MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO – Report:

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, congratulates its clients and partners recognised by New African magazine on the 2025 “100 Most Influential Africans” list, including Afreximbank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa Finance Corporation, the Roman Catholic Church, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Energy Chamber, the Merck Foundation, and the UN Global Compact, as well as all honourees recognised for their leadership and impact on Africa’s progress.

The New African list serves as a leading benchmark of influence across the continent, highlighting individuals and institutions whose work significantly contributes to Africa’s economic growth, social development, and global standing.

APO Group celebrates the accomplishments of its clients and partners, whose leadership, innovation, and resilience continue to drive Africa’s advancement across finance, energy, healthcare, public health, faith-based leadership, and international cooperation.

In finance and development, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, and Prof. Benedict Oramah, whose decade-long tenure concluded in October 2025, are recognised for their leadership in strengthening intra-African trade and economic resilience. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), is honoured for his role in financing development and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent. Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, is noted for his contribution to Africa’s infrastructure development and economic transformation.

In the business category, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, is recognised for advancing Africa’s energy agenda and championing pragmatic, Africa-led energy solutions. Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, is honoured for her transformative leadership in expanding healthcare access, education, and medical capacity building across Africa.

Faith-based leadership is also recognised, with the Head of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, acknowledged through its institutional leadership for its long-standing contribution to education, healthcare delivery, peacebuilding, and community support across the continent.

In the public health category, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), is recognised for his decisive leadership in strengthening Africa’s health security architecture. Under his stewardship, Africa CDC has enhanced epidemic preparedness, coordinated continental responses to public health emergencies, and reinforced Africa’s capacity to respond to an era increasingly shaped by complex and persistent health threats.

In the public and international cooperation category, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chief Executive Officer of the UN Global Compact, is recognised for advancing sustainable development, responsible business practices, and global partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), Founder and Chairman of APO Group, who was himself named on the New African “100 Most Influential Africans” list in both 2024 and 2025, said:

“We are proud to see our clients and partners recognised for their impact across business, finance, healthcare, faith-based institutions, public health, and international cooperation. APO Group is honoured to serve as a communications partner to organisations and leaders driving meaningful change across the continent, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognised worldwide.”

– on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:  
marie@apo-opa.com  

About APO Group: 
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.   

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. 

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.  

Source: APO – Report:

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On 6 January 2026, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa between H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC, and H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State.

The meeting built on the first round of political consultations held in Abu Dhabi on 13 September 2025, within the framework of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding, and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to further strengthening the UAE–AU partnership.

Both sides reviewed progress achieved since the inaugural consultations, exchanged views on priority areas of cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained political dialogue.

They converged on the centrality of Agenda 2063, in particular the flagship initiative “Silencing the Guns by 2030,” as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), underscoring the mutually reinforcing relationship between peace, security, trade and development. In this regard, they agreed to intensify cooperation in support of these strategic priorities, recognizing that durable peace underpins economic integration, while expanded trade and investment contribute to stability, resilience and sustainable development in Africa.

Both sides welcomed the UAE’s launch of the USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, and affirmed its potential to support Africa’s development priorities through innovation and digital transformation.

The Chairperson and the Minister exchanged views on peace and security dynamics in the Horn of Africa, underscoring the close interdependence between stability in the Horn of Africa and security in the Arabian Gulf, including with regard to maritime security and regional prosperity.

On Sudan, both sides underscored the need for an immediate unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and establishing an independent civilian-led government reflecting the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

Both sides recalled the statement issued jointly by the African Union Commission and IGAD on 14 September 2025, welcoming the QUAD 12 September 2025 Joint Statement. They further recalled the High-Level Humanitarian Conference convened on the margins of the AU Summit in February 2025, welcomed regional and international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis, and condemned atrocities committed against civilians by the warring parties. They also reaffirmed support for Sudan’s territorial integrity, and unity, and the imperative of a peaceful settlement.

On Somalia, both sides reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability.

Both sides reaffirmed that the occupation of the three islands of the United Arab Emirates (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa) by Iran constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of the UAE and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

They reiterated their support for the UAE’s call for a peaceful resolution of the dispute on the three islands, in accordance with international law, including through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.

Against the backdrop of the 2026 AU theme on water and sanitation, both sides highlighted the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and the Republic of Senegal, as a key opportunity to advance global action on water resilience. They agreed to cooperate closely, towards tangible, action-oriented deliverables and measurable impact across Africa, through initiatives, such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening AUC–UAE cooperation across shared priorities in support of peace, stability and sustainable development.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: APO – Report:

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Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of Africa’s gas development strategy, as the continent prepares for a sharp rise in demand and seeks faster, more resilient pathways to market. According to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.Org) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook, Africa’s natural gas demand is projected to increase by 60% by 2050, underscoring the urgency of bringing new supply online efficiently and at scale. At the same time, Africa already hosts the highest concentration of FLNG infrastructure globally, positioning the continent as a natural testbed for floating solutions that monetize offshore resources while mitigating above-ground risks.

Accelerated FLNG Deployment

Early FLNG successes are already reshaping development models across the continent. Cameroon’s Hilli Episeyo FLNG project stands as Africa’s first operational FLNG facility and a global reference point. Brought online in record time, the project demonstrated how FLNG can rapidly unlock gas exports from relatively modest reserves. Since then, Africa’s FLNG market has expanded, with several projects now under development or in operation.

On the maritime border of Senegal and Mauritania, the Gimi FLNG vessel – situated at the bp-led Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development and operated by Golar LNG – reached its commercial operations date in 2025. As the first FLNG unit deployed in the MSGBC region, the vessel will monetize up to 15 trillion cubic feet of gas through a 20-year Lease and Operate Agreement.

In Gabon, Perenco is developing the Cap Lopez FLNG project with a capacity of 700,000 tons per year, starting in 2026, with the unit being built by Dixstone. Offshore Nigeria, UTM Offshore is developing an FLNG facility at the deepwater Yoho field, a $5 billion project progressing toward FID. As Africa positions itself for the next phase of gas-led growth, FLNG stands out as a practical, future-focused solution – one that aligns technical innovation with the continent’s urgent development needs and long-term energy ambitions.

Implications for the Sector

One of FLNG’s most compelling advantages is scalability. Unlike onshore LNG developments, which require extensive land acquisition, supporting infrastructure and long construction timelines, FLNG facilities can be deployed in phases and scaled according to reservoir performance and market demand. This modular approach reduces upfront capital requirements and allows producers to accelerate first gas while preserving optionality for expansion. The Congo LNG project illustrates this approach: following phase one operations in 2023, operator Eni moved quickly toward phase two, bringing production online in 2025 – just 35 months after construction began and six months ahead of schedule. With first exports set for 2026, the project demonstrates how FLNG can be developed at speed and scale.

FLNG also helps mitigate above-ground risks – an issue shaping gas development strategies across Africa. Mozambique offers a clear example. Despite hosting some of the world’s largest gas discoveries, security challenges in Cabo Delgado caused delays and force majeure declarations on major onshore LNG projects. Offshore FLNG developments, however, have proven more resilient. Eni brought the Coral Sul FLNG project online in 2022, with the Coral Norte FLNG project reaching a $7.2 billion FID in 2025. While projects such as Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG faced delays, Coral utilized FLNG to reduce exposure to onshore security threats and logistical bottlenecks, enabling continued operations even in complex environments.

Making Energy Poverty History Through Gas

Beyond speed and resilience, FLNG could become a catalyst for Africa’s broader economic development. By reducing capital intensity and shortening development timelines, FLNG improves project bankability and attracts a wider pool of investors. It also supports gas-to-power strategies, petrochemical development and regional energy security by enabling monetization of gas that might otherwise remain stranded for years.

However, FLNG is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Successful deployment requires robust regulatory frameworks, clear fiscal terms and strong collaboration between governments, operators and financiers. When aligned with national gas master plans and long-term industrial strategies, FLNG can serve as a powerful bridge between exploration success and sustainable economic impact.

These discussions will be central at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where governments and industry leaders will explore how floating solutions can unlock Africa’s vast gas potential while managing risk and accelerating timelines. AEW continues to provide a critical platform for sharing lessons learned, advancing project dialogue and mobilizing capital into innovative LNG developments.

“FLNG is changing the game for African gas producers. It allows countries to monetize resources faster, reduce exposure to security and infrastructure risks, and generate revenues that can be reinvested into broader development. When deployed strategically, FLNG can help Africa turn gas discoveries into energy security, industrial growth and real economic transformation,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of Mr. Sabry Khan as Director General of the Seychelles Intelligence Service (SIS).

The appointment follows recommendations made to the President by the National Security Council, and following consultation with the Defence and Security Committee of the National Assembly.

The appointment is in accordance with the provisions of the Seychelles Intelligence Service Act of 2018.

The general functions of the Seychelles Intelligence Service are to establish mechanisms for detecting any threats to the security of Seychelles and its institutions, and to protect the security of Seychelles. It will work in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and public institutions. 

Mr. Khan brings extensive experience in national security, law enforcement, and intelligence-related operations, with a strong background in aviation security, inter-agency coordination, and strategic risk management. His professional career spans senior leadership roles within the Seychelles Police Force, Air Seychelles, and the Seychelles Airport Authority, where he has worked closely with national security institutions in safeguarding critical infrastructure and national interests.

Mr. Sabry Khan’s appointment takes effect on 6th January 2026.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.