Category: MIL-OSI

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Uganda to host 15th East African Community (EAC) Parliament Games

Source: APO – Report:

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Uganda will host the 15th Edition of the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games from 05 to 15 December 2025, an event designed to strengthen regional integration, cooperation, and unity among partner states.

Addressing the media on Monday, 06 October 2025, The Chairperson of the Parliament Sports Club, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa said that the games are not merely a sporting competition but a vital platform for fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among legislators and parliamentary staff across the region.

“People complain that EAC is only known to the people at the top and that the common man does not know its relevance. We will use the games to sensitise the nation on the beauty of integration,” Basalirwa said.

Basalirwa noted that the tournament, now a permanent fixture on the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) calendar has become a key driver of the integration agenda by promoting people-to-people connections and nurturing the spirit of East African unity.

The initiative is anchored in Article 49 (2)(a) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC, which calls for enhanced engagement between EALA and national parliaments.

He added that the games offer an opportunity to promote healthy living among citizens through sports and physical activity.

“There are many diseases we shall avoid if we embrace physical exercises. We hope that when citizens come and watch their representatives active in various games, they will be motivated to emulate the practice,” Basalirwa said.

According to Basalirwa, Uganda stands to benefit economically from hosting the tournament with the influx of legislators and officials from all nine EAC member states expected to boost tourism and trade by generating over US$1 million in revenue.

Hon. Santa Alum Ogwang (UPC, Oyam District) who is the manager of the Parliamentary Sports Team called on the media to use the event to highlight the achievements and benefits of regional integration. She also encouraged Ugandan entrepreneurs to take advantage of the games to showcase and market their businesses.

The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games were first introduced by EALA in 2001 as a way of popularising and sensitising citizens about the integration process. They were later institutionalised in 2009 through a resolution by the EAC Bureau of Speakers.

Initially, Burundi had been selected to host the 2025 edition in Bujumbura but withdrew in May 2025 due to national elections scheduled during the same period.

The 2025 tournament will feature a variety of sports disciplines including football, netball, basketball, volleyball, athletics, tug of war, golf, and darts for Members with disabilities.

Teams from Uganda, EALA, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Tanzania, and South Sudan are expected to participate.

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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GOIL to Commission Additional 12,000 Metric Tons of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Storage Capacity in Ghana

Source: APO – Report:

GOIL PLC, Ghana’s leading oil and gas marketing company, is planning to commission an additional 12,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage capacity in the next year, anchored by a $50 million investment.

Speaking during a panel at Africa Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, Edward Abambire Bawa, Group CEO and Managing Director of GOIL PLC, said the company was spearheading a transformative expansion in LPG storage capacity to address growing domestic demand and to strengthen the country’s energy security.

Guided by the 2024 baseline consumption of 340 million kilograms of LPG sold nationally, this strategic expansion aims to bridge critical supply gaps where current storage capacities only cover two to three weeks of national demand. “This storage limitation is a challenge and a prime investment opportunity. Expanding infrastructure is fundamental to unlocking the full monetisation potential of LPG, benefiting producers, distributors, and end consumers alike,” Bawa added.

GOIL’s recent initiatives demonstrate a broad commitment to infrastructure development. This includes the launch of multiple Autogas stations across five regions nationwide, including Accra and Kumasi. Additionally, the inauguration of a polymer-modified bitumen terminal in Tema aims to support related energy needs. The company’s distribution network spans across Ghana, servicing diverse consumer segments while maintaining sustainable growth and investment partnerships.

The company recognizes the challenges presented by limited LPG infrastructure, especially in rural areas. It is committed to expanding access through well-designed policies, greater investment, and innovative business models, including digital payment solutions that cater to household cash flows.

“Our research at GECF highlights that LPG is a critical component within the broader narrative of gas’s role in sustainable development. Monetising gas is not simply about producing greater volumes but about creating value along the entire supply chain. This encompasses production through storage, transportation, distribution, and finally reaching the household consumer. In Africa particularly, market creation and capacity development are two sides of the same coin,” said Mohammed Amin Naderian, Head of Energy Economics & Forecasting Department from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

“We caution against mistaking policy as the solution itself. Policy acts as a catalyst to break poverty and energy poverty traps, accelerating monetisation through industrialisation and job creation for Africa’s youth. However, if policies are poorly designed or inconsistent, they risk market distortions or abrupt collapses. Stable, well-designed, and transparent regulations are essential to reduce investment risks and create predictable futures for investors and consumers alike,” he added.

Sebastian Wagner, Managing Partner at DMWA Resources, citing successful experiences in countries like Rwanda, stressed the importance of stable regulations, transparent investor incentives, and innovative business models like digital payments to match household cash flows. He further highlighted the ongoing efforts to integrate LPG into Africa’s broader energy transition. “LPG often flies under the radar compared to LNG, but it is gaining momentum through well-structured investments and government partnerships aimed at reducing gas flaring and capturing value.”

Speaking from a South African perspective, Sesakho Magadla, CEO, PetroSA, noted, “LPG demand in South Africa is largely driven by population growth and energy demand increases, yet infrastructure development continues to lag behind. We currently see about 350,000 metric tons of LPG consumed annually, with peak demand reaching 550,000 metric tons in winter and summer months.

“New investments in reverse flow pipelines and terminals in Durban is therefore aimed at unlocking the capacity needed to meet national demand. But it is only through public and private sectors collaborating closely, with projects like SANPC and Avedia Energy, that we will improve LPG importation and distribution capacity for improved market stability and access.”

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Le processus électoral au menu d’une sensibilisation dans le Haut-Mbomou

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À Obo, dans la préfecture du Haut-Mbomou, une session de sensibilisation organisée par la MINUSCA a rassemblé, le 2 octobre 2025, des représentants locaux des partis politiques ainsi que des leaders de la plateforme des femmes engagées en politique. Les échanges ont porté sur le processus électoral en cours avec accent sur la participation des femmes, ainsi que sur le mandat de la MINUSCA y relatif.

Lors de cette rencontre, appuyée par ONU-Femmes, il a été largement question des modalités de dépôt des candidatures, des critères d’éligibilité et les documents nécessaires pour les candidats aux élections municipales et régionales.

L’initiative visait à partager les informations officielles sur les opérations électorales en cours, à renforcer la collaboration entre les représentants des partis politiques au niveau local, à mettre à leur disposition les documents officiels relatifs au processus électoral et enfin à échanger avec eux sur leurs préoccupations en matière électorale.

Les participants ont eu l’occasion de lever le voile sur des défis liés à l’organisation des élections dans une région affectée par les conflits et les déplacements de population.

Kofi Anzoua, de la Division des Affaires politiques de la MINUSCA, a rappelé que les séances de partage d’informations avec les représentants des partis politiques dans la préfecture sont essentielles pour favoriser, d’une part, la transparence et la communication entre les acteurs politiques, et d’autre part, pour partager des informations sur le processus électoral et les réformes politiques relatives aux élections de décembre 2025.

« Ces séances permettent aux participants de partager leurs points de vue et d’enrichir le débat démocratique ; les informations partagées contribuent à une meilleure compréhension du processus politique et des décisions prises », a-t-il ajouté.

Les femmes présentes à cette rencontre ont été vivement encouragées, tour à tour, par Mumbere Zawadi Boyau, représentant d’ONU-Femmes, et Myriam Karangwa, coordinatrice de la Section de l’assistance électorale du sous-bureau de la MINUSCA à Obo, à participer davantage au processus électoral en cours, en faisant acte de candidature pour se faire élire et faire valoir leur voix dans les instances décisionnelles du pays.

« ONU-Femmes et la MINUSCA ont toujours encouragé la participation électorale des femmes et leur engagement dans la vie politique par le biais de l’assistance électorale. C’est la façon la plus sûre de rendre les élections inclusives et de garantir la place des femmes dans les instances décisionnelles », a martelé Mumbere Zawadi Boyau.

Cette journée d’échanges avec ces différents acteurs a également été marquée par le lancement de l’affichage des listes électorales définitives à Obo, ainsi que par l’ouverture du dépôt des candidatures pour les élections régionales et municipales.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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Government confirms approval of permit for Abakan Air

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

The Department of Transport has confirmed the approval and issuing of a Foreign Operator’s Permit (FOP) to the Abakan Air for transporting general cargo, civilian helicopter, and acrobatic airplanes.

The operator applied for the FOP on 09 September 2025. The department subsequently issued the permit on 23 September 2025. 

“It is important to highlight that the South African government has not blacklisted the operator, concerned. Furthermore, the department has no knowledge or record of any information from any other government indicating that this operator has been blacklisted,” the department said on Monday.

The application required the operator to submit information about the consignor/consignee of the cargo, which in this case was provided and confirmed by the relevant company in writing.

Furthermore, the operator was also required to contract a regulated cargo agent in South Africa, and that was also confirmed.

Details of the crew and their paperwork were also required and were submitted accordingly.

The flight plan was also required by the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS). Further information can be obtained from ATNS regarding the Plan. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa showcases premium abalone to Europe

Source: Government of South Africa

The South Africa Abalone Export Council has set its sights on the European market as part of its market diversification strategy. 

The Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Rhomona Gounden, is currently representing the sector at the prestigious Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair in Cologne, Germany, together with 30 other South African companies. 

The world’s largest global food and beverage trade show started on Saturday, 4 October, and will end on Wednesday, 8 October 2025.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has set up a national pavilion where South African agro-processing companies are showcasing their proudly South African products. 

This is part of the department’s efforts to assist companies seek markets in various parts of the world, as part of the country’s export diversification initiatives.

Gounden describes her presence at Anuga as both a strategic mission and a brand awareness drive for South African abalone, a premium seafood delicacy prized across Asia but still relatively unknown in Europe. 

Her booth has attracted some strange attention from the trade show visitors.

She said the next step lies in educating the European market and building consumer awareness and appreciation for South African abalone. She admits that the council has its work cut out for it in an attempt to market the product in Europe.

“Not many people know about abalone here in Europe. That is exactly the reason why we had to participate in this popular and big trade fair with the assistance of the dtic. We have a lot of work to do. We are making all efforts to explore Europe as a potential market, in order to diversify our export markets into the European Union. 

“We are on a mission to seek export opportunities in Europe and are confident that we will gradually penetrate this market with France being our potential gateway, as they are fond of exotic foods.

“We are not just selling a premium product but rather building a premium brand for South African abalone in Europe. This journey is about creating awareness, fostering curiosity, and ultimately developing an alternate market for farmed abalone,” explains Gounden.

The South African Abalone Export Council was established in 2006. It represents six member companies, namely Aqunion, HIK, I&J, Sea Harvest, West Coast Abalone, and Wild Coast Abalone), representing twelve farms, primarily in the Western Cape and one in the Eastern Cape.

The industry produces around 3 000 tonnes of abalone annually. 99% of all farmed abalone is exported to traditional markets, such as China, Japan, Canada and Singapore. It is a labour-intensive industry that employs 2 500 people. – SAnews.gov.za

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Qatar Affirms Commitment to Respecting and Protecting Human Rights as Cornerstone of its Policy

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, October 07, 2025

The State of Qatar affirmed that respecting, promoting, and protecting human rights constitutes a fundamental pillar of its policy, and that human development and the protection and promotion of human rights are among its priorities.

The State of Qatar explained that it spares no effort to support efforts aimed at consolidating concepts and culture of human rights by adopting an approach based on the rule of law, transparency, justice, and human dignity.
This came in a statement delivered by the Second Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) Sheikha Al Maha bint Mubarak Al-Thani before the General Debate of the Third Committee of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, held at the UN headquarters in New York.
The Second Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN noted the country’s pride in its current membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027, and in the position it has built over the years as an effective and credible partner at the international level. She affirmed that Qatar will continue its effective and positive role in this important international forum, and its constructive cooperation to enable the Council to continue its vital role in promoting and protecting human rights.
She highlighted the serious human rights violations faced by the brotherly Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which is witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian disaster due to the ongoing Israeli aggression, causing a catastrophic humanitarian, social and economic situation. She also pointed out that Qatar continues to dedicate its efforts and diplomatic endeavors to achieving an end to the war and human suffering, and continues its unwavering policy of solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people, providing them with various forms of support, and making every effort to achieve security and stability in the region.
Sheikha Al Maha stressed that Qatar is confident that the Second World Summit for Social Development, to be held in Doha on November 4-6, will constitute a pivotal opportunity to advance many of the topics being discussed within the framework of the Third Committee, including accelerating international efforts to promote sustainable social development, eradicate poverty, enhance productive employment, and build inclusive societies that enable the meaningful and full participation of all, including women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. She stressed that Qatar looks forward to welcoming participants from all over the world to the conference.
She pointed out that thanks to the State of Qatar’s wise and clearly defined policy to enhance the role of women and enable them to make significant contributions, Qatari women continue to achieve inspiring and commendable accomplishments in various fields, noting that they are today active partners in the country’s developmental renaissance.
Sheikha Al Maha referred to the launch of the Ministry of Social Development and Family’s national strategy for the period 2025-2030, under the slogan ‘From Welfare to Empowerment,’ which represents a qualitative shift that goes beyond providing support, but rather focuses on empowering target groups through specialized training programs and encouraging social entrepreneurship.
She emphasized that Qatar places family at the heart of social development, and noted that the country has adopted policies and programs aimed at supporting families through an integrated and comprehensive approach, and has sought from an early stage to highlight family issues and give them the attention they deserve.
She also explained that Qatar has made significant strides in promoting and protecting children’s rights, and has taken numerous legislative and executive measures and procedures in various fields and sectors, in line with its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Second Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN indicated that Qatar has strengthened its close partnership with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict by providing support for the office’s core resources, as well as hosting the Office’s Analysis and Communications Centre in Doha.

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Unlocking real estate connection between Africa and Dubai

Source: APO – Report:

Africa Property Investment (API) Events (https://www.APIEvents.com) is proud to announce a bespoke investor tour in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, designed to provide African delegates with exclusive access to the Gulf’s capital markets and iconic real estate developments.

API Events, a leading facilitator of investment and development platforms across Africa, will host the inaugural Africa-UAE Investor Tour, taking place from November 10 to 13, 2025, in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

This exclusive, boutique tour is designed to inspire, educate, and catalyse new deals for Africa’s top property developers, investors, and C-suite leaders by connecting them directly with the heart of Gulf capital and world-class real estate innovation.

The tour addresses a critical market need, a trend underscored by industry leaders. As Kevin Teeroovengadum, Board Director of real estate and hospitality companies, observes: “We are seeing growing interest from Middle East investors across Africa, extending beyond traditional sectors like ports, mining, and petroleum into areas such as high-end bush lodges in the hospitality sector.”

This sentiment is echoed by Murray Anderson-Ogle, Managing Director of API Events:

“There is a lot of Gulf capital — sovereign wealth funds, family offices — and a lot of activity led out of the Gulf and Dubai into Africa. But for someone from the Gulf to come to Africa to meet a developer or a pension fund, it’s hard; you’re going to spend months tracking them down.”

Anderson-Ogle says the tour is about bringing the leader of Africa to Dubai, creating a two-way exchange that matters.

“It’s not just another conference or sightseeing trip. It’s a chance to forge authentic connections with sovereign wealth funds, family offices, private equity, and venture capital investors who actually deploy capital into Africa. Since some Gulf investors can be cautious about Africa, this tour is set to build trust and allow the kind of relationship-building that takes months or even years to develop if you go alone.”

The four-day tour will offer attendees an opportunity to study Dubai’s unparalleled blueprint for urban development, town planning, and sustainable residential growth through sessions and site visits with leading real estate developers, including Binghatti, DAMAC, and others.

This connection is a two-way street, as noted by Teeroovengadum: “Real estate companies from Dubai, such as DAMAC, are actively marketing their products to African buyers seeking to diversify their wealth and establish a ‘plan B’.”

It will also be an opportunity to meet global retailers and brands actively expanding into Africa’s high-growth markets, facilitated by the UAE’s role as a global trade hub. “As the UAE positions itself as a hub for trade, more and more Africans are using places like Dubai for their trading operations,” adds Teeroovengadum.

African delegates joining the tour will be welcomed by Dubai’s leading developers and funders, getting exclusive behind-the-scenes access to landmark projects. They’ll also engage directly with global retail giants and hospitality leaders who are expanding aggressively into African markets. Key site visits include:

  • ICD Brookfield Place: The Gulf’s premier business & lifestyle destination in Dubai International Financial Centre, a global financial hub and a free zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the tallest & largest Green Building in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
  • One Za’abeel Tower: Featuring an exclusive exploration of Siro hotel, the World’s First Sport Hotel, with insights by Kerzner.
  • CityWalk: An urban master-planned community, featuring a lunch experience with insights by Meraas and Merex Investments.
  • Residential Developments: Exclusive visits to projects by leading developers like Binghatti and DAMAC.

The tour combines project site visits with the Africa + UAE Investor Conference, featuring industry panels and networking sessions focused on joint ventures, capital raising, and preserving personal wealth.

The core conference day on 11 November will feature sessions led by industry luminaries, including a macroeconomic overview of Dubai by Taimur Khan, Head of Research at JLL in the region, and deep-dive panels on capital raising, urban development, and retail expansion into Africa.

Enhanced flight connectivity has been a key driver in strengthening these economic ties. “Airlines such as Emirates have been pivotal in connecting Africa with the Middle East and the world. We are also seeing Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, and Saudia Airlines expanding routes to key African hubs,” says Teeroovengadum. “All the above demonstrates the importance of the Middle East as a partner with the African continent, more so in a world of geopolitical turbulence.”

Anderson-Ogle says the tour will target audiences in the C-suite, including CEOs, CFOs, chairpersons, founders, and pension fund heads, all looking to deepen their professional networks and secure legacy investments. “That’s the real selling point – the connections you can’t just make by flying solo to Dubai,” he says.

Key highlights will include insights into emerging sectors, including healthcare, logistics, education, and digital infrastructure, from players such as DP World and Agility. Hospitality and tourism will take centre stage with Abu Dhabi Capital, Accor, Marriott, Radisson, and others exploring Africa’s hotel investment boom.

Anderson-Ogle highlights Dubai’s growing role as a neutral and strategic financial gateway. He notes that capital from the Gulf is increasingly viewed by African investors as a receptive and pragmatic source for diversification, offering a valuable and long-term option for wealth preservation within a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The Africa–UAE Investor Tour is limited to 40 top-tier delegates who will gain unparalleled professional networks in a focused, boutique setting. “We are seeing a lot of interest, but it’s very boutique. We’re targeting quality over quantity with about 40-50 participants to maintain exclusivity and real engagement,” Anderson-Ogle explains.

API Events invites senior African and Middle Eastern investors, developers, and funders to join this unique opportunity to build legacy and unlock new avenues of growth in one of the world’s fastest-evolving investment hubs.

For more information, registration details, and the full itinerary, please visit:

Dubai Tour – API Events: https://apo-opa.co/46Vz2Rs

– on behalf of API Events.

Contact:
API Events -Dubai Tour
Murray Anderson-Ogle
Email: Murray@apievents.com
Contact: +27 71 890 77 39

About API Events:
For over a decade, API Events has been the premier catalyst for investment and development across Africa. Through its high-level conferences and networking forums, API Events creates trusted platforms that connect the continent’s most influential decision-makers with global capital and partners, driving tangible deals and sustainable growth.

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Cassava Technologies Appoints Marco Gagiano as Global Head: Connectivity

Source: APO – Report:

Cassava Technologies (https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, has appointed Marco Gagiano as Global Head of Connectivity, effective xx September 2025.  With this strategic appointment, Cassava has further strengthened its leadership team and reaffirmed its commitment to becoming the leading digital solutions provider in its chosen markets. Marco will be responsible for the connectivity business across Africa, including all of Cassava’s fibre, satellite, wireless and wholesale voice and connectivity services.

Marco brings over two decades of leadership experience in telecoms and technology across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. His has previously held senior executive roles at MTN, Vodacom and Vodafone Group, covering product strategy, digital transformation and commercial growth.

– on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a technology leader providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Through its business units, namely, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, Distributed Power Africa, Sasai Fintech, Cassava has operations across key growth markets like Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Cassava provides its customers in 94 countries with offerings that will help them grow, transform, and expand their operations. https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com/

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World Sports Photography Awards 2026 – sponsored by Canon – now open for entries

Source: APO – Report:

World Sports Photography Awards (http://www.WorldSportsPhotographyAwards.com), the world’s leading celebration of sports photography, today announces Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) as the Official Imaging Partner for the highly-anticipated 2026 awards. Celebrating the world’s finest sports photographers, the free to enter awards recognise images that capture the passion, raw emotion, athleticism, and focus at the heart of sport.

Judged by leading figures from sport, media, photography, branding, and the creative industries, the World Sports Photography Awards has firmly established itself as the world’s biggest celebration of sports photography. The 2025 awards marked a record-breaking year, attracting over 2,200 photographers from 97 countries submitting work across more than 50 sports. Extensive international media coverage and participation from leading sports organisations underscored the award’s continued global growth and influence.

Commenting on Canon’s sponsorship of the awards and what we can expect for 2026, World Sports Photography Awards Co-Founder, Simon Burton, said: “If there’s one name synonymous with sports photography, it’s Canon. We couldn’t be more honoured or excited to welcome Canon to World Sports Photography Awards. It’s been an incredible year for sport around the world, and we are eager to see the images submitted this year across sports and geographies.”

Canon has a long and proud history in sports photography, equipping generations of photographers with the tools to capture iconic sporting moments that have defined eras. A brand-new and exciting addition for the 2026 edition is the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award. This dedicated category will shine a spotlight on the next generation of sports photographers, specifically recognising young and upcoming talent under the age of 30 for their unique skill, creativity, and passion in capturing the drama and beauty of sport.

Richard Shepherd, Product Marketing Senior Manager, Imaging at Canon Europe, adds: “Canon has a proud legacy of supporting professional sports photographers and helping them capture some of the most iconic moments in sporting history. With the introduction of the ‘Canon Emerging Talent’ award, we’re building on that heritage by extending our support to the next generation of visual storytellers. This new category celebrates the creativity and passion of up-and-coming photographers and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”

With this announcement, the 2026 awards are now officially open for entries. Participants from across the industry and globe are invited to submit their work and gain recognition on one of the most celebrated stages in the field.

For 2026, photographers are invited to submit up to 10 images captured between December 2024 and November 2025 across 24 sports categories. Submissions are free of charge and close on 24 November 2025. Please note that images entered in the 2025 competition are not eligible.

Key details:

  • Entries open: 01 October 2025
  • Submission deadline: 24 November 2025
  • Eligibility: Up to 10 images taken between December 2024 – November 2025
  • Categories: 24 sports categories
  • Cost: Free of charge

The World Sports Photography Awards, sponsored by Canon, continue to celebrate the art of sports photography – showcasing the images and photographers that inspire audiences around the world.

For rules and regulations, please visit the Rules (http://apo-opa.co/4hit7ep) page, T&Cs (http://apo-opa.co/4h1w3fh) and other FAQs (http://apo-opa.co/48QDune) here. 

For more information and to enter, visit: www.WorldSportsPhotographyAwards.com

– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Full Press Kit and 2025 Images Available Here: http://apo-opa.co/3KWTV7y

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

For more information about the World Sports Photography Awards, please contact
Dan Naughton  
dan@worldsportsphotographyawards.com 

World Sports Photography Awards:
Nothing captures the emotion of sports like photography. World Sport Photography Awards celebrates the best sports photography by the best sports photographers. With images from over 60 different sports, from elite to grass roots, the World Sports Photography Awards tell compelling stories of the emotion, passion, athleticism and focus that are at the heart of sport.

Now in its sixth edition, the World Sports Photography Awards are the only global awards for sport photography. Entered by the world’s best sports photographers, judged by leading figures from sport, media, photography, brand and creative. Designed to recognise and celebrates incredible sports images and the photographers who take them.

https://apo-opa.co/4gZff8n

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/4mWyqRQ) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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New Interim Forest Stewardship Standard Validates Responsible Forest Management in Zimbabwe

Source: APO – Report:

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) (https://FSC.org) FSC is pleased to announce the official release of the new Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Zimbabwe. This standard applies to all categories of management units and includes provisions for Small or Low Intensity Managed Forests (SLIMFs) as well as the certification of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). The scope of the Zimbabwe standard is expected to encompass both plantation and indigenous forests, catering to large-scale and small-scale timber growers, as well as producers of timber and non-timber forest products.

Forests in Zimbabwe: amidst growing deforestation

Zimbabwe is home to some of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, with over 5,930 species of plants and more than 1,360 species of animals. Forests and woodlands currently cover about 35% of the country’s total land area and play multiple essential roles critical to the livelihoods of poor rural communities. These roles include providing food, fodder, shelter, medicines, timber, construction materials, and firewood for energy.

In 2021, the forest products sector accounted for about 3% of Zimbabwe’s total GDP. The country has three major forest ecosystems: Baikiaea, which comprises 25% of total forest cover; Miombo, covering 30%; and Mopane, accounting for 45%.

However, deforestation is an urgent issue in Zimbabwe, with forests disappearing at an alarming rate. Data from Global Forest Watch indicates that from 2002 to 2024, Zimbabwe lost 1.02 million hectares of humid primary forest, amounting to 0.43% of its total tree cover loss during that period. The total area of humid primary forest in Zimbabwe diminished by 13% in the same time frame. Between 1990 and 2010, Zimbabwe lost an average of 1.48% of its forest cover each year, totaling over 6.5 million hectares. According to the Forestry Commission, the country loses an average of 330,000 hectares of forest land each year due to agricultural expansion, tobacco curing, over-reliance on fuelwood energy, increased human settlement, uncontrolled veld fires, and invasive alien species. At the current rate of forest loss, it is estimated that Zimbabwe could lose all its forests within 52 years.

A solution for sustainable forestry in Zimbabwe

The new IFSS for Zimbabwe, which incorporates FSC’s latest Principles and Criteria for effective forest management, will take effect on 1 January 2026. This standard represents a significant advancement in FSC’s commitment to promoting sustainable forestry practices in Zimbabwe. It directly aligns with the 2023 Zimbabwe National Forest Policy, which aims to enhance the forestry sector’s contribution to development and social equity through active stakeholder participation for the benefit of present and future generations. Additionally, it aligns with the National Development Strategy 1 (2021 to 2025) (http://apo-opa.co/4h8M2rN), Zimbabwe’s first five-year Medium-Term Plan aimed at realizing the country’s Vision 2030 for national development.

Forest certification ensures that plantations are managed responsibly and sustainably, protecting the rights of forest workers and communities, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring the profitability of the forest enterprise. It will facilitate the export of Zimbabwean forest products and enhance competitiveness.

The development of this standard was a collaborative effort. In 2023, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) appointed the non-governmental organization Soil Association Certification (http://apo-opa.co/4705BxW) to develop Interim Forest Stewardship Standards (IFSS) for Zimbabwe. Soil Association’s forestry standards specialists, Vanessa Linforth and Jeanette Clarke, facilitated the standard development process in Zimbabwe, working closely with the lead forestry agency, the Zimbabwe Forestry Commission (http://apo-opa.co/47bNoP0). Stakeholders were identified in 2023 and participated in several online and onsite consultations, culminating in a workshop in Lusaka with stakeholders from various industries and community members to discuss the second draft of the standard.  

The official (English) version of the IFSS for Zimbabwe can be downloaded in the FSC Document Centre (http://apo-opa.co/4pXWczx). For further inquiries regarding the standard, please contact FSC Country Requirements Team via: country_requirements@fsc.org.

– on behalf of Forest Stewardship Council.

Media contacts Southern Africa:
Benjamin Rafemoyo
Market Development Officer, Southern Africa
b.rafemoyo@fsc.org
Phone: +263 86 440 00618
Mobile: +263 77 521 4160

Media contacts Africa:
Israel Bionyi
Senior Regional Communications Manager
FSC Africa
i.bionyi@fsc.org

FSC Africa
www.Africa.FSC.org
F: +49 (0) 228 367 66 65

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