Category: Africa

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Have your say on the gazetted BELA Act regulations

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Government has officially gazetted the first two sets of regulations under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA Act) 2024, for public comment.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments by 5 September 2025. 

The regulations focus on key provisions of the South African Schools Act relating to school capacity and school admissions. 

The gazetted regulations aim to ensure that the BELA Act, which came into effect on 24 December 2024, is implemented in a way that protects learners’ rights and improves school functionality.

Additional regulations will be released for public comment as soon as they are finalised, legally vetted and approved. 

The gazetting of the regulations offers education stakeholders and the public an important opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the future of basic education.

The draft regulations can be accessed on the Department of Basic Education’s website https://www.education.gov.za and in Government Gazette Nos. 53119 and 53120 of 6 August 2025. 

To submit your comment, you can visit: https://www.education.gov.za/Resources/Legislation/CallforComments.aspx. – SAnews.gov.za

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High-level delegation attends 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Japan leading South Africa’s high-level delegation at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD9) in Yokohama City.

President Ramaphosa, who arrived in Japan on Tuesday, will participate in the TICAD9 Summit from 20 – 22 August 2025 under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions with Africa”. 

The summit is underpinned by three Plenary Sessions, which illustrate established areas of cooperation between the African Union and Japan, namely: Society: Realizing a Sustainable Future; Economy: Promoting Trade and Investment; and Peace and stability: Ensuring Human Dignity and Human Security.

In a statement, the Presidency said the 9th TICAD Summit takes place at a time of unprecedented threats to global peace and security, ongoing conflicts in some regions of the world, distortions and disruption to global trade and a concerning revision by some states to unilateral action at a time when multilateralism and collective solutions to common challenges is crucial.

The Presidency highlighted that rising fuel, food and energy prices have severely impacted developing countries, entrenching poverty and fuelling higher levels of inequality in the face of constrained employment and job opportunities. 

“The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens. 

“The AU discussions with the government of Japan under the auspices of TICAD presents an opportunity for the two sides to engage in discussions that seek to foster collective solutions to these challenges,” the Presidency said. 

South Africa, as a Member State of the AU, will prioritise support from the government of Japan for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, especially in the priority areas of infrastructure development, peace and security, and health.  

“President Ramaphosa will advance South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and pursue bilateral economic engagements with the government of Japan with a view to strengthening trade and investment ties between South Africa and Japan,” the Presidency said. 

The year 2025 marks 115 years of relations between South Africa and Japan. 

The two countries enjoy well-established bilateral relations within the framework of the Partnership Forum held at a ministerial level and maintain strong cooperation in the fields of trade and investment; science and technology; education; skills transfer and capacity building through development cooperation. Bilateral trade between Japan and South Africa had been expanding since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992. 

Japan is one of the major investors (over R90 billion) in the South African economy, with 260 Japanese companies, sustaining over 150 000 local jobs. 

Japan is the 4th largest economy in the world, and total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 was R132 billion, with South Africa recording a trade surplus of R52 billion. 

“President Ramaphosa will engage with leading captains of Japanese industry and business. 

“Japan is one of South Africa’s major economic partners with sizeable investments in the South African economy, and the potential for further investments exists. A South African high level business delegation is also participating at the TICAD9,” the Presidency said. 

Also, at the margins of TICAD9 in his capacity as the chair of the Global Leader’s Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address to parliamentarians, business and developmental agencies on the importance of increasing investments into women’s, children’s and adolescents health as an imperative for peace and security. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

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N West Premier to launch Phase 5 of Service Delivery Programme in Ditsobotla Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi will reaffirm the provincial government’s commitment to improving service delivery by leading the rollout of Phase 5 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme –Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded. 

This event will take place on Friday, 22 August 2025, at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

The provincial department said this phase marks a strategic continuation of the provincial government’s efforts to bring integrated services closer to the people, address long-standing service delivery challenges, and strengthen public participation in governance issues. 

During Phase 5, efforts will be strengthened to provide water and sanitation infrastructure, upgrade sewer networks, maintain roads, clear illegal dumping sites, combat crime and create jobs. 

These initiatives will target and prioritise specific local municipalities, including Ditsobotla, JB Marks, City of Matlosana, Tswaing, Madibeng, Kagisano-Molopo, Ramotshere Moiloa, Moses Kotane, Rustenburg, and Mahikeng.

Government departments, State-owned entities and the private sector will converge at Itsoseng Community Hall, where on-the-spot services will be provided and a community feedback session held. 

Central to this service delivery-oriented programme will be the handing over of community facilities, including a community hall at Springbokpan village, a sports facility at Itekeng township in Biesiesvlei, a community hall at Tlhabologang in Coligny, and a new cemetery site at Itsoseng. 

Included in the day’s activities is a planned oversight visit and inspection of a brick-making plant and facility in Itsoseng. 

This flagship facility was established by the Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR) during the 2014/15 financial year. At that time, it provided job opportunities for beneficiaries of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). 

However, operations were halted more than three years ago due to various challenges.

As an intervention strategy, the department has plans to resuscitate all brick-making plants across the province to make them sustainable, and to create job opportunities and skills. 

In addition, more than 4 000 paving bricks, which are on-site and produced by EPWP beneficiaries, will be donated to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality for use in any of their paving projects planned on access roads to service delivery points and streets. 

An inspection of a special maintenance project on road D40 – from Thusong to Itsoseng – will also be conducted on the day. 

Some of the standard features of Thuntsha Lerole that will take place during the day include the installation of high-mast lights, mass registration of qualifying citizens for free basic services, clearing illegal dumping sites, law enforcement activities, distribution of agricultural packages to a community agricultural project and a local school, provision of integrated primary health care services, and distribution of sanitary towels to identified local schools. – SAnews.gov.za

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Resoluções do Congresso da União Católica Africana de Imprensa (UCAP) sobre “Equilibrar o Progresso Tecnológico e a Preservação dos Valores Humanos na Era da Inteligência Artificial”

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A União Católica Africana de Imprensa (UCAP) convocou o seu Congresso Continental Trienal em Acra, no Gana, de 10 a 17 de agosto de 2025, reunindo mais de 100 jornalistas católicos, professores, criadores de conteúdos e outros profissionais dos meios de comunicação social de mais de 20 países, entre os quais 19 países africanos. O Congresso centrou-se no tema “Equilíbrio entre o progresso tecnológico e a preservação dos valores humanos na era da Inteligência Artificial (IA)“.

Baixar Documento: https://apo-opa.co/4fHFXSl

O encontro proporcionou uma plataforma para os participantes deliberarem sobre os desafios éticos e as oportunidades apresentadas pela Inteligência Artificial (IA) e explorarem formas de os jornalistas católicos poderem salvaguardar a dignidade e os valores humanos, ao mesmo tempo que abraçam a inovação tecnológica.

No final deste Congresso, os participantes propõem as seguintes Resoluções e Recomendações.

  1. Resoluções

1.1. Resolução 1: Sobre a Salvaguarda da Dignidade Humana na Era da Inteligência Artificial

A UCAP afirma a primazia da dignidade humana sobre o avanço tecnológico e compromete os jornalistas católicos em África a promover práticas mediáticas que defendam a verdade, a integridade e as relações humanas autênticas.

1.2. Resolução 2: Sobre o uso ético da inteligência artificial nos media

A UCAP apela às instituições africanas dos meios de comunicação social para que estabeleçam diretrizes éticas para a utilização da IA no jornalismo, assegurando que a tecnologia serve a pessoa humana e o bem comum, e rejeitando qualquer forma de manipulação, desinformação ou desinformação.

1.3. Resolução 3: Reforço da formação e do ensino dos meios de comunicação social

A UCAP compromete-se a melhorar a formação profissional dos profissionais dos meios de comunicação social em África, integrando módulos sobre IA, literacia digital e ensino social católico nos programas de formação, bem como na educação para os meios de comunicação social.

1.4. Resolução 4: Sobre a Colaboração com a Igreja e a Sociedade Civil

A UCAP deve colaborar com as Conferências Episcopais, as universidades, os decisores políticos e a sociedade civil para desenvolver quadros que equilibrem a inovação tecnológica com a responsabilidade moral.

1.5. Resolução 5: Sobre a promoção de uma nova ética da comunicação

Os membros da UCAP trabalham ativamente para fomentar uma cultura de paz, reconciliação e fraternidade, dando voz aos que não têm voz e promovendo uma comunicação que salvaguarde a verdade, a liberdade, a justiça e a solidariedade.

  1. Recomendações

2.1. Aos Governos e Decisores Políticos:

Regulamentar o uso da IA para evitar a erosão da verdade, a manipulação das consciências e a invasão da privacidade.

Investir em infra-estruturas digitais e quadros éticos que protejam a dignidade humana e apoiem a inovação.

2.2. Para organizações de mídia:

Adotar políticas editoriais que garantam que as ferramentas de IA não substituem o julgamento, a consciência ou a responsabilidade humana.

Estabelecer mecanismos de verificação de factos e promover a transparência na utilização de conteúdos gerados por IA.

2.3. Aos profissionais católicos dos media:

Comprometer-se com a formação profissional contínua em tecnologia, ética e comunicação, inspirada no ensino social católico.

Servir como “missionários da paz e da reconciliação”, resistindo à desinformação e promovendo a integridade no jornalismo.

Popularizar o documento final do Sínodo sobre a sinodalidade entre os profissionais dos media e assegurar a sua correta compreensão nas diferentes línguas, de acordo com as comunidades e os países.

2.4. À Igreja em África:

Continuar a orientar e a apoiar os comunicadores católicos no discernimento dos desafios éticos colocados pela IA.

Encorajar as dioceses e as instituições católicas a investir na educação para os media que forme os jornalistas na verdade, na responsabilidade e no serviço ao bem comum.

2.5. À UCAP como União:

Desenvolver uma carta continental sobre “IA e Jornalismo Ético” como referência para os membros.

Organizar workshops, programas de intercâmbio e iniciativas de investigação sobre a intersecção da fé, dos media e da inteligência artificial.

O Comitê Executivo da UCAP deve levar em consideração os pontos de emendas discutidos na Assembléia Geral sobre os Estatutos, bem como promover e auxiliar os Capítulos, Regiões e a Cooperação da UCAP para administrar o Departamento de Jornalismo da SIGNIS África.

  1. Agradecimento

Nós, União Católica Africana da Imprensa (UCAP), temos o prazer de apresentar este voto de agradecimento na Cerimónia de Encerramento do nosso Congresso aqui no GIMPA, Legon, Accra (Gana).

Antes de mais, damos graças a Deus Todo-Poderoso, fonte de toda a sabedoria e inspiração, que tornou possível este encontro.

Expressamos a nossa mais profunda gratidão a Sua Excelência o Arcebispo Julien Kaboré, por ter agraciado esta ocasião com a sua presença e pela sua mensagem profundamente inspiradora. As suas reflexões recordaram-nos que, embora a Inteligência Artificial deslumbre com a velocidade e a inovação, é apenas o coração humano – aberto a Deus, à verdade e ao amor – que a pode guiar corretamente.

O nosso sincero apreço vai para o Presidente da Conferência dos Bispos Católicos do Gana, o Bispo Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. As suas palavras recordaram-nos com força que os meios de comunicação social não são apenas um instrumento técnico, mas uma realidade moral, à qual foi confiada a nobre tarefa de defender a verdade, promover a unidade e proteger a dignidade de cada pessoa humana.

A nossa gratidão ao Prefeito do Dicastério para a Comunicação, Cidade do Vaticano, Dr. Paolo Ruffini, representado por D. Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo, pela sua Mensagem de Solidariedade a este Congresso da UCAP.

Aos nossos ilustres convidados, parceiros e especialistas de várias áreas, estamos verdadeiramente gratos pela vossa presença e contribuições. Os vossos conhecimentos ajudar-nos-ão a enfrentar os desafios prementes na intersecção da tecnologia, da ética e da fé.

Agradecemos também ao Presidente da UCAP, Charles Ayetan, aos Co-Presidentes do Comité de Planeamento, Victoria Lugey e Ben Assorow, e aos membros do Comité de Planeamento pela sua liderança e empenho. Através da vossa orientação, este Congresso continua a ser um espaço de aprendizagem, discernimento e comunhão para os jornalistas católicos de toda a África.

Finalmente, a todos os participantes – jornalistas, conferencistas e amigos da UCAP de toda a África e não só – obrigado pelo vosso empenho na verdade e ao serviço da humanidade. A vossa presença aqui é um testemunho de que os meios de comunicação católicos e os profissionais dos meios de comunicação católicos continuam a ser um farol de luz, defendendo a dignidade humana na era digital.

Ao embarcarmos neste diá. e nesta reflexão, possamos ser fortalecidos na nossa missão de equilibrar o progresso tecnológico com os valores intemporais do Evangelho e de sermos artesãos da paz, da verdade e da reconciliação no nosso amado continente.

Obrigado, e que Deus vos abençoe a todos.

Participantes do Congresso da UCAP,

Accra (Gana), 17de agosto 2025.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contato:
Charles Ayetan,
Presidente da UCAP
+228 9980 2198
+233 53 928 5744
ucap.official@gmail.com

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Resolutions of African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) Congress on “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

Source: APO – Report:

The African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP) convened its Triennial Continental Congress in Accra, Ghana, from 10-17 August 2025, bringing together more than 100 Catholic journalists, lecturers, Content Creators, and other media practitioners from over 20 countries, among which 19 African countries. The Congress focused on the theme “Balancing Technological Progress and the Preservation of Human Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).”

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4fHFXSl

The gathering provided a platform for participants to deliberate on the ethical challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to explore ways in which Catholic journalists can safeguard human dignity and values while embracing technological innovation.

At the end of this Congress, participants propose the following Resolutions and Recommendations.

  1. Resolution

1.1. Resolution 1: On Safeguarding Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

UCAP affirms the primacy of human dignity over technological advancement, and commits Catholic journalists in Africa to promote media practices that uphold truth, integrity, and authentic human relationships.

1.2. Resolution 2: On Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Media

UCAP calls upon African media institutions to establish ethical guidelines for the use of AI in journalism, ensuring that technology serves the human person and the common good, and rejecting any form of manipulation, misinformation, or disinformation.

1.3. Resolution 3: On Strengthening Media Training and Media Education

UCAP commits to enhancing the professional formation of Media Practitioners in Africa by integrating modules on AI, digital literacy, and Catholic social teaching into training programs, as well as Media Education.

1.4. Resolution 4: On Collaboration with the Church and Civil Society

UCAP shall collaborate with Episcopal Conferences, universities, policymakers, and civil society to develop frameworks that balance technological innovation with moral responsibility.

1.5. Resolution 5: On Promoting a New Ethic of Communication

UCAP members work actively to foster a culture of peace, reconciliation, and fraternity by giving voice to the voiceless and promoting communication that safeguards truth, freedom, justice, and solidarity.

  1. Recommendations

2.1. To Governments and Policymakers:

Regulate the use of AI to prevent the erosion of truth, manipulation of consciences, and invasion of privacy.

Invest in digital infrastructure and ethical frameworks that protect human dignity while supporting innovation.

2.2. To Media Organizations:

Adopt editorial policies that ensure AI tools do not replace human judgment, conscience, or responsibility.

Establish fact-checking mechanisms and promote transparency in the use of AI-generated content.

2.3. To Catholic Media Professionals:

Commit to ongoing professional formation in technology, ethics, and communication, inspired by Catholic social teaching.

Serve as “missionaries of peace and reconciliation” by resisting disinformation and promoting integrity in journalism.

Popularize the Final document of the Synod on the Synodality among Media practitioners and to ensure its proper understanding in the different languages, according to communities and countries.

2.4. To the Church in Africa:

Continue to guide and support Catholic communicators in discerning the ethical challenges posed by AI.

Encourage dioceses and Catholic institutions to invest in media education that forms journalists in truth, responsibility, and service to the common good.

2.5. To UCAP as a Union:

Develop a continental charter on “AI and Ethical Journalism” as a reference for members.

Organize workshops, exchange programs, and research initiatives on the intersection of faith, media, and artificial intelligence.

UCAP Executive Committee to take into consideration the points of amendments discussed at the General Assembly concerning the Statutes, as well as to promote and assist UCAP Chapters, Regions, and the Cooperation to run the Journalism Desk of SIGNIS Africa.

  1. Vote of Thank

We, African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP), are very pleased to deliver this vote of thanks at the Closing Ceremomy of our Congress here at GIMPA, Legon, Accra (Ghana).

First and foremost, we give thanks to Almighty God, the source of all wisdom and inspiration, who has made this gathering possible.

We express our deepest gratitude to His Excellency Archbishop Julien Kaboré, for gracing this occasion with your presence and for your deeply inspiring message. Your reflections have reminded us that while Artificial Intelligence dazzles with speed and innovation, it is only the human heart – open to God, truth, and love – that can guide it rightly.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi. Your words have powerfully reminded us that media is not merely a technical tool but a moral reality, entrusted with the noble task of upholding truth, fostering unity, and protecting the dignity of every human person.

Our gratitude to the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Vatican City, Dr Paolo Ruffini, represented by Mgr Janvier Marie Gustave Yameogo, for your Solidarity Message to this UCAP Congress.

To our distinguished guests, partners, and experts from various fields, we are truly grateful for your presence and contributions. Your insights will help us navigate the pressing challenges at the intersection of technology, ethics, and faith.

We also thank UCAP President, Mr. Charles Ayetan, the Co-Chairpersons of the Planning Committee, Mrs Victoria Lugey and Sir Ben Assorow, and Members of the Planning Committee for their leadership and commitment. Through your guidance, this Congress continues to be a space of learning, discernment, and fellowship for Catholic journalists across Africa.

Finally, to all participants – journalists, lecturers and friends of UCAP from across Africa and beyond—thank you for your commitment to truth and to the service of humanity. Your presence here is a testimony that Catholic media and Catholic media practitioners remains a beacon of light, defending human dignity in the digital age.

As we embark on this dialogue and reflection, may we be strengthened in our mission to balance technological progress with the timeless values of the Gospel, and to be artisans of peace, truth, and reconciliation in our beloved continent.

Thank you, and may God bless you all.

Participants of the UCAP Congress,

Accra (Ghana), 17th August 2025.

– on behalf of African Catholic Union of the Press (UCAP).

Contact:
Charles Ayetan
President of UCAP
+228 9980 2198
+233 53 928 5744
ucap.official@gmail.com

Media files

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Liberia: Technical Working Group of the Multi-Sectorial Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse Concludes Two-Day Strategic Session to Heighten National Fight Against Substance Abuse

Source: APO – Report:

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The Technical Working Group of the  Multi-Sectorial Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse has concluded a two-day Technical Working Group (TWG) session at the Ministry of Health (MOH) to intensify Liberia’s fight against the growing wave of narcotics and substance abuse through a unified and actionable strategy.

The strategic session opened on Monday, August 18, 2025, bringing together government ministries, security agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations to review progress under the National Drug and Substance Abuse Program (NADSAP), as well as to strengthen inter-agency coordination.

At the conclusion of deliberations, participants endorsed a set of recommendations, including scaling up law enforcement operations, expanding nationwide rehabilitation and treatment services, and accelerating prevention programs in schools, communities, and workplaces. The session also prioritized resource mobilization and the operationalization of the national drug information system to better track usage trends.

At the opening session, Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto, Minister of Health and Chair of the Multi-Sectorial Committee, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to what she termed a “whole-of-society response” to the drug crisis. “This session is not just about discussions; it is about decisions and actions. We’re leaving here with a clearer roadmap, and we must all ensure that the commitments made are translated into practical interventions across every sector,” she emphasized. The Minister of Health also urged all stakeholders to remain committed beyond the meeting hall. “The fight against substance abuse is not a two-day exercise. It is a national emergency, and the success of our collective response depends on consistent action, accountability, and collaboration,” she stated.

During the technical sessions, Dr. Moses Ziah II, Director of the Mental Health Unit at MOH, presented the committee’s progress report, highlighting enforcement actions by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), community rehabilitation efforts, vocational training for recovering users, and policy reforms led by the Ministry of Justice and allied agencies.

International partners, including the UN system, YWCA, and Mother of Light Rehabilitation Center, pledged continued support through technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building initiatives.

The TWG session concluded with a strong message of solidarity and renewed commitment to safeguard Liberia’s youth and communities from the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse.

– on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.

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Ambassador of Belarus E.Sobolevski presents copies of his Credentials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 19 2025, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Evgeny Sobolevsky, presented copies of his credentials to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates for Protocol Issues, Haitham Salah.

The interlocutors discussed the friendly nature of relations between Belarus and Egypt, as well as the presence of a number of promising areas for the development of cooperation.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

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The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES), Libyan Council for Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy (LCOGRE) Forge Partnership to Empower Libyan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Source: APO – Report:

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The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) and the Libyan Council for Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy (LCOGRE) have formed a strategic partnership to strengthen Libya’s private-sector energy ecosystem. As the premier association gathering Libyan SMEs, LCOGRE will leverage LEES 2026 to promote local Libyan companies, advance capacity building and facilitate partnerships.

LEES serves as Libya’s premier energy summit, officially endorsed by the Ministry of Oil & Gas and the National Oil Corporation. The next edition will take place in Tripoli on January 24–26, 2026, bringing together government leaders, investors and companies to advance dialogue and partnerships in Libya’s evolving energy landscape. The January 2025 edition drew 1,500 participants across 490 companies from over 30 countries, covering oil, gas, renewables, infrastructure and finance. https://LibyaSummit.com/

The Libya Energy & Economic Summit is set to take place in Tripoli on January 24–26, 2026. The event will bring together industry leaders, investors and policymakers, aiming to foster dialogue, secure investments and support the growth of Libya’s energy and infrastructure sectors. For more information, visit https://LibyaSummit.com/

Founded in 2012 with 35 corporate members and growing to over 150 by 2021, LCOGRE (https://apo-opa.co/4fOT6Jw) represents Libyan SMEs and companies operating across oil, gas, logistics, technology, renewable energy and services. The council advocates for private-sector interests, promotes capacity building, supports technology transfer and facilitates links with foreign partners. 

Through this partnership, LEES commits to supporting Libyan companies in building capacity, expanding networks and accessing opportunities. LEES will host LCOGRE members and local firms across the full energy spectrum, from upstream exploration to clean-energy and services. The emphasis is on enabling sustainable growth of the Libyan private sector – ensuring Libyan firms play a leading role in the country’s energy transformation.

Dr. Khaled Ben Othman, Chairman, LCOGRE, has consistently championed private-sector engagement in workshops and public forums, including a landmark session on early production facilities, PPPs and renewable energy integration at LEES 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4mQhjBm). During the session, he presented on balancing Libya’s natural resources with clean technologies and encouraged innovation, research and infrastructure investment to meet environmental, safety and energy-efficiency goals.

“LCOGRE represents the heartbeat of Libya’s energy private sector, and LEES is proud to provide a platform where local companies can connect with international partners and advance their ambitions,” says James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power. “This partnership is about putting Libyan firms first and ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a competitive global energy market.”

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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No Japão, Guterres diz que África está pronta para avançar

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Secretário-geral da ONU destaca população mais jovem do mundo ao discursar na Conferência Internacional de Tóquio sobre o Desenvolvimento Africano; até sexta-feira, em Yokohama, ele debate sociedade, economia, paz e segurança.

O secretário-geral, António Guterres, participa da 9ª Conferência Internacional de Tóquio sobre o Desenvolvimento Africano, Ticad, em Yokohama, Japão. O evento acontece entre esta quarta e sexta-feiras.

Na abertura da conferência, sob o tema “Cocriando Soluções Inovadoras com a África”, o chefe da ONU disse que a região está pronta para o progresso enfatizando a população mais jovem do mundo, recursos naturais abundantes e um vibrante espírito empreendedor.

Mundo mais pacífico e sustentável

Para Guterres, o tema da reunião lembra que essas mesmas forças podem ajudar a moldar um mundo mais pacífico, próspero e sustentável, dentro e fora da África.

O secretário-geral ressaltou o momento de acelerar os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável por meio de investimentos, reformas e parcerias.

Ele mencionou as crises interconectadas envolvendo conflitos, mudanças climáticas, tensões comerciais, fragmentação econômica, aumento da dívida e crescentes desigualdades que ameaçam o desenvolvimento.

Guterres detalhou cinco prioridades para promover o avanço do continente com primazia para a reforma das instituições de governança global dos setores político e financeiro para refletir as realidades atuais. Segundo, apelou por investimento em cadeias de valor globais sustentáveis e integração regional.

Inteligência artificial para o desenvolvimento

Em terceiro lugar,  é preciso aproveitar a inovação digital, incluindo a inteligência artificial para o desenvolvimento. Em quarto mencionou a necessidade de um desenvolvimento centrado nas pessoas construindo o futuro da África com investimento nos jovens.

Por último, ele chefe pediu que seja reconhecido que a paz e a prosperidade andam de mãos dadas, silenciando as armas para conflitos em lugares como Sudão, República Democrática do Congo, Somália, Região do Sahel e outros.

Cooperação entre a União Africana e o Japão

Para Guterres, o evento no Japão mostra haver parcerias necessárias para concretizar a visão da África por um futuro justo, inclusivo e sustentável. Ele pediu soluções para construir um futuro de dignidade, oportunidades e paz.

A organização da cúpula planejou debates em sessões plenárias ilustrando as várias etapas da cooperação entre a União Africana e o Japão. A primeira é sociedade: concretizando um futuro sustentável.

Na vertente econômica, o foco é tratar da promoção do comércio e do investimento. Já na questão da paz e estabilidade, a discussão será em volta da garantia da dignidade e da segurança humanas. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): UN deplores deadly attacks in the east of the country

Source: APO


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The attacks, which took place between 9 and 16 August in the localities of Beni and Lubero territories, claimed the lives of at least 52 civilians, including eight women and two children, but peacekeepers on the ground say the death toll may very well rise.  

“These attacks targeting civilians, which add to the atrocities committed during the night of 26 to 27 July in Komanda (Ituri territory, Ituri), are intolerable and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights,” said Binto Keita, Head of the UN Mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO.

Appeal to armed groups

The violent attacks were accompanied by abductions, looting, and the burning of homes, vehicles, and motorcycles, as well as the destruction of property belonging to the population already facing dire humanitarian conditions.  

MONUSCO issued a statement calling for foreign armed groups, such as the ADF, to lay down their arms unconditionally and return to their countries of origin.  

The Mission also urged “the Congolese authorities to conduct thorough investigations to identify those responsible for the massacre of civilians and bring them to justice.”  

Stronger military presence

In response to this new wave of violence, the peacekeeping mission reinforced its military presence and support to Congolese authorities.

For instance, on 13 and 14 August during incidents in Mayi-Moya in North Kivu, MONUSCO provided physical protection to 206 civilians, including 93 children and 70 women, who had sought refuge at the mission’s military base.  

“MONUSCO remains fully committed to supporting Congolese authorities and local communities in preventing further violence, protecting civilians, reducing tensions and contributing to the stabilisation of areas affected by armed conflict,” it said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.