Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO

Godfrey Moagi, CEO of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) has been appointed Chairman of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) National Oil Companies (NOCs) CEOs Forum.

Announced on Monday at African Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town during APPO’s 8th Annual NOCs CEOs Forum, Moagi officially took over the chairmanship from Kwame Ntow Amoah, CEO, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

In his acceptance address, Moagi highlighted his three priorities for the forum during his tenure.

“As I take on this role, we must talk about building refineries. We cannot afford to have refineries in every single country without also building credible, viable markets. We must learn from what happened in the Strait of Hormuz – a third of our energy demand are routed through there, leaving us vulnerable. That is a vulnerability we must urgently fix,” he stated.

The second priority during Moagi’s tenure is fast tracking the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank, ensuring availability of financing for Africa’s strategic energy infrastructure projects.

“We want to make sure the Energy Bank works, and that is going to depend on the people in this room. The bank will help us fund the very projects we are struggling to finance when Western funders say they won’t fund us,” he added.

The third priority is increasing cooperation amongst African NOCs to develop the technical skills and workforce required to maximize the region’s energy value chain.

“When confronting challenges, we must look across our borders for solutions. My three priorities will be underpinned by our people, and we must collaborate to develop the technical skills we need right here on the continent. I intend to chair this forum as a convener for all of Africa, not as a representative for South African interests. I am an African before I am a South African,” he reiterated.

Concluding the leadership transition, the outgoing GNPC CEO commended the strong bilateral cooperation between PetroSA – a subsidiary of SANPC – and GNPC on Ghana’s offshore Jubilee Development as a prime example of shared strength.

“As a community, we must continue aligning on critical issues like access to capital and human resource development. With the upcoming launch of the African Energy Bank and the Pan-African Local Content framework in Brazzaville, we have clear mechanisms to drive deeper, long-lasting collaboration. We no longer need to develop projects in isolation: we must find ways to build together,” stated Amoah.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

Companies worry that criminals are targeting their payroll data. Studies into stolen data reveal that 80% of business data breaches involve HR and payroll files (https://apo-opa.co/3VKsXWi). These take on different forms, from cyberattacks to payroll fraud activities, even malicious employees stealing or leaking payroll information.

Many companies are at risk because they don’t have cohesive and visible payroll data environments, says Bruce van Wyk, CEO of Deel Local Payroll.

“When payroll data is spread across several places, like spreadsheets, emails, and different computers, it’s easy to copy and steal. The company can’t track or manage that data. They won’t know if someone steals that information, and the lack of visibility also makes payroll fraud easier.”

Payroll is one of the most demanding administrative functions in a business, and has dealt with information silos and sprawl for most of its existence. But this situation changed in the past decade as cloud-native platforms provide a new data feature: the single source of truth.

One set of payroll data

The concept of a single source of truth emerged in the late 20th century. Experts recognised that data repositories should be centralised, housing clean and sorted data supported by controlled access. Initially, the focus fell on data warehouses. But ‌cloud computing in the mid-2000s brought about a powerful evolution, namely the software platform.

“A platform is like a gated community for a family of specialised apps, workflows, and data storage,” says Van Wyk. “It securely shares information between different parts of the platform. For example, on our platform, the payroll engine securely shares payslips directly with employees through a self-service WhatsApp bot. Those are three different systems, but they work together as one, drawing from the same data source. You can also connect other business apps to this system. For example, we have customers who connect their finance software with the data from their payroll system.”

The cloud-native, multi-tenant platform is the pinnacle of this model. It lives on cloud infrastructure; users never have to install it on their devices, instead accessing it through a web portal. There are no silos, since everyone in the organisation uses the same software version. And the data resides in secure cloud storage that improves monitoring and backups.

The platform vendor maintains and upgrades the platform, providing unique, ring-fenced, and even branded versions to different clients. Individual users can access portals and forms relevant to their jobs. For example, managers can record timesheets and leave approvals directly, adding that information to the same data pool that payroll, HGR, and other departments such as finance use.

Better payroll security

Platforms give different staff direct access to the services they need and create a single data source. These features have major security benefits:

• Secure vendor storage: The most reputable platform vendors invest in data security features such as 256-bit encryption and ISO certifications, such as the ISO 27001:2022 international standard for information security management systems.

• Role-based access: Using a single platform makes it easy to define user roles and their rights, ensuring that people only access the features and data they need.

• Audit trails: A single platform can track everything that happens on it, creating logs and audit trails of all data movements and access.

• Free updates: Clients subscribed to the platform receive free feature and security updates, pushed by the vendor.

• Total data visibility: The business can see and access all of its data, which it can archive for backups, port to other systems, or share through API connectors.

• Approval workflows: Companies can use and design approval workflows that ensure nobody can edit data or make other changes without supervisor or management approval.

• Monitoring and incident response: As the platform custodian, the vendor can deploy 24/7 infrastructure monitoring with automated alerting and incident response procedures with SLA-backed escalation paths.

Ultimately, these are all benefits of a system that focuses on creating a single data source nestled inside a cloud-native platform. A business gains the advantages of reliable and visible data it controls, and enjoys the additional benefits of enhanced security.

“When all your information is scattered in different places, it makes you less productive and much harder to keep all that information safe,” says Van Wyk. “But keep it in one binder, and all that changes. A cloud-native platform does the same thing, but at a much larger scale and focused on crucial business functions. By creating a single data source through a cloud platform, you get many productivity and security advantages.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

About Deel Local Payroll:
Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace, revolutionises payroll management. It offers online, multi-country payroll and HR management for businesses from start-ups through to enterprise in over 40 African countries, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Brazil.

Cloud-native, Deel Local Payroll, is scalable, configurable, highly secure, and easy-to-use—delivering anytime, anywhere access. It features payroll automation, self-service features, automatic legislation and feature updates, customised reporting, and more.

Since 2024, Deel Local Payroll has been part of Deel, operating as an independent subsidiary, serving its customers through the PaySpace platform.

Source: APO

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Petromal, the Abu Dhabi-based energy group, announced today that its wholly owned upstream subsidiary, Apus Energy, is taking part in African Energy Week (AEW) 2026. Organised by the African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org), AEW runs from 12 to 16 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Apus Energy will meet governments, national oil companies, operators and investors to expand Petromal’s upstream portfolio across the continent.

Africa has long been central to Petromal’s strategy. The group has built positions across the continent’s established and emerging basins:

• Republic of the Congo: interests in producing oil fields, giving the group an established production base in one of Central Africa’s core oil provinces.
• Nigeria: gas development asset offshore Nigeria that is positioned to support the country’s growing domestic gas and energy needs.
• Guinea-Bissau: frontier exploration acreage, where Apus Energy drilled a country’s first-ever deepwater well in 2024 and is preparing its next one for 2027. Apus Energy has taken on work of the kind usually led by majors.

At AEW 2026, Apus Energy’s leadership, represented by CEO Eyas Alhomouz and CFO Anton Gedroyts, will set out Petromal’s plan to grow its African portfolio. The company is looking to acquire producing upstream assets, and to bring in partners and capital alongside its existing exploration programs.

Apus Energy delegates will be available for meetings throughout the week at the Apus Energy Lounge.

“Petromal’s commitment to Africa is long-term,” said Eyas Alhomouz, Chief Executive Officer of Petromal and Apus Energy. “From producing fields in the Republic of the Congo to gas development offshore Nigeria and frontier exploration in Guinea-Bissau, we have backed African energy because we believe in the resources and in the partners we work with. Through Apus Energy, we come to Cape Town ready to commit capital, technical capability and long-term partnership to African energy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About Petromal:
Petromal is an energy group and part of National Holding LLC. Its businesses span upstream exploration and production, through PetroNor E&P and Apus Energy, along with oilfield services, EPC and contracting, and renewable energy. The group has invested in African energy for 10 years. More information: https://www.Petromal.com.

About Apus Energy:
Apus Energy is a Dubai-registered upstream oil and gas company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Petromal. Apus Energy acquires and develops upstream assets, with existing interests in Guinea-Bissau and Mexico. More information: https://www.ApusEnergy.ae.

Source: APO

H.E. Farid Ghezali, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) has issued a direct call to African National Oil Companies (NOCs) to move beyond high-level dialogue and focus on strategic cooperation for fast tracked delivery of upstream projects and local value creation.

Speaking at the 8^th annual meeting of the CEOs of APPO NOCs at African Energy Week (AEW) on Monday, Ghezali emphasized that NOCs are no longer just oil companies, but vital platforms for national energy security and economic sovereignty.

“We have moved to how much value Africa can create from the energy it produces,” he stated, highlighting that NOCs must play a decisive role in reversing this imbalance. “To build a competitive sector, African NOCs must strengthen internal partnerships across critical areas, including refining technology, gas infrastructure, petrochemicals, and project financing.”

He urged African NOCs to combine domestic capacities, assets, and off-take agreements to de-risk projects and build a robust pipeline of bankable energy initiatives. The Secretary General highlighted the African Energy Bank as a crucial mechanism to ensure NOCs can finance strategic projects which they cooperate own to enhance regional energy sovereignty.

To ensure long-term impact, the Secretary General challenged delegates to focus on practical outcomes, asking: Which projects can our NOCs develop together? Where can we create integrated value chains? Which projects are we prepared to execute right now?

“Africa does not need an architecture of good intentions, but an architecture of delivery,” the Secretary General concluded, stressing that the true success of industry forums will be measured not by the conversations held, but by the tangible investments, implemented projects, and economic opportunities delivered to African citizens.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continues to strengthen operational readiness and sustain pressure against banditry in the North Rift, reinforcing efforts to restore lasting peace, protect communities and create a secure environment for socio-economic development.

Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, visited troops deployed under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) at Kacheliba and Kainuk Forward Operating Bases, where he assessed operational readiness, reviewed the prevailing security situation and commended personnel for their dedication to restoring stability and safeguarding lives and property.

Addressing the troops, Lieutenant General Ketter emphasised the importance of sustained vigilance, discipline, professionalism and mission focus in confronting persistent security threats. He urged personnel to maintain a high state of combat readiness, remain proactive in their operational responsibilities and respond decisively to emerging threats.

The Commander underscored the critical role of sustained security operations in denying criminal elements freedom of action, protecting vulnerable communities and consolidating security gains across the region.

The visit further reinforced the Kenya Army’s commitment to maintaining a motivated, resilient and mission-ready force capable of supporting the broader national security effort.

Through sustained operational presence and vigilance, OMU troops remain central to efforts to suppress banditry, restore public confidence and create conditions for enduring peace, stability and development in the North Rift.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

The UK branch of the National Union of Eritrean Women held its annual activity assessment meeting on 10 October in London.

At the meeting, in which 130 representatives of the union’s sub-branches took part, Mr. Saleh Abdella, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in the UK and Ireland, noted that awareness and organization are the strongest instruments and called for reinforced efforts in this regard.

Mr. Tewolde Yohannes, Head of Public and Community Affairs, provided an extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland, as well as regional and global developments, in relation to current programs and priorities. He also called for the preparation of practical future programs.

According to the report presented by Ms. Senait Haile, chairperson of the UK union branch, encouraging activities were carried out in 2026, including enhancing the awareness of members in general and heads of branches and sub-branches in particular; expanding and strengthening the union and recruiting young women; strengthening public diplomacy activities; contributing to the successful implementation of the Mendefera Training Center Project; and implementing community and national programs.

The participants held extensive discussions on the reports presented and on future programs.

At the meeting, heads and representatives of the national committee, organizations, and associations delivered messages of support for the activities of the National Union of Eritrean Women’s UK branch.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

Environmental conservation is a critical pillar of national security, climate resilience and sustainable development. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) marked National Mazingira Day 2026 through coordinated tree-growing initiatives in Narok and Laikipia counties, reinforcing its commitment to ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability.
Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, led tree-growing activities at Narok West Technical Training Institute (NWTTI) in Narok County, bringing together representatives from national and county governments, educational institutions, government agencies, the security sector, civil society organisations and local communities.

Speaking during the exercise, Hon. Tuya emphasised that environmental conservation must extend beyond planting seedlings to ensuring their survival through sustained nurturing, protection and maintenance. She called upon institutions and communities to embrace tree growing as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-day activity.

In Laikipia County, Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru led Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, civilian staff and environmental stakeholders in planting 10,000 indigenous tree seedlings at Lariak Forest.

The exercise, undertaken through the KDF Environmental Soldier Programme, focused on rehabilitating degraded forest areas, restoring biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem resilience against the effects of climate change.

The two initiatives underscored the Ministry’s strategic approach to environmental security, recognising the link between healthy ecosystems, community livelihoods, climate resilience and long-term national stability.

The activities also reinforced the Ministry’s contribution towards the Government’s ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. With more than 153 million trees planted nationwide, the Ministry of Defence continues to advance forest restoration, environmental stewardship and climate action in support of a greener, safer and more resilient Kenya.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

The Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS, has called for stronger partnerships between industry and academia to equip Kenya’s youth with practical, market-relevant skills that respond to the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

Eng. Tanui made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) Partners’ Breakfast Meeting, held under the theme “Sustainable Futures.”

The meeting was hosted by Eng. Prof. David K. Some, Chair of the RVTTI Board of Management, and Mrs. Loice Kutoh, Chief Principal and Secretary to the Board of Management.

The Principal Secretary underscored the importance of aligning technical and vocational education and training (TVET) with industry needs, noting that closer collaboration between training institutions and employers is essential to preparing graduates for meaningful employment and emerging economic opportunities.

He highlighted the role of digital technologies in transforming education, industry and the wider economy, emphasizing the need to integrate information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into technical and vocational training.

Such integration can enhance productivity, foster innovation and equip young people with the competencies required to participate effectively in Kenya’s expanding digital economy.

Eng. Tanui further called for stronger collaboration between industry and training institutions in curriculum development, industrial attachment, and practical skills training, aimed at narrowing the gap between academic qualifications and workplace demands.

He observed that sustained partnerships between industry and academia can bridge the gap between education and employment, stimulate investment, drive job creation, and foster a more competitive and resilient economy.

The engagement underscored the importance of a collaborative approach to skills development – one that brings together training institutions, industry, and government to cultivate a workforce equipped to respond to technological change and support Kenya’s long-term development aspirations.

The State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy continues to advance Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, with digital skills and human capital development serving as key foundations for inclusive growth, innovation and a sustainable digital economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), Kenya.

Source: APO

Freselam and Bahti Meskerem schools in the Central Region have encouraged outstanding students who scored high marks in the eighth-grade national examination for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Accordingly, Freselam Elementary and Junior School in Gejeret sub-zone recognized 77 outstanding students, including 50 female students, who scored 90 points or above. The school also recognized nine exemplary teachers.

Noting that 98.4% of the students who sat for the national examination obtained passing marks, Mr. Tedros Tekle, chairman of the parents’ committee, said that the number of students who obtained passing marks had increased by over 3% compared with last year.

Likewise, Bahti Meskerem Junior School in Edaga-Hamus sub-zone recognized 52 outstanding students, including 31 female students. A special award was also presented to a female student who scored 99.6 points in the national examination.

Ms. Saliha Mohammed, administrator of the sub-zone, called on the award-winning students to work hard and excel in their high school education.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.