Category: English

Source: APO

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s (www.Marriott.com) portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands, recently celebrated the opening of Sheraton Nouakchott Hotel (https://apo-opa.co/4t3YGO4), marking the entry of Marriott International into a new territory, Mauritania. Since opening its doors, Sheraton Nouakchott has, positioned itself as a new hub for business, events and leisure in the Mauritanian capital.

Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, is a coastal city where tradition and modernity meet. Nestled between the vast Sahara and the Atlantic Ocean, it serves as a gateway to the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, from golden dunes and tranquil oases to rugged coastlines and untouched desert plains. As Mauritania’s cultural and economic heart, Nouakchott offers visitors a glimpse into the serene beauty and rich heritage that define this remarkable Northwest African nation.

Ideally located near iconic landmarks such as the Marché Capitale and the National Museum of Mauritania, as well as Nouakchott’s beaches and fishing port — and just a short distance from the desert — Sheraton Nouakchott offers an ideal base from which to discover the destination.

“We are proud to have brought Marriott International to Mauritania with the opening of Sheraton Nouakchott, the first internationally operated and branded hotel in the country. Since welcoming our first guests, the hotel has quickly established itself as a destination for both travellers and the local community. This milestone underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences in emerging markets, while celebrating the culture and character of each destination,” said Sandra Schulze‑Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

Local design inspiration

Traditional crafts, from wood carving to metalwork, are woven throughout the hotel’s materials and furnishings, creating spaces that feel both rooted and refined. Every detail tells a story of local artistry, heritage and place, offering guests an immersive experience inspired by Mauritania’s cultural and natural beauty.

Inspired by the legendary landmarks along the Trans‑Saharan trade route, the hotel’s design blends regional heritage with contemporary elegance. The circular ceiling of Feast restaurant draws inspiration from the Richat Structure, also known as the Eye of Africa. Earthy tones and organic materials reference the dramatic landscapes of the Adrar Mountains, while patterns inspired by Chinguetti and Oualata are reinterpreted throughout guest rooms, public spaces and Bene restaurant.

Meeting spaces echo the stone architecture of Tichitt, one of West Africa’s oldest towns and a historic caravan hub.

Guest rooms and suites with local charm

Sheraton Nouakchott features 200 spacious guest rooms and suites, including two Presidential Suites, combining contemporary comfort with subtle local touches. All rooms are equipped with the latest technology and Sheraton signature amenities, including the iconic Sheraton Sleep Experience.

The Sheraton Club offers Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and Club guests an elevated, all‑day experience, with curated food and beverage offerings, premium amenities, enhanced connectivity and a private environment designed for both productivity and relaxation.

Local flavours meet international influence

The hotel features two restaurants, a Lobby Bar and a Pool Bar. Feast, the all‑day dining restaurant, serves locally inspired and international dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Bene offers an immersive Italian dining experience in a warm, inviting setting. The Lobby Bar provides a relaxed meeting point from morning coffee to evening gatherings, while the Pool Bar offers refreshing drinks and light bites by the outdoor pool.

Facilities offering a resort feel in the heart of the city

Despite its central urban location, Sheraton Nouakchott delivers a resort‑like atmosphere, centred around an expansive outdoor pool. Guests can maintain their fitness routines in the fully equipped fitness centre — featuring separate floors for women and men, hammam and sauna — or enjoy the outdoor tennis court. The Sheraton Spa features three treatment rooms, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration or meetings.

Meetings & events curated to perfection

Sheraton Nouakchott offers more than 2,600 square metres of flexible Meetings & Events space, including a Grand Ballroom, a Ballroom and four additional meeting rooms. A signature Sheraton Community Table sits at the heart of the hotel, providing a welcoming space for informal meetings, remote work and collaboration. A dedicated events team ensures seamless delivery from concept to execution.

Gatherings by Sheraton

In line with Sheraton’s global community‑centred approach, Sheraton Nouakchott hosts Gatherings by Sheraton, curated weekly experiences designed around enrichment, renewal and local stories. Guests and locals can take part in Mauritanian mixology sessions using local mint tea and fruits, or storytelling evenings inspired by Saharan traditions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Download images here:​ https://apo-opa.co/4sv3jj5

Media contacts:
Aurélie Csegezi
Senior Director of Communications
Western Europe & Northwest Africa
Aurelie.csegezi@marriott.com

Arnaud Houitte
PR Manager
Western Europe & Maghreb
Arnaud.houitte@marriott.com

About Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts:
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts makes it easy for guests to feel welcome at over 430 hotels and resorts in 70 countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton is currently undergoing a major brand transformation, creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers and locals alike at properties across the globe. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences, and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space. For more information, please visit www.Sheraton.com, and stay connected on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4cbHz5y), and @sheratonhotels on X (https://apo-opa.co/4cwtq4h) and Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4ceyCIH). Sheraton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments (https://apo-opa.co/4dFi5QA), and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®:
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here (https://apo-opa.co/4t13685). Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/47PPfsV) , X (https://apo-opa.co/4mr6WoU) , Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4miznF8), and TikTok (https://apo-opa.co/4c2JxGI).

Source: APO – Report:

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Mr. Beyene Russom, Eritrea’s Ambassador to Kenya, conducted a public seminar for nationals residing in Nairobi and its environs on 4 April.

At the seminar, Ambassador Beyene gave an extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland as well as regional and global developments. He also called on the nationals to consolidate their unity and organization with a view to emerging victorious against challenges they may encounter.

Urging the nationals to fulfil their national obligations through organizing themselves in community and national associations, Ambassador Beyene called for a proper understanding of their rights and obligations and for taking advantage of the opportunities in their country.

Mr. Dawit Hagos, chairman of the Eritrean community in Kenya, said that strengthening and developing the Eritrean community and participation in national affairs is a timely responsibility of the nationals.

The participants, on their part, expressed conviction to strengthen the Eritrean community in Kenya and called for the organization of similar seminars.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

African multilateral financial institutions, policymakers, development partners, and private sector leaders have called for more coordinated, innovative, and better-structured financing approaches to support Africa’s digital and technological transformation.

This was a key message from a high-level session held on April 1 on the sidelines of the 58th Session of the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, under the theme “Financing for Innovation: The Role of African Multilateral Financial Institutions in Accelerating Africa’s Technological and Economic Transformation.”

The session brought together senior representatives from governments, African multilateral financial institutions, and development partners to examine how to mobilize long-term, affordable capital for digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and innovation-led sectors—critical drivers of productivity, job creation, and structural transformation.

Despite the rapid expansion of Africa’s digital economy, participants underscored that access to affordable, long-term financing remains a binding constraint.

High costs of capital, limited risk-sharing mechanisms, currency risks, and insufficient early-stage financing continue to inhibit investment in digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems. These challenges are further compounded by gaps in project preparation and the limited availability of bankable investment opportunities.

Opening the session, Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme) and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, emphasized:

“Africa’s innovation challenge is not a shortage of ideas, but a shortage of long-term, affordable, and well-structured financing. Addressing this will be critical to unlocking productivity, job creation, and structural transformation across the continent.”

Participants highlighted the need to address the disconnect between capital availability and actual investment in innovation-driven sectors.

Haytham Elmaayergi, Executive Vice President-Global Trade Bank at African Export-Import Bank, noted:

“One of Africa’s key challenges is not a lack of capital, but a shortage of bankable projects and stronger institutional collaboration to scale investment.”

Strengthening project preparation, improving pipeline development, and deepening coordination across institutions were identified as key priorities to unlock large-scale financing.

Participants also emphasized the need to adapt financing approaches through blended and risk-sharing structures, combining guarantees, advisory, and capital mobilization to better align with the risk-return profiles of technology and innovation-driven sectors.

Adeniran Aderogba, President and CEO of Regional Maritime Development Bank, stated:

“In the technology space, risk is harder to structure. We need more creative financing models and dedicated funds to support early-stage innovation.”

The discussion highlighted the need for expanded use of tailored financial instruments including blended finance, co-financing mechanisms, and dedicated innovation to support the full lifecycle of innovation from early-stage development to scale.

The session also underscored that financing innovation must go hand in hand with investments in enabling infrastructure and systems.

Robert Lisinge, Director of Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure at ECA, noted:

“Technology and innovation go beyond digital. We are talking about a broader ecosystem—including infrastructure, energy, and emerging technologies—all of which require significant investment.”

Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems to enable scalable and sustainable investment.

The session concluded with a strong call to move beyond traditional financing approaches toward more coordinated and practical solutions that can:

• Reduce financing costs for digital and innovation sectors
• Expand risk-sharing and co-financing mechanisms
• Strengthen project preparation and pipeline development
• Mobilize long-term capital at scale
• Enhance collaboration among African institutions and partners

Organized by the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions and partners, the session forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa’s financial architecture and position African multilateral financial institutions at the center of financing the continent’s digital and economic transformation.

– on behalf of Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI).

Media Contact:
Ms. Senait Afework
Communication and Programme Manager
Email: safework@aamfi.org

About the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) or the Africa Club:
The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), also known as the Africa Club, is an alliance of African-owned and controlled multilateral financial institutions established to advance the interests of their member states in global finance and to promote coordinated African solutions to development financing challenges.

Launched on 17 February 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the margins of the African Union Summit, AAMFI works to strengthen collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among its members in support of Africa’s sustainable development and integration objectives.

AAMFI brings together leading African financial institutions, including the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group), African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re), African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), East African Development Bank (EADB), African Solidarity Fund (ASF), and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), as well as new members including the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD).

Collectively, AAMFI members command a balance sheet exceeding US$70 billion, providing critical financing for trade, infrastructure, and development across the continent.

Source: APO – Report:

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A new partnership between Perenco Cameroon, Perenco Gabon and the UCAC-ICAM Institute in Douala to establish an Industry 4.0 laboratory marks a significant step toward aligning academic training with the evolving needs of the energy and industrial sectors. The facility will give students access to advanced automation, digital simulation and smart production technologies, helping close the gap between academic learning and the practical, industry-ready skills required across Central Africa’s industrial landscape.

As the voice of Africa’s energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) welcomes the initiative as a scalable model for local content development. By equipping students with Industry 4.0 capabilities, the laboratory directly supports the Chamber’s mandate to ensure greater in-country value creation and workforce participation across Africa’s energy value chain. The initiative also addresses critical skills shortages, enabling operators to increasingly rely on locally trained talent.

The partnership underscores Perenco’s long-term commitment to sustainable development and capacity building in Cameroon and Gabon. Designed as a mini-factory, the UCAC-ICAM laboratory enables students to engage with real-world industrial tools and processes. This hands-on approach will support the development of engineers and technicians capable of contributing to key projects, including operations in the Rio del Rey Basin and infrastructure developments such as the Cap Lopez LNG terminal in Gabon.

Students across multiple disciplines will benefit from hands-on exposure to the lab’s advanced technologies. General Engineering students will train using robotic systems and virtual reality simulations, while Computer Science Engineering students will focus on industrial IoT and smart technologies. Process Engineering students will gain experience in automated production systems, and Petroleum program students will develop expertise in energy systems and instrumentation control. Graduates from UCAC-ICAM are being actively recruited by leading companies operating in Douala, reflecting growing demand for locally trained, industry-ready talent.

“Developing local skills is fundamental to building a competitive and sustainable energy sector in Africa,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “This partnership demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to create a highly skilled workforce that will drive Africa’s industrialization and energy future. It is exactly the type of initiative needed to ensure Africans play a leading role in developing the continent’s resources.”

The UCAC-ICAM laboratory represents a strategic investment in Africa’s industrial and energy future. By strengthening local capacity, advancing technology adoption and supporting independent operators, the initiative aligns with the AEC’s broader vision of a self-sufficient and globally competitive African energy sector.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.com) has today issued a call for a transformative Commonwealth Youth Legacy Programme to be launched in the lead-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, urging Commonwealth leaders to seize the opportunity to invest in young people across the Commonwealth.

The call comes as youth delegates from across the Commonwealth gather this week at University of Oxford for the Commonwealth Youth Summit, where discussions are focusing on youth leadership, opportunity and development across the 56 member nations.

Representing more than 2.5 billion people, with young people accounting for over 60% of the population, the Commonwealth is one of the largest youth communities in the world.

The Youth Charter believes the upcoming Glasgow Games present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a lasting social, cultural and economic legacy for young people across the Commonwealth.

A Global Youth Legacy Framework

Through its newly proposed “Commonwealth Youth Legacy Declaration, Glasgow 2026,” the Youth Charter is calling for the establishment of a global network of Community Campuses, designed to support youth development through sport, education, arts and leadership programmes.

The initiative would see the creation of:

• 50 Community Campuses across Commonwealth nations by 2030
• 10,000 trained Social Coaches supporting youth development
• 1 million young people directly engaged through sport, education and cultural programmes
• 5 million young people indirectly impacted through community outreach and digital engagement

These campuses would operate as local hubs connected through a global Commonwealth youth development network, supporting young people through structured programmes that promote leadership, wellbeing, employment pathways and community cohesion.

Sport for Development and Peace

The Youth Charter’s proposal is grounded in the internationally recognised principles of Sport for Development and Peace, which use sport and cultural activity as tools to address social challenges including youth violence, inequality, poor health outcomes and economic exclusion.

According to the Youth Charter, the Community Campus model provides a practical framework capable of delivering long-term impact locally, nationally and internationally.

Geoff Thompson MBE, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter, said: “The Commonwealth represents one of the greatest youth opportunities in the world. Glasgow 2026 must become more than a sporting event, it must become a catalyst for lasting social change.

Through the Community Campus model, we can create a Commonwealth-wide movement that empowers young people through sport, culture and education, providing pathways to leadership, employment and community development.

The real legacy of the Commonwealth Games should not be measured in stadiums or medals, but in the lives of young people whose futures we help to transform.”

A Call to Commonwealth Leaders

The Youth Charter is calling upon governments, sporting bodies, educational institutions, corporate partners and civil society organisations across the Commonwealth to collaborate in delivering the proposed legacy programme.

By harnessing the power of sport, education and community engagement, the initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion, promote youth leadership and unlock economic opportunities for young people across Commonwealth nations.

– on behalf of Youth Charter.

Youth Charter @ Social Media:
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

Youth Charter #Hashtags:
#International Olympic Committee
#Olympism #Fight4theStreets
#YoungLivesLostLost
#Call2Action
#LegacyOpportunity4All
#SportDevelopmentPeace
#Empowerthenextgeneration
#CommonwealthSecretariat
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals

About Youth Charter:
The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development.