Category: Africa

Source: APO

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The Director General of the Customs and Tariff Bureau at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, Mr. Teraoka Mitsuhiro has reaffirmed Japan commitment to support the East African Community (EAC) in harnessing technology to strengthen trade facilitation and integration across the region.

This follows a high-level meeting between the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Hon. Annette Ssemuwemba, and the Director General of the Customs and Tariff Bureau at the Ministry of Finance of Japan, held in Tokyo on the sidelines of Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD 9)

During the bilateral discussions, both parties explored avenues for deepening cooperation in customs modernization, digital trade facilitation, capacity building, and the application of cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and transparency in cross-border trade.

Hon. Ssemuwemba welcomed Japan’s continued support and underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in realizing EAC’s goal of becoming a fully integrated and competitive region.

“The integration of digital solutions into trade processes is no longer optional—it is imperative for unlocking the full potential of intra-regional and international trade. Japan’s partnership will go a long way in advancing our customs and trade digitalization agenda,” She said.

On his part, Mr. Mitsuhiro commended the EAC for the significant strides made in regional integration and assured continued Japanese support to EAC programs, particularly in areas aligned with Japan’s trade facilitation priorities and international cooperation efforts.

The meeting builds on the long-standing cooperation between Japan and the EAC and aligns with Japan’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and connectivity in Africa through innovative and inclusive approaches.

The meeting further underscored the importance of collaboration between Africa and development partners in advancing shared goals under the TICAD framework, particularly in the areas of trade, infrastructure, and digital innovation.

TICAD 9 brought together African leaders, development partners, and international organizations to discuss inclusive growth, sustainable development, and partnership opportunities for Africa’s future. The EAC’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that advance its integration agenda.

Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has actively supported the EAC in customs, trade and infrastructure projects through a series of technical cooperation and grant-aid projects since 2007.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

Source: APO

President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Singapore this afternoon (morning in Ghana) for a three-day State Visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and advancing partnerships in education, science and innovation, urban solutions, agribusiness, and the digital economy.

During the visit, President Mahama will hold bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and the Prime Minister, The Hon. Lawrence Wong. He will also deliver the keynote address at the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) and headline a Ghana country-specific Investment and Business Forum, convening public- and private-sector leaders to unlock new opportunities between Ghana and Singapore.

Speaking on arrival, President Mahama said: *“Ghana and Singapore share a forward-looking outlook anchored in innovation, skills, and enterprise. This visit will translate our shared values into practical cooperation—bringing Singaporean investment and know-how into Ghana’s priority sectors while opening new pathways for Ghanaian businesses across Southeast Asia.”*

The president is accompanied by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs; Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Advisor and Special Aide to the President; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (MP), Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; and Haruna Iddrisu (MP), Minister for Education.

Also part of the delegation are Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications; Simon Madjie, Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; and Francis Kwarteng Arthur, Chief Executive of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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The Presiding Officers of Parliament have learned with sadness the passing of the former Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and one of the first generation of Members of the democratic Parliament, Mr Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu.

Mr Mahlangu, fondly known to many as “MJ”, leaves behind a towering legacy of political activism, exemplary parliamentary leadership, and diplomatic service to the nation.

Born on 8 October 1952 in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, Mr Mahlangu was part of a generation of leaders whose political activism and courage helped lay the foundations of South Africa’s democratic breakthrough. He was involved in the historic multiparty negotiations that paved the way for South Africa’s transition to democracy, where he contributed meaningfully to shaping the democratic order and laying the foundations for the democratic Constitution.

Following the historic 1994 elections, Mr Mahlangu was elected to the first democratic Parliament in the National Assembly. He served as a member of the Constitutional Assembly, where he formed part of the collective that drafted South Africa’s internationally acclaimed Constitution, which remains the bedrock of our democracy.

Mr Mahlangu later transitioned to the National Council of Provinces, where he was elected as its Permanent Deputy Chairperson and subsequently rose to serve as Chairperson of the NCOP. In these roles, he provided steady guidance and strengthened the constitutional mandate of the NCOP as the chamber, ensuring that the voice of provinces is heard within the national sphere of governance.

Said the Presiding Officers: “Throughout his tenure, ‘MJ’ distinguished himself as a champion of cooperative governance, intergovernmental relations, and the representation of provinces in national decision-making. His ability to build consensus, his humility in leadership, and his deep belief in participatory democracy left an indelible mark on the institution of Parliament.”

Beyond his service in Parliament, Mr Mahlangu continued to represent South Africa with distinction on the global stage. He served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States of America, later as High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). In these roles, he carried forward the values and principles that guided his service in Parliament, embodying the highest ideals of South Africa’s democracy. With dignity, wisdom, and patriotism, he projected the nation’s voice abroad and stood as a true representative of the South African people in the community of nations.

The Presiding Officers of Parliament pay tribute to Mr Mahlangu as a leader who exemplified dedication, integrity, and patriotism. His life’s work embodies the ethos of servant leadership and devotion to the democratic project.

Parliament extends deepest condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and colleagues.

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

Source: APO

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Infrastructure and supply chain services firm Dorman Long Engineering will participate at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a Silver Partner – reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading engineering firms and a key proponent of technology transfer and local workforce development.

In March of this year, the company signed an MoU with the Nigerian Society of Engineers to strengthen professional development and training, including structured programs for student members and a one-year graduate scheme with stipends to boost employability and bridge industry skills gaps.

At AEW 2024, Dorman Long Engineering secured a landmark $10-million revolving trade finance facility from pan-African finance institution Afreximbank to expand operations and service delivery. The facility was signed by Peter Olowononi, Head of Client Relations for Anglophone West Africa, Afreximbank, and Dr. Timi Austen-Peters, Chairman, Dorman Long Engineering.

The company’s recent initiatives align with Nigeria’s local content agenda, focusing on domestication of engineering works, training of local talent and sourcing of materials for major projects. These efforts aim to strengthen in-country capacity, create sustainable jobs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s engineering sector.

In recent years, Dorman Long Engineering has expanded its fabrication, construction and maintenance capabilities to support large-scale infrastructure projects across Nigeria and West Africa. Leveraging strategic facilities in Lagos and Port Harcourt, the company delivers turnkey solutions that integrate engineering, design, procurement, fabrication and installation – enabling faster delivery, cost efficiency and knowledge transfer to the local workforce.

“By combining infrastructure investment with targeted skills development, Dorman Long Engineering is helping to shape an engineering sector that is more resilient, self-reliant and competitive on a global scale. Their work demonstrates how strategic partnerships and local content initiatives can drive lasting economic and industrial growth,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Source: APO

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UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday called on Egyptian authorities to put an end to a practice that allows Government critics to be held arbitrarily and for prolonged periods, even after serving their sentences or completing maximum pretrial detention.

Human rights defenders, activists, lawyers, journalists, peaceful protesters and political opponents have been targeted by this strategy, which has come to be known as “rotation”. The practice entails the authorities bringing new charges against individuals when they are about to complete their prison sentences or as they reach the maximum legal period of pretrial detention, thus preventing their release. These fresh charges, often under counter-terrorism laws, are usually similar to those for which they had already been charged or convicted, and often lack substantive foundation.

The latest case concerns poet Galal El-Behairy, who was arbitrarily detained after completing a prison term on 31 July 2021 for writing songs and poetry critical of the Government. Since then, he has faced similar charges in two different cases under the counter-terrorism law and the penal code. The latest charges were brought against him on 19 August 2025, when El-Behairy was questioned by the Supreme State Security Prosecution, extending his detention for at least 15 more days.

“The Egyptian Government must immediately stop this practice of ‘rotation’ and release all those who have been subjected to it,” Türk said. “It appears to be used to circumvent the rights of individuals to liberty, due process and equality before the law.

“Most of those targeted by ‘rotation’ should not have been detained or jailed in the first place – the charges brought against them are often related to the exercise of their legitimate rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the High Commissioner added. “This practice has become a tool by which the Egyptian Government represses those perceived to be critical of, or in opposition to, its policies.”

The UN Human Rights Office is closely following a number of cases of “rotation”. Indications are that the practice is widely used in cases of politically motivated charges. The lack of transparency in such cases, however, makes it difficult to assess the full scale of the problem.

In addition to El-Behairy’s case, this practice has been used in the case of writer and activist Alaa Abdel Fattah; lawyer and former member of the National Council for Human Rights, Hoda Abdel-Monei; lawyer and coordinator of the Association of the Families of the Forcibly Disappeared, Ebrahim Metwally Hegazy; and political activist and former spokesperson for the 6th of April Youth Movement, Mohammad Adel Fahmy Ali. All of them remain in arbitrary detention.

“All those arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental freedoms or defending human rights must be released immediately,” Türk said. “It is crucial that Egyptian authorities ensure that legal processes and, in particular, the application of counter-terrorism or other criminal laws, are never used to punish people for exercising their basic human rights.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO

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Nigerian independent oil and gas producer Heirs Energies has confirmed its participation as a Bronze Partner at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. The partnership comes as the company pursues ambitious growth plans, including doubling its oil output by 2030 and expanding its footprint across Africa.

Operator of OML 17 in Nigeria, Heirs Energies has already doubled production from 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 50,000 bpd since acquiring the asset from Shell in 2021. The company aims to further scale production to 110,000 bpd within the next five years, supported by additional drilling, well reactivations and infrastructure upgrades.

Beyond Nigeria, Heirs Energies is leveraging its operational expertise to pursue new opportunities across the continent. The company combines responsible operations with innovative production strategies to enhance efficiency, foster community development and advance sustainable energy outcomes.

In line with its commitment to local content development, Heirs Energies recently launched a merit-based scholarship program for youth in the host communities of OML 17. Managed through the OML Host Communities Development Trust – the largest in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector – the initiative provides educational opportunities for eligible candidates, contributing to long-term socioeconomic growth in the region.

“Heirs Energies’ rapid growth and commitment to community development demonstrate how African energy companies can drive both economic progress and social impact. By investing in local talent and expanding across the continent, they are setting a benchmark for sustainable, responsible energy development,” said Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.

At AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, Heirs Energies will engage with investors, policymakers and industry leaders to showcase its growth strategy, highlight new opportunities in Nigeria and across Africa, and reinforce its commitment to sustainable, community-driven energy development through its partnership with the event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.