The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Secures Strategic Partnership with Informa Markets to Scale the Africa CDC International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) and Other Flagship Events

Source: APO


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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Informa Markets, a London-listed global leader in events and knowledge services. The partnership will strengthen the planning, delivery, and sustainability of the Africa CDC International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) and other flagship public health convenings at a time of heightened demand for coordinated health leadership across the continent.

Africa CDC Director-General Dr Jean Kaseya and Informa Markets President for Middle East, India, Türkiye & Africa Mr Peter Hall signed the agreement, which combines Africa CDC’s scientific leadership with Informa’s global expertise in large-scale event management to enhance the quality, reach, and long-term sustainability of Africa’s premier public health platforms.

“This partnership reinforces Africa CDC’s commitment to strengthening continental ownership of public health priorities,” said Dr Kaseya. “CPHIA has become a critical forum for African experts and leaders to set the continent’s health security agenda. Informa Markets’ support will help expand the conference’s reach and impact while preserving Africa CDC’s full scientific, strategic, and convening leadership.”

Under this partnership, Africa CDC reinforces the institution’s central role in advancing continental priorities, including its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan and the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda. Informa Markets, a member of the FTSE 100 Index, global exhibition leader and organizer of World Health Expo, will leverage its global reach, industry expertise and experience to elevate CPHIA’s scale, visibility and impact across Africa and internationally.   

Peter Hall, President for Middle East, India, Türkiye & Africa at Informa Markets, added:

“This partnership reflects a strong alignment of vision between Informa Markets and Africa CDC. Drawing on over 50 years’ experience delivering trusted global healthcare events, Informa Markets is proud to support CPHIA’s continued growth. Together, we will ensure CPHIA 2026 delivers lasting value for Africa’s public health ecosystem”.

Since its inaugural edition in December 2021, Africa CDC has convened four editions of CPHIA, each building momentum as the continent’s leading forum for public health dialogue, policy alignment, and scientific exchange. The conference has brought together Heads of State, Ministers of Health, researchers, frontline health workers, private-sector leaders, and global institutions, cementing CPHIA’s role as a central platform for shaping Africa’s public health agenda. The fifth edition, CPHIA 2026, will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with thousands of delegates expected to attend.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

South Africa: Minister Lamola leads African Union Ad-hoc Committee of Five (C5) Visit to South Sudan

Source: APO


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Minister Ronald Lamola has arrived in Juba, leading a High-Level African Union Ad-hoc Committee of Five (C5) Visit to South Sudan from 14 to 15 January 2026. He is leading the delegation in his capacity as the Chairperson.

This visit is a follow-up to the previous C5 Ministerial Visit to Juba, which took place exactly a year ago.

The visit serves as a precursor to a Peace and Security Council (PSC) Meeting of the African Union, scheduled for 19 January 2026, which will assess the situation in South Sudan. It also precedes the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the proposed C5 Plus Summit, which will convene on the margins of the AU Assembly from 14 to 15 February 2026.

The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment for South Sudan, as the country is earmarked to hold its first-ever elections since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011. The role of the C5 is to oversee the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

South Sudan is currently led by a Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, with elections expected to be held in December 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Seychelles: Public Advisory on Fake Accounts Using President Herminie’s Profile

Source: APO


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The Office of the President advises the public to exercise caution when engaging with online profiles claiming to represent President Patrick Herminie. We have noted the emergence of fake accounts and posts promoting fraudulent offers, including housing schemes and payments.

We remind citizens that the President does not conduct private promotions, giveaways, or financial solicitations through social media. Any official communication will be shared exclusively through verified State House channels, namely Facebook, X, YouTube, and WhatsApp.

If you encounter suspicious accounts or content, please refrain from engaging and report it immediately.

Public vigilance helps protect our community from scams and misinformation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

African Union Commission Chairperson Welcomes Passage of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension by the United States (U.S.) House of Representatives and Appeals for Senate Approval

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has welcomed the overwhelming passage by the United States House of Representatives of a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The Chairperson commends the bipartisan support demonstrated by Members of the U.S. House, reflecting the enduring commitment of the United States to strengthening trade, investment, and shared prosperity with African economies. “For over two decades, AGOA has served as a cornerstone of U.S.–Africa economic relations, supporting industrialisation, job creation, regional value chains, and inclusive growth across the continent,” said Mr. Youssouf.

He added that AGOA has been instrumental in fostering mutually beneficial economic ties and reinforcing Africa’s role as a reliable partner in global commerce.

As the bill proceeds to the United States Senate, the Chairperson appealed to the Senate to give favourable and timely consideration to the extension, in a spirit that upholds partnership, and shared strategic interests.

The African Union Commission reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Government of the United States, Congress, and all stakeholders to ensure that AGOA continues to serve as a bridge for economic cooperation and a symbol of the enduring friendship between Africa and the American people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Qatar Partakes in 5th Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts for Sudan

Source: APO


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The State of Qatar participated in the Fifth Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts for Sudan, which took place in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

HE Director of the Arab Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nayef bin Abdullah Al Emadi represented the State of Qatar at the meeting.

This meeting comes as part of efforts to support pathways towards a peaceful solution in the Republic of Sudan and to strengthen coordination among concerned parties in a manner that contributes to achieving security and stability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Colonel Aliou Tine Takes over as New Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG) Force Commander in The Gambia

Source: APO


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Colonel Aliou Tine, the newly appointed force commander of the Economic Community of west African states (ECOWAS) Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG), has pledged his commitment to refional security and supporting peaceful elections in close collaboration with Gmbian authorities and armed forces.

He made this pledge at a handing-and-taking-over ceremony at the ECOMIG Headquarters in Bakau on Thursday 8 January 2026, marking the official transfer of command from the outgoing Force Commander, Colonel Ndiagne Diouf.

The solemn ceremony was highlighted by the symbolic exchange of the ECOMIG command flag, signifying the transfer of authority and responsibility between the two senior officers.  The event brought together high-level dignitaries, including the Senegalese High Commissioner to The Gambia, the National Security Adviser, representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff, senior officers of the Gambia Armed Forces, contingent commanders, as well as officers and men of ECOMIG.

In his acceptance remarks, Colonel Aliou Tine described his appointment as a great honour bestowed by ECOWAS and the Government of The Gambia.

He commended Colonel Diouf and his team for their achievements and pledged to preserve and build upon the legacy they have established. He also acknowledged the strategic importance of the forthcoming electoral period, reaffirming his commitment to supporting peaceful elections in close collaboration with Gambian authorities and armed forces.

In her remarks, Miata Lily French, ECOWAS Head of Mision, expressed gratitude to Colonel Diouf for his dedicated service to The Gambia and the sub-region.  She noted that at a time when security challenges are increasing globally and regionally, ECOMIG’s role remains vital in ensuring stability and creating an environment conducive for economic growth.

Madam French reiterated that since its deployment in 2017, ECOMIG has played a central role in maintaining peace and supporting democratic governance in The Gambia. Colonel Tine was assured of full support from mission headquarters and contingent commanders to ensure a successful completion of the ECOMIG mandate.

The outgoing Force Commander Colonel Ndiagne Diouf reflected on his one-year tenure, expressing deep appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia, ECOWAS authorities, and mission leadership for their unwavering support.

He highlighted key achievements of his command, including medical assistance to over 8,000 people, the conduct of more than 100 security missions, and over 40 joint patrols with Gambian security forces.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Qatar: His Highness (HH) the Amir Receives Written Message from President of Republic of Guinea

Source: APO


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HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from HE President of the Republic of Guinea Mamady Doumbouya, pertaining to enhancing bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi received the message during his meeting on Wednesday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to Qatar Thierno Abdoulaye Sow. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

HH the Amir Receives Written Message from President of Republic of Guinea

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, January 14, 2026

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from HE President of the Republic of Guinea Mamady Doumbouya, pertaining to enhancing bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them.

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi received the message during his meeting on Wednesday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to Qatar Thierno Abdoulaye Sow. 

Qatar Condemns Attack Targeting Pakistani Police

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha – 14 January 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted a police vehicle in northwestern Pakistan, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several people.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm stance rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of motives or causes.

The Ministry also extends the State of Qatar’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Pakistan, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

SLB, NESR and Delta United Group to Power Libya’s Energy Revival at Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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International energy companies SLB, NESR, and Delta United Group have signed on as Gold Sponsors of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026, underscoring growing private-sector confidence in Libya’s drive to expand production, modernize infrastructure and attract global investment. Taking place on January 24-26, the Summit will convene policymakers, operators and investors to align on strategy, forge partnerships and advance actionable energy projects across the country.

​SLB, a global leader in energy technology and well services, brings decades of experience in drilling, completions, reservoir engineering and digital oilfield solutions. Its portfolio of advanced technologies – including next-generation wellbore optimization, real-time monitoring and enhanced recovery solutions – is aligned with Libya’s production ambitions and efforts to modernize infrastructure. SLB’s presence at LEES 2026 underscores the importance of innovation and operational excellence in achieving near- and long-term energy targets, and recently signed agreements with Libya’s National Oil Corporation to advance community development projects.

NESR, a global integrated energy services provider, brings a comprehensive suite of upstream, midstream and downstream capabilities to Libya. With expertise spanning well services, engineering, fabrication and project management, NESR has been at the forefront of delivering turnkey solutions across the MENA region. In August 2025, the company secured multiple production services contracts in Libya and Algeria with a combined value exceeding $100 million. Its participation at LEES 2026 highlights its commitment to supporting Libya’s production optimization efforts, particularly across brownfield redevelopment, marginal field development and large-scale upstream projects.

Delta United Group leverages a strong portfolio in energy infrastructure, logistics and project execution, offering solutions across the full oil and gas value chain. In Libya – where the company maintains a presence across approximately 90% of the oil market – Delta United Group’s experience in complex field operations, modular facilities and technical services positions it as a strategic partner for operators and investors seeking to accelerate production growth and enhance operational reliability. Its sponsorship reflects a commitment to aligning technical expertise with Libya’s national energy priorities.

LEES 2026 provides a high-level platform connecting policymakers, operators, investors and service providers, facilitating dialogue that translates strategy into execution. The sponsorship of SLB, NESR and Delta United Group reflects a shared recognition that Libya’s energy resurgence will be driven not only by resource potential, but by technology, expertise and strong industry partnerships.

Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 offers a premier platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth. Visit www.LibyaSummit.com to secure your participation. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.