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South Africa, let’s make history – Let’s plant 10 million trees on Heritage Day as part of President Ramaphosa’s one billion trees programme

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa, let’s make history – Let’s plant 10 million trees on Heritage Day as part of President Ramaphosa’s one billion trees programme

By Bernice Swarts

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on government to work with all South Africans to plant one billion trees over the coming years. In support of the President’s vision, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has launched an ambitious campaign to plant 10 million trees in a single day on Heritage Day, 24 September 2026.

The Presidential One Billion Trees Programme seeks to mobilise all sectors of society – government, business, labour, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, diplomatic missions, youth formations and communities – to plant trees as part of our collective response to climate change.

This programme is a call to action for every South African. It is about protecting our environment, improving our communities and safeguarding the future for generations to come. On 24 September 2026, I call on all South Africans across the country to unite in an effort to plant ten million trees in a single day.

Trees will be planted in safe spaces across all nine provinces, including schools, clinics, hospitals, colleges, police stations, churches, parks and residential areas. We also encourage households to plant trees in their own yards. Every tree planted will contribute towards a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient South Africa.

I therefore make a clarion call to all South Africans – including all spheres of government, organised business, organised labour and civil society – to join us in this national campaign and help make history by planting ten million trees on Heritage Day.

I recently launched the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme under the theme: “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today.” This programme is not merely about planting trees. It is about confronting the realities of climate change and taking meaningful action.

The science is clear: climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is a lived reality affecting communities across the globe and here at home. South Africa has experienced devastating floods, droughts, veld fires and heatwaves. Lives have been lost, livelihoods disrupted and infrastructure damaged. Standing by is no longer an option. We must act urgently, decisively and collectively.

Our ambitious target to plant ten million trees in a single day builds on the success of the 2025 One Million Trees Campaign. On Heritage Day last year, South Africans planted more than 1.3 million trees in a single day, surpassing the target of one million trees. Importantly, this achievement came at no cost to government, as citizens, businesses and organisations donated and planted the trees themselves.

The success of the 2025 campaign demonstrated the power of collective action and the willingness of South Africans to contribute to environmental protection and climate action. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, resources and commitment to making that campaign a success.

For the 2026 Ten Million Trees Campaign, we will adopt a similar approach. Government funds will not be used to purchase trees. Instead, we will rely on donations and partnerships from individuals, communities, businesses and organisations across the country.

The Presidential One Billion Trees Programme is also about creating economic opportunities, particularly for young people, women and persons with disabilities. Greening initiatives support nursery owners, landscapers, environmental workers and emerging entrepreneurs, while creating jobs for the people. It must also be stressed that the creation of jobs remains an important pillar of the Government of National Unity (GNU).   

I must also stress that our plan to plant ten million trees on Heritage Day, 24 September 2026 is not a public relations exercise. It is a national movement that is already gaining momentum. Over recent months, we have distributed tens of thousands of trees to traditional leaders and communities through our outreach programmes, community imbizos, school engagements and greening initiatives.

However, to reach our target of ten million trees, we need every South African to play their part. Whether you plant a tree in your yard, donate a tree through our departmental digital pledge platform, mobilise your workplace or encourage your community to participate, you are contributing to a lasting legacy.

If you are a business, sponsor trees. If you are an educator, encourage learners to participate. If you are a community leader, mobilise your neighbourhood. No contribution is too small.

The Presidential One Billion Trees Programme forms part of government’s broader National Greening Programme, which focuses on creating sustainable and resilient settlements through tree planting, ecosystem restoration and climate change mitigation.

Recent years have shown us the devastating impact of extreme weather events. We have witnessed severe flooding in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. We have seen the destruction caused by floods in the Kruger National Park and surrounding communities, with tragic loss of life and significant economic damage. Our thoughts remain with all affected families and communities.

These events serve as a reminder that climate change affects every aspect of our lives. While we cannot control nature, we can take meaningful action to reduce our environmental impact and strengthen our resilience. 

Greening our country is not only about environmental protection; it is also an economic necessity. Research has consistently shown that well-greened neighbourhoods often experience increased property values and improved quality of life. This can strengthen municipal revenue bases and support improved service delivery.

Municipal participation in the planting of trees will also help identify projects that contribute to climate change mitigation, including the rehabilitation of degraded areas and the transformation of neglected spaces into safe community parks and recreational areas. 

Greening is also closely linked to spatial justice. Historically disadvantaged communities often bear the greatest burden of pollution, environmental degradation and inadequate green infrastructure. By expanding tree planting and greening initiatives, we contribute to creating healthier, safer and more equitable communities.

To ensure the success and sustainability of the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme, we are finalising a comprehensive implementation plan that includes the following interventions:

• Strengthening partnerships with academic, research and professional organisations, including the Institute of Environment and Recreation Management (IERM), to ensure that tree-planting initiatives are guided by scientific evidence.

• Integrating small and emerging nurseries into the programme to stimulate local economic development in rural and peri-urban communities.

• Expanding partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding with the Departments of Basic Education and Human Settlements to promote tree planting in schools and human settlements, particularly in low-income housing developments.

• Promoting commemorative and remembrance tree planting as a meaningful way for South Africans to honour important milestones and events.

• Supporting stakeholders involved in the rehabilitation of degraded land and ecosystems.

I therefore call on all South Africans to make history on Heritage Day, 24 September 2026, by participating in our effort to plant ten million trees. Let us leave behind a greener, healthier and more sustainable South Africa for future generations. Let us plant ten million trees in a single day under the theme: “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today.” 

Together, we can grow a legacy that will benefit our country for generations to come.

*Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

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Kenya’s Parliament urged to pass landmark bill to address discrimination against widows

Source: APO

To mark International Widows’ Day, Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO) (http://apo-opa.co/4g1aeOu) and Equality Now (http://apo-opa.co/4fVM73z) (www.EqualityNow.org) are urging MPs in Kenya to pass the Widowed Persons Protection Bill, 2026, before the current parliamentary session ends later this year. Turning this comprehensive Bill into law would provide all widowed persons with long overdue legal protections against the widespread discrimination they, particularly women, routinely face, including disinheritance, confiscation of property, and harmful cultural practices such as widow inheritance and widow cleansing.

The Bill was submitted to Parliament on 12 May 2026 as a Private Member’s Bill sponsored by Hon. Otiende Amollo, MP for Rarieda Constituency, whose commitment to advancing widows’ rights is informed by the discrimination his own mother faced after being widowed.

The Bill was developed and drafted with input from CTWOO and Equality Now, and would transform widowhood from a condition of vulnerability into one of protected status. It aims to ensure widowed persons do not lose their rights, security, dignity, or standing in society.

Kenya’s widows urgently need stronger legal protection

CTWOO provides case support, counselling, and legal education to widows and orphans across Kenya. In May 2026 alone, CTWOO recorded 139 cases, demonstrating the scale of the problem and the lack of effective state channels to address the challenges widows face.

Dr Dianah Kamande, HSC, Executive Director of CTWOO, founded the organisation after experiencing discrimination, dispossession, and blame following the death of her abusive husband.

Drawing on her own experience and years of supporting widows, Dr Kamande saw how legal rights are often inaccessible in practice and undermined by custom, community pressure, and unequal family power dynamics. With little or no say over decisions affecting their lives, widows are routinely subjected to systemic rights violations that are enabled by a fragmented legal framework which leaves critical protection gaps.

Following the death of a spouse, widows are often forced from their homes by family and community members, unlawfully stripped of their possessions, deprived of livelihoods, and denied custody of their children. The resulting dispossession can lead to homelessness, destitution, dependency, and disruption to children’s education.

Widowed persons can face intimidation involving threats, isolation, blame for a spouse’s death, and accusations of witchcraft that are used to justify seizing property. Cyberbullying and fraudulent schemes are emerging and growing problems.

Many communities still subject widows to harmful mourning rites, which may include scarification, coerced fasting, denial of medical care, forced shaving of hair, or being prevented from bathing. Widow cleansing or widow inheritance entails a bereaved wife being pressured into ritual “purification” through forced sexual intercourse, often with a relative, which she is required to undergo before she can continue her life or remarry.

Dr. Kamande explains, “Every week, women come to CTWOO after losing their husbands and then their home, their dignity, sometimes even their children. Kenya’s Widowed Persons Protection Bill draws a clear line between cultural practices that strengthen communities and those causing harm. Culture is not static. It can evolve in ways that acknowledge tradition while ensuring widows are afforded the same dignity, equality, and protection under the law as everyone else.”

The Widowed Persons Protection Bill would strengthen legal protections in Kenya

Equality Now’s report, Gender Inequality in Family Laws in Africa: An Overview of Key Trends in Select Countries (https://apo-opa.co/3QCt9ob), highlights how overlapping and contradictory civil, customary, and religious laws undermine women’s rights across the continent.

Kenya is no exception. Protections for widows are scattered across succession, family, and criminal law. While the Constitution guarantees equality and property rights, the Law of Succession Act, 1981, has provisions that disadvantage widows, including differential treatment in the distribution of agricultural land and the removal of a widow’s right to inherit her late husband’s property if she remarries.

In polygamous marriages, the law groups each wife and her children into a single “unit” for dividing the family estate, giving a widow only a proportion equal to one of her children.

The Bill unites legal protections, creating a single dedicated framework of rights covering equality, dignity, property and inheritance, custody, health, privacy, and digital safety.

The Bill would criminalise coercive mourning rites, widow inheritance, forced marriage, and forced removal of children. It would be a criminal offence to unlawfully seize a widowed person’s property or evict them from the matrimonial home after a spouse dies.

Harassment, falsely accusing a widowed person of causing the death of a spouse, or branding them a witch, would be unlawful, and to address online harassment and inheritance fraud, their right to digital safety would be guaranteed.

The Law of Succession Act would be amended so that widows would be entitled to keep their inheritance if they remarry, and widows in polygamous marriages would inherit in their own right, rather than having their share treated as part of a household unit with their children.

A Widowed Persons Protection Board would be established to coordinate the law’s implementation and improve access to support. The Board would advise on policy reform, investigate rights violations, promote public education, facilitate access to legal aid and counselling, and ensure widows’ rights are reflected in national and county planning.

Data on widowhood is often fragmented and insufficiently disaggregated, making it difficult to design effective responses. The Bill would create a framework for data collection, research, and reporting, with widowed persons recognised as a distinct policy group.

In collaboration with civil society and relevant stakeholders, county governments would set up and maintain emergency shelters for widowed persons made homeless. Counties would be required to allocate adequate resources and establish and support legal aid and justice centres.

Aligning Kenya’s law with the Maputo Protocol and CEDAW

Kenya has ratified the Maputo Protocol (http://apo-opa.co/3QHoUYu), the only regional human rights treaty with a dedicated article on widows’ rights. Article 20 requires African states to protect widows from inhuman or degrading treatment, safeguard their property, and preserve their inheritance rights if they remarry.

As part of the Africa Family Law Network (https://apo-opa.co/4gA3MOn), CTWOO and Equality Now have collaborated with fellow member FIDA-Kenya to ensure the Bill aligns with the Maputo Protocol and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Importantly, the Bill translates Kenya’s commitments into practical, enforceable protections, closing longstanding gaps so widowed persons can fully benefit from the rights guaranteed under national, regional, and international law.

Deborah Nyokabi (https://apo-opa.co/3Qvv3qT), a human rights lawyer with Equality Now, explains, “If enacted, Kenya’s Widowed Persons Protection Bill, 2026, would set a precedent as the first dedicated widowed persons’ rights law in Africa. By addressing legal, social, and economic harms together, it would provide a blueprint for reform in other African countries, where widows face similar discrimination, abuse, and inadequate legal safeguards.

“Kenyan lawmakers can transform commitments under the Maputo Protocol and CEDAW into meaningful protections for widows. Passing the Bill is an opportunity to show that discrimination, dispossession, and harmful practices are not inevitable consequences of widowhood, but rights violations that must be prevented and punished.”

Dr Kamande concludes, “Widowed women are not just survivors; we are leaders, advocates, and agents of change. We have spoken out, organised, documented abuses, and helped develop solutions. We urge MPs to match our efforts by passing the Widowed Persons Protection Bill, 2026, before the current legislative session ends.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Equality Now:
Tara Carey
tcarey@equalitynow.org
WhatsApp + 44 7971556340

Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO):
George Ekokwa
george@cometogewoo.org
Whatsapp + 254 743 707 046

Social Media:
Equality Now:
Bluesky: equalitynow.bsky.social (http://apo-opa.co/4xICPyl)
Facebook: @equalitynoworg (http://apo-opa.co/4xFwILf)
Instagram: @equalitynoworg (http://apo-opa.co/4oGa1SS)
LinkedIn: Equality Now (http://apo-opa.co/4p2qSQh)

Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO):
Twitter @Cometogether_Wi

About Equality Now:
Equality Now is a worldwide human rights organisation dedicated to securing the legal and systemic change needed to end discrimination against all women and girls. Since its inception in 1992, it has played a role in reforming 120 discriminatory laws globally, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of women and girls, their communities and nations, both now and for generations to come.

Working with partners at national, regional and global levels, Equality Now draws on deep legal expertise and a diverse range of social, political and cultural perspectives to continue to lead the way in steering, shaping and driving the change needed to achieve enduring gender equality, to the benefit of all.

For more details, go to www.EqualityNow.org

About Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization (CTWOO):
CTWOO is a registered non-profit organisation in Kenya, recognised by the NGO Coordination Board in January 2019, having begun as a community-based organisation in October 2013. CTWOO champions the protection of human rights and dignity of widows and their children, in alignment with CEDAW and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. CTWOO is a member of the Global Campaign for Equality in Family Law and an affiliate member of the Africa Family Law Network.

For more details, go to www.ComeTogeWOO.org. 

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Africa’s Data-First Energy Workforce is the Key to Unlocking Future Exploration

Source: APO


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Africa’s energy future will be shaped not only by the resources beneath the ground, but by the ability of its workforce to interpret, manage and act on increasingly complex datasets. As exploration targets become more technically challenging and investors demand greater certainty, energy companies across the continent are turning to artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and digital platforms to improve decision-making. Building a data-first workforce capable of leveraging these technologies is emerging as a strategic priority, enabling operators to reduce exploration risk, optimize production and accelerate project development.

As digital innovation becomes increasingly critical to streamlining operations across exploration and production, this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16 – is set to highlight how these shifts impact regional competitiveness. These industry-wide advancements are set to take center stage during Renegade Intel, the event’s premier track dedicated to AI and data centers.

For Africa’s exploration sector, digitalization is becoming a prerequisite for success. As operators pursue frontier acreage, deeper reservoirs and more complex geological plays, the ability to process and interpret large volumes of seismic, subsurface and operational data is critical. However, technology alone is not enough. Scaling exploration activity will require a workforce equipped with advanced digital skills, capable of applying AI-driven insights to geological modeling, prospect evaluation and resource development.

In the exploration sector, the BHP Xplore Bootcamp – designed to fast-track early-stage mineral exploration – launched in South Africa on February 3. The intensive program provides junior explorers with $500,000 grants and access to proprietary data analytics, specifically targeting deeper copper and zinc systems in the Northern Cape province through advance mineral modeling.

Further boosting upstream efficiency, global technology company SLB inaugurated its Africa Performance Center in Luanda, Angola in late 2025. The facility provides regional operators with high-fidelity digital twins and AI-driven workflows for enhanced oil recovery. These tools allow companies to analyze massive datasets, extending the life of mature fields in Angola and Algeria.

AI is increasingly being adopted across Africa’s energy management systems. Leading the charge in modern grid management, South Africa’s state utility Eskom announced on March 3 that it is leveraging AI to build a self-healing power grid. This ambitious project aims to utilize predictive analytics to minimize outages and optimize integration of renewable energy sources across its national transmission network. This was followed by the signing of an agreement between Eskom, the University of Pretoria and the South African National Energy Development Institute, aimed at harnessing the power of AI to address critical energy challenges across the country.

Similar moves are taking place in Nigeria. In a landmark move for regulatory transparency, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) launched a 60-day digitalization program in early 2026. NUPRC Commission Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan announced the initiative following a visit from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s Executive Secretary Musa Sarkin Adar, pledging to eliminate paper trails to enhance speed and royalty enforcement.

Sustaining this momentum requires robust talent pipelines and university partnerships. Workforce reform is essential to bridge the technical gap, as African institutions must evolve into dynamic innovation hubs. Investing in local skills development ensures that the digital transition remains Africa-led, creating high-value jobs for the continent’s growing youth population.

“Transforming Africa’s economic potential into reality requires that we empower those who make growth possible – our SMEs, our women entrepreneurs and our youth,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Harnessing digitalization is no longer an option but a necessity to ensure Africa remains globally competitive.”

Ultimately, digitalization and skills development are the dual engines driving Africa toward an era of energy abundance. By fostering a tech-savvy workforce and adopting cutting-edge analytics, the continent can de-risk projects and attract long-term capital. These critical advancements are set to form the cornerstone of discussions at the Renegade Intel track at AEW 2026 this October. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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From Learning to Earning: Presentation of National Framework for Enhancing Graduates Employability in Libya

Source: APO

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, together with the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education, Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation, the European Union, and Expertise France (www.ExpertiseFrance.fr), officially announced the completion of the National Framework for Enhancing Graduates’ Employability in Libya, establishing a unified national reference to address the persistent challenge of translating education outcomes into sustainable employment.

The Framework provides a results-based structure to guide policy reform, institutional coordination, and implementation mechanisms designed to accelerate professional integration and support Libya’s broader economic diversification and national development priorities.

“A skilled and employable workforce is the foundation of a resilient and diversified economy. This framework is a strategic step toward aligning education outcomes with market needs, enabling Libya to unlock its economic potential and support sustainable growth.” Said H.E Dr.Suhail Abu Shiha, The Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade.

The validation marks a major milestone in Libya’s efforts to address structural graduate unemployment, labour market absorption challenges, and the long-standing mismatch between education outputs and economic demand. It reflects a high-level national commitment to positioning employability as a core function of both higher education and vocational education systems.

H.E. Dr. Mohamed Edbeb, Minister of Higher Education in Libya, said: “By aligning our academic output with the needs of the labor market, we aim to enhance the readiness of our graduates and enable them to acquire the competencies and skills that support their professional success and their contribution to building the national economy.”

The Framework was developed through a collaborative process led by a team from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education and the Ministry of Labour and Rehabilitation with the support of international partners under the EU4Skills project, funded by the European Union, with a contribution from the French Government, and implemented by Expertise France. The development process brought together public institutions, education leaders, private sector representatives, and technical experts, ensuring national ownership and broad-based participation from all Libyan regions. The Framework also draws on international expertise and comparative case studies while being adapted to Libya’s institutional and economic context.

“What we need today is to work together on solutions and implementation, not just discuss the challenges,” stated, H.E Dr. Abdul Qader Ghaniya, Deputy Ministry of Technical and Vocational Education in Libya “Our responsibility today is not only to develop a good national framework, but also to ensure that it is transformed into a practical program with clear objectives and defined responsibilities capable of making a tangible impact on the lives of young people.”

The Framework is structured around four strategic goals that apply across both higher education and vocational pathways:

  • Developing competitive competencies aligned with modern labour market needs;
  • Expanding and diversifying employability pathways, with a focus on stronger private sector engagement;
  • Promoting entrepreneurship, self-employment, and innovation within educational institutions;
  • Generating sustainable societal and economic impact through improved education outcomes.

By modernizing curricula, expanding internships, and launching career guidance services, this initiative introduces practical tools to bridge the gap between ‘learning and earning.’ Through data-driven tracking and regulatory reforms, Libya is building a more responsive education system that adapts to the evolving needs of the job market

H.E. Mr. Nicola Orlando, Ambassador of the European Union to Libya, stated: “The European Union is proud to support Libya in advancing systemic reform that places youth employability at the centre of economic development. This Framework reflects a strong national commitment to evidence-based reform and institutional coordination. By strengthening alignment between education and labour market needs, Libya is investing in its most valuable asset: its young people.”

“At Expertise France, we believe that sustainability is built through institutional ownership,” said Mr. Maxime Bost, Programs Director of Expertise France in Libya. “This framework is not a standalone project but is designed to be anchored within Libya’s existing governance structures to ensure it evolves alongside the country’s economic needs to support employability and create great opportunities for young people.”

The Framework’s implementation follows a strategic roadmap, starting with foundational reforms and institutional capacity-building before scaling these initiatives across all Libyan regions. Designed for long-term sustainability, the strategy links classrooms to the national economy. Ultimately, this validation represents a unified national pledge to transform academic degrees into meaningful careers, equipping Libyan graduates to excel in a global market and driving the nation’s transition toward a resilient, knowledge-based economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Expertise France.

Contact:
Sarah Belamin
Strategic Visibility and Media Expert
Expertise France Economical program in Libya
sarah.belamin@expertisefrance.fr
+218946660453

About The European Union:
The European Union is made up of 27 Member States, which have decided to gradually pool their know-how, their resources, and their destiny. Together, over a period of over 50 years of enlargement, they have built an area of stability, democracy, and sustainable development, while maintaining their cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms. The European Union is determined to share its achievements and values with countries and peoples beyond its borders.

About Expertise France: 
Expertise France is the French public agency for international technical assistance. It aims at contributing to sustainable development based on solidarity and inclusiveness, mainly through enhancing the quality of public policies within the partner countries. www.ExpertiseFrance.fr

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Holds Phone Call with Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, UAE National Security Adviser

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, June 22, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a phone conversation with HH Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The call discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. It also discussed regional developments, particularly the diplomatic efforts to enhance security and stability in the region, following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the State of Qatar’s full support for the ongoing negotiations between the American and Iranian sides to reach sustainable solutions to outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means, in a way that enhances regional security, contributes to opening new horizons for cooperation, development and prosperity, and achieves the common interests of the peoples of the region and the world. 

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Zenith Bank Headline Sponsorship Powers Final Countdown to the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference in Lagos

Source: APO


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The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.CA/) today announced final momentum for the 6th Canada-Africa Business Conference (https://apo-opa.co/4xHpTJ5), taking place June 24-25, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, headline sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc.

The flagship program will convene senior business leaders, investors, policymakers and institutional partners from Canada, Nigeria and across the African continent for two days of high-level networking, sector-focused discussion and practical engagement designed to accelerate trade, investment and commercial partnerships.

Hosted in the dynamic megacity of Lagos, a key gateway for global growth, the 6th edition places Nigeria’s private sector leadership and continental reach at the centre of Canada-Africa engagement. The program will highlight opportunities across financial services, infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, clean technologies and other high-growth sectors.

“Zenith Bank Plc is honoured to serve as headline sponsor to this distinguished gathering in Lagos, our home city and one of Africa’s most important commercial centres. The Conference reflects the growing importance of financial linkages between Africa and Canada, and we look forward to working with partners to advance trade, investment and shared prosperity.”

— Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank Plc

Zenith Bank’s headline sponsorship reflects the central role of financial institutions in enabling market entry, cross-border trade, investment flows and project delivery. The bank brings deep local market knowledge, robust trade finance and treasury solutions, corporate and investment banking expertise, and digital platforms built to global standards.

“Building on over three decades of convening excellence, the Chamber is pleased to bring Canadian and African decision-makers together in Lagos at a time of exceptional opportunity. Thanks to Zenith Bank’s leadership, this conference is positioned to convert goodwill into relationships, and relationships into practical commercial outcomes.”

— Garreth Bloor, President, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business

The conference is also supported by a growing roster of partners and sponsors, including Elephant Trade-Services DRC as Headline Chamber Sponsor, GardaWorld Security as Gold Conference Sponsor, and Silver Conference Sponsors Banwo & Ighodalo, Baywood Group, CBI News, Dentons, Eko Hotels & Suites, and Voranex Africa. The Government of Canada is recognized as Chamber Partner, with Abide Consulting serving as Conference Partner.

The two-day program includes keynote addresses, interactive panels, executive networking and business-to-business engagement, with a focus on practical outcomes for Canadian and African companies seeking growth, market access and long-term partnership. Delegates will participate in keynote addresses, executive panels, business-to-business engagement and Day 2 program focuses on deepening relationships between members and sponsors, with a Site Visit to GardaWorld Security, showcasing significant investment in action, as well as a closing VIP Reception.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

About The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business:
With more than 30 years of history, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening trade and investment between Canada and African markets. Through flagship conferences, targeted missions, and year-round engagement, the Chamber connects decision-makers and advances sustainable, private-sector-led development.

About Zenith Bank Plc:
Zenith Bank Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with an international footprint spanning Africa and Europe. The bank offers local market knowledge, trade finance and treasury solutions, corporate and investment banking expertise, and digital platforms built to global standards.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and US Officials Hold Joint Phone Call with Lebanese President

Source: Government of Qatar

Lucerne, Switzerland, June 22, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and senior United States officials have held a joint telephone call with HE President of the Lebanese Republic Joseph Aoun to discuss efforts to reinforce the ceasefire in Lebanon and support wider regional stability.

The conversation took place on the sidelines of the Lake Lucerne Summit and involved HE Vice President of the United States of America J.D. Vance; HE Senior Advisor to the US President Jared Kushner; and HE US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

The discussions focused on ongoing political and diplomatic efforts aimed at strengthening adherence to the ceasefire in Lebanon, building on the momentum generated by the memorandum of understanding recently signed between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Participants also explored ways to leverage the renewed diplomatic engagement to advance broader regional security and stability initiatives.

During the call, HE Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s support for regional and international efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East. He also reiterated Doha’s longstanding commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

For his part, HE President Aoun expressed appreciation for the State of Qatar’s diplomatic initiatives and mediation efforts, praising Doha’s role in promoting dialogue and supporting security and stability across the region.

The State of Qatar has played an increasingly active role in regional diplomacy in recent years, often acting as a mediator in conflicts and political disputes. The latest discussions underline the country’s continuing engagement in efforts to reduce tensions and encourage political solutions to regional challenges.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs meets with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the Government of National Unity (GNU) of Libya

Source: Government of Qatar

Amman, June 22, 2026

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi held talks on Monday with HE Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya, Taher Salem Al Baour.

The discussions took place on the margins of the Arab foreign ministers’ consultative meeting, which was held in the Jordanian capital Amman.

The two officials discussed existing cooperation between the two nations and explored ways to further enhance ties across various fields.

 They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Somali Counterpart

Source: Government of Qatar

Amman, June 22, 2026

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Monday with HE State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Ali Mohamed Omar, on the sidelines of the Consultative Meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers, held in Amman, Jordan.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to several topics of mutual interest.