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Powering Africa’s Future: THE Africa Universities Summit 2026 to Ignite Innovation, Talent and Inclusion

Source: APO

Africa’s youth, representing over 400 million voices, are driving the continent’s ambition for growth, innovation, and sustainable development. The THE Africa Universities Summit 2026 (www.TimesHigherEd-events.com) will convene in Nairobi on 30-31 March to explore how higher education can unlock human capital, fuel entrepreneurial success, and promote inclusive growth across the continent.

The summit will bring together leaders from universities, business, and civil society for dynamic discussions, hands-on workshops, and visionary keynotes, focusing on four critical themes:

  • Addressing world challenges: Uniting global and local collaborations to tackle pressing challenges, harnessing research and innovation for sustainable solutions.
  • Innovation, entrepreneurship and start-ups: Empowering entrepreneurial mindsets, strengthening start-up ecosystems and driving digital innovation.
  • Work readiness and skills development: Preparing future-ready graduates through employer partnerships, innovative curricula and tailored support.
  • EDI and gender equality in higher education: Championing inclusion and gender equality to create institutions that reflect Africa’s diverse societies.

The summit will feature over 60+ speakers from across Africa and beyond, including:

  • Chérifa Abdelbaki, UNESCO Chairholder, University of Tlemcen
  • Letlhokwa Mpedi, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Johannesburg
  • Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor, Makerere University
  • Caroline Nyaga, Founder & CEO, Women in STEAM Initiative
  • Tonny Omwansa, CEO, Kenya National Innovation Agency
  • Anicia Peters, CEO, National Commission on Research, Science and Technology

Attendees can expect 30+ hours of content, 9+ hours of networking and opportunities to engage with over 350 participants from more than 150 organisations and universities.

Last year’s summit in Rwanda highlighted the power of collaboration, inspiring actionable strategies for innovation, workforce development and equity in higher education.

Leonard Musyoka, Registrar and Chief-of-Staff at the University of Nairobi, reflected on the 2025 summit: “Attending THE Africa Universities Summit was an intellectually enriching experience! The topics were timely, thought-provoking and expertly curated, sparking meaningful conversations in the African higher education sector. Highly recommended for anyone eager to engage with cutting-edge ideas and a passionate community!”

With less than a month to go, tickets are selling fast. Join us in Nairobi to shape Africa’s higher education future, connect with thought leaders and explore new opportunities to advance talent, innovation and inclusion.

For more information and to register, visit https://apo-opa.co/4biKl8F.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Times Higher Education.

Media Contact:
Charlotte Trick
Marketing Events Lead
Times Higher Education
charlotte.trick@timeshighereducation.com

About Times Higher Education (THE):
Times Higher Education (THE) is a trusted global platform for higher education, leveraging more than 10 million data points from over 8,500 institutions across 171 countries. For 50 years, THE has been a key source of news, insights and intelligence, helping universities, their leaders, and millions of students make informed decisions about the future. This unique data-driven approach supports institutions in advancing their impact and innovation worldwide.

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Qatar Condemns Iranian Attack on Residential Facility in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | March 9, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attack that targeted a residential facility in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, and resulted in the death of two civilians and injuries to others. 

Qatar deems the attack a flagrant violation of international law and its principles, and a dangerous escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms Qatar’s categorical rejection of the justifications offered by the Islamic Republic of Iran for targeting countries in the region. 

The Ministry stresses the necessity of respecting the rules of international law and the principles of good neighborliness and avoiding anything that could widen the circle of tension in the region.

The Ministry also expresses Qatar’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support for all measures taken to preserve its security and stability. 

Qatar extends its sincere condolences to the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

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Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Two Phone Calls from Foreign Ministers of Mali, Tanzania

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 8, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi received Sunday two phone calls from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali Abdoulaye Diop and HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.

The two calls discussed the developments of the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability, along with ways to resolve all disputes by peaceful means.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of the Iranian attacks on its territory, saying that they cannot be accepted under any pretext or justification. He pointed out in this context that the State of Qatar has always been keen to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between the Iranian side and the international community.

His Excellency stressed the need for an immediate halt to any escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, prioritizing reason and wisdom, and working to contain the crisis in a way that preserves the security of the region.

On their part, HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali and HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania urged for de-escalation, reason to prevail, and a return to negotiations and diplomatic means to avoid further chaos.

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Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from IAEA Director General

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 8, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi received Sunday a phone call from HE International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

The call discussed the developments of the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability, along with ways to resolve all disputes by peaceful means.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced the State of Qatar’s appreciation for the IAEA’s role in supporting efforts aimed at promoting international peace and security.

In turn, HE the IAEA’s Director General affirmed that the IAEA is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, urging utmost restraint to avoid further escalation.

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Qatar Participates in Arab League Ministerial Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 08, 2026

The State of Qatar participated in the Arab League Council extraordinary session at the ministerial level, held today via video conferencing.
The delegation of Qatar to the meeting was headed by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
The meeting discussed the Iranian attacks on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of several Arab countries, which constitute a flagrant violation of international laws and charters as well as the principles of good neighborliness. It also addressed the serious risks these actions pose to the security and stability of Arab states and the region. 

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Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Egyptian Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 07, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received Saturday a telephone call from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty.

Discussion during the call focused on the escalating military situation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability, as well as ways to resolve all disputes peacefully.

During the call, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated his condemnation of the Iranian attacks on Qatari territory, stating that they are unacceptable under any pretext or justification. He noted that the State of Qatar has always been keen to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community.

His Excellency also stressed the need for an immediate cessation of all escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, and the prioritization of reason and wisdom in order to contain the crisis and preserve the region’s security.

For his part, HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt called for de-escalation, the application of reason, and a return to negotiations and diplomatic means to avoid further chaos.

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IP and Technology Commercialisation colloquium in Kimberley

Source: Government of South Africa

IP and Technology Commercialisation colloquium in Kimberley

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi will on Monday officially open the 24th National School of Government Public Sector Trainers’ Forum (PSTF) Conference at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Gauteng.

Hosted by the National School of Government (NSG), the two-day conference brings together learning and development practitioners from across the public sector to reimagine how public servants are trained and equipped to deliver on South Africa’s national priorities.

Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration Pinky Kekana will address delegates during the conference gala dinner later in the evening. The conference concludes on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Strengthening skills for a changing world

Held under the theme: ‘Building Public Sector Capacity for Economic Growth, Digital Transformation, and Ethical Governance’, the conference seeks to reshape public sector education to ensure it has maximum impact.

In a rapidly changing global environment, organisers say the need for a skilled, ethical and adaptable public service has become more important than ever.

The 2026 PSTF Conference will serve as a key platform to critically examine public sector curricula to ensure they adequately equip public officials to respond to modern governance challenges and deliver effectively on national priorities.

“There is a growing recognition that our current teaching and learning practices must evolve to better prepare public servants for the complexities of modern governance,” said the Acting Principal of the NSG, Phindile Mkwanazi.

“This conference is a call to action for curriculum designers, training facilitators, and policymakers to co-create strategies that translate learning into tangible service delivery improvements.”

Platform for dialogue and collaboration

The conference is expected to facilitate robust peer learning and networking among practitioners responsible for building skills within the public sector.

Delegates will participate in expert keynote addresses from both local and international speakers, as well as critical dialogues on curriculum reform and interactive panel discussions.

Organisers say the engagements will provide a space for practitioners to exchange ideas and explore new approaches to public sector education and training.

Focus on five priority themes

Discussions at the conference will centre on five core sub-themes aimed at strengthening the capability of the public sector.

These include strengthening the curriculum to support a capable, ethical and developmental state; leveraging digital innovation and transformation in government learning and operations; and modernising methodologies for authentic public participation through data literacy and artificial intelligence.

Other themes include designing curricula with stronger workplace integration to ensure training translates into action, as well as preparing for the future of work by embedding competencies related to artificial intelligence, automation and cybersecurity.

A growing platform for public sector training

Over the years, the PSTF has grown into a premier networking platform for more than 1 000 training practitioners across the public sector.

Its strategic objective is to position Human Resource Development as a key enabler of government’s broader development agenda.

The forum’s governance includes the National School of Government, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), all provincial Offices of the Premiers, and key Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to public sector education.

The 24th annual conference also invites human resource development practitioners, facilitators, instructional designers, policy analysts and digital transformation specialists to take part in what organisers describe as a critical national dialogue on strengthening the capability of the public service. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Public sector trainers’ forum puts focus on skills for digital and ethical governance

Source: Government of South Africa

Public sector trainers’ forum puts focus on skills for digital and ethical governance

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi will on Monday officially open the 24th National School of Government Public Sector Trainers’ Forum (PSTF) Conference at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Gauteng.

Hosted by the National School of Government (NSG), the two-day conference brings together learning and development practitioners from across the public sector to reimagine how public servants are trained and equipped to deliver on South Africa’s national priorities.

Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration Pinky Kekana will address delegates during the conference gala dinner later in the evening. The conference concludes on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Strengthening skills for a changing world

Held under the theme: ‘Building Public Sector Capacity for Economic Growth, Digital Transformation, and Ethical Governance’, the conference seeks to reshape public sector education to ensure it has maximum impact.

In a rapidly changing global environment, organisers say the need for a skilled, ethical and adaptable public service has become more important than ever.

The 2026 PSTF Conference will serve as a key platform to critically examine public sector curricula to ensure they adequately equip public officials to respond to modern governance challenges and deliver effectively on national priorities.

“There is a growing recognition that our current teaching and learning practices must evolve to better prepare public servants for the complexities of modern governance,” said the Acting Principal of the NSG, Phindile Mkwanazi.

“This conference is a call to action for curriculum designers, training facilitators, and policymakers to co-create strategies that translate learning into tangible service delivery improvements.”

Platform for dialogue and collaboration

The conference is expected to facilitate robust peer learning and networking among practitioners responsible for building skills within the public sector.

Delegates will participate in expert keynote addresses from both local and international speakers, as well as critical dialogues on curriculum reform and interactive panel discussions.

Organisers say the engagements will provide a space for practitioners to exchange ideas and explore new approaches to public sector education and training.

Focus on five priority themes

Discussions at the conference will centre on five core sub-themes aimed at strengthening the capability of the public sector.

These include strengthening the curriculum to support a capable, ethical and developmental state; leveraging digital innovation and transformation in government learning and operations; and modernising methodologies for authentic public participation through data literacy and artificial intelligence.

Other themes include designing curricula with stronger workplace integration to ensure training translates into action, as well as preparing for the future of work by embedding competencies related to artificial intelligence, automation and cybersecurity.

A growing platform for public sector training

Over the years, the PSTF has grown into a premier networking platform for more than 1 000 training practitioners across the public sector.

Its strategic objective is to position Human Resource Development as a key enabler of government’s broader development agenda.

The forum’s governance includes the National School of Government, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), all provincial Offices of the Premiers, and key Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to public sector education.

The 24th annual conference also invites human resource development practitioners, facilitators, instructional designers, policy analysts and digital transformation specialists to take part in what organisers describe as a critical national dialogue on strengthening the capability of the public service. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Stakeholders to weigh in on Business Licensing Bill

Source: Government of South Africa

Stakeholders to weigh in on Business Licensing Bill

Small Business Development Minister Stella Tembisa Ndabeni will host a media breakfast on Monday aimed at providing feedback on public consultations around the proposed Business Licensing Bill, 2025.

The event, organised by the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), will bring together key stakeholders to discuss input received during consultations on the bill, which seeks to establish a business regulatory regime that benefits South African citizens and businesses.

According to the department, the media breakfast will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on feedback received during the consultation process for the Business Licensing Bill, which is intended to reshape aspects of the country’s business regulatory framework.

The development of the bill follows the transfer of the Business Act, 1991 to the Department of Small Business Development in October 2020. The shift placed responsibility for the legislation within the department’s portfolio as part of broader efforts to strengthen the regulatory environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

A significant step toward the drafting of the new bill came in May 2025, when Cabinet approved the National Business Licensing Policy. The policy approval on 28 May 2025 paved the way for the development of the Business Licensing Bill, which aims to modernise and refine the business licensing framework in South Africa.

Following Cabinet’s approval of the policy, the Business Licensing Bill was published in the Government Gazette on 26 September 2025 to allow members of the public and stakeholders to submit comments and proposals.

The department subsequently received a range of inputs through both written and oral submissions during the consultation period. These submissions came from a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the public, business associations, government components, municipalities and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The department said the upcoming media breakfast will serve as a platform to share feedback from these engagements and outline the key themes and perspectives raised during the consultation process.

By bringing together stakeholders who participated in the consultations, the department aims to highlight the contributions made by different sectors and provide clarity on the next steps regarding the Business Licensing Bill, 2025.

The engagement is expected to provide insight into how the feedback gathered during the consultation process may influence the final shape of the proposed legislation, as government works toward establishing a business regulatory regime designed to support both citizens and businesses.

The engagement will take place from 08:00 to 11:00 on 9 March 2026 at the Southern Sun Arcadia, Pretoria. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Police Ministry welcomes establishment of two specialised units in Gauteng

Source: Government of South Africa

Police Ministry welcomes establishment of two specialised units in Gauteng

The Ministry of Police has welcomed the steps taken by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to strengthen its response to organised crime with the establishment of two specialised units in Gauteng, aimed at tackling specific high-priority crime threats.

The formation of these units is part of SAPS’ broader organised crime strategy, which will guide the policing response to increasingly complex and coordinated criminal activities. 

Through this strategy, SAPS is progressively implementing a range of targeted measures and interventions to combat the various manifestations of organised crime.

“The first of these units is the replication of the Political Killings Task Team in Gauteng. This specialised team will focus on the investigation of political assassinations, as well as politically motivated killings of government officials,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday. 

The establishment of the unit follows the proven effectiveness of the Political Killings Task Team model in addressing complex and highly sensitive cases.

“The Political Killings Task Team in Gauteng is adequately capacitated and comprises skilled members drawn from various disciplines within SAPS. These members bring a wealth of expertise and vast investigative experience, ensuring that the unit is well equipped to deal with intricate and high-profile cases.

“The second specialised unit will focus on crimes related to kidnapping, extortion and offences targeting infrastructure projects. These crimes have increasingly been linked to organised criminal networks that seek to undermine economic development and public safety,” the ministry said.

The ministry said both units are operational and are designed to function as intelligence-driven, specialised, team-orientated, multidisciplinary and prosecution-led structures. 

“The establishment of these units demonstrates the SAPS’ commitment to strengthening its capacity to disrupt and dismantle organised criminal networks, while ensuring that perpetrators of serious crimes are brought to justice,” the Ministry said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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