Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, July 29, 2025
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Tuesday with HE Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the State of Qatar William Asselborn, on the occasion of the conclusion of his tenure in the country.
HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs expressed his appreciation to HE the Ambassador for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and wished him continued success in his future assignments.
Source: APO
Mining and investment cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) intensified in 2025 with the signing of several agreements. As the world’s leading cobalt producer – responsible for over 70% of global output -, a leading tin producer and Africa’s top copper producer, the DRC’s mining value chain is presenting increasingly attractive and strategic investment opportunities for UAE investors.
As the DRC seeks to leverage UAE investments to unlock its $24 trillion-worth of mineral potential, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will serve as a vital platform for strengthening UAE-DRC partnerships. The event will feature a dedicated Middle East-Africa Roundtable, featuring high-level panel discussions and project showcases, providing UAE investors the opportunity to connect with DRC policymakers and mining stakeholders.
With growing global demand for energy transition and fourth industrial revolution minerals, the UAE is actively expanding its footprint in the DRC to secure mineral supply chains.
UAE Investments in DRC Mining
Congolese mining company Buenassa partnered with UAE-based NG9 Holding to develop the DRC’s first integrated copper-cobalt refinery in mid-July. The facility is set to produce 30,000 tons of copper cathodes and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulphate annually, supporting the DRC’s push for local beneficiation and value addition in its mining sector.
In June 2025, Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding (IRH) announced a $366 million acquisition of a majority stake in mining firm Alphamin Resources. The deal provides IRH with access to the DRC’s Bisie Tin Complex – one of the world’s largest and highest-grade tin deposits, responsible for 6% of global supply. IRH’s investment in the project is expected to reinforce the DRC’s role in the global tin market, with demand projected to grow by 20% by 2035. At AMW, a panel titled Cobalt Opportunity: DRC’s Strategic Position in the EV Revolution, will connect UAE investors with opportunities in the DRC’s expanding critical mineral sector.
Beyond mining, UAE investments are also bolstering the DRC’s energy infrastructure. NG9 Holding also signed a deal with Congolese energy company Kipay Energy to develop a 46 MW hydropower facility in Haut-Katanga, which will contribute to a total of 166 MW of electricity – helping to secure stable power supply for mining operations in the region. As UAE interest in the DRC’s mining and energy sectors continues to grow, AMW will catalyze new partnerships, investments and deal signings that will further integrate the two nations’ strategic interests in mineral development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About African Mining Week:
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.
Source: Government of South Africa
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will officially launch the newly reconstituted Fire Brigade Board (FBB) on Friday, 1 August 2025.
The launch will take place in the City of uMhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal.
The FBB is a statutory body established under the Fire Brigade Services Act, 1987 (Act No. 99 of 1987).
Its role is to advise the Minister on matters related to fire brigade services in the Republic of South Africa.
“Following an extensive institutional and policy review process, led by the National Disaster Management Centre, the FBB has been reconstituted to reflect modern governance principles, inclusivity, and alignment with the Fire Services 2030 Roadmap and the national disaster risk reduction agenda,” the advisory read.
The primary objective of the launch is to officially introduce the newly reconstituted FBB to the public and key stakeholders, affirming the board’s role as a national coordinating and advisory structure for fire services.
The event will also highlight government’s vision for a responsive, integrated and capable fire services sector that aligns with the Fire Services 2030 Roadmap. In addition, it aims to foster intergovernmental collaboration and support for fire service transformation, while positioning the City of uMhlathuze as a centre of local excellence in fire service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
A scholar transport accident has left approximately 20 learners injured, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said.
Confirming Monday’s incident, the department said the learners are from various Johannesburg schools.
“The incident took place at approximately 7am along West Park Road, near the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg. According to preliminary reports, the vehicle was allegedly travelling at a high speed when the driver appeared to lose control, causing it to overturn along the bend near West Park Cemetery,” said the department in a statement on Tuesday.
The GDE said the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation and that authorities were on the scene shortly after the incident to assist learners who were on board and begin assessing the circumstances.
“According to information at our disposal, the overturned vehicle was allegedly transporting learners from Greenside High School, Parktown Girls’ High School and Roosevelt High School.
“[There were] reportedly 13 learners from Greenside High School, ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 11; four learners from Roosevelt High School in Grades 8, 9 and 12, while Parktown Girls’ High School had three learners in Grades 8, 10 and 11.”
Following the crash, learners were transported to various healthcare facilities, where they were assessed for injuries and received medical treatment.
“Fortunately, all learners were treated and discharged into the care of their families. A majority of learners have been booked off from attending school by medical practitioners for the remainder of this week.
“One learner from Greenside High School, however, remains hospitalised and is scheduled to undergo surgery,” the department explained.
Meanwhile, the department has arranged psychosocial support for all learners and their families to assist with recovery and trauma management. Additionally, departmental officials were dispatched to each school and hospital to verify the condition of all affected learners and also interact with all affected families.
“We are grateful that there were no fatalities, and we extend our gratitude to emergency personnel, respective school management teams and our officials who responded swiftly. We are continuing to engage with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident and ensure accountability.
“We urge all scholar transport drivers, whether public or private, to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of our learners remains a top priority at all times. We wish all learners a speedy recovery,” Education MEC Matome Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team has made another breakthrough in the Sindiso Magaqa murder case, with the arrest of the former municipal manager of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality.
The former municipal manager is expected to appear before the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder today.
The 55-year-old suspect was rearrested today in Malvern, Durban.
READ | Police Commissioner commends sentencing in Magaqa case
He was previously arrested in 2018 alongside the late mayor of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, a businessman, two former police officers and a hitman.
The hitman, Sbusiso Ncengwa, was convicted to 25 years imprisonment on 7 July 2025.
Magaqa was an African National Congress Youth League Secretary General and municipal councilor. He was killed in September 2017 in KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has committed R36.856 million to the Red Meat Industry Development and Enhancement Programme, to reposition the province as a key player in South Africa’s red meat economy.
Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Madoda Sambatha announced the funding during his department’s policy and budget speech at the North West Provincial Legislature.
The programme is expected to directly benefit 7 242 farmers, including 4 728 men, 2 219 women, 252 youth, and 43 people with disabilities.
The initiative will provide structured production support, access to value chains, and market integration.
“The initiative will be implemented through the beef beneficiation aggregation model, a framework designed to enhance farmer coordination, improve processing capacity, and establish sustainable linkages to commercial markets.”
The provincial department announced that the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District will be prioritised due to its high concentration of beef farming operations and its important role in the provincial livestock value chain.
In addition to boosting production, the programme is expected to create 321 temporary jobs and 87 permanent jobs, particularly in areas such as aggregation, logistics, technical extension, and feedlot operations.
The department believes that this move aligns with its broader goals of advancing rural development, increasing household incomes, and reducing unemployment in underserved communities.
Sambatha has declared the R36.8 million injection into the red meat industry, a decisive turning point for the North West agricultural sector.
“This is more than just funding; it is a bold statement of intent. We are transforming the red meat value chain, unlocking opportunities for emerging farmers, and positioning the province as a powerhouse in livestock production,” said Sambatha.
The MEC is of the view that this investment is a clear demonstration of the province’s steadfast commitment to building a transformed, competitive, and inclusive red meat industry.
“Through this programme, we are not only empowering our farmers, but also driving economic growth, boosting job creation, and laying a solid foundation for long-term food security and agro-industrial development,” Sambatha added.
The Red Meat Industry Development and Enhancement Programme forms part of the department’s strategy to broaden participation, enhance local beneficiation, and stimulate growth across rural economies, while contributing meaningfully to the provincial and national gross domestic product (GDP). – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
South Africa has been granted a €500 million loan for the implementation of the country’s Just Energy Transition (JET) plan by the German Cooperation via KFW Development Bank (KFW).
This loan is part of South Africa’s third Development Policy Operation and participants included the World Bank, African Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund.
“It supports structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services, with a specific focus on the energy sector and climate mitigation.
“KFW’s financing forms part of government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy,” National Treasury said on Monday.
This loan agreement builds on the two policy loans concluded in 2022 and 2023, and forms part of Germany’s pledge at COP26 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
Germany’s three policy loans, implemented by KFW, total €1.3 billion and form part of a larger package of JETP projects supported by the German Government via loans, technical assistance and grants.
“The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, [has] highlighted the significance of South Africa’s partnership with Germany and KFW that remains critical to South Africa’s development agenda and marks a significant step towards strengthening South Africa’s short- and medium-term energy security measures, promoting decarbonisation and enhancing the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition for disadvantaged communities, thereby enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation.
“The Minister also emphasised the need for further policy and institutional reforms in the energy sector to create an enabling environment for the investment required for a just energy transition,” National Treasury said.
KFW’s Country Director for South Africa, Cornelia Tittmann, said the loan seeks to support the government of South Africa’s continued commitment to reforms in the energy sector, which give effect to South Africa’s climate commitments and enable the private sector to participate, opening new avenues to strengthen economic cooperation between Germany and South Africa. –SAnews.gov.za
Source: APO – Report:
Nominations are officially open for the 10th edition of the African Power & Energy Elites: People and Projects – a leading platform recognising Africa’s most impactful energy and water sector leaders, pioneers, and innovations.
Known as The Elites, this annual initiative honours the changemakers transforming lives and systems across the continent – from expanding energy access to reshaping infrastructure through innovation, smart investment, and policy reform.
“The Elites is not an awards-based programme. It’s a respected platform for visibility, credibility, and connection. We’re calling on all stakeholders to help recognise excellence where it’s happening,”
– Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, Editor-in-Chief, ESI Africa
Submit your nomination by 28 September 2025
Help spotlight the individuals and projects building Africa’s sustainable energy and water future.
Why It Matters
Millions in Africa still lack reliable electricity and clean water. The Elites platform brings attention to the innovators tackling these systemic challenges—from off-grid solar solutions and AI-driven utilities to clean mobility hubs and community-led water projects.
What’s New in 2025/2026
In this landmark 10th edition, categories have been updated to reflect the fast-evolving landscape:
Open to individuals and organisations across the value chain—executives, technicians, developers, entrepreneurs, utilities, and beyond. Self-nominations are encouraged. Organisations may also sponsor a feature to align their brand with Africa’s top energy and water stories.
How to Nominate
Submit your nomination via this Google Form:
Nominate Now (https://apo-opa.co/4l0nsJS)
Find out more here:
ESI Africa – The Elites 2025/2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4lTuu4D)
All submissions will be reviewed by a trusted Elites Advisory Board, evaluating innovation, relevance, and impact.
Recognition for Selected Elites
Those featured will receive:
Deadline: 28 September 2025
Nominate now and help honour those powering Africa’s future.
– on behalf of VUKA Group.
.
Source: APO – Report:
The fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) opened today in St. George’s under the theme “Resilience and Transformation: Enhancing Africa-Caribbean Economic Cooperation in an Era of Global Uncertainty.”
In a passionate keynote address, Prof. Benedict Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, declared the region’s readiness to shift from slogans to systems, unveiling a slate of tangible milestones that signal the deepening of Africa-Caribbean economic and cultural integration.
“In under four years, we’ve ratified the Partnership Agreement in 11 CARICOM countries, providing the Bank a solid legal foundation to operate, support, and invest in their economies,” said Oramah. This, he acknowledged, represents a “sovereign declaration, that the CARICOM States see in Africa, not just its past, but also its future.”
These bold initiatives, shared by President Oramah during his address, demonstrate Afreximbank’s commitment to transforming Afri-Caribbean cooperation from aspiration into action:
The ACTIF2025 also serves as President Oramah’s final address at the Forum, as he prepares to hand over leadership to Dr. George Elombi, Afreximbank’s long-serving Executive Vice President nominated as incoming President by shareholders at the Bank’s 32nd Annual Meeting in Abuja in June 2025.
“At this critical moment in our collective history, I have no shred of doubt that he is the right person to lead us in the next phase of the Bank’s journey. I am convinced that he will give the Bank’s work in this region a renewed impetus,” he stated.
Looking beyond the Forum, President Oramah urged the establishment of a sovereign Global Africa Commission to drive forward the long-term integration of Africa and the Caribbean. He proposed that the Commission be jointly supported by Afreximbank, the CARICOM Secretariat, and the African Union, and tasked with advancing the trade, cultural, education, and creative agenda of the growing pan-African alliance.
“What we have done so far is prove the concept, we now need to institutionalise it,” Oramah said. “We should consider creating a Commission that becomes fully responsible for delivering on the Africa-Caribbean and broader Global Africa initiative… This move will give more focus to the initiative, reduce the administrative burden on Afreximbank and create an environment for innovation.”
In closing, President Oramah declared “In America, America is first. In Europe, Europe is first. In China, China is first. We are the only ones who put ourselves last,” noting that it is time that Africa changes this posture.
Meanwhile, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada praised the vision and leadership of President Benedict Oramah, describing his presidency as a turning point in the Africa-Caribbean relations.
Recognising the strategy, integrity and relentless drive employed, PM Mitchell, stated that President Oramah carved out a space for ‘our regions to trade, collaborate, and thrive’. “In the annals of history, you will go down as a pioneer for African people everywhere,” the Caribbean leader declared.
Prime Minister Mitchell announced a recommendation by the region’s leaders to confer the region’s highest honour to President Oramah; the Order of the Caribbean Community.
Building on Oramah’s keynote call to institutionalise the Global Africa Initiative through the creation of a permanent Commission, Prime Minister Mitchell voiced full support.
His message was punctuated by a deeply personal interaction with a young volunteer who asked why Grenada chose to host ACTIF2025; a question he said cut to the heart of the Forum’s purpose.
“It’s about money. It’s about trade. It’s about investment… our very survival, prosperity and dignity depends on the economic decisions we make today,” he stated. “To that young man, I say: our political will to support Global Africa is unwavering. We are not starting from scratch. We are starting from strength. And we will not leave ACTIF2025 with another communiqué, we will leave here with a commitment to act, to build together, to trade together, to succeed together and rise together.”
In a sobering, yet empowering close, he added “no one is going to save Global Africa but Global Africa itself.”
More than a dozen sitting and former Heads of State, and Government representatives from Africa and the Caribbean are attending ACTIF2025. Among them are:
Meanwhile, five transformative deals totaling over US$290 million were signed on Day 1 of ACTIF2025, showcasing Afreximbank’s deepening investment in trade-enabling infrastructure and economic development across the Caribbean. Among the signings was a US$50 million Heads of Terms with the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis for an Education Construction and Rehabilitation Climate-Linked Facility, and a US$40 million public-private partnership with Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd. to develop a modern commercial port in Saint Kitts. In The Bahamas, two landmark transactions were formalised: a US$100 million Receivables Discounting Facility for the Bahamas Striping Group of Companies to rehabilitate over 200 miles of road infrastructure, and a US$40 million facility with Cat Island Infrastructure Company Ltd. for critical roadworks. Rounding out the signings was a US$61.25 million agreement with Speedbird House Ltd. to finance a 150-room Homewood Suites by Hilton in Bridgetown, Barbados—under Afreximbank’s tourism-linked financing initiative, CONTOUR.
ACTIF2025 continues through 30 July, with panel discussions, business matchmaking sessions, cultural showcases, and deal signings that reflect the Forum’s commitment to moving from rhetoric to results. More than 1,700 people registered to attend ACTIF2025, reflecting the highest level of interest recorded across all four editions.
– on behalf of Afreximbank.
Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
Follow us on:
X: https://apo-opa.co/4fbietD
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/452rAoh
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3INVO5E
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/40DVcpf
About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com
.
Source: APO
In a humanitarian gesture, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has given directives that necessary healthcare and immediate medical attention to be offered to Captain Hassan Shehata, the former coach of the national team, following his recent health setback.
The President’s directives stem from his keenness to provide full support to Captain Hassan Shehata, in appreciation of his historic achievements in Egyptian sports and the special place he holds in the hearts of the Egyptian people.
These directives are in line with the Egyptian state’s approach to caring for its national symbols.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
