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Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatar Rejects Closure of Strait of Hormuz, Supports Mediation Efforts

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 28, 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to dialogue and diplomatic solutions to resolve conflicts, and its categorical rejection of using the Strait of Hormuz as a political pressure tool. He noted that Qatar continues to support regional and international mediation efforts, foremost among them those led by Pakistan.

During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly briefing, Al Ansari said that preventing ships and tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz was unacceptable under any circumstances, and that using it as leverage in any military or political conflict was completely rejected. He stressed the necessity of keeping the strait open regardless of other considerations.

He noted that the closure of the strait had global economic repercussions, affecting energy security, food security, and global supply chains, and that current conditions served no one.

In a related context, he affirmed that the State of Qatar placed the safety of workers on oil tankers among its top priorities, while continuing to monitor developments and negotiations related to reopening the strait, reiterating warnings against using it as a pressure tool amid current international and economic conditions.

Regarding the Gulf consultative summit held today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to the Gulf system, noting that coordination among Gulf Cooperation Council countries has continued since the beginning of the crisis through ongoing communication and mutual visits between leaders and officials.

Al Ansari said that holding a GCC consultative summit given the current circumstances was a natural step in light of continued coordination. He added that the GCC position was clear in that the solution should be diplomatic and reached as soon as possible.

He noted that GCC countries have, in recent years, demonstrated the effectiveness of their roles in mediation and conflict resolution, becoming an international hub for dispute resolution and widely relied upon.

On supporting dialogue and diplomatic solutions to crises, Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar’s position had been clear since the beginning of the war, emphasizing that any conflict should be resolved through negotiations. He stressed that Qatar supports negotiations and will continue to back peaceful and diplomatic solutions in various crises.

He added that there was full coordination with partners in Pakistan regarding ongoing mediation efforts, noting that recent movements and contacts, including visits by the Pakistani prime minister to several Gulf states, fall within the framework of continued coordination and cooperation.

He said that there was no need to expand the scope of negotiations, especially as there was already a mediator playing a positive role and maintaining communication with all parties to reach a solution, and that this mediator has full support.

He pointed to continued coordination with regional and international partners to find a peaceful resolution to end the crisis.

He affirmed that the State of Qatar has taken all necessary military measures to ensure its safety and has managed to intercept around 98% of the missiles targeting it, while retaining its right to protect its sovereignty.

He also noted progress in some talks despite challenges, describing ceasefire measures as a positive step that should be built upon to reach a lasting solution.

Al Ansari reiterated that Qatar sought a final resolution to the conflict that ensures regional stability and puts an end to its economic and security repercussions, while avoiding a return to cycles of escalation and working toward a comprehensive diplomatic settlement.

Regarding the State of Qatar’s mediation efforts, he said that halting such efforts would not be useful to any party, adding that mediators may face criticism, but that it does not diminish the importance of continuing these efforts.

He stressed that the State of Qatar remains engaged in mediation across multiple regional and global files, noting ongoing cooperation with regional partners such as Egypt and Turkiye.

In a separate context, he expressed the State of Qatar’s appreciation, as well as that of countries in the region, for European partners who have demonstrated a high degree of reliability within the framework of this conflict.

He added that the greatest concern currently related to regional security, noting that perceptions of risk and threat have evolved, and emphasizing the importance of reaching comprehensive and sustainable solutions in the interest of the region peoples, including the Iranian people.

Regarding Lebanon, Al Ansari reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s continued support for the Republic of Lebanon in many ways, whether by backing the Lebanese Armed Forces or coordinating with international partners within the framework of the Quintet Committee, noting that contacts continue with all parties in this regard.

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African Mining Week (AMW) to Host United States (U.S.) – Africa Roundtable as Washington’s Presence in African Mining Expands

Source: APO


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The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 conference – The Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – will center host a high-level U.S. – Africa Roundtable, designed to connect African regulators and project developers directly with American capital and technical expertise.

This dedicated session arrives as the continent seeks to unlock an estimated $8.5 trillion in untapped mineral wealth, offering a primary platform for stakeholders to navigate the increasingly complex global minerals landscape.

The roundtable will explore emerging and lucrative investment opportunities across Africa’s mining sector, as the continent seeks capital and expertise to unlock an estimated $8.5 trillion in untapped mineral resources.

The session comes at a pivotal time as the U.S works to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on China for critical minerals. With Africa holding 30% of the world’s mineral reserves – including more than 70% of global cobalt resources, over 90% of platinum group metals and more than 80% of both chrome and manganese deposits – the continent represents a strategic partner for the U.S.

Growing partnerships between U.S. companies, government agencies and African mineral-rich countries underscore the continent’s strategic importance in strengthening America’s supply chains. At the same time, increased U.S. investment and technical expertise is crucial in helping address key challenges facing Africa’s mining sector, including declining exploration spending, infrastructure gaps and limited access to development finance.

In March 2026, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced plans to convert its loan to Syrah Resources, operator of the Balama Graphite Mine in Mozambique, into an equity stake – strengthening U.S. access to one of the world’s largest graphite deposits. The DFC is also supporting the development of the Lobito Corridor, a major infrastructure initiative connecting mineral-rich regions of Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to global export markets. In addition, the creation of a $1.8 billion critical minerals partnership with Orion Resource Partners highlights growing U.S. efforts to secure strategic mineral supply chains through global partnerships, including in Africa. A mining partnership agreement signed between the U.S. and the DRC in December 2025 strengthens cooperation between the world’s largest economy and one of the most mineral-rich countries. The deal creates a mutually beneficial framework that enhances supply security for the U.S while enabling the DRC to access financing and technical expertise to advance the development of its mining sector.

American mining technology and exploration companies are also expanding their presence across the continent. In March 2026, KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals entered into an agreement with Burundi to assess and develop the Musongati Nickel Project, which hosts an estimated 140 million tons of nickel resources. These companies are also advancing projects across Tanzania, Zambia and the DRC, targeting nickel, lithium and copper deposits critical to global energy transition supply chains.

In Zambia, KoBold Metals’ investments are expected to support the country’s goal of increasing copper production to three million tons annually by 2031, while the company’s involvement in the Manono Lithium Project in the DRC highlights growing U.S. participation in the country’s mining sector as it seeks to unlock an estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral resources.

Against this backdrop, the U.S. – Africa Roundtable will create a platform for African governments and mining companies to engage directly with potential U.S. partners seeking to strengthen global critical minerals supply chains.

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

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Canada–Africa Financing Forum to Convene Investors and Decision-Makers in Cape Town – May 14, 2026

Source: APO


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The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.ca) will convene investors, financiers, policymakers, and industry leaders in Cape Town on May 14, 2026 for the Canada–Africa Financing Forum—a high-level platform focused on unlocking capital and accelerating deal flow across African markets.

Registration is open (http://apo-opa.co/4vZN6oV)

This timely Forum comes on the heels of commitments announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, deepening Canada–Africa commercial ties and expanding investment partnerships. The program connects leaders from venture capital, private equity, and institutional investors to examine where capital is moving—and where the next opportunities lie—supported by Canadian project partners with proven capacity to deliver on-the-ground.

Delegates will engage directly with finance and investment decision-makers, following the program opening, featuring messages from President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Mark Carney, in addition to high-level Ministerial representation.

“This Forum is about capital deployment, not just conversation,” said Garreth Bloor, President of the Canada–Africa Chamber of Business. “We are convening investors, institutions, and project leaders who are actively shaping transactions across Africa—and connecting them directly with Canadian partners who are ready to work together.”

The Canada–Africa Financing Forum reflects the Chamber’s role as a privately financed, market-led platform advancing Canada-Africa trade and investment through world-class networking and information-sharing events.

Why Attend

  • Direct access to active dealmakers and capital allocators
  • Insights into where capital is being deployed and key players delivering major projects
  • Opportunities to build partnerships across Canada and African markets
  • Participation in a curated, high-level environment focused on execution

Secure Your Place

Space is limited and demand is strong.

Apply to secure your place (http://apo-opa.co/4vXb9oz)

Read More and View the Program (http://apo-opa.co/4vZN6oV)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

Media Contact:
The Canada–Africa Chamber of Business
Press Officer
1.647.945.4119
press@canadaafrica.ca

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Legal protections are failing to protect girls in Africa from child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), report warns

Source: APO

Millions of girls in Africa are still at risk of child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) despite bans in most countries. A new report by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) (www.ACERWC.Africa), with support from Equality Now (https://apo-opa.co/4ubG12Q), reveals how laws are often poorly enforced, with implementation varying widely and survivors facing challenges accessing justice and support. Governments must urgently close protection gaps and bridge the divide between legal commitments and the reality girls face.

Drawing on case studies from Chad, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, the Thematic Report on Harmful Practices Affecting Children in Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4ePMlbK) finds that despite progress in strengthening legal frameworks and political commitments, harmful practices remain entrenched.

Climate shocks, conflict, and economic instability are intensifying the drivers of child marriage and FGM, weakening already fragile systems and increasing risks for girls, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas, where access to services is limited and social pressures are stronger. Many cases go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and limited support services.

The report was launched at the 47th Ordinary Session of the ACERWC, held in Maseru, Lesotho, on April 21, and a recording of the discussion (https://apo-opa.co/494EHGT) is available to watch (the session starts at 4:56:31). The session brought together policymakers, civil society organisations, and regional stakeholders to advance dialogue and reinforce collective action to end harmful practices across Africa.

Sally Ncube, Equality Now’s Regional Representative for Southern Africa, explains, “Failure of implementation and enforcement of the law to protect children from harmful practices is not a failure of the law alone. It is a failure of the ecosystem that should make the law protect and support children.”

Legal gaps, climate change, and conflict exacerbate child marriage

Less than half of African countries set the minimum marriage age at 18 without exception (https://apo-opa.co/4tLGNUC), leaving legal gaps that allow child marriage under parental consent, judicial approval, or customary and religious law. Many countries also lack comprehensive legislation addressing prevention, access to justice, and survivors’ rights.

Crises like extreme weather fuelled by climate change erode economic and social structures, disrupt services, and shut schools, which are crucial for monitoring and reporting abuse. Economic hardship remains a major driver of child marriage, with families facing poverty sometimes turning to early marriage to reduce household expenses and in the mistaken belief that it will provide their daughter with protection.

The reality is that child marriage increases a girl’s likelihood of experiencing a range of harms, including domestic violence, unwanted and early pregnancy, dropping out of education, and poverty. 

UNICEF noted that a 2022 drought tripled the number of children at risk of dropping out of school (https://apo-opa.co/4uhivS8) in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. A 10% decrease in rainfall is associated with a 1% increase in child marriage (https://apo-opa.co/48p7SnW) rates, underscoring how environmental shocks can deepen economic pressures that push families toward early marriage as an economic survival strategy.

Drought in parts of Ethiopia led to a doubling of child marriage rates within a year in the worst-affected regions (https://apo-opa.co/4uhivS8) as families struggled with food insecurity and poverty. FGM is often carried out to prepare girls for marriage, and in Djibouti and Somalia, climate-related economic pressure has resulted in girls undergoing FGM at younger ages to increase their “marriageability.”

In Somalia, FGM and child marriage remain deeply rooted, particularly impacting girls in internally displaced persons camps where protections are weak, while in Sudan, FGM was criminalised in 2020, but war and governance breakdown have severely undermined enforcement.

Legal gaps and weak enforcement undermine progress on ending FGM

Of the 27 African countries with national-level prevalence data on FGM, four countries (Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Somalia) still lack specific national legislation banning the practice, underscoring persistent legal gaps across the region.

The medicalisation of FGM and girls being transported across country borders to be cut remain under-addressed issues in many national laws. In some cases, survivors are inadvertently criminalised, and access to redress and support services remains limited, particularly in rural and crisis-affected areas.

In Egypt and Cameroon, FGM legal bans reflect progress, but shortfalls remain, such as FGM medicalisation in Egypt and legal inconsistencies in Cameroon. In Nigeria, laws criminalising FGM and setting the minimum age of marriage at 18 are weakened by inconsistent enforcement and conflicting customary and religious law.

Rising authoritarianism and military takeovers have stifled progress toward ending harmful practices. The withdrawal of countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS and other regional bodies has reduced accountability and curtailed civil society’s ability to advocate for change.

FGM laws at risk of rollback in some countries

Debates about decriminalising FGM are resurging, as seen in The Gambia (https://apo-opa.co/4sZ8FmH) (2024), where the Supreme Court is considering repealing the country’s FGM ban, underscoring the need for sustained vigilance and advocacy.

Proposed anti-FGM provisions in Mali (https://apo-opa.co/4cAQQWk) were removed from the 2024 Penal Code following resistance from religious leaders, demonstrating how political and social pressures can stall reform.

Progress towards ending child marriage and FGM

Despite challenges, progress advances where legal reform and community leadership align. In Malawi, the report recognises the efforts of traditional leaders such as Chief Theresa Kachindamoto (https://apo-opa.co/4n06he7), who have played a key role in annulling thousands of child marriages, demonstrating the success of locally led action.

Another progressive example is how the Constitutional Court (https://apo-opa.co/4mYhJqx) in Zimbabwe issued a landmark ruling that prompted the amendment to the 2022 Marriage Act, setting the age of marriage at 18 with no exceptions, following a case by two young women forced into early marriage.

Ethiopia, for example, adapted to COVID-19 restrictions by using mobile-based interactive voice recordings to reach out-of-school girls with FGM awareness content (https://apo-opa.co/4cFYuPj), showcasing how technology can support advocacy during a crisis.

African governments must turn legal commitments into real protection for girls

The thematic report recommends that all African governments implement strict legal provisions prohibiting harmful practices and fully incorporate international and regional human rights treaties, conventions, and protocols into their domestic legal systems to ensure that these instruments bind the state. It is also critical to close legal loopholes to ensure that the minimum marriage age is set at 18 without exception and to align national, customary, and religious frameworks with regional child rights standards.

“The study illustrates that change is possible and indeed already taking place. Progress is achievable when legislation is complemented by implementation and coordination among relevant stakeholders and the promotion within the community,” said Hon. Hermine Kembo Takam Gatsing, Special Rapporteur on Child Marriage and Other Harmful Practices, ACERWC

Strong political will, clear policy, and coordinated national action are essential. This requires collaboration among governments, civil society, and communities, backed by dedicated funding, strong accountability frameworks, and well-staffed systems.

Efforts must address the social and cultural norms that allow harmful practices to persist. Context-specific approaches and local ownership are essential, grounded in meaningful participation of survivors and community leaders. Empowering girls through education and providing survivors with guaranteed access to protection, justice, and support services are also crucial.

To better understand the causes and scale of child marriage and FGM, governments must strengthen national data systems, including birth and marriage registration and child protection databases. Reliable, disaggregated data can help identify risks, design evidence-based responses, track progress, and hold institutions accountable.

“The law that cannot protect a girl in her own home is not a law; it is a broken promise. Lack of implementation is not a failure of law alone. It is a failure of the ecosystem that should make the law protect children from marriage and FGM. This report, and this moment, matter because millions of girls across Africa are waiting for the law to find them. Not for them to find the law.” Sally Ncube, Equality Now’s Regional Representative for Southern Africa

“Equality Now and civil society organisations stand ready to continue working with ACERWC and States Parties to turn commitments into safety and justice. May this session be the turning point where Africa accelerates progress toward moving laws on paper into real-life protection in practice. Equality Now stands ready. Africa’s girls are waiting,” concludes Ncube.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.

For media enquiries, contact:
Sphiwe Dlamini
Regional Communications Officer
Equality Now
sdlamini@equalitynow.org
T. +27 (0)711429179 (available on WhatsApp)

For more details:
Go to www.EqualityNow.org
Bluesky: equalitynow.bsky.social: https://apo-opa.co/4tF1EZB,
Facebook: @equalitynoworg: https://apo-opa.co/4daXwL0
Instagram: @equalitynoworg: https://apo-opa.co/4tI3x7V
LinkedIn: Equality Now: https://apo-opa.co/4umEB5T

About:
Equality Now (www.EqualityNow.org) is a worldwide human rights organisation dedicated to securing the legal and systemic change needed to end discrimination against all women and girls. Since its inception in 1992, it has played a role in reforming 120 discriminatory laws globally, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of women and girls, their communities and nations, both now and for generations to come.

Working with partners at national, regional, and global levels, Equality Now draws on deep legal expertise and a diverse range of social, political, and cultural perspectives to continue to lead the way in steering, shaping, and driving the change needed to achieve enduring gender equality, to the benefit of all.

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MIR Holding réaffirme son engagement en faveur des industries créatives africaines aux côtés d’ORUN au Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain d’Abidjan (MASA) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À l’occasion du MASA 2026 qui s’est tenu du 11 au 18 avril à Abidjan, MIR Holding (https://MIRHolding.odoo.com) a réaffirmé son engagement à accompagner l’essor des industries créatives africaines en s’associant à ORUN dans le cadre du Village de l’Innovation, déployé au Palais de la Culture d’Abidjan. Cette présence traduit la volonté de soutenir le passage à l’échelle des industries culturelles et créatives pour que celles-ci contribuent pleinement à la création d’emploi et de valeur sur le continent.

Co-organisé par ORUN et le MASA, le Village de l’Innovation a réuni pendant plusieurs jours une scénographie conçue par des artisans ivoiriens, une programmation de panels et de masterclasses consacrés aux industries créatives, une expérience immersive produite par Orun Studios ainsi qu’un temps fort institutionnel le 17 avril.

Pensé autour de trois piliers (mémoire, structure, transmission) le dispositif a porté une nouvelle ambition de la culture : celle d’un levier concret de structuration économique et de projection africaine.

En soutenant cette initiative, MIR Holding s’inscrit dans une dynamique qui vise à renforcer les passerelles entre création, entrepreneuriat, contenus, jeunesse et écosystèmes de croissance. Plus qu’un appui événementiel, ce partenariat reflète une volonté d’accompagner des plateformes capables d’organiser les filières, de rendre les talents plus visibles et de favoriser l’émergence d’infrastructures créatives africaines solides. MIR Holding figure parmi les partenaires principaux du Village aux côtés d’Africa Currency Network et d’autres acteurs engagés dans cette vision.

« Avec ORUN, nous ne cherchons pas seulement à rendre la culture visible. Nous voulons contribuer à lui donner un cadre, une portée et une trajectoire. Ce qui se joue ici, c’est la capacité du continent à mieux transformer son énergie créative en valeur durable, en opportunités réelles et en influence », a déclaré Habyba Thiero, CEO d’Africa Currency Network et Présidente d’ORUN.

Mouhamed Dieng, Président de MIR Holding, a ajouté : « Soutenir l’industrie créative africaine, ce n’est pas accompagner un secteur accessoire. C’est investir dans l’un des espaces les plus puissants de narration, de jeunesse, d’innovation et de compétitivité du continent. Chez MIR Holding, nous croyons que l’Afrique de demain se construira aussi par sa capacité à structurer ses imaginaires, ses talents et ses filières créatives. »

Distribué par APO Group pour MIR Holding.

Contacts Presse :
Joleha NIGNAN 
joleha.nignan@acn.africa 

À propos de MIR Holding :
MIR Holding est une plateforme d’engagement et d’investissement tournée vers l’Afrique, attachée à soutenir des initiatives structurantes à fort impact économique, culturel et sociétal. Le groupe accompagne des projets qui participent à la transformation des écosystèmes africains, à la mise en valeur des talents et à la construction de nouveaux récits de croissance pour le continent. En s’associant à ORUN dans le cadre du MASA 2026, MIR Holding réaffirme son intérêt pour les dynamiques créatives africaines comme levier de projection, d’innovation et de création de valeur.

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ORUN et 1xBET s’associent pour soutenir une Afrique créative en mouvement

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans le cadre du Village de l’Innovation co-organisé avec le MASA au Palais de la Culture d’Abidjan du 14 au 18 avril, ORUN (https://ORUN.Africa) annonce la mise en oeuvre de son partenariat avec 1xBet pour accompagner une Afrique créative qui se structure, se professionnalise et se projette à l’échelle du continent.

Pensé comme un espace de convergence entre héritage, innovation et transmission, le Village de l’innovation réunit une scénographie construite par des artisans ivoiriens, une programmation de panels et masterclasses sur les industries créatives, une expérience immersive produite par Orun Studios, ainsi qu’un temps fort institutionnel le 17 avril. Sa plateforme narrative repose sur trois piliers : mémoire, structure, transmission. Elle vise à faire des industries culturelles et créative un levier économique pour le continent.

« Le Village de l’Innovation a été pensé comme un acte de construction. En nous associant à des partenaires comme 1xBet, nous voulons montrer qu’il est possible de soutenir les talents, les récits et les écosystèmes créatifs africains sur le long terme, avec ambition et cohérence », a déclaré Habyba Thiero, CEO d’Africa Currency Network et Présidente d’ORUN.

Cette vision s’inscrit dans l’ambition d’ORUN de produire, structurer et internationaliser les industries créatives africaines à travers des événements, des contenus et des partenariats stratégiques.

Distribué par APO Group pour ORUN, part of African Currency Network (ACN).

CONTACTS PRESSE :
Joleha NIGNAN 
joleha.nignan@acn.africa

À PROPOS DE ORUN :
Porté par l’Africa Currency Network (ACN) et membre du Centre financier international de Kigali, ORUN est une organisation panafricaine dédiée à la structuration des Industries Culturelles et Créatives (ICC) en tant que moteurs du développement durable, de la souveraineté culturelle et du soft power à travers le continent. Véritable levier stratégique, ORUN œuvre à la transformation des économies locales par la valorisation des talents et du savoir-faire africain. À l’intersection de la création, du design, de l’artisanat et de la transmission des savoirs, ORUN convertit compétences, récits et talents en actifs culturels, économiques et symboliques durables, capables de générer de la valeur locale tout en s’engageant auprès des parties prenantes clés et des plateformes internationales.

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MIR Holding Reaffirms Its Commitment to African Creative Industries Alongside ORUN at Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain d’Abidjan (MASA) 2026

Source: APO

On the occasion of MASA 2026, held from April 11 to 18 in Abidjan, MIR Holding (https://MIRHolding.odoo.com) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of African creative industries by partnering with ORUN as part of the Innovation Village, hosted at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan. This presence reflects a clear intention to support the scaling of cultural and creative industries so they can fully contribute to job creation and value generation across the continent.

Co-organized by ORUN and MASA, the Innovation Village brought together over several days scenography designed by Ivorian artisans, a program of panels and masterclasses dedicated to creative industries, an immersive experience produced by Orun Studios, and a key institutional highlight on April 17.

Built around three pillars — memory, structure, and transmission — the initiative carried a renewed ambition for culture: positioning it as a concrete lever for economic structuring and African projection.

By supporting this initiative, MIR Holding aligns with a broader dynamic aimed at strengthening connections between creation, entrepreneurship, content, youth, and growth ecosystems. More than event support, this partnership reflects a commitment to backing platforms capable of structuring value chains, increasing the visibility of talent, and fostering the emergence of strong African creative infrastructures. MIR Holding stands among the main partners of the Village, alongside Africa Currency Network and other stakeholders engaged in this vision.

“With ORUN, we are not only seeking to make culture visible. We aim to help provide it with a framework, a reach, and a trajectory. What is at stake here is the continent’s ability to better transform its creative energy into sustainable value, real opportunities, and influence,” said Habyba Thiero, CEO of Africa Currency Network and President of ORUN.

Mouhamed Dieng, President of MIR Holding, added: “Supporting Africa’s creative industries is not about backing a secondary sector. It is about investing in one of the continent’s most powerful spaces for storytelling, youth, innovation, and competitiveness. At MIR Holding, we believe that Africa’s future will also be shaped by its ability to structure its narratives, its talent, and its creative value chains.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MIR Holding.

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ORUN and 1xBET Partner to Support a Dynamic Creative Africa

Source: APO

As part of the Innovation Village co-organized with MASA at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan from April 14 to 18, ORUN (https://ORUN.Africa) announces the rollout of its partnership with 1xBET to support a creative Africa that is structuring itself, professionalizing, and scaling across the continent.

Designed as a space of convergence between heritage, innovation, and knowledge transmission, the Innovation Village features scenography crafted by Ivorian artisans, a program of panels and masterclasses on creative industries, an immersive experience produced by Orun Studios, and a major institutional highlight on April 17. Its narrative platform is built around three pillars: memory, structure, and transmission. The initiative aims to position cultural and creative industries as an economic driver for the continent.

“The Innovation Village was conceived as an act of construction. By partnering with organizations such as 1xBET, we aim to demonstrate that it is possible to support African talent, narratives, and creative ecosystems over the long term, with ambition and consistency,” said Habyba Thiero, CEO of Africa Currency Network and President of ORUN.

This vision aligns with ORUN’s broader ambition to produce, structure, and internationalize African creative industries through events, content, and strategic partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ORUN, part of African Currency Network (ACN).

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Governo formaliza privatização da Cabo Verde Handling com a Swissport

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Governo de Cabo Verde assinou nesta terça-feira, 28 de abril, o contrato de compra e venda de 51% das ações da Cabo Verde Handling, S.A., formalizando a transferência da participação detida pela ASA para a Swissport International AG, enquanto compradora e parceiro estratégico.

Na ocasião, o Ministro das Finanças, Olavo Correia, afirmou que a escolha da Swissport International AG como parceiro privado da Cabo Verde Handling teve em consideração o mérito da proposta apresentada, o plano de investimentos, o valor da transação, o compromisso com o desenvolvimento do hub aéreo e a modernização da empresa.

“Estamos perante uma parceria em que Cabo Verde conseguiu atrair uma das melhores e maiores empresas de handling a nível mundial. Quero destacar a confiança que a Swissport depositou em Cabo Verde para estabelecermos uma parceria de longo prazo. O Governo criará todas as condições e um ambiente de negócios favorável para que esta parceria seja um sucesso ao serviço da nação cabo-verdiana, dos trabalhadores e do país”, destacou.

Segundo Olavo Correia, o negócio atinge o valor global de 36 milhões de euros para 51% do capital social da Cabo Verde Handling, S.A. “Importa referir que o mandato é alienar 61% do capital da empresa. Prevê-se ainda a venda de 5% aos colaboradores, incentivando a sua participação, e de mais 5% à diáspora cabo-verdiana, permitindo que também participe enquanto acionista nesta empresa”, referiu.

O Ministro sublinhou que o processo assegura um forte compromisso com os trabalhadores, garantindo a manutenção dos postos de trabalho, o respeito pelos direitos adquiridos e a criação de melhores oportunidades de qualificação, formação contínua e desenvolvimento de carreira alinhados com as melhores práticas internacionais, acrescentando que o crescimento da empresa deverá impulsionar novas contratações.

Acrescentou ainda que a Swissport apresentou um plano estratégico de excelência, com investimentos estimados em cerca de 10,5 milhões de euros nos próximos cinco anos, incluindo uma aposta robusta em inovação e tecnologia e uma visão de longo prazo alinhada com a ambição de posicionar Cabo Verde como um hub aéreo competitivo.

Por sua vez, o PCA da ASA, Moisés Monteiro, afirmou que este ato se enquadra na visão estratégica do Governo de promoção do desenvolvimento social e económico do país, na qual as parcerias público-privadas assumem um papel central na mobilização de investimento, transferência de conhecimento e reforço da eficiência na prestação de serviços.

“A ASA deixa de ser detentora a 100% da Cabo Verde Handling, passando também a não deter uma participação maioritária. Contudo, orgulha-se de ter preparado a empresa para este novo ciclo de desenvolvimento, alinhado com o programa do Governo, que privilegia a abertura ao setor privado, a atração de operadores internacionais de referência e a criação de valor económico e social sustentável”, afirmou.

O representante da Swissport International AG, Christian Zweifel, destacou que o acordo reflete uma missão comum de reforçar a conectividade, apoiar o turismo e promover o crescimento económico sustentável em Cabo Verde, sublinhando ser uma honra a seleção no âmbito de um processo competitivo e agradecendo a confiança do Governo.

“O nosso objetivo é claro: construir uma operação de handling resiliente e preparada para o futuro, que ofereça excelência, segurança e eficiência em todos os sete aeroportos. Estamos empenhados num investimento de longo prazo, incluindo infraestruturas, inovação e, sobretudo, nas pessoas. O desenvolvimento do talento local estará no centro desta parceria, com a criação de uma academia de formação da Swissport para apoiar competências, carreiras e futuras lideranças em Cabo Verde”, sublinhou.

Segundo Christian Zweifel, a parceria visa reforçar a posição de Cabo Verde como um hub de aviação em crescimento e um destino-chave para viagens internacionais.

Para o Governo, a assinatura deste contrato representa um momento de elevada relevância para o setor da aviação civil nacional, traduzindo uma nova etapa de fortalecimento institucional, modernização e projeção internacional dos serviços aeroportuários de Cabo Verde.

O ato de assinatura foi presidido pelo Vice-Primeiro-Ministro e Ministro das Finanças, Olavo Correia, e contou com a presença do Ministro do Turismo e Transportes, José Luís Sá Nogueira, do Secretário de Estado das Finanças, Alcindo Mota, bem como de representantes da ASA e da SWISSPORT HOLDING SPAIN, S.L., entre outros convidados.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Cabo Verde: Governo garante condições para cobertura imparcial das Legislativas e destaca avanços na comunicação social

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Secretário de Estado Adjunto do Primeiro-Ministro, Lourenço Lopes, garantiu nesta segunda-feira, 27 de abril, que estão reunidas todas as condições para uma cobertura ampla, qualificada e isenta das eleições legislativas de 17 de maio e destacou os avanços registados no setor da comunicação social em Cabo Verde ao longo do atual mandato.

A afirmação foi proferida durante uma conferência de imprensa dedicada ao ponto de situação do setor público e privado da comunicação social, bem como à análise da cobertura mediática do processo eleitoral.

“Podemos dizer que estão garantidas as condições para que haja uma cobertura qualificada, alargada e isenta das eleições”, afirmou Lourenço Lopes, referindo-se ao trabalho dos órgãos públicos, nomeadamente a RTC e a Inforpress, que irão assegurar a cobertura em todos os círculos eleitorais, de Santo Antão à Brava.

Segundo Lourenço Lopes, estão asseguradas as condições ao nível dos profissionais, da logística e do financiamento, permitindo que os órgãos de comunicação social contribuam de forma significativa para o reforço da democracia, sublinhando que uma cobertura de qualidade exige tratamento equitativo de todos os partidos e candidatos. “Os órgãos de comunicação social não têm compromisso com nenhum partido político; o único compromisso é com a verdade”, reafirmou.

No que se refere à regulação do setor, destacou o posicionamento de Cabo Verde como referência no continente africano. “Cabo Verde é um exemplo em África em matéria de regulação dos media. Temos uma entidade reguladora verdadeiramente independente, que tem sido competente e que tem desempenhado plenamente o seu papel na fiscalização do setor da comunicação social”, afirmou, acrescentando que o reforço da ARC resulta da revisão do estatuto em 2020, que transferiu competências do Governo para esta entidade.

Relativamente ao setor público, Lourenço Lopes manifestou satisfação pelos resultados alcançados no atual mandato. “É com grande satisfação que me preparo para terminar este mandato 2021-2026 com ganhos significativos para a Inforpress e para a Rádio e Televisão de Cabo Verde”, destacou.

No caso da Inforpress, destacou o cumprimento de mais de 90% dos objetivos definidos, incluindo a assinatura do novo contrato de serviço noticioso com o Estado, em 2023, bem como a realização de investimentos ao nível da formação de jornalistas e o reforço da presença internacional, com a colocação de uma correspondente em Portugal.

Quanto à Rádio e Televisão de Cabo Verde (RCV), evidenciou o reforço do financiamento, que passou de 48 mil contos para 86 mil contos, no âmbito do novo contrato de prestação de serviço público. O governante destacou ainda o investimento na modernização tecnológica, com recurso a um aval do Estado de cerca de um milhão de euros, que permitiu a implementação de um sistema Full HD e a criação de estúdios digitais.

Relativamente aos órgãos privados, referiu que existem mecanismos estabelecidos no âmbito do processo eleitoral, nomeadamente a emissão de tempos de antena compensados pela Comissão Nacional de Eleições, defendendo, no entanto, a necessidade de reforçar os recursos disponíveis para garantir uma cobertura mais abrangente.

Lourenço Lopes destacou ainda a importância de uma comunicação social que represente a diversidade da sociedade cabo-verdiana e contribua para um processo eleitoral inclusivo e transparente, sublinhando igualmente o posicionamento do país entre os mais bem classificados da África lusófona e entre os primeiros a nível mundial em matéria de liberdade de imprensa.

A conferência de imprensa realizou-se no contexto da aproximação ao Dia Mundial da Liberdade de Imprensa, assinalado a 3 de maio, data que este ano coincide com o período de campanha eleitoral. “Num período mais tranquilo, sem os ruídos típicos da campanha eleitoral, será possível aprofundar esta reflexão”, concluiu.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.