Category: MIL-OSI

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Energy Market Analysts, Advisory Leaders to Speak at Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026

Source: APO


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Senior energy market analysts and advisory leaders have confirmed their participation as speakers at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026, as Libya accelerates upstream investment, advances its first licensing round (https://apo-opa.co/3YzojbP) in nearly two decades and targets crude oil production of 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) (https://apo-opa.co/3YvMTue) by the end of 2026.

Haythem Rashed, Managing Director, Quidux Consulting Limited; Jennifer Jumbe, Director-Energy & Natural Resources, S&P Global Commodity Insights; and Cristina Tomé Martinez, Technical Research Associate Director-Upstream Energy, S&P Global Commodity Insights, will contribute expert market perspectives at the event.

Scheduled for January 24-26, 2026, in Tripoli, the fourth edition of LEES is held under the theme “Infrastructure & Investment Driving Energy Growth” and is officially endorsed by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Oil and Gas and the National Oil Corporation (NOC). The summit takes place as Libya records its highest oil output in over a decade and moves to attract international capital to upgrade aging infrastructure and unlock new exploration potential across its major basins.

Libya’s hydrocarbon sector remains the backbone of the national economy, accounting for approximately 90% of government revenues, 95% of exports and more than 60% of GDP. The NOC’s near-term objective to raise production from around 1.36 million bpd to 1.6 million bpd by end-2026 forms part of a longer-term ambition to reach 2 million bpd within three to five years. Achieving these targets will require sustained foreign investment, estimated at $3-4 billion for infrastructure modernization, alongside political and security stability.

Providing critical data, research and market intelligence on Libya’s oil and gas sector, S&P Global Commodity Insights closely tracks the country’s production recovery and its ambition to reach up to 2 million bpd by 2027. S&P analysis highlights that while Libyan output reached a 12-year high (https://apo-opa.co/49sO0zJ) in mid-2025, the sector remains sensitive to political volatility, underscoring the importance of resilient infrastructure and long-term investment frameworks. Meanwhile, Quidux – formed in 2020 – is a boutique advisory firm specializing in the Libyan energy market. The firm provides analytical and strategic advisory services to public and private institutions.

Recent upstream momentum in Libya includes the resumption of exploration and drilling by international majors such as Eni and bp in the Ghadames Basin, Repsol in the Murzuq Basin, and renewed commitments by TotalEnergies, OMV and others. Gas development is also gaining strategic importance, with major projects aimed at strengthening domestic supply and exports to Europe, including via the GreenStream pipeline to Italy.

“The participation of analysts and advisory experts from S&P Global Commodity Insights and Quidux Consulting reflects the growing demand for high-quality data, insight and strategic guidance as Libya reopens its upstream sector,” states James Chester, CEO, Energy Capital & Power.

LEES 2026 will convene government stakeholders, national and international oil companies, investors and service providers to examine Libya’s production outlook, licensing strategy and infrastructure pipelines. The summit offers a platform for dialogue, partnerships and deal-making in one of Africa’s most significant hydrocarbon markets.

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.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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African Power Pools: How Regional Integration Can Strengthen Energy Security

Source: APO


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Regional electricity integration could be a game-changer for Africa, helping countries address persistent electricity challenges and attract investment in energy infrastructure, according to the African Energy Chamber’s (https://EnergyChamber.org) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook. By developing larger, interconnected markets, nations can create alternative offtake solutions, reduce project risks and enable economies of scale. Five regional power pools have been established across the continent – Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, Central Africa and North Africa – to facilitate cross-border electricity trade, share resources and coordinate energy policies.

The Outlook notes that the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) stands out as the most advanced. Its robust institutional framework, high degree of grid interconnection and transparent electricity market have enabled efficient trading and optimized resource use. SAPP serves as a model for regional integration, allowing member countries to benefit from reliable power exchanges and a diversified generation mix. Yet, even here, challenges remain: trading remains limited relative to total demand, liquidity is low and transmission constraints persist, highlighting the need for continued investment and market development.

West Africa’s power integration also shows promise. The Outlook highlights WAPP’s progress in expanding cross-border connections and increasing electricity trade, while noting that growth is constrained by incomplete grid links, regulatory fragmentation and financial issues such as payment arrears. Similarly, the Eastern Africa Power Pool is advancing through large-scale interconnection projects, but its development is slowed by political and regulatory fragmentation, infrastructure gaps and occasional security tensions. The Central African Power Pool remains the least developed, with minimal cross-border trade and limited infrastructure.

​​North Africa presents a contrasting picture: the region has some of Africa’s most advanced infrastructure, yet electricity trade is limited because countries primarily pursue bilateral agreements or focus on Europe-bound exports rather than intra-African integration. The Outlook emphasizes that across all regions, the African Union’s African Single Electricity Market aims to harmonize standards, regulatory frameworks and planning to create the world’s largest electricity market by 2040. Achieving this vision faces significant hurdles, including vast distances, technical incompatibilities, infrastructure needs, political fragmentation and differing national interests.

Even within the relatively mature SAPP, the Outlook identifies additional work needed to unlock market potential. Market liquidity remains a major constraint: in 2023, only 7.7 TWh was traded over the SAPP, compared with total demand of 344 TWh – roughly 2%. Around 80% of this trade comes from bilateral contracts, with just 13% conducted through the day-ahead market (DAM). In contrast, mature European markets trade more than 24% of physical consumption through DAMs, illustrating how limited trading scale in SAPP restricts its ability to stabilize the network. Transmission congestion also constrains trade: although blocked trades in the DAM fell from over 40% before 2018 to 1.3%, the Outlook notes this improvement reflects reduced activity rather than enhanced infrastructure. Addressing funding gaps and improving wheeling tariffs are critical to enabling the power pool to function at full potential.

The Outlook also highlights financing as a central issue across Africa, where public debt and fiscal constraints limit governments’ ability to fund large infrastructure projects. Innovative approaches such as public-private partnerships have emerged as vital tools for bridging these gaps. The Outlook identifies four main models for private-sector participation in transmission projects: Build-Own-Operate; Build-Own-Operate-Transfer; Build-Transfer-Operate; and Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance. Examples cited include the Kigali Power Transmission Project in Rwanda and the CLSG interconnector linking Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, funded by multilateral institutions and regional governments.

“By leveraging private investment alongside government support, these frameworks can mobilize capital, technology and expertise to construct and operate critical transmission infrastructure,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding that regional electricity integration offers clear potential to lower costs, improve reliability and attract investment, “laying the foundation for a more secure, efficient and renewable-powered Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Gauteng scholar transport operators warned against unroadworthy vehicles

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng scholar transport operators warned against unroadworthy vehicles

The Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has warned scholar transport operators that unroadworthy vehicles and those operating without valid permits will be impounded immediately.  

This warning comes as the Department of Roads and Transport plans to conduct intensive scholar transport inspections at schools, along transport routes, and during peak travel times next week when schools reopen.

The MEC said the safety of learners travelling to and from school is non-negotiable, and government will not tolerate operators who place children’s lives at risk.

“For the next nine months, millions of children will depend on drivers to get them to school safely. Every time a child gets into a vehicle or walks near a road, their life is in someone else’s hands. We will not allow unroadworthy vehicles or unlicensed operators to transport our children,” Diale-Tlabela said on Sunday.

Vehicles found to be unroadworthy or operating without the required permits will be impounded on the spot, while drivers without valid licences will be arrested.

The MEC also called on parents to play an active role in protecting their children by refusing to pay for unsafe transport.

“Parents have power. Your money gives you a voice. Don’t pay for transport in a vehicle that doesn’t have proper seating for every child, working seatbelts, or is visibly unroadworthy. Report unsafe vehicles to us,” she said.

All scholar transport vehicles must:

  • Have a valid licence disc and roadworthy certificate.
  • Be driven by a person with a valid driving licence.
  • Have proper, fixed seating for every child.
  • Have functioning seatbelts for all passengers.
  • Not be overloaded beyond licensed capacity.
  • Be free of critical defects (including brakes, tyres, lights, and windscreen).

Diale-Tlabela further appealed to all motorists to exercise extra caution near schools and scholar transport vehicles.

“You might not have children in your car, but you share the road with them. That child crossing the road could be distracted or running late. You’re the adult in control of a ton of metal. The responsibility to watch out for them is yours,” she said.

Scholar transport safety remains a key priority in the Service Delivery Agreement signed between Diale-Tlabela and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

“We committed to ensuring safe roads for every Gauteng learner. Government is doing its part through enforcement. Now we need every driver, every parent, and every operator to do theirs,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nouvel an 2026 : le Chef de l’État reçoit les vœux des professionnels des médias et des personnels de la Présidence de la République

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Après l’administration centrale, les confessions religieuses et les institutions, le couple présidentiel a reçu ce jour au Palais Rénovation, les vœux de nouvel an des professionnels des médias ainsi que ceux des personnels de la Présidence de la République.

S’exprimant au nom de la corporation, Monsieur Désiré Ename, représentant les médias , a salué une fois de plus les avancées structurelles et sociales enregistrées dans le monde de la communication depuis l’avènement des nouvelles autorités le 30 août 2023. Il s’agit entre autres de l’octroi de 500 postes budgétaires aux agents publics de la communication, de la restauration des infrastructures audiovisuelles telles que Gabon 24 , Africa N1 et radio 9 .

Toutefois, il a sollicité du chef de l’Etat la réhabilitation d’autres structures audiovisuelles à l’instar de la maison Georges Rawiri, le siège de l’ IGIS et de l’ Agence Gabonaise de presse.
les professionnels des médias ont sollicité des autorités étatiques et des partenaires étrangers, un accompagnement par la publicité institutionnelle et un accès aux sources d’information.

Retournant ses voeux aux professionnels de la presse, le Chef de l’État les a félicités pour le travail abattu au quotidien et les a exhortés à faire preuve de professionnalisme, de liberté responsable et de rigueur dans le traitement et la diffusion de l’information.

Prenant acte des sollicitations, le Chef de l’État les a rassurés de la prise en compte de celles-ci . Aussi, à l’instar de la Maison Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (Gabon 24) et Africa N1, les autres structures connaîtront une réhabilitation progressive.

Au nom des personnels de la Présidence de la République, et conformément à la coutume républicaine, le Secrétaire Général de ladite institution a souhaité les vœux au Président de la République avant d’exprimer les remerciements de l’ensemble des personnels, pour la confiance renouvelée.

le Secrétaire Général est par ailleurs revenu sur la place importante des agents qui sont la base arrière destinée à assurer le ravitaillement en idées, suggestions et cheville ouvrière à l’entière disposition du Chef de l’État pour la réalisation de son illustre action de développement de notre pays.

“Nous sommes tous liés par un destin commun qui consiste à exécuter efficacement nos tâches et faire preuve de loyauté au Chef de l’État. Nous devons cultiver la réserve, la discrétion et la dignité en tout temps et en tout lieu” a-t-elle déclaré.

A l’écoute, le Président la République a félicité le personnel pour son dévouement , son attachement , son sens du patriotisme et son accompagnement durant la Transition jusqu’à la mise en place des nouvelles institutions républicaines.

Toutefois, le Chef de l’État a fustigé les comportements déviants constatés au sein de l’institution. Il s’agit entre autres du trafic d’influence, de l’escroquerie , de l’abus de confiance et de la corruption . Il a appelé les agents à faire preuve de probité, d’éthique, de déontologie, de diligence et d’objectivité dans le traitement des affaires courantes

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

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Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Call from Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, January 11, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani on Sunday received a phone call from HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Republic of Iraq, Fuad Hussein.

During the call, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to support and strengthen them, discussed the latest regional developments, and addressed a host of topics of mutual interest.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s keenness on supporting the Republic of Iraq in achieving the aspirations of its people for stability, development, and prosperity.

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Strengthening Gender Equality Commitments Amid Global Shifts: United Nations (UN) Women Deputy Executive Director to Visit Zimbabwe

Source: APO


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United Nations Assistant Secretary General and UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda will undertake a high-level mission to Zimbabwe from 12–16 January 2026, joined by the East and Southern AfricaDeputy Regional Director Adama Moussa . The visit comes at a pivotal moment for gender equality efforts, as global reforms and shifting donor priorities reshape the development landscape.

This strategic engagement aims to reaffirm UN Women’s commitment to Zimbabwe, strengthen partnerships, and mobilize collective action to safeguard and advance progress on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The visit will spotlight Zimbabwe’s policy advances and explore pathways for sustaining impactful programs amid funding transitions.

Key Objectives

  • Normative Advocacy: Promote integration of global gender frameworks (CEDAW, Beijing Platform, SDG 5) into national policies.

  • UN System Coordination: Reinforce gender mainstreaming and accountability across UN agencies.

  • Programmatic Alignment: Support alignment of UN Women’s Strategic Note with national priorities and identify joint programming opportunities.

  • Partnership Building: Deepen collaboration with government, civil society, and donors to sustain gender equality efforts.

Expected Outcomes

  • Renewed government commitments to accelerate gender equality implementation.

  • Strengthened UN coordination on gender mainstreaming.

  • Clear priorities for scaling UN Women’s interventions.

  • Enhanced donor engagement and resource mobilization.

  • Reinforced partnerships with women’s rights organizations.

Joint Press Conference

The Deputy Executive Director will host a joint press briefing with the UN Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe to share key insights from the mission and highlight collaborative efforts to advance gender equality.

Date: [ Friday 16 January  Time: [ 11:45 pm] Venue: [ Block 11 Arundel Office Park UN Complex] Media RSVP: [ 0773282485 ]

Notes for Editors 

Zimbabwe has made notable strides in gender policy reform, including the adoption of the National Gender Policy (2025), the GBV Strategy (2023–2030), and the Marriages Act (2022). However, challenges persist in women’s political representation, economic empowerment, and GBV response systems. UN Women’s country program—now operating with a projected budget of USD 2.8 million for 2026 focuses on ending violence against women, promoting women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and advancing women’s peace and security.

This visit underscores UN Women’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals through inclusive, gender-transformative programming.

Media Contact: For inquiries, please contact: Innocent Katsande, Communications Officer. [ Click to reveal ]

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

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Élections du 11 janvier 2026 : Le couple présidentiel aux urnes, un exemple et un message fort pour la démocratie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans le cadre des élections législatives et communales de 2026, le Président de la République, Monsieur Patrice TALON, accompagné de son épouse, Madame Claudine TALON, a accompli son devoir citoyen ce dimanche 11 janvier 2026. Le couple présidentiel s’est rendu dans son centre de vote à l’EPP Charles Guillot de Zongo pour prendre part à ce rendez-vous démocratique majeur, marquant ainsi son attachement aux valeurs républicaines et au processus électoral. 

Par ce geste, le Chef de l’État a, une nouvelle fois, donné l’exemple, en se soumettant comme tout citoyen aux règles du suffrage universel. Ce moment, largement relayé sur les réseaux sociaux et les médias, a suscité de nombreuses réactions, notamment des messages saluant la simplicité, la responsabilité et le sens du devoir du Président et de son épouse. 

Au-delà de l’acte symbolique, cette participation du Couple présidentiel s’inscrit dans un contexte de mobilisation nationale autour des élections, appelant les citoyens à exercer librement leur droit de vote. Elle réaffirme l’importance de l’engagement civique et de la participation de tous à la consolidation de la démocratie au Bénin.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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President Ramaphosa arrives in the United Arab Emirates for an official visit

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 12 January 2026, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ASDW).

The ADSW 2026 held under the theme “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”, brings together the global sustainability community to ignite impactful dialogues and bold ideas aimed at fostering cross-sector collaboration and delivering breakthrough solutions to advance sustainable development worldwide.

On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, President Ramaphosa will hold bilateral talks with Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, ahead of the ADSW Opening Ceremony.

The President will attend the opening ceremony as well as the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, which celebrates 11 winners driving real-world impact across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.

In advancing discussion on economic transformation, ethical governance, and youth empowerment, the President will address the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Hub, under the theme Leading the Just Transition: Youth, Skills, and Inclusive Growth.

The President will also participate in the Heads of State Panel discussion on the topic: “A vision for Global Energy”. In addition, he will also participate in a high level session titled: Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure, which will focus on accelerating bankable, scalable infrastructure investment across the Global South.

South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries. The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various sectors such as transport, logistics and renewable energy.

During his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.

The President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister in The Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi.

PROGRAMME OF THE PRESIDENT

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

ADSW Opening Ceremony and Zayed Sustainability Prize Ceremony: 07h00 – 09h00 SAST

Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Hub: 12h10 – 12h15 SAST

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026: Heads of State Panel: 12h35 – 13h10

Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure: 13h30 – 14h00 SAST

ADSW proceedings can be followed on https://youtube.com/@adswagenda?si=PgEde1II–HEPSoI

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Chinese Ambassador pays courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora

Source: APO – Report:

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Chinese Ambassador to the Seychelles, H.E. Ms. Lin Nan paid a courtesy call on Mr. Barry Faure, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora on Friday 9th January, to congratulate him on his recent appointment.

During their meeting, she expressed her commitment to working closely with the Minister to strengthen the strategic partnership between China and Seychelles. Ambassador Lin Nan also invited the Minister to join the Spring Festival activities slated for early February 2026.

Both diplomats expressed optimism about the future of Seychelles-China relations and the potential for further collaboration under the framework of the existing bilateral agreements.

The Minister has reaffirmed Seychelles’ unwavering support for the “One China Policy”, recognising it as a crucial principle that underpins global peace, stability and collaboration among nations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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Russia–Seychelles relations deepen following ministerial forum in Cairo

Source: APO – Report:

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, received the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Artem Khozin, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy on Friday, 9 January 2026, to discuss the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, which Minister Faure attended in December 2025 in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt.

During the Conference, Minister Faure held bilateral talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Sergei Lavrov. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to continue strengthening economic and technical cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The meeting further addressed aspects of bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Khozin noted that two Russian vessels are expected to berth at Port Victoria later this month, reflecting ongoing engagement between Seychelles and the Russian Federation.

The two sides also exchanged views on areas where Seychelles could benefit from Russian expertise, including clean energy, as well as on enhancing cooperation within multilateral fora.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.