One year after the ENL and Rogers merger, ER Group delivers on its commitments and keeps investing in Mauritius and beyond

Source: APO

In its first full financial year, ended 30 June 2026, and the first since the merger of ENL and Rogers, ER Group (https://ERGroup.mu/) recorded revenue of MUR 46.3 billion (USD 969 million) and profit after tax of MUR 5.4 billion (USD 113 million), excluding non-recurring items. The Group exceeded the operating profit target announced during the year and reduced its gearing. This financial strength is translating into concrete progress in Mauritius, from tea cultivation to electric mobility and sustainable finance, and into new steps across the region, which the Group will build on through its strategic plan to 2029.

By bringing together two groups that have shaped Mauritius’ economic and social development for more than a century, the merger of ENL and Rogers set out to create a group that is simpler in its organisation, more agile and better equipped to invest for the long term. One year on, ER Group operates as a single, unified structure, has consolidated New Mauritius Hotels Ltd (Beachcomber) as a subsidiary, has been admitted to the Sustainability Index of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEMSI), and has adopted a ten-year strategy, implemented through a three-year plan.

Results ahead of target

To allow a like-for-like reading, results are compared with a restated FY2025, which combines the activities now brought together within ER Group. On this basis, revenue remained stable at MUR 46.3 billion, with growth in hospitality offsetting lower new vehicle sales.

EBITDA excluding non-recurring items rose 10% to MUR 12.6 billion (USD 264 million), above the MUR 12 billion expected: for every MUR 100 of revenue, the Group now generates MUR 27 of operating profit, compared with MUR 24 a year earlier. Excluding non-recurring items, profit after tax reached MUR 5.4 billion. Including net non-recurring items of MUR 2 billion (USD 42 million), mainly related to the consolidation of Beachcomber as a subsidiary, profit after tax stood at MUR 7.4 billion (USD 155 million). Gearing fell to 45%, net asset value per share rose to MUR 73.57 (USD 1.54) from MUR 61.98, and the dividend for the year amounts to MUR 1.38 per share, a total of MUR 664 million (USD 14 million).

Expanding across the region

ER Group established a presence in Nairobi, Kenya, and set up a MUR 1 billion (USD 21 million) co-investment vehicle to support its companies across Africa. Ecoasis, the Group’s energy solutions company, has established operations in Tanzania, and Beachcomber has signed an agreement to acquire Zuri Zanzibar, a five-star resort, with completion subject to the required regulatory approvals.

Concrete progress in Mauritius

ER Group continues to invest in Mauritius. Among the year’s key achievements, ER Agri extended its tea plantations to 30 hectares and Axess now distributes XPENG electric vehicles. Moka City opened the Moka Rangers Sports Club, and Ascencia, in partnership with Alteo, began construction of the Mall de Flacq, which will host, among other brands, the island’s third Decathlon store from July 2027.

FMBcapital Holdings Plc, the Group’s joint venture partner, has obtained in-principle approval from the Bank of Mauritius to establish a new bank. Subject to the grant of the banking licence, ER Group will hold a 35% stake in the new bank.

In June, ER Group published its Sustainable Finance Framework, which received a Second Party Opinion from Moody’s. Oficea carried out the first issuance under the framework in September, with a MUR 3.4 billion (USD 71 million) sustainability-linked bond.

The Group increased its installed solar capacity to 11.5 MWp, from 8.4 MWp a year earlier. The ER Foundation, now structured around social inclusion and climate and environmental resilience, runs its projects through seven regional committees, in line with its new strategic plan to 2035.

The Group, which employs nearly 13,000 people across 17 territories, invested MUR 115 million (USD 2.4 million) in training and developing its teams.

Gilbert Espitalier-Noël, Group CEO of ER Group, said: “We brought two groups together with one conviction: this was never about becoming bigger, it was about growing better. This first year provides the first evidence of that. Our teams have delivered on the commitments we made, and we approach our strategic plan with the capacity to invest in Mauritius while pursuing growth across the region.”

USD figures are provided for convenience only, converted at USD 1 = MUR 47.76 (Bank of Mauritius consolidated indicative mid-rate, 30 September 2026).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ER Group.

For further information, please contact:
Céline Guillot-Sestier
Chief Communication Executive
ER Group
E. celine.guillotsestier@ergroup.mu
T. +230 404 9500

About ER Group:
​
A leading player in the Mauritian economy and listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius, ER Group was formed through the strategic merger of the ENL and Rogers groups.
With more than 200 years of history for ENL and 125 years for Rogers, these two pillars of the Mauritian business landscape have shaped the country’s economic and
social development. In 2025, they came together under a new identity, ER Group, which honours their shared heritage while setting out future ambitions, now carried with a single voice.

Today, ER Group employs nearly 13,000 people and operates in 17 territories worldwide. Drawing on a strong portfolio of recognised brands that lead in their fields, ER Group operates across 7 strategic segments: Agribusiness, Real Estate, Hospitality & Travel, Logistics, Finance, Commerce & Manufacturing, and Technology & Energy.

Guided by its purpose, “Ignite today for a better tomorrow”, the Group is driven by its ambition to act responsibly, by bringing strengths together, broadening its horizons and actively helping to shape a sustainable future for Mauritius.

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GE Vernova and PROTEC Celebrate Next Engineers Engineering Academy Graduation

Source: APO

GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com) and PROTEC today celebrated the graduation of 27 students from Next Engineers Engineering Academy, a global college- and career-readiness programme designed to help increase opportunities for young people in engineering. The graduation ceremony, held at The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, marks the programme’s third graduating class and highlights its contribution towards bridging the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills gap in South Africa, exposing learners to hands-on engineering experiences and career pathways. 

The 27 learners, representing 9 high schools across Johannesburg, were joined by their families to celebrate their achievements. Many of these learners plan to pursue engineering-related qualifications at universities and technical institutions. Launched in 2022, PROTEC, University of Witwatersrand and Kutitiva Foundation are the educational partners for the local Next Engineers programme. GE Vernova engineers and employees play an active role by engaging with Engineering Academy participants through hands-on, skill-based volunteering and have donated over 3,700 hours locally since the programme began.

“At GE Vernova, our mission is to electrify to thrive and decarbonise – and one of the ways that journey begins with is investing in people. Seeing these 27 graduates from the Next Engineers Academy in Johannesburg is proof of what happens when mentorship, hands-on experience and dedicated STEM education come together. Through our collaboration with PROTEC and the hands-on mentorship of our engineers, we aren’t just contributing towards filling a skills gap; we are empowering a diverse, homegrown workforce ready to solve Africa’s most critical energy challenges and shape the future of our industry,” said Joseph Anis (https://apo-opa.co/4yA4fGD), President & CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East & Africa and a member of the GE Vernova Foundation board.

The Next Engineers: Engineering Academy is a transformative learning experience designed for learners aged 15 to 18, teaching engineering concepts, providing career mentors and awarding scholarships to qualifying graduates. Through a rigorous 180+ hour curriculum, immersive design challenges and career coaching, participants learn to think and act like engineers. Beyond mentorship, the programme has supported qualifying graduates with over $156,000 in scholarships. Additionally, GE Vernova has awarded full bursaries for 20 additional graduates through the country’s External Bursary Programme.

Next Engineers also offers the Engineering Discovery programme, for students ages 13 to 14, as an introduction to engineering that brings exploratory, hands-on activities. To date, the Next Engineers programme in Johannesburg has reached more than 4,600 learners.

“For PROTEC, this programme has never just been about engineering. It has been about opening doors, building confidence and helping young people believe in their own potential. Seeing our final Engineering Academy cohort graduate, and reflecting on five years of impact, is both a proud and emotional moment. The future is brighter because of the young people who have come through this programme,” said Balan Moodley, CEO, PROTEC.

STEM training and education, such as Next Engineers, are inspiring and preparing the next generation to solve global challenges while creating new pathways to opportunity. GE Vernova’s commitment to nurturing future STEM talent in South Africa extends beyond Next Engineers. Through its External Bursary Programme, the company has provided comprehensive bursaries totaling $8.7 million to more than 900 beneficiaries pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Science, Commerce and Arts since 2020 to date. These bursaries help alleviate the financial burden for tertiary students, covering tuition, accommodation, textbooks and monthly stipends for the duration of their studies.

For more information about Next Engineers and the Engineering Academy, visit https://apo-opa.co/4ysd59x.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE Vernova.

Media contacts:
GE Vernova

Kashumba Macombe
Communications Specialist
GE Vernova
Kashumba.Macombe@gevernova.com

PROTEC:
Annette Reed
Fundraising and Business Development
Programme for Technological Careers (PROTEC)
+27 82 334 2939
annette@protec.org.za

Find PROTEC on:
www.PROTEC.org.za
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4houGsS
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3Vh5uff
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4yfj68F

About GE Vernova​:
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Electrification and Wind segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with approximately 85,000 employees across approximately 100 countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com), GE Vernova in Middle East & Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4AH7a1z), and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4rCZZ6t).

The GE Vernova Foundation supports the Next Engineers in Johannesburg, South Africa under an arrangement with the GE Aerospace Foundation.

About PROTEC:
PROTEC was established in 1982 by a group of engineers from the South African Institute of Civil Engineers to respond to the challenges facing the education system and to address representation across all socio-economic and racial groups in STEM careers.  To date, PROTEC has seen more than 40,000 learners complete the Learner Excellence Programme. Based in Randburg, PROTEC has 17 branches and projects in 6 out of the 9 provinces.  Our aim is to extend the programme to all 9 provinces.  The programme targets learners from Grade 4 to Grade 12 in specifically Science, Mathematics, and English. Teachers who teach these subjects as well as coding and robotics benefit from development and support that uses a centre-based and classroom support model.

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SA retains position as seventh-leading country globally in civil aviation

Source: Government of South Africa

SA retains position as seventh-leading country globally in civil aviation

South Africa has retained its position as the highest-ranking country in Africa and the seventh-leading country globally for the effectiveness of its civil aviation safety system.

This is according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, who received confirmation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) last month, that the country had achieved a final safety rating of 94.99%.

“This outcome from the United Nations’ specialised agency for international aviation safety and security affirms once again the strength and maturity of the country’s aviation safety oversight system,” the Minister said on Thursday in Midrand.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of Transport Month, held under the theme “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system”. This year marks 21 years since the inaugural October Transport Month in 2005.

Establishment of a Transport Digital Authority 

To keep pace with rapid developments in digital technology and artificial intelligence, which are changing transport ecosystems and regulatory processes, government will establish a Transport Digital Authority.

Immediate priorities include launching online registration for e-hailing vehicle owners and drivers from November this year; digitising Flight Operator Permits by December; and accelerating the implementation of a new online licensing system to clear renewal backlogs for taxi operators and support provincial regulatory authorities.

“Across the world, the rapid development of digital technology and artificial intelligence is changing transport ecosystems and regulatory processes.

“To catch up with the times, the Department of Transport and its entities have taken a decision to establish a Transport Digital Authority with the aim of developing an integrated digital transport platform for all online permitting services through one citizen interface,” the Minister said.

Investment in public infrastructure projects

Creecy outlined the National Roads Agency’s (SANRAL) investment in public infrastructure projects, highlighting their significant role as catalysts for job creation and economic development.

Through SANRAL, government will undertake several large-scale projects to improve safety, shorten travel distances, create more than 35 000 job opportunities and support over 2 000 small enterprises.

SANRAL projects connect communities. Major projects include the following:

  • The upgrading of the 160 km Moloto Road corridor linking Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo;
  • Upgrades to the N2 at Piet Retief in Mpumalanga, improving links with northern KwaZulu-Natal and Richards Bay; 
  • Resurfacing, drainage improvements and road widening on the R52 from Koster to the N4 near Rustenburg in North West;
  • A new northbound carriageway and upgrades to section 16 of the N1 from Zandkraal to Scottland in the Free State, increasing capacity and reducing delays;
  • Ongoing improvements to the N2 in the Eastern Cape; and
  • Improving flood resilience on the R37 and R40 between Mpumalanga and Limpopo through stabilised embankments, reinforced drainage and flood-resistant resurfacing. SANRAL has committed more than R260 million to repairing and climate-proofing roads damaged in this year’s Mpumalanga floods. We hope to show you some of these developments next week.

“In response to recent court cases, SANRAL will end pre-selected panels for routine road-maintenance tenders and return to open, route-by-route tendering to widen participation and competition.

“Open tendering will be supported by procurement reforms, revised supply-chain procedures, updated committee terms of reference, and mandatory templates and checklists.

“SANRAL has strengthened governance by adding independent specialists to its Audit and Risk, Loss Control, and Road Infrastructure and Projects committees,” Creecy said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tourism emerges as major investment and job creation opportunity

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism emerges as major investment and job creation opportunity

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Kenya: Partnerships Through Strategic Engagement

Source: APO

Strengthening defence cooperation, professional engagement and military-to-military relations formed the focus of a courtesy call by the Commander of the French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ), Brigadier General Olivier Poncet, on the Commander Kenya Air Force (KAF), Major General Bernard Waliaula, at KAF Headquarters, Moi Air Base, on 30 September 2026.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the two commanders to discuss matters of mutual interest and review areas of existing cooperation between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the French Forces in Djibouti.

The discussions underscored the importance of sustained professional interaction, military-to-military exchanges and sharing of experiences in strengthening institutional relationships, professional knowledge and mutual understanding.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both forces to maintaining strong professional ties and advancing cooperation through continued dialogue and collaboration in support of shared security interests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

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Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Leaders Honoured With French National Decorations

Source: APO

Senior Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) leaders have received prestigious French national decorations in recognition of their distinguished service and contribution to strengthening defence and security cooperation between Kenya and France.

During a ceremony held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at the Residence of France in Nairobi, the French Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Wadid Benaabou, conferred the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur) on Lieutenant General John Omenda and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Gense.

Lieutenant General David K. C. Tarus, Vice-Chancellor of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K), was conferred with the National Order of Merit (Ordre national du Mérite) in recognition of his distinguished service and contribution to defence cooperation.

The decorations were presented on the sidelines of a seminar bringing together French Defence Attachés serving in East Africa, alongside military authorities and representatives of the Kenya Defence Forces. The occasion provided a platform to recognise individual service while highlighting the depth of defence relations between Kenya and France.

The Legion of Honour is France’s highest national order of merit, recognising exceptional military and civilian service, while the National Order of Merit honours distinguished service and achievement. The conferment of the decorations on KDF leaders reflects the longstanding professional ties between the two countries and their respective defence institutions.

Kenya and France continue to maintain strong defence relations anchored on professional military engagement, training, capacity building, knowledge exchange and cooperation in areas of mutual security interest. Such engagements contribute to strengthening institutional capabilities while supporting broader efforts towards regional and international peace and security.

The ceremony further reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the Kenya Defence Forces and the French Armed Forces and the importance both countries attach to sustained defence diplomacy and professional military cooperation.

Beyond recognising distinguished individual service, the honours symbolise the growing defence partnership between Kenya and France and their shared interest in advancing security cooperation, military professionalism and regional stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

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Working Visit by His Excellency Oluwatosin Anthony Ogunjimie, Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, to the Gambia

Source: APO


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A First Encagement Focused on ECOWAS Institutional Presence in The Gambia

On Monday, 28 September, the first official day of the mission, the Vice-President began his programme with a visit to the ECOWAS Permanent Mission Delegation in The Gambia. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange with the leadership and staff of the representation on ECOWAS activities in The Gambia, key issues being followed at the national level, as well as the challenges and opportunities related to strengthening the Organisation’s presence and visibility in the country. The Vice-President subsequently visited the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA), where he was briefed on the activities of the regional institution and its contribution to advancing ECOWAS objectives in the area of competition.

Concrete Achievements of the Regional Stabilisation and Development Fund for Gambian Communities

The afternoon of 28 September was devoted to a field visit to several achievements of the ECOWAS Regional Stabilisation and Development Fund (RSDF). Accompanied by implementation partners, notably GAMWORKS, the Vice-President visited several project sites to directly assess the results of investments made for the benefit of Gambian communities. The visit began at the GAMWORKS office, where the Vice-President received a presentation on the RSDF programme in The Gambia, followed by discussions with the teams and a question-and-answer session.

The delegation then proceeded to the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), where the Vice-President was welcomed by the management and the entire student body before visiting the facilities and reviewing the achievements of the Institute. The visit continued at the Fish Smoking Complex, where the Vice-President met with women beneficiaries and toured the facilities. This visit highlighted the impact of RSDF interventions on the beneficiaries’ economic activities and on improving their working conditions. Through these visits, the Vice-President was able to witness first-hand the tangible impact of ECOWAS investments in strengthening the resilience and socio-economic development of communities.

High-Level Dialogue with the Gambian Authorities

On Tuesday, 29 September, the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mohammed BS JALLOW, Vice-President of the Republic of The Gambia. The meeting provided an important opportunity for discussions on relations between ECOWAS and The Gambia, as well as shared priorities in the areas of development, regional peace and security.

The Vice-President subsequently attended the launch of the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Policy 2026–2035, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center. The high-level ceremony was attended by H.E. the Vice-President of the Republic of The Gambia, the Ambassador of the European Union to The Gambia, and the Ambassador of Germany to The Gambia.

A Special Tribute to the ECOMIG Forces

On the afternoon of 29 September, the Vice-President paid a special visit to the troops of the 11th Nigerian Army Contingent deployed in The Gambia under ECOMIG. The visit was an important opportunity to recognise the forces engaged in the regional mission in support of peace and stability in The Gambia. The Vice-President interacted with the members of the contingent and commended their commitment and contribution to the collective efforts of ECOWAS to promote peace and security across the Community.

Conflict Prevention at the Heart of the Mission’s Conclusion

The mission concluded on 29 September with a visit to the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Centre in The Gambia. This final engagement enabled the Vice-President to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms and systems established to monitor developments that could affect peace and stability, as well as national and regional early warning and response capacities. The visit gave the mission a particularly coherent dimension by linking the development interventions of the Regional Stabilisation and Development Fund with ECOWAS efforts in the areas of conflict prevention, peace and regional security.

A Mission Focused on Proximity and Action

At the conclusion of the mission, the Vice-President’s visit to The Gambia highlighted the diversity of ECOWAS interventions in the country: institutional presence, community development and resilience, regional cooperation, peace support, early warning and conflict prevention.

The mission also provided an opportunity to strengthen dialogue with the Gambian authorities, ECOWAS structures, implementation partners and stakeholders directly engaged on the ground.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Bazungua residents develop collective action plan for peace at United Nations Mission in South Sudan-supported (UNMISS) inclusive dialogue session

Source: APO

In Bazungua, residents crave peace so they can farm without fear, seize the opportunities offered by education, and build the better future they have craved for so long.

They believe this peace can only be built by addressing grievances openly and honestly, before they develop into conflict.

“When there is a dispute in our community, I move fast to help resolve it, to bring peace so that we can live together in harmony,” explains resident, Lois Wilson.

In this remote part of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is creating a safe space for the resolution of disagreements, promotion of reconciliation, and development of a collective action plan to secure sustainable peace.

Through an engagement conducted under the banner of the United Nations global campaign “Hear Us, Act Now for a Peaceful World’, more than 100 community members came together to explain their challenges and identify shared solutions.

“This activity has laid a very good foundation,” says Odeita James from the Civil Society Network. “People were able to share their challenges as well as their positive ideas for how we can cope better. We will advocate for these ideas with the Government and other partners.”

The initiative provided a platform for the community to establish a Peace Committee which will ensure the conversation moves beyond the meeting towards concrete action.

“It’s important that this dialogue happens at the grassroots level so that communities can understand how to cultivate peace and embrace it for the sake of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence,” stresses Samuel John, State Ministry of Peacebuilding Director-General.

For UNMISS, the goal is to help communities identify tensions early, strengthen their resilience, and address problems through dialogue before they erupt into catastrophic conflict.

“Through this conversation, the participants were able to work together to dispel misinformation and disinformation and build on the existing resilience of this community,” says Thomas Bazawi, UNMISS Protection, Transition, and Reintegration Officer.

“It is a challenge for all of us, as partners in protecting civilians, to collectively respond to the needs of the communities, strengthen the early warning network, and support them in building on local peace initiatives so that they last.”

In Bazungua, peace is not just an idea. It is a daily choice — to listen, resolve differences, and work together. And that work starts with one conversation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency meets with Ambassador of the Republic of the Guinea to Thailand (with residence in Kuala Lumpur) and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Guinea

Source: APO

On 23 September 2026, Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), welcomed and discussed with Her Excellency Mrs. Koumba Diop, Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to Thailand with residence in Kuala Lumpur, and Mrs. Saowapha Wangphasit, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Guinea to Thailand, who paid a courtesy call on the occasion of the Ambassador’s visit to Thailand.

Both sides exchanged views on ways to enhance development cooperation, including the provision of scholarships for the Thailand International Postgraduate Programme (TIPP) and the Annual International Training Courses (AITC), initiatives that have been ongoing since Thailand and Guinea signed a Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation in 2012. Furthermore, the Director-General of TICA reiterated Thailand’s policy prioritizing the African region and a visit to Guinea by a TICA delegation, previously raised by H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his meeting with the Ambassador on 22 September 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.

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Liberia: China Boosts Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) with Major Donation

Source: APO

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Limpho Tau on Wednesday joined the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mr. Yang Xiaokun, at a formal signing ceremony marking a substantial military donation from China to Lesotho.

The People’s Liberation Army (LPA) of the People’s Republic of China has donated RMB 30 million (approximately M90 million) to the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Lesotho to bolster the nation’s security sector and operational readiness.

In his keynote remarks, Minister Tau expressed the Government of Lesotho’s profound appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Central Military Commission, the People’s Liberation Army and Ambassador Yang for their unwavering support and the enduring friendship between the two nations.

He emphasized that the contribution extends far beyond mere financial assistance.

He described it as a powerful testament to the deep-rooted friendship, mutual trust and strategic partnership shared between Lesotho and China.

The newly acquired funding is slated to significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).

Furthermore, it will enhance Lesotho’s ability to actively contribute to regional and international peacekeeping efforts, particularly through bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU).

He highlighted the longstanding, multi-sectoral cooperation between the two countries, which spans infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and defence.

“This bilateral relationship reached a historic milestone in January 2026, when it was formally elevated to a Strategic Partnership through a joint Press Communique signed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries.

Minister Tau indicated that Lesotho aims to further deepen its defence and security ties with China. He said future collaborations are expected to focus on specialized training, exchanges of military expertise, peacekeeping cooperation and advancements in defence equipment and technology.

“This donation is more than financial assistance, it is a symbol of friendship, trust and shared vision between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the People’s Republic of China,” the Minister concluded.

On the other hand, Chinese Ambassador Yang said these new areas of cooperation complement our more established practical cooperation. He said in April, the two sides signed a protocol waiving two interest-free loans totaling RMB 89.976 million (M 224.94 million Maloti), fulfilling a commitment made at the FOCAC Beijing Summit.

“In July, we launched Phase II of the Mafeteng Solar Power Plant, further supporting Lesotho’s energy transition and green development,” he said.

He said the year 2026 also marks 70 years since the beginning of diplomatic relations between China and African countries and is the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

“In Lesotho, we have actively supported youth, educational, cultural and health cooperation. We have been an important development partner of the Sebabatso Youth Empowerment Initiative and SABA since their establishment and have provided scholarships and training opportunities to Basotho youth. More than 270 Basotho have gone to China for study and training this year. We also welcomed the 20th Chinese Medical Team to Lesotho, while Chinese medical specialists continue to share expertise and strengthen local capacity. People-to-people exchanges are the foundation of lasting friendship between our two countries,” he said.

He indicated that as China embarks on the 15th Five-Year Plan and Lesotho celebrates 60 years of independence, their two countries are entering new stages of development.

He said China stands ready to work with Lesotho to make full use of their bilateral cooperation mechanism, follow up on the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, prepare for the next FOCAC meeting and expand practical cooperation in more areas for the benefit of their two peoples.

Meanwhile, Chinese military institutions regularly host and train LDF officers, offering professional development and technical education.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Liberia.

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