Source: Government of Qatar
Doha | May 31, 2026
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received on Sunday a copy of the credentials of HE Ambassador of the sisterly United Arab Emirates to the State of Qatar Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi.
HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished HE the Ambassador success in his duties, assuring him of all support to enhance bilateral relations and foster closer cooperation in various fields.
Source: Government of Qatar
Doha | May 31, 2026
The State of Qatar condemns the persistent Israeli assaults on Lebanon and the expansion of the scope of ground incursion of the occupation army into the country and the targeting of civilians.
It deems these actions a dangerous escalation and an egregious violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly Republic of Lebanon and an open breach of international humanitarian rules-based order.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the international community to uphold its responsibilities in obliging the Israeli occupation authorities to halt its repeated attacks on Lebanon, respect the international charters and laws, as well as enforce Security Council Resolution 1701 with its full provisions.
It underscores the State of Qatar’s enduring position toward the Republic of Lebanon, its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that Qatar fully backs all efforts that strengthen Lebanon’s stability and prosperity.
Source: APO
The African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) five-day Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, concluded on Friday 29 May 2026 with the Board of Governors strongly endorsing President Dr Sidi Ould Tah’s mandate to implement the Bank’s Four Cardinal Points strategic vision.
The governors called on Dr Ould Tah to accelerate the reform of Africa’s financial architecture in order to mobilize large-scale resources for Africa’s development within the framework of the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD). They also expressed their support for institutional reforms undertaken by Ould Tah to make the Bank more agile, more flexible, and closer to beneficiaries across Africa.
“The Board of Governors approved and encouraged the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, to implement his vision, ‘the Four Cardinal Points,’ to strengthen Africa’s capacity for action and influence in an increasingly fragmented world,” said the Minister of Economy, Planning, Statistics and Forecasting of the Republic of the Congo, Ludovic Ngatsé, Chair of the Bank Group’s Boards of Governors, during the closing ceremony.
“I would like to warmly welcome the clear, frank and overwhelming support we received,” said Dr. Ould Tah during these Meetings.
In a compelling address, he recalled that it is “bold political decisions that will make the difference on the ground.” “I want to say this,” he added with the utmost clarity, “I have listened to you, and I have heard you.” The President emphasized that what was built in Brazzaville “beyond the figures” was “deeper.” “We have set in motion a dynamic of action, a dynamic of transformation, a dynamic of integration,” Ould Tah stressed.
More than 4,000 participants from over 81 countries took part in the Bank Group’s Annual Meetings, held under the theme: “Mobilizing large-scale resources for financing Africa’s development in a fragmented world.”
The Annual Meetings, the first organized under Dr. Ould Tah’s presidency since he took office on 1st September 2025, featured a presidential panel bringing together the President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou-N’Guesso, his Central African counterpart Faustin-Archange Touadéra and Gabon’s Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, together with Bank President Sidi Ould Tah.
The Annual Meetings, the Bank Group’s main statutory gatherings, were also marked by several major announcements. Angola announced a contribution of €6.5 million to the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF). This brings to 25 the number of African countries financing ADF-17, with a total exceeding USD 190 million. The unprecedented commitment of African countries to financing ADF-17 marks a turning point toward shared responsibility and reinforces African ownership within the development finance architecture and the economic future of the continent.
The Meetings were also marked by more than USD 3 billion in commitments to the Congo Basin Blue Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4nYSbKB), aimed at supporting 17 African countries in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Numerous agreements were signed as part of the operationalization of the Bank’s new Four Cardinal Points strategic vision, as well as during a high-level meeting on the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme in Africa (IATP) and the African Facility for Medicines and Medical Equipment (AMEF).
Japan announced USD 10 million in funding for the implementation of AMEF.
As the Annual Meetings kicked off with the Africa Day celebrations on Monday 25 May, the President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou N’Guesso announced the abolition of visas for all African citizens.
“As from the first of January 2027, nationals of all African countries will have visa-free access and will no longer need a visa to come to Congo,” the Congolese leader said and urged countries to deepen regional integration
Welcoming the landmark decision, Bank President Ould Tah described it as “a courageous and deeply pan-African decision.”
Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso hailed the fact that the Annual Meetings were held in person despite the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a few days before the event.
A joint mobilization of the Congolese government, the World Health Organisation’s regional office which has its headquarters in Brazzaville, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the African Development Bank, put in place detailed safety measures to address the threat of the outbreak. To date, no Ebola case has been reported or detected in the Republic of the Congo since the outbreak was declared by the WHO on 17 May. During his closing remarks, Minister Ngatsé, the Chairman of the Bank Group’s Boards of Governors, stated:
“For the Republic of the Congo, hosting these Meetings has been an exceptional international showcase, but above all a unique opportunity to align its national priorities with continental dynamics”.
Bank Group President Ould Tah reaffirmed his ambition to make the African Development Bank a “solutions bank,” more agile, closer to people, and fully engaged in the continent’s economic transformation.
At the press conference following the closing ceremony, Ould Tah said the African Development Bank will never be burdened by bureaucracy and will remain firmly connected to the field. “There is no risk of disconnect from the field,” stressing that the Bank will work with national banks and regional banks to provide support to Small and Medium Enterprises, youth, and women.
The Bank Group president emphasized that Africa must mobilize more domestic resources, guard against fragmentation, and transform its raw materials in order to create value, growth, and above all jobs for African youth and women.
President Ould Tah also paid tribute to civil society organisation, philanthropists, and the African diaspora. “Your role is irreplaceable,” he acknowledged, “The Bank will be your leading partner,” Ould Tah assured.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
Source: APO
The African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF) has announced the RPFF Clean Cooking Program (RCCP), an important new contribution to increasing investments into clean cooking across Africa.
The announcement was made at the African Development Bank Group’s 2026 Annual Meetings during a special session held on Wednesday May 27, hosted by the Government of Italy in partnership with the African Development Bank.
Established in February 2025, the RPFF is designed as a catalytic tool combining grant and concessional financing to be deployed rapidly in co-financing with the African Development Bank Group in the sectors of energy, transport and water. The RPFF provides an impactful financial platform that leverages strategic partnership and enables co-designing and co-financing, to address key drivers of fragility, climate vulnerability, and irregular migration.
Dr Daniel Schroth, Director of the Department of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, announced the RPFF Clean Cooking Program (RCCP) with an initial EUR 25 million envelope. The programme aims to provide access to clean cooking to approximately one million households and is expected to reduce five million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The programme fully aligns with the clean cooking objectives contained in the Mission 300 national energy compacts, while working in synergy with partners such as the International Energy Agency (IEA).
“Clean cooking is a strategic priority for the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan for Africa, representing one of the most urgent and transformative challenges we face today. Nearly one billion people in Africa still lack access to clean cooking solutions, with serious consequences for health, gender equality and economic development,” Lorenzo Ortona, Deputy Coordinator of the Mission Structure for the Mattei Plan at the Office of the Italian Prime Minister, said in opening remarks.
The panel, comprising Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, State Secretary for Development Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark; Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation of Ethiopia; Leah Chirchir, Director Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance of Kenya, and Mulele Mulele, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning of Zambia, discussed the role of the RPFF, the new Clean Cooking programme, and the importance of increasing investments into clean cooking across Africa.
Krone, emphasised Denmark’s decision to join the RPFF in December 2025 and underscored that access to clean cooking is an important priority for Denmark.
Other panellists shared their country’s perspectives on requirements for implementing the Facility. Kenya, which will host the second Africa Clean Cooking Summit in Nairobi from 9-10 July 2026, is developing an e-cooking market development programme with support from RPFF. Ethiopia, already a beneficiary of RPFF investment in the water sector, will host COP32 in 2027 and is building clean cooking into its broader climate agenda. Zambia, is already a beneficiary of RPFF for support with the strategic Lobito corridor and is also expanding access to clean cooking in line with its Mission 300 National Energy Compact ambitions.
To date, around EUR 168 million has been committed to the RPFF by three donors- Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Denmark – with a current active portfolio of four projects, from solar-powered water systems in Ethiopia, to green mini-grids in Mauritania to road infrastructure along the Lobito Corridor in Angola and Zambia. That portfolio has already leveraged around EUR 389 million in co-financing from the African Development Bank Group and EUR 148 million from other partners and governments.
“The RPFF has shown that speed matters. In just a short time, it has moved from concept to committed investments, demonstrating that strong partnerships can deliver tangible results quickly. The new clean cooking programme is strategically important because it addresses one of Africa’s most urgent development challenges at the intersection of energy access, health, gender, climate, and livelihoods,” stated Dr Schroth.
“Through the RPFF Clean Cooking Programme, developed in partnership with the African Development Bank, we are mobilizing concessional finance and leveraging additional investment to scale up access to modern, safe and affordable solutions. This is not only about energy, but also about dignity, opportunity and improving daily life. By working together, we are committed to delivering concrete results that will benefit millions of people across the continent,” Ortona said.
Francesca Utili, Alternate Governor at Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, delivered closing remarks in which she commended the effectiveness of partnerships.
“One year after the launch of the Facility, the RPFF is now operating at full capacity, with a solid governance in place, a first set of approved projects, and a rapidly expanding pipeline to effectively respond to the needs of African countries. This shows the added value of the partnership with the AfDB and the joint support to strategic priorities of the Continent including energy access and sustainable infrastructure development,” she said.
The Africa Clean Cooking Summit is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 9-10 July 2026.
To learn more about The Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF), click here (https://apo-opa.co/3PT7Qyj).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations
email: media@afdb.org
Source: Government of South Africa
Legacy of Kruger National Park will continue for hundreds of years to come – Minister Aucamp
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has called on South Africans to embrace their shared responsibility as custodians of the Kruger National Park (KNP).
The Minister delivered remarks at the KNP Centenary Commemoration held at the park’s Skukuza Rest Camp in Mpumalanga.
The Minister reflected on the recent flooding that affected the park.
“What these floods taught us is the resilience of the Kruger family. Over 100 years, lots of successes, lots of failures, lots of hardships [and] lots of triumphs. But we’ve always come through and we will do that for 100s of years to come.
“Our responsibility is to raise this generation…so that they can accept this stewardship and can take this pattern and go forward. So that our grandchildren, our great grandchildren and theirs will still be able – in 100 to 200 years’ time from now – to sit alongside the Sabie River, to watch a herd of elephants going through this Sabie River, to listen to the roar of a lion at night, to play a game in the car [and] see who is the best of the siblings. I hope that that legacy can continue,” Aucamp said.
The Minister committed that the KNP will not only endure but also claim its place as the world’s leading conservation destination.
“This…event calls not only for reflection and celebration but it also demands clarity. Clarity about where we come from and where we are going.
“The Kruger National Park stands today as one of the most recognised conservation landscapes in the world,” he urged.
Aucump acknowledged the park’s pioneers and workers for their contribution to its establishment and continued existence.
“The Kruger National Park reflects foresight at a time when such foresight was rare. It reflects decades of scientific progress, of institutional commitment and the sustained efforts of generations. We are clear that the future of conservation in South Africa lies with inclusive stewardship, a responsibility that we all have got to take on.
“I realise that we are walking in the footsteps of giants. We truly are. Their vision, their perseverance and their deeper abiding love for nature gave us the Kruger National Park.
“They dreamt beyond their time of a landscape where elephants roam, where lions rule, and where the ancient rhythms of the wild echo through the bush for generations to come. As a united people, that legacy now rests in our hands,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Source: Government of South Africa
Godongwana urges Ditsobotla Municipality to ’embrace’ intervention
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has urged the leadership of the Ditsobotla Municipality to fully embrace the national intervention to strengthen the municipality.
The Minister visited the North West municipality on Friday to officially hand over the revised Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) and outline its implementation.
The municipality was placed under administration in terms of section 139(7) of the Constitution in a bid to stabilise it.
“I can only surmise that part of the reason for eight failures is that we have not fully embraced what it means to be under an intervention. When a municipality is under intervention, it is not operating under normal conditions.
“The municipality is operating under constrained conditions with fewer financial resources. Therefore, it cannot be ‘business as usual’ in the way the day-to-day activities are run and managed. Habits, attitudes and mindsets must shift in this process.
“An intervention mindset must be adopted to kickstart recovery. I believe that officials from the Municipal Financial Recovery Services unit are already assisting the municipality with change management,” Godongwana said.
He noted that strained finances meant that it would be unlikely for the municipality to receive financial assistance.
“Neither national nor provincial interventions are accompanied by financial bailouts. However, this does not mean that other forms of support will not be provided to get you moving.
“The National Treasury will provide you with fuel by exploring options to assist the municipality with smart metering and metering for bulk supply and will investigate further opportunities for assistance,” Godongwana explained.
The municipality has already completed the Section 78 process required to sign the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA) with Eskom where the power utility will take over revenue collection while sector departments have also committed to supporting the municipality.
Furthermore, in terms of Section 147 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, the Minister will ensure that progress reports are presented on a quarterly basis to Cabinet.
“The National Treasury will continue with oversight visits and closely monitor the implementation of the financial recovery plan through the monthly progress reporting by the municipality and through War Room meetings which will take place quarterly,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Source: Government of South Africa
SARS finalises China zero-tariff scheme framework
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that both the legal and operational frameworks required to administer China’s temporary zero-tariff scheme have been finalised.
The Asian country announced in February this year that it would implement the zero-tariff policy with African countries which it has diplomatic ties with.
SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu explained that from June, it would be issuing Rules of Origin certificates for qualifying exports in this regard.
“Beginning 1 June, we are introducing a simple, printable certificate format, allowing exporters to prove origin and claim the tariff preference straight away.
“We understand that exporters have questions about how this scheme works, especially for shipments already on the way. I want to assure our traders that no qualifying exporter will be left behind.
“From 1 June, SARS is issuing origin certificates retrospectively to cater for qualifying goods that were shipped or cleared after 1 May 2026, so they can still benefit fully from the zero tariffs,” Makhubu said.
This measure, the revenue collector said in a statement, confirms its commitment to “providing clarity and certainty while making the movement of goods easy and seamless [and]…to facilitate legitimate trade and protect South Africa’s customs system”.
“As an interim measure, exporters can lodge security with China’s customs administration in the absence of a certificate of origin. This security will be released upon the lodging of a valid certificate of origin obtained from SARS in respect of qualifying goods.
“Exporters are reminded that not all goods qualify for China’s zero-tariff arrangement: some remain subject to tariff‑rates or quotas and specific conditions. Zero-tariff treatment depends strictly on meeting the Rules of Origin and presenting a valid SARS Certificate of Origin.
“Exporters must confirm eligibility with their trading partners in China, maintain proper origin documentation, and stay up to date with SARS processes. Only fully compliant shipments will qualify, making careful preparation essential to avoid delays or disqualification,” SARS further stated.
For purposes of the verification of the issued certificates, contact rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za.
Exporters requiring assistance can also contact SARS at rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za for guidance on the new arrangement. – SAnews.gov.za
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Source: APO
To oversee these elections, the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deployed a technical election observation mission to Guinea from May 24 to June 4, 2026.
This mission, comprising forty (40) experts, includes representatives of electoral management bodies and election observation experts from other ECOWAS member states.
The deployment of these experts is supported by ten (10) staff members of the Commission of the regional organization, to ensure better coordination and efficient implementation of the mission’s activities, which will be deployed in various regions of the country.
By deploying this mission, ECOWAS reiterates its commitment to supporting Guinea in successfully completing its transition process and strengthening its democratic institutions, with a view to ensuring lasting peace, constitutional governance, and sustained stability in the country.
The combined legislative and local elections of May 31, 2026, constitute the final phase of this process. This is a major step in consolidating democratic governance and institutional stability in the country. It follows the constitutional referendum of September 2026 and the presidential election of December 2025, which marked significant steps toward the full restoration of constitutional order in Guinea.
Through the deployment of forty (40) experts and ten (10) staff members, the ECOWAS Commission continues to provide increased support to the electoral process in Guinea, in accordance with its mandate to promote democracy, good governance, peace, and credible electoral processes in the West African region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Source: APO
President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie attended the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) Cup Final at Unity Stadium on Saturday evening, where he presented the Cup trophy to the winning team, Bazar Brother FC of Point Larue. The occasion marked the President’s first football engagement since accepting the role of Patron of the Seychelles Football Federation earlier this year.
The President was joined at the final by Minister for Youth and Sports Ms Kalsey Belle, SFF Chairman Mr Elvis Chetty, SFF Chief Executive Officer Denis Rose, National Sports Council Chief Executive Officer Mario Pragassen, and Member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse Praslin, Hon. Alvin Grandcourt, amongst other guests.
Bazar Brother FC claimed the 2025-26 SFF Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Lightstar FC of Praslin, earning the right to represent Seychelles in the continental club competition in Africa. Defending champions Forester were unable to retain their crown.
Football continues to serve as a powerful unifying force and a source of national pride across the islands of Seychelles, and President Herminie’s presence at Saturday’s final was a reaffirmation of his personal commitment to championing the sport in his capacity as SFF Patron.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Source: Government of South Africa
S&P rating an indication of government commitment to steady finances
Director-General of the National Treasury, Duncan Pieterse, says global rating agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) decision to affirm South Africa’s global rating is a sign that government is meeting its commitment to lower the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term while steadying public finances.
S&P affirmed South Africa’s long-term foreign currency sovereign credit rating at ‘BB’ and local currency rating at ‘BB+’ and to maintain the positive outlook.
“The affirmation from S&P that government is on track to deliver on its commitment to reduce the debt to GDP ratio over the medium term reflects the progress we have made towards restoring the health of South Africa’s public finances, and our ability to continue to do so despite geopolitical upheavals.
“Two of the major rating agencies, S&P and Moody’s, now have South Africa on a positive outlook, which is an encouraging signal that we have the potential to lift our economic growth rate higher and reduce our public debt faster. We are determined to do so,” Pieterse said.
National Treasury said the outlook reflects “scope for further fiscal improvement and debt stabilisation, conditional on continued consolidation and an easing of the current energy-price shock”.
“The rating decision also recognises stronger revenue performance, which has enabled the government to maintain fiscal discipline while implementing targeted measures to protect vulnerable households, including the temporary fuel levy relief in response to elevated global energy prices.
“These interventions have been implemented in a manner that remains consistent with the existing fiscal framework and does not compromise the medium-term consolidation path,” the department said.
The global ratings agency also noted the acceleration of Operation Vulindlela, government’s structural reform path aimed addressing constraints in electricity, infrastructure delivery and logistics.
It also noted that South Africa’s economic growth remains moderate in the near term in conditions of global headwinds and tight financial conditions.
“The retention of a positive outlook comes in a context in which 23 sovereigns’ S&P ratings have been negatively impacted since the start of the current Middle East conflict in late February, including 14 investment-grade sovereigns. South Africa is currently one of only two G20 nations, alongside Italy, on a positive outlook from S&P.
“The government remains committed to maintaining prudent fiscal policy, strengthening the credibility of the fiscal framework, and accelerating reforms that support higher growth, job creation, and improved service delivery.
“The government is developing a principles-based fiscal anchor to reinforce the credibility and durability of the fiscal framework,” National Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za
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