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Fastest Trade Route to Walvis Bay Port Launched by Western Corridor Limited in Zambia

Source: APO

His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Western Corridor Transformation Project, marking the official commencement of a landmark development initiative undertaken through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) with Western Corridor Limited (WCL). Executed as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), the Western Corridor Limited (https://www.WesternCorridorLimited.com) is the concessionnaire incorporated by BeefCo Limited and First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited.

Significant work has already commenced on the project since the groundbreaking ceremony held on October 31, 2025 in Kasempa town. The ceremony was attended by key Government Officials such as the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mr. Chipoka Mulenga, the Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development, Mr. Charles Milupi, the Road Development Agency (RDA) officials, senior government personnel, traditional leaders, private sector partners and members of the electorate.

This project is a strategic private sector-led initiative, aligned with the government’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). It is poised to unlock the vast economic potential of the Western Corridor through strategic investments in key sectors, including integrated agriculture, infrastructure development, and value addition.

Western Corridor Limited (WCL) is set to upgrade the current gravel alignment to bituminous standard, including two new bridges over the Lalafuta and Luena rivers and selected urban road works in Kasempa and Kaoma Districts. The 371km road project promises improved road standards which will significantly reduce travel times, create jobs and boost export potential. The road will link key mining zones and boost agricultural capacity, as well as being the fastest trade route to the port at Walvis Bay in Namibia.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the project’s alignment with government priorities in driving economic growth, particularly in agriculture and mining. The President highlighted the vast potential that awaits in regional connectivity and international trade, he said, “This road means business, business to move goods from Zambia to the world through the port of Walvis Bay, and from the world, through Walvis Bay, back to Zambia.” The President emphasized that even when the country was bankrupt, the main priority was to help the people of Zambia through interventions such as the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to unlock investment. “This is a great day because infrastructure, roads in particular, open up investment. From Mutanda to Kasempa, Kaoma to Mongu, Senanga to Sesheke upto Katima Mulilo; this will be the fastest route to Walvis Bay. Since Independence, the residents of Kasempa can for the first time travel shorter distances to Lusaka through Kaoma and Mumbwa,”

The President further expressed contentment at the prospect of the improved road infrastructure directly addressing issues of unemployment by providing jobs to the local community and the youth as well as providing support for MSMEs through opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, with at least 20% of project works reserved for Zambian citizen contractors, service providers and/ or suppliers.

Western Corridor Limited’s CEO, Buks Jansen Van Rensburg reiterated the importance of working as a team to actualise the vision of the Mutanda to Kaoma road.  He stated, “Let’s build more roads, let’s protect our roads and infrastructure and give support to the country and to all the communities,” he emphasised. “Do not look for outside help, let’s look for Zambian solutions to Zambian challenges. Honourable Milupi gave Western Corridor Limited an opportunity, he pushed us out of our limits and now this road is a reality through Public-Private-Partnership,” he added.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited Country Manager, Dr. Godwin Beene, said the initiative reflects FQM’s belief that mining must act as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development. “We understand that a thriving mining sector depends on a robust and well-maintained road network — one that connects production centers to markets, communities to opportunities, and people to prosperity”, Dr. Beene asserted. He added that, “over the past decade, First Quantum Minerals has invested in road infrastructure within Solwezi and Kalumbila. These projects, like this one, were designed to improve accessibility, enhance safety, and stimulate local enterprise. The Mutanda–Kaoma Road builds upon that legacy; demonstrating how responsible private investment can meaningfully complement public infrastructure priorities.”

The groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of major development works, heralding a new era of economic and social prosperity for the Western Corridor. This event underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, creating significant employment opportunities, and improving livelihoods throughout the province.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Corridor Limited.

For more information
Contact:
Name: Kasole Sakavuyi
Title: Media Liaison
Agency: Manic Creatives
Phone Number: +260 974607451
Email: socialmedia@manic.co.zm

About Western Corridor Limited (WCL):
WCL is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established as the Concessionaire for the Mutanda–Kasempa–Kaoma Road under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model. The concession integrates design, financing, construction, operations and maintenance to deliver a safe, reliable Western Corridor.

Concessionaire: Western Corridor Limited (WCL), incorporated by BeefCo Holdings Limited (BeefCo) and First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Limited.

Governance: Western Corridor Limited (WCL)  and the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the Ministry of Infrastructure,

Housing and Urban Development and the Road Development Agency.

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Africans strongly support women’s autonomy in marriage and reproductive decisions, but are divided on contraceptive access, new Afrobarometer Pan-Africa Profile reveals

Source: APO

Most Africans support the right of girls and women to make their own choices about marriage and childbearing, a new Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) Pan-Africa Profile report (http://apo-opa.co/3Kjg688) shows.

The report, based on 50,961 interviews conducted during Afrobarometer’s Round 10 surveys across 38 African countries in 2024/2025, shows that most citizens want girls who become pregnant to be allowed to continue their schooling. A large majority also favour the teaching of sexuality education in schools to help young people make informed decisions about their health and relationships.

Despite strong support for teaching sexuality education in schools, public opinion is divided on whether to make contraceptives available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of age. However, a majority of Africans endorse the idea of making contraceptives available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of marital status.

Opinions are also mixed on the issue of abortion: There is broad acceptance of pregnancy termination if the mother’s health or life is in danger, but only half of citizens consider abortion justifiable if the pregnancy is due to rape or incest, and there is strong opposition to abortion if the woman does not want to have a baby or does not have the resources to take care of one.

Given the sensitive nature of topics explored in this report, analyses of the proportions of non-responses and the robustness of measurement of individual items point to findings that should be interpreted with caution. For a more detailed discussion of these issues, see Afrobarometer Methods Note No. 5 (http://apo-opa.co/4pu2vdc).

Afrobarometer survey

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys (2024/2025) cover 38 countries.

Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. National samples of 1,200-2,400 yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Key findings

  • On average across 38 countries, large majorities of Africans say women should be able to decide for themselves whether and when to marry (75%) as well as when to have children and how many children to have (62%) (Figure 1).
    • Women are significantly more likely than men to support a woman’s autonomy in marriage decisions (78% vs. 71%) and reproductive choices (69% vs. 55%) (Figure 2).
  • More than seven in 10 Africans (73%) endorse the teaching of sexuality education in school.
    • Support is almost universal in Madagascar and Cabo Verde but drops below one-fourth of citizens in Morocco and Mauritania (Figure 3).
  • About eight in 10 citizens (81%) – including majorities in all surveyed countries – say girls who get pregnant or have children should be allowed to continue their schooling (Figure 4).
  • A majority (58%) of Africans say contraceptives should be made available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of marital status (Figure 5).
    • But only about half (49%) would make them available to anyone who is sexually active regardless of age.
    • Access to contraceptives regardless of marital status and age is less popular among rural residents, older respondents, and less educated citizens.
  • A majority (63%) of respondents say abortion can “sometimes” or “always” be justified if the woman’s health or life is at risk (Figure 6).
    • Almost half (48%) say the same for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, while the other half (47%) disagree.
    • Solid majorities say pregnancy termination is “never justified” in cases where the woman is economically unable to care for a child (65%) or where she doesn’t want the pregnancy for any reason (69%).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny
Director of Communications
Email: jappiah@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +233 243240933
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

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Cloudmania recognised as the winner of 2025 Microsoft Egypt Partner of the Year Award

Source: APO

Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, is proud to announce that its Cloudmania business has won the 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Egypt. Cloudmania was honoured among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology.

The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognise partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft Cloud applications, services, devices, and AI innovation during the past year. Awards are classified in various categories, with honourees chosen from more than 4,600 nominations across over 100 countries. Cloudmania was recognised for providing outstanding solutions and services in Egypt.

“This award is an incredible milestone for Cloudmania. In just one year of operations in Egypt, we’ve built a strong network of partners committed to delivering cloud and AI solutions that empower businesses, accelerate digital transformation, and drive sustainable growth. This recognition underscores our role as the distributor of choice for Microsoft solutions in the Egyptian market and reinforces our commitment to enabling Africa’s digital future,” said Sherif Shaltout, Managing Executive, MENA at Liquid C2.

Since launching in Egypt in 2024, Cloudmania has rapidly built a trusted reputation as a channel-first distributor supporting local managed service providers, system integrators, and independent software vendors. Through strategic initiatives such as its Startup Accelerator Programme, Cloudmania continues to champion innovation by equipping entrepreneurs and small businesses with access to Microsoft’s transformative cloud technologies, training, and go-to-market support.

“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards,” said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. “This year, our partners harnessed the transformative power of Microsoft’s Cloud and AI platforms to deliver solutions that redefine innovation. The 2025 honourees exemplify what’s possible when technology and vision unite to empower customers around the world.”

This recognition follows previous wins by Cloudmania in Ethiopia and Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing its growing influence across the MENA region. It also aligns closely with Cassava’s vision to be the leading digital solutions provider in its chosen markets.   

The 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced ahead of Microsoft Ignite, which will be held in San Francisco from November 18–21. Additional details on the 2025 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner Blog (http://apo-opa.co/488fADf). The full list of categories, winners, and finalists can be found here: http://apo-opa.co/3LXJhht.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Cloudmania:
Launched by Liquid C2 in 2021, Cloudmania is a Cloud Services and Solutions provider extending convenience, diversity, and a range of services. The company has opened its doors to numerous countries across the African continent, including South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo serving the mission to bring about digital disruption using the power of the cloud. Cloudmania offers cutting-edge solutions to provide a full suite of partner-focused products and services. The organisation was awarded a Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia 2022 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2023. For more information https://Cloudmania.africa/ 

About Liquid C2:
Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, delivers cutting-edge cloud and cybersecurity services and solutions. Committed to facilitating digital transformation, Liquid C2 is positioned to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the digital era by empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape securely. The company’s offerings span cloud solutions that enhance accessibility and scalability, and robust cybersecurity services to safeguard sensitive data and elevate security and compliance posture to ensure businesses remain seamlessly connected and protected. https://LiquidC2.com/

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Mashatile meets Chinese Premier to boost trade and diplomatic relations

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s office has described his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday in Johannesburg as an opportunity to further South Africa’s strategic goals in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation, and governance, while also strengthening political and diplomatic relations with China.

“During the meeting, Deputy President Mashatile emphasised South Africa’s readiness to expand value-added exports, attract greater Chinese investment in beneficiation, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital sectors, integrating South African firms into Chinese and global value chains for inclusive growth and job creation, especially for the youth,” the Presidency said in a statement.

After President Ramaphosa’s State Visit and Deputy President Mashatile’s visit to China in July 2025, this high-level engagement aimed to strengthen and enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.

G20 leaders have reached an overwhelming consensus to adopt the declaration during the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. 

Deputy President Mashatile expressed gratitude for China’s substantial financial and developmental support for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and its other initiatives.

South Africa’s second-in-command expressed gratitude for China’s support, highlighting its generous donations of R5.34 million to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, as well as an additional R36.8 million to support South Africa’s G20 Presidency and Summit. 

During a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, before the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Premier Li expressed Beijing’s readiness to partner with Pretoria in protecting the multilateral trading system and advancing the prompt implementation of a zero-tariff policy for South African products.

In China, the Premier is the highest administrative position in the government of China and heads the State Council, and is responsible for organising and administering the Chinese civil bureaucracy.

South Africa is set to participate in the 4th Session of the South Africa-China High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) and the 13th South Africa-China Strategic Dialogue, both taking place in Beijing in December 2025.

Following this, in March 2026, South Africa will host China for the Bi-National Commission (BNC). – SAnews.gov.za

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Brand SA hails G20 as a reputational turning point for South Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit has delivered a powerful boost to the country’s global image, tourism appetite and national pride, with Brand South Africa and government saying the event has already shifted perceptions and strengthened confidence in the nation as a world-class destination.

Brand South Africa CEO, Neville Matjie, said the global response over the past two weeks showed a country not only ready to host major international events, but one that is increasingly attractive to visitors, investors and partners. 

According to Matjie, preliminary data show an economic activity value of R3.6 billion generated during the G20 period, alongside a notable rise in tourism. 

“We’ve seen about 1.1 million more tourists coming into the country, with the Americas performing strongly and the Middle East showing the biggest jump at 58%,” the CEO said.

Matjie said that affordability, experience and diversity were key drawcards. 

“Once visitors arrive, they realise South Africa is very affordable. They come intending to stay two or three days, and suddenly they’re adding Durban, Cape Town, and more experiences. The lived experience becomes a ‘wow’ moment and they want to return with family and friends,” he said. 

The G20 Summit also significantly strengthened South Africa’s brand reputation, especially in a period marked by global geopolitical tensions. According to Brand SA, the summit helped dismantle lingering misinformation about the country.

“The G20 Summit couldn’t have come at a better time. What the world has seen here dispelled a lot of the disinformation that had been circulated. International partners know the real South Africa, a country shaped by reconciliation, progress and unity, not the distorted narratives some try to push. Being here with hundreds of international journalists allowed them to see the truth for themselves,” the CEO said. 

Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said this reputational shift was supported by a comprehensive communication approach that deliberately positioned South Africans at the centre of the G20 story.

Mnukwa said President Cyril Ramaphosa had given a clear instruction: ensure every South African understands the G20, its benefits and the significance of hosting it on African soil, while also communicating effectively to the global audience.

“Our communication plan was executed very well. We even went beyond what we had planned. Communities engaged with us through outreach programmes and face-to-face dialogues, and by the time the summit began, South Africans were owning the G20. That was intentional,” Mnukwa told SAnews.

Feedback across digital platforms showed heightened domestic awareness and a sense of pride in the country’s historic role. 

“South Africans understood this moment — the first G20 Summit hosted on the African continent and the world understood it too,” she said. 

With global media praising South Africa’s warmth, organisation and facilities, both Brand SA and government agree the work does not end here.

“Post-G20, we cannot put a full stop. We must continue using this momentum to tell the real story of South Africa, because the world is listening and they like what they see,” Matjie said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eritrea: World Children’s Day Observed at National Level

Source: APO – Report:

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World Children’s Day, 20 November, was observed in Sheib sub-zone, Northern Red Sea Region, at national level under the theme “Outstanding Children Attest Proficient Upbringing of Parents.”

The event was attended by Ms. Leul Gebreab, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare; Ms. Asmeret Abraha, Governor of the Northern Red Sea Region; and Ms. Hawa Page, Representing UNICEF in Eritrea, as well as a number of Sheib residents.

Noting that the investment the Eritrean Government is making toward the wellbeing of children is bearing encouraging results, Mr. Abubeker Ibrahim, Administrator of the sub-zone, said that the achievements being registered in the health and education sectors and in the eradication of harmful practices attest to that.

Highlighting that a society that preserves its noble values is always successful in nurturing children, Ms. Hawa Page commended the efforts the Eritrean Government is exerting in the protection and care of children.

The event featured cultural and artistic performances by the Wadi-Laba and Red Flowers cultural groups in the sub-zone.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Annual Eritrean Community Festival in Riyadh

Source: APO – Report:

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The annual Eritrean community festival in Riyadh and its environs was enthusiastically conducted on 20 and 21 November at Nakfa Hall in the premises of the Eritrean Embassy under the theme “Our Cohesion – Our Armour.” The festival was officially opened by Mr. Estifanos Habtemariam, Director General of the Desks Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The festival featured a photo exhibition depicting the resilience of the Eritrean people and the nation-building process; traditional and cultural displays of the Eritrean ethnic groups; educational presentations by students of Eritrea’s International School; cultural and artistic performances; a bazaar; as well as a seminar focusing on the objective situation in the homeland and regional and global developments, along with various sports activities.

Noting that national festivals serve as gatherings that highlight national culture and identity and portray the true image of Eritrea, Mr. Tesfay Tekle, Chairman of the Eritrean Community, commended all those who contributed to the successful implementation of the festival.

Ms. Weini Gerezgiher, Charge d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy, said that at a time when the world is facing rapid changes and developments, Eritrea is conducting strong diplomatic and political activities to develop partnerships and cooperation based on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the seminar, Ambassador Estifanos Habtemariam provided an extensive briefing on the national development programs being implemented by the public, Government, and members of the Defense Forces. He also commended the participation and contribution of Diaspora nationals in the national development programs.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Türkiye President praises SA’s support for Palestinians amid Gaza crisis

Source: Government of South Africa

President of the Republic of Türkiye, Tayyip Erdoğan, says his country remains committed to supporting a lasting truce and contributing to the reconstruction of Gaza, and he has commended South Africa for standing firmly with Palestinians.

“South Africa’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause is valuable; they demonstrated an exemplary stance against the Gaza genocide. 

“As the whole world was watching crimes against humanity in Gaza, our friends in South Africa did not turn their backs. On behalf of my country and nation, I salute South Africa for its brave stand through the case they filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” President Erdoğan said on Sunday.

He addressed the media after the successful conclusion of the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. 

“It is crucial to implement a two-State formula for a lasting solution. Global peace cannot be fully ensured, unless a free Palestinian State is established based on the 1967 borders, with East al-Quds as its capital.”

President Erdoğan emphasised that mitigating the consequences of destruction in Gaza is a global responsibility, and called for humanitarian aid and reconstruction support.

“We will maintain our principled stance on this issue for the peace, security, and well-being of the oppressed Palestinian people, our entire region, and humanity.” 

He stated that his country is determined to support the Palestinian people, as it always has.

Since October 2023, Türkiye has provided 100 000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food, medical supplies and shelter, demonstrating steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people amid Israel’s ongoing attacks.

During the two-day summit, the President Erdoğan presented his country’s perspectives on combating climate change, pursuing green transformation, achieving sustainable development, and addressing the influence of technological advancements on development policies.

“We held bilateral meetings with other participating leaders and consulted on important issues.” 

Between yesterday and today, President Erdoğan  and government officials met with many leaders, including the Heads of State and Government of Australia, Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Canada, Angola, Ethiopia, France, Brazil, Malaysia, Italy and Singapore. 

They also had meetings with the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the European Commission, and representatives of some international organisations.

“At this year’s summit as well, we once again emphasised that the motto, ‘Leave no one behind’, should serve as the compass for the international community.

“We expressed the need to build a more inclusive and resilient global economy in which no one is left behind,” President Erdoğan said.

During the summit, the leaders of MIKTA, a diverse and cross-regional group of democracies consisting of Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia, gathered and issued a joint press statement.

“We will further strengthen our cooperation with MIKTA countries – all of which are also G20 members – in the period ahead,” President Erdoğan said.

He expressed gratitude to South Africa for its hospitality and said he was particularly pleased that the G20 Summit was held in Africa for the first time. – SAnews.gov.za

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Global media praise South Africa’s world-class G20 media centre

Source: Government of South Africa

International media delegates and guests have lauded South Africa’s world-class hosting of the G20 Summit, praising the country’s warmth, organisation and an exceptional media experience that many described as among the best they have ever encountered.

Speaking to SAnews on the ground at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, journalists and researchers reflected on a summit that not only delivered diplomatically, but also demonstrated South Africa’s capacity to host global events with precision and heart.

Over the past week, thousands of journalists, researchers and communication specialists descended on the purpose-built media hub, a centre South Africa’s government prepared with meticulous detail, extensive facilities and round-the-clock support.

From seamless logistics to generous catering and an atmosphere described as “warm” and “inclusive”, the media centre became a showcase of South Africa’s ability to host global events at scale.

For Ching Yi Chang of the Shanghai Media Group in China, this was his sixth G20 and one that immediately stood out.

“South Africa is one of the best, I feel. People [are] very welcoming. The atmosphere and people [are] very nice. All the facilities in the media center and everything is just perfect. I love it,” he told SAnews.

Chang, like many others, spoke glowingly about the catering.

“It’s good. I definitely want to try the lunch again and see different kinds of food. The experience is really great”, he said with a laugh. 

Canada’s G20 Research Group, based at the University of Toronto, described South Africa’s hosting as a benchmark for future summits.

Researcher Irene Wu said the experience exceeded expectations from the moment she arrived.

“I just want to share my key takeaways and how I found the overall summit in South Africa. It’s been absolutely amazing. The people have been so welcoming and hospitable, and we really felt the warmth of the country.

“It really just shows you your future directions for how summits will go in terms of inclusiveness, and [representation] of countries in the Global South,” she said. 

Wu said she was struck by the efficiency and accessibility of the media centre.

“The minute I stepped in here, I was shocked by how well organised everything was. I attended the Rio Summit last year, and I will say the level of organisation, the networks of people, in terms of the staff, also with the road closures and all that, it was done in a very well organised way, and also considerate of foreigners, who aren’t really used to the geography here,” she explained.

She praised the availability of information, the openness of staff and the ease with which researchers and media could navigate briefings.

“It’s been a really great process, and it helps us in doing our research,” she added.

Her colleague Mahek Kaur, a co-chair of Summit Studies at the G20 Research Group, echoed the sentiment.

“From the moment we walked into the media center, we knew this was going to be different. It was very well organised, and there’s a space again for media briefings in the main hall, which is always incredible,” she said. 

Kaur praised the hospitality and warmth of South Africans inside and outside the summit venue.

“Everyone here… has been so hospitable and so lovely. Sometimes it’s really difficult to be able to get into the right room and figure things out. Everyone here has been so wonderful,” she told SAnews.

Reflecting on the summit’s progress, she said the early adoption of the leaders’ declaration spoke to the success of the South African presidency.

“Compared to some other summits that we’ve been a part of, we think this has been incredibly well organised and well run. We’re very pleased to be here,” Kaur said. 

For seasoned US-based SABC correspondent, Sherwin Bryce-Pease, covering the G20 at home – and witnessing the competence of the hosts – was a “beautiful moment”.

“What a beautiful moment, as South African media, in particular, what a beautiful moment to observe the proficiency of the South African government, how they’ve led this process, how Member States have coalesced around this presidency,” he said.

Calling it a historic milestone, the first G20 in South Africa and the first on African soil, Bryce-Pease said the outcome reflected Africa’s growing influence.

“Critical minerals are going to be important. I think South Africa has put on a good show…. South Africa… has hosted the World Cup, they’ve hosted the Rugby World Cup, they’ve hosted major events. This is not new terrain for South Africa,” he said. 

For him, covering the summit was witnessing history in real time.

“I’m very pleased to have been part of a process that has been historic… in terms of development on the African continent, development around the world, but also in terms of economic prosperity for all people everywhere,” he said.

Across interviews, one thread was consistent: South Africa’s G20 media centre was not just functional, it was exemplary.

Delegates described it as welcoming, efficient, well-staffed and thoughtfully designed, with many calling it one of the best media environments they have experienced at any global summit.

For many who travelled thousands of kilometres to Johannesburg, it wasn’t just the summit or the media centre they will remember; it was the warmth, food, energy and generosity that made South Africa’s G20 experience unforgettable. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of State at Foreign Ministry Meets Omani Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Muscat, November 23, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, met on Sunday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, in Muscat.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to support and strengthen them, particularly in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution.
They also discussed the latest developments in the region, especially in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, in addition to several other issues of mutual concern.