Qatar Participates in GCC-Benelux Foreign Ministers Meeting

Source: Government of Qatar

Kuwait, October 6, 2025

The State of Qatar participated Monday in the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the Benelux countries, held Monday in Kuwait.

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

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Swedish State Secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Kuwait, October 6, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Monday with HE State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Dag Hartelius.

The meeting took place on the margins of the 29th Joint Ministerial Meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), convened in Kuwait.

Both sides discussed advancing bilateral cooperation, as well as a range of topics of shared interest.

Secretary General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Copies of Credentials of Lebanon, South Sudan Ambassadors

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 6, 2025

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi on Monday received copies of the credentials of HE Ambassador of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon to Qatar, Bilal Kabalan and HE Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to Qatar, Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel.

HE the Secretary-General wished the two ambassadors success in carrying out their duties, assuring them of full support to advance bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and their two countries to closer cooperation in various fields.

Ressources Extractives: “La Côte D’ivoire se Positionnera Comme Le Premier Producteur Africain D’or Dans Cinq Ans”, Annonce Le Ministre Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans les cinq prochaines années, la Côte d’Ivoire se positionnera comme le premier producteur africain d’or, a annoncé le ministre ivoirien des Mines, du Pétrole et de l’Energie, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, le samedi 04 octobre 2025 à Sciences Po Paris.

Il prenait part à un panel organisé par la Fondation Afrique-France au cours de la deuxième édition de Africa Day, 
Ledit panel a eu pour thème: “Les mines africaines au cœur de la transition énergétique”.

“35% de la roche birimienne d’Afrique de l’Ouest, communément appelée roche verte et connue pour contenir de l’or, se trouve en Côte d’Ivoire”, a soutenu Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly. Ce, devant un parterre d’étudiants et d’acteurs du monde des affaires.

Le ministre qui a rappelé qu’en moins de dix ans, la production aurifère ivoirienne a été multipliée par cinq, a présenté la particularité du modèle ivoirien qui réside à 100% dans son approche entièrement tournée vers le secteur privé.

« L’État n’investit pas. Selon le code minier ivoirien, l’État accorde des permis de recherche, puis d’exploitation, en conservant une participation gratuite de 10 à 15% dans les projets. Le reste du financement étant levé par les opérateurs privés », a-t-il expliqué.

Par ailleurs, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly a insisté sur les conditions favorables du pays qui attirent les investisseurs. Notamment la stabilité politique et économique depuis plus de quinze ans, des infrastructures de qualité, un capital humain qualifié avec des géologues « de classe mondiale », et un accès garanti à l’électricité et aux réseaux routiers.

Il a souligné un environnement assez attractif et une fiscalité incitative avec un régime spécial pour les investissements dans le secteur minier, soulignant au passage l’efficacité administrative du pays : ‘Entre la découverte initiale et l’exploitation, c’est en moyenne moins de cinq ans pour exploiter une , contre dix à vingt ans dans les pays développés”.

Selon le ministre, toute cette politique s’inscrit dans la vision du Président Alassane Ouattara qui considère que “le moment est venu pour mettre à contribution les ressources extractives” afin de répondre aux besoins croissants de développement du pays.

En marge du panel, co-animé par Lawrence Dechambenoit (responsable des stratégies et des relations de Rio Tinto avec les gouvernements, les décideurs politiques et la société civile à l’échelle mondiale) et Valery Levkov (directrice mondiale du secteur énergie, métaux et mines et infrastructures durables à la SFI), Mamadou 
Sangafowa-Coulibaly a accordé plusieurs audiences. Notamment au PDG du Groupe Axian et aux étudiants ivoiriens de Sciences Po, HEC, Polytechnique et l’X.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with Tunisian President Kais Saied

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from President of the Republic of Tunisia, Kais Saied.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the Tunisian President expressed his greetings to President El-Sisi and the Egyptian people on the occasion of the fifty-second anniversary of the glorious Sixth of October victories.

President El-Sisi appreciated this kind gesture, stressing that the October victory embodies the importance of the unified Arab decision and reflects the values of sincere work and precise planning in achieving victory.

During their phone call, the two Presidents discussed bilateral relations, with President El-Sisi lauding the outcomes of the 18th session of the Joint Higher Committee, held in Cairo in September 2025. They also agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, in line with the profound historical relations between the two countries. They also emphasized the need to intensify political consultations between them.

The call also focused on regional developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip.

President El-Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts to secure a ceasefire, begin implementing US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war, and capitalize on the international momentum supporting the recognition of the State of Palestine. The President reiterated that the main objective is the swift return to a peaceful political track conducive to the two-state solution, in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy.

President Saied expressed his great appreciation for Egypt’s efforts and for President El-Sisi’s role in halting the war, delivering humanitarian aid, and rejecting the displacement of Gaza’s residents.

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

World Cerebral Palsy Day Observed in Central Region

Source: APO


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World Cerebral Palsy Day, 6 October, was observed in Asmara at the national level under the theme “We Call for Overall Support to People Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disability.”

Mr. Yasin Ahmed, Chairman of the National Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disability in the Central Region, stated that cerebral palsy is one of the most common physical disabilities affecting vulnerable individuals and that, with proper care and social support, those living with the condition can gradually improve. Mr. Yasin went on to note that there are over 17 million people globally and more than 1,600 at the national level living with cerebral palsy.

Mr. Yasin also highlighted that Eritrea is registering encouraging progress in ensuring the rights of citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He called on every citizen to create a conducive environment that enables those with disabilities to lead normal lives.

Mr. Tedros Fesehaye, representative of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, on his part, called for reinforced efforts and contributions from both government and non-governmental institutions to ensure that citizens with disabilities live normal lives free from discrimination.

World Cerebral Palsy Day is being observed for the 14th time internationally and for the 7th time at the national level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Eritrea Participates at International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly

Source: APO


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The Eritrean delegation led by Mr. Paulos Kahsay, Director General of Civil Aviation of the State of Eritrea, participated in the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly, which was held from 23 September to 3 October in Montreal, Canada.

At the session, Mr. Paulos delivered a speech focusing on aviation safety and security. Noting that the safety and security of aviation are core functions of the industry and that Eritrea is earnestly working in this area, Mr. Paulos stated that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states are being violated under the guise of international laws, conventions, and regulations. He called on the Organization to refrain from engaging in activities that undermine its integrity, pride, and reputation.

Mr. Paulos also reminded the Assembly that aviation emissions account for only 2% of total global emissions, stressing that the goal of reducing aviation emissions to zero by 2050 would be detrimental to developing countries while benefiting industrialized member states. He emphasized that the focus should instead be on mitigating the effects of the remaining 98% of global emissions.

Regarding human resource development, Mr. Paulos indicated that the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority is conducting effective training programs in aviation and has launched ICAO-approved theoretical and practical training programs.

On the sidelines of the session, the Eritrean delegation held meetings with representatives from Russia, China, Sudan, the Republic of Korea, Spain, and Singapore, and discussed areas of cooperation and coordination on matters of common interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Affluenz Sept/Oct 2025 Explores Sanwo-Olu’s Cultural Renaissance in Lagos and the Saudi Crown Prince’s Bold NEOM Project

Source: APO

There are moments when leadership becomes more than governance; it becomes vision. This autumn, two figures stand out for how they are reshaping not only their cities but the imagination of their regions: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos.

In Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince’s NEOM project represents ambition on a staggering scale. With a $500 billion price tag and the weight of the Public Investment Fund behind it, NEOM is designed as a city of the future: carbon-neutral, technologically driven, and planned as a model for sustainable living. It is not only a statement about Saudi Arabia’s future but about the role the Middle East seeks to play in a rapidly changing global order.

Across the African continent, a different but equally striking experiment is underway in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and commercial capital. Governor Sanwo-Olu has cast Lagos as Africa’s cultural and entertainment hub, a city whose rhythm, energy, and creativity can rival the world’s great capitals. This season’s Runway Jazz, a fusion of music, fashion, and performance, has become a symbol of that aspiration—an annual reminder that Lagos is as much about culture as it is about commerce.

But Lagos’ story is not only cultural. It is also about urban development, finance, and social impact. Octo5 Holdings, a housing innovator, has emerged as one of the few firms attempting to tackle Nigeria’s chronic housing deficit with scalable, modern solutions. In the financial sector, More Money Microfinance Bank, under the leadership of Mohammed Olatunji, is bridging gaps in credit access for ordinary Nigerians, offering a lifeline to small businesses that form the backbone of the economy.

Other projects reflect an equally ambitious, though quieter, form of vision. The Araromi Beach Project, guided by H.E. Amb. Rachael Ologodidan through the Ologo Didan Jezi Foundation, seeks to transform a pristine stretch of West African coastline into a sustainable tourism destination—an effort that blends environmental stewardship with economic development. In the design world, Uzy Homes, led by Ozioma Chibuogwu, has become a name synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, while laying plans to expand into furniture manufacturing in Nigeria and Ghana, providing jobs and empowering artisans.

Perhaps the most striking shift, however, is in leadership itself. Across Africa and the Middle East, women are assuming prominent roles in real estate and development. Fifty such women are highlighted this season for their impact, resilience, and ability to shape communities at a scale once thought impossible.

This edition also turns to the world of luxury, where legacy brands continue to define sophistication for a new era. The Mandarin Oriental reimagines global hospitality with its blend of timeless elegance and modern design, offering sanctuaries that merge cultural heritage with contemporary refinement. Cartier, the house of timeless craftsmanship, continues to embody jewelry and watchmaking as an art form, a heritage that transcends generations. And for the automotive connoisseur, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre, the marque’s first all-electric ultra-luxury coupe, represents a bold fusion of performance, innovation, and daring style—a masterpiece for those who demand more than excellence.

Together, these stories form a mosaic of ambition—one that stretches from the futuristic deserts of Saudi Arabia to the bustling streets and beaches of Lagos, and onward into the ateliers, boardrooms, and design houses of the world. They suggest a shared lesson: cities and cultures, when shaped by bold leadership and timeless vision, can become more than centers of commerce. They can become symbols of identity, engines of creativity, and blueprints for a new global future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Affluenz (formerly Pleasures Magazine).

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Technip Energies nommé prestataire de services de l’année lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La société d’ingénierie et de technologie Technip Energies a reçu le prix du « Prestataire de services de l’année » lors de la conférence African Energy Week (AEW) : Invest in African Energy 2025, en reconnaissance de l’excellence de ses services d’ingénierie et de sa contribution aux industries africaines du GNL et de la décarbonisation. Ce prix récompense le rôle joué par Technip Energies dans la réalisation de projets d’infrastructure complexes tout en respectant les normes les plus strictes en matière de sécurité, de qualité et de création de valeur locale. 

Parmi les dernières réalisations majeures de l’entreprise figure le projet Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) au large des côtes de la Mauritanie et du Sénégal, qui a atteint sa phase d’exploitation commerciale en juin 2025. Technip Energies a exécuté l’ensemble du cycle de vie du navire FPSO du projet, le premier du genre dans la région, marquant une étape importante pour la capacité d’exportation de gaz de l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Le FPSO, capable de traiter jusqu’à 500 millions de pieds cubes standard de gaz par jour, permet de produire 2,3 millions de tonnes de GNL par an. Le bureau de Technip Energies à Dakar a servi de centre local pour la formation et l’engagement des PME, renforçant ainsi l’engagement de l’entreprise en faveur du potentiel local et du développement des compétences. 

Au Mozambique, Technip Energies continue de renforcer son leadership dans le secteur du GNL grâce à plusieurs projets phares. En tant que chef de file du consortium, l’entreprise a livré le Coral South FLNG, la première installation flottante de GNL en Afrique, qui a expédié sa première cargaison en décembre 2022. En 2024, Technip Energies et la société de services de construction d’infrastructures JGC Corporation ont remporté le contrat d’ingénierie et de conception préliminaires pour le projet Rovuma LNG, mené par le géant de l’énergie ExxonMobil. Conçu avec une technologie modulaire et électrique, le projet Rovuma LNG représente une étape importante vers une production de gaz à faible teneur en carbone. En juillet 2025, Technip Energies a également remporté un contrat majeur d’une valeur comprise entre 250 et 500 millions d’euros pour l’ingénierie préliminaire d’une nouvelle unité FLNG, qui devrait être l’extension de Coral North. 

« Technip Energies a démontré des capacités techniques et une fiabilité exceptionnelles dans le cadre de certains des projets énergétiques les plus ambitieux d’Afrique. Cette récompense reflète l’ampleur et la complexité des réalisations de Technip Energies à travers l’Afrique. Des projets tels que GTA et Coral South prouvent qu’il est possible de mettre en place en Afrique des infrastructures énergétiques de classe mondiale répondant aux normes internationales les plus élevées », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. 

En combinant innovation technique et forte orientation locale, Technip Energies continue de jouer un rôle déterminant dans l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Technip Energies Named Service Provider of the Year at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO


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Engineering and technology company Technip Energies has been awarded the Service Provider of the Year award at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference, in recognition of the company’s engineering excellence and contributions to Africa’s LNG and decarbonization industries. The award celebrates Technip Energies’ role in delivering complex infrastructure projects while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and local value creation. 

The company’s most recent major achievement includes the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project offshore Mauritania and Senegal, which reached commercial operations in June 2025. Technip Energies executed the full lifecycle of the project’s FPSO vessel – the first of its kind in the region – marking a major milestone for West Africa’s gas export capacity. The FPSO, capable of processing up to 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, supports production of 2.3 million tons of LNG annually. Technip Energies’ Dakar office has served as a local hub for training and SME engagement, reinforcing the company’s commitment to local content and skills development. 

In Mozambique, Technip Energies continues to strengthen its leadership in the LNG sector through several flagship projects. The company, as consortium leader, delivered the Coral South FLNG, Africa’s first floating LNG facility, which shipped its first cargo in December 2022. In 2024, Technip Energies and infrastructure construction services company JGC Corporation were awarded the Front-End Engineering and Design contract for the Rovuma LNG project, led by energy major ExxonMobil. Designed with modular and electric-driven technology, the Rovuma LNG development represents a significant step toward lower-carbon gas production. In July 2025, Technip Energies also secured a major contract valued between €250 million and €500 million for preliminary engineering of a new FLNG unit, widely expected to be the Coral North expansion. 

“Technip Energies has demonstrated exceptional technical capability and reliability across some of Africa’s most challenging energy projects. This award reflects the scale and complexity of what Technip Energies has delivered across Africa. Projects like GTA and Coral South prove that world-class energy infrastructure can be executed in Africa to the highest global standards,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. 

By combining engineering innovation with strong local focus, Technip Energies continues to play a defining role in Africa’s energy future.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.