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« Engagement et sacrifice » au crédit des Casques bleus indonésiens de la United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


360 soldats du contingent indonésien, ingénieurs et membres de l’Unité de Police constituée (Formed Police Unit / FPU) de la MINUSCA, ont reçu, le 3 septembre 2025, la médaille des Nations Unies, en reconnaissance de leur importante contribution aux efforts de paix en Centrafrique sous la bannière de l’ONU. Ces hommes et femmes, respectivement des 11è et 6e rotations, du contingent indonésien ont été déployés en RCA depuis 2024, basés à Bangui et dans nombre de sous-préfectures du pays pour y contribuer à la mise en œuvre dumandat de la Mission.

 Au crédit de l’Unité indonésienne de Police constituée, basée à Bangui, et forte de 120 membres dont 37 femmes, des patrouilles quotidiennes et des escortes pour des délégations et autorités judiciaires, conformément à sa mission principale, la sécurisation et la protection de la population civile. Les FPU indonésiens ont aussi mené des activités civilo-militaires dont des distributions d’eau potable, des campagnes médicales et des programmes de soutien aux femmes.

« Nous sommes fiers de faire partie de cette communauté internationale diversifiée et dévouée, composée d’hommes et de femmes venus des quatre coins du monde, unis par un même engagement : apporter la paix et l’espoir à la population de ce magnifique pays », dit le Lieutenant-Colonel Imvan Ibrahim, Commandant de l’Unité de Police constituée lors de leur décoration.

Les membres de la compagnie de génie ont, eux, réparé 72 km de l’important axe routier de Bossembélé – Bossangoa et des périmètres de défense autour des camps de la MINUSCA, préparé la décharge de gestion des déchets de Bimbo et construit des postes de garde pour l’optimisation de la sécurité. Ils ont aussi soutenu les opérations des services logistiques de l’aéroport Bangui M’Poko et mené des opérations de déminage. Aux communautés de leurs zones de responsabilité, ils ont apporté de l’aide médicale, en guise d’actions civilo-militaires.

Des accomplissements que le Représentant spécial adjoint du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, Mohamed Ag Ayoya, a chaleureusement salués, soulignant à l’intention des récipiendaires : « les médailles que vous recevez aujourd’hui sont le  témoignage de l’impact collectif que vous avez fait pour maintenir la paix et la sécurité dans ce pays. Elles représentent vos sacrifices, votre dévouement et vos engagements pour les principes de l’ONU ».

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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His Majesty (HM) the King Congratulates Brazilian President on National Day

Source: APO


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His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, on the occasion of his country’s National Day.

In this message, His Majesty the King expresses His warm congratulations to Lula da Silva, along with His best wishes for further progress and prosperity for the Brazilian people.

The Sovereign seizes this opportunity to reaffirm His strong determination to continue working closely with the Brazilian President to strengthen and further develop the distinguished relations between Morocco and Brazil, in order to enhance their cooperation in various fields and meet the aspirations of the two friendly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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President El-Sisi Meets Prime Minister and Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources

Source: APO


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

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources reviewed the latest developments in the mining sector, as well as mechanisms for attracting and stimulating foreign investments in this vital sector. He also presented the outcomes of his participation in the International Mining and Resources Conference held in Australia this month.

The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources also reviewed the main pillars of the Ministry’s strategy during the current phase. This includes the status of discoveries, agreements, and the status of implementing ongoing related projects, in addition to the volume of crude oil and natural gas production during the period from July 2024 to August 2025. The presentation also addressed proposed methods for enhancing local production of petroleum and gas resources, as well as the development of infrastructure implemented to ensure the availability of necessary gas quantities to meet local market needs.

The spokesman added that the minister also reviewed the progress in implementing the strategy to transform Egypt into a regional energy hub. This is in addition to presenting the pillars of the Integrated and Sustainable Energy Strategy up to the year 2040. The minister discussed efforts to attract more international companies to invest in the petroleum and gas sectors, pointing to the positive developments in the activities of these companies in Egypt during the current period. This reflects growing confidence in Egypt’s investment climate and the promising opportunities and substantial potential the country holds in the oil and gas sectors.

President El-Sisi stressed the importance of providing further incentives and facilitations for investors to help boost investment in the petroleum sector and increase production to meet growing consumption and development needs.

The meeting also addressed the status of settling dues owed to foreign companies operating in Egypt. President El-Sisi emphasized the necessity of paying the dues of these companies and fully honoring all commitments to them, as this enhances the state’s credibility and reinforces trust in the investment climate.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President El-Sisi gave directives to continue the development of newly discovered wells and listing them on the production map, while intensifying exploration and search activities to further enhance Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub.

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

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Etu Energias Announces Close to $1B in Merger & Acquisition (M&A) Deals Since 2022 at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

Edson dos Santos, CEO of Etu Energias, shared that the company has closed nearly $1 billion in Merger & Acquisition (M&A) transactions in the last three years, reflecting the company’s drive to expand its portfolio in Angola. Speaking in an on-stage interview during the Angola Oil & Gas 2025 Conference and Exhibition, dos Santos underscored that, with the right partners, the company continues to pursue new M&A deals.

“Over the last three years, we have done close to $1 billion worth in M&A transactions. With the right partners, you can expect more M&A coming up for Etu Energias,” he shared.

With a goal to increase oil production to 80,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2030, Etu Energias is spearheading an ambitious exploration and production strategy in Angola, leveraging its position as the country’s largest private oil producer to unlock greater value from the country’s resources. Etu Energias’ ongoing projects include eight exploration projects, 10 development projects and seven redevelopment projects.

“We want to produce 80,000 bpd in the next five years and all the company’s activities are [geared towards] achieving this goal,” dos Santos said.

Offshore, the company kickstarted drilling activities at Block 2/05 in July 2025. The work program features three development wells, one exploration well and five technical interventions across existing wells. The company plans to complete exploration studies for the block in 2025, with drilling planned for 2025/2026. Onshore, Etu Energias continues to spearhead seismic research, with a view to advance exploration and unlock new development projects.

To support these activities, Etu Energias also plans to make an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2026. The listing aims to tap into new capital pools to support exploration and production projects. Dos Santos reaffirmed during the fireside chat that the company is on track to make an IPO. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Angola to Launch Next Licensing Round by Q4, 2025

Source: APO – Report:

Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Azevedo announced that the country’s next licensing round will be opened by Q4, 2025, offering acreage in the Kwanza and Benguela basins. Speaking during a Ministerial Fireside Chat sponsored by Vitol at the Angola Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition 2025, Minister Azevedo affirmed that the round falls part of efforts to sustain oil production above one million barrels per day (bpd) in 2026 and beyond.

The upcoming licensing round represents the final bid round under the country’s multi-year licensing strategy – launched in 2019 with a goal to award 50 Angolan concessions. Offering blocks in proven hydrocarbon basins, the round is expected to fuel exploration as the country strives to address production decline.

“We have a goal to achieve one million bpd in the next year. Even though we have a lot of activities and developments in certain areas, we are a country with matured wells in our fields. Our solution is to look for new deposits. Offshore and onshore, we have seen a growth in exploration across new blocks. The multi-year strategy ends this year, with one more bid round expected. The 2025 licensing round will be launched by the last quarter of this year,” stated Minister Azevedo.

The upcoming licensing round coincides with an ambitious strategy undertaken by the government to attract investment in both active and emerging basins. Complementing the licensing strategy is Angola’s permanent offer regime and marginal field prospects, both of which entice investment in undeveloped or smaller-scale assets.

According to Minister Azevedo, “We have legislation for the marginal fields. Another program that is going well is the internal basins. We still have a flexible strategy, where investors can [seize blocks].”

These reforms have not only attracted new investment in the sector but supported reinvestments by active players. According to Minister Azevedo, “When we decided to create legislative change, we invited the private sector to be part of this. This demonstrates our cooperative spirit, so that we can create win-win mechanisms. The process of reform is not finished; we continue to work on improving the legislation, implementation and regulation.”

Beyond international partnerships, Angola strives to enhance local participation in the oil and gas sector. Minister Azevedo highlighted the role of local players in the industry, underscoring the need to position Angolan entrepreneurs and businesses at the forefront of sectoral growth.

“We want to see more Angolans participating in the industry. We also want to see national Angolan companies to be more active in our economic growth. We want to bring legislation that supports this.” 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Deputy President Mashatile to open the 12th SA AIDS Conference

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Monday, 08 September 2025, in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), open the 12th SA AIDS Conference at Emperor’s Palace in the Gauteng Province. 

Hosted under the theme: “Unite for Change – Empower Communities and Redefine Priorities for HIV/AIDS”, this pivotal event will bring together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics and advocates from South Africa, the continent and other countries to address the evolving landscape of combating HIV and its management.

The Deputy President will lead the Opening Plenary alongside the SANAC Civil Society Forum Chairperson Mr Solly Nduku; the SANAC Private Sector Forum, Ms Mpumi Zikalala; the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi; Gauteng Health MEC, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, as well as Representatives from development partners inclusive of UN Agencies and US Government.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the session as follows:
Date: Monday, 08 September 2025
Time: 14h30 (Media to arrive at 14h00)
Place: Emperors Palace, City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province.

Media wishing to cover must please RSVP with the:
Nelson Dlamini(SANAC): 078 731 0313 / nelson@sanac.org.za 
Foster Mohale (Department of Health) 072 432  3792 / foster.mohale@health.gov.za or 
Bongani Majola (The Presidency): 082 339 1993 / bonganim@presidency.gov.za 

Media registration is free and accessible on this link: https://saaids.co.za/register/.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 884

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) to Finalize Launch Date for Africa Energy Bank at Next Ministerial Meeting

Source: APO

Delivering a keynote address at the Angola Oil & Gas 2025 Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday 3 September, Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), announced that the launch date for the Africa Energy Bank will be finalized at the next Council of Ministers of APPO Members meeting.

Spearheaded by APPO and multilateral finance institution the African Import-Export Bank (Afreximbank), the $5 billion Africa Energy Bank will support oil, gas and infrastructure projects across Africa. Set to be headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, the bank aims to address the continent’s investment gap. Angola is one the nations that have fulfilled their $100 million capital commitment to the bank.  

“APPO is fully conscious of the serious challenges facing the African oil and gas industry and is taking practical measures to address them. One measure was taken in Luanda three years ago. The APPO Ministerial Council approved the signing of an MoU between APPO and Afreximbank for the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank. The next Ministerial meeting of the APPO council will establish the official date for launch of the Africa Energy Bank,” stated Ibrahim.

In August 2025, APPO announced plans to accelerate the launch of the bank, with the organization’s Executive Council resolving to submit the project for final approval in Q4, 2025. With the launch date on the precipice of being finalized, APPO is inviting investors to support the bank.  

“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to investors to partner with us on the Africa Energy Bank. The African oil and gas industry has come of age. Africa cannot continue to be dependent on external powers to finance its oil and gas. Africa must control the finances of its oil and gas industry. Africa must create the technology it needs as well as its own market for its oil and gas resources,” Ibrahim stated.

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

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‘Attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself’

Source: Government of South Africa

A stark warning echoed across the Union Buildings’ lawns today as the country honoured police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty: those who target South Africa’s police will face the full might of the law.

The warning was issued by Deputy President Paul Mashatile during the annual South African Police Service (SAPS) Commemoration Day.

The day honours the lives of the 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year.

“Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

He assured police officers across the country that government “stands firmly with the men and women of the SAPS”.

“We are intensifying efforts to ensure your safety and to equip you adequately for the fight against crime. We are resourcing specialised units, investing in advanced technology, strengthening intelligence, and tightening laws to deal decisively with those who target police officers.

“We should not allow these ruthless acts by criminals to continue. Criminals should never be free to roam our streets whenever they choose. Most importantly, as our community’s first line of defence, you must always remain vigilant and never let your guard down,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Tackling criminality

The Deputy President acknowledged that criminality – particularly organised crime – remains a concern.

“Drug trafficking syndicates, gangs and other forms of organised crime represent an urgent and growing challenge in South Africa. The killing of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni, who was shot and killed by more than seven armed robbers at a store in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 08 August 2025, is but one example of the many senseless killings of our police officers.

“Let me reiterate, as police officers, you must not die with your service firearms in your holsters. You have a duty to protect your lives; this means you must use force that is proportional to the threat that you face. You must not surrender to any form of criminality,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Solemn occasion

During the ceremony, the Deputy President together with bereaved families, Acting Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia, and National Commissioner of the SAPS General Fannie Masemola laid wreaths at the SAPS Memorial Site at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The fallen officers were also honoured with a final salute and their names will be engraved on the SAPS memorial wall.

“The 27 officers we commemorate today now take their rightful place on the Roll of Honour. Their families must know that, even in grief, there is pride. Their names will echo through generations as symbols of sacrifice and devotion to duty. They may be gone, but their legacy endures in the safety of our communities and in the freedom of our democracy.

“Once again, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of our brave officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May the spirits of our brave heroes and heroines find everlasting tranquillity. Let their bravery motivate us to create a South Africa that promotes safety, justice, and freedom,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Cachalia added that the names will “now be forever engraved on the honour roll…not merely as names carved in stone, but as powerful reminders of courage, sacrifice and service to the nation”.

“The loss of a police officer is not only a loss to their family, their colleagues, or their community – it is a profound loss to the entire nation and should be considered as a crime against the state. These men and women stood on the frontlines of our democracy, protecting our people and upholding the rule of law, in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.

“We bow our heads with gratitude and respect. To the families who are here with us – we know that no words can truly ease the pain of your loss. But please know this: the memory of your loved ones will never fade. Their dedication and ultimate sacrifices will not be forgotten. They live on – not only in your hearts, but in the collective conscience of a grateful nation.

“As we read their names and lay wreaths in their honour, let us renew our commitment to the ideals for which they stood. May the memory of our fallen heroes forever inspire us. May their souls continue to rest in eternal peace,” Cachalia said. – SAnews.gov.za

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DTIC responds to Draft National Credit Regulations concerns

Source: Government of South Africa

DTIC responds to Draft National Credit Regulations concerns

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has moved to assure the public that the recently published Draft National Credit Regulations are not targeted at prejudicing any particular group.

This after concern was raised that the draft regulations may cause harm to persons who have student debt.

“Minister Parks Tau wishes to assure the country that the recently published regulations regarding changes to the credit environment are not intended to prejudice individuals who are indebted to institutions of higher learning. Rather, the focus is to ensure access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [MSME’s].

“As part of an ongoing process of ensuring that the credit environment is robust, draft regulations were published on 13 August 2025 for a period of 30 days. These proposed regulations are provided for in the National Credit Act,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

Assisting MSMEs

The department explained that government was committed to “improving coordination with MSMEs to access the finance ecosystem” in order to address the “persistent challenges and barriers in the sector”. 

“Lack of adequate MSMEs credit and risk history impedes their ability to access credit from formal sector providers resulting in them falling prey to informal lenders that charge exorbitantly.

“Regulatory reforms are part of broader efforts to enhance access to finance for MSMEs and close the long-standing credit gap they face. We are all too aware that the majority of our people have faced systematic exclusion and these regulations seek to undo this exclusion, by unlocking access to finance. 

“We are also acutely aware of the debt burden faced by many young people in the country and would not act to further prejudice those who need assistance,” the department said.

The department insisted that improving MSME financing was critical for South Africa’s economic growth.

“Improving MSME financing is a key driver of economic growth, with a particular focus on ensuring transformed, inclusive and affordable financial services for women, underserved communities, and vulnerable groups. Bridging this financing gap will not only strengthen MSME resilience and expansion but also contribute significantly to the overall growth of the national economy.

“The proposed regulatory amendments aim to improve visibility of MSMEs to access finance from formal sector providers by establishing opportunities to generate credit and risk histories as part of a more holistic programme to support MSMEs and township economies more generally,” the department said.

Public comments on the draft regulations are expected to close on 12 September 2025.

“The Minister is committed to a fair public participation process. This includes ensuring all inputs that are made during the public participation process are considered before finalising the regulations, and if necessary, extending the period of public participation. 

“To this end, the Minister notes the comments that have been made in the public domain as they relate to the draft regulations. 

“The Minister remains committed to ensuring that these regulations do not unfairly impact on individuals as an unintended consequence. The Minister will engage stakeholders in order to clarify this process and allay any fears that this process may prejudice the most vulnerable in our society,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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ExxonMobil Details Game-Changing Drone Technology for Angola Offshore Operations

Source: APO – Report:

Energy major ExxonMobil is leveraging drone-based technology to improve inspection practices across its offshore oil and gas operations in Angola. The company invests approximately $1 billion per year in developing innovative, game-changing technologies, and through the application of aerial drones and 3D sonar imaging, is improving safety, reducing inspection time and enhancing data quality across its Angolan projects.

Speaking at an ExxonMobil-sponsored pre-conference session at the Angola Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition 2025, Vera Veloso, Integrity Engineering Supervisor at ExxonMobil, showcased how these technologies are improving inspections and strengthening operational efficiency in Angola. ExxonMobil currently has stakes in three deepwater blocks covering nearly two million acres in Angola, including legacy assets such as Block 17. Through drone-based technology, the company is transitioning from traditional inspection models – notably those that utilize rope-access teams – to technology-centered methods.

“These drones are able to reach hazardous areas, without the need for human intervention. This improves the efficiency and safety of inspections. They can also be done when the operations are underway – so, we don’t have to shut down operations,” stated Veloso.

Drone-based technology has also enhanced data accuracy compared to traditional methods. Through the application of drone-based technology, ExxonMobil managed to achieve a 60% reduction in inspection duration, thereby supporting decision-making and minimizing operational disruption.

Meanwhile, the company has also turned towards echoscope technology – through 3D sonar imaging – to improve data accuracy, validate trench dimensions, provide real-time monitoring and operation in zero-visibility conditions. These technologies provide sufficient data for surveillance and risk evaluation.

“The 3D sonar imaging uses sound pulses. That data enables us to map the seabed, taking all the measurement and identifying the anomalies around the suction pipe. The main benefit of this technology is data accuracy – we are able to access more dimensions of the trench. It also improves the efficiency of the surveys as we are not limited by the visibility,” shared Veloso.

Looking ahead, ExxonMobil plans to utilize additional technology to support its Angolan operations. These include AI-driven robotics and drones for autonomous visual, acoustic and ultrasonic data for unmanned locations, AI-driven digital twins, autonomous risk mitigation via AI decisioning and 5G or Starlink to enable remote operations. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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