Category: English

Source: APO

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that Rania El-Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, has been named one of 10 Women Shaping the Future of PR by Queen Moremi Africa. In celebration of World PR Day 2025, this recognition honours women who are redefining the PR and communications landscape across Africa and beyond.

The Queen Moremi Africa platform celebrates trailblazing African women who are influencing global conversations and championing inclusive progress in their respective fields. Rania’s inclusion in this list is a powerful affirmation of her influential voice in African PR and her commitment to advancing gender equity, authenticity, and impact in strategic communications. The full feature can be viewed here: http://apo-opa.co/3V7QhJT.

El-Rafie is a seasoned public relations executive with over 22 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East. Based in Cairo, Egypt, she has led award-winning campaigns recognised by SABRE Awards, Brands Review Magazine, and World Business Outlook. She was recently awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category and was recognised as one of Africa’s Top 50 Outstanding Women in Communications.

Speaking on the significance of the recognition, she said: “Being named among the 10 Women Shaping the Future of PR is not just a personal honour, but a reflection of the collective progress we’re making as women in this field. As PR professionals, we have a responsibility to build bridges, tell authentic stories, and create space for more African women to lead boldly and reshape the narrative of our continent. That’s the true power of PR, and I am proud to be recognised for my contribution, and that of APO Group.”

This philosophy is reflected in APO Group’s core purpose, namely to champion Africa’s narratives, amplify Africa’s voices, and bridge Africa and the world. This translates into integrating storytelling with purpose, ensuring that the continent’s diversity, brilliance, and resilience are captured in every message delivered. It also aligns with Rania’s commitment to promoting the visibility of African women in PR, both within APO Group and across the broader industry.

Celebrated globally on 16 July, World PR Day recognises and celebrates the field of public relations and communications. This year’s theme of unity, collaboration, and shaping a more inclusive future finds perfect expression in Rania’s work. Her recognition by Queen Moremi Africa reflects a broader shift towards African-led storytelling and understanding of the need for gender-balanced leadership in the global communications industry. It also reflects APO Group’s broader commitment to championing African women in communications. Through strategic mentorship initiatives, inclusive leadership, and ongoing investment in female talent, APO Group continues to pave the way for a new generation of PR professionals.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact: 
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.   

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. 

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. 

Source: APO

Oil and gas companies Corcel and Sintana Energy have partnered as Champion Sponsors of the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 conference. Taking place September 3-4 in Luanda, the event represents the premier meeting platform for the country’s oil and gas sector. The sponsorship comes as Corcel and Sintana Energy work towards unlocking onshore development opportunities in Angola’s Kwanza basin and is expected to support new deals and collaborations as the country strives to revitalize onshore production.

Sintana Energy entered the Angolan market in May 2025 through the establishment of a strategic partnership with Corcel. The partners signed an agreement whereby Sintana acquired a 5% indirect net interest in Block KON 16 in the onshore Kwanza Basin. The acquisition was a result of Sintana securing a 5.88% stake in a newly-formed Special Purchase Vehicle – now holding Corcel’s 85% interest in KON 16. Set to close in Q3, 2025, the $2.5 million transaction will fund future exploration activities at the block, underscoring the value of partnerships in financing exploration and production in Angola.

AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Block KON 16 is considered a highly prospective asset with proven petroleum systems in both post- and pre-salt intervals. To unlock this potential, the partners have executed a joint study and bid agreement to assess exploration and production opportunities. Furthermore, Corcel mobilized £1.1 million via a share placing to support ongoing exploration efforts. The funds will be deployed towards the execution of a 2D seismic program at KON 16 in Q3, 2025. Purpose Global Resource Fund led the placing and has joined Corcel as a new institutional shareholder. Beyond Block KON 16, Corcel also has non-operated interests in Blocks KON 11 and KON 12. These brownfield development opportunities historically produced oil via the Tobias and Galinda fields – with peak output reaching 17,500 barrels per day (bpd) and 2,700 bpd respectively. In 2025, Corcel restarted intervention activities at the Tobias-13 and Tobias-14 wells in Block KON 11, targeting pre-salt and post-salt leads. Data was also collected for Block KON 12.

Corcel and Sintana Energy’s AOG 2025 sponsorship aligns with these efforts and is expected to create new avenues for industry collaboration and engagement. The partners have demonstrated their willingness to partner to unlock Angolan onshore production as well as their commitment to exploring potential exploration and production prospects. For Sintana Energy, Angola offers a strategic investment opportunity, whereby the company can leverage its experience in neighboring Namibia to deliver commercial finds. Sintana Energy currently has stakes in several promising onshore and offshore licenses in Namibia, including the offshore PEL 79 – which holds the Mopane discoveries – PEL 82, PEL 83, PEL 87 and PEL 90. Onshore, the company has stakes in PEL 103 in the Waterberg basin.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: APO

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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education will be embarking on a rigorous employee verification process to ensure that the correct number of employees are legitimately receiving remuneration through the Department’s persal systems.

This process has been necessitated by instances where delays in the administrative termination of employees—due to retirement, resignation, or death—have resulted in continued salary payments long after the individuals have exited the Department.

Upon identifying these discrepancies, the Department engaged the Provincial Treasury to assist with the necessary IT infrastructure to facilitate this large-scale verification exercise and to ensure the quality and integrity of the process.

The initiative, initially launched by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, has since been adopted as a national programme by the National Department of Basic Education. It will be implemented across the country under the leadership of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), commencing with KwaZulu-Natal.

The Department welcomes the support of the National Department of Basic Education, as this approach will help standardize processes across the education sector. The outcomes of the verification will guide future policy decisions and preventative measures.

“We are confident that the verification process will enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance,” said the MEC for Education, Mr. Sipho Hlomuka. He also called for the full cooperation of all Department employees to ensure the success of the initiative. Details of the verification process will be communicated in due course.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO

African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies welcomes Century Group as a Gold Partner, highlighting the company’s growing influence across Nigeria’s offshore energy landscape and its leading role in driving local content, infrastructure and energy sovereignty.

As one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous operators owning and managing FPSO and FSO assets, Century Group has rapidly become a bedrock of offshore production continuity and export logistics. The company’s stewardship of vessels such as the FPSO Tamara Nanaye and FSO ELI Akaso has enabled Nigeria’s offshore output and ensured that critical export pathways remain operational even amid infrastructure bottlenecks.

Since delivering de‑bottlenecking upgrades locally, Century Group has shortened timelines and significantly reduced costs, demonstrating how local capacity can outperform traditional offshore maintenance models. Their technical expertise and safety record have made them a trusted partner to producers and traders, bridging offshore production to international markets, including facilitating Nigeria’s first export of its newest crude grade, Obodo, via the Atlantic Spirit tanker.

Over the past year, Nigeria’s indigenous energy sector has undergone a paradigm shift: foreign majors exited and local champions like Seplat, Oando, Heirs Energies and Renaissance stepped forward to take control of key assets. These companies are rewriting Nigeria’s energy story through operational agility, community engagement and investment in infrastructure. Century Group stands out as a prime example of this transformation in the offshore domain.

At AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, Century Group will feature alongside other leading Nigerian and African operators, policymakers and financiers. Their Gold Partner status underscores AEW’s commitment to amplifying African-owned solutions and accelerating the continent’s sustainable energy transition.

“Century Group embodies the growth of indigenous offshore infrastructure in Nigeria – delivering world-class FPSO and terminal solutions that reinforce local content and energy sovereignty. Their role at AEW 2025 as a Gold Partner sends a powerful message: African energy challenges are best solved by African expertise,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

With the Nigerian Federal Government rolling out Executive Order reforms in April 2025 to reduce upstream project costs and foster investment – including tax incentives tied to performance and cost-efficiency benchmarks – Century Group is positioned to thrive within a more transparent, competitive and localized ecosystem.

Century Group’s Gold Partnership with AEW 2025 cements their role not just as offshore operators, but as champions of national capacity-building, while supporting Nigeria’s industry-wide shift toward greater operational independence and sustainable growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About African Energy Week:
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.

Source: APO

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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Dakota Legoete, and the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, have noted with concern the reported remarks made by General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), during his recent visit to Iran.

The Chairpersons also note with alarm that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation has publicly distanced itself from the General’s comments and that the Presidency called the visit “ill advised”.

The committees will have a joint meeting to engage with the ministers of the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on the issue.

Mr Legoete said it is evident that there is a worrying lack of coordination between defence diplomacy and South Africa’s official foreign policy. This disjuncture exposes potential misalignment and cohesion in the country’s approach to international relations.

He said the Department of Defence should draw long-term lessons from these events and ensure thorough alignment going forward. He further stressed that the committee awaits the outcome of engagements between the President, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, the Minister of Defence, and SANDF leadership.

“These engagements must demonstrate unity, strength and synergy in how South Africa conducts itself on the international stage,” Mr Legoete emphasised.

Mr Legoete reiterated the committee’s position that the SANDF must remain a professional and apolitical institution, focusing squarely on its constitutional mandate to safeguard the Republic, while steering away from statements in the political domain.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Egypt is advancing the development of its mining sector through a strategy aimed at increasing the industry’s contribution to GDP to 6% by 2030. The upcoming African Mining Week – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – will highlight Egypt’s investor-friendly industry expansion strategy and connect global investors with emerging partnership and investment prospects across the country’s mineral value chain. 

Intensifying Exploration and Production 

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (https://apo-opa.co/3V4y5kq) of Egypt is intensifying exploration and production activities through strategic cooperation with international mining firms. Several exploration campaigns and production developments are underway, including partnerships with AngloGold Ashanti, Nubia Mines Company, Aton Resources, and others to expand gold reserves and increase annual gold production to 800,000 ounces by 2030. Egypt is also advancing potash development with firms like El Sewedy Cap Investments to diversify its mineral portfolio. 

Maximizing Local Value Addition 

Egypt is maximizing local value addition through beneficiation projects that leverage existing and new petroleum and petrochemical infrastructure. The goal is to build integrated industries, boost local employment and retain more value domestically through processed mineral products. Key milestones include a July 2025 agreement between the Egyptian Mineral Resources Company and EK Mining Company (https://apo-opa.co/45SfbDz) to establish industrial operations around mineral beneficiation, as well as a $658 million (https://apo-opa.co/3HFATBq) phosphoric acid complex being developed in partnership with China’s Asia Potash in the New Valley governorate. The facility is expected to produce 900,000 tons annually to serve the growing fertilizer market. 

Investing in Human Capital 

Human capital development is central to Egypt’s mining vision. Under the 2024–2030 Economic Strategy (https://apo-opa.co/3Uw5nsB), the country seeks to increase local content in manufacturing and mining industries to between 60% and 80%. Collaboration with Centamin (https://apo-opa.co/4fEJiS6) and the General Union of Mines and Quarries aim to build local skills, create jobs and ensure higher Egyptian participation across the mining value chain through targeted training and employment programs. 

Strengthening Regional Cooperation 

Egypt is enhancing regional cooperation to foster shared growth in the global mining industry. The country is partnering with BRICS nations to establish a joint geological platform focused on knowledge transfer, seismic studies and exploration of strategic minerals critical to energy and industrial transitions. Additionally, Egypt is strengthening collaboration with mining firms from China, Saudi Arabia (including Al-Haitham Mining Company) and South Africa to scale up infrastructure, exploration, and cross-border trade in minerals. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Source: APO

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Referencing the recent quarterly report from the Secretary-General on challenges facing the world’s youngest nation, Ms. Pobee underscored that since March, previous gains in the peace process have been largely eroded.

Military offensives, primarily involving South Sudan’s rival militia which answers to the First Vice President and Government troops loyal to the President, have continued, and trust in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement between the two has been undermined.

Murithi Mutiga, another briefer from the International Crisis Group, explained that the 2018 agreement required President Salva Kiir to work in concord with his rival, First Vice President Riek Machar; thus, the agreement was effectively terminated when President Kiir placed the former Vice President under house arrest on 26 March.

Humanitarian crisis

Ms. Pobee highlighted that recent military offensives have resulted in deaths, displacement and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Furthermore, the displacement crisis is a two-way street, Mr. Murtiga explained: the devastating civil war in neighbouring Sudan has driven 1.2 million refugees into South Sudan, straining already-limited resources.

The conflict in Sudan has also disrupted oil flows to the military Government-controlled Port Sudan and the broader market, causing South Sudan to lose most of its valuable oil revenues.

Mr. Murtiga also underscored that this is one of South Sudan’s worst humanitarian crises since independence in 2011, with 9.3 million in need of dire assistance and 7.7 million suffering food insecurity, including 83,000 at risk of catastrophic conditions, all while brutal sexual violence is on the rise.

And funding cuts are leaving millions without lifesaving assistance, Ms. Pobee emphasised. Halfway through 2025, the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 28.5 per cent funded.

Additionally, challenges to humanitarian access are growing with increased instances of aid workers being attacked, as poor infrastructure and administrative obstacles impede relief efforts.

Call to act

The UN, African Union, regional intergovernmental development body, IGAD, and many others in the international community, have repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue without any concrete response from the warring parties.

“While government officials have publicly expressed their commitment to elections by December 2026, the Parties must take steps to return to dialogue and make the necessary decisions to move the country forward. Declarations of commitment are not enough,” Ms. Pobee stressed.

She urged the Security Council to call on all actors and stakeholders to uphold the peace agreement. If they fail to lay the groundwork for peaceful, credible elections in December 2026, the risk of a relapse into violence will rise significantly amid growing regional instability.

It is the shared responsibility of the international community to work with the South Sudanese parties to avoid such a failure, she stressed. “The people of South Sudan are counting on us.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Source: APO

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President John Dramani Mahama will undertake an official two-country visit to Japan and Singapore aimed at deepening bilateral relations, expanding trade and investment links, and advancing cooperation on shared development priorities.

In Japan, the President will attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX), where he will make a presentation at a plenary session on the Economy: Promoting Trade and Investment.

President Mahama will deliver an address at a Ghana Presidential Investment Forum, showcasing Ghana’s investment opportunities and the Resetting Ghana agenda. He will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with key Japanese partners, including the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), senior representatives of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, to discuss trade, investment, technical cooperation, and infrastructure partnerships.

Following his engagements in Japan, the President will undertake a three-day state visit to Singapore. The state visit will include a courtesy call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, a meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, participation in the Africa-Singapore Business Forum, and an address at an investment forum to present Ghana’s reform and investment priorities and strengthen private-sector linkages between Ghana and Singapore-based investors.

The visits seek to attract investment, broaden market access for Ghanaian goods and services, mobilise technical and development cooperation, and bolster partnerships in technology, infrastructure, finance, and human capital development.

The President and his delegation will leave Accra on Sunday, 17 August 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.