Posts

Posted on

eThekwini wellness centre to strengthen employee wellbeing, service delivery

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini wellness centre to strengthen employee wellbeing, service delivery

The eThekwini Municipality has officially unveiled the SINAWE “We are with you” Wellness Centre, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deliver faster, smarter and more people-centred services to communities.

The state-of-the-art facility, located at 350 Montpelier Road in Morningside, opposite Mitchell Park Zoo, is designed to strengthen the wellbeing, resilience, and productivity of municipal employees in support of service delivery excellence.

The initiative underscores the municipality’s firm belief that empowered employees are the foundation of exceptional public service delivery, and that investing in employee health directly strengthens the city’s efficiency, responsiveness, and capability.

Speaking on behalf of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, Chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, described the launch as a transformative step toward building a healthier, and high-performing workforce.

“This significant milestone demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to building a healthy, resilient and high-performing workforce,” Madlala said.

He emphasised that the wellness centre represents more than the opening of a facility, as it signals the municipality’s dedication to a people-centred administration.

“This initiative recognises that our employees are our greatest asset and that their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing is fundamental to service delivery excellence,” Madlala said.

The SINAWE Wellness Centre offers a comprehensive suite of emotional, psychological, and general wellness services tailored to promote holistic wellbeing and strengthen resilience among employees.

It forms part of a broader network of regional wellness hubs established to ensure all municipal employees have access to professional support, regardless of their location.

Director of the Human Resources Directorate, Sihle Mkhize, reiterated that employee wellness is central to the municipality’s ability to deliver quality services.

“By prioritising employee wellbeing, we are not only changing lives but also strengthening our ability to serve communities with excellence,” Mkhize said.

He noted that when employees are supported and thriving, communities experience tangible improvements in service delivery.

“A healthy workforce directly translates into improved productivity and enhanced service delivery to communities. When we invest in the wellness of our staff, we strengthen the very foundation upon which the municipality serves residents with dignity, efficiency, and compassion,” explained Mkhize.

The opening of the SINAWE Wellness Centre reflects the municipality’s unwavering commitment to putting employees first, driving organisational excellence and delivering meaningful results for communities.

It underscores the understanding that workforce wellbeing powers the city’s progress and propels eThekwini toward sustained service excellence.

Public invited to comment on draft annual report

Meanwhile, the municipality has invited and encouraged residents to submit comments and proposals on how the city can improve service delivery and enhance the wellbeing of all its citizens.

The 2024/25 Draft Annual Report is available on the municipal website at http://durban.gov.za, as well as Sizakala centres and libraries.

Copies of the report may also be requested via email at Noky.Nyasulu@durban.gov.za, or by calling 031 311 4208 for the report to be emailed, or for more information.

The deadline for public comments is Friday, 6 March 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

58 views

Posted on

Mercy Ships Supports National Response Following Cyclone Gezani in Madagascar

Source: APO – Report:

Following the devastating cyclone that struck Madagascar’s east coast, Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) has joined with national disaster response efforts in Toamasina (Tamatave) through the provision of essential relief supplies, in coordination with the government’s disaster management authorities.

Cyclone Gezani caused extensive damage across the region, displacing thousands and severely affecting homes, public infrastructure, and healthcare facilities.

“In moments like these, partnerships and solidarity matter most,” said Nicholas Ahadjie, Country Director of Mercy Ships in Madagascar. “We are committed to supporting the national response and ensuring that assistance reaches communities where the needs are greatest.”

As part of its own immediate response, Mercy Ships has delivered 537 bags of rice, 1,000 roofing sheets, and 1,000 ready-to-eat meals. These supplies arrived in Toamasina and were officially handed over to the government’s Designated Disaster Response Coordination Body for distribution to affected communities.

The roofing materials will enable families, schools, and community health facilities to begin urgent repairs. The rice will be distributed to households impacted by the storm that still have functional cooking facilities, while ready-to-eat meals will provide immediate support to individuals and displaced families.

Although the Mercy Ships hospital vessel  Africa Mercy®, is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance in South Africa, preparations are underway for her return to Madagascar. Sometime this May, she is expected to resume surgical services and medical training programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

“Our presence in Madagascar is on-going,” added Nicholas Ahadjie. “While the ship is in maintenance, our engagement with partners continues. We stand with the Malagasy people today and remain dedicated to strengthening healthcare capacity for the future.”

For several years, Mercy Ships has partnered with Madagascar to provide free specialized surgeries, professional medical training, and infrastructure support. The recent disaster will not stop the organization’s ongoing support for the Malagasy people as it continues to help reinforce their national health systems.

– on behalf of Mercy Ships.

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.  

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media. 

Media files

.

Posted on

VUKA Group Announces Partnership to Boost Smart Meter Security

Source: APO – Report:

VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com) announces a strategic partnership between the Standard Transfer Specification Association (STSA) and the DLMS User Association (DLMS UA) to advance secure, interoperable, and future-ready smart metering systems.

The collaboration bridges legacy prepaid electricity meters with modern smart metering, aligning STS token technology with the widely adopted DLMS/COSEM data model. This enables utilities to modernize while protecting existing investments, ensuring secure data exchange and strengthened smart prepayment integration.

The partnership supports seamless STS token integration with DLMS/COSEM protocols, coordinated roadmap development, and expansion across electricity, water, gas, and time metering applications. With STS recently reaffirmed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and upgraded with enhanced encryption, the collaboration provides a trusted, sustainable path for interoperable smart metering worldwide.

Read more: https://apo-opa.co/4cYLeWl

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media files

.

Posted on

Verdant IMAP advises Polysmart on a strategic equity raise

Source: APO – Report:

Verdant IMAP (“Verdant”) (www.Verdant-Cap.com) is pleased to announce that it has advised Polysmart Packaging Group (“Polysmart” or the “Company”), a leading integrated recycled food-grade and non-food-grade recycled plastic manufacturer, on the successful close of a USD 5 million strategic equity investment from an African-focused private equity investor. The transaction provides growth capital to optimise operations, enhance production efficiency, and support Polysmart’s expansion into one of Nigeria’s most advanced rPET processing platforms, further positioning Polysmart as a globally competitive circular economy platform serving both domestic and international markets.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Ogun State, Nigeria, Polysmart has developed a rapidly scaling recycling and manufacturing platform spanning strategic partnerships across waste collection, sorting, aggregation, and the production of high-quality recycled plastic resins and flakes. The Company operates a state-of-the-art production facility supported by advanced European processing technology and adherence to international quality and environmental standards.

Polysmart is one of the largest suppliers of recycled plastic resins in Nigeria and a key producer food-grade / recycled polyethylene terephthalate (“rPET”) pellets for both domestic and export markets. Its customer base includes leading global beverage, bottling, and manufacturing companies, reflecting strong product quality, operational reliability, and compliance with international sustainability requirements.

The global rPET market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 8.9% through 2032, according to the Persistence Market Research, driven by tightening environmental regulation, mandatory recycled content targets in Europe and other developed markets, and increasing corporate sustainability commitments from multinational brands. As global buyers seek diversified, resilient, and traceable supply chains, scalable rPET producers with consistent quality standards are well positioned to capture long-term structural demand.

Polysmart operates at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and environmental sustainability. By strengthening partnerships across the waste collection ecosystem and converting plastic waste into high-quality resins and flakes, the Company enhances recycled supply chains and supports global brands in achieving recycled content and carbon reduction targets. Its progressively integrated model enhances traceability, product consistency, and supply reliability – key differentiators in international rPET markets.

The equity investment marks an important milestone in Polysmart’s institutionalization and growth trajectory. Verdant IMAP acted as exclusive financial advisor to Polysmart on the transaction. This deal reinforces Verdant’s commitment to supporting globally relevant, climate-aligned industrial businesses across Africa.

– on behalf of Verdant Capital.

Media contacts:
Verdant IMAP
Orient Mahonisi
T: +27 10 140 3700
E: orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

About Verdant IMAP: 
Verdant IMAP is a leading pan-African investment bank specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private capital markets. Combining international investment banking experience with a deep understanding of local markets, Verdant IMAP helps clients access global capital and strategic partnerships to drive growth and transformation across the continent. Verdant IMAP is the IMAP partner firm for its region. IMAP is a global M&A partnership with over 600 professionals across 51 countries and is consistently ranked among the top 5 advisors worldwide for mid-market transactions. www.Verdant-Cap.com

Media files

.

Posted on

SA sends condolences to Nigeria after fatal maritime incident

Source: Government of South Africa

SA sends condolences to Nigeria after fatal maritime incident

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and the Transport Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have expressed their condolences to the bereaved family after one person died at sea and five crew members went missing, following the sinking of the MW Leo vessel near Mossel Bay.

The vessel had a total of 18 crew members on board, all confirmed to be Nigerian nationals. 

Twelve crew members have since been rescued alive. One body has been recovered, with five crew members still missing.

“Creecy and Hlengwa have expressed their pain and condolences to High Commissioner Tope Ajayi, who is grappling with this maritime incident, and emphasized the urgent need to find the missing crew members. They have also expressed messages of support to the families whose loved ones are still missing at sea,” the Department of Transport said on Monday.

The MW Leo, registered under the Comoros flag, transmitted a distress signal reporting uncontrolled water ingress on the evening of 28 February 2026. 

At the time, the vessel was approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, on a single voyage from Durban to Nigeria. 

The vessel is owned by Nigerian company Magnet Energy Limited, based in Lagos.

The crew reportedly abandoned ship onto the vessel’s life rafts, and the vessel subsequently sank in the early hours of 1 March 2026.

The South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) has initiated a preliminary investigation.

The incident is being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s High Commissioner, HE Tope Ajayi, is kept abreast of the developments on an ongoing basis. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle

22 views

Posted on

Africa’s Business Heroes lance sa 8e édition avec 1,5 million de dollars de subventions disponibles pour les entrepreneurs africains

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), l’initiative philanthropique phare d’Alibaba Philanthropy et de la Jack Ma Foundation, a ouvert les dépôts de candidatures pour sa 8e édition, faisant appel aux entrepreneurs africains qui créent des entreprises définissant l’avenir du continent.

Lancée sous le thème « Définir l’avenir de l’Afrique dès aujourd’hui », l’édition 2026 renforce le rôle d’ABH en tant que plateforme centrée sur les fondateurs, soutenant les solutions africaines qui ont l’ambition, l’envergure et la substance nécessaires pour mener une transformation économique durable.

Partout en Afrique, des entrepreneurs relèvent des défis concrets grâce à des solutions audacieuses et novatrices : l’agriculture intelligente face au climat, finance numérique, santé, logistique, industrie et technologies émergentes. Africa’s Business Heroes s’engage à identifier ces fondateurs, à accélérer leur développement et à mettre en exergue leurs parcours pour inspirer et façonner l’avenir de l’Afrique.

« L’avenir de l’Afrique est façonné par des entrepreneurs qui s’attaquent aux défis les plus pressants du continent et libèrent son potentiel économique », a déclaré Zahra Boateng-Baitie, directrice générale d’Africa’s Business Heroes pour l’Afrique. « Au-delà des 1,5 million de dollars de subventions, ABH est une plateforme transformationnelle qui offre aux fondateurs la visibilité, le mentorat et le soutien stratégique dont ils ont besoin pour développer des entreprises durables. Notre engagement est de veiller à ce que les entrepreneurs soient à la fois reconnus et habilités à créer des entreprises qui génèrent des emplois, stimulent l’innovation et favorisent une croissance inclusive dans toute l’Afrique. »

En 2026, ABH renforcera son engagement sur le terrain à travers le continent en visitant dix marchés africains. Conformément à son engagement à être véritablement panafricain et inclusif, le programme donnera la priorité aux pays qui ont été sous-représentés parmi ses 10 finalistes à ce jour, notamment la Namibie, la Tunisie et la Zambie. Ces visites rassembleront des entrepreneurs locaux, des partenaires de l’écosystème et des investisseurs à travers des événements de renforcement communautaire, des ateliers et des engagements personnalisés avec les fondateurs, renforçant ainsi les écosystèmes locaux et élargissant l’accès à la plateforme ABH.  

De plus, cette année, ABH élargira son panel de lauréats en annonçant les 100 finalistes plutôt que les 50 finalistes. Cela reflète à la fois la demande et l’intérêt croissants pour le concours et l’ambition d’ABH de mettre en avant un éventail plus large d’entreprises africaines innovantes et inspirantes. Depuis 2019, le nombre de candidatures est passé d’environ 10 000 à plus de 30 000 par an. En récompensant davantage de fondateurs à fort potentiel, ABH vise à renforcer son impact, à offrir une plus grande visibilité aux entrepreneurs émergents et à consolider son rôle de plateforme de premier plan célébrant la prochaine génération de chefs d’entreprise africains.

Plus qu’un simple concours

Aujourd’hui dans sa huitième année, Africa’s Business Heroes a évolué au-delà d’un simple concours pour devenir l’une des plateformes d’entrepreneuriat les plus respectées du continent. Le programme combine des subventions avec des formations, du mentorat et un soutien communautaire à long terme, permettant aux entrepreneurs de créer des entreprises conçues pour durer.

Chaque année, ABH attribue 1,5 million de dollars de subventions à dix entrepreneurs exceptionnels. Les héros présélectionnés ont également accès à des programmes de renforcement des capacités et rejoignent un réseau panafricain en pleine expansion composé de pairs, d’investisseurs et de leaders de l’écosystème.

Les anciens finalistes du Top 10 ont également la possibilité de participer à une expérience d’apprentissage immersive entièrement sponsorisée sur le campus d’Alibaba à Hangzhou, en Chine. Le programme permet aux entrepreneurs de se rencontrer, de s’engager directement dans l’écosystème Alibaba et de se familiariser avec les bonnes pratiques mondiales en matière d’innovation, de transformation numérique et de développement des entreprises technologiques. La dernière cohorte des anciens finalistes du Top 10 se rendra à Hangzhou en septembre 2026.

Une plateforme reconnue pour les entrepreneurs africains

La 7e édition du concours Africa’s Business Heroes s’est achevée en décembre 2025 avec la nomination de Diana Orembe, cofondatrice et PDG de NovFeed, en Tanzanie, au titre d’Africa’s Business Hero. Son entreprise de biotechnologie transforme les déchets organiques en protéines durables pour l’alimentation animale, répondant ainsi aux défis de la sécurité alimentaire et de la durabilité environnementale à travers l’Afrique.

« Remporter le prix Africa’s Business Heroes a été une véritable transformation pour NovFeed », a déclaré Diana Orembe. « Le financement va accélérer notre croissance, mais la formation commerciale, la visibilité et le réseau que nous avons acquis grâce au programme ont été tout aussi importants. ABH vous met au défi d’affiner votre vision, de renforcer votre stratégie et d’élargir la portée de votre impact. Il ne s’agit pas seulement de la finale, mais aussi de faire partie d’une communauté engagée dans la construction de l’avenir de l’Afrique. »

L’édition de l’année dernière a attiré plus de 31 000 candidatures provenant de tout le continent et a octroyé 1,5 million de dollars de subventions à dix finalistes représentant sept pays africains, reflétant ainsi la richesse et la diversité du vivier entrepreneurial du continent.

Qui peut postuler ?

Les candidatures sont ouvertes aux fondateurs de toute l’Afrique qui :

  • Sont des citoyens ou des résidents réguliers d’un pays africain ;
  • Dirigent une entreprise enregistrée dont le siège social se trouve en Afrique ;
  • Ont fait preuve d’une activité soutenue pendant au moins trois ans ;
  • Font preuve d’un engagement pour un impact social positif.

ABH est un concours ouvert à tous les secteurs et accueille les candidatures de tous les secteurs essentiels à l’avenir de l’Afrique, notamment : les systèmes alimentaires, le climat et l’énergie, la fintech et l’inclusion financière, la santé, la logistique, la fabrication, l’intelligence artificielle, etc.

Les candidatures sont désormais ouvertes.

Les entrepreneurs qui définissent l’avenir de l’Afrique sont encouragés à postuler. Les candidatures peuvent être soumises en anglais ou en français.  

Le dépôt de candidatures sera clôturé le 28 avril 2026.
Postulez sur : www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org

Distribué par APO Group pour Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

À propos d’Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) :
Africa’s Business Heroes est le programme philanthropique phare d’Alibaba Philanthropy, qui a pour vocation d’identifier, de soutenir et de célébrer la prochaine génération d’entrepreneurs africains. Chaque année, ABH octroie 1,5 million de dollars américains de subventions à des chefs d’entreprise exceptionnels qui ont un impact positif sur leur communauté, tout en leur donnant accès à la formation, au mentorat et à un réseau entrepreneurial panafricain.

Media files

Posted on

Africa’s Business Heroes Launches 8th Edition with USD 1.5 Million in Grant Funding Available for African Entrepreneurs

Source: APO

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has opened applications for its 8th edition, calling on African entrepreneurs who are building businesses defining the continent’s future.

Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today”, the 2026 edition reinforces ABH’s role as a founder-first platform supporting Africa-led solutions with the ambition, scale, and substance to drive lasting economic transformation.

Across the continent, entrepreneurs are solving real problems with bold, innovative solutions—from climate-smart agriculture and digital finance to healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Africa’s Business Heroes is committed to identifying these founders, accelerating their growth, and elevating their stories to inspire and shape Africa’s future.

“Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who are addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and unlocking its economic potential,” said Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes. “Beyond the USD 1.5 million in grant funding, ABH is a transformational platform that equips founders with the visibility, mentorship, and strategic support they need to scale sustainable businesses. Our commitment is to ensure that entrepreneurs are both recognised and empowered to build enterprises that create jobs, drive innovation, and fuel inclusive growth across Africa.”

In 2026, ABH will deepen its on-the-ground engagement across the continent by visiting ten African markets. In line with its commitment to being truly pan-African and inclusive. The programme will prioritize countries that have been underrepresented in its Top 10 finalists to date, including Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia. These visits will bring together local entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and investors through community-building events, workshops, and tailored founder engagements—strengthening local ecosystems and expanding access to the ABH platform.

In addition, this year ABH will expand its recognition pool by announcing Top 100 Finalists rather than a Top 50. This reflects both the growing demand and interest in the competition and ABH’s ambition to spotlight a broader range of innovative and inspiring African businesses. Since 2019, applications have grown from approximately 10,000 to over 30,000 annually. By recognising more high-potential founders, ABH aims to deepen its impact, provide greater visibility to emerging entrepreneurs, and strengthen its role as a leading platform celebrating Africa’s next generation of business leaders.

More Than a Competition

Now in its eighth year, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved beyond a prize competition into one of the continent’s most respected entrepreneurship platforms. The programme combines grant funding with training, mentorship, and long-term community support, enabling entrepreneurs to build businesses designed to last.

Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten outstanding entrepreneurs. Shortlisted heroes also gain access to capacity-building programmes and join a growing pan-African network of peers, investors, and ecosystem leaders.

Past Top 10 finalists also have the opportunity to participate in a fully sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. The programme enables entrepreneurs to connect with one another, engage directly with the Alibaba ecosystem, and gain exposure to global best practices in innovation, digital transformation, and scaling technology-enabled businesses. The latest cohort of past Top 10 finalists will travel to Hangzhou in September 2026.

A Proven Platform for African Entrepreneurs

The 7th edition of Africa’s Business Heroes concluded in December 2025 with Diana Orembe of Tanzania, Co Founder and CEO of NovFeed, named Africa’s Business Hero. Her biotech venture transforms organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, addressing food security and environmental sustainability challenges across Africa.

“Winning Africa’s Business Heroes was transformative for NovFeed,” said Diana Orembe,“The funding will accelerate our growth, but just as important was the business training, visibility, and network we gained through the programme. ABH challenges you to refine your vision, strengthen your strategy, and think bigger about your impact. It’s not just about the finale, it’s about becoming part of a community committed to building Africa’s future.”

Last year’s edition attracted over 31,000 applications from across the continent and awarded USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten finalists representing 7 African countries, reflecting the depth and diversity of the continent’s entrepreneurial pipeline.

Who Should Apply

Applications are open to founders from across Africa who:

  • Are citizens or legal residents of an African country
  • Lead a registered business headquartered in Africa
  • Have demonstrated 3 years or more of traction
  • Show a commitment to positive societal impact

ABH is a sector agnostic competition and welcomes applications across all sectors critical to Africa’s future, including: food systems, climate and energy, fintech and financial inclusion, health, logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and more.

Applications Now Open

Entrepreneurs defining Africa’s future are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted in English or French.

Applications close on April 28th 2026.
Apply at: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

For Press/Media or Partnership Inquires, contact:
pr@africabusinessheroes.org
info@africabusinessheroes.org

About Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH):
Africa’s Business Heroes is the flagship philanthropic programme of Alibaba Philanthropy dedicated to identifying, supporting, and celebrating the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to outstanding business leaders creating positive impact in their communities, while providing access to training, mentorship, and a pan-African entrepreneurial network.

Media files

.

Posted on

Qatar Sends Identical Message to UN, UNSC Concerning Iranian Attack on Its Territory

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, March 2. 2026

The State of Qatar has sent an identical message to each of HE Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Antonio Guterres and HE Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the UN and President of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the month of March Michael Waltz regarding the Iranian aggression against its territory that constitutes a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct infringement upon its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.

The message was sent by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.

In the message, the State of Qatar strongly condemned this attack, affirming its full right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and in a manner commensurate with the nature of the attack, in defense of its sovereignty and in safeguarding its security and national interests.

Qatar affirmed that targeting its territory is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness and is unacceptable under any pretext or justification. It noted that it has consistently strived to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community. However, the renewed targeting of its territory does not reflect good faith and threatens the foundation of understandings upon which bilateral relations between the two countries are built.

The State of Qatar expressed its condemnation of the brutal Iranian aggression against the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman, affirming its full solidarity with them in all measures they may take to preserve their sovereignty, security, and stability.

The State of Qatar reiterated its call for an immediate halt to all escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, the prioritization of reason and wisdom, and working to contain the crisis in a manner that preserves the security of the region, protects the interests of its peoples, and prevents a slide into wider confrontations.

Regarding the details of this attack, the message indicated that the Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar announced on Saturday, February 28, 2026, its success in intercepting a large number of repeated missile waves and drone attacks originating from the Islamic Republic of Iran that targeted several areas in the State of Qatar. It added that by the end of Saturday, 83 ballistic missiles and 12 drones had been detected coming from Iran in successive waves. The first missile was detected at 11:39 am Doha time on Saturday. The threat was addressed immediately upon detection and in accordance with the pre-approved operational plan.

As a result, 81 missiles and 11 drones were intercepted before reaching their targets. Due to the intensity and multi-pronged nature of the attacks, two ballistic missiles reached Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, and one drone targeted an early warning radar station, all without causing any casualties, it said, adding several missiles were intercepted over various civilian areas, including commercial and residential areas such as the West Bay residential area and Barwa City. A missile debris was also seen falling on a food warehouse, causing a fire that spread to five warehouses.

Through monitoring of the missile attacks that began on Saturday afternoon, February 28, and continued until Sunday morning, March 1, Doha time, a total of 92 ballistic missiles and 17 drones were detected. The Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar responded to 114 reports of debris falling in various parts of the country. Eight people were injured, four of whom remain hospitalized, one of them seriously, while four others received treatment and were discharged. On Sunday morning, eight additional injuries were reported, bringing the total to 16. Material damage to public and private property was also recorded, the message stated.

The message further said that reports of additional missile attacks causing further injuries and damage continue to emerge, and that the relevant authorities are continuing to monitor these attacks and the resulting damage. It also requested that this message be circulated as an official Security Council document, it added.

Posted on

Qatar Reiterates Strongest Condemnation of Iranian Attacks on Its Territory, Affirms Wars Are Breeding Ground for All Human Rights Violations

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, March 2, 2026

The State of Qatar reiterated its condemnation in the strongest terms of the Iranian attacks that targeted its territory, considering them a clear violation of its sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, and a clear breach of the rules of international law and the principles set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, particularly Article 2(4) which prohibits the “use of force” against other states.

This came in the statement of the State of Qatar, delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Genevaآ Dr.آ Hend bint Abdalrahman Al Muftah, during her participation in the general debate on the global update of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Item 2, within the framework of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Her Excellency stressed that this unjustified and irresponsible act of aggression contradicts the rules governing peaceful relations between states and the principles of good neighborliness, and constitutes a threat to regional peace and security, as well as directly affecting the enjoyment of human rights by citizens and residents, particularly the right to life and security.

Her Excellency said that the High Commissioner for Human Rights indicated in his statement two days ago that the decline in respect for international law and the resort to the logic of force have contributed to the exacerbation of risks, the spread of armed conflicts, and the increasing pace of human rights violations. Unfortunately, we are now witnessing a new chapter of the use of force and confrontations from which the world will only reap more destruction and division.

HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva affirmed that the State of Qatar has been and remains at the forefront of countries calling for dialogue and adopting a policy of resolving conflicts through peaceful means, out of its conviction that wars are the ideal environment for all human rights violations.

Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s call to avoid escalation, to prioritize wisdom and reason, and to return to the negotiating table to prevent the world and the region from sliding into confrontations that would be difficult to remedy.

Posted on

Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Calls from Foreign Ministers of Rwanda, Benin, and State Ministers of Switzerland, Slovenia

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, March 2, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi received on Monday phone calls from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda Olivier Nduhungirehe, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, HE State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Alexandre Fasel, and HE State Secretary for Multilateral Affairs, Political Affairs and Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Melita Gabric.

The calls discussed the developments of the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability, as well as ways to resolve all disputes by peaceful means.

HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the Iranian attack on Qatari territory is a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness, and cannot be accepted under any justification or pretext. In this context, he pointed out that the State of Qatar has always been keen to distance itself from regional conflicts and has sought to facilitate dialogue between the Iranian side and the international community.

His Excellency also stressed the need for an immediate halt to any escalatory actions, a return to the negotiating table, prioritizing reason and wisdom, and working to contain the crisis in a way that preserves the security of the region.

In turn, Their Excellencies the Ministers voiced their countries’ concern about developments in the region, expressing their solidarity with the State of Qatar.