Category: MIL-OSI

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SONA 2026: President Ramaphosa charts the way

Source: Government of South Africa

SONA 2026: President Ramaphosa charts the way

The Cape Town City Hall stage is set, the final preparations are underway and the parliamentary gears are turning with one moment in sight: President Cyril Ramaphosa stepping up to the podium to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) tonight.

The agenda-setting address will be held from 7pm tonight.

The event is held in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution and is a Joint Sitting of both the National Council of Provinces and the National Assembly.

“The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country.

“The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead,” the Presidency said.

The President is expected to highlight government’s priorities for the upcoming year.

“During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa will outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations.

“The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system,” the Presidency said.

SONA will be held at the Cape Town’s City Hall which sits adjacent to the Grand Parade – the site where former President Nelson Mandela first appeared after spending some 27 years in prison.

Members of Parliament, former Presidents, former presiding officers, members of the judiciary, among others, have been invited to the address.

Briefing the media this week, Parliament Secretary, Xolile George, revealed that the budget for SONA 2026 stands at just over R7 million.

“Largely, it’s driven by cost of hiring equipment that covers all the broadcasting and all costs around ensuring that our ICT infrastructure is fit for purpose. Those are consistent drivers of the costs. The city hall is not costing us a lot of money. 

“Last year we budget R15.5 million and we spent R12.3 million. Equipment alone was R9.1 million. Last year we had the component of hiring the ICC… a lot of our guests were host at ICC. This year, we have a marquee and that cost driver is taken up by Public Works.

“We are aiming to significantly reduce the costs of hosting SONA,” George said.

A moment to account

In a media briefing yesterday, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza explained that the SONA represents the formal opening of Parliament’s programme for the year.

“SONA…provides the anchor around which oversight, lawmaking, budget scrutiny and public participation are organised.

“It is the moment when the President accounts to the nation on progress made. He outlines priorities for the year and presents government’s programme of action. These commitments become the benchmark against which parliament measures executive performance…during the year,” Didiza explained.

Reflecting on the importance of the occasion, the speaker described SONA as more than a “ceremonial occasion”.

“It is a reaffirmation of the Parliamentary constitutional mandate to hold the executive to account, to legislate in the public interest, to facilitate meaningful public participation and to serve as platform for national dialogue.

“We want to assure South Africans that Parliament is operationally ready, institutionally focused and firmly committed to ensure that this State of the Nation Address sets the tone for a year of intensified oversight, responsive lawmaking and tangible delivery,” she said.

The SONA will be streamed live on the Presidency and Parliament social media channels, on television and on radio. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Political Director of Cypriot Foreign Ministry

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, February 11, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari met on Wednesday with HE Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Thessalia Salina Shambos, who is visiting the country.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them and explored regional and international issues of common concern.

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Ghana to Establish Independent Fiscal Council to Strengthen Post-International Monetary Fund (IMF) Economic Oversight–Deputy Finance Minister

Source: APO


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The Government of Ghana has announced plans to establish an Independent Fiscal Council to strengthen financial oversight and decision-making after the country exits the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, during a courtesy call by the Head of Regional Economic Department of France for Nigeria and Ghana, Ms. Emmanuelle Boulestreau, and the Head of the French Economic Department at the French Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Julien Frioux. The meeting focused on strengthening economic ties between France and Ghana, with emphasis on regional development initiatives and opportunities for mutual growth.

Hon. Ampem expressed optimism about Ghana’s economic recovery, attributing the progress partly to international partnerships including support from France. He noted that IMF programme targets remain on track, inflation has declined to 3.8 percent, and key macroeconomic indicators are showing positive trends. He welcomed deeper collaboration between Ghana and France to sustain economic growth.

The Deputy Minister further disclosed plans to establish an Independent Fiscal Council made up of locally appointed members. According to him, the council will provide advisory support on financial controls and fiscal decision-making, ensuring stronger domestic oversight and accountability.

He disclosed that, the council will be implemented after Ghana exits the IMF programme, reinforcing local ownership of the country’s fiscal management and safeguarding long-term economic stability.

Ms. Boulestreau reiterated France’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and energy. She highlighted the strong potential for French businesses to invest in Ghana’s expanding economy and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

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Opening remarks by the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, on the occasion of the media briefing on the PYEI Q3 results

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Deputy Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women, Youth And Persons With Disabilities Steve Letsike
Director of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, Tshego Walker
COO of Edunova, Dietrich Baron
Leaders of Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate
Partners and stakeholders
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning.

South Africa is a young nation. More than half of our population is under the age of 35. This is not simply a statistic it is a national reality that shapes our politics, our economy, and our future. Yet we must also confront a difficult truth. Too many young South Africans continue to face unemployment, exclusion, and limited pathways into meaningful economic participation. Youth unemployment is not only an economic challenge it is a social challenge, a developmental challenge, and fundamentally, a matter of justice.

As a democratic and responsive government, we are clear that the future of South Africa depends on the future of its young people. We cannot speak about growth, inclusion, or stability without addressing the lived realities of youth. Government has a responsibility not only to listen, but to act decisively to expand opportunity, restore hope, and ensure that no young person is left behind.

It is within this context that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention was established not as a temporary response, but as a structural national effort to unlock earning opportunities at scale, remove barriers to entry, and support young people as they transition from learning to earning.

As Deputy President Paul Mashatile said yesterday in Khayelitsha, young people are the beating pulse of our nation, not only our future but our present. They shape the national mood, surface new ideas, and drive the conversations that define our country. Government therefore has a responsibility not only to speak to young people, but to listen, engage and act together with them to resolve the challenges of unemployment, education, economic inclusion and opportunity. Today’s generation of young South Africans carries the same sense of purpose and determination that defined the youth of 1976, and it is our duty to ensure that democracy delivers meaningfully for them.

Today, Colleagues, we present the Quarter 3 results of this intervention and reflect on the progress we continue to make in building a South Africa where young people can participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We continue to see meaningful progress.

By the end of Quarter 3:

  • More than 5.77 million young people are registered on SA Youth, and over 4.8 million on ESSA.
  • The PYEI has facilitated access to over 2.36 million earning opportunities, with an additional 402,515 opportunities through ESSA since inception.
  • This represents an increase of more than 294,000 new opportunities in just one quarter.

Importantly, over 70% of opportunities accessed through SA Youth are taken up by young women, demonstrating our continued commitment to closing equity gaps in the labour market.

These are not just statistics. Behind every number is a young person whose dignity is restored, whose confidence is strengthened, and whose future is expanding.

Achievements in Quarter 3

In the period October to December 2025:

  • 294,530 earning opportunities were secured through the National Pathway Management Network.
  • Over 11,000 young people gained workplace experience opportunities through partnerships with the private sector and higher education institutions.
  • More than 6,700 enterprise opportunities were provided to support youth entrepreneurship.
  • The Revitalised National Youth Service continues to expand, with 132,784 young people placed in paid service opportunities to date. 
  • These achievements show that the PYEI is not only growing in scale, but also in depth, diversity, and sustainability of opportunities.

Colleagues,

One of the most important milestones this quarter has been the continued success of the Jobs Boost Outcomes Fund.

  • Over 9,170 young people enrolled, exceeding targets.
  • More than 7,200 young people placed into jobs.
  • Over R220 million disbursed based on verified employment outcomes. 
  • This results-based financing model ensures we do not simply fund activity, we fund real employment outcomes.

Ladies and Gentleman,

The Innovation Fund continues to demonstrate how targeted support can unlock new earning pathways.

From digital skills to the property sector and health services, innovative projects are helping young people enter industries that were previously difficult to access. 

This is why today’s venue, Edunova, is so significant.

The ComUnity Digital Enablers Initiative represents the future of youth employment.

Through collaboration between Edunova, Afrika Tikkun and Capacitate:

  • Young people, particularly young women, are trained as Community Digital Angels.
  • They operate through a micro-franchise model, building digital micro-enterprises in their own communities.
  • The initiative combines digital skills, entrepreneurship, and community-based opportunity creation. 

This model not only creates jobs, it builds local economies, strengthens digital inclusion something I am very passionate about, and empowers communities.

Colleagues and members of the media,

Policy and programmes matter. But what matters most is impact on people’s lives.

Shortly, we will hear directly from two young beneficiaries of this programme. They will share their journeys, their challenges, and how access to opportunity has changed their lives and their futures.

Their testimonies remind us why this work is urgent, why it is necessary, and why we must continue to scale these efforts.

To every young person watching and listening today, Opportunities are available to you right now.

You can register for free on the SAYouth.mobi platform, which is zero-rated on all major mobile networks, meaning you do not need data to access it. Through SAYouth.mobi, young people can:

  • Find earning and learning opportunities
  • Access work experience and enterprise support
  • Receive job-readiness support and guidance
  • Connect to opportunities in their communities and across the country.

This platform is designed to ensure that no young person is excluded because of cost, location, or lack of access to information.

We encourage every young South African to visit www.SAYouth.mobi, register, and take the first step toward opportunity.

Members of the Media, The PYEI is part of a broader national effort to remove structural barriers to job creation and economic participation.

Through partnerships and initiatives such as:

  • Demand-led skills development
  • Strengthening local economic ecosystems
  • Expanding youth service opportunities
  • Integrating with Operation Vulindlela and the Presidential Employment Stimulus.We are building a South Africa where young people participate in the economy with dignity, agency, and hope. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

The progress we present today is encouraging, but our work is far from complete.

Youth unemployment remains one of the greatest challenges facing our nation. But through partnership, innovation, and persistence, we are steadily expanding pathways to earning for millions of young South Africans.

To our partners and stakeholders, thank you.

And to the young people of South Africa we see you, we believe in you, and we will continue working to unlock opportunities for you.

I thank you.

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Governo cria Semana do Digital de Cabo Verde como iniciativa estratégica nacional

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Governo de Cabo Verde socializou esta quarta-feira, 11 de fevereiro, a Semana do Digital de Cabo Verde, aprovada terça-feira, 10, em Conselho de Ministros, uma iniciativa determinante para afirmar o país como nação digital, mais moderna, inclusiva e competitiva no plano regional e internacional.

A apresentação foi feita pelo Secretário de Estado da Economia Digital, Pedro Lopes, em conferência de imprensa presidida pelo Vice-Primeiro-Ministro, Ministro das Finanças e Ministro da Economia Digital, Olavo Correia, e contou com a presença da PCA da ARME, Leonilde dos Santos, do Diretor-Geral das Telecomunicações e da Economia Digital, Milton Cabral, bem como de profissionais da comunicação social.

Na ocasião, o Vice-Primeiro-Ministro afirmou que a Semana do Digital foi lançada para colocar o digital no topo da agenda pública e estimular todos a pensar digital, desde funcionários públicos e gestores até cidadãos, empresas, academia, municípios e diáspora.

“Queremos uma governação inteligente, assente na interoperabilidade de sistemas, na prestação de serviços públicos digitais e na adoção massificada da identidade, residência e assinatura eletrónicas. Esta transição permitirá serviços mais eficientes, maior coesão territorial e uma administração pública orientada para resultados”, referiu Olavo Correia.

Por sua vez, o Secretário de Estado da Economia Digital, Pedro Lopes, afirmou que o Governo pretende que a Semana do Digital não seja apenas uma bandeira do Executivo, mas sim de todos os cabo-verdianos. “Por isso, criámos a Semana do Digital, que decorrerá na primeira quinzena de março de 2026, como um palco privilegiado para promover a literacia digital, a inovação tecnológica, o fortalecimento do ecossistema de inovação, e para celebrar o percurso do país na nossa ambição de nos tornarmos um verdadeiro hub digital e uma nação digital.”

A Semana do Digital permitirá também destacar os investimentos em infraestruturas digitais, como os Parques Tecnológicos de Santiago e de São Vicente, a criação da Zona Económica Especial Tecnológica e as oportunidades para empresas cabo-verdianas e para aquelas que desejam estabelecer-se no território. Segundo Pedro Lopes, será uma ocasião para comunicar os ganhos tecnológicos recentes, incluindo o 5G, a renovação do Ring e a melhoria das comunicações entre ilhas, além de ativar talentos e competências digitais, fortalecer a conexão com a diáspora e parceiros globais, e dar visibilidade às empresas de base tecnológica.

O evento contará ainda com um reconhecimento de excelência, os Digital Awards, durante uma gala de encerramento, onde serão premiados os melhores projetos e iniciativas, especialmente aqueles que, ao longo do ano, contribuíram para consolidar o ecossistema digital em Cabo Verde como um setor de excelência.

Com esta iniciativa, o Governo reafirma o seu compromisso com uma transformação digital inclusiva, sustentável e orientada para resultados, colocando a tecnologia, a inovação e o conhecimento ao serviço do desenvolvimento económico, da coesão territorial e da cidadania.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Ituri : autorités et déplacés saluent les efforts de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) pour la protection des civils à Fataki

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À Fataki, dans le territoire de Djugu en Ituri, les premières lueurs du jour révèlent chaque matin l’ampleur des déplacements de population provoqués par l’activisme des groupes armés. Sous la protection des Casques bleus, des centaines de familles installées sous des bâches et dans des abris précaires tentent néanmoins de reconstruire un quotidien autour de la base de la MONUSCO.

C’est dans ce contexte que, le 6 février 2026, une délégation des États membres siégeant à la Cinquième Commission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, chargée des questions budgétaires, administratives et financières, s’est rendue à la base du contingent népalais de la MONUSCO à Fataki pour rencontrer les Casques bleus, les autorités locales et les populations déplacées, et évaluer les besoins ainsi que l’impact de la Mission en matière de protection des civils.

Une base de la MONUSCO comme lieu de refuge

Depuis plusieurs mois, les affrontements armés le long de l’axe routier Lodda–Djaiba–Fataki ont contraint de nombreuses personnes à fuir leurs villages. En janvier 2026, environ 5 500 civils ont trouvé refuge à proximité de la base onusienne de Fataki. Dans le groupe, on compte environ 1 900 femmes et 1 400 enfants, cherchant protection auprès des Casques bleus népalais.

« Nous sommes reconnaissants envers les Casques bleus de la MONUSCO pour la protection dont nous bénéficions », a déclaré l’un des représentants des déplacés.

« Grâce à leur présence, » a-t-il ajouté,« nos enfants peuvent dormir en sécurité et nous pouvons accéder aux champs sans craindre pour nos vies. Nous espérons que cet appui se poursuivra jusqu’à ce que la paix soit définitivement rétablie. »

Jean-Baptiste Banga, déplacé à Lodda, abonde dans le même sens : « Sans la MONUSCO, il serait difficile de vivre dans ces sites. Même pour aller aux champs, nous avons besoin de leur protection. Nous demandons surtout le désarmement des groupes armés afin que nous puissions rentrer chez nous et reprendre une vie normale.»

Cette demande d’une paix durable qui permettrait à chaque famille de rentrer dans son village et reconstruire une vie chamboulée par la violence armée revient dans toutes les bouches.

Des efforts opérationnels renforcés

Situé à l’est de la province de l’Ituri, le territoire de Djugu s’étend sur une superficie d’environ 8 730 km² et abrite près de trois millions d’habitants. Depuis plusieurs années, cette zone est affectée par l’activisme de groupes armés, notamment CODECO [Coopérative pour le développement du Congo] et CRP [Convention pour la Révolution Populaire], provoquant de déplacements massifs de la population civile, de pertes en vies humaines et de graves violations des droits humains.

Face à ces défis, la MONUSCO, en coordination avec l’armée congolaise, a intensifié sa présence. En 2025, plus de 5 600 patrouilles ont été menées dans la zone de responsabilité du contingent népalais en Ituri, dont près de 800 patrouilles conjointes, afin de sécuriser les axes routiers, les marchés, les écoles et les lieux de culte.

C’est cet appui de la mission onusienne qu’a salué l’administrateur du territoire de Djugu, Ruffin Mapela : « Nous saluons la MONUSCO pour son appui opérationnel et sécuritaire dans le territoire de Djugu. Globalement, grâce aux efforts conjoints de la MONUSCO et des FARDC [Forces armées de la RDC], la situation se stabilise progressivement, même si des poches de tension persistent, notamment à Bule, où des affrontements opposent encore les CRP aux FARDC. »

« D’autres groupes armés sont aujourd’hui quasiment inactifs depuis les accords d’Aru I et II, le processus de paix local soutenu par les autorités et la MONUSCO », a-t-il poursuivi.

L’administrateur du territoire a également mis en avant la coordination opérationnelle existante à travers les patrouilles mixtes avec les militaires congolais ainsi que le renforcement du système d’alerte communautaire, permettant une réponse plus rapide en cas de menace des groupes armés.

Un engagement au-delà du volet sécuritaire

Au-delà des opérations militaires, la MONUSCO met en œuvre plusieurs projets à impact rapide dans ses zones d’intervention, notamment la réhabilitation de routes, la construction de ponts et l’installation de lampadaires solaires à Lodda, Djaiba, Pimbo et Gina. Ces initiatives ont bénéficié à plus de 140 000 personnes, contribuant à améliorer la mobilité, la sécurité nocturne et la relance des activités économiques et sociales.

Dans les sites de déplacés de Lodda et Djaiba, les populations plaident pour un retour sécurisé dans leurs villages, une accélération du processus de désarmement et un renforcement de l’assistance humanitaire.

En Ituri, la MONUSCO poursuit son engagement aux côtés du Gouvernement congolais et des communautés locales pour protéger les populations et créer les conditions d’une stabilité durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) Ministerial: New platform launched for sharing best practices

Source: APO


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The first meeting of the SME Ministerial community of 2026 saw an increase in the number of countries engaging with the process. This marks the beginning of a key phase of policy sharing which will mark the way towards the second Global SME Ministerial Meeting in 2027.

More than 70 countries joined the virtual gathering, with over 120 delegates representing countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

The officials are part of ministries or government agencies which are tasked with policymaking for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

On the day, the International Trade Centre (ITC) launched a new platform where countries can upload best practices in policies and regulations that seek to provide further development to SMEs, but also to learn from peers on what is working.

Each country will have a dedicated account for the platform, where countries can set up a page with the best practices that can support policy development at a regional, continental or global level. 

At least 20 countries sent their inputs in advance to the launch.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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Transport Committee Chair Says Road Accident Fund (RAF) Shows Signs of Recovery, Reform Efforts Must Accelerate

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mr Donald Selamolela, has said that, contrary to public opinion, the Road Accident Fund (RAF) is on road to recovery.

“We are satisfied that indeed there is work happening to improve governance and stabilise operation of RAF. The committee accepts that RAF is a challenged entity of government, besieged by historical factors that unnecessarily frustrated the work of the entity,” the Chairperson noted.

“Concerns about organisational structure remain, and if not attended to with speed, they will frustrate the progress that is being realised. The negativity around how the entity is viewed by the public should cease, and our focus should be to service the claimants,” he said.

The RAF board appeared before the committee on Tuesday, where the committee continued with engagements that started in November 2025. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, accompanied RAF and told the committee that reforming the RAF remains a priority and that direct claims are an immediate area of attention. Mr Hlengwa likened the work of reforming RAF to fixing an aeroplane while airborne.

Mr Selamolela said despite a Standing Committee on Public Accounts-led inquiry into the issues of RAF, the committee remained hopeful that significant strides are being made to stabilise the entity. “We are happy that you are summoning all capacities from the departments in marketing the work you are doing. Kindly speed up your game in whatever you are doing, and we share the view that RAF is an important service delivery mechanism that touches interrupted lives of people,” he said.

He also called on the department to move with speed to review the RAF legislation with the intention of closing all loopholes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Vice President Highlights Seychelles as a prime Investment Gateway in Gulf News Interview

Source: APO


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Seychelles is intensifying its international investment outreach, with Vice President Sebastien Pillay, using an interview with Dubai-based Gulf News to  position the country as a strategically located, politically stable and business-friendly hub for foreign investors.

Whilst speaking to the international news outlet on Wednesday, at State House, the Vice President highlighted Seychelles’ strong geographic position, noting that the country is  well positioned to serve as a regional platform for investors seeking access to emerging markets in the region.

He emphasised that as a high-income country, Seychelles relies significantly on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and said the current promotional drive comes at an opportune time to attract new investors. 

“There are substantial opportunities for the UAE to invest in Seychelles,” the Vice President said, identifying key sectors such as real estate, the digital economy, renewable energy, the blue economy, medical tourism, infrastructure development and education. 

He further explained that Seychelles is continuously  strengthening its investment climate, including through strategic  land reclamation projects to unlock new business opportunities. Efforts are also being made to bolster cybercrime legislation and enforcement frameworks to ensure that investors’ assets and transactions remain secure.

Political stability, he stressed, remains a cornerstone of investor confidence. “Stability  attracts investment, and predictability sustains it,” he added.

Renewable energy was highlighted as another priority sector, with the Vice President stating that increased investment in sustainable energy solutions would contribute to reducing the cost of electricity, strengthen energy security and enhancing long-term economic resilience.

Addressing the question of why investors should consider Seychelles now, the Vice President pointed to the country’s ease of doing business, ongoing reforms, and favourable economic indicators. He said Seychelles is placing renewed focus on processing and manufacturing, with the aim of expanding its export base and enabling investors to recoup the value of their investments at a faster pace. He added that the country’s GDP performance remains encouraging.

The Vice President also spoke of the importance of branding, noting that Seychelles must be marketed not only as a tourism paradise but as a credible, competitive, and secure investment destination.

Moreover, he said the engagement with the UAE media forms part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Seychelles and the United Arab Emirates, a relationship that extends beyond diplomacy to meaningful people-to-people  ties. The Vice President acknowledged the UAE’s extensive global business networks, which he said can help Seychelles connect with a wider pool of potential investors.

Founded in 1978 and relaunched in 1985 under Al Nisr Publishing, Gulf News has grown into one of the most widely read English newspapers in the UAE and the Gulf region. In addition to its print edition, it operates a major digital platform covering local, regional, and international news, business, sports and lifestyle.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Gabon and South Africa deepen mining ties through new geoscience collaboration agreement

Source: APO

Gabon has taken a significant step toward strengthening its mining sector by signing a new collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources of Gabon (www.Mines.Gouv.ga) and South Africa’s Council for Geoscience. The partnership is designed to enhance geological research, build technical capacity, and accelerate the sustainable development of Gabon’s mineral resources.

The agreement reflects Gabon’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and unlock the full commercial potential of its mining industry. While the country is widely known for its oil production, it also possesses significant untapped deposits of iron ore, manganese, gold, and other strategic minerals. By collaborating with one of Africa’s leading geoscience institutions, Gabon aims to modernize its geological knowledge base and strengthen the institutional foundations of its mining sector.

At the core of the agreement is a commitment to conduct comprehensive geological assessments across Gabon to identify new potential. The Council for Geoscience will work alongside Gabonese experts to review existing geological data, carry out new surveys where necessary, and develop updated resource maps. These efforts are expected to provide a clearer picture of Gabon’s mineral endowment and help the government design more effective strategies for resource commercialization. The agreement was signed in Cape Town by Mr Alain Manzanza, Director General of Geology in the Ministry of Mines of Gabon and Mr Mosa Mabuza, CEO of the Council of geoscience South Africa under the watchful eyes of HE Sosthene Nguema Nguema, minister of Mines and Geological Resources of Gabon and HE Rod Rembendambya Gabon’s ambassador to South Africa.

Another key pillar of the partnership is capacity building. The agreement includes provisions for training programs, technical exchanges, and joint research initiatives aimed at developing the skills of Gabonese mining professionals. Through workshops, internships, and collaborative projects, Gabonese geologists and engineers will gain exposure to advanced exploration techniques and international best practices in mineral resource management.

Minister Nguema Nguema emphasized that the partnership is not limited to technical cooperation. It is also intended to strengthen economic ties between Gabon and South Africa by encouraging South African mining companies to explore investment opportunities in Gabon. By improving geological transparency and regulatory capacity, the agreement is expected to make Gabon a more attractive destination for foreign investment in the mining sector.

Environmental and technological standards form another important dimension of the collaboration. Both parties have committed to sharing knowledge on modern mining technologies and evolving environmental regulations. This includes promoting responsible mining practices, improving environmental monitoring, and integrating sustainability considerations into project planning. Such measures are increasingly important as global investors place greater emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

The agreement also aligns with regional efforts to promote intra-African cooperation in the extractive industries. By leveraging South Africa’s long-standing experience in mining and geoscience, Gabon is positioning itself to benefit from African expertise while contributing to the continent’s collective development. The partnership demonstrates how African countries can collaborate to build stronger institutions and more competitive resource sectors.

According to Minister Nguema Nguema, “this is as a timely initiative in line with the directives of our head of State, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema who has pledged to increase the contribution of the mining sector to the national economy. Ultimately, we will have to work in collaboration with advanced mining economies like south Africa to achieve this.”

Global demand for minerals is rising, driven in part by the energy transition and the growing need for materials used in renewable technologies and infrastructure. With improved geological data and stronger technical capacity, Gabon is better placed to participate in these emerging markets and capture greater value from its natural resources.

In the coming months, joint working groups from both institutions are expected to outline a detailed implementation roadmap. Early priorities will likely include data integration, training schedules, and the identification of priority regions for geological surveys. As the partnership moves from agreement to action, it has the potential to play a transformative role in shaping the future of Gabon’s mining industry.

By combining expertise, technology, and institutional support, the Gabon – South Africa collaboration marks an important milestone in Gabon’s efforts to build a modern, transparent, and sustainable mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources of Gabon.

Media files

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