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Minister Lamola conveys condolences in Zambia, discusses repose of former President Lungu


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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Ronald Lamola, MP, on Sunday concluded a High-Level Diplomatic Mission to Lusaka, Republic of Zambia, as Presidential Special Envoy.

Minister Lamola was received by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, to whom he conveyed President Ramaphosa’s profound condolences on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa.

Minister Lamola expressed solidarity with the Government and citizens of Zambia following the untimely passing of former President Edgar Lungu, assuring them of South Africa’s unwavering support during this period of national mourning.

In reaffirming the South African Government’s position, Minister Lamola emphasised that a state burial in Zambia represents the most fitting tribute to honour Former President Lungu’s distinguished legacy and service to the Zambian nation.

Concurrently, Minister Lamola acknowledged the legal obligation to respect the expressed wishes of the late former President’s immediate family.

He underscored the Government’s commitment to navigating this sensitive matter with the utmost dignity, grace, and mutual respect principles befitting the memory of a revered statesman and the enduring bonds between South Africa and Zambia.

The Minister extended prayers and sympathies to all affected by this loss and reiterated South Africa’s steadfast friendship with Zambia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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African Mining Week 2025 Set to Drive Investment and Sustainable Growth


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In the fast-changing mineral economy, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – taking place October 1-3 in Cape Town – is set to become the definitive platform for shaping the future of the African mining industry. Taking place under the theme: From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, the event will unite the global and African mining industries to engage in dialogue and sign deals. To meet the expected rise in global demand, mineral production will need to increase by nearly 500% by 2050. AMW 2025 positions Africa at the heart of global supply chains, turning policy into progress and opportunity into action.

A Launchpad for African Mining Projects

Through its investment-focused program, AMW 2025 will drive capital into African mining projects, connecting players from across the global industry while fostering partnerships, deal-signing and dialogue. The event takes place at a time when the international community is seeking new mineral investment opportunities while African countries are targeting greater production and mineral beneficiation. Notably, Zimbabwe plans to build a $12 billion economy by 2030 on the back of its mining industry; Angola strives to increase diamond production to 17.53 million carats by 2027; while Ghana seeks to deliver 8 million tons of manganese in 2025. Achieving these goals will require substantial investments and AMW 2025 will serve as a launchpad for future projects.

Addressing Challenges, Highlighting Opportunities

As the demand for minerals grows, so does the need to integrate technology that enhances efficiency and sustainable mining operations. The AMW 2025 program is designed to tackle the most pressing challenges across the African mining industry, with sessions geared towards creating home-grown solutions to securing capital, technology and expertise. On the financing side, sessions include The Investor Perspective: Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization; Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships: Building Resilience in a Consolidating Industry; Innovative Investment Strategies for Nigeria’s Infrastructure Development; and more. Industry spotlight sessions on The Cobalt Opportunity; Botswana’s Diamond Legacy; Ghana’s Gold Renaissance; South African PGMs and more will explore industry-specific opportunities, while a series of technical workshops and a technology forum will outline emerging technologies across the industry. Tech-driven sessions include Autonomous Mining: How Robotics and AI are Revolutionizing Resource Extraction; Youth-Driven Innovations in Mining Technology; From Ideas to Impact; and more.

Strategic Engagement Opportunities

Engagement is a feature of the AMW 2025 program, with networking sessions offering attendees the chance to connect with stakeholders and forge collaborative partnerships. The program is tailored to facilitate collaboration, with roundtables focused on bringing global and African partners together. Notable sessions include US-Africa Collaboration on Critical Mineral Infrastructure; China-Africa Corporation on Critical Minerals; European Partnerships in African Mining; Strengthening Middle East and Africa Partnerships, and more. The conference will also host a Women in Leadership Forum, aimed at breaking down barriers for women in the industry by fostering greater collaboration, and a Junior Miners Forum, aimed at showcasing opportunities for youth in the industry. Through networking and matchmaking forums, cocktails and luncheons, business-matching and meetings, AMW 2025 will usher in a new era of collaborative mining development in Africa.

Navigating Critical Minerals Gaps

Co-located alongside African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies – hosted on September 29 to October 3, AMW 2025 is uniquely positioned to explore Africa’s emerging role as the center of the global energy transition. Serving as core components in the development of energy transition-related technologies, the demand for critical minerals is growing rapidly. Between 2022 and 2050, the demand for nickel will double, cobalt will triple while lithium demand will rise tenfold. Home to 30% of the world’s critical minerals, Africa is well-positioned to drive this transition. By navigating supply gaps within the critical minerals industry, AMW 2025 will connect international partners to African mines.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

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Oklahoma City Thunder Are 2025 National Basketball Association (NBA) Champions!

In a Finals Game 7 classic that featured 11 lead changes and yet another late Indiana comeback, the Thunder got 29 points & 12 assists from Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to hold off a relentless Pacers team, 103-91 (https://apo-opa.co/44cTtIy), and claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The win marks the Thunder’s first championship in the franchise’s Oklahoma City era, as top-seeded OKC — the second-youngest Finals team in the shot-clock era — becomes the fourth team in NBA history to win 84 total games.

Playing most of the game without an injured Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana rallied from 22 down to cut OKC’s lead to 10 in the 4th quarter, but never got closer.

Chet Holmgren recorded a Finals Game 7-record five blocks to go with 18 points and Jalen Williams dropped 20 as the Thunder won the turnover battle, 21-7.

Bennedict Mathurin had 24 off the bench for Indiana. Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) recorded 16 points and 4 rebounds.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

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Canon makes its EOS VR SYSTEM compatible with “Apple Projected Media Profile” and “spatial photo” in an aim to expand the 3D VR market and strengthens collaboration with Apple

Canon Inc. (www.Canon-CNA.com) announced that two of its RF lenses for 3D VR video — the RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE (released in December 2021) and the RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE (released in June 2024) — will offer compatibility with “Apple Projected Media Profile” (hereafter “APMP”), a QuickTime movie profile that will be supported by the Apple Vision Pro spatial computer developed by Apple Inc. (hereafter “Apple”) [1]. Canon has also announced that it will make its RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL lens (released in November 2024) compatible with “spatial photo,” and that it will help to further expand the 3D VR market through collaboration with Apple going forward.

Canon launched the EOS VR System for capturing VR video in 2021, and since then has met the needs for VR video production in diverse fields including entertainment, tourism, and education. In June 2024, the company announced the RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL, a lens capable of recording “spatial video,” which is a type of 3D footage with a sense of depth, for the Apple Vision Pro. Through these developments, Canon has been helping to expand the range of expression available in 3D VR.

At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), hosted by Apple on June 9, 2025, Apple announced visionOS 26, the newest OS for the Apple Vision Pro. In conjunction with this announcement, two of Canon’s RF lenses for 3D VR video, RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE and RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE, will offer native playback of “APMP,” which will be supported by visionOS 26, scheduled to be released in the latter half of 2025. Specifically, footage shot with these lenses and compatible cameras [2] can be converted to “APMP” using the EOS VR Utility [3] app, making it even easier for users to enjoy a high-quality, immersive experience with the Apple Vision Pro.

By updating EOS VR Utility, the RF-S7.8 mm F4 STM DUAL will also be able to handle not only “spatial video” but also “spatial photo,” which is a 3D image that allows users to enjoy a sense of depth as a still image, when combined with Canon’s mirrorless camera models EOS R7 (released in June 2022) and EOS R50 V (released in May 2025). Additionally, in mid-July 2025, the EOS R50 (released in March 2023) will also be made compatible with the EOS VR SYSTEM through a firmware update, thereby enabling both “spatial video” and “spatial photo.”

Going forward, Canon will further strengthen the EOS VR SYSTEM in collaboration with Apple to meet the creative needs of pro users who strive to produce stunning immersive video as they explore new ways of storytelling.

[1] Apple Vision Pro, QuickTime, and visionOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.

[2] RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE can be mounted on the following cameras: EOS R5 (July 2020), EOS R5C (March 2022), EOS R6 Mark II (December 2022), EOS R5 Mark II (August 2024), EOS C400 (September 2024), EOS C80 (November 2024). RF-S3.9 mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE can be mounted on: EOS R7, EOS R50 V. As of June 9th, 2025.

[3] “APMP,” “spatial video” and “spatial photo” are only supported by the macOS version of EOS VR Utility. Some features may require a fee.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (http://apo-opa.co/3TAiM29) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com

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Constitutional Court a beacon of democracy

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to call on all South Africans to “honour the proud history” of the Constitutional Court.

“This year marks 30 years since the court convened for the first time, marking a new, bold chapter of our democratic journey. 

“The imperative for the establishment of a specialised constitutional court was a key facet of the multiparty negotiations that preceded the democratic transition,” the President said.

The court was established during a precarious time in South Africa where the country was in transition from apartheid towards a democratic order.

“Whilst some believed that existing structures such as the Supreme Court could perform this task, the African National Congress advocated for a new court that was untainted by the past. 

“Just as drafters of the constitution itself drew heavily on the experiences of other countries – when considering the model of the court we looked to other jurisdictions for inspiration.  One of these was Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court that was established in 1951.

“In this respect, this proud institution of our democracy is the product of constitutional solidarity. It draws on the wisdom and support of international partners, yet remains uniquely South African in its outlook, its orientation and values,” the President said.

Over the past 30 years, the court has made some far-reaching and landmark judgments including those related to prisoner voting rights and HIV/AIDS treatment.

“Yet its less well-known judgments that have had equally dramatic impact on matters such as upholding the rights of pensioners to not having their old age grants disrupted, the rights of smallholder farmers to not have their livestock impounded under colonial-era ordinances, the rights of women in customary marriages, and upholding the rights of rail commuters to safety,” he highlighted.

United in diversity

President Ramaphosa noted that the diverse composition of the bench of judges has “played an important role in shaping the court’s jurisprudence”.

“In 2007 former Chief Justice Pius Langa highlighted the centrality of judicial diversity, saying this was not confined solely to an appropriate racial or gender mix, but that a wide range of views and life experiences are represented.

“Judicial diversity, Justice Langa said, is likely to increase judicial dissent, and hence improve the quality of decisions,” he said.

The President highlighted that throughout its life, the court has delivered on its work “without fear or favour, not hesitating to hold even the most powerful in society to account” – ensuring public trust in the institution.

“An Ipsos poll released earlier this year found that most South Africans view democracy, human rights and the rule of law as universal values that all nations deserve and must aspire towards. 

“The majority of respondents also believed that South Africa is a good example of a democracy, and has a responsibility to be a moral leader in the world. This confidence is a result of the abiding trust the public has in our Constitutional Court.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we should honour the proud history of the court by continuing to work together as all of society to realise the full promise of our Constitution,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Guterres condemns deadly attack on peacekeepers in Central African Republic

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The ambush took place on Friday along the Birao-Am Dafock axis in the volatile Vakaga Prefecture, in northeastern CAR, close to the border with conflict-hit Sudan.

According to the stabilization mission, MINUSCA, the patrol was targeted by “unidentified armed elements” in the locality of Am-Sissia.

Attack may be a war crime

In a statement released by his Spokesperson on Sunday, Secretary-General António Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, as well as to the Government and people of Zambia, and wished a swift recovery to the injured soldier.

He stressed that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and urged the Central African authorities “to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly”.

This marks the third fatal attack against MINUSCA peacekeeping patrols since the start of 2025.

In March, a Kenyan peacekeeper was killed in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture, and a month earlier, a Tunisian ‘blue helmet’ lost his life in the north. Earlier this week, two Nepalese peacekeepers were injured during an assault in the southwest.

Valentine Rugwabiza, head of the UN mission, decried the “multiplication of attacks against peacekeepers” and echoed the call for justice, urging the authorities to act decisively against those responsible.

Since its deployment in 2014, MINUSCA has suffered significant losses, with around 150 peacekeepers paying the ultimate price.

The 17,000-strong force was established to help stabilise CAR, a country wracked by decades of political instability, armed conflict, and humanitarian crises.

According to a February report by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), worsening insecurity across parts of the country has forced MINUSCA to step up patrols in several regions, including areas near the border with Sudan where violence and displacement have surged in recent months amid the brutal civil war between rival militaries there.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s solidarity with the people and Government of CAR, underlining the world body’s continued commitment to peace and stability in the region.

– on behalf of UN News.

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Surge in number of children facing sexual abuse as they flee Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Burundi with aid cuts reducing support – Save the Children

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The number of children reporting sexual assault after fleeing into Burundi to escape violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has more than tripled this year with aid cuts dramatically reducing the support available, said Save the Children.

Between January and June this year, Save the Children staff in Burundi recorded over 478 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) including over 172 against children, most of them rape cases, which was a 249% increase from a year ago.

More than one million people have been displaced by violence in DRC this year as the conflict dramatically escalated, including over 41,000 who have fled to Burundi, according to the UN.

More than 65% of the GBV cases managed by Save the Children involve rape, along with psychological abuse and physical violence, the aid agency said, with horrifying stories of children being raped together with their parents and mothers being raped in front of their children.

However, major cuts to aid supporting refugees from the DRC have curtailed the ability of humanitarian agencies to help the thousands of children housed in reception centres on arrival and refugee sites, putting their safety and wellbeing at risk. Normally survivors of gender-based violence would receive dignity and hygiene items including diapers, pads, underpants and soap, however the aid cuts mean not everyone is now receiving these essential items, said Save the Children.

Due to the conflict, more than 500 children have arrived this year separated from their families, with about 300 unaccompanied children requiring services to trace their families and reunite them.

Save the Children staff in Burundi said children who have faced sexual violence are in dire need of psychological support to overcome the trauma and are at risk of low self-esteem, self-blame, isolation, stigmatization and discrimination without help.

Rita*, a 16-year-old girl living in a refugee camp in eastern Burundi, told Save the Children: “Before arriving in Burundi, my mother, my siblings and I spent several days hiding in the mountains near our village. Some days we would return home from the bushes when the sound of gunfire went down but go back to the forest in the evening. One evening we decided to stay in the house and that’s when it happened. Armed men entered our house and raped me, my sister and my mother. We then decided to flee the next day. It is very hard to look my mother in eye after what happened but also very difficult for our mother to talk to us about it.”

Nadege Nizigama, Save the Children’s Child Protection and GBV case worker for Burundi, said:  

“I speak to children who have faced various forms of abuse including rape and forced marriages. At the moment, I have two girls and one boy who are undergoing psychosocial support after experiencing rape while fleeing the conflict earlier this year. For the last few months, I have heard horrifying stories of children being raped together with their parents and mothers being raped in front of their children. No child should be subjected to this kind of violence. We are doing our best to provide all the support we can to help the children overcome their trauma but more needs to be done to restore the children’s wellbeing and strengthen their resilience.”

Geoffrey Kirenga, Save the Children’s Head of Mission in Burundi, said:

“Conflict related sexual violence has long been used as a tool of war to intimidate and terrorise civilians. The impact on children is devastating, and my team witness this daily. Save the Children’s work in Burundi reveals critical child protection concerns and survivors need to receive medical care and protection. 

“Tragically we know the number of cases we have registered is just a drop in the ocean.  Children and community members often don’t report cases of severe violations because of fear of being victimized. It’s a tragic situation.

“The impact of aid cuts is huge, considering the degree of vulnerability of our beneficiaries. Most of the families we are supporting have faced psychological trauma due to conflict and many left their homes with nothing. The funding gaps we’re now facing could force us to close down programmes that are a lifeline to children and families in dire need. We are calling on the international community not to abandon these children at a time when they need them most.”

Save the Children has been working in Burundi since 2016 providing services in child protection, prevention and response to gender-based violence, health, child right governance and education. We have a team in Burundi assisting thousands of displaced children and their families.

– on behalf of Save the Children.

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Deputy President Mashatile concludes a successful Working Visit to Russia

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has returned to South Africa after concluding a successful Working Visit to the Russian Federation, spanning the two cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg, where he engaged in a number of activities aimed at strengthening the bilateral trade and economic relations between South Africa and Russia.

At the conclusion of his visit, the Deputy President sat down with two of Russia’s major television news networks, Russia Today and Sputnik Africa, where he reflected on some of the key take-aways from the Working Visit, including a particular focus on enhancing economic cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, energy and mining industries as well as science and technology cooperation. 

Deputy President Mashatile arrived in Moscow on 17 June 2025, where he was received by Russia’s Deputy Head of State Protocol, Mr Andrei Milyaev; Deputy Director of African Department, Mr Andrei Stotlarov; and International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes.

The Working Visit kicked off in earnest with the Deputy President laying wreaths at the Mausoleum of Moses Kotane and J.B Marks at the Novodevichy Cemetery and UN Heritage Site in Moscow. Moses Kotane and JB Marks were anti-apartheid activists active in the South African Communist Party and African National Congress and had a significant influence on South Africa’s journey towards freedom and democracy. Initially buried for years in Moscow, their remains were subsequently returned by the South African Government and reburied in the North West Province in March 2015.

In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile also met His Excellency Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at the House of the Government of the Russian Federation for a discussion on opportunities for bilateral political and economic cooperation between South Africa and Russia to unlock areas of further cooperation in trade & investment, mineral & energy, agriculture, health and education.

Deputy President Mashatile then traveled to St. Petersburg State University, where he was warmly received by Acting Rector Professor Sergey Andryushin, ahead of a Public Lecture the Deputy President delivered under the theme – “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a rapidly changing geo-political environment”. The Public Lecture audience included Faculty professors, students, the academic community as well as media and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Also in St. Petersburg, the Deputy President paid a courtesy call on President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation at the Constantine Palace as part of his Working Visit, where he had a bilateral meeting with President Putin and his Russian delegation that included Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.

The Deputy President expressed, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Republic of South Africa, utmost gratitude to President Putin and the Russian people for the role they played in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle and the socio-economic emancipation beyond the attainment of freedom and democracy.

“I have been tasked by the President to work tirelessly towards translation of the strong foundation of our strategic relations into higher trade and economic ties for the mutual benefit of our countries and our people,” said Deputy President Mashatile.

Later in the programme, the Deputy President delivered remarks at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF’25) plenary session, following the remarks of H.E. President Vladimir Putin. The theme for the Deputy President’s main engagement of the visit, SPIEF’25, was: “Strengthening Multi-polarity for Sustainable Development”, where the Deputy President highlighted that in its 28th year, the forum remained one of the foremost platforms for global dialogue on economic cooperation, investment, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Deputy President Mashatile said: “As we look to the future, the importance of the Global South in shaping international economic governance is undeniable. Africa, in particular, is fast becoming a centre of global growth. With a population projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050, a rising middle class, and a youthful demographic dividend, the continent has the potential to drive the next wave of industrialisation, digital transformation, and sustainable development. Africa is not in search of handouts; rather, it is pursuing equitable partnerships. It seeks equitable access to markets, capital, knowledge, and technology. This is where global platforms like SPIEF become crucial.”

Other activities of the Deputy President included addressing the South African Trade and Investment Seminar at the SPIEF’25, attended by Russian and South African business and government leaders themed – “Russia – South Africa: Business and Investment Cooperation”; a meeting with Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Mrs Valentina Matvienko, where he welcomed the continued cooperation between the Russian Federal Assembly and the South African Parliament over the years.

“We are pleased to note that through regular Parliamentary exchanges and engagements, we have been able to address common challenges, explore new opportunities for collaboration, and deepen our friendship,” said the Deputy President.

The Deputy President also met with Chairman of the State Duma, Mr Vyacheslav Volodin and the bilateral discussion appreciated the continued cooperation between the Russian State Duma and the South African Parliament over the years as well as the importance of parliamentary diplomacy as a tool to amplify government efforts, foster dialogue and use legislative tools to unlock progress in trade and other areas.

Finally, the Deputy President concluded the Working Visit with a guided tour and site visit to the St. Petersburg Port, where he met with the leadership and workers of the Port. The site visit took place following work by officials from Russia and South Africa during the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), where the two countries concluded deliberations on cooperation in the maritime field and agreed to work with participants from the logistics industry and port authorities of both countries towards the mutually beneficial use of port infrastructure.

The Deputy President was accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Alvin Botes; Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau; Agriculture Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa; Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala; Mineral and Petroleum Resources Deputy Minister Phumzile Mgcina, as well as Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Peace Mabe.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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5ème édition du Championnat National Scolaire : Une cérémonie d’ouverture splendide


Le samedi 21 juin 2025, le stade omnisports d’Aplahoué a accueilli la cérémonie d’ouverture de la 5ème édition du Championnat National Scolaire. Le Ministre des Sports, Monsieur Benoît DATO, a donné le coup d’envoi officiel, aux côtés de plusieurs membres du gouvernement, Madame Eléonore YAYI LADEKAN, Ministre de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique ; Monsieur Janvier YAHOUEDEOU, Coordonnateur du Collège des Ministres Conseillers ; et Monsieur Ayibatin Jonas HANTAN, Ministre Conseiller au Tourisme, à la Culture, aux Arts et aux Sports. 

La cérémonie s’est révélée grandiose. Un tableau artistique impressionnant a retracé l’histoire du sport béninois de 1972 à 2025. Réelle fresque vivante, la mise en scène a mêlé passé et présent, avec une touche de virtuel. Conçue par ALOUGBINE Dine, elle a traduit avec finesse la vision du Président Patrice TALON : faire du sport scolaire un outil d’inclusion et un pilier du développement national. 

Cette 5ème édition du Championnat National Scolaire rassemble 1.488 jeunes athlètes de 93 établissements secondaires publics et privés, provenant des douze départements du pays. Cinq disciplines sont à l’honneur : football, basketball, handball, volleyball et athlétisme avec l’introduction du basketball 3×3. Personnalités politiques, autorités locales, élus, sages et notables ont honoré de leur présence cette ouverture solennelle. 

Dans son adresse aux jeunes, le Ministre Benoît DATO a déclaré : « Soyez fiers de porter les couleurs de vos établissements et de vos départements. Le sport est une école de la vie. Vous apprenez à gagner, à perdre, à vous relever et à respecter l’autre. Vous êtes la relève du sport béninois. Vous incarnez la promesse d’un Bénin uni et fort ». 

Le Maire de la ville hôte, Monsieur Maxime ALLOSSOGBÉ, a salué l’engagement du gouvernement et a encouragé les jeunes participants à donner le meilleur d’eux-mêmes. Le Préfet du Couffo, Monsieur Christophe MEGBEDJI, a souligné, pour sa part, la portée symbolique de cette rencontre. Des jeunes venus des douze (12) départements se retrouvent pour partager les mêmes valeurs. 

Le Directeur Général de l’Office Béninois du Sport Scolaire et Universitaire (OBSSU), Dr Victor Soumon LAWIN, a relevé une particularité majeure de cette édition. Il s’agit de la promotion de l’égalité des sexes à travers le sport. 

Ce championnat marque bien plus qu’une compétition sportive. Il incarne une vision. Celle d’un Bénin rassemblé autour de sa jeunesse, de ses talents et de ses valeurs.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Bénin.

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Sommet des affaires États-Unis – Afrique : S.E. Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA à Luanda


Le Président de la République, de l’État, Son Excellence Brice Clotaire OLIGUI NGUEMA, a quitté Libreville ce dimanche à destination de Luanda, en République d’Angola, où il prendra part au 17ᵉ Sommet des Affaires États-Unis – Afrique, prévu du 22 au 25 juin 2025.

Co-organisé par le Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) et la République d’Angola, ce sommet de Haut Niveau se tient sous le thème : « Les voies de la prospérité : une vision commune de partenariat entre les États-Unis et l’Afrique ». Il réunira plus de 1 500 participants, dont plusieurs Chefs d’État et de Gouvernement, des hauts responsables de l’administration américaine ainsi que des dirigeants d’entreprises de renom.

Cette plateforme stratégique vise à renforcer les échanges économiques entre les deux continents, notamment dans des secteurs clés tels que l’agro-industrie, l’énergie, la santé, les infrastructures, la finance et les technologies de l’information.

La participation du Chef de l’État gabonais à cet événement d’envergure constitue une opportunité majeure de promouvoir les initiatives en cours pour la transformation structurelle de l’économie nationale. Elle permettra également de valoriser les projets porteurs destinés à attirer davantage d’investissements directs étrangers au Gabon.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.