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African Development Bank welcomes major Algerian development initiatives as two forge an even stronger partnership

Source: APO

The African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) has officially been earmarked as Algeria’s international partner in the country’s renewed efforts to engage with external financing, marking a key milestone in the ongoing partnership between Algeria and the Bank Group.

During his official visit to Algeria on 16-17 November, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank, expressed his deep gratitude to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for this significant decision. Ould Tah emphasised that the move represented a strategic step forward in Algeria’s development and its relationship with the Bank Group.

As part of the 2025 Finance Law, Algeria has initiated its approach to external financing, focusing on large-scale projects of national importance. A central priority is the development of the Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa railway line (495 km), with an estimated cost of  $2.8 billion.

This rail line marks the first phase of a major Trans-Saharan Railway corridor, which will eventually stretch from the north of the country to Tamanrasset and beyond, connecting to Niger. This new logistics route will not only open up the southern regions of Algeria but will also provide a vital transport link for landlocked countries in the Sahel, facilitating access to essential resources and markets.

The project is part of Algeria’s broader national railway expansion plan, which aims to double the country’s railway network to 10,000 km by 2030, with a long-term goal of reaching 15,000 km. This expansion aligns with Algeria’s broader goal of modernising its infrastructure to reduce transportation costs, integrate isolated regions, and increase the domestic processing of valuable natural resources, including critical and industrial minerals.

Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, underscored the government’s commitment to adding value to the country’s raw materials. “We can no longer accept exporting our raw materials in their unprocessed state,” said Arkab.

Algeria has set ambitious targets to increase the local transformation of hydrocarbons from 30 percent to 60 percent by 2035, supported by a $60 billion investment plan running from 2025 to 2029. The country also aims to expand its capacity in petrochemicals, hydrogen, and other gas derivative industries, with a focus on upgrading fertilizer, oil, tire, and mineral processing.

In the mining sector, Algeria is positioning itself as a leader in the extraction and processing of critical minerals such as iron, zinc, gold, and rare earths. Many of these resources are located in the Saharan region, often huge distances from existing infrastructure. The Trans-Saharan Railway will provide the necessary logistical support to unlock the potential of these remote deposits, enabling local processing and improving access to markets in Algeria and neighbouring countries.

Ould Tah expressed strong support for Algeria’s ambitions, highlighting the alignment of the country’s industrial transformation with the African Development Bank’s strategic vision. “The localisation of value, industrialisation, and mineral sovereignty are key pillars of Africa’s future,” Ould Tah said, referencing a recent study by BloombergNEF, which indicated that Africa has a clear competitive advantage in producing battery precursors. He called for a coordinated approach across African nations to protect and sustainably enhance the continent’s critical mineral resources.

The visit also focused on Algeria’s efforts to strengthen energy and water security. The Bank President visited the “Fouka 2” seawater desalination plant, which is part of Algeria’s broader efforts to address water scarcity exacerbated by prolonged drought in the Mediterranean region.

The country currently operates 19 desalination plants. Five more units are set to come online by 2027, increasing desalination capacity to meet an impressive 60 percent of national water needs by 2030.

Algeria’s years-long expertise in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution was also highlighted as a model for the continent. The country provides 75 percent of its households with LPG, including cities in the southern desert region, through locally designed and built infrastructure. This experience is seen as a valuable contribution to the African Union’s clean energy transition efforts, with the African Development Bank supporting similar clean cooking initiatives across the continent.

Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, and Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, highlighted Algeria’s exceptional capacity to manage large infrastructure projects. The country recently completed 950 km of railway in just 24 months using entirely domestic resources and expertise. This execution capacity is critical for supporting the ongoing development of key North-South corridors and strategic mining lines.

President Ould Tah praised Algeria’s ambitious vision and ability to execute high-quality projects, declaring: “The ambition of the Algerian government, the quality of its projects, and its national execution capacity make it a central partner for Africa’s transformation.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Additional Link:
https://apo-opa.co/47ZqARW

Contact:
Chawki Chahed
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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African Development Bank Group rallies Stock Exchanges to reinvent Africa’s financial future

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) on Tuesday commenced a round of high-level meetings with African development finance institutions and private sector financial partners to forge a bold, historic blueprint for a New African Financial Architecture, designed to bridge the financing gap for the continent’s development needs.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4r8E8Do

At the invitation of Bank Group president Dr Sidi Ould Tah, more than 50 representatives of regional and continental banks and development finance institutions are convening at African Development Bank Group headquarters in Abidjan over the next two days for talks Dr Ould Tah described as vital to the continent’s destiny.

“As the architects of Africa’s capital markets, you are custodians of financial institutions and catalysts of our continent’s future,” Dr Ould Tah said at the start of the first session with heads of African securities exchanges, private equity funds and venture capital funds.

The meeting, a first of its kind between the Bank and African stock exchanges, aims to explore their role in long-term financing, with a focus on reforming how Africa’s capital is mobilized. Dr Felix Edoh Kossi Amenounve, CEO of the West African Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), welcomed the meeting, highlighting the need for fundamental change.

“There are gaps between financing needs and available resources, but we need to think about the reforms needed to achieve the capitalisation of African pension funds. Because these funds were originally created to finance governments,” Amenounve said.

The continent’s leading financial institutions represented at today’s meetings include the African Exchange Linkage Project (AELP), Rwanda Stock Exchange, Mozambique Stock exchange, Cabo Verde Stock Exchange, Nairobi Stock Exchange, Tunis Stock Exchange, West African Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM), the Central African Stock Exchange, Casablanca Stock Exchange and the Ghana Stock Exchange.

“The capital markets are the bedrock upon which long-term, sustainable economic growth is built,” Dr Ould Tah said, adding “by mobilizing patient capital, you provide our sovereigns and businesses with diversified funding sources, while offering investors, particularly institutional investors, a broader array of opportunities.”

Underpinning Dr Ould Tah’s Four Cardinal Points (https://apo-opa.co/43FpwRX) since taking over the helm of the institution in September is increasing access to predictable and affordable long-term financing.

A key objective of the consultations is to enable financial flows for private equity and venture capital by reinforcing existing African investment funds and expanding their capacity to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mid-market companies, and emerging industrial champions.

SMEs which represent nearly 90% of businesses and over 60% of jobs on the continent continue to face limited access to risk capital.

The promotion of sustainable finance, the digitalisation of markets, attracting investment capital to Africa’s markets, and programmes tailored to SMEs were among the issues discussed during the meeting.

The development of financial education among young people was also highlighted as a key focus for the approach to be developed by the continent’s stock exchanges, as well as increasing the use of digitalisation tools and fintech to boost opportunities.

Donald Waweru Wangunyu, Non-Executive Director, Nairobi Stock Exchange, stressed the need for regional coordination in order to achieve “scaling up, policy coordination and implementation of reforms; we have good projects, but the obstacles are still there, ” he said.

Ms Sonia Ben Frej, Chairwoman of the Board, Tunis Stock Exchange, emphasised the problems of regulatory convergence and the need to update obsolete regulations.

Through engagement with fund managers, institutional investors, DFIs, and regulators, the goal of the two-day meetings will be to forge a path for financial institutions to mobilise additional financing for Africa, to enable countries to avoid the existing dependance on overseas development assistance.

Dr Ould Tah said the Bank Group would take a comprehensive approach to capital market development, focusing on three key pillars:

– Supporting capital market regulatory authorities, stock exchanges, and other intermediaries through technical assistance, institutional support projects, and policy-based operations.

– Diversifying savings mobilization and market participants to promote product liquidity and deeper markets for credit enhancement companies, institutional investors, and other financial institutions.

 – Research, training, and policy dialogue to enhance the capacity of Africa’s capital market stakeholders.

Capital markets development across Africa is a key priority and woven into the fabric of the strategic priorities of the Four Cardinal Points. Development finance institutions especially have a catalytic role to play.

‘We will build it together, it requires a collective effort from each of us,” Dr Ould Tah explained.

The consultations will continue on Wednesday for a second day, with heads of African Development Financial Institutions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg 
Mansour Diouf 
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Qatar and Kyrgyzstan Holds Round of Political Consultations

Source: Government of Qatar

Bishkek | November 19, 2025

The third round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Kyrgyz Republic was held on Wednesday in Bishkek.
The Qatari side was headed by HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, while the Kyrgyz side was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Temirbek Erkinov
During the round of consultations, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to support and enhance them.
The session was attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kyrgyz Republic Ali bin Jaber Al Marri and HE Director of Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Al Johara bint Yousef Alآ Obaidan Fakhro, and the accompanying delegation.

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President Ramaphosa pledges deeper engagement with media sector as he receives M20 Johannesburg Declaration

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to open direct discussions with the media sector to address concerns around journalist safety, media sustainability and the impact of new technologies, as he formally received the Media20 (M20) Johannesburg Declaration on Tuesday.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at Wanderers Country Club, President Ramaphosa said he strongly supported the issues raised by the media representatives, including the urgent need to protect journalists in conflict zones. 

“I support all these things that you’re focusing on, the safety of journalists is absolutely important. It’s been a horror for us to watch how journalists are targeted in war zones, particularly in Gaza. It has troubled us,” the President said. 

The President also welcomed the Declaration’s emphasis on women in media, gender-based violence, children’s rights, artificial intelligence and market practices affecting media viability. 

“We know that your sector is really facing challenges of sustainability, of survival, and that is the type of discussion that we would like to talk to you about,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa committed to creating more opportunities for constructive dialogue. 

“I am willing and my office will make it possible that we sit down and have a proper discussion. And of course, you can shoot as many questions as you want on any issue, but we should also have a real constructive engagement on how we continue to create a conducive environment for you as the media continue operating,” he said.

He further praised the country’s constitutional protections for media freedom. 

“You did not talk about our wonderful constitution, but you touched on it saying that we’ve got media freedom in South Africa, and we are, like number one,” he said.

The M20 Johannesburg Declaration is a document produced through extensive consultations led by Media Monitoring Africa and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF).

The M20 Summit, held ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, brought together editorial leaders from more than 30 countries. The Declaration has been endorsed by over 70 local and international organisations, reflecting a strong global consensus on strengthening media freedom, protecting journalistic integrity, and combating disinformation.

This Declaration represents the consolidated views, commitments, and recommendations regarding the critical role of the media in strengthening democracy, accountability, and the socio-economic development of the nation, reflecting the high-level global and national consensus reached here in South Africa.

The document reflects the media sector’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism and addresses key challenges, including disinformation, media sustainability, and the protection of journalistic integrity in the digital age. – SAnews.gov.za

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Anti-HIV injection lenacapavir added to Essential Medicines List

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Health’s National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) has approved the addition of the recently registered injectable lenacapavir to the Essential Medicines List (EML). 

The department said the decision aligns with the department’s mandate to ensure access to safe, effective, high-quality, and affordable medicines for all citizens in the public sector.

The department highlighted that including treatments like lenacapavir on the EML is vital for encouraging the production of generic medicines, which can enhance their availability and affordability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa.

The NEMLC is a non-statutory committee appointed by the Minister of Health, established under the National Drug Policy to develop and review an EML for public sector use, accompanied by standard treatment guidelines for three levels of care – primary, secondary, and tertiary.

The department believes that lenacapavir can effectively address critical gaps in current HIV prevention methods.

Last month, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) announced the registration of lenacapavir, making South Africa the first country on the continent to approve the groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV injection.

This is after Gilead, a biopharmaceutical company based in the United States, applied to SAHPRA, the local drug regulatory authority. 

South Africa plans to launch lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention method, as early as March 2026.

According to the department, the EML plays a crucial role as a global public health policy tool and a guide for countries to achieve universal health coverage. 

“It ensures that people have access to carefully selected and cost-effective medicines that satisfy their priority health care needs, are of quality and are affordable.” 

The department is of the view that access to affordable essential medicines is a vital component of an efficient health care system.

“In our resource-constrained environment with the high burden of disease, the value of the Standard Treatment Guidelines and EML in ensuring affordable and equitable access to medicines should not be underestimated.” – SAnews.gov.za 

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Volunteer Opportunity: Executive Assistant for the Roman Catholic Church in Africa’s Communications Volunteer Programme

Source: APO – Report:

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As part of the voluntary communications programme managed pro bono by APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) to support the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, we are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the leadership team within the volunteer programme.

Location: Remote (Europe or Africa)
Type: Volunteer (Unpaid) 
Commitment: 10 – 15 hours per week, for at least 6 months 

About the Role

This volunteer position is ideal for a professional with a minimum of 4 years of administrative experience and a proven record of managing calendar schedules, correspondence, and coordination tasks at a high standard of professionalism and discretion.

Working closely with the Chairman’s Office and Senior Leadership, the Executive Assistant will play a key role in ensuring efficient operations and communication across teams and departments.

The Volunteer Programme works within the European and African time zones. Due to this commitment, we are only accepting applicants from within the European or African time zones.

As the Executive Assistant, you will:

  • Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the leadership team.

  • Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and assist with project follow-ups.

  • Set up and join weekly team meetings, taking detailed minutes and tracking action items.

  • Draft and review correspondence, reports, and presentations.

  • Maintain organized digital filing systems and ensure document confidentiality.

  • Serve as a key communication link between leadership, staff, and external partners.

  • Support the preparation and documentation of meetings, including action items and next steps.

More information about the Roman Catholic Church in Africa’s Communications Volunteer Programme: 

https://apo-opa.co/4oneqZr

Requirements

  • Minimum 4 years of experience in an executive assistant, administrative, or coordination role.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is a plus).

  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.

  • High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive information.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).

  • Availability for at least 10 to 15 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months (fully remote).

What We Offer

  • The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa.

  • High-level executive experience in an international, faith-driven environment.

  • The chance to expand your professional network across Africa and globally.

  • A multicultural and collaborative setting that values service, purpose, and professional excellence.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Church’s noble mission, while also enhancing your professional experience, strengthening your CV, and broadening your international network.

I M P O R T A N T: Only applicants who complete the form below will be considered. 

APPLY here: https://apo-opa.co/4oOrO9X

The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres. 

According to the 2022 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report compiled by the United Nations, the global number of volunteers stands at 862.4 million. Embracing volunteerism provides individuals with unparalleled firsthand professional experience, allowing them to enrich their CVs with valuable expertise gained through meaningful contributions.

– on behalf of APO Group Jobs.

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 Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 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.

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Meet the Top 10 Heroes: Africa’s Business Heroes Gears for the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali

Source: APO – Report:

The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize Competition, a flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy, will host the 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali, Rwanda, on 12–13 December 2025 in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB),

The two-day event will bring together over 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, founders, partners, and industry experts from across Africa and beyond for learning, networking, and collaboration in celebration of African entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony will feature live pitches before a panel of esteemed judges, immersive stage experiences, and performances celebrating African creativity and innovation — culminating in the announcement of this year’s winners and the awarding of up to US$1.5 million in grant funding.

The 2025 ABH Grand Finale follows the 7th ABH Semi-Finals, which was held for the first time in Dakar, Senegal, on 10–11 September 2025. The 2025 Top 10 finalists were selected from 20 semi-finalists after two days of live pitches and evaluation in Dakar.

Representing diverse sectors that are shaping Africa’s future, the 2025 Top 10 finalists are:

  1. Wyclife Onyango (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/4o7wk2b) – Transport and Digital Ticketing, BuuPass
  2. Siny Samba (Senegal) (https://apo-opa.co/3JLlhh0) – FoodTech and Infant Nutrition, Le Lionceau
  3. Mukasahaha Diane (Rwanda) (https://apo-opa.co/4nZbeml) – Textiles and Women’s Empowerment, DIKAM Ltd
  4. Baraka Chijenga (Tanzania) (https://apo-opa.co/4r8N7o5) – AgriTech and Food Security, Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa
  5. Janet Kuteli (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/4r6I8UT) – FinTech and Microfinance, Fortune Credit Limited
  6. Diana Orembe (Tanzania) (https://apo-opa.co/3X4fR3y) – AgriTech and Biotech, NovFeed
  7. Abraham Mbuthia (Kenya) (https://apo-opa.co/3Ma5IzZ) – SME Tech and Digital Tools, Uzapoint Technologies Limited
  8. Gohar Said (Egypt) (https://apo-opa.co/3KbGdxJ) – FoodTech and Supply Chain, Suplyd
  9. Adriaan Kruger (South Africa) (https://apo-opa.co/47OPvZJ) – HealthTech and Digital Solutions, nuvoteQ
  10. Jean Lobe Lobe (Cameroon) (https://apo-opa.co/3X0W70P) – HealthTech and Telemedicine, Waspito

“Our Top 10 finalists represent the very best of African entrepreneurship, from agritech and fintech to health innovation and sustainability,” said Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Africa Managing Director, Africa’s Business Heroes. “Their journey to Kigali reflects months of dedication, creativity, and growth, and we are excited to see them take the stage to share their stories and ideas with a pan-African audience. The Summit and Grand Finale will be a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the power of African entrepreneurs to define the continent’s future, today.”

As a longstanding partner, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) continues its collaboration with Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), with Rwanda once again hosting the Grand Finale for the third consecutive year — a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a home of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

“We are delighted to host the 7th Africa’s Business Heroes Summit and Grand Finale in Kigali,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board. “This partnership with Africa’s Business Heroes reflects our shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across the continent. Rwanda is proud to host the Grand Finale for the third time, reaffirming our position as a hub for business and innovation in Africa. This gathering will provide a dynamic platform for investors, founders, and business leaders to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities that advance sustainable growth across the continent.”

The 7th ABH Summit and Grand Finale

Under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today,” the 2025 Summit will feature interactive sessions, masterclasses, and live pitch competitions celebrating visionary entrepreneurs driving Africa’s transformation. Confirmed speakers include Mr. Lijun Sun (Chair of the board, Alibaba Foundation, President, Alibaba Philanthropy), Mrs. Juliana Muganza (Deputy CEO, RDB), and industry leaders such as Clare Akamanzi (CEO, NBA Africa), Tara Fela-Durotoye (Founder of House of Tara & Building Beyond You Institute), Wandia Gichuru (CEO, Vivo Fashion Group), and Naa Ashorkor (Journalist and Theatre Producer).

The Grand Finale will also bring together a distinguished panel of global business leaders and innovators, including Dr. Diane Karusisi (CEO, Bank of Kigali), and Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (CEO, The Chair Centre Group)

A Pan-African Platform for Partnership

Now in its seventh edition, ABH continues to champion inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa. Since its inception, it has awarded 70 entrepreneurs with funding and provided them with training and global exposure, helping them scale impactful businesses in sectors such as agribusiness, fintech, healthcare, education, and sustainability. Through its training programs such as ABH ScaleUp, ABH has supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs, to date attracting over 160,000 applicants.

The 2025 ABH Summit and Grand Finale are made possible through Alibaba Philanthropies in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board. The event is supported by key sponsors— Gebeya, Bank of Kigali, Jasiri, and Inkomoko, whose partnership helps amplify the reach and impact of African entrepreneurship. ABH also recognizes the invaluable contribution of its Outreach Partners, including Hanga Pitchfest, BPN Rwanda, Impact Hub Kigali, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University, Africa, Kepler College, and Norrsken Africa, who play a critical role in connecting ABH to vibrant entrepreneurial communities across the continent. Together, these partners reflect the collective effort driving ABH’s mission to inspire, support, and celebrate Africa’s business heroes.

Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players are invited to learn more and register to attend the ABH Summit and Grand Finale via https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/.

– on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

For additional information, media resources, and downloadable visuals to accompany this release, please access the official ABH 2025 Press Kit here:
ABH Press Kit (https://apo-opa.co/4i3gW5e)

For media inquiries, please e-mail: 
pr@africabusinessheroes.org

About Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH):
The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition is a flagship philanthropic program of Alibaba Philanthropy committed to identifying, supporting, and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Each year, ABH awards US$1.5 million in grant funding to outstanding business leaders making a difference in their communities.

About the Rwanda Development Board (RDB):
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government agency with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth. Learn more about the Rwanda Development Board at https://RDB.rw/.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Participates in SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Moscow, November 18, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated today in the 24th session of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in the Russian capital, Moscow.

In Qatar’s address to the meeting, His Excellency said that Qatar’s presence at this constructive international forum reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principles of solidarity and cooperation on which the SCO was founded, and embodied the collective will of member states to enhance consultation and joint action in confronting growing challenges. He noted that over the years, the organization has proven to be an effective platform for constructive dialogue and fruitful cooperation in the fields of security, economy, and cultural exchange.

His Excellency affirmed that the State of Qatar’s vision aligns with the principles and objectives of the Shanghai Charter, which call for strengthening mutual trust and mutual benefit, upholding equality and respect for cultural diversity, and working toward shared development. He emphasized that Qatar proceeds from a firm conviction that sustainable development and comprehensive security form the foundation for the prosperity and stability of nations.

In this context, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Qatar continues to implement its National Vision 2030, which aims to achieve balanced development based on economic diversification, investment in human potential, and environmental protection to ensure a dignified life for current and future generations.

His Excellency added that, consistent with this vision and reaffirming the State of Qatar’s commitment to partnership with the international community, Doha views the SCO as an important strategic partner with whom it shares the goal of achieving development, regional stability, and cooperation in confronting common challenges. He noted that Qatar is pleased to be a Dialogue Partner of the organization and expressed hope that this partnership will develop further in ways that serve the interests of all peoples.

His Excellency also stressed that the world today is in urgent need of collective efforts to address pressing issues such as economic slowdown, humanitarian crises, environmental challenges, and threats to international peace and security. In this regard, he highlighted Qatar’s keenness to strengthen joint action within the organization, whether in the field of development cooperation, support for civilizational and humanitarian dialogue, or the consolidation of security and stability.

His Excellency noted that the State of Qatar regards mediation as one of its constitutional commitments, reflecting its established role as a proactive and trusted mediator contributing positively to the resolution of regional and international conflicts. He expressed his satisfaction in taking part in this important meeting of the heads of government of SCO member states, which brings everyone together to enhance cooperation, and he conveyed his sincere thanks to the friendly Russian Federation for its valued efforts in hosting and organizing the meeting.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed appreciation to the Secretary-General of the organization for his sincere efforts in advancing joint work within the SCO framework, expressing confidence that the meeting would yield tangible outcomes that strengthen collective cooperation.

The meeting, held over two days, discusses strengthening cooperation among member states in the areas of trade, economy, investment, and social development, in addition to a number of issues of common interest. 

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Qatar, Africa50 Discuss Boosting Development Cooperation in Africa

Source: Government of Qatar

Johannesburg, November 18, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, met on Tuesday with CEO of Africa50 Group, Alain Ebobisse, in Johannesburg, as part of her visit to South Africa.
The talks focused on strengthening partnerships between Qatar and African nations, particularly South Africa.
Both sides stressed the importance of deeper cooperation to advance Africa’s development priorities. 

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Qatar Condemns Explosion in New Delhi, India

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | 18 November, 2025

The State of Qatar strongly condemns and denounces the explosion that occurred near a metro station in the Indian capital, New Delhi, which resulted in casualties and injuries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates Qatar’s firm stance against violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, regardless of their motives or causes.

The Ministry conveys the condolences of the State of Qatar to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of India, and wishes a swift recovery to the injured.