Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Former Eskom contractor sentenced for fraud and money laundering

Source: Government of South Africa

The Mpumalanga Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced a former Eskom contractor to some 16 years imprisonment, wholly suspended, after she pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and money laundering at Thuthuka Power Station.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Phindile Jessie Kubheka – director of Umnandi Catering and Accommodation and Ronny Grass Cutting (Pty) Ltd – was contracted by the power utility to supply it with a customised oil storage container and two weighbridge information storage containers at a cost of some R2.5 million.

“However, she only delivered one standard container valued at approximately R60 000, while submitting an invoice for three containers, which Eskom paid in full. Investigations later revealed that Kubheka had inflated the costs by R939 550. 

“In aggravation of sentence, Senior State Advocate Derrick Mashego, argued that the offence was carefully planned, motivated by greed, and caused significant financial prejudice to Eskom and the fiscus,” the NPA said.

The prosecutorial body said Khubeka “expressed remorse” during mitigation – citing her “retirement status, personal tragedies”, as well as admitting to “using proceeds of the crime to purchase a luxury vehicle”.

“The court imposed an effective sentence of 12 years for fraud and four years for money laundering, wholly suspended for five years. In addition, under Section 300 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, Kubheka was ordered to repay R1 656 000 to Eskom within five years, in monthly instalments of R30 000 until the amount is fully settled.

“The NPA reiterates that serious commercial crimes threaten South Africa’s economic stability and compromise Eskom’s ability to provide reliable electricity. The NPA remains resolute in adopting an aggressive stance in prosecuting those who undermine the country’s resources through corruption and fraud,” the prosecutorial body said.

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, vowed to continue the crackdown on any wrongdoing at the power utility.

“Our commitment to eliminating corruption remains unwavering and these developments send a clear message: fraud and corruption will not be tolerated.

“The vast majority of Eskom employees act with integrity and dedication. We will pursue those who betray the organisation and the country with our law enforcement partners and seek prosecutions wherever possible,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Petrol, diesel prices to decrease from Wednesday

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Some relief will be felt at the pumps this month when all grades of petrol and diesel record decreases from Wednesday.

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced the following price adjustments:
•    Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 4 cent decrease.
•    Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): 4 cent decrease.
•    Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 56 cent decrease.
•    Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 57 cent decrease.
•    Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 37 cent decrease.
•    Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 49 cent decrease.
•    Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: R1.32 decrease and R1.51 decrease in the Western Cape

“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from $69.06 US Dollars [USD] to $67.01 USD during the period under review. The main contributing factors are increasing production by OPEC+ and non-OPEC [Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] producers, slower global economic growth outlook as well as uncertain trade tariffs.

“The average international prices of all petroleum products decreased in line with the decrease in crude oil prices. This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices [BFP] of petrol by 1.88 cents per litre [c/l], diesel by 54.35 c/l and illuminating paraffin by 35.54 c/l, respectively. The prices of Propane and Butane also decreased during the period under review,” the DMPR explained.

The decrease means that a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) will cost R 21.55 cents a litre in Gauteng while a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) in the coast will now cost R20.72 a litre as of Wednesday.

Furthermore, the Rand appreciated slightly against the USD during the period under review – cushioning “prices by close to 2.00 cents per litre on all products”. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

KZN taxi and e-hailing operators commended for peace efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 1, 2025

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has commended e-hailing drivers, taxi drivers, and members of the KwaDabeka and Clermont Taxi Association for their commitment to peace and stability in the area.

“This will not only strengthen the public transport system but will also ensure that they co-exist,” Duma said.

Duma’s remarks come after last week’s shooting and assault of e-hailing drivers, allegedly by taxi operators, in KwaDabeka, west of Durban.

In response, Duma dispatched a team from the Public Regulatory Entity to meet with the KZN E-Hailing Council, the KwaDabeka and Clermont Taxi Association, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The meeting, held at KwaDabeka Police Station, on Friday, sought to ensure peace and stability and reflect on the state of readiness for the implementation of the e-hailing industry encompassing Uber and Bolt drivers.

Key agreements included:
•    Harmonising relations and ensuring co-existence between e-hailing drivers and taxi-operators and taxi drivers; 
•    Working together to ensure long-lasting solutions in order to achieve, peace and stability within the public transport sector in the KwaDabeka and Clermont;
•    Traffic enforcement of law in order to strengthen the transport system and ensure its safety;
•    Rollout of Multidisciplinary Roadblocks involving KZN E-hailing Council, KwaDabeka /Clermont Association, SAPS, Road Traffic Inspectorate and Metro Police to root out illegal operators. (Drivers who do not have an app and taxi operators who do not have permits).
•    Updating all stakeholders about the implementation of e-hailing regulations contained in the amended National Land Transport Act.
Duma also thanked Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for deploying the National Intervention Unit to ensure stability in the area.

“We have agreed to work together to stabilise other areas where there is harassment and extortion of e-hailing drivers by criminal elements. We want e-hailing drivers and taxi drivers to live comfortably and have access to our housing schemes such as First Home Buyer scheme for households with an income of between R3 000 and R22 000,” Duma said.

He reiterated the provincial government’s stance that “nothing should come between the people of KwaZulu-Natal and prosperity.” – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Sidi Ould Tah assume o cargo de 9.º presidente do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Hoje foi um dia histórico, com a tomada de posse do Dr. Sidi Ould Tah como nono presidente do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org). 

Às 11h04, hora de Abidjan, numa manhã chuvosa de segunda-feira, o Dr. Sidi prestou juramento, assumindo a liderança da principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento de África, sucedendo ao Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, que completou os seus dois mandatos. 

O presidente da Costa do Marfim, Alassane Ouattara, e o seu homó. mauritano, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, prestigiaram a cerimónia de alto nível realizada no Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire. Os ex-presidentes do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina e Dr. Donald Kaberuka, bem como o Conselho de Governadores do Grupo Banco, incluindo diretores executivos, funcionários e dignitários internacionais, estiveram presentes para testemunhar a mudança de liderança. O ministro da Economia da República do Congo, Ludovic Ngatsé, na sua qualidade de presidente do Conselho de Governadores do Banco, presidiu à cerimónia de tomada de posse.  

O Dr. Ould Tah, 60 anos, natural da República Islâmica da Mauritânia, foi eleito a 29 de maio de 2025 com mais de 76% dos votos dos acionistas – a margem mais elevada para um presidente num primeiro mandato na história do Banco. 

O Presidente Ouattara considerou a mudança de liderança um “marco que surge num momento histórico na vida da nossa instituição pan-africana” e acrescentou que “abre caminho para uma nova era de esperança para o Banco”. 

Nas suas palavras de felicitações proferidas imediatamente após a cerimónia de tomada de posse, o Presidente Ghazouani observou que “o Dr. Sidi Ould Tah tem a pesada responsabilidade de garantir que o Banco reforce o seu papel fundamental na promoção do desenvolvimento económico e social do continente, para que continue a ser uma alavanca importante na concretização das aspirações do povo africano à paz, prosperidade e desenvolvimento”. 

O Presidente Ghazouani expressou a sua confiança no novo presidente do Banco para cumprir as expectativas do continente. 

“Seremos o Banco que ultrapassa as divisões entre regiões, entre ambições e execução, entre o público e o privado, entre a urgência e a burocracia. Vamos avançar juntos – com urgência, com unidade e com responsabilização inabalável”, afirmou Ould Tah no seu discurso de tomada de posse. 

O Dr. Ould Tah delineou os seus Quatro Pontos Cardeais, que incluem ouvir atentamente, lançar uma agenda de reformas aceleradas, aprofundar parcerias e acelerar soluções reais como as principais prioridades que irão orientar a sua presidência nos primeiros 100 dias de mandato. 

O novo presidente reiterou que o Banco será “atento, responsivo e capaz de definir prioridades que importam”. Depois, observou que o Banco irá reforçar as parcerias, trabalhando em estreita colaboração com governos, o setor privado e parceiros internacionais, “para que, juntos, criemos um quadro financeiro que sirva África nos seus próprios termos”. 

O Dr. Ould Tah reconheceu a presença dos parceiros do Banco, incluindo o Financiamento em Comum, a Aliança de Instituições Financeiras Africanas, o Clube Internacional de Financiamento do Desenvolvimento e o Grupo Árabe de Coordenação, e comprometeu-se a “expandir a parceria do Banco para novos intervenientes, tais como fundos soberanos, fundos de pensões e outros”. Além disso, comprometeu-se a “revisitar urgentemente os nossos modelos de investimento para incluir um pilar dedicado ao investimento na paz”. 

O presidente Ould Tah afirmou a sua intenção de organizar uma assembleia pública “nos próximos dias” para os funcionários do Banco, que descreveu como “o recurso mais valioso da instituição”. 

Visando um papel vital para o Banco como guia para um continente que enfrenta os desafios demográficos, tecnológicos e climáticos do século XXI, Ould Tah afirmou: “África deve olhar para o Norte, Sul, Leste e Oeste – não para imitar, mas para extrair sabedoria e força de todas as direções enquanto define o seu próprio rumo. Tal como um navegador guiado pela bússola, o Banco deve ajudar África a navegar pelas megatendências rumo a uma maior autossuficiência, ambição e agência2, afirmou.  

No entanto, salientou que este importante papel de liderança na elaboração de soluções universais “moldadas pelas perspetivas africanas, pelas prioridades africanas e pela agência africana” deve ser abordado de forma seletiva, afirmando que “o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento não deve pretender ser tudo para todos; deve concentrar-se onde pode ter maior impacto, sempre com espírito de parceria”. 

O Dr. Ould Tah é o antigo presidente do Banco Árabe para o Desenvolvimento Económico em África (BADEA), onde supervisionou uma transformação institucional histórica. Sob a sua liderança, os ativos do BADEA cresceram de 4 mil milhões de dólares para quase 7 mil milhões de dólares, as aprovações anuais aumentaram doze vezes e os desembolsos oito vezes; e a instituição alcançou ratings de AA+/AAA. 

Ele traz para a Presidência do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento mais de quatro décadas de experiência distinta em bancos de desenvolvimento, política económica e transformação institucional. Anteriormente, também foi Ministro da Economia e Finanças da Mauritânia entre 2008 e 2015 e Governador da Mauritânia nos Conselhos do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Banco Mundial e Banco Islâmico de Desenvolvimento, entre outros. 

Fluente em árabe, inglês e francês, com proficiência profissional em português e espanhol, o presidente Ould Tah possui um doutoramento em Economia pela Universidade de Nice Sophia Antipolis, França, e diplomas avançados pela Paris VII-Jussieu e pela Universidade de Nouakchott. 

O Dr. Ould Tah herda uma instituição pan-africana com fundamentos sólidos: 318 mil milhões de dólares em capital, rating AAA durante 10 anos consecutivos e a pontuação de transparência mais alta do mundo para uma carteira soberana, com 98,8%. Ao longo da última década, o Banco aprovou 102 mil milhões de dólares em financiamento ao desenvolvimento. 

A audiência na cerimónia de tomada de posse incluiu representantes de instituições internacionais e parceiros de desenvolvimento, setor privado, sociedade civil, diplomatas, membros do Conselho de Administração do Banco e funcionários. Três dos candidatos que disputaram a Presidência ao lado do Dr. Ould Tah – a Sra. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, o Sr. Amadou Hott e o Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo – também estiveram presentes. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media: 
Tolu Ogunlesi
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

O setor africano dos serviços públicos obtém novos conhecimentos sobre a longevidade dos postes de eletricidade

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Um novo estudo de campo independente realizado no Uganda revelou provas convincentes que apoiam a utilização das mangas Polesaver (www.Polesaver.com) Rot-Guard™ para maximizar a vida útil dos postes de distribuição de eletricidade em madeira. Espera-se que os resultados orientem as empresas de serviços públicos e os especificadores de infraestruturas em toda a África para soluções mais rentáveis e duradouras. 

Conduzido pelo Dr. Paul Mugabi, Professor-Consultor Associado da Escola de Ciências Florestais, Ambientais e Geográficas da Universidade de Makerere, o estudo é o primeiro do seu género na África Oriental a avaliar a tecnologia de proteção de linhas terrestres em condições locais. 

O que são as Mangas Rot-Guard™? 

As mangas Polesaver Rot-Guard™ são mangas de barreira de camada dupla, termorretráteis, concebidas para proteger a parte mais vulnerável de um poste de madeira – a linha de terra – da decomposição por fungos e do ataque de térmitas. Esta zona, onde o poste encontra o solo (e 15 cm abaixo do solo), é muito suscetível à deterioração biológica. Uma camada termoplástica exterior encolhe-se junto ao poste, impedindo a entrada de água e oxigénio, enquanto que uma camada betuminosa interior sela a madeira, formando uma barreira duradoura e impenetrável. 

Apesar da concorrência do aço e do betão, os postes de madeira continuam a ser a escolha preferida para a distribuição de energia em muitas regiões africanas devido ao seu baixo custo, facilidade de instalação, menor impacto ambiental e disponibilidade local. No entanto, a falha prematura – muitas vezes no prazo de 10 anos – devido à podridão e às térmitas continua a sobrecarregar os fornecedores de serviços públicos. Entre 2017 e 2021, o Uganda gastou mais de 8 milhões de dólares na substituição de postes de madeira deteriorados – mais de 85% das falhas foram atribuídas à deterioração biológica. 

Resultados do estudo 

No estudo, foram examinados 200 postes de madeira instalados no centro do Uganda: 113 protegidos com mangas Polesaver Rot-Guard™, e 87 postes de controlo não tratados, cada um no solo até oito anos. 

As principais conclusões incluem: 

  • Nenhuma deterioração dos postes com manga, em comparação com 4,6% de deterioração dos postes sem manga 
  • Nenhum ataque de térmitas aos postes com manga, em comparação com 5,75% de ataque aos postes sem manga 

“Estes resultados demonstram como uma tecnologia relativamente simples, rentável e comprovada pode proporcionar benefícios substanciais aos fornecedores de serviços públicos”, afirmou Richard George, Diretor Executivo da Polesaver. “Ao prolongar a vida útil dos postes, as mangas Rot-Guard™ podem reduzir drasticamente os custos de substituição e manutenção, ao mesmo tempo que melhoram a segurança e a fiabilidade da rede.” 

O relatório (https://apo-opa.co/4p0oPvk) fornece fortes evidências para uma adoção mais ampla da tecnologia de mangas de barreira em climas tropicais e subtropicais e oferece um roteiro para melhorar a resiliência da infraestrutura de energia em todo o continente. Com as rondas de financiamento da Mission 300 agora em curso, as conclusões são especialmente oportunas. O ambicioso objetivo da iniciativa – fornecer acesso à eletricidade a 300 milhões de novos clientes até 2030 – só será bem-sucedido se os investimentos derem prioridade a soluções que prolonguem a vida útil e a fiabilidade destes ativos críticos. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Polesaver.

Para mais informações, contacte:  
Claire Powell
Diretora de Marketing 
claire.powell@polesaver.com 
+44 (0) 1452 222 364 

Sobre a Polesaver:
A Polesaver é uma empresa familiar sediada no Reino Unido, com sede em Gloucestershire. Em 1994, a Polesaver foi pioneira na criação da primeira manga de barreira de camada dupla para linhas de terra do mundo. Desde então, a empresa tornou-se o maior fabricante de mangas de barreira para linhas de terra do mundo, fornecendo proteção comprovada para postes de serviços públicos em mais de 35 países em todo o mundo. www.Polesaver.com

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets with Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | September 1, 2025

Her Excellency Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation, met today with His Excellency Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, who is currently visiting the country.

During the meeting, they reviewed the cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, explored ways to strengthen it, and discussed a number of issues of common interest.

During the meeting, His Excellency the Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria acknowledged the State of Qatar’s support in recent years for health sectors in several developing countries affected by these diseases. He expressed his hope for the State of Qatar’s continued support of the Fund’s programmes.

Posted on

The Hon. Bosun Tijani’s GITEX NIGERIA Address to World Leaders & Global Tech Organisations, a Rallying Call for Africa to Shape the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Source: APO

The Honourable (Hon.) Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, addressed leaders from around the world on Africa’s digital future at the GITEX NIGERIA Government Leadership & AI Summit (https://GITEXNIGERIA.ng/) in Abuja. The summit kicked off the inaugural edition of GITEX NIGERIA before moving to Lagos on 2-3 September.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, GITEX NIGERIA is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The event is endorsed by Lagos State Government, and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.

In his first public appearance since being named alongside Sam Altman and Jensen Huang in TIME magazine’s most influential people in AI 2025, Hon. Bosun Tijani said: “Across the world, nations are harnessing AI to automate processes, analyse data, and optimise resources in ways we could not imagine a decade ago. While others internationally grow more productive and drive unprecedented cross-sector efficiencies, parts of our own economies risk losing competitiveness if we fail to act. Those ahead will accelerate; those behind will fall further. Africa must not treat AI as an afterthought and be a consumer-centric continent importing food, services, and innovation; we must produce, lead, and innovate. That is why AI must sit at the very centre of our strategy. As leaders, we must collaborate, invest, and take defining decisions that ensure Africa shapes – not follows – the future of artificial intelligence.”

H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, said: “As we gather at GITEX NIGERIA, we have a unique opportunity to define the nation’s place in the future of artificial intelligence. With our vibrant, youthful population and a proven track record of attracting significant investment, Lagos is not just ambitious—we are a resilient state actively building the digital infrastructure and scaling the startups needed to turn policy into progress. This is a moment for global tech leaders to see Africa not merely as a market, but as a co-creator in this revolution. By providing the enabling framework, we can harness AI to address our most pressing challenges and lead our people out of economic hardship.”

Joining Hon. Bosun’s opening plenary session were H.E. Pedro Fernandes Lopes, Secretary of State for Digital Economy, Ministry of Digital Economy, Cape Verde; Dahlia Khalifa, Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, IFC; Karl Olutokun Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria and VP for Francophone Africa, MTN Group; and Robin Njiru, Public Sector Lead for West, East, and Central Africa, Amazon Web Services.

Elaborating on the indispensable nature of AI in Nigeria’s digital future, Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of NITDA, highlighted its projected global economic value, stating: “We stand on the cusp of a new industrial revolution powered by AI – one where tasks are automated, diseases are cured, and deeper human connections are created. Epoch AI projects automation could grow the world economy by 20%, doubling output within five years. This emphasises that no nation can afford to be left behind in this revolution, for those who lead in AI will shape the future. To benefit fully, we must build capacity across policy, infrastructure, computing, and above all, human capital.”

Abdullahi continued: “In Nigeria, we are acting on this promise through initiatives such as training three million tech talents, embedding digital literacy across our society, and weaving digital skills into formal education. This AI era is not just about technology – it is about talent. And talent, when nurtured, empowered, and digitally fluent, will define our progress and position us to be a regional and global leader in this revolution.”

Celebrating the launch of West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show, Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, organisers of GITEX NIGERIA, said: “GITEX NIGERIA showcases the ambition and energy of Nigeria as the next global AI hub under the leadership of H.E. President Tinubu – offering global perspectives and networks for local companies, SMEs, startups to connect and scale. Nigeria’s digital economy is young, vast, and inevitable, and as AI competition intensifies, we are determined to secure Nigeria’s seat at the global table of the new digital economy.”

Other prominent speakers on the day included Elsie Gyekyewaa Attafuah, Resident Representative United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Basil Ayass, Sub-Saharan Africa – Leader for Africa Google Cloud; Charmaine Houvet, Senior Director, Africa, Cisco; and Ade Famoti, Global Head of Research Incubations, Microsoft Research, USA.

Between 3-4 September, the GITEX NIGERIA programme will transition to Lagos, headlining across two locations. The Eko Hotel Convention Centre hosts the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference, while the Landmark Centre welcomes the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival.

For more information, news and updates on GITEX NIGERIA, please visit https://GITEXNIGERIA.ng/.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX NIGERIA.

Notes to editors:
It is GITEX NIGERIA not Gitex Nigeria

Useful links:
To access our digital press kit click here (https://apo-opa.co/461xGUU)

Press office contact:
press@gitexnigeria.ng

Social Media:
Hashtag: #GITEXNIGERIA
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3Vuecn0
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3JZv56w
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3I16bCY
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4mHLLOq

Media files

.

Posted on

Liquid Intelligent Technologies Rwanda’s annual US$100,000 donation honours decade-long, million-dollar commitment to preserving memory of the Genocide against the Tutsi

Source: APO

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://www.Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding Rwanda’s history with a US$100,000 donation to the Imbuto Foundation, marking the company’s ongoing commitment to honouring the memory of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. 

Liquid’s annual contribution helps to ensure that Rwanda’s national-level genocide memorials receive the necessary technology to preserve evidence and artifacts for future generations, while also supporting documentation and research efforts. This is vital in enabling both Rwandans and visitors to engage with an authentic record of the country’s past. 

“Protecting the memory of the genocide against the Tutsi is essential to our nation’s collective healing and resilience. At Liquid Intelligent Technologies, we are committed to supporting the Government of Rwanda in strengthening memorial infrastructure and ensuring that historical records are preserved using technology and innovation. Beyond our role in building Africa’s digital future, we take pride in partnering with communities in ways that safeguard their heritage and strengthen their identity,” said Mr. Sam Nkusi, Executive Chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Rwanda. 

This donation represents the fourth consecutive annual contribution made by Liquid to the Imbuto Foundation, established by the First Lady of Rwanda, Her Excellency Mrs Jeannette Kagame. It forms part of the company’s US$1 million, ten-year pledge, made in collaboration with the Foundation and the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement. 

Alongside this long-term memorialisation initiative, Liquid is also committed to Rwanda’s vision of inclusive digital transformation, providing free public internet access to various locations across the country. This ensures that students, entrepreneurs, and the broader public have reliable digital access to lessons about the country’s past, as well as opportunities to thrive in a digitally enabled future. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent.

For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.

Media files

.

Posted on

African Utility Sector Gains New Insights into Power Pole Longevity

Source: APO

A new independent field study conducted in Uganda has revealed compelling evidence supporting the use of Polesaver (www.Polesaver.com) Rot-Guard™ sleeves to maximise the lifespan of wooden electricity distribution poles. The findings are expected to guide utility companies and infrastructure specifiers across Africa toward more cost-effective, durable solutions. 

Conducted by Dr. Paul Mugabi, Associate Professor-Consultant at Makerere University’s School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, the study is the first of its kind in East Africa to evaluate ground-line protection technology under local conditions. 

What Are Rot-Guard™ Sleeves? 

Polesaver Rot-Guard™ sleeves are dual-layer, heat-shrinkable barrier sleeves designed to protect the most vulnerable part of a wooden pole—the ground line—from fungal decay and termite attack. This area, where the pole meets the soil (and six inches below ground), is highly susceptible to biological deterioration. An outer thermoplastic layer shrinks to the pole, preventing water and oxygen ingress, while an inner bituminous layer seals the wood, forming a long-lasting, impenetrable barrier. 

Despite competition from steel and concrete, wooden poles remain the preferred choice for power distribution in many African regions due to their lower cost, ease of installation, lighter environmental footprint, and local availability. However, premature failure—often within 10 years—due to rot and termites continues to burden utility providers. Between 2017 and 2021, Uganda spent over $8 million replacing decayed wooden poles—more than 85% of failures were attributed to biological deterioration. 

Study Results 

In the study, 200 wooden poles installed in central Uganda were examined: 113 protected with Polesaver Rot-Guard™ sleeves, and 87 untreated control poles, each in the ground for up to eight years. 

Key findings include: 

  • No decay of sleeved poles, compared to 4.6% decay of un-sleeved poles 
  • No termite attack of sleeved poles, compared to 5.75% attack of un-sleeved poles 

“These results demonstrate how a relatively simple, cost-effective, and proven technology can deliver substantial benefits for utility providers,” said Richard George, CEO of Polesaver. “By extending the lifespan of poles, Rot-Guard™ sleeves can dramatically reduce replacement and maintenance costs, while improving network safety and reliability.” 

The report (https://apo-opa.co/4p0oPvk) provides strong evidence for wider adoption of barrier sleeve technology in tropical and subtropical climates and offers a roadmap for enhancing power infrastructure resilience across the continent. With Mission 300 funding rounds now underway, the findings are especially timely. The initiative’s ambitious target—delivering electricity access to 300 million new customers by 2030—will only succeed if investments prioritise solutions that extend the lifespan and reliability of these critical assets. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Polesaver.

For more information, contact:  
Claire Powell
Head of Marketing 
claire.powell@polesaver.com  
+44 (0) 1452 222 364 

About Polesaver:
Polesaver is a UK-based family company headquartered in Gloucestershire. Polesaver pioneered the world’s first dual-layer, ground-line barrier sleeve in 1994. Since then, the company has become the largest manufacturer of ground-line barrier sleeves in the world, providing proven utility pole protection in over 35 countries worldwide. www.Polesaver.com 

Media files

.

Posted on

Qatar participates in 2nd GCC-Japan Joint Ministerial Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Kuwait, September 01, 2025

The State of Qatar participated on Monday in the second Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Japan, held in the State of Kuwait.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the State of Qatar’s delegation at the meeting.