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Qatar Voices Strong Condemnation, Denunciation of Escalating Israeli Violations Against Palestinians

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, March 24, 2026

The State of Qatar voiced its strong condemnation and denunciation of the escalating violations committed by Israeli forces and Israeli settlers against the fraternal Palestinian people, through killing, assault, seizure of property, forced displacement, demolition of homes, continuation of settlement and racist policies, violation of the sanctity of holy places and infringement upon their religious and legal status, continued breach of the ceasefire in Gaza, refusal to withdraw from it, and obstruction of the delivery of humanitarian aid to it.
This came in a statement by the State of Qatar, delivered Tuesday by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdalrahman Al Muftah, during her participation in the general debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, Item 7, within the framework of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Her Excellency strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against the fraternal Syrian Arab Republic and the fraternal Republic of Lebanon, and its expansionist policies that aim to undermine the achievement of a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace, and expose security and stability in the Middle East region to further risks.
Her Excellency stressed that the international community’s failure to put an end to these crimes and violations, to hold all those responsible accountable, and to end the Israeli occupation, has contributed to their escalation and has made Israel place itself above the law and disregard international legitimacy.
HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva affirmed that, amidst the current situation in the region, the world should not forget the Palestinian cause, and that it is time for the international community to seriously and effectively assume its responsibilities to ensure that the Palestinian people regain all their legitimate rights, especially the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization of Moldova meets with the Ambassador of Qatar

Source: Government of Qatar

Chisinau | March 24, 2026

His Excellency Mr. Iurie Țurcanu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova, met with His Excellency Dr. Turki bin Abdullah Zaid Al Mahmoud, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Moldova.

During the meeting, they reviewed the cooperative relations between the two countries.

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Water insecurity ranks as a top public concern in Africa as access and service gaps persist

Source: APO

Access to water ranks as one of the top policy priorities for African citizens, Afrobarometer surveys (https://apo-opa.co/3NY99er) across 38 African countries reveal.

Challenges in access to water are particularly pronounced among rural populations and economically disadvantaged groups, who face persistent inequalities in the availability of clean water and sanitation services. Rural residents are more likely to experience water shortages and rely on alternative sources such as boreholes and tubewells, while access to piped water remains concentrated in urban areas and among better-off households.

A majority of Africans are dissatisfied with their government’s performance in providing safe drinking water and sanitation. There are more positive assessments among urban and economically secure respondents, highlighting the intersection of geography, poverty, and service-delivery outcomes.

Key findings

  • On average across 38 countries, water supply ranks third among the most important problems that Africans want their government to address, trailing health and unemployment and tied with education, the increasing cost of living, and infrastructure/roads (Figure 1).
    • Concern about water security vary widely across countries (Figure 2): More than half (57%) of Guineans rank water among their country’s most important problems, while virtually no Seychellois share this perception. Water outranks all other problems in Guinea, Chad, Benin, and Mozambique.
  • Water supply is of particular concern among rural residents and the poor, who suffer major disadvantages on all indicators of access to clean water and sanitation. Rural residents are more likely than urbanites to report frequently going without enough water (29% vs. 21%) (Figure 3).
  • Piped water is far less common in rural areas than in cities (33% vs. 71%), while boreholes/tubewells are more often present in rural zones (56% vs. 35%) (Figure 4).
    • The poorest respondents are least likely to live in areas served by a piped water system (40%, vs. 77% of the best-off respondents) and most likely to have a nearby borehole or tubewell (51%, vs. 28% of respondents experiencing no lived poverty).
  • Only 39% of citizens say their government is doing an adequate job of providing water and sanitation services (Figure 5). Approval of the government’s efforts increases with respondents’ economic status, ranging from just 26% among the poorest to 60% among those experiencing no lived poverty.

Afrobarometer surveys

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, nonpartisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys (2024/2025) cover 38 countries.

Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews with nationally representative samples of adults in the language of the respondent’s choice that yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Iberi
Afrobarometer communications coordinator for East Africa
Email: diberi@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +254 725 674 457

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Qatar Extends Condolences to UAE As Civilian Contractor Martyred During Bahrain Mission

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | March 24, 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the United Arab Emirates over the death of a civilian contractor serving with the UAE armed forces.

The victim was reported martyred during a routine mission in the Kingdom of Bahrain following an Iranian missile attack targeting the kingdom.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms Qatar’s full solidarity with the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and support for all measures undertaken by both nations to safeguard their sovereignty and security.

The Ministry also extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the martyr, wishing a swift recovery to those injured among the personnel of the UAE Ministry of Defense and the Bahrain Defense Force.

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DRC Mining Week pushes to maintain award-winning standards with expert adboard from across value chain

Source: APO


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The organisers of the award-winning annual expo and conference DRC Mining Week in Lubumbashi have announced the list of selected experts who comprise the advisory board of this record-breaking event.

DRC Mining Week, organised by VUKA Group, was awarded “Event of the Year” at the Katanga Awards in November last year, reaffirming its status as the leading platform for mining investment, project development, and economic transformation in the DRC. The event also celebrated its 20th anniversary with another record-breaking event in June 2025. The 2026 edition will return to the Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel from 17–19 June 2026.

Creating systemic change

“We pride ourselves in being thé platform for the industry, by the industry,” says Samukelo Madlabane, Events Director – Mining for VUKA Group, “and the expert input from our advisory board of pioneers has always provided the motivation and fire in us to keep improving and innovating and to create an event that not only gathers, educates, and celebrates, but also challenges our partners and delegates. We must never be afraid to ask the hard, uncomfortable questions or address the rhetorical elephant in the room. It is the only way forward to create systemic change, shaping national policy, building international confidence, and advancing the DRC’s position in the global mining value chain.”

“We are honoured to announce the list of our experienced advisory board,” Madlabane continues. “They are all highly skilled and accomplished in their own right, representing the wide-ranging value chain in the national and global extractive and mining sector. We appreciate their time, contributions and with their help, we are poised and on track for another memorable DRC Mining Week in the heart of the Copperbelt from 17 to 19 June.”

Knowledge partners 

  • Prof. Dieudonné- Louis Tambwe, Deputy Technical Director, CTCPM, Ministry of Mines, 
  • Guy Muswil, Executive HSE & Sustainability, Kamoa Copper SA, DRC  
  • John Kanyoni, Managing Director, Tembo Power, DRC  
  • Parfait Nsenga Mirambo, Senior Audit Manager, Deloitte, DRC 
  • Popol Mabolia Yenga, Managing Director, Mining Cadaster, DRC 
  • Patience Mpofu, Non-Executive Director & CEO, Insight Mining Experts Pty, Australia  

Resource partners 

  • Bakomeka Kelina Adolphe, Technical Advisor to the Chamber of Mines, DRC 
  • Bernadette Mpundu Mpia, Vice-President of the Chamber of Mines in charge of mining entrepreneurship, DRC 
  • Cyrille Mutombo, Country Director of Barrick DRC and Managing Director of Kibali Gold Mines 
  • Eric Monga, Chief Executive, Kipay Investments, DRC  

DRC Mining Week dates and venue 2026:

– Expo and conference: 17–19 June 2026
– Location: The Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact:
Jiten Ramjee,
VUKA Group
Email: jiten.ramjee@wearevuka.com

Social Media:
Website: https://apo-opa.co/3NqAmq5
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4uOCY1J
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4uP7cSi
LinkedIN: https://apo-opa.co/3PqzXEF

About DRC Mining Week:
DRC Mining Week is organised by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com) (formerly Clarion Events Africa), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4t093lq), Nigeria Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4t5LTdx), Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4sCySZe), Africa’s Green Economy Summit (https://apo-opa.co/47kuFkc), Carbon Markets Africa Summit (www.CarbonMarketsAfrica.com), Smarter Mobility Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4taxfSq), ECOM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/47Qfak4) and CEM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/40QjNac).

Mining Review Africa (www.MiningReview.com), the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event’s premium media partner.

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Dr. Rasha Kelej Recognized for the Seventh Consecutive Year as One of Africa’s 100 Most Influential Women

Source: APO

Following her recent recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans 2025 by New African Magazine (UK), Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” Campaign, has now been named among the 100 Most Influential African Women 2025 by Avance Media, for the seventh consecutive year. She is recognized alongside Africa’s highest-ranking leaders, including H.E. SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN, President of Tanzania, and H.E. NDEMUPELILA NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH, President of Namibia. The recognition highlights her unwavering commitment to women empowerment, girls’ education, and the transformation of patient care across Africa.

The annual list celebrates African women whose leadership, influence, and accomplishments continue to shape decision-making at the highest levels locally and internationally.

Commenting on the recognition, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) said, “I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women for the seventh consecutive year. It is a privilege to be named alongside Africa’s esteemed leaders, including the Presidents of Tanzania and Namibia, and so many inspiring change-makers. Congratulations to all the remarkable women recognized this year.”

“I am grateful for this recognition, which acknowledges Merck Foundation’s unwavering commitment to building healthcare capacity, transforming patient care landscape with a strong focus on women’s health, empowering infertile women in particular and women in general, and supporting girl education to help them realize their full potential. This honor further motivates us to build a lasting legacy of impact and change across Africa for generations to come.” Added Dr. Rasha Kelej, a widely respected leader across the continent, working closely with governments, First Ladies, healthcare professionals, and local communities.

Over a Decade of Transformative Leadership

Under Dr. Rasha Kelej’s leadership, Merck Foundation has launched and scaled multiple high-impact programs, including the Scholarship Program for Healthcare Providers, which is transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality, equitable healthcare across Africa and beyond; the landmark “More Than a Mother” movement started by her in 2015, through which she is building quality & equitable reproductive and fertility care capacity, breaking infertility stigma, and raising awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility; and the “Educating Linda” Program, which supports girls’ education across numerous African countries.

Over the past 11 years, Dr. Rasha Kelej has worked closely with more than 33 First Ladies of Africa and Asia, who are the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign, alongside Ministries of Health, Education, Gender, Information and Communication, academia, research institutions, media, and the arts.

Transforming Patient Care, Creating a Lasting Legacy

Under her leadership, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2500 scholarships to young healthcare providers from 52 countries, in over 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Before the launch of Merck Foundation programs in 2012, many countries like The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia etc. had either no, or very few, specialists in critical fields such as oncology, fertility and reproductive care, diabetology, respiratory medicine, and intensive care. Through the visionary leadership of Dr. Rasha Kelej, Merck Foundation has played a pivotal role in addressing these gaps and transforming healthcare capacity across these nations.

“Many of our alumni have become the first-ever specialists in their countries. Through these milestones, we are not only strengthening healthcare systems, we are truly making history,” she explained.

Empowering Women in Healthcare and STEM, and Girls in Education

Out of the 2500+ scholarships provided, nearly 1200 have been provided to female healthcare professionals, reflecting their commitment to empower women in healthcare.

Merck Foundation also announces annually the MARS Awards (Merck Africa Research Summit) to recognize and empower Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, promoting African scientific research and women’s participation in STEM, with a special focus on women’s health and reproductive care.

Through the “Educating Linda” Program, in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies, Dr. Kelej is supporting the education of more than 1200 girls by providing annual scholarships to deserving yet underprivileged schoolgirls, enabling them to complete their studies and achieve their full potential. The scholarships are provided for girls from 19 African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, among others. Additionally, the program provides essential school supplies to thousands of schoolgirls across several African countries.

Inspiring Change Through Innovation, Art, and Creativity

Dr. Rasha Kelej’s is raising awareness about several critical social issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage and FGM, stopping gender-based violence, women empowerment and also health issues like diabetes, hypertension and cancer. She strongly believes that media, fashion and art can be strong tools to raise awareness about these pressing issues and create a culture shift.

She conceptualized, produced, directed, and hosts “Our Africa by Merck Foundation”, a unique pan-African TV program that raises awareness on health and social issues through Fashion and Art with Purpose. The program is broadcast across multiple African countries and streamed on Merck Foundation and Dr. Kelej’s social media platforms.

Believing strongly in the power of creative advocacy, Dr. Kelej has also:

  • Produced over 30 awareness songs in English, French, Portuguese, and local African languages
  • Launched 9 children’s storybooks in three languages
  • Developed 6 animated films in four languages
  • Trained over 4000 journalists across 45 countries
  • Established 8 annual awards recognizing excellence in media, fashion, film, and music for social and health impact and awareness

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of for Africa.

Social Media:
Dr. Rasha Kelej Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4rQ6Ojw
Dr. Rasha Kelej Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/41piIGo
Dr. Rasha Kelej Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4lKybu0

For more information on Merck Foundation, please visit: www.Merck-Foundation.com

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SAHPRA recalls Citro-Soda batches over contamination risk

Source: Government of South Africa

SAHPRA recalls Citro-Soda batches over contamination risk

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recalled specific batches of Citro-Soda Regular, following the discovery of potential contamination risks at the Adcock Ingram manufacturing facility in Clayville, Johannesburg. 

The recall affects Citro-Soda Regular 60g, 120g, and 4g sachets, with batch numbers starting with the letter “C,” all produced at the Clayville site. Products manufactured at other facilities, including those produced in India, are not affected.

SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, confirmed the recall during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, saying the move demonstrates the regulator’s commitment to public safety.

The CEO assured the public that the decision to recall the product followed a thorough inspection of the facility and a detailed assessment of its manufacturing practices. 

“As a regulator, our mandate is to ensure that every health product you consume is of good quality, safe and effective…when we become aware of any details that indicates that there is any compromise of the quality, safety or efficacy of health products, we will act and we will do so decisively,” she said.

The recall follows an inspection prompted by a whistleblower report, which uncovered serious non-compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards at the Clayville facility.

SAHPRA has urged consumers to alert them of any quality defects that they come across. 

“We would like to urge the public that as part of the country, as citizens of the country, and as those who consume these products, please do alert us of any quality defects that you encounter, with any health product available in the country,” Semete-Makokotlela said. 

SAHPRA Inspectorate and Regulatory Compliance Head, Lebohang Mazibuko, said critical deficiencies were identified, including contamination risks from metallic and black residues on equipment. 

“We found [the] presence of metal fragments from the manufacturer equipment and some unknown black particles from those manufacturing equipment. Those metal fragments were from the manufacturing vessels that are used to manufacture this product. Hence, we say you cannot consume a metal and be well after that,” Mazibuko said.

Other issues included inadequate cleaning procedures, damaged and rusted equipment, and the absence of proper air handling systems to control contamination.

SAHPRA emphasised that the recall is limited to affected batches of Citro-Soda Regular produced at the Clayville facility and does not extend to other products manufactured by Adcock Ingram.

Regulatory Compliance Manager, Mokgadi Daphney Fafudi, said the recall is being implemented across all distribution channels, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and retail outlets.

“The public needs to note that this is not a withdrawal of a product, but it’s a recall of batches that do not comply, and these can be returned to the nearest facilities, whether it’s a health facility or a retail facility. Otherwise, they can contact Adcock Ingram, the contact details are available on our website,” she said. 

The regulator further urged consumers to take note of the batch numbers when purchasing the product. 

“We have only recalled the batch numbers that start with C of the regular Citro-Soda, all regular Citro-Soda with batch that starts with C, which are also listed on the recall notice are the ones that are affected,” Fafudi emphasised.

The SAHPRA will closely monitor both the recall process and compliance at the facility until all affected batches have been removed. 

“We will monitor this recall up until all the batches have been recalled and they have been destroyed. And we will also monitor compliance of the site up until they have satisfactorily addressed the corrective actions and the preventative actions that are required that were also prescribed,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Bridging the digital divide

Source: Government of South Africa

Bridging the digital divide

Learners at Louwville High School in Vredenburg on the West Coast of the Western Cape are stepping into a more connected future, following the handover of a Mobile Digital Library by Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli. 

The handover forms part of ongoing efforts to expand access to digital learning resources, enhance teaching and learning outcomes, and promote digital inclusion, particularly in schools with limited connectivity and infrastructure. 

“As a government, we remain committed to building a capable, inclusive, and digitally enabled society. Initiatives such as this one are aligned with our broader vision of ensuring that no young person is left behind in the digital age. Through this Mobile Digital Library, we take a meaningful step toward ensuring that the right to education and access to information are realised in practice.

“Because when we invest in young people, we invest in the future of our economy, our democracy, and our nation,” Mhlauli said on Tuesday.

The Mobile Digital Library provides learners and educators with access to curriculum-aligned content through offline digital platforms, enabling interactive and technology-enabled education.

“This year also marks 30 years of our democratic Constitution, a living document that enshrines the rights to education, access to information, and human dignity. Today, we give practical expression to those rights.

“Because access to education, access to information, and access to opportunity are not abstract ideals. They are fundamental human rights. And in today’s world, those rights are deeply connected to digital access,” she said.

She expressed concern that South Africa continues to grapple with deep inequalities, especially within the education system. 

“Too many of our young people, particularly in underserved communities, remain excluded from the digital world that increasingly defines success in the 21st century. This Mobile Digital Library is a direct intervention in that reality.

“It says to every learner here that you matter. Your potential matters. And your access to the tools of the future matters. Because in today’s world, digital access is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. It is the foundation upon which education, innovation, and economic participation are built,” the Deputy Minister added.

She encouraged the learners at the school to explore subjects beyond textbooks, learn new skills and discover new careers. 

“Teach yourselves to code, to research, to think critically, and to innovate. Because the future economy will reward those who create, who solve problems, and who lead.

“To the teachers and the broader community. Support learners in navigating this digital space responsibly and productively.

“To parents and community members, protect it, support it, and take pride in it. This is a shared asset, and its success belongs to all of you,” Mhlauli said.

She stressed the importance of the government, communities and the private sector working together with a shared purpose.

“I would like to commend our partners Kumba Iron Ore, Transnet, and RuraTech for their commitment to investing in young people and in the future of this country.

“This is what meaningful partnership looks like. It is not only about corporate social responsibility. It is about co-creating solutions that have a lasting impact. When we align resources, expertise, and intent, we move faster and we move further,” Mhlauli said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Steenhuisen hails court decision on national FMD strategy

Source: Government of South Africa

Steenhuisen hails court decision on national FMD strategy

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed today’s outcome in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, which has affirmed the department’s lawful authority to regulate and manage South Africa’s response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

The application brought by Sakeliga and others sought urgent interim relief that would have effectively allowed for unregulated private procurement and administration of FMD vaccines, outside of the established national framework.

Steenhuisen noted that the court did not grant the urgent relief sought by the applicant, instead, the matter has been postponed to allow the department to finalise its vaccination scheme.

The department has been given a defined and reasonable timeframe within which to publish a vaccination scheme in terms of existing legislation.

The Minister said the outcome reinforces the principle that South Africa’s biosecurity response must be coordinated, science-based, and aligned with national and international standards.

“This matter was never simply about access to vaccines. It was about ensuring that South Africa’s response to FMD remains credible, coordinated, and compliant with the legal framework that protects both our national herd and our export markets,” the Minister said in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that the attempt to secure an urgent court intervention to bypass established regulatory processes, was both premature and misdirected.

“The court has recognised that there are no grounds for urgent intervention that would disrupt the State’s ongoing disease control strategy. This is an important affirmation of the role of government in managing animal health risks in a structured and responsible manner.”

The Minister confirmed that the department has already been working on the development of a formal vaccination scheme, and that the court’s directive provides clarity on the process and timeframe for its publication.

He said the scheme has already gone through extensive consultation with the Ministerial Task Team and industry stakeholders.

“This process is already well underway. The scheme will provide a structured mechanism for broader participation, while maintaining the necessary safeguards around traceability, vaccine integrity, and disease control,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister further emphasised that South Africa’s FMD strategy is progressing, with vaccine procurement, distribution, and administration continuing under strict regulatory oversight, and with additional consignments of vaccines already secured.

“Our priority remains clear: to stabilise outbreaks, protect the national herd, and restore South Africa’s animal health status in line with international standards. That requires discipline, coordination, and adherence to the law, not fragmentation,” he said.

The Minister reiterated the department’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders within the framework of the law, and that “lawful mechanisms for participation already exist.”

“We will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders. But we will not compromise on the principles that underpin an effective biosecurity system,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

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Kaspersky and African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) conduct joint cybersecurity training for African law enforcement

Source: APO

As part of a joint initiative with AFRIPOL, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) provided cybersecurity training courses for law enforcement representatives from 23 African countries, unfolding the fundamentals of Security Operations Center (SOC) activities and advanced threat hunting techniques.

As cyberthreats continue to grow in scale and complexity, strengthening the technical capabilities of law enforcement agencies has become an important priority worldwide. Through knowledge-sharing programmes, technology companies can contribute practical expertise gained from real-world cyber investigations and threat analysis. Such collaboration helps equip law enforcement professionals with the skills and tools needed to investigate digital crimes more effectively and strengthen cybersecurity capabilities.

From November 2025 to March 2026, around 40 African officers from 23 countries* received “Security Operations and Threat Hunting” training, provided as part of the cooperation agreement between Kaspersky and AFRIPOL signed in 2024. During the training, African officers gained practical knowledge of Security Operations Center (SOC) activities and modern cyber-defence practices. The programme covered key aspects of threat detection and incident investigation, including how to identify malicious activity in Windows and Linux environments, analyse attacker tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and use threat intelligence to uncover advanced threats.

As part of the training, a series of online Q&A sessions were organised, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with experts and course authors from Kaspersky’s Security Services team. These sessions allowed attendees to clarify complex topics, discuss practical cases and receive additional insights, reinforcing the learning experience and ensuring a deeper understanding of key cybersecurity concepts.

“Cybercrime today is highly sophisticated, borderless and constantly evolving, which means no single organisation can tackle it alone. This is why cooperation and knowledge sharing between the private cybersecurity sector and law enforcement agencies are so critical. Our long-standing collaboration with AFRIPOL demonstrates the value of this approach. Over the years, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL have worked together to better understand the cyberthreat landscape across Africa and to support international efforts aimed at disrupting cybercrime. By continuing to invest in training and capacity building, we aim to support law enforcement professionals with the expertise they need to investigate digital crimes effectively and contribute to building a safer and more trusted digital environment for everyone,” says Yuliya Shlychkova, Vice President, Public Affairs, at Kaspersky.

“Strengthening the capabilities of law enforcement agencies is essential to effectively address the growing complexity of cybercrime across the African continent. Initiatives such as this training programme play an important role in equipping officers with the practical skills needed to investigate cyber incidents, analyse digital evidence and respond to emerging threats. Cooperation with partners from the private cybersecurity sector, such as Kaspersky, helps law enforcement agencies stay informed about the latest threat trends and investigative approaches. We highly value this collaboration and the opportunity it creates to further develop the cybercrime response capabilities of AFRIPOL member countries,” says Dr Mohammed Benaired, Head, Training and Capacity Building Division at AFRIPOL.

In 2024, to further enhance global efforts to combat cyber offenses, Kaspersky and AFRIPOL signed (http://apo-opa.co/4taXNTz) a cooperation agreement in preventing and fighting cybercrime. Covering a period of five years, the document formalises and facilitates cooperation between the company and the law enforcement agency in sharing threat intelligence data on the latest cybercriminal activities and entails the provision of assistance and know-how in information security analysis.

Kaspersky Expert Training is used by numerous organisations and academic institutions to advance their skills in battling against cybercrime. Since the inception of this online training programme, Kaspersky experts have trained more than 3,000 specialists from 50 countries around the world. Providing their expertise with 12 educational courses, they share their insights on advanced tactics and strategies in Reverse Engineering, Threat Hunting, Incident Response and more – each divided by the level of students’ experience. Learn more here https://apo-opa.co/4bugdIL.

*Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
nicole@inkandco.co.za

Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4rOS1FS
X: https://apo-opa.co/4t6RfoN
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4d7bf6a
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4rRDBoy
Blog: https://apo-opa.co/4uT9KPq

About AFRIPOL:
AFRIPOL, the African Union’s dedicated police cooperation body, plays a crucial role in strengthening collaboration among the police forces of AU Member States to prevent and combat transnational organized crime, terrorism, cybercrime and emerging threats. Established through statutes endorsed by the Conference of AU Heads of State and Government in January 2017, AFRIPOL empowers the police services of its 55-member states by enhancing their operational capabilities, promoting the exchange of critical resources and expertise, and coordinating joint efforts to dismantle organized criminal networks across the continent. With a strategic focus on building resilience and fostering a unified approach to security, AFRIPOL supports member states in responding effectively to interconnected cyber and criminal threats. Learn more at https://apo-opa.co/4bwLYRu.

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure and governments around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading digital life protection for personal devices, specialized security products and services for companies, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help millions of individuals and nearly 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

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