Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Carlos Vila Nova of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also sent similar message to President of São Tomé and Príncipe and to Prime Minister Americo d’Oliveira dos Ramos on the occasion.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO – Report:

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On the occasion of the 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, urges all African Union Member States to underscore human dignity in their anti-corruption strategies.

The 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated under the theme, Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption. The commemoration held annually on 11 July, aligns this year with the overarching AU theme for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

The Chairperson emphasizes that corruption is not merely an economic crime but a direct assault on human dignity and security as it robs countries of their potential and individuals of their dignity. Corruption undermines trust in our institutions, diverts resources meant for development, and perpetuates inequality and poverty.

The Chairperson highlights that corruption strips citizens, particularly women, youth , children and the most vulnerable, of their fundamental rights, freedoms, and opportunities to thrive, leading to tragic consequences like increased maternal mortality due to diverted health funds or lack of basic education for children.

The Chairperson highlights the intrinsic link between the fight against corruption and the broader pursuit of justice and reparations. He notes that just as the continent seeks to address historical injustices through reparations, it must equally dismantle contemporary corrupt systems that perpetuate indignity and injustice.

The 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day theme seeks to sensitize Africans of the importance to examine our history, and to shape our shared future, based on the dignity of people.

The Chairperson reiterates that the African Union has prioritized the fight against corruption as a cornerstone of its Agenda 2063, envisioning an Africa where integrity, accountability, and transparency prevail. He stresses that the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), adopted 22 years ago, remains the guiding framework. He urges Member States to continue aligning national legislation and strategies with its principles, particularly Article 2(4), which enjoins State Parties to promote socio-economic development by removing obstacles to the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights.

The AU Chairperson calls for immediate action by Member States to fulfil their commitment to effectively tackle corruption and implement measures that apply a human rights lens in prevention and enforcement. He also calls for unity to dismantle corruption’s structures and build a continent where human dignity is protected and celebrated.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO – Report:

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Thirty-four youth from across the south of Libya joined Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary General Stephanie Koury in an online youth consultation Wednesday to discuss their opinions on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations. 

The event is part of broader consultations to gather feedback from the public on the next steps of the political process. UNSMIL has also launched an online poll inviting Libyans to share options on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations and contribute to shaping the way forward in the political process. 

Participants stressed the need for representation for the south in any mechanism or institution, highlighting that they suffer through economic instability and insecurity across borders and do not benefit from oil money. 

The youth all agreed that the deteriorating economic situation was closely linked to the security situation and one could not be solved without addressing the other. They highlighted that they wanted stability and security and their voices to be heard in representative forums. 

“We suffer from weak infrastructure with power cuts during 50-degree heat,” said one participant from Ghat. “We are deprived of basic services. We need to focus on these things, not a constitution.” 

The economic situation is so bad, another participant from Ghat said, that it’s impacting the security situation. “This is why people are making their livelihoods from selling weapons,” they said. “We need to have a clear economic plan,” said a participant from Sebha. “We need to end the sources of corruption.” 

A participant from Ubari called for transitional periods to end. “Through the years and different governments, our divisions have only increased,” said a participant from Sebha, adding that the best way forward was to have a referendum.  

When discussing elections, the youth expressed distrust in the national authorities’ ability to oversee elections and in the democratic process overall. One spoke of how votes had been bought; people he knew sold their voter cards in the previous elections. 

DSRSG Koury briefed participants on the four options put forward by the Advisory Committee in May. As outlined in the  Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s report,  the options include:   

1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;   

2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;   

3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or   

4. Establishing a political dialogue forum, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.  

Many of the participants who joined favoured option four saying that this was the only option that ended the current cycle of entities that they felt did not represent them or the people of Libya. 

UNSMIL stressed that youth voices were crucial to the political process and that it intended to continue with its YouEngage outreach efforts.  

All participants were encouraged to complete UNSMIL’s online poll [link] and share it with their friends and families to ensure community voices are heard.

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO – Report:

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Training on financial and material management has been provided to newly elected area administrators, village coordinators, tax collectors in Afabet sub-zone, and members of the sub-zonal administration. The training was organized by the Human Resources Development Unit of the Northern Red Sea Regional Administration.

The training covered planning and its significance, financial and material management, strengthening worker discipline and productivity, documentation, project management, and conflict resolution in the workplace.

Explaining the importance of the training in facilitating their daily responsibilities, the trainees called for the program’s continuity.

Calling on the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training in their day-to-day activities, Mr. Mohammed-Nur Rejib, Administrator of the sub-zone, expressed the administration’s readiness to strengthen participation and contribute to developing human resource capacity in the sub-zone.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Ministry of Agriculture branch in the Southern Red Sea Region has provided training on the preparation of solid and liquid organic fertilizers to exemplary farmers in the port city of Assab.

The training was attended by exemplary farmers from the sub-zones of Assab and South Dankalia, as well as members of the agriculture office branch.

The training covered the preparation of composted fertilizer from household waste and leaves, fertilizer from fish remains, and the proper use of organic pesticides.

Mr. Mohammed Abdurahman, Head of the Agriculture Office in the region, said that the objective of the training was to enhance farmers’ understanding and encourage the application of organic fertilizers and pesticides in their daily agricultural activities.

The participants noted that the training would significantly contribute to improving their agricultural productivity and called for similar future programs.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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Nationals in Sweden have contributed over 105,000 Kroner towards augmenting the National Martyrs Trust Fund.

Mr. Negasi Goitom, Head of Finance of the Holidays Coordinating Committee, indicated that the Stockholm branch of the National Union of Eritrean Women contributed 2,000 Kroner; an anonymous donor contributed 2,500 Kroner; women members of the Southern Stockholm Association contributed 5,000 Kroner; the Husby-Kista-Akalla Women’s Association contributed 5,600 Kroner; the Medhanie Alem Women’s Association in Stockholm contributed 3,000 Kroner; and author Rim Tesfom contributed 3,000 Kroner—all towards augmenting the National Martyrs Trust Fund.

Furthermore, Ms. Genet Tewolde contributed 5,000 Kroner in the name of her martyred brother; Ms. Emnet Tekle contributed 2,000 Kroner in the name of her two martyred brothers; Hewan Decoration Center contributed 14,000 Kroner; and the Eritrean community in Hasselby-Vallingby contributed 35,000 Kroner.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

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Mamadou Diop, Director General and CEO of refinery company Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) will participate as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. His participation comes after a historic breakthrough for Senegal’s energy sector as SAR recently successfully refined locally produced crude oil – marking a major leap forward in energy sovereignty and industrial growth. 

In February 2025, SAR successfully refined domestically produced crude oil from the offshore Sangomar field for the first time, processing 650,000 barrels and generating 90,000 tons of petroleum products including diesel, kerosene, gasoline and butane gas. This major milestone is expected to significantly advance Senegal’s strategy to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imports and optimize the local value chain. 

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

With plans to scale up operations, the company recently launched the SAR 2.0 initiative and signed an agreement with China’s Sedin Engineering in September 2024 to explore the construction of a second refinery and petrochemical plant. The new facility is expected to increase the country’s refining capacity from 1.5 million to 5 million tons per year, helping meet local demand while creating new export opportunities to neighboring West African countries. 

SAR has also strengthened ties with upstream partner Woodside Energy, with both companies exploring a long-term refining partnership to support increased crude processing. Through the partnership, the SAR refinery adapted its facilities to handle Sangomar crude and continues to implement upgrades to meet AFRI 6 fuel specifications and diversify into petrochemicals. The expansion enables SAR to process a 75/25 blend of Senegalese and Nigerian crude oil, positioning the company to meet up to 75% of domestic fuel demand. 

Driven by the development of the 100,000 barrel-per-day Sangomar oilfield and the 2.3 million ton per annum Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, Senegal has emerged as a burgeoning regional petroleum hub in West Africa. In response to growing energy demand and infrastructure gaps, SAR is implementing a bold transformation strategy to expand refining capacity and meet 100% of domestic fuel needs by 2030. Backed by ongoing discussions with multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank to secure $500 million in syndicated financing, the upgrade will include the construction of a petrochemical complex aimed at reducing reliance on imported products and fostering industrial growth. 

“Diop’s leadership has been instrumental in unlocking Senegal’s refining capabilities and in driving the country’s transition from a crude exporter to a fully integrated energy producer. His participation at AEW 2025 will spotlight how local refining capacity can catalyze broader industrial development across the continent,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. 

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

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Philippe Tonangoye, Minister of Universal Access to Water and Energy of Gabon, will participate at the African energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3, 2025. His participation comes as Gabon implements an aggressive strategy to enhance access to water and energy, with strategic investments and partnerships in infrastructure, power and local businesses. His insights will support future investments as project developers, financiers and global partners convene in Cape Town to discuss strategies for making energy poverty history.

For Gabon, natural gas has emerged as a cornerstone of the country’s petroleum and power development. The country aims to utilize its offshore resources to drive economic growth, leveraging investments in gas-to-power and floating power generation solutions to enhance energy access country-wide. The country’s long-awaited Orinko gas-to-power plant is on track to start construction soon, with a Shareholders’ Agreement signed in May 2025 to advance the project. The project is expected to play a vital role in expanding Gabonese power access, as it will boost the country’s generation capacity by 50%. Developed by Orinko SPV – comprising the state-owned Gabon Power Company in partnership with Wärtsilä, Africa 50, FGIS and Melec PowerGen – the project will be constructed under a build-own-operate-transfer IPP model. Otinko will utilize offshore gas resources as feedstock to produce electricity, laying the foundation for greater generating capacity in Gabon. At present, gas power plants operated by independent oil and gas company Perenco account for 70% of the power in Libreville and 100% of the power in Port-Gentil. With the Orinko facility, Gabon will be well-positioned to significantly enhance access.

Beyond natural gas, Gabon is spearheading a pipeline of renewable energy developments, seeking to enhance access to both grid-connected and off-grid power in pursuit of universal access by 2030. The Orinko milestone follows the start of operations at energy company Karpowership’s floating power plants in Gabon in February 2025. The plants provide electricity to the capital city of Libreville and other regions, thereby boosting the power grid while offering a clean source of power to underserves communities. Karpowership signed a contract in 2024 with Gabon to provide 250 MW of electricity to the country for a period of five years. The company has been supplying 25% of the country’s total electricity via two powership situated at different locations. These solutions represent a flexible and scalable option for Gabon as it strives to enhance access to electricity through modernized infrastructure solutions. Meanwhile, Gabon is investing in new hydropower projects. Currently approximately half of the power consumed in the country is derived from hydro, largely from the Grand Poubara Hydroelectric Dam (160 MW) and Kinguele Aval Hydroelectric Dam (70 MW). However, to achieve its energy goals, much more investment is needed across the power market.

To further support project development, Gabon established a National Fund for Energy and Water (FNEE) in 2025, aimed at mobilizing capital for energy and water projects. The FNEE will address power outages by implementing short-term measures, driving key infrastructure investments and boosting regional energy cooperation. The fund also seeks to revive delayed power projects, including the 125 MW Owendo thermal power station – planned for 2027 -, the Ngoulmendjim and L’impératrice Eugénie hydroelectric plants. The fund falls under the country’s broader National Development Plan for Transition, with the three projects alone requiring an estimated $453 million to develop. This highlights a strategic opportunity for investors and projects developers seeking to make impactful investments in Africa.

“Gabon’s strategy to achieve universal access to electricity is expected to unlock a wealth of economic and development opportunities for the country. By utilizing a variety of different power generation solutions – from gas-to-power to floating facilities to hydroelectric projects and renewables – the country is diversifying and strengthening its portfolio of power facilities. This approach not only creates greater opportunities for energy access but opens up the market to a variety of investors and project developers,” states Ore Onagbesan, Program Director, AEW: Invest in African Energies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit https://AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Source: APO

Frederic Phipps, President: Equatorial Guinea at global exploration and production company ConocoPhillips, has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a speaker. Taking place September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Cape Town, the event is the premier meeting place for the continent’s oil, gas and broader energy sectors. With various stages of oil and gas exploration, development and production activities in Equatorial Guinea, ConocoPhillips is an instrumental player in the country. As such, Phipps is well-positioned to discuss strategies for enhancing LNG production and exports at a time when Equatorial Guinea is consolidating its position as a major gas hub. 

Aligned with a goal to expand its global portfolio, ConocoPhillips has committed to positioning itself as a key player in Equatorial Guinea’s gas market. The company transported its inaugural LNG cargo from the country in June 2025. The ConocoPhillips-marketed cargo was loaded from the country’s EG LNG terminal at the Punta Europa facility on June 9, forming part of the broader Gas Mega Hub initiative – which seeks to leverage existing infrastructure to create a regional gas industry. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Phipps is expected to share insights into ConocoPhillips’ strategy in Equatorial Guinea, from LNG production to exploration plans to future exports and investments.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

ConocoPhillips plays an instrumental part in developing and producing oil and gas resources in Equatorial Guinea. The country operates in both the Alba and Block D production sharing contracts that form the Alba Unit, located offshore Equatorial Guinea. In 2024, the company further enhanced its presence in Equatorial Guinea with the acquisition of independent oil and gas company Marathon Oil. The acquisition – which saw Marathon Oil become a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips – adds to the company’s deep, durable and diverse portfolio. Marathon Oil supports the development of the country’s Gas Mega Hub, with a five-year agreement in place with natural resource company Glencore for its equity natural gas from the Alba field. The agreement optimizes gas operations by redirecting partial volumes from the methanol plant to the LNG facility. The first LNG cargo represents a key step forward in this agreement.

ConocoPhillips operations in Equatorial Guinea form part of a global strategy which seeks to position the company as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape. Beyond West Africa, the company is strengthening its presence in North Africa, with key investments in Libya. As a long-term partner in the country, ConocoPhillips is targeting increased production through upgrades to existing facilities and investments in underdeveloped reserves. Currently, the company has been gradually increasing production at the Waha concession, which presently produces around 375,000 barrels per day (bpd). Targeting between 600,000 and 700,000 bpd, ConocoPhillips is leveraging collaborations, new workover programs and pipeline integrity to bolster output.

As the company seeks to strengthen its footprint in North and West Africa, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 offers a vital platform for enhanced collaboration and industry engagement. Uniting stakeholders from both the global and African energy landscapes, the event seeks to drive investment into African energy by providing a platform for engagement and dealmaking. Phipps’ participation underscores ConocoPhillips’ commitment to investing in oil and gas production in Africa and is poised to unlock new opportunities for industry growth in Africa.

“ConocoPhillips continues to play a major role in increasing African oil and gas production. Through strategic investments in Libya and an expanded presence in Equatorial Guinea, the company is creating greater value from the continent’s oil and gas resources. Looking ahead, these investments are expected to fuel the next era of industry development as Africa seeks to make energy poverty history through accelerated hydrocarbon production,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

Jamaica has officially acceded to the Establishment Agreement of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), becoming the 13^th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member State of the African Multilateral Financial Institution. The historic signing took place on the sidelines of the 49^th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

Jamaica’s accession marks a major achievement in the growth of Global Africa: an intercontinental partnership committed to economic transformation and self-determination for African nations and their diaspora. The move unlocks an additional US$1.5 billion financing for Jamaica and other Caribbean economies, raising Afreximbank’s total approved facility for the region to US$3 billion, contingent upon full CARICOM membership.

Commenting at the signing ceremony, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, emphasised the mutual benefits to both parties:

“We are thrilled to welcome Jamaica into the Afreximbank family. Jamaica’s accession to the Partnership Agreement marks a pivotal step towards realising the vision of our forefathers—a united and prosperous Global Africa, built on a platform of South-South cooperation. The Partnership Agreement unlocks Afreximbank’s financing solutions, trade facilitation tools, and investment opportunities, empowering Jamaican businesses to access African markets while fostering reciprocal trade.

Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, expressed his optimism for Jamaica’s membership of the Bank:

“This is a significant and strategic step that strengthens Jamaica’s ability to access increased trade financing, investment support, and technical assistance. The agreement creates real opportunities for Jamaica to benefit from Afreximbank’s expanding suite of financial instruments, including trade guarantees, project financing, and capital support tailored to the needs of developing economies. It positions Jamaica to tap into new sources of funding for critical sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and the creative industries, while laying the foundation for deeper collaboration between African and Caribbean businesses.”

This historic signing builds on the momentum of the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF), held in Bridgetown, Barbados in September 2022, where Caribbean nations reaffirmed their commitment to closer Africa-Caribbean cooperation. Since then, Afreximbank has hosted successive ACTIFs in Guyana (2023) and The Bahamas (2024), with the fourth forum scheduled for 28–29 July 2025 in Grenada.

Since establishing its regional office, Afreximbank has approved over US$700 million in financing across the Caribbean, with a pipeline exceeding US$2 billion. Investments have supported key sectors such as energy, tourism, education, and small business development across Barbados, St. Lucia, Suriname, Grenada, and The Bahamas. The Bank also provided over US$4.3 million in pandemic-related assistance through the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) to The Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com