Category: MIL-OSI

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Keynote address by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, on the occasion of the AFSIC – SA Investment Summit, London, United Kingdom

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director;
High Commissioner of South Africa to the UK, Mr Jeremiah Mamabolo;
Minister of Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean McPherson;
The entire South African Delegation;
The Investor Community;
Distinguished delegates;
Investors, Development partners;

Good morning.

It is with a great sense of privilege that I represent The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa at this conference: a platform that seeks to match African opportunity with global capital.

I bring you warm greetings from President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and from a nation that is proudly forging ahead, breaking new ground, and inspiring new ways, in spite of the many geopolitical and economic headwinds. 

Resilience, reinvention and opportunities for all, are the hallmarks of the unfolding South African story. It is a story of a country that continues to reform, diversify, and digitise its economy while driving investment into sectors that power sustainable and inclusive growth.

Programme Director,

South Africa remains Africa’s most globally integrated and diversified economy, with a Gross Domestic Product of approximately R7 trillion (about €348.5 billion). South Africa, hosts the continent’s most advanced and diversified digital economy. 

It has consistently proven itself as a trusted investment destination, with a diversified economy, strong governance, and over 180 Fortune Global 500 companies already headquartered in our country.

Its economy is underpinned by world-class infrastructure, a sophisticated financial services sector, and a rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.

The digital economy is projected to contribute between 15–20% of GDP in 2025, up from 8–10% in 2020, reflecting double-digit annual growth rates across e-commerce, fintech, and digital services.

Other sectoral contributions underpinning our economy are:

– Finance, Real Estate, and Business Services – 28%,
– Manufacturing – 17%,
– Trade, Catering, and Accommodation – 17%,
– General Government Services – 10%,
– Personal Services – 19%,
– Transport, Storage, and Communication – 9%.

South Africa’s merchandise exports are valued at approximately R2.04 trillion (€101.7 billion), and imports at R1.94 trillion (€97.1 billion). This trade balance reflects our diversified industrial base and global competitiveness.

Ours is an economy that offers great opportunities, where manufacturing, financial services, mining, agriculture, energy, and digital industries intersect to create a vibrant and investment ready environment.

Distinguished delegates,

Technological infrastructure significantly influences South Africa’s economic development by driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and improving access to global markets. However, its full potential is constrained by a persistent digital divide, especially between urban and rural areas.

Investment into tech infrastructure boosts several positive spin-offs, and that includes the following:

I. Boosts and promotes trade and investment:

– Enhances global integration: Reliable and high-speed ICT infrastructure is crucial for businesses to connect, trade, and compete internationally. South Africa is positioned as a regional digital hub, with submarine fibre optic cables providing high-speed international connectivity and attracting data center investments from global cloud providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

– Fosters e-commerce: Robust digital infrastructure supports the growth of e-commerce, allowing businesses of all sizes to reach broader markets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this sector accelerated rapidly, driving sales for major platforms like Takealot.

– Attracts foreign investment: High-quality ICT infrastructure is a key factor for foreign companies looking to invest and set up operations in the country. A favourable digital environment supports the growth of technology hubs and startups, attracting venture capital. 

II. Driving job creation and innovation:

– Supports a growing digital economy: As a major ICT market in Africa, South Africa’s tech sector is a significant contributor to the nation’s GDP and a source of new jobs. The platform economy, including services like Uber Eats and Mr. D, is also a rapidly growing source of employment.

– Fosters an entrepreneurial ecosystem: Reliable connectivity and access to digital tools enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to innovate, streamline operations, and overcome geographical barriers to market entry. Tech hubs in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg nurture startup ecosystems in fields such as fintech, health tech, and edtech.

– Increases productivity: Technology drives efficiency across all sectors of the economy. For instance, the Internet of Things (IoT) is used in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing to monitor and optimise operations. 

III. Improving public services and social inclusion:

Enhanced digital infrastructure allows for the digitisation of public services, such as health, education, and social grants. E-government services improve accessibility, transparency, and administrative efficiency for citizens, especially in remote areas.

– Enables skills development: The expansion of digital infrastructure and e-learning platforms helps to upskill the population, equipping them with the digital skills necessary to participate in the modern economy.

– Boosts financial inclusion: Digital payment systems and mobile banking allow unbanked and underbanked populations to access financial services, fostering entrepreneurship and economic activity.

Programme Director,

South Africa has invested significantly in digital infrastructure, anchored by submarine cable systems such as Seacom 2.0, Equiano, and 2Africa, which connect the country to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These cables, together with the West African Cable System (WACS), position South Africa as a regional hub for digital traffic. 

Our State-owned digital infrastructure company, Broadband Infraco, is a Tier-1 investor and responsible for supporting 70% of key projects of national interest, as well as extensive terrestrial fibre networks. It plays a strategic role in ensuring sustainable and cost-effective international bandwidth for Government and national projects, while also extending connectivity into all neighbouring SADC countries. 

The expansion of 4G and 5G networks, coupled with last-mile connectivity initiatives such as SA Connect, continues to drive access, affordability, and digital inclusion.

The data centre market is also expanding rapidly, with facilities established by Teraco, Equinix, Africa Data Centres, Vantage, and NTT. These hubs are critical to supporting hyperscale cloud services, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence applications, ensuring South Africa’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

South Africa has one of the largest and most advanced information and communications technology (ICT) markets in Africa, firmly positioning itself as a technological and innovation hub for the continent. The sector spans software development, hardware manufacturing, telecommunications, cybersecurity, digital services, fintech, and digital payments. It is a growing contributor to GDP and is recognised as both sophisticated and rapidly developing.

Several international corporations have established African headquarters or subsidiaries in South Africa, including IBM, Google, Microsoft, Intel, SAP, Dell, Amazon Web Services, Novell, Meta, and HP. 

These firms view the country as a regional hub and a supply base for the region. In parallel, South Africa is home to vibrant startup communities in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with active ecosystems in fintech, healthtech, edtech, and agritech that are attracting increasing amounts of venture capital.

Distinguished delegates,

E-commerce has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the digital economy. Sales reached $4.1 billion (R71 billion) in 2023, up 29% from 2022, driven by local platforms such as Takealot, Superbalist, and OneDayOnly, as well as the entry of global players like Amazon, Alibaba, Shein, and Temu. Food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats and Mr D have further embedded digital consumer behaviour, particularly in urban areas.

Cloud computing is projected to grow at an annual rate of 25% in 2025, while the number of IoT connections is expected to rise to 43 million by 2025 this will be up from 17 million in 2020, enabling new efficiencies in manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics.

For its part, the South African Government has set four national priorities:

– Universal access to internet – extend high-speed broadband to all households and schools, leveraging submarine cables, national fibre, and last-mile solutions (5G, fixed wireless, satellite).

– Digital skills development – expand intermediate and advanced skills through national training programmes and talent visas to support innovation.

– Productive digital use – shift usage from social media to e-commerce, e-government, and digital finance, raising GDP impact.

– Supportive environment for investment and innovation – continue spectrum licensing, improve regulatory clarity for AI and cybersecurity, and streamline approvals for infrastructure projects.

South Africa’s combination of having the most advanced banking systems on the continent, fintech hubs, ICT infrastructure, and data centres provides a springboard for scaling innovation across the AfCFTA.

It is uniquely positioned to enable the next generation of integrated, cloud-based platforms that connect banks, fintechs, regulators, and entrepreneurs across the continent through shared and secure digital infrastructure.

Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $712 billion by 2050, supported by over 1.1 billion mobile money accounts and a young, connected population. By leveraging its comparative advantages, South Africa is poised to serve as both a regional digital hub and a gateway for AfCFTA-driven digital trade and investment.

Delegates,

I am certain that you now want to know: what are the available opportunities in South Africa’s Digital Economy and Tech Infrastructure?

– Data Centres and Cloud Services: South Africa offers significant opportunities in the expansion of hyperscale and edge facilities, with growing demand for renewable-powered operations and interconnect platforms.

– Metro Fibre and Last-Mile Broadband: Investors can participate in closing the rural and township connectivity gap through fibre networks, 5G fixed wireless solutions, and satellite technologies.

– 5G Rollout and Smart Infrastructure: The rollout of 5G enables new opportunities in industrial IoT applications across mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

– Digital Trade and Government Services: There is strong potential to invest in e-customs, licensing, digital identity, and trade-tech platforms aligned with AfCFTA integration.

– Fintech and Digital Payments: The market continues to expand in mobile wallets, merchant acquiring, SME credit, and cross-border payment services.

– E-Commerce and Logistics Enablement: Growth in online retail is driving investment opportunities in warehousing, fulfilment centres, and last-mile logistics.

– Digital Skills and Talent Platforms: There is demand for scalable training and certification in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science.

– Renewable Energy for Digital Infrastructure: Linking renewable energy generation to data centres and telecom towers creates opportunities to stabilise operations while meeting ESG requirements.

Why should you invest in South Africa?

There are five enduring reasons for investors choose South Africa, despite the economic headwinds.

1. Infrastructure – With R900 billion committed to transport and energy infrastructure by 2027, our logistics ecosystem is among the most advanced in Africa.

2. Market Access – As the most industrialized economy in Africa, South Africa provides a natural entry point to the AfCFTA’s 1.3 billion consumers and the SADC region’s integrated markets.

3. Presence of Multinationals – Over 180 Fortune Global 500 companies operate in South Africa, and half of all multinationals headquartered in Africa are based in our country.

4. Human Capital – A young, tech-savvy population and world-class universities make South Africa an ideal location for digital talent and R&D.

5. Policy Certainty – Our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, coupled with investment-friendly reforms, ensures stability and predictability for investors.

The rule of law and our stable democratic system provides sufficient tailwinds to propel the growth and stability of our economy.
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Ladies and gentlemen,

As we invest in South Africa, we are also investing in Africa’s shared prosperity. Through AfCFTA, we are driving regional industrialisation, digital trade, and green growth.

We envision an Africa that trades not only in minerals and commodities but in data, design, and digital value. South Africa’s partnerships across energy, logistics, and technology are guided by this vision: to build a better Africa, and a better world.

Programme Director,

South Africa is not merely open for business: we are open and ready for sustainable partnerships. We invite investors to join us in transforming African markets through digital innovation, infrastructure connectivity, and sustainable industry.

As we stand at the intersection of the digital and green revolutions, let us together shape a future where South Africa is not just the gateway to Africa, but the engine of Africa’s digital and industrial renaissance.

Thank you very much!

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Pastoralism: Inside Africa’s Hidden Powerhouse

Source: APO

They supply an estimated 50% of Africa’s meat and 75% of its milk – yet Africa’s pastoralists remain largely invisible and misunderstood. A new documentary argues for a different way of seeing pastoralism: as resilient, adaptable, and central to the drylands’ future. 

Filmed across remote parts of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Sudan, Charting new futures in Africa’s drylands interviews five pastoralist communities who are driving positive change: from a local NGO resolving farmer-herder conflicts, to pastoralist women who are turning climate shocks into new commercial opportunities.  

Innovation in the Face of Adversity 

The film directly challenges common myths about Africa’s pastoralists as tech averse, conflict-prone, and unable to cope with modern-day challenges. Instead, it spotlights their capacity for adaptation and innovation: 

  • South Sudan’s New Women-led Fishing Community: In Bor, South Sudan, widespread seasonal flooding is devastating traditional grazing land. The Dinka pastoralists haven’t retreated – they’ve pivoted. They are now transforming the floods into a lucrative fishing economy, with fish being transported as far as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Now at the riverside, the number of women is higher than the men. Many of them don’t have husbands: they are the men and they are the women in their lives,” notes Awur Thon Jok, a fishmonger. 
  • Nigeria’s NGO Resolving Farmer-Herder Conflicts: Nigerian pastoralist NGO the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organization (FUDECO) is helping Fulani pastoralist families access formal justice in the aftermath of farmer-herder conflicts. Their work is successfully bringing killers to court, and shows the role pastoralists can play in finding alternatives to tit-for-tat violence in farmer-herder conflict. 
  • Microchipping and Meat Traceability: Online livestock platform Livestock247 is working with pastoralists to create digital records for cattle, ensuring that meat is traceable and health-certified. The microchip tech – which was developed to be compatible with Fulani livestock customs – is generating new insights on meat traceability, and helping pastoralists access better prices for their animals.  

Critical but Under-supported 

According to Guy Jobbins, Executive Director of SPARC and co-producer of the documentary, these stories are the rule, not the exception: 

“We should not be surprised that pastoralists are driving positive development. They are experts at navigating change. The real issue is that for decades, pastoralists frequently have been marginalised or subjected to interventions that actually ended up undermining their resilience.” 

One example is the installation of boreholes in Oropoi village, Turkana. In the drylands, installing permanent water supplies sounds like a commonsensical solution to water scarcity – but many boreholes in Oropoi have ended up being abandoned as a result of poor placement or planning.  

According to Sammy Ekal, executive director of the Turkana Pastoralists Development Organization (TUPADO), a lack of consultation was one of the key problems in places where boreholes were abandoned: “It’s very important to have these pastoralists involved in decision making here, because it affects them on a daily basis. A stakeholder will come, and make a decision that does not support people in this area.” 

2026: A Pivotal Year for Policy Change 

The United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) provides a critical opportunity to reset the policy agenda. 

Policymakers are being urged to realise the importance of rangelands and pastoralists for their role in restoring degraded lands, fostering sustainable food systems, advancing climate action and more.  

Guy Jobbins commented: 

“IYRP 2026 is a rare opportunity to shine a light on these regions, break down the myths about pastoralism, and truly champion the agency, knowledge, and resilience of people living in Africa’s drylands.” If there is one message from Charting new futures, it is that “Pastoralists do not need ‘saving’, but they do need to be part of the changes happening across the drylands.”  

To explore these stories and insights further, listen to the companion podcast and documentary, which spotlight the realities, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of pastoralism in Africa. 

Podcast: Dynamic Drylands (https://apo-opa.co/3KS9rlh)
Documentary: Charting new futures in Africa’s drylands (https://apo-opa.co/4qhqVYA)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC).

Images: https://apo-opa.co/3KKfOXX

For further information, interviews and to join the event mailing list please contact:
Marina Forsythe
marina@m2elevate.uk

Charlotte King
c.king@odi.org   

About SPARC:
Since 2020, research from the Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) programme has driven a significant shift in how international donors, governments, and the aid sector approach development in the drylands of Africa and the Middle East. By actively filling critical evidence gaps on the effectiveness of existing aid programmes and policies, SPARC is ensuring that investments more effectively and cost-efficiently build the long-term resilience of dryland communities facing recurrent crises. 

SPARC is delivered by a consortium of organisations: Cowater International, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Mercy Corps and ODI Global. It is funded by UK aid from the UK government, and with the aid of a grant from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada.  

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of SPARC, IDRC or its Board of Governors, or the official policies of the Canadian or UK governments. 

Media files

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Namibia Launches Key Health Strategies to Improve the Health of Women, Children and Adolescents

Source: APO


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 In a significant move to advance the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents, Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, officially launched two key health policy documents on 9 October 2025 in Windhoek. The two documents are the National Strategy for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH&N) 2025/2026–2029/2030 and the Triennial Report on the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths, Stillbirths, and Neonatal Deaths covering the period from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2024.

The RMNCAH & N strategy is a roadmap for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it aligns with the World Health Organization Global Strategy for Women, Children and Adolescent Health (2016-2030). The launch marks a renewed national commitment to ending preventable maternal and child deaths and improving access to quality, equitable health services across Namibia. While significant progress has been made in expanding healthcare access, challenges remain, particularly in maternal and neonatal mortality, adolescent health, and nutrition. The RMNCAH&N Strategy aims to tackle these through evidence-based guidelines and a multisectoral approach that promotes integrated care and community empowerment.

The Confidential Enquiry report, compiled by the National Maternal, Stillbirth, Neonatal Death Review Committee (NMSNDRC), investigates causes of death, identifies avoidable factors, and recommends actions to improve outcomes. The report reviewed 150 maternal deaths, with hypertension in pregnancy (16.7%), haemorrhage (16%), and abortive outcomes (12%) as the leading causes. Reporting to the Health Minister, the committee’s findings will inform national policies, guide clinical practice, and help translate lessons into life-saving interventions.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, in a statement read by Mr. Jeremiah Nghipundjwa, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to quality, equitable health services for women, children, newborns and adolescents under the new RMNCAH&N Strategy. She highlighted evidence-based interventions, data-driven solutions, and capacity-building for healthcare workers as key priorities. Highlighting the importance of innovation, investment, and collaboration, Dr. Luvindao urged all stakeholders to listen, act, and uplift the voices of those often unheard. “The success of this strategy depends not just on institutions, but on the commitment of each of us here today,” she said. “Together, we will create a future defined by health, dignity, and opportunity for all, where no woman, child, or adolescent is left behind”.

Namibia has made significant progress in maternal health over the past decade.  As per the data published in April 2025by the Maternal Mortality Estimates Interagency Group, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) reduced from 400 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 139. Still above the global target of less than 70 by 2030. The RMNCAH&N Strategy sets ambitious goals to reduce maternal deaths to 60 per 100,000 live birth and neonatal mortality from 24 to 10 per 1,000 live births by 2030. Under-five mortality currently stands at 41 per 1,000, with neonatal deaths declining more slowly and the strategy aims to accelerate the reduction rate and reach 10 deaths per 1000 live births by 2030.

Representing WHO, Dr. Juliet Nabyonga, Health System Advisor, commended Namibia’s commitment to strengthening its health system and underscored the significance of the newly launched RMNCAH&N Strategy. “These milestone documents reflect a renewed national pledge to ensure every woman, newborn, and adolescent not only survives but thrives,” she said. She highlighted the need to institutionalize Primary Health Care, integrate services and empower communities. Dr. Nabyonga reaffirmed WHO’s support in evidence-based guidance, capacity building, and accountability, adding, “Together, we can create a future defined by health, dignity, and opportunity”.

The launch underscores Namibia’s prioritization of maternal, newborn, and adolescent health in line with the SDGs, aiming to improve national outcomes and advance global equity in healthcare. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Namibia.

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India Rises onto the Global Stage with GITEX, Amplifying the Nation’s US$350 Billion Tech Economy

Source: APO

  • Mega inaugural GITEX Ai India debuts in April 2027 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, embedding the world’s largest tech network into the world’s fastest-growing digital economy
  • Fueling India’s digital rise, Karnataka drives 42% of the country’s software exports and leads the country in homegrown unicorns

India is one of the world’s largest and most influential tech economies. This industry is likely to hit the US$350 billion [1] mark by 2026 and contribute 10% towards the country’s GDP. Expanding its digital economy into even limitless proportions is its partnership announced with GITEX GLOBAL (www.GITEX.com), the world’s largest tech and AI events network, marking its debut in the country. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, the inaugural GITEX Ai India shall be held in April 2027 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, hosted by and in strategic partnership with the Government of Karnataka’s Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, K-TECH, and Startup Karnataka.

The announcement was made at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 in Dubai, where year after year the Indian tech and business community has represented one of the largest participating delegations, underlining the deeply embedded ties between Indian tech and the GITEX ecosystem.

GITEX Ai India 2027 is set to amplify the opportunities for cross-border capital inflows, trade collaborations and knowledge exchange, positioning India as a central force in the next wave of technological and economic transformation.

A New GITEX Frontier in the World’s Fastest Growing Major Economy

Earlier this year India ascended IMF’s World Economic Outlook 2025 ranking [2] to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. As supply chains realign worldwide, India has set an ambitious target to propel AI, semiconductor, and electronics manufacturing sector beyond US$500 billion by 2030, with GITEX Ai India serving as a catalytic global platform for industries at the forefront of this transformation. 

The country has the world’s third largest concentration of unicorns [4], with the rise underpinned by national programmes – the Indian Government’s Vision, Viksit Bharat 2047 identifying tech as a core pillar of its US$40 trillion economy by 2047, and IndiaAI Mission fast-tracking sovereign AI models in governance, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Powering India’s tech rise is Karnataka, the country’s undisputed tech powerhouse. The state accounts for 42% of the country’s software exports and is home to the largest number of unicorns in India. With its deep talent base, research ecosystem, and global connectivity, Karnataka is the natural anchor for the inaugural GITEX Ai India 2027 edition.

Dr. Manjula N, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, Information Technology/Biotechnology and Science and Technology, and Department of Rural Development, added: “Welcoming GITEX Ai India to Karnataka is a defining moment for our state and for the nation. Karnataka has long been at the forefront of India’s technology leadership, nurturing the country’s strongest startup ecosystem. Hosting GITEX here is not just a recognition of our state’s legacy, but an opportunity to connect our innovation with the world and attract new partnerships that define the next era of digital India.”

Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre, and CEO of KAOUN International, global organiser of GITEX, said, “GITEX and India stand united in vision, innovation, and boundless ambition. Together, GITEX Ai India embodies the spirit, scale, and aspiration of a new digital era – with outsized impact and outcomes that only this partnership can yield. The industry has long envisioned this powerful alliance between India and GITEX, and today I’m pleased to say this partnership is realized. GITEX Ai India shall reshape the world’s tech trajectory.”

GITEX Arrives to Accelerate Global Innovation at India’s Scale

GITEX Ai India brings the world’s most connected tech community into one of the world’s biggest economies. The show focuses on AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, fintech, and agritech, to accelerate trade, investment and frontier innovation between India and the world.

Over 45 years, GITEX has built a strong global credibility that has earned the trust of governments, enterprises, startups, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders to become the world’s largest tech event brand. Today, GITEX spans 14 cities and countries with editions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Serbia, Singapore, Türkiye, and Vietnam.

Deepening the Historic India-UAE Ties

The launch further reinforces the economic ties between India and the UAE. In the first half of 2025, bilateral non-oil trade surged 34% year-on-year to nearly US$38 billion [4], with CEPA-enabled exchanges expanding into digital services, green energy, AI, and space technology. The partnership has broadened beyond trade to include innovation, investment, and the integration of SMEs into global value chains – positioning the UAE as both a trusted partner and a gateway to the international markets for Indian businesses. For more information, visit: www.GITEX-India.com

[1] https://apo-opa.co/495xAid
[2] https://apo-opa.co/4nOlZIR
[3] https://apo-opa.co/4ojT2Ex
[4] https://apo-opa.co/4opnKfJ
[5] https://apo-opa.co/4hmtpRh

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Global.

Media Contact:
Tayce Marchesi
PR Manager
DWTC
tayce.marchesi@dwtc.com
+971 58 552 3994

Follow GITEX Ai India on social media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4hiaaZg
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/47fd8sP
X: https://apo-opa.co/3JeLAM7
Youtube: https://apo-opa.co/47mF6nD
Hashtag: #GITEXAIINDIA

About GITEX Ai India:
GITEX Ai India, is powered by the world’s largest tech and AI event, GITEX, now taking place in 14 cities and countries. The event takes place in April 2027 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, global organizer of GITEX, and is hosted by and in strategic partnership with Government of Karnataka’s Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, K-TECH, and Startup Karnataka. GITEX Ai India, channels India’s fast-growing momentum onto the global stage, with a mission to focus on the nation’s key tech growth sectors covering AI, semiconductors, data centres, quantum, electronics manufacturing, fintech, telecommunications, cybersecurity, agritech, and green tech.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Philippines Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Kampala, October 15, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Wednesday with HE Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations of the Republic of the Philippines Charles C. Jose, on the sidelines of the Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held in Kampala, Uganda.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

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Qatar Participates in Midterm Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement

Source: Government of Qatar

Kampala, October 15, 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the midterm ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), held in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

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

In his speech at the meeting, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that the world today is facing many challenges that raise doubts about the effectiveness of international systems, laws, and norms, especially with the increase in armed conflicts and economic, environmental, and health crises that fuel the international scene and harm peoples.

He affirmed Qatar’s belief that the best way to achieve the interests of states lies in respecting the rule of law at the international and national levels, and promoting and preserving human rights. He noted that joint work within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement provides an effective platform for dialogue and collective action, as the countries of the Global South represent the largest international bloc. These meetings serve as an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to solidarity, cooperation, and mutual support among member states.

His Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar’s belief that settling disputes by peaceful means is the optimal policy for maintaining international peace and security. He stated that this is clearly evident in the document presented to the meeting, which commends Qatari mediation efforts in partnership with international partners.

One of the most significant efforts, he highlighted, is the mediation to halt the war on Gaza. The first phase of implementing the agreement has begun, with ongoing efforts to advance negotiations toward a second phase that ensures a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and helps alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs indicated that, amid escalating tensions and the growing adoption of policies driven by narrow interests, strengthening multilateralism serves the common interest. He emphasized that the NAM can play a key role in promoting an international system where multilateralism has greater influence and in revitalizing international organizations, particularly the United Nations, to make them more transparent, effective, and democratic.

His Excellency emphasized the State of Qatar’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the NAM, and its dedication to multilateral action and bilateral cooperation with all member states to address common threats and achieve shared goals for the benefit of our countries and peoples.

He praised the efforts of the Republic of Uganda in chairing the NAM Coordinating Bureau and leading the movement’s efforts to achieve its goals.

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President El-Sisi Meets the President of Sudan’s Sovereign Council

Source: APO


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Today, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received President of the Sovereign Council of the Republic of Sudan, Lt. General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty, and Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad. And from the Sudanese side, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhi al-Din Salem, Director General of the General Intelligence, Lt.General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan in Cairo, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Eng. Emad al-Din Moustafa Adawy, and Director of the Office of the President of the Sovereign Council, Major General Adel Ismail Abubakr.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi welcomed the visit of Lt. Gen. Al-Burhan to Egypt, commending the deeply-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries and the tangible development they are witnessing in various fields.

The meeting discussed the developments in Sudan, as well as international and regional efforts aimed at ending the war and achieving stability in Sudan. In this regard, President E-Sisi reaffirmed the constants of the Egyptian stance towards Sudan. The President stressed Egypt’s full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Sudan, and its categorical rejection of any attempts that would threaten its security, undermine its national cohesion, or form any parallel governing entities to the legitimate Sudanese government.

For his part, the President of the Sudanese Sovereign Council expressed his deep appreciation for the continuous Egyptian support and President El-Sisi’s efforts in this regard, which demonstrates the deep relations between the two peoples and contributes to Sudan’s efforts to rise from its current crisis and restore security and stability.

The meeting also touched on the importance of the Quartet Mechanism as an umbrella to settle the Sudanese crisis, stop the war, and achieve the required stability. Both sides looked forward to the Quartet Mechanism meeting, which will be held in Washington this October, to yield tangible results aimed at reaching a ceasefire and settling the crisis.

The two sides reviewed the latest developments regarding the Nile water file. Both sides reiterated their categorical rejection of any unilateral measures taken on the Blue Nile that contradict the relevant provisions of international law. In the same context, Lt. Gen. Al-Burhan stressed the unified stance of Egypt and Sudan and the congruence of their interests regarding the Ethiopian Dam issue. In this context, they agreed to strengthen and intensify the mechanisms of consultation and coordination between the two countries to ensure the protection of their shared water rights.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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In Madagascar, citizens want democracy but willing to accept military intervention if elected leaders abuse power, survey shows

Source: APO

Majorities of Malagasy want democracy and oppose military rule but are willing to accept military intervention if elected leaders abuse their power, according to an Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) survey in late 2024.

In case of a military takeover of the government, a plurality of citizens said civilian rule should be restored as quickly as possible, though substantial minorities would accept a more gradual transition.

On Tuesday, Madagascar military leaders announced that they had taken control of the government after President Andry Rajoelina went into hiding in the wake of massive youth-led protests over chronic water and electricity outages, unemployment, corruption, and the rising cost of living. The military leadership was quoted as promising to form a civilian government and to conduct elections within two years.

Key findings 

  • As of late 2024, a majority (53%) of Malagasy said they prefer democracy over any other type of political system. But 13% said a non-democratic government can sometimes be preferable, and fully one in three (33%) professed indifference to the type of government they have (Figure 1).
  • Almost two-thirds (64%) of citizens rejected military rule as a system of government (Figure 2).
  • But six in 10 Malagasy (60%) saw it as “legitimate for the armed forces to take control of government when elected leaders abuse power for their own ends,” while 40% said the military should never intervene (Figure 3).
  • In case of a military takeover, a plurality (45%) of respondents said the military should restore civilian rule as soon as possible, while 35% preferred a gradual transition and 20% said the military should rule as long as it deems necessary (Figure 4).

Afrobarometer surveys

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 (2024/2025) cover 38 countries. Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice.

The Afrobarometer team in Madagascar, led by COEF-Ressources, interviewed a nationally representative sample of 1,200 adult citizens of Madagascar in October-November 2024. A sample of this size yields country-level results with a margin of error of +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Previous surveys were conducted in Madagascar in 2005, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2022.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
COEF-Ressources
Léa Rakotondraibe
Telephone: +261 32 14 119 23
Email: coef-re@moov.mg

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A Madagascar, les citoyens veulent la démocratie mais sont prêts à accepter une intervention militaire si les dirigeants élus abusent de leur pouvoir, selon un sondage

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La majorité des Malgaches souhaitent la démocratie et s’opposent au régime militaire, mais sont prêts à accepter une intervention militaire si les dirigeants élus abusent de leur pouvoir, selon une enquête Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) réalisée fin 2024.

En cas de prise du pouvoir par les militaires, une majorité relative de citoyens estiment que le régime civil devrait être rétabli le plus rapidement possible, même si d’importantes minorités accepteraient une transition plus progressive.

Mardi, les chefs militaires malgaches ont annoncé avoir pris le contrôle du gouvernement après que le Président Andry Rajoelina se soit caché suite aux manifestations massives de jeunes dénonçant les coupures chroniques d’eau et d’électricité, le chômage, la corruption et la hausse du coût de la vie. Les chefs militaires auraient promis de former un gouvernement civil et d’organiser des élections dans les deux ans.

Résultats clés

  • Fin 2024, une majorité (53%) des Malgaches déclaraient préférer la démocratie à tout autre système politique. Cependant, 13% estimaient qu’un gouvernement non démocratique pouvait parfois être préférable, et un sur trois (33%) se déclaraient indifférents au type de gouvernement qu’ils avaient (Figure 1).
  • Près des deux tiers (64%) des citoyens rejettent le régime militaire comme système de gouvernement (Figure 2).
  • Mais six Malgaches sur 10 (60%) considèrent qu’il est « légitime que les forces armées prennent le contrôle du gouvernement lorsque les dirigeants élus abusent du pouvoir à leurs propres fins », tandis que 40% déclarent que l’armée ne devrait jamais intervenir en politique (Figure 3).
  • En cas de prise de pouvoir par l’armée, une pluralité (45%) de répondants ont déclaré que l’armée devrait rétablir le régime civil dès que possible, tandis que 35% accepteraient une transition progressive et 20% ont déclaré que l’armée devrait gouverner aussi longtemps qu’elle le juge nécessaire (Figure 4).

L’enquête Afrobarometer

Afrobarometer est un réseau panafricain et non-partisan de recherche par sondage qui produit des données fiables sur les expériences et appréciations des Africains relatives à la démocratie, à la gouvernance et à la qualité de vie. Dix rounds d’enquêtes ont été réalisés dans un maximum de 45 pays depuis 1999. Les enquêtes du Round 10 (2024/2025) couvrent 38 pays. Afrobarometer réalise des entretiens face-à-face dans la langue du répondant avec des échantillons représentatifs à l’échelle nationale.

L’équipe d’Afrobarometer à Madagascar, conduite par COEF-Ressources, s’est entretenue avec 1.200 adultes malgaches en octobre-novembre 2024. Un échantillon de cette taille produit des résultats nationaux avec des marges d’erreur de +/-3 points de pourcentage à un niveau de confiance de 95%. Des enquêtes ont été précédemment réalisées à Madagascar en 2005, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 et 2022.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afrobarometer.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter :
COEF-Ressources
Léa Rakotondraibe
Téléphone : +261 32 14 119 23
Email : coef-re@moov.mg

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Celebrating and protecting South Africa’s elderly   

Source: Government of South Africa

 The introduction of the Older Persons Amendment Bill speaks to government’s resolve to ensure the safety of all South Africa’s citizens, including the elderly.

The Bill amends the Older Person’s Act of 2006 with the aim of strengthening the protection, care, and services provided to older people.

South Africa recently  commemorated the annual Older Persons Week from 26-02 October 2025 to honour the efforts of our elders in society. The commemorative week sought to raise awareness about the issues that impact the elderly and the fact that it has been concluded, should not spell the end of society’s focus on those most consider as our “treasures”.

While the President is yet to assent to the Bill, hard work has been put into it to ensure that older persons— defined in the Bill as anyone aged 60 years or older – are protected from all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, among others.

In addition, the new Bill states that courts must share offender details with the Minister in order to update the abuse register. For the further protection of the elderly, the Bill permits the removal of an older person to temporary safe care without a court order if the person is in immediate danger, provided that a court order is obtained within 48 hours thereafter.
It also adds that older persons be protected against harmful practices, including those related to witchcraft accusations, which may affect their health, dignity, and welfare.

The amendments demonstrate that government is conscious of the fact that senior citizens are prone to abuse, an anomaly that it has continued to denounce.

Many will recall the disturbing video that circulated on social media platforms of a young man allegedly assaulting his grandmother in June last year.  Earlier this year, six caregivers appeared in court in the Free State for allegedly assaulting an 81-year-old woman at a retirement care centre.

It is also disheartening to hear reports of the elderly being robbed of their pension money by some community members and even relatives. The mistreatment of senior citizens in some cases also extends to them being deprived of their daily meals.

Such cruelty is incomprehensible for the gogos and mkhulus who have played a vital role in raising many of the country’s youth. Through their state-funded old-age pensions and stokvel money, they provided everything from sweet and sticky childhood treats to necessities in the form of school essentials and clothing – all made possible through the sacrifices of the elderly. 

Given the high unemployment rate, many a grandmothers and grandfathers continue to share their social grants with their children and grandchildren.

Such incidents where the elderly are not treated with respect, fly in the face of the constitutional mandate that no person should be unfairly discriminated against on grounds such as race or age. These alleged acts also show little regard for the 2006 legislation, which establishes a framework for the empowerment and protection of older persons, as well as the promotion and maintenance of their status, rights, well-being, safety and security – the very legislation that the current Bill seeks to amend.

Government also makes provision for the elderly by providing free essential services such as healthcare, housing and energy across the various municipalities. 

However, how we treat the elderly is a direct reflection of the state of our society. Failing to protect them as they grow frail reveals a lack of regard for the wisdom and institutional memory that they hold. 

While some in society may hold the view that the elderly are less important because they “are over the hill”, no longer working, or frail and sickly, we can never stop caring for them. Tradition teaches us that some of our blessings come from the elderly. 

In a country with a largely youthful population, with Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) data showing that 27.5% of the population is younger than 15 years (16.8 million), legislation like the Older Person’s Amendment Bill indicates that government is mindful of a future in which where there will be more elderly people within communities.

Further Stats SA data in the 2024 Mid-Year Population Estimates points out that about 9.7% (6.13 million) of the population is 60 years or older with the proportion of the elderly increasing over time. 
Elders possess a wealth of knowledge that is not always written down, including stories of loved ones who have passed on and places they have been to. Often, this is information that cannot be found in any textbook. 

Caring for the elderly must be an everyday occurrence, not something observed only in October when Older Persons Week or Social Development Month is commemorated. It also need not matter whether an older person is one’s relative or not.  

As the late former President Nelson Mandela once said:  “A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endangers its future. Let us strive to enhance their capacity to support themselves for as long as possible and, when they cannot do so anymore, to care for them.”

One can cook for them, make them endless cups of tea, mow their lawn or drive them to their doctor’s or clinic appointments, or simply spend time with them to make them feel appreciated and loved.

We are who we are today because of the sacrifices that our elderly have made. As their hands become wrinkly and their hair turns grey, we owe it to them not only to care for them, but to also lend a listening ear as their advice is priceless.

While their wisdom cannot be measured in rands and cents, it is crucial for a country’s cultural preservation and development.  –SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za