Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets with the Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Source: Government of Qatar

Rome | June 23, 2026

Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, met Tuesday in Rome with HE Riccardo Guariglia, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic.

The meeting focused on bilateral relations between the State of Qatar and the Italian Republic and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

The two officials also discussed the latest regional developments, with particular focus on diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the Middle East following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Dr. Rasha Kelej drives an impactful change in public healthcare landscape in Africa and beyond by providing over 2600 Scholarships to doctors from 52 countries

Source: APO – Report:

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) commemorated World Health Day 2026 in partnership with the First Ladies of African and Asian countries, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign, with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to improving and transforming healthcare access across Africa, Asia, and beyond through its Scholarships and Capacity Building Program.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation shared, “At Merck Foundation, we remain committed to transforming the patient care landscape and improving access to quality and equitable healthcare solutions across Africa, Asia, and beyond. For the past 14 years, we have marked World Health Day every day through our ongoing efforts to build healthcare capacity in underserved communities.

I am proud to share that we have provided more than 2,600 scholarships for young healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. Through these scholarships, many of our Merck Foundation alumni are becoming the first-ever specialists in their respective fields in their countries, including Namibia, Liberia, The Gambia, Burundi, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, Congo, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, among others.”

“This is truly history in the making, and we are proud to be a part of Africa’s legacy by empowering a new generation of healthcare specialists who will serve generations to come.” Added Dr. Kelej.

As you all know, the lack of financial resources is not the only challenge facing Africa. A far more pressing issue is the scarcity of trained healthcare providers capable of effectively preventing, diagnosing, and managing diseases.

This sweeping shortage of medical and healthcare personnel has been one of the most critical barriers to access to quality healthcare across the continent.

As per WHO 2021 report, African region has 24% of the world’s disease burden, whereas there are only 2.9 healthcare workers per 1000 capita. This gap has a profound impact on health outcomes.

Therefore, the Merck Foundation scholarships are highly significant, as they provide doctors with specialized training, helping to bridge healthcare gaps and improve patient care in underserved communities.

Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African and Asian First Ladies and local partners such as Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities.

Merck Foundation also actively empowers women and youth in Science and Technology through its STEM Program and the annual Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards that recognize and celebrate the Best African Women Researchers and Best Young African Researchers, fostering research excellence.

Dr. Kelej shared, “This theme of World Health Day 2026 ““Together for health. Stand with science,” aligns perfectly with our program that train healthcare providers and empower women and youth in STEM”.

Merck Foundation CEO also announced the Call for Applications for 2026 Scholarships.

“I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for the 2026 Scholarships for young healthcare providers with special focus on women medical graduates. These include on-site fellowship programs, clinical training programs and online one-year diploma & two-year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country,” shared Dr Rasha Kelej.

To Apply for In-campus Scholarships in Fertility, Oncology, Diabetes and other specialties: 

https://apo-opa.co/4uPIEHm

To Apply for Online Scholarships, visit: 

https://apo-opa.co/4oLDkUc

The selection for each scholarship will be based on request by First Lady Office, Ministry of Health and / or Medical Society with the aim to fill the gaps of public healthcare system in each country.

The selection will be based on eligibility criteria fulfillment of each training Institute and Foundation, scholarship availability and fund availability. 

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager 
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/43Rs0fM
X: https://apo-opa.co/4w5itxp
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4vCGjkg
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4uMUjXz
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3QylN5k
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4eYn4vJ
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4uRXIo6

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/43Rs0fM), X (https://apo-opa.co/4w5itxp), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4uMUjXz), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4vCGjkg), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3QylN5k) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4eYn4vJ).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Media files

.

Afreximbank remporte deux distinctions lors des Gold Quill Awards 2026 de Association internationale des communicateurs d’entreprise (IABC) pour l’excellence de ses communications stratégiques

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export, (Afreximbank) ((www.Afreximbank.com) a reçu deux distinctions prestigieuses lors des Gold Quill Awards 2026 de l’Association internationale des communicateurs d’entreprise (IABC), l’un des programmes de récompenses les plus prestigieux au monde en matière de communication stratégique.

La Banque a reçu un Prix d’excellence dans la catégorie « Événements spéciaux et expérientiels » pour la Foire commerciale intra-africaine 2025 (IATF2025) qui s’est tenue à Alger, en Algérie, ainsi qu’un Prix du mérite dans la catégorie « Réseaux sociaux » pour ses campagnes sur les réseaux sociaux réaffirment ainsi l’engagement d’Afreximbank à mener des actions de communication à fort impact, qui contribuent à la réalisation de sa mission de promotion du commerce, de l’investissement et de l’industrialisation en Afrique et dans les Caraïbes.

Le prix d’excellence décerné à l’IATF2025 récompense la réussite de la stratégie de communication et d’engagement des parties prenantes mise en œuvre autour de la quatrième édition de la Foire commerciale intra-africaine, principal événement africain consacré au commerce et à l’investissement.  L’IATF2025 a réuni des gouvernements, entreprises, investisseurs, acheteurs, vendeurs et entrepreneurs venus d’Afrique et d’ailleurs, offrant une plateforme de promotion des opportunités commerciales et d’investissement tout en contribuant à la réalisation des objectifs de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf). La campagne de communication a joué un rôle déterminant dans le renforcement de la visibilité mondiale de l’événement, la mobilisation des parties prenantes, la couverture médiatique et l’engagement du public avant, pendant et après la manifestation. Elle a également permis de mettre en lumière l’ampleur, l’ambition et le dynamisme des entreprises africaines, tout en renforçant un récit positif sur la capacité du continent à commercer, à s’industrialiser et à être compétitif à l’échelle mondiale. Plus de 120 000 participants, en présentiel et en ligne, ont pris part à l’IATF2025, au cours de laquelle des transactions d’une valeur supérieure à 49 milliards de dollars US ont été enregistrées.

Le Prix du mérite attribué aux campagnes de médias sociaux d’Afreximbank récompense l’utilisation stratégique des plateformes numériques par la Banque pour mobiliser les parties prenantes, amplifier son impact sur le développement et promouvoir les débats relatifs au commerce, à l’industrialisation, à l’intégration économique et aux opportunités d’investissement en Afrique et dans les Caraïbes. Grâce à une combinaison de récits captivants, de contenus de référence, de plaidoyer de la part des dirigeants, de production multimédia et de couverture d’événements en temps réel, les plateformes de médias sociaux d’Afreximbank ont ​​continué d’étendre leur portée et leur influence auprès des décideurs politiques, des entreprises, des investisseurs, des partenaires au développement et du grand public. Parmi ces plateformes figure Afreximbank TV, une chaîne de télévision numérique détenue et gérée à 100 % par Afreximbank. Afreximbank TV a consacré une couverture dédiée à l’IATF2025, offrant une retransmission en direct des activités à un public panafricain et international.

Anne EZEH, Directrice des Communications et des Événements à Afreximbank, a déclaré : « Nous sommes ravis de recevoir ces deux prix, qui témoignent de l’expertise, de la créativité et de l’efficacité de la communication d’Afreximbank. En tant qu’institution financière multilatérale panafricaine, nous considérons la narration stratégique ‘le storytelling’ comme un outil puissant pour faire progresser notre mission : veiller à ce que nos initiatives, événements, programmes et annonces clés non seulement informent, mais inspirent également confiance, renforcent l’engagement et amplifient la transformation de l’Afrique. Ces prix confortent notre détermination à continuer de proposer une communication d’excellence qui donne la parole aux Africains et projette une image forte et crédible du continent ».

Mme Ezeh a ajouté que, grâce à un récit innovant, à l’engagement numérique et à des campagnes intégrées, la Banque continuera d’amplifier l’impact de ses programmes et partenariats afin de projeter une image plus authentique de l’Afrique, une image marquée par les opportunités, l’innovation, la résilience et une influence croissante dans l’économie mondiale.

Depuis plus de cinquante ans, les IABC Gold Quill Awards récompensent l’excellence en communication stratégique à l’échelle mondiale, saluant les programmes et les campagnes qui témoignent d’un impact mesurable, d’innovation, de créativité et d’une mise en œuvre exceptionnelle. Considérés comme le summum de la réussite dans le domaine de la communication, ces prix sont décernés au terme d’un processus d’évaluation rigoureux et indépendant mené par des experts en communication du monde entier.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

Suivez-nous sur ​:
X : https://apo-opa.co/4uW4wB4
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4uPLFrq
LinkedIn : https://apo-opa.co/4oEQ4Mc
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/4es2Tq0

À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2025, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 48,5 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 8,4 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A par GCR, A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et Baa2 par Moody’s. Moody’s (Baa2) et S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte. 

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

Media files

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Arranges Over EUR 100 Million Financing to Strengthen Food Security in Togo

Source: APO – Report:

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s infrastructure solutions provider, has arranged a EUR 108.3 million sovereign-backed financing facility for the Government of the Republic of Togo to support food security through modernisation of the country’s agricultural sector.

AFC acted as Co-Mandated Lead Arranger and joint financier on the transaction, marking its inaugural sovereign investment in Togo and further expanding its government financing footprint across Africa. The facility reflects AFC’s heightened focus on food security as global supply chain disruptions, climate-related shocks and rising agricultural input costs underscore the importance of strengthening domestic production in the face of rapid population growth, while unlocking the continent’s potential to become a more significant supplier of agricultural produce to regional and international markets.

With a tenor of 10 years, the financing will support the purchase, assembly and distribution of essential agricultural machinery and equipment including 2,126 tractor and trailer sets, 1,020 units of seeding and harvesting equipment, 930 irrigation units, and 95 water supply systems. The programme supports Togo’s national agricultural transformation strategy – Programme de Modernisation de l’Agriculture Togolaise (ProMAT) – aimed at improving productivity, strengthening food security and accelerating the commercialisation of agricultural production.

“Food security has become an increasingly urgent priority for African countries as global supply chains become more volatile and climate-related risks intensify,” said Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC. “This financing demonstrates AFC’s ability to deliver sovereign financing solutions that unlock productivity, strengthen food systems and support long-term economic resilience by supporting Togo’s agricultural modernisation agenda.”

Agriculture remains central to Togo’s economy, employing approximately 60% of the workforce and contributing about 40% of GDP. However, productivity continues to be constrained by limited access to mechanisation, irrigation and modern inputs. Only 37% of agricultural households use fertiliser and 8% use improved seeds, while less than 1% have access to irrigation. Commercialisation levels also remain low, with only around 20% of agricultural output reaching the market.

By directly addressing critical gaps in farm equipment and irrigation infrastructure, the programme is expected to increase yields, improve market access, expand commercialisation, support job creation, and strengthen the resilience of Togo’s agricultural economy.

The transaction further reinforces AFC’s role as a trusted financing partner to African governments, delivering strategic investments across priority sectors. AFC has an established track record in sovereign financing, having recently arranged approximately US$2.5 billion in facilities for sovereign borrowers including Nigeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Egypt. These transactions have supported key national institutions such as the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC), enabling investment in critical infrastructure and strategic sectors.

– on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile : +234 1 279 9654
Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Nineteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$19 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

Media files

.

Daystar Power Reaches Nearly 7 Megawatts of Installed Solar Capacity Across Four Nestlé Facilities in West Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Daystar Power Group (www.Daystar-Power.com) has expanded its energy partnership with Nestlé across West Africa, with solar installations now operational at four manufacturing facilities spanning Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Senegal. The deployments bring the total installed capacity across Nestlé’s sites to 6,884 kWp, nearly 7 megawatts, making it one of the largest commercial and industrial solar partnerships in the region.

The four sites, two in Abidjan, one in Tema, and one in Dakar, are all fully operational, with each system designed around the specific grid and operational profile of its location.

Nearly 7 megawatts across four Nestlé facilities is a number we are proud of, but what it represents matters more than the figure itself. It means that one of the world’s most demanding manufacturers has tested our model, trusted it, and come back. Our job now is to keep earning that, across every market where industry needs energy it can count on.

Yischai Beinisch, CEO, Daystar Power Group

From One Site to Four Sites

The partnership began with a single commissioning and expanded to span three countries and four facilities. In Côte d’Ivoire, Daystar Power has delivered 3,447 kWp across two Abidjan sites. In Ghana, a 2,547 kWp system powers Nestlé’s Tema factory. In Senegal, an 890 kWp installation operates at the Dakar facility.

Each system is sized and configured to deliver measurable environmental and social impact, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved energy resilience. The design is tailored to the operational and grid conditions at each location, ensuring reliable clean energy access while supporting local development and aligning with Nestlé’s publicly stated net zero commitments.

This investment reflects our commitment to building a business that not only grows but does so responsibly. By advancing solar energy projects in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, we are embedding sustainability into our growth, reinforcing our role as a force for good, creating long-term value for communities, and ensuring that our footprint actively contributes to a cleaner, more resilient future.”

Samer Chedid, CEO, Nestlé Central and West Africa Region.

A Footprint That Keeps Growing

Nestlé’s manufacturing presence extends across West Africa, including markets where Daystar Power has its deepest operational roots. With a delivery record now spanning three countries and nearly 7 megawatts of installed capacity, the infrastructure and the relationship are in place to support what comes next.

– on behalf of Daystar Power.

About Daystar Power Group: 
Daystar Power Group provides solar hybrid energy solutions to commercial and industrial clients across Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Togo. The company manages full project lifecycle under lease, lease-to-own, PAAS, and SAAS structures.

Media files

.

SACU Summit to advance regional integration, economic transformation

Source: Government of South Africa

SACU Summit to advance regional integration, economic transformation

The upcoming Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Summit of Heads of State or Government is expected to provide a key platform for Member States to advance regional cooperation, strengthen industrial development and accelerate economic transformation across Southern Africa.

“The SACU Summit provides a strategic platform for Member States to deepen regional integration, strengthen industrial cooperation and advance practical initiatives that support economic growth, job creation and shared prosperity across our region,” said the Chairperson of the SACU Senior Trade Officials, Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, on Tuesday.

South Africa will host the 9th SACU Summit of Heads of State or Government on 26 June 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2) in Cape Town.

Mlumbi-Peter said SACU’s future growth would increasingly depend on its ability to move beyond traditional trade arrangements towards greater productive capacity and stronger industrial collaboration.

“We are working towards a more industrialised and competitive SACU that leverages regional value chains, supports manufacturing development and creates opportunities for businesses and citizens across all Member States. 

“Through closer cooperation, we can unlock new opportunities in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals beneficiation and emerging green industries,” she said.

Mlumbi-Peter emphasised that SACU remains an important building block for broader African economic integration.

“The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area presents significant opportunities for SACU Member States. By strengthening regional value chains and improving trade facilitation, we can position our region to compete more effectively in continental and global markets,” she said.

The Summit will bring together Heads of State or Government and representatives of the five SACU Member States — the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of South Africa — to deliberate on key issues affecting regional economic integration, industrial development and trade cooperation.

As SACU’s highest decision-making institution, the Summit provides strategic and political direction to the organisation and oversees the implementation of its programmes and priorities.

The 9th SACU Summit is expected to consider several strategic matters aimed at advancing regional economic development and integration.

Among the key items on the agenda will be an update from the SACU Council of Ministers on the implementation and mid-term review of the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027), reflections on emerging global developments and their impact on SACU economies, as well as a report on the re-imagined SACU and its future direction.

The Summit will also provide an opportunity for Member States to assess progress in areas such as industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Summit will be preceded by a series of technical, administrative and ministerial meetings from 18 to 24 June 2026, which will consider progress made in implementing SACU programmes and priorities and prepare recommendations for consideration by Heads of State or Government. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

4

Daystar Power atteint près de 7 mégawatts de capacité solaire installée sur quatre sites de Nestlé en Afrique de l’Ouest

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Daystar Power Group (www.Daystar-Power.com) a renforcé son partenariat énergétique avec Nestlé en Afrique de l’Ouest, avec des installations solaires désormais opérationnelles sur quatre sites  industriels répartis entre la Côte d’Ivoire, le Ghana et le Sénégal.

Ces installations portent la capacité totale installée sur les sites de Nestlé à 6884 kWp, soit près de 7 mégawatts, ce qui en fait l’un des plus grands partenariats solaires commerciaux et industriels de la région.

Les quatre sites — deux à Abidjan, un à Tema et un à Dakar — sont aujourd’hui pleinement opérationnels. Chaque système a été conçu en fonction des réalités du réseau électrique local et des besoins opérationnels propres à chaque site, afin de garantir des performances optimales.

Près de 7 mégawatts installés sur quatre sites de Nestlé constituent un résultat dont nous sommes fiers. Mais au-delà du chiffre, c’est ce qu’il symbolise qui compte : l’un des industriels les plus exigeants au monde a mis notre modèle à l’épreuve, lui a accordé sa confiance et a choisi de poursuivre avec nous. Notre priorité est désormais de continuer à mériter cette confiance, sur chaque marché où l’industrie a besoin d’une énergie fiable et constante. 

Yischai Beinisch, Directeur Général, Daystar Power Group

De Un à Quatre Sites  

Le partenariat a débuté par une première mise en service avant de s’étendre à trois pays et quatre installations. En Côte d’Ivoire, Daystar Power a déployé 3 447 kWc répartis sur deux sites à Abidjan. Au Ghana, une centrale de 2 547 kWc alimente l’usine Nestlé de Tema. Au Sénégal, une installation de 890 kWc est en service sur l’usine de Dakar.

Chaque installation est dimensionnée et configurée de manière à générer un impact environnemental et social mesurable, notamment par la réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre et le renforcement de la résilience énergétique. La conception est adaptée aux conditions opérationnelles et au contexte du réseau électrique propre à chaque site, garantissant ainsi un accès fiable à une énergie propre, tout en soutenant le développement local et en contribuant aux engagements publics de Nestlé en matière de neutralité carbone.

Cet investissement illustre notre volonté de bâtir une entreprise qui se développe de manière responsable. En accélérant le déploiement de projets solaires au Ghana, en Côte d’Ivoire et au Sénégal, nous intégrons la durabilité au cœur de notre croissance, renforçons notre rôle d’acteur engagé, créons de la valeur à long terme pour les communautés et veillons à ce que notre empreinte contribue activement à un avenir plus propre et plus résilient.

Samer Chedid, Directeur général, Région Afrique centrale et de l’Ouest, Nestlé

Une empreinte en pleine expansion

La présence industrielle de Nestlé s’étend à travers toute l’Afrique de l’Ouest, notamment sur les marchés où Daystar Power possède déjà une forte implantation opérationnelle.

Avec des projets réalisés dans trois pays et près de 7 mégawatts de capacité installée, les infrastructures et le partenariat sont désormais en place pour permettre les prochaines étapes de cette collaboration.

Distribué par APO Group pour Daystar Power.

À propos du Groupe Daystar Power :
Le Groupe Daystar Power fournit des solutions énergétiques hybrides solaires aux entreprises commerciales et industrielles au Nigeria, au Ghana, en Côte d’Ivoire, au Sénégal et au Togo.

L’entreprise gère l’ensemble du cycle de vie des projets à travers des modèles de location-vente, PAAS et SAAS.

Media files

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Dutch FM

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | June 23, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has reiterated Doha’s strong support for ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, describing dialogue as the key to achieving lasting regional stability.
The remarks came during a meeting in Doha on Tuesday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Tom Berendsen, where the two sides discussed bilateral relations and recent developments in the Middle East.
The talks focused on diplomatic efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability in the region following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
HE Sheikh Mohammed stressed the State of Qatar’s full backing for the negotiations, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to sustainable solutions to outstanding issues through peaceful means.
He said progress in the talks could enhance regional security, create new opportunities for cooperation, development and prosperity, and serve the shared interests of people across the Middle East and beyond.
The State of Qatar has long positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes and has maintained channels of communication with both Washington and Tehran, playing a role in efforts to ease tensions and promote dialogue.

SADC Media Awards strengthen regional integration and cooperation

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC Media Awards strengthen regional integration and cooperation

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards continue to play an important role in advancing regional integration and cooperation. 

“Established in 1996, the SADC Media Awards were designed to recognise and celebrate excellence in journalism while encouraging media practitioners to cover issues relating to regional development, integration and cooperation,” Morolong said.

Delivering opening remarks at the 31st SADC Media Awards Regional Adjudication Committee Meeting, held in Sandton on Tuesday, Morolong said the awards have, over the years, become one of SADC’s most important platforms for recognising outstanding work in Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism and Photojournalism.

“These awards do more than honour individual achievement. They encourage journalists to tell stories that deepen understanding of regional priorities, highlight development initiatives and strengthen connections among the peoples of Southern Africa,” Morolong said.

The Deputy Minister said the Regional Adjudication Committee plays a critical role in assessing the applications.

“The quality and credibility of the awards depend on the diligence, integrity and professionalism of both the National Adjudication Committees and this Regional Adjudication Committee.

“I therefore wish to acknowledge the important work performed by the National Adjudication Committees across Member States. Your efforts ensure that the most deserving entries are identified and submitted for regional consideration,” he said.

Morolong called for the awards programme to be strengthened even further.

“We must intensify awareness campaigns to ensure that more journalists across the region are aware of these opportunities. We must make the submission process as accessible and user-friendly as possible. And we must continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness and accountability in the adjudication process, both nationally and regionally,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong said the SADC Media Awards remain one of the most effective vehicles for promoting regional storytelling.

He emphasised the need for Africa and Southern Africa to tell their own stories.

“Our journalists play a vital role in shaping how our nations see one another and how the world understands our region. Through balanced, accurate and impactful reporting, they help bridge divides, promote mutual understanding and foster a shared regional identity. By telling our own stories, we strengthen social cohesion and deepen the bonds that unite our Member States,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Morolong used the occasion to encourage media practitioners across the country and across all Member States to take advantage of the platform to showcase stories that contribute positively to regional integration, cooperation and development.

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Government spokesperson William Baloyi said the SADC Media Awards bring together key stakeholders from across Southern Africa and beyond, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting regional integration, advancing communication and information sharing, and supporting the collective aspirations of the people.

“Your participation underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges and harnessing opportunities for sustainable development across the region,” he said.

Baloyi said the success of regional initiatives depends not only on the policies and frameworks established, but also on meaningful collaboration and dialogue among all stakeholders.

“I encourage all participants to engage actively, share perspectives openly, and take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen networks and partnerships,” he said.   – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

0

Simelane unveils graduate employment strategy, municipal capacity drive

Source: Government of South Africa

Simelane unveils graduate employment strategy, municipal capacity drive

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has announced two national initiatives aimed at strengthening municipal capacity and creating employment pathways for graduates, as government intensifies efforts to professionalise South Africa’s human settlements sector.

Speaking at the opening of the International Pan-African City Symposium and Exposition and the launch of the Institute of Human Settlements Practitioners South Africa (IHSP-SA) at Nelson Mandela University on Monday, Simelane said the sector required stronger institutional capacity, skilled professionals and innovative approaches to address growing urbanisation, climate risks and housing backlogs.

The symposium was held under the theme: “Smart Futures Villages to Smart Economies – Exploring Models that Create Resilient, Equitable, Regenerative and Thriving Communities.”

Simelane said the newly launched institute would play a critical role in advancing professional standards, ethical practice, research and skills development across the human settlements sector.

“The launch of this institute is not an accidental event. It is the result of years of ideas, advocacy, academic work, sector mobilisation and commitment to the recognition of Human Settlements as a serious field of knowledge, practice and public service,” the Minister said.

Special project to strengthen municipalities’ capacity

As part of government’s professionalisation agenda, Simelane announced a National Special Project aimed at assessing and strengthening the capacity of municipalities and provinces to plan, develop and manage human settlements programmes.

The initiative, to be undertaken in partnership with the Presidency, will focus on identifying institutional weaknesses and improving the ability of municipalities, particularly accredited municipalities and secondary cities, to deliver housing and human settlements projects.

The Minister also announced the development of a National Strategy for the Engagement of Housing and Human Settlements Graduates, aimed at creating structured pathways into the sector for university graduates.

“Over the years, universities have produced graduates in housing and human settlements programmes. These graduates possess skills, knowledge and attributes that are directly relevant to the sector. Yet many of them do not find structured pathways into the Human Settlements system,” Simelane said.

The strategy will focus on structured experiential learning, formalised internship models, youth entrepreneurship initiatives to enrich the human settlements sector, and the integration of graduates into areas such as social facilitation, data infrastructure, and local government support.

Additional focus areas include beneficiary management, affordable housing development, title deed acceleration, and the adoption of modern, sustainable construction techniques.

Simelane urged all provinces, including metropolitan municipalities, human settlements entities and non-governmental organisations to prioritise specialised human settlement development qualifications when recruiting for sector-related positions.

“Contractors, developers, and service providers in human settlements technical projects need to do the same by creating opportunities for these graduates This does not mean that other relevant qualifications are excluded. It means that Human Settlements qualifications must no longer be invisible in the sector they were designed to serve,” the Minister said.

She also called on universities and the Department of Higher Education and Training to explore mechanisms that would enable graduates burdened by historic student debt to access their academic certificates and enter the workforce.

The launch of the institute comes as government moves to implement the Human Settlements White Paper approved by Cabinet in 2024, which calls for stronger sector capacity, minimum competency standards and the professionalisation of human settlements practice.

Simelane said the department will formalise a cooperation agreement with the institute to support capacity development, research, professional standards, continuous professional development and graduate support. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

4