Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

The World Advanced Manufacturing & Future Mobility Exhibition (WAM Morocco) has secured over 60 speakers from 20+ countries delivering 45+ hours of strategic content across three days, positioning the event as the region’s most influential platform for industrial transformation.

The conference marks the first regional speaking appearance for world-class leaders including Dr. Mehdi Snène, Chief AI Officer of the United Nations (Switzerland); Alain Sanchez, Chief Information & Security Officer for EMEA at Fortinet (France); Maxime de Bonrepos, Vice President of Asset Management Renewables at ENGIE; Isaac Chetrit, Board Director of Blazie Holdings (USA); and Pavlo Stergard, Deputy Head for MENA at Bpifrance.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, said: ” The calibre of speakers choosing WAM Morocco for their first appearance in the region reflects the extraordinary strategic importance of this moment. These are the architects of global industrial transformation, the custodians of billion-dollar portfolios, and the decision-makers shaping the future of manufacturing across continents. Their presence in Casablanca signals that Morocco has moved from potential to performance, from ambition to execution.”

Dr. Mehdi Snène, the UN’s top AI executive, manages the largest European neuroscience project valued at over €1 billion. Alain Sanchez leads cybersecurity for Fortinet’s $65 billion enterprise, advising Fortune 500 boards on the $10 trillion digital economy. Maxime de Bonrepos leads ENGIE’s green energy portfolio and architected the 1.5 GW Khazna Solar project in the UAE. Isaac Chetrit commands a multi-billion dollar investment portfolio as one of New York’s most sought-after investors. Pavlo Stergard represents Bpifrance’s €57.3 billion in assets under management, supporting 80,000+ companies across 1,150+ direct investments.

Additional first-time speakers include Fabrizio Lodovico, Managing Director of Vigel (Italy), with 5,500 machines installed globally; Jorge Sebastião, Co-Founder and CTO of Ecox (Portugal), advisor to Dubai government on blockchain; and Amine Sounni, Co-Founder of Terabase Energy (USA), delivering 250 projects representing $10 billion in investment.

Dr. Mehdi Snène, Chief AI Officer of the United Nations, stated: “Artificial intelligence is the foundation upon which the next generation of industrial ecosystems will be built. Morocco’s strategic vision creates an exceptional environment for AI-driven manufacturing transformation. WAM Morocco represents a critical moment where policy, technology and industrial ambition converge to accelerate Africa’s intelligent manufacturing revolution.”

Alain Sanchez, Chief Information & Security Officer for EMEA at Fortinet, added: “As manufacturing becomes increasingly digitised, cybersecurity is fundamental to industrial competitiveness and national security. Morocco’s ambition to become a regional manufacturing hub demands world-class digital infrastructure. WAM Morocco provides the ideal platform to build resilient, secure industrial ecosystems that can compete on the global stage.”

The conference tackles critical priorities including data centres for future-ready industries, global capital flows, green manufacturing, AI deployment, supply chain sovereignty, and energy transition.

Organised by KAOUN International (DWTC) in partnership with MSC Pro, CDD, UM6P, Advantage Austria and Der Mittelstand. BVMW (Germany), WAM Morocco takes place in Casablanca from 20 to 22 January.

For more information, visit www.WAMMorocco.com

– on behalf of KAOUN International.

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About KAOUN International and WAM Morocco:
KAOUN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is at the forefront of organizing transformative global events that foster collaboration, innovation, and industry growth. Building on a rich legacy of landmark exhibitions such as GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and AI event, KAOUN International is also responsible for the Kingdom’s most significant food industry events, including the Saudi Food Show and the thriving Saudi Food Manufacturing show.

In line with its mission to advance global industry and logistics, KAOUN International presents World Advanced Manufacturing & Future mobility Exhibition (WAM Morocco), Africa’s leading industrial and logistics expo. Organized by the team behind the renowned GITEX and GITEX AFRICA events, WAM Morocco reflects Morocco’s steadfast commitment to sustainable and inclusive industrial development. This landmark event aims to empower African nations, driving partnerships, investment, and technological advancement that will elevate the continent’s global competitiveness and realize the vision for a stronger, interconnected, and innovative industrial economy across Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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On January 21, commencing at 11:35 a.m. for approximately 90 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting and working lunch with Hon. Selma ASHIPALA-MUSAVYI, Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia, who is paying a visit to Japan, as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The overview is as follows:

1. At the outset, Minister MOTEGI welcomed Minister Ashipala-Musavyi’s visit to Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and expressed his hope to deepen cooperation with Namibia, a country that is important for strengthening connectivity between Indian Ocean nations and Africa by combining quality ports with access to neighboring countries, to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law. In response, Minister Ashipala-Musavyi expressed her appreciation for Japan’s hospitality during this visit, as well as her expectation for further development of bilateral relations.
2. Minister MOTEGI stated that he would like to utilize this visit to follow up on the outcomes of TICAD 9. He also expressed his desire to further strengthen cooperation toward enhancing economic relations between Japan and Namibia, while also mentioning Japan’s past development cooperation and Japanese companies’ interest in mineral and energy resources. In response, Minister Ashipala-Musavyi expressed her gratitude for Japan’s support to date and her expectation for mutually beneficial economic development through Japanese companies’ investment in Namibia. Both sides concurred on accelerating cooperation toward further strengthening bilateral relations, including investment promotion.
3. Both sides also exchanged views on various regional and international issues, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific, their policies toward North Korea including the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, the situation in Africa and nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. They confirmed that they would continue to work together.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Source: APO – Report:

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On 21 January, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Olexandr Mischenko received the copies of credentials from newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Ukraine, Mr. Ahmed Ouail.

Olexandr Mishchenko congratulated the Ambassador on the start of his work in Ukraine and expressed hope for the active development of bilateral relations as well as for more active support by Algeria for our State, particularly in the context of adopting UN resolutions condemning Russia’s armed aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

The parties discussed the state of Ukrainian-Algerian relations and the prospects for their development in the medium and long term, and identified key areas of cooperation, in particular in the context of full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

It was agreed to intensify high-level political dialogue, notably in the context of the future visit to Ukraine of the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Mr. Ahmed Attaf.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, received the Letters of Credence of His Excellency Mr. Hatem Yousri Hosni, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Seychelles, during an accreditation ceremony held yesterday at State House. The ceremony marked the official commencement of Ambassador Hosni’s diplomatic mission to Seychelles and provided an opportunity for wide-ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation across several priority sectors.

During the meeting, President Herminie and Ambassador Hosni exchanged views on tourism, health, investment, sports, and people-to-people cooperation. Tourism featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides acknowledging that although, Seychelles and Egypt offer distinct tourism products, there is considerable scope for collaboration through shared experiences and joint promotional initiatives.

President Herminie proposed the appointment of a Seychelles Tourism Ambassador to be based in Cairo to promote Seychelles as a destination and further strengthen bilateral tourism relations. Discussions also explored strategies to attract a greater number of Egyptian visitors to Seychelles, including enhanced marketing efforts, improved air connectivity, and the promotion of cultural tourism. In this context, both sides noted the opportunity to showcase Egypt in Seychelles as the two countries commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

In the health sector, the President underscored the importance of deepening cooperation, particularly in capacity building and professional development. He highlighted opportunities for Seychellois medical practitioners to benefit from advanced training and specialist experience in Egypt, as well as the potential for Egyptian medical consultants and specialists to support Seychelles through knowledge transfer and practical collaboration. Investment prospects in the pharmaceutical sector were also discussed, with a focus on partnerships that could contribute to improved access to affordable medicines.

Sports cooperation, particularly in football, was identified as another promising area of engagement. President Herminie expressed interest in facilitating friendly matches for the Seychelles national team in Cairo and in creating pathways for talented Seychellois players to gain exposure in Egypt. Ambassador Hosni welcomed these initiatives and further suggested that collaboration could be strengthened through the engagement of Egyptian coaches in Seychelles, contributing to the development of local talent and the overall growth of the sport.

President Herminie also raised the matter of two Seychellois nationals currently serving sentences in Egypt, emphasising the Government of Seychelles’ continued engagement with the Egyptian authorities to facilitate their repatriation to Seychelles to continue serving their sentences. In response, Ambassador Hosni noted that the process has experienced delays and indicated that the matter is now being handled at the level of the justice authorities, with expectations of progress towards a conclusion.

Ambassador Hosni, who will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, also paid a courtesy call on the Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Sebastien Pillay, during his visit.

Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Seychelles and the Arab Republic of Egypt were established on 15 July 1976, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of those relations. Both sides acknowledged the significance of this milestone and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding and cordial ties between the two countries.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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“I constantly worried that I would lose everything,” says Adelaida Nyawlingo, a 50-year-old widow from Dar es Salaam. Like many widows in Tanzania, her loss did not end with the death of her husband. It was followed by a long and painful struggle over land she believed was her home.

After her husband died in 2011, Nyawlingo became the sole provider for her family. Soon after, multiple parties laid claim to the house they had shared, pulling her into a drawn-out land dispute. Despite numerous court appearances, the case dragged on for years, and she eventually lost her family home. 

Nyawlingo’s experience mirrors that of many women across the country. 

Although women make up nearly 70 per cent of Tanzania’s agricultural workforce, they only own about 20 per cent of titled land. Customary practices, limited legal awareness, and the cost and complexity of the formal justice system leave many widows and divorced women with little protection when disputes arise.

In 2025, Nyawlingo heard a radio announcement about the National Legal Aid Campaign, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs and UN Women, supported by the Government of the Netherlands. The campaign brings free legal aid and legal education directly into communities, reaching women who are often excluded from formal justice systems.

“After years of searching, the legal team came to my home,” she recalls. “They listened, and for the first time, I felt heard.” 

With legal support, her case was resolved, and a new home was built for her. 

“When they handed me the keys, I finally felt at peace,” she shared.

By taking justice beyond courtrooms and into communities, the campaign addressed barriers that affect many women – fear, distance, cost, and lack of information. As UN Women Representative a.i. Katherine Gifford notes, when justice systems are intimidating or out of reach, legal aid becomes a vital lifeline.

Today, Nyawlingo also works to encourage other widows to seek help. “It’s important to know your rights,” she says. “You don’t have to face these problems alone.”

And the scale of need is significant – during the 2025 campaign, more than 2,400 disputes were reported in just ten days in Dar es Salaam alone, including over 600 land cases. 

The difference these legal aid camps are making in women’s lives has also gradually become clear.

“Women used to suffer in silence. Now, paralegals and welfare officers work together to make their voices heard. It’s faster, safer, and more women feel supported,” said Mtuvu Amisi, a Community Development Officer from Mtwara Region.

By June 2025, the campaign had reached more than 3.1 million Tanzanians, including 1.4 million women. 

For Nyawlingo, this meant dignity and security. For many widows across Tanzania, it has meant something equally powerful: the chance to be heard and protected.

– on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Mr. Børge Brende, in Davos.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the pivotal role played by the World Economic Forum, WEF, as a prominent international platform for dialogue and the exchange of views among heads of state, international officials, private sector representatives, and major global companies with the aim of enhancing joint cooperation in addressing global challenges and bolstering paths to comprehensive development.

The President also commended the Forum’s focus this year on urgent issues reflecting the growing need for deeper international cooperation, in line with accelerating transformations, and ensuring their harnessing to achieve prosperity and benefits for all the world’s peoples.

Mr. Brende expressed his appreciation for President El-Sisi’s participation in the Forum’s activities this year. He underscored the WEF management’s keenness to dedicate an Egypt-Focused Dialogue Session during the Forum to present Egypt’s vision for addressing challenges in the Middle East and efforts to restore regional peace and security. Mr. Brende also commended the efforts made by Egypt, and President El-Sisi personally, to promote stability in the region.

The Forum’s CEO said he looks forward to further enhancing coordination and cooperation with the Government of Egypt across various sectors, fostering the path of economic development, boosting growth rates, and strengthening the country’s efforts to attract investments, in light of the attractive opportunities offered by the Egyptian market.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in a Special Dialogue Session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The meeting was attended by a number of heads of state and senior international officials including Libyan Presidential Council Chairman, Mohammad Al- Manfi, and Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Mr. Børge Brende, commenced the session with a speech, expressing his deep appreciation for President El-Sisi and for his participation in the Forum’s activities. Mr. Brende commended the long-standing cooperative relationship between the Government of Egypt and the World Economic Forum’s management over the past years.

Mr. Brende announced that the session was dedicated to discussing business opportunities in Egypt and held under the patronage of President El-Sisi, as part of the Forum’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s efforts to attract investments, given the various attractive opportunities available in the Egyptian market across different sectors.

President El-Sisi delivered a speech during the session and engaged in an interactive dialogue with the Forum’s president and attendees, addressing geopolitical developments in the region. The President outlined Egypt’s approach to tackling the challenges facing the Middle East. President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of prioritizing peaceful solutions and avoiding escalation, in order to restore regional stability and create an environment conducive to the desired prosperity.

President El-Sisi confirmed that establishing enduring peace and fostering stability in the region require genuine support for the nation-state and its components, respect for the sovereignty and unity of nations, and empowering institutions to fulfill their roles. The President also highlighted the need for a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian crisis, which remains the fulcrum for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

In this regard, the President called on world leaders to uphold the international order agreed upon by the global community after World War II, describing it as an essential framework for global stability and sustainable development, while stressing the vital necessity to preserve it and address any flaws that may exist.

President El-Sisi outlined the key aspects of Egypt’s economic reform program as a fundamental pillar for growth, explaining that the program has contributed to improving macroeconomic indicators. The President pointed out that the Egyptian economy has shown remarkable resilience against international and regional crises, thanks to balanced measures undertaken to stabilize fiscal and monetary policies and stimulate growth, while strengthening social protection programs to alleviate citizens’ burdens.

The President further mentioned the state’s efforts to bolster competitiveness, improve the business environment, expand the private sector’s role in driving development, and develop the legislative, investment, and tax environments. This is in addition to expanding digital and smart infrastructure, improving road networks, transportation, ports and economic zones, building new cities and increasing the volume of green public investments.

President El-Sisi concluded by affirming that the goal is to build a modern state capable of keeping pace with rapid global economic transformations and for Egypt to be an active partner in shaping a more just and sustainable global economic future.

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

Source: APO – Report:

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His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has highlighted Sierra Leone’s emergence as a continental leader in trade reform, announcing the country’s historic achievement as the first nation to complete and gazette its National AfCFTA Readiness Assessment and Schedule of Commitments, while making a strong case for investors to partner with Sierra Leone’s growing digital and industrial economy.

Speaking as Co-Chair of the Forum Friends of the AfCFTA Breakfast Meeting on the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Davos 2026 on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, President Bio described the milestone as a product of bold national leadership forged through years of recovery from civil war, the Ebola epidemic, and global economic shocks.

The President noted that while the achievement was historic, Sierra Leone did not seek to stand alone, but rather to demonstrate what is possible when African countries treat the AfCFTA not merely as a trade agreement, but as a blueprint for shared prosperity. He emphasized that Sierra Leone’s readiness process went beyond compliance, serving instead as a data-driven national strategy for growth that clearly identifies strengths, bottlenecks, and investment opportunities.

On digital trade, President Bio underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to building the digital foundations necessary for the AfCFTA to succeed. He explained that the Readiness Assessment revealed the urgency of moving away from paper-based systems, prompting reforms to streamline customs through digital platforms, reduce transaction costs, and harmonize digital trade regulations with other African Union member states. These measures, he said, are creating a “digital highway” that enables Sierra Leonean SMEs to access regional and continental markets with ease.

Addressing industrial capacity, President Bio reaffirmed his government’s focus on value addition rather than the export of raw commodities. He disclosed that Sierra Leone is prioritizing sectors such as agribusiness and light manufacturing, supported by the establishment of Special Economic Zones and industrial parks with ready infrastructure and fiscal incentives. Targeted investments in skills development and technical training, he added, are ensuring that the country’s workforce is prepared for industrialized production and resilient supply chains.

The President also emphasized the central role of the private sector in driving trade under the AfCFTA. He described the Readiness Assessment as a transparent prospectus for investors, reducing uncertainty and clearly outlining policy reforms and opportunities. Through sustained public–private dialogue, improved access to trade finance, and the structuring of bankable, data-backed projects, the government is actively de-risking investments to attract both domestic and foreign capital.

In his concluding remarks, President Bio positioned Sierra Leone’s proactive AfCFTA approach as a model for the continent, stressing that the country has moved decisively from potential to tangible economic activity. He invited partners and investors to join Sierra Leone on its transformation journey, declaring that the nation is open for business, with real opportunities and a clear roadmap for growth

For media enquiries:
State House Media and Communications Unit
info@statehouse.gov.sl

– on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.