Posts

Posted on

Ministro do Turismo inaugura requalificação do Largo Nhô Maje em Palmeira

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

O Ministro do Turismo e Transportes, José Luís Sá Nogueira, presidiu este sábado, 17 de janeiro, a inauguração oficial da requalificação do Largo Nhô Maje, na vila de Palmeira, ilha do Sal, um espaço emblemático de convívio comunitário que passa agora a oferecer melhores condições de segurança, acessibilidade e fruição pública.

Na ocasião, o Ministro sublinhou que a dinâmica da vila de Palmeira, que tem um forte potencial turístico, e lembrou a intenção do Governo de investir na criação de uma marina nessa zona portuária da ilha do Sal.

“Mais do que melhorar infraestruturas, estamos a valorizar a memória coletiva, a identidade local e a qualidade de vida da população”, afirmou.

Na ilha do Sal, o Governo, através do Ministério do Turismo/Fundo do Turismo na ilha do Sal, tem financiado investimentos que ultrapassam um milhão de contos, bem como outros projetos estruturantes em curso, reforçando a coesão urbana e a atratividade das comunidades locais, como:

– Habitações sociais no Bairro Alto de S. João  e Alto Santa Cruz (700 mil contos);

– Infraestruturação de Fátima e Chã de Matias (97 mil contos)

– Requalificação da Cidade de Santa Maria (102 mil contos)

– Requalificação de Espargos (70 mil contos)

– Requalificação de Praia de Santa Maria e Equipamentos de Apoio (22 mil contos):

– Construção do Posto Sanitário de Santa Cruz (60 mil contos);

– Centro psico-social e emergência infantil (mais de 30 mil contos);

– Orla marítima de Palmeiras (5 mil contos)

Tudo isto sem contar com investimentos estruturantes do Governo em execução, como: o Porto de Palmeiras (30 milhões de Euros) e a estrada de Santa Maria, o Pontão de Santa Maria, o início para breve da melhoria da estrada Espargos/Palmeiras e uma nova estrada alternativa Palmeiras/Santa Maria, que podem vir a atingir valores que podem ultrapassar os 15 milhões de euros.

Foram dezenas de pessoas que assistiram ao momento de inauguração do largo, em que o presidente da Câmara Municipal do Sal, Júlio Lopes, acompanhado da sua equipa camarária, lembrou também que nas próximas semanas várias outras intervenções serão inauguradas na Palmeira, tornando a vila mais bonita e organizada.

O Largo Nhô Maje foi concebido como um espaço de encontro intergeracional, promovendo a convivência, a cultura e o bem-estar da população, reafirmando a aposta do Governo na valorização dos centros tradicionais e no desenvolvimento territorial equilibrado.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Posted on

Governo vai investir 342 mil contos na primeira fase do Plano Estratégico de formação médica especializada em Cabo Verde

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

Uma garantia deixada pelo Ministro da Saúde, Jorge Figueiredo, durante a sessão solene evocativa do Dia do Médico Cabo-verdiano, ocorrida neste sábado dia 17 de janeiro, na cidade da Praia.

Perante a vasta assembleia dos médicos, do sistema público e privado, reformados e em ativos, o Ministro Jorge Figueiredo afirmou que o Plano Estratégico de Formação Médica Graduada e Especializada (2026–2045) aprovado em finais de dezembro, afirma-se como um instrumento estruturante de política pública, orientado não apenas para o aumento do número de médicos e especialistas, mas sobretudo para a formação de um perfil de médico comprometido com as necessidades reais da população.

Segundo o titular da pasta da saúde, trata-se de um plano que responde à transição demográfica e epidemiológica, aposta na Medicina Geral e Familiar como base do sistema e desenvolve, de forma faseada, as especialidades críticas, promovendo autonomia formativa, continuidade assistencial e equidade territorial.

Representa um enorme investimento público estimado em cerca de 342 mil contos na primeira fase (2026–2030), 343,2 mil contos na segunda fase (2031–2035) e custos progressivos controlados na fase final até 2045, com um retorno económico altamente favorável: por cada escudo investido, estima-se uma poupança de 2,8 escudos, resultante da redução da dependência de médicos cooperantes e da diminuição estrutural das evacuações médicas.

“Mais do que números, este Plano projeta um médico capaz de conjugar ciência, proximidade, responsabilidade ética e compromisso com o Serviço Nacional de Saúde, assegurando sustentabilidade, qualidade e confiança no sistema nas próximas décadas.” Afirmou.

Na mesmo ótica, Jorge Figueiredo observou que o Governo tem investido fortemente na valorização da classe médica e apontou a aprovação e publicação do Plano de Carreiras, Funções e Remunerações dos Médicos (PCFR) como marco histórico no reconhecimento do papel do médico no sistema nacional de saúde.

O Bastonário da Ordem do Médico Cabo-verdianos, Francisco Amado, referiu que não existe sistema de saúde forte, sem médicos valorizados respeitados e devidamente enquadrados, pois a qualidade dos cuidados prestados à população depende diretamente da formação continua dos médicos, das condições de trabalho, da sua autonomia técnica e dos seu bem-estar mental e emocional.

Disse ainda que ser médico em Cabo Verde é um desafio, pois o exercício da profissão exige uma extraordinária capacidade de adaptação e resiliência face as limitações dos recursos pelo que a valorização dos médicos não é uma revindicação corporativa por si só, mais uma condição estrutural para assegurar a qualidade e a sustentabilidade do SNS.

A intervenção de evocativa esteve a cargo do Médico, Manuel Faustino.

O Dia Nacional do Médico foi criado a 24 anos, com o objetivo é prestigiar e dignificar a classe médica, incentivar a criação de condições visando a motivação, satisfação e a melhoria do desempenho dos médicos e assegurar o reconhecimento social da importância e da necessidade do exercício da profissão médica.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Posted on

President El-Sisi Speaks with Uganda’s President Museveni

Source: APO


.

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi spoke by phone with President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that President El-Sisi extended his congratulations to President Museveni, on the occasion of his re-election for a new presidential term. The President reaffirmed that this victory reflects the confidence of the Ugandan people in President Museveni’s wise leadership.

President El-Sisi also highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Egypt and Uganda. The President reiterated Egypt’s keenness to further develop these relations and to build on the momentum witnessed in recent years, as well as on the outcomes of President Museveni’s visit to Egypt in August 2025.

The Ugandan President expressed his profound appreciation for President El-Sisi’s congratulations. He also agreed on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. President Museveni added that he looked forward to welcoming President El-Sisi to Uganda in the near future.

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

Posted on

South Africa: Basic Education Committee Chairperson Saddened by Deaths of 13 Learners in Accident

Source: APO


.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has noted with grave sadness the devastating road accident involving a private scholar transport vehicle, in which the lives of 13 school learners from the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark areas, south of Johannesburg, were tragically lost.

Ms Maimela said the tragedy is particularly painful given that schools have only been open for three days in the 2026 academic year.

“With only three school days so far in 2026, we are already confronted with this immense loss. It is deeply heartbreaking that parents who entrusted their children to be safely transported to school will now no longer hear their voices or see their smiling faces. We extend our sincere condolences to the parents, families and affected school communities during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Ms Maimela.

Preliminary reports from authorities indicate that the minibus taxi transporting the learners was involved in a collision with a side-tipper truck. The impact reportedly forced the minibus off the road, resulting in the catastrophic loss of life.

Ms Maimela also expressed concern for the five other learners who sustained critical injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. “We wish the injured learners a speedy and full recovery and hold them and their families in our thoughts,” she said.

The Chairperson further emphasised the importance of psychosocial support for affected learners, families, educators and school communities. She called on the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with provincial education departments and relevant stakeholders, to ensure that counselling and trauma-support services are urgently made available to help those affected cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the tragedy.

The Chairperson has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. She said the incident once again highlights persistent concerns regarding the safety and regulation of scholar transport vehicles.

“This tragic loss of young lives underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight, enforcement of road safety regulations and accountability within the scholar transport sector. Authorities are expected to intensify scrutiny in the wake of this incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” Ms Maimela said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Posted on

Seychelles: President Herminie Highlights Key Outcomes of Abu Dhabi Mission at Post-Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Press Conference

Source: APO – Report:

.

The President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, has outlined three major outcomes of his official mission to Abu Dhabi, following his participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026. Addressing members of the media at a post-mission press conference, the President identified strengthened pathways for water security, accelerated energy transformation, and enhanced digital connectivity as the principal deliverables of the visit.

President Herminie explained that engagements held at the ADSW 2026 were deliberately focused on translating international cooperation into practical, results-oriented solutions to address some of Seychelles’ most pressing national challenges. He noted that water and energy, are among the most critical sectors requiring urgent and sustained intervention, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering durable, long-term solutions through improved access to water and more affordable electricity.

First regarding water security, the President highlighted that recent years have exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s water supply, leading to periods of water stress that the Government is determined not to allow to persist. While reiterating that water conservation remains a national priority, he emphasised that desalination represents the most immediate and effective solution to meet growing demand. In this regard, the President has secured four desalination plants for the southern region of Mahé, an intervention expected to significantly reduce water stress and improve water availability over the next five to ten years.

In addressing energy transformation, President Herminie stressed that reducing the cost of electricity is central to the Government’s broader socio-economic development agenda. He acknowledged that Seychelles’ continued reliance on fuel oil for electricity generation is both costly and environmentally unsustainable, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to alternative energy production models. While renewable sources such as solar and wind energy remain key components of the national strategy, he noted that Seychelles’ limited land mass presents constraints for large-scale photovoltaic deployment.

To overcome these limitations, the President outlined an integrated approach that combines solar energy generation with battery storage systems, a model made increasingly viable by rapid advancements in technology. He announced that pilot initiatives will commence on La Digue Island, serving as an initial testing ground, before progressing to Praslin and, subsequently, Mahé. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to lower electricity costs, enhance energy reliability, and support the Government’s plans to introduce green infrastructure initiatives such as electric public transportation

Within this context, President Herminie further revealed that he has sought support from private individuals as well as the Government of Abu Dhabi to advance projects aimed at installing solar panel on government housing. He acknowledged that the high upfront cost of installation remains a significant barrier for many households. To address this challenge, the President said that the Government will move decisively by introducing a requirement for all new housing developments to be equipped with solar panel systems. He emphasised that this policy shift will not only advance national energy objectives but also create new business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and service providers within the renewable energy sector.

The President also addressed developments in telecommunications and internet connectivity, identifying digital infrastructure as a critical pillar of national transformation. He informed the media that discussions are currently underway with Starlink to explore the provision of more affordable and reliable internet services for Seychelles. President Herminie noted that progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, e-government, and broader digitalisation will depend heavily on improving both the cost and efficiency of telecommunications services.

He further noted that the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is actively advancing these discussions and is expected to present concrete proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers by April this year.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 was held from 13 to 15 January, during which President Herminie delivered the keynote address at the Blue Forum, engaged with participants of the Youth for Sustainability initiative, and undertook a series of high-level engagements. The forum proved to be highly successful, offering invaluable opportunities to engage directly with emerging technologies and innovative solutions in energy production and water conservation.

The outcomes of the Abu Dhabi mission reflect the Government’s firm resolve to leverage international partnerships to deliver tangible benefits for the Seychellois people, while positioning Seychelles decisively on a path of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Posted on

Eritrea: Epiphany colorfully celebrated nationwide

Source: APO – Report:

.

Epiphany (Timket) was celebrated nationwide with vibrant and joyous festivities today, 19 January.

In the capital, Asmara, the religious observance was attended by archbishops, bishops, members of the Holy Synod, heads of dioceses, representatives of monasteries, senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and a large number of the faithful.

A prayer service, led by His Holiness Abune Basilios, the 6th Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, was conducted at the Epiphany Holy Water spot at Bahti Meskerem Square.

During the occasion, Merigeta Simon Beyene provided a briefing on the historical significance of the Timket Holiday. Indicating that national holidays are a source of pride and embody national values, Merigeta Simon honored the Eritrean martyrs who made it possible to celebrate national holidays in peace and happiness, and extended his wishes for a joyous Epiphany to the Eritrean people at home and abroad, as well as members of the Eritrean Defense Forces. He also called on the faithful to extend support to disadvantaged citizens.

The event was broadcast live on Eritrean Television and Dimtsi Hafash Radio.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Posted on

South Africa: President Ramaphosa mourns multiple deaths in Cape Flats violence and scholar transport crash

Source: APO – Report:

.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of life in violence on the Cape Flats at the weekend and in a collision involving a scholar transport vehicle this morning, Monday, 19 January 2026.

At least 26 people died in violence on the Cape Flats during a 24-hour period over the weekend while 11 learners died when the vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark today.

President Ramaphosa offers his deepest sympathies to all families and communities concerned and says Government will work with citizens and community-based organisations to protect people’s lives in these different circumstances.

With reference to the Western Cape tragedies, President Ramaphosa said communities could expect stronger law enforcement and increased police visibility to stabilise affected communities and reduce the potential for further violence.

President Ramaphosa recognises the fear to which criminals subject residents and therefore calls on communities to strengthen their partnership with law enforcement agencies in community policing forums.

The President also urges residents to provide information – even on neighbours and family members – to police on an ongoing basis so that communities will instead become unsafe for criminals. With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months.

President Ramaphosa assures residents that Government is balancing short-term actions to prevent and respond to violence and stabilise communities, with long-term socio-economic interventions to improve social conditions and living standards.

On today’s learner transport tragedy, President Ramaphosa says it is particularly distressing that this incident has taken place on the day the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has published a report on scholar transport in the North West.

The President’s thoughts are with the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the young victims.

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners.”

President Ramaphosa says national and provincial authorities will provide families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Posted on

South Africa: President Ramaphosa to visit flood-stricken areas in Mpumalanga Province

Source: APO – Report:

.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon, Monday, 19 January 2026, visit Nkomazi Local Municipality in the Mpumalanga Province to assess the extent of the  damage caused by the floods and the response of Government. 

The President will commence the visit at Mjejana, Nkomazi Local Municipality, after 14h00. 

The National Disaster Management Centre officially classified the inclement weather, which has respectively ravaged Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Provinces, as a national disaster, following loss of life, significant damage to infrastructure and property, environmental degradation, displacement of communities, disruption to schooling and agricultural activities, and closures in parts of the Kruger National Park.

The President has expressely shared that his thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones, people who have been injured and individuals, businesses and organisations who have lost property.  

Furthermore, the President hailed first responders, volunteers and humanitarian organisations for their emphatic coordinated response to the devastation across affected provinces.

President Ramaphosa will monitor the state of the disaster response at flood affected areas at the Nkomazi Local Municipality, accompanied by Mpumalanga Premier, Mandla Ndlovu, senior Government officials and representatives of the National Disaster Management Centre.

– on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Posted on

Tripoli Prepares to Host Libya’s Premier Energy & Economic Summit This Week

Source: APO – Report:

.

Under the theme Infrastructure & Investment Driving Energy Growth, the fourth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) returns to Tripoli this week on January 24-26. As the country’s flagship investment forum, LEES 2026 arrives at a critical juncture in Libya’s economic recovery, providing a dedicated platform to unlock the capital and technical expertise required to revitalize national infrastructure and accelerate production across the energy value chain.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power and officially endorsed by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Oil and Gas and the National Oil Corporation, the 2026 edition will, for the first time, span three full days, reflecting rising international interest in Libya’s energy and infrastructure opportunities.

A Summit Aligned with Libya’s Growth Ambitions

LEES 2026 takes place as Libya targets increasing oil production from 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) to 1.6 million bpd by end-2026, with a longer-term ambition of 2 million bpd. Central to discussions is an estimated $18 billion pipeline of oil, gas, power and infrastructure projects, alongside Libya’s first international upstream licensing round in nearly two decades, offering 22 on- and offshore blocks.

Beyond hydrocarbons, the summit places strong emphasis on renewable energy and power infrastructure, showcasing projects such as the 500 MW Sadada solar plant – led by TotalEnergies – and Libya’s broader 4 GW renewables ambition, supported by the Renewable Energy Authority of Libya.

High-Level Speakers, Strategic Dialogue

The opening ceremony will feature keynote addresses from Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Al-Dbeibeh, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek and Chairman of the state-owned National Oil Corporation, Masoud M. Suleman. Minister Abdulsadek will be joined during a Ministerial Panel Discussion by international counterparts from Turkey, Malta and Algeria.

Industry leadership at LEES 2026 reflects the depth of international engagement in Libya’s energy resurgence, with strong participation from Europe, North America and the Mediterranean region. Major energy-producing nations including France, Italy, Spain and the U.S. will be represented through national and international oil companies, including the likes of TotalEnergies, Eni, Repsol and ConocoPhillips, among others. All these firms have actively engaged the country to advance upstream development, gas monetization and energy security initiatives in Libya.

What to Expect

LEES 2026 will deliver a multi-track agenda specifically designed to accelerate investment and translate dialogue into executable projects. A series of themed panel discussions will address Libya’s strategic priorities, including gas monetization and flare reduction, power and grid modernization, and marginal field development, offering investors and operators clean insights into near-term opportunities and long-term sector reform.

Meanwhile, central to the event’s three-day agenda are the bilateral national roundtables, including U.S.-Libya, Italy-Libya, France-Libya and UK-Libya sessions, which provide structured platforms for high-level government engagement, private sector dialogue and B2B matchmaking. These roundtables are tailored to deepen trade relations, advance infrastructure recovery and unlock new partnerships across Libya’s oil, gas, power and logistics value chains.

Complementing the diplomatic and commercial discussions, the summit introduces a dedicated technical workshops day, featuring in-depth sessions on upstream optimization, enhanced oil recovery, AI-enabled monitoring and digital infrastructure, inspection, maintenance and repair, as well as renewable energy integration and grid performance.

Sponsors and Market Confidence

The depth of sponsorship at LEES 2026 underscores strong market confidence in the country. Diamond Plus Sponsor Assail Drilling Company is joined by Diamond Sponsors Eni, TotalEnergies, Repsol, OMV, ConocoPhillips and Melltiah Oil & Gas. SLB, NESR and Delta United Group headline the Gold tier, with broad support across Silver, Bronze and National sponsor levels.

With one week to go, LEES 2026 stands as the definitive platform for investors, operators and policymakers seeking direct access decision-makers, bankable projects and first-mover advantage in one of Africa’s most strategically important energy markets.

Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 offers a premier platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth. Visit www.LibyaSummit.com to secure your participation. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.