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Qatar Affirms Keenness to Strengthen International Partnerships through International Cooperation and Multilateral Action

Source: Government of Qatar

New York| October 09, 2025

The State of Qatar affirmed its commitment to strengthening its international partnerships within the framework of international cooperation and multilateral action, and to support the efforts of developing countries in implementing and achieving the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals. This is achieved by directing partnerships with UN agencies to provide development and humanitarian assistance to countries facing development challenges and disasters beyond their capabilities, in addition to partnerships with the UN to implement the outcomes of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (2022-2031).

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN Talal Abdulaziz Al Naama before the General Debate of the Second Committee during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York.

The Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN explained that developing countries face many challenges that hinder the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, noting that the world is witnessing wars and armed conflicts that have caused humanitarian disasters, displacement, and the destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods, in addition to the multiple risks to the lives of the most vulnerable groups. He added that the world is also witnessing the devastating effects of climate change and the resulting shocks and disasters that threaten the lives of millions of people. There are also economic challenges represented by the debt burden, scarcity of development financing, difficulty in borrowing, and the digital divide.

Al Naama added that the State of Qatar welcomed the adoption of General Assembly resolution 79/323, entitled the Sevillaآ Commitment, last August. This resolution affirmed the need to continue reforming international financing structures and improving their effectiveness and flexibility to address current and future challenges and crises, and to strengthen national efforts to achieve economic and social development by creating a favorable international economic environment and effective means of implementation that encourage comprehensive and sustainable economic growth, and to recognize the right to development so that no one is left behind.

He stressed that Qatar is making rapid strides in implementing Qatar National Vision 2030, noting the launch of its third phase at the beginning of 2024, which aims to build a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy, utilizing digital technology, science and innovation applications, strengthening infrastructure, increasing productivity and stimulating the business environment, with a focus on human development, caring for the family as the basic building block of society, expanding healthcare and social protection services, protecting the environment and building capacity to confront the effects of climate change.

Al Naama added that Qatar will host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November, providing an opportunity for high-level dialogue on accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Qatar will also co-host with the Republic of Brazil the first meeting of the leaders of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty as a key event on the sidelines of the summit.

He affirmed the State of Qatar’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s initiative to reform the international organization, and renewed support for the UN Resident Coordinator System for the 2025-2026 period with a total of $1 million, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level and assist countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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Qatar Affirms Commitment to International Disarmament Mechanisms to Promote Regional and Global Peace and Security

Source: Government of Qatar

New York| October 09, 2025

The State of Qatar has affirmed its commitment to international mechanisms and measures aimed at disarmament, particularly regarding nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, in a bid to promote peace and security at both regional and international levels.

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani during the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s First Committee at its 80th session, held at UN headquarters in New York.

The Second Secretary of Qatar’s Permanent Mission emphasized that the proliferation of conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons continues to pose a threat to nations and peoples, violating fundamental human rights. He noted that this threat has grown in recent times due to the persistence of armed conflicts in various parts of the world, amid a lack of consensus and effective arrangements to resolve or limit them, including efforts related to conflict prevention and peace-building.

He stressed that avoiding the negative consequences of armed conflicts requires the international community to intensify efforts to strengthen disarmament strategies at all levels including for small arms and light weapons.
In this regard, he underscored that the effective implementation of agreements on monitoring and tracing these weapons, and combating their illicit trade and trafficking, contributes to curbing their spread and mitigating the intensity of conflicts.

He expressed the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the Israeli occupation forces’ targeting of civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip including hospitals, schools, and refugee camps stressing that such attacks have led to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and the loss of tens of thousands of civilian lives. He warned that these actions pose a serious threat to international peace and security, particularly in the Middle East.

The State of Qatar has called for an immediate ceasefire and for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian and relief aid and essential supplies to all those in need throughout Gaza, he said.

He also reiterated the State of Qatar’s welcome of the United Nations Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction. He expressed support for the Kingdom of Morocco’s presidency of the conference’s sixth session due to conclude at the end of November and voiced hope for full regional cooperation to ensure the success of the conference and its goals of strengthening regional and global peace and security.

The Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations emphasized that the State of Qatar attaches great importance to the implementation of treaties and agreements on nuclear non-proliferation, the prohibition of nuclear weapons, and the prevention of their use, testing, or threat of use. He further noted that Qatar is updating its national laws and procedures on disarmament and non-proliferation in line with its international commitments.

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Azule Energy Recognized as Exploration & Production (E&P) Leader of the Year at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Bold Exploration Drive

Source: APO – Report:

International energy company Azule Energy was recognized as the Exploration & Production Leader of the Year at this year’s African Energy Awards and Gala Dinner. Hosted during the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference, the accolade comes as the company advances a series of ambitious exploration projects in Angola.

This year has marked a defining moment for Azule Energy in Angola as it continues to consolidate its position as a regional energy powerhouse. In August 2025, the company achieved first oil at the Agogo FPSO in Block 15/06 – one of the country’s most technically advanced offshore projects – followed by the launch of the first cargo in September. The FPSO joins the operational Ngoma facility to harness resources from the Agogo and Ndungu fields, with peak production expected to reach 175,000 barrels per day (bpd).

The Agogo FPSO represents the second phase of the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development, a project that underscores Angola’s commitment to sustainable, high-efficiency offshore operations. Azule Energy is now preparing for the third phase, which will include the disconnection of the Ngoma facility to optimize operating expenditure and further streamline production. With total production already surpassing 210,000 bpd, the company is on track to achieve its broader goal of 370,000 bpd through a balanced mix of exploration, development and enhanced recovery initiatives.

Beyond Agogo, Azule Energy continues to advance a robust upstream portfolio that reinforces Angola’s long-term competitiveness as a petroleum producer. In September 2025, the company signed a landmark agreement with the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG) for Block 31, located in the ultra-deepwaters of the Lower Congo Basin. The agreement consolidates four producing fields – Plutão, Saturno, Vênus and Marte – under a single development framework, extending the license to 2032. The move is expected to improve recovery rates and generate new production synergies across the basin.

Exploration remains central to Azule Energy’s growth strategy. The company plans to drill new wells in Block 15/06 in 2026, leveraging Angola’s 2024 Incremental Production Decree, which incentivizes reinvestment in mature fields. Simultaneously, Azule Energy will spud a frontier exploration well in Block 47, marking the first drilling activity in the block.

In 2025, the company also made headlines with a major gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 well in Block 1/14, estimated to hold up to one trillion cubic feet of gas and 100 million barrels of condensate. The find strengthens Angola’s ambition to become a leading regional gas producer. Central to this vision is the New Gas Consortium, led by Azule Energy, which is spearheading Angola’s first non-associated gas development through the Quiluma & Maboqueiro project. On track for first production in 2025, the project will supply processed gas to the Angola LNG facility, enabling domestic power generation and export.

“Azule Energy represents the future of African exploration and production. Its multi-faceted approach – reinvesting in mature fields while pursuing frontier exploration – reflects a bold development strategy in Africa. By advancing deepwater production and natural gas infrastructure, the company is transforming Angola’s upstream landscape,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Minister Angie Motshekga appointed as Acting President

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 9, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, to serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa during the concurrent absence from the country of both the President and the Deputy President.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said this appointment is made in accordance with Section 90(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which provides for the delegation of Presidential authority when both the President and the Deputy President are unable to fulfil the duties of the office.

President Ramaphosa undertook an official visit to Ireland on Wednesday and will thereafter attend the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium on Thursday. 

“During this period, Minister Motshekga will accordingly serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Brussels for Global Gateway Forum

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Wednesday evening arrived in Brussels in the Kingdom of Belgium following a successful Official Visit to Ireland.

At the invitation of the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum (GGF), taking place from 9-10 October 2025.

Today, President Ramaphosa will address the Opening Plenary Session on the theme: “Advancing Global Connectivity in the Face of Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Challenges.”

Later, on the margins of the Forum, the President will hold bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government attending the GGF and engage with leading CEOs of industry.

“South Africa’s participation in the Global Gateway Forum aims to attract trade and investment, strengthen relations, and leverage mutual opportunities in the lead-up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

“The European Union’s external investment strategy, known as Global Gateway, seeks to boost smart, clean, and secure links in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, while strengthening health, education, and research systems across the world,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

President von der Leyen will lead the GGF, which brings together Heads of State and Government, along with senior representatives from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The Forum will explore innovative strategies for scaling up European investments in partner countries.

Building on the success of the inaugural Forum in 2023, this year’s event will focus on advancing global connectivity amid geopolitical and geo-economic challenges. 

Heads of State and Government from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, will attend. A high-level South African business delegation will also participate in the Forum.

The visit to Brussels follows recent engagements between President Ramaphosa and President von der Leyen, including their meeting on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, and the successful 8th South Africa–EU Summit held in March 2025. 

On the margins of the GGF, the two Leaders will hold a bilateral meeting and subsequently address a joint media briefing on the EU–South Africa Investment Announcement.

The Presidency said this engagement takes place within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and the European Union. 

The EU remains South Africa’s largest trade and investment partner and a key development cooperation partner. South Africa’s exports to the EU increased by 82%, from approximately R203.2 billion in 2016 to R370.7 billion in 2024, while imports from the EU rose by 38%, from R308.8 billion in 2016 to R427 billion in 2024 over the same period.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi; and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Special Official Funeral to honour Ambassador Mthethwa

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 9, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

The funeral service will take place at KwaMbonambi in KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Ambassador Mthethwa, who served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris, France, passed away in the French capital on 30 September 2025, at the age of 58.

He was appointed as Ambassador to France in December 2023, following 15 years in Cabinet where he served in the portfolios of Sport, Arts and Culture; Arts and Culture; Police; and Safety and Security. His tenure in the National Executive was preceded by a lifetime of political involvement and leadership.

“On behalf of Government and the nation, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deepest condolences to Ambassador Mthethwa’s wife, Ms Philisiwe Buthelezi, and the extended Mthethwa and Buthelezi families.

“The President assures the families of the nation’s appreciation for the diverse roles in which Ambassador Mthethwa served the country,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Special Official Funeral Category 2 declared by President Ramaphosa will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.

The President has also directed that the National Flag be flown half-mast from today until the evening of the funeral on Sunday, 12 October. 

Mthethwa’s body is currently enroute from France to South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA, Nigeria reaffirm commitment to cooperation in science and innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and Nigeria have reaffirmed their full commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI) as this remains a priority within the countries’ science diplomacy agendas.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, met with Alexander Temitope Ajayi, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to South Africa in Pretoria on Wednesday, on the margins of the Nigerian Independence Day celebration. 

The engagement was aimed at strengthening dialogue and exploring avenues to operationalise the Bilateral Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, signed between the two countries in 2001.

Speaking at the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of revitalising STI collaboration between the two nations.

Since South Africa and Nigeria signed the bilateral agreement, cooperation in the STI between the two countries has been dormant in recent years, despite both countries being key players in Africa’s STI landscape, with strong research institutions and innovation ecosystems. 

“Reviving our STI partnership could unlock immense potential for collaborative research, technology transfer, capacity building, and joint innovation projects,” said Deputy Minister Gina.

The Deputy Minister further highlighted that renewed collaboration could open new opportunities in renewable energy, health innovation, digital transformation, and space science, areas that align with both countries’ development priorities and the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034).

Meanwhile, Ajayi said South Africa and Nigeria have the required resources to operationalise the existing STI agreement, within which several areas of collaboration could be exploited, further expressing commitment in this regard. 

This and other areas of cooperation will be discussed during the upcoming binational commission in Abuja between the two countries’ foreign affairs ministers.

“The time has come for technology to play a very revolutionary role in the development of Africa, and South Africa and Nigeria can collaborate in digital technologies to position the continent to the outside world as a leader in this sector,” said Ajayi, pointing to the plethora of innovators and entrepreneurs in Africa. 

He noted a proposed establishment of a Special Technology Envoy on Digital and Emerging Technologies, as another area of collaboration to exploit with South Africa. 

This establishment will be a high-level diplomatic mechanism that will serve as the permanent representative body within the African Union systems, leading on all technology-related matters, both within Africa and globally.

“This initiative aims to position the African continent as an active voice and contributor in the formulation of international technology investments, geopolitics, policy, governance norms, and innovation-driven development,” he said.

Other areas of cooperation discussed included technical visits, people-to-people exchanges, as well as collaboration on research and development among universities in both countries. 

Congratulating Nigeria on its independence, Gina reflected on the deep historical ties between South Africa and Nigeria, noting the latter’s unwavering support during the struggle against apartheid and its continued leadership in advancing African unity and development.

“As Africa’s two largest economies, South Africa and Nigeria share a responsibility to drive the continent’s development agenda and ensure that innovation becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s growth,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Vitol Wins Deal of the Year at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Regional Expansion

Source: APO – Report:

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Global energy and commodity trading firm Vitol has been honored with the Deal of the Year award at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference. The award recognizes Vitol’s bold expansion strategy across West and Central Africa, with the company celebrated for its strategic stakes in Baleine and Congo LNG, thereby enhancing low-carbon upstream exposure and strengthening Africa’s gas position.

In September 2025, Vitol finalized the acquisition of a 30% stake in Ivory Coast’s Baleine offshore field – the largest hydrocarbon discovery in the country – signaling its expansion across the West African oil and gas sector. The Baleine field, discovered by energy major Eni in 2021, began production in 2023 and ramped up output with Phase 2 coming online in December 2024. Following the transaction, Eni retains 47.25% as operator, with Vitol holding 30% and national oil company Petroci 22.75%.

With current production at 62,000 barrels of oil and 75 million cubic feet of gas per day, the partners are now considering Phase 3, which could boost production to 150,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of gas per day. The project cements Ivory Coast’s status as a regional energy hub and reflects Vitol’s broader strategy of aligning investments with national development priorities.

In March 2025, Vitol deepened its partnership with Eni through the acquisition of a 25% stake in the Congo LNG project. The project, which began exports in February 2024, established the Republic of Congo as a new LNG-exporting nation. It currently produces 1 billion cubic meters of LNG per year, with a second expansion phase expected by the end of 2025 to increase annual capacity to 4.5 billion cubic meters. The project utilizes the Tango FLNG floating liquefaction facility and the Excalibur FSU storage unit to enable offshore gas processing and delivery.

“Vitol’s investments in the Congo LNG and Baleine projects reflect a strategic commitment to Africa’s next phase of energy growth. Their ability to align commercial strategy with national priorities makes them a critical partner in Africa’s journey toward energy security and export competitiveness,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Through strategic partnerships, LNG expansion and market integration, Vitol continues to reinforce its position as one of Africa’s most dynamic private energy players, driving both resource monetization and long-term development.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Typhoon Launches Program to Empower Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) in Ghana

Source: APO – Report:

Ghana-based gold mining company Typhoon Greenfield Development has initiated an in-house program to empower artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) operating near its mining clusters, according to CEO Kwaku Nsiah-Asare.

In an exclusive interview with African Mining Week 2025, Nsiah-Asare said the aim is to establish an association of ASM operators to address key sector challenges, including access to financing, regulatory compliance and formalization.

“People appreciate the level of standardization we have achieved. We intend to assist miners with financing and practical solutions to overcome challenges related to ASM standardization and responsible mining,” stated Nsiah-Asare.

Typhoon is Ghana’s first small-scale mining company to achieve compliance with the London Bullion Market Association standards.

“African countries can learn from Ghana’s approach to making mining greener and more environmentally conscious. Once miners understand how to minimize their environmental impact and organize their operations safely, formalization becomes much easier,” stated Nsiah-Asare.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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inDrive Partners with Mpho Popps and Skhumba to Champion Stability, Choice, and Fairness in Everyday Mobility

Source: APO – Report:

In a time when rising costs and unpredictability affect families across South Africa, inDrive (https://inDrive.com), the global mobility and urban services platform, has launched a new campaign to highlight how upfront pricing brings stability, choice, and fairness to everyday life.

The campaign taps into themes of “How to Avoid Hidden Costs in Everyday Life” and “Why Upfront Pricing Matters for Families,” showing that while essentials like fuel, groceries, and transport continue to rise unpredictably, inDrive provides a reliable alternative. With inDrive’s unique model, riders and drivers agree on fares upfront, offering families peace of mind and eliminating the uncertainty of surge pricing.

The Rising Cost of Living

South Africans are increasingly feeling the pinch, with transport inflation averaging around −4%year-on-year, and fuel prices fluctuating dramatically in recent months. Against this backdrop, inDrive is positioning itself as the fair and people-driven alternative, helping families plan with confidence in an unpredictable economy.

Influencers Lead the Conversation

To bring the campaign message home, inDrive has partnered with well-known comedians and fathers, Mpho Popps and Skhumba, who understand first-hand the daily juggling act of balancing family responsibilities with rising expenses.

Mpho Popps said:

“For me, inDrive makes sense because it’s all about fairness and being upfront. You see the price, you know what you’re paying, no funny business. That honesty and transparency? That’s exactly why I can back them.”

Skhumba added:

“Yazi what I like about inDrive, it’s not just a ride app, it actually puts people first. It’s straight up, no tricks, just a fair way of doing business. That’s the kind of thing I respect, and honestly more companies must learn from that.”

A People-Driven Promise

“By working with trusted voices like Mpho Popps and Skhumba, inDrive reinforces its commitment to challenge injustice in mobility, ensuring that riders and drivers alike benefit from fairness, transparency, and stability, even when the economy is anything but predictable.”

– on behalf of inDrive.

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