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Africa’s new credit agency: why it’s about a lot more than just ratings

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

The new Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) has already generated an important debate. Some analysts have portrayed it as a rival to the three established global rating agencies – Fitch, Moody’s and S&P Global. Others have questioned whether Africa needs another rating agency at all.

But, based on my expertise researching African financial markets and the role of credit rating agencies in particular, I would argue that this framing misses the bigger picture.

The Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) should not be viewed as a challenger attempting to compete head-on with the century old rating agencies. It is rather a new lever for expanding and deepening Africa’s capital markets, broadening credit intelligence and helping redirect capital towards productive investment in infrastructure, energy and manufacturing to create jobs, generate income and grow economic capacity.

The agency’s success should therefore be measured by whether it helps African countries make progress in these areas. In this sense, the Africa Credit Rating Agency is not simply another rating agency. It is a pioneer of a stronger, deeper and more efficient African financing ecosystem.

Africa has a remarkably large pool of domestic capital. These are savings held and controlled by African pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, banks, insurers and other investors.

But most of this capital remains concentrated in short-term 90-day treasury bills and bonds. It cannot generate nor sustain economic growth that way.

Meanwhile, productive sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy don’t get enough financing.

The problem is that the credit ratings industry in Africa remains very small. Yet its role is vital for two reasons. First, its decisions influence how investors allocate capital. The credit ratings industry provides investors with clearer information about the risks of lending, making them more confident about providing long-term financing to businesses and governments.

Secondly, it sets the price at which capital is deployed. This is because the industry judges the capacity of a borrower to repay in full and on time. A low assessment raises the cost. A higher one lowers it.

The number of entities that have a rating from any of the rating agencies is currently less than 5% of the total estimated capital in Africa.

Africa has an estimated US$4 trillion domestic capital base – the money already available that can be invested in businesses. Yet less than US$500 billion worth of these financial instruments and economic entities are subject to formal credit ratings. Across sovereigns, corporates, financial institutions, municipalities, government-related entities and other issuers, the rated entities and instruments remain tiny relative to the potential market.

Compare this with mature financial markets. At the end of 2025, Africa had fewer than 4,000 ratings assigned by both international and domestic rating agencies. That year there were 823,000 in the European Union and over 2 million credit ratings in the US.

There are nine rating agencies operating in Africa. The US has 10 and the European Union 29 active credit rating agencies.

The aim

The anticipated role of the Africa Credit Rating Agency is fourfold.

Firstly, to provide ratings.

Secondly, to help expand Africa’s ratings industry and bring greater credit intelligence to more than US$3.5 trillion in capital currently invested without formal ratings. Much of this capital remains concentrated in treasury bills, money market funds and fixed-term deposits. These are highly liquid, short term and risk-averse instruments. Investors prefer these short-term investments that are easy to access and convert into cash.

Thirdly, the agency provides an opportunity to expand Africa’s financial markets by creating a larger and deeper information ecosystem. For investors, the value of a rating lies not simply in the rating category, but in the assumptions, evidence, rationale and context behind it. Credible ratings provide greater accuracy and precision in understanding risk.

The value of the Africa Credit Rating Agency will therefore be measured by how effectively its analysis helps investors distinguish genuine credit weaknesses from risks that may be amplified by limited information, inadequate data or insufficient contextual understanding.

This matters because one of Africa’s biggest financing challenge lies in mobilising the capital the continent already has. Pension funds, insurers, banks, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers that control substantial pool of African capital need reliable credit information to assess a wider range of investments beyond traditional short-term and highly liquid instruments.

Fourth, the broader objective is to break the cycle in which perceptions of risk currently keep capital on the sidelines, push it offshore or concentrate it in short-term assets while productive African businesses struggle to secure long-term financing.

The new agency helps narrow this information gap. Africa needs investors to become more informed and analytical about risk, while borrowers need a clearer understanding of what drives their creditworthiness and how it can be strengthened.

Market-building exercise

The ratings industry is evolving. The international rating agencies are recognising the value of contextual risk analysis. This requires having more locally based analysts who understand the economic, political and institutional realities of the markets they assess.

They have begun positioning themselves accordingly.

S&P Global’s acquisition of Nigeria-based Agusto & Co, which operates across several African markets, and Moody’s earlier acquisitions of Middle East Rating & Investors Services, West Africa Rating Agency (WARA) and GCR reflect the growing recognition of the importance of local expertise and context in assessing African risk.

Way forward

The Africa Credit Rating Agency deserves the opportunity to prove itself. Its success will depend on the institution itself, as well as on investors, policymakers, financial institutions and other rating agencies working together to build a more balanced financing architecture.

Criticism and scrutiny are necessary. But they should not become grounds to dismiss the new institution prematurely. The Africa Credit Rating Agency should be given the chance and space to demonstrate the value it can contribute.

– Africa’s new credit agency: why it’s about a lot more than just ratings
– https://theconversation.com/africas-new-credit-agency-why-its-about-a-lot-more-than-just-ratings-293227

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Africa’s new credit agency: why it’s needed

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Daniel Cash, Senior Fellow, Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR), United Nations University; Aston University

The formal launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) has required considerable institutional commitment. It brings to fruition an effort that has been almost a decade in the making.

In 2017, the African Union gave the African Peer Review Mechanism a mandate to support member states in the field of credit rating agencies. By 2019, African institutions were examining the feasibility of creating an agency of their own. Feasibility and design work followed, then political endorsement of a private-sector-driven model, the selection of Mauritius as its home, and now the launch itself.

There is something worth recognising in that progression. The African Union has spent years examining the role that credit ratings play in its economies. It has committed to building an institution capable of producing creditworthiness assessments itself.

The African Peer Review Mechanism frames the new agency not as a challenger to the world’s big three – Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings or Fitch – but as complementary.

Its mandate is to produce

fair, independent and contextually accurate assessments of African economies.

Whether it succeeds in that mandate is a separate question. Whatever the rating agency eventually becomes, reaching the point of launch is already a significant act of African institution-building. As such it warrants examination, given how difficult it is for new bodies to be built, particularly by 55 nation states.

In this article I will set out the process that brought the countries on the continent to this point.

I will also examine what Africa’s decision to build a credit rating agency tells us about the growing importance of creditworthiness assessment to the financing of development.

African institution-building

The Africa Credit Rating Agency has not appeared from nowhere. Continental institutions have been created or expanded across several domains. In this time period two have moved from agreement into implementation:

The African Union has also secured a stronger formal voice within global economic governance, becoming a permanent member of the G20 in 2023.

The rating agency belongs to this same period, but its function differs. It does not lend money, as a development bank does, or facilitate payments and trade rules, as the continental trade architecture does. It is being built to evaluate creditworthiness, which raises the real question posed by its creation.

Why has that evaluation become important enough to warrant an institution of its own?

The why

Governments and businesses across Africa have ambitions for infrastructure, industrial capacity, human capital and resilience against shocks. These ambitions outrun what domestic revenue alone can finance. Meeting them typically requires external financing. African governments and businesses have increasingly turned to international capital markets, alongside other sources of finance.

Access to that market, and the price paid for it, depends heavily on how creditworthy a borrower is judged to be.

Sovereign credit ratings exist to supply that judgment. A rating is an opinion, issued by one of a small number of specialist agencies, about the likelihood that a borrower will repay its debts fully and on time. The ratings run on a scale from secure investment grade categories down through progressively riskier “speculative”-grade ones.

Speculative grade ratings are associated with markedly higher borrowing costs than investment grade ones.

The most consequential distinction in this system is the boundary between investment grade and speculative grade. It’s conventionally set at BBB-, or its equivalent Baa3 on Moody’s scale.

Economists at the International Monetary Fund – Laura Jaramillo and Catalina Tejada – examined 35 emerging market economies between 1997 and 2010. They found that crossing into investment grade status reduced borrowing spreads (extra interest a borrower has to pay above a benchmark interest rate) by 36% beyond what macroeconomic fundamentals alone would predict. This compared with only 5%-10% for upgrades within investment grade, and no measurable effect within speculative grade.

The threshold matters because many institutional investors operate under mandates forbidding speculative grade debt entirely or even partially. This means that crossing it can change the pool of buyers willing to lend as well as the price.

Sovereign creditworthiness can also influence financing conditions beyond government itself. Banks, state-owned enterprises and private companies can find their own borrowing conditions affected by changes in sovereign risk. This is particularly true when their credit profiles are closely tied to the state or the domestic financial system. Access to capital markets for entities within a country can be shaped by a judgment made about their government.

A downgrade, in this sense, does not stay contained within sovereign debt markets. It tends to reach into the financing conditions facing the wider economy, often at the moments when governments and businesses most need room to respond – such as external shocks or a pandemic.

Ratings have also become embedded in the rules of finance itself. In the US, financial regulators began formally recognising the ratings of designated agencies in 1975 to help set capital requirements for regulated institutions. That recognition has since multiplied across securities, banking and insurance regulation.

Once ratings are written into rules determining what standard of debt regulated institutions may hold, a rating becomes part of the machinery governing market access, not simply an opinion offered to it.

Taken together, this evidence places creditworthiness assessment at an important junction in development finance. Ratings interact with the availability, eligibility and price of capital, and those financing conditions in turn shape the resources available to governments and businesses for investment.

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) finds that developing countries paid, on average, around 200 basis points more than developed countries for internationally sourced capital between the start of 2012 and May 2023.

Years of discussion about African development finance, borrowing costs, capital market access, and reform of the international financial architecture have often treated creditworthiness assessment as one input among many, acknowledged and debated but rarely built around directly.

The Africa Credit Rating Agency converts that discussion into an institution with a headquarters, a regulatory process and a launch date.

The real questions

Will it succeed? Will it challenge the big three? What happens if it fails? Is it really needed?

They are all valid questions, but having witnessed the development of the new agency over the years, I see the real questions slightly differently at this point in time.

I am eager to see what this act of institution-building can contribute to African agency within the global financial architecture. I am excited to see African leaders organise around an issue that directly affects their citizens. I am personally humbled by the commitment of those working behind the scenes to build an institution for which there is no obvious blueprint. The answers to the original questions above will be answered in due time.

Reaching the point of launch deserves to be recognised as an important milestone for the credit rating field, and above all for African institution-building.

– Africa’s new credit agency: why it’s needed
– https://theconversation.com/africas-new-credit-agency-why-its-needed-291947

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Over 1000 police officers promoted to higher ranks

Source: Government of South Africa

Over 1000 police officers promoted to higher ranks

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has promoted 1 965 police officers to higher ranks, with the promotions taking effect from 01 October 2026.

“The promotions form part of the SAPS’s broader strategy to strengthen the organisation through capable leadership, professional policing, accountability and improved service delivery to communities. They also seek to boost morale by recognising members who have demonstrated their commitment, performance and suitability to assume greater responsibilities,” the police said.

In a statement on Saturday, the SAPS said the promotions represent the first batch of approximately 3 000 post promotions being effected by the SAPS in this financial year. A second batch will be announced by 01 November 2026, subject to the finalisation and conclusion of the quality assurance processes.

The promoted members are distributed as follows:
– 201 promoted from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel
– 622 promoted from Captain to Lieutenant Colonel
– 899 promoted from Warrant Officer to Captain
– 243 promoted from Sergeant to Warrant Officer

Of the 1 965 members promoted:
– 863 are female
– 1 102 are male

The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said promoting members from within the ranks is an important investment in the organisation’s people and contributes to building a motivated and performance-driven police service.

“These promotions are about more than changing ranks. They are about recognising the commitment, experience and contribution of our members, while creating opportunities for them to take on greater responsibility within the organisation. 

“When our members see that hard work and performance are recognised, it strengthens morale and encourages a culture of excellence across the SAPS. We expect those who have been promoted to use their experience and leadership to improve overall organisational performance and, most importantly, the quality of service we provide to our communities,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.

SAPS said the promotions come with greater responsibility to protect and serve communities, prevent and combat crime, uphold the law and deliver professional, ethical and effective policing.

“Newly promoted members are expected to lead by example, uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability and professionalism, and use their experience and leadership to strengthen service delivery and public confidence in the police,” said the SAPS while also congratulating the newly promoted members. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Turkish fugitive nabbed in KZN   

Source: Government of South Africa

Turkish fugitive nabbed in KZN   

A Turkish fugitive accused of rape, sexual assault and kidnapping, among others, has been arrested in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

In a statement on Saturday, the SAPS said INTERPOL South Africa’s Fugitive Investigation Team arrested the 40-year-old following a coordinated operation on Thursday.

“The fugitive is wanted by Turkish authorities to stand trial on charges of rape, sexual assault, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), which were reported to the Eskişehir Police Department in Türkiye,” the SAPS said.

The police further explained that information received from Turkish authorities indicated that the suspect allegedly kidnapped his then-fiancée in 2010 and raped her over several days. He also allegedly assaulted the victim by repeatedly striking her head against a wall, resulting in permanent physical and psychological impairment. The victim was 22 years old at the time of the alleged offences.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect allegedly fled Türkiye, his country of origin and was subsequently traced to Isipingo.

“Upon receipt of the extradition request from Turkish authorities, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria obtained and executed a warrant in terms of Section 5(1)(b) of the relevant legislation, resulting in the fugitive’s arrest.”

The fugitive appeared before the Umlazi Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing an extradition application by the government of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of South Africa.

“The South African Police Service continues to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation through INTERPOL structures, enabling the tracing and arrest of wanted persons who seek to evade justice by fleeing across international borders,” said the police.

The arrest follows another successful operation by INTERPOL South Africa last month, in which a Turkish fugitive, a former primary school principal, was arrested in Cape Town in connection with charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and intimidation involving a nine-year-old victim.

The former principal was arrested on Monday, 21 September 2026, and has since appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

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IMC satisfied with Local Government Elections preparations

Source: Government of South Africa

IMC satisfied with Local Government Elections preparations

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Local Government Elections has expressed satisfaction with preparations for the upcoming polls in November 2026.

This comes as Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa convened a fortnightly IMC meeting to consider reports and plans being implemented ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.

With just four weeks remaining before the local government elections, the IMC emphasised the need for all government departments, stakeholders, role-players and communities to intensify collaboration and collective efforts to deliver on the democratic promise of free and fair elections.

At the fortnightly gathering held on Friday, the IMC noted the progress made by various government departments and sectors in preparation for the elections. The IMC noted that coordination and collaboration will be necessary to address outstanding matters, strengthen readiness and ensure that all relevant structures are prepared for election day.

“The IMC once again emphasised the importance of closing the trust gap between government and communities. This requires intensified countrywide mobilisation, public education and voter engagement to encourage all registered voters to recognise the importance of participating in the upcoming elections. 

“Building and sustaining public confidence in the electoral process, government institutions and the democratic system remains critical,” said the IMC.

The committee also noted that South Africa faces challenges of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and mass shootings. These are “deeply concerning and regrettable”, with government remaining committed to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and that communities are protected.

The committee called on all government departments, stakeholders, role-players and communities to continue working together to support both public safety and the successful delivery of the elections.

Reports
The IMC also received several reports, including one on the Effects of El Niño on Election Operations.

The IMC noted that El Niño-related weather conditions might have both direct and indirect implications for the elections. These implications may affect voters queuing to cast their ballots as well as broader logistical and operational arrangements.

“The IMC emphasises that all relevant stakeholders should therefore remain vigilant and ensure that election preparations take account of potential weather-related risks, while maintaining the objective of enabling communities to participate in the elections as scheduled.”

A coordinated communication and preparedness approach will help government and communities anticipate and reduce the potential impacts of heat, rainfall variability, water shortages, agricultural stress, veld fires and other weather-related hazards during the election period and throughout the 2026/27 summer season. The IMC directed that government and all sectors involved should continue communicating proactively with communities should weather-related disruptions occur.

The second report was from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), as the timing of the elections coincides with El Niño and the early part of South Africa’s summer rainfall season, therefore warranting weather and disaster-risk preparedness.

The SAWS provided an outlook on the Seasonal Weather Outlook and Implications for the elections. The seasonal outlook provides an early warning signal, while shorter-range weather forecasts will provide increasingly useful information about conditions in specific areas as 4 November approaches. 

The report also emphasised that the exact weather conditions on the day of the elections will become clearer as the country moves closer to the polls.

“The report indicates that South Africa is entering the summer rainfall season against the background of a developing El Niño event which is associated with an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across significant parts of southern Africa. Current assessments indicate that the 2026 summer season could therefore present heightened risks relating to water availability, heat, agriculture, food security, public health, etc.”

The key risks associated with the developing El Niño and the principal concerns identified for the coming summer include:
– below-normal seasonal rainfall in parts of the country;
– above-normal temperatures and an increased risk of heatwaves;
– pressure on water resources and municipal water systems;
– potential impacts on agricultural production and food security;

The meeting also received a report from the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) which provided an indication of preparations to mitigate the impact of El Niño.

The NDMC will translate SAWS’s seasonal and short-range forecasts into practical disaster-risk actions for voting operations. 

As disaster management is an intergovernmental responsibility, the NDMC continues to maintain collaboration with the Electoral Commission, government departments, municipalities, disaster-management structures, emergency services, the agricultural sector, security sector, health sector, water sector, civil-society organisations and communities and other relevant departments.

“The NDMC will assist to ensure that SAWS early warnings are converted into coordinated action before, during and after the election period, linking national risk information with provincial and municipal preparedness and community-level action.”

In addition, the Electoral Commission provided a report on the preparations ahead of the elections. The report emphasised that the Electoral Commission (IEC) is preparing for a 100% turnout on election day.
“Within this context, the IMC continues to call for all stakeholders to continue with the mobilisation of all registered voters to show up at the voting stations to cast their ballots.”

The report also reflected on the legal challenges in which the IEC is involved. The IMC noted that there are legal matters before the courts (five in the Electoral Court and two in the Constitutional Court, as well as one in the Gauteng High Court) pertaining to the elections.

 All eight unresolved matters have implications for the finalisation of the ballot paper in the affected areas.

“Be that as it may, the Commission is on course with the printing of the 78 million ballot papers which will be used in the elections.

With regard to the final candidates list, at the close of the statutory nomination period at 5pm on Friday, 28 August 2026, a total of 142 072 candidates had been nominated to contest 10 526 council seats across municipalities.

The candidate categories were as follows:
636 – Independent candidates
97 815 – Ward Candidates
38 679 – PR Candidates

The nomination profile is dominated by candidates aged 36–55 years at  58%, and the highest concentration is between ages 41–45 years at 16%. In terms of gender, 38% of candidates are women. From the approved candidates list, the oldest is 90 years old and the youngest is 18 years.

The application for special votes opened on 21 September and will close on 12 October 2026 at 5pm. The purpose of the special votes is to ensure that every eligible voter can fully participate in the coming elections. Successful applicants may vote at home/place of care or in voting stations from 2–3 November 2026.

In addition, the IEC indicated that all the systems and technology that will be deployed for the election are being tested as an assurance measure. There are approximately 68000 Voter Management Devices (VMD’s) which will be used in all polling stations across the country.

“Except [for] ballot papers, as at today, all election materials required to run elections are on hand. All local storage facilities are ready and have been screened by the security structures,” said the IMC.

Meanwhile, 72 organisations have applied to become observers during elections, and the IEC has commenced briefing those approved.

Also, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) presented an updated state of readiness progress report on preparations by the security structures.

The NATJOINTS remains confident that all plans that are in place will ensure safe and secure elections, for both special voting and 4 November 2026.

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) remains actively engaged to support potential voters, as it continues with plans to ensure that citizens have the relevant documents that will enable them to exercise their right to vote.

“ In this regard, the DHA will align its operating hours with those of the IEC.”

At the end of the meeting, Minister Hlabisa emphasised that the success of the elections rests on a collective effort involving government, electoral stakeholders, communities and citizens. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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President arrives in Egypt for AU meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

President arrives in Egypt for AU meeting

El-Alamein, Egypt – President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in the Arab Republic of Egypt on Saturday to participate in the 8th African Union (AU) Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) in El-Alamein.

President Ramaphosa will attend the meeting on Sunday, 4 October, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The meeting will bring together Heads of State and Government of the AU Bureau, Chairpersons of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), heads of AU organs and development partners, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

“The mid-year meeting provides a platform for Chairpersons of Regional Economic Communities to exchange views on the status of continental integration as an important component towards the realisation of the Africa We Want as espoused in Agenda 2063,” the Presidency said in a statement on Saturday night.

READ | President Ramaphosa to lead SADC Participation at the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting

The meeting will also assess progress made in the implementation of the Division of Labour between the AU, RECs/ Regional Mechanisms (RMs) and Member States.
“This is to ensure that there are synergies and subsidiarity between the AU, RECs and Member States, given the AU’s limited resources to carry out the implementation of Agenda 2063 alone,” it said.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. -SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Offers Condolences to Iran FM

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 02, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has offered the State of Qatar’s condolences to HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi following the passing of his sister.

The condolences were conveyed during a telephone conversation between the two officials.

HE Sheikh Mohammed expressed sympathy to the Iranian foreign minister and his family and offered prayers for the deceased. 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets with Japanese Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Tokyo, October 02, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, met on Friday in Tokyo with HE Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi.

The meeting focused on cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen bilateral relations, as well as the latest regional developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in the region and efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure freedom of navigation.

The two sides commended the level of relations and strategic partnership between their countries, affirming their commitment to further developing bilateral ties across various fields. 

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Qatar, Mexico Hold Third Round of Political Consultations

Source: Government of Qatar

Mexico City, October 02, 2026

The State of Qatar and the United Mexican States have held the third round of political consultations between their foreign ministries in Mexico City, with talks focusing on bilateral cooperation, trade and investment.

The Qatari delegation was led by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, while Mexico’s delegation was headed by HE Secretary of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco Alvarez.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment, as well as programs linked to the Qatar-Mexico 2026 Year of Culture.

They also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and discussed ongoing Qatar-Mexico dialogue on mediation.

The talks included cooperation with Switzerland and Norway to promote preventive diplomacy, mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

At the conclusion of the consultations, Qatar and Mexico signed an agreement waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports.

The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in diplomatic training and education.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Discusses Bilateral Cooperation in Phone Call with Morocco PM

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 02, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has held talks with HE Head of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.

During a telephone conversation, HE Sheikh Mohammed congratulated HE El Mansouri on taking office and wished her success in serving the interests of the Moroccan people.

The two officials discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between Qatar and Morocco.

They also exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual interest.