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Ethiopia and Italy Launch €1.7 Million Project to Boost Post-Conflict Resilience and Heritage Conservation in Tigray’s Wukro-Gheralta Belt

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have signed a landmark agreement launching a two-year initiative titled “Supporting Community Resilience through Community-Based Tourism and Heritage Conservation in the Wukro-Gheralta Belt, Tigray, Ethiopia.”.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Semereta Sewasew, State Minister at the Ministry of Finance, and H.E. Agostino Palese, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia. The €1.7 million project marks a renewed phase of cooperation between the two nations, aiming to promote sustainable livelihoods, peacebuilding, and cultural preservation in post-conflict areas.

H.E. Semereta Sewasew highlighted that the initiative carries both symbolic and strategic value, representing another milestone in the long-standing friendship between Ethiopia and the Italian Republic, rooted in shared history and sustained by mutual cooperation. She expressed gratitude for the Government of Italy’s solidarity, noting that by investing in heritage and people, “this initiative will help restore hope, create jobs, and preserve our cultural identity for future generations,”. She emphasized that the project reflects a shared conviction that cultural heritage, when integrated into local economies, serves as a powerful driver of resilience, identity, and inclusive growth. Furthermore, she added that tourism, when rooted in communities, is about empowerment, ensuring that local people become both custodians and beneficiaries of the heritage they preserve.

The project aligns directly with the post-conflict recovery agenda of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and Ethiopia’s Ten-Year Development Plan (2021–2030), which recognizes sustainable tourism as a key engine of local development and cultural diplomacy.

H.E. Agostino Palese, Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia, reaffirmed Italy’s long-standing partnership and commitment, stating that the project reflects a shared belief that “culture and tourism can be powerful engines of peace, resilience, and prosperity,”. The Ambassador noted that this agreement constitutes a step towards guaranteeing development in the tourist sector, complementing efforts in other areas such as the health sector.

The two-year initiative is set to revitalize the Wukro–Gheralta Belt, an area home to extraordinary cultural treasures that has faced adversity in recent years. The project focuses on the restoration of historical sites and the development of inclusive, community-based tourism enterprises.

The signing ceremony concludes Ambassador Agostino Palese’s final term as Italy’s ambassador to Ethiopia, with Ethiopia recognizing his dedication, friendship, and valuable contributions to bilateral relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia.

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Burundi : Commémoration du 64ème anniversaire de l’assassinat du prince Rwagasore

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République du Burundi Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, en compagnie d’autres hauts dignitaires du pays, a rehaussé de sa présence les cérémonies du 13 octobre où les Burundais commémorent le 64e anniversaire de l’assassinat du Prince Louis Rwagasore, Héros de l’indépendance du Burundi.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a d’abord procédé au dépôt des gerbes de fleurs sur la tombe de l’Illustre disparu au mausolée sis à Vugizo, en commune Mukaza de la province Bujumbura.

Les cérémonies ont continué par une célébration eucharistique en sa mémoire à la Cathédrale Regina Mundi. Et sur base des textes liturgiques du jour (Romains1,1-7 et Luc 11, 29-32), le Vicaire Général de l’Archidiocèse de Bujumbura Anatole RUGERINYANGE a appelé chaque chrétien à vivre l’identité chrétienne, à croître dans la foi, à être partisan de l’unité et du respect de la personne humaine.

Il a apprécié positivement l’engagement du Président Ndayishimiye à œuvrer dans la continuité du Prince Louis Rwagasore, surtout en matière du respect des droits de l’homme et de son développement.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Le Bénin remporte le trophée d’Or à l’Exposition Universelle Osaka 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Une consécration internationale pour un pavillon qui a su conjuguer culture, diplomatie, art de vivre et innovation

À l’approche de la clôture de l’Exposition Universelle Osaka 2025, le Pavillon du Bénin a été distingué par le Trophée d’Or dans la catégorie “Exhibition and Design”, décerné par le Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) et le Comité d’organisation japonais. Cette distinction prestigieuse vient couronner six (06) mois d’un engagement exceptionnel et d’un rayonnement sans précédent, porté par la créativité, la rigueur et la vision du Bénin depuis l’ouverture officielle de l’Expo, le 13 avril dernier.

Une reconnaissance mondiale du savoir-faire béninois

Dès les premiers jours, le Pavillon du Bénin s’est imposé comme l’un des plus remarquables de cette Exposition Universelle, attirant un public nombreux, conquis par la scénographie immersive, la richesse artistique et la profondeur symbolique du concept « Benin Horizons : A Journey of Culture and Opportunities ». À travers ses espaces, le Bénin a su raconter une histoire : celle d’un pays aux racines profondes et à l’avenir assumé, où la tradition et la modernité dialoguent avec élégance. Des milliers de visiteurs venus d’Asie, d’Europe, d’Afrique et d’Amérique ont découvert la diversité de son patrimoine, la puissance de son art contemporain, la beauté de ses paysages et la singularité de sa diplomatie culturelle. Ce Trophée d’Or obtenu dans la catégorie “Exhibition and Design” vient récompenser la qualité esthétique, narrative et émotionnelle de l’expérience proposée par le Pavillon. De la Journée nationale du 29 août à la semaine de dégustation de l’ananas ‘’Pain de Sucre‘’, en passant par l’exposition “Les Amazones de l’Art” au Women’s Pavilion – Cartier, chaque moment a incarné le soft power béninois : un art d’être, un art de dire et un art de vivre.

Un pavillon symbole d’excellence et d’unité nationale

L’obtention de ce Trophée d’Or est bien plus qu’une distinction thématique: c’est une victoire collective. Elle honore le travail accompli par l’ensemble des équipes béninoises mobilisées depuis plusieurs années, concepteurs, artistes, scénographes, artisans, techniciens et communicants. Sous la coordination du Commissariat général du Pavillon du Bénin, cette oeuvre commune a su fédérer les talents et incarner la cohérence d’une nation qui s’affirme comme une voix forte du continent africain sur la scène mondiale.

RÉACTIONS :

M. Yannis ADEBIAYE, Commissaire général du Pavillon du Bénin : « Recevoir le Trophée d’Or de l’Exposition Universelle d’Osaka dans la catégorie Exhibition and Design est une immense fierté pour le Bénin. C’est la reconnaissance d’un travail collectif, d’une vision partagée et d’un engagement sans faille. Depuis le premier jour, notre pavillon a été pensé comme un espace d’émotion, de rencontre et de fierté. Aujourd’hui, cette distinction consacre notre ambition : montrer au monde que le Bénin est un Monde de Splendeurs. »

Mme Carole BORNA, Directrice du Pavillon du Bénin : « Nous n’avons pas seulement voulu exposer de beaux objets ou des artefacts témoignant de la richesse de notre patrimoine. À travers cette présence, nous avons voulu raconter une histoire : celle d’un Bénin fier de ses racines, ancré dans ses traditions, mais résolument tourné vers le futur et ouvert au monde. »

Le Bénin, un Monde de Splendeurs reconnu à l’international

Ce Trophée d’or dans la catégorie “Exhibition and Design” vient consacrer le rôle central du Bénin dans la diplomatie culturelle africaine contemporaine. À Osaka, le pays a su imposer son élégance, sa créativité et son hospitalité comme des atouts de rayonnement mondial. Le Pavillon béninois a proposé une expérience complète :

› Culturelle, par la mise en avant d’artistes et d’artisans qui traduisent la vitalité de la création béninoise ;

› Patrimoniale, à travers un récit ancré dans l’histoire, les traditions et les savoirs du pays ;

› Économique, en valorisant les filières d’excellence et les opportunités de développement durable issues des secteurs porteurs du pays ;

› Innovante, par l’usage de nouvelles technologies et d’expériences immersives pour raconter le Bénin autrement ;

› Diplomatique, par la qualité des échanges et des partenariats tissés avec les institutions japonaises et internationales ;

› Et enfin, un véritable art de vivre, exprimé dans chaque détail, chaque mise en scène, chaque rencontre, reflétant la douceur et la fierté béninoises.

Une vitrine du savoir-être béninois

Soutenue par le Ministère du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts, le Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances et le Ministère des Affaires Étrangères, et placée sous le pilotage de Bénin Tourisme, l’agence nationale en charge de la promotion de la Destination Bénin, la participation du Bénin à l’Exposition universelle d’Osaka a été imaginée comme une immersion totale dans la richesse du pays : un voyage à travers les arts, les traditions et la modernité. Cet appui institutionnel a donné sens, cohérence et ambition à la présence béninoise, traduisant la volonté du gouvernement de faire de la culture et du tourisme un levier d’attractivité, de développement et de rayonnement international. Le Pavillon du Bénin s’est ainsi imposé comme un lieu de découverte, d’apprentissage et d’émerveillement, où chaque visiteur est reparti avec une émotion, une image ou une saveur d’une destination  internationale singulière.

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

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Expand North Star by GITEX GLOBAL helps to scale startups from 180 countries

Source: APO – Report:

Reflecting Expand North Star’s (https://ExpandNorthStar.com/) international significance as the world’s largest startup and investor event, part of GITEX GLOBAL, the show’s 10th anniversary edition has attracted over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries, including Brazil as a Country Partner, and all-new participation from Ecuador and Chile. With global venture capital investment totalling US$368 billion in 2024 [1], the show’s role in helping to scale the worldwide digital ecosystem has become increasingly important.

Expand North Star’s four-day programme, running from 12-15 October, was created to elevate funding, scaling, and deal-flow levels to new heights – catalysing new partnerships and driving inclusive digital growth across emerging AI economies. 

Building Bridges to Brazil, and Beyond

As the show’s first ever official Country Partner, Brazil is well represented, with over 50 of the country’s most dynamic startups exhibiting at Expand North Star 2025. Tatiana Riera, Chief Operating Officer at the Dubai Office of ApexBrasil, Brazil’s national trade and investment promotion agency, highlighted the UAE’s crucial role in fostering innovation and building international partnerships in her opening remarks at Expand North Star on 12 October.

She said: “Today, Brazil is home to one of the world’s biggest ecosystems for startups, venture capital and private equity, with more than 20,000 in the country. ApexBrasil is at Expand North Star to build bridges between Brazil and all over the world – especially here in Dubai. Dubai Chamber is one of our greatest partners, which is why the event is so important for us. It’s not just about showcasing startups, but also about co-creating the future between Brazil and UAE, and between Brazil and the rest of the world – that’s our agenda at Expand North Star.”

New Exhibitors, New Markets

Since the inaugural edition in 2016, Expand North Star has continued to expand its global footprint and reputation, drawing founders, investors, entrepreneurs, business execs, and strategic public-private partners from across the globe, including all-new countries.

One of these first-time exhibitors is Ecuador. Speaking at Expand North Star, Mr Felipe Ribadeneira – Ecuadorian Ambassador to the UAE, said it was important for Ecuador to be present at GITEX. “We’re proud to showcase more than 22 Ecuadorian companies, including 20 startups, offering solutions from AI-driven banking to advanced medical technologies,” he said.

“Dubai and the UAE are investing boldly to become a global hub for data and artificial intelligence, and we see tremendous opportunity to build with that momentum. In February, at the World Government Summit, we expect to sign a significant memorandum to establish a technology logistics corridor – another step toward a deeper, truly win-win partnership between Ecuador and the UAE.”

Chile is also making its Expand North Star debut, with 12 innovative service companies, spanning such diverse sectors such as mining, education, finance, construction and entertainment. In addition, the Chile-Dubai Innovation Summit, hosted at the Chilean Pavilion, will help Chile expand its presence in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries, supporting the diversification of Chile’s exports.

Expanding Capital Markets

In addition to opening access to new markets, the show acts as a magnet for leading global venture capitalists and private equity investors – all looking to discover the next unicorn. The 1,200 investors attending GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star have more than US$1.1 trillion in assets under management (AUM) – an astonishing reflection of the shows’ economic impact and worldwide influence.

Dr. Jorg Goschin, the CEO of KFW Capital, praised the UAE’s innovation focus, citing it as a natural partner to those looking to scale opportunities from European Markets. Speaking at a panel discussion during the show, ‘Driving Venture Capital Growth and Innovation with Sovereign Wealth Funds’, Dr. Goschin said: “Our goal is not only to fund European and German funds and late-stage companies, but to make the venture market more accessible – more transparency, more secondary market options, and less bureaucracy. When investors can see performance and have clear exit pathways, they invest. Here in the UAE, with its appetite for technology and global capital, we see real potential to accelerate co-investment into high-quality European innovation.”

Global Partnerships for Growth

Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, signed exciting partnerships with international entities during the show’s first day at Dubai Harbour. The agreements cover a range of countries and include partnerships with Presight, 28 Digital, ApexBrasil, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. The partnerships serve to further cement Dubai World Trade Centre’s standing as an inclusive global platform from which 8,000+ founders have scaled their businesses over the years.

GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star reflect Dubai government’s ambition to foster innovation and attract global talent, while generating 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and creating at least 10 unicorns – companies with valuations exceeding US$1 billion – by 2031.

For more information, please visit: https://ExpandNorthStar.com/.

[1] Source: https://apo-opa.co/4q9LI06

– on behalf of Expand North Star.

Link to Press Kit Here (https://apo-opa.co/43bEDSD)

Media Contact:
Tayce Marchesi
PR Manager
DWTC
tayce.marchesi@dwtc.com
+971 58 552 3994

Mai Bakry
Sr. PR Manager
Seven Media
maibakry@sevenmedia.ae
gitex@sevenmedia.ae
+971 55 611 3550

#ExpandNorthStar #GITEX GLOBAL
Follow Expand North Star on Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4mYriEB
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About Expand North Star: 
Expand North Star is the startup showcase part of the world’s largest technology and AI event, GITEX GLOBAL. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Expand North Star 2025 runs from 12-15 October 2025 at Dubai Harbour, positioned as the world’s largest startup and investor connector event. The show convenes over 2,000 startups, more than 40 unicorns, and 1,200 investors with a combined US$1.1 trillion in assets under management (AUM), with the highest percentage of growth and late-stage startups participating in any tech show. In parallel, GITEX GLOBAL celebrates its 45th edition this year, running from 13-17 October 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring over 6,800 exhibitors, and tech participation from 180 countries. In 2026, GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star reunite in a new home at the Dubai Exhibition Centre – Expo City Dubai, with a new format that begins on 7 December with the GITEX Scale Summit, followed by an immersive Exhibition from 8-11 December. Recognised as the world’s largest technology and AI event brand, GITEX now spans 14 cities across multiple continents. More information: https://ExpandNorthStar.com/

 

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Expand North Star 2025 by GITEX GLOBAL opens today, celebrating ten years of startup innovation with its biggest edition yet

Source: APO – Report:

  • The world’s largest startup and investor connector event runs from 12-15 October at Dubai Harbour – welcoming over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries  
  • Thousands attend opening day as new partnerships, prototypes, and unicorns spanning AI, climate tech, deep tech, digital health, and fintech unveiled  

Expand North Star by GITEX GLOBAL (https://ExpandNorthStar.com) is officially underway in the UAE as the world’s largest startup and investor connector event launched its landmark 10th anniversary in thrilling fashion on Sunday alongside thousands of local and international visitors. 

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Expand North Star 2025 runs at Dubai Harbour from 12-15 October – convening leading founders, investors, entrepreneurs, business executives, and strategic public-private partners from across the globe. Its four-day programme is poised to elevate funding, scaling, and deal-flow levels – catalysing new partnerships and driving inclusive digital growth across emerging AI economies.   

The UAE: Charting a Course to Global Startup Supremacy  

Since debuting in 2016, Expand North Star has become an epicentre of collaboration and investment – providing an inclusive global platform from which 8,000+ founders have scaled their businesses over the years. Building on this success, the 2025 edition connects over 2,000 of the world’s most disruptive startups with 1,200 international investors managing US$1.1 trillion in assets.  

With the highest percentage of growth and late-stage startups anywhere, the event showcases the most disruptive solutions and projects spanning AI, climate tech, deep tech, digital health, and fintech. This follows the recently announced ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’, a new initiative aimed at positioning the UAE as the world’s leading startup hub.  

Reflecting the government’s ambition to foster innovation and attract global talent, the initiative aims to generate 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and create at least 10 unicorns – companies with valuations exceeding US$1 billion – by 2031.  

Discussing the UAE’s AI strategy and vision during a keynote address, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, stated: “We don’t think like other countries; we think in multidecade intervals. We started investing in AI in 2008 – very early days. Abu Dhabi was investing in chips, in global countries, in companies that were focused on AI. Nobody expected that we could be a key player in the domain of AI. Against all odds, we are proving that we can. This is going to incentivise everyone – East and West.  

H.E. Al Olama added: “It’s important for us to not only succeed, but for everyone who comes to the UAE to help us understand what we can do better. We do not claim to know it all – we claim to be the best students and the best listeners. One thing we promise is that if people come to us with advice, we are going to take it seriously and ensure that it’s implemented in the coming years.” 

During a session titled ‘Scaling a digital future: How will emerging tech redraw the startup map of the next decade’, Hatem Dowidar, Global CEO of e&, said: “As the landscape evolves and technology and customer needs change, we may also see pivots and potential changes in companies’ investment criteria. There’s also 5G standalone – or 5.5G – this is something certain to enable a lot of new businesses, including startups. We also have to make sure that we are governing AI in the proper way to ensure data integrity and privacy. For example, within our ecosystem, we have implemented a full AI governance system that ensures data anonymity and customer privacy.” 

The Presight AI-Startup Accelerator: A Springboard to Real Business and Global Reach  

Among the UAE’s most celebrated enterprises participating is Presight, a G42 company and the region’s largest big data analytics company. One year on from the 2024 edition – where the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator was launched to nurture and accelerate early-stage ventures – the programme’s first cohorts with market-ready prototypes were unveiled.  

The Presight AI-Startup Accelerator is the UAE’s first dedicated AI acceleration programme and the first created by a publicly-listed Middle Eastern technology company, leveraging Presight’s technical expertise, enterprise partnerships, and customer ecosystem to provide startups with direct commercial pathways and access to world-class infrastructure and mentorship opportunities.  

Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, revealed: “There are many accelerator programmes around the world, but what’s different about ours is that we are creating a global platform. The UAE and Abu Dhabi has become the AI capital – and this is where technology and innovation meets. With G42’s ecosystem and the UAE’s reach, we offer our cohorts not only compute and expertise – but real business. And since then, they have met ambassadors, enterprises, and key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.” 

The showcase underscored Presight’s growing influence in propelling the UAE’s AI innovation landscape, featuring 10 high-potential startups from around the world developing AI solutions with real-world impact.  

Pramotedham’s participation coincided with Presight signing a partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council – one of many collaborations signed on a momentous opening day.  

Prior to the signing, Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, elaborated on the influence of entrepreneurs in supporting the national security mandate, stating: “Cybersecurity is firmly rooted in the DNA of everything that we do. Amidst so many technological aspects – be it AI today, quantum tomorrow, or something else in the future – safety and security will always be one of the main pillars to elevate and enhance next-generation startups and ensure people utilise technologies in the best ways possible. As a nation, our digital transformation focuses on the human-centric factor – and we see so many great entrepreneurs and aspirational thinkers supporting our national security and critical infrastructure.”  

Brazil: An Innovation Powerhouse Building Bridges with the World  

With representation from 180 countries, 2025 is a record-breaking year for international participation at Expand North Star – where ApexBrasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, is the first-ever Country Partner. Across two pavilions, 55 startups and innovation hubs – specialising in AI, fintech, and more – are showcasing how Brazil is driving innovation and creating tech solutions for global challenges.  

Convening Pioneering Unicorns and Visionary International Investors 

Expand North Star 2025 presents its largest-ever unicorn showcase with 40+ companies. Among those receiving significant attention were PsiQuantum (USA), a US$68 billion unicorn architecting the first fault-tolerant quantum system, and talabat (Kuwait), the MENA region’s leading on-demand online ordering and delivery platform valued at US$8.5 billion. 

Others included Andalusia Labs (UAE), a global leader in digital asset risk infrastructure and one of the fastest unicorns in history – a billion-dollar company within 11 months of launching – and Carousell (Singapore), one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing e-commerce platforms.  

From Europe and North America to Asia and the Middle East, Expand North Star also hosts the world’s most prominent multinational banking, venture capital, and investment institutions searching for the next era-defining ventures shaping the future of technology and innovation. 

These include JP Morgan (USA), Daiwa Capital Management (Japan), Eurazeo (France), Octopus Energy Generation (UK), Qatar National Bank (Qatar), Raiffeisenbank (Austria), Samsung Ventures (Japan), and SBI Ventures (Germany). 

Expand North Star 2025 continues on Tuesday.  

For more information, please visit: https://ExpandNorthStar.com. 

– on behalf of Expand North Star.

Media Contact: 
Tayce Marchesi 
PR Manager, DWTC
tayce.marchesi@dwtc.com  
+971 58 552 3994 

Mai Bakry
Sr. PR Manager, Seven Media
maibakry@sevenmedia.ae
gitex@sevenmedia.ae
+971 55 611 3550 

Follow Expand North Star on Social Media: 
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4hsbKrD
X: https://apo-opa.co/472sWPs
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LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4n6NvAm

Hashtag: #ExpandNorthStar #GITEX GLOBAL 

About Expand North Star:
Expand North Star is the startup showcase part of the world’s largest technology and AI event, GITEX GLOBAL. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Expand North Star 2025 runs from 12-15 October 2025 at Dubai Harbour, positioned as the world’s largest startup and investor connector event. The show convenes over 2,000 startups, more than 40 unicorns, and 1,200 investors with a combined US$1.1 trillion in assets under management (AUM), with the highest percentage of growth and late-stage startups participating in any tech show. In parallel, GITEX GLOBAL celebrates its 45th edition this year, running from 13-17 October 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring over 6,800 exhibitors, and tech participation from 180 countries. In 2026, GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star reunite in a new home at the Dubai Exhibition Centre – Expo City Dubai, with a new format that begins on 7 December with the GITEX Scale Summit, followed by an immersive Exhibition from 8-11 December. Recognised as the world’s largest technology and AI event brand, GITEX now spans 14 cities across multiple continents. More information: https://ExpandNorthStar.com

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Italy’s Prime Minister Meloni on Sidelines of Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, in Sharm El-Sheikh, on the sidelines of the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdel- Atty and Director of the General Intelligence Service, Major General Hassan Rashad.

Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohammed El-Shennawy, said President El-Sisi lauded progress in the outstanding relations between Egypt and Italy, stressing the vital need to further strengthen bilateral ties across various fields. Those include the political, commercial, and economic spheres, in addition to boosting joint cooperation in the sectors of energy, agriculture, construction, tourism, and other areas of mutual interest. President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Meloni also discussed ways to forge closer commercial ties and facilitate engagement between the business communities and private sectors in Egypt and Italy. The Italian Prime Minister welcomed the growing collaboration between the two countries across different fields, emphasizing the need to build upon the current positive progress in bilateral relations.

The meeting also covered a number of regional issues. The Italian Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in facilitating the agreement to end the war in Gaza. She underscored Italy’s full support for all efforts aimed at achieving stability in the region. The President also affirmed the significance of the ceasefire agreement, stating that it culminates the persistent efforts exerted by Egypt, in cooperation with Qatar and the United States of America, over the past two years to end the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. He confirmed the agreement’s importance in ending the state of war, increasing the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid, securing the release of hostages and prisoners, preparing the groundwork for the rapid reconstruction of the Strip, and providing the political horizon necessary to establish an independent Palestinian State, in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy.

During the talks, the Italian Prime Minister reiterated her country’s support for Egypt within the framework of the European Union. The two sides looked forward to the success of the Egyptian-European meeting scheduled to be held in Brussels on October 22, 2025.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Afreximbank Academy (AFRACAD) wins European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Excellence in Practice Silver Award

Source: APO – Report:

The Afreximbank Academy (AFRACAD) has received the Silver Award in the Professional Development category at the 2025 European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Excellence in Practice (EiP) Awards, which celebrate impactful and high-quality learning and development (L&D) partnerships in the executive, professional, talent, and organizational development areas.

Presented in Stockholm, Sweden, early this month, the award recognises AFRACAD’s Certificate of Trade Finance in Africa (COTFIA) programme — a pioneering initiative that has advanced trade finance capabilities and fostered professional excellence across the African continent for nearly a decade, implemented by Afreximbank in partnership with FCI and the Onsi Sawiris School of Business of the American University in Cairo (AUC).

COTFIA programme was launched in 2016, initially known as the Certificate of Finance in International Trade (COFIT), under the auspices of Afreximbank’s Factoring Working Group (FWG), chaired by Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank. Developed in partnership with FCI, the University of Malta, and Quarterback, the initiative aims to build Africa’s trade finance and factoring expertise in line with the Bank’s strategic vision of strengthening Africa’s trade ecosystem.

Commenting on the award, Stephen Tio Kauma, Group Managing Director, Human Resources at Afreximbank noted: “We are deeply grateful for this award which highlights Afreximbank’s continuing impact on the professional development of trade experts across the continent. Participating in the EFMD Conference was far more than an opportunity to present our case or receive recognition — it was a platform to amplify the vision, mission, and strategic mandates of Afreximbank and AFRACAD before an international audience.”

Dr. Anan Shendy, from Afreximbank’s AFRACAD represented the Bank at the conference, delivering a formal presentation of the Bank’s award-winning case study titled, “Transcending Borders: A Pan-African Partnership to Support Trade Professionals.” The presentation was delivered before a distinguished audience and judging panel at the Stockholm School of Economics and was done jointly with representatives from the American University in Cairo (AUC) and FCI.

In 2021, AFRACAD partnered with the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at the AUC, to strengthen the programme’s academic rigour and regional relevance. Since then, AFRACAD has taken on the crucial mandate of managing and continuously enhancing COTFIA, effectively institutionalising and scaling Afreximbank’s capacity-building efforts.

The programme has so far trained more than 150 professionals from across the continent, equipping them with the technical, regulatory, and practical competencies required to strengthen Africa’s trade finance landscape and unlock new opportunities for intra-African and global trade.

With more than 950 member institutions across over 90 countries, EFMD is the world’s largest international network for management development. Over the past 18 years, the Excellence in Practice (EiP) Awards have become a global benchmark for excellence in executive educations showcasing the most effective collaborations between organizations and learning institutions and positioning recipients among the world’s leading innovators in learning and development.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

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

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

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Liberia: President Boakai Extols the Kingdom of Spain on National Day Celebration

Source: APO – Report:

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The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has warmly congratulated the Government and People of the Kingdom of Spain on the occasion marking the celebration of Spain’s National Day on October 12, 2025. 

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in his message to His Majesty King Felipe VI, President Boakai, on behalf of the Government of Liberia, extended sincere congratulations to the Government and People of the Kingdom of Spain on the historic celebration of that country’s National Day. 

The Liberian leader celebrated the longstanding diplomatic ties of friendship subsisting between the two nations. President Boakai stated that Spain has consistently supported Liberia’s development agenda in the areas of poverty reduction, women empowerment, health and rural development. He expressed his desire that the bilateral relation will continue to grow from strength to strength for the benefit of the two nations. 

 President Boakai then prayed for the best wished for His Majesty King Felipe VI personal well-being and the Royal family, and for the People of Spain, continue peace and prosperity.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

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At the World Health Summit, global parliamentarians meet with partners to strengthen political leadership in ending Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Source: APO – Report:

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Parliamentarians from around the world met with policymakers and partners at the World Health Summit in Berlin to foster dialogue on how to mobilize political will, defend equal rights and build inclusive and sustainable responses to HIV.

“Parliamentarians have long been a cornerstone of international efforts to end AIDS, pushing for efforts to secure substantial funding, technical expertise, and political advocacy to ensure equitable access to life-saving HIV treatment and prevention services,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “As we work towards ending AIDS by 2030, partnerships with governments that prioritize human rights and equity remain critical.”

The event was organized by UNAIDS, UNITE – Parliamentarians Network for Global Health, the Global Equality Caucus, and STOPAIDS, under the umbrella of the Global Parliamentarians Platform on HIV and AIDS. Hosted by German MP Sasha van Beek, participants focused on reinforcing global collaboration to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and advance human rights for populations most affected by HIV. Participants underscored the urgent need for renewed global commitment to HIV financing and to strengthening cooperation between North and South.

“Over the past 30 years, the HIV response has offered one of the greatest lessons in global health. Today, parliamentarians hold both the responsibility and the power to advance and revitalize that response. This dialogue reaffirms and strengthens that commitment,” emphasized UNITE’s Executive Director, Dr. Guilherme Duarte.

During the breakfast, parliamentarians reaffirmed their commitment to advancing policies that address structural inequalities and protect vulnerable populations. Discussions focused on improving access to HIV services, eliminating stigma and discrimination, and ensuring the protection of rights for women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people, who continue to face disproportionate barriers in accessing healthcare.

Parliamentarians also echoed UNAIDS’ call for long-acting injectable medicines that are effective in preventing new HIV infections to be affordable and available for all. UNAIDS estimates that if 20 million people in highest need, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs and young women and adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa have access to antiretroviral prevention medicines, it could dramatically reduce new infections and significantly advance progress towards ending AIDS by 2030.

“Game-changing medicines like Lenacapavir have created the very real possibility of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” said Mike Podmore, CEO of STOPAIDS. “However, overseas development aid reductions risk undermining our ability to realize this opportunity and even reverse existing progress. Parliamentarians, uniting in partnership around the world through mechanisms like The Global Parliamentary Platform for HIV, are essential voices to make sure their governments play their part and invest now to reach the incredible goal of ending AIDS.”

Parliamentarians from Germany, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico, Namibia, Sweden, the United States, Uganda and Zimbabwe participated in the event which took place on the opening day of the World Health Summit.

“An equitable HIV response should remain a key priority in the actions of governments to address the disproportionate impact that HIV has on marginalised communities, such as LGBT+ people,” said Aron le Fèvre, Executive Director of the Global Equality Caucus. “Parliamentarians have an important role holding governments to account, and forums such as the Global Parliamentary Platform are crucial to developing the partnerships needed to support lawmakers in their parliamentary and policy advocacy.”

As the World Health Summit continues, UNAIDS will underscore the importance of sustained political leadership, international cooperation, and human-rights-centred approaches in the fight against AIDS.

– on behalf of United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

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World Health Organization (WHO) Tanzania Representative, Dr. Alex Gasasira, Presents Credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation

Source: APO – Report:

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The newly appointed WHO Representative to Tanzania, Dr. Alex Ntale Gasasira, has officially presented his credentials to Hon. Ambassador Cosato Chumi, MP, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

During the ceremony, Dr. Gasasira conveyed warm greetings from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, to the Government and people of Tanzania. He commended the country’s remarkable progress across various sectors, particularly in health, and reaffirmed WHO’s strong commitment to continue supporting the Government of Tanzania in advancing national health priorities and achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It is a great honour to serve in Tanzania at this important moment for global and national health,” said Dr. Gasasira. “WHO remains steadfast in its partnership with the Government of Tanzania to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and ensure every person enjoys the highest attainable standard of health.”

Hon. Ambassador Cosato Chumi, on behalf of the Government of Tanzania, expressed appreciation for WHO’s longstanding support to the country—especially in strengthening health systems, building capacity, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response. He reiterated “the Government’s commitment to further deepening collaboration with WHO to improve health outcomes and ensure resilience against future health emergencies”.

The meeting concluded with both parties underscoring the importance of continued strategic engagement and coordination between WHO and the Government of Tanzania to ensure that cooperation remains aligned with national priorities, evidence-based, and impactful for communities across the country.

In attendance were senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and the WHO Country Office in Tanzania.

– on behalf of World Health Organization – United Republic of Tanzania.