Category: English

Source: APO

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In Somalia’s under-resourced hospitals, trauma patients often arrive to find blood supply and essential medical equipment shortages, trauma teams with limited capacity and inadequate systems in place for handling a surge in trauma patients. During mass casualty incidents these limitations cause delays that put lives at risk.

As violence escalates in parts of Jubaland and Somaliland, Somalia’s emergency health system and first responders face mounting challenges. Health workers, including doctors, nurses, security staff and cleaners, regularly operate under high pressure. They must make critical decisions while managing the emotional and physical demands of repeated exposure to trauma. Over time, this sustained stress can negatively impact their well-being and ability to deliver quality care.

To help alleviate these pressures, World Health Organization (WHO) Somalia launched a trauma preparedness initiative aimed at improving patient outcomes while safeguarding the health and mental well-being of health workers. Supported by the Contingency Fund for Emergencies, the initiative combines delivery of trauma supplies with training in mass casualty management, psychological first aid and trauma-informed care, helping ensure that health workers are equipped, supported and protected as they serve their communities.

The training in Bossaso and Burao brought together 49 frontline staff, including doctors, nurses and support workers, to prepare for high-stress emergencies. Participants practiced triage under pressure and conducted full simulation drills to replicate the chaos of conflict-driven surges. Unlike most emergency trainings in Somalia, the programme guided frontline staff through self-care planning, stress regulation techniques and clinically supervised debriefings to help safeguard their mental health.

“The most encouraging outcome of this workshop was that participants reached a level where they understood the change is for them and their well-being,” said WHO Somalia’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist Uchechi Chukwuma.

In Burao, frontline staff spoke about how the training will help them negotiate the challenges they face working in a region where conflict-related injuries are common. The knowledge and confidence gained from the sessions would empower them to save lives in the most stressful situations.

“This training was crucial for us because Burao General Hospital in Togdheer receives many war-related injuries. Strengthening our skills means we can respond more effectively and save more lives,” said Farhan Ali Osman, who work in the Emergency Department at Burao General Hospital.

In parallel with the training, WHO distributed 32 trauma kits to hospitals across Federal Member States. Many of these facilities are in hard-to-reach or conflict-affected areas, including Jubaland, Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Puntland, Southwest State and Banadir. To speed up emergency response, the kits were pre-positioned at WHO hubs in Hargeisa, Garowe and Mogadishu.

In Bosaso, a full-scale simulation tested clinical response and coordination across departments. Using colour-coded triage wristbands, designated patient zones and phased activation protocols, the drill revealed strong staff cohesion while identifying logistical gaps such as documentation and equipment shortages.

The initiative supports longer-term system strengthening. A draft mass casualty management plan was developed for Bosaso General Hospital which can serve as a model for other regional facilities. Meanwhile, a coordination workshop co-led by WHO and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Mogadishu brought together partners to integrate mental health and psychosocial support, gender-based violence services and trauma protocols into the broader humanitarian response.

WHO Somalia aims to scale this approach to hospitals nationwide. With continued collaboration from the Ministry of Health and key partners, the goal is to reduce trauma-related mortality and morbidity while protecting frontline workers.  

The health system can’t heal without its workforce healing too.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: APO

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that Rania El-Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, has been named one of 10 Women Shaping the Future of PR by Queen Moremi Africa. In celebration of World PR Day 2025, this recognition honours women who are redefining the PR and communications landscape across Africa and beyond.

The Queen Moremi Africa platform celebrates trailblazing African women who are influencing global conversations and championing inclusive progress in their respective fields. Rania’s inclusion in this list is a powerful affirmation of her influential voice in African PR and her commitment to advancing gender equity, authenticity, and impact in strategic communications. The full feature can be viewed here: http://apo-opa.co/3V7QhJT.

El-Rafie is a seasoned public relations executive with over 22 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East. Based in Cairo, Egypt, she has led award-winning campaigns recognised by SABRE Awards, Brands Review Magazine, and World Business Outlook. She was recently awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category and was recognised as one of Africa’s Top 50 Outstanding Women in Communications.

Speaking on the significance of the recognition, she said: “Being named among the 10 Women Shaping the Future of PR is not just a personal honour, but a reflection of the collective progress we’re making as women in this field. As PR professionals, we have a responsibility to build bridges, tell authentic stories, and create space for more African women to lead boldly and reshape the narrative of our continent. That’s the true power of PR, and I am proud to be recognised for my contribution, and that of APO Group.”

This philosophy is reflected in APO Group’s core purpose, namely to champion Africa’s narratives, amplify Africa’s voices, and bridge Africa and the world. This translates into integrating storytelling with purpose, ensuring that the continent’s diversity, brilliance, and resilience are captured in every message delivered. It also aligns with Rania’s commitment to promoting the visibility of African women in PR, both within APO Group and across the broader industry.

Celebrated globally on 16 July, World PR Day recognises and celebrates the field of public relations and communications. This year’s theme of unity, collaboration, and shaping a more inclusive future finds perfect expression in Rania’s work. Her recognition by Queen Moremi Africa reflects a broader shift towards African-led storytelling and understanding of the need for gender-balanced leadership in the global communications industry. It also reflects APO Group’s broader commitment to championing African women in communications. Through strategic mentorship initiatives, inclusive leadership, and ongoing investment in female talent, APO Group continues to pave the way for a new generation of PR professionals.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

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, 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. 

Source: APO

Oil and gas companies Corcel and Sintana Energy have partnered as Champion Sponsors of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 conference. Taking place September 3-4 in Luanda, the event represents the premier meeting platform for the country’s oil and gas sector. The sponsorship comes as Corcel and Sintana Energy work towards unlocking onshore development opportunities in Angola’s Kwanza basin and is expected to support new deals and collaborations as the country strives to revitalize onshore production.

Sintana Energy entered the Angolan market in May 2025 through the establishment of a strategic partnership with Corcel. The partners signed an agreement whereby Sintana acquired a 5% indirect net interest in Block KON 16 in the onshore Kwanza Basin. The acquisition was a result of Sintana securing a 5.88% stake in a newly-formed Special Purchase Vehicle – now holding Corcel’s 85% interest in KON 16. Set to close in Q3, 2025, the $2.5 million transaction will fund future exploration activities at the block, underscoring the value of partnerships in financing exploration and production in Angola.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Block KON 16 is considered a highly prospective asset with proven petroleum systems in both post- and pre-salt intervals. To unlock this potential, the partners have executed a joint study and bid agreement to assess exploration and production opportunities. Furthermore, Corcel mobilized £1.1 million via a share placing to support ongoing exploration efforts. The funds will be deployed towards the execution of a 2D seismic program at KON 16 in Q3, 2025. Purpose Global Resource Fund led the placing and has joined Corcel as a new institutional shareholder. Beyond Block KON 16, Corcel also has non-operated interests in Blocks KON 11 and KON 12. These brownfield development opportunities historically produced oil via the Tobias and Galinda fields – with peak output reaching 17,500 barrels per day (bpd) and 2,700 bpd respectively. In 2025, Corcel restarted intervention activities at the Tobias-13 and Tobias-14 wells in Block KON 11, targeting pre-salt and post-salt leads. Data was also collected for Block KON 12.

Corcel and Sintana Energy’s AOG 2025 sponsorship aligns with these efforts and is expected to create new avenues for industry collaboration and engagement. The partners have demonstrated their willingness to partner to unlock Angolan onshore production as well as their commitment to exploring potential exploration and production prospects. For Sintana Energy, Angola offers a strategic investment opportunity, whereby the company can leverage its experience in neighboring Namibia to deliver commercial finds. Sintana Energy currently has stakes in several promising onshore and offshore licenses in Namibia, including the offshore PEL 79 – which holds the Mopane discoveries – PEL 82, PEL 83, PEL 87 and PEL 90. Onshore, the company has stakes in PEL 103 in the Waterberg basin.

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

Source: APO

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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education will be embarking on a rigorous employee verification process to ensure that the correct number of employees are legitimately receiving remuneration through the Department’s persal systems.

This process has been necessitated by instances where delays in the administrative termination of employees—due to retirement, resignation, or death—have resulted in continued salary payments long after the individuals have exited the Department.

Upon identifying these discrepancies, the Department engaged the Provincial Treasury to assist with the necessary IT infrastructure to facilitate this large-scale verification exercise and to ensure the quality and integrity of the process.

The initiative, initially launched by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, has since been adopted as a national programme by the National Department of Basic Education. It will be implemented across the country under the leadership of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), commencing with KwaZulu-Natal.

The Department welcomes the support of the National Department of Basic Education, as this approach will help standardize processes across the education sector. The outcomes of the verification will guide future policy decisions and preventative measures.

“We are confident that the verification process will enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance,” said the MEC for Education, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka. He also called for the full cooperation of all Department employees to ensure the success of the initiative. Details of the verification process will be communicated in due course.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies welcomes Century Group as a Gold Partner, highlighting the company’s growing influence across Nigeria’s offshore energy landscape and its leading role in driving local content, infrastructure and energy sovereignty.

As one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous operators owning and managing FPSO and FSO assets, Century Group has rapidly become a bedrock of offshore production continuity and export logistics. The company’s stewardship of vessels such as the FPSO Tamara Nanaye and FSO ELI Akaso has enabled Nigeria’s offshore output and ensured that critical export pathways remain operational even amid infrastructure bottlenecks.

Since delivering de‑bottlenecking upgrades locally, Century Group has shortened timelines and significantly reduced costs, demonstrating how local capacity can outperform traditional offshore maintenance models. Their technical expertise and safety record have made them a trusted partner to producers and traders, bridging offshore production to international markets, including facilitating Nigeria’s first export of its newest crude grade, Obodo, via the Atlantic Spirit tanker.

Over the past year, Nigeria’s indigenous energy sector has undergone a paradigm shift: foreign majors exited and local champions like Seplat, Oando, Heirs Energies and Renaissance stepped forward to take control of key assets. These companies are rewriting Nigeria’s energy story through operational agility, community engagement and investment in infrastructure. Century Group stands out as a prime example of this transformation in the offshore domain.

At AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, Century Group will feature alongside other leading Nigerian and African operators, policymakers and financiers. Their Gold Partner status underscores AEW’s commitment to amplifying African-owned solutions and accelerating the continent’s sustainable energy transition.

“Century Group embodies the growth of indigenous offshore infrastructure in Nigeria – delivering world-class FPSO and terminal solutions that reinforce local content and energy sovereignty. Their role at AEW 2025 as a Gold Partner sends a powerful message: African energy challenges are best solved by African expertise,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

With the Nigerian Federal Government rolling out Executive Order reforms in April 2025 to reduce upstream project costs and foster investment – including tax incentives tied to performance and cost-efficiency benchmarks – Century Group is positioned to thrive within a more transparent, competitive and localized ecosystem.

Century Group’s Gold Partnership with AEW 2025 cements their role not just as offshore operators, but as champions of national capacity-building, while supporting Nigeria’s industry-wide shift toward greater operational independence and sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Dakota Legoete, and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, have noted with concern the reported remarks made by General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), during his recent visit to Iran.

The Chairpersons also note with alarm that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has publicly distanced itself from the General’s comments and that the Presidency called the visit “ill advised”.

The committees will have a joint meeting to engage with the ministers of the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on the issue.

Mr Legoete said it is evident that there is a worrying lack of coordination between defence diplomacy and South Africa’s official foreign policy. This disjuncture exposes potential misalignment and cohesion in the country’s approach to international relations.

He said the Department of Defence should draw long-term lessons from these events and ensure thorough alignment going forward. He further stressed that the committee awaits the outcome of engagements between the President, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, the Minister of Defence, and SANDF leadership.

“These engagements must demonstrate unity, strength and synergy in how South Africa conducts itself on the international stage,” Mr Legoete emphasised.

Mr Legoete reiterated the committee’s position that the SANDF must remain a professional and apolitical institution, focusing squarely on its constitutional mandate to safeguard the Republic, while steering away from statements in the political domain.

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