Category: English

Source: APO

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Eddy Kioni, CEO of Buenassa – the first Congolese and privately led integrated metals trading platform who is developing a copper–cobalt refinery in the DRC – has confirmed his participation as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place from October 14–16 in Cape Town.

Kioni will participate in the panel discussion Realigning National and International Goals to Advance Global Investment in Africa’s Value Chain, where industry leaders will examine strategies for mobilizing investment to strengthen Africa’s mining sector and accelerate value addition.

His participation comes as Buenassa advances its multi-phase copper and cobalt hydrometallurgical refinery in Lualaba Province, supporting the DRC’s strategy to maximize value from its critical minerals through domestic processing and the export of value-added products. Phase I of the facility is designed to produce 30,000 tons of LME-grade copper cathode and 5,000 tons of cobalt contained (cobalt metal with optionality for sulphate) per annum, with capacity rising to up to 120,000 tons of copper and 20,000 tons of cobalt contained (cobalt metal with optionality for sulphate) in subsequent phases. The project is currently advancing through pre-feasibility, with construction and operations to follow the completion of definitive studies and financial close.” Commercial Operations Date (COD) is currently scheduled for Q2 2031.

Beyond refining, Buenassa is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy across the mining value chain. In February 2026, the company submitted a $1.5 billion acquisition proposal for copper and cobalt producer Chemaf, a transaction that would significantly expand Buenassa’s upstream mining portfolio while strengthening integration across exploration, production, processing and international metals trading.

Serving as Africa’s Most Influential Mining Conference, AMW 2026 brings together governments, mining companies and investors, offering Kioni an opportunity to showcase Buenassa’s integrated investment model, share updates on the company’s flagship refinery development and engage with prospective partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

Global multi-asset broker JustMarkets (https://JustMarkets.com/) has launched its Web Terminal, a browser-based trading platform that enables clients to access their MT5 accounts directly through a web browser without downloading or installing additional software. The terminal is available to clients across all countries where the broker operates.

The Web Terminal was introduced following a preparation period that included technical optimization and user testing aimed at improving platform performance and usability before its public release.

Designed for MT5 accounts, the browser-based platform provides traders with access to a full trading environment from any compatible device. Users can access the terminal by selecting their trading account, clicking the “Trade” button, and choosing the “JustMarkets Terminal” option.

The Web Terminal includes a range of built-in trading features, including advanced charting tools with technical indicators, flexible trade volume settings, detailed information for tradable instruments, real-time market sentiment data, trading schedule and margin updates, and tools for managing multiple positions and pending orders through a single interface.

Commenting on the launch, a JustMarkets representative said: “At JustMarkets, we never stop evolving. With the Web Terminal, we wanted to remove every barrier between traders and the markets. Now every client can trade directly from their browser, with all the professional tools they need at their fingertips.”

The launch follows the introduction of the JustMarkets mobile trading application and marks another step in the company’s efforts to expand its trading ecosystem with browser-based solutions and additional trading tools.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of JustMarkets.

Contact:
Saschin Brown
saschin.brown@justmarkets.com

About JustMarkets:
​JustMarkets is a global multi-asset broker serving more than 3 million traders across over 160 countries. With 14 years of industry experience, the company is licensed by CySEC, FSCA, FSC, FSA, and the FSC of the British Virgin Islands.

Risk Warning:
Trading financial instruments involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Market conditions can change rapidly, and losses may exceed deposits. Investors should ensure they understand the risks involved before trading.

Source: APO

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The Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2027 Forum will return to Paris for its fifth edition, strengthening its focus on investment, capital mobilization and deal-making across the full energy value chain. Confirmed for 11–13 May, IAE 2027 will bring together governments, national oil companies, operators and institutional capital to originate, structure and finance energy projects across Africa.

Building on the momentum of the 2026 edition, which attracted over 300 companies from more than 50 countries and facilitated three major upstream deal signings across frontier African markets, IAE 2027 further expands its investment offering against a backdrop of rising upstream discoveries, infrastructure needs and power demand alongside fragmented capital flows. The forum is designed to bridge that gap by convening ministries, development finance institutions, export credit agencies, sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure investors, private equity and commercial lenders in curated deal environments focused on execution.

The 2027 edition will be anchored by a dedicated G2B Investment Origination Day, where governments and national oil companies present structured opportunities including licensing rounds, upstream farm-ins and national energy pipelines. The Transaction Suite will serve as a curated deal room where sovereigns and operators present assets directly to qualified investors, while Investor Circles will bring together development finance institutions, sovereign wealth funds and commercial banks to focus on capital structuring, blended finance and risk mitigation tools required to unlock investment at scale.

A flagship Ministerial Capital Roundtable will convene African energy ministers and regional organizations to address fiscal frameworks, regulatory stability and investment conditions required to mobilize capital at scale. Alongside this, a CapEx Pipeline Forum, supported by development finance institutions and export credit agencies, will focus on financing LNG developments, pipelines, power systems and cross-border energy corridors.

“Now returning for its fifth edition, IAE 2027 reflects the forum’s continued evolution as a leading investment platform. Building on the strong foundation established over the past four editions, this year’s program expands the opportunities for governments, operators and investors to engage in structured environments where projects advance, partnerships are formed and financing decisions move forward. Our objective remains the same: to turn opportunity into financed and deliverable energy assets,” said Nadine Levin, Portfolio Director at Energy Capital & Power.

The program will maintain a strong upstream foundation through an Exploration & Discovery Investment Forum focused on de-risking frontier development using advanced technologies including AI-enabled subsurface imaging and data-driven exploration, alongside the growing role of national oil companies and domestic operators in upstream investment, gas monetization and domestic energy expansion.

Beyond upstream, the Grid Convergence Forum will address gas-to-power integration, hybrid industrial energy systems and regional electricity markets. On the final day, the Commodities & Capital Allocation Forum will convene global trading houses, insurers and financial institutions to examine how commodity flows, risk pricing and insurance mechanisms shape capital deployment into African energy projects, alongside sessions on export credit agency support and mega-project finance for FLNG, offshore developments and cross-border pipelines.

By integrating sovereign deal origination, structured investor engagement and capital allocation frameworks into a single platform, IAE 2027 further strengthens its role as a three-day investment environment where projects are advanced, partnerships are structured and capital commitments are actively pursued. It positions Paris as a central hub for African energy investment at a time when the sector’s defining challenge is converting opportunity into bankable projects and financed execution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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The World Bank Group has approved US$225 million in financing for the Integrated Urban Development and Resilience Project for Jobs (PRODUIRE2) to strengthen climate resilience, improve infrastructure, and create more and better jobs in Greater Antananarivo and Greater Toamasina.

Madagascar’s rapidly growing cities face mounting challenges. In early 2026, cyclones Fytia and Gezani caused damages estimated at the equivalent to 3.4 percent of the country’s GDP. In Greater Antananarivo, extreme urban poverty has more than doubled over the past decade, despite the capital generating close to 44 percent of GDP. Recurrent flooding, inadequate infrastructure, and insecure land tenure deter private investment, limit economic opportunities, and keep the city’s most vulnerable residents locked in poverty.

Building on the World Bank-supported urban resilience program in Antananarivo, PRODUIRE2 will deepen investments in flood protection, drainage, solid waste management, neighborhood upgrading, and land administration in Greater Antananarivo. In Greater Toamasina, where cyclone Gezani damaged 70 percent of the housing stock, the project will focus on rebuilding resilient housing and rehabilitating critical public infrastructure such as schools and health facilities. By 2032, the project aims to bring climate-resilient infrastructure to 1.5 million people, reconstruct 20,000 homes to resilient standards, issue land documentation for 50,000 parcels, and generate approximately 17,000 jobs — laying the groundwork for sustained private investment, jobs, and economic growth.

“When cities work better, people live better. With the support of this new World Bank Group-financed project, families will benefit from safer neighborhoods, better infrastructure, improved access to land services, and greater economic opportunities. This investment will help create jobs, support local businesses, and give more people the chance to build a brighter future for their families,” said Dr Herinjatovo Ramiarison, Minister of Economy and Finance of Madagascar. “

The project will also address insecure land tenure – nearly half of the land in Antanarivo lacks formal titles, a key barrier to urban development and investment. PRODUIRE2 will support land regularization and digital land services to help residents obtain legally recognized documentation and streamline transactions. At least 40 percent of new land documents issued will include women as sole or joint rights holders.

“Cyclone Gezani damaged nearly 70 percent of homes in Toamasina and disrupted the lives of thousands of families. Through PRODUIRE2, families will be supported to rebuild stronger homes, while critical public infrastructure and services will be restored and strengthened. The University of Barikadimy, which suffered extensive damage, will be fully rebuilt to higher standards so it can continue serving students for generations to come. In Greater Antananarivo, investments in flood protection, drainage infrastructure, including the Canal C3 ter and Canal C3 bis, solid waste management, and land administration will help reduce flooding and give families greater peace of mind during the rainy season. At its heart, this project is about helping people live more safely, creating better economic opportunities, and enabling families to focus on what matters most: their children’s future, their work, and their well-being.”, said Atou Seck, World Bank Group Country Manager for Madagascar.

PRODUIRE2 reflects a long-term partnership between the Government of Madagascar and the World Bank Group It will support Antananarivo and Toamasina to become more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic engines of growth.

PRODUIRE2 is supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and by the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership financed by the Government of Japan, which provide technical and analytical assistance to strengthen Madagascar’s framework for disaster risk management, urban resilience, and infrastructure quality.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Source: APO

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The High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Zambia to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Alfred Musemuna, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure on Monday 6 July 2026 at Maison Quéau de Quinssy ahead of his accreditation ceremony.

Minister Faure began by thanking the Zambian government for the excellent cooperation the two countries share in the field of education, whereby Zambian teachers are contributing to the education of pupils in the public system. He expressed the government’s interest in expanding cooperation in this domain.

He also noted that Seychelles and Zambia had signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that were currently inactive, including one in the field of tourism. He expressed a desire to revitalise cooperation in this sector, which would facilitate exchanges and promote the sharing of ideas, expertise and best practices within the tourism industry.

High Commissioner-designate Musemuna welcomed Minister Faure’s proposal, noting that enhanced cooperation through joint marketing initiatives and improved air connectivity would yield significant benefits for both countries.

Minister Faure also pointed out that cooperation in the fields of agriculture and trade could be looked into by both countries, whereby Seychelles could greatly benefit from Zambia’s vast, fertile agricultural lands and bovine industry which produces quality meat to ensure food security. Environment and Climate change were also on the agenda, where the two diplomats discussed their respective countries’ efforts in finding more sustainable energy sources other than fossil fuels.

Minister Faure appealed to the Zambian government to assist in advocating for the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), noting that Zambia itself, as a landlocked country, suffered from its own kind of vulnerabilities. The Minister noted that although Seychelles had a high GDP per capita, it easily suffered from external shocks and that economic recovery from these shocks was slow.

Also on the agenda, was the two countries’ involvement in regional organisations such as the SADC, COMESA and the African Union, the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Zambia, and consular and diaspora engagement in each other’s respective countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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On the occasion of Seychelles’ 50th anniversary of its independence, celebrated on June 29 2026, heads of state and governments across the world sent their well wishes to the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie and the people of Seychelles.

Among the many messages received were messages from leaders of diplomatic missions represented in Seychelles. In his message, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, noted that over the past 50 years, China and Seychelles have consistently demonstrated mutual trust and support, fostering a steadfast and enduring friendship despite evolving international circumstances. President Xi further conveyed that, as the Republic of Seychelles commemorates the 50th Anniversary of its Independence, he extends his sincere wishes for lasting peace, continued prosperity, and the well-being of the people of Seychelles.

In her message, Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Honourable President of the Republic of India, highlighted the close and enduring partnership between India and Seychelles. She noted that the two countries share not only the waters of the Indian Ocean and deep historical ties, but also a steadfast commitment to the well-being of their peoples and to the security and stability of the region.  She further emphasised that the strong bilateral partnership continues to contribute to stability in the Western Indian Ocean region and reaffirmed India’s readiness to further strengthen and deepen cooperation with Seychelles for the mutual benefit of both peoples and the wider Indian Ocean region as Seychelles embarks on its next chapter of nationhood.

The Emperor of Japan, H.E. Emperor NARUHITO and the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. TAKAICHI Sanae also sent their congratulations on the occasion. Emperor NARUHITO extended his heartfelt congratulations and sincere good wishes to the President and the people of Seychelles. On her side, Prime Minister TAKAICHI highlighted the increasing bilateral cooperation between Seychelles and Japan since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries back in 1976. Prime Minister TAKAICHI noted that as an island nation, just like Seychelles, Japan remained committed to international cooperation in the maritime field and to climate change measures. She ended her message by thanking Seychelles for accepting to participate in the International Horticultural Expo 2027, to be held in Yokohama, Japan and hoped that the relationship between the two countries would make further leaps forward and that even stronger bonds of friendship would be built.

Seychelles also received a congratulatory message from His Excellency Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. In his message, President Putin noted that Russia–Seychelles relations are characterised by friendship, a sentiment he said was reaffirmed during bilateral discussions held in Moscow in April. He further expressed confidence that both countries would continue their joint efforts, including in the lead-up to the Third Russia-Africa Summit, to expand mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields for the benefit of their peoples.

The President of the Democratic Socialist of Sri Lanka, H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka joined the many leaders in congratulating President Herminie and the people of Seychelles on the occasion, noting that Seychelles and Sri Lanka shared a cordial and longstanding relationship founded on mutual respect and close cooperation in the regional and international foras. He ended his message by saying that he was confident that the friendship and cooperation between the two nations will continue to grow and strengthen for the countries mutual benefit.

In his message to the President, His Majesty, King Charles V noted that the United Kingdom valued its close and enduring partnership with Seychelles underpinned by the two countries’ mutual commitment to democratic principles, rule of law and good governance. Furthermore, as a SIDS, Seychelles was an important partner in promoting stability, openness and respect for international law. His Majesty the King added that he looked forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November where he hoped they would reaffirm their shared commitments and chart a course for the future. He welcomed Seychelles’ global leadership on ocean conservation and its approach to sustainable development which continues to be an example for SIDS and the wider international community. He extended his and his wife, Queen Camilla’s best wishes to the President and the people of Seychelles on the occasion.

The President also received a congratulatory note from the President of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Donald J. Trump, who praised Seychelles for being a key maritime security partner throughout the Indian Ocean region, noting that it was an area where the two countries work together to confront common threats. He ended his message by adding that the United States of America looked forward to further bolstering maritime security and trade cooperation with Seychelles, which he described as a model of good and stable governance.

Following President Trump, were the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and High Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE who congratulated President Herminie and the people of Seychelles on the occasion of Seychelles’ Independence Day. They wished good health, happiness, further progress and prosperity to the President and people of Seychelles.

The President of the Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, whose High Commissioner-designate will be presenting his credentials to President Herminie on Tuesday 7 July, also conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the President and people of Seychelles on the occasion. President Hichilema noted that Zambia cherished the cordial relations that exist between Seychelles and Zambia and remained committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The President of the Republic of Palau, H.E. Mr. Surangel S. Whipps Jr. also sent a congratulatory message to his counterpart, noting that his country valued the friendship between the two countries and hoped to continuing close collaboration on shared priorities including climate change advocacy, environmental protection, and sustainable development as large ocean states. President Whipps Jr. traced back on Seychelles’ accomplishments over the years in sustainability and ocean governance initiatives globally, like the BBNJ and gave his assurances that Palau would continue to work closely with Seychelles to turn these commitments into tangible protection for the high seas.

The President of the Republic of Malta, H.E. Ms. Myriam Spiteri Debono joined other world leaders in congratulating President Herminie and the people of Seychelles on the occasion and noted that the Republic of Malta was committed to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation.

In his message, the King of Spain, his Majesty Felipe V, together with the government and people of Spain, extended his congratulations to President Herminie and his best wishes for the peace and prosperity of the people of Seychelles.

H.E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations also conveyed his well wishes to the President and people of Seychelles, noting that national days served as important moments for reflection on a country’s journey, its contributions to the international community and the aspirations that guide its future.

In his message on the occasion, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, sent his best wishes to the President and the people of Seychelles and prayed that the Almighty God blessed the nation with everlasting peace and fraternal solidarity.

Mr. Antonio COSTA, the President of the European Council, reaffirmed the European Union’s longstanding partnership with Seychelles, built on shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Over the past five decades, this collaboration has expanded across trade, sustainable fisheries, maritime security, and economic development, contributing to Seychelles’ progress and prosperity. In light of evolving global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, the EU underscored the importance of this trusted partnership and reiterated its commitment to working closely with Seychelles to address future challenges and advance the mutual interests of both peoples.

In her message, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, conveyed her warmest wishes to the Government and people of Seychelles, on behalf of the Government and people of Australia. As we mark 50 years of bilateral relations between our two countries, she expressed confidence that the friendly relations between Australia and Seychelles will continue to grow and prosper in the years ahead.

Messages to the President were also received from leaders of the following countries and organisations: the Republic of Malawi, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Nicaragua, the Republic of Benin, the Republic of Botswana, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Gabon, the Kingdom of Morocco, the State of Qatar, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the United Nations Development Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, received the Ambassador-designate of the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Mr. Renso Antonio Herrera Franco, for a courtesy call at Maison Quéau de Quinssy on Monday, 6 July 2026, ahead of the presentation of his Letters of Credence.

During the meeting, Minister Faure and H.E. Mr. Herrera Franco reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between the Republic of Seychelles and the Dominican Republic, underscoring the shared interests and common priorities that continue to strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

The discussions focused on avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including tourism, environmental protection, the Blue Economy, and marine conservation. In this regard, both sides welcomed the prospect of further consolidating their partnership through the conclusion of a General Cooperation Agreement, which would provide a comprehensive framework for future collaboration.

The two sides also discussed the establishment of a Joint Commission as a mechanism to monitor the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation and to facilitate regular consultations, including through virtual meetings, with a view to advancing the bilateral agenda.

In addition, the meeting explored the proposed conclusion of a Visa Waiver Agreement, which would facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges, promote tourism and investment opportunities, and encourage the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices between the two countries.

His Excellency Mr. Herrera Franco will become the first Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to be accredited to the Republic of Seychelles on 7 July 2026, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.