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África do Sul adere ao Afreximbank e anuncia Programa Nacional no valor de 8 mil milhões de dólares americanos

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A República da África do Sul aderiu hoje oficialmente ao Acordo de Constituição do Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), a principal instituição financeira multilateral de África, marcando a entrada formal de uma das maiores economias de África como membro do Banco, anunciando uma soberania financeira mais profunda. 

A adesão segue-se à aprovação histórica pelo Parlamento sul-africano da adesão em 2025, consolidando uma parceria estratégica entre o principal banco multilateral de África e a potência industrial do continente. A África do Sul torna-se o 54.º Estado a aderir ao Acordo de Constituição do Banco, o que constitui um marco histórico, uma vez que os dois parceiros procuram desbloquear oportunidades de comércio numa arquitectura financeira global que está a fragmentar-se rapidamente devido a políticas proteccionistas e à mudança dos blocos comerciais.

Para operacionalizar esta parceria, o Afreximbank irá lançar importantes intervenções financeiras no país. Inclui um novo Programa Nacional no valor de 8 mil milhões de dólares americanos, concebido para aprofundar a economia sul-africana. Estes programas são concebidos para ampliar o impacto do Banco no desenvolvimento, melhorar o desenvolvimento industrial e as cadeias de abastecimento regionais e impulsionar significativamente o comércio intra-africano e os fluxos de investimento. Este apoio está estrategicamente alinhado com as ambições económicas da África do Sul.

Como o maior contribuinte regional do continente para o comércio intra-africano, representando 19,1% do comércio total do continente em 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4rqC5K7), a África do Sul está numa posição única para alavancar a infra-estrutura comercial, a experiência e o alcance pan-africano do Afreximbank para expandir as suas relações de exportação em todo o continente.

O Dr. George Elombi, Presidente e Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Afreximbank, saudou a adesão da África do Sul como um “passo decisivo”, sublinhando que:

“Esta afirmação da adesão da África do Sul ao Afreximbank marca um passo decisivo para a união em torno dos interesses económicos do continente, os interesses do nosso continente natal. A adesão da África do Sul ao Banco, além de proporcionar ao Afreximbank uma cobertura continental completa, coloca o país no centro da visão do Afreximbank e das suas aspirações de promover a mudança tão desejada na estrutura do comércio de África.

“Estou, portanto, satisfeito por, em conjunto com o Departamento de Comércio, Indústria e Concorrência da África do Sul (DTIC), sob a liderança de S. Ex.ª o Ministro Parks Tau, termos reunido o que consideramos um importante pacote de 8 mil milhões de dólares para a África do Sul. O programa nacional está alinhado com o plano de desenvolvimento nacional da África do Sul para 2030 e com as prioridades industriais e comerciais nacionais, e visa as principais áreas estratégicas.”

O Dr. Elombi acrescentou que o actual leque de projectos do Afreximbank na África do Sul, em diferentes fases de apreciação, ultrapassa os 6 mil milhões de dólares, abrangendo os sectores da saúde, serviços financeiros, indústria transformadora, energia, indústria e mineração.

Ao comentar a adesão da África do Sul ao Afreximbank, o Presidente da República da África do Sul,  Sua Excelência Cyril Ramaphosa, afirmou que:

“Hoje assinalamos um marco importante na nossa busca pela concretização do que eu chamaria de integração económica do nosso continente. A adesão da África do Sul ao Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação reafirma o nosso compromisso com o desenvolvimento industrial africano e com o aprofundamento do comércio, do investimento e do desenvolvimento em todo o nosso continente. Uma vez finalizado, o Programa Nacional África do Sul-Afreximbank será operacionalizado com um pacote financeiro que vai apoiar inicialmente uma série de projectos estratégicos em todo o sector comercial e industrial. E uma das áreas em que nos vamos concentrar com efeito imediato é o de dinamizar o nosso Fundo de Transformação, para apoiar as empresas lideradas por negros que, aliás, foram impedidas pelo sistema do apartheid de participar activamente na economia do nosso país.”

O Presidente Ramaphosa acrescentou que: “Durante mais de 30 anos, o Afreximbank demonstrou a sua própria capacidade, a sua resiliência, a sua capacidade de inovação, mas, mais do que isso, demonstrou que tem impacto. Esta parceria irá reforçar, de várias formas, a capacidade da África do Sul de apoiar os exportadores sul-africanos, os projectos industriais e as cadeias de valor regionais, promovendo simultaneamente o progresso do nosso continente.”

Depois do anúncio, tanto a África do Sul como o Afreximbank decidiram trabalhar juntos em programas de desenvolvimento comercial e económico, entre os quais se destacam o Programa de Promoção do Comércio e Investimento África do Sul-África (SATIPP), o Programa de Garantia do Afreximbank, o financiamento de parques industriais e zonas económicas especiais – sem esquecer o financiamento de empresas comerciais de exportação – Financiamento Baseado em Projectos e Activos, financiamento comercial convencional, Preparação de Projectos do Afreximbank e financiamento concebido para apoiar as indústrias criativas e culturais, bem como uma vasta gama de serviços de consultoria.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa:
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com a Imprensa)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

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Sobre o Afreximbank:
O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2024, o total de activos e contingências do Afreximbank ascendia a mais de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares e os seus fundos de accionistas a 7,2 mil milhões de dólares. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). O Afreximbank evoluiu para uma entidade de grupo que inclui o Banco, a sua subsidiária de fundo de impacto de acções, denominada Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), e a sua subsidiária de gestão de seguros, AfrexInsure (em conjunto, “o Grupo”). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com.

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Seychelles: President Engaged Seychelles Government Leadership Programme Participants on the Margins the World Government Summit

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, met with the third cohort of participants of the Seychelles Government Leadership Programme, implemented in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, on the margins of the World Government Summit. The engagement brought together 13 senior officials from sectors including health, environment, prisons, education, maritime security, policing, tourism, culture, and ICT, who exchanged views with the President on leadership, governance, and the practical application of lessons gained through the programme.

Participants highlighted that the training enabled them to connect with peers globally, share experiences, and gain exposure to best practices in public administration. They acknowledged that the programme strengthened their strategic thinking, adaptability, and ability to leverage innovation, partnerships, and modern governance tools to address complex challenges within their respective sectors their ability to think strategically, adapt to change, and leverage tools, partnerships, and innovation to respond effectively to complex global challenges within their sectors. (additional comments)

The meeting is part of the broader Seychelles-UAE cooperation framework on Experience Exchange in Government Development and Modernisation, through which Seychelles has benefited from structured leadership development and institutional capacity-building initiatives. A key outcome of this partnership enhances the strategic, and management capabilities of senior public-sector officials while exposing them to global best practices in governance, innovation, and service delivery.

Through the first two cohorts, the programme successfully equipped officials with practical tools in areas such as strategic foresight, performance management, digital government, and adaptive leadership. The approach combined structured learning modules with applied projects and exposure to government innovation models in the UAE, ensuring lessons were directly relevant to Seychelles’ national priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Portfolio committee calls for long-term disaster preparedness

Source: Government of South Africa

Portfolio committee calls for long-term disaster preparedness

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee and Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has reiterated the call for long-term disaster preparedness and climate adaptation measures.

The call was made during Parliament’s Joint Oversight Delegation on Cooperative Governance to flood-affected communities in Limpopo on Tuesday.

The delegation visited Tshakhuma in the Makhado Local Municipality within the Vhembe District, as well as Matsakali Village in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

The visit forms part of Parliament’s oversight mandate to assess government’s response to recent disasters and to evaluate recovery and mitigation plans at provincial and local level.

Led by Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration, Mxolisi Kaunda, and Chairperson of the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the delegation inspected areas located along flood plains and riverbanks where extensive damage has been recorded.

Flooding caused by extreme weather conditions resulted in the widespread destruction of homes, roads, bridges, water infrastructure and other essential services, leaving some communities isolated and vulnerable.

Kaunda said the joint delegation’s oversight visit was intended to support provincial and local government and local communities, while ensuring accountability for commitments made to restore services.

“We are here to support the local and provincial government and affected communities, but also to conduct oversight on the commitments that were made to restore services,” Kaunda said.

Engagements with provincial and local authorities, traditional leaders and affected residents focused on the restoration of critical services, including access roads, water and sanitation, electricity infrastructure, and the continuation of schooling for learners.

Kaunda underscored the importance of safeguarding the culture of learning and teaching in the aftermath of a disaster and ensuring that schools can operate safely and effectively.

Community safety emerged as a key concern, with both chairpersons warning that settlement in flood-prone areas poses an unacceptable risk to life.

The delegation urged local authorities to present clear relocation plans for affected households to safer land already identified by the Department of Human Settlements.
Members also stressed the need for transparency and ensure that the right people benefit from emergency housing and rebuilding interventions and called for urgent repairs to damaged infrastructure such as low-level bridges and access roads that have cut off communities.

Mkhize said relocation remained the only sustainable solution for households living on flood plains and stressed the need for coordinated action across all spheres of government to support affected families in re-establishing themselves in safer areas.

Both chairpersons expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones during the floods and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to ongoing oversight of disaster response efforts.

Preparedness 

The delegation further underscored the importance of long-term disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.

“We are asking what plans are being put in place to mitigate this so that we don’t experience the same problems, especially given climate change challenges. Preparation must be our focus, not only response whenever we are informed,” Kaunda said.

He added that rebuilding efforts must prioritise safety and sustainability, warning against returning communities to high-risk areas.

He also called for improved stormwater drainage, the clearing of waterways, protection of wetlands, tree planting and the integration of environmental planning into municipal development.

“Wetlands and open spaces play a critical role in absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and reducing the impact on residential areas,” Kaunda noted.

The joint delegation is expected to continue its oversight work in the Giyani and Tzaneen areas on Wednesday before moving to flood-affected areas in Mpumalanga.
Insights from the visit would be used to strengthen oversight of disaster response, recovery planning and long-term risk mitigation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SA’s accession to Afreximbank a turning point for continental economic integration

Source: Government of South Africa

SA’s accession to Afreximbank a turning point for continental economic integration

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described South Africa’s accession to the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) as a major milestone in advancing Africa’s economic integration, industrial development and intra-continental trade.

He was delivering a keynote address at the Afreximbank Accession Signing Ceremony held at the Westcliff Hotel in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

“Today, we mark a major milestone in our quest to realise the economic integration of our continent. South Africa’s accession to the Africa Export Import Bank affirms our commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment and development across the continent,” the President said.

The signing ceremony marked South Africa’s formal transition to Class A Shareholder status in Afreximbank and the activation of a strategic partnership aimed at advancing industrial development, export-led growth and deeper intra-African trade integration. 

Afreximbank is a pan-African multilateral financial institution that facilitates, promotes and expands intra- and extra-African trade and plays a key role in financing Africa’s economic development and industrialisation.

Once finalised, the South Africa Afreximbank Country Programme will be operationalised through a finance package that will initially support a range of strategic projects across the trade and industrial cluster. 

The programme is expected to inject capital into priority industrial projects, export diversification, infrastructure development and transformation initiatives.

“Today’s signing signals a deliberate, ambitious and more impactful phase in South Africa’s economic engagement with Africa and the world. For South Africa, the decision to accede to Afreximbank represents a strategic alignment.

“We seek to contribute to an Africa that prioritises intra‑continental trade, that builds its own industrial base, and that mobilises African financial institutions to support development,” the President said. 

He noted that Afreximbank has, for more than 30 years, demonstrated resilience, innovation and impact through a diversified portfolio across geographies and sectors. 

The partnership will strengthen South Africa’s ability to support exporters, industrial projects and regional value chains, while advancing continental development.

The President said South Africa accedes to Afreximbank at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the continent, with global economic uncertainties, climate risks and shifting trade patterns underscoring the need to build economic resilience.

“As a country, we are implementing far‑reaching reforms to restore growth, improve competitiveness and expand inclusion. We are working to accelerate economic growth by implementing structural reforms, increasing infrastructure investment and through targeted industrial policy,” the President said. 

He emphasised that membership alone is not the objective, saying what matters is how the partnership is translated into practical instruments that expand productive capacity, diversify exports and integrate more South Africans into regional and global value chains.

President Ramaphosa outlined South Africa’s industrialisation path as being anchored by three mutually reinforcing pillars: decarbonisation, diversification and digitisation. 

He said the country was pursuing an energy transition that balances climate imperatives with developmental realities, while building new industrial capabilities and creating jobs.

“That is why we are investing in renewable energy, green hydrogen, sustainable fuels and climate resilient infrastructure,” he said, adding that South Africa is also focused on beneficiating critical minerals for clean energy technologies, sectors where African countries hold a competitive advantage.

The President said diversifying both the export basket and the exporter base remains key to South Africa’s economic growth strategy, with a shift toward higher value and more complex exports in advanced manufacturing, green industries, critical minerals beneficiation, pharmaceuticals and the digital economy.

Through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), he said, South Africa is working to build African value chains that anchor production on the continent and strengthen Africa’s economic sovereignty. 

Afreximbank’s instruments, including trade finance, project preparation, risk mitigation and market access support, were described as indispensable in turning this vision into reality.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the Afreximbank Inclusive Development Support Programme for South Africa, which sets aside a dedicated facility to address structural barriers that have historically excluded many South Africans from participating in trade and industrialisation.

The programme will support small and medium enterprises, black industrialists, and women- and youth-owned firms to access finance, build assets and participate in strategic sectors.

South Africa’s accession brings the country closer to the incubation of a South African Export–Import Bank, which will be developed in collaboration with Afreximbank and build on the experience of the Export Credit Insurance Corporation.

“This is a strategic investment in our ability to compete and to support South African firms across the export lifecycle,” the President said.

In concluding, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the leadership of Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Elombi, and former President of the bank, Professor Benedict Oramah, under whose leadership South Africa’s accession process was initiated. He also thanked Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, for his role in advancing South Africa’s trade and industrial agenda.

“Today, as we sign this Instrument of Accession, we do so with clarity of purpose and confidence. Let this moment mark not only South Africa’s full membership of Afreximbank, but the activation of a partnership that delivers growth, transformation and opportunity for our country and for our continent,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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South Africa Joins Afreximbank, Announces US$8bn Country Programme

Source: APO

The Republic of South Africa has today officially acceded to the Establishment Agreement of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), Africa’s leading Multilateral Financial Institution, marking the formal entry of one of Africa’s largest economies into the Bank’s membership, heralding deeper financial sovereignty. 

The accession follows the South African Parliament’s historic approval of the accession in 2025, cementing a strategic partnership between Africa’s leading multilateral Bank and the continent’s industrial powerhouse. South Africa becomes the 54th state to accede to the Bank’s Establishment Agreement, which constitutes a historic milestone as the two partners seek to unlock trade opportunities within a global financial architecture that is rapidly fragmenting due to protectionist policies and shifting trade blocks.

To operationalise this partnership, Afreximbank will launch major financial interventions in the Country. This includes a new US$8 billion Country Programme designed to deepen the South African economy. These programmes are tailored to expand the Bank’s developmental impact; enhance industrial development and regional supply chains and significantly boost intra-African trade and investment flows. This support is strategically aligned with South Africa’s economic ambitions.

As the continent’s highest regional contributor to intra African trade, accounting for 19.1% of the continent’s total trade in 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4rqC5K7), South Africa is uniquely positioned to leverage Afreximbank’s trade infrastructure, expertise and pan African reach to extend its export relationships across the continent.

Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank hailed South Africa’s membership as a ‘decisive step’ noting:

“This affirmation of the membership of South Africa in Afreximbank marks a decisive step towards uniting around the continent’s economic interests, the interests of our mother continent. South Africa’s membership of the Bank, while providing Afreximbank a full continental coverage, brings the country into the heart of Afreximbank’s vision and its aspirations to promote the change so much desired in the structure of Africa’s trade.

“I am therefore pleased that together with the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), under the leadership of Hon. Minister Parks Tau, we have put together what we consider an important package of US$8 billion for South Africa. The country programme is aligned with South Africa’s national development plan 2030 and national industrial and trade priorities, and targets key strategic areas.”

Dr Elombi added that Afreximbank’s current pipeline of projects in South Africa, at different stages of review, exceeds US$6 billion, spanning healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, energy, industrial and mining sectors.

Commenting on South Africa’s accession to Afreximbank, President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa said:

“Today we mark a major milestone in our quest to realise what I would call the economic integration of our continent. South Africa’s accession to the African Export-Import Bank affirms our commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment and development across our continent. Once finalised, the South African-Afreximbank Country programme will be operationalised with a finance package that will initially support a range of strategic projects across the trade and industrial cluster. And one of those areas that we are going to focus on with immediate effect is to give muscle to our Transformation Fund, to support black businesses who, by the way, were held back by the apartheid system from being active participants in the economy of our country.”

President Ramaphosa added, “For more than 30 years, Afreximbank has demonstrated its own ability, its resilience, its innovative capability but it has more than that demonstrated that it has impact. This partnership will strengthen in more ways than one South Africa’s ability to support South African exporters, industrial projects and regional value chains while advancing our continent’s progress.”

Following the announcement, both South Africa and Afreximbank have resolved to jointly pursue trade and economic development programmes, key among them the South Africa-Africa Trade and Investment Promotion Programme (SATIPP), the Afreximbank Guarantee Programme, the financing of Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones – not to mention export trading company financing – Project and Asset Based Finance, conventional trade finance, Afreximbank Project Preparation, and financing devised to support the creative and cultural industries, as well as a broad range of advisory services.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), and Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Qatar, Slovakia Hold Political Consultation Round

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, February 04, 2026

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Slovak Republic held Wednesday a round of political consultations in Doha.

HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi led Qatar’s side, while HE State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Marek Estok led Slovakia’s side.

The round of political consultation discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them.

It also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Slovak Republic regarding the mutual exemption from entry visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports.

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Palestinian Minister of Social Development, Acting Minister of Relief Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | February 4, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad holds a virtual meeting with HE Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine, Dr. Samah Hamad.

The meeting explores supporting and advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the humanitarian field, as well as avenues for joint coordination in relief efforts and response to urgent humanitarian needs, especially in the Gaza Strip, contributing to mitigating the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people.

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation underlines the State of Qatar’s unwavering humanitarian and development support for the Palestinian people, stemming from its enduring position in backing humanitarian issues and enhancing relief work in collaboration with regional and global partners.

For her part, HE Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine expresses gratitude for the leading humanitarian role the State of Qatar is undertaking, applauding its constant efforts in supporting relief and humanitarian programs directed toward the Palestinian people.

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Ambassador of France

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | February 4, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE Ambassador of the French Republic to the State of Qatar Arnaud Pescheux.

The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation and ways to advance it, in addition to other topics of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the French Ambassador expressed his country’s appreciation for the level of cooperation between the two countries as well as commended the Qatar Fund for Development’s efforts in supporting developing nations.

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Qatar Organizes High-Level UN Event on Advancing Innovative Solutions for Social Development

Source: Government of Qatar

New York | February 4, 2026

The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of France, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), organizes a high-level side event on the margins of the 64th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development, entitled “Delivering on the Doha Promise: Promoting Innovative Solutions for Social Development.”

The event is attended by HE Minister of Social Development and Family of Qatar Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, and HE Anousheh Karvar, Representative of the Government of France to the ILO and Chairperson of the ILO Governing Body.

The high-level meeting, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, brings together senior ministers and top UN officials, including HE Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Finland Kaisa Juuso, HE Minister of Social Services of Sweden Camilla Waltersson Gronvall, HE Minister of Labor and Social Insurance of Cyprus Marinos Moushouttas, Assistant Secretary-General and Assistant Administrator of the UN Development Programme Marcos Athias Neto, ILO Special Representative and Director of the ILO Office at the United Nations Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, and Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination at UNDESA Bjorg Sandkjaer.

In her opening remarks, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family underscores the strategic importance of the event, noting that it is convened at a critical juncture, only months after the Second World Summit for Social Development – a landmark milestone marked by renewed international resolve, revitalized multilateral cooperation, and a shared commitment to transformative social progress.

Her Excellency highlights the consensus adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, emphasizing that it embodies concrete commitments and forward-looking measures aimed at promoting innovative solutions, strengthening comprehensive international cooperation, and advancing integrated, people-centered policies to achieve social development for all, in line with the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action.

She further draws attention to the Doha Solutions Platform for Social Development, describing it as a comprehensive, results-oriented mechanism designed to showcase practical and scalable policies with measurable impact in the areas of poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion.

Her Excellency stresses that the platform serves as a practical instrument for monitoring commitments, fostering mutual learning, and sustaining post-summit momentum. She affirms that the current session of the Commission for Social Development represents a pivotal opportunity to move decisively from diagnosing challenges to implementing proven solutions, underscoring that delivering on the Doha Promise constitutes the true benchmark of the international community’s success in achieving inclusive and sustainable social development through strengthened partnerships and collective action.

During the discussions, representatives of governments and United Nations entities examine concrete pathways to advance innovative and actionable solutions for inclusive social development, building on the momentum generated by the Second World Summit for Social Development and the Doha Political Declaration, while exploring enhanced cooperation among stakeholders to address pressing global social and development challenges.

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Seychelles: President Dr. Patrick Herminie witnesses signing of Grant Agreement with Abu Dhabi Fund for Development to advance Seychelles’ Social Housing Programme

Source: APO


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The Grant Agreement aimed at advancing Seychelles’ Social Housing Programme was signed today between the Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), reinforcing strong bilateral cooperation in support of Seychelles’ national social housing priorities.

The agreement was signed on the margins of the World Governments Summit in Dubai by Mr Pierre Laporte, Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, and Mr Mohammed Saif Al-Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

The project aims to promote inclusive economic and social development in Seychelles by strengthening the country’s social housing sector. It seeks to improve living standards and welfare, address growing housing demand, enhance quality of life, and support more balanced urban development and population distribution.

The Social Housing Project includes the construction of 80 housing units for low-income families, comprising 32 two-room units and 48 three-room units, all equipped with essential facilities and infrastructure services. The project consists of 80 residential units spread across 10 blocks of 8 units each, located in adjacent sites in the Orchid Village area.

Works under the project will include civil construction, connections to electricity, water, and sewage networks, as well as the development of outdoor and communal spaces, ensuring a safe, functional, and sustainable residential environment. 

The total grant amount under the agreement is approximately USD 8.7 million. The initiative reflects the United Arab Emirates’s long-standing commitment to supporting Seychelles’ development efforts, particularly in addressing housing needs. 

Also present at the signing ceremony were, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Minister Barry Faure, Seychelles Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Gervais Moumou, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Republic of Seychelles Ahmed Saeed Rashed Alhumaid Alneyad.

Following the signing, President Dr. Patrick Herminie met with H.E Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan to briefly review Seychelles’ participation in the World Government Summit and the status of ongoing development cooperation and economic initiatives

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.