Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Changement climatique : Le Bénin dévoile sa feuille de route 2026-2035 pour une économie plus résiliente

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Novotel Cotonou Orisha a accueilli, le mardi 4 août 2026, une importante rencontre consacrée à la troisième Contribution déterminée au niveau national du Bénin, communément appelée CDN 3.0. Cette rencontre a mobilisé plusieurs autorités, partenaires techniques et financiers, représentants du système des Nations Unies et acteurs engagés dans la lutte contre les changements climatiques et la transformation durable de l’économie béninoise.

Parmi les personnalités présentes figuraient notamment Monsieur Georges ALE, Ministre du Cadre de Vie et des Transports, chargé du Développement durable, ainsi que Madame Aminatou SAR, Coordonnatrice résidente du Système des Nations Unies au Bénin. La rencontre a également enregistré la présence de Monsieur Félix KRESS, Attaché de coopération à l’Ambassade de la République fédérale d’Allemagne au Bénin, représentant ainsi l’Ambassadeur.

Au cœur des échanges, une conviction forte : la CDN 3.0 n’est pas un simple document de conformité. Elle se veut un levier central de l’avenir économique du Bénin. À travers cette nouvelle feuille de route climatique, le pays entend intégrer davantage les enjeux liés au changement climatique dans ses politiques de développement, ses investissements et ses choix économiques. Pour concrétiser cette ambition, le Bénin prévoit la mobilisation de 14,5 milliards de dollars. Cet effort financier doit contribuer à sécuriser le système socio-économique national face aux chocs futurs, tout en favorisant un développement territorial harmonieux et prospère pour les générations à venir.

La CDN 3.0, qui couvre la période 2026-2035, porte sur plusieurs secteurs stratégiques. L’agriculture, l’énergie, les ressources en eau, la foresterie, la santé, les infrastructures, le tourisme et le littoral sont notamment concernés par les actions d’adaptation et de résilience. Le document officiel prévoit ainsi plusieurs projets destinés à réduire la vulnérabilité des territoires et à renforcer leur capacité à faire face aux effets du changement climatique.

Pour les autorités béninoises, l’enjeu est donc double : répondre aux défis environnementaux tout en créant les conditions d’une croissance économique durable. Les investissements liés à la CDN 3.0 doivent notamment permettre de protéger les infrastructures, sécuriser les activités économiques, renforcer la résilience des populations et favoriser l’émergence de nouvelles opportunités liées à la transition écologique.

La présence de Madame Aminatou SAR et de la coopération allemande traduit également l’importance du partenariat international dans la mise en œuvre de cette ambition. Les partenaires techniques et financiers sont appelés à accompagner le Bénin dans la mobilisation des ressources, le renforcement des capacités et la réalisation de projets à fort impact.

Le Gouvernement béninois considère désormais la mise en œuvre de la CDN 3.0 comme une grande priorité. Il s’agit de passer des engagements climatiques aux investissements concrets, avec une attention particulière portée aux territoires et aux populations les plus exposés.

Outre la question climatique, la CDN 3.0 apparaît ainsi comme un véritable outil de planification économique et territoriale. Avec les 14,5 milliards de dollars annoncés, le Bénin entend investir dans sa résilience, protéger son économie contre les chocs futurs et préparer les conditions d’un développement durable, inclusif et prospère.

Cette rencontre aura ainsi permis de réaffirmer une ambition claire : faire de l’action climatique non pas une contrainte, mais un moteur de transformation et de prospérité pour le Bénin.

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

Media files

Posted on

CORRECTION: Backbase et African Banker publient un rapport de référence sur l’état de Intelligence Artificielle (IA) dans le secteur bancaire africain en 2026 : la réalité du secteur bancaire à l’ère de l’agentique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Backbase (www.Backbase.com), leader des services bancaires basés sur l’IA, en partenariat avec le magazine African Banker, a publié un rapport intitulé « The State of AI in African Banking 2026: The Reality of Banking in the Agentic Era » (L’état de l’IA dans le secteur bancaire africain en 2026 : la réalité du secteur bancaire à l’ère de l’IA agentique). Ce rapport, qui constitue la première évaluation systématique du retour sur investissement de l’IA dans le secteur bancaire africain, révèle que ce dernier reste fermement engagé en faveur de l’IA, mais qu’il entre dans une « phase de responsabilisation » plus exigeante, au cours de laquelle les conseils d’administration veulent des preuves que la technologie est rentable.

S’appuyant sur les réponses de 277 cadres supérieurs du secteur bancaire issus de 37 pays africains, l’enquête révèle que les pressions sur les taux de change, la hausse des coûts du cloud libellés en dollars et le durcissement des règles de localisation des données concentrent l’attention des conseils d’administration sur une seule question : quel est le retour sur investissement de l’IA ?

Parmi les principales conclusions du rapport, nous pouvons citer :

  • Les budgets consacrés à l’IA augmentent sur l’ensemble du continent, même parmi le tiers des établissements qui n’ont pas encore mis en place de mesure formelle du retour sur investissement (ROI), ce qui souligne un impératif d’investissement qui dépasse les moyens disponibles pour évaluer.
  • Les établissements qui travaillent avec des prestataires tiers spécialisés dans l’IA mesurent leur retour sur investissement plus de deux fois plus souvent que ceux qui développent leurs solutions entièrement en interne, soit 71,7 % contre 31 % ; un écart que le rapport qualifie de « prime de partenariat ».
  • L’IA conversationnelle est devenue le point d’entrée par défaut du secteur, citée par 49 % des personnes interrogées, mais les « innovateurs » déploient des fonctionnalités avancées de services financiers, telles que des outils de crédit, de gestion des risques et de gestion des revenus, à un rythme supérieur de 24 points de pourcentage à celui des « précurseurs ».
  • L’architecture héritée constitue la principale contrainte du secteur : 50,2 % des personnes interrogées identifient l’intégration avec les systèmes existants comme leur principal obstacle interne. Cette contrainte nuit à la cohérence des données nécessaire pour mesurer le retour sur investissement de l’IA.
  • Parmi les établissements ayant mis en place une mesure formelle du retour sur investissement, 85,1 % indiquent que les résultats atteignent ou dépassent leurs prévisions initiales, alors que seulement 67,1 % de l’ensemble des personnes interrogées mesurent effectivement leur retour sur investissement.

Le rapport révèle également que le sentiment à l’égard du rôle de l’IA dans le secteur bancaire africain reste très positif : 86,9 % des personnes interrogées se montrent positives ou très positives quant à son rôle au cours des deux prochaines années, et 83,2 % se disent susceptibles ou très susceptibles d’augmenter leurs investissements dans l’IA. La détection des fraudes et la surveillance des transactions apparaissent comme les cas d’utilisation les plus percutants, suivies par la notation de crédit et l’évaluation alternative pour les clients disposant d’un historique de crédit limité, une application que le rapport identifie comme une voie crédible pour intégrer davantage la population non bancarisée d’Afrique subsaharienne dans le système financier formel.

Le rapport met toutefois en garde contre le fait que la dette architecturale freine les ambitions du secteur. En moyenne, 55,7 centimes de chaque dollar dépensé en informatique par les banques africaines sont consacrés à la maintenance des systèmes hérités, alors même que près de la moitié des personnes interrogées estiment que ces mêmes systèmes sont tout à fait ou pleinement capables de prendre en charge l’IA, un écart que le rapport identifie comme un angle mort potentiel à mesure que les banques s’orientent vers une IA autonome et agentique.

Aymen Daoud, vice-président régional pour l’Afrique chez Backbase, a déclaré :

« Les banques africaines n’ont pas un problème d’IA, elles ont un problème d’architecture. Les institutions qui considèrent l’intégration comme la plomberie à réparer avant de déployer des agents IA auront moins de dépenses, se mettront plus facilement en conformité et seront celles qui resteront debout lorsque la génération actuelle de modèles sera, inévitablement, remplacée par la suivante. »

Le rapport complet est désormais disponible à l’adresse : https://apo-opa.co/4z36N0M

Distribué par APO Group pour Backbase.

Contact presse :
Stefan Maritz  
stefanma@backbase.com

À propos de Backbase :
Backbase a développé le « Banking OS » natif de l’IA, un système d’exploitation qui transforme les opérations bancaires fragmentées en un « front-office unifié ». Clients, collaborateurs et agents IA travaillent en parfaite synergie sur l’ensemble des canaux numériques, du front-office et des opérations. Plus de 120 banques de premier plan utilisent Backbase dans les secteurs de la banque de détail, des PME et des entreprises, de la banque privée et de la gestion de patrimoine.

Reconnu par Forrester, Gartner et Datos comme leader de sa catégorie, Backbase accompagne la transformation numérique et par l’IA de plus de 120 institutions financières à travers le monde. Découvrez ici quelques-uns de leurs témoignages.

Fondée en 2003 par Jouk Pleiter, Backbase a son siège social à Amsterdam et dispose d’équipes en Amérique du Nord, en Europe, au Moyen-Orient, en Afrique, en Asie-Pacifique et en Amérique latine.

À propos d’African Banker :
African Banker est la principale publication du continent consacrée à la banque et à la finance. Publiée trimestriellement, elle propose une couverture approfondie et des analyses faisant autorité sur les principales évolutions qui façonnent le secteur financier africain, de la fintech et des réformes politiques aux tendances d’investissement et au leadership des dirigeants. En tant que partenaire de confiance des principales institutions, African Banker rassemble les principales parties prenantes à travers ses prix, ses sommets et ses rapports spéciaux.

Media files

Posted on

Gauteng records over 210 000 online admissions applications within hours

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng records over 210 000 online admissions applications within hours

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has recorded a strong start to its 2027 Online Admissions application period, receiving more than 210 000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications within the first four hours of the system going live.

The online system officially opened at 8am on Wednesday, with the department reporting that 210 055 applications had been successfully submitted by midday.

In a statement, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, welcomed the strong response from parents and guardians, saying it reflected continued confidence in the province’s online admissions system.

“The system went live at 08:00 on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, and by 12:00 noon, the Gauteng Department of Education had already received 210 055 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications, demonstrating the continued confidence that parents and guardians have in the Province’s Online Admissions System,” he said. 

The department said demand was evident even before applications officially opened, with 12 058 parents joining the online queue between 7:30am and 7:59am in anticipation of the system going live.

“The application process has since proceeded smoothly without any major technical incidents,” he said. 

According to the department, the highest demand has so far been recorded in the Ekurhuleni South and Tshwane West education districts.

Among secondary schools, Hoërskool Langenhoven in Tshwane West received the highest number of applications at 1 168, followed by Alberton High School with 1 098 applications and Hoërskool Akasia with 917.

At primary school level, Rachel de Beer Primary School received 474 applications, followed by Laerskool Akasia with 461 and Laerskool Voortrekker Eeufees with 411.

As South Africa’s largest provincial education system, Gauteng currently provides public education to more than 2.4 million learners through 2 111 public ordinary schools, comprising 1 417 primary schools and 694 secondary schools, including 37 Schools of Specialisation spread across the province’s 15 education districts.

The department said learner enrolment continues to grow, increasing by more than 23 000 learners over the past year alone – the equivalent of establishing about 19 new schools, each accommodating around 1 200 learners.

Since its introduction in 2015, the Gauteng Online Admissions System has replaced long queues outside schools with what the department describes as a fair, transparent and efficient digital application process.

The department noted that learner placements have increased every year over the past decade, with approximately 400 000 entry-grade learners successfully placed during the 2025 admissions cycle.

This year’s admissions process includes several enhancements aimed at improving the experience for parents and guardians.

These include improved system stability during periods of high demand, faster processing times, strengthened functionality, enhanced document verification, automated SMS reminders and notifications, as well as the ability for parents to view each school’s Language of Learning and Teaching, Home Language and First Additional Language offerings before submitting applications.

According to the department, the improvements were informed by consultations with parents, School Governing Body associations, principals, district officials and provincial call-centre agents.

Maile urged parents not to delay submitting applications.

“The MEC urges all parents and guardians not to wait until the closing days of the application period. Applying early allows sufficient time to upload supporting documents, resolve any outstanding matters and improve the likelihood of a seamless placement process,” he said. 

Parents have been reminded to complete all five application steps, apply to a minimum of three and a maximum of five schools, and upload or submit all certified supporting documents within seven days of submitting their applications.

The department also warned parents against fraudsters claiming to offer guaranteed school placements for a fee.

“The Department further cautions parents against fraudsters and scammers who falsely claim to represent the Gauteng Department of Education or promise guaranteed school placements in exchange for money. Online Admissions is completely free of charge. No individual, company or organisation is authorised to charge parents or influence learner placements,” the MEC said.

Parents requiring assistance can visit any of the department’s 48 decentralised walk-in centres, 15 district offices, the provincial head office or public schools across Gauteng, where trained officials are available to provide support free of charge. 

The application period closes at midnight on Friday, 4 September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

0

Posted on

Nelson Mandela Bay to implement court order on domestic electricity tariff

Source: Government of South Africa

Nelson Mandela Bay to implement court order on domestic electricity tariff

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says it will implement a High Court order directing it to restore the Inclining Block Tariff (IBT) for qualifying domestic electricity consumers for the 2026/27 financial year.

The order, granted by agreement between the parties in respect of Part A of the legal proceedings, provides a legal framework for reinstating the tariff, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

The municipality said it respects the authority of the courts and is committed to implementing the order transparently and within the prescribed timeframes.

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said the municipality recognises the impact that electricity costs have on households, pensioners, students and businesses.

“When residents expressed concern, we listened. When the court provided clarity, we accepted our constitutional responsibility to implement its order. That is what accountable government requires,” Lobishe said.

She said the municipality remains committed to ensuring that every qualifying domestic electricity consumer benefits from the implementation process.

The municipality emphasised that the interim agreement should not be interpreted as an admission that it acted unlawfully when implementing the tariff structure from 1 July 2026.

According to the municipality, the tariff structure formed part of the 2026/27 Budget and Tariffs adopted by the Municipal Council following the statutory budget, consultation and public participation processes prescribed by law.

It said the legal challenge relates to the implementation of the tariff structure, with the High Court proceedings divided into two parts. Part A sought interim relief pending the determination of the substantive review proceedings contained in Part B.

“Following constructive engagement between the parties, agreement was reached regarding the interim relief sought in Part A, and that agreement has now been made an Order of Court.”

The municipality said agreeing to the interim relief will provide certainty for residents while allowing the substantive legal issues to be determined by the court.

In terms of the court order, the municipality has been directed to restore the IBT applicable to qualifying domestic electricity consumers, obtain the necessary regulatory approval from NERSA for the consequential tariff amendments and implement the restored tariff structure retrospectively with effect from 1 July 2026.  

The municipality must also allocate the appropriate credits to qualifying domestic electricity consumers, in accordance with the implementation framework and timelines set out in the Court Order.

To facilitate the process, the municipality has established a multidisciplinary implementation team comprising officials from Legal Services, Electricity and Energy, Revenue Management, Information Technology, Finance, Customer Care and Corporate Services.

The multidisciplinary teams have commenced detailed planning to secure the required regulatory approvals, restore the Inclining Block Tariff within municipal billing and vending systems, identify qualifying customer accounts, recalculate electricity charges from 1 July 2026, validate all billing adjustments, process customer credits accurately, and communicate progress to residents throughout the process.

The municipality said qualifying customers will not be required to submit applications or lodge claims for the credits.

“Once the required regulatory approvals have been obtained and the technical implementation has been completed, qualifying credits will be processed automatically through the municipality’s billing systems and reflected on customer accounts in accordance with the Court Order. The municipality appreciates that residents will wish to know when implementation will be completed and when credits will begin reflecting on their accounts,” the municipality explained.

Transparency and accountability

While some implementation milestones depend on NERSA’s approval process contemplated by the court, the municipality said it will proceed with all aspects of implementation without unnecessary delay and provide regular updates to the public as each milestone is achieved.

Lobishe said transparency and accountability will remain the defining principles throughout implementation.

“We are committed to implementing the Court Order professionally, fairly and transparently while ensuring that residents remain informed throughout every stage of the process. Open communication and public accountability are essential to strengthening confidence in local government,” the mayor said.

She reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to constitutional governance, service delivery and ethical leadership.

“Local government exists to improve people’s lives. Every budget we approve, every tariff we implement and every service we deliver must ultimately advance that purpose. As we implement this Court Order, our focus remains firmly on protecting residents, strengthening public confidence and continuing to deliver reliable municipal services with professionalism and integrity.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK

0

Posted on

Reminder to register or update voter info ahead of deadline

Source: Government of South Africa

Reminder to register or update voter info ahead of deadline

The clock is ticking for South Africans who missed the final voter registration weekend to register or update their details ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the weekend can register or update their details through the IEC’s Online Voter Registration portal before the registration period closes.

The registration portal can be accessed on: https://registertovote.elections.org.za 

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged eligible voters not to wait until the last minute, warning that registration channels typically become busier as the Friday, 7 August deadline approaches.

The Commission has also introduced voter registration via WhatsApp, providing another way for citizens to register or update their voter information using their mobile phones.

To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000. The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time-password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification and voting-station confirmation.

Some voters using WhatsApp may be directed to the IEC’s online registration platform to verify their residential address using an interactive map.

During the final registration weekend on 1 and 2 August, more than 1.7 million citizens interacted with the IEC, including 291 806 first-time voters.

The IEC said the registration drive also saw significant participation from young people. Of the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the weekend, 485 757 involved people aged between 16 and 29, while 46% of new registrations were by voters under 29.

Citizens can register from the age of 16; however, only those who are 18 or older are eligible to vote.

The IEC has also stressed the importance of ensuring that registration details are correct, particularly for voters who have moved. In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.

Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.

The IEC’s contact centre, 0800 11 8000, is also available to assist with registration queries.
The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November, with the formal election timetable set to follow the proclamation on Friday, 7 August.

Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before Friday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin

6

Posted on

Call for stronger partnerships to unlock Africa’s potential

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for stronger partnerships to unlock Africa’s potential

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has underscored the importance of partnerships, knowledge exchange and visionary leadership in unlocking Africa’s full potential amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The Premier was addressing delegates at the 10th Mbali International Conference, currently underway in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

Hosted by the University of Zululand from 4 to 6 August 2026, the three-day conference is being held under the theme: “Africa Awakens: Possibilities, Progress, Partnerships in a Multipolar World.”

Marking a decade of promoting African intellectualism, thought leadership and progressive dialogue, the conference has brought together academics, policymakers, innovators and business leaders from across the continent to reflect on Africa’s role in shaping global development.

Addressing delegates, Ntuli said platforms such as the Mbali International Conference are critical to ensuring that African voices, ideas and experiences remain at the forefront of discussions on development, innovation and international cooperation.

“Africa’s progress depends on stronger collaboration between governments, academia, innovators, the private sector and civil society,” the Premier said.

Ntuli highlighted the importance of positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a province that contributes meaningfully to continental dialogue, economic development and the advancement of African -led solutions to African challenges.

He noted that the conference also provides a platform for delegates to explore new opportunities for cooperation in a multipolar world, where emerging economies and developing regions are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the global agenda.

Ntuli commended the organisers of the conference for sustaining a platform that continues to promote intellectual engagement, African excellence, and fosters partnerships aimed at building a more inclusive and prosperous continent.

The conference is expected to reaffirm the role of dialogue, innovation and collective action in advancing Africa’s development agenda while inspiring new hope for future generations to contribute to the continent’s growth and transformation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK

0

Posted on

South Africa to champion UN reform, multilateralism at General Assembly

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa to champion UN reform, multilateralism at General Assembly

South Africa will use the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to advocate for a stronger, more inclusive multilateral system while continuing to push for reforms that ensure Africa is permanently represented on the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ronald Lamola, said South Africa remains firmly committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, arguing that the current global crisis demands stronger rather than weaker multilateral cooperation.

“We believe that the answer to the current crisis of multilateralism is not less multilateralism, but better and more inclusive multilateralism,” he said. 

Lamola said South Africa’s participation at this year’s General Assembly comes at a critical juncture as conflicts continue to rage across different parts of the world, placing increasing pressure on the international rules-based order.

According to the UN provisional schedule, the High-level Meetings of the 81st Session are set to get underway with the opening date of the session set for 8 September 2026, and the general debate is scheduled for 22-26 September,as well as 28 September 2026.

He stressed that the consistent application of international law, including international humanitarian law, remains essential to protecting civilians, preserving the sovereignty of states and maintaining international peace and security.

“South Africa remains firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law. Their consistent application is essential to protecting civilians, preventing conflict, preserving the sovereignty of states, and maintaining international peace and security,” the Minister said. 

Equal application of international law
Lamola warned against the selective application of international law, saying doing so undermines the credibility of the international system.

“International law cannot be applied selectively. The credibility of the international system depends on the equal application of its rules, regardless of the power or influence of the states involved.
“When respect for the UN Charter and international humanitarian law erodes, it threatens not only those directly affected by conflict, but the integrity of the entire international order.”

He said South Africa would continue working closely with the international community to uphold these principles during the General Assembly.

Bangladeshi Presidency

South Africa will work closely with Bangladesh, which assumes the Presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Minister welcomed this year’s theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,” saying it reflects the need for a multilateral system that is more effective, responsive and capable of addressing global challenges.

“South Africa will continue advancing these principles in close cooperation with the international community, particularly with Bangladesh, which holds the Presidency of the General Assembly during the 81st session,” Lamola said. 

He said the theme speaks directly to rebuilding confidence in multilateral institutions at a time when international cooperation is under increasing strain.

Germany’s leadership

Lamola also commended Germany for its stewardship of the 80th Session of the General Assembly.

He noted that South Africa had demonstrated its support by seconding an official from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to the Office of the President of the General Assembly to advance Africa’s priorities.

“We also commend the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Germany during the 80th session of the General Assembly.

“South Africa demonstrated its commitment to that Presidency by seconding an official from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to the Office of the President of the General Assembly, specifically to support the advancement of the African agenda,” he said.

Lamola further acknowledged Ms Thandekile Tshabalala for her contribution during her secondment.

High-Level Week

South Africa’s participation in the High-Level Week of the General Assembly will begin on 22 September 2026, when world leaders gather at the UN Headquarters in New York to deliberate on pressing global issues. 

The country’s delegation is expected to use the platform to advance its foreign policy priorities, including strengthening multilateralism, promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts, advancing sustainable development and advocating for reforms of global governance institutions.

New UN Secretary-General process begins

This year’s General Assembly also coincides with the process to elect a new United Nations Secretary-General as the term of António Guterres draws to a close.

Lamola paid tribute to Guterres for his leadership during a period marked by multiple global crises.

“This 81st session of the General Assembly will also mark a change in guard as Secretary-General Guterres term draws and end. The process for the election of a new Secretary-General has begun.

“We commend the outgoing Secretary General for his leadership and commitment to multilateralism that is addressing the lived experience of all global citizens,” the Minister said. 

Renewed push for Security Council reform

South Africa will continue advocating for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including ensuring that Africa finally secures permanent representation on the Security Council.

“We look forward to working closely with the next incumbent in a manner that reforms the UN so that it is fully reflective of a post-colonial society, with Africa finally being represented on the Security Council,” he said. 

Lamola said reforming the United Nations remains critical to ensuring the institution reflects contemporary global realities and is better positioned to respond to the challenges facing developing countries.

He said South Africa would continue to champion a rules-based international order founded on equality among nations, respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

0

Posted on

Service Leaders Target Angola’s Next Growth Phase at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

.

Senior executives from Copia Group of Companies, Solar Turbines, Cabship, SLB and Sistran have joined the speaker lineup for Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026, bringing operational expertise to discussions on exploration, production efficiency and local capacity development. Their participation comes as Angola seeks to sustain production above one million barrels per day while accelerating exploration and maximizing recovery from existing assets, increasing demand for technologies and services that reduce costs, improve reliability and shorten development timelines.

Among the latest speakers is Edmilson Delfim Praia, Director of Research, Development and Technology at Copia Group of Companies. As a multidisciplinary provider supporting oil, gas and industrial operations, Copia has positioned itself at the center of Angola’s next phase of upstream development. A Platinum Sponsor of AOG 2026, the company offers engineering services, construction support, project management and technical solutions. Praia will deliver a presentation on Reconstruction of Missing RHOB and NPHI Well Logs Using Machine Learning Algorithms during the conference.

Angolan logistics company Cabship is strengthening the domestic service capacity needed to support increasingly complex oil and gas developments. Having evolved from a maritime solutions provider into an integrated logistics company, Cabship brings an indigenous service-provider perspective to discussions on the logistics and operational capabilities required to execute Angola’s expanding upstream investment pipeline. Luis Da Silva, General Manager of Cabship, will participate in the panel Building Angolan Value Chains: Logistics, Services and Insurance as Local Content Enablers. Cabship is also an Elite Sponsor of the event.

Dionisio Viegas, Managing Director of Sistran, will also join the logistics discussion. Operating across Angola, Namibia, Mozambique and Portugal, Sistran provides engineering, automation, instrumentation and control solutions spanning the upstream, midstream and downstream value chain. Partnerships with technology leaders including Emerson Automation Solutions and AspenTech further strengthen the company’s ability to deploy advanced industrial automation and digital solutions across the region. Sistran returns to AOG 2026 as a Silver Sponsor.

Bringing expertise in industrial gas technologies, Marc Vignal, Customer Services Area Sales Manager for Southern Europe and Africa at Solar Turbines Europe, will join the discussion Enhancing Reliability, Efficiency and Unlocking Value from Mature Assets. With more than five decades of experience in Angola, Solar Turbines – an Associate Sponsor of AOG 2026 – supplies industrial gas turbines, compressors and related services supporting oil and gas production, processing and power generation. Vignal’s participation underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to Angola’s energy sector.

Technology and digital innovation will also feature prominently through SLB, which continues to expand its digital and subsurface capabilities in Angola. In March 2026, the company signed a three-year agreement with Azule Energy to expand deployment of its Delfi digital platform across the operator’s Angolan portfolio. SLB has also strengthened in-country capabilities through its Luanda Performance Live Center, which has supported more than 100 digital and operational projects since opening in 2025. Alex Cooke, Geophysics Lead and Principal Geophysicist at SLB, will present Unravelling Angola’s Subsurface Potential with State-of-the-Art Technology during the AOG 2026 pre-conference program. SLB returns to the event as an Associate Sponsor.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with Prime Minister of Greece Mr. Mitsotakis

Source: APO – Report:

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a phone call with Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President El-Sisi began the call by expressing Egypt’s full solidarity with Greece in confronting the repercussions of the wildfires that have swept through a number of Greek regions. The President extended his sincere condolences for the victims of the fires, particularly the pilots and firefighters who lost their lives while heroically carrying out their duty to combat the blazes. President El-Sisi affirmed that Egypt stands by Greece, both its government and people, during these difficult circumstances and confirmed Egypt’s readiness to provide all possible forms of support to assist the Greek authorities in their efforts to contain the fires and limit their spread.

For his part, the Greek Prime Minister expressed his profound appreciation for the President’s thoughtful gesture and the genuine solidarity and support it demonstrated. Mr. Mitsotakis affirmed that this position embodies the depth of the historical and fraternal ties between the Egyptian and Greek peoples, lauding the strategic relations and close partnership between the two countries.

During their call, the two sides underscored the strategic nature of Egyptian-Greek relations and the commitment of the leaderships and governments of both countries to build on the momentum achieved in bilateral relations over recent years. The call also tackled ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields, particularly in energy, electricity interconnection, investment and trade. In this regard, President El-Sisi welcomed the progress achieved in the Egypt-Greece electricity interconnection project, describing it as one of the strategic projects supported by the European Union. The President affirmed the project’s significant role in enhancing energy security and promoting economic integration across the Mediterranean. President El-Sisi also commended the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the areas of labor and migration.

The call also addressed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest. Both sides affirmed the convergence of their views regarding developments in the Middle East and stressed the vital need to achieve a peaceful settlement and a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran that would contribute to de-escalation, prevent the expansion of tensions, safeguard the security and sovereignty of Arab states, and preserve regional stability. President El-Sisi also reviewed Egypt’s intensive efforts, in coordination with the mediators, to implement the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and ensure the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid. The President reiterated the urgent necessity for the international community, particularly European countries, to assume their responsibilities in supporting these efforts and alleviating the humanitarian suffering endured by the people of the Gaza Strip.

The Greek Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s vision, which advocates prioritizing political and peaceful solutions to resolve crises. Mr. Mitsotakis stressed his government’s commitment to continuing coordination and consultations with Egypt on various regional and international issues of mutual interest. President El-Sisi welcomed this commitment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close consultations between the two countries in a manner that serves security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Media files

.

Posted on

6th meeting of India – Lesotho Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation

Source: APO – Report:

.

The sixth meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC) between India and Lesotho was held in New Delhi on 30 July 2026. The JBCC meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Janesh Kain, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa), Ministry of External Affairs and Mr. Thabang P. Lekhela, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho. The entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation was reviewed during the JBCC meeting, including trade and economic, development cooperation, skilling & capacity building and cooperation at the regional and other multilateral fora.

2. The Lesotho delegation met with Mr. Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER), MEA on 31 July 2026 and separately held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Commerce to discuss ways to advance cooperation across diverse sectors of mutual interest.

3. India and Lesotho enjoy close ties of friendship and cooperation across diverse sectors, rooted in their shared commitment to enhancing South-South cooperation. Both sides agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation would be held in Maseru in 2027.

– on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.