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President El-Sisi Follows Up on Latest Developments in Industrial Projects

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineer Karim Badawi, and CEO of the Environmental Affairs Agency Dr. Ali Hamid.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, said that during the meeting, the President reviewed the latest developments regarding the implementation of industrial projects, the provision of necessary raw materials for industrial operations, means for securing the required financing, and efforts to establish partnerships with major international specialized companies, in addition to plans for marketing the products both locally and globally.

The President emphasized the importance of petrochemical and mining industries implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, given their role in maximizing the added value of Egypt’s natural and mineral resources, meeting domestic market needs, exporting to international markets, and therefore contributing to the expansion of related industries. These efforts shall create job opportunities and boost returns for the national economy.

President El-Sisi underscored the importance of accelerating the localization of related industries in Egypt and attracting investment to this vital sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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President Mahama Unveils Road Master Plan to Transform Oti Region

Source: APO


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President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the Oti Region will receive its fair share of resources from the national budget to develop critical infrastructure, including roads, education and health.

Describing this as a top national priority, President Mahama mentioned in his address at a Thank You Tour durbar in Dambai, Oti Region, that these strategic investments are essential for unlocking the full economic potential of the Volta Basin and for Ghana’s overall progress.

The President made these pronouncements while addressing a vibrant durbar of Chiefs and people at the Dambai College of Education, marking the last stop of his ‘Thank You Tour’ across all 16 regions of Ghana.

He assured residents that the vital Eastern Corridor Road, a cornerstone of national transportation, would be fully completed during his tenure. President Mahama recognised that the Oti Region plays a pivotal role as a key transit zone for goods and food between the North and South.

He also announced that the completion of the Nkwanta-Kpassa-Oti Damanko stretch of the Eastern Corridor is fully secured, with contracts already signed and contractors mobilised to the site for immediate commencement.

This commitment was met with enthusiastic cheers from the appreciative audience. Beyond this, the President detailed an extensive list of other critical road projects earmarked for rapid execution. These include:
* Upgrading of Okadjakrom-Kwamekrom Road
* Upgrading of Apotoase-Atonko Road
* Upgrading of Kpassa-Tijansi Road
* Upgrading of Nkwanta-Oti Damanko Road
* Rehabilitation of Hohoe-Jasikan Road
* Rehabilitation of Hohoe-Baika-Jasikan Road
* Construction of Nkwanta-Dambai Road

A significant highlight of his address was his assurance to construct a bridge over the River Oti. President Mahama confirmed that funding for the project has been secured in the mid-year budget, pledging its commencement within the year.

“I will personally return to cut the sod for this bridge, marking the start of a new chapter for connectivity,” he declared.

President Mahama also revealed that technical costing and procurement processes are underway for additional road projects across the Kete-Krachi, Krachi Nchumuru, and Guan Districts.

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

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Counterfeit goods worth R156m seized

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million during operations in Pretoria, Mbombela and Limpopo.

In the past three weeks, the integrated team executed search-and-seizure warrants in terms of the Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997, as well as the Customs and Excise Act at targeted shops in Marabastad, Mokopane, Mbombela, Bela Bela, Mookghopong, and Modimolle.

“During these takedowns, the team seized more than 23 000 items imitating high-end designer brands that include clothing, shoes, bags, caps, and watches as well as counterfeit jewellery, sunglasses, perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

“Also amongst the seized items are sports apparel that bears the Springboks trademark and other well-known brands. These counterfeit items were seized outside Mbombela stadium and Loftus stadium respectively during recent Springbok rugby games against visiting countries. The team also confiscated illicit cigarettes valued at over R50 000,” SAPS said in a statement on Saturday.

The operations were led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods unit, with support from Public Order Policing (POP), the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs and Enforcement team, counterfeit depot officials, brand protectors, and private security personnel.

“SAPS remains committed to eradicate the illegal trade in counterfeit goods in an effort to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and ensure the integrity of South Africa’s economy.

“The Counterfeit Goods Act aims to combat the trade in counterfeit goods by protecting trademarks, copyrights, and certain mark owners from the unlawful use of their intellectual property on goods and preventing such counterfeit goods from entering the market,” the SAPS said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Police intensify probe on Basotho military training claims

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its operations into the investigation of allegations that Basotho nationals are undergoing militarily training on South African farms, as part of a growing land reclamation campaign.

This was revealed during a Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting, where National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola met with all nine provincial commissioners to discuss crime combatting efforts in the country.

The BOC is the highest decision-making body of the SAPS inclusive of all Provincial Commissioners, Divisional Commissioners and the Acting National Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks.

“During the meeting, General Fannie Masemola highlighted his satisfaction that organised crime syndicates in the country are being dismantled, dislodged, displaced and arrested,” the SAPS said in a statement on Saturday.

The comments, initially made by the Lesotho Police Chief, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, were high on the agenda. A preliminary report from the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division was discussed, confirming that intelligence structures have highlighted their operations to investigate allegations made and where necessary, track down and takedown such illegal activities.

The DPCI’s Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit has also been roped in to investigate. Various searches have been undertaken by CATS at various identified farms, and no such evidence has been found to date.

“Further to this, the National Commissioner has reached out to the Lesotho Police Chief, where the two commissioners discussed the allegations made by Advocate Matsoso. Both commissioners agreed that both law enforcement agencies intelligence structures are on the ground to investigate the existence of such camps.

“General Masemola assures all people living in South Africa that the safety and security of the people of SA is of paramount importance, and anyone who is found to be in the country committing illegal acts will face the full might of the law. To this effect, intelligence structures and operatives are on the ground to establish facts,” the SAPS said. 

The SAPS has urged South Africans not to panic or worry as police from both countries remain on high alert. –SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bids Farewell to Canadian Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 27, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Sunday with HE Ambassador of Canada to the State of Qatar Isabelle Marie Catherine Martin, on the occasion of the conclusion of her tenure in the country.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs expressed his appreciation to HE the Ambassador for her efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and wished her continued success in her future duties.

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President Mahama Ends ‘Thank You’ Tour: Calls for Unity, Economic Transformation, and Peace

Source: APO – Report:

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President John Dramani Mahama on Friday concluded his national ‘Thank You’ Tour triumphantly in Dambai, Oti Region. The tour, a journey of appreciation and dialogue, saw the President reaffirm his commitment to governing Ghana with sincerity, dedication, vision, and integrity.

Throughout his engagements across the 16 regions, President Mahama emphasised the crucial role of traditional leaders. He reiterated his dedication to strengthening traditional governance frameworks and improving the capacity of Chiefs to actively and meaningfully participate in national decision-making processes.

Addressing a lively and colourful durbar in Dambai, President Mahama gave an encouraging update on his administration’s flagship economic plan.

“I am pleased to report that our Reset Agenda is firmly on track,” he declared. “We have begun a bold and necessary journey—to reset our economy, rebuild national institutions, and restore hope. This is the Reset Agenda, grounded in fairness, discipline, inclusion, and accountability.”

He encouraged Ghanaians to embrace a new mindset and actively engage in the transformative national journey.

President Mahama called for collective action to unlock the potential of the country:
“The time to act is now. I urge you to embrace the opportunities presented by our flagship initiatives—from the 24-Hour Economy to the National Apprenticeship Programme, Free Primary Healthcare, Digital Governance, and Export-Led Industrialisation.”

A significant portion of the President’s address was dedicated to the indispensable role of peace in fostering national development. He expressed deep concern over the recent insecurity in Nkwanta, condemning the “unfortunate killing, maiming of innocent people and destruction to property over disagreements” as utterly unacceptable.

Mr Mahama said, “All these things I’ve talked about, all this infrastructure development I’ve talked about, cannot take place if we do not have peace. And that’s why the development in Nkwanta is troubling.”

He made a fervent appeal to all parties involved, “I wish to appeal to all those in Nkwanta who are involved in the conflict to please lay down your arms.”

Responding to an appeal by Nana Soglo Alloh IV, Paramount Chief of the Likpe Traditional Area and President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, for a military barracks in Nkwanta, President Mahama stated that there is a need for local, sustainable solutions over military intervention.

He argued that resources dedicated to a military camp could be better invested in life-changing development projects.

“It’s completely unacceptable,” he stated firmly. “Let’s use our traditional mechanisms to establish peace. We should be fighting poverty, not fighting each other. We should be asking for hospitals and schools and jobs and things, not military camps.”

The President shared positive feedback from the 2025 Mid-year Budget Review, indicating Ghanaians are satisfied with the government’s economic management so far.

He defined the “Reset Agenda” as a bold journey to reset our economy, rebuild national institutions, and restore hope, all grounded in fairness, discipline, inclusion, and accountability.

President Mahama urged everyone to seize opportunities from flagship initiatives like the 24-Hour Economy, National Apprenticeship Programme, Free Primary Healthcare, Digital Governance and Export-Led Industrialisation

The President expressed deep concern about the insecurity in Nkwanta, appealing for an end to the conflict.

“All this development cannot take place if we do not have peace,” he stressed. “We should be fighting poverty, not fighting each other. We should be asking for hospitals and schools and jobs and things, not military camps.”

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Future Economic, Trade, and Investment Relations with British Minister for International Development Between The Two Countries

Source: APO – Report:

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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a discussion session with Baroness Jenny Chapman, UK Minister of State for International Development, during the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in South Africa. The meetings witnessed extensive discussions on the future of economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries in light of their close partnership, as well as joint coordination in international forums to advance efforts to restructure the global financial system and review proposed efforts to restructure the working mechanisms of the United Nations, as well as discussing the outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville.

During the meeting, both sides expressed their anticipation of the upcoming visit to Cairo announced by the UK Prime Minister’s Office, which will represent a qualitative shift in bilateral Egyptian-British relations, elevating them to a strategic partnership level, in addition to its role in opening up avenues for cooperation across various levels between the two sides. It is also an extension of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, which was announced in 2024. 

During the meeting, the two ministers agreed on the need to activate the recommendations issued by various international forums to restructure the global financial system, ensuring a more efficient and fair financial architecture, especially for developing countries, achieving greater transparency in financing mechanisms, and expanding concessional financing. They also discussed proposals for restructuring the working mechanisms of the United Nations system to make it more influential in the global economy, emphasizing the need to adopt comprehensive coordination and follow-up mechanisms to ensure sustainability and enhance national participation in UN efforts.

The meeting witnessed extensive discussions on various aspects of the partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Kingdom, particularly in terms of trade exchange, British investments in Egypt, economic relations, and development cooperation. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt’s keenness to develop these relations and build on the pioneering results achieved over the past years, particularly in food security, support for start-ups, and small and medium enterprises.

The two sides reviewed frameworks for bilateral cooperation in the field of development finance, the UK’s contribution to financing development policies through the World Bank, as well as the role of UK Export Finance (UKEF) which supports project financing in Egypt, and the financing mechanisms provided by British International Investment (BII), which considers Egypt one of its priority markets. 

In this context, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reviewed preparations for launching the “National Narrative for Economic Development,” which is an executive program to promote structural transformation in the Egyptian economy toward tradable sectors, encourage foreign direct investment, industrial development, and support labor market and employment. H.E. noted that since March 2024, the government has implemented economic and structural reforms that have contributed to macroeconomic stability and created a favorable investment climate and business environment.

The two sides also discussed close cooperation within the framework of the Egyptian National Platform for Green Projects, the “NWFE” program, which focuses on linking water, food, and energy nexus, particularly through BII and its financing to support energy and green hydrogen projects. In addition to the UK’s role in providing support and assistance to global climate funds, represented by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Additionally, the meeting highlighted the launch of the “Green Growth: Egypt–UK” campaign in June 2025, which will continue until COP30 Climate Conference to accelerate green economy partnerships.

Given that the UK is one of the largest investors in Egypt in sectors in the energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, and in light of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and UKEF to strengthen investment relations, the two ministers explored the significant role of the Egyptian-British Business Association (BEBA) and the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) in connecting companies, facilitating investment, and enhancing trade exchange between the two countries.

For her part, the British Minister emphasized the diverse historical relations between the two countries, which share close ties and cooperation across various fields. H.E. also praised Egypt’s significant efforts in addressing the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza and the role of the Egyptian leadership in delivering humanitarian aid to the Strip, affirming her country’s full support for these efforts. She expressed her hope for reaching an immediate and sustainable ceasefire that would allow safe and regular delivery of aid.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

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Parliament calls for accelerated action on gender equality

Source: Government of South Africa

Parliament has called for an acceleration in gender equality and women’s empowerment across the African continent.

Addressing Parliament’s G20 special engagement between Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) women and young parliamentarians, held in Johannesburg on Friday, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, challenged parliamentarians to lead an “epistemic shift” by unlearning the colonial ideologies that continue to shape public policy, and to build a new legislative framework grounded in equity, reparations and dignity for all.

“Parliamentary diplomacy must be used not to mimic old power, but to dismantle the logics of exclusion, logics that sort bodies by race, gender and class, and determine who matters and who doesn’t,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.

With South Africa preparing to host the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) in October 2025, the Chairperson urged women and young African parliamentarians to seize this historic moment to speak with a united, unapologetically African voice that brings gender justice, feminist solidarity and people-first reforms to the centre stage.

“The rights of women and girls cannot live on paper alone, they must be seen in courtrooms, in clinics, in classrooms and in every village across Africa. We must move from ratification to realisation and from symbolic gestures to systemic change,” she said.

Echoing Mtshweni-Tsipane’s sentiments, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Annelie Lotriet said the policy frameworks are already in place.

“The frameworks are in place, the statistics are known, and what remains is deliberate and determined action that is driven by political will,” Lotriet said.

As South Africa is presiding over the Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, Parliament will hold the P20 Summit, a high-level gathering of Speakers and Presiding Officers from G20 member countries. 

The summit serves as the parliamentary dimension of the G20, aiming to strengthen global legislative collaboration on key development issues. –SAnews.gov.za

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PRASA welcomes developments in tender corruption case

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, July 27, 2025

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has welcomed developments in the investigation into allegations of corruption involving multi-billion-rand tenders for train signalling equipment.

On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) presented a search warrant at PRASA’s Braamfontein offices to obtain various information and electronic devices, as part of its ongoing investigation.

In a statement issued on Friday, PRASA reaffirmed its support for the investigation, emphasising its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The agency has nothing to hide and stands ready to provide complete cooperation to law enforcement authorities,” PRASA said.

The agency said it had initiated an independent forensic investigation after receiving a submission from a whistleblower. 

“Documents and information related to this matter were secured through this proactive forensic investigation. This demonstrates PRASA’s commitment to acting on information received via its whistleblower process. This independent report has been handed to the shareholder.

“This information was readily available for sharing with the law enforcement authorities. PRASA remains committed to its mandate of providing safe, reliable, and efficient rail services to the South African public.”

The agency said it will continue to implement robust governance measures and maintain the highest standards of accountability while fully supporting all legitimate investigative processes.

PRASA will provide further updates as appropriate, while respecting the integrity of the ongoing investigation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mahama attends Liberia’s 178th independence anniversary

Source: APO – Report:

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President John Dramani Mahama, on Saturday, joined President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the people of Liberia to celebrate their 178th Independence Day celebration in Monrovia.

The event held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, Montserrado County, was attended by heads of states from the subregion including the Presidents of Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau. There were also representatives of the governments of Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Gambia.

Liberia used the occasion to recognise ECOWAS member states that contributed troops to the multinational peacekeeping force, ECOMOG, which played a key role in ending the civil war as well as securing humanitarian corridors during the Liberian war.

President Mahama received Ghana’s honour from the Liberian President on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces and the people of Ghana for the contribution of its gallant soldiers.

President Boakai in a spirit of national reconciliation said Liberia must heal itself, unite for a common purpose and inspire all for a faster development of the country.

He called on all his citizens to leverage on technology to transform Liberia.

The celebration as on the theme “One people, one destiny, healing the past and building the future the ceremony reflected on the past, need for stock taking, reconciliation, a united national identity to rebuild a peaceful Liberia, endowed with rich natural resources”.

The President was accompanied by the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Lt. General William Agyapong and Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Stanislav Xoese Dogbe.

– on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.