MEC David Maynier on National Senior Certificate exams in the Western Cape

Source: APO – Report:

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This year, 77 442 candidates will write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in the Western Cape.

Of these, 67 606 are full-time matric candidates, while 9 836 are part-time or repeat candidates. We have 3 231 more full-time candidates writing than in 2024.

The exams begin on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, with 12 736 candidates writing the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Practical exam in the morning. In total, 112 exam papers will be written by the time the exams end on 26 November 2025.

As in previous years, the subject with the largest number of candidates is Mathematical Literacy, with 53 206 candidates writing Paper 1 on Friday, 31 October 2025, and Paper 2 on Monday 3 November 2025.

On the other end of the scale, two subjects have just 1 candidate writing in the Western Cape: Sesotho First Additional Language, and Setswana Home Language.

The implementation of the exams is a mammoth administrative exercise: candidates will write at 473 exam centres, with 2 046 trained invigilators appointed to keep a close eye on proceedings. Marking will take place at the beginning of December, with 954 000 examination scripts being marked by 4 190 markers.

The national minister will announce the national and provincial pass rates on Monday, 12 January 2026, and candidates will receive their individual results the following day.

We appreciate the incredible work that our examination officials do each year to ensure that the exams run smoothly. Our matrics and their teachers have also put in a tremendous amount of work to prepare for these exams, so we appeal to everyone in our province to put the best interests of our candidates first during the exam period.

We wish our candidates all the best for the final days of revision, and look forward to celebrating with them when the results are released!

– on behalf of Western Cape Education ​Department, South Africa.

Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli hosts Roodepan G20 Leadership Dialogue in Sol Plaatje Municipality, 16 Oct

Source: APO – Report:

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Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 09h00 host a G20 Community Leaders Dialogue at the Roodepan community’s Roman Catholic Church in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Frances Baard District, Northern Cape.

This activity will form part of the Government’s country-wide G20 outreach programme. The objectives of the outreach are to:

  • Create awareness about South Africa’s membership to the G20;
  • Inform the public about South Africa’s role as the Presidency of G20 through profiling lead roles and achievements of South Africa’s contribution to the continent and the African Union through trade and financial policy statements;
  • Solicit stakeholder engagement and advocacy for South Africa’s role in the G20 with various stakeholders; and,
  • Profile the outcomes of the 130 identified G20 meetings, including the summit through both the Sherpa and Finance tracks.

The dialogue will be preceded by the visit of the Deputy Minister and other leadership to housing project in Roodepan at 09h00, and then proceed to the Roman Catholic Church for engagement with the community leadership that will commence at 10h00.

Deputy Minister Mhlauli, as the District Development Model (DDM) Champion for the France Baard District, will use the opportunity to engage the Roodepan leadership on the District Development Model in general and how it will better the lives of the people.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Tanzania Launches Pandemic Fund Project to Strengthen Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Source: APO – Report:

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The President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania  in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), today officially launched the Pandemic Fund Project in Mwanza.

This landmark initiative, supported by catalytic funding from the Pandemic Fund, aims to strengthen Tanzania’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future health emergencies and pandemics. Tanzania received a US$25 million grant from the Pandemic Fund and mobilized an additional US$7 million in co-investment and US$6.7 million in co-financing, bringing together strong technical and financial partnerships.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and grounded in a One Health approach, the project is coordinated with the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. As implementing entities, FAO focuses on animal health, UNICEF leads risk communication and community engagement, and WHO strengthens human health systems and emergency readiness.

Hosted under the theme “Strengthening Capacity for Prevention, Preparedness, Detection and Response to Pandemics and other Public Health Emergencies in Tanzania,” the launch brought together high-level government officials, implementing entities, development partners, and technical stakeholders committed to strengthening health systems and intersectoral collaboration.

In his opening remarks, the Guest of Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko, emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships and government leadership in pandemic preparedness to safeguard Tanzania’s future.

“I congratulate development partners and all stakeholders who established this important fund. Statistics shows that for the past 20 years the world is battling multiple health emergencies and here in Tanzania we are not immune. We have experiences of battling Covid 19 and Marburg in recent years, hence strengthening our capacity to prevent and prepare for pandemic response and public health emergencies is not an option, noted Honourable Dr. Doto Biteko. “I want to assure everyone that the Govt is committed to ensure this project is implemented effectively and deliver desired results”.

Tanzania, including both Mainland and Zanzibar, continues to experience steady economic growth alongside increasing risks of zoonotic and cross-border disease transmission. Despite strong adherence to the International Health Regulations (IHR), the country faces challenges in disease detection, laboratory capacity, and early warning systems. The project aligns with Tanzania’s National Action Plan for Health Security and aims to reduce the impact of future epidemics while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

The project is implemented through coordinated technical workstreams focusing on strengthening surveillance and early warning systems, enhancing laboratory networks and diagnostics, and building a skilled health workforce capable of responding to public health emergencies and pandemics. Each workstream is led by the relevant implementing entity and supported by national stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Alex Gasasira, WHO Representative to Tanzania, Dr. Galbert Fedjo, Health Systems Coordinator, emphasized the central role of collaboration in advancing preparedness:

“This project marks a bold step forward in strengthening Tanzania’s health security and pandemic preparedness. With strong government leadership and collaboration across sectors, Tanzania is advancing a One Health approach that links human, animal, and environmental health,” he said. “WHO will build on ongoing work in surveillance, laboratories, and workforce development to leverage this partnership and accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage and the Health for All agenda.”

Building on this, UNICEF highlighted the critical role of community engagement in pandemic preparedness and response.

“Community health workers are the heart and backbone of public health resilience. They are often the first point of contact for families and play a critical role in delivering life-saving information and services,” said Patricia Safi Lombo, UNICEF Deputy Representative to Tanzania. “Through the Pandemic Fund, UNICEF will continue working with local governments, schools, and community leaders to strengthen awareness, promote healthier practices, and ensure that every community has the right information at the right time to protect every child, everywhere.”

Complementing this focus on community and human health systems, FAO underscored the project’s importance for animal and environmental health as part of the One Health approach.

“By strengthening animal health systems and improving coordination between veterinary and public health services, Tanzania is taking vital steps to prevent zoonotic diseases before they spill over to humans,” said Ms Stella Kiambi, FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) Country Team Lead. “FAO will continue working alongside national authorities and partners to build resilient animal health systems that support livelihoods and safeguard public health.”

Representing the Pandemic Fund, Ms. Priya Basu, Executive Head, commended Tanzania’s leadership and commitment to global health security.

“This new project in Tanzania represents an important step in strengthening the country’s preparedness to prevent, detect, and respond to future health threats. By investing in surveillance, laboratories, and workforce development—and adopting a One Health approach—Tanzania is reinforcing the foundation for sustainable health security,” she said. “The Pandemic Fund is proud to support this important country-led effort through catalytic financing and cross-sector collaboration. Our US$25 million grant is helping to mobilize nearly US$14 million in additional co-investment and co-financing from both domestic and international sources.”

The Pandemic Fund Project represents a critical investment in health system resilience and a shared commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods through evidence-based, multisectoral action. By 2027, Tanzania aims to have an integrated, functional disease surveillance and response system capable of effectively monitoring, confirming, and responding to epidemic and pandemic threats.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.

Suriname Emerges as the Caribbean’s Next Oil & Gas Powerhouse

Source: APO – Report:

Suriname is emerging as a rising star in the global energy scene and has the potential to make a significant impact with its vast oil and gas reserves. A string of major offshore oil discoveries has positioned the Caribbean nation as one of the most promising new frontiers in the hemisphere, with recoverable resources estimated at 2.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and natural gas resources around 12.5 trillion cubic feet. At least 10 wells are expected to be drilled offshore between 2025 and 2027 in Suriname’s portion of the Guyana-Suriname Basin, underscoring the rapid pace of exploration and development. With first production on the horizon, Suriname’s transformation from exploration success story to regional energy powerhouse is well underway. As the country prepares to host the inaugural Caribbean Energy Week on March 30-April 1, 2026, Suriname is set to showcase not only its vast hydrocarbon potential but its growing ambitions to shape the region’s energy future. 

Offshore Breakthroughs

Suriname’s recent oil discoveries are concentrated offshore, in deep Atlantic waters bordering Guyana’s prolific Stabroek Block. In just a few years, the country has rapidly established itself as a promising exploration frontier. The centerpiece of this momentum is Block 58, operated by TotalEnergies alongside APA Corporation. Following a string of discoveries between January 2020 and February 2022 – including Maka Central, Sapakara South and Krabdagu – the partners announced the GranMorgu development, a project expected to deliver first oil in 2028. 

GranMorgu marks a turning point for Suriname. With estimated recoverable reserves of around 750 million barrels and a planned production capacity of 220,000 barrels per day, it represents the largest industrial investment in the country’s history, backed by more than $10 billion in capital. Beyond its scale, GranMorgu also reflects a new era of responsible production: zero routine flaring, reinjection of associated gas and an all-electric FPSO designed to minimize emission, which could serve as a model for lower-carbon development in a traditionally high-emission industry. 

Momentum Beyond Block 58 

Just to the north, Block 52, operated by Petronas, has yielded a series of discoveries – including Sloanea, Roystonea and Fusaea – confirming that Suriname’s offshore plays extend far beyond a single block. These wells have encountered oil-bearing reservoirs with strong flow potential, and evaluations are underway to determine commercial viability and tie-back opportunities to existing infrastructure. The area is estimated to hold more than 500 million boe.  

Meanwhile, in Block 53, momentum is accelerating. TotalEnergies recently acquired a 25% stake alongside APA and Petronas, signaling its long-term commitment to the basin. The Baja-1 discovery in this block sits adjacent to GranMorgu, offering the potential to extend the project’s production plateau and create efficiencies across neighboring fields. The alignment of these three blocks – 58, 52 and 53 – positions Suriname to develop a cohesive, scalable oil province with the potential to transform the country’s economic landscape. 

A New Energy Chapter 

These discoveries – their technical promise, commercial outlook and regional implications – will take center stage at Caribbean Energy Week (CEW) 2026, a landmark event set to bring together policymakers, investors and industry leaders from across the region. Hosted in Paramaribo, the forum will underscore the regional significance of Suriname’s energy story and its growing role in shaping the Caribbean’s energy future. 

As global demand for responsibly produced oil endures, Suriname’s combination of scale, strategic partnerships and ESG-focused development has drawn inevitable comparisons to Guyana’s meteoric rise. Yet its trajectory is uniquely its own – guided by a smaller population, a measured approach and a clear vision for inclusive, sustainable growth. 

If GranMorgu comes online as planned in 2028, Suriname could soon produce more than 200,000 barrels per day, positioning it among the largest oil producers in the Caribbean. Coupled with continued exploration success and growing regional cooperation, Suriname’s energy story is only beginning, and CEW 2026 will serve as the platform where that story takes shape on a regional stage. 

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this exciting event contact sales@energycapitalpower.com. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

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Pastoralism: Inside Africa’s Hidden Powerhouse

Source: APO

They supply an estimated 50% of Africa’s meat and 75% of its milk – yet Africa’s pastoralists remain largely invisible and misunderstood. A new documentary argues for a different way of seeing pastoralism: as resilient, adaptable, and central to the drylands’ future. 

Filmed across remote parts of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Sudan, Charting new futures in Africa’s drylands interviews five pastoralist communities who are driving positive change: from a local NGO resolving farmer-herder conflicts, to pastoralist women who are turning climate shocks into new commercial opportunities.  

Innovation in the Face of Adversity 

The film directly challenges common myths about Africa’s pastoralists as tech averse, conflict-prone, and unable to cope with modern-day challenges. Instead, it spotlights their capacity for adaptation and innovation: 

  • South Sudan’s New Women-led Fishing Community: In Bor, South Sudan, widespread seasonal flooding is devastating traditional grazing land. The Dinka pastoralists haven’t retreated – they’ve pivoted. They are now transforming the floods into a lucrative fishing economy, with fish being transported as far as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Now at the riverside, the number of women is higher than the men. Many of them don’t have husbands: they are the men and they are the women in their lives,” notes Awur Thon Jok, a fishmonger. 
  • Nigeria’s NGO Resolving Farmer-Herder Conflicts: Nigerian pastoralist NGO the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO) is helping Fulani pastoralist families access formal justice in the aftermath of farmer-herder conflicts. Their work is successfully bringing killers to court, and shows the role pastoralists can play in finding alternatives to tit-for-tat violence in farmer-herder conflict. 
  • Microchipping and Meat Traceability: Online livestock platform Livestock247 is working with pastoralists to create digital records for cattle, ensuring that meat is traceable and health-certified. The microchip tech – which was developed to be compatible with Fulani livestock customs – is generating new insights on meat traceability, and helping pastoralists access better prices for their animals.  

Critical but Under-supported 

According to Guy Jobbins, Executive Director of SPARC and co-producer of the documentary, these stories are the rule, not the exception: 

“We should not be surprised that pastoralists are driving positive development. They are experts at navigating change. The real issue is that for decades, pastoralists frequently have been marginalised or subjected to interventions that actually ended up undermining their resilience.” 

One example is the installation of boreholes in Oropoi village, Turkana. In the drylands, installing permanent water supplies sounds like a commonsensical solution to water scarcity – but many boreholes in Oropoi have ended up being abandoned as a result of poor placement or planning.  

According to Sammy Ekal, executive director of the Turkana Pastoralists Development Organization (TUPADO), a lack of consultation was one of the key problems in places where boreholes were abandoned: “It’s very important to have these pastoralists involved in decision making here, because it affects them on a daily basis. A stakeholder will come, and make a decision that does not support people in this area.” 

2026: A Pivotal Year for Policy Change 

The United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) provides a critical opportunity to reset the policy agenda. 

Policymakers are being urged to realise the importance of rangelands and pastoralists for their role in restoring degraded lands, fostering sustainable food systems, advancing climate action and more.  

Guy Jobbins commented: 

“IYRP 2026 is a rare opportunity to shine a light on these regions, break down the myths about pastoralism, and truly champion the agency, knowledge, and resilience of people living in Africa’s drylands.” If there is one message from Charting new futures, it is that “Pastoralists do not need ‘saving’, but they do need to be part of the changes happening across the drylands.”  

To explore these stories and insights further, listen to the companion podcast and documentary, which spotlight the realities, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of pastoralism in Africa. 

Podcast: Dynamic Drylands (https://apo-opa.co/3KS9rlh)
Documentary: Charting new futures in Africa’s drylands (https://apo-opa.co/4qhqVYA)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC).

Images: https://apo-opa.co/3KKfOXX

For further information, interviews and to join the event mailing list please contact:
Marina Forsythe
marina@m2elevate.uk

Charlotte King
c.king@odi.org   

About SPARC:
Since 2020, research from the Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) programme has driven a significant shift in how international donors, governments, and the aid sector approach development in the drylands of Africa and the Middle East. By actively filling critical evidence gaps on the effectiveness of existing aid programmes and policies, SPARC is ensuring that investments more effectively and cost-efficiently build the long-term resilience of dryland communities facing recurrent crises. 

SPARC is delivered by a consortium of organisations: Cowater International, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Mercy Corps and ODI Global. It is funded by UK aid from the UK government, and with the aid of a grant from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada.  

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of SPARC, IDRC or its Board of Governors, or the official policies of the Canadian or UK governments. 

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Namibia Launches Key Health Strategies to Improve the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents

Source: APO


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 In a significant move to advance the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents, Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, officially launched two key health policy documents on 9 October 2025 in Windhoek. The two documents are the National Strategy for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH&N) 2025/2026–2029/2030 and the Triennial Report on the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths, Stillbirths, and Neonatal Deaths covering the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2024.

The RMNCAH & N strategy is a roadmap for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it aligns with the World Health Organization Global Strategy for Women, Children and Adolescent Health (2016-2030). The launch marks a renewed national commitment to ending preventable maternal and child deaths and improving access to quality, equitable health services across Namibia. While significant progress has been made in expanding healthcare access, challenges remain, particularly in maternal and neonatal mortality, adolescent health, and nutrition. The RMNCAH&N Strategy aims to tackle these through evidence-based guidelines and a multisectoral approach that promotes integrated care and community empowerment.

The Confidential Enquiry report, compiled by the National Maternal, Stillbirth, Neonatal Death Review Committee (NMSNDRC), investigates causes of death, identifies avoidable factors, and recommends actions to improve outcomes. The report reviewed 150 maternal deaths, with hypertension in pregnancy (16.7%), haemorrhage (16%), and abortive outcomes (12%) as the leading causes. Reporting to the Health Minister, the committee’s findings will inform national policies, guide clinical practice, and help translate lessons into life-saving interventions.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, in a statement read by Mr. Jeremiah Nghipundjwa, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to quality, equitable health services for women, children, newborns and adolescents under the new RMNCAH&N Strategy. She highlighted evidence-based interventions, data-driven solutions, and capacity-building for healthcare workers as key priorities. Highlighting the importance of innovation, investment, and collaboration, Dr. Luvindao urged all stakeholders to listen, act, and uplift the voices of those often unheard. “The success of this strategy depends not just on institutions, but on the commitment of each of us here today,” she said. “Together, we will create a future defined by health, dignity, and opportunity for all, where no woman, child, or adolescent is left behind”.

Namibia has made significant progress in maternal health over the past decade.  As per the data published in April 2025by the Maternal Mortality Estimates Interagency Group, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reduced from 400 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 139. Still above the global target of less than 70 by 2030. The RMNCAH&N Strategy sets ambitious goals to reduce maternal deaths to 60 per 100,000 live birth and neonatal mortality from 24 to 10 per 1,000 live births by 2030. Under-five mortality currently stands at 41 per 1,000, with neonatal deaths declining more slowly and the strategy aims to accelerate the reduction rate and reach 10 deaths per 1000 live births by 2030.

Representing WHO, Dr. Juliet Nabyonga, Health System Advisor, commended Namibia’s commitment to strengthening its health system and underscored the significance of the newly launched RMNCAH&N Strategy. “These milestone documents reflect a renewed national pledge to ensure every woman, newborn, and adolescent not only survives but thrives,” she said. She highlighted the need to institutionalize Primary Health Care, integrate services and empower communities. Dr. Nabyonga reaffirmed WHO’s support in evidence-based guidance, capacity building, and accountability, adding, “Together, we can create a future defined by health, dignity, and opportunity”.

The launch underscores Namibia’s prioritization of maternal, newborn, and adolescent health in line with the SDGs, aiming to improve national outcomes and advance global equity in healthcare. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Namibia.

India Rises onto the Global Stage with GITEX, Amplifying the Nation’s US$350 Billion Tech Economy

Source: APO

  • Mega inaugural GITEX Ai India debuts in April 2027 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, embedding the world’s largest tech network into the world’s fastest-growing digital economy
  • Fueling India’s digital rise, Karnataka drives 42% of the country’s software exports and leads the country in homegrown unicorns

India is one of the world’s largest and most influential tech economies. This industry is likely to hit the US$350 billion [1] mark by 2026 and contribute 10% towards the country’s GDP. Expanding its digital economy into even limitless proportions is its partnership announced with GITEX GLOBAL (www.GITEX.com), the world’s largest tech and AI events network, marking its debut in the country. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, the inaugural GITEX Ai India shall be held in April 2027 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, hosted by and in strategic partnership with the Government of Karnataka’s Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, K-TECH, and Startup Karnataka.

The announcement was made at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai, where year after year the Indian tech and business community has represented one of the largest participating delegations, underlining the deeply embedded ties between Indian tech and the GITEX ecosystem.

GITEX Ai India 2027 is set to amplify the opportunities for cross-border capital inflows, trade collaborations and knowledge exchange, positioning India as a central force in the next wave of technological and economic transformation.

A New GITEX Frontier in the World’s Fastest Growing Major Economy

Earlier this year India ascended IMF’s World Economic Outlook 2025 ranking [2] to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. As supply chains realign worldwide, India has set an ambitious target to propel AI, semiconductor, and electronics manufacturing sector beyond US$500 billion by 2030, with GITEX Ai India serving as a catalytic global platform for industries at the forefront of this transformation. 

The country has the world’s third largest concentration of unicorns [4], with the rise underpinned by national programmes – the Indian Government’s Vision, Viksit Bharat 2047 identifying tech as a core pillar of its US$40 trillion economy by 2047, and IndiaAI Mission fast-tracking sovereign AI models in governance, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Powering India’s tech rise is Karnataka, the country’s undisputed tech powerhouse. The state accounts for 42% of the country’s software exports and is home to the largest number of unicorns in India. With its deep talent base, research ecosystem, and global connectivity, Karnataka is the natural anchor for the inaugural GITEX Ai India 2027 edition.

Dr. Manjula N, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, Information Technology/Biotechnology and Science and Technology, and Department of Rural Development, added: “Welcoming GITEX Ai India to Karnataka is a defining moment for our state and for the nation. Karnataka has long been at the forefront of India’s technology leadership, nurturing the country’s strongest startup ecosystem. Hosting GITEX here is not just a recognition of our state’s legacy, but an opportunity to connect our innovation with the world and attract new partnerships that define the next era of digital India.”

Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, and CEO of KAOUN International, global organiser of GITEX, said, “GITEX and India stand united in vision, innovation, and boundless ambition. Together, GITEX Ai India embodies the spirit, scale, and aspiration of a new digital era – with outsized impact and outcomes that only this partnership can yield. The industry has long envisioned this powerful alliance between India and GITEX, and today I’m pleased to say this partnership is realized. GITEX Ai India shall reshape the world’s tech trajectory.”

GITEX Arrives to Accelerate Global Innovation at India’s Scale

GITEX Ai India brings the world’s most connected tech community into one of the world’s biggest economies. The show focuses on AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, fintech, and agritech, to accelerate trade, investment and frontier innovation between India and the world.

Over 45 years, GITEX has built a strong global credibility that has earned the trust of governments, enterprises, startups, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders to become the world’s largest tech event brand. Today, GITEX spans 14 cities and countries with editions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Serbia, Singapore, Türkiye, and Vietnam.

Deepening the Historic India-UAE Ties

The launch further reinforces the economic ties between India and the UAE. In the first half of 2025, bilateral non-oil trade surged 34% year-on-year to nearly US$38 billion [4], with CEPA-enabled exchanges expanding into digital services, green energy, AI, and space technology. The partnership has broadened beyond trade to include innovation, investment, and the integration of SMEs into global value chains – positioning the UAE as both a trusted partner and a gateway to the international markets for Indian businesses. For more information, visit: www.GITEX-India.com


[1] https://apo-opa.co/495xAid
[2] https://apo-opa.co/4nOlZIR
[3] https://apo-opa.co/4ojT2Ex
[4] https://apo-opa.co/4opnKfJ
[5] https://apo-opa.co/4hmtpRh

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Global.

Media Contact:
Tayce Marchesi
PR Manager
DWTC
tayce.marchesi@dwtc.com
+971 58 552 3994

Follow GITEX Ai India on social media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4hiaaZg
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/47fd8sP
X: https://apo-opa.co/3JeLAM7
Youtube: https://apo-opa.co/47mF6nD
Hashtag: #GITEXAIINDIA

About GITEX Ai India:
GITEX Ai India, is powered by the world’s largest tech and AI event, GITEX, now taking place in 14 cities and countries. The event takes place in April 2027 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, global organizer of GITEX, and is hosted by and in strategic partnership with Government of Karnataka’s Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, K-TECH, and Startup Karnataka. GITEX Ai India, channels India’s fast-growing momentum onto the global stage, with a mission to focus on the nation’s key tech growth sectors covering AI, semiconductors, data centres, quantum, electronics manufacturing, fintech, telecommunications, cybersecurity, agritech, and green tech.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Philippines Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Kampala, October 15, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Wednesday with HE Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations of the Republic of the Philippines Charles C. Jose, on the sidelines of the Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held in Kampala, Uganda.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

Qatar Participates in Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement

Source: Government of Qatar

Kampala, October 15, 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the midterm ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the State of Qatar’s delegation to the meeting.

In his speech at the meeting, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that the world today is facing many challenges that raise doubts about the effectiveness of international systems, laws, and norms, especially with the increase in armed conflicts and economic, environmental, and health crises that fuel the international scene and harm peoples.

He affirmed Qatar’s belief that the best way to achieve the interests of states lies in respecting the rule of law at the international and national levels, and promoting and preserving human rights. He noted that joint work within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement provides an effective platform for dialogue and collective action, as the countries of the Global South represent the largest international bloc. These meetings serve as an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to solidarity, cooperation, and mutual support among member states.

His Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar’s belief that settling disputes by peaceful means is the optimal policy for maintaining international peace and security. He stated that this is clearly evident in the document presented to the meeting, which commends Qatari mediation efforts in partnership with international partners.

One of the most significant efforts, he highlighted, is the mediation to halt the war on Gaza. The first phase of implementing the agreement has begun, with ongoing efforts to advance negotiations toward a second phase that ensures a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and helps alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs indicated that, amid escalating tensions and the growing adoption of policies driven by narrow interests, strengthening multilateralism serves the common interest. He emphasized that the NAM can play a key role in promoting an international system where multilateralism has greater influence and in revitalizing international organizations, particularly the United Nations, to make them more transparent, effective, and democratic.

His Excellency emphasized the State of Qatar’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the NAM, and its dedication to multilateral action and bilateral cooperation with all member states to address common threats and achieve shared goals for the benefit of our countries and peoples.

He praised the efforts of the Republic of Uganda in chairing the NAM Coordinating Bureau and leading the movement’s efforts to achieve its goals.

President El-Sisi Meets the President of Sudan’s Sovereign Council

Source: APO


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Today, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received President of the Sovereign Council of the Republic of Sudan, Lt. General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty, and Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad. And from the Sudanese side, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhi al-Din Salem, Director General of the General Intelligence, Lt.General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan in Cairo, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Eng. Emad al-Din Moustafa Adawy, and Director of the Office of the President of the Sovereign Council, Major General Adel Ismail Abubakr.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi welcomed the visit of Lt. Gen. Al-Burhan to Egypt, commending the deeply-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries and the tangible development they are witnessing in various fields.

The meeting discussed the developments in Sudan, as well as international and regional efforts aimed at ending the war and achieving stability in Sudan. In this regard, President E-Sisi reaffirmed the constants of the Egyptian stance towards Sudan. The President stressed Egypt’s full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Sudan, and its categorical rejection of any attempts that would threaten its security, undermine its national cohesion, or form any parallel governing entities to the legitimate Sudanese government.

For his part, the President of the Sudanese Sovereign Council expressed his deep appreciation for the continuous Egyptian support and President El-Sisi’s efforts in this regard, which demonstrates the deep relations between the two peoples and contributes to Sudan’s efforts to rise from its current crisis and restore security and stability.

The meeting also touched on the importance of the Quartet Mechanism as an umbrella to settle the Sudanese crisis, stop the war, and achieve the required stability. Both sides looked forward to the Quartet Mechanism meeting, which will be held in Washington this October, to yield tangible results aimed at reaching a ceasefire and settling the crisis.

The two sides reviewed the latest developments regarding the Nile water file. Both sides reiterated their categorical rejection of any unilateral measures taken on the Blue Nile that contradict the relevant provisions of international law. In the same context, Lt. Gen. Al-Burhan stressed the unified stance of Egypt and Sudan and the congruence of their interests regarding the Ethiopian Dam issue. In this context, they agreed to strengthen and intensify the mechanisms of consultation and coordination between the two countries to ensure the protection of their shared water rights.

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