Category: English

Source: APO

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The African Energy chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) held high-level meetings in Brazzaville on May 18 with the Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), reinforcing a renewed push to accelerate investment, expand LNG infrastructure and strengthen local operational capacity. Discussions centered on positioning Congo as a premier regional gas hub while transforming SNPC into a more active upstream operator with broader international ambitions.

Against this backdrop, SNPC Director General Maixent Raoul Ominga has been confirmed as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16. His participation comes at a pivotal moment for Congo’s hydrocarbons sector as SNPC advances major gas monetization projects, upstream expansion plans and corporate restructuring aimed at attracting international capital and strategic partnerships.

Under Ominga’s leadership, SNPC has accelerated its transformation from a passive state asset holder into a more operationally focused national oil company. A late-2025 presidential decree expanded and consolidated SNPC’s strategic role within Congo’s energy sector. The company has also launched a five-year digital modernization program designed to improve transparency, auditing and financial oversight.

Operationally, SNPC is expanding aggressively across both upstream oil and gas developments. The company launched a $158 million drilling bond to support onshore campaigns and has assumed operatorship of strategic assets including the Kouakouala field. Ongoing investments across the Nanga I, Zingali II and Le Mayombe II permits are expected to support production growth while helping offset declines at major fields.

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Gas monetization remains central to SNPC’s long-term strategy, with Congo LNG delivering its first export cargo to Italy through the Tango FLNG facility. Meanwhile a second FLNG unit is under development to raise national LNG capacity to around 3 million tons per annum. At Banga Kayo, SNPC and partner Wing Wah are advancing flare-reduction projects that convert associated gas into LPG, propane and butane for domestic markets.

The company is also strengthening offshore partnerships to unlock new reserves. Recent agreements with TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy on the Enzombo deepwater block aim to expand exploration activity offshore Pointe-Noire. Separately, TotalEnergies recently confirmed a hydrocarbon discovery at the Moho license, where recoverable resources across the Moho G and Moho F structures are estimated at close to 100 million barrels.

“Ominga’s participation at African Energy Week 2026 comes at a defining moment for Congo’s energy sector as SNPC accelerates its transformation into a stronger, more operationally driven national oil company. AEW will provide a critical platform for SNPC to engage directly with investors, operators and policymakers on the next phase of Congo’s growth strategy,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

SNPC is targeting longer-term production growth toward 500,000 barrels per day while pursuing new licensing rounds, refinery modernization through its SOCAR partnership and additional FLNG developments designed to position Congo among Africa’s premier gas economies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, has on Friday, 29 May 2026, arrived in the Capital of India, New Delhi, on a Working Visit.

The Working Visit is scheduled for 29 May to 03 June 2026.

South Africa and India have a longstanding relationship grounded in shared history, cultural relations, and a mutual vision rooted in non-alignment, aiming to advance the Global South through South-South partnerships.

Both South Africa and India are represented in many multilateral formations that promote this commitment to the development of the Global South, including membership to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), BRICS, IBSA, G20 and IORA.

The visit aims to reaffirm the South African Government’s commitment to its relationship with India, emphasising historical and cultural ties. The visit will highlight the importance of India’s role in global affairs and its contributions to the African Agenda, advocating for India as a key investment partner. 

Additionally, the visit seeks to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums such as the UN, BRICS, and G20, enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, research, technology transfer, and support for small enterprises.

Deputy President Mashatile, the second Deputy President to visit India, is expected to engage with Indian business leaders and investors through a high-level Roundtable Discussion aimed at encouraging greater investment flows and economic collaboration between the two countries. 

The visit will advance bilateral cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, healthcare, science and technology, digital innovation, and small business development.

Deputy President expressed his confidence that these high-level deliberations will further cultivate the strategic synergy between the two countries.

“The visit to India aims to strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and India, building on a foundation of solidarity and shared developmental priorities. The focus is on promoting South Africa as a competitive investment destination to encourage Indian investments in key sectors, enhancing trade partnerships and supporting job creation and inclusive economic growth through investment-led partnership.”
 
As part of his Working Visit, Deputy President Mashatile will engage on a Bilateral Meeting with Vice President C.P Radhakrishnan, and pay a courtesy call on Her Excellency Mrs Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India. 

Deputy President Mashatile is accompanied by Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni; Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina; and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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Yesterday, the President of the Republic, alongside the Minister for Transport, Ms Veronique Laporte, and the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Amanda Bernstein, undertook an official visit to Coetivy Island to tour important development sites and ongoing projects contributing to the island’s economic activities and future development.

Also present during the visit were the Chief Executive Officer of the Islands Development Company (IDC), Mr Christian Lionnet, CEO of Air Seychelles Mr Sandy Benoiton andChairman of IDC Mr Didier Dogley.

During the visit, the delegation toured the Coetivy prawn farm located in the central part of the island. The visit provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the farm’s operations and the progress being made within Seychelles’ aquaculture sector. Discussions focused on sustainable aquaculture, food security, and the sector’s contribution to the diversification of the national economy.

The President and delegation later visited the prawn processing factory, where the production and processing of prawns are carried out. Officials were briefed on the facility’s operations, production processes, and its role in supporting local seafood production and value-added export opportunities.

Later in the day, the delegation also visited the charcoal production site on the island, highlighting ongoing efforts aimed at utilising local resources and supporting productive economic activities on Coetivy.

Most notably, the President, together with the ministers and delegation, visited the proposed location for a new airstrip on the island. Discussions surrounding the proposed development focused on improving accessibility, strengthening logistical operations, and supporting future economic and infrastructural development on Coetivy Island for the overall benefit of Seychelles.

The visit reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable and strategic development initiatives that contribute to economic growth, food production, infrastructure enhancement, and national resilience, while ensuring that development on the island remains aligned with Seychelles’ long-term vision for sustainable progress

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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Mental health experts, policymakers, civil society organizations and partners from more than twenty African countries, meeting for the first-ever mental health intercountry meeting, have called for stronger, coordinated action to close critical gaps in mental health services in the region.

Organized by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, with support from the Wellcome Trust, the meeting highlighted critical gaps in mental health systems and the challenges that limit access to mental health services. Participating countries committed to strengthening integrated, people-centred care, while aligning national priorities with regional and global targets.

Close to 150 million people in Africa are living with mental health, neurological and substance use related conditions, with limited access to integrated care. Despite growing recognition of mental health as a public health priority, services remain under-resourced, fragmented and often inaccessible, particularly in rural and underserved settings. Currently, only seven countries have implemented comprehensive mental health services at the primary health care level, and just 16 have dedicated mental health budget lines. Government spending averages less than US$0.07 per capita in the Region, far below what is required to meet rising needs and build resilient systems.

The mental health intercountry meeting, which concluded today for East and Southern African countries, provided a collaborative platform for countries to assess progress, identify challenges and realign national strategies with regional and global priorities in the bid to strengthen mental health systems and advance mental health care, accelerating progress towards the 2030 regional mental health targets. It also represents an important milestone in regional preparations for the 7th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit scheduled for early 2027.

“African countries continue to face an immense burden from mental health conditions,” said Dr Benido Impouma, Director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, WHO African Region. “We must invest in mental health with sustained resources. With the support of partners, WHO is committed to advancing the regional mental health strategy and ensuring that people living with mental health conditions receive the care and dignity they deserve.

Participants reflected on ways to strengthen mental health information systems, integrate mental health into primary health care, expand community-based services and enhance multisectoral collaboration.

“When mental health needs are neglected, health outcomes worsen, treatment adherence declines, disability increases and families and communities suffer. This is why the World Health Organization has consistently reminded us that there is no health without mental health. South Africa remains committed to strengthening mental health services as an integral component of universal health coverage through primary health care. Our policies and legislation promote the integration of mental health services within general health care services at community, primary health care facility and hospital levels’, said South African Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

Minister Motsoaledi added that strengthening mental health systems in the region requires a coordinated approach that centers people, evidence and community involvement.

Based on the rapid mental health landscape analyses developed by countries prior to the meeting, participants began drafting national mental health roadmaps outlining priority actions toward the 2030 targets as part of meeting procedures. These roadmaps will guide efforts to expand access to care, improve the availability of essential medicines, enhance suicide prevention and strengthen preparedness for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in emergencies.

Experts at the meeting also built momentum around fighting discrimination and stigma and working meaningfully with people with lived experience, through shared experiences and peer learning, countries identified common challenges, exchanged innovative practices and explored new opportunities to strengthen national and regional coordination — key steps in building more resilient and equitable mental health systems.

“In mental health, our ambition is simple: to support earlier and equitable access to effective care, guided by science and shaped by local context,” said Paul Spencer Head of Mental Health Policy at Wellcome Trust. “We are committed to working in partnership with governments and institutions across Africa toward common goals, such as those set out in the regional framework.

The next intercountry meeting, focusing on West and Central African countries, will take place from 15-18 July 2026 in Lome, Togo, continuing the momentum and expanding regional collaboration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Africa.

Source: APO

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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, met with a young performer Abdel Assary this morning following his victory at the inaugural “Battle of the Crown,” held on 23 May, at the ICCS last Saturday.

The President congratulated Mr Assary, describing his achievement as an inspiration to young people, particularly as a proud representative of La Digue. He noted that despite the challenges faced by small island communities, talent continues to shine through, and Mr. Assary’s success demonstrates that determination and creativity can lead to remarkable opportunities at a young age.

Mr. Assary, aged 15, enthusiastically shared his journey to victory required hard work and dedication. He said he is looking forward to travelling to London for his upcoming performance opportunity and is eager to represent Seychelles on an international stage, with the intention of raising the national flag high.

Also present during the exchange was the British High Commissioner, Mr Jeff Glekin. The President commended him for initiative and supporting the project by the British High Commission, noting that it has created valuable platform opportunities for Seychellois youth to showcase their talents and develop their creative potential.

High Commissioner stated that following the announcement for registration, more than 40 Seychellois registered to participate, and the panellists were highly impressed by the amount of exceptional musical talent in Seychelles. He outlined the structure of the contest, which progressed through several rounds before culminating in a final battle between six contestants, each delivering strong performances before a judging panel that included himself, UK artist Josh Daniel, and local artists Isham Rath and Taniah Decommarmond. He added that the experience also allowed him to engage more closely with Seychellois culture and work alongside local creative teams, from production crews to artists.

The Minister for Youth, Sports, Ms Kalsey Belle, also attended the meeting. She noted that the initiative provided an important opportunity for cultural exchange, particularly through exposure to different categories of British music that participants were required to learn and perform.

In closing, the President wished Mr Assary continued success, encouraging him to remain humble and focused. He also presented a token in recognition of his achievement and thanked the British High Commission for creating opportunities for young Seychellois talent.

Mr Assary will depart Seychelles on Sunday accompanied by his mother, as well as Seychellois artists Mrs Taniah Decommarmond and Mr Isham Rath. In London, Mr- Assary will showcase his talent at a VIP dinner attended by music executives and professionals from the creative industries, not only from the United Kingdom but also from around the world, reflecting the strong international appeal of London and the South by Southwest London platform. He will also take part in a public performance alongside Taniah Decommarmond and Isham Rath.

Second place was awarded to Lauren Leon, while third place went to Chloe Abrams.

The “South by Southwest London” platform is a major European music, film, and technology festival held in Shoreditch, East London. It brings together artists, innovators, industry leaders, and audiences, offering a space that fosters creativity and international collaboration.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO

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The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division (TICID), has officially launched a regional project titled “Fostering Digital Entrepreneurship Among Women in Africa”, aimed at strengthening women’s participation in the digital economy across Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Namibia, and the Republic of Congo.

The initiative responds to persistent structural barriers limiting women entrepreneurs’ access to digital skills, financial services, and online markets, while also addressing gaps in enabling policy and regulatory environments. It adopts a dual-track approach that simultaneously empowers women entrepreneurs and strengthens the capacity of policymakers to design inclusive and gender-responsive digital ecosystems.

The project is expected to directly benefit over 1,000 women entrepreneurs through digital literacy and financial management training, alongside more than 200 policymakers and government officials engaged in capacity-building workshops and regional policy dialogue. Across the four participating countries, the initiative will deliver eight national workshops, one regional training programme, a dedicated online learning module, and targeted study tours designed to strengthen practical skills, policy frameworks, and regional knowledge exchange.

A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of a multi-stakeholder coordination taskforce during a virtual kick-off held on May 18th, bringing together departments from across the ECA. The task force will ensure coordinated implementation, knowledge sharing, and alignment with national priorities across all participating countries, in close collaboration with implementing UN entities and national counterparts.

The taskforce also convened a technical follow-up meeting to discuss the way forward, and emphasized the importance of context-specific implementation, taking into account the socio-economic realities of the selected countries, as well as gender and youth considerations. They further underscored the importance of prioritizing the first activity under the project, a comprehensive assessment study to be conducted in each country over the next six months.

Implemented over a four-year period, the project is expected to achieve its intended results by 2029 as part of ECA’s broader efforts to promote inclusive digital transformation in Africa’s digital economy. By supporting women entrepreneurs and strengthening enabling policy environments, the initiative aims to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Source: APO

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Ethiopian authorities have intensified their crackdown on press freedom in a cynical attempt to silence criticism in the lead-up to the country’s national election on 1 June, Amnesty International said today.

In recent months, Ethiopian authorities have launched a campaign of repression against independent media by arbitrarily arresting, forcibly disappearing and unlawfully surveilling journalists. Other journalists have had their accreditation  revoked, while several media houses have lost their licenses arbitrarily.

“Ethiopian authorities should reverse these increasingly authoritarian tendencies and immediately end this campaign of repression against the media. Ethiopia’s development partners and relevant regional and international human rights bodies must also speak out against the systematic dismantling of the country’s independent media as citizens prepare to vote”, said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

Six media representatives interviewed by Amnesty International, who asked to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals, reported that their coverage of the upcoming election has been severely affected by ongoing hostility against the media.

They said that journalists frequently self-censor to avoid reprisals by authorities. Two of them noted that their already limited pre-election coverage has been further hampered by a lack of transparency from the election board. Another told Amnesty International that almost all opposition politicians now fear speaking to the media.

“I had to drop a story because every quoted politician was anonymous, as they refused to disclose their identity for fear of reprisals for criticizing the government or the ruling party,” said one news editor interviewed by Amnesty International.

Several of the interviewees also told Amnesty International that the election board has imposed an “oath”, first introduced in 2021, as a precondition for official accreditation to cover the election.

The Ethiopian Election Board is an independent constitutional body established to conduct elections across Ethiopia’s federal and state constituencies.

This oath, which Amnesty International has reviewed, requires media organizations to comply with “ethical responsibilities and obligations set out in the directives for covering elections” and to acknowledge that it is against the law to publish “false information about the Board”.

The restrictions outlined in the oath contain words that can be broadly interpreted.

“Press freedom and the free flow of information are vital during elections. The oath required by the election board is clearly a tool for controlling what is discussed in public about the upcoming election and gives it the power to censor uncomfortable information or determine what is considered to be true or false,” said Tigere Chagutah.

In recent months, public statements by top government officials have framed critical and independent reporting as threats to national interests, a pretext that has been used to justify the ongoing crackdown on media freedom. Just two months ahead of the election Redwan Hussien, Ethiopia’s intelligence chief, and the prime minister’s advisor, Daniel Kibret, made this kind of statements, which have been echoed by officials from the country’s media regulatory body, the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA). Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has also frequently used rhetoric that frames the free press as a threat to national interests.

“A smear campaign against the media that frames independent journalism as a national threat, just weeks before the election, is an example of how authoritarian tendencies are taking root in Ethiopia and are being deployed to consolidate power”, said Tigere Chagutah.

Background

Over the past year Ethiopian’s media regulatory body, EMA, has arbitrarily suspended the registration of Addis Standard and Wazema Radio, while revoking the accreditation and licenses of Reuters journalists. The revocation of accreditation for the Reuters journalists was linked to the outlet’s coverage of a military base inside Ethiopia hosting the Sudanese armed group, the Rapid Support Forces.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.