Source: APO
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received Thursday a telephone call from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
The call addressed the two countries’ cooperation relations and means to bolster them, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
Source: APO
Bambo, North Kivu, is facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis as ongoing conflict has forced tens of thousands to flee to the town. Overcrowded shelters, food shortages, and strained health services are pushing displaced families to the brink. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is providing essential care to around 3,700 people each week – an increase of more than 40% since before current wave of mass displacement began. Local needs far exceed current capacity.
When fighting erupted in Rushashi, Kinoko* fled with her husband and six children, traveling for weeks through the forest. Armed groups had seized their harvest, forcing them to leave everything behind and lose contact with relatives – whose fate is uncertain.
Arriving in Bambo in late June, the family joined tens of thousands of newly displaced people—most of them women and children. Kinoko and her family are currently sheltering in a school, one of 24 collective sites across Bambo, which also include churches and empty buildings. Between May and July, the number of displaced people in the town nearly doubled, surpassing 51,000 and now making up more than 80% of Bambo’s population.
“It is difficult to sleep because it is so crowded here. To survive, we go to the fields and ask local residents for manioc leaves and rotten bananas, but even then, we struggle. The kids are so hungry,” she said.
Ongoing instability continues to drive mass displacement across Rutshuru territory. Since MSF’s last call for urgent action in June, Bambo—one of the region’s largest towns—has fallen to the M23 armed group, which remains locked in conflict with Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda [FDLR] and Collective of Movements for Change [CMC] militias.
“I left my home after gunfire broke out between the M23 and CMC,” explained Nsaku*, a 49-year-old man who fled Birambizo with four family members. “Several houses were set on fire on the pretext that they belonged to the CMC. Given the growing insecurity, I decided it was best to leave after spending a few days hiding in the bush. I had to leave my livestock behind.”
Bambo has become a fragile sanctuary for people escaping violence, as conflict continues to devastate the surrounding areas and makes it unlikely that displaced families will be able to return home soon. Armed groups frequently steal harvests, leaving people with few means of survival—even if they were to go back. Many new arrivals are deeply traumatized, and numerous testimonies describe violence allegedly committed by armed groups.
A recent arrival to Bambo explained that he fled to the town after hearing bombs explode near the fields where he was living and working. “We were warned that anyone who stayed behind would be killed,” he said.
“One soldier picked up a chicken and cut off its head in front of me, suggesting that I would be next,” said another, who managed to escape. “Two members of my family were killed.”
The humanitarian needs of the town’s ever-growing population are immense. Many are living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to clean water and sanitation or basic household items such as cooking equipment; some are unable to find shelter at all; and hunger is rising – the price of beans at the local market has doubled and those displaced people lucky enough to find work typically eke out a living of less than $1 per day working in fields.
MSF has operated in Bambo since 2017 and is among the few international medical organizations supporting displaced people in the area, providing care for around 3,700 people each week at the general hospital and health centers in and around the town – up from 2,400 per week prior to the mass displacement.
Malnutrition wards have had occupancy rates over 100 percent for close to a month; dozens of sexual violence victims are seen every week; and significant numbers of patients continue to seek treatment for diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections.
Malaria cases have surged since July, with a single clinic where MSF operates reporting an average of 341 cases each week over the past month – a figure that continues to grow. This sharp increase is partly due to cuts in international humanitarian funding, including from USAID, which forced the national malaria programme to halt its activities in the area. These funding cuts have also left local health authorities with fewer resources to treat malnutrition, provide post-exposure prophylaxis [PEP] kits, and support Tuberculosis and HIV services.
“Urgent interventions are required not only in the medical sector, but also in critical related areas such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), food distribution, and shelter provision. Without comprehensive action in these fields, the risk of disease outbreaks will continue to rise,” said François Calas, MSF’s Head of Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“MSF teams will continue to provide lifesaving medical care in Bambo, but we cannot meet alone the growing humanitarian needs of this community. It is vital that other partners step up to avoid disaster.”
*Name has been changed
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
Source: Government of South Africa
The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has urged spaza shop owners, informal business traders, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including Cooperatives, to apply for online funding incentives.
This follows the commitment made during the tabling of the department’s 2025/26 Budget Vote Speech.
“In less than a month after the tabling of the departmental Budget Vote, we deliver on what we promised to the business community of the Free State.
“We are committed to ensuring that MSMEs have access to strategic resources, such as skills, knowledge, network, and access to finance, amongst others, that will enable them to nurture their innovative ideas.
“The incentives are aimed at providing financial and non-financial support for businesses to remain sustainable, acquire production equipment and machinery to create more jobs, and improve the township economy,” the department said in a statement.
The applications window period outlining the processes and the required documents will be opened and accessible from Friday, 11 July 2025 to 21 July 2025 on https://client.fsdestea.kwantu.me/.
The department has designed the following three incentives:
1) Spaza Shop Support Incentive
• This funding incentive is targeted at informal traders and spaza shops with an annual turnover of less than R1 million.
• In this category, the enterprises will be supported with equipment, upgrade of business premises, training and stock to a maximum of R100 000.
Documents needed for applications and other requirements:
• Identity Document (ID);
• Municipal business permit;
• Proof of address;
• 51% or higher black-owned or managed business, and
• Applicant must be a South African citizen residing in the Free State.
2) Small Enterprise Support
• This specific funding focuses on small businesses with a turnover of less than R10 million.
• Enterprises will be assisted with a financial injection amounting to a maximum of R250 000, as per the business requirements.
• This category’s critical areas are general retail, manufacturing, agro-processing, aquaculture, travel/accommodation/lodging/hospitality, waste economy, automative repairs, digital technologies, health and beauty.
3) Medium Enterprise Support
• The category is targeted at medium-sized enterprises.
• It is aimed at providing expansion capital and co-funding contribution on behalf of the applicant to developmental funding institutions (DFIs) or commercial banks to a maximum amount of R1 million.
• Sectors falling under this category are chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, green energy, manufacturing, agro-processing, clothing/textiles/footwear and leather (CTFL), hospitality and digital technologies.
Makume said the department aims to promote and facilitate financial as well as non-financial support to enhance financial inclusion by increasing access to finance for women, youth, and people with disabilities, township and rural entrepreneurs.
“Our MSMEs incentive is a unique fund that is meant to mainly address a particular gap in the funding landscape. It includes funding for business expansion.”
What applicants can expect
Successful applicants will have to enter into a funding agreement with the department.
It is also important to note that clients who still owe the department invoices for the previous funding, including those who have received letters of demand from the department, will not be considered for funding.
For more information, please contact the following officials:
* Spaza Shop Support Incentive: Ms Moipone Mohono on 082 559 7944.
* Small Enterprise Support Incentive: Ms Tshidi Maleka on 066 051 1279.
* Medium Enterprise Support: Ms Nnana Matlepe on 082 443 5513.
* Industrialisation Support: Ms Portia Nyokong on 082 828 0259.
Failure to comply with the qualifying criteria will result in automatic disqualification from funding consideration. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
SIU obtains R67m recovery order against Public Works plumbing contractor
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a recovery order of R67 million against a plumbing contractor associated with the Department of Public Works, preventing a potential loss of R33 million.
This action follows the Special Tribunal’s review, which led to the cancellation of contracts totaling R67 million that were awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers between 2015 and 2019.
These contracts were for services related to vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency interventions for sewage blockages.
“The Tribunal has declared these contracts invalid and unlawful and has ordered the service provider to refund the funds received from the department in relation to these contracts,” a statement from the SIU read.
According to the SIU, the comprehensive financial recovery includes R46.6 million from invalid 2015 to 2017 contracts, and R20 million from unlawful 2017 to 2019 tenders.
The Tribunal also dismissed a counterclaim of R33 million, which Kroucamp Plumbers had submitted against the department.
“This counterclaim was effectively contested by the SIU, resulting in a favourable outcome for the department.”
The order follows an investigation conducted by the SIU, which uncovered a complex network of corruption involving falsified bidding documents, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and payments made to officials who manipulated the tendering process.
“The investigation revealed that Kroucamp Plumbers misrepresented its Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status, submitted incomplete bidding information, and colluded with departmental officials to secure contracts totalling millions of rands.”
In addition, the Tribunal determined that the company’s Director, Johannes Jacobus Kroucamp, exploited the corporate structure for personal gain, thereby jeopardising the interests of the State.
“Judge David Makhoba emphasised the gravity of the misconduct, indicating that the tenders breached constitutional procurement regulations and eroded public trust.
“The ruling annuls both contracts and revokes the juristic personality of Kroucamp Plumbers, requiring the company to compensate the State for the financial losses incurred. Consequently, Mr Kroucamp may be held personally accountable for the company’s debts owed to the State,” the statement said.
The SIU conducted its investigation into the Kroucamp Plumbers corruption case under Proclamation R20 of 2018.
“This proclamation authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper conduct, and corruption in the awarding of tenders by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.”
The SIU explained that it is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to corruption, fraud or maladministration.
In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Source: Government of South Africa
Gauteng Education allocates funds to schools
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that it has provided the necessary funds to all schools for payment of their respective municipal billing accounts.
In a statement on Thursday, the provincial department said the funds were transferred to the accounts of all identified schools in June 2025.
“The Department wishes to reiterate that, in line with legislation, schools – specifically those granted Section 21 functions – are entrusted with managing their own finances. These schools are responsible for a range of functions, including the payment of municipal services such as electricity and water,” it said.
Once funds have been transferred, the schools and their respective School Governing Body (SGB) assume full responsibility in ensuring that their municipal accounts are settled and paid on time to avoid water and electricity cuts.
In addition to allocating funds, the GDE provides oversight and support to these schools, having previously settled outstanding accounts on behalf of schools in April 2025. The department also provides financial management training to schools and SGBs to convey and educate on the importance of compliance of all relevant financial processes.
It further added that it remains committed to maintaining a conducive learning and teaching environment in all schools and continues to work with school leadership structures to ensure sound financial governance and uninterrupted access to basic services in its institutions.
“No public school in Gauteng is currently, or will ever be, disconnected from water and electricity services now and in the near future. Schools must work hand in hand with the GDE to continue achieving this by ensuring their municipal accounts are up to date at all times, and that they comply to all necessary procedures,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
The MEC called on parents, communities, and stakeholders to support schools and their School Governing Bodies in executing their duties not just responsibly; but to the benefit of all learners, educators, and school-based staff. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Source: Government of South Africa
SA participates in 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is in Equatorial Guinea where he is leading South Africa’s delegation at the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council.
The session which is underway in Malabo, began on Thursday, 10 July 2025.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Council will consider and adopt the AU budget for the 2026 period.
“The budget is a key enabler for the AU to address challenges facing the continent, ensuring Africa’s continued resilience and the sustenance of the AU Commission, which is the key implementing agent for AU decisions,” the statement read.
The Council is expected to elect and appoint two outstanding Commissioners for Economic Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI).
The department announced that the Minister will take this opportunity to inform his counterparts about the progress made during South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for November 2025, represents an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s participation during this Ordinary Session of the Executive Council is rooted in its commitment to strengthening the AU and its organs.
“We aim to ensure our union effectively pursues the noble aspiration of Silencing the Guns by 2030; the accelerated implementation of the second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063, which embodies our collective vision for prosperity; and the robust advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Lamola explained.
Beyond the formal agenda, the department said the Minister will seek to foster deeper solidarity by holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts aimed at exchanging views on issues of mutual interest.
The meeting will conclude on Friday, 11 July 2025.
– SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Source: APO
Hon. Mr. James MARAPE, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea will visit Japan from July 20 to 23, 2025 to attend Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
(Reference) Prime Minister Marape’s previous visit to Japan
| July 2024 | Attending the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) |
| September 2022 | Attending the State Funeral for the late Prime Minister ABE Shinzo |
And other occasions
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Source: APO
The International University of Sarajevo (IUS), in strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org/) and in collaboration with esteemed institutions including the University of Dundee (UK), Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (Türkiye), INCEIF University (Malaysia), and the Center for Advanced Studies (Bosnia and Herzegovina), successfully hosted the international conference “Values for Impact: Ethical Finance, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth.”
The event, held at the IUS Campus in Sarajevo from 18-19 June 2025, was supported by platinum sponsor Kuveyt Türk Katılım Bankası and BH Telecom, which sponsored a key panel on artificial intelligence.
The conference was inaugurated by IUS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, who highlighted its global significance, stating, “This conference represents a pivotal moment for global collaboration, uniting diverse perspectives to advance ethical finance and sustainable development, aligning with IUS’s commitment to fostering innovation and moral responsibility in economic systems.”
Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, delivered a keynote address, articulating a bold vision for Islamic finance. He stated: “Islamic finance offers the blueprint for aligning finance with markets, technology with values, and innovation with sustainability. As the world desperately seeks a new paradigm, we must rise to the challenge and contribute to a better future that we all aspire to. The path ahead will not be easy. But the mission is worth the journey.”
Dr. Ahmet Albayrak, Executive Vice President of Kuveyt Türk Katılım Bankası and Patron of the IUS Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation, and Sustainability, emphasized the importance of uniting global thought leaders to strengthen the moral and digital foundations of economic systems.
One of the highlights of the conference was the participation of three distinguished recipients of the Islamic Development Bank Prize in Islamic Economics:
These luminaries enriched discussions with their expertise, offering profound insights into the intersection of ethics, innovation, and finance.
Over 160 participants from more than 20 countries, including academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives of international organizations, engaged in dynamic sessions exploring topics such as Islamic fintech, sustainable investment, and the moral foundations of economic systems.
Notable sessions included “Reviving the Moral Foundations of Economic Life,” “Islamic FinTech for Inclusive and Ethical Futures,” and “Green Waqf: Islamic Sustainable Solutions to Climate Change.” A special parallel session, led by Dr. Beebee Salma Sairally, Editor of the International Journal of Islamic Finance and Sustainable Development (a jointly produced journal by IsDBI and INCEIF), provided valuable guidance on publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
The conference is expected to pave the way for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become an intellectual hub for the development of Islamic economics and finance in the region and to contribute to the national and regional sustainable development agenda.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).
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About the Islamic Development Bank Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/
Source: APO
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has inaugurated a new 9-member board for the National Investment Bank (NIB), pledging a major government decision to recapitalise the bank.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Ato Forson acknowledged that NIB had been subjected to political interference in the past but emphasized that this era has come to an end. “NIB was turned into a political football. But that ends now,” the Finance Minister declared.
The Finance Minister revealed that the government has taken a bold decision to recapitalise NIB and committed to reveal fuller details of the NIB recapitalisation plan during the upcoming mid-year review.
The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Mr. Frank Adu Jnr., who expressed gratitude to the Finance Minister and appealed for continued support to help turn around the bank’s fortunes.
The complete board composition includes Managing Director, Dr. Doli-wura Awushi Abdul-Malik Seidu Zakarai, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo. Other members are Dr. Mrs. Mercy Naa Aku Ofei-Koranteng, Dr. Shani Bashiru, Mr. Max George Cobbina, Dr. Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi, and Dr. Alfred Attuquaye Botchway.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.
Source: APO
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), with a call on the members to stay true to the bank’s core mandate of championing Ghana’s agricultural transformation.
At a brief ceremony to formally induct the board, the Minister underscored the critical role of agriculture in national development, noting that no country can achieve sustainable growth without a vibrant and resilient agricultural sector.
“I have therefore tasked the new board to remain focused and guided by their primary mandate — serving Ghana’s agricultural sector,” he stated.
In a significant announcement, Dr. Ato Forson assured the new board and management of plans to recapitalize the Agricultural Development Bank in 2026.
This move, he explained, is aimed at strengthening ADB’s financial position to better support farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural value chain initiatives.
The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Mr. Kenneth Kwamina Thompson, with Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong serving as Managing Director.
Other distinguished members include:
• Hon. Andrew Dari Chiwitey
• Mr. Siisi Essuman-Ocran
• Hon. Dr. E. Prince Arhin
• Hon. Misbahu Mahama Adams
• Wing Commander Samuel J.A. Allotey
• Mr. Courage Akanwunge Asabagna
• Mr. Abdul Nasir M. Saani
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.
