Category: Africa

Source: APO

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The World Bank announced today the opening of a new regional hub in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to serve the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) region. The Riyadh hub will be co-located with the World Bank Group’s Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional office.

The Riyadh Hub brings the World Bank’s leadership closer to country teams, clients and regional partners. The MENAAP’s regional Vice President and regional practice directors have relocated to Riyadh, marking a new chapter in the World Bank’s operational footprint.

“Riyadh is not only a gateway to the region’s transformation, but also a powerful platform for global knowledge exchange and policy innovation,” said Ousmane Dione, Vice President for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. “It is especially meaningful to mark this relocation on Saudi National Day, a moment that celebrates the Kingdom’s transformation and its growing role as a global convener of development knowledge.”

This milestone aligns with the 50th anniversary of technical cooperation between the World Bank and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over the past five decades, the Bank has supported major reforms in key sectors through advisory services, technical assistance, and capacity development.

Recently, the World Bank Group and Saudi Arabia launched a new global Knowledge Hub (K-Hub) in Riyadh to facilitate regional and global knowledge exchange, joint research, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing global development impact.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Source: APO

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President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has welcomed the signing of four Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) between the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) and Atlas/Oranto Petroleum, granting exploratory rights over offshore blocks LB-15, LB-16, LB-22, and LB-24.

The signing ceremony took place in Paris, France.

The contracts, which include a signature bonus of US$12 million and an estimated investment value of US$200 million per block, represent an important step in reviving Liberia’s oil and gas sector after more than a decade of limited activity. They follow a recent agreement with TotalEnergies and further demonstrate Liberia’s readiness to responsibly engage credible investors.

“Our goal is to ensure that Liberia’s resources are managed with transparency and responsibility. These contracts will be implemented with strict standards of environmental protection, strong local participation, and clear accountability so that Liberians benefit directly from the opportunities created.” The President said.

Atlas/Oranto, a privately held African oil group founded in 1991, operates in several African countries. In Liberia, the company’s activities will be guided strictly by national laws and oversight to guarantee responsible exploration.

The Government of Liberia, through the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), expressed appreciation to TGS, its long-standing geophysical and geological partner, for nearly 25 years of support in promoting Liberia’s offshore potential.

President Boakai also commended the efforts of the Liberian negotiating team, led by the LPRA, and with the participation of:

• Hon. Fabian Michael Lai, President & CEO of NOCAL
• Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning
• Hon. Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice

As required by law, the four PSCs will now be forwarded to the National Legislature for ratification. Once approved and signed by the President, they are expected to boost investment in Liberia’s energy sector, create jobs, and contribute to the long-term goals of President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for national growth and development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.

Source: APO

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His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York in the United States of America to lead a South African delegation during High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

The high-level segment will take place from 23 to 29 September 2025 under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.

The President will on Monday, 22 September 2025 participate in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened and co-chaired by His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH, Faisal bin Al Saud.  The meeting will reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and seek to mobilize support for its implementation.

In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, the President will address the General Debate on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20.

These segments provides an opportunity for the President to engage on urgent international issues, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions. South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord.

On Wednesday 24 September 2025, President Ramaphosa will also participate in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaired by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

The forum provides an opportunity for leaders to assess progress, and advance practical solutions to mobilise global resources and strengthen global economic governance in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In his capacity as the Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights: A call to action for Peace, Security and Sustainable Development.  The meeting will be co-chaired by His Excellency Boko Duma of the Republic of Botswana and Rt. Hon. Ms Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH).

The High-Level meeting presents a powerful opportunity for global advocacy, agenda setting, and cross-sectoral engagement at the highest level of Heads of State and Government to elevate women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as a foundation for peace, security, and sustainable developments.

The President will also participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action to be convened and co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

This event brings together Heads of State and Government, business and civil society, to drive action across mitigation, adaptation, finances and information integrity and other critical matters, in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities.

In reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as strategic economic partner focusing on trade relations, investment, and collaboration, the President will on the margins of UNGA engage with the private sector during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The President will also meet with several leading US Companies as part of the investment drive.

The United States has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among country’s top five export destinations accounting for 7.5% of our global exports. The US also features as one the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment

On Thursday, 25 September 2025, The President will lead the High level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.  G20 plays a pivotal role in contributing to UN efforts aimed at creating an economically prosperous world that contributes towards lasting global peace

President will also hold bilateral talks with Heads of State and Government attending the UNGA High-Level week.

The President is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau; the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga; the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George; the Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa; Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Mondli Gungubele.

UNGA80 High-Level schedule and clean feed available on https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm compliments to South Africa’s Jewish community for the celebration of Rosh Hashanah (New Year).

President Ramaphosa said: “I wish our Jewish community Shanah Tova as you spend this time in prayer for forgiveness and in celebration of a fresh start in all areas of life.

“We are blessed as a nation that Rosh Hashanah 2025 takes place in the week in which we observe Heritage Day, as the Jewish community and Judaism are an integral and valued part of our cultural and religious diversity.

“This time of prayer is a time for reflection on suffering and conflict unfolding in different parts of the world, and for recommitting ourselves to tolerance, peace and justice.

“May the year ahead be filled with good health, safety and prosperity.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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Following the declaration of Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola is stepping up disease surveillance, prevention and preparedness measures especially in the country’s Lunda Norte province which borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A multidisciplinary team with experts from the National Directorate of Public Health, the National Institute for Health Research, World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), visited  Tchissanda, Fortuna and Nachire border crossings in Lunda Norte to assess and help implement preparedness measures by  local health authorities, as well as raise awareness among  communities about Ebola, its symptoms, early reporting of suspected cases and how to stay safe.

The team provided training on key areas such as the Ebola virus disease identification, infection prevention and control, active case finding, diseases surveillance in communities and at points of entry, sample collection and transportation, as well as risk communication, including strategies to address mis- or disinformation.

In total, 140 officials, including health professionals, community mobilizers, police officers and border authorities, took part in the trainings.

“The Ministry of Health’s priority is to guarantee early detection, appropriate case management, and above all, the protection of both our communities and the health workers in the frontline” says Dr Eusébio Manuel, Head of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiological Surveillance at Angola’s Ministry of Health. “We are firmly committed to strengthening Angola’s preparedness against Ebola.”

In addition, more than 150 traditional and religious leaders, midwives, hunters and traditional healers from five municipalities of Luanda Norte took part in the preparedness activities that also aimed to build community trust and align local response with the municipal outbreak preparedness and action plans to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

“Preparing now means saving lives later. Every trained official and every informed community increases Angola’s capacity to respond effectively if the virus crosses the border,” says Dr Noémia Silva, WHO surveillance and immunization officer in Lunda Norte province.

WHO assesses the overall public health risk posed by the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level and low at the global level. WHO is working with the national authorities in 10 priority countries neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo to initiate readiness assessments and contingency planning.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

Source: APO

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Artificial intelligence, quantum computing and neurotechnology are rapidly transforming our environment, redefining industries, society and human experience itself.

In this period of great potential and great risks, there is an urgent need for increased international collaboration and meaningful debate. The world also needs a new type of leadership, one able to anticipate future challenges and opportunities, and therefore transform disruption into a force for constructive change.

In this context, the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), through the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) platform and in collaboration with the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), is hosting the Anticipatory Leadership Week (ALW) as a G20 side event from 18 to 22 September 2025.

The SDCfA, an initiative of the DSTI and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is a platform that fosters international collaboration in science, technology and innovation (STI) to address Africa’s pressing societal challenges and contribute meaningfully to global development.

The Anticipatory Leadership Week is focused on equipping policy and decision-makers with skills related to anticipating the impact of disruptive technologies on societies. Held as a side event to the G20 Research and Innovation Working Group and G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meetings, the five-day ALW currently under way in Pretoria.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening on 19 September 2025, the Director-General of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Mlungisi Cele, said that the gathering reflected South Africa’s commitment to positioning STI as central drivers of sustainable development, both nationally and globally.

“South Africa’s G20 Presidency is a crucial moment for the country and the African continent. The 2025 theme for the Research and Innovation Working Group, namely, ‘Science, technology and innovation for solidarity, equality and sustainability’, aims to address critical global challenges, with a strong focus on Africa’s development”, he said.

Cele spoke of the growing importance of global cooperation to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, food security, health and energy. He noted that new technological frontiers, including artificial intelligence, called for collaborative approaches that anticipated both opportunities and challenges.

“Given the emerging global challenges that we face, there is a key role for international cooperation in providing innovative solutions. More than ever, the focus is not only on how we use these for the global good, but also on the opportunities to work together to anticipate evolving opportunities and challenges,” he stated.

The event also emphasised Africa’s science and innovation priorities, aligning with the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2034.

According to the Cele, the discussions at the ALW are designed to bridge local perspectives with global conversations shaping the impact of technology on societies.

“Science knows no borders, providing key platforms for initiatives and cooperation that transcend boundaries. The diversity of participants reflects the importance of science and technology across sectors and regions,” he added.

The Deputy Director-General: International Cooperation Resources at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Daan du Toit, presented South Africa’s latest STI policy updates and highlighted findings from the latest national survey on research and experimental development, which showed research and development spending at 0,62% of GDP and progress in the transformation of participation, with 47% of researchers being women.

He outlined the government’s STI priorities under the 7th administration, namely, inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and building a capable developmental state. He noted that the STI Decadal Plan (2022-2032) provided the framework for achieving this vision. There was a strong focus on transforming the national system of innovation (NSI), ensuring that it was responsive to South Africa’s needs, as well as on improving governance, coordination and collaboration in order to increase investment in a difficult economic environment.

When referring to the recommendations of the NSI Transformation Summit held in March 2025, Du Toit noted the priority intervention areas for transformation – fostering a new cultural mindset and reshaping the way knowledge is produced, anticipating and harnessing disruptive technologies, focusing its efforts on advancing African and Global South agendas, and remaining responsive to shifting geopolitical dynamics.

He said that internationalisation and science diplomacy were regarded as essential enablers of South Africa’s STI agenda and global problem solving, particularly in advancing African and Global South priorities.

Dr Ndumiso Cingo, Strategic Partnerships Manager at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, said that the ALW would encourage the kind of thinking that made it possible to address some of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

Prof. Michael Otmar Hengartner, Chair of the GESDA Academic Forum and Board President of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology (ETH), spoke about GESDA’s Science Breakthrough Radar®, which provides an overview of science trends and breakthrough predictions in 42 science and technology emerging topics. He also looked at how the ALW enabled GESDA and others to identify current opportunities for action.

The Science Breakthrough Radar® asks leading scientists how they envisage the future of their field in five, 10 and 25 years. Hengartner indicated that “2 300 scientists from 87 countries have contributed to the Radar since its inception in 2021”.

He also talked about the role of science diplomacy in a changing geopolitical context and said science and technology advances were accelerating, with transformative impacts on people, society and the planet. He indicated that he considered science and technology as inherent drivers of geopolitics.

Talking about the ALW, Hengartner said that anticipatory leadership training would, among other things, expand the role of stakeholders in science diplomacy. In a shifting and multipolar geopolitical scenario, it could serve as a bridge for engagement when other forms of multilateral cooperation were not possible.

The event, which brought participants from government, academia, diplomacy, and industry, has allowed South Africa to contribute to the Global Curriculum for Anticipatory Leadership, a GESDA initiative aimed at designing a new paradigm for leadership training.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources will, from today, conduct an oversight visit to Alexkor in Alexander Bay in the Northern Cape.

This oversight visit aims to address problems surrounding the Richtersveld Cedar Hub Land Claim, which has significant implications for the Richtersveld community and the restoration of land rights lost due to historical diamond mining activities in the region. The Richtersveld Cedar Hub Land Claim, one of the largest in South Africa’s history, has resulted in the community regaining approximately 195 000 hectares of land. This includes a share in the Richtersveld National Park and a 49% stake in a diamond-mining joint venture with Alexkor, alongside development funding for housing.

A vital aspect of the settlement was the establishment of the Richtersveld Community Property Association (CPA) to manage community assets, alongside two trusts and various subsidiaries. Over a decade since the settlement, several requirements outlined in the deed remain unfulfilled, prompting the need for this oversight visit.

Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mpho Modise, said previous engagements and oversight by the National Council of Provinces and the National Assembly committees have identified outstanding actions required from government departments and local authorities.

Mr Modise said the reports highlight challenges faced by the local municipality regarding service delivery in the former mining town of Alexander Bay. Issues include:

– Dysfunctionality within the CPA
– Delays in electricity service connections in Alexander Bay
– Operational challenges for agricultural businesses transferred to the CPA
– Unsatisfactory environmental rehabilitation of mined areas falling within the settlement of Alexander Bay or on land returned to the members of the CPA.

During the 7th parliamentary term, the committee has been approached by various stakeholders to resolve ongoing issues with the mining joint venture and to assist the CPA in securing the final transfer of funds owed by Alexkor for payment of the long-standing rental agreement.

During the week-long oversight, the committee will convene meetings with all relevant stakeholders to establish a timeline for completing outstanding actions. Where timelines are lacking and previous provincial task teams have set deadlines, the committee will engage responsible parties to understand the challenges affecting the implementation of the deed settlement.

Attached please find the programme of the oversight https://tinyurl.com/7mzuj4jy

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.