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Radisson Hotel Group surpasses 210 signings and openings in 2025 as global growth accelerates

Source: APO

With more than 210 signings and openings already secured this year, the Group is steadily advancing its transformation towards becoming one of the world’s most prominent hotel companies, anchored by a portfolio designed for today’s travellers and tomorrow’s priorities.   

Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, remarks: “The year so far has seen Radisson Hotel Group succeeding in our pursuit of excellence for customers and owners. Hotel openings have been carefully curated to what business and leisure travellers are seeking in 2025, and we have a very strong pipeline of hotel signings and anticipated openings.”    

In EMEA, Radisson Blu is cementing its position as Europe’s leading upper-upscale brand, with landmark signings and openings in France, Germany, Türkiye, and Montenegro. Among the highlights is The Medlock at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, an innovative partnership that redefines what a stadium hotel can be. Later this year, Radisson Blu CDG Airport Terminal Hotel, Paris will welcome travellers at one of Europe’s busiest gateways.  

France has proven to be a key growth market across the Group’s portfolio, with luxury lifestyle brand Radisson Collection leading the charge. This year saw the long-awaited opening of Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel. 

Radisson Collection Hotel and the signing of the historic Banke Opera Paris, A Radisson Collection Hotel, which will debut in 2026. The brand furthermore marked its arrival in Hungary with Radisson Collection Hotel, Basilica Budapest, a property that perfectly synthesizes historic grandeur with contemporary luxury, and reopened the Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin in spectacular style. These milestones reinforce Radisson Collection’s role as the Group’s showcase for design, heritage, and modern hospitality. 

Radisson RED’s bold personality is gaining global momentum, with new hotels signed and opened across the UK, Romania, India, UAE and Thailand. The brand reached a milestone with the opening of Radisson RED Oslo City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, the Group’s second Verified Net Zero hotel, underscoring its leadership in sustainable hospitality. In London, the brand will debut in the heart of the city minutes from Liverpool Street Station through a partnership with PPHE Hotel Group, while in Rome, the art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio introduced a striking design-led landmark. 

Radisson Individuals has gone from strength to strength, offering crucial flexibility to Group stakeholders and growing to over 100 hotels in operation and under development since its launch in 2020. This year alone, the brand expanded its footprint across France, Portugal, Germany, Malta, and Kazakhstan, with new signings secured in the UK, Poland, Spain, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, India, and the Philippines. Recently, the brand’s emphasis on empowering owners and broadening guest choice has been cemented with the introduction of three exciting brand segments: Premier, Boutique, and Retreats. 

The Radisson brand, too, continues to evolve with a mix of sustainability milestones and market firsts. Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel opened as the Group’s first Verified Net Zero hotel while the brand entered new markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Armenia, and Madinah, Saudi Arabia. In the UK, Radisson will anchor a landmark all-electric stadium development for Oxford United Football Club, setting a new benchmark for future-ready hospitality. Growth across APAC has been equally dynamic, with 13 new Radisson properties opening in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

With the demand for leisure travel rising, Radisson Hotel Group continues to expand its resort portfolio, now comprising more than 160 properties. New openings and signings stretch from Asia to Europe, including across destinations as diverse as Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Egypt and Armenia. Highlights include Radisson Hotel Cannes on the French Riviera, Radisson Collection The National Hotel, Brussels, a landmark golf-side retreat, and the debut of Radisson Collection Resort, Galle in Sri Lanka and Radisson Collection Resort & Spa, Jaipur in India. Together, these properties underscore the brand’s commitment to creating standout resort destinations in diverse and inspiring locations. 

APAC continues to propel growth for the Radisson Hotel Group. In China, 130 hotels have been signed and opened in 2025, pushing the pipeline close to 300 hotels. Expansion is strongest in the mid- to upper mid-scale categories, led by Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, now the fastest-growing brand in China with a portfolio of 375 hotels. Major cities such as Wuhan, Beijing, Chongqing, Chengdu, Tianjin, and Shanghai remain central to the Group’s growth plan and expansion strategy, supporting both scale and depth across the market.

India has emerged as one of Radisson Hotel Group’s most dynamic markets, with the company surpassing a historic milestone of 200 hotels. Today, more than 130 properties are in operation and over 70 are under development, reinforcing the Group’s position as the leading organically growing international operator in the country. Fuelled by 59 new signings in just 18 months and expansion into 47 new cities, Radisson Hotel Group is well-positioned to deepen its presence and extend hospitality access with up to 500 hotels in the region by 2030. 

In Africa, the Group is keeping its momentum by combining new market entries with deeper investment in key markets such as Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria. Recent activity includes its debut in the Democratic Republic of Congo with Radisson Blu Hotel, Kinshasa, and Radisson Hotel Lubumbashi, as well as Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Yaoundé in Cameroon. The Group has also entered Zimbabwe with Radisson Harare and is exploring further opportunities in the Victoria Falls area. Alongside growth targets of 30 hotels in Morocco and 25 in South Africa by 2030. 

“As we look ahead, our goal is clear: delivering meaningful value to our owners, creating memorable experiences for our guests, and driving responsible growth that strengthens communities worldwide,” concluded Younes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Saadiyah Hendricks
Director Global Corporate & Area PR and Social Media (MEA, MED, SEAP)  
Saadiyah.hendricks@radissonhotels.com 

Connect with Radisson Hotels on:  
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3L9WiUK
TikTok 
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4nkMTXN
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/43D8Qu2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3L9YHPl 
WhatsApp: https://apo-opa.co/4quVxWs 
X: https://apo-opa.co/4hA5z4Q

ABOUT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP:
Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with more than 1,580 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.  

The Radisson brand portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson — brought together under one commercial umbrella brand, Radisson Hotels.  

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/4huDY4U) is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter, counting more than 25 million members. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.  

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/4qsTdPT) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions, placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional, and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely Carbon Compensated.  

At Radisson Hotel Group, we care for people, communities, and planet (https://apo-opa.co/3Lb0fIQ) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as carbon-compensated Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.  

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.  

For more information, visit our corporate website : https://apo-opa.co/47d3Uyo

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Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) Drives Sustainable Investment at World Investment Conference (WIC) & Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) 2025

Source: APO

The IsDB Group Business Forum – THIQAH (www.IDBGBF.org) actively participated in the 29th World Investment Conference (WIC) and 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF), held on 22–23 October 2025. The twin events, organized by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), the Sharjah FDI Office, and the UAE Ministry of Investment, convened global leaders, CEOs, ministers, and investment promotion agencies (IPAs) from over 100 countries under the theme “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”

During the conference, THIQAH played a pivotal role in promoting investment facilitation and partnership-building across IsDB member countries. THIQAH staff held numerous meetings with IPAs and promotion agencies from member countries, exploring co-investment opportunities, strengthening collaborations, and positioning THIQAH as a global platform connecting international investors with strategic projects in IsDB economies. The delegation also participated in high-level panels, workshops, and networking sessions, sharing policy insights, investment trends, and best practices in sustainable development.

THIQAH’s presence included a dedicated exhibition booth, showcasing IsDB Group’s programs, investment facilitation initiatives, and opportunities for private sector engagement. Key outcomes included enhanced visibility of THIQAH as a leading enabler of sustainable investment, identification of new partnerships and investment leads, and strengthened collaboration with international and regional IPAs.

By actively engaging with stakeholders and driving dialogue on innovative investment models, IsDB Group Business Forum – THIQAH reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible, inclusive, and resilient investment across member countries, contributing to the global “Decade of Promoting Investment for Good” and laying the foundation for future engagement at events like the Private Sector Forum (PSF) 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

Contact Us:
Email: THIQAH@isdb.org

Social Media:
Twitter: @ IDBGTHIQAH
Facebook: @ IDBGTHIQAH
LinkedIn: IsDB Group Business Forum – THIQAH

About the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH):
The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitate contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group’s financial products and services. (www.IDBGBF.org)

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Transnet agreement sees revival of steam train service

Source: Government of South Africa

In a landmark moment for South Africa’s tourism and heritage rail sector, Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Company have signed a 25-year concession agreement to operate and manage the iconic Outeniqua Choo Tjoe heritage railway line.

This long-term concession marks a significant milestone in the revival of the much-loved steam train service, which last operated in 2006 and has remained a symbol of South Africa’s rich railway history. 

The agreement enables the restoration, operation, and development of the line between George and Knysna, creating a new era of heritage tourism along the world-renowned Garden Route.

“The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is more than just a railway; it is a national treasure. This partnership ensures its return as a world-class heritage experience that will bring significant social, cultural, and economic value to the region,” Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said on Monday.

She made these remarks during the signing ceremony for the agreement in George, Western Cape.

Phillips hailed the agreement as “a model for public-private collaboration in the preservation and activation of strategic heritage infrastructure”.

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is South Africa’s last remaining full-sized, narrow-gauge steam train to have operated a regular service and is fondly remembered by local and international passengers for its spectacular route along the Garden Route coastline.

This concession forms part of Transnet’s broader strategy to unlock value from non-core assets through partnerships that preserve heritage, boost regional tourism, and promote inclusive economic growth.

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Company Chief Executive Officer, Alan McVitty, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential.

“We are honoured to partner with Transnet on this visionary journey. Our goal is to breathe new life into the Choo Tjoe, preserving its charm while delivering a safe, memorable, and economically impactful rail experience for locals and visitors alike,” McVitty said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa Kaizen Annual Conference gets underway

Source: Government of South Africa

More than 240 participants from over 28 countries are taking part in the Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) currently underway in Boksburg.

The two-day conference which kicked off on Monday in Gauteng, is taking place under the theme: “African Industrialisation through Fostering Competitive Firms and Value Chains on the Continent”.

Speaking at the conference, Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, said if Africa is to industrialise successfully, Africans must build competitive firms that can produce quality goods efficiently and integrate into regional and global value chains.

“But competitiveness is not achieved by chance, it is cultivated through productivity, innovation, and continuous improvement, which are the very principles at the heart of Kaizen,” Meth said.

Kaizen is a hands-on and practical skill developed through a participatory, learning-by-doing, human-focused, and process-oriented approach. It promotes continuous quality and productivity improvement to enhance the competitive of the manufacturing industries.

She added that the conference provides an ideal platform to explore how the Kaizen philosophy can be leveraged to foster industrialisation, strengthen regional value chains and position African enterprises to compete confidently in the global marketplace.

“Africa’s youthful population, its rich resource base, and the rise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide a foundation for reindustrialisation and value creation on the continent. To seize this opportunity, we must place productivity at the centre of our development agenda.

“Productivity is not simply about working harder, it’s about working smarter, more efficiently, and more innovatively. It is about creating more value from the same inputs and ensuring that growth translates into decent jobs, competitiveness, and sustainable prosperity.”

The Minister said that South Africa, through Productivity SA, has embraced Kaizen principles to enhance business performance and strengthen the industrial base.

“Kaizen has proven especially effective in our programmes, the Competitiveness Improvement Services (CIS) and Business Turnaround and Recovery Programme, which help struggling enterprises to rebuild their competitiveness, preserve jobs and stimulate growth.

“Since its inception in 2017 by AUDA-NEPAD [African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD]  and JICA [ Japan International Cooperation Agency], Africa Kaizen Initiative (AKI) has evolved into a vibrant platform uniting governments, development partners, and enterprises across the continent. 

“The Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) has become a premier forum for policy dialogue, mutual learning, and advancing firm-level competitiveness.  South Africa’s participation in this continental movement reflects our commitment to building a productive, competitive and inclusive economy,” she explained.

South Africa has prioritised productivity improvement as a key driver of employment creation, industrial competitiveness, and inclusive growth.  

“We are committed to deepening the Kaizen approach across industries, from manufacturing and services to public sector institutions, because we believe that productivity is the most sustainable way to enhance national competitiveness and build an economy that works for all,” the Minister said. 

READ |  Kaizen Conference to boost productivity and growth in Africa
–SAnews.gov.za

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SA to forge trade agreements with Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – South Africa is working closely with Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia to establish free trade agreements in a move that will propel the nation’s drive to diversify its markets.

This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa following a visit to the region over the past week – signifying a new chapter of robust economic partnership.

“[Southeast Asian] trade with South Africa is just some $22-25 billion dollars. It needs to be much higher than that and the three countries agreed that we need to increase trade and…increase investment into each other’s countries. That is the main determination that we now go home with.

“We, as South Africa will also focus on the regulatory framework, [and] remove the various barriers. All three countries expressed a view to have a free trade agreement with South Africa which we are going to be working on very closely,” President Ramaphosa said.

READ | President Ramaphosa kicks off Southeast Asia visit with Indonesia State Visit

The future agreements will be founded on a vision of mutual prosperity with increased trade and investment flowing both ways.

“We already export products like coal to some of these countries. We already export fruit and a number of agricultural products. They export technology to us, a number of finished goods and we want to broaden that. We want to make sure that we export more and more to them, and they export more to us.

“South Africa is the most industrialised country [in Africa] and therefore, a gateway into the African continent and all three countries confirmed that they see South Africa as the manufacturing hub…the industrial hub of the African continent and a trade way into the rest of the continent.

“In the end, we have great complementarities. We do not compete with any of the three countries that we visited,” he said.

The visit to Southeast Asia – set amidst increasing global uncertainty – was a strategic mission aimed at deepening ties, solidifying and renewing tapering relations as well as expanding trade.

“We came to this region to diversify our markets – faced with the challenges that many countries are now faced with of tariff impositions.

“These three countries, we’ve had economic and trade dealings with. But our mission in coming this time was to broaden those ties, deepen those ties and to revive old relationships at an investment level, business level and a trade level.

“We do believe that we’ve been hugely successful,” he said.

Historical bonds

Beyond the economics, the journey to Southeast Asia provided a reminder of the deeply profound and enduring historical bonds linking the four nations.

The region supported the anti-apartheid struggle, and South Africa is home to the descendants of peoples of Malaysia and Indonesia who were brought to the country by the colonialist Dutch as forced labourers – a community of South Africans now known as the Cape Malay.

“Our trip here has been an emotional trip, a reconnection process with the people of this part of the world because we have so much in common with them much as they are thousands of kilometres away from South Africa. So, it was a kind of homecoming for us.

“We depart with warm hearts having been well received and having had deep and enduring talks with the Heads of State and Government in the three countries,” President Ramaphosa remarked.

Following the conclusion of the three-nation visit, President Ramaphosa will now embark on a State Visit to Switzerland. – SAnews.gov.za

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Over 200 wanted suspects arrested in Tshwane over the weekend

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane have arrested 251 wanted suspects during a large-scale, zero-tolerance crime operation on Saturday.

The operation was conducted together with the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Community Safety, the Department of Correctional Services and members of the local Community Policing Forum.

The operation was coordinated and executed in the Garsfontein and Boschkop policing precincts under the command of the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine.

“Detectives spearheaded the initiative with the tracing and arrest of 251 wanted suspects linked to various criminal offences including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and rape.

“During [Saturday] evening, two operational teams, supported by a roadblock component, were deployed to patrol and maintain a strong police presence on the streets. This led to the detention of 42 undocumented foreign nationals, who were handed over to immigration authorities for further processing and deportation,” the police said.

In total, 608 persons and 242 vehicles were searched during the operation.

Police further conducted patrols at 16 identified hotspots and inspected 11 liquor outlets for compliance with the Liquor Act. 

“Three outlets were closed due to non-compliance, and 110 520 ml of liquor were confiscated. In addition, nine individuals were fined for public drinking, and one suspect was arrested for possession and dealing in drugs after 49 ziplock bags of dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash were found in his possession.

“Detectives continued their tracing efforts and successfully arrested several additional wanted persons, including one for fraud, two for assault, one for malicious damage to property and one for theft,” the police said.

Traffic officials also played an active role, issuing six Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) infringement notices to the value of R4 000.

Thine thanked all participating departments and stakeholders for their continued collaboration and dedication in ensuring the safety and security of Tshwane residents. – SAnews.gov.za

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Receives Credentials of 23 New Ambassadors

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the credentials of twenty-three ambassadors to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The new ambassadors are as follows:

  • H.E. Ms. Rita Herencsár, Ambassador of Hungary
  • H.E. Mr. Fumio Iwai, Ambassador of Japan
  • H.E. Mr. Aamir Shouket, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
  • H.E. Mr. Maquento Sebastião Lopes, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola
  • H.E. Mr. Mounir Cissé, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea
  • H.E. Ms. Louise Searle, Ambassador of New Zealand
  • H.E. Mr. Michał Murkociński, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland
  • H.E. Mr. Suresh K. Reddy, Ambassador of the Republic of India
  • H.E. Mr. Lars Bo Møller, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark
  • H.E. Ms. Luz Elena Martínez Cossab, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia
  • H.E. Mr. Evgueni Sobolevski, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus
  • H.E. Mr. Mark Bryson-Richardson, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
  • H.E. Mr. Erik B. Husem, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway
  • H.E. Mr. Nguyen Huy Dung, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
  • H.E. Mr. Aidan O’Hara, Ambassador of Republic of Ireland
  • H.E. Mr. Nikoloz Apkhazava, Ambassador of Republic of Georgia
  • H.E. Mr. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates
  • H.E. Mr. Sergio Román Carranza Förster, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain
  • H.E. Mr. Agostino Palese, Ambassador of the Italian Republic
  • H.E. Mr. Henry B. Fahnbulleh, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia
  • H.E. Mr. Christian Müller, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (resident in Luxembourg)
  • H.E. Ms. Tatiana Daniela García Silva, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua (resident in Turkey)
  • H.E. Ms. Daniela Rotondaro, Ambassador of the Republic of San Marino (resident in Rome)
     

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi greeted the new ambassadors accredited to Egypt, expressing Egypt’s pride in its distinguished relations with their respective countries and its firm commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across various fields. The President also extended his sincere wishes for their success in carrying out their diplomatic duties in Cairo, affirming Egypt’s readiness to provide all necessary support and assistance to help deepen the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and coordination between the two sides.

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

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Empowering Ghana’s Youth for a Sustainable Future in Livestock and Fisheries

Source: APO

Over 50 young agripreneurs, farmers, and stakeholders gathered in Ho for a two-day Multi-Stakeholder Youth Dialogue on Sustainable Livestock and Fisheries Development, jointly organized by FAO in Ghana and the World Food Forum Ghana Chapter. The event, held at the Regional Coordinating Council Conference Hall, aimed to strengthen youth participation in livestock and fisheries value chains through farm onsite training, policy engagement, and networking.

The forum combined technical masterclasses, policy discussions, and a field visit to promote youth-led innovation and sustainable practices. Participants explored opportunities under Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act 2025 and the Fisheries Act 1146, focusing on how these reforms can empower young entrepreneurs and ensure sustainable production systems.

Opening the event, a representative of the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. Yanick Agboado in his address, emphasized the importance of youth engagement for the region’s economic transformation.

“The future of agriculture in Ghana depends on the creativity and resilience of our young people,” he said. “By equipping them with the right skills and linking them to policy and market opportunities, we are building the foundation for a more sustainable and inclusive food system.”

The dialogue featured interactive sessions on value addition, access to finance, business management, and green innovation, alongside exhibitions of locally processed livestock and fish products.

“Empowering young people to participate meaningfully in agrifood systems is central to FAO’s mission,” he noted. “This dialogue reflects our collective determination to create better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.” Said FAO Representative to Ghana Ms Priya Gujadhur in an address read on her behalf by Ms Abigail Kanyi.

She reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting youth-driven solutions for sustainable food systems.

The event concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among government, youth, and development partners to ensure that Ghana’s livestock and fisheries sectors remain engines of innovation, resilience, and opportunity for the next generation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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President Ramaphosa to undertake a State Visit to Switzerland

Source: APO


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At the invitation of Her Excellency President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit from 29-30 October 2025 to Switzerland, in the capital city of Bern.

The visit will serve to strengthen political, economic and social ties to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in support of inclusive growth and development in areas of trade and investment, skills development and science and innovation.

A key focus of the visit will also be advancement of a youth cooperation framework aimed at promoting training and capacity building to equip young people with the skills required in the modern economy.

South Africa is Switzerland’s key partner in science, research and technology on the African continent. Switzerland’s 2022 accession to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) deepened collaboration in space and radio astronomy, underscoring a shared commitment to global scientific advancement.

The relationship between the two countries is long-standing, marked by strong economic ties, constructive political dialogue, and collaboration in multilateral forums.

The bilateral relations are managed through the High-Level Consultations at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers. These consultations include several working groups on Foreign Policy Working Group; Human Rights Working Group; Joint Economic Committee; Economic Development Cooperation and Science, Technology and Education.

To date, there are 22 bilateral agreements between both countries. The most notable include agreements on Bilateral Air Services, Double Taxation, Development Cooperation, Science and Technology, and a Visa Agreement.

Switzerland is also a host to multiple international organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has played an important role in South Africa’s history.

Switzerland remains one of South Africa’s key European trading partners. Total trade volume amounted to R18.2 billion in 2024 (Exports R5.7 billion and Imports R12.5 billion – SARS), which places Switzerland as the 30th largest export market for South Africa and Switzerland as the 35th largest source of imports. However, Swiss statistics include South Africa’s gold exports and these show that total trade had reached R159.5 billion (Exports R85.4 billion and Imports R74.1 billion).  This has positioned Switzerland as South Africa’s sixth largest trading partner.

South Africa’s primary exports to Switzerland include precious metals and stones-particularly gold, machinery and agricultural products such as wine, fruit and nuts as well as base metals.  While major imports comprise pharmaceutical products, machinery, and medical equipment.

The President will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande; Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperation, Mr Zuko Godlimpi.

Interested media representative wishing to cover the State Visit should complete the registration form on https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/etc/statevisit-sa.html by 27 October 2025 at 16h00pm (SAST).

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

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Qatar and Djibouti Sign Two MoUs to Establish Joint Committee and Hold Political Consultations

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 26, 2025

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Djibouti signed two memoranda of understanding on Sunday, one on the establishment of a joint committee for cooperation between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, and another on holding political consultations on issues of mutual interest between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti.

The memoranda were signed on behalf of the Qatari side by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi and on behalf of the Djiboutian side by HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Government Spokesperson of the Republic of Djibouti Abdoulkader Houssein Omar.