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Eswatini opens to investors for first-of-its-kind roadshow

Source: APO


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For the first time, Eswatini’s most investment-ready enterprises pitched directly to international impact investors, and the results exceeded expectations on both sides.

For three days in March 2026, Eswatini became a live pitch room. Five investment-ready enterprises – Luna Hair & Body, Eswatini Foods, Beef Boys, Ngwenya Glass, and Black Mamba – hosted site visits from regional and international impact investors. They opened their books, their facilities, and their ambitions to capital providers seeking exactly what Eswatini had to offer. Beyond the site visits, investors met with government officials, financial institutions, and ecosystem players – building a full picture of Eswatini’s regulatory environment, financial landscape, and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The Eswatini Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprise (MSME) Investment Roadshow, held from 3 to 5 March 2026, was the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Convened by the European Union and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with the Government of Eswatini, the Roadshow brought five impact investors offering funding schemes ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. They came from South Africa, Belgium, and Ghana for an immersive, curated programme of site visits, bilateral meetings, policy dialogue, and ecosystem engagement.

The event built on groundwork laid at the inaugural MSME Conference in November 2025, which explored alternative financing for small businesses. A panel discussion at that conference featured impact investor Unconventional Capital and the East Africa Venture Capital Association. They introduced Eswatini’s business community to emerging instruments: blended finance, revenue-based financing, digital credit scoring, and mobile money lending. These offerings meet small businesses where they are, rather than where traditional banks expect them to be.

The three days produced concrete results. By the end of the programme, one company had received an initial investment commitment after its site visit. Several others had started early-stage investment discussions. Multiple investors confirmed plans to return – some looking to work through local financial institutions and invest larger amounts – a sign that interest in Eswatini extends well beyond the five companies visited.

Speaking at the welcome reception, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo highlighted the deliberate focus on small businesses as central to addressing economic inequality. 

‘The wealth in Eswatini is concentrated on a few, and we see MSME development as one of the key solutions to this particular problem,’ he said, welcoming impact investors as partners in closing that gap.

Principal Secretary Ambassador Melusi Masuku offered a direct message: ‘Eswatini is open for business. We are safe and stable. Our Kingdom is a haven of peace and stability in a complex world.’

The roadshow marks an inflection point: the moment Eswatini moved from describing its investment potential to demonstrating it.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets Ministers of Electricity, Petroleum

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Engineer Mahmoud Esmat and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineer Karim Badawi.  

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting reviewed the progress of new and renewable energy projects, the targeted capacities to be added from wind and solar energy and battery storage systems to the national electricity grid, in line with the 2030 energy strategy. The meeting also reviewed the status of additional capacities that have been contracted and are currently being contracted to enhance the stability of the national electricity grid and meet the increasing demand for energy.

The minister of electricity and renewable energy noted that the current year, 2026, will witness the addition of 2500 megawatts of renewable energy and its connection to the unified grid, which will enhance the sustainability and stability of the national electricity system. He pointed to the efforts made to improve the efficiency of production units and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and to achieve an energy mix, stressing that the focus is on reviewing the energy strategy, so that renewable energy sources meet at least 42% of our needs by 2030 at the latest.

The minister of petroleum and mineral resources reviewed the efforts made to pay the accruals of companies operating in Egypt in implementation of the President’s directives to pay all arrears before the end of June 2026. He also gave an overview of the discoveries made and the added reserves of oil and gas, the exploration and development drilling plan during 2026, and the efforts made to rationalize and reduce the consumption of petroleum products and natural gas.

The President emphasized the necessity of conducting well-planned expansion in new and renewable energy projects, reducing dependence on conventional fuels, and creating a balanced energy mix, reflecting the state’s pursuit of becoming a leading regional hub for green energy. The President also gave directives to continue the integration of efforts among the Ministries of Electricity and Renewable Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Finance to accelerate the introduction of additional clean energy capacities and secure the necessary funding for them with the aim of ensuring the stability of the national grid and achieving optimal utilization of available resources to meet development requirements.

President El-Sisi also reviewed the measures being taken to address the repercussions of regional developments, particularly those related to securing electricity supply, ensuring the continuity and availability of electricity for all uses, improving energy efficiency in the industrial sector, and implementing the summer action plan and preparations to manage rising loads and increased consumption.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Seychelles and Japan explore expanded cooperation and future partnerships

Source: APO


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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure received the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. OUE Sadamasa at Maison Queau de Quinssy on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

During their meeting, Minister Faure expressed the government’s satisfaction with the progress being made on the construction of the Marine Police Headquarters, located in Perseverance and thanked the Japanese Government for their assistance with a project of this importance for the Seychelles Government.

Minister Faure also touched on the signing of a Visa Waiver for Diplomatic and Official passports which would facilitate visa-free travel to Japan. Minister Faure noted that once this waiver was signed, he looked forward to working with the Japanese Government on signing one for ordinary passport holders to travel visa-free to Japan which would greatly enhance the people-to-people relations between the two countries.

They also discussed upcoming events like the Small Island State Summit and the International Horticultural Expo 2027, being held in Japan, which would be a good opportunity to establish a deeper relationship between the two countries. Mr. OUE also noted that his government’s intention was to promote responsible Japanese diplomacy.

Minister Faure commended the state of relations between Seychelles and Japan, noting that cooperation on the cultural front through the Japanese Embassy had been fruitful and looked forward to more collaboration.

To note, Seychelles and Japan will be celebrating 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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BBBEE policy a critical component of SA’s democracy

Source: Government of South Africa

BBBEE policy a critical component of SA’s democracy

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policy remains a critical component of South Africa’s constitutional democracy and the process of rebuilding the country.

The Minister said this when he was in conversation about the overall state of the South African economy and global trading environment at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Legacy Breakfast session in Pretoria.

Tau said the people of South Africa would attain freedom once they have been freed from the bondage of economic discrimination. 

“South Africa remains an unequal society. It’s just a reality for our country and until we’ve addressed that challenge, we do need redress measures as an economy.  The issues we need to address are what have been the limitations in implementation, and the truth is that they’ve been on both the policy and execution sides,” Tau said.

“We need to address the specific gaps where application results in a watered-down version of B-BBEE. Instead of dismissing the need for B-BBEE, shouldn’t we be strengthening our policy and implementation instruments to ensure we measure output and outcome. 

“Shouldn’t we be asking questions like how do we reach more people at the level of participation, how do we ensure access to capital,” the Minister said. 

He conceded that some of the challenges that should be addressed in the review process currently taking place are issues about equity and participation in B-BBEE transactions to ensure a wider reach, building industrialisation and industrial capacity amongst black entrepreneurs.

Tau said that it was clear that South Africa was on a path of growth in an environment of renewed economic optimism. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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First batch of HIV prevention medicine arrives in SA

Source: Government of South Africa

First batch of HIV prevention medicine arrives in SA

The Department of Health has welcomed the arrival of the first batch of HIV prevention medicine, Lenacapavir, to the country.

The initial consignment, comprising approximately 37 920 doses, was delivered to the country last week.

“This is part of integrated, differentiated and people-centred HIV prevention services, offering new hope for people who face barriers to existing HIV prevention methods.

“Lenacapavir will boost the country’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and sustain the HIV response after 2030 in line with the Global AIDS Strategy for 2026–2030,” the department said on Tuesday in a statement.

The official launch date is expected to be announced soon, along with a phased implementation plan.

“This six-monthly injectable arrived in the country last week on Thursday, and it is expected to expand HIV prevention choices, improve adherence, especially amongst the most vulnerable priority groups, including adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, men having sex with men, among others.

“Lenacapavir is a preventive medicine, not a vaccine, considered one of the most exciting HIV prevention advances in years. 

“The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is very excited about this development and will, in consultation with the President, announce the date for the launch to be led by the President,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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SA welcomes Middle East ceasefire, calls for lasting peace

Source: Government of South Africa

SA welcomes Middle East ceasefire, calls for lasting peace

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East, expressing hope that it will pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict.

Speaking during the Credentials Ceremony at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports ongoing efforts to end hostilities.  

“We note the current initiatives and ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive end to the conflict in the Middle East.

“We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire and are hopeful that it will lay the basis for a permanent resolution of the conflict,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s long-standing position that peace should be achieved through dialogue rather than force. 

“South Africa once again calls for dialogue and mediation to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property, and to ensure a just, sustainable and lasting peace,” he said.

South A persfrica hasistently stood at the helm of calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, maintaining that dialogue remains the only viable path toward a sustainable solution, and that no military intervention can deliver lasting peace. The country has further urged for a universal and unequivocal recognition of United Nations resolutions on peace and conflict resolution, which are meant to advance civilian protection and brokering ceasefire deals. 

In Pretoria today, President Ramaphosa once again called on all countries to uphold international law and respect sovereignty.

“We further call on all countries to respect international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.”

The President said South Africa’s international relations outlook is grounded in the values of its Constitution, including human dignity, equality and freedom.

“As a nation that emerged from a painful past of injustice and inequality, we seek a more just and equitable world order. We seek a global order defined by peace and friendship amongst all the nations of the world,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa stressed that global peace and security should be achieved through cooperation and adherence to international agreements.

“We strive to ensure that global peace and security is secured through dialogue and negotiation and not through force of arms – where international laws, treaties and agreements are upheld and respected,” the President said. 

He added that in a complex and interconnected world, global solidarity, multilateral diplomacy and respect for the multilateral system remains key to addressing challenges such as conflict, poverty and inequality. 

“In a world beset by profound and interconnected challenges – whether they be conflicts, the climate crisis or the proliferation of poverty and inequality – we know that global solidarity and deepening cooperation are our surest means to overcome them,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Spain FM on Regional Developments

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 08, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call on Wednesday from HE Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Jose Manuel Albares.

The discussion covered the latest regional developments following the ceasefire announcement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as a range of issues of mutual interest.
During the call, HE Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s welcome of the ceasefire and stressed the urgent need to build on it to prevent further escalation in the region.

He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation and international trade in accordance with international law, noting that this contributes to regional stability and the security of global supply chains.

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 08, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi has received a phone call from HE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar to discuss the latest regional developments.

The talks on Wednesday focused on the situation following a ceasefire announcement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During the conversation, HE Al Khulaifi praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role, noting that its efforts had contributed to the announcement of the ceasefire.

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Qatar Sends 2 Identical Letters (12th and 13th) to UN, Security Council Regarding Latest Developments of Iranian Attacks on its Territories

Source: Government of Qatar

New York | April 08, 2026

The State of Qatar sent two identical letters (the 12th and 13th) to HE Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres, and HE Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of April Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, regarding the latest developments of the Iranian attack on its territories.
This attack constitutes a blatant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.
The letters were sent by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.
The 12th letter referred to Qatar’s Ministry of Defense’s announcement that the country was subjected to attacks by a number of drones from the Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday, April 2, 2026, which were successfully intercepted by Qatar’s Armed Forces.
The letter added that Ministry of Defense also announced that the State of Qatar was attacked by a number of drones from the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday, April 3, 2026, and that the armed forces successfully intercepted all the drones.
The Ministry of Defense also announced that the State of Qatar was attacked by a number of drones and two cruise missiles from the Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday, April 5, 2026, and that the armed forces successfully intercepted all the drones and the two cruise missiles.
The Ministry of Defense further announced that the State of Qatar was subjected to attacks by a number of drones from the Islamic Republic of Iran on Monday, April 6, 2026, and that the armed forces successfully intercepted all the drones.
The 13th letter referred to the Ministry of Defense’s announcement on Tuesday that the State of Qatar’s Armed Forces intercepted a missile attack targeting the country. The letter also referred to the Ministry of Interior’s affirmation that the security authorities responded to an incident resulting from the interception of Iranian missiles by Qatari air defenses, which led to debris falling on a citizen’s in a residential area.
The accident resulted in four moderate injuries, including to a Qatari child. The cases were dealt with immediately by the specialized teams, and the injured were transferred to receive the necessary medical care, while limited material damage was recorded at the accident site.
The letters also warned that these attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran continued even after the Security Council adopted Resolution 2817 (2026), which strongly condemned in the strongest terms the heinous attacks carried out by Iran against the State of Qatar and neighboring countries, and demanded an immediate end to all such attacks.
The letters also reiterated the State of Qatar’s affirmation that these attacks constitute a violation of Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), and its call for the Security Council to assume its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security and to take the necessary measures to stop these serious violations and deter their perpetrators.
The two letters emphasized that the targets of attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran are purely civilian in nature, and that targeting them constitutes a blatant violation by Iran of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, and of the principles of international humanitarian law, specifically the principle of distinction, the prohibition of targeting civilians and civilian objects in armed conflicts, the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks, the principle of proportionality, and the obligation to take due precautions to avoid civilian targets.
The letters stressed that these illegal acts by the Islamic Republic of Iran entail international responsibility, making it obligated, as the case may be, to provide compensation for all damages incurred by the State of Qatar as a result of these acts, adding that all the damages and losses resulting from the attacks will be assessed by the competent authorities, and that Qatar will keep the UN and the Security Council informed of developments.
The letters also affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves its right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and the right to self-defense guaranteed by international law, stressing that Qatar will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents of its territory.
The State of Qatar also requested that the letters be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.