi will examine how stronger regulatory frameworks and well-structured partnerships can help reduce investment risk, mobilize capital and address the infrastructure gaps holding back mineral production.

As Africa seeks to move further up the mineral value chain, the ability to align government policy, investor protections, financing structures and infrastructure development will be critical. The discussion at AMW 2026 will highlight the legal architecture behind that investment push – and the role advisors can play in turning ambitious mining strategies into bankable projects.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Lindsayca to Support Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2027 Guyana Launch as Energy Investment Takes Center Stage

Source: APO – Report:

Integrated energy solutions company Lindsayca has been confirmed as Exclusive Sponsor of the Cocktail Reception at the Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2027 in-country launch, taking place in Georgetown on September 1, 2026.

Hosted at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, the launch will bring together government officials, energy companies, investors, financiers and regional stakeholders to examine Guyana’s rapidly expanding energy project pipeline and its growing influence on the wider Caribbean energy market. Discussions will focus on the opportunities emerging across the country’s oil and gas sector, gas-to-power infrastructure and broader energy value chain, while considering how Guyana’s development can contribute to greater regional energy security and integration.

Lindsayca’s participation comes at a significant point in Guyana’s energy development, with the country advancing major projects aimed at translating its growing hydrocarbon resources into reliable domestic energy supply and wider economic value. The reception will provide an opportunity for Lindsayca to engage with policymakers, investors, project developers and industry leaders participating in the launch.

Nelson Drake, Board Director and Senior Vice President of Business Development at Lindsayca, is confirmed to speak at the launch, bringing the company’s perspective on Guyana’s evolving energy infrastructure landscape and the opportunities emerging across the wider Caribbean market.

Lindsayca is currently developing Guyana’s 300 MW gas-fired power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales under the country’s landmark Gas-to-Energy (GTE) program. In June 2026, the project entered its final phase, with engineers preparing the facility to receive natural gas and begin the commissioning process. Electricity generation is targeted for December 2026. Once operational, the facility is expected to approximately double Guyana’s electricity-generation capacity, marking a major milestone in the country’s energy transformation.

The company’s regional portfolio extends beyond Guyana, with energy infrastructure projects across the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico. In the Dominican Republic, Lindsayca is advancing the Manzanillo Power Land project, a more than 400-MW combined-cycle thermal power plant. The project is progressing toward completion of its combined-cycle phase, with turbine works, heat recovery steam generator installation, piping, structural works and testing advancing as part of the development program.

The Georgetown launch will serve as a precursor to the main Caribbean Energy Week, taking place in Guyana from July 13–15, 2027. Held under the patronage of Guyana’s President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and with the endorsement of Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, CEW 2027 will spotlight Guyana’s emergence as a major energy hub and examine its growing role in shaping the Caribbean’s energy future. The event is organized by Energy Capital & Power.

To register for the Caribbean Energy Week 2027 In-Country Launch in Georgetown on September 1, 2026, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4gD94HE

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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