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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: CORRECTION: New Study Shows the Coca-Cola System has an Economic Impact of $10.4 Billion Across its Value Chain in Africa, Supporting More Than 1 Million Jobs

    • Across 54 African markets, The Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottlers, collectively known as the Coca-Cola system, contributed $10.4 billion in economic activity across its value chain in 2024.
    • The Coca-Cola system and its value chain supported more than 1 million jobs in retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services in Africa.
    • The Coca-Cola system purchased $4.3 billion from suppliers in Africa in 2024, representing 83% of the system’s total procurement on the continent.

    The Coca-Cola Company (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) announced the results of a comprehensive, Africa-wide socio-economic impact study during the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola.

    The study shows that the Coca-Cola system, made up of The Coca-Cola Company and its authorized bottlers, working with a wide network of suppliers, manufacturers, service providers and customers, contributed $10.4 billion in value-added economic activity across its value chain in Africa in 2024.

    The Coca-Cola system supported more than 1 million jobs across its value chain on the continent in sectors like retail, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and services. This included 36,800 direct Coca-Cola system jobs, plus 987,000 indirect jobs that are supported across the value chain, meaning the system collectively supported 27 additional jobs for every job it directly creates.

    The study, conducted by global consultancy Steward Redqueen, shows that the system invested $4.3 billion in the African economy in 2024 through the purchase of goods and services from local suppliers, representing 83% of its total procurement.

    “Our long-standing presence in Africa, working with locally owned bottlers and suppliers, allows us to drive more sustainable growth and contribute to the continent’s development,” said Luisa Ortega, president of the Africa operating unit of The Coca-Cola Company. “Our unique operating model allows us to make a lasting impact in local communities.”

    The company’s portfolio in Africa includes a wide range of brands in several beverage categories. Ingredients and packaging used by the Coca-Cola system in Africa are mostly locally sourced, supplied, produced, manufactured and distributed.

    “The Coca-Cola Company’s commitment to Africa remains steadfast,” Ortega said. “The Coca-Cola system has announced investments of nearly $1.2 billion on the continent over the next five years, and we are hopeful that stable and predictable policy environments will enable more investments in the months and years ahead. Additionally, the Coca-Cola system will invest nearly $25 million by 2030 to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African markets.”

    This study highlights the Coca-Cola system’s role in Africa’s long-term growth and driving more sustainable development across the continent. The approach adopted by Steward Redqueen integrates client-provided operational data with trusted third-party economic sources and industry benchmarks. More than just measuring direct contributions, the analysis uncovers economic interlinkages, showing how the Coca-Cola system drives production, generates income, and supports employment across a spectrum of industries and geographies.

    Teodora Nenova Managing Partner at Steward Redqueen added: “Our impact assessment reveals the wide-reaching economic footprint of the Coca-Cola system across Africa. The findings highlight the scale of the Coca-Cola system’s local presence and its ongoing contribution to economic opportunity and livelihoods across the continent.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.

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    About The Coca-Cola Company
    The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo sign a peace agreement in Washington

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 27 June 2025 peace  

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – A peace agreement to end the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is scheduled to be signed today, June 27, between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The agreement is based on a Declaration of Principles adopted between the two countries in April and includes provisions for “respect for territorial integrity and a cessation of hostilities” in the east of the DRC.The agreement will be signed at a ministerial meeting in Washington, which will also include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his counterparts from the DRC and Rwanda, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Olivier Nduhungirehe.Both will also be received by Donald Trump at the White House. A complex negotiating strategy was put in place to achieve today’s signing, involving not only the two countries concerned, but also the United States, Qatar, and the African Union. In parallel with the negotiations in Washington between Kigali and Kinshasa, negotiations have been taking place in recent months in Doha (capital of Qatar) between the Congolese authorities and the rebels of the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).The latter are supported by Rwanda and control most of the provinces of North and South Kivu in eastern DRC. The United States has an interest in achieving peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda so that its companies can exploit the immense Congolese mineral resources. In parallel with the peace agreements, the Trump administration intends to sign a mining agreement with the Congolese government. The problem is that several of the most important Congolese mines are located in North and South Kivu, provinces no longer controlled by the government in Kinshasa, but by the AFC/M23. “Furthermore, almost all Congolese mines are controlled by Chinese companies,” states the latest report by the Peace Network for Congo.”The Congolese government therefore has little to offer the United States, which will be forced to negotiate behind the scenes with the Chinese authorities and bypass Kinshasa,” emphasizes the network of missionaries working in the region. According to the missionary network, caution must be exercised regarding the validity of the newly signed agreements.”In the Great Lakes region in general, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo in particular, the numerous conflicts have regularly led to the signing of ceasefires and peace agreements that have never definitively silenced the guns. In the last four years, about a dozen such texts have been signed, which have then been systematically violated and never respected,” the network points out. “The rumors of large-scale arms purchases by the Congolese government and the arrival of former Congolese President Joseph Kabila in Goma, the stronghold of the AFC/M23, are not a sign of a de-escalation of the Congolese crisis, which in many respects is completely beyond the control of the negotiators from Qatar and the United States,” the network’s report continues. Finally,The Peace Network for Congo emphasizes that true peace requires “restorative justice” that takes into account the rights of those affected by the violence perpetrated by all actors in the conflict. Starting with the hundreds of thousands of people (women, girls, children, but also men and boys) who have been victims of rape during the conflict. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral primary could ripple across the country

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lincoln Mitchell, Lecturer, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

    New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks to supporters in Brooklyn on May 4, 2025. Madison Swart/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

    Top Republicans and Democrats alike are talking about the sudden rise of 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani, a state representative who won the Democratic mayoral primary in New York on June 24, 2025, in a surprising victory over more established politicians.

    While President Donald Trump quickly came out swinging with personal attacks against Mamdani, some establishment Democratic politicians say they are concerned about how the democratic socialist’s progressive politics could harm the broader Democratic Party and cause it to lose more centrist voters.

    New York is a unique American city, with a diverse population and historically liberal politics. So, does a primary mayoral election in New York serve as any kind of harbinger of what could come in the rest of the country?

    Amy Lieberman, a politics and society editor at The Conversation U.S., spoke with Lincoln Mitchell, a political strategy and campaign specialist who lectures at Columbia University, to understand what Mamdani’s primary win might indicate about the direction of national politics.

    New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, center, greets voters with New York Comptroller Brad Lander, right, on the Upper West Side on June 24, 2025.
    Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

    Does Mamdani’s primary win offer any indication of how the Democratic Party might be transforming on a national level?

    Mamdani’s win is clearly a rebuke of the more corporate wing of the Democratic Party. I know there are people who say that New York is different from the rest of the country. But from a political perspective, Democrats in New York are less different from Democrats in the rest of country than they used to be.

    That’s because the rest of America is so much more diverse than it used to be. But if you look at progressive politicians now in the House of Representatives and state legislatures, they are being elected from all over – not just in big cities like New York anymore.

    Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, ran an absolutely terrible mayoral campaign. He tried to build a political coalition that is no longer a winning one, which was made up of majorities of African Americans, outer-borough white New Yorkers and orthodox and conservative Jews. Thirty or 40 years ago, that was a powerful coalition. Today, it could not make up a majority.

    Mamdani visualized and created what a 2025 progressive coalition looks like in New York and recognized that it is going to look different than the past. Mamdani’s coalition was based around young, white people – many of them with college degrees who are worried about affordability – ideological lefties and immigrants from parts of the Global South, including the Caribbean and parts of Africa, South Asia and South America.

    When you say a new kind of political coalition, what policy priorities bring Mamdani’s supporters together?

    Mamdani reframed what I would call redistributive economic policies that have long been central to the progressive agenda. A pillar of his campaign is affordability – a brilliant piece of political marketing because who is against affordability? He came up with some affordability-related policies that got enough buzz, like promising free buses. Free buses are great, but it won’t help most working and poor New Yorkers get to work – they take the subway.

    He has been very critical of Israel and has weathered charges of antisemitism.

    In the older New York, progressive politicians such as the late Congressman Charlie Rangel were very hawkish on Israel.

    What Mamdani understood is that in today’s America, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party does not care if somebody is, sounds like or comes close to being antisemitic. For those people, calling someone antisemitic sounds Trumpy, and they understand it as a right-wing hit, rather than the legitimate expression of concerns from Jewish people. Some liberals think that claims of antisemitism are simply something done just by those on the right to damage or discredit progressive politicians, but antisemitism is real.

    Therefore, Mamdani’s record on the Jewish issue did not hurt him in the campaign, but he needs to build bridges to Jewish voters, or he will not be able to govern New York City.

    How else did Mamdani appeal to a base of supporters?

    He got the support of “limousine liberals” – including rich, high-profile, progressive people. His supporters include Ella Emhoff, a model and the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris, and the actress Cynthia Nixon, but there were many others. Supporting Mamdani became stylish – almost de rigueur – among certain segments of affluent New York.

    Mamdani is also a true New Yorker and the voice of a new kind of immigrant. His parents are from Uganda and India. But he is also the child of extreme privilege – his mother, Mira Nair, is a well-known filmmaker, and his father is an accomplished professor. Mamdani went to top schools in New York and knows how to play in elite circles, and with white people. He is a Muslim man whose roots are in the Global South, not threatening because he knows how to speak their language.

    But to people of color and immigrants, Mamdani is also one of them. Because of Mamdani’s interesting background, he brought the limousine liberals together with the aunties from Bangladesh.

    Finally, on the charisma scale, Mamdani was so far ahead of other Democratic candidates. Who is going to make better TikTok videos – the good-looking, young man whose mother is a world-famous movie producer, or the older guy who is a loving father and husband but gives off dependable dad, rather than hip young guy, vibes?

    People arrive to vote in the New York mayoral primary in Brooklyn on June 24, 2025.
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    Is New York City so distinct that you cannot compare politics there to what happens nationwide?

    I think that nationwide or at the state level there is a potential for something similar to a Mamdani coalition, but not a Mamdani coalition exactly. But in a place like Oklahoma, there are people who are in bad economic shape and who will also respond positively to an affordability-focused, Democratic political campaign. Mamdani remade a progressive New York coalition for this moment. Other progressives politicians should copy the spirit of that and reimagine a winning coalition in their city, state or district.

    When Trump was campaigning, he focused at least on making groceries cheaper. Mamdani is one of the few Democrats who took the affordability issue back from Trump and addressed it head on and in a much more honest and relevant way. Trump has the phrase, “Make America Great Again!” That’s a popular slogan on baseball caps for Trump supporters.

    If Mamdani wanted to make a baseball cap, he could just print “Affordability” on it. Boom.

    Other Democratic politicians can take that approach of affordability and reframe it in a way that works in Kansas City or elsewhere.

    Lincoln Mitchell supported Brad Lander in the primary election.

    – ref. How Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York City mayoral primary could ripple across the country – https://theconversation.com/how-zohran-mamdanis-win-in-the-new-york-city-mayoral-primary-could-ripple-across-the-country-259951

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli attends the G20 Intergenerational Roundtable

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli attends the G20 Intergenerational Roundtable

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0z8IMXNoRU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government identifies 59 biodiversity projects to unlock green finance

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Government has identified 59 bankable biodiversity projects that are expected to generate at least $450,000 in green finance, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George announced during the department’s budget vote speech in Parliament on Friday.

    These funds were identified through the biodiversity sector investment portal, which links investors with bankable projects as a means of growing the biodiversity economy. 

    The portal is among the initiatives by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has undertaken to position the department as a national leader in environmental financing.

    “In the face of budget cuts, the DFFE is doubling down on financial discipline and innovation to ensure every rand unlocks value for people and the environment. Our proactive spending review, initiated in October 2024, has identified significant cost-saving opportunities,  aiming to redirect resources towards high-impact environmental and conservation initiatives.

    “Each branch is now mandated to explore new revenue streams, reduce unnecessary expenditure, and secure sustainable financing. Work has also begun on draft regulations to unlock the value of carbon credits,” the Minister said.

    These will lay the groundwork for monetising environmental assets under the department’s portfolio – supporting job creation, habitat conservation, private sector investment, and financing of priority programmes. 

    “This marks a bold step toward positioning DFFE as a national leader in environmental financing. To support this broader mandate, we have launched discussions with international donors, private partners, and philanthropies.

    “The Green Fund, managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), continues to channel public funding into innovative climate, energy, and waste projects. Our investment portal for the biodiversity economy has already spotlighted 59 bankable projects, leading to at least $450,000 in green finance committed,” he said.

    George assured parliament that the department’s entities continue to deliver exceptional impact – conserving our heritage, generating jobs, and building community resilience.

    “The South African National Parks (SANParks)  has placed inclusive development at the centre of its conservation mandate. Over the past five years, it has provided over 21 000 full-time jobs through the Expanded Public Works Programme, supported 3 127 small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs), and delivered 2 264 animals to emerging game farmers—ensuring that protected areas become engines of opportunity for surrounding communities.

    “iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority is advancing its commercialisation strategy, with 62 contracts already signed and new revenue from tourism concessionaires set to flow directly to the entity from 1 September 2025,” the Minister said.

    As the nation’s frontline in early warning systems, the South African Weather Service has issued nearly 1 400 severe weather alerts last year and reached over 2 million vulnerable citizens through a targeted community radio programme and 32 outreach events. 

    “These efforts not only save lives but empower South Africans with climate information they can act on. The South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), South Africa’s national biodiversity steward, continues to lead in climate finance. A $40 million Green Climate Fund project will launch this year, benefiting over 350,000 people directly and 1.5 million indirectly through investments in ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction.

    “These achievements demonstrate that when we invest in our environmental entities, we invest in jobs, resilience, and a sustainable future,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA ratifies landmark women and youth protocol for inclusive trade

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    South Africa has taken a significant step in fostering inclusive growth by officially ratified the Protocol Women and Youth in Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    This was announced by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who addressed the High-Level G20 Intergenerational Roundtable, hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on Friday.

    “This milestone is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a decisive policy action that signals our intent to mainstream gender and youth equity within intra-African trade policy.

    “The protocol is significant because it operationalises the inclusion of woman-led and youth-led enterprises in regional and global value chains. It mandates the removal of structural trade barriers, prioritises access to information, finances, and markets, as well as requires state parties to create enabling legal and policy environments for inclusive economic participation,” he said.

    The Deputy President reflected on the continent’s youthful population and noted that youth “remain on the margins of formal trade”.

    Therefore, the protocol on women and youth will assist to “rewire trade systems to reflect demographic and developmental realities”.

    “South Africa’s ratification means we are committed not only to advocating for inclusive trade but also to designing trade systems that are fit for purpose. This inclusion reinforces South Africa’s leadership role on the continent and supports the broader message of building youth capabilities for a developmental State.

    “We understand that we need young people to meaningfully build capable, ethical, and developmental states. We must integrate youth into national and continental planning frameworks, not just as beneficiaries but also as co-architects of development,” he said.

    Promoting inclusive growth

    Mashatile emphasised that a “functioning and competent” government is needed if youth are to break free from marginalisation.

    “Therefore, the first and most pressing priority of our government is the promotion of inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.

    “The time has come for us to move beyond inclusion as a moral goal and make it a measurable outcome.

    “In this regard, it is important for the economy to strengthen the viable pathways for youth inclusion. We have noted that young people complain about the red tape and bureaucratic hurdles they need to overcome to access services designed to support and scale their entrepreneurial effort,” Mashatile said.

    He noted that a specialised unit has been established in the Presidency to address the business climate and address regulatory challenges.

    “This team is adopting a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach, engaging various government departments and entities to streamline processes and enable business growth.

    “Key interventions in this regard will target the removal of administrative bottlenecks in strategic sectors. These include improvements to the mining licensing framework, facilitation of tourism transport permits, and streamlining of visa and work permit processes, as well as regulatory support for early childhood development services and the informal economy,” Mashatile said.

    Furthermore, government will:

    • Anchor youth inclusion in every major pillar of our G20 Presidency, from climate finance and trade facilitation to digital transformation and skills mobility.
    • Institutionalise intergenerational co-leadership in governance frameworks, moving beyond consultation to shared power and shared design.
    • Work with regional and global partners to implement targeted reforms that enable young people to start businesses, access capital, and engage in cross-border trade.

    “The developmental State we seek to build is not a theoretical construct; it must be a living architecture built on the capabilities, aspirations, and contributions of its young people.

    “This roundtable has made one thing clear: youth are not merely beneficiaries of policy; they are builders of nations. We must now ensure that the decisions we take at multilateral forums reflect this truth. 

    “Let the G20 remember that Africa is young. South Africa is ready, and we want young people to take the lead in the developmental and transformation agenda. The future is yours, and you are the future. Stand up, persevere, and confront every challenge with persistence. We are here to provide you with the support you need as you navigate this process,” the Deputy President concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: TNPA issues RFP for appointment of Terminal Operator at the Port of Ngqura

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, June 27, 2025

    The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a Terminal Operator to fund, design, develop, construct, operate, maintain and transfer a liquid bulk terminal at the Port of Ngqura for a concession period of 25 years.

    The RFP is a ground-breaking milestone in the relocation of the tank farm from the Port of Port Elizabeth to the Port of Ngqura, in line with approved port development plans. 

    The move comes as Transnet is implementing its Reinvent for Growth Strategy, which seeks to transform and grow the business. The new terminal will include liquid bulk storage tanks, road tanker loading gantries, pipelines and the necessary terminal operation infrastructure.

    The landside operation of the proposed terminal is earmarked for the port’s Liquid Bulk Precinct located at the eastern extents of the back of port land adjacent to the N2. 

    Future developments planned for this precinct will be further developed for energy-related commodities, such as Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).

    “The development of the liquid bulk terminal demonstrates TNPA’s commitment to relocate the liquid bulk operations to the Port of Ngqura. This terminal is intended to foster regional and national economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability,” said acting General Manager for Commercial Services at TNPA, Dr Dineo Mazibuko.

    The TNPA takes pride in the Port of Ngqura being the only South African commercial seaport in possession of an environmental authorisation for its port operation. 

    In keeping with this green status, the appointed terminal operator will ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, safety and regulatory standards. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ‘Godfather of Human Rights’ Ken Roth on genocide, Trump and standing up for democracy

    By Richard Larsen, RNZ News producer — 30′ with Guyon Espiner

    The former head of Human Rights Watch — and son of a Holocaust survivor — says Israel’s military campaign in Gaza will likely meet the legal definition of genocide, citing large-scale killings, the targeting of civilians, and the words of senior Israeli officials.

    Speaking on 30′ with Guyon Espiner, Ken Roth agreed Hamas committed “blatant war crimes” in its attack on Israel on October 7 last year, which included the abduction and murder of civilians.

    But he said it was a “basic rule” that war crimes by one side do not justify war crimes by the other.

    There was indisputable evidence Israel had committed war crimes in Gaza and might also be pursuing tactics that fit the international legal standard for genocide, Roth said.

    30′ with Guyon Espiner Kenneth Roth    Video: RNZ

    “The acts are there — mass killing, destruction of life-sustaining conditions. And there are statements from senior officials that point clearly to intent,” Roth said.

    He cited comments immediately after the October 7 attack by Hamas from Israel’s former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who referred to Gazans as “human animals”.

    Israeli President Isaac Herzog also said “an entire nation” was responsible for the attack and the notion of “unaware, uninvolved civilians is not true,” referring to the Palestinean people. Herzog subsequently said his words were taken out of context during a case at the International Court of Justice.

    The accusation of genocide is hotly contested. Israel says it is fighting a war of self-defence against Hamas after it killed 1200 people, mostly civilians. It claims it adheres to international law and does its best to protect civilians.

    It blames Hamas for embedding itself in civilian areas.

    But Roth believes a ruling may ultimately come from the International Court of Justice, especially if a forthcoming judgment on Myanmar sets a precedent.

    “It’s very similar to what Myanmar did with the Rohingya,” he said. “Kill about 30,000 to send 730,000 fleeing. It’s not just about mass death. It’s about creating conditions where life becomes impossible.”

    ‘Apartheid’ alleged in Israel’s West Bank
     Roth has been described as the ‘Godfather of Human Rights’, and is credited with vastly expanding the influence of the Human Rights Watch group during a 29-year tenure in charge of the organisation.

    In the full interview with Guyon Espiner, Roth defended the group’s 2021 report that accused Israel of enforcing a system of apartheid in the occupied West Bank.

    “This was not a historical analogy,” he said, implying it was a mistake to compare it with South Africa’s former apartheid regime.

    “It was a legal analysis. We used the UN Convention against Apartheid and the Rome Statute, and laid out over 200 pages of evidence.”

    Kenneth Roth appears via remote link in studio for an interview on season 3 of 30′ with Guyon Espiner. Image: RNZ

    He said the Israeli government was unable to offer a factual rebuttal.

    “They called us biased, antisemitic — the usual. But they didn’t contest the facts.”

    The ‘cheapening’ of antisemitism charges
     Roth, who is Jewish and the son of a Holocaust refugee, said it was disturbing to be accused of antisemitism for criticising a government.

    “There is a real rise in antisemitism around the world. But when the term is used to suppress legitimate criticism of Israel, it cheapens the concept, and that ultimately harms Jews everywhere.”

    Roth said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had long opposed a two-state solution and was now pursuing a status quo that amounted to permanent subjugation of Palestinians, a situation human rights groups say is illegal.

    “The only acceptable outcome is two states, living side by side. Anything else is apartheid, or worse,” Roth said.

    While the international legal process around charges of genocide may take years, Roth is convinced the current actions in Gaza will not be forgotten.

    “This is not just about war,” he said. “It’s about the deliberate use of starvation, displacement and mass killing to achieve political goals. And the law is very clear — that’s a crime.”

    Roth’s criticism of Israel saw him initially denied a fellowship at Harvard University in 2023. The decision was widely seen as politically motivated, and was later reversed after public and academic backlash.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Stronger Health Through Smarter Taxes in Mauritius


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    WHO has joined forces with VISA NGO and the University of Cape Town to assess the impact of increasing health taxes in Mauritius. Using a simulation tool, the study examined how tax hikes affect tobacco use, government revenues, and premature deaths.

    A 15% annual cigarette tax increase could:

    • Boost excise revenue by 55%
    • Reduce smoking prevalence from 18.1% to 17.4%
    • Prevent 11,600 premature deaths by 2029

    Even more ambitious action—a 25% annual increase—could:

    • Double excise revenues
    • Lower smoking prevalence to 16.3%
    • Save 19,300 lives by 2029

    On 20 June 2025, WHO convened high-level officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance to discuss the findings, presented by the University of Cape Town’s Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products and a WHO taxation expert.

    WHO and VISA echoed the study’s call for regular, significant tax increases—one of the most effective ways to curb noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) 

    Earlier, on 26 May, VISA and WHO presented the findings to key stakeholders including the Mauritius Revenue Authority, Ministries of Education and Youth, the University of Mauritius, NGOs, and consumer groups.

    WHO also applauded the Government’s recent decision to raise taxes by 10% on tobacco and alcohol, and 100% on sugary drinks, extending it to products like chocolate and ice cream.

    “This is a gift to public health,” said Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative. “Higher prices on unhealthy products help reduce consumption—especially in a country where obesity, diabetes and cardio-vascular diseases are leading causes of death and disability.”

    Dr. Ancia also stressed the urgent need to enforce the Tobacco Law 2022, particularly the ban on single-stick sales, which undermines progress in reducing tobacco use through higher prices.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Mauritius.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Seychelles and Lebanon establishes Diplomatic Relations


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    In the spirit of promoting bilateral relations and the strengthening of friendship, the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Lebanon have formally established diplomatic relations through the signing of a Joint Communiqué on the 25th of June 2025.

    The establishment is founded on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respect for international law and cooperation, and will allow for the promotion of exchanges in various fields of mutual interests for the benefit of the two countries.

    The signing took place in New York between the Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, and the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations, Ambassador Hadi Hachem.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: PH Embassy in Rabat, Kontra-GaPi Hosts Music and Dance Workshops for Moroccan Students


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    The Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-GaPi), a Filipino performing arts ensemble from the University of the Philippines, in their visit to Morocco organized by the Philippine Embassy in Rabat, conducted a series of interactive workshops for Moroccan students to promote Philippine music and dance. Professor Pedro Abraham, Jr., founder of Kontra-GaPi, expressed elation at the opportunity to promote Philippine culture as their visit coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Philippine-Moroccan relations.

    At the workshop held on 20 June 2025 at Ecole Internationale de Musique et Danse (EIMD), young Moroccan musicians aged 8 to 13 tried their hands at playing various indigenous instruments such as kulintang, gangsa, tongatong, angklung, kubing, eliciting smiles in their faces. Parents in attendance expressed gratitude to the Embassy for giving their children a rare and unforgettable experience and even shared their intention to visit the Philippines afterwards.

    On 21 June 2025, another workshop was held at the Dati Drouk dance studio where Professor Abraham said “I admire Morocco’s rich history, which spans more than 5,000 years—about the same length as the Philippines’ pre-colonial history. I believe that music and dance transcend national boundaries, and I hope to share with you the rich traditions of Filipino gamelan music and indigenous dance.”

    Energized by the brief performance of Kontra-GaPi and the workshop that followed, the members of Dati Drouk performed a full dance sequence composed of movements from various Filipino ethno-linguistic groups. The workshop culminated in a spontaneous cultural exchange, as Dati Drouk members responded with an extemporaneous dance performance to the hypnotic rhythms of gnaoua music.

    EIMD is a premier institution in Rabat offering comprehensive music, dance, and theater training for over 1,500 students annually and supporting both aspiring professionals and amateurs. On the other hand, Dati Drouk is the first institution in Morocco offering structured professional training in contemporary dance.

    The two workshops were conducted on top of the performances of Kontra-GaPi before the Diplomatic Corps on 17 June 2025 and the Filipino community on 22 June 2025. Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja expressed great satisfaction at the opportunity to showcase Philippine culture, saying that “culture is a bridge linking the Philippines and Morocco”.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: France’s Ballestrazzi becomes first female President of INTERPOL

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    8 November 2012

    ROME, Italy – INTERPOL’s 81st General Assembly has closed with delegates electing as the new President of INTERPOL Mireille Ballestrazzi, Deputy Central Director of the French Judicial Police.

    In a symbolic gesture, the INTERPOL flag is handed to a Colombian official, looking ahead to the 2013 General Assembly in Cartagena.

    Mireille Ballestrazzi said she felt a great sense of pride and joy to have been elected as the INTERPOL President and looked forward to serving all of INTERPOL’s 190 member countries.

    Outgoing INTERPOL President Khoo Boon Hui reflects on his time with the Organization.

    Delegates endorsed a series of resolutions on issues including maritime piracy, illicit trafficking in cultural property, the INTERPOL Travel Document, cybercrime and trafficking in illicit goods.

    Current members of the INTERPOL Executive Committee.

    The Italian authorities hosted a successful General Assembly.

    Elected as Vice President for the Americas was Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary of International Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (right).

    Nobuyuki Kawai, Director of the Organized Crime Department of the National Police Academy of Japan, was elected as Vice President for Asia.

    Mireille Ballestrazzi, Deputy Central Director of the French Judicial Police, was elected as the new President of INTERPOL by delegates at the 81st General Assembly.

    Italian Minister of Interior Annamaria Cancellieri, left, and INTERPOL President Mireille Ballestrazzi. 

    INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble thanks outgoing President Khoo Boon Hui for his four years of service to the Organization.

    Mrs Ballestrazzi said she felt a great sense of pride and joy to have been elected as the President of INTERPOL and looked forward to serving all of INTERPOL’s 190 member countries in ‘an unfailing spirit to promote mutual assistance and solidarity’.

    “I am wholly committed to the fundamental role INTERPOL must play in global police cooperation. By establishing the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation and leading other recent initiatives, INTERPOL has placed itself at the forefront of innovation which I will continue to fully support. There is no doubt that this direction will open up drastically new perspectives for INTERPOL and its member countries worldwide as we face together the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

    The President of the Organization heads its Executive Committee and is elected by the General Assembly for a period of four years.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble welcomed President Ballestrazzi’s appointment as another example of INTERPOL’s evolution, reflecting the active role of both men and women in the international law enforcement community.

    “As the world’s largest police organization, it is essential that INTERPOL’s leadership offers the best policing and expertise to its 190 member countries in order to meet their needs,” said Mr Noble.

    “Mireille Ballestrazzi’s appointment as President of INTERPOL comes at a time when countries are adapting to the realities of the changing nature of transnational organized crime in the 21st century.

    “She brings invaluable experience in cross-border police collaboration to her role, as well as proven leadership abilities, and I look forward to working closely with her to ensure that INTERPOL continues to provide innovative responses to meet the needs of our member countries, ” added the INTERPOL Chief.

    Paying a warm tribute to outgoing President Khoo Boon Hui of Singapore, Mr Noble said Mr Khoo would be remembered as ‘a champion and driving force of international law enforcement cooperation’.

    Also elected to the Executive Committee were Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary of International Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Vice President for the Americas), Nobuyuki Kawai, Director of the Organized Crime Department of the National Police Academy of Japan (Vice President for Asia), Algeria’s Abdelkader Kara Bouhadba, Commissaire Divisionnaire de Police, Directeur de la  Police Judiciaire (Delegate for Africa), Bob Paulson, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Delegate for the Americas), Jong Yang Kim of the Korean National Police Agency and Head of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Seoul (Delegate for Asia), Brigadier General Saoud Abdallah Al-Mahmoud, Director of the International Cooperation Department of Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (Delegate for Asia), and Filippo Dispenza, Brigadier General of the Italian National Police (Delegate for Europe).

    The four-day conference (5 – 8 November) in Rome was  launched with a Ministerial meeting attended by close to 100 global leaders who endorsed a joint declaration recognizing the need to identify viable strategies to effectively address the changing modes of contemporary criminal violence.

    During the conference, more than 1,000 delegates from some 170 countries endorsed a series of resolutions to build a modern framework for collective action, including on maritime piracy, illicit trafficking in cultural property, the INTERPOL Programme to Combat Trafficking in Illicit Goods launched earlier this year, the INTERPOL Travel Document and cybercrime.

    A groundbreaking initiative by INTERPOL to support the safety and security of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and other major sporting events over the next 10 years was also launched following an agreement with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee worth USD 10 million.

    With Cartagena, Colombia, hosting INTERPOL’s next General Assembly in 2013, conference delegates closed the event by selecting Monaco as the venue for INTERPOL’s 83rd General Assembly in 2014, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the first International Criminal Police Congress.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nearly 400 victims of child trafficking rescued across Burkina Faso in INTERPOL-led operation

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    22 November 2012

    OUGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Nearly 400 child trafficking victims, some as young as six years old, forced to work in illegally-operated gold mines and cotton fields have been rescued following an operation by police in Burkina Faso coordinated by INTERPOL.

    As well as a ‘breathing bag’ (top), a water extraction pipe (bottom left) is needed as the shafts sometimes fill with water. When it rains, the ground becomes unstable and sandbags at the top of the mine can fall in and crush the child below. The bodies of those who cannot be rescued are left down the mines.

    This young boy had been working in the mines for nearly two years. He told police he was grateful to have been rescued and he wanted to go back to school to study.

    The mines are narrow, airless and can be up to 70 metres in depth. Bags are used to form a tube down to the bottom of the mine, with a person at the top fanning air to enable the child at the bottom to breathe.

    Henri Guida Blemin, specialist officer with INTERPOL’s Trafficking in Human Beings unit, speaks to the workers, to find out how they came to be at the mines and about the working conditions.

    The children spend all day down the mine, with no daylight. As a result, their eyes are badly affected and it may take up to two hours for their eyes to clear of the dirt at the end of the day.

    As each mine is emptied, the camp moves forward leaving behind unstable ground which can collapse at any time. When entering the area, police officers use sticks to check the ground before they step forward.

    Led by Superintendent Patience Quaye, 14 officers from Ghana observed Operation Tuy as part of their training in order to carry out similar actions in Ghana in the future.

    The victims have now been returned to their families or taken into care by social services.

    Officers trained in dealing with child exploitation and trafficking interview the victims.

    Children as young as six are forced to work in illegally-operated gold mines. Here, boys at the surface use a rope to pull out a child from the bottom of the mine.

    Information gathered during the operation will help identify and dismantle the criminal networks behind the trafficking and exploitation of children.

    Some 165 police officers, together with officials from customs, social and health services took part in Operation Tuy which targeted sites in Ougadougou, Houndé and Bobo Dioulasso, resulting in 73 individuals being arrested in connection with child trafficking and labour offences.

    During the two-day (29 and 30 October) operation, 387 children were discovered working under extreme conditions, lowered into narrow, airless mining holes up to 70 metres in depth, receiving no salary or education, with young girls often also subjected to sexual abuse. The victims have now been returned to their families or taken into care by social services.

    “This was the largest operation of its kind run in Burkina Faso supported by INTERPOL and its success is a direct result of the commitment and support of the government, police and other agencies,” said Henri Guida Blemin, specialist officer with INTERPOL’s Trafficking in Human Beings unit which helped coordinate the operation.

    “The conditions under which these children are forced to live and work are horrific, and INTERPOL will continue to work closely with all its member countries to identify and stop the exploitation of these innocent victims and help them regain the childhood they deserve,” added Mr Blemin.

    Prior to Operation Tuy, more than 100 officials from the national police, gendarmerie, customs, welfare, water and forestry services took part in a three-day specialist course. Training was provided by specialist officers from the INTERPOL International Trafficking in Human Beings Task Force, including from Canada, the Regional Bureau in Abidjan as well as its National Central Bureau in Ougadougou, in addition to police, health and education specialists from Burkina Faso.

    “The success of the operation is not just about the number of victims rescued, but it is also about making sure the infrastructure and knowledge is in place for this important work to continue, which is why the training is just as important as the fieldwork. If the officers don’t have the skills they cannot do their work and efforts achieved cannot be sustained,” said Mr Blemin.

    “Information gathered during the operation will also help in identifying and dismantling the criminal networks behind this crime at the national, regional and international levels,” he added.

    Tuy is INTERPOL’s fifth operation targeting forced child labour in Africa. Operations Bia (2009), Cascades and Bana (2010) and Bia II (2011) have already led to the rescue of more than 400 children across Central and Western Africa and the arrest of 93 individuals.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL and the European Union join forces for security in Libya

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    29 November 2012

    LYON, France – Senior Libyan officials from the Ministry of the Interior have attended the first meeting of INTERPOL’s Project RELINC (Rebuilding Libya’s Investigative Capability), a European Union-funded initiative to assist Libyan authorities in developing a sustainable capability to identify security threats and investigate criminal and terrorist activity.

    During the four-day meeting (19 – 22 November) at the General Secretariat headquarters, discussions focused on the key components of the project, including provision of access to INTERPOL’s databases at Libya’s border crossing points and the creation of a crime analysis unit within the criminal investigations department.

    Following the 2011 revolution, the project is aimed at supporting Libyan law enforcement in addressing transnational crimes such as trafficking in weapons, drugs and human beings, which generate violence and threaten to destabilize the country and the region.

    The project consists of seven components :

    • Performing a wide assessment of the threats posed to Libya by transnational organized crime and terrorism, to support the Libyan government and police in identifying strategic enforcement objectives;
    • Initiating the building, within the Libyan police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), of a sustainable operational Crime Analysis Unit;
    • Advising the CID to take full operational advantage of the support provided by the future Crime Analysis Unit;
    • Reinforcing the capacity of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Tripoli to make optimal use of the INTERPOL network and policing tools;
    • Establishing remote access to INTERPOL databases in key Libyan law enforcement bodies and at strategic border crossing points;
    • Building a prototype police criminal database within police headquarters to enable the Libyan police to efficiently store and share criminal information;
    • Raising the awareness of and training the Libyan police on the international police cooperation tools and mechanisms provided by INTERPOL.

    The 18-month long project, launched in September 2012, is being run from the Office of the Special Representative of INTERPOL to the European Union, with support from INTERPOL’s Middle East and North Africa unit at the General Secretariat.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Greece to prosecute first maritime piracy case with evidence gathered by INTERPOL team

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    12 December 2012

    LYON, France – Evidence gathered by an INTERPOL Incident Response Team (IRT) following the release of the hijacked oil tanker Irene SL in April 2011 is to be used by Greece in its first maritime piracy prosecution.

    Lieutenant General Papagiannopoulos was shown INTERPOL’s Command and Coordination Centre.

    A delegation from Greece, headed by Chief of the Hellenic Police, Lieutenant General Nikolaos Papagiannopoulos (centre), visited the INTERPOL General Secretariat in Lyon.

    INTERPOL Secretary General, Ronald K. Noble (right), pledged his full support to Greek law enforcement.

    The announcement comes during a meeting between Chief of the Hellenic Police Lieutenant General Nikolaos Papagiannopoulos and INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble at the world police body’s General Secretariat headquarters to identify ways for additional support to be provided to the Greek police.

    The IRT, supported by the South African Police Service and in coordination with European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) and INTERTANKO, was deployed to Durban in South Africa to conduct a crime scene investigation and debriefing of the hostages on board the Irene SL, following its release by Somali pirates 58 days after the vessel was hijacked off the coast of Oman.

    Several of the crew members on board were also able to identify four of their captors from an INTERPOL photo album on maritime piracy, containing images provided by member states and naval forces operating in the Gulf of Aden and the Western Indian Ocean.

    Secretary General Noble said that the case perfectly highlighted the benefits that INTERPOL brings to member countries and how information sharing and a collaborative approach is essential to addressing crime issues anywhere in the world.

    “In these times of financial constraint the added value that INTERPOL and its global network brings to individual countries and global security is even clearer,” said the INTERPOL Chief.

    “INTERPOL will continue to provide every support to Greece, and also calls on the global law enforcement community, countries and regional institutions to identify areas where they can support Greece in meeting the crime challenges which affect us all,” added Mr Noble.

    Lieutenant General Papagiannopoulos said ‘the opportunities for international law enforcement cooperation through INTERPOL help increase the effectiveness of national police services.’

    “Today’s meeting with Secretary General Noble provided us with the opportunity to explore ways of building on our existing cooperation and to identify ways for future development together,” added Mr Papagiannopoulos.

    During his visit, Mr Papagiannopoulos – accompanied by Brigadier General Zacharoula Tsirigoti, Director of the International Police Cooperation Directorate, and Brigadier General Dimitrios Sofios, Deputy Director of the Attika Criminal Investigation Department – was also updated and briefed on a range of INTERPOL’s tools and services including its global database to enhance police cooperation in areas such as combating illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL-Europol operation results in global seizures of fake and illicit food

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    14 December 2012

    A joint INTERPOL-Europol operation targeting fake and substandard food and drink, as well as the organized crime networks behind this illicit trade, has resulted in the seizure of more than 135 tonnes of potentially harmful goods ranging from everyday products of coffee, soup cubes and olive oil, to luxury goods such as truffles and caviar. A further 100 tonnes of misdeclared and/or potentially hazardous food was confiscated during investigations linked to Operation Opson II.

    Raids and inspections resulted in around 100 arrests and the seizure of more than 135 tonnes of potentially harmful goods, including everyday products such as coffee, soup cubes and olive oil.

    Illicit goods are often produced, transported and stored without any form of hygiene controls, putting the health and safety of consumers at risk.

    This year, Opson expanded beyond Europe to include countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia. Inspections were carried out at this warehouse in Thailand.

    A project under development  –  the INTERPOL Global Register  – will enable people to scan and verify the legitimacy of a product from their mobile device.

    Operation Opson targets fake and substandard food and drink and the organized crime networks behind this illicit trade.

    Cash was also seized during Opson II.

    INTERPOL and Europol representatives helped coordinate action in Madrid, Spain.

    Checks and raids were carried out at airports, seaports, shops, markets and private homes.

    The operation was supported by customs (Hungarian customs officers pictured here), national food regulatory bodies and partners from the private sector.

    The Thai Food and Drug Administration displayed the wide variety of goods seized including snacks, canned food, coffee and soft drinks.

    National police in 29 countries took part. Officers in Budapest, Hungary, were briefed on the operation.

    Opson was a week-long operation, coordinated jointly by INTERPOL and Europol.

    Operation Opson II (3 – 9 December), which involved 29 countries from all regions of the world, resulted in the recovery of more than 385,000 litres of counterfeit liquids including vodka, wine, soy sauce and orange juice in addition to fish, seafood and meat declared unfit for human consumption, as well as fake candy bars and condiments.

    With the fake and substandard food and drink often produced, transported and stored without any form of regulation or hygiene controls, consumers buying these illicit goods are risking their health and safety while the criminal networks make millions in profits which can be used to fund other illegal activities such as human and drug trafficking.

    Operation Opson II saw the number of participating countries rise from 10 in 2011 to nearly 30 this year, an increase which, says Simone Di Meo, a Criminal Intelligence Officer with INTERPOL’s Trafficking in Illicit Goods unit, reflects a growing awareness of the problem and involvement by organized crime.

    “With this year’s operation going beyond Europe and involving countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia, this will enable us to gather even more intelligence about the networks behind this criminal activity and potentially identify global links with other types of crime,” says Mr Di Meo.

    Coordinated by INTERPOL and Europol, the week-long operation was supported by customs, police and national food regulatory bodies in addition to partners from the private sector. Checks and raids were carried out at airports, seaports, shops, markets and private homes.

    “With this operation, we are showing the criminal networks involved in this line of business that they are not safe and, just as importantly, we are helping to protect public health and safety. In many cases, the quality of the packaging of the fake food and drink is so well done that consumers may not even be aware that they are buying illicit products and potentially risking their lives,” says Chris Vansteenkiste, Project Manager of the Intellectual Property Crime Team at Europol.

    Among the key aims of Operation Opson (meaning food in ancient Greek) were the development of practical cooperation between national law enforcement, food and drug agencies and private companies, the identification of the organized criminal groups behind the trafficking, and raising awareness among consumers and governments about this type of crime.

    Countries which took part in Operation Opson II are Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bulgaria, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and the USA.

    Investigations are continuing in many countries and additional information on national activities can be obtained from the enforcement agencies of the countries concerned.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: How New Regional Pipeline Deals are Driving Africa’s Energy Future

    Three significant developments in Africa’s energy landscape made headlines this past month: the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) reached 60% completion, the Republic of Congo finalized a pipeline cooperation agreement with Russia, and Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea signed a deal to advance a joint natural gas pipeline. These milestones underscore increasing momentum behind transnational pipeline projects in Africa, which are not only critical to unlocking hydrocarbon value chains, but also pivotal to industrial growth, regional cooperation and efforts to end energy poverty.

    With African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies set to take place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, recent advances in the midstream sector underscore the growing role of large-scale infrastructure in securing Africa’s energy future. AEW 2025 will provide a platform to unpack how strategic partnerships and regional integration can transform pipelines from isolated projects into engines of inclusive development.

    EACOP: Connecting Uganda to Global Markets

    The 1,443-km EACOP is set to link Uganda’s oil fields in the Lake Albert region to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, facilitating the export of up to 246,000 barrels per day. With 60% of the project now completed – including land acquisition, environmental approvals and construction – EACOP is on track to become the longest heated crude oil pipeline in the world.

    More than just a logistical asset, EACOP represents a critical economic corridor. It is expected to generate thousands of jobs, stimulate local content and unlock ancillary infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities and power lines. By enabling Uganda to monetize its crude reserves, the pipeline also enhances fiscal revenues that can be reinvested into energy access, education and healthcare. At AEW 2025, stakeholders will explore how flagship projects like EACOP can be used as case studies for balancing investment, environmental responsibility and community development, while ensuring African nations retain sovereignty over their resources.

    Russia-Congo Deal: A New Axis in Pipeline Diplomacy

    Just days after the EACOP update, Russia ratified a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Congo for the construction of the Pointe-Noire-Loutete-Maloukou-Trechot oil pipeline. The agreement lays the groundwork for joint efforts in planning, financing, construction and operation of the pipeline, set to be completed in three years. The move strengthens energy ties between the two countries and opens the door for Russian investment in Congo’s midstream sector, potentially accelerating the development of critical infrastructure needed to monetize and export the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

    It also signals a shift in Africa’s external energy partnerships, with Congo turning to non-Western allies to build out its infrastructure and secure long-term offtake agreements. It reinforces the idea that diversified geopolitical engagement can help African nations close the infrastructure gap faster, provided partnerships are structured transparently and with shared development objectives. As African countries look to strengthen global cooperation, AEW 2025 will offer a space to evaluate new alliances, discuss risk-sharing mechanisms and align infrastructure development with continental priorities under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

    Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea: A Boost for West African Gas Integration

    A recent agreement between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, signed on June 18, aims to fast-track the development of a joint natural gas pipeline, designed to increase cross-border gas trade and support export capacity. This project is expected to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries, facilitate access to cleaner fuels and contribute to the diversification of energy sources in the region. It also exemplifies how collaborative infrastructure development can unlock new economic opportunities, stimulate investments and enhance regional energy security.

    Midstream infrastructure companies are also stepping up efforts to improve regional gas trade and distribution. The West African Gas Pipeline Company, backed by Chevron among other shareholders, operates a vital pipeline that transports Nigerian gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana. This pipeline supports power generation and industrial use across multiple West African countries and plays a key role in diversifying the regional energy mix and promoting cross-border gas trade. Meanwhile, the Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company, which manages the Mozambique-South Africa Gas Pipeline, recently opened a new office in Maputo, aiming to strengthen regional gas connectivity and market integration.

    Pipelines and the Fight Against Energy Poverty

    While Africa accounts for 17% of the global population, it accounts for just 3.3% of global power generation. Energy poverty remains a major constraint on industrialization, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Pipelines, by moving fuel to where it is needed most – across borders and into domestic markets – can help address this imbalance.

    “In addition to exporting crude, new pipelines have the potential to deliver LPG and natural gas to underserved regions, reducing dependence on biomass and accelerating the shift toward cleaner household and industrial energy,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, adding that coordinated planning between countries can ensure pipelines are multi-purpose and scalable, with clear economic multipliers for local populations.

    “AEW 2025 will shine a light on the role of pipelines in achieving universal energy access, examining regulatory frameworks, project finance models and technology solutions that can make these developments more inclusive and efficient,” he notes.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: More still needs to be done to strengthen government programmes

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    While South Africa has made significant strides in developing strategies, building infrastructure, and attracting investment, more must be done to ensure government programmes have a broader and deeper impact on the national economy.

    This was said by the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Special Advisor at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Maoto Molefane, during the SSEZ CEOs Forum, held at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Johannesburg, on Thursday. 

    The high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders, including business leaders, government officials, and development partners to reflect on the state of the country’s SEZs and provide input into the draft Spatial Industrial Development Strategy (SIDS). The strategy proposes a reimagined model for SEZs, industrial parks, and township economic development.

    Molefane called for a shift from “business-as-usual” approach to meaningful implementation that delivers measurable outcomes that will help reignite the country’s re-industrialisation agenda.

    “We continue to face stubborn challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, and we have to change that. Our view as the dtic is that all the challenges facing this country can only be addressed if we create decent jobs. 

    “Through jobs, the number of the South African Social Security Agency recipients will decrease, our tax revenue will increase, informal settlements will shrink, and social ills like crime will subside,” Molefane said.

    Molefane emphasised the need for a strategic rethink of the SEZ framework, grounded from past lessons, and guided by the material conditions facing both communities and investors.

    “We are no longer in the business of issuing SEZ licences. Our job is not to designate for the sake of designating. Our job is to industrialise this country. The designation of an SEZ should find us already on the ground doing the work to support investments,” he added.

    As part of its course correction, Molefane noted that the dtic has introduced several measures, including the establishment of a Special Economic Zones Programme Management Unit (PMU) to provide technical support, ensure greater national oversight, help build necessary industrial infrastructure, and require firm investment commitments before any new SEZ is proclaimed.

    “The draft strategy also responds to spatial and economic disparities by prioritising geographic areas with industrial potential, even those without designated SEZs. 

    “This ensures that township economies, underutilised industrial parks, and marginalised municipalities are not left behind in the national effort to reindustrialise. 

    “There is a need for coherence and collaboration across all levels of government to deliver impactful, place-based interventions,” highlighted Molefane.

    The forum also noted the progress made by well-performing zones like Coega, East London, Dube TradePort, and the Tshwane Automotive SEZ (TASEZ), while acknowledging the ongoing work required to integrate Black industrialists, link small businesses, and align SEZs with broader regional development goals.

    Stakeholders in attendance welcomed the frankness of the presentation and underscored the importance of turning South Africa’s SEZs into globally competitive zones of productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic opportunity. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: WTO Sherpa urges Africa to take charge of its economic destiny

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Sherpa, Dr Bright Okogu, has challenged African nations to take decisive steps in transforming their economic landscape by creating robust investment environments and processing raw materials domestically.

    “Africa needs to take charge of its own destiny,” Okogu said on Friday. 

    Traditional development aid, the Sherpa said, is rapidly diminishing, making it imperative for African countries to attract quality investments.

    “There’s no running away from it. The aid that people used to depend on is no longer available. It’s been very clear that aid is drying up and with all the changes in the world, people are spending more money on defence in their own countries. So you can’t rely on it, which makes it necessary to ensure you can attract good investment to your country.” 

    Okogu spoke during the Group of 20 (G20) Sherpa meeting at the Sun City Resort in the North West province.

    He highlighted key recommendations, including developing clear regulatory frameworks, removing bureaucratic obstacles, and investing in local processing capabilities.

    Okogu said current intra-African trade remains low, hovering around 15%-16% when it should ideally reach 30%-40%. 

    He noted some hurdles including limited infrastructure, similar raw material production, and complex transportation networks that often force African countries to trade through European intermediaries.

    Okogu pointed out the anomalies of current trade routes, including instances where African airlines must fly indirect routes through other continents to connect with neighboring countries.

    “Countries must invest in converting raw materials into finished products. Take cocoa, for example. Instead of exporting raw beans, African nations should be producing chocolate and cosmetic products, thereby capturing more economic value.”

    Okogu stated that the WTO is supporting reform efforts, recognising that meaningful change requires dismantling long-standing structural barriers.

    The WTO, the world’s largest international economic organisation with 166 members representing over 98% of global trade and global gross domestic product (GDP), has since outlined key recommendations. 

    These, according to Okogu, involve investing in local processing capabilities, developing streamlined regulatory frameworks, creating attractive investment environments, and improving continental transportation infrastructure. 

    “Critical minerals like lithium represent enormous potential, but countries must negotiate investment terms strategically, ensuring local job creation and value addition.” 

    He also took the time to encourage dialogue to resolve trade tensions. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: One IDC board member found to have “conflict of interest”

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, June 27, 2025

    The Cabinet Office says it has learnt that one of the people appointed to the Board of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has a conflict of interest. 

    “It has come to the attention of the Cabinet Office that one of the people appointed to the Board of the IDC has a conflict of interest. 

    “This matter will be rectified at the next Cabinet meeting,” read a statement issued on Friday by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), on behalf of the Cabinet Spokesperson.

    The IDC Board announcement was made in the Cabinet statement of Thursday, 26 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • UN bids to salvage global development summit after US boycott

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Scores of world leaders will be sweltering in the summer sun of southern Spain next week at a once-a-decade United Nations development financing summit aimed at curbing global poverty, disease and the worst-case threats of climate change.

    Despite the scorching temperatures, though, a major chill looms over the event – the decision early this month by the United States, traditionally the world’s largest aid giver and key finance provider, not to show up.

    UN countries want to close a $4 trillion-a-year funding gap they now estimate prevents the developing world achieving the organisation’s Sustainable Development Goals that range from cutting infant death rates to minimising global warming.

    Critics say the promises at the heart of the conference – called the “Seville Commitment” – are nowhere near bold enough.

    The measures, agreed by consensus after a year of tough negotiations, include tripling multilateral lending capacity, debt relief, a push to boost tax-to-GDP ratios to at least 15%, and shifting special IMF money to countries that need it most.

    The run-up, however, has been marred by the U.S. decision to withdraw over what it said was the crossing of a number of its red lines, including the push to triple development bank lending, change tax rules and the use of the term “gender” in summit wording.

    The European Union only joined the summit with reservations, particularly over how debt is discussed within the UN.

    Speaking to reporters this week, U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed described Washington’s boycott as “regrettable”, especially after its “catastrophic” recent aid cuts that she said had cost lives and livelihoods.

    Speaking alongside officials from summit host Spain and Zambia, which has helped organise it, she said the final outcome document agreed reflected both “ambition and realism” and that the U.N. would try to re-engage the U.S. afterwards.

    Remy Rioux, chief executive officer of the French Development Agency, said Washington’s withdrawal had not been a total surprise given Donald Trump’s views. The hope is that agreements next week will allow bolder action at the UN climate talks in Brazil in November.

    “We will push for the new framework… (and) its operationalisation from Seville to Belem,” he added, referring to the Brazilian city that will host COP30.

    AID IN DECLINE

    Other measures to be announced include multilateral lenders automatically giving vulnerable countries the option to insert repayment break clauses into their loans in case of hurricane, drought or flood.

    Another buzz phrase will be a “Global SDR playbook” – a plan where the wealthiest countries rechannel the IMF’s reserve-like Special Draw Rights they hold to the multilateral banks, who then leverage them as capital in order to lend more.

    Campaigners warn that it will fall far short of what is needed, especially as more than 130 countries now face critically high debt levels and many spend more on repayments than on health or education.

    Aid and support from rich countries, who themselves have rising debts, is dropping too.

    In March, the U.S. slashed more than 80% of programmes at its USAID agency following federal budget cuts spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk. Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden have all made cuts in recent years too.

    The OECD projects a 9–17% drop in net official development assistance (ODA) in 2025, following a 9% decline in 2024.

    It looks set to hit the poorest countries hardest: bilateral ODA to least developed countries and sub-Saharan Africa may fall by 13-25% and 16-28% respectively, the OECD estimates, and health funding could drop by up to 60% from its 2022 peak.

    So what would be a good outcome in Seville, especially given the U.S. pull-out?

    “We should make sure we are not backtracking at this point,” said Orville Grey at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, referring to funding commitments. “We should at least remain stable.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Powering Women’s Economic Transformation in Kigoma


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    In Kigoma, Tanzania, where over 80 per cent of livelihoods rely on small-scale farming, fishing, and informal trade, women constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce and are the backbone of the region’s economy.

    However, in an increasingly digital economy, limited digital literacy remains a major barrier to unlocking women’s full economic potential, with many women in the region lacking the necessary skills to use mobile platforms, digital financial services, or online marketplaces, impeding the growth and formalization of women-led businesses.

    Amid these challenges, women like Chichi Ramadhani Kamandwa are increasingly harnessing digital tools to grow their businesses. A 39-year-old mother of three and a determined entrepreneur living in Kigoma town, Kamandwa runs a small-scale agro-processing business specializing in the milling and packaging of maize, cassava, and nutrient-rich flours.

    In 2024, she participated in a Digital Literacy and Branding workshop organized by UN Women to equip women entrepreneurs in the region with practical skills to expand their businesses and access wider markets through digital platforms. The initiative formed part of the second phase of the UN Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP II) – a collaborative effort of 17 UN agencies working with local authorities and communities to advance development and human security in Kigoma – and engaged beneficiaries of UN Women’s African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), who facilitated sessions with hands-on technical expertise and peer-led guidance.

    “Before the training, I only used my phone for calls and taking pictures. I didn’t know it could be a marketing tool for my business, helping me showcase my products online, reach more customers, and improve my record-keeping,” said Kamandwa.

    With the skills she has acquired, Chichi is now transforming her business.

    “I learned how to create product labels, list ingredients and registration numbers to build customer trust, and package my products attractively,” said Kamandwa, adding that the most beneficial change she made was improving my packaging.

    “I realized how much the look of a product matters. After updating my logo and labels and switching to better-quality packaging, my sales increased significantly, because customers had more confidence in my brand,” she explains.

    Kamandwa also began using accessible platforms such as WhatsApp to reach new customers, advertise her products, and receive orders.

    In Kigoma, many women entrepreneurs navigate complex social and economic realities. Alongside their business efforts, they often carry the primary responsibility for household care and income generation, frequently without consistent support from partners.

    “Once a woman begins to earn, she is often left to shoulder everything alone,” Kamadwa explains. “Some men leave for work in other towns, return only briefly, and then leave again, while the woman is left behind to care for the children, run the household, and manage her business on her own.”

    Additionally, limited access to financial services or reliable support systems leaves women vulnerable to unfair treatment or exploitative arrangements, particularly when trying to access markets or services.

    “When you lack information or tools, people take advantage of you,” says Kamandwa.

    Through strategic partnerships with local government authorities, trade officers, mobile service providers, and private sector actors, UN Women, under KJP II, is working to create an inclusive and enabling business environment for women and youth.

    “Initiatives such as the digital literacy workshop aim to strengthen the capacity of women-led enterprises to adopt innovative, market-driven practices, build resilience, and transition into formal markets for sustainable growth,” says Ms. Lilian Mwamdanga, UN Women Specialist for Women’s Economic Empowerment.

    According to Kamandwa, the benefits of workshops like these extend well beyond the knowledge they gain. They create opportunities for women to connect with peers, share experiences, and establish lasting support networks. “We have even formed small groups to support and uplift one another,” she shares.

    “I have also started teaching other women how to use their phones for business. It might seem like a small thing, but it can really transform how we work and sell.”

    The use of digital platforms has also empowered women like Kamandwa to manage their sales independently, reducing reliance on informal and often unreliable intermediaries. With increased visibility and growing sales, Kamandwa has expanded her inventory and begun selling her products in bulk.

    She also hopes to continue mentoring others and to start providing training for young women interested in business, so they too can build a future of their own.

    “If I can do this, I believe other women can too. We just need the right support and a chance to grow,” she says.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Whyalla Airport cleared for take-off after vital upgrade completion

    Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

    An investment of more than $30 million to upgrade one of South Australia’s most important airports has been completed, allowing vital services to the Whyalla region to continue. 

    Funded by the Australian ($16.2 million) and South Australian ($13.8 million) governments, the upgrade strengthened the airport’s runway to allow larger aircraft to service the region. 

    Whyalla City Council funded an additional $2.4 million of the works, which also included replacing the existing airfield lighting system. 

    The completion of works will allow new 74-seat Q400 aircraft to operate on Whyalla routes, allowing for faster flight times and increased passenger numbers. 

    The South Australian Government recently established the Whyalla Special Economic Zone to drive local industry involvement in government projects, such as the Whyalla Airport runway upgrade. 

    Delivered by Fulton Hogan, the project used 90 per cent local construction materials and utilised a total workforce of approximately 234 people, 110 of whom were Whyalla locals. 

    Quotes attributable to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas: 

    “This investment is a demonstration of our confidence in Whyalla’s long-term future. 

    “Whyalla Airport services more than 50,000 passengers every year, many of them workers, and this upgrade will ensure the airport can continue its important work.” 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

    “These upgrades at Whyalla Airport will keep local communities connected, bring visitors in and help maintain a strong regional aviation network for Australia. 

    “That’s why the Albanese Government has proudly invested $16.2 million to this project, partnering with the state and local government to deliver for the Whyalla region.” 

    Quotes attributable to Federal Industry and Innovation Minister Tim Ayres: 

    “As well as keeping locals better connected in the long term, this upgrade for Whyalla Airport injected around $4 million directly into the region’s economy. 

    “It also provided welcome construction jobs while drawing on local materials, providing a major boost for the area.” 

    Quotes attributable to South Australian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis: 

    “This upgrade was imperative to ensure commercial air travel could continue to this facility. 

    “Without it, there would have been significant damage to the businesses that rely on FIFO workers, as well as tourism operators, among others. 

    “Whyalla is clearly a major priority of this Government, and the importance of a well-functioning access point to and from the city cannot be overstated.” 

    Quotes attributable to South Australian Senator Karen Grogan: 

    “Whyalla Airport brings in tourists, FIFO workers and a range of essential services – making it a critical gateway for the region’s prosperity. 

    “It is one of the largest regional airports in South Australia and our Government is proud to have invested in its future.” 

    Quotes attributable to State Member for Giles Eddie Hughes:

    “Once again the Federal and State Labor Governments demonstrate their commitment to Whyalla and the Northern Spencer Gulf by partnering to fund the essential upgrade of the Whyalla Airport. 

    “Without that investment we would have lost vital commercial flights between Whyalla and Adelaide, not to mention the provision of medical services would have been seriously degraded not just in Whyalla but also in Port Augusta. 

    “It’s great to see the upgrade delivered on time, on budget and employing locals.” 

    Quotes attributable to City of Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone: 

    “I’d like to thank the Albanese and Malinauskas governments for their unprecedented financial support of Whyalla’s steelworks and airport, thereby recognising the significance of our city in the prosperity of both the state and the entire nation. 

    “The airport runway project has provided a major injection for local contractors and employees throughout its construction and will continue to benefit the Whyalla economy for decades to come.” 

    Quotes attributable to QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan: 

    “This investment by Federal, State and local governments not only supports the future of air travel in Whyalla, but also unlocks new opportunities for economic growth across the region. 

    “Our investment in an all-Q400 fleet means larger aircraft flying to and from Whyalla, providing more seats and a faster, more comfortable journey for customers.” 

    Quotes attributable to Peter Curl, Fulton Hogan CEO – Infrastructure Services: 

    “We’ve been proud to deliver this project for Whyalla, a community that has shown us overwhelming support. 

    “We believe in creating, connecting, and caring for communities and our focus has been to prioritise working with local businesses and workforce. We have also worked closely with the Council on several community-focused projects to show our appreciation to the community of Whyalla.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to the Maritime Industry Australia Decarbonisation Summit, Melbourne

    Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

    **CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY**

    Thank you, Angela for your kind introduction, and congratulations to you and your team on organising this important event for the maritime industry.

    I begin by respectfully acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today. 

    I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and I extend that respect to any and all First Nations people joining us today.

    Australia’s First Nations people were our first maritime traders. 

    This rich and deep history included trade with Macassan ships from Indonesia along our Northern frontier, and seafaring trade in the Torres Strait, and along the coast of Papua New Guinea. Our modern maritime industry builds on this tradition.

    I’d also like to acknowledge, from the Victorian Government, Melissa Horne MP, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Ports and Freight, and Roads and Road Safety.

    And Professor Rod Sims AO, from the Crawford School of Public Policy at the ANU – thank you for joining us today.

    The theme of this Summit is ‘progress’ and we come together on the International Day of the Seafarer. 

    It couldn’t be more timely given the current geopolitical state of the world and the imperative of decarbonisation. 

    These are the realities of our times.

    It is more important than ever for Australia to have a strong and sovereign maritime sector, and for us to embrace both the challenges and the opportunities of decarbonisation. 

    The maritime industry is absolutely vital for Australia’s prosperity. 

    As the lyrics of our national anthem state, ours is a nation ‘girt by sea’.

    Our coastline extends across some 60,000 kilometres and includes 12,000 islands.

    It is the great sea roads and maritime highways leading from our shores that connect Australia with the world, and centres us in the Asia-Pacific region. 

    Our society and economy depend utterly on the ships that ply these routes. 

    These are our supply chains.

    Shipping is responsible for over 99 per cent of our nation’s international trade.

    We are the fifth largest user of shipping services in the world, and the world’s largest bulk commodities exporter.

    Our ports handle over 1.6 billion tonnes of cargo, and welcome 29,000 visits every year from international trading ships. 

    A substantial proportion of our domestic freight also depends on coastal shipping. 

    And let’s not forget that the maritime sector is an important employer – ports activities alone account for an extraordinary one in 20 jobs in our country.

    This morning, I’d like to give you an overview of what our government is doing to support your vital industry.

    The Prime Minister has made clear a major focus this term would be supporting industries across the economy to drive productivity, and to do that while also lifting job security and job quality. 

    In the lead up to the Treasurer’s upcoming Reform Roundtable, I intend to host a meeting with key transport and logistics industry representatives, including the maritime sector, to discuss ways to grow the economy and increase productivity. 

    We want to build an economy where growth, wages and productivity rise together.

    And we are committed to modernising Australia’s maritime sector; including through its regulatory framework.

    The Shipping Registration Act came into being in 1981, in very different times.

    Modernising it is another of our Government’s priorities, to ensure it is fit for purpose and supports the long-term sustainability of an Australian strategic fleet. 

    Our independent review of the Shipping Registration Act is now complete. 

    I’d like to thank its leaders — Former Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Briggs, and Nicholas Gaskell, Emeritus Professor of Maritime and Commercial Law at the University of Queensland — for their efforts.

    Lynelle and Nick conducted comprehensive stakeholder consultation as part of their review, and they have incorporated extensive feedback into their report. 

    They are continuing with their parallel review of the Coastal Trading Act 2012, which is due to report later this year.

    Another crucial step we are taking to improve maritime resilience and capability is the establishment of a strategic fleet ― 12 Australian flagged and crewed vessels that will enable the movement of critical cargo during crises and emergencies.  

    Our Government committed funding in the 2024-25 Budget to establish a five-year Strategic Fleet Pilot Program comprising three vessels.

    These will be privately owned, commercially operated and will be available to the Australian Government to requisition in times of need. 

    Tenders for the Pilot program are currently being evaluated through a competitive, open and transparent process that will ensure the government achieves value for money.

    The Strategic Fleet provides the opportunity for growth and transformation in Australia’s maritime sector in a way that supports Australia’s economic prosperity, security and way of life well into the future.

    The Pilot will provide an evidence-base for future proposals to expand the fleet and fully deliver on our Government’s commitment.

    Once procurement for the Pilot Fleet is complete we will make a public announcement regarding the outcome and indicative timing for the first vessels on the water.

    Industry has been heavily involved in shaping the government’s Strategic Fleet policy through consultation processes, and this engagement will continue in the implementation stage.

    Our domestic policy needs to progress our national interests, and it also needs to be in-step with global developments.

    Australia’s presence at International Maritime Organisation enables this.

    Shipping is by nature a global industry, and Australia’s interests are represented in this world forum.

    Australia’s presence at the IMO also enables our engagement with international efforts to reduce emissions and prevent ship-based pollution of all kinds.

    During our first term, our Government supported the IMO to adopt a Revised Strategy on the Reduction of Emissions from Ships, and reach Net Zero emissions by 2050.

    The Strategy’s decarbonisation pathway includes mid‑term measures such as annual fuel intensity targets, a greenhouse gas emissions economic measure, and a reward system for sustainable fuel adoption.

    It sets target reductions of 30 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2040 compared to 2008 levels, as well as a target of 10 percent for the uptake of zero-emission fuels by 2030.

    In April, the IMO made the historic decision to circulate measures that will achieve these targets.

    Interestingly, the measures also include a ‘feebate’ mechanism that will subsidise green maritime fuels, which supports our Government’s Low Carbon Liquid Fuels policy.

    As our Government was in caretaker mode in April, Australia abstained from voting on these measures at the time. 

    They will be further considered by IMO in October, and if agreed will establish the world’s first ever truly international carbon market. 

    The Government is carefully considering what role it will play in October, and I understand that my department is hosting a roundtable with industry later this week to continue the conversation on how the measures might impact industry.

    The Secretary-General of the IMO is also visiting Australia in August and I hope to catch up with him to discuss Australia’s maritime interests.

    The year 2030, the deadline for the first of the IMO’s targets, is not that far away.

    Our government recognised this in our first term, and we laid plans to ensure that Australia’s maritime industry is prepared for the future, ready to contribute to our national emissions targets, and able to thrive in a decarbonised global economy.

    Now in our second term, we have a strong mandate to continue the work we’ve started.

    There are challenges to meet on the road to decarbonisation, but also incredible opportunities in new jobs and new industries. 

    Our Government’s ambition for a Future Made in Australia will form a comprehensive, coordinated and practical strategy to seize all the benefits on offer.

    As part of the Future Made in Australia plan, the Government is fast-tracking support for our nation’s growing domestic Low Carbon Liquid Fuels, or LCLFs. 

    In March, we announced the delivery of $250 million to accelerate the pace of Australia’s growing domestic LCLF industry. 

    This funding is part of the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund, and is being provided as grants to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment.

    Australia has all the ingredients to support a thriving biofuels sector – especially if the IMO measure for a global subsidy is adopted and provided.

    We have an abundance of renewable energy resources and significant refining and port infrastructure.

    We have the potential to grow LCLF production for domestic consumption and for export.

    And our Government is committed to supporting a sovereign biofuel industry that Australia controls, and which serves our interests.

    Our Government is committed to maritime decarbonisation, as part of our drive to reach our legislated target of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

    Our Government will soon release its Net Zero Plan for the economy, along with six sector-decarbonisation plans.

    Amongst these sector plans is one for the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap.

    And within that plan is one that speaks specifically to the unique challenges and opportunities of the maritime industry – the Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan, or MERNAP for short.

    The MERNAP will outline how we aim to support Australia’s national emissions reduction targets, contribute to the global decarbonisation of shipping, and future-proof the Australian maritime sector to avoid costly and disruptive transitions later.

    It will ensure an equitable transition, particularly for the maritime workforce, and it will safeguard jobs and skills for the future.

    Our vision is that by 2050, Australia will fully leverage the global maritime decarbonisation transition, for the benefit of our ports, vessels, and the broader energy sector.

    Work on the MERNAP began in 2023-24, with an industry consultation process, and the MERNAP Consultative Group has played a vital role in shaping this action plan.

    They engaged with us on topics such as:

    • regulatory challenges and gaps
    • energy sources and technologies
    • skills and training
    • and international partnerships.

    I’d like to thank those stakeholders who were part of the group, and especially Angela Gilham and MIAL for the key role they’ve played in this process. 

    I am now considering the MERNAP, and the timing of its release. 

    Our next step will be to develop an implementation plan to progress the MERNAP’s proposed action items. 

    Our Government will continue to progress reform in the maritime sector. We must. 

    There are so many cross currents reshaping global maritime trade right now, and addressing these requires comprehensive and future-focused action.

    No doubt these issues ― and the opportunities ― facing the sector will be discussed at length in coming days, and I wish you well in these.

    Thank you once again for the invitation to speak this morning. 

    I look forward to working with all industry stakeholders in our government’s second term. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: “West Africa has the potential to sustainably transform its food systems,” says Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, Acting Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Subregional Coordinator for West Africa


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    The 2025 Regional Report on Food and Nutrition Security in the Sahel and West Africa, reveals that nearly 52 million people in the region are affected by food insecurity. In an interview with the African Press Agency (APA news), Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, Acting Subregional Coordinator of the FAO Office for West Africa said that despite the alarming figures reported, “the region has all it takes to sustainably transform its food systems,” said.

    Recently appointed to head the office overseeing 15 West African country programs, she focuses on innovation, resilience, and inclusion to address the structural and cyclical challenges facing West African agriculture.

    During the interview, Ms. Tchicaya presented the priorities of her mandate. She outlined her vision and ambition for the subregion to “build more inclusive, sustainable, competitive, and nutrition-sensitive food systems, based on the “Four Betters” strategy promoted by the FAO: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.”

    She also emphasized that despite the combined effects of conflict, climate change, and economic volatility, viable solutions can be found. These include participatory approaches such as Farmer Field Schools (FFS), support for nutrition-sensitive agricultural policies, and the implementation of green hubs as part of the Great Green Wall initiative. “In Senegal, for example, we contributed to updating the agro-sylvo-pastoral orientation law, which now includes the fisheries sector, food systems and the climate change dimension,” she explained.

    “On the operational front, FAO has developed participatory approaches such as Farmer Field Schools and Dimitra clubs, which after years of implementation, have proven effective in driving behavior change and strong community engagement. These approaches are now being scaled up by the government and civil society organizations”, she said, adding “On the environmental front, the FAO supports the Senegalese government in implementing the Reforestation Agency and the Great Green Wall program, a bold initiative aiming to establish seventy resilient green hubs across arid and semi-arid areas between 2023 and 2032.”

    Faced with the decline in traditional funding, Ms. Stephen-Tchicaya calls for increased and diversified resource mobilization, focusing on: “Public-Private Partnerships, a multi-donor approach, climate and green financing, strengthened engagement with non-traditional donors (emerging countries, philanthropic foundations, regional financial institutions), increased inter-agency cooperation, community and civil society involvement, as well as South-South and triangular cooperation.”

    Ms. Stephen-Tchicaya also emphasized FAO’s strategic role in strengthening early warning systems, supporting agricultural governance, and using digital technologies and artificial intelligence to increase productivity, improve livestock traceability, and combat livestock theft, a phenomenon that is on the rise in the region.

    “FAO actively contributes to surveillance and early warning, particularly in the area of ​​food security, through its participation in the regional system for the prevention and management of food crises (PREGEC), coordinated by the CILSS. FAO also has tools such as the Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS), which enables precise monitoring of the agricultural season and provides harvest forecasts. FAO will continue this support while investing more in disaster risk prevention and reduction, particularly through anticipatory actions implemented before crises worsen. FAO’s true added value in the region lies in this connection between early warning and rapid response.”

    Furthermore, Ms. Tchicaya emphasized the importance of digital solutions for securing pastoral livelihoods: “We are convinced that the digitalization of the livestock sector constitutes an innovative and essential solution to protect pastoralists in the face of this unprecedented phenomenon in West Africa,” she argued.

    In her closing remarks, Ms. Tchicaya issued a strong call for collective mobilization. “We must act together—governments, technical and financial partners, the private sector, and civil society—to build resilient and sustainable food systems that meet the aspirations of West African populations,” she pleaded.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Health Minister responds to misinformation on COVID-19 vaccine

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has expressed serious concern about a “sustained“ campaign of misinformation and disinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. 

    Recently, in what appears to be a deepfake video, SABC news anchor Oliver Dickson is seen to be interviewing Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). 

    During the fake interview, Abdool Karim is depicted as making claims that the COVID-19 vaccine is causing harm and resulting in fatalities.

    “The latest fake news campaign, driven by artificial intelligence applications, has targeted a distinguished South African scientist, Abdool Karim, who is portrayed as warning South Africans about the purportedly deadly effects of the COVID-19 vaccines that… saved the lives of many South Africans during the difficult time of the pandemic,” the department said.

    The department believes that this campaign is being led by some unscrupulous individuals, who are promoting their business interests. 

    It said these people are determined to spread distorted and malicious information about the alleged negative effects of COVID-19 vaccines to promote their harmful remedies, which pose a risk to the health of South Africans.

    “According to our information, these actions are meant to hoodwink members of the public into buying fake heart medicine. This is done through mail order, and the fake product is not working or is making people feel even sicker.” 

    Abdool Karim and the organisation he leads, CAPRISA, have also distanced themselves from these videos by imposing a “fake news” stamp on all the circulating videos.

    The department has also since done its part by joining the fake news alert on social media.

    “Minister Motsoaledi condemns in the strongest terms possible the fake news campaign by these charlatans with business interests who, for their nefarious reasons, are determined to create confusion among the people for the sake of immoral profiteering,” the department said. 

    The Minister has since appealed to all to reject these remedies that purportedly cleanse the victim’s blood vessels and improve heart performance. 

    “Motsoaledi encourages all South Africans to continue to embrace all life-saving vaccines approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the National Department of Health.

    “The Minister, therefore, calls upon all South Africans to close ranks, isolate the forces of darkness and join the fight against misinformation and disinformation in the best interests of South Africa and all its people,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eastern Cape June floods declared a national disaster

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Eastern Cape Province has officially been declared a national disaster zone in response to the widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events.

    Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Zolile Williams said the declaration, made under the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002), comes amid heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and snowfall that have battered large parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit.

    Highlighting the provincial government response to the June disaster, Williams said the Department of Social Development, in partnership with private sector organisations, has extended crucial psychosocial support to displaced families, bereaved communities, and schools affected by the loss of learners.

    “These services, which encompass counselling and emotional debriefing, are foundational to the healing and recovery process. Given the profound impact of the incident, we recognise this journey may be prolonged for those most deeply affected,” the MEC said. 

    The Department of Health has also deployed on-site healthcare services, providing medical assistance and replacing chronic medication that was swept away by the floods to those in need.

    Ongoing assessments are also being conducted to assess health risks in temporary shelters.

    Over 400 ID applications received

    Williams also reported that the Department of Home Affairs has been active in various shelters across the Amathole and OR Tambo districts, assisting families with applications for essential documents, including Identity Documents (ID), birth and death certificates.

    To date, 478 identity document replacement applications have been submitted, through assistance from three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts.

    Local schools have resumed classes and provisions were made for learners who missed exams due to the disaster. Postponed examination papers were also written on 23 June 2025.

    “Through the Department of Education, we have begun to deliver Learner and Teacher Support Material lost or destroyed during the disaster. We are also ensuring that uniform sets for learners in the flood affected schools has also resumed through the Provincial Department of Education.” 

    Restoration of basic services 

    Despite the devastation, significant progress has been made with the restoration of water and electricity in affected areas. 

    According to Williams, the electricity supply has been restored to over 80% of affected customers, with over 95% of the water supply having been restored in OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, which were the most affected areas. 

    However, Williams noted that the floods caused significant damage to roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

    He said the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure is estimated at R5. 1 billion, and this include about R3. 2 billion required across sector departments and R 1. 8 billion for the Municipal Infrastructure, as per MISA [Municipal Infrastructure Support Management] assessments. 

    A total of 6 869 households were affected, with 4 724 people left homeless across the province, except for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, whilst 2 145 homes were partially damaged.

    “R461 million is required for Temporary Residential Units (TRUs), however, the province has R120 million rand, and we are looking to national government for an intervention in this area,” Williams said.

    Housing support and temporary shelters

    The Department of Human Settlements, in partnership with OR Tambo District Municipality, has activated mass-care shelters, including community halls and bed-and-breakfast facilities for displaced families in OR Tambo and Mnquma. 

    Williams said these arrangements will be operational for at least 30 days.

    “The Provincial Government is [also] securing land to facilitate the delivery of Temporary Residential Units and permanent housing, ensuring that our response addresses both urgent needs and long-term stability for these vulnerable communities. 

    “Currently, land has been identified in Mnquma for approximately 1 100 temporary residential units, while in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, land has been identified and we await a council resolution on the matter,” the MEC said.

    The floods caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, with the total repair estimated at R935 million. The Department of Transport has reprioritised R102 million from its budget, leaving a shortfall of R832 million.

    Emergency road clearance operations are underway, but 29 roads in Chris Hani and 22 in OR Tambo districts remain impassable. Internal teams began major repairs on 23 June 2025, and alternative routes are currently being used.

    In terms of public facilities, 431 schools and 69 health centres have been affected across the province. suffered damage. Repair work to the value of R600 000 has been completed on healthcare facilities.

    In the agricultural sector, interventions have been made in terms damage assessment, provision of veterinary services and technical advice.

    “In the main, farmers have lost 1 339 units of livestock, 1 803 hectares of crops have been destroyed, suffered damages to machinery, irrigation material such as pipes and risers, water tanks and fencing materials,” Williams said. – SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC DEX+ Launches Triple Bonanza: Exclusive Triple Perks for Newcomers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC DEX+, the leading decentralized trading platform, officially launched its “ Triple Bonanza” campaign on June 26. This campaign offers three exclusive rewards tailored for new users, aiming to further lower the barrier to crypto asset trading and encourage users to experience a new era of efficient, secure, and decentralized on-chain trading.

    As the industry’s first platform to deeply integrate the advantages of both decentralized exchanges (DEX) and centralized exchanges (CEX), MEXC DEX+ breaks traditional trading boundaries and delivers a seamless on-chain trading experience. The platform now supports six major trading pools and four popular blockchains, offering a diverse range of crypto assets. Users can enjoy CEX-level smoothness while trading on-chain. Additionally, MEXC DEX+ has introduced an innovative “Trade-to-List” mechanism, allowing standout tokens to be fast-tracked to the main board through the “Rising Stars” campaign based on trading volume. The system also enables full interoperability between DEX+ and CEX accounts and rewards, creating a closed-loop ecosystem from trading to value realization.

    The “Triple Bonanza” campaign is designed with low entry requirements and high returns to spark new user participation. Campaign details are as follows:

    • Eligibility: New users who complete a total deposit of ≥100 USDT (via platform deposit or direct transfer from external wallets to DEX+) and make their first trade within 7 days of initial deposit.
    • Three Exclusive Rewards:
      • Grand Debut: Complete a first trade of ≥100 USDT to receive a 20 USDT reward in SOL.
      • Rising Stars: Trade tokens listed in the MEXC DEX+ rankings for a chance to share in an exclusive 2,000 USDT reward pool for new users.
      • Airdrop Bonus: Claim a free airdrop with a 10x leveraged ETH futures bonus worth 5 USDT.
    • Campaign Period: June 25, 2025 – July 10, 2025
    • All rewards can be claimed cumulatively. New users can enjoy multiple incentives from their first trade and seamlessly integrate into the on-chain trading ecosystem.

    Looking ahead, MEXC DEX+ will continue to prioritize user needs, expand the boundaries of on-chain applications, and work hand-in-hand with users to explore more possibilities in decentralized finance.

    For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9c9365b-7594-4e73-8156-33f10d83fd26

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC DEX+ Launches Triple Bonanza: Exclusive Triple Perks for Newcomers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC DEX+, the leading decentralized trading platform, officially launched its “ Triple Bonanza” campaign on June 26. This campaign offers three exclusive rewards tailored for new users, aiming to further lower the barrier to crypto asset trading and encourage users to experience a new era of efficient, secure, and decentralized on-chain trading.

    As the industry’s first platform to deeply integrate the advantages of both decentralized exchanges (DEX) and centralized exchanges (CEX), MEXC DEX+ breaks traditional trading boundaries and delivers a seamless on-chain trading experience. The platform now supports six major trading pools and four popular blockchains, offering a diverse range of crypto assets. Users can enjoy CEX-level smoothness while trading on-chain. Additionally, MEXC DEX+ has introduced an innovative “Trade-to-List” mechanism, allowing standout tokens to be fast-tracked to the main board through the “Rising Stars” campaign based on trading volume. The system also enables full interoperability between DEX+ and CEX accounts and rewards, creating a closed-loop ecosystem from trading to value realization.

    The “Triple Bonanza” campaign is designed with low entry requirements and high returns to spark new user participation. Campaign details are as follows:

    • Eligibility: New users who complete a total deposit of ≥100 USDT (via platform deposit or direct transfer from external wallets to DEX+) and make their first trade within 7 days of initial deposit.
    • Three Exclusive Rewards:
      • Grand Debut: Complete a first trade of ≥100 USDT to receive a 20 USDT reward in SOL.
      • Rising Stars: Trade tokens listed in the MEXC DEX+ rankings for a chance to share in an exclusive 2,000 USDT reward pool for new users.
      • Airdrop Bonus: Claim a free airdrop with a 10x leveraged ETH futures bonus worth 5 USDT.
    • Campaign Period: June 25, 2025 – July 10, 2025
    • All rewards can be claimed cumulatively. New users can enjoy multiple incentives from their first trade and seamlessly integrate into the on-chain trading ecosystem.

    Looking ahead, MEXC DEX+ will continue to prioritize user needs, expand the boundaries of on-chain applications, and work hand-in-hand with users to explore more possibilities in decentralized finance.

    For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9c9365b-7594-4e73-8156-33f10d83fd26

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ghana Charts Path for Ethical, Regular Labour Mobility at High-Level Dialogue

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Accra, 27 June 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Ghana, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the African Union Commission (AUC), convened a National Policy Dialogue on Labour Mobility Pathways aimed at turning the potential of labour migration into sustainable development outcomes.

    In 2019, more than 970,000 Ghanaians lived abroad, sending money home, sharing skills, and investing in the country. At the same time, Ghana hosted over 466,000 international migrants, mostly from countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), demonstrating its strong ties to the region’s labour market. With an active diaspora, a growing youth population, and strong regional partnerships, Ghana is well placed to use labour mobility to boost its economy and support development across West Africa.

    “The National Policy Dialogue on Labour Mobility pathways marks a historic milestone in our collective pursuit for safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways,” said Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister, Labour Jobs and Employment. “This initiative will undoubtedly contribute to empowering people, bolstering economies, and advancing sustainable development aspirations.”

    The three-day discussions brought together senior policymakers, regional and international organizations, the World Bank, diaspora representatives, the private sector, civil society actors, migrants, and diplomatic missions of major destination countries for Ghanaian migrants to build a coordinated vision for safe, regular, and dignified labour mobility not only in Ghana but also across West and Central Africa. 

    “This dialogue comes at a critical time for Ghana and the region,” said Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, IOM Ghana Chief of Mission. “At a time when irregular migration continues to expose migrants to risks of exploitation and abuse, expanding regular migration pathways is both a humanitarian necessity and a development opportunity,” she added.

    As a Champion Country in the implementation of the Global Compact on Migration, Ghana continues to innovate and lead in providing protection to Ghanaians abroad, as well as migrants living in the country. In recent years, Ghana has aligned its legal policies with global and regional frameworks, including the AU Agenda 2063, the AU Migration Policy for Africa and key instruments such as the National Labour Migration Policy, the Human Trafficking Act, the Immigration Act, the National Migration Policy, and the Diaspora Engagement Policy.

    Ghana is also deepening international cooperation through the development of Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements (BLMAs) and Skills Mobility Partnerships with comprehensive support through the AU-IOM-ILO Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP), reinforcing its commitment to safe, regular, and mutually beneficial labour mobility.

    The High-Level Policy Dialogue identified key priorities, including stronger coordination among agencies and stakeholders, improved data sharing, and innovative approaches to labour mobility such as skills partnerships, complementary pathways, and schemes that combine education with work or protection.

    As labour markets evolve and migration dynamics shift across West and Central Africa, IOM remains committed to its role as a trusted convener, supporting governments, communities, and partners in co-creating solutions that ensure migration is safe, regular, and beneficial for all.

    The National Policy Dialogue on Labour Mobility Pathways in Ghana was implemented with support from the JLMP and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
     

    For more information, please visit IOM’s Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –