Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Launched by the International Technical Association for Tropical Timber (ATIBT) (www.ATIBT.org), the My Tropical Timber (www.MyTropicalTimber.org) digital platform is off to a particularly encouraging start. Designed to facilitate access to reliable information on tropical timber, identify suppliers, and promote a sustainable, legal, and responsible forestry and timber industry, it is already attracting professionals from several continents.

More than just a directory or technical database, My Tropical Timber was conceived as a true space for knowledge sharing and decision support, serving architects, traders, processors, manufacturers, specifiers, and buyers of tropical timber worldwide.

Encouraging results from the very first weeks

Initial usage data reflects growing interest in the platform and its increasing visibility among professionals.

Over the past 28 days, My Tropical Timber has recorded:

• 585 active users, representing a 287% increase;
• more than 2,500 page views;
• 552 new visitors;
• a 2,260% increase in visits from search engines;
• an active audience across several continents, with a strong presence in Singapore, France, and Germany.

These results illustrate the need expressed by market stakeholders for a centralized, reliable, and accessible tool to better understand tropical timber species and companies committed to sustainable forest management.

A go-to platform for tropical timber professionals

My Tropical Timber provides professionals with a range of features designed to simplify their research and support informed decision-making:

• identify tropical timber suppliers;
• search for companies by location or certifications;
• compare the technical characteristics of wood species;
• discover lesser-known species and alternatives suited to their needs;
• access reliable technical data on tropical wood species, particularly through the integration of Tropix reference sheets developed by CIRAD;
• find FSC- and/or PEFC-PAFC-certified wood sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Available in French, English, Spanish, and Chinese, the platform is aimed at an international audience and helps promote the principle of “the right wood for the right use,” while encouraging better utilization of the diversity of tropical wood species.

For all company listing requests: https://apo-opa.co/4aAw6N4

A Launch Marked by Key Events

The official launch of My Tropical Timber was celebrated on May 10, 2025, during an international webinar held in French and English. This event provided an opportunity to showcase the platform’s features and the benefits it offers to industry professionals. Given the interest generated, ATIBT plans to organize additional sessions, notably in Spanish and Chinese, to support the platform’s expansion to new audiences.

The platform was also presented at the Carrefour International du Bois in Nantes, one of the industry’s leading European events. Extensive discussions with attending professionals confirmed the tool’s relevance and its potential to support companies’ technical and commercial decisions.

Outlook

Building on this momentum, ATIBT is continuing to develop My Tropical Timber with several objectives in mind:

• regularly expanding the data available on the platform;
• increasing the number of listed companies and suppliers;
• developing new features that meet users’ needs;
• enhancing its international visibility through webinars and professional events;
• promoting greater awareness and more diverse use of tropical timber sourced from sustainably managed forests.

The goal is clear: to make My Tropical Timber an indispensable tool for all professionals seeking reliable information, promoting responsible practices, and ensuring the sustainable use of tropical forest resources.

A project made possible thanks to the support of its donors and partners

The development of My Tropical Timber is the result of a collective effort coordinated by ATIBT and made possible thanks to the support of its donors and financial partners: the Sustainable Tropical Timber Coalition (STTC), the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF), the IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative, the “Support for the Private Forestry and Timber Sector” project (Cameroon Green Pact) funded by the EU; the ConForMa project funded by the FFEM; the Tropical Timber Trade Facility project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH; and the Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC).

CIRAD also contributes to the project by providing Tropix data and technical data sheets, which serve as an international reference for knowledge and the promotion of tropical tree species.

Their commitment to a sustainable, transparent, and responsible tropical forestry and timber sector has made it possible to turn this ambition into reality and to offer industry professionals an innovative, accessible, and internationally oriented tool.

– on behalf of Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (ATIBT).

Press Contact:
Nathalie Bouville
Communications Manager
Nathalie.bouville@atibt.org
+33695803250
WhatsApp +24106005796

About ATIBT (www.ATIBT.org):
Founded in 1951 at the request of the FAO and the OECD, ATIBT is the leading international professional organization for the tropical forestry and timber sector. It brings together public and private stakeholders from 28 countries and works to promote a sustainable and responsible industry, the legal and ethical trade in tropical timber, the sustainable management of tropical forests, and the development of innovative tools for industry professionals.

Website: www.ATIBT.org

Source: APO – Report:

The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi has urged Members of Parliament to monitor implementation of the national budget in their constituencies, saying effective oversight is not only their constitutional mandate but also key to earning the confidence of voters.

Addressing MPs during their induction on Wednesday, 01 July 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Musasizi said Parliament’s role extends beyond approving the national budget to ensuring that public funds translate into improved service delivery.

“Budget approval is the beginning, not the end. Track whether funds reach the people they were intended for,” he said, urging MPs to ensure value for money sent to their local governments.

Drawing from his experience of serving as an MP for 15 consecutive years, he encouraged legislators to regularly engage local government officials and communities to assess the progress of government-funded projects.

“Most of the money goes to your districts, it goes to your sub-counties. It is important that you ask the Chief Administrative Officer in writing; ask him or her the progress of certain projects, ask If you can together visit those projects, if for example schools have teachers and if they are teaching,” Musasizi said.

He added that such engagement strengthens accountability and enhances an MP’s connection with constituents.

“These things are important to bring you back to Parliament. If you want to be a good Member, sample some parishes under Parish Development Model, meet them, ask them whether they are receiving money in time and what they are using it for,” said Musasizi.

The Minister also revealed plans to strengthen budget discipline by ensuring supplementary expenditure is limited to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances as prescribed in the Public Finance Management Act.

Kassanda North County MP, Hon. Patrick Oshabe, raised concern over delays by the Ministry in submitting budget documents to Parliament, saying the practice limits legislators’ ability to scrutinise government proposals.

“When you became a minister, I thought things would change. Members do not have enough time to scrutinise these documents. Quite often we debate a national budget in one day. Why don’t we have mandatory deadlines?” Oshabe asked.

Kampala Woman MP, Hon. Shamim Malende asked the Minister to address public concerns over double taxation, while the Second Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Crispus Kiyonga called for investment in infrastructure in areas earmarked for industrial parks.

“The Uganda Investment Authority mapped out land for industrial parks country wide but in many of the areas there is no action yet. I think they could be a tool to help achieve the desired ten-fold growth,” Kiyonga said.

The National Planning Authority Chairperson, Prof. Pamela Mbabazi, who made a presentation on the National Development Plan IV, called on MPs to push for legislations that support Uganda Vision 2040, which aims at growing Uganda’s economy to US$500 billion by 2040.

“Parliament is supposed to play critical roles to achieve this vision, including legislation, appropriation, oversight of all Government programmes in line with the grand strategy, debating in line with the Vision,” Mbabazi said. ​

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO – Report:

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Against the backdrop of two historic national anniversaries, President Dr Patrick Herminie this evening joined Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Seychelles, Mr Adham Loutfi, for a reception commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America at Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, Anse La Mouche.

The occasion brought together national leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests in recognition of the enduring partnership between Seychelles and the United States, as the two nations also mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Also in attendance were First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, Vice-President Mr Sebastien Pillay, Principal Minister Mr Wallace Cosgrow, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Mr Barry Faure, Cabinet Ministers, ambassadors, Mayor of Victoria Ms Josie Michaud. and other distinguished guests.

Delivering the welcome address, Chargé d’Affaires Mr Adham Loutfi reflected on the longstanding friendship between the two countries, describing it as one founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and longstanding cooperation. He noted that while the evening celebrated 250 years of American independence, it also coincided with Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee of Independence and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Mr Loutfi highlighted the growing partnership between Seychelles and the United States in areas including maritime security, financial integrity, cultural exchanges, and efforts to combat drug trafficking. He also welcomed recent agreements between the Seychelles Defence Forces and the New Mexico National Guard, as well as cooperation between the Regional Coordination Operations Centre and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, describing them as longterm investments in regional security, institutional trust, and shared prosperity.

Proposing a toast on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora Mr Barry Faure reaffirmed the importance of the relationship between the two countries and conveyed Seychelles’ congratulations to the Government and people of the United States on the historic milestone.

“As we celebrate this remarkable anniversary, we also celebrate a friendship that has matured over five decades. The relationship between Seychelles and the United States continues to be guided by mutual respect, shared interests and constructive dialogue, and we remain committed to strengthening that partnership for the benefit of our peoples.”

Minister Faure said the two countries had developed a longstanding record of cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including security, environmental protection, education. and economic development, while continuing to work together on regional and international issues of common concern.

“Our cooperation has demonstrated what can be achieved when nations work together in a spirit of trust and respect. As we look to the future, Seychelles values the United States as a longstanding partner, and we look forward to expanding our collaboration while advancing peace, stability and sustainable development in our region and beyond.”

The evening concluded with a ceremonial toast celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and the United States, reaffirming the enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared commitment that continue to strengthen the partnership between the two nations. 

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

• EK778 lands at Cape Town International Airport for the first time, bringing the Emirates A350 to South Africa
• Emirates has also reinstated its fourth daily service to Johannesburg, and now operates a consistent and reliable schedule of 56 weekly flights between South Africa and Dubai  ​

Emirates’ (www.Emirates.com) third daily service on the Dubai-Cape Town route landed at Cape Town International Airport at 18:05 yesterday, marking the first arrival of flight EK778. This also marks the debut of the airline’s next-generation Airbus A350 in South Africa.

The A350 (https://apo-opa.co/3ReSghd) is the newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all widebody fleet, introducing the latest in-flight experience. The bright and airy cabins have been thoughtfully designed to provide more space and comfort in every cabin, whilst cutting-edge technology and enhanced entertainment options elevate every flight. The deployment also increases access to the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy cabin, which first launched in South Africa in September 2025 and has proved consistently popular with travellers. 

Afzal Parambil, Emirates’ Regional Manager for Southern Africa, said, “Cape Town has long been one of the most popular destinations on our African network. The launch of a third daily service, operated with our newest aircraft, shows how much we believe in this market. The new flight gives travellers more options and an easier connection to our global network through Dubai, while the A350 offers the latest passenger experience. We’d like to extend our thanks to the South African authorities for their partnership and support in securing this new service, and look forward to welcoming passengers onboard.”

The new flight enhances connectivity for South African travellers, offering more choice, flexibility, and improved access to Emirates’ global network, via Dubai, especially long-haul destinations in West Asia, Australasia and the Far East.

The launch of the new service also builds on the agreement signed in April 2026 between Emirates and Wesgro, the tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape. The two organisations are working together to bring more visitors from key markets such as the Gulf, the Far East, and India.

Outside of Cape Town, Emirates also reinstated its fourth daily flight to Johannesburg on 1 July 2026, boosting weekly connectivity to Dubai to 56 weekly services from its three South African gateways. The deployment is further supported by the seasonal deployment of the second A380 service into Johannesburg. EK761 and EK762 will now be operated by a full retrofitted A380, equipped with the in-demand Premium Economy cabin and the latest cabin interiors, enhancing Emirates world-class offering and boosting capacity in and out of South Africa’s largest and busiest international airport. 

By enhancing its frequencies, Emirates is not just supporting passenger traffic, but facilitation global trade too. Optimising the belly capacity in the Boeing 777 and A350, as well as the daily flight from Durban, Emirates SkyCargo uplifts key commodities from South Africa such as fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled meat, dairy, seafood and fresh cut flowers, and transports them worldwide, connecting South African businesses with their global customers, quickly, reliably and efficiently.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.Emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked on Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

Source: APO

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Eddy Kioni, CEO of Buenassa – the DRC’s first integrated metals trading company specializing in the supply of domestically beneficiated minerals – has confirmed his participation as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place from October 14–16 in Cape Town.

Kioni will participate in the panel discussion Realigning National and International Goals to Advance Global Investment in Africa’s Value Chain, where industry leaders will examine strategies for mobilizing investment to strengthen Africa’s mining sector and accelerate value addition.

His participation comes as Buenassa advances its multi-phase copper and cobalt hydrometallurgical refinery in Lualaba Province, supporting the DRC’s strategy to maximize value from its critical minerals through domestic processing and the export of value-added products. Scheduled to begin operations by 2028, the facility is designed to produce up to 120,000 metric tons of high-grade copper cathodes and 20,000 metric tons of cobalt sulphate annually at full capacity.

Strategic partnerships with the DRC government and the UAE’s AHQ Group to accelerate the refinery project underscore Buenassa’s collaborative approach to mobilizing the capital, technical expertise and strategic partnerships needed to expand the DRC’s mineral beneficiation industry.

Beyond refining, Buenassa is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy across the mining value chain. In February 2026, the company submitted a $1.5 billion acquisition proposal for copper and cobalt producer Chemaf, a transaction that would significantly expand Buenassa’s upstream mining portfolio while strengthening integration across exploration, production, processing and international metals trading.

Serving as Africa’s Most Influential Mining Conference, AMW 2026 brings together governments, mining companies and investors, offering Kioni an opportunity to showcase Buenassa’s integrated investment model, share updates on the company’s flagship refinery development and engage with prospective partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.