Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, made an inaugural visit to South West State’s Baidoa city, reaffirming the Mission’s commitment to enhancing peace, security and stabilization efforts in Somalia.

Ambassador Diene praised the ongoing joint military operations by AUSSOM and Somali Security Forces (SSF) in the Shabelle region and other parts of Somalia.

“We are supporting our Somali brothers and sisters. Our mandate is to support a Somali-led peace process. The ongoing operations are a priority defined by the federal government of Somalia, and we are collaborating closely with them to defeat Al-Shabaab,” Ambassador Diene said on Tuesday.

He highlighted the forces’ liberation of strategic Barire town and Sabid-Anole villages as significant milestones in Somalia’s efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab, reiterating AUSSOM’s support for sustained operations against the militant group.

At Sector 3 headquarters, Ambassador Diene commended Ethiopian troops serving under AUSSOM for maintaining the region’s peace and security, with support from the Ghanaian Formed Police Unit (FPU) Contingent.

“I found a well-prepared, well-structured sector. A lot has been accomplished by our troops, and there is still much to be done. They have shared their challenges, and we will explore the best ways to support them,” he added.

Ambassador Diene also praised the strong collaboration among key regional and international partners, including AUSSOM, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the Federal Government of Somalia, and South West State administration.

The SRCC acknowledged the responsibilities placed on the African Union in Somalia’s stabilization process, recognizing the progress made and existing funding challenges.

Sector 3 Commander Brigadier General Teklu Hurisa Janka expressed satisfaction with the briefing provided to the SRCC on the sector’s status and operations of the Ethiopian Contingent.

“We were pleased to welcome the SRCC and his delegation to Sector 3 headquarters,” said Brig. Gen. Janka.

“We provided a comprehensive update on the current security situation, ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab, and the vital work being carried out by Ethiopian troops to support peace and stability in Somalia. The SRCC expressed appreciation for our efforts, and we equally valued his presence and engagement.”

As part of his visit, the SRCC paid a courtesy call to the South West State administration and met with the Federal Member State’s Parliament Speaker, Ali Said Fiqi, at the Presidential Villa. They discussed the current security landscape and ongoing support of the African Union in Somalia’s peacebuilding and stabilization efforts.

Ambassador Diene also met with medical personnel at the AUSSOM Level 2 hospital, where he was briefed about the services provided to troops and civilians.

The SRCC was accompanied by senior officials, including AUSSOM Military Chief of Staff Brigadier General Kindu Gezu, and AUSSOM Military Force Engineer Colonel Sulieman Ibrahim.

This marked Ambassador Diene’s fourth visit to the AUSSOM Sectors, having previously toured Sectors One, Two and Four.

– on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Source: APO – Report:

The Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) (www.NCC.or.ke) has completed a six-week segment of the Hans Zimmer Live world tour, performing for more than 150,000 people across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East. By sharing the stage with Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus showcased African choral excellence in sold-out venues with audiences exceeding 10,000.

The milestone tour is part of an extended collaboration between the Nairobi Chamber Chorus and legendary film composer Hans Zimmer. Celebrated for his iconic scores in The Lion King, Gladiator, Dune, and Inception, Zimmer is a two-time Academy Award® winner, a three-time Golden Globe® Award winner, a five-time Grammy® Award winner. He has also earned an American Music Award, a Tony® Award, and six Emmy® nominations. The choir’s inclusion in the tour highlights its growing international recognition and reinforces Africa’s vibrant contribution to global music and culture.

The tour kicked off in January 2025, with performances across the United States and Saudi Arabia before continuing into the Asia-Pacific region in March. Recent stops in Australia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and Abu Dhabi delivered a fusion of cinematic music and African choral excellence. “As the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, we have been privileged to be part of this spectacular show,” said Ken Wakia, Founder and Director of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus. “Seeing the passion and excitement Hans Zimmer evokes in fans around the world has been humbling, and sharing in that joy through our music is a deeply rewarding experience.”

NCC’s participation in the tour is supported by a strategic partnership (https://apo-opa.co/45qkaLC) with APO Group, announced earlier this year. As part of the collaboration, APO Group provides the choir with high-impact media relations and storytelling support to amplify its presence across international platforms.

Beate Neidhart-Keitel, Managing Director at BNK Management, the company overseeing NCC’s participation in Hans Zimmer Live, highlighted the impact of the collaboration: “The Nairobi Chamber Chorus brings a unique sound and spirit to the Hans Zimmer Live experience. Their professionalism, talent, and cultural authenticity have added immense value to the tour. We are proud to continue this meaningful collaboration.”

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group, emphasised the broader significance of the choir’s participation: “This is more than a performance; it’s a cultural breakthrough. The Nairobi Chamber Chorus is not only elevating African music on the world stage but also challenging outdated perceptions about the continent. We are proud to stand with them in telling this powerful African success story.”

Hans Zimmer is one of the most celebrated composers of our time. His collaboration with the Nairobi Chamber Chorus is a powerful endorsement of the choir’s talent and artistic integrity. NCC first joined the Hans Zimmer Live lineup in 2024 as part of a group of international artists during the European concert series. The overwhelming response from audiences prompted Zimmer to expand the tour, adding new shows in the United States, including Austin, Nashville, Columbus (OH), Brooklyn, and Baltimore. The ongoing collaboration is a testament to the choir’s growing global appeal and its commitment to bringing Africa’s rich choral traditions to the world stage.

Established in 2005, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus has trained over 300 young vocalists, many of whom have become key contributors to Kenya’s music industry. Made up primarily of university students and recent graduates, the choir uses music as a platform to promote peace, understanding, and international dialogue.

With every performance, NCC shares the vibrant essence of African choral tradition with global audiences, and its partnership with Hans Zimmer marks an exciting chapter in its journey.

This is a Joint Press Release by the Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC) and APO Group.

– on behalf of Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC).

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.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 of the Year South Africa in 2024 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, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us with the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.  

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.  

Source: APO

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Lomé, the capital of the Republic of Togo, is hosting a two-day hybrid meeting beginning August 20, 2025, organised by ECOWAS. The meeting is dedicated to monitoring and evaluating the implementation of Regulation C/REG.21/12/17 on roaming across Public Mobile Communications Networks. This event also marks the 18th gathering of Roaming focal points from across the region.

This hybrid meeting, brings together focal points from the National Regulatory Authorities of ECOWAS Member States, representatives from the Secretariat of the West African Telecommunications Regulators’ Assembly (WATRA), representatives from the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Digital Economy and Post, representatives from UEMOA and the ECOWAS National Office in Togo.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of Mr Sediko DOUKA, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, Ms Folake Olagunju, Acting Director Digital Economy and Post, welcomed the full participation of Member States focal points at this important meeting.

She highlighted the progress made since the regulation’s adoption, particularly through bilateral tariff agreements between Member States. “This meeting is more than a checkpoint; it is a catalyst. It offers a valuable platform for Member States to exchange experiences, share lessons learned, and offer practical insights, especially for those still navigating the implementation process… The ECOWAS Commission remains fully committed to supporting Member States in this endeavour… ” said Ms Folake Olagunju.

In his address to participants, Mr Musa Jalloh, Deputy Director of Regulation at the National Telecommunications Authority of the Republic of Sierra Leone, emphasised the importance of digital integration and a unified regional market. He praised the growing number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between Member States, reflecting the commitment of authorities to significantly reducing telecommunications costs and improving interoperability for the benefit of citizens across the ECOWAS region.

The meeting was officially launched by Mr Michel Yaovi Galley, Director General of the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) of Togo, represented by Mr Cabo Amar Vinyo, Director of Markets and Data Regulation. Mr Vinyo called for the full implementation of the regulation across all Member States to enhance consumer satisfaction, improve connectivity, democratise internet access, and promote regional integration.

Over the course of the meeting, focal points will present updates on roaming service implementation, assess compliance with community price caps based on national monitoring and review progress on tasks assigned during the 19th Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers on Telecommunications/ICT/Digital Economy. Discussions will also address delays in bilateral agreements and explore operator concerns related to fraud.

Experts will evaluate regulatory proposals, review the ECOWAS Commission’s progress in updating the Regulatory Framework and examine WATRA’s engagement with the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) to provide technical assistance for community roaming.

As a reminder, Regulation C/REG.21/12/17 was adopted in December 2017 by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. It aims to establish a harmonised legal and tariff framework for roaming within ECOWAS Member States, reduce high costs for voice, SMS and data roaming and determine the rights and obligations of community roaming service providers and regulators.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO

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Ghana and Japan have signalled a new push to deepen economic cooperation and accelerate priority infrastructure projects during a bilateral meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and the Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan on the sidelines of TICAD 9 in Yokohama.

President Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s central role in Japan’s cocoa supply, noting that Ghana accounts for about 70% of Japan’s cocoa imports.

He encouraged Japanese firms to expand investments in Ghana’s cocoa value chain, including a public–private partnership with the Cocoa Processing Company to revamp the plant and boost value addition.

The President also highlighted upcoming milestones in Ghana–Japan relations, including the centenary of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi’s arrival in Ghana and the 50th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in 2027—anniversaries he previously discussed with H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana.

On infrastructure, President Mahama stressed the strategic importance of the Volivo Bridge over the Volta River, a critical component of Ghana’s Eastern Corridor that links Accra and Tema to the north and onward to Burkina Faso and Niger.

He emphasised the bridge’s role in moving agricultural produce such as yams and maize from northern Ghana to markets in the south.

Mr Mahama also expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for the JPY 11.239 billion loan signed on 5 December 2016 for the project and reaffirmed Ghana’s request for additional support—especially grants—to close the remaining 64% procurement gap.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed closer collaboration with Ghana to expand infrastructure development and recalled the long-standing partnership that helped establish the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

He acknowledged that Japanese chocolate lovers depend largely on Ghanaian cocoa.

Reiterating Japan’s commitment to Ghana’s development priorities, the Prime Minister gave an assurance that Tokyo would work to expedite solutions to funding gaps to ensure the successful completion of key projects.

He also sought Ghana’s support for Japan’s candidate, Masahiko Metoki, for the position of Director General of the Universal Postal Union’s International Bureau and Ghana’s backing for Japan’s positions on reforms to make the United Nations Security Council more democratic.

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development brings together African leaders, Japan, and international partners to advance sustainable development and investment across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Source: APO

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As African nations strengthen their positions as global leaders in the production of diamonds, platinum group metals (PGMs), chromium, uranium, cobalt and other key industrial minerals, development finance institutions are providing essential funding through loans, equity investments and infrastructure support. Their efforts are bolstering Africa’s access to its mineral resources while enhancing logistics and processing capabilities – key elements in advancing mineral beneficiation and industrialization. 

At the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – financial institutions will showcase their innovative approaches to accelerating mineral industrialization. A panel titled The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization, will feature representatives from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM). 

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As a silver sponsor of AMW 2025, the AFC is expected to present its tailored financing models that support mineral beneficiation across the continent. Through investments in critical projects such as the Lobito Corridor – a regional logistics network connecting mineral-rich Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo with international markets – the AFC is driving Africa’s mining sector growth. In May 2025, the AFC also provided financial backing to Mota-Engil for gold mining projects in the Ivory Coast and Mali. 

Thabiso Sekano, Head of Mining and Metals at the IDC, is also expected to outline how the corporation is reinforcing South Africa’s mining value chain. As the country rolls out its draft Critical Minerals Strategy and introduces legislative reforms such as the Mineral Resources Development Bill and Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill, the IDC remains a critical financing partner. Recent IDC financing include R622 million for the Theta Gold Mine and R1.6 billion for ArcelorMittal South Africa. 

Ed Stumpf, AIIM’s Investment Director and Head of Investment Strategy, is also expected to highlight the firm’s focus on driving the growth of Africa’s mineral extraction and local value addition. AIIM’s investments in renewable energy projects – including the 140 MW Umsinde Wind Farm and the 144 MW Khangela Wind Farm – are designed to support the energy needs of major mining operations like Sibanye-Stillwater and Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa. 

Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW will connect African projects and prospects with investments firms to explore partnership opportunities across the mining value chain. 

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

Source: APO

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) has officially opened an international office in Shanghai, China, aimed at strengthening cooperation between African governments and energy companies and their counterparts in China. The office – aligned with the AEC’s vision of creating a global energy network where Africa is not just a participant, but a driving force – is expected to spearhead a new era of economic diplomacy while fostering cross-continental partnerships and energy development.  

The Shanghai office will be led by Dr. Bieni Da, Chief Representative of the AEC in China, who will spearhead all engagements, ensuring that the AEC plays a pivotal role in connecting Chinese businesses and government entities with African stakeholders. The objective is clear: to drive impactful, long-term collaboration across strategic sectors of the economy, enabling investments that are mutually beneficial and aligned with both continents’ development goals.  

One of the core objectives of the Shanghai office is capital mobilization. With the continent’s energy finance gap currently estimated to measure between $31 billion and $50 billion, a unique opportunity has emerged for Chinese financiers and project developers. Despite rising energy demand, many African energy firms face constraints in accessing the necessary capital to scale their operations and increase energy production. China, with its well-developed financial and infrastructure systems, presents a fertile ground for capital raising. Under Dr. Bieni Da’s leadership, the AEC will actively work to attract Chinese investment into African energy projects, providing the financial backbone needed to drive innovation and expansion in the sector. 

The Shanghai office will also play an instrumental part in connecting Chinese companies with African projects, facilitating partnerships and bringing African opportunity to the Chinese market. Chinese companies have already begun to play a central role in advancing Africa’s energy market, with investments in oil, gas, renewable energy and infrastructure unlocking high returns. Examples include Chinese exploration and production company Wing Wah, who is leading the Bango Kayo development in the Republic of Congo. The $2 billion project – comprising a phased expansion of the operational Bango Kayo conventional oilfield – seeks to monetize previously-flared resources, primarily for the domestic market. The project features the development of three trains, the first of which has a capacity of one million cubic meters per day (mcm/d). The second and third trains will come online in 2025, increasing capacity to five mcm/d.  

Meanwhile, the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is also expanding its presence in Africa. The company is exploring business opportunities in Angola, with talks held for deepwater Block 24. In East Africa, the company is developing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, connecting the Tilenga and Kingfisher oilfields with the Port of Tanga. CNOOC also acquired two shallow water and three deepwater oil and gas blocks in Mozambique and has partnered with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation to explore deep-sea Block 4/1B and 4/1C. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has stakes in Mozambique’s Coral South FLNG development, which began production in 2022, and has also signed a $400 million crude oil supply agreement with Niger. These are just some of the many projects spearheaded by Chinese companies.  

“The AEC wants to see greater Chinese investment across the entire African oil and gas value chain – from upstream projects to downstream infrastructure to manufacturing, power and technology. China offers significant expertise in these areas and the Shanghai office will unlock new collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy and more,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.  

To foster continued dialogue and engagement, the AEC will organize high-level investment forums in Shanghai, positioning the city as a hub for African energy investment and dialogue. These forums will serve as regular platforms for African leaders, government officials and business executives to meet with their Chinese counterparts, explore opportunities and forge lasting partnerships. The Chamber will use this office to host a variety of meetings, roundtables, and workshops aimed at encouraging cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing, and investment facilitation.  

“Africa and China have a common goal: to eradicate energy poverty. It is time to walk the walk and bring Chinese expertise and capital to African projects. Dr. Bieni Da, has a strong network in the public and private sector that will drive these engagements, giving Africa a chance to expand to a mutually beneficial relationship that is win-win with China. This office is a testament to making sure we leave our footprint,” added Ayuk.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.