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Petrol and diesel to decrease from Wednesday

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 3, 2025

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced decreases in the price of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin and LP Gas from Wednesday this week.

The following price adjustments will apply:

  • Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 51 cent decrease.
  • Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP): 51 cent decrease.
  • Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 21 cent decrease.
  • Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 19 cent decrease.
  • Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 1 cent decrease.
  • Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 1 cent decrease.
  • Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 61 cent decrease and 70 cent decrease in the Western Cape

As of Wednesday, a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) will cost R21.12 in Gauteng while a litre of Petrol 95 (ULP & LRP) in the coast will now cost R20.29.

“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from US$67.16 to US$64.14 during the period under review. The decrease in the price of crude oil is due to oversupply because of increased global production as well as uncertainty caused by continued trade tensions which could affect economic growth and demand for crude oil.

“The average international prices of petrol and diesel followed the decreasing trend of crude oil prices. This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices [BFP] of petrol by 39.94 cents per litre (c/l) and diesel by 8.83 c/l. On the other hand, illuminating paraffin prices increased and resulted in a higher contribution to BFP by 10.96 c/l. The prices of Propane and Butane decreased during the period under review,” the DMPR explained.

Furthermore, the Rand appreciated slightly against the USD during the period under review.

“The Rand appreciated on average, against the [USD], from R17.49 to R17.29 per USD during the period under review when compared to the previous one.

“This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol by 10.60 c/l, diesel by 11.77 c/l and Illuminating paraffin by 11.53 c/l, respectively,” the DMPR said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SIU to probe allegations of maladministration at Siyathemba Local Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a new proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration at the Siyathemba Local Municipality, situated in the Northern Cape.

The investigation will aim to recover any losses the state suffered.

Proclamation 295 of 2025 authorises the SIU to investigate serious maladministration in connection with the procurement of printers, photocopy machines and other related equipment.

“The SIU will probe any related unauthorised, irregular, fruitless or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality or the state, and the contracting of goods and services was made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective or in violation of applicable legislation, guidelines, or instructions from the National or Provincial Treasury,” the Special Investigating Unit said in a statement.

According to the SIU, the probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated.

“The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2016 and 31 October 2025, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2016 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.

“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses,” the SIU said.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Statement by the leaders of the parties to the Government of National Unity

Source: President of South Africa –

The leaders of the 10 political parties that constitute the Government of National Unity (GNU) have today (Monday, 3 November 2025) concluded a highly productive two-day retreat at the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng.
 
The leaders met to reflect on progress in the implementation of the priorities identified in the GNU Statement of Intent, to discuss contemporary national and international issues, and to address critical issues facing the country.
 
The meeting was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile (ANC), John Steenhuisen (DA), Velenkosini Hlabisa (IFP), Gayton McKenzie (PA), Corné Mulder (FF Plus), Bantu Holomisa (UDM), Songezo Zibi (Rise Mzansi), Ganief Hendricks (Al Jama-Ah), Mzwanele Nyhontso (PAC) and Brett Herron (Good).
 
The leaders were unanimous that the GNU is united and strong.
 
The meeting agreed that this forum of party leaders would meet regularly to provide strategic political direction to the work of the GNU.
 
The leaders recognised difficulties at times in the functioning of the GNU, most notably around the 2025 budget process. However, it has drawn important lessons from these experiences and will ensure more effective consultation in developing fiscal priorities and frameworks.
 
All parties reaffirmed their full commitment to the GNU as a reflection of the will of voters as an instrument to advance the interests of all South Africans.
 
Over the 16 months since the parties signed the Statement of Intent, the Government of National Unity has provided stability and leadership to the country. 
 
It remains focused on resolving the concerns of the South African people: unemployment, poverty, the cost of living, crime, corruption and delivery of services.
 
The GNU has successfully brought together parties from different political traditions and perspectives to undertake a common programme to drive inclusive growth and job creation, tackle poverty and the cost of living, and build a capable developmental state.
 
Guided by the basic minimum programme of priorities contained in the Statement of Intent, the GNU has adopted the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) as a transformative vision and programme for the five years of this administration.
 
Since its establishment, the Government of National Unity has:
 
– established a platform for inclusive growth through far-reaching reforms in energy, logistics, telecommunications, water and visas;
 
– embarked on a massive infrastructure build and maintenance drive. 
 
– as part of the response to tariff increases, worked to diversify exports and expand into new and existing markets;
 
– prioritised the expansion of early childhood development and strengthening the foundational years of learning;
 
– provided work and livelihood opportunities to young people on an unprecedented scale through public employment programmes;
 
– sustained spending to support poor households even amid severe financial constraints;
 
– maintained macroeconomic stability, achieved a primary budget surplus and pursued a responsible fiscal path to reduce the country’s debt burden so that more resources can be shifted to productive investment;
 
– worked to rebuild the law enforcement agencies and other public institutions in the wake of state capture has continued under the GNU. The work done to remove South Africa from the FATF grey list, alongside legislative reforms and the work of bodies like the Special Investigating Unit, has strengthened our country’s ability to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption and serious crime;
 
– continued to position South Africa as a constructive player in international and regional peace and stability. There is a growing recognition that peacekeeping today require a more holistic knowledge-driven approach that integrates security, development and diplomacy.
 
The Leaders Forum appreciated that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is being held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, a theme that seeks to harness global will and capabilities to confront the enormous challenges the world is facing. Therefore, through solidarity, as South Africa, we aim to achieve a future that is people-centred, development-oriented and inclusive. 
 
While there has been significant progress over the last 16 months, the party leaders agreed that the work underway needs to be accelerated and its impact needs to be felt by all South Africans.
 
With the MTDP as the foundational programme for the Administration, the leaders agreed to give urgent attention to several key areas:
 
– ensuring greater urgency and action in the implementation of Government programmes, the streamlining of processes and structures and the further professionalisation and depoliticisation of the Public Service;
 
– developing a food security plan to address the dire situation of hunger affecting many households and communities across the country;
 
– a comprehensive and far-reaching strategy for skills development and the creation of work experience and livelihood opportunities for young people;
 
– mobilising law enforcement and security services and key stakeholders to intensify the fight against the rise in gangsterism and organised crime;
 
– the appointment of capable, ethical leadership in the criminal justice system;
 
– equipping national and provincial Government to intervene more effectively where municipalities fail to fulfil their mandates;
 
– undertaking a comprehensive response to illegal immigration, including strengthening border management and expanding economic opportunities for South Africans;
 
– improving oversight and coordination of state-owned enterprises and setting minimum standards for board appointments.
 
The leaders agreed to further engagement on South Africa’s international relations to develop a common understanding of the national interest.
 
The meeting received a briefing from the Minister of Finance on the state of the economy and its impact on the country fiscal outlook and priorities.
 
The leaders reflected on the commitment in the Statement of Intent to an all-inclusive National Dialogue, which brings together all South Africans to address the challenges facing the nation. The meeting noted the progress made by the Eminent Persons Group in establishing the Steering Committee responsible for coordinating local and sectoral dialogues throughout the country.
 
The Leaders Forum ratified the Terms of Reference for the GNU Clearing House Mechanism, which is critical to ensuring the GNU functions optimally, in line with the Statement of Intent. The Leaders Forum agreed that the Clearing House Mechanism is a working group of the GNU, and that its primary tasks are to address policy and related areas of possible divergence within the GNU. 
 
The meeting congratulated the Proteas Women’s cricket team for reaching the finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup. This achievement provides inspiration to sports women across all sporting codes and follows the achievements of other national teams. 
 
The leaders were clear that the GNU is now more cohesive, determined and focused than ever before. 
 
The GNU is focused on urgency and action, and remains true to its fundamental purpose: to serve the interests and meet the needs of all South Africans. 
 
Issued on behalf of the leaders of:
 
– African National Congress (ANC)
– Democratic Alliance (DA) 
– Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)
– Patriotic Alliance (PA)
– Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus)
– United Democratic Movement (UDM)
– Rise Mzansi
– Al Jama-Ah 
– Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) GOOD

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Grâce à des interventions chirurgicales vitales, le Dr Leo Cheng offre un nouvel espoir aux plus jeunes des enfants

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Lorsque Memunatu est arrivée sur le Global Mercy™ (www.MercyShips.org), un navire-hôpital à la pointe de la technologie, ce bébé de 10 mois montrait son petit visage alourdi par une grosse tumeur au cou. Elle affectait sa capacité à avaler, à manger, à parler et même à pleurer. Sa mère, Aminata, a été orientée vers plusieurs médecins qui n’ont pas pu l’aider. Il a suffi d’une seule rencontre, de l’expertise d’un seul chirurgien, pour transformer leur vie à jamais. 

Anne-Marie van Tonder, bénévole sud-africaine chez Mercy Ships, a rencontré Memunatu et Aminata à l’hôpital de Freetown, et a été particulièrement touchée par la rencontre avec cette famille. Après avoir mis Aminata en relation avec le Global Mercy, il n’a pas fallu longtemps pour que Memunatu soit prise en charge par le Dr Leo Cheng, un chirurgien maxillo-facial du Royaume-Uni.

Le Dr Cheng, bénévole passionné chez Mercy Ships depuis deux décennies, a immédiatement diagnostiqué l’urgence du cas de Memunatu. L’examen de ses scanners a révélé que, bien que la masse ne soit pas cancéreuse, elle présentait de sérieux risques pour sa survie.

« Sans intervention chirurgicale, son état aurait continué à s’aggraver », a expliqué le Dr Cheng, « et sa vie pouvait être en danger. »

Une part importante du fardeau mondial de morbidité actuel pourrait être allégée grâce à une intervention chirurgicale. Malgré cela, 5 milliards de personnes – soit près des deux tiers de la population mondiale -, n’ont pas accès à des soins chirurgicaux sûrs, abordables et rapides. Selon des estimations approximatives, toutes les deux secondes, une personne meurt d’une affection médicale qui aurait pu être traitée chirurgicalement. 

Des travaux récents publiés dans The Lancet Oncology (https://apo-opa.co/3LHcdKk) soulignent comment les retards de soins chirurgicaux, même pour des tumeurs apparemment bénignes, peuvent entraîner une augmentation des complications, des risques et des souffrances. Les patients subissent non seulement une aggravation des symptômes, mais aussi un isolement psychosocial et une stigmatisation, car beaucoup dans leur communauté les considèrent comme possédés par un démon.

Le Dr Cheng ferait tout son possible pour éviter à Memunatu cet avenir fait de douleur et de rejet. L’opération était délicate ; ses voies respiratoires étant déjà compromises, l’anesthésie et l’intubation nécessitaient une coordination extraordinaire entre les équipes chirurgicales et les infirmières.

« À chaque millimètre, j’estimais, je calculais et j’essayais d’éviter tout saignement. Tout s’est déroulé très lentement, mais de manière sereine et positive », se souvient le Dr Cheng.

À la fin de l’opération, lorsque la tumeur au cou a finalement disparu, la transformation de Memunatu était frappante. Son beau visage était à nouveau bien visible et ses yeux étaient pleins de lumière et de joie.

Le Dr Cheng a réfléchi à la signification plus large de la guérison de Memunatu : « Chaque opération de ce type nous rappelle que l’accès à une chirurgie sûre n’est pas un luxe, mais une nécessité. Lorsque nous restaurons le visage d’une personne, nous restaurons son humanité, sa dignité, son acceptation et son espoir. »

Distribué par APO Group pour Mercy Ships.

Pour plus d’information sur Mercy Ships, contactez :
E-mail : International.media@mercyships.org

À PROPOS DE MERCY SHIPS :
Mercy Ships exploite des navires-hôpitaux qui offrent des opérations chirurgicales gratuites et d’autres services de santé à ceux qui ont peu accès à des soins médicaux sûrs. Organisation internationale confessionnelle, Mercy Ships s’est entièrement concentrée sur des partenariats avec des pays d’Afrique au cours des trois dernières décennies. En collaboration avec des partenaires nationaux, Mercy Ships dispense également des formations aux professionnels de santé locaux et soutient la construction d’infrastructures médicales dans les pays concernés afin d’avoir un impact durable.

Chaque année, plus de 2 500 professionnels bénévoles provenant de plus de 60 pays servent à bord des deux plus grands navires-hôpitaux non gouvernementaux au monde, l’Africa Mercy® et le Global Mercy™. Des professionnels tels que des chirurgiens, des dentistes, des infirmières, des formateurs en santé, des cuisiniers et des ingénieurs consacrent leur temps et leurs compétences à accélérer l’accès à des soins chirurgicaux et anesthésiques sûrs. Mercy Ships a été fondée en 1978 et possède des bureaux dans 16 pays ainsi qu’un centre de services africain à Dakar, au Sénégal. 

Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur www.MercyShips.org et suivez @ MercyShips sur les réseaux sociaux.

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Dr. Leo Cheng Restores Hope through Lifesaving Surgeries that Transform Even the Smallest of Lives

Source: APO – Report:

When 10-month-old baby Memunatu arrived at the Global Mercy™ (www.MercyShips.org), a state-of-the-art hospital ship, her tiny face was burdened by the weight of a large tumor on her neck. This tumor affected her ability to swallow, eat, speak, and even cry. Her mother, Aminata, was referred to several doctors who were unable to help. All it took was one encounter, one surgeon’s expertise, to change their lives forever for the better.

When Anne-Marie van Tonder, a Mercy Ships volunteer from South Africa, met Memunatu and Aminata hospital in Freetown she was moved by compassion for this family. Connecting Aminata with the Global Mercy, it did not take long for Memunatu to be brought under the care of Dr. Leo Cheng, a maxillofacial surgeon from the United Kingdom.

Dr. Cheng, who has passionately volunteered with Mercy Ships for two decades, immediately recognized the urgency of Memunatu’s case. Reviewing her scans revealed that, although the mass was not cancerous, it posed serous risks to her survival.

“Without the surgery, her condition would have continued to worsen,” Dr. Cheng explained. “It could have become life-threatening.”

A significant portion of today’s global disease burden can be alleviated through surgical intervention. Even so, 5 billion people, close to two-thirds of the world’s population, lack access to safe, affordable, and timely surgical care. Rough estimates show that someone dies every two seconds from a preventable medical condition that could have been treated surgically.

Recent work in The Lancet Oncology (https://apo-opa.co/3LHcdKk) highlights how delays in surgical care, even for seemingly benign tumors, can lead to increased health complexities, risks, and suffering. Patients not only experience the escalation of symptoms, but also psychosocial isolation and stigma many in their communities regard them as demon- possessed.

Dr. Cheng would do all he could to keep Memunatu from this future of pain and rejection. Her surgery was a delicate procedure; since her airway was already compromised, anesthesia and intubation required extraordinary coordination between the surgical and nursing teams.

“With every single millimeter, I was estimating, calculating, and trying to prevent any bleeding. It went very slowly, but very positively,” Dr. Cheng recalled.

When the surgery concluded, when the swelling finally subsided, Memunatu’s transformation was striking. Her beautiful face was visible again, and her eyes were full of light and joy.

Dr. Cheng reflected on the broader significance of Memunatu’s healing: “Every surgery like this reminds us that access to safe surgery is not a luxury, but essential. When we restore someone’s face, we restore their humanity, their acceptance, and their hope.”

– on behalf of Mercy Ships.

For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:
Email: International.media@mercyships.org   

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 nations in Africa 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.    

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Canon Academy Partners with Kigali Center for Photography in Rwanda to Launch Canon Academy Workshops at Kigali Visual Encounters 2025

Source: APO – Report:

  • Canon Academy offers a comprehensive educational program featuring hands-on workshops covering a wide range of photography topics. To date, we have successfully trained 2,200 students through this initiative.  
  • Participants will have the opportunity to engage with Canon’s latest imaging innovations throughout the programme.

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com), a leader in imaging technology, today announced the launch of the Canon Academy in partnership with the Kigali Center for Photography for Kigali Visual Encounters 2025. This initiative is exclusively dedicated to Canon customers equipping them with practical photography skills.  The Canon Academy Rwanda will take place from October 27 to 29, 2025, at the Institut Français in Kigali.

Canon Academy is a key component of the company’s broader efforts to advance the creative sector across the continent. Aligned with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy, “Living and Working Together for the Common Good,” the programme aims to equip aspiring and professional photographers in Rwanda with high-quality training, and relevant industry knowledge. 

Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central and North Africa, says, “Through the Canon Academy, we’re expanding our reach and impact by making photography training accessible to our customers in Rwanda. This collaboration with the Kigali Center for Photography for the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival represents our commitment to equipping young people and communities with the skills, inspiration, and opportunities they need to succeed in the creative economy. It is also a reflection of Canon’s strategic approach to shape Africa’s future through education and innovation.”

Canon Academy is dedicated to Canon users, offering hands-on experiences across a wide array of topics. Workshops are led by certified Canon trainers, ensuring that participants benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. The programme caters to different skill levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace.  

Hands-On Workshops Will Deliver an Action-Packed Experience

The Canon Academy will provide participants with a comprehensive, real-world training experience focused on developing practical photography and videography skills. The programme will begin with a beginner workshop, where attendees will learn about key photography concepts such as camera settings, composition, and lighting techniques.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with Canon’s latest imaging innovations throughout the programme. The Camera Innovations Masterclass will showcase the versatility of Canon’s mirrorless and DSLR systems, featuring models such as the R50, R50V, R100, R10, and R8, through interactive demonstrations and hands-on sessions.

The programme will also include practical outdoor sessions, such as a Street Photography Workshop. Guided by experts and supported by Canon’s Selphy printers, attendees will produce tangible prints that reflect their progress. Workshops will be led by founder of Kigali Center of Photography- Jacques Nkinzingabo and Business Development Manager at Canon- Raul Gabat, who will provide expert mentorship, hands-on guidance, and practical techniques tailored to all skill levels.

The training academy will conclude with the Canon Academy Hangout and a certificate ceremony, offering opportunities for networking, and formal recognition of participants’ achievements.

About Kigali Center for Photography:

Established in 2017, Kigali Center for Photography is the first and only one of its kind in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali City. The Center was founded by Rwandan freelance photographer Jacques Nkinzingabo, with a vision to create a Learning and Creating space dedicated to the development of photography, visual culture, and artistic practices in Rwanda. With a photography gallery space to showcase a wide range of exhibitions for photographers, the center aims to explore and promote visual storytelling and photography by supporting emerging artists explore beyond the medium. It is also the host of the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival, which serves as a platform for cultural exchange and photographic engagement.

Jacques Nkinzingabo, Founder of the Kigali Center for Photography, adds, “The Kigali Center for Photography serves as a learning and creative space dedicated to advancing photography, visual culture, and artistic practices in Rwanda. The first and only of its kind in Kigali City, it has positioned itself as a hub of creative learning and cultural exchange. Through the Kigali Visual Encounters 2025, and in collaboration with Canon, it provides an inclusive, meaningful, and community-driven platform for development.”

With the establishment of this programme, Canon is further solidifying its commitment to inclusive development through localised engagement and hands-on skills training. The initiative is designed to build skills and strengthen the wider creative infrastructure within the region. By empowering young people with practical tools, industry insights, and educational opportunities, Canon is helping to transform creative potential into viable professions, ultimately contributing to the growth and diversification of the country’s creative economy. 

Canon continues to prioritise the growth of Africa’s next generation of storytellers by developing platforms that harness the power of technology, education, and collaboration. Its participation in the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival reflects this ongoing commitment, one that extends beyond imaging innovation to champion people, purpose, and advancement across the continent.

– 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 (https://apo-opa.co/43dU6ls) – ‘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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APO Group to Participate in Africa Tech Festival 2025, Championing Africa’s Digital Innovation Story

Source: APO – Report:

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce its participation at Africa Tech Festival 2025, taking place from 11 to 13 November in Cape Town. The company’s presence at the continent’s most influential technology and innovation gathering underscores its commitment to telling Africa’s success stories, driving confidence in the continent’s innovation ecosystem, and supporting its clients in connecting African technology leaders with global audiences. 

Africa’s technology sector continues to record strong growth, driven by innovation, investment, and a young, digitally-savvy population. However, the visibility of these advancements on the global stage remains limited. APO Group’s participation at Africa Tech Festival 2025 underscores its commitment to bridging this information gap by promoting Africa’s innovators, enterprises, and success stories to international audiences and reinforcing confidence in the continent’s technology and innovation ecosystem. 

APO Group’s presence at the event further reflects its mission to connect African innovators, businesses, and industry leaders with global media and investors, ensuring that breakthrough ideas, successful ventures, and transformative projects receive the recognition they deserve. 

Bringing together policymakers, investors, startups, and corporate leaders, Africa Tech Festival 2025 unites its four event programmes – AfricaCom, AfricaTech, Africa Ignite, and The AI Summit Cape Town – under the themes of Responsible Innovation, Inclusive Investment, Connectivity for Development, and Policy Harmonisation. These goals mirror APO Group’s aim to amplify the voices shaping Africa’s digital future and ensure they are heard across global media platforms.  

APO Group Chief Executive Officer Bas Wijne will represent the company throughout the festival, delivering a keynote address on the future signals for Africa’s emerging tech landscape, attending the Leaders in Africa Summit, and serving as a judge for the Africa Tech Festival Awards that will be presented at a gala ceremony on 12 November. 

“At APO Group, we don’t just tell Africa’s innovation stories. We help track what’s next and share these messages with the marketplace, changing narratives and building trust in the continent’s digital and technology capabilities,” said Bas Wijne. “Our role is to make sure the world sees the progress being made across the continent, from AI adoption to digital infrastructure and beyond. When visibility increases, so does investment, confidence, and opportunity; Africa Tech Festival provides a platform to achieve this.” 

Additionally, APO Group’s Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), serves as a member of the Africa Tech Festival Leadership Council, a prestigious assembly of senior leaders from across the continent, tasked with shaping the future of this premier technology event and ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Africa’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem. 

APO Group’s involvement at the Africa Tech Festival 2025 reinforces its position as Africa’s trusted communications partner, building bridges between innovators, investors, and policymakers. Through strategic storytelling, the company helps translate the continent’s momentum into measurable business and reputational growth. Its extensive media network, covering more than 250 African news websites and thousands of journalists, ensures that the continent’s most inspiring stories reach the audiences that matter most. 

From supporting global and pan-African tech firms operating across African markets to amplifying the achievements of home-grown startups, APO Group continues to challenge perceptions and showcase Africa as a hub of creativity, resilience, and opportunity.  

“Through platforms like Africa Tech Festival, our work enables businesses and governments alike to build trust, attract partners, and position Africa at the centre of global digital transformation,” added Wijne. 

– on behalf of APO Group.

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 reputations and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media by crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact 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, the Davos Communications Awards 2025 awarded us the Gold Award for Best PR Campaign and the Bronze Award for Special Event.  

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.  

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Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Prime Minister of Yemen

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, November 03, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Monday with HE Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Yemen, Salem Saleh bin Braik, who is visiting Qatar to participate in the World Summit for Social Development, slated for Nov. 4-6 in Doha.
The meeting dealt with the two countries’ cooperation relations and ways to bolster them; the latest developments in Yemen; and host of topics of mutual interest.
During the meeting, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar’s unwavering support for Yemen and its continued assistance to its brotherly people until they achieve their aspirations for security, stability, and development.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets President of Haitian Transitional Presidential Council

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, November 03, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Monday with HE Anthony Franck Laurent Saint Cyr, President of the Transitional Presidential Council of the Republic of Haiti, who is visiting the country to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by the State of Qatar from November 4 to 6.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

They also addressed a range of issues of shared interest. 

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Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Commander of the US Central Command

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, November 03, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Monday with Commander of the US Central Command Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper, currently visiting Qatar.

The meeting discussed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America and ways to support and strengthen them, primarily in the areas of military and defense cooperation. The two sides also discussed a host of topics of common interest.