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Lebanon Prime Minister Meets Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Beirut, January 26, 2026

HE Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon Dr. Nawaf Salam met Monday with HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.

The meeting dealt with the two countries’ cooperation relations and ways to bolster them. The two sides also touched on the reform projects carried by the Lebanese government, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s stance in support of the Republic of Lebanon, and its continued support for the brotherly Lebanese people.

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President of Lebanon Meets Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Beirut, January 26,2026

HE President of the Republic of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun met with HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.

At the start of the meeting, HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Lebanese President, extending his best wishes for His Excellency’s good health and happiness, as well as continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of Lebanon.

HE President Aoun entrusted HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness continued success and more prosperity and progress for the State of Qatar.

The meeting reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and explored avenues for further supporting and developing them, in addition to addressing several regional and international issues.

HE President Aoun praised Qatar’s continued support for Lebanon, particularly its backing of the Lebanese Army, which contributes to enhancing security and stability in the country.

For his part, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Qatar’s supportive stance toward the Republic of Lebanon and its unwavering solidarity with the brotherly Lebanese people.

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Uganda’s boda-boda drivers: the digital economy hasn’t been the route to formal work and better protection – research

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rich Mallett, Research Associate and Independent Researcher, ODI Global

Digital labour platforms – like fast food delivery and cab hailing services – are having a dramatic impact on people’s labour rights and working conditions around the world.

In western countries like the UK and the US, their rise has intensified a process of labour casualisation already several decades in the making. Under the guise of “flexibility”, platforms have heralded a return to insecure, temporary forms of employment that offer few rights or benefits to workers.

But in “less developed” countries like Uganda, the growth of the digital gig economy is often considered a boon. Across the global south, it has been claimed that platforms are not only creating millions of new jobs, but they are actually helping to formalise an informal economy so vast it accounts for an estimated 70% of total employment in low- and middle-income countries.

Existing research suggests that by guiding informal workers towards compliance with registration and licensing requirements or making them more visible to state authorities, digital labour platforms are capable of “counteracting informal economic activity”.

But is it all as straightforward as it seems?

In a new research paper I put this claim to the test through a case study of moto-taxi work in the Ugandan capital city, Kampala.

Moto-taxi (or boda boda) work is a hugely important source of income in Uganda, providing livelihoods for an estimated 350,000 people in the capital alone. Over the past decade, ride-hail platforms have descended upon this vast industry, claiming to offer safer, better paid work and a step towards formality.

Drawing on 112 interviews, 370 driver surveys and scans of relevant media, my research reaches a different conclusion. Despite shifting online, digital moto-taxi drivers remain as they always were – informal workers in an unprotected labour market.

This raises fundamental questions about the capacity of digital labour platforms to bring about positive transformations in the global informal economy.

Fallacies of ‘plat-formalisation’

As the new paper shows, moto-taxi workers’ inclusion within the new platform economy brings them no closer to formal labour status in any meaningful way.

This is illustrated by three key insights from my findings.

First, despite early collaborative engagement with state actors, Uganda’s ride-hail companies have tended to operate in unilateral, platform-specific ways that undermine prospects for sectoral standardisation. Each platform enforces its own rules over drivers, and these do not always line up with government legislation.

Take driver licensing, for example. While some companies insist that drivers must have a valid driving permit before working through their apps, others bypass this requirement completely. Market leader SafeBoda, for instance, instead chooses to enrol new drivers in road safety training at a purpose-built “academy”. Though a positive step towards safer driving standards, this is not the same as formalisation.

Second, Uganda’s ride-hail platforms accept zero legal responsibility for the welfare and safety of those using their apps, including cases of “bodily injuries, death, and emotional distress and discomfort”. Despite claiming to help regulate the industry, these companies’ designation of informal moto-taxi workers as independent “gig workers” keeps drivers distanced from state labour regulation.

And third, my findings indicate corporate reluctance to share data with government. According to one city planner I talked with, while the platforms tended to talk positively about public-private collaboration, when push came to shove they would often “withhold their data”. Recent evidence suggests this is continuing to happen, further highlighting the limits of private data ownership and non-binding agreements around data sharing. Without access to this information, it is difficult for governments to register workers, tax them effectively and extend labour protections.

Profiting from informality

Ride-hailing may not have led to better, more formalised work for Uganda’s moto-taxis. But what is has done is open up new revenue streams for the various local and international companies involved. The result: a formalisation not of drivers’ labour but of their wealth.

As detailed in the paper, some of the techniques here include:

  • Commissions. Drivers regularly lose 15%-20% of their trip fares in the form of company commission fees. With digital technology, these are increasingly being captured via cashless payment systems that deduct fees and other equipment-related debts automatically.

  • Equipment. Many companies operate by selling drivers the gear they need to function in the ride-hail economy. SafeBoda, for instance, regularly charges new riders somewhere in the region of US$140 for a smartphone, crash helmets and branded uniforms. Drivers often take this on as debt and pay it back incrementally over time, only to later discover that this does not, in all cases, entitle them to actual ownership. As one former employee at the company told me:

The helmet itself is a business. It’s on the side, you can’t see it. The phone is a business. It’s about business besides riders. It’s all about getting commission on things.

  • Corporate tie-ins. Through a series of funding relationships and “private-private partnerships”, Uganda’s ride-hail platforms make drivers visible and accessible to a whole host of banks, insurance agencies and alternative credit lenders. These financial actors are all keen to find lucrative new markets at the “bottom of the pyramid”. Ride-hailing is simply the vehicle for this.

The formalisation agenda remains important. It is central to achieving better working conditions and stronger labour protections for hundreds of millions of workers around the world.

But for private digital platforms operating across Africa’s informal economies, the bottom line is often not about “counteracting informal economic activity” at all. It is about profiting from it.

– Uganda’s boda-boda drivers: the digital economy hasn’t been the route to formal work and better protection – research
– https://theconversation.com/ugandas-boda-boda-drivers-the-digital-economy-hasnt-been-the-route-to-formal-work-and-better-protection-research-270993

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Crime-fighting in Lagos: community watch groups are the preferred choice for residents, but they carry risks

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Adewumi I. Badiora, Senior Lecturer, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University

Criminal activities have developed into a security crisis in Nigeria. Alongside the responses of security agencies such as the police and military, there has been a huge local response, with community groups mobilising in the face of criminal attacks.

For example, communities in Zamfara State, north-west region, repelled a bandit attack, causing the death of 37 bandits in August 2024. In Sokoto State, north-west region, residents rescued kidnapped individuals and recovered the body of the deceased village head in August 2024. In Kwara state, north-central region, community groups rescued people from their abductors in December 2025.

But how effective are these community-organised interventions?

I’m an urban and community safety researcher who has studied various aspects of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the country’s south-west, for more than a decade now.

In a recent paper I sought to answer this question in relation to Lagos. As Nigeria’s largest city with an estimated population exceeding 20 million, Lagos faces severe, complex crime challenges driven by rapid, poorly managed urbanisation and high unemployment rates. I surveyed 62 stakeholders in a bid to evaluate community-driven crime prevention strategies. Respondents included residents, members of the state and community groups who were playing important roles in the city’s security processes. This was qualitative research.

Many respondents expressed little or no trust in formal security agencies. Their expectations that the police could protect them were low.

A resident interviewed for the study said that while people like politicians got police protection, ordinary citizens did not:

That is why everyone has devised ways to protect themselves and family.

My research found that these commmunity-organised interventions have emerged in different forms. The commonest is community vigilante groups. These are self-appointed resident security volunteers who take it upon themselves to confront criminals in their neighbourhood. This is common in low-income neighbourhoods of Lagos because they have to deal with crime but feel they can’t rely on the police to patrol, unlike elite neighbourhoods.

A successful urban security strategy

Lagos community vigilante groups range from small groups of volunteers on streets, and informal neigbourhood watches, to well structured local community bodies. Community vigilante members are mostly men. But women are not explicitly excluded, and they are an important source of information.

The groups were using local knowledge to help the police. They compiled information on crimes, suspicious activity and criminal suspects in their area and provided it to the police as needed. In some cases, they joined the police intelligence response team to raid hideouts of criminals in their areas.

A resident interviewed for the study said:

We are local people. We know our community very well. We can easily spot strangers and suspicious movements. This local knowledge is what we have, that the police do not have. So, we complement their efforts by providing dependable intelligence for their work. Beyond that, we also escort police patrol, and our presence has helped them to penetrate streets they would not have been able to navigate by themselves.

The relationship between the police and community groups was “semi-formal”. Arrangements were made by the communities with little or no intervention by the state. The collaborations were owned, structured and sustained by residents.

Some of those involved in the groups were remunerated through financial contributions by residents. However, they “occasionally” received financial support from the local government authorities, individual local politicians and donors.

Successes

My research showed there had been some positive results. Residents confirmed that the collaborations brought safety to their community and had helped to reduce crime and insecurity, particularly where the police were lacking.

A resident interviewed for the study said:

Things are a little better. Before now, it was dreadful as criminals and hoodlums operate openly. Although there is still a long way to go, there has been a commendable level of improvements in our security in the last five years.

Some ongoing issues

Despite its success, several concerns were raised in my study.

First, community vigilante groups are a patchwork of isolated groups. Organisations are fragmented and weak. This could be dangerous because it creates unaccountable groups that can easily change from being protectors to being a threat. That can be seen in the Bakassi Boys (south-east Nigeria), Yan Sakai (north-west Nigeria) and global examples like Mungiki (Kenya) and Autodefensas (Mexico).

Second is the question of the legality of community groups in terms of the provisions of the Nigerian constitution, the Police Act and the Public Order Act. Their legal status is “complex” as they operate in a grey area. Most of them do not have the backing of the federal government, which has the constitutional authority to manage policies regarding them.

Third, while community vigilante groups fill security gaps created by an under-resourced police force, their activities sometimes lead to conflicts because they act as judge, jury and executioner.

A police officer interviewed for the study said:

The activities of vigilantes are usually unlawful in the way and manner they deal with suspected criminals … The lawful thing for them is to report suspected criminals to the police, but many times, they take law into their own hands.

Still, residents view the groups as legitimate because of their perceived effectiveness, deep local knowledge, community ties and quick action.

Fourth, relationships between community groups and the police range from amiable and collaborative to distrustful and hostile. Mutual distrust risks escalating violence rather than reducing it.

A member of a vigilante group put it this way:

We cannot totally entrust suspects and our community to the police. We have situations where suspects were released without any investigation and prosecution. Not only that, corrupt police officers do give hints to these suspects about key vigilante members behind their arrests, and these criminals go all-out for them after their unlawful freedom from the police custody.

Moving forward

To overcome the challenges, the following steps should be taken:

  • reform of Nigeria’s security governance, allowing states to create their own police forces

  • formal recognition and support of community groups

  • adopting policies to curb the proliferation of the groups

  • working more closely with community groups to deal with some of the underlying reasons for insecurity. These include political negligence, youth unemployment, poverty and inequality.

– Crime-fighting in Lagos: community watch groups are the preferred choice for residents, but they carry risks
– https://theconversation.com/crime-fighting-in-lagos-community-watch-groups-are-the-preferred-choice-for-residents-but-they-carry-risks-273667

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Communications Committee Set to Embark On Oversight Visit to Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), the South African Universal Service and Access Agency (USAASA), the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) and Broadband INFRACO in Gauteng

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies will undertake a three-day oversight visit to Gauteng from tomorrow, Tuesday, to Thursday, 29 January 2026, as part of its constitutional mandate to exercise oversight over entities reporting to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

The oversight visit will assess governance, financial management, operational performance and institutional stability across key entities within the communications and digital technologies sector, including the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), the South African Universal Service and Access Agency (USAASA) and the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF), as well as the Broadband Infraco SOC Limited (BBI).

Oversight visit programme:

Tuesday, 27 January 2026 – The committee will visit the MDDA offices to engage the agency on the following focus areas:

  • Governance, compliance and risk, with particular attention to audit findings, the appointment of the chief executive officer, litigation matters and governance reforms.
  • Labour relations and staff engagement, focusing on staff morale and whistleblower protection.
  • Operational and financial oversight, including recruitment processes, procurement practices and financial management.

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 – The committee will visit USAASA and USAF to engage on the following areas:

  • Governance and institutional stability, including board functionality and executive vacancies.
  • Financial management and audit outcomes, with emphasis on audit regression and remedial action plans.
  • USAF operations and programme delivery, focusing on project implementation and asset management.
  • Staff engagement, addressing operational realities and capacity constraints.
  • Audit action plans and expenditure registers, as well as project timeliness slippage, often leading into unspent funds allocated for universal connectivity.

Thursday, 29 January 2026 – The committee will visit BBI to focus on the following:

  • Financial status, governance and audit outcomes.
  • Sustainability and turnaround measures.
  • Engagements with the operational staff.
  • SA Connect programme.
  • Conduct a walkabout at the Network Operations Centre to assess infrastructure and operational readiness.

The oversight visits to these entities form part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to ensure accountability, effective governance and the efficient use of public resources within the sector.

ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, MS KHUSELA SANGONI-DIKO

For media enquiries or to request an interview with the Chairperson, please contact Media Officer:
Justice Molafo (Mr)
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Ethiopia declares end of first-ever Marburg virus disease outbreak

Source: APO


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The Government of Ethiopia has officially declared the end of its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) following the completion of enhanced surveillance and the mandatory follow-up period, with no new confirmed cases reported for consecutive 42 days. The outbreak, first confirmed on 14 November 2025 in the South Ethiopia Region, was contained in less than three months through a swift, coordinated response led by the government and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

From the onset of the outbreak, WHO worked in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) to support response efforts at national and sub-national levels. WHO Ethiopia played a pivotal role in coordinating response operations and providing sustained technical and operational support across all response pillars, including leadership and coordination, surveillance, laboratory, case management, infection prevention and control, logistics and risk communication and community engagement.

A total of 14 confirmed cases were reported during the outbreak, including nine deaths and five recoveries. There were five deaths that were probable cases. The outbreak affected four districts—Jinka, Malle, and Arba Minch in the South Ethiopia Region and Hawassa in the Sidama Region—triggering the rapid activation and scale-up of response measures. These included active case detection, isolation and supportive care, comprehensive contact tracing, strengthened infection prevention and control in health facilities and engagement with affected communities.

In total, 857 contacts were identified and monitored for 21 days. Three health workers were infected during the outbreak; two died and one recovered, highlighting both the severity of Marburg virus disease and the critical importance of infection prevention and control measures.

WHO activated its emergency response mechanisms within 24 hours of outbreak confirmation in support of the government-led response. Within the same period, WHO deployed 36 experts to the affected areas and repurposed an additional 28 staff to reinforce field operations. The teams provided technical assistance across surveillance and contact tracing, laboratory diagnostics, case management, infection prevention and control, coordination and logistics.

WHO also mobilized and delivered critical emergency supplies. These included laboratory testing supplies and equipment, viral haemorrhagic fever supplies, materials for the establishment and operation of treatment and isolation facilities and vehicles to support field mobility. These contributions enabled the rapid expansion of diagnostic capacity, strengthened patient care and supported effective outbreak control at the frontline. Ensuring the consistent application of standard Marburg virus disease response protocols was another core component of WHO’s support.

“The rapid containment of this outbreak reflects strong national leadership, effective coordination, and the dedication of frontline responders and communities,” said Honourable Dr Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health. “Sustaining preparedness remains essential to protect the population from future public health threats.”

The response was further enabled by Ethiopia’s prior investments in public health preparedness, including strengthened laboratory capacity, disease surveillance systems, a trained surge workforce and coordination through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre. These capacities, supported through initiatives such as the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project and the AVoHC-SURGE program, allowed for early detection, the scale-up of diagnostics, the deployment of responders and the continuity of essential health services.

“WHO highly values the timely measures taken by the Ministry of Health and the Government of Ethiopia and remains committed to supporting national efforts to further strengthen capacities to prevent, detect and respond to future public health emergencies,” said Dr Francis Chisaka Kasolo, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. “Ethiopia’s response to the Marburg outbreak underscores the importance of sustained preparedness and effective coordination.”

National authorities and partners are implementing follow-up programmes to support Marburg survivors as part of recovery efforts and preparedness planning. After-action reviews are also underway to capture lessons learned and further strengthen readiness for future outbreaks.

“Preparedness saved time, and time saved lives,” said Dr Senait Tekeste Fekadu, WHO Incident Manager for the MVD response. “Ending this outbreak so quickly reflects a resilient health system strengthened through sustained capacity development, while reinforcing the need to continue investing in readiness.”

Marburg virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus. It is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. Early supportive care improves survival. While no licensed vaccines or therapeutics are currently available, several candidates are undergoing clinical trials.

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

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SA to host WEF Special Davos Meeting in 2027

Source: Government of South Africa

SA to host WEF Special Davos Meeting in 2027

Government has clarified that South Africa will host the World Economic Forum’s Special Davos Meeting in 2027, and not the World Economic Forum Africa Summit, as previously communicated.

“Government expresses its appreciation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) for selecting South Africa as the host of this gathering. South Africa stands ready and fully prepared to host a successful meeting in 2027 and to welcome delegates from across the world,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Monday.

 This will be the first time that the WEF Spring Davos is hosted in South Africa.

These meetings are part of the WEF’s efforts to extend its global presence beyond Davos (Switzerland) and to provide high-level platforms for dialogue on economic development, sustainability and collaboration.

“Following the successful hosting of the recent Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, the decision affirms South Africa’s proven ability to convene high-level international engagements and manage complex global events in a safe, efficient and professional manner.

“The selection reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s institutional capacity, infrastructure readiness and commitment to constructive multilateral dialogue,” the GCIS said.

Hosting the WEF Spring Davos meeting is expected to support activity in the tourism and services sectors, including hospitality, transport, logistics and related services, while reinforcing South Africa’s position as a destination for high-level international engagement and business travel.

The meeting will also strengthen South Africa’s international profile as a platform for global investment, trade and economic cooperation.

“As a premier global platform that brings together Heads of State, business leaders, civil society and thought leaders, the Spring Davos Special Meeting will provide South Africa with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global economic discussions, while advancing priorities of inclusive growth, sustainable development and international cooperation,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Appoints APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard to its Advisory Board

Source: APO

APO Group (https://APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Board of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

AWIEF (www.AWIEForum.org) is a pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing women’s economic empowerment and leadership across the continent. Through its annual conference, awards, accelerator programmes, and strategic partnerships, AWIEF continues to support women founders, executives, and innovators, driving sustainable growth and inclusive development.

Each year, AWIEF convenes entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate leaders, and development partners from across Africa and the diaspora for two days of high-level dialogue, innovation showcases, and strategic engagement — all focused on advancing women’s entrepreneurship and leadership. The programme includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, and B2B networking sessions covering leadership, innovation, trade, technology, investment, and policy.

Since its inception in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have become a powerful beacon of recognition and inspiration for women in business and leadership. More than a celebration of success, the Awards empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers, fostering a dynamic pan-African community rooted in collaboration, creativity, and measurable impact.

AWIEF’s work is supported by a broad coalition of sponsors and partners. AWIEF 2025 has been made possible through the strong support and strategic partnerships of leading organisations, including OCP Africa, Deloitte Africa, the City of Cape Town, the African Women Development Fund (AWDF), Nedbank, UNDP, UN Women, and MINT360.

The Advisory Board also brings together a distinguished group of leaders whose experience and influence elevate AWIEF’s mission. Among them are Fatma Samoura, former Secretary General of FIFA, and Awa Ndiaye-Seck, Special Representative of UN Women, both of whom contribute invaluable insight and global perspective to advance women’s leadership and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Speaking on his appointment, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard said: “I strongly believe African women should be empowered, equipped, and recognised for their contributions, innovations, and leadership. AWIEF highlights and celebrates these women, globally, in the most beautiful way. It is a powerful platform that amplifies women’s leadership and innovation across Africa. I am glad to support this mission, and joining AWIEF’s Advisory Board offers a meaningful opportunity to help drive real impact towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.”

A Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur named among the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2023 and 2024, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard serves on numerous prominent advisory boards and international committees. These include the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business; the Leadership Council of the Africa Tech Festival; and the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, World Football Summit, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Critical Minerals Africa Group, Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, Sports Africa Investment Summit, EurAfrican Forum, and All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He also acts as a strategic advisor to the CEO of the Royal African Society (UK), a strategic advisor to the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce, and a special advisor to the President of Rugby Africa. Most recently, he was appointed as a Council Member of the Africa No Filter Foundation.

Nicolas’s wholly-owned company, APO Group, is the premier award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. The company serves more than 300 clients, including Canon, Emirates, Nestlé, Western Union, UNDP, TikTok, Coca-Cola, NBA, NFL, and Marriott.

More information about Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard: http://apo-opa.co/3LCf8Vj

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. 

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

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Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 Puts Libya’s Energy Scale, Technology and Exploration Ambitions in Focus

Source: APO – Report:

The second day of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli sharpened Libya’s energy narrative around scale, long-term ambition and partnership depth. From gas megaproject timelines and AI-led production optimization to renewed exploration momentum and drilling targets for 2026, discussions highlighted the breadth of Libya’s opportunity set across hydrocarbons, renewables and services.

Libya Targets 70–100 Wells in 2026

Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas announced plans to drill between 70 and 100 oil and gas wells in 2026, reflecting growing upstream activity tied to the country’s licensing round and investment framework. The drilling strategy will be supported by $3–4 billion in anticipated annual investment flows as well as new unified drilling regulations aimed at improving safety, efficiency and coordination across the sector.

Eni Details Timeline for $8B Structures A&E Gas Development

Eni reaffirmed its commitment to Libya’s gas sector, confirming that the $8 billion Structures A&E offshore development remains on track for completion by the end of 2027. Led by Mellitah Oil & Gas – a joint venture between Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) – the project is expected to add around 750 million standard cubic feet per day of gas, supporting domestic demand while creating export volumes for Europe. Eni also highlighted progress at the Bahr Essalam gas compression project, scheduled to begin operations in early 2026.

SLB Expands AI and Digital Oilfield Deployment

Digital transformation featured prominently as SLB outlined plans to scale AI-driven production optimization and remote monitoring technologies across Libya in 2026. The company said AI-powered ESP surveillance, Lumi data platforms and intelligent stimulation programs are reshaping how mature fields are managed, while supporting Libya’s production targets and zero-flaring objectives. SLB also emphasized its focus on local training, with digital oilfield upskilling programs planned for Libyan engineers.

Mediterranean Deepwater Emerges as Strategic Exploration Focus

Libya’s Mediterranean offshore was positioned as a key frontier for future upstream growth, with the NOC highlighting deepwater exploration as central to unlocking new acreage and broadening international participation. With 11 offshore blocks included in the current licensing round and results expected in February 2026, industry leaders stressed the role of high-quality seismic data, improved subsurface understanding and shorter development timelines in strengthening the investment case for offshore Libya.

PPP Models Frame Renewable Energy Growth

Renewables discussions centered on public-private partnerships as the preferred mechanism to scale Libya’s clean energy ambitions. With a target of 4 GW of renewable capacity by 2035, speakers pointed to flagship projects such as TotalEnergies’ 500 MW Sadada solar plant as anchors for future growth. Panelists emphasized the role of solar and wind in reducing fuel consumption for power generation, while cautioning that clearer legislation and consistent regulatory frameworks will be critical to sustaining investor interest.

NESR Positions for Expanded Role in Libya

Oilfield services provider National Energy Services Reunited said it is seeking to expand its footprint in Libya, supported by more than $100 million in recently secured service contracts across North Africa. The company highlighted its regional growth strategy, technology offering and commitment to local employment through 100% national crews in Libya.

Repsol Flags Exploration-Led Growth from 2026

Delivering a video address at LEES 2026, Repsol signaled a renewed focus on exploration in Libya from 2026, positioning the country’s licensing round as a catalyst for a new growth cycle. At the El Sharara field, Repsol is targeting production of 350,000 barrels per day by end-2026, following record output in 2025, while shifting attention toward new exploration opportunities after years of limited activity.

Exploration, Expansion and the Road Ahead

Across day two of LEES 2026, discussions consistently pointed to a widening and increasingly structured energy opportunity set in Libya. With gas megaproject timelines taking shape, digital technologies reshaping production potential, renewed offshore exploration interest and clearer drilling targets for 2026, the summit positioned Libya as a market defined by scale, long-term optionality and expanding avenues for international partnership across hydrocarbons, services and renewables.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Appoints Advisory Board to Drive Next Phase of Growth and Impact

Source: APO – Report:

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The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) has announced the establishment of its Advisory Board, a key step in guiding the organisation’s next phase of strategic growth and long-term impact across the African continent.

The new Advisory Board brings together a distinguished group of global leaders with extensive experience in business, policy, development, media, and innovation. The Board will provide high-level strategic guidance on AWIEF’s medium- to long-term priorities, including sustainable revenue growth, institutional strengthening, governance, and the expansion of programmes that support women’s entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa.

“The establishment of the Advisory Board marks an important milestone in AWIEF’s evolution,” said Irene Ochem, Founder & CEO of AWIEF. “The collective experience, insight, and leadership of our Advisory Board members will be invaluable as we consolidate our institutional foundations and scale our impact across Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.”

AWIEF Advisory Board Members

  • Fatma Samoura — Former Secretary-General, FIFA; global leader in sport, gender equity, and youth empowerment
  • Dalia Ibrahim — CEO, Nahdet Misr Publishing House; Founder & CEO, EdVentures; champion for education, innovation, and Africa’s creative economy
  • Awa Ndiaye-Seck — Former Special Representative UN Women to the African Union Commission & President, ADES-USA; expert in gender policy, economic inclusion, and sustainable development
  • Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard — Founder & Chairman, APO Group; pan-African media and communications strategist with extensive global networks; named one of the most 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine in 2023 and 2024

Role of the Advisory Board

The Advisory Board has been created to support AWIEF’s growth beyond its flagship annual convenings, with a strong focus on strategic programming, partnerships, research, policy influence, and ecosystem development.

Members have been selected for their exceptional leadership, cross-sector expertise, and proven commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment across Africa.

– on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

For media enquiries:
Yolanda Mtshawu
Email: inf@awieforum.org
Phone: +27 21 002 8264

About AWIEF:
The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is a pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. Through high-impact programmes, strategic partnerships, and world-class convenings, AWIEF creates opportunities for women innovators and business leaders to connect, learn, and scale solutions that address Africa’s most pressing challenges.

AWIEF’s flagship Conference, Exhibition & Awards convenes entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders from across Africa and around the world to catalyse growth, foster collaboration, and champion women’s leadership in business and innovation.

Website: www.AWIEForum.org