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President Boakai Consoles Republic of Ghana

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a condolence message to the Government and people of the Republic of Ghana following the unfortunate and tragic military helicopter crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, within the Ashanti region of Ghana, resulting in the deaths of at least eight (8) people, two senior level officials of Government of Ghana along with six (6) other.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia and in his own name, expressed profound and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family for the irreparable loss sustained.  

In his condolence message to the Ghanaian President His Excellency Mr. John Dramani Mahama, President Boakai pray that the Almighty God will grant President Mahama and the people of Ghana, especially those affected, strength, courage and fortitude that will be a solace to the people of Ghana as they endure this period of national mourning. 

He then hoped that the resilience and strength that the people of Ghana have always demonstrated during challenging circumstances will be brought to bear during this difficult period of national mourning. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

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The United States (US) Senator Ted Cruz to Discuss Strategic U.S.-Africa Energy Engagement at African Energy Week

Source: APO

African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies, the continent’s premier energy event, is set to welcome U.S. Senator Ted Cruz as a featured speaker at its 2025 edition. Senator Cruz, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Commerce and Foreign Relations Committees and one of Washington’s most prominent energy voices, will address delegates in Cape Town, highlighting the strategic value of deeper U.S. commercial and diplomatic engagement in African energy markets.

At a time when global powers are racing to secure energy and critical mineral supply chains, Senator Cruz’s participation underscores a broader push by the U.S. to reinforce ties with African energy producers, particularly as the continent emerges as a pivotal source of hydrocarbons, LNG and transition minerals. From Nigeria to Namibia, American companies are ramping up activity, yet competition from China, Russia and others has intensified, prompting renewed attention from U.S. lawmakers and policy leaders.

On the exploration and production front, U.S.-based companies to the likes of ExxonMobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and Vaalco Energy are driving transformational projects in Africa. ExxonMobil is maximizing output at producing fields across the continent, through projects such as the Erha and Owowo fields in Nigeria and the Kizomba deepwater development in Angola’s Block 15. On the gas front, ExxonMobil is leading projects such as the Rovuma LNG development in Mozambique, targeting 18 million tons per annum. The company plans to reach a final investment decision in 2026. Meanwhile Chevron is driving exploration in West and Southern Africa through projects in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, Equatorial Guinea’s offshore Blocks EG-06 and EG-11 and Namibia’s Walvis Basin. The company has also expanded gas production capacity in Angola through the Sanha Lean Gas Connection Project and the upcoming New Gas Consortium project.

Houston-based ConocoPhillips strives to reach between 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 700,000 bpd at the Waha concession in the Sirte Basin. The company is prioritizing collaborations, work-over programs and pipeline integrity at the concession, which currently produces 375,000 bpd. Another Houston-based player, Vaalco Energy, is modernizing FPSO infrastructure in Africa to support production growth. The company is active in Ivory Coast and Gabon, where it plans a drilling campaign in 2026 and 2025 respectively. In Egypt, Vaalco Energy brought five wells online in 2025, while in Equatorial Guinea, is targeting first oil at Block P in 2026.

U.S.-based service providers are also strengthening their presence across the African market. Baker Hughes’s African footprint includes markets such as Nigeria and Namibia, where it offers world-class oilfield services and skills development programs. NOV is involved in strategic initiatives across the African energy value chain, from offshore exploration and production to processing and logistics. Focusing on digitalization and efficiency, Halliburton supports a variety of African energy projects. The company brings advanced technology solutions to enhance production efficiency and optimize resource extraction.

Stepping into this picture, Senator Cruz’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies is expected to further strengthened U.S.-Africa energy ties. Known for his strong advocacy of energy independence and market-driven growth, Senator Cruz’s message at the event is expected to center on expanding private-sector investment, supporting American energy companies operating in Africa, and bolstering energy infrastructure that aligns with both African development goals and U.S. strategic interests. His appearance follows recent signals from Washington – including a bipartisan call for deeper energy cooperation with Africa – as the U.S. seeks to reclaim ground in a region critical to global energy security.

“Being a Senator from Texas, Senator Cruz not only understands what oil and gas means to the economy of Texas but also for the transformation of Africa. Senator Cruz speaking to energy industry and African leaders sends a loud message: the U.S. is not sitting out the future of African energy. He understands the stakes – from gas deals in to infrastructure buildouts– and his presence proves America is serious about competing, investing and showing up where it matters,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, adding that Senator Cruz recognizes that the key to African countries’ economic prosperity lies in embracing free markets, minimizing government intervention, promoting individual responsibility and upholding the rule of law.

“We at the AEC strongly believe that markets – rather than pseudo-intellectuals – should drive the future and foster innovative growth and development,” he notes.  

His participation comes as African nations are seeking to scale production, expand infrastructure and attract capital to meet growing domestic and global energy demands. The U.S., with its technological expertise and investment capital, is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting Africa’s ambitions, from deepwater exploration to gas-to-power projects and beyond. With major discoveries across oil, gas and hydrogen, and a wave of African governments prioritizing energy security and local beneficiation, the continent is ripe for strategic partnerships built on mutual interest and long-term impact.

As AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 approaches, Senator Cruz’s participation is expected to galvanize support for deeper U.S. involvement in African energy markets and sends a clear signal to American companies: Africa is open for business, and the U.S. intends to compete. His presence is also likely to draw increased attention from private investors, service providers and project developers seeking access to emerging upstream and infrastructure opportunities across the continent.

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.

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Message on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his heartfelt congratulations to the Government and the people of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire on the celebration of their Independence Day.

This important occasion is a proud reflection of the resilience, unity, and aspirations of the Ivorian people. It marks not only the commemoration of national sovereignty but also the ongoing journey of Côte d’Ivoire as a pillar of economic dynamism and regional leadership within the African continent.

Côte d’Ivoire’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, democratic governance, and continental integration continues to serve as a source of inspiration for the African Union and its Member States. As an influential voice in both regional and global affairs, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire remains a key partner in advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063.

The African Union reaffirms its full solidarity and support to the people and leadership of Côte d’Ivoire as they pursue a future marked by stability, prosperity, and social inclusion.

Happy Independence Day!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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National dialogue poised to lay foundation for a more inclusive SA

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Cabinet has reaffirmed that the upcoming National Dialogue is not merely a platform for discussion but a powerful mechanism for action aimed at laying the foundation for a more inclusive and united South Africa.

The remarks come as the country prepares for the convening of the first of the two conventions of the National Dialogue scheduled to take place from 15 to 17 August 2025 at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria.

Speaking at a media briefing on the outcomes of Cabinet meetings, held on 22 July and 6 August 2025, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet has received and considered a report on the progress made to date towards the convening of the first of the two conventions of the National Dialogue.

“This first convention is aimed at mobilising consensus on the focus areas for the National Dialogue that is planned to include South Africans from all walks of life coming together to define a vision for our country for the next 30 years.

“The National Dialogue is planned to [host] over 13 400 ward dialogues, in addition to 50 000 citizen-led engagements over the next 12 months from the convening of the first Convention,” Ntshavheni said.

She said the initiative has already seen an overwhelming interest, with 737 organisations from more than 30 sectors registering to participate, “reflecting the strong desire among South Africans to shape their shared future”. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency unveil new state-of-the-art TUT FM studios

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong and the Board of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) will on Friday unveil new state-of-the-art TUT FM and Tshwane FM studios in Pretoria.

Morolong will deliver a keynote address at the unveiling of the digitised studios, which were made possible by funding from the MDDA as part of its mandate to support community media in Gauteng and across the country.

TUT FM 96.2 is a community radio station based at the Soshanguve South campus of Tshwane University of Technology, which broadcasts within a 50km radius to a listenership of 61 000. 

The station targets youth aged between 15 and 35 and broadcasts in six languages including English, Setswana, Sepedi, IsiZulu, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. 

Tshwane FM is the official student radio station of Tshwane University of Technology and broadcasts in a 50km radio across Greater Tshwane, Atteridgeville, Laudium, Mamelodi, Centurion, Midrand and parts of northern Johannesburg on the 93.6 FM frequency. – SAnews.gov.za

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Call to bring murderers of prosecutor to book

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to bring murderers of prosecutor to book

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has called on police to “leave no stone unturned” to bring the murderers of Eastern Cape Regional Court prosecutor, Tracy Brown, to justice.

The Minister was speaking at the memorial service for the slain prosecutor on Thursday.

Brown, who was attached to the New Brighton Magistrates Court in Gqeberha, was shot and killed while arriving at her home just months after the murder of another prosecutor in the province.

“We call on the police to leave no stone unturned in bringing the cowards who murdered Tracy to book. But more importantly, let this be a wake-up call to the policing services that we need to strengthen the protection of the prosecutors.

“All of us in the security cluster should be concerned about this development. The lives of prosecutors are endangered by the type of work they do. Without protection, prosecutors will be unable to perform their duties without fear or favour, and they will not be able to exercise their independence. There should be more police visibility in our communities so these types of senseless killings can be reduced,” the Minister said.

Kubayi bemoaned the loss of an “incredibly gifted woman”.
“[This loss] is made even more devastating by the promise of what else she might have accomplished had she also had the gift of time. With her passion for the pursuit of justice, she would have been the first to say that her life’s work was not about her.

“In Tracy, we have lost a dedicated prosecutor, a lawyer with integrity, a hard-working public servant and a patriot. 

“Her untimely death is a huge loss to the [Department of] Justice family. Death has robbed us of a warrior of justice, who prosecuted without fear or favour. As our hearts are heavy with pain and grief in mourning Tracy’s lost life. We are also here to celebrate a life well lived; a life of a person who found a purpose and she pursued it relentlessly.”

The Minister told those working in the justice system to continue their work in the same vein that Brown did.
“As we bid farewell to a devoted partner, a loving mother, a sister, an exceptional and patriotic public servant and our dear friend, let us resolve to pick up where Tracy left off. 

“She put her skills, her time and her courage at the country’s disposal and for that, we owe her a great debt of gratitude. Let us resolve to continue the work that she began.

“[Let] us renew our commitment to building the more just society that Tracy Brown wished to live in; the more just society that was her life’s defining pursuit; the more just society that through our efforts we will one day achieve,” the Minister urged.

According to the Minister, Brown rose rapidly through the ranks of the National Prosecuting Authority – a testament for her “achievements and unblemished record as a prosecutor”.

“As we celebrate Women’s Month, let us pay tribute to patriots such as Tracy, who have dedicated themselves to human progress. Let her life and work serve as an example of the kind of passion and dedication that all of us should demonstrate to achieve a just society where women and children can be safe.

“On behalf of our government, let me again send our sincere condolences for this tragic loss. Let me also thank the family for lending Tracy to work with us and serve the people of South Africa. We will continue to cherish her legacy as a prosecutor, and we shall never dishonour her memory,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Women’s Day 2025 celebrations to be held in Limpopo

Source: Government of South Africa

Women’s Day 2025 celebrations to be held in Limpopo

South Africa is gearing up to commemorate National Women’s Day at Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Saturday.

This year’s commemoration will be held under the theme: ’Building Resilient Economies for All’. 
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said this theme aligns with South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) and its commitment to the principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

Ntshavheni was speaking at a post Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.

According to the Minister, the programme emphasises advancing women’s participation in leadership and economic life, promoting financial inclusion and confronting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a critical barrier to women’s empowerment.

“Women’s Month is not only a celebration to honour the resilience and contribution of women in all their diversity, but a call to action to ensure women’s full and equal inclusion in shaping South Africa’s future,” the Minister said. 

Every year on 9 August, South Africans from diverse backgrounds, races, and cultural groups come together to celebrate National Women’s Day.

On 9 August 1956, a significant number of women launched a campaign aimed at ending the pass laws imposed by the government at that time.

These pass laws required all black individuals to carry a special “pass” or identification document, which they had to present to prove they were allowed to enter certain areas designated for white people. 
This regulation severely restricted the freedom of movement for black citizens.

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) will also host a GBVF awareness and prevention activation imbizo on Friday, 8 August in Ga-Kgapane, Limpopo.  The activation will bring together government departments, civil society, traditional leaders and the local community to raise awareness and strengthen community-driven responses to the scourge of GBVF.

Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, launched Women’s Month 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg last Friday.

READ | Government to strengthen gender equality measures

At the launch, Chikunga said that South Africa will over the next five years focus on strengthening and monitoring systems that are meant to advance gender equality and women empowerment. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms

Source: Government of South Africa

SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of severe thunderstorms for Thursday in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

These weather conditions are expected to cause localised flooding, small hail and wind damages due to a cut off low pressure system moving over the region. 

“Rainfall amounts up to 15 to 20mm in an hour is expected in some places. Maximum temperatures are also expected to be low due to the cut off low pressure system’s core moving over Gauteng,” SAWS said.

READ | SAWS warns of cold weather conditions

As a result of these weather conditions, residents should expect traffic disruption incidents, localised flooding in populated areas, large amounts of small hail over populated areas and wind damages to formal/informal structures.

Additionally, the weather service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required.

Weather updates will be shared on the following platforms: X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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Deputy President Mashatile to address traditional leaders’ dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Mashatile to address traditional leaders’ dialogue

In his capacity as chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team tasked to look into issues raised by traditional leaders, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday address a dialogue between government and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL).

The NHTKL is a statutory body established to represent and advance the aspirations of traditional leaders and their rural communities at the national level. 

It comprises traditional leaders, who are delegates from the Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders of South Africa.

Friday’s dialogue in Pretoria follows the official opening of the NHTKL by President Cyril Ramaphosa in February this year. 

READ | Traditional leaders urged to help build a better SA 

“It aims to strengthen collaboration between government and traditional leaders in addressing rural challenges and agree on a clear path that empowers the institution to fulfil its mandate,” Thursday’s advisory read. 

According to the Presidency, tomorrow’s dialogue will focus on five key pillars. 

The discussion will aim to advance land ownership and tenure rights, while fast-tracking socio-economic development in rural communities. 

The dialogue will emphasise the importance of building institutional capacity and supporting traditional leaders. 

It will also focus on promoting unity, social cohesion, nation-building within communities, and enhancing infrastructure investment and skills development. 

In addition, there will be a focus on expediting the finalisation of policy, legislative and constitutional matters.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Ministers appointed by the President to serve on the Inter-Ministerial Task Team, as well as senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025

Source: APO – Report:

Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President, Central African Republic (CAR) is confirmed to speak at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. His announced participation comes on the heels of a major boost to CAR’s climate resilience strategy, with the World Bank recently approving $9.175 million in financing for the Inclusive and Resilient Cities Project. The project aims to enhance climate adaptation and sustainable urban development in Bangui and secondary cities by improving infrastructure, drainage and service delivery.

The CAR is also making significant strides in energy development to drive sustainable growth. Key projects include the advancement of solar power infrastructure, such as the Danzi Solar Park, which aims to expand clean energy access across the country. Supported by international partners like the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility, these initiatives target rural electrification and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By integrating renewable energy solutions, CAR is addressing energy poverty, fostering economic opportunities and enhancing resilience against climate change.

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 http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Since its inauguration in November 2024, the 25 MWp Danzi Solar Power Plant is equipped with 30 MWh of battery storage and has reduced the country’s dependence on diesel generation by 90%. The project has also increased domestic capacity by 40%, providing improved access to over 300,000 people. An ongoing expansion of the Danzi Solar Plant to 40 MWp and new off-grid solutions aim to reach over one million people by 2027.

Beyond power generation, the CAR and Democratic Republic of Congo are jointly implementing a landmark Water Resources Management Project supported by the World Bank. Designed to strengthen transboundary cooperation, the project supports flood forecasting, hydrological data sharing and integrated watershed planning in the Ubangi sub-basin. The initiative promotes ecological sustainability, disaster preparedness and equitable resource management between both countries.

Meanwhile, the CAR and Uganda have begun to enhance diplomatic and technical cooperation through shared learning in renewable energy deployment and hydropower planning. Uganda’s experience in managing off-grid solutions and regional electricity integration is proving valuable for the CAR as the country continues to modernize and expand its energy landscape.

“The Central African Republic’s commitment to scaling renewable energy and regional collaboration presents compelling opportunities for investors in the energy, water and infrastructure spaces. With robust backing from development partners and clear government leadership, the country is set to transform its energy sector, delivering both sustainable impact and attractive returns,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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