Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Copy of Credentials of Bangladesh Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 29, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received on Tuesday a copy of the credentials of HE Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the State of Qatar, Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished HE the Ambassador success in fulfilling his duties, affirming the commitment to providing all necessary support to strengthen bilateral relations and foster closer cooperation across various fields.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bids Farewell to Ambassador of Belgium

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, July 29, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Tuesday with HE Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the State of Qatar William Asselborn, on the occasion of the conclusion of his tenure in the country.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs expressed his appreciation to HE the Ambassador for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations and wished him continued success in his future assignments. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Deepen Mining Investment Cooperation ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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Mining and investment cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) intensified in 2025 with the signing of several agreements. As the world’s leading cobalt producer – responsible for over 70% of global output -, a leading tin producer and Africa’s top copper producer, the DRC’s mining value chain is presenting increasingly attractive and strategic investment opportunities for UAE investors.

As the DRC seeks to leverage UAE investments to unlock its $24 trillion-worth of mineral potential, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 will serve as a vital platform for strengthening UAE-DRC partnerships. The event will feature a dedicated Middle East-Africa Roundtable, featuring high-level panel discussions and project showcases, providing UAE investors the opportunity to connect with DRC policymakers and mining stakeholders.

With growing global demand for energy transition and fourth industrial revolution minerals, the UAE is actively expanding its footprint in the DRC to secure mineral supply chains.

UAE Investments in DRC Mining

Congolese mining company Buenassa partnered with UAE-based NG9 Holding to develop the DRC’s first integrated copper-cobalt refinery in mid-July. The facility is set to produce 30,000 tons of copper cathodes and 5,000 tons of cobalt sulphate annually, supporting the DRC’s push for local beneficiation and value addition in its mining sector.

In June 2025, Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding (IRH) announced a $366 million acquisition of a majority stake in mining firm Alphamin Resources. The deal provides IRH with access to the DRC’s Bisie Tin Complex – one of the world’s largest and highest-grade tin deposits, responsible for 6% of global supply. IRH’s investment in the project is expected to reinforce the DRC’s role in the global tin market, with demand projected to grow by 20% by 2035. At AMW, a panel titled Cobalt Opportunity: DRC’s Strategic Position in the EV Revolution, will connect UAE investors with opportunities in the DRC’s expanding critical mineral sector.

Beyond mining, UAE investments are also bolstering the DRC’s energy infrastructure. NG9 Holding also signed a deal with Congolese energy company Kipay Energy to develop a 46 MW hydropower facility in Haut-Katanga, which will contribute to a total of 166 MW of electricity – helping to secure stable power supply for mining operations in the region. As UAE interest in the DRC’s mining and energy sectors continues to grow, AMW will catalyze new partnerships, investments and deal signings that will further integrate the two nations’ strategic interests in mineral development.

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

About African Mining Week:
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Hlabisa to launch the newly reconstituted Fire Brigade Board

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will officially launch the newly reconstituted Fire Brigade Board (FBB) on Friday, 1 August 2025.

The launch will take place in the City of uMhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal.

The FBB is a statutory body established under the Fire Brigade Services Act, 1987 (Act No. 99 of 1987). 

Its role is to advise the Minister on matters related to fire brigade services in the Republic of South Africa.

“Following an extensive institutional and policy review process, led by the National Disaster Management Centre, the FBB has been reconstituted to reflect modern governance principles, inclusivity, and alignment with the Fire Services 2030 Roadmap and the national disaster risk reduction agenda,” the advisory read. 

The primary objective of the launch is to officially introduce the newly reconstituted FBB to the public and key stakeholders, affirming the board’s role as a national coordinating and advisory structure for fire services.

The event will also highlight government’s vision for a responsive, integrated and capable fire services sector that aligns with the Fire Services 2030 Roadmap. In addition, it aims to foster intergovernmental collaboration and support for fire service transformation, while positioning the City of uMhlathuze as a centre of local excellence in fire service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za

Learners injured in Gauteng scholar transport accident

Source: Government of South Africa

A scholar transport accident has left approximately 20 learners injured, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said.

Confirming Monday’s incident, the department said the learners are from various Johannesburg schools.

“The incident took place at approximately 7am along West Park Road, near the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg. According to preliminary reports, the vehicle was allegedly travelling at a high speed when the driver appeared to lose control, causing it to overturn along the bend near West Park Cemetery,” said the department in a statement on Tuesday.

The GDE said the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation and that authorities were on the scene shortly after the incident to assist learners who were on board and begin assessing the circumstances. 

“According to information at our disposal, the overturned vehicle was allegedly transporting learners from Greenside High School, Parktown Girls’ High School and Roosevelt High School. 

“[There were] reportedly 13 learners from Greenside High School, ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 11; four learners from Roosevelt High School in Grades 8, 9 and 12, while Parktown Girls’ High School had three learners in Grades 8, 10 and 11.”

Following the crash, learners were transported to various healthcare facilities, where they were assessed for injuries and received medical treatment. 

“Fortunately, all learners were treated and discharged into the care of their families. A majority of learners have been booked off from attending school by medical practitioners for the remainder of this week. 

“One learner from Greenside High School, however, remains hospitalised and is scheduled to undergo surgery,” the department explained.

Meanwhile, the department has arranged psychosocial support for all learners and their families to assist with recovery and trauma management. Additionally, departmental officials were dispatched to each school and hospital to verify the condition of all affected learners and also interact with all affected families.

“We are grateful that there were no fatalities, and we extend our gratitude to emergency personnel, respective school management teams and our officials who responded swiftly. We are continuing to engage with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident and ensure accountability. 

“We urge all scholar transport drivers, whether public or private, to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of our learners remains a top priority at all times. We wish all learners a speedy recovery,” Education MEC Matome Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Former Umzimkhulu municipal manager arrested in Magaqa murder case

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team has made another breakthrough in the Sindiso Magaqa murder case, with the arrest of the former municipal manager of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality. 

The former municipal manager is expected to appear before the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder today.

The 55-year-old suspect was rearrested today in Malvern, Durban. 

READ | Police Commissioner commends sentencing in Magaqa case 

He was previously arrested in 2018 alongside the late mayor of the Umzimkhulu Local Municipality, a businessman, two former police officers and a hitman. 

The hitman, Sbusiso Ncengwa, was convicted to 25 years imprisonment on 7 July 2025. 

Magaqa was an African National Congress Youth League Secretary General and municipal councilor. He was killed in September 2017 in KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

North West allocates over R36 million to boost red meat industry

Source: Government of South Africa

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has committed R36.856 million to the Red Meat Industry Development and Enhancement Programme, to reposition the province as a key player in South Africa’s red meat economy.

Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Madoda Sambatha announced the funding during his department’s policy and budget speech at the North West Provincial Legislature. 

The programme is expected to directly benefit 7 242 farmers, including 4 728 men, 2 219 women, 252 youth, and 43 people with disabilities. 

The initiative will provide structured production support, access to value chains, and market integration.

“The initiative will be implemented through the beef beneficiation aggregation model, a framework designed to enhance farmer coordination, improve processing capacity, and establish sustainable linkages to commercial markets.” 

The provincial department announced that the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District will be prioritised due to its high concentration of beef farming operations and its important role in the provincial livestock value chain.

In addition to boosting production, the programme is expected to create 321 temporary jobs and 87 permanent jobs, particularly in areas such as aggregation, logistics, technical extension, and feedlot operations.

The department believes that this move aligns with its broader goals of advancing rural development, increasing household incomes, and reducing unemployment in underserved communities.

Sambatha has declared the R36.8 million injection into the red meat industry, a decisive turning point for the North West agricultural sector. 

“This is more than just funding; it is a bold statement of intent. We are transforming the red meat value chain, unlocking opportunities for emerging farmers, and positioning the province as a powerhouse in livestock production,” said Sambatha.

The MEC is of the view that this investment is a clear demonstration of the province’s steadfast commitment to building a transformed, competitive, and inclusive red meat industry. 

“Through this programme, we are not only empowering our farmers, but also driving economic growth, boosting job creation, and laying a solid foundation for long-term food security and agro-industrial development,” Sambatha added.

The Red Meat Industry Development and Enhancement Programme forms part of the department’s strategy to broaden participation, enhance local beneficiation, and stimulate growth across rural economies, while contributing meaningfully to the provincial and national gross domestic product (GDP). – SAnews.gov.za

SA granted €500 million loan for Energy Transition

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has been granted a €500 million loan for the implementation of the country’s Just Energy Transition (JET) plan by the German Cooperation via KFW Development Bank (KFW).

This loan is part of South Africa’s third Development Policy Operation and participants included the World Bank, African Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund.  

“It supports structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services, with a specific focus on the energy sector and climate mitigation.

“KFW’s financing forms part of government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy,” National Treasury said on Monday.

This loan agreement builds on the two policy loans concluded in 2022 and 2023, and forms part of Germany’s pledge at COP26 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). 

Germany’s three policy loans, implemented by KFW, total €1.3 billion and form part of a larger package of JETP projects supported by the German Government via loans, technical assistance and grants.

“The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, [has] highlighted the significance of South Africa’s partnership with Germany and KFW that remains critical to South Africa’s development agenda and marks a significant step towards strengthening South Africa’s short- and medium-term energy security measures, promoting decarbonisation and enhancing the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition for disadvantaged communities, thereby enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation. 

“The Minister also emphasised the need for further policy and institutional reforms in the energy sector to create an enabling environment for the investment required for a just energy transition,” National Treasury said.

KFW’s Country Director for South Africa, Cornelia Tittmann, said the loan seeks to support the government of South Africa’s continued commitment to reforms in the energy sector, which give effect to South Africa’s climate commitments and enable the private sector to participate, opening new avenues to strengthen economic cooperation between Germany and South Africa. –SAnews.gov.za

Fome diminui no mundo, mas sobe na África e na Ásia Ocidental

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Brasil deixa o Mapa da Fome da FAO após recuperar ganhos em segurança nutricional; relatório de várias agências da ONU confirma que preços dos alimentos aumentaram em 2024 em todo o globo.

Cerca de 8,2% da população global poderá ter enfrentado fome em 2024, segundo o relatório “Estado da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional no Mundo”, Sofi.

O total que corresponde a 673 milhões de pessoas revela uma redução em relação aos 8,5% de habitantes do planeta, registrados em 2023, e 8,7% em 2022.

Queda da desnutrição no Brasil

Uma das novidades do estudo é a queda da desnutrição no Brasil para menos de 2,5%, o limite para inclusão de um país no Mapa da Fome da Organização das Nações Unidas para Agricultura e Alimentação, FAO. Com isso, o país volta a sair do Mapa da Fome da FAO, uma conquista realizada em 2014, mas que depois retrocedeu.

Entre 2001 e 2003, a média da desnutrição no país foi de 3,9% da população total.

Em contraste com a evolução global, apenas uma pequena parcela dos brasileiros conseguiu manter uma dieta saudável, de um pico de 29,8% em 2021 para 23,7% em 2024.

O Sofi é preparado anualmente pela Organização da ONU para Educação, Ciência e Cultura, FAO, o Fundo Internacional para o Desenvolvimento Agrícola, Fida, o Fundo da ONU para a Infância, Unicef, o Programa Mundial de Alimentos, WFP, e a Organização Mundial da Saúde OMS.

Qualidade e quantidade de alimentos

A insegurança alimentar grave acontece quando as pessoas ficam sem comida ou passam um dia ou mais sem comer. A situação é definida como moderada quando a qualidade ou a quantidade de alimentos é baixa e há incerteza sobre a capacidade de acesso às refeições.

De forma geral, o relatório Sofi alerta que os preços dos alimentos aumentaram globalmente em 2024.

O progresso global na segurança alimentar é impulsionado por uma melhoria notável no Sudeste Asiático, no Sul da Ásia e na América do Sul. Em contraste, a fome aumenta de forma contínua na maioria das sub-regiões da África e na Ásia Ocidental.”

O relatório observa que a insegurança alimentar moderada ou grave diminuiu gradualmente desde 2021. O problema foi vivido por 28% da população global em 2024, embora as taxas estejam aumentando na África.

Alimentação nutritiva

Apesar da alta de custos médios de uma alimentação saudável devido à alta dos preços da comida, o relatório revela que o total de pessoas que não podem pagar por uma alimentação nutritiva baixou de 2,76 bilhões em 2019 para 2,6 bilhões no ano passado.

O relatório aponta ainda disparidades globais crescentes: menos pessoas na África, em economias de baixa renda e em países de baixa e média renda, exceto a Índia, poderiam pagar por uma alimentação saudável em 2024 ao contrário de há cinco anos.

Os autores do estudo destacam que países e comunidades de baixa renda sofrem o impacto da fome, da insegurança alimentar e da desnutrição e são afetados de forma desproporcional pela inflação dos preços dos alimentos.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

Missão da Nações Unidas (ONU) indignada com assassinato de 49 cristãos na República Democrática do Congo (RDC)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Grupo que participava de um culto em Ituri, no leste do país, foi atacado por integrantes do grupo armado ADF; casas e lojas também foram incendidas e outros civis sequestrados na ofensiva.

A Missão das Nações Unidas na República Democrática do Congo, RD Congo, Monusco, reagiu com indignação a um ataque contra um grupo de cristãos que participavam de um culto pela madrugada, conhecido como vigília, na província de Ituri, no leste do país africano.

Segundo a Monusco, pelo menos 49 civis foram mortos por integrantes do grupo armado Forças Democráticas Aliadas, ADF.

Monusco aumentou patrulhas

Dentre as vítimas fatais, havia nove crianças. A igreja está localizada na cidade de Komanda.

Agências de notícas informaram que a maioria das vítimas foi atacada com facões.

Os autores incendiaram casas e lojas e sequestraram outros civis. Para a Monusco, este é um crime hediondo de violência que viola o direito internacional humanitário e os direitos humanos.

Na semana passada, a Missão da ONU já havia condenado o ressurgimento da violência após um outro ataque da ADF, no início deste mês, que matou 47 pessoas.

Em coordenação com as autoridades locais, a Monusco está apoiando as famílias das vítimas incluindo com a organização de enterros e a prestação de cuidados médicos aos feridos.

A Missão está redobrando medidas de segurança dentro e ao redor do local do ataque com mais patrulhamento.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.