Category: MIL-OSI

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Heinous Iranian Attacks Targeting Military Camp, Power and Desalination Plant in Kuwait

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | March 30, 2026

The State of Qatar strongly condemns the heinous Iranian attacks that targeted a military camp and a power and water desalination plant in the sisterly State of Kuwait, which resulted in injuries to members of the armed forces, and considers it a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and the principles of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the need to stop the unjustified Iranian attacks on brotherly countries. It also affirms the State of Qatar full solidarity with the State of Kuwait and its support for all measures taken by Kuwait to preserve its sovereignty and security.

The Ministry expresses the State of Qatar wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured, praying to Allah Almighty to protect Kuwait and its people from all harm.

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Investing for a better SA 

Source: Government of South Africa

Investing for a better SA 

South Africa is choosing momentum over hesitation. At a time when global markets are marked by volatility and investor caution, the country is pressing ahead with its sixth Investment Conference – a signal that it intends not to retreat, but to compete.

On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa will convene the latest gathering in Johannesburg, positioning South Africa not just as the southern gateway to the continent, but as a resilient, reforming economy – actively making its case for global capital.

While South Africa is by no means sheltered from the heightened volatility in global energy markets arising from the tensions in the Middle East, the ongoing tensions involving the Gaza Strip and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the conference is an important element on the South African calendar.

As more than 31 country representatives make their way to Mzansi for the conference, South Africa’s message to the world is clear: “South Africa is open for business and has entered a delivery-focused phase of economic reform.” 
 

And that is not just a tagline, because, since the last investment conference held in 2023, work has been ongoing to realise the investment pledges made during the course of the five editions of the conference. 

These pledges cut across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing and the automotive sector. Despite the two-year hiatus since the last conference was held, the spadework to bring the pledges into meaningful, real-life projects that advance the country’s development and improve citizens’ lives, has not stopped.

For example, mobility fintech company, Moove – which also operates in cities across Europe and India, amongst others, pledged R248 million of investment at the fifth conference held in April 2023. The funds were invested in the purchase of over 2 000 vehicles in Cape Town and Johannesburg. These vehicles were deployed to mobility entrepreneurs operating in these cities. 

Meanwhile, the 2022 edition of the gathering saw German automaker BMW pledge R800 million. Just last July, President Ramaphosa attended the launch of the automaker’s new X3 plug-in hybrid model at its Rosslyn plant in Gauteng. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model.  The last conference saw mobile communications company Vodacom pledge to invest in the global business services, ICT and digital services category. At the fifth conference, the company announced that it had pledged an additional R60 billion over the next five years. This came after it delivered on its promise to invest R50 billion over five years in 2018.

This time around, South Africa has set itself the target of raising R2 trillion in new investments over the next five years on the back of the R1.5 trillion raised over five years since the inaugural conference of 2018.
Despite the changing global landscape over the years, over R600 billion has flowed into projects, including new factories and mine facilities, that have been opened every year.

What this shows is that previous editions of the conference have not been once-off events but have produced concrete results as projects have been and continue to be followed through.

The hosting of the conference shows that the country is not tone-deaf to its own challenges and that investment by both domestic and international firms, plays an important role in addressing challenges that include poverty and unemployment.

While it is known that the country surpassed its initial R1.2 trillion investment target, South Africa has continued to put its house in order through reforms made possible by vehicles like Operation Vulindlela. Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury which aims to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth through a programme of far-reaching economic reform. 

The country has also seen a 1.1% economic growth in 2025, following the recent release of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, which showed a 0.4% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The fact that the country officially exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in October 2025, also shows the progress the country is making.

Further progress was also evidenced in S&P Global Ratings’ (S&P) November 2025 move to bump up South Africa’s foreign currency long-term sovereign credit rating. At the time, National Treasury said the credit rating upgrade marked the first upgrade for South Africa by any of the major credit rating agencies in over 16 years. 

While the quest for investments is important for our prosperity, prosperity does not mean that South Africa is heading down a protectionist path of only looking out for itself.

Investment in South Africa does not only translate to rands and cents and infrastructure development among others, but also comes with skills transfer, jobs and new technologies among others.
Given the country’s strategic position on the continent, this will be helpful in advancing our contribution to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The free trade agreement seeks to bring together members of the African Union into a combined market. It establishes a framework for tariff liberalisation across the African continent and harmonises trade-related rules to encourage greater flows of intra-African trade and investment. 

The South African Investment Conference has proven itself not to be a vehicle of broken promises but has proven itself to be an instrument that has brought tangible investment to a country that is not without its challenges, but working towards a brighter future. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

Neo

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Marriott International fait son entrée au Cap Vert avec l’ouverture du Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) a officiellement ouvert le Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort, marquant l’entrée très attendue du groupe au Cap‑Vert. Situé au‑dessus de la plage de Laginha, au cœur du pôle culturel de São Vicente, l’hôtel allie la détente propre à un resort à des services adaptés aux voyageurs d’affaires sur l’île.

« Le Cap‑Vert est reconnu pour son esprit vibrant, sa beauté naturelle et son attractivité croissante à l’échelle mondiale, ce qui en fait un ajout passionnant à notre réseau de destinations internationales », déclare Sandra Schulze‑Potgieter, Vice‑Présidente, Premium, Select & Midscale Brand Management, EMEA, Marriott International. « São Vicente est la destination idéale pour introduire le tout premier resort Four Points by Sheraton de la région, offrant un véritable ancrage local associé à des panoramas spectaculaires, ainsi qu’au service authentique, au confort et au style moderne caractéristiques de la marque. »

Niché dans une baie en forme de croissant à Mindelo, ville portuaire du nord de l’île de São Vicente connue pour son carnaval haut en couleur et animé, le Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort se distingue par un design moderne évoquant une atmosphère estivale et décontractée. Les espaces publics et les 127 chambres et suites spacieuses sont décorés de mobilier en bois, de luminaires fabriqués à la main, de panneaux muraux décoratifs et de sols en carreaux de ciment à motifs. L’esthétique épurée et fonctionnelle propre à Four Points by Sheraton s’harmonise avec les couleurs audacieuses, les textures et les éléments naturels de la destination.

Le design du Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort s’inspire profondément du caractère et de la culture uniques de l’île. Puisant dans la patine du temps visible sur l’architecture locale, les rythmes vibrants de la scène musicale emblématique de Mindelo et l’esprit détendu de la vie en bord de mer, les intérieurs ont été pensés pour offrir une expérience à la fois authentiquement locale et naturellement confortable. La collection artistique présente un mélange soigneusement sélectionné de peintures de l’artiste Raya Salman, ainsi que des œuvres photographiques du photographe Joe Wuerfel, dont l’objectif capture l’essence du Cap‑Vert depuis plus de 25 ans. L’hôtel exposera également des œuvres de deux artistes capverdiens, renforçant ainsi l’ancrage local de l’espace.

Le Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort offre un accès direct aux eaux cristallines de la plage de Laginha grâce à une passerelle située au premier étage, où se trouvent également une piscine à débordement et un bar. L’offre de restauration comprend Bayview, proposant des saveurs internationales du lever au coucher du soleil ; Ocean Lounge, un espace social animé en bord de piscine ; ainsi que le Skybar, prochainement ouvert, offrant une expérience sur le toit avec une vue panoramique.

Les autres installations de l’hôtel incluent un centre de conférences doté de trois salles de réunion et d’autres espaces polyvalents pour événements et rassemblements, un centre de fitness entièrement équipé offrant des vues spectaculaires sur l’océan et la piscine, ainsi que le spa Essência, comprenant quatre salles de soins, un sauna, un hammam turc et un jacuzzi. L’établissement propose également le programme emblématique Best Brews™ de Four Points by Sheraton, mettant à l’honneur une bière artisanale locale.

L’ouverture du Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort célèbre plusieurs étapes majeures pour Marriott International :

  • L’entrée officielle de Marriott International au Cap‑Vert, ainsi que l’ouverture du 500ᵉ hôtel « select service » du groupe dans la région EMEA.
  • La toute première offre resort de la marque Four Points by Sheraton en Afrique, proposant le confort fiable et les standards constants de la marque aux voyageurs à la recherche d’un hébergement et d’expériences de loisirs à un excellent rapport qualité‑prix.

Sandra Schulze‑Potgieter ajoute :« Aujourd’hui, nos hôtels select service représentent plus de 30 % de notre portefeuille EMEA, et cette 500ᵉ ouverture emblématique souligne la forte demande pour une hôtellerie accessible, cohérente et moderne dans la région, tout en reflétant la puissance et la crédibilité de nos marques sur ce segment. »

Distribué par APO Group pour Marriott International, Inc..

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À propos de Marriott International :
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq : MAR), dont le siège est situé à Bethesda, Maryland, États‑Unis, regroupe un portefeuille de marques couvrant les segments luxe, premium, select, midscale, long séjour et tout‑inclus, avec plus de 9 800 établissements dans 145 pays et territoires au 31 décembre 2025.Marriott franchise, exploite et concède sous licence des hôtels, résidences, résidences de vacances, yachts, hébergements de plein air et autres produits d’hébergement à travers le monde. Le groupe propose Marriott Bonvoy®, sa plateforme de voyage primée. Pour plus d’informations, rendez‑vous sur www.Marriott.com, et pour les dernières actualités du groupe, consultez www.MarriottNewsCenter.com. 

À propos de Four Points by Sheraton® : 
Four Points by Sheraton est une marque internationale comptant plus de 375 hôtels dans plus de 45 pays et territoires. Chez Four Points, le voyage est réinventé en associant des classiques intemporels à des touches modernes, avec un service authentique dans une atmosphère décontractée à travers le monde. Les hôtels Four Points sont présents au cœur des centres urbains, près des plages, des aéroports ou en périphérie des villes. Chaque établissement offre un cadre familier pour se détendre, avec une véritable immersion locale, permettant notamment de regarder des événements sportifs et de profiter du programme Best Brews®. Four Points participe fièrement à Marriott Bonvoy®, le programme de voyage mondial de Marriott International, offrant un portefeuille exceptionnel de marques, des expériences exclusives via Marriott Bonvoy Moments, ainsi que des avantages incomparables tels que des nuits gratuites et la reconnaissance du statut Elite. L’inscription est gratuite sur www.MarriottBonvoy.com. Pour en savoir plus sur Four Points, rendez‑vous sur www.Four-Points.Marriott.com.

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Marriott International Makes its Entry into Cape Verde with the Opening of Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort

Source: APO

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) celebrates the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort (http://apo-opa.co/4tfdwkb), marking the company’s highly anticipated debut into Cape Verde. Situated above Laginha Beach within the cultural hub of São Vicente, the hotel blends resort-style relaxation with business-ready convenience on the island.

“Cape Verde is known for its vibrant spirit, natural beauty and growing global appeal, making it an exciting addition to our network of global destinations,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brand Management, EMEA, Marriott International.  “São Vicente is the ideal destination for us to introduce Four Points by Sheraton’s first resort in the region, offering an authentic sense of place paired with breathtaking vistas along with the brand’s genuine service, comfort and modern style.”

Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort is nestled within a crescent-shaped bay in Mindelo, a port city in Northern São Vicente Island known for its colorful and animated carnival celebrations.  The resort features modern design that encapsulates a relaxing summer feel throughout its public spaces and 127 spacious guestrooms and suites, which are adorned with wooden furniture, crafted light fixtures, decorative wall plates and patterned cement tile flooring.  The clean, functional aesthetics of Four Points by Sheraton are thoughtfully harmonized with the destination’s bold colors, textures, and natural elements.

The design of Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort is deeply inspired by the island’s distinctive character and culture. Drawing from the weathered patina of local architecture, the vibrant rhythms of Mindelo’s renowned musical heritage, and the relaxed spirit of seaside living, the resort’s interiors have been conceived to offer an experience that feels both authentically local and effortlessly comfortable. The art collection shows a curated blend of paintings by artist Raya Salman, and photographic pieces by photographer Joe Wuerfel, whose lens has captured the essence of Cape Verde for more than 25 years. The hotel will also present select works by two Cape Verdean artists, further grounding the space in local creative expression.

Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort offers direct access to the pristine waters of Laginha beach via a skybridge on the first floor, which is also home to an infinity edge pool and pool bar. Culinary offerings at the resort include Bayview, serving global flavors from sunrise to sunset; Ocean Lounge offers a vibrant, poolside social hub; and the soon-to-open Skybar provides a rooftop escape with panoramic views.  

Other facilities at the resort include a conference center with three meeting rooms and other multi-purpose spaces for events and gatherings, a fully equipped fitness center with stunning ocean and pool views and the Essência spa featuring four treatment rooms, a sauna, Turkish steam bath and jacuzzi.  The property also features Four Points by Sheraton’s signature Best Brews™ program with a local craft beer.

The opening of Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort Celebrates Multiple Milestones for Marriott International:

  • Marriott’s official entry into Cape Verde the company’s 500th operating select service hotel in its EMEA region.
  • The first-ever resort offering under Four Points by Sheraton in the Africa region, delivering the brand’s reliable comfort and consistent standards to travellers seeking accommodation and leisure facilities and experiences at an affordable value.

Schulze-Potgieter added, “Our select service hotels today represents more than 30 percent of our EMEA portfolio, and this 500th milestone opening underscores the strong demand for consistent and modern hospitality in the region and reflects the power and credibility of our brands in the segment.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

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About Marriott International:
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of compelling brands across luxury, premium, select, midscale, extended stay, and all-inclusive, with over 9,800 properties in 145 countries and territories, as of December 31, 2025. Marriott franchises, operates, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, yacht, outdoor, and other lodging products all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewsCenter.com.

About Four Points by Sheraton®:
Four Points by Sheraton is a global brand with over 375 hotels in over 45 countries and territories. At Four Points, travel is reinvented where timeless classics are woven with modern details, paired with genuine service in a casual environment around the world. Four Points hotels can be found in the heart of urban centers, near the beach, by the airport, or in the suburbs. Each hotel offers a familiar place to kick back and relax with an authentic sense of the local, where guests can watch sports and enjoy the brand’s Best Brews® program. Four Points is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments (http://apo-opa.co/4sERI1J) and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. To learn more about Four Points, visit us online (http://apo-opa.co/4tfVRJs).

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President Ramaphosa to address Sixth South Africa Investment Conference

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, address the Sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Launched in 2018 by President Ramaphosa, the South Africa Investment Conference has become the country’s premier platform for attracting both domestic and international investors, and for showcasing South Africa’s investment potential and sustained economic reforms.

The South Africa Investment Conference is the country’s flagship platform to position South Africa as a credible, competitive and forward-looking investment destination in a rapidly changing global economy.

Anchored in the theme “Invest. Partner. Prosper.”, the Conference brings together government, global investors, development finance institutions and strategic partners to advance investment-led growth and strengthen South Africa’s role as a gateway for investment into the African continent.

The Investment Conference is structured as a coherent investment platform that moves from reform credibility to investor confidence, to deployable opportunities and long-term global partnerships, ensuring alignment between South Africa’s domestic development priorities and international investment interests.

The 2026 conference marks a strategic transition from high-level planning to a focused phase of delivery, as government accelerates the implementation of investment commitments.

The conference aims to mobilise investors as South Africa targets an additional R2 trillion in investment commitments over the next five years, building on the success of the first five conferences which collectively secured R1.5 trillion in commitments, with over R600 billion already invested in the economy.

These investments have contributed to the establishment of new factories, mines and industrial facilities, playing a critical role in advancing South Africa’s socio-economic development through job creation, poverty reduction and efforts to address inequality.

Held under the framework of the “3Ds” — Digitisation, Decarbonisation and Diversification — the conference positions South Africa as a competitive, reforming and future-focused economy, while highlighting opportunities in technology, clean energy and expanded trade partnerships across the African continent.

The conference also serves as the formal launch platform of South Africa’s Second Investment Drive and is aligned with the priorities of the 7th Administration, including inclusive economic growth, employment creation, infrastructure development and economic reform.

The conference takes place at a time of improved investor confidence, underpinned by progress in key structural reforms, including enhanced energy reliability, infrastructure development and economic recovery initiatives.

President Ramaphosa will address the conference as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Time: 09h00
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Dutch Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 29, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has received a telephone call from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Tom Berendsen.

 The call discussed the developments in the military escalation in the region and its perilous consequences on regional and global security and stability, as well as avenues for resolving disputes through peaceful means.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored during the call that it is important to cease the unprovoked Iranian attacks on Qatar and the countries in the region, warning of the irresponsible targeting of critical infrastructure, particularly those related to water, food, and energy facilities.

His Excellency further stressed the criticality of strengthening coordination, ramping up combined efforts, returning to the dialogue table, and urging cooler heads to prevail to contain the crisis, in pursuit of ensuring global energy security, freedom of navigation, and environmental safety, as well as preserving the stability of the region.

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Indian Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha |March 29, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of India to the State of Qatar Vipul.
Discussions during the meeting centered on the bilateral relations between the two nations, as well as a variety of issues of shared concern.
The Minister of State for International Cooperation underlined, during the meeting, the importance of galvanizing international support for the immediate cessation of any escalatory actions and returning to the dialogue table as well as working to contain tensions, thereby safeguarding the region’s security and stability.

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Qatar Participates in 165th Session of Arab League Council at Ministerial Level

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 29, 2026

The State of Qatar participated on Sunday in the 165th session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level, held virtually.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired Qatar delegation.
The meeting discussed the targeting of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab states that have been subjected to Iranian attacks. 

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China Extends New Grant Support as Seychelles and China Deepen Strategic Partnership

Source: APO – Report:

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The People’s Republic of China has extended a new grant of RMB 100 million (approximately SCR 220 million) to support priority development projects in Seychelles, as reaffirmed during a courtesy call by the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Han Zheng, on the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie, at State House today.

The announcement set the tone for wide-ranging and constructive discussions, reflecting the strength and maturity of the Seychelles–China relationship, which continues to evolve under the recently elevated Strategic Partnership and as both countries prepare to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.

President Herminie welcomed Vice President Han and conveyed his warm greetings to President Xi Jinping, expressing appreciation for China’s longstanding and consistent support to Seychelles’ socio-economic development. He reaffirmed Seychelles’ unwavering commitment to the One China policy and its principled position on respect for sovereignty and non-interference.

The President highlighted the tangible progress achieved through bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and maritime security, noting that China remains one of Seychelles’ most valued development partners.

Vice President Han, reflecting on his visit across Seychelles, noted that he had witnessed firsthand the fruits of development to which China has contributed, with China-aided projects delivering concrete benefits to the Seychellois people. He commended the country’s development trajectory and the Government’s people-centred approach, observing that President Herminie’s vision of “for the many, not the few” resonates closely with China’s own development philosophy of placing people at the centre of progress.

He further reaffirmed that China remains committed to fairness and justice in international affairs and will continue to stand on the right side of history, while working to advance the shared interests of developing countries. Vice President Han expressed appreciation for Seychelles’ consistent support to China at the international level and underscored the importance President Xi Jinping attaches to relations with Seychelles and African partners more broadly.

Reiterating China’s confidence in Seychelles’ current governance and development direction, Vice President Han affirmed China’s readiness to continue supporting the country’s national development priorities, in line with the consensus reached between the two nations.

Discussions also focused on expanding economic cooperation, including Seychelles’ preparedness to benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries. Both sides welcomed progress towards the Early Harvest Arrangement, expected to take effect on 1 May 2026, which will further enhance trade opportunities.

Tourism and people-to-people exchanges featured prominently, with both leaders acknowledging the strong potential to further grow Chinese visitor arrivals and deepen cultural ties through improved connectivity.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, underscoring the importance of dialogue, stability, and adherence to international law in addressing current challenges.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue advancing the Seychelles–China Strategic Partnership, guided by mutual respect, solidarity, and a common vision for sustainable and inclusive development.

Following the courtesy call, Vice President H.E. Mr. Han Zheng and Vice President Sebastien Pillay co-hosted a delegation meeting attended by all Seychelles Ministers. The discussions focused on elevating the Seychelles–China Strategic Partnership to new heights and strengthening cooperation across all ministerial sectors.

During the meeting, both sides dicussed the China–Seychelles Zero Tariff Agreement, to further enhance bilateral trade and economic ties. Vice President Pillay reiterated Seychelles’ steadfast support for the One China Policy and noted that negotiations on the Early Harvest Arrangement under the Zero Tariff Agreement have been successfully completed, paving the way for a strengthened economic partnership for shared development.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Staff Mutual Credit Union Records Strong Growth, Declares Increased Dividends at Annual General Meeting

Source: APO – Report:

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The ECOWAS Staff Mutual Credit Union (ESMCU) has announced significant financial growth and introduced new welfare–driven initiatives during its Annual General Meeting (AGM), reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the financial wellbeing of staff across ECOWAS institutions.

The meeting brought together the President of the Union, Mr. Jimmy Ife-Ilori, representatives from key ECOWAS institutions including the Commission and Parliament, as well as participants joining both physically and virtually. In his opening remarks, Mr. Ife-Ilori welcomed attendees and highlighted the Union’s strong financial performance over the past year.

He reported a 13% increase in wealth creation compared to the previous year and announced an 11% rise in dividends, describing these achievements as “significant milestones and a clear indication of the soundness of our financial management.”

Representing the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, the Acting Secretary-General, Mr. Muazu Umar, conveyed the Commission’s goodwill and reflected on the evolving regional context. He noted that ECOWAS is currently navigating complex geopolitical challenges, including the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger and the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States, developments that continue to shape the Community’s institutional and operational landscape.

Emphasizing staff welfare, Mr. Umar underscored the need for innovative approaches beyond traditional frameworks. He commended the Credit Union’s role in providing a financial safety net through its savings and loan schemes, while encouraging more ambitious solutions to support staff in a changing environment. He also highlighted the opportunities presented by the new ECOWAS headquarters—“the Eye of West Africa”—to foster a more supportive and inclusive workplace.

Goodwill messages from representatives of various ECOWAS institutions further reinforced the importance of the Credit Union’s initiatives in improving staff welfare and financial stability.

During the AGM, members approved the Union’s annual reports and financial statements and formally declared dividends for the year. The Union also unveiled a new digital platform, marking a major step toward financial inclusivity. The platform introduces multi-currency functionality, enabling members earning in U.S. dollars to save and receive dividends in dollars addressing previous limitations tied to the exclusive use of the CFA franc.

In addition, the Union launched ECOMART, an innovative service designed to enhance convenience for members. The platform allows staff to purchase goods in bulk through a “buy now, pay later” model, with payments deducted from salaries over time. Products ordered through ECOMART are delivered within three to five days, further supporting ease of access and affordability.

The AGM concluded with a renewed commitment from the ECOWAS Staff Mutual Credit Union to strengthen financial empowerment, expand member-focused services, and contribute meaningfully to staff welfare across ECOWAS institutions.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).