Category: MIL-OSI

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Network International powers card tokenization for Apple smartphones in Egypt in latest regulatory rollout

Source: APO – Report:

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  • Enablement signifies a critical milestone in Network’s proven execution capabilities for multi-bank payment initiatives
  • The launch of Apple tokenisation deploys the highest standards of security and operational resilience in Egypt’s digital transformation rollout

Network International (Network) (www.Network.ae), a leading fintech company across the Middle East and Africa, has announced the successful enablement of Apple Pay acceptance by powering card tokenisation for Apple smartphones for four renowned Egyptian banks, as part of the country’s digital transformation initiatives.

The successful launch comes within the third wave of the Central Bank of Egypt’s granting of tokenisation licenses to select banks and is an important milestone for Egypt’s digital payment ecosystem. The initiative reinforces Network’s scale, innovation leadership and proven execution capabilities in the market.

Supporting all four bank go-lives within the same wave underscores the strength, reliability, and agility of Network’s processing platform, alongside the depth of its local delivery and implementation expertise. The achievement reflects Network’s ability to execute complex, multi-bank digital payment initiatives at pace while maintaining the highest standards of security, operational resilience, and service quality.

Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa & Co-Head Group Processing at Network International, said: “We are proud to have supported four renowned banks to successfully transform themselves as Egypt strengthens its digital economy. We have been present in the market for over 20 years and delivering multiple simultaneous implementations demonstrates our local teams’ expertise and the robustness of our processing platform. We are grateful to the Central Bank of Egypt and the participating banks for their trust and partnership as we continue to help accelerate secure and scalable digital payments across Egypt.”

This launch also supports Network’s broader focus on expanding its presence and strengthening its brand across the region, underpinned by its long-standing commitment to Egypt’s payments ecosystem. In 2023, Network International announced the investment valued at EGP 1 billion to expand its operations in Egypt, while serving 160+ banks across Africa and 65+ in the Middle East from its Egypt hub.

– on behalf of Network International.

Media Queries:
Network International
Corporate Communications
Tel: +9714 303 2431
lambert.espedido@network.global

Burson
adnan.wahidi@bursonglobal.com

About Network International:
Network International is the Middle East and Africa’s leading fintech company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We serve a diverse ecosystem of banks, fintechs, telcos, merchants, governments, and public sector entities spanning 50+ countries – empowering our partners with innovative technology, value-added services, and deep expertise in payment systems and infrastructure. Our 3,000+ team strength on the ground works closely with 250+ financial institutions and 240,000+ merchants to deliver reliable, scalable, and future-ready payment and fintech solutions across the region.

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Presidential eThekwini Working Group meeting with stakeholders, Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, eThekwini

Source: President of South Africa –

Ministers,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli,
MECs,
Mayor of eThekwini, Mr Cyril Xaba,
Councillors,
Representatives of business and labour,
Officials,
Colleagues, 

It is a privilege to join you once again under the auspices of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. 

Thank you to the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry for inviting us to collectively take stock of our achievements, confront continuing challenges and launch the second phase of our partnership. 

When we first met in early 2024, we were navigating uncertainty. Confidence was fragile. Service delivery challenges were acute. The future of eThekwini required urgent, coordinated action. 

Today, we gather in a changing context. 

After two years of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, there are tangible signs that the decline has been arrested, that stability has taken root and that recovery is underway. 

The latest findings of the Durban Business Confidence Index tell an important story. Business confidence now stands at the highest level recorded since the index was established. 

This is the result of strong political leadership, administrative stability and all three spheres of Government coming together on a united mission. 

It is the result of the insistence of all social partners that eThekwini must work. 

In tourism, we have witnessed a remarkable recovery. 

I understand that during the recent festive season, eThekwini welcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors, a significant increase from the previous year. 

Occupancy rates rose to 77 percent. Tourism spend reached R2.7 billion. 

Durban is once again a destination of choice. 

In manufacturing, confidence rose by nearly 16 percent quarter-on-quarter. This matters deeply in a city that is home to the second-largest manufacturing sector in the country and whose prosperity is intrinsically linked to the Port of Durban. 

I welcome the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s Council approval of the Partnerships Framework in September 2025. 

This framework establishes a transparent, legally compliant system for public-private collaboration on infrastructure and catalytic projects. 

We have always maintained that water security in the metro is foundational to economic growth. 

Critical projects, like the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade, are under construction. 

Bulk dam levels remain stable. 

The structural reform of metro trading services in eThekwini is advancing.

There has been improved coordination during high-risk periods, enhanced CCTV coverage and better integrated safety planning. 

These improvements enhance investor confidence and strengthen the rule of law. 

Transnet has completed repairs to the Umlazi Canal, a critical intervention protecting the South Durban Basin’s industrial infrastructure. 

While we applaud this progress, stabilisation is not the same as transformation. 

Two-thirds of surveyed business leaders still believe that service delivery complaints may not be resolved in a reasonable timeframe. 

Environmental management, roads and water remain areas of concern. 

Non-revenue water stands at 55 percent, far above acceptable benchmarks. This represents lost revenue, lost capacity and lost opportunity. 

The second phase of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group will therefore focus on economic development. 

Through the Partnerships Framework we must unlock infrastructure investment at scale. 

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition will need to play a greater role in the Working Group as we confront illicit trade, dumping and industrial vulnerability. 

If eThekwini is to compete with other metros, we must reduce friction in development planning, accelerate approvals and reform cost structures that deter investment. 

A reform agenda in this area will form a central part our efforts in the second phase. 

Derelict and hijacked buildings in the city centre undermine tourism, reduce property values and affect investor confidence. 

Addressing problem buildings is not merely about enforcement. It is about enabling redevelopment, incentivising investment and restoring dignity to the urban core. 

This next phase will require capacity. 

I am happy to announce that the National Business Initiative will support the establishment of the Independent Public-Private Partnership Office within the City Manager’s office with technical expertise. 

We will continue to embed the Working Group’s approach within the District Development Model to ensure sustainability beyond direct Presidential oversight. 

We have always understood that partnership must be mutual. 

Government must create certainty, enforce standards and remove obstacles. 

Business must invest, innovate and uphold the highest standards of compliance and social responsibility. 

All social partners must be ready to play their part.

Colleagues, 

Two years ago, eThekwini stood at a precipice. 

Today, it stands at a threshold. 

The green shoots are visible in tourism numbers, business confidence, revenue performance and infrastructure projects underway. 

But we must not confuse early recovery with guaranteed success. 

The work ahead requires discipline. It requires courage. It requires partnership. 

The extension of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group – as requested by the social partners – is both a vote of confidence and a recognition that the journey is not yet complete. 

Together, we can move eThekwini from stabilisation to catalytic growth. 

Together, we can protect its industrial base, modernise its infrastructure, secure its water future and restore its urban core. 

And together we can ensure that eThekwini once again stands as a gateway to the continent, and as a beacon of resilience, partnership and shared prosperity. 

I thank you.

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Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli to Lead NCOP Debate on International Women’s Day

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will lead the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Debate in commemoration of International Women’s Day on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 at 14h00.

The debate will be held under the theme: “Recentering Social Justice and Human Rights for Women and Girls.”

International Women’s Day provides an important platform to reflect on progress made towards gender equality, while confronting persistent challenges that continue to undermine the rights, safety, economic participation and dignity of women and girls. The debate will focus on strengthening accountability, advancing inclusive economic participation, addressing gender-based violence and femicide, and ensuring that social justice remains central to policy implementation and public action.

The Deputy Minister will emphasise government’s ongoing efforts to advance women’s empowerment, protect constitutional rights, and accelerate programmes aimed at economic inclusion, access to education and healthcare, and leadership representation across sectors. The discussion will also reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to international and continental gender equality frameworks.

Members of the media are invited as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Time: 14h00
Venue: National Council of Provinces, Parliament, Cape Town

The debate will also be broadcast live on Parliamentary platforms.

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele 082 580 2213 / MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria

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ES-KO fête ses 70 ans : sept décennies de services de restauration, logistique et gestion de bases-vie dans des environnements exigeants

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com), acteur mondial de référence dans les domaines de la restauration, des solutions d’approvisionnement et de chaîne logistique, ainsi que de la construction de camps dans des environnements isolés, est fier de célébrer son 70e anniversaire en 2026. Fondée en 1955 en tant qu’entreprise de restauration à bord, ES-KO est depuis devenu un groupe multinational comptant 6 000 employés opérant en Afrique, au Moyen-Orient et en Europe, au service des secteurs de l’énergie, des mines, des affaires et de l’industrie, de la défense, des gouvernements, des OIG et des ONG.

Un héritage de fiabilité et de croissance

Après avoir débuté dans le secteur maritime, ES-KO s’est rapidement diversifiée dans la logistique à grande échelle et les opérations de maintien de la paix, se forgeant une réputation de partenaire fiable dans les moments difficiles. En 1974, l’entreprise a géré l’un des plus grands contrats de restauration et de logistique au monde pour le chemin de fer transgabonais, et en 1988, elle soutenait 8 000 soldats multinationaux de l’ONU en Namibie. Tout au long des années 1990, ES-KO est devenu un partenaire de confiance pour les missions de l’OTAN et de l’ONU dans les Balkans et en Afghanistan, poursuivant ce travail axé sur les missions au cours du nouveau millénaire en République démocratique du Congo, en Israël, en Syrie, en Haïti, en Somalie, au Soudan du Sud et à Chypre. Parmi les autres projets marquants, citons le centre national de lutte contre le paludisme à Madagascar (2009), une école pour 400 enfants en Haïti après le tremblement de terre dévastateur (2012) et la construction accélérée de villas présidentielles pour le sommet Afrique-France de 2017 au Mali. Depuis les années 2020, le groupe poursuit son expansion stratégique en créant ES-KO Congo, ES-KO Mozambique et ES-KO Gabon, en acquérant International Facilities Services (IFS) en 2024 pour renforcer sa présence en Afrique subsaharienne, et Campania Alimentare en Italie en 2025.

Des partenariats durables avec les industriels et les organisations internationales

Depuis plus de sept décennies, ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com) a gagné la confiance de certaines des organisations les plus exigeantes au monde. Au Gabon et au Congo, Perenco fait appel à ES-KO pour fournir des repas diversifiés, entretenir les logements onshore et offshore, et gérer les déchets et l’hygiène dans des conditions difficiles. Au Mozambique, Coca-Cola confie à ES-KO la gestion des cantines de ses usines à Maputo et Chimoio, garantissant ainsi une qualité constante de restauration et le bien-être de ses employés. En Angola, nous travaillons avec Barloworld, leader mondial dans le domaine du terrassement et des engins lourds.

En outre, ES-KO possède une vaste expérience dans la fourniture de services d’ingénierie et de construction de camps dans des environnements extrêmes. Parmi les projets notables, citons la construction d’entrepôts, de bureaux et de logements pour la MINUSS à Juba, ainsi que l’aménagement du site des travaux de réhabilitation du barrage de Mossoul en Irak, dans un contexte de menaces sécuritaires liées à l’État islamique. Le partenariat de longue date avec les Nations Unies — plus de 35 ans de soutien aux missions de maintien de la paix et d’aide humanitaire — illustre la capacité éprouvée du Groupe à opérer à grande échelle et à fournir des services à des communautés multinationales complexes, souvent en zones de conflit ou sans infrastructures.

Depuis soixante-dix ans, ES-KO est guidé par la résilience, la confiance et l’engagement envers le bien-être de celles et ceux que nous servons. Nous sommes honorés de célébrer cette étape majeure et de continuer à construire des environnements où les personnes s’épanouissent et les opérations ne s’arrêtent jamais.

Distribué par APO Group pour ES-KO.

Suivez ES-KO :
Linkedin : https://apo-opa.co/4smwGV5
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4rTXs7w

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter le site www.ES-KO.com

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ES-KO Turns 70: Seven Decades of Integrated Catering, Logistics & Facility Management Services in Challenging Environments

Source: APO

ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com), a global leader in catering, facility management, procurement and supply-chain solutions, along with camp construction for remote environments, proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026. Founded as an onboard catering business, ES-KO was established in 1955 and has since grown into a multinational group with 6,000 employees operating across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, serving the Energy, Mining, Business & Industry, Defense, Governments, IGOs, and NGOs sectors.

A Legacy of Reliability and Growth

From its beginnings serving the maritime industry, ES-KO quickly diversified into large-scale logistics and peacekeeping operations, building a reputation as a dependable partner in difficult times. In 1974, the company managed one of the world’s largest catering and logistics contracts for the Trans-Gabonese railway, and by 1988 it was supporting 8,000 multinational UN troops in Namibia. Throughout the 1990s, ES-KO became a trusted partner for NATO and UN missions across the Balkans and Afghanistan, continuing this mission-driven work into the new millennium in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel, Syria, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Cyprus. Other landmark projects include Madagascar’s national anti-malaria center (2009), a school for 400 children in Haiti after the devastating earthquake (2012), and the fast-track construction of presidential villas for the 2017 Africa-France Summit in Mali. Since the 2020s, the Group has continued to expand strategically, establishing ES-KO Congo, ES-KO Mozambique and ES-KO Gabon, acquiring International Facilities Services (IFS) in 2024 to strengthen its Sub-Saharan footprint, and Campania Alimentare in Italy in 2025.

Trusted by Industry Leaders & Purpose-Driven Organizations

Over seven decades, ES-KO (www.ES-KO.com) has earned the confidence of some of the world’s most demanding organizations. In Gabon and Congo, Perenco relies on ES-KO to deliver nutritious meals, maintain onshore and offshore living quarters, and manage waste and hygiene under harsh conditions. In Mozambique, Coca-Cola entrusts ES-KO with the management of its plant canteens in Maputo and Chimoio, ensuring consistent catering quality and workforce well-being. In Angola, we work with Barloworld, a global leader in earth moving and heavy machinery.

Furthermore, ES-KO has extensive experience delivering robust engineering and camp build-up services in extreme environments. Notable projects include the construction of warehouses, offices, and accommodation facilities for UNMISS in Juba, and the development of the site compound for the Mosul Dam rehabilitation works in Iraq amid ISIS-related security threats. The company’s long-standing partnership with the United Nations — supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian missions since 35 years —demonstrates its proven capability to operate at scale and deliver services to large, complex, multinational communities in conflict zones and infrastructure-limited environments.

For seventy years, ES-KO has been defined by resilience, trust, and commitment to the well-being of those we serve. We are honored to celebrate this milestone and to continue building environments where people thrive, and operations never stop.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ES-KO.

Follow ES-KO:
Linkedin: https://apo-opa.co/4smwGV5
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4rTXs7w

For more information, please visit www.ES-KO.com

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Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) appoints Dr. Corneille Karekezi as Chairperson as the Alliance welcomes new members; Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement and Regional Maritime Development Bank

Source: APO

The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) has appointed Dr. Corneille Karekezi as Chairperson of its Governing Council, succeeding Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), who served as the Alliance’s second Chairperson following its establishment in 2024.

The appointment was confirmed at the Ninth Meeting of the AAMFI Governing Council held on 14 February 2026, on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU Summit) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dr. Karekezi currently serves as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re). He assumes leadership of AAMFI at a pivotal moment, as African multilateral financial institutions deepen collaboration to mobilize long-term capital, reinforce the continent’s financial architecture, and advance Africa-led solutions to development financing challenges Under his leadership, the Alliance will continue promoting stronger institutional coordination, addressing financing gaps, and strengthening Africa’s voice in global financial reform discussions, in alignment with Agenda 2063.

In addition, the Governing Council confirmed key leadership roles, naming Mr. Manuel Moses, Chief Executive Officer of the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), as First Vice-Chairperson, and Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Shelter Afrique Development Bank, as Second Vice-Chairperson.

The meeting also marked a milestone in AAMFI’s growth with the formal admission of two new members: the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) and the Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD). Their admission enhances the Alliance’s regional reach and expands its capacity across maritime, infrastructure, trade, and development finance.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Samaila Zubairu said: “It has been an honour to serve as Chairperson. Over the past year, we focused on creating jobs, transforming industries, and strengthening collaboration among our institutions. I am confident that under Dr. Corneille Karekezi’s leadership, AAMFI will continue to deepen its impact and advance Africa’s development priorities.”

On his appointment, Dr. Corneille Karekezi stated: “It is a privilege to lead AAMFI at this defining moment. Our focus will be on mobilizing African capital, strengthening collaboration among our institutions, and ensuring Africa’s development priorities are financed in ways that advance Agenda 2063.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI).

About The Alliance for African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) or Africa Club:
The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), also known as the Africa Club, is an alliance of African-owned and controlled African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AMFIs). It was established to promote collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among its members in support of Africa’s sustainable economic development and integration objectives, in line with their respective mandates.

The Alliance was launched in collaboration with the African Union Commission by African Heads of State on the margins of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on 17 February 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

AAMFI’s members include the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC); African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group); African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re); African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI); Shelter Afrique Development Bank (SHAFDB); ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company); East African Development Bank (EADB); the African Solidarity Fund (ASF); and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA). New members include the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB) and the West African Development Bank (BOAD).

AAMFI members have matured over several decades and collectively command a balance sheet of over US$70 billion, deployed to address Africa’s critical trade, investment, insurance, and development financing gaps. The formation of the Alliance underscores the shared commitment of its members to support Africa’s self-reliance and sustainable economic development by leveraging African-owned institutions, home-grown solutions, and coordinated action.

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Alliance des Institutions Financières Multilatérales Africaines (AAMFI) nomme le Dr Corneille Karekezi Président de son conseil de gouvernance et accueille la Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement et la Banque Régionale de Développement Maritime en tant que nouveaux membres

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’Alliance des Institutions Financières Multilatérales Africaines (AAMFI) a nommé Dr Corneille Karekezi au poste de président de son conseil de gouvernance. Dr Karekezi succède à Samaila Zubairu, président-directeur général de l’Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), qui a été le deuxième président de l’Alliance depuis sa création en 2024.

Cette nomination a été confirmée lors de la neuvième réunion du Conseil de gouvernance de l’AAMFI, qui s’est tenue le 14 février 2026, en marge de la 39e session ordinaire de la Conférence des chefs d’État et de gouvernement de l’Union africaine (Sommet de l’UA) à Addis-Abeba, en Éthiopie.

Dr Karekezi occupe actuellement le poste de directeur général du groupe et président-directeur général de la Société Africaine de Réassurance (Africa Re). Il prend la tête de l’AAMFI à un moment charnière, alors que les institutions financières multilatérales africaines renforcent leur collaboration afin de mobiliser des capitaux à long terme, de consolider l’architecture financière du continent et de promouvoir des solutions africaines aux défis du financement du développement. Sous sa direction, l’Alliance continuera à promouvoir une coordination institutionnelle plus forte, à combler les déficits de financement et à renforcer la voix de l’Afrique dans les discussions sur la réforme financière mondiale, conformément à l’Agenda 2063.

En outre, le Conseil de gouvernance a confirmé les principaux postes de direction, en nommant M. Manuel Moses, directeur général de l’African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), au poste de premier vice-président, et M. Thierno-Habib Hann, directeur général et président-directeur général de Shelter Afrique Development Bank (SHAFDB), au poste de deuxième vice-président.

La réunion a également marqué une étape importante dans la croissance de l’AAMFI avec l’admission officielle de deux nouveaux membres : la Banque Régionale de Développement Maritime (RMDB) et la Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD). Leur adhésion renforce la portée régionale de l’Alliance et élargit ses capacités dans les domaines du transport maritime, des infrastructures, du commerce et du financement du développement.

Au terme de son mandat, M. Samaila Zubairu a déclaré : « Ce fut un honneur d’occuper le poste de président. Au cours de la dernière année, nous nous sommes concentrés sur la création d’emplois, la transformation des industries et le renforcement de la collaboration entre nos institutions. Je suis convaincu que sous la direction du Dr Corneille Karekezi, l’AAMFI continuera à renforcer son impact et à faire progresser les priorités de développement de l’Afrique ».

À propos de sa nomination, Dr Corneille Karekezi a déclaré : « C’est un privilège de diriger l’AAMFI à ce moment décisif. Nous nous concentrerons sur la mobilisation des capitaux africains, le renforcement de la collaboration entre nos institutions et la garantie que les priorités de développement de l’Afrique soient financées de manière à faire progresser l’Agenda 2063 ».

Distribué par APO Group pour Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI).

À propos de l’Alliance des Institutions Financières Multilatérales Africaines (AAMFI) ou Africa Club :
L’Alliance des Institutions Financières Multilatérales Africaines (AAMFI), également connue sous le nom d’Africa Club, est une alliance d’institutions financières multilatérales africaines (AMFI) détenues et contrôlées par des Africains. Elle a été créée pour promouvoir la collaboration, la coopération et la coordination entre ses membres à l’appui des objectifs de développement économique durable et d’intégration de l’Afrique, conformément à leurs mandats respectifs.

L’Alliance a été lancée en collaboration avec la Commission de l’Union africaine par les chefs d’État africains, en marge de la 37ème session ordinaire de la Conférence des chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union africaine le 17 février 2024 à Addis-Abeba, en Éthiopie.

Les membres de l’AAMFI comprennent l’Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), la Banque Africaine d’mport-Export (Afreximbank), le Groupe de la Banque de Commerce et de Développement (Groupe TDB), la Société Africaine de Réassurance (Africa Re), l’African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), Shelter Afrique Development Bank (SHAFDB), ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), la Banque de Développement de l’Afrique de l’Est (EADB), le Fonds Africain de Solidarité (ASF) et le Fonds de Développement des Exportations en Afrique (FEDA). Parmi les nouveaux membres figurent la Banque Régionale de Développement Maritime (RMDB) et la Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).

Les membres de l’AAMFI se sont développés au fil de plusieurs décennies et disposent collectivement d’un total d’actifs supérieur à 70 milliards de dollars US, déployés pour combler les lacunes critiques de l’Afrique en matière de commerce, d’investissement, d’assurance et de financement du développement. La création de l’Alliance souligne l’engagement commun de ses membres à soutenir l’autonomie et le développement économique durable de l’Afrique en tirant parti des institutions africaines, des solutions locales et d’une action coordonnée.

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Warships as diplomats: how the South African Navy is tasked with building ties with other nations

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By André Wessels, Senior Professor (Emeritus) and Research Fellow, Department of History, University of the Free State

A naval exercise off the South African coast in January 2026, dubbed Will for Peace and involving the warships of South Africa, China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran, elicited international and domestic controversy. It also contributed to a further souring of relations between South Africa and the US.

Under pressure at home, South Africa’s defence ministry appointed a board of inquiry to investigate whether an instruction by President Cyril Ramaphosa not to involve Iran had been defied.

The exercise and its controversies have placed the spotlight on the South African Navy’s diplomatic role. André Wessels, who has extensively studied the history of the navy, unpacks this role.

What is the Will for Peace 2026 exercise and what is the controversy around it?

Navies traditionally take part in training exercises with other navies. This enhances interoperability and builds mutual trust.

Over time, many foreign warships have visited South African ports, including 23 in 1961, 50 in 1968 and 41 in 1973.

However, in reaction to South Africa’s domestic policy of apartheid, foreign warship visits almost dried up between 1977 and 1989. Once South Africa became a democracy in 1994, foreign warships poured back into the country’s ports, for example 35 from 15 countries in 1997.

New alliances allowed the country’s navy to take part in exercises with the navies of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, Germany, India and Brazil, and Russia and China.

The January 2026 exercise was branded as one of navies belonging to the expanded Brics intergovernmental organisation. But, strictly speaking, Brics+ is not a military alliance. It is significant that India, Brazil, Indonesia and Egypt, which are members, did not send ships to participate, probably so as not to offend the US. But it was the first-ever visit by a UAE warship to South Africa.

Iranian “grey diplomats” (a term used to describe navy warships) had previously visited South African ports in 1970, 1972, 1974, 1975, and in 2016-2017.

The current geopolitical situation is challenging. There are tensions between the US and Iran (for, among other reasons, the latter’s nuclear arms ambitions); the Russia-Ukraine war continues; and diplomatic relations between the US and South Africa are strained (partly because of the Trump administration’s unproven allegations of a white genocide in South Africa). Given this situation, the naval exercise should not have taken place.

South Africa should as far as possible stay neutral in international affairs to, among other things, safeguard its economic interests. Furthermore, its navy had very little to gain and can ill afford negative publicity, especially when it transpired that the government had apparently asked that Iran not participate. The facts in this regard, however, must still be determined by a government-appointed board of inquiry.

What role can and should a navy play in a country’s foreign policy?

The traditional exchange of diplomats between friendly countries, reciprocal visits by heads of states and cabinet ministers, and the holding of summit meetings are not the only means of strengthening relations between countries.

It has been, for example, the practice of seafaring countries to send warships to one another from time to time. The South African Navy is no exception.

Since 1922, South African warships have undertaken numerous flag-showing cruises (meaning diplomatic visits) to many countries. These visits have nothing to do with “gun-boat diplomacy”, which is diplomacy backed by the threat of military force.

Warships play a very important role in diplomacy. The presence of a warship can be the most tangible and visible sign of bilateral and multilateral friendships. When ships of a navy take part in combined exercises or international humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, those ships can generate mutual trust. The warships become diplomatic tools of the highest national value.

It is indeed one of the stated aims of the South African Navy: to conduct, among other things, assistance operations, including diplomatic support.

What phases can be identified in the navy’s diplomatic role?

In 1946, the South African Naval Forces were reconstituted as a permanent part of the Union Defence Force. In 1951, it became the South African Navy.

The period 1946 to 1973 was a phase of normal relations with most countries in the west. There were 37 flag-showing cruises. This included 16 visits to European colonial possessions in Africa, six transoceanic deployments (to South America, Europe and Australia), and visits to many ports during the delivery voyages of 26 new vessels for the navy.

Then followed a phase of growing isolation (1974-1979) because of the internal political situation in South Africa over apartheid. In these years the SA Navy only undertook four flag-showing cruises.

The 1980-1987 period was a phase of total isolation as far as foreign visits by South African warships were concerned. The navy was from time to time (since 1975) deployed in a supporting role for the other arms of the South African Defence Force during the Namibian War of Independence (1966-1989), a conflict that spilled over into Angola.

Then followed a transitional phase (1988-1993), with political negotiations taking place from 1990 onwards. Gradually, ports opened up and no fewer than 19 flag-showing cruises took place.

With the birth of a democratic South Africa in April 1994, the country was officially welcomed back as a respected member of the international community. Over a period of three years (1994-1996), South African warships visited at least 29 ports in at least 23 countries during eight flag-showing cruises.

So, after years of isolation, the navy played a major role in establishing ties of friendship. It also established several new ties with African, Asian and South American countries.

Unfortunately, in the years 2018 to 2025, not a single tailor-made South African Navy flag-showing cruise took place, mainly because of budgetary constraints.

However, in February 2026, the warship SAS Amatola sailed to India for an international fleet review and to participate in Exercise Milan, involving the Indian and other visiting navies.

What does the future hold for the navy’s ‘grey diplomats’?

The primary role of the navy must always be to conduct operations in defence of South Africa. But in times of peace, it has an equally important role to play. This includes search and rescue, relief operations, assistance to state authorities, regional assistance operations and flag-showing cruises.

A warship is both a reflection and projection of the state it represents. It is, therefore, important that the ships are not undersized or under-equipped. A South African warship is South African territory afloat, and its presence in foreign waters sends a signal of support to the country’s allies.

Hopefully the navy will in future have at its disposal the necessary funds – and ships – to meet all the demands of its mission statement.

– Warships as diplomats: how the South African Navy is tasked with building ties with other nations
– https://theconversation.com/warships-as-diplomats-how-the-south-african-navy-is-tasked-with-building-ties-with-other-nations-275830

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Aliança das Instituições Financeiras Multilaterais Africanas (AAMFI) nomeia o Dr. Corneille Karekezi como Presidente enquanto a Aliança acolhe novos membros; Banco de Desenvolvimento da África Ocidental e Banco Regional de Desenvolvimento Marítimo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Aliança das Instituições Financeiras Multilaterais Africanas (AAMFI) nomeou o Dr. Corneille Karekezi como Presidente do seu Conselho de Administração, sucedendo ao Sr. Samaila Zubairu, Presidente e Director Executivo da Sociedade Financeira Africana (AFC), que foi o segundo Presidente da Aliança desde a sua criação em 2024.

A nomeação foi confirmada durante a Nona Reunião do Conselho de Administração da AAMFI, realizada no dia 14 de Fevereiro de 2026, à margem da 39.ª Sessão Ordinária da Conferência dos Chefes de Estado e de Governo da União Africana (Cimeira da UA) em Adis Abeba, Etiópia.

O Dr. Karekezi desempenha actualmente as funções de Director-Geral do Grupo e Director Executivo da Sociedade Africana de Resseguros [African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re)]. Assume a liderança da AAMFI num momento crucial, em que as instituições financeiras multilaterais africanas aprofundam a colaboração para mobilizar capital a longo prazo, reforçar a arquitectura financeira do continente e promover soluções lideradas por África para os desafios do financiamento do desenvolvimento. Sob a sua liderança, a Aliança continuará a promover uma coordenação institucional mais forte, dando resposta às lacunas de financiamento e reforçando a voz de África nos debates sobre a reforma financeira global, em conformidade com a Agenda 2063.

Além disso, o Conselho de Administração confirmou os principais cargos de liderança, nomeando o Sr. Manuel Moses, Director Executivo da Companhia Africana de Seguros para o Desenvolvimento do Comércio e do Investimento [African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI)], como Primeiro Vice-Presidente, e o Sr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Director-Geral e Director Executivo do Banco de Desenvolvimento Shelter Afrique, como Segundo Vice-Presidente.

A reunião foi igualmente um marco no crescimento da AAMFI, com a admissão formal de dois novos membros: o Banco Regional de Desenvolvimento Marítimo (RMDB) e o Banco Oeste Africano de Desenvolvimento (BOAD). A sua admissão reforça o alcance regional da Aliança e expande a sua capacidade nas áreas marítima, de infra-estruturas, comércio e financiamento do desenvolvimento.

Reflectindo sobre o seu mandato, o Sr. Samaila Zubairu afirmou: “Foi uma honra ter exercido as funções do cargo de Presidente. Ao longo do último ano, concentramo-nos na criação de empregos, na transformação das indústrias e no reforço da colaboração entre as nossas instituições. Estou confiante que, sob a liderança do Dr. Corneille Karekezi, a AAMFI continuará a aprofundar o seu impacto e a promover as prioridades de desenvolvimento de África.”

Sobre a sua nomeação, o Dr. Corneille Karekezi afirmou: “É um privilégio liderar a AAMFI neste momento decisivo. O nosso foco será a mobilização de capital africano, o reforço da colaboração entre as nossas instituições e a garantia de que as prioridades de desenvolvimento de África sejam financiadas de forma a promover a Agenda 2063.”

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI).

Sobre a Aliança das Instituições Financeiras Multilaterais Africanas (AAMFI) ou Clube Africano:
A Aliança das Instituições Financeiras Multilaterais Africanas (AAMFI), conhecida igualmente como o Clube Africano, é uma aliança de Instituições Financeiras Multilaterais Africanas (AMFIs) detidas e controladas por africanos. Foi criada para promover a colaboração, cooperação e coordenação entre os seus membros, em apoio aos objectivos de desenvolvimento económico sustentável e integração de África, em conformidade com os seus respectivos mandatos.

A Aliança foi lançada em colaboração com a Comissão da União Africana pelos Chefes de Estado africanos à margem da 37.ª Sessão Ordinária da Conferência dos Chefes de Estado e de Governo da União Africana, a 17 de Fevereiro de 2024, em Adis Abeba, Etiópia.

Os membros da AAMFI incluem a Sociedade Financeira Africana (AFC); o Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank); o Grupo Banco de Comércio e Desenvolvimento (TDB Group); a Sociedade Africana de Resseguros (Africa Re); a Companhia Africana de Seguros para o Desenvolvimento do Comércio e do Investimento (ATIDI); o Banco de Desenvolvimento Shelter Afrique (SHAFDB); a ZEP-RE (Companhia de Resseguros PTA); o Banco de Desenvolvimento da África Oriental (EADB); o Fundo Africano de Solidariedade (ASF); e o Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA). Os novos membros incluem o Banco Regional de Desenvolvimento Marítimo (RMDB) e o Banco de Desenvolvimento da África Ocidental (BOAD).

Os membros da AAMFI têm vindo a amadurecer ao longo de várias décadas e, em conjunto, controlam um saldo superior a 70 mil milhões de dólares americanos, utilizado para responder às lacunas críticas de África em matéria de comércio, investimento, seguros e financiamento do desenvolvimento. A formação da Aliança sublinha o compromisso comum dos seus membros em apoiar a auto-suficiência e o desenvolvimento económico sustentável de África, tirando partido das instituições africanas, das soluções locais e da acção coordenada.

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Iranian Attacks on US Embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 03, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attacks that targeted the embassies of the United States in Riyadh and Kuwait, deeming them a blatant violation of international conventions and laws.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Iranian attacks on the two embassies contravene international agreements and diplomatic norms that criminalize assaults on diplomatic missions and grant immunity to their premises and staff.

The Ministry affirms the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait in all measures they take to safeguard their security and the safety of their territories.