Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, July 14, 2026
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received on Tuesday a telephone conversation from HRH Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
During the call, HRH Prince Khalid offered his condolences on the passing of HH the Late Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Source: APO – Report:
.
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at Lusail Palace in Doha. President El-Sisi extended his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies on the passing of H.H. The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praying to Almighty Allah to bestow His vast mercy upon the deceased and to grant the brotherly people of Qatar patience and solace.
Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi affirmed that the Arab Republic of Egypt, both its leadership and people, stands in solidarity with the leadership and people of the State of Qatar during this painful time.
President El-Sisi paid tribute to the enduring contributions of the late His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in achieving the renaissance, progress, and prosperity of the State of Qatar. The President prayed to Almighty Allah to protect Qatar from all harm and to continue to bless it with security, stability, and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his deep appreciation for President El-Sisi’s visit and condolences. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad underscored the close fraternal ties between Egypt and Qatar, lauding the longstanding historical bonds between the two brotherly peoples. The Amir of Qatar also expressed his aspiration for Egypt and Qatar to continue working together to further strengthen and expand their bilateral relations in the period ahead.
– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Source: APO – Report:
.
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi paid a fraternal visit to the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain to reaffirm Egypt’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain in light of the current regional developments.
Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that following his visit to Qatar earlier today President El-Sisi and his accompanying delegation traveled to Bahrain. Upon arrival in Manama, the President was received by King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and members of the Egyptian Embassy.
During the meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa, the President reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast support for the security and stability of the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain. President El-Sisi stressed Egypt’s rejection and condemnation of the unjustified attacks against the Kingdom, describing them as a flagrant violation of international law and a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.
President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any attempts to undermine the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, or any other Arab countries. The President underscored Egypt’s full solidarity with these states and affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for all measures they undertake to safeguard their sovereignty and protect the resources and interests of their peoples, emphasizing that the security of the Arab states is an integral part of Egypt’s national security. President El-Sisi further commended the wisdom demonstrated by the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in preserving regional stability. In this context, the President affirmed that Egypt is exerting intensive efforts to preserve regional stability and reduce the current tensions and escalation, stressing the importance of resolving all crises through peaceful means.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa welcomed President El-Sisi to his second home, expressing appreciation for Egypt’s support and solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain and for the close fraternal ties the two brotherly countries share. The King of Bahrain also lauded Egypt’s steadfast support for the security and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states and the Arab countries, emphasizing the vital necessity to maintain close consultation and coordination between the two countries to preserve peace and stability in the region and address their common challenges. In this context, the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen joint efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions and restoring stability across the region.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa bid farewell to President El-Sisi at the airport at the conclusion of the visit.
– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Source: APO
A conference aimed at expanding pre-primary and junior schools in the Southern Region, with a view to ensuring access to educational services, was conducted in Mendefera on 11 July.
At the conference, in which sub-zone administrators and heads of educational facilities took part, Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, Governor of the region, said that strong efforts will be exerted to construct pre-school educational facilities through initiatives at the regional and community levels, aimed at enhancing the teaching-learning process.
Noting that the program is aimed at enabling children to access education in their places of residence, Mr. Habteab said that the regional administration, in collaboration with area administrators, has already prepared land for the construction of the school facilities.
Indicating that, over the past 10 years, the number of pre-schools stood at 131, with about 12,000 students, Mr. Hibtzgi Kidane, head of the education office in the region, said that, through the efforts exerted last year, new pre-schools have been established in 416 villages and the number of students had increased twofold.
The participants held extensive discussions on the implementation of the program and called for available resources to be channelled towards it.
Mr. Qaleab Tesfaselasie, Director General of Social Services in the region, called on parents to send their school-age children to school and take advantage of the opportunities being provided.
There are 1,106 schools in the Southern Region, ranging from pre-schools to high schools, actively providing educational services.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Source: APO
The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers, in collaboration with the Institute of Training, Education and Research Consultancy, organized a training-of-trainers program.
The training, which was organized in Asmara, was attended by members of the executive committee of the confederation, heads of workers’ federations, heads of the confederation’s regional offices, and others.
The training covered pre-training research, identification of trainees, preparation of reference and training materials, training modalities, as well as feedback between trainers and trainees.
Mr. Mulugeta Fesehatsion, head of training, education and human resources development at the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers, said that the training was a continuation of similar programs previously provided. He called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they had gained from the training in their respective workplaces.
In the same vein, the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers conducted a meeting focusing on strengthening the confederation’s public relations activities.
At the meeting, Mr. Girmay Abraham, head of public relations at the confederation, presented a paper focusing on the universal principles and theoretical aspects of public relations in relation to the confederation’s activities. He also provided a briefing on the activities implemented by the public relations office, the challenges encountered, and the measures taken to address them.
Mr. Kibreab Kidane, Deputy Secretary General of the confederation, called on all organs of the confederation to work in collaboration with the public relations office.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Source: Government of South Africa
Beyond the grant: Dina Pule’s vision for empowering South Africa’s vulnerable
For many South Africans, the Department of Social Development is synonymous with the monthly payment of social grants. But newly appointed Social Development Minister Dina Pule wants to change that perception.
Pule said while social grants remain a vital safety net for millions of vulnerable South Africans, the department’s work extends far beyond financial assistance.
The department, she said, is committed to helping beneficiaries become self-reliant through skills development, enterprise support, child protection and a range of social welfare programmes designed to restore dignity and create opportunities.
Pule explained that the department’s mandate is implemented through entities such as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), which administers social grants, and the National Development Agency (NDA), which focuses on community development and economic empowerment.
“People believe we are only a welfare department, and that is all we do on a daily basis. But we also have the National Development Agency, which works with communities that are facing serious challenges,” Pule said in an exclusive interview with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Tuesday
According to Pule, while SASSA provides much-needed financial support, the NDA works with grant beneficiaries to help them establish sustainable livelihoods.
“The temptation is that every month people receive the money, spend it and wait for the next payment. The National Development Agency comes in to teach people how to save, work together and establish businesses that can generate additional income,” she said.
Turning grants into businesses
Pule believes social grants should serve as a stepping stone rather than a permanent source of income for those who are able to become economically active.
“We want to help some people move beyond depending on grants so that they can become self-sufficient, while creating space for others who need support,” she said.
She pointed to several success stories that demonstrate how government support, combined with community initiative, can transform lives.
Among them is a group of young people in Sebokeng who established a bakery after receiving assistance through the NDA.
“They are now baking bread and supplying local shops. It is possible, and we want to encourage others to follow the same path,” Pule said.
The Minister said similar projects have emerged across the country, ranging from poultry and vegetable farming in Limpopo to cattle farming and dairy production in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
In the North West, beneficiaries have established a fishing enterprise, harvesting fish from a local dam and supplying surrounding communities.
“We want beneficiaries to know that they can do much more with the support they receive. When communities organise themselves into groups and develop viable projects, the National Development Agency provides assistance, and in many cases other funders also come on board when they see government investing in those initiatives,” the Minister said.
Committed to vulnerable communities
For Pule, supporting vulnerable South Africans is more than a policy responsibility; it is deeply personal.
Reflecting on her own upbringing, she said her childhood shaped the compassion she brings to the public service.
“I come from a family that was headed by a single parent, and I was raised by my grandfather. When I see government changing the lives of vulnerable people, I understand what that means because I know where I come from,” she said.
She said young people, in particular, hold a special place in her heart.
“Young people are very close to my heart. They remind me that we must continue doing everything we can so that no child grows up experiencing the hardships that many others have faced.”
Protecting children through adoption
Pule encouraged South Africans who are willing and able to provide loving homes for children to consider adoption.
She said the department remains committed to protecting children and supporting prospective adoptive parents throughout the process.
“Our first responsibility is always to ensure that every child is protected,” she said.
She encouraged individuals and families interested in adoption to approach the department for guidance.
“We encourage people who would like to adopt, or who are already in the process, to contact the department. We will provide advice, counselling and the necessary support so that they understand the process and are equipped to provide children with safe, loving and supportive homes.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Source: APO – Report:
.
The Government of Uganda has signed the contract for the construction of the new Karuma Bridge during a ceremony held on 10 th July 2026 at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The contract was signed by Eng. Isaac Wani, Commissioner for National Roads at the Ministry of Works and Transport, on behalf of the Government of Uganda, and Mr. Osamu Tanabe on behalf of Zenitaka Corporation, the main contractor for the project. The signing followed the issuance of the Notice of Award by the Ministry of Works and Transport to Zenitaka Corporation as the most responsive and successful bidder for the civil works.
The ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Pius Perry Biribonwoha, Solicitor General of the Republic of Uganda, and H.E. Tophace Kaahwa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan. The Uganda Embassy in Tokyo played a key role in facilitating the event and coordinating engagements between Ugandan authorities and their Japanese counterparts.
Speaking at the event, Eng. Wani highlighted the strategic importance of the new Karuma Bridge in restoring safe and efficient movement along the Kampala-Gulu highway. He noted that the bridge will strengthen regional connectivity, support trade and investment, improve access to essential services, and enhance the resilience of Uganda’s national transport network.
Eng. Wani expressed appreciation to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Japan for their continued support to Uganda through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Grant Aid program, which has enabled the implementation of key infrastructure projects, including the new Karuma Bridge. He reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to provide all necessary institutional support to ensure the timely and successful delivery of the project.
In her remarks, Ambassador Kaahwa described Japan’s support as a clear demonstration of the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Uganda and Japan. She emphasized the need to further consolidate the partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries. Zenitaka Corporation and Oriental Consultants Global, the project consultants, reiterated their commitment to Uganda. Zenitaka, which previously delivered the Jinja Nile Bridge under Japanese funding, pledged to construct the new Karuma Bridge to the highest engineering standards and to complete it within the agreed timeline.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for September 2026, with civil construction works expected to commence in October 2026. The new Karuma Bridge will replace the existing aging structure and is expected to improve transport and trade links to Northern Uganda, South Sudan, and the wider region.
– on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: APO – Report:
.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today received a special message from his Angolan counterpart, H.E. João Lourenço, during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, H.E. Téte António, at the President’s Kisozi farm in Gomba District.
The Angolan Foreign Affairs Minister led a delegation to Uganda to deliver the message on behalf of President Lourenço. President Museveni and the delegation also discussed matters of mutual interest, including Angola’s candidature of Josefa Sacko for the position of Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
President Museveni pledged Uganda’s support for Angola’s candidate, underscoring the importance of African solidarity and cooperation in advancing the continent’s interests on the global stage.
– on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Source: Government of South Africa
Social grant payments will continue uninterrupted, Pule assures
Newly appointed Minister of Social Development Dina Pule has assured the millions of vulnerable South Africans who are dependent on social grants that their monthly payments will continue uninterrupted.
In an exclusive interview with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Tuesday, Pule outlined plans to strengthen the department’s systems, tackle substance abuse and intensify efforts to protect children from trafficking and exploitation.
She stressed that grant beneficiaries should not be concerned about the transition from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card to the Postbank black card, saying the change will not affect grant payments.
“I want to assure the people of South Africa, especially South African Social Security Agency beneficiaries, that they must not worry. They will receive their grants on time. All they need to do is change from the gold card to the black card, but this will never affect their grants,” Pule said.
She said the Department of Social Development, SASSA, Postbank and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies were working together to address operational matters relating to the migration process.
According to Pule, grant payments will continue to be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ chosen bank accounts, including Postbank and commercial banks.
“Beneficiaries should remain calm. Their grants will continue to be paid into their accounts every month, and they can withdraw their money using their bank cards at participating outlets,” she said.
Pule said the new payment system would reduce logistical challenges previously associated with transporting cash to payment points, making the grant payment process more efficient and reliable.
She added that government is also introducing biometric verification measures to strengthen the integrity of the social grant payment system.
Strengthening the department
Looking ahead to her first 100 days in office, Pule said her focus would be on implementing the department’s approved strategic plan, strengthening internal systems and ensuring that the right people are appointed to key positions.
She noted that the department manages an annual budget of about R300 billion and provides social assistance to approximately 28 million South Africans through various grant programmes.
“The department exists to improve the lives of people who are in need. Our responsibility is to ensure that we improve the lives of vulnerable South Africans and provide them with the support they require,” she said.
Drawing on her previous experience in provincial and national government, Pule said integrity, accountability, teamwork and open communication would underpin her leadership approach.
“We are dealing with people, public funds and vulnerable communities. That requires integrity, accountability and mutual respect. Communication is equally important because it allows us to respond to the concerns of the public and resolve challenges as quickly as possible,” she said.
Tackling substance abuse
Substance abuse is one of the department’s major priorities, particularly among young people.
The Minister said the department co-chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Substance Abuse together with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, working alongside departments, including Health, Justice and Constitutional Development, Police, and Trade, Industry and Competition.
The department, she said, continues to roll out prevention programmes targeting young people, including skills development initiatives and awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging substance abuse.
Pule said specialised programmes are also available for pregnant women affected by substance abuse, while rehabilitation centres across the provinces continue to provide treatment, counselling and reintegration support.
She added that survivors of gender-based violence are supported through facilities that provide protection and rehabilitation services.
Protecting children from trafficking
Protecting children from trafficking, unlawful removal and other forms of exploitation also remain a key priority for the department, Pule said.
She explained that the department works closely with the Border Management Authority (BMA) to identify children travelling unaccompanied or under suspicious circumstances.
“When children are travelling without their parents or guardians, investigations are immediately initiated to establish the circumstances. Where necessary, social workers are deployed to intervene and ensure that children are protected,” she said.
Pule said the department has a dedicated directorate responsible for child protection, with social workers conducting investigations and intervening whenever children are identified as being at risk of trafficking or exploitation.
She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening social protection programmes and ensuring that the country’s most vulnerable citizens continue to receive the support and protection they need. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Source: APO
African Energy Chamber (https://EergyChamber.org) Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk’s latest bestseller Crude Oil: Power, Turnaround and Transformation in Angola, is now available in Portuguese, making the publication more widely accessible to readers across Lusophone markets. Released earlier this year, the book debuted as a top Amazon New Release and has since been picked up by Soyini Tales to be produced as a documentary for the big screen.
The book provides an in-depth analysis of Angola’s oil industry, tracing how political leadership, institutional reform and strategic investment have transformed one of Africa’s largest crude-producing markets. Combining political history, industry analysis and first-hand insights from key decision-makers, it examines the policy reforms that have reshaped Angola’s investment climate and positioned the country for a new phase of upstream growth.
The Portuguese edition arrives at a pivotal time for Angola’s energy sector as the country continues to attract new investment across upstream, gas and downstream industries. Up to $70 billion in planned investments is expected across the upstream market over the next five years alone, reflecting the level of global interest in Angola’s oil and gas opportunities. By making the book available in Portuguese, the publication aims to broaden access to the lessons behind Angola’s transformation while supporting greater engagement among policymakers, industry professionals, students and investors.
Featuring perspectives from Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo, Sonangol CEO Sebastião Gaspar Martins and National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) Chairman Paulino Jerónimo, the book offers readers an inside look at the institutional reforms and strategic decisions that have restored investor confidence and revitalized exploration activity.
The publication explores the reforms that have redefined Angola’s oil industry in recent years, including the establishment of the ANPG, the launch of the country’s multi-year licensing strategy, the Permanent Offer Regime and the Incremental Production Initiative. Together, these measures have helped attract renewed investment from international operators and independent companies while supporting the development of major projects across the country’s upstream sector.
The results of these reforms are evident through Angola’s growing pipeline of exploration and production projects. International oil majors to the likes of TotalEnergies, Azule Energy, ExxonMobil and Chevron have recently advanced exploration agreements, expanding drilling in proven basins such as Kwanza and Lower Congo while making forays into frontiers such as Namibe and Benguela. Onshore, independents such as Afentra, Corcel, Alfort Petroleum and Etu Energias are leading seismic acquisition and drilling, supported by flexible policies introduced in recent years.
Angola’s production landscape is witnessing similar momentum. The Begonia and CLOV Phase 3 developments came online in 2025, adding 60,000 barrels per day to the market, while the commissioning of the Agogo FPSO marked a production boost for the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development. Advancements continue to be made at the deepwater Kaminho project while operators invest heavily in brownfield developments to strengthen output. These moves showcase a market that has turned from production decline to sustained growth.
Beyond documenting Angola’s turnaround, the book positions the country’s experience as a practical case study for other resource-rich nations seeking to strengthen governance, improve regulatory certainty and create more competitive investment environments. Rather than focusing solely on production growth, the book examines how institutional reform can underpin long-term economic development across the broader energy sector.
“Angola’s story is not simply about oil production. It is about reform, resilience and the willingness to confront difficult realities to build a stronger future,” says Ayuk. “I am pleased that the Portuguese edition will allow even more readers to engage with this story and the lessons it offers for Angola and the rest of Africa.”
The Portuguese edition of Crude Oil: Power, Turnaround and Transformation in Angola is now available on Amazon (https://apo-opa.co/4fB4o5u).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
