Category: MIL-OSI

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Key Policy Debates Shaping Africa’s Mining Future at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025


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As Africa positions itself at the forefront of the global energy transition, the continent’s mining sector faces pivotal policy decisions that will determine its role in the future supply of critical minerals. African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, taking place in Cape Town from October 1-3, emerges as a premier platform for stakeholders to engage in these crucial discussions, fostering collaboration and investment across the mining value chain.

Enhancing Value Addition and Local Content

African countries are increasingly focusing on in-country mineral processing to maximize economic benefits. Gabon, for instance, has reformed its mining code to offer tax holidays and modest royalties, aiming to boost the mining sector’s contribution to GDP to over 30% by the mid-2030s. South Africa is also encouraging investors to participate in local beneficiation initiatives, emphasizing the mining industry’s role in job creation and economic development. AMW 2025 will spotlight these initiatives, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore opportunities in value addition and discuss policies that promote local processing and industrialization.

Addressing Energy Challenges and Infrastructure Gaps

Reliable infrastructure and energy access are critical for mining operations. Projects like the $15.6 billion Lagos-Abidjan Highway, slated for construction in 2026, aim to connect multiple West African countries, facilitating the transport of minerals and boosting regional trade. AMW 2025 will explore innovative solutions and investment opportunities to enhance energy security and infrastructure, ensuring sustainable and efficient mining activities across the continent.

Formalizing Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) plays a significant role in Africa’s mining landscape, yet it often operates informally, leading to environmental degradation and social challenges. Efforts are underway to formalize ASM operations: Ghana is actively formalizing its ASM sector through a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing regulation, environmental sustainability and economic integration. Key measures include the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board, which centralizes the purchase and export of gold from licensed small-scale miners to curb smuggling and increase state revenue. At AMW 2025, sessions will focus on strategies and policies adopted by mineral-rich nations to empower small-scale mining operations, promoting responsible practices and integrating these operations into the broader mining economy.

ESG Compliance: Aligning with Global Standards

As global scrutiny around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices intensifies, African mining companies face mounting pressure to align with evolving sustainability expectations. According to an EY survey, international mining executives identified ESG as the top risk to their business in 2024, underscoring its growing strategic importance. At AMW 2025, dedicated sessions will explore how African operators can strengthen ESG compliance – minimizing environmental impact, promoting fair labor practices and aligning operations with global standards to remain competitive and responsible in a shifting investment landscape.

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.

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

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Former attorney convicted of stealing RAF payouts

Source: South Africa News Agency

Former attorney convicted of stealing RAF payouts

A former attorney has been convicted on four counts of theft by the Mpumalanga Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after defrauding clients of their Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mantladi Jo-Anne Mmela, committed the crimes when she was practising as a sole practitioner between June 2019 and March 2022.

“The accused lodged claims against the Road Accident Fund on behalf of her clients, which were subsequently paid out. The money was paid by the Road Accident Fund into the trust account of Mmela Incorporated Attorneys for the benefit of her clients, totalling an amount of over R4.1 million.

“The incident came to light after one of the victims reported that Mmela failed to pay her. An investigation ensued and led to the arrest of the accused in 2022,” the NPA said in a statement.

Mmela was subsequently granted bail. However, after absconding, she was re-arrested and remained in custody.

“During trial, the accused pleaded not guilty, and Senior State Advocate Henry Nxumalo presented evidence of the witnesses to prove the allegations levelled against her. The accused was convicted on four counts of theft, and the matter was postponed to 21 August 2025 for sentencing in the same court.

“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction as a significant step in the fight against the theft of trust monies by attorneys as breach of trust, more so the victims of motor vehicle accidents. The collaboration against fighting such crimes yielded positive results in this matter. 

“The NPA remains committed to fighting financial crimes and ensuring that those who deprive claimants of their monies are prosecuted,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Russia advocates for multilateralism and stronger UN at G20 Sherpa meeting

Source: South Africa News Agency

Russia advocates for multilateralism and stronger UN at G20 Sherpa meeting

Russia’s G20 Sherpa, Svetlana Lukash, has highlighted the importance of multilateralism for ensuring global stability and sustainability, calling for ongoing dialogue and the strengthening of the United Nations.

“Multilateralism is the only thing that can keep the world together today and save us from collapse, save the economy from complete fragmentation, and ensure global growth and sustainability,” she said. 

Despite the current challenges of economic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, Lukash said she remained optimistic.

“We must continue dialogue, no matter what divisions exist in our minds and policies.“

Lukash was speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Sherpa meeting on Thursday, where the world’s largest economies and organisations are convening at Sun City Resort in the North West.

Lukash is the Deputy Head of the Presidential Expert Directorate within the Presidential Executive Office of Russia. 

“I think the G20 is very well placed to keep multilateralism as a flag for all humanity. But indeed, what we always keep in mind is that we have the United Nations, and that is the main platform that we need to cherish and need to strengthen.“

She also cast the spotlight on South Africa’s groundbreaking G20 Presidency as a pivotal moment for inclusive international dialogue.

Lukash believes that the strategic vision of multilateralism extends beyond traditional diplomatic frameworks.

By inviting diverse stakeholders and opening dialogue with African neighbours and Global South representatives, Lukash said South Africa aims to create a more representative international platform.

“I think just having the Presidency in Africa for the first time and putting the interests of Africa and of the Global South on the top of the G20 agenda already gives the strongest signal to the world community that the time has changed.” 

She is of the view that the G20 should not be a closed forum where only 20 economies discuss issues that matter to the entire world.

“What South Africa’s Presidency did is help open the G20 in the interests of the global majority. That is amazing. So, I really praise what the Presidency is doing this year.”

The Sherpa said the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate how multilateral approaches can address complex global economic challenges.

Lukash also recognised the ongoing geoeconomic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, which include sanctions and tariff wars. 

However, she believes that the key multilateral priorities should focus on reforming global institutions such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO), addressing geopolitical tensions, and developing more inclusive mechanisms for economic cooperation.

Despite geoeconomic fragmentation and tensions, Lukash said Russia sees the G20 as crucial for global economic cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, and finance.

She told journalists that Russia’s key priorities for the G20 agenda align with South Africa’s goals, focusing on inclusive global growth, job creation, artificial intelligence governance, and critical minerals. 

The Sherpa also praised the bilateral relations between South Africa and Russia, particularly in economic cooperation and investments, and expressed full support for South Africa’s G20 priorities.

She said she was also grateful that South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently attended the St Petersburg International Economic Forum during his working visit to Russia. 

“We, as Russia, tried to ensure that he spent that time very productively, ensured a lot of discussions with all the government of the Russian Federation, aimed at increasing our cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations by ensuring investments and common economic cooperation between all countries. 

“[The Deputy President] very rightly points out the main issues that the investments need to be shifted to the countries of the Global South, and that’s what our President and the Deputy President discussed.”

Lukash has assured the South African government that Russia will support them “completely” in all their priorities and goals.

“We will do our best to make your G20 Leaders’ Summit a success.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Africa’s development banks are being undermined: the continent will pay the price

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

Ghana and Zambia’s official creditors are pressing them to default on loans to two African multilateral financial institutions: the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Trade and Development Bank (TDB).

These creditors, in effect, are demanding that the two countries prioritise repayments to themselves over payments to these two banks.

As academics who have worked on the challenges of financing sustainable development in Africa, we believe this action is short-sighted.

The action by Ghana and Zambia’s official creditors has two significant implications.

First, they are demanding that the two countries treat Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank as commercial creditors. This would undermine the banks’ credit ratings and increase their borrowing costs. It would also reduce their capacity to finance sustainable development in Africa.

Second, pressing Ghana and Zambia to default, rather than supporting pragmatic restructuring aligned with their strong growth prospects, exacerbates Ghana and Zambia’s financial vulnerability. Either they would have to use scarce resources to pay these debts or default on their obligations, in which case, the banks might well sue them.

Quotes from Ghana and Zambia’s ministries of finance suggest the decision to default is their own. However, they faced intense pressure from their official creditors to treat the two African multilateral financial institutions differently from all their other multilateral creditors.

Why does this differential treatment matter?

Preferred creditor status

Multilateral financial institutions, including the World Bank and African Development Bank, have a preferred creditor status. This is in recognition of the special role they play. They are expected to provide relatively low-cost funding for public investment, economic stability and long-term sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries.

Their preferred creditor status ensures that, when countries experience debt distress, their development mandate is prioritised over the concerns of commercial creditors. Commercial creditors normally only fund commercially viable transactions. They charge high interest rates to compensate for the risk of default on these transactions.

Both Afreximbank and Trade and Development Bank were created to fill a gap in Africa’s access to critical development finance. They provide financing for projects and transactions that commercial institutions and other multilateral financial institutions cannot – or will not – provide, because of capital limits, regulations or perceptions of risk.

For example, Afreximbank’s charter notes that

the decline in African exports has impacted adversely on the economies of African states and hindered their ability to achieve a self-reliant development.

It further recognises that stimulating economic development

can best be achieved through the creation of a trade financing international institution whose principal purpose is to provide and mobilise the requisite financial resources.

Historically, it has enjoyed preferred creditor status to support its role in meeting this purpose.

Why preferred creditor status is being challenged

The two countries’ official creditor committees, the rating agency Fitch and other commentators are challenging the preferred creditor status of the two African institutions. They argue that the two banks are different from multilateral financial institutions like the World Bank and the African Development Bank that only have states as shareholders. They suggest that the private shareholders in the two African banks should not benefit from preferred creditor status. Instead, they should receive the same status as commercial creditors.

Read more: Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course

This view ignores the reason that Afreximbank’s and the Trade and Development Bank’s member states authorised them to have private shareholders. It was a deliberate, pragmatic measure designed to fill a gap in Africa’s access to affordable development finance.

The idea was to create new multilateral institutions that could raise capital flexibly and quickly on terms that the individual African states could not match on their own. Several other regional development banks have this hybrid model, including CAF, a highly rated development bank in Latin America.

It is perverse that this creative and pragmatic approach to filling a gap in the global financial system is now being used against the two African banks.

The consequences

The cost of capital for the two African financial institutions will increase if they are treated like commercial creditors. This will reduce their capacity to lend and their financing will become more expensive. It will also deepen inequality in the global financial system. Lastly, it will increase the risk of future African sovereign debt defaults.

In other words, downgrading their status risks undermining the very stability that official creditors claim to safeguard. It will also create another obstacle to Africa’s efforts to access stable, predictable and affordable flows of development finance.

The eventual outcome of the official creditors’ action will ultimately depend on negotiations between Ghana and Zambia and their creditors. This will include the two African institutions. It will also be influenced by how these different groups of creditors behave in other African sovereign debt restructurings.

However, the international community can seek to influence the outcome by taking actions in appropriate international settings.

Global leaders are searching for ways to scale up and strengthen the capacity of regional and subregional development banks like Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank. This requires respecting their preferred creditor status and increasing their access to affordable capital.

This is precisely the opposite of what is unfolding.

There is still time for the creditor governments to change course by demonstrating their support for African multilateral financial institutions.

– Africa’s development banks are being undermined: the continent will pay the price
– https://theconversation.com/africas-development-banks-are-being-undermined-the-continent-will-pay-the-price-259404

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10ème édition de la Journée africaine de la Fonction publique à Addis-Abeba : Le Bénin renforce ses capacités dans la gestion de la fonction publique territoriale


Le Bénin a pris une part active à la 10ème édition de la Journée Africaine de la Fonction Publique (JAFP), tenue du 21 au 23 juin 2025 à Addis-Abeba, en Éthiopie. Ce rendez-vous continental a offert à notre pays l’opportunité de s’enrichir des expériences d’autres Nations africaines et de consolider ses acquis en matière de gestion de la fonction publique d’État et territoriale. 

Conduite par Monsieur Raphaël AKOTEGNON, Ministre de la Décentralisation et de la Gouvernance locale, la délégation béninoise était composée des Secrétaires Généraux des Ministères en charge de la Fonction publique et de la Décentralisation, ainsi que de Son Excellence Hervé D. DJOKPE, Ambassadeur du Bénin près l’Éthiopie. 

Organisé sous la houlette technique du Département des affaires politiques, de la paix et de la sécurité de l’Union Africaine, cet évènement a rassemblé, aux côtés du Bénin, des délégations des États membres de l’Union Africaine, des Institutions publiques, Universitaires, du secteur privé, des médias et de la société civile. 

Chaque année, la Journée Africaine de la Fonction Publique est l’occasion de saluer la contribution essentielle des agents publics dans le développement des Nations. L’édition 2025, axée sur le thème : « Renforcer l’adaptabilité et la résilience des institutions publiques pour parvenir à une gouvernance équitable et combler rapidement les lacunes historiques dans la prestation de services », a permis d’approfondir la réflexion autour des défis et des perspectives de la réforme administrative en Afrique. 

Trois objectifs clés ont guidé les travaux : 

– Promouvoir la justice et les réparations comme levier de résilience pour l’Afrique ; 

– Valoriser l’inclusion, la responsabilité et la justice sociale comme piliers du développement durable ; 

– Inciter les institutions publiques à adopter des politiques centrées sur le citoyen, basées sur la transparence et une gouvernance réactive. 

En complément au thème principal, cinq sous-thèmes ont été abordés en ateliers : 

– Inclusion et équité dans la prestation des services pour corriger les inégalités historiques ; 

– Réformes juridiques et structurelles pour une gouvernance équitable ; 

– Numérisation au service de la transparence, de la responsabilité et de l’accès à l’information ; 

– Collaboration multipartite et rôle de la société civile pour une gouvernance inclusive ; 

– Études de cas illustrant la résilience institutionnelle face aux déficits de service public. 

Des visites de terrain ont enrichi les échanges, avec notamment : le musée commémoratif Adwa d’Addis-Abeba, les stands d’exposition thématique, le musée des sciences, le centre de services à guichet unique MESOB (« Service éthiopien pour les Prestations organisées »). 

Ces moments d’observation ont permis aux délégations de s’imprégner de dispositifs innovants en matière de délivrance de services publics. Une perspective majeure pour le Bénin. 

À l’issue de cette rencontre, les Institutions participantes bénéficieront d’un renforcement de leurs capacités en matière de lutte contre les inégalités systémiques, de transparence administrative et de gouvernance éthique. L’accent est également mis sur la digitalisation du service public, gage d’un service de qualité au profit des populations. 

Une reconnaissance continentale : Cotonou bientôt hôte d’un atelier technique 

Au regard des efforts remarquables du Bénin en matière de réforme administrative, l’Union Africaine envisage l’organisation prochaine, à Cotonou, d’un atelier de formation sur l’utilisation de l’outil d’évaluation des États parties à la Charte africaine des valeurs et principes de la fonction publique et de l’administration. Cette proposition, formulée en marge des travaux de la JAFP, est née d’une séance du Comité technique spécialisé (CTS) n°8 de l’Union africaine, à laquelle a participé la délégation béninoise conduite par l’Ambassadeur Hervé D. DJOKPE. 

Le choix porté sur le Bénin s’explique par son statut de pionnier : il figure parmi les premiers pays à avoir ratifié la Charte, le 28 mars 2019, avec le dépôt officiel de l’instrument de ratification le 14 mai 2019 auprès du Bureau du Conseil juridique de la Commission de l’Union africaine. L’objectif de ce futur atelier est de doter les participants d’une compréhension approfondie de la Charte, de ses lignes directrices en matière de reporting, et de l’outil d’évaluation comme levier pour un suivi rigoureux et pertinent de sa mise en œuvre.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Coffee exporters from Africa, the Pacific, Latin America, and Southeast Asia showcase at World of Coffee Geneva 2025


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The International Trade Centre (ITC) is showcasing its longstanding leadership in sustainable coffee development at the Specialty Coffee Association’s World of Coffee – Europe’s largest coffee trade show – hosted for the first time in Geneva from 26–28 June 2025.

For over two decades, ITC has worked closely with the International Coffee Organization and regional institutions to support coffee value chains and SMEs across Latin America, Africa and Asia. From its flagship publication, The Coffee Guide – now in its fourth edition and widely regarded as the industry reference – to its deep partnerships promoting circular economy and inclusive business models, ITC supports building resilience, competitiveness and sustainable value chains for SME development..

This year’s presence at the World of Coffee spotlights how ITC is investing in value addition, technical capacity building, regional trade, and youth and women-led entrepreneurship – with a focus on accompanying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to benefit from trade while securing better market access and stronger returns. 

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: ‘Coffee is more than a commodity – for the many small businesses we support in countries across the world, the ability to improve the quality of their beans, process at origin and meet sustainability requirements in the face of rising climate concerns means they’re able to adapt to changes to tap into new markets and compete at the global level.’

ICO Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira said: ‘No one can tackle the coffee sector’s challenges alone. We need expertise, funding, capable people and strong partnerships for collective action. The ICO and ITC have worked together for many years, and Pamela and I have deepened this collaboration – going beyond The Coffee Guide to drive calls to action across numerous coffee-producing countries. Together, we’ve supported efforts ranging from EUDR compliance and new field procedures to market access and boosting local consumption – each critical to increasing incomes where coffee is grown.’

Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, said: ‘Uganda reaffirms its ambitious commitment to transform its export trajectory—from $50 billion to $500 billion—through strategic value addition. Coffee will be one of the primary drivers for achieving this target, reinforcing not only our economic competitiveness but also our national transformation agenda. Additionally, the Government of Uganda has set aside $100 million to support investment in the gradual transition of the coffee sector from green bean export to both green bean and soluble coffee exports in a bid to generate more revenue and income for the farmers and the country as a whole.’

In a separate meeting with ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo and her team, Hon. Bwino explored the possibility of a partnership with ITC focusing on value addition through science and technology transfer for sustainably increased coffee processing production.

ITC at World of Coffee

Booth 1359 | Palexpo Geneva | 26–28 June

At Booth 1359, visitors can taste unique coffees from across the globe, connect directly with producers, and learn how ITC programmes are enabling sustainable and inclusive coffee growth from seed to sip.

ITC will also co-host national booths with coffee sector stakeholders from:

  • Booth 1359: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana 

  • Booth 2469: Burundi

  • Booth 2365: Kenya

  • Booth 2531: Lao People’s Democratic Republic 

  • Booth 2467: Papua New Guinea

  • Booth 2271: Rwanda

  • Booth 2377: United Republic of Tanzania

  • Booth 2371: Uganda

ITC Programmes represented

  • ITC Window I Trust Fund, related to the development of methodologies associated with accompanying SMEs in the green transition

  • European Union-East African Community Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) II, funded by the EU, will support over 40 coffee companies from East Africa to exhibit and engage with buyers.

  • African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) Business-Friendly, funded by the EU and Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, empowers small businesses through value addition, circular economy and trade development.

  • Netherlands Trust Fund V, funded by the Government of the Netherlands, supports coffee producers in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal to grow exports and secure livelihoods.

  • United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP), funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom and the European Union by maximizing the benefits of respective Economic Partnership Agreements and the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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National Assembly (NA) Adopts Joint Ethics and Members’ Interests Committee Report


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During its plenary sitting this afternoon, the National Assembly adopted the report of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests on the non-disclosures of members’ interests for 2024.

The committee found eight Members of Parliament of the National Assembly in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for failing to submit their financial and other registrable interests by the deadline of 14 October 2024.

Members found in breach include Mr Mluleki Dlelanga(ANC), Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa (IFP), Nhlamulo Ndhlela(MK), Mr Mzoleli Mrara (ANC), Ms MasetshegoMofokeng (ANC), Ms Maropene Ramokgopa (ANC), Mr Sihle Zikalala (ANC) and Mr Andries Nel (ANC).

A reprimand in the House and a fine of R10,000 were recommended for the eight members.

The Code serves as a vital instrument in promoting public trust and ensuring that Members of Parliament conduct their duties in the best interests of the people of South Africa. Mandatory disclosure of Members’ financial and other interests is a cornerstone of ethical governance. It helps prevent conflicts of interest, ensures accountability, reinforces public confidence in Parliament and safeguards Parliament’s integrity against undue influence or personal enrichment.

During 2024, which was an election year, Members were required to disclose their registrable interests within 60 working days after the Opening of Parliament. The next disclosure period occurs from 1 April to 30 June annually, i.e. during quarter one of the financial year. Whenever there are changes to their registrable or financial interests’, Members must update their disclosures during the remaining three quarters of the financial year. A Member with no interests to declare must still submit a “nil” return.

Disclosures must be submitted electronically and include detailed information on, among other things, employment, assets, gifts, interests held by immediate family members, and travel. The 2024 Public Register was published on the parliamentary website.

The Registrar of Members’ Interests plays a central role in administering the disclosure process. Among other things, the Registrar maintains the Register, oversees the timely submission of disclosures and handles complaints and preliminary investigations into breaches of the Code.

Where Members fail to disclose their interests or submit false information, the matter is referred to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests. Depending on the severity of the breach, penalties may include reprimands, fines, suspension or other corrective actions as recommended by the Committee.

Parliament remains committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency, reinforcing its role as a trusted representative of the South African people.

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

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus I.Sekreta meets with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Director General


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On June 26, 2025, in Vienna, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Igor Sekreta, met with the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Gerd Müller.

For reference: UNIDO is a specialised UN agency with a core mandate to assist countries in modernising industrial production, promoting environmentally sound and sustainable industrial development, and introducing and adapting new technologies.

Belarus consistently supports the strengthening of UNIDO’s leading role in promoting sustainable industrial development across the globe and actively utilises the Organisation’s expertise and resources to enhance the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of its industries and to implement modern technologies and standards. 

In December 2020, the Country Programme Framework for cooperation between the Government of Belarus and UNIDO was signed for an initial term of five years. It outlines the priority areas of expanded engagement and joint work, aligned with Belarus’s socio-economic development goals. Its duration has been extended until December 2030.

Belarus traditionally takes an active part in the work of UNIDO’s governing bodies. In November 2023, Belarus was elected for the fifth time to the Industrial Development Board.

I.Sekreta emphasised the symbolic significance of the meeting date – the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter – and noted the document’s continued relevance today.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the growing demand for UNIDO’s services and expertise in supporting sustainable industrial development and praised the Organisation’s ability to foster effective cross-sectoral cooperation among public and private actors, as well as scientific and expert communities.

The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of Belarus–UNIDO cooperation, the implementation of ongoing technical cooperation projects, and priority areas for further partnership under the existing Country Programme Framework.

Special attention was paid to initiatives in the field of digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including projects in the Brest and Mogilev regions.

The interlocutors also discussed the launch of a project in the “Great Stone” Industrial Park, with Chinese financing, aimed at granting the park eco-industrial status. Satisfaction was expressed with the agreement reached on the UNIDO technical mission to Belarus at the end of July to discuss the matter on-site.

The parties discussed opportunities for uniting Belarus’ efforts to strengthen the industrial and production potential of African countries and UNIDO’s project activities aimed at promoting industrial development in Africa, including through the use of the UNIDO Centre of Excellence in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and the potential of Belarusian industry and agriculture.

The Deputy Minister also addressed the issue of middle-income countries (MICs) and UNIDO’s role as the only organisation with a dedicated Strategic Framework for Partnering with MICs, aimed at helping them overcome development challenges. In this context, Belarus reaffirmed its initiative to update UNIDO’s Strategic Framework for MICs, which will be reviewed at the upcoming 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (Vienna, June 30 – July 3, 2025).

UNIDO Director General, Gerd Müller, commended the level of cooperation with Belarus and expressed gratitude for the country’s consistent and active support of the Organisation’s work.

G.Müller confirmed UNIDO’s readiness to expand technical cooperation with Belarus and invited the Belarusian side to participate in the 21st session of the UNIDO General Conference, which will be held from 23 to 27 November 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Parties expressed their readiness to further deepen practical cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

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Déclaration de Mohamed Ag Ayoya, Coordonnateur Humanitaire, suite à l’incident survenu au lycée Barthélémy Boganda à Bangui


« Plusieurs personnes ont perdu la vie et d’autres ont été blessées suite à l’incident tragique survenu le 25 juin dans l’enceinte du lycée Barthélémy Boganda à Bangui.

Je partage la peine des familles affectées, et au nom de la communauté humanitaire, je présente mes condoléances les plus attristées à celles qui ont perdu les leurs et souhaite prompt rétablissement aux blessés. Nos pensées vont particulièrement aux enfants et à leurs familles.

Je salue l’intervention rapide des autorités centrafricaines et le soutien qui leur a été apporté par la communauté humanitaire et la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations unies pour la stabilisation en Centrafrique (MINUSCA), qui ont permis de limiter les pertes en vies humaines.

Les acteurs humanitaires restent mobilisés autour du gouvernement pour fournir plus de médicaments et des vivres, et pour évaluer rapidement d’autres besoins, notamment en termes d’appui psychologique pour les familles affectées et autres types d’assistance nécessaire. »

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

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Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Participates in High-Level Session on “Belt and Road Initiative” during World Economic Forum (WEF) Meetings in China


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H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in the high-level discussion session titled “Where is the Belt and Road in 2025?” during her role as a co-chair of the World Economic Forum meetings, held from June 23-26, 2025, under the theme “Resilient Economic Policies to Keep Up with Global Change” in Tianjin, China.

The event saw high-level participation from policymakers, private sector leaders, and entrepreneurs from over 90 countries.

During her speech, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat pointed out that international partnerships are always built on shared and mutual interests, adding that the large number of countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reflects its importance. She noted the celebration last year of the 10th anniversary of the initiative’s launch, where participating countries showcased projects being implemented under the Belt and Road Initiative, which supported sustainable infrastructure in areas such as transport, renewable energy, and ports.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that each of these projects reflects the national priorities of the countries, and for Egypt, the projects were consistent with the national agenda and strategic goals of the state.

Regarding the stimulating factors contributing to accelerating the implementation of these projects, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat outlined that the Belt and Road Initiative has been a real catalyst in many cases for advancing national strategies. She pointed to the emergence of a number of national and international initiatives that integrate with and support the Belt and Road Initiative in the recent period, noting that China launched the Global Development Initiative several years ago, and many projects implemented under that initiative run in parallel with and support Belt and Road projects.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also mentioned the issue of financing, explaining that much of the funding directed to these projects came through development finance. She highlighted that, with regard to sustainable transport and renewable energy projects in Egypt, there is a significant mobilization of resources towards the private sector, including low-cost development finance that has contributed to advancing investments.

Regarding relations between Egypt and China, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stated that the historic visit of the Chinese President to Egypt in 2014 was an important starting point in Egyptian-Chinese relations, followed by the signing of MoU on the Belt and Road Initiative. She noted that relations between the two countries are based on two main aspects: the first relates to investments, with Chinese companies investing in Egypt, and the second is development cooperation between the two governments.

Regarding development cooperation, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat indicated that it includes projects in multiple fields such as health, satellites, and capacity building, noting the role of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) in supporting Egypt’s development agenda, in addition to China signing a debt swap agreement several years ago. She added that Egyptian-Chinese relations are also based on investment and trade, pointing to a large number of Chinese companies within the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Egypt, where more than 150 companies operate, providing over 10,000 job opportunities, with diverse activities across multiple sectors.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that the Belt and Road Initiative does not impose a specific plan on countries; it is not an initiative based on a centralized blueprint that obliges each country to a specific path or project. Instead, it is a flexible framework that adapts to the priorities of each individual country.

Regarding the issue of financing, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat referred to the “4th Financing for Development” conference to be held in Seville on June 30, a UN conference held every ten years focusing on ways to finance development in developing and emerging economies. She explained that one of the most prominent messages of this conference is that the world needs to reduce reliance on debt and increase the mobilization of resources from the private sector to finance development projects.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that each country has full ownership in designing its projects, in line with its national vision, to then include these projects within the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Furthermore, the cost of implementing these projects represents a common challenge and has been a strongly debated issue on the global stage for years, requiring innovative solutions and multiple sources of financing. She noted that, concerning debt, there are many international initiatives aimed at addressing this issue, including “debt-for-development and investment swaps” mechanisms.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.