Category: Africa

Source: APO

A secure nation depends on a healthy environment that sustains its people, resources and future generations. By actively protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, the military demonstrates that true national security extends beyond defence of territory to the safeguarding of the total environment. It is in this spirit that today, the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC) Karen joined Thogoto Teachers Training College, the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kenya, the Thogoto community and neighbouring schools in a tree planting exercise to mark Mazingira Day.

The event held at Thogoto Teachers Training College was led by Major General Eric Kinuthia, Commandant of JCSC, and Mrs Margaret Khainga the Chief Principal of Thogoto TTC. They were accompanied by Brigadier (Rtd) Joseph Muracia, CEO of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, Mr David Wakogy, Coordinator of Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya and NGAO officers. Participants included the College Leadership, Faculty, Staff and participants of Course 42-2026/27, alongside students, community members and partner organisations.

In his remarks, the Commandant expressed gratitude to Thogoto TTC, the partners and the local community for welcoming JCSC into the tree planting and growing initiative. He underscored that environmental conservation is not a seasonal activity but a shared, everyday responsibility. The College’s efforts were guided by this year’s Mazingira Day theme: “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

On Tuesday morning, the operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine, Segilola, Africa Finance Corporation and the Embassy of Sweden will share the opening stage of Nigeria Mining Week 2026 (www.NigeriaMiningWeek.com). Across the two main conference days they will be joined by Geneva-headquartered commodities group Mercuria, the chief executives of the Ghana and Botswana Chambers of Mines, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and dozens of global mining equipment manufacturers.

Organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria, in partnership with PwC Nigeria and with NEITI as transparency partner, the 11th edition of Nigeria Mining Week runs from 12 to 14 October 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel under the theme “Unlocking Investment and Growth through Partnerships”. More than 3,000 attendees, over 90 sponsors and exhibitors and seven strategic forums make it the one event shaping the Nigerian mining landscape.

Who is in the room

This year’s line-up brings capital, market intelligence and policy expertise to Abuja from across the globe. On the investment side, UK-based Zigma Ltd and the Development Bank of Namibia join the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a Diamond sponsor of the event. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, the International Lithium Association, MINEX GmbH and 360ValUSE bring the global view on critical minerals and battery supply chains, while Business-Sweden, the Zambia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and Tanzania Women in Mining and Minerals Industry widen the conversation to trade, transparency and inclusion.

They will be joined by the operators, agencies and industry bodies driving Nigeria’s sector. Segilola Resources Operating Limited, a subsidiary of Thor Explorations, and Titan Minerals, Diamond Plus sponsor for the fifth consecutive year, lead the operator line-up. Government is represented by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Ajaokuta Steel Mill and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. NACCIMA, the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers, the Geological Society of Africa and the African Minerals Development Centre complete a line-up that spans the full mining value chain.

Where projects meet capital

Nigeria Mining Week is built for outcomes. The curated, invitation-only Deal Room on 14 October connects mining projects with financiers, off-takers, advisors and strategic partners through targeted presentations, one-on-one meetings and investor briefings designed to accelerate funding decisions. A closed-door CEO Roundtable brings the most senior operators, financiers and regulators together on 13 October.

Monday’s pre-conference roundtables, facilitated by PwC Nigeria, tackle the practical questions every junior and project owner faces: closing the geological data gap, making exploration bankable, and defining what an investment-ready project looks like. On the main stage, financiers will set out exactly what must sit in a project data room before Africa Finance Corporation, development finance institutions and private equity will commit capital.

Seven forums, one week

•  Critical Minerals Forum (new, 13 October): positioning Nigeria within global battery, magnet and EV supply chains, with CIPE, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence and the International Lithium Association.

•  Gold Forum (14 October): the gold value chain, gold trade and finance, with Segilola, DFR Gold, Africa Finance Corporation and Alt Bank Nigeria.

•  Steel Forum (14 October): revitalising integrated steel, iron ore supply and industrial minerals.

•  Women in Extractive Industries Forum (12 October): technical, operational and leadership pathways for women across the sector.

•  Technical workshops (13 and 14 October): portable analytical technology, drill-and-blast optimisation, water stewardship and building a commercial gold industry, led by Titan Minerals, SciAps, Segilola, Solar Nigachem and Mikano Motors.

Walk the floor for free

Entry to the exhibition floor is free for registered visitors on 13 and 14 October. The floor brings global manufacturers and their Nigerian partners under one roof, including LiuGong, SANY, Sinotruk, SAIC Hongyan, Komatsu through Panafrican Equipment, Wirtgen Group and DEVELON through SCOA Equipment, PRD Rigs, SciAps, Bristol Scientific, Mercuria, NEXIM and Airtel, alongside a dedicated heavy equipment zone. For anyone sourcing fleet, drilling, processing or laboratory capability, it is two days to see, compare and negotiate with suppliers face to face.

What the organisers say

“No single party can carry the weight of the transformation Nigeria requires,” said HRH Oba Ayandele Olaitan Oyebisi Ayanleke Elegbede, Gbolahan II, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria. “Each has been designed to move us from discussion to practical outcomes and direct engagement between operators and investors.”

“In an increasingly competitive global minerals market, Nigeria must position itself not simply as a source of raw minerals, but as a destination for investment, processing and value addition,” said Cyril Azobu, Partner and Mining Industry Leader, PwC Nigeria.

Who should attend

Investors, financiers and development finance institutions looking for pipeline; explorers and juniors looking for capital; operators looking for partners and offtake; equipment and service providers looking for buyers; and government, associations and artisanal and small-scale miners looking for a seat at the table. Delegate passes and free visitor registration are available now at www.NigeriaMiningWeek.com. Follow the conversation with #NMW2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Mining Week.

About Nigeria Mining Week:
Nigeria Mining Week is the annual meeting point for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, bringing together government, investors, operators, service providers and communities. The 2027 edition is scheduled for 4 to 6 October 2027. www.NigeriaMiningWeek.com

About the Miners Association of Nigeria:
Established in 1944, the Miners Association of Nigeria is the umbrella body for the Nigerian mineral value chain, with membership and chapters in all 36 states and the FCT.

Source: APO

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Kowatek Solar LTD (www.Kowatek.com) notes the Rural Electrification Agency’s framework for the annual offtake of 200 megawatts of locally manufactured solar photovoltaic modules and 200 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage products as an important step toward domestic manufacturing and a smaller import bill.

Reporting in early September 2026 indicated that solar-panel imports into 15 African countries exceeded $400 million in the first quarter of 2026, against about $650 million for the whole of 2025. Households and businesses continue to buy alternative power amid unreliable grid supply. Nigeria remains among the countries with the largest electricity-access deficits on the continent, with agency leadership citing more than 85 million people — about 40 percent of the population — without reliable grid electricity.

The partnership was presented as a first commitment by a Tier-One Chinese renewable company to establish manufacturing and assembly operations in Nigeria. Execution still depends on factory commissioning, quality certification, foreign-exchange availability and whether public offtake is firm enough for lenders.

Module origin does not replace system design. Commercial and industrial sites still require load audits, inverter and battery matching, and a service plan. For estates, hotels, clinics and factories seeking to retire diesel, the relevant comparison is cost per reliable kilowatt-hour, not the nameplate price of a panel alone. Kowatek Solar advises clients to treat local assembly as a supply option within engineered hybrid designs. Notes on commercial solar and lithium storage are available at https://www.Kowatek.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kowatek Solar LTD.

Reference links:
Primary public sources used in this release (checked October 2026):
REA 200 MW local modules — Gas Outlook — https://apo-opa.co/4e9g8er
Electricity access deficit — Punch — https://apo-opa.co/4yJGPyH
Kowatek Solar — https://www.Kowatek.com
Kowatek about — https://apo-opa.co/4ztyCP6
Company: https://www.Kowatek.com | https://apo-opa.co/4ztyCP6

Media contact:
Kowatek Solar LTD
Royalty Plaza, 261 DBS Road, Central Area, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria
Tel: +234 817 539 3233
Email: info@kowatek.com
Web: https://www.Kowatek.com

About Kowatek Solar:
Kowatek Solar LTD (www.Kowatek.com) designs and delivers premium solar, lithium storage and hybrid power systems for homes, estates, businesses, hotels, churches, schools and industrial sites. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Asaba, Delta State, with an international track in Canada, the company focuses on engineered systems that reduce diesel dependence and keep essential loads online. Learn more at https://www.Kowatek.com and https://apo-opa.co/4ztyCP6.

Source: APO

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President Subianto received President El-Sisi upon his arrival at the palace, where an official reception ceremony was held featuring the playing of the national anthems of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Indonesia, a 21-gun salute, and an inspection of the guard of honor. It also included taking a commemorative photo, and signing of the guestbook by the President.

The two presidents held a bilateral meeting that was followed by an expanded session that included delegations from the two countries. President El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for visiting the Republic of Indonesia, underscoring the importance of further developing the various aspects of the strategic partnership between the two countries. For his part, the Indonesian President welcomed the President’s visit and affirmed his country’s interest in advancing cooperation with Egypt across various fields and enhancing political consultation on regional and international issues.

After concluding the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of four memoranda of understanding between Egypt and Indonesia covering cooperation in maritime affairs and fisheries, statistical cooperation, a strategic partnership action plan, and visa waivers for holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports. They subsequently held a joint press conference.

With regard to the Nile River issue, the Indonesian President expressed regret over any violations of international law or attempts to infringe upon the water rights of nations, affirming his support for Egypt’s efforts to safeguard its water rights.
The Indonesian President also hosted a luncheon in honor of the President and his accompanying delegation.

In his remarks, President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt and Indonesia have embarked on a new chapter in their bilateral relations and that Egypt is committed to robust and effective cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The President expressed his appreciation for Indonesian President for the warm reception.

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

Source: APO

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 has officially kicked off with over 10,000 attendees convening in Cape Town for Africa’s biggest energy gathering of the year. Dubbed Africa’s premier dealmaking platform, the event has transitioned from a conference into a movement capable of reshaping the continent’s energy future. From government leaders and global energy majors to investors, financiers, national oil companies and technology providers, the industry has arrived in Cape Town to chart a new course for Africa’s energy development.

Technical Workshops Kick Off AEW Discussions

The AEW program has officially begun with the start of this year’s technical workshops. The 8th Meeting of the APPO NOCs CEOs’ Forum will bring African national oil companies together, while the Deal Room will give project sponsors and developers an opportunity to present active oil, gas, energy and infrastructure opportunities directly to investors and lenders.

The African Farmout Forum will showcase available acreage and farmout opportunities, while dedicated workshops and masterclasses will provide targeted engagement on markets, project finance and industry capacity. The Global Energy Leaders Forum will also put energy security, geopolitical realignment and investment at the center of discussions, examining how Africa can convert changing global energy flows into long-term contracts, final investment decisions and greater energy security.

Looking Ahead at AEW 2026

Over the coming days, AEW 2026 will explore opportunities emerging across the entire energy value chain in Africa. The AEW Townhall will bring governments and industry together around the strategic issues defining the continent’s energy future, while the Upstream E&P Forum will tackle licensing, exploration, drilling, M&A and production growth. The Energy Finance Forum, meanwhile, will put capital at the center of the conversation. The Energy Additions Forum will examine the infrastructure and resources required to expand reliable energy supply and support industrialization, while the Downstream & Petchem Forum will explore refining, fuels, petrochemicals and opportunities to capture more value from African resources.

A Global Conversation in Cape Town

Alongside its commercial program, AEW 2026 will convene some of the most consequential global energy discussions taking place this year. Targeted sessions include the OPEC-Africa Roundtable; the Russia-Africa Energy Investment Forum; and the Global Energy Leaders Forum. A series of roundtables will drill further into issues affecting project development. These include the Local Content Roundtable as well as ministerial and country-focused discussions that bring governments directly into conversations with investors and operators.

AEW will also expand beyond traditional energy discussions through two dedicated conferences. Renegade Intel will explore the convergence of energy, artificial intelligence, data centers and digital infrastructure, while Power Africa Today will tackle power-sector investment, transmission, storage, grid modernization and the reliable electricity supply required to support African industrialization.

Celebrating Music and Energy Progress

AEW 2026 goes beyond conference dialogue. The first day of the event will close with the Just Energy Transition Concert, the event’s official pre-conference networking icebreaker and cultural showcase. The African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner returns on Tuesday to celebrate the companies, projects and individuals helping drive the continent’s energy industry forward.

Technology and Innovation Take the Exhibition Floor

Running alongside the main conference, dedicated technical stages – The Drill Room and The Innovation Hub – will host specialized presentations on exploration, subsurface technologies, LNG, infrastructure, asset integrity and other operational challenges. The exhibition will serve as another commercial hub throughout the week, connecting operators, service companies, technology providers, governments and prospective partners.

“Ten thousand delegates have come to Cape Town because Africa is ready to move projects forward. AEW is Africa’s energy movement – where governments, investors and industry come together to turn resources into projects, projects into deals and deals into development. This week is about action, investment and building Africa’s energy future on African soil,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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The Liberia Professional Chefs Association (LIPCA), with support from the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), is set to represent Liberia at the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFest) in Banjul, The Gambia, from October 15 to 21, 2026.

The participation will provide an opportunity to showcase Liberian cuisine, cultural heritage and tourism potential to a regional and international audience.

Under the theme of showcasing Liberia’s flavours, people and potential, the association aims to highlight the country’s traditional dishes and the role of culinary arts in promoting tourism and supporting economic development.

The festival is expected to bring together participants from across West Africa to celebrate the region’s food traditions, cultural diversity and culinary creativity.

With support from the LNTA, LIPCA’s participation forms part of efforts to promote Liberia’s culinary identity and increase international recognition of local chefs and food-related businesses.

The association is expected to present traditional Liberian dishes and highlight how food contributes to the country’s cultural identity and tourism appeal.

The event will also provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and potential partnerships among chefs and other stakeholders in the hospitality and food industries.

Liberia’s participation comes as efforts continue to promote the country’s cultural heritage and tourism attractions as contributors to economic growth.

The festival is scheduled to run from October 15 to 21 in Banjul, The Gambia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Tourism, Liberia.

Source: APO

Empowering young women to pursue careers in aviation is essential to nurturing future talent, advancing innovation and breaking gender barriers in the aerospace industry.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) reinforced this vision through its participation in the second Girls in Aviation Airshow Africa, held at Northlands, Nairobi, on 10 October 2026.

Officers and Service Members drawn from the Kenya Air Force (KAF) and Kenya Army participated in the event, engaging aspiring aviators and showcasing opportunities within military aviation. The Kenya Air Force exhibition stand highlighted diverse career pathways, including piloting, aircraft engineering, air traffic control and aviation medicine.

A key highlight was an interactive panel featuring KDF pilots Major Sally Sabala, Major Catherine Ngaine and Major Nakel Aupe, alongside Zambian Air Force Pilots Major Thokozile Muwamba and Lieutenant Myriam Chibesa. Drawing from their professional journeys, the pilots shared experiences, challenges and achievements, inspiring young girls to pursue their ambitions with confidence, determination and resilience.

Founded five years ago by pilot Maseka Semo Kithinji, Girls in Aviation Africa champions women’s participation in aviation under the slogan “Painting the Skies Pink.” The initiative provides a platform for mentorship, career guidance and interaction between aviation professionals and aspiring young aviators.

KDF’s participation highlighted the importance of military–civilian collaboration in developing aviation talent, promoting STEM education and expanding opportunities for women in the aerospace sector.

Through such engagements, the Kenya Defence Forces continues to inspire a new generation of pilots, engineers and aviation professionals, reinforcing the message that talent, competence and determination—not gender—define excellence in aviation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

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On 10 October 2026, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is proud to launch South Africa’s first rewards programme for residents who make use of public healthcare. Starting as a long-term pilot in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, WOWRewards will test whether small rewards can help people build healthier habits and access preventative care earlier and more consistently.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, called on residents to make healthy choices count. “While rewards programmes are familiar to many private medical scheme members, the majority of South Africans rely on public healthcare. WOWRewards will explore how a rewards approach can support healthier choices for residents served by the public health system.”

“Prevention is better than cure, but making healthy choices is not always easy. Through WOWRewards, we want to give people a little extra encouragement to take steps that can make a lasting difference to their health,” said Minister Wenger.

The pilot is open to residents of Mitchells Plain who make use of public healthcare facilities and are 18 and older. The programme will be expanded to Knysna in early 2027. The aim for this pilot project is to enrol up to 2 000 active participants across the two locations to test its operation in both metro and rural settings.

Participants will be able to earn up to R100 worth of rewards every month for completing approved activities relevant to their circumstances. These include:

• Booking antenatal care before 20 weeks of pregnancy and attending scheduled visits.
• Taking part in approved community exercise sessions and recognised parkrun events.
• Participating in weight monitoring.
• Keeping children’s routine immunisations up to date.
• Collecting scheduled chronic medication parcels on time.
• Completing short learning modules on pregnancy and caring for a newborn.

Once an activity has been verified, the applicable reward will be issued through the Zlto digital platform. WOWRewards builds on the community networks of Western Cape on Wellness (WOW), working with Zlto and local partners to help residents register and participate.

Chief Operating Officer for the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, Dr Saadiq Kariem, added, “This excellent wellness initiative is aimed at driving healthy behaviour and food choices that people make. Research has shown that regular exercise combined with healthier eating habits significantly reduces the prevalence of chronic diseases in people, improves one’s mental well-being and reduces weight. All of which significantly improve one’s quality of life.”

“This is a pilot, and we will learn as we go. Over time, we want to understand whether these rewards help people build and sustain healthier habits. That evidence will guide how we improve the programme and whether it can be expanded,” said Minister Wenger.

By supporting small, consistent steps towards better health, WOWRewards aims to make prevention part of everyday life and help residents make their healthy choices count.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Office of the Premier.

Source: APO

The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers branch in the Southern Red Sea Region, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch, conducted a seminar on workplace safety for workers of the Marine Products Corporation of Eritrea in the port city of Assab on 8 October.

The experts who conducted the seminar provided briefings on workplace safety and health, occupational safety concepts, and labor management.

Mr. Husein Khalid, head of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers in the region, gave a detailed briefing on the rights and obligations of employers and workers in ensuring occupational safety and health. He also said that the objective of the seminar was to enhance employers’ understanding of labor administration and promote development through the formulation of workplace safety and health policies.

Mr. Ali Isa, manager of the Assab branch of the Marine Products Corporation of Eritrea, commended the efforts of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers and its partners. He called for the continuation of the program, noting its importance to employers and workers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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Today in Kuala Lumpur, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, at the Malaysian National Palace, Istana Negara.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the  King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received President El-Sisi upon his arrival at the palace. An official reception ceremony was held, which included the playing of the national anthems of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Malaysia, the inspection of the guard of honor, and a 21-gun salute fired by the artillery. The President then signed the palace’s guestbook before greeting the members of the Malaysian official delegation, as well as a group of Arab and African ambassadors who had been invited to attend the official reception. Commemorative photographs were also taken.

President El-Sisi expressed his pride in making a state visit to Malaysia, affirming his appreciation for the generous hospitality and warm reception. The President also praised the longstanding historical ties between Egypt and Malaysia.

For his part, the King of Malaysia welcomed President El-Sisi on his first visit to the country, emphasizing that the visit represents a strong boost to the enduring relations between the two countries. His Majesty also highlighted Malaysia’s keenness to advance bilateral cooperation with Egypt across various fields of mutual interest.

President El-Sisi underscored the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries in numerous areas of mutual interest and establishing a practical framework to foster cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors. The President also stressed the importance of intensifying political consultations between the two countries and coordinating their positions in multilateral forums on regional and international issues, as well as matters of concern to Islamic countries.

The President further praised the cultural and scientific cooperation between Egypt and Malaysia, particularly in light of the important role played by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Malaysia. President El-Sisi extended an invitation to the King of Malaysia to visit Egypt, which His Majesty expressed his appreciation for.

President El-Sisi outlined Egypt’s perspective regarding current regional and international developments, highlighting Egypt’s unwavering efforts aimed at de-escalating the current regional tensions.

The King of Malaysia commended the pivotal role played by Egypt, and by President El-Sisi personally, in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. He also expressed agreement with the President’s remarks regarding the importance of political coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues.

In the same context,President El-Sisi praised Malaysia’s major role through its historic support for the Palestinian cause, affirming that it remains the core issue in the Middle East.  The President stressed the necessity of a just and comprehensive settlement for the Palestinian cause, that guarantees the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and on the basis of the two-state solution.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, awarded President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the Order of Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara (Order of the Crown of the Realm), Malaysia’s highest order. This Order is the highest Malaysian federal honor awarded to foreign heads of state, royalty, and most distinguished figures. This prestigious honor underscores the exceptional and longstanding ties between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Malaysia and reflects the high esteem in which the King of Malaysia holds President El-Sisi.

The King of Malaysia hosted a luncheon in honor of President El-Sisi and the delegation accompanying him.

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