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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Youth participation in inclusive governance critical for South Sudan’s future


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    “Any citizen of sound mind, who is 18 and above, has the right to register and vote in this country’s elections,” stated George Lemi Yata.

    Mr. Yata is the Spokesperson of South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC), the body charged with overseeing the implementation of this long-awaited electioneering process.

    He was speaking at a lecture for some 400 students drawn from four universities in the capital city, Juba, including  Starford International University, Upper Nile University, Catholic University, and the University of Juba.

    In response, participating students had animated discussions: Many contended that it was vital to conduct elections within the prescribed timeframe—currently, December 2026—while others raised questions on the feasibility of holding a credible electoral process without first actioning a national population census and drafting a permanent constitution.

    For his part, Spokesperson Yata, advised youth to embrace their individual roles and responsibilities in building a more peaceful, prosperous future for all South Sudanese.

    “Some 70 percent of South Sudan’s population is under the age of 30,” said Mr. Yata. “The country relies on you to provide energy and dynamism as it prepares to head to the polls. There are opportunities available for each of you to be actively involved: You can join political parties, support campaigns, help enhance civic and voter education, as well as act as electoral observers during polling, ballot counting and tallying of votes.”

    Adrew Makuei, a student reading International Relations says he is ready. “I want to exercise my right to vote and choose leaders I have faith in. But I also realise that there’s much more to be done before we head to the ballot boxes, such as raising awareness among our communities about the role every citizen has to play,” he said.

    Monica Nyandeng, another student, agreed.

    “I’m going to help educate my peers about the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and, of course on why we all need to contribute to a peaceful electoral process,” she stated.

    For his part, Guy Gabriel, the communications advisor for the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), which oversees, monitors, and evaluates the implementation of the peace agreement, highlighted that a stable peace and security situation is essential for elections.

    “Urgent action is needed to rekindle the peace process,” stated Mr. Gabriel. “it’s vital that  all political detainees are released, reunification of forces is prioritized and Parties to the Revitalized Agreement  desist from unilateral actions.”

    RJMEC wasn’t alone in urging key political players to uphold the peace agreement in letter and spirit. Patrick Oyet, the Chair of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan(UJOSS) and member of the National Constitutional Review Commission, emphasized the importance of the constitution-making process.

    “It’s important to have a constitution because it provides the framework for power structures, guarantees human rights for everyone and sets up laws for the country,” Mr. Oyet said, stressing the need for progress in this regard.

    These real time political challenges are made even more cogent with ongoing regional insecurity, an economic crisis and climate shocks such as floods, explained Grace Maina, a Political Affairs Officer, working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

    “The reason we are bringing you, as young people, together to speak about these issues is because this is your country and your voices matter. So, the more well-informed you are about current affairs, the more you can influence public opinion—in your families, in your neighborhoods and your communities,” she added. “For us, as UNMISS, we stand with this country and its people in their quest for a better, more democratic future.”

    This is an ongoing series of dialogues supported by the UN Peacekeeping mission, RJMEC and Come Let’s Read Initiative, a civil society organization. The next lecture will take place at The Catholic University on Friday, 27 June 2025.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations (UN) Leaders engage World Health Organization (WHO) Botswana to strengthen coordination and multilateral collaboration


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    In an expression of strengthened partnership and renewed commitment to multilateralism, the WHO Botswana Country Office recently hosted two high-level courtesy calls from newly appointed UN leaders, Ms. Wenyan Yang, the UN Resident Coordinator in Botswana, and Ms. Nthisana Motsete-Phillips, Botswana’s incoming Permanent Representative to Switzerland and the United Nations in Geneva.

    Ms. Wenyan Yang’s visit formed part of her introductory engagements with UN agencies in Botswana. She was warmly welcomed by the WHO team and WHO Representative Dr. Fabian Ndenzako. During the meeting, Ms. Yang shared her vision of fostering collaboration, innovation, and collective impact within the UN Country Team, stressing the need for creative and integrated approaches amid global financial constraints. “We must find new and more effective ways of working together leveraging our collective strengths to deliver real, measurable change for the people of Botswana,” said Ms. Yang.

    With over 30 years of experience in the UN system, she reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with agencies to deliver results that positively impact the lives of Batswana. Dr. Ndenzako briefed her on WHO’s key areas of support, highlighting national health priorities such as the transition of primary healthcare to local government, the rollout of national health insurance, and the strengthening of health sector coordination. He acknowledged the country’s achievements in areas like HIV control and maternal health, while noting ongoing challenges in achieving universal health coverage and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Welcoming Ms. Yang’s leadership, Dr. Ndenzako emphasized her crucial role in advocating for stronger coordination within the UN system and aligning support to accelerate Botswana’s national development agenda.

    Meanwhile, WHO Botswana also engaged with Ms. Nthisana Motsete-Phillips as she prepares to assume office in Geneva. Her visit focused on strengthening the relationship between Geneva-based multilateral platforms and in-country implementation. Dr. Ndenzako lauded Botswana’s active voice within the Africa Group and other global health fora and highlighted the critical role of WHO Botswana’s Geneva liaison in bridging global and national priorities. He also drew attention to ongoing global shifts, including shrinking donor budgets, institutional restructuring, and declining development financing, all of which demand strategic engagement by countries like Botswana in global health diplomacy.

    Ms. Motsete-Phillips expressed her intention to serve as a practical and results-oriented bridge between Geneva and national stakeholders. “We must ensure that what is discussed and committed to in Geneva translates into impact on the ground. It is my responsibility to help make that connection real for Botswana,” she said. With a background in the private sector and several years of experience in Switzerland, she pledged to help translate global commitments into tangible, on-the-ground outcomes. She underscored the need for closer coordination between Botswana’s Geneva mission and local UN country teams to ensure coherent policy implementation.

    She also raised concerns about inefficiencies within public institutions and emphasized the importance of accountability and strong follow-through, particularly in managing partnerships and national programmes. Noting the complexity of agendas such as universal health coverage, she called for more realistic and transparent communication strategies. Additionally, she expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with institutions such as the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI). Challenging the prevailing classification of Botswana as a middle-income country, Ms. Motsete-Phillips warned that this status often excludes the country from much-needed support. She called for a renewed and nuanced narrative that reflects Botswana’s current realities and development needs.

    Both visits underscored a shared commitment to deepening collaboration, improving coordination at all levels, and ensuring Botswana’s continued active role in shaping and implementing global health and development priorities.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President on National Day


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    His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Félix Tshisekedi, on the occasion of his country’s national day.

    In the message, the Sovereign expresses His congratulations to President Tshisekedi and His wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the Congolese people.

    “I am also pleased to assure you of My firm willingness to work with Your Excellency to reinforce the excellent relations of fraternity and friendship between Morocco and the Congo, within the framework of a dynamic and lasting cooperation, mutually beneficial to our two peoples and to our Continent as a whole”, HM the King writes in this message.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sierra Leone bolters mpox response: World Health Organization (WHO) leads groundbreaking genomic surveillance and bioinformatics training


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    In a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing mpox outbreak response and genomic surveillance capacity, the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL) in Freetown hosted the mpox Genomics and Bioinformatics training workshop  from 23rd – 27th June 2025. The event was organized under the theme: “Strengthening Genomic Surveillance Capacity for mpox Response in Sierra Leone,” with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO AFRO and WHO Sierra Leone).  The training program targeted 15 participants, including laboratory scientists, public health professionals, and epidemiologists from across Sierra Leone.

    Despite reporting over 4,400 confirmed cases of mpox as of 27th June 2025, Sierra Leone has performed genomic characterization on only approximately 2.5% of these cases (108 sequences), representing a significant limitation in understanding viral evolution and informing targeted public health interventions. Currently, these genomic data are deposited in international repositories such as Pathoplexus, GISAID, and NCBI Virus; however, the disparity between outbreak detection and genomic data generation hampers real-time surveillance efforts. 

    The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) and the Sierra Leone National Public Health Agency (SLNPHA) of Sierra Leone have prioritized strengthening genomic surveillance to enable rapid outbreak detection, track viral transmission, and inform policy decisions. Allan Campbell, Laboratory Lead at CPHRL, emphasized the significance of this training, stating, “This marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s national response to mpox. 

    The initiative addresses the substantial bioinformatics capacity gap and establishes a foundation for sustainable genomic surveillance that can directly inform public health actions.” The workshop aligns with the objectives outlined in the WHO African Region (AFRO) Joint Continental mpox Response Plan 2.0, focusing on intensification, integration, and establishing a sustainable legacy in genomic epidemiology.

    The week-long workshop employed a multidisciplinary, hands-on approach combining didactic instruction, practical exercises, and group data analysis. The curriculum included:

    • Day 1: Introduction to genomic surveillance principles, sequencing technologies, and foundational bioinformatics tools such as Linux and Conda environments.

    • Day 2: Emphasis on sequencing data quality control (FastQC, MultiQC), read trimming (Fastp, Hostile), and genome assembly techniques utilizing reference-based (BWA, Cutadapt) and de novo (SPAdes) approaches.

    • Day 3: Variant detection and analysis (SAMtools, FreeBayes, Snippy), consensus sequence generation (Bcftools), and genome annotation (SnpEff, VEP).

    • Day 4: Phylogenetic analysis, clade classification (Nextclade, Nextstrain), and visualization using platforms such as GISAID, Pathoplexus, NCBI Virus, Microreact, iTOL, and Galaxy.

    • Day 5: Integration of all components through a case study simulating mpox outbreak response, culminating in data interpretation and strategic planning.

    Walter Oguta, WHO AFRO EPI Analytics Specialist and the Lead Bioinformatics Trainer, underscored the practical value of the training, stating, “Translating genomic data into actionable public health strategies is the ultimate goal. Our aim was to equip participants with both technical proficiency and confidence to utilize these tools effectively.”

    Doris Harding, Laboratory Pillar Lead at the SLNPHA, highlighted the broader implications: “Strengthening our capacity for genomic surveillance is no longer optional—it is essential. This initiative empowers our scientists to respond more effectively to mpox and other emerging pathogens.” Similarly, Jonathan Greene, WHO Sierra Leone Laboratory Lead, articulated the importance of workforce development, asserting, “Building a skilled, locally capable workforce is central to WHO’s strategy for resilient health systems. The use of genomics is transforming outbreak intelligence, enabling a shift from reactive to proactive responses.” 

    Dr. Ameh George, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone, emphasized the strategic importance of institutionalizing genomic surveillance: “Genomics is redefining outbreak science. Sierra Leone must lead in generating and utilizing genomic data to inform policy and strengthen global health security. WHO remains committed to supporting this transformation.”

    Participants and stakeholders concurred that this training initiative constitutes a long-term investment in Sierra Leone’s epidemic preparedness, response and resilience. By decentralizing sequencing capabilities and integrating genomic data into national decision-making processes, the program aspires to support regional efforts for early detection and rapid response to outbreaks.

    The workshop concluded with the issuance of certificates of completion and a networking session aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in public health genomics. As Sierra Leone advances its surveillance infrastructure, the overarching goal remains to elevate genomic data from an underutilized resource to a central element of outbreak response and epidemic intelligence, thereby strengthening national and regional health security.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Sierra Leone.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank Appoints Dr. George Elombi as President in Strategic Move for African Energy Trade

    The shareholders of multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have appointed Dr. George Elombi as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Dr. Elombi succeeds Professor Benedict Oramah to become the fourth president since the bank’s establishment in 1993. The move signals a strategic shift for the institution as it strives to become a $250 billion bank in the next 10 years.

    As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) congratulates Dr. Elombi on his appointment as President and Chair. In this capacity, Dr. Elombi is poised to play an instrumental part in leading the bank’s long-term objectives. At a time when Africa is seeking to alleviate energy poverty, enhance industrialization and accelerate low-term and sustainable development, institutions such as Afreximbank play a vital role in financing African energy projects and trade efforts. Under the leadership of Dr. Elombi, Afreximbank is well-positioned to play an even greater role in transforming Africa’s energy industry.

    Over the years, Dr. Elombi has held various positions at Afreximbank, including Chair of the Emergency Response Committee – where he mobilized over $2 billion for vaccine acquisition and deployment across Africa and the Caribbean – and head of the Equity Mobilization and Investor Relations department. In this position, he supported the bank as it increased its total ordinary equity to $3.6 billion as of April 2025. Looking ahead, Dr. Elombi has committed to ensuring Afreximbank serves as a force for industrializing Africa and regaining the dignity of Africans wherever they are. He has vowed to not only preserving Afreximbank as a valuable and strategic asset in Africa, but to realize the shareholders’ goal of establishing the bank as a $250 billion financial institution within the next ten years. This will have a significant impact on Africa’s energy sector, offering a vital source of financing for a variety of impactful energy projects – from upstream oil and gas to downstream infrastructure to power, technology, trade and development.

    “Afreximbank is embarking on a new chapter with the appointment of Dr. Elombi as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. This chapter is expected to be marked by growth and transformation as Dr. Elombi works to realize the goals set out by the Afreximbank shareholders. Afreximbank has a critical role to play in Africa – from financing major projects to supporting regional trade initiatives to coordinating between global and African partners. The AEC commends Dr. Elombi on his appointment and looks forward to working with him to unlock the full potential of Africa’s energy resources,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

    Dr. Elombi will assume the position in September 2025, taking over from Professor Oramah who has held the role since 2015. Under Oramah’s leadership, Afreximbank strengthened its institutional and financial capacity through the introduction of innovative financing mechanisms and involvement in multi-faceted projects. Major milestones included the launch of the African Energy Bank in collaboration with the African Petroleum Producers Organization.

    The bank uniquely mobilizes financing to support investments across Africa’s entire energy spectrum in line with the continent’s energy needs and environmental sustainability targets. The bank has an initial share capital of $5 billion and is on the precipice of being launched. The bank also increased its portfolio of project and trade financing in Africa, further strengthening its position as a major financier across the continent. By 2026, the bank is on track to double its intra-African trade financing from $20 billion in 2021 to $40 billion in 2026. The funding is expected to support infrastructure development under the broader African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

    “Professor Oramah has played an instrumental role in Africa’s energy sector, with his relentless pursuit of development unlocking greater benefits for the energy and trade industries. Over the past 10 years, he has not only strengthened Afreximbank’s role as an African financier but laid a strong foundation for future growth and development. His legacy is one defined by innovation and vision,” adds Ayuk.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Malawi: Police Look on as Peaceful Protesters Assaulted


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    On June 26, 2025, about a dozen weapon-wielding men in Malawi attacked demonstrators peacefully protesting the government’s handling of upcoming national elections, Human Rights Watch said today. The police’s apparent unwillingness to intervene to stop the violence or to arrest those responsible raises grave concerns about the government’s ability to conduct the September general election in a fair and impartial manner.

    The incident occurred when Citizens for Credible Elections, a local nongovernmental organization, held protests calling for an independent audit of the voters’ roll and the resignation of top officials of the Malawi Electoral Commission. While people were protesting in Lilongwe, the capital, 10 to 20 men—some wearing masks and carrying sticks, sjamboks (heavy leather whips), and large knives—attacked the demonstrators, injuring several and damaging property as well. Civil society groups and the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party allege that the assailants had links to a youth militia aligned with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). The MCP is being accused of using fear and intimidation against citizens expressing themselves in the lead-up to the September election.

    “Malawian authorities need to investigate this brutal attack on peaceful demonstrators and ensure that those responsible are appropriately punished,” said Idriss Ali Nassah, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “For Malawians to have confidence in the fairness of the upcoming election, they need to be sure the police will respond promptly and impartially to threats or acts violence, no matter who is responsible.”

    Government and law enforcement agencies are responsible for upholding the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and for ensuring that demonstrators can safely protest in line with Malawi’s constitution and international standards. The electoral commission’s unwillingness to allow various local organizations access to voter rolls to inspect it for any inconsistencies that can lead to vote rigging has heightened citizens and civil society’s concerns about the fairness of the elections.

    Sylvester Namiwa, head of the Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives and the chief organizer of the protests, told Human Rights Watch that as the protest was about to begin, assailants attacked those who had gathered. He said that while police and other law enforcement officers looked on, the men severely beat him, dragged him toward a Toyota SUV, and attempted to abduct him. He added that he escaped the attempted abduction when police fired tear gas. The attackers then stole a public address system that the protesters were using, damaged several vehicles, and set two cars on fire.

    Namiwa was treated for his injuries at a local hospital.

    A member of Citizens for Credible Elections said that as assailants beat her up, she pleaded with the police for protection. They did not intervene, and the attack left her with a cut on her hand and back injuries.

    Local human rights activists and journalists covering the demonstrations corroborated demonstrators’ accounts, saying that they witnessed police officers watching and not doing anything to protect the protesters, even when it was clear that protesters’ lives were in danger. No assailants were arrested; additionally, police did not respond to media queries about law enforcement’s response to the attacks.

    In November 2024, opposition parties and civil society organizations alleged that the MCP had organized the violent attack of a demonstration for electoral reforms by masked men with weapons. At that time, witnesses accused law enforcement officers of standing by while the masked men assaulted peaceful protesters, just as they did at the June 26, 2025 protests.

    Governments have an obligation under international law to respect, facilitate, and protect the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Malawi is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which sets out these rights. The United Nations Human Rights Committee, the international expert body that monitors compliance with the ICCPR, has stated in a general comment that governments have “positive duties to facilitate peaceful assemblies and to make it possible for participants to achieve their objectives.”

    The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Assembly state that “the rights to freedom of association and assembly are fundamental rights that should underpin all democratic societies in which individuals can freely express their views on all issues concerning their society.” Furthermore, when people express these rights, states are mandated to “protect associations, including their principal and most visible members, from threats, harassment, interference, intimidation or reprisals by third parties and non-state actors.”

    “The Malawian government needs to uphold human rights and the rule of law by investigating, arresting, and appropriately prosecuting both the attackers and those behind the violence,” Nassah said. “Ahead of a crucial general election in September, authorities need to send a strong message that human rights violations will not be tolerated.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Technologies for export: with the support of the city, capital enterprises took part in two exhibitions in Africa

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow-based healthcare and IT companies presented their products at two industry exhibitions in Africa: Africa Health Excon 2025 and Gitex Africa 2025. They were supported by the Moscow Export Center (MEC), a subordinate organization To the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City.

    From June 24 to 27, a single Made in Moscow stand operated at the Africa Health Excon 2025 exhibition in Cairo, where 20 Moscow enterprises demonstrated medical equipment, high-precision research instruments, and IT solutions developed specifically for the healthcare sector. During the event, business meetings with foreign partners were held, which resulted in the conclusion of agreements on the implementation of new projects.

    Thus, the company “Steploif” will cooperate with enterprises from Sudan in the field of manufacturing prosthetic limbs, and “Vector Center” (brand Polymed prof) – with the company “RCSA “Energy” from Egypt in the field of developing mobile medical complexes and software for hospitals and healthcare systems. The enterprises “Academy of Beauty Innovations” and “Viva Pharma Group” have concluded cooperation agreements in the field of cosmetology with Egyptian partners.

    In addition, with the support of the city, 23 capital suppliers of solutions in the field of information technology, artificial intelligence and virtual reality took part in the Gitex Africa 2025 exhibition, which was held in Morocco from April 14 to 16. They presented their developments in the field of digitalization of the urban environment, facial recognition systems, simulators for public transport, virtual laboratories, as well as technologies for banks and self-service systems, many of which interested African partners. Thus, within the framework of the exhibition, the IT enterprise “42” signed an agreement for the supply of virtual laboratories for the Moroccan enterprise Technopark Maroc.

    Participation in Gitex Africa was organized for Moscow companies for the third time. In total, over 65 companies have received the opportunity to present high-tech developments of Moscow business over the past three years. As a result of the past events, the company “Cloud Networks” agreed to supply software licenses to Iraq, and the company “Secure” supplied a cybersecurity solution to the UAE.

    MEC carries out systematic work to promote metropolitan technologies and innovations to African markets. As part of international exhibitions, Moscow companies receive comprehensive support, which includes renting and designing an exhibition stand, as well as delivery of product samples. This allows enterprises to focus on b2b meetings with potential buyers without having to deal with organizational work.

    The Moscow Export Center was established by the Moscow Government in 2017 to provide financial and non-financial support measures to Moscow entrepreneurs in order to promote Moscow goods and services on foreign markets. The Moscow Export Center is a subordinate organization of the Moscow Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative DevelopmentOne of its key tasks is to increase the number of Moscow exporters and grow their export revenue.

    Today, the MEC provides the capital’s business with comprehensive support at all stages of the export route – from preparation and training in foreign economic activity (FEA) to promotion abroad, assistance in increasing sales and measures of financial stimulation of FEA after the conclusion of export contracts. Currently, the MEC’s toolkit includes more than 30 support measures.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/156065073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Mauritania: Global Gateway – EIB Global and Banque El Amana sign loan to improve financial inclusion of women and young people in the blue economy

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • €20 million loan will support seafood value chains, a strategic pillar of cooperation between Mauritania and the European Union
    • 30% of financing specially earmarked for women’s businesses and 30% targeting youth employment
    • This operation serves the blue economy, an area of integrated development supported by the European Union through Global Gateway.

    Banque El Amana (BEA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) signed an agreement for €20 million to finance small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in Mauritania, at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4).

    At least 30% of the financing will target firms led or owned by women, or that have a large share of women on staff. Another 30% is set aside for firms led or owned by young people, or that have a large share of young workers.

    BEA chief executive Mohamed Ahmed Salem Bouna Moctar: ““This partnership with the EIB strengthens BEA’s role in supporting the development of the blue economy in Mauritania. It reflects our commitment to sustainable, inclusive and innovative growth, serving youth, women and the responsible use of our natural resources.”

    EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle said, “By focusing on sustainable fisheries – a strategic sector for the Mauritania’s economy – we are helping conserve natural resources while promoting more resilient and inclusive value chains. I am also pleased at this project’s focus on the economic empowerment of young people and women, who are often underrepresented in access to finance, but whose role in local development is paramount. It is this dual ambition – environmental and social – that captures the spirit of our work with BEA and our EU partners under the Global Gateway strategy.”

    European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said: “With this Global Gateway investment, we are further deepening our support for sustainable fisheries and the blue economy in Mauritania, while also expanding opportunities for women-led businesses and young people. I’m pleased to see that following my mission to Mauritania last December, our partnership continues to grow stronger.”

    Financial inclusion of women and young people

    The 30% target for firms led or owned by women, or that have a large share of women on staff, is in accordance with the international criteria of the 2X Challenge. In Mauritania, despite significant progress, women’s access to finance is still limited, especially in forward-looking sectors in fishing and agricultural transformation.

    The objective of creating sustainable economic opportunities for Mauritanian youth is fully in line with the EU-Mauritania partnership on migration launched in March 2024 to increase local employment, in a country where more than 60% of the working population is under 35, and to strengthen regional stability.

    BEA is already driving financial inclusion. In 2023, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the bank opened a branch in the Mbera refugee camp to give displaced populations and their host communities access to financial services.

    Strategic partnership for sustainable fisheries

    The operation aims to strengthen seafood value chains, a strategic pillar of cooperation between Mauritania and the European Union, as part of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement promoting responsible management of fishing resources.

    All companies in the fisheries sector that benefit from the partnership between the EIB and BEA must commit to improving their practices and obtaining international environmental certifications, in particular from the Marine Stewardship Council. Targeted technical assistance will be provided to support this transformation.

    This agreement reflects the shared objectives of Mauritania and Team Europe, and builds on collaboration between the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German development bank KfW and several Mauritanian banks, including BEA, to develop value chains around small pelagic fish for human consumption. It serves the blue economy, an area of integrated development supported by the European Union through Global Gateway, along with the construction project for a landing site for artisanal canoe fishing on Mauritania’s southern coast. The funds are being provided through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) under the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner in the Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – one-third of the overall target of this EU strategy. It is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices around the world.

    http://twitter.com/EIB

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/eib-global/

    About Banque El Amana

    BEA is a Mauritanian commercial bank under private law, established in 1996. It is governed by national legislation and supervised by the Central Bank of Mauritania. BEA provides a wide range of services to a diverse clientele ranging from individuals to large companies – including SMEs. It has nine branches across the country (in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, Assaba, Trarza, Hodh El Gharbi, and Dakhlet Nouadhibou) and is a market leader in several strategic sectors for the national economy, including fisheries, agri-food, energy, telecommunications and infrastructure. BEA cultivates trusted partnerships with key domestic and international stakeholders across strategic sectors such as energy, industry, agribusiness, services, humanitarian assistance, and development. It collaborates closely with United Nations agencies supporting refugees and vulnerable communities, as well as major actors active in financial inclusion. The bank also relies on a vast network of international correspondent banks, including Société Générale Paris, UniCredit, and BRED – Banque Populaire. In 2023, BEA stepped up its action to promote sustainability by implementing a loan facility in partnership with KfW development bank to promote the local processing and availability of small pelagic fish , illustrating its commitment to supporting Mauritania’s economic and green transition. In the same vein, it also launched its own mobile wallet in 2023, called Amanty. Amanty can be used for payments, transfers and telephone top-ups, strengthening financial inclusion and reducing reliance on cash.

    Website: www.bea.mr

    LinkedIn: Banque El Amana: Overview | LinkedIn

    Facebook: Banque El Amana – Facebook

    About the European Union’s priorities in Mauritania

    The European Union has been active in Mauritania for 50 years and works to promote socioeconomic development in the country, with a focus on healthcare, education, technical and vocational training, the environment, energy and support for the private sector, particularly in fishing, agriculture and livestock. It also supports the country’s governance, working to modernise public administration, in addition to its involvement in the fields of security, stability and migration management. As part of the 2021-2024 programme, a budget of €125 million was made available to promote human development, the transition to green and blue economies, and good governance. The European Union’s work in Mauritania is part of the Global Gateway, initiative, which fosters sustainable and reliable connections for the benefit of people and the planet.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • From Ghana to Brazil: PM Modi’s tour to cement South-South cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a five-nation tour on Tuesday covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia, marking an important push to strengthen India’s ties with Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

    First Indian PM visit to Ghana in three decades

    Prime Minister Modi will begin his tour with an official visit to Ghana on July 2 and 3- the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in 30 years.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit holds special significance as Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama recently assumed office after a decisive electoral victory. PM Modi and President Mahama, who share a history of engagement since the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015, will discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties.

    Key areas on the agenda include agriculture, defence cooperation, critical minerals, and a possible vaccine hub to serve West Africa. India’s capacity-building initiatives like the ITEC programme have long contributed to Ghana’s human resource development. Officials expect the two sides to sign MoUs in areas such as traditional medicine, standards and cultural exchange.

    Trinidad and Tobago: marking 180 years of Indian arrival

    From July 3 to 4, PM Modi will visit Trinidad and Tobago, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999. The visit coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian immigrants to the island nation, which hosts one of the largest Indian-origin communities in the Caribbean.

    In Port of Spain, PM Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with President Christine Carla Kangaloo, and Prime Minister Kamala Prasad Bisessar, both of whom are of Indian origin. Talks will cover cooperation in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, digital public infrastructure, agriculture, disaster resilience, education and culture.

    Highlighting the shared heritage, PM Modi will address a joint session of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora.

    Argentina visit: tapping new opportunities

    PM Modi’s next stop will be Argentina on July 4 and 5 – the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Argentina in nearly six decades.

    Officials said the visit is timely as Argentina pursues major economic reforms and offers new avenues for partnership. PM Modi will hold talks with President Javier Milei, focusing on boosting cooperation in defence manufacturing, digital technology, telemedicine, mining and renewable energy.

    Argentina’s vast reserves of lithium, copper and rare earths align with India’s push for secure and sustainable critical mineral supplies. India’s KABIL has already secured mining concessions in Argentina this year. Discussions will also cover food security, green energy, infrastructure, science and technology.

    Brazil: BRICS summit and bilateral talks

    PM Modi will then travel to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7. The theme for this year’s summit — “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance” — aligns with India’s foreign policy priorities.

    Leaders will deliberate on reforming global governance, peace and security, climate change and artificial intelligence. India expects key outcomes including a Leaders’ Declaration and frameworks for climate finance and socially determined diseases.

    On July 8, PM Modi will pay a state visit to Brasilia for bilateral talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. India and Brazil will review trade ties, currently valued at $12.2 billion, and aim to push the target to $20 billion. Cooperation in oil and gas, renewable energy, critical minerals, defence, agriculture, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure are expected to feature prominently.

    Namibia: energy, minerals, digital pay on radar

    PM Modi will conclude his tour with a landmark visit to Namibia on July 9- the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 27 years.

    India has long supported Namibia’s independence struggle and has maintained strong economic ties. Trade stands at around $600 million, with Indian investments of nearly $800 million, mostly in minerals like zinc and diamonds.

    During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and address Namibia’s Parliament. A key highlight will be a technology agreement enabling unified payment interoperability between the two countries — deepening fintech and digital cooperation.

    Namibia’s reserves of uranium, copper, cobalt and rare earths, and recent oil discoveries make it an attractive partner as India diversifies its energy and mineral supplies. The Cheetah translocation project from Namibia to India’s Kuno National Park remains a symbol of trust and collaboration.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa hosts 3rd G20 women’s empowerment working group meeting

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is hosting the 3rd Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) at Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Province.

    As part of its leadership role within the G20 EWWG, South Africa is spearheading efforts to promote women’s participation and representation in leadership, governance, and decision-making, while also advocating for increased ownership and control by women across economic and social sectors.

    The meeting, which takes place from 01 to 04 July 2025, brings together G20 member states, guest countries, civil society organisations, and technical experts to advance global dialogue and cooperation on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    The meeting will focus on “The Care Economy – Paid and Unpaid Care Work and Household Responsibilities.”

    “The topic aims to address long-standing disparities in the recognition and distribution of care work, which is essential to both household functioning and national economies yet remains undervalued and disproportionately carried by women and girls,” department spokesperson, Cassius Selala said.

    Over the four days, delegates will participate in strategic and evidence-based sessions, including presentations and discussions on the following: 
    •    Global care landscape, with a focus on recognising marginalised care relationships and exploring the potential of care work to create decent and inclusive employment.
    •    Cross country experience of implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting and National Care Policies: Opportunities and Challenges.
    •    Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
    •    Proposed action plan on financial inclusion of and for women.
    •    The G20 gender mainstreaming efforts on women’s economic empowerment globally.
    •    Gender equality as a cross-cutting issues across G20 Working Groups and Task Forces.

    High-level speakers will include DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga; representatives of the G20 Member States, including guest countries, and international organisations; academic and policy experts from University of Cape Town, United National Women, International Labour Organisation (ILO), World Health Organisation (WHO); delegates from civil society and G20 engagement groups, including Women 20 (W20) and Women Empower 20, amongst others.

    Selala said the outcomes of the meeting will contribute to the G20’s policy agenda on women’s economic empowerment, with a specific focus on recognising, reducing, and redistributing unpaid care work.

    “This engagement also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 and the G20’s ongoing commitment to the Brisbane Goal 25×25 [reduce the gender gap in labour force participation by 25 per cent by the year 2025],” Selala said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SAPS launches long awaited e-Recruitment drive

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday launched its much anticipated e-Recruitment drive on its official website for 5 500 aspiring police officers to join its ranks.

    For the first time in the history of the existence of the organisation, SAPS is utilising an Electronic Recruitment System, through which youth from all walks of life can submit their applications to be considered for entry level Police Trainee posts.

    The shift to a digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, curb corruption and nepotism, and prevent lost applications. It will also enhance fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improve the integrity and speed of the recruitment process.

    The nationwide recruitment drive began on Monday, 30 June 2025, with online applications closing on 18 July 2025. It targets young men and women aged 18 to 35 to join as police trainees for the 2025/26 financial year.

    Qualifying young men and women without criminal records and/or pending criminal cases are encouraged to apply by visiting www.saps.gov.za/careers then select the e-Recruitment portal from the drop down menu.

    SAPS will implement a targeted recruitment process to identify and consider applicants with specific skills and/or qualifications, such as graduates in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation and Information Technology, for placement in specialised environments such as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Detective and Forensic Services, as well as Crime Intelligence (CI).

    “To ensure that SAPS enlists disciplined, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals, dedicated to serving their country through policing, applicants will be subjected to a rigorous selection process, which entails: psychometric, integrity, physical fitness assessments and fingerprint/vetting screening, as well as medical evaluations,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. 

    Successful recruits will undergo a nine-month-long training at SAPS training academies nationwide and receive a monthly stipend of R4 500.

    “In the last three years, the SAPS Project 10 000, an initiative led by President Cyril Ramaphosa to bolster crime prevention efforts, has led to the recruitment and training of 30 393 young people, between the ages of 18 and 35, as fully-fledged police officers.

    “There are currently 5 500 young people in SAPS academies, who are training to become fully-fledged police officers. Some will graduate in August 2025, while the rest will graduate in December 2025,” the police said.

    The application process is free of charge, and no position within the SAPS is for sale. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official SAPS website portal. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Musk threatens to unseat Congressmen who vote for Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    U.S. billionaire Elon Musk renewed his criticism of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” on Monday, threatening that the lawmakers who support it risk losing their primaries next year.

    “Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!” he wrote on his social platform X.

    “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” he noted.

    In a separate post, Musk said he will support Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, whom Trump criticized for voting against the bill in the House.

    Trump vowed to campaign against Massie “really hard” in the GOP primary, promising “a wonderful American Patriot” would run against him.

    Musk has been attacking the bill on and off since stepping down from the Department of Government Efficiency in May.

    He warned that the legislation will hike the debt ceiling by 5 trillion U.S. dollars, “destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country.”

    The bill could also directly affect Musk’s electric carmaker, Tesla, by eliminating electric vehicle tax credits — up to 4,000 dollars for a used EV and 7,500 dollars for a new one.

    JPMorgan Chase estimates the move could cost Tesla 1.2 billion dollars.

    Musk broke his brief silence over the controversial spending bill on Saturday, calling it “utterly insane and destructive” as the package is working its way through the Senate.

    In response, Trump on Tuesday wrote on his social platform Truth Social that Musk knew he was “strongly against the EV Mandate” long before endorsing him for president.

    “It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign,” he said. “Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.”

    “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Leonardo sinks Man City to send Al Hilal into last eight at Club World Cup

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Starting players of Al Hilal pose for photos before the round of 16 match between Manchester City of England and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida, the United States, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Marcos Leonardo struck a dramatic extra-time winner as Al Hilal reached the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 win over Manchester City on Monday.

    City led early through Bernardo Silva before the Saudi Arabian side responded with goals from Leonardo and Malcom at Camping World Stadium.

    Erling Haaland brought City level in a frenetic second half, and the sides traded further goals in extra time through Kalidou Koulibaly and substitute Phil Foden.

    The result means Al Hilal will meet Brazil’s Fluminense at the same venue on Friday for a place in the last four, while Manchester City bows out after having progressed from the group stage with a perfect record.

    Silva put the Premier League club ahead in the ninth minute when he tapped in from close range, having pounced on a loose ball after Renan Lodi’s clearance ricocheted off Ilkay Gundogan.

    Yassine Bounou then made a series of saves to deny City a second goal.

    The Morocco international kept out dangerous attempts from Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan before blocking a powerful effort from Silva.

    The four-time Asian Champions League winners lacked fluency with the ball early, and on the rare occasion they ventured into the box, City’s defence was able to quickly defuse the danger.

    Al Hilal’s best chance of the opening half came when Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo headed over after Mohamed Kanno’s cross from the right.

    Al Hilal emerged from the break with newfound purpose. Leonardo put his side on level terms less than two minutes after the restart when he nodded in after City failed to deal with Joao Cancelo’s cross and the ball fell kindly for the former Benfica player.

    Malcom was causing problems for Manchester City’s defense and the former Barcelona winger released Cancelo with a marauding run down the right wing – only for the ex-City full-back to blast over from a tight angle.

    Malcom then broke free following a City corner, running almost half the length of the pitch before calmly slotting a low shot into the far corner to give his side the lead.

    The hectic pace continued, with City drawing level three minutes later through Haaland. The Norway international bundled home from inside the six-yard box after Al Hilal allowed the ball to spill loose from a corner.

    Al Hilal was dealt a major blow shortly after as Malcom was forced off with an injury, robbing the team of its most effective attacking outlet on the night.

    Undaunted, the Riyadh-based club continued to push forward in search of a third goal. Kanno had the chance to restore his team’s advantage in the 79th minute but failed to make clean contact with a header with only the goalkeeper to beat.

    Haaland was denied a late winner when his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Ali Lajami as the game was forced into extra time.

    Al Hilal made the breakthrough soon after as Koulibaly rose highest following Ruben Neves’ corner to send a superb header past Ederson.

    City equalized again 10 minutes later as Foden, a 104th-minute substitute for Rodri, latched onto Rayan Cherki’s diagonal pass with a lunging volley at the far post.

    But Al Hilal refused to yield and Leonardo prodded home the winning goal from point-blank range after Ederson had acrobatically palmed away Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Multi-stakeholder Round Table 2: Leveraging Private Business and Finance

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Conference holds its second multi-stakeholder round table this morning on “Leveraging private business and finance”.

    Co-Chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue of Pakistan, and Christopher MacLennan, Deputy Minister for International Development of Canada, it will feature a keynote address by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union Commission Chairperson.

    Antonio H. Pinheiro Silveira, Vice-President for the Private Sector, CAF, will moderate the discussion.

    Panellists will include:  Neal Rijkenberg Minister for Finance of Eswatini; Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, Minister for Finance and Development Planning of Lesotho; Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister for Finance and National Planning of Zambia; and Boris Titov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Relations with International Organizations for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, of the Russian Federation.

    Mary Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and Eric Pelofsky, Vice-President of the Rockefeller Foundation, will be the discussants.

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BOBC Auction Results – 30 June 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 9 July 2025.  The summarised results of the auction held on 30 June 2025, are attached below:

    BOBC Results 30 June 2025.pdf

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Pensana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Headline African Mining Week (AMW), Amidst Rollout of Angola’s Flagship Rare Earth Mine


    Download logo

    Tim George, CEO of UK mining firm Pensana will participate at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – as a speaker. George will contribute to a high-level panel discussion entitled Critical Minerals: Driving Renewable Development in Africa, highlighting the role of African energy transition metals such as lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earths in global decarbonization.

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

    George’s participation at AMW follows several significant milestones for Pensana, including a June 2025 Memorandum of Understanding with Japanese conglomerate Toyota Tsusho Corporation for the offtake of 20,000 tons of ultra-clean Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate over five years. The company also has an existing offtake agreement with Japanese trading house Hanwa, further reinforcing Longonjo’s global appeal. The project is expected to supply 5% of the world’s magnet metal rare earths used in wind turbines and electric vehicles, producing 20,000 tons per annum during phase one and up to 40,000 tons annually during phase two. AMW presents an opportunity for George to meet potential buyers and strategic partners to advance Longonjo’s impact on the global rare earths market.

    AMW will enable George to update market stakeholders on Longonjo’s latest financing, engineering and construction developments. Pensana has successfully secured substantial financing for the Longonjo project: $2 million from M&G Investment Management in May 2025; a $25 million facility from Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund; and a $268 million raise for phase one development, with support from institutions such as ABSA Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation. In May 2025, the company also began construction of the mine, with first production anticipated in late 2026. In April 2025, Pensana released an updated ore reserve and mine-life estimate, indicating Longonjo’s potential to hold 22 million tons of rare earths in reserves. The mine’s life is estimated at 20 years.

    Under theme, From extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW will host George and key African mining stakeholders, policymakers and global partners to discuss and maximize prospects within Africa’s mining value chain.

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Arab Coordination Group Champions Bold Financial Reform at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville

    At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (www.TheACG.org) convened a high-level roundtable and issued a joint communiqué reaffirming its commitment to transformative, equitable, and regionally anchored development finance.

    Marking 50 years of partnership and impact in 2025, the ACG also adopted a new Joint Action Plan (2025–2030) to align its efforts with key global milestones, including COP30 and the 2026 SDG Summit.

    FfD4 spotlighted a widening annual financing gap of over USD 4 trillion, escalating climate shocks, and worsening debt distress. In this context, the ACG called for urgent structural reform and long-term investment strategies designed to address the needs of fragile, conflict-affected, and climate-vulnerable nations.

    Bridging Regions Through South–South Cooperation

    The ACG also co-hosted a strategic roundtable, “Bridging Regions: Arab Coordination Group and Latin America and the Caribbean,” in collaboration with the OPEC Fund for International Development and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. The event brought together finance ministers, ACG leaders, CAF officials, and representatives from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration and the Caribbean Development Bank.

    Discussions underscored the growing power of South–South cooperation to drive shared development through knowledge exchange, policy alignment and joint investment. Key areas of focus included climate adaptation, energy transition, food security, infrastructure, and economic diversification.

    A Record Year of Impact

    The ACG’s vision for the future builds on significant momentum. In 2024, the Group disbursed US$19.6 billion across nearly 650 operations in over 90 countries, making it the world’s second-largest development finance group.

    These investments targeted core priorities: sustainable infrastructure, global trade, and solutions to systemic challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.

    Earlier this month, at its 20th Annual Meeting in Vienna, ACG leaders reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up support for sustainable development and for vulnerable communities worldwide.

    Shaping a More Inclusive Global Financial System

    The ACG’s joint communiqué outlines bold commitments: expanding climate-resilient investment, supporting fragile states, restoring degraded lands, unlocking private capital, promoting innovative financing and deepening South–South cooperation.

    As the ACG prepares to mark its 50th Anniversary in October 2025, it looks ahead with renewed resolve to close financing gaps, advance inclusive growth and deliver tangible solutions to global challenges.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

    About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
    The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. Comprising ten development funds, ACG is the second-largest group of development finance institutions in the world and works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact.

    The Group comprises the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Arab Coordination Group (ACG) Institutions Issue Joint Communique at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)

    Preamble

    We, the Heads of Arab Coordination Group (ACG) Institutions, convening in Seville during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), reaffirm our collective commitment to delivering agile, equitable, and forward-looking development finance solutions. As we celebrate 50 years of action, we draw strength from our legacy while looking ahead to make bold and transformative contributions to the global financing landscape.

    FfD4 convenes at a time of unprecedented and intersecting crises: widening development finance gaps, intensifying climate shocks, rising debt distress, persistent fragility, and an international financial system that remains inequitable and fragmented.

    While FfD4 has highlighted important challenges and ambitions, the path to meaningful reform remains uncertain—especially concerning climate finance, mainstreaming private capital, and recognizing the strategic role of ACG institutions.

    We Commit To:

    1. Strengthening ACG’s Role in Global Finance Architecture

    • Advocate for the institutionalized inclusion of ACG institutions as permanent stakeholders in global governance, financing mechanisms, policy forums, and debt platforms.
    • Ensure that regional priorities and realities are reflected in the follow-up and outcome reporting of FfD4.

    2. Scaling Up Climate-Resilient Development Finance

    • Expand collective financing for adaptation, resilient infrastructure, and cross-border climate initiatives in agriculture, water, energy, and transport.
    • Support new climate finance tools, including green Sukuk and blended adaptation facilities.

    3. Supporting Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

    • Enhance early recovery and reconstruction financing using area-based, community-led models that support stabilization and local institution-building.
    • Engage in innovative partnerships to provide financial protection and resilience tools for vulnerable populations.
    • Prioritize financing models which recognize that economic opportunity is central to long-term stability.

    4. Addressing land degradation

    • Leverage diverse financing instruments to support long-term projects focused on restoring degraded lands and preventing further land degradation, improving soil health, and preserving biodiversity

    5. Unlocking Private Capital and Enhancing Risk Sharing

    • Scale guarantees, blended finance structures, and PPPs to crowd in responsible private investment into SDG-critical sectors.
    • Launch co-investment platforms with regional sovereign wealth funds and international impact investors.

    6. Promoting Islamic Finance and Financial Innovation

    • Position Islamic finance as an inclusive development framework, with a focus on asset-backed solutions.
    • Integrate data-driven approaches, AI, and digital tools to enhance transparency, targeting, and results of monitoring in ACG-financed operations.

    7. Championing South–South Development Finance Cooperation

    • Strengthening cross-regional collaboration and knowledge sharing in climate resilience, food security, and digital inclusion.

    8. Coordinating Action and Increasing Strategic Visibility

    • Endorse an ACG 2025–2030 Joint Action Plan to align future operations with key FfD4 themes and upcoming global forums, including COP30 and the 2026 SDG Summit.

    We Call Upon:

    • Multilateral institutions to partner with ACG institutions as co-architects—not just implementers – of a more inclusive financial architecture that reflects the voices, needs, and innovations of the Global South.
    • The international community transforms the aspirations of FfD4 into actionable outcomes that embed regional leadership and systemic reform.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

    About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
    The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. Comprising ten development funds, ACG is the second-largest group of development finance institutions in the world and works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact.

    The Group comprises the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Advisor to Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatar in Contact with All Parties to Reach a Broader Nuclear Agreement with Iran

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 30 (QNA) – Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari has affirmed that the State of Qatar is deeply involved in efforts to reach an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, especially after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran and the end of the escalation witnessed in the region.

    He said that there are currently no talks on a ceasefire in Gaza.

    During the weekly media briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Ansari said Qatari interest, as well as that of various countries around the world, is now directed towards reaching a broader, more comprehensive nuclear agreement between Iran and the United States of America, noting that Qatari contacts are ongoing daily between various parties in this regard.

    He added there are no talks about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, but the State of Qatar, along with its mediation partners, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States, continue to communicate with various parties to reach a formula that will enable us to return to negotiations.

    The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza in light of the current Israeli escalation, saying, it has become very difficult for us, as an international community, to accept that this crisis continues for nearly two years, and that these human losses remain insignificant figures in the media.

    He said that more than 500 martyrs have fallen so far as a result of standing in lines waiting for aid, noting that there are very disturbing reports published in the Israeli press, speaking of orders issued to Israeli soldiers to open fire against unarmed individuals who were standing regularly waiting to receive humanitarian aid.

    He emphasized that this catastrophe has exceeded all possible limits from a humanitarian standpoint, emphasizing that it is unacceptable to continue linking the humanitarian aspect with the security aspect in this context.

    He noted that the state is continuing its contacts with various parties with the aim of reaching a new mechanism, which is difficult to comment on at this time.

    He stressed that this process is constructive and ongoing, and is subject to formulas that are being developed based on developments on the ground.

    In a related context, Al Ansari explained that the State of Qatar sees positive American positions to push for a return to negotiations on Gaza, saying in this regard the US administration has brought us to the longest ceasefire during this war.

    We also saw how the US administration led to a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and obligated both parties to abide by it.

    Today, we see renewed, positive language coming from the United States to reach an agreement, and therefore we are very optimistic about this language.

    We believe that there are very clear American intentions regarding a final resolution to this crisis.

    However, there are complications on the ground that are evident to everyone, he added.

    He emphasized that the State of Qatar will continue to pressure, through its partners and relations in the international community, to separate negotiations from the entry of humanitarian aid, saying there is nothing preventing the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip except Israeli intransigence, and therefore the Israeli position today cannot be accepted. 

    Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari pointed out that the entire world sends humanitarian aid, but it does not enter the Gaza Strip.

    Qatar’s humanitarian aid, like international aid, is only a few meters away from reaching those in need, as it is in the Egyptian city of El Arish.

    He called on the international community to compel Israel to open all crossings and allow aid into the Strip without any restrictions or conditions.

    Al Ansari said the system of international agencies and institutions is present on the borders of the Gaza Strip, and it was clearly functioning and did not lead to the humanitarian tragedy we see today in the delivery of aid.

    This system can achieve its goals and is ready to be implemented immediately once the Israeli side allows it, he said.

    He reiterated that there is no specific timeframe for announcing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, especially since the ongoing discussions have not yet got to the level they reached previously, and the accumulated language does not indicate the possibility of reaching an agreement now.

    Al Ansari noted that the Iranian president offered an official apology to the State of Qatar, its leadership and people, during a phone call he held with HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, noting that the main guarantee against a return to such escalation lies in ensuring that there is no escalation in the region.

    He further said that the State of Qatar is working directly towards finding a way to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and then reach a general agreement in the region that ensures the absence of any threat from any party there.

    He said that the irresponsible Israeli position of continuing the escalation in this manner will result in unforeseen challenges, and the region today is not far from escalation, even if a ceasefire is the main theme at this time.

    He called on all parties in the region to engage in positive action to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire and de-escalation.

    The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s appreciation for the 49th Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Doha one day after the Iranian attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, which clearly affirmed the condemnation of this attack, GCC solidarity in this regard, and the GCC position in support of diplomatic efforts.

    He noted that the statement issued at the meeting welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the Qatari role in this regard, adding that there is a clear regional position on the need to de-escalate the situation in the region.

    Al Ansari also addressed the calls received by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani from Their Excellencies the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of several brotherly and friendly countries, during which they expressed their great solidarity with the State of Qatar and their condemnation of the Iranian attack on Al-Udeid Air Base.

    He expressed Qatar’s high appreciation for this great international solidarity with Qatar.

    Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari noted that HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs will be in the Republic of Ireland tomorrow, Tuesday, to receive the Tipperary Peace Award, a prestigious global honor in this field.

    The award is presented annually in recognition of humanitarian efforts and activities aimed at building peace globally.

    He explained that this award, presented by the Tipperary Peace Convention, aims to honor individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the fields of peace, justice, and human rights around the world.

    He highlighted that this recognition reflects the significant role played by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in various mediations, and also underscores the important position enjoyed by the State of Qatar in global peacemaking.

    Al Ansari noted that this award represents an opportunity to affirm Qatar’s commitment to its role not only as a peacemaker, but also as an engineer of global peace, saying that this is what Qatar is currently doing, whether through contacts regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, or between the Congo and Rwanda, or various regional and international issues.

    He pointed out that Qatar participated in the World Humanitarian Forum, held in London on June 26, where HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad represented Qatar at the meeting.

    In her speech during the meeting, Her Excellency emphasized the importance of adhering to a principled and consistent approach to humanitarian work, especially in light of escalating global crises and challenges.

    Her Excellency also stressed that adherence to international humanitarian law and relevant agreements is not an option, but rather a legal and moral obligation to ensure the protection of civilians and the preservation of human dignity. She affirmed that the State of Qatar is committed to making every effective effort to promote dialogue and strive to achieve stability.

    Al Ansari noted that on the sidelines of the meeting, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation met with a number of figures, including CEO of the World Humanitarian Forum, HE Lord of Wimbledon, former Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia and United Nations at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Tariq Ahmad, and member of the Advisory Board of the World Humanitarian Forum Richard Hawkes.

    He noted that the State of Qatar participated in the signing ceremony of the peace agreement between the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which took place on June 27 and 28 in Washington, D.C., facilitated by the United States.

    HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi represented the State of Qatar at the signing ceremony.

    His Excellency expressed Qatar’s welcome of the conclusion of this agreement and commended the sincere will and genuine commitment shown by both parties to peaceful and diplomatic solutions.

    He added that His Excellency also expressed Qatar’s pride in contributing positively to facilitating the achievement of this agreement through hosting several negotiation sessions between the two parties, as a result of Doha’s hosting of the trilateral meeting between HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani; HE President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame and HE President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Tshisekedi in March 2025, which constituted a significant milestone for direct dialogue and confidence-building between the two sides.

    His Excellency also commended the constructive role played by the United States of America in completing these efforts and reaching the Agreement.

    Al Ansari added that HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met in Washington, with HE Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States of America, Allison Hooker, and with HE Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch, along with a number of Senators. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump demands an end to the war in Gaza – could a ceasefire be close?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marika Sosnowski, Postdoctoral research fellow, The University of Melbourne

    Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock

    Hopes are rising that Israel and Hamas could be inching closer to a ceasefire in the 20-month war in Gaza.

    US President Donald Trump is urging progress, taking to social media to demand:

    MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!

    Trump further raised expectations, saying there could be an agreement between Israel and Hamas “within the next week”.

    But what are the prospects for a genuine, lasting ceasefire in Gaza?

    Ceasefires are generally complicated to negotiate because they need to take into account competing demands and pressures. They usually (but not always) require both sides to compromise.

    Gaza is no exception. In a conflict that has been going on for more than 70 years, compromise and concession have become a game of cat and mouse.

    Israel is the cat that holds the military strength and the majority of the political power. Hamas is the mouse that can dart and delay, but in the end has little choice but to accept the terms of a ceasefire if it wants to halt the violence currently being inflicted on Palestinians.

    Trump the peacemaker?

    Trump appears buoyed by what he perceives as the recent success of his efforts to broker a truce in the Israel–Iran war. He may think he can use similar tactics to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into making a ceasefire deal for Gaza.

    US President Donald Trump has posted on social media that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is negotiating a deal with Hamas ‘right now’.
    noamgalai/Shutterstock

    Netanyahu will return to Washington next week for talks at the White House. This is a good sign some US pressure is being brought to bear.

    Trump’s current push for a Gaza ceasefire may also signal he is keen for a return to the normalisation of economic ties previously delivered by the Abraham Accords between Israel and various Arab states. A ceasefire could unlock frozen regional relationships, potentially boosting the US economy (and Trump’s own personal wealth).

    Israeli opportunities

    Another positive sign a ceasefire may be on the cards is Netanyahu’s recent comments that the war with Iran had created opportunities for Israel in Gaza.

    During its 12-day war with Iran, Israel assassinated 30 Iranian security chiefs and 11 nuclear scientists. Iran’s weakened security apparatus might disrupt its support for Hamas and help advance Israeli objectives.

    Similar to what happened in Iran, this might enable Netanyahu to publicly declare Israeli victory in Gaza and agree to a ceasefire without losing face or political backing from his government’s right wing.

    Domestic Israeli politics have also played a role in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. As part of the current round, Trump reportedly demanded the cancellation of Netanyahu’s ongoing trial on corruption charges. The idea is to enable Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire without the threat of criminal conviction, and potentially prison, awaiting him afterwards.

    Given there are no political or legal prescriptions or rules around what terms need to be included in a ceasefire, it is possible for such a demand to be made, although it is unclear how it would be accommodated by Israeli law.

    Difficult terms

    The current ceasefire deal, as proposed by Qatar and Egypt, seems to pick up where the deal negotiated in January fell apart – with a 60-day ceasefire.

    Reports suggest it requires Hamas’ leadership to go into exile and that four Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, would be tasked with jointly governing Gaza.

    Hamas has said for many months that it is open to a
    more permanent ceasefire deal that Israel has so far refused. However, the proposed terms appear too far-reaching to make it likely Hamas would accept them in their current form.

    The uptick in Israel’s military bombardment, as well as recent evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza, suggest that even if there is a deal it may well mean Israel retains permanent territorial control of the northern Gaza Strip.

    As part of any ceasefire, it also seems likely Israel would retain control over all Gaza crossings.

    This, and the ongoing highly problematic promotion by Israel and the United States of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as the only organisation authorised to deliver and administer aid in Gaza, will be difficult for Hamas, and Palestinians, to accept.

    Displaced Palestinians carrying bags of flour distributed by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
    Haitham Imad/Shutterstock

    There have also been reports a deal would enable Gazans wishing to emigrate to be absorbed by several as-yet-unnamed countries. Such a term would continue the Trump administration’s earlier calls for the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, as well as Israel’s insistence such displacement would be a humanitarian initiative rather than a war crime.

    It would also not be the first time the terms of a ceasefire were used to forcibly displace civilian populations.

    Hope for the future?

    Many dynamics are wrapped up in getting to a ceasefire in Gaza.

    They include US allyship and pressure, domestic Israeli politics, and the recent war between Israel and Iran. There is also the international opprobrium of Israel’s actions in Gaza which, for public (if not legal) purposes, amount to a genocide.

    Ideally, any negotiated ceasefire would have detailed terms to ensure the parties know what they should do and when. Detailed terms would also enable international actors and other third parties to denounce any violations of the deal.

    However, a ceasefire would only ever be a short-term win. In the best case, it would enable a reduction in violence and an increase of aid into Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

    However, amid the deep-seated sense of injustice and anxiety in the region, any ceasefire that does not address historic oppression and is forced on the parties would inevitably have deleterious consequences in the months and years to come.

    Marika Sosnowski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump demands an end to the war in Gaza – could a ceasefire be close? – https://theconversation.com/trump-demands-an-end-to-the-war-in-gaza-could-a-ceasefire-be-close-260185

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Trump suggests DOGE look at Musk’s companies to save money

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that his efficiency department should take a look at the subsidies that Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s companies have received in order to save the federal government “BIG” money.

    Trump’s comments come after billionaire Elon Musk renewed his criticism on Monday of Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill, vowing to unseat lawmakers who backed it after campaigning on limiting government spending.

    “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

    In response to Trump’s post, Musk, in his own social media platform X, said “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now.”

    After weeks of relative silence following a feud with Trump over the legislation, Musk rejoined the debate on Saturday as the Senate took up the package, calling it “utterly insane and destructive” in a post on social media platform X.

    On Monday, he ramped up his criticism, saying lawmakers who had campaigned on cutting spending but backed the bill “should hang their heads in shame!”

    “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” Musk said.

    The Tesla and SpaceX CEO called again for a new political party, saying the bill’s massive spending indicated “that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!”

    “Time for a new political party that actually cares about the people,” he wrote.

    Musk’s criticism of the bill has caused a rift in his relationship with Trump, marking a dramatic shift after the tech billionaire spent nearly $300 million on Trump’s re-election campaign and led the administration’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal cost-cutting initiative.

    Musk, the world’s richest man, has argued that the legislation would greatly increase the national debt and erase the savings he says he has achieved through DOGE.

    It remains unclear how much sway Musk has over Congress or what effect his opinions might have on the bill’s passage. But Republicans have expressed concern that his on-again, off-again feud with Trump could hurt their chances to protect their majority in the 2026 midterm congressional elections.

    The rift has also led to volatility for Tesla, with shares of the company seeing wild price swings that erased approximately $150 billion of its market value, though it has since recovered.

    – Reuters

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m going to send letters’: the deadline for Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ trade tariffs is looming

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide

    Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

    US President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on implementing so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on some 180 trading partners ends on July 8.

    How are countries responding to the threat, and will the tariffs be re-applied from July 9?

    What the US thinks ‘reciprocal’ means

    The United States is demanding four things from all trading partners, while offering little in return. So these negotiations are anything but “reciprocal”.

    The main demand is to rebalance bilateral goods trade between the US and other countries. Nations with trade surpluses – meaning they export a greater value of goods than they import from the US – will be encouraged to import more from the US and/or export less to it.

    The US is also pushing countries to eliminate a range of “non-tariff barriers” that may affect US export competitiveness. These barriers are drawn from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) March 2025 report and include a variety of perceived “unfair” practices, from value-added taxes (such as the Goods and Services Tax) to biosecurity standards such as those Australia applies to agricultural imports.

    In a nod to the “tech bros”, (alleged) restrictions on digital trade services, such as Australia’s media bargaining code, and digital service taxes must be removed, along with taxes on the tech giants. On Monday, Canada dropped a new digital service tax on firms such as Google and Meta after Trump suspended trade talks.

    Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla CEO Elon Musk at President Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
    Saul Loeb/Pool/AFP via Getty Image

    Countries must also agree to reduce reliance on inputs from China in any exports to the United States. That means companies that moved manufacturing from China to countries such as Vietnam during President Trump’s first term trade wars will face challenges in sourcing input components from China.

    Put together, this is a difficult package for any government to accept without securing something in return.

    Who holds the cards?

    Trump has been fond of saying the United States holds “all the cards” in trade negotiations.

    It’s not known precisely how many countries are negotiating bilateral deals with Washington. Between 10 and 18 countries are priority “targets”, or to use an early, colourful phrase, were targeted as the “Dirty 15”.

    Category 1 likely comprises many more countries than those in the US’s naughty corner. These countries were saddled with large reciprocal tariffs despite the tariff formula’s evident shortcomings. To paraphrase Trump, these countries don’t hold the cards and have limited negotiating power.

    They have no choice but to make concessions. The smarter ones will take the opportunity to make reforms and blame the bully in Washington. Mostly these are developing countries, some with high dependency on the US market, including the poorest such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Lesotho.

    To make matters worse, they must keep one eye on China for fear of retribution in case Beijing perceives any promises to reduce dependence on Chinese inputs would compromise Chinese interests.

    Category 2 consists of countries that “hold cards”, or have some degree of leverage. Some, such as Canada, Japan, India and the EU, will secure limited US concessions although they may resort to retaliation to force this outcome. From discussions with our government and academic sources, Japan and India likely won’t retaliate, but Canada has previously and the EU likely will.

    Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese initially said he would not negotiate and has repeated US reciprocal tariffs “are not the act of a friend”.

    However, the Australian government is wisely looking to bolster its negotiation cards, such as creating a critical minerals strategic reserve.



    Read more:
    Plans to stockpile critical minerals will help Australia weather global uncertainty – and encourage smaller miners

    No doubt policy makers are also reminding the US of their favourable access to Australia’s military infrastructure which could be essential to any US-China military confrontation.

    China is category 3.

    The Chinese government is determined not to kowtow to Washington as they did in Trump’s first term. The so-called “Phase 1 deal” was signed but instantly forgotten in Beijing.

    Beijing has several cards, notably dominance of processed critical minerals and their derivative products, particularly magnets, and the US’s lack of short-term alternative supply options.

    After China expanded export controls on rare earths and critical minerals, shortages hit the auto industry around the world and Ford was forced to idle plants.

    What happens next?

    Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, suggested on Friday more deals may be signed before July 8. But Trump is likely to undermine and/or negate them as his transactional whims change.

    The British, after announcing their US deal that included relatively favourable automotive and steel export market access, watched in horror as Trump doubled tariffs on steel imports to 50%, and reimposed the 25% tariff on the UK.

    The UK government was reminded this US administration cannot be trusted. That is why countries negotiate binding trade treaties governed by domestic and international laws.

    Many countries are waiting on the outcomes from various US court battles testing whether the president or Congress should have the power to impose unilateral tariffs. After all, if there is a chance the Supreme Court rules Trump cannot change tariffs by decree, then why negotiate with a serially untrustworthy partner?

    The Japanese government, for example, recently announced it is pausing negotiations after the US demanded increased defence spending.

    ‘I’m going to send letters’

    Trump on Sunday suggested he would simply send letters to foreign nations setting a tariff rate. “I’m going to send letters, that’s the end of the trade deal,” he said.

    That does not bode well for countries negotiating in good faith. It’s likely tariffs will be reimposed and bilateral negotiations will drag on to September or beyond as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.

    After all, even the US government has limited bandwidth to process so many simultaneous negotiations. Category 2 trading partners will increasingly test their own political limits. And the rest of the world is hoping for a favourable Supreme Court ruling that may, like the character Godot in the play Waiting for Godot, never come.

    Nathan Gray receives funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Kumuthini Sivathas and Peter Draper do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘I’m going to send letters’: the deadline for Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ trade tariffs is looming – https://theconversation.com/im-going-to-send-letters-the-deadline-for-trumps-reciprocal-trade-tariffs-is-looming-259983

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘I’m going to send letters’: the deadline for Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ trade tariffs is looming

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Draper, Professor, and Executive Director: Institute for International Trade, and Director of the Jean Monnet Centre of Trade and Environment, University of Adelaide

    Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

    US President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on implementing so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on some 180 trading partners ends on July 8.

    How are countries responding to the threat, and will the tariffs be re-applied from July 9?

    What the US thinks ‘reciprocal’ means

    The United States is demanding four things from all trading partners, while offering little in return. So these negotiations are anything but “reciprocal”.

    The main demand is to rebalance bilateral goods trade between the US and other countries. Nations with trade surpluses – meaning they export a greater value of goods than they import from the US – will be encouraged to import more from the US and/or export less to it.

    The US is also pushing countries to eliminate a range of “non-tariff barriers” that may affect US export competitiveness. These barriers are drawn from the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) March 2025 report and include a variety of perceived “unfair” practices, from value-added taxes (such as the Goods and Services Tax) to biosecurity standards such as those Australia applies to agricultural imports.

    In a nod to the “tech bros”, (alleged) restrictions on digital trade services, such as Australia’s media bargaining code, and digital service taxes must be removed, along with taxes on the tech giants. On Monday, Canada dropped a new digital service tax on firms such as Google and Meta after Trump suspended trade talks.

    Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla CEO Elon Musk at President Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
    Saul Loeb/Pool/AFP via Getty Image

    Countries must also agree to reduce reliance on inputs from China in any exports to the United States. That means companies that moved manufacturing from China to countries such as Vietnam during President Trump’s first term trade wars will face challenges in sourcing input components from China.

    Put together, this is a difficult package for any government to accept without securing something in return.

    Who holds the cards?

    Trump has been fond of saying the United States holds “all the cards” in trade negotiations.

    It’s not known precisely how many countries are negotiating bilateral deals with Washington. Between 10 and 18 countries are priority “targets”, or to use an early, colourful phrase, were targeted as the “Dirty 15”.

    Category 1 likely comprises many more countries than those in the US’s naughty corner. These countries were saddled with large reciprocal tariffs despite the tariff formula’s evident shortcomings. To paraphrase Trump, these countries don’t hold the cards and have limited negotiating power.

    They have no choice but to make concessions. The smarter ones will take the opportunity to make reforms and blame the bully in Washington. Mostly these are developing countries, some with high dependency on the US market, including the poorest such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Lesotho.

    To make matters worse, they must keep one eye on China for fear of retribution in case Beijing perceives any promises to reduce dependence on Chinese inputs would compromise Chinese interests.

    Category 2 consists of countries that “hold cards”, or have some degree of leverage. Some, such as Canada, Japan, India and the EU, will secure limited US concessions although they may resort to retaliation to force this outcome. From discussions with our government and academic sources, Japan and India likely won’t retaliate, but Canada has previously and the EU likely will.

    Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese initially said he would not negotiate and has repeated US reciprocal tariffs “are not the act of a friend”.

    However, the Australian government is wisely looking to bolster its negotiation cards, such as creating a critical minerals strategic reserve.



    Read more:
    Plans to stockpile critical minerals will help Australia weather global uncertainty – and encourage smaller miners

    No doubt policy makers are also reminding the US of their favourable access to Australia’s military infrastructure which could be essential to any US-China military confrontation.

    China is category 3.

    The Chinese government is determined not to kowtow to Washington as they did in Trump’s first term. The so-called “Phase 1 deal” was signed but instantly forgotten in Beijing.

    Beijing has several cards, notably dominance of processed critical minerals and their derivative products, particularly magnets, and the US’s lack of short-term alternative supply options.

    After China expanded export controls on rare earths and critical minerals, shortages hit the auto industry around the world and Ford was forced to idle plants.

    What happens next?

    Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, suggested on Friday more deals may be signed before July 8. But Trump is likely to undermine and/or negate them as his transactional whims change.

    The British, after announcing their US deal that included relatively favourable automotive and steel export market access, watched in horror as Trump doubled tariffs on steel imports to 50%, and reimposed the 25% tariff on the UK.

    The UK government was reminded this US administration cannot be trusted. That is why countries negotiate binding trade treaties governed by domestic and international laws.

    Many countries are waiting on the outcomes from various US court battles testing whether the president or Congress should have the power to impose unilateral tariffs. After all, if there is a chance the Supreme Court rules Trump cannot change tariffs by decree, then why negotiate with a serially untrustworthy partner?

    The Japanese government, for example, recently announced it is pausing negotiations after the US demanded increased defence spending.

    ‘I’m going to send letters’

    Trump on Sunday suggested he would simply send letters to foreign nations setting a tariff rate. “I’m going to send letters, that’s the end of the trade deal,” he said.

    That does not bode well for countries negotiating in good faith. It’s likely tariffs will be reimposed and bilateral negotiations will drag on to September or beyond as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said.

    After all, even the US government has limited bandwidth to process so many simultaneous negotiations. Category 2 trading partners will increasingly test their own political limits. And the rest of the world is hoping for a favourable Supreme Court ruling that may, like the character Godot in the play Waiting for Godot, never come.

    Nathan Gray receives funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Kumuthini Sivathas and Peter Draper do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. ‘I’m going to send letters’: the deadline for Trump’s ‘reciprocal’ trade tariffs is looming – https://theconversation.com/im-going-to-send-letters-the-deadline-for-trumps-reciprocal-trade-tariffs-is-looming-259983

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Swiss Official

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Seville, June 30, 2025

    HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Monday with HE Vice-Minister for International Cooperation and Director General of the Swiss Development Cooperation Agency (SDC) Patricia Danzi, on the sidelines of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), held in Seville, Kingdom of Spain.

    The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the State of Qatar and the Swiss Confederation and ways to support and enhance them, particularly in the areas of international development and humanitarian aid.

    In this regard, the two sides stressed the importance of integrating roles and coordinating efforts to enhance sustainable humanitarian responses in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Syria and Afghanistan.

    Regional and international developments, along with a number of topics of common interest, were also discussed.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: ZetaDisplay and ENRA Technologies Partner to Drive Digital Signage Innovation in South Africa

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Leading European digital signage provider ZetaDisplay has announced an exciting new partnership with ENRA Technologies, a rapidly growing South African IT and AV solutions company, to accelerate the adoption of digital signage across South Africa and the wider African and Middle Eastern markets.

    This strategic collaboration will leverage ZetaDisplay’s proprietary Engage Suite, an advanced digital signage software platform, to offer a full-service digital signage solution to businesses in retail, manufacturing, finance, and insurance. Together, ENRA and ZetaDisplay will combine their expertise to create innovative, data-driven digital experiences that enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.

    Raees Mukuddem, CEO and Founder of ENRA Technologies says:

    “The digital signage market in South Africa is still in its infancy, but we’ve recognised its immense potential. By partnering with ZetaDisplay, an internationally recognised leader in this space, we are bringing best-in-class full-service solutions to the market. We believe in success through collaboration—what we call ‘evoking Ubuntu’—and we’re excited to work alongside ZetaDisplay to transform the industry.”

    ENRA Technologies, founded in 2008, has grown from humble beginnings into a powerhouse delivering IT-managed services, integrated AV, security, and electronics across Africa and the Middle East. With a commitment to service excellence, the company has built strong, long-term relationships with major clients such as Woolworths, University of the Western Cape, Western Cape Government as well as other Public and Private sector Enterprises.

    A Level One Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) company, ENRA is deeply committed to driving economic transformation in South Africa and has been recognised as a three-time Impumelelo Award winner for business excellence.

    Ola Sæverås, Chief Business Officer at ZetaDisplay comments:

    “ENRA is the perfect partner for expanding into the South African market. They are incredibly well-established, working with leading brands and enterprise clients across the region. Their deep local expertise, combined with our innovative Engage Suite CMS platform, will allow us to create powerful digital signage solutions tailored to regional business needs.”

    The partnership is already making waves, with ENRA actively pursuing major digital signage rollouts with a leading South African retail chain with over 750 stores and one of the country’s top universities.

    At the heart of this collaboration is ZetaDisplay’s Engage Suite, a next-generation CMS designed for omnichannel content management, real-time data analytics and programmatic advertising integration. The platform will empower South African businesses to create seamless, automated and highly targeted digital signage campaigns.

    This partnership signals a new era for digital signage in South Africa, bringing together European innovation and African expertise to create engaging, effective, and future-proof digital solutions.

    For further information please contact:

    Ola Sæverås
    Chief Business Officer – ZetaDisplay Group
    Phone: +47 41 678 234
    Email: ola@zetadisplay.com  

    Raees Mukuddem 
    CEO / Founder – ENRA technologies South Africa
    Tel: +27 72 786 1856
    Email: raees@enra.co.za

    ABOUT ENRA Technologies

    Founded in 2008 ENRA Technologies CC (“ENRA”) is a B-BBEE Level 1, South African ICT organisation headquartered in Cape Town with a satellite office in Johannesburg servicing clients throughout the country and the wider African continent.
    ENRA’s core business is turnkey solutions design, implementation and maintenance of IT, Audio Visual and Security systems for government and private sector entities.
    ENRA is deeply committed to driving economic transformation in South Africa and has been recognised as a three-time Impumelelo Award winner for business excellence.
    More information at: www.enra.co.za/

    ABOUT ZETADISPLAY

    ZetaDisplay was founded 2003 in Sweden as one of the early pioneers of digital signage software and solutions. Today ZetaDisplay is of the leading European corporations in the digital signage market and a leading force in the European and global digital signage industry.

    Our proprietary software platform, digital business development and consulting services, innovative digital signage solutions, and creative concepts regularly inspire- influence and guide millions of people every day in retail environments, in restaurants, on advertising screens, in factories, on trains, on cruise ships, in stadiums, in workplaces and in all types of public spaces indoor and outdoor. ZetaDisplay is one of the largest leading European digital signage companies with direct operations in eight European countries and the US with +125,000 active installations in over 50 countries, across all major continents where we are the business partner of choice for many of the worlds most respected blue-chip brands and companies.

    ZetaDisplay is based in Malmö-Sweden, has a turnover of SEK +600 million and employs approx. 250 co-workers. ZetaDisplay is owned by the investment company Hanover Investors.

    More information about ZetaDisplay can be found on the group global website www.zetadisplay.com or for Investor relations at www.ir.zetadisplay.com  or for owner information at www.hanoverinvestors.com.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa Group appoints Kevin Markette as Senior Director – Regional Sales South Asia

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Markette as Senior Director – Regional Sales South Asia. Based in New Delhi, Kevin will oversee all commercial activities across the South Asia region, including the strategically important Indian market.

    A seasoned aviation executive, Kevin brings over 20 years of leadership experience within Lufthansa Group, having successfully managed commercial, customer, and operational teams across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Raised in Spain and South Africa and trained as a Commercial Pilot, Kevin offers a truly global perspective and strong intercultural fluency.

    Kevin began his career with Lufthansa in South Africa in 2000, eventually managing Pricing, Reservations, and Ticketing for Southern Africa. In 2008, he moved to Dubai to lead Marketing and Business Development for the Gulf States, and later became Country Manager for Ghana, where he was responsible for Lufthansa’s operations in Accra.

    From 2016 to 2020, Kevin served as Head of Sales for the Southeast USA, based in Atlanta, overseeing six major gateways operated by four Lufthansa Group airlines. He was subsequently promoted to Head of Customer Relations for the Americas, based in New York, where he managed service recovery, customer feedback strategy, and commercial insights across North and South America until the end of 2022.

    Since 2022, Kevin has been based in Nairobi as General Manager for East Africa, leading the Group’s commercial strategy and partnerships across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. In this role, he spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, supported Brussels Airlines’ regional expansion, and championed sustainability efforts.

    According to Lufthansa Group Vice President Asia Pacific and Joint Ventures East, Felipe Bonifatti:

    “With over two decades at Lufthansa Group, Kevin brings extensive international experience to the Asia Pacific region. His sharp commercial insight and passion for our industry make him an invaluable addition. I am delighted to welcome him to Delhi, where he will lead all commercial activities for the Lufthansa Group in this strategically important market.”

    Kevin is passionate about building high-performing, cross-cultural teams and cultivating long-term partnerships with customers and stakeholders. Outside of work, he and his wife Jolene enjoy traveling, culinary adventures, and spending time outdoors.

    About Lufthansa Group

    The Lufthansa Group is an aviation group with operations worldwide. With 100,000+ employees from 164 nations worldwide, Lufthansa Group generated revenue of €37.6bn in the financial year 2024. Our largest business segment is Passenger Airlines while other key business segments include Logistics and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Other companies and Group functions such as IT companies and Lufthansa Aviation Training form complementary components of the Group. All airlines and business segments play leading roles in their respective markets.

     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Alcaraz survives Wimbledon scare, Sabalenka serene, but others feel the heat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz survived Wimbledon’s hottest-ever opening day although the Spaniard was far from his sizzling best as he began his quest for a hat-trick of titles with a scare against Fabio Fognini at the All England Club on Monday.

    With air temperatures soaring to 32 degrees Celsius, Alcaraz needed more than four hours to subdue veteran Fognini, winning 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 – the last set interrupted after a spectator became unwell in the heat and required assistance.

    Women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka, bidding to win Wimbledon for the first time, had no trouble as she dispatched Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1 7-5 but last year’s runner-up, fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, was pushed hard by Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova in a 2-6 6-3 6-2 win.

    While five-times Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who won the Queen’s Club title in the build-up, lives to fight another day, several high-profile players departed the men’s draw.

    No arena at Wimbledon gets as hot as bowl-like Court Two and the conditions were clearly not to the liking of ex-world number one Daniil Medvedev as the ninth seed saw his hopes scorched by Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, who won 7-6(2) 3-6 7-6(3) 6-2.

    Eighth seed Holger Rune of Denmark, yet to really make his mark at a Grand Slam, won the opening two sets against Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry but succumbed 4-6 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4.

    Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, twice a Grand Slam runner-up was left despondent after retiring with a back injury having fallen two sets behind against French qualifier Valentin Royer.

    American fifth seed Taylor Fritz looked to be on his way out before battling back to force a fifth set against big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard before their match was suspended with the Grand Slam’s 11 p.m. curfew looming.

    German third seed Alexander Zverev summoned up similar fighting spirit to draw level at one set apiece with Arthur Rinderknech in another match scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

    WINNING STREAK

    Only two defending men’s champions had ever lost in the first round at Wimbledon, but there were moments when Alcaraz looked in danger of joining compatriot Manuel Santana on that short list as Fognini rolled back the years.

    Alcaraz arrived at Wimbledon on an 18-match winning streak, which included a spellbinding French Open final win over Jannik Sinner. But the spark was missing on Monday in front of a Centre Court crowd that included David Beckham.

    Heat is second nature to Alcaraz, but it was Fognini who flourished in the sun and when he broke serve twice to level the match at two sets apiece a massive shock looked possible.

    But Alcaraz, regularly using an ice towel to cool down, found an extra gear in the decider and even charmed the crowd by offering his water bottle to the distressed fan.

    He then led the warm applause for former top-10 player Fognini, for whom this was his final Wimbledon.

    “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon because the level he has shown, you know, he can still play three or four more years. It’s unbelievable,” Alcaraz said of Fognini.

    Next up for Alcaraz is British qualifier Oliver Tarvet who marked his Grand Slam main draw debut with a superb 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat of fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi of Switzerland.

    Tarvet is one of 23 British players in the singles draw, the most since 1984. The home charge was led Sonay Kartal who upset 20th seed and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 7-5 2-6 6-2. She was joined in round two by British number one Emma Raducanu who comfortably passed a tricky test against Mingge Xu, one of three British teenaged wild cards to play on Monday.

    When Katie Boulter later knocked out Spanish ninth seed Paula Badosa 6-2 3-6 6-4 on Centre Court, seven British players had enjoyed victories, the most in a single day for the home nation in the professional era.

    Home hope Jacob Fearnley could not follow suit though as he was outshone 6-4 6-1 7-6(5) by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, who showed why he is creating such a stir with carnival tennis on a steamy Court One.

    TOUGH WORKOUT

    World number one Sabalenka won the opening five games against part-time model Branstine but was given a far tougher workout after that as she moved into round two.

    The 27-year-old from Minsk missed last year’s event because of a shoulder injury and arrived this time with a point to prove after losing in the Australian and French Open finals this year.

    Several other women’s contenders sparkled in the sunshine, none more than 13th seeded American Amanda Anisimova who served up a dreaded ‘double-bagel’ 6-0 6-0 defeat to Yulia Putintseva.

    Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina beat Anna Boindar in straight sets while 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova continued her return to form by knocking out American 30th seed McCartney Kessler, setting up a second-round clash with Raducanu.

    Australian Open champion Madison Keys, seeded sixth, battled for two hours and 41 minutes to beat Romania’s Elena Ruse and played down the impact of the heat.

    “It’s funny coming from the States, because this is quite literally a very typical summer day,” she said.

    Four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka overcame some first-round jitters to beat Australian qualifier Talia Gibson, prevailing 6-4 7-6(4).

    There was a sad end for Tunisia’s twice runner-up Ons Jabeur though as she retired against Viktoriya Tomova due to illness.

    (Reuters)

  • Alcaraz survives Wimbledon scare, Sabalenka serene, but others feel the heat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz survived Wimbledon’s hottest-ever opening day although the Spaniard was far from his sizzling best as he began his quest for a hat-trick of titles with a scare against Fabio Fognini at the All England Club on Monday.

    With air temperatures soaring to 32 degrees Celsius, Alcaraz needed more than four hours to subdue veteran Fognini, winning 7-5 6-7(5) 7-5 2-6 6-1 – the last set interrupted after a spectator became unwell in the heat and required assistance.

    Women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka, bidding to win Wimbledon for the first time, had no trouble as she dispatched Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1 7-5 but last year’s runner-up, fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, was pushed hard by Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova in a 2-6 6-3 6-2 win.

    While five-times Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who won the Queen’s Club title in the build-up, lives to fight another day, several high-profile players departed the men’s draw.

    No arena at Wimbledon gets as hot as bowl-like Court Two and the conditions were clearly not to the liking of ex-world number one Daniil Medvedev as the ninth seed saw his hopes scorched by Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, who won 7-6(2) 3-6 7-6(3) 6-2.

    Eighth seed Holger Rune of Denmark, yet to really make his mark at a Grand Slam, won the opening two sets against Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry but succumbed 4-6 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4.

    Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, twice a Grand Slam runner-up was left despondent after retiring with a back injury having fallen two sets behind against French qualifier Valentin Royer.

    American fifth seed Taylor Fritz looked to be on his way out before battling back to force a fifth set against big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard before their match was suspended with the Grand Slam’s 11 p.m. curfew looming.

    German third seed Alexander Zverev summoned up similar fighting spirit to draw level at one set apiece with Arthur Rinderknech in another match scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

    WINNING STREAK

    Only two defending men’s champions had ever lost in the first round at Wimbledon, but there were moments when Alcaraz looked in danger of joining compatriot Manuel Santana on that short list as Fognini rolled back the years.

    Alcaraz arrived at Wimbledon on an 18-match winning streak, which included a spellbinding French Open final win over Jannik Sinner. But the spark was missing on Monday in front of a Centre Court crowd that included David Beckham.

    Heat is second nature to Alcaraz, but it was Fognini who flourished in the sun and when he broke serve twice to level the match at two sets apiece a massive shock looked possible.

    But Alcaraz, regularly using an ice towel to cool down, found an extra gear in the decider and even charmed the crowd by offering his water bottle to the distressed fan.

    He then led the warm applause for former top-10 player Fognini, for whom this was his final Wimbledon.

    “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon because the level he has shown, you know, he can still play three or four more years. It’s unbelievable,” Alcaraz said of Fognini.

    Next up for Alcaraz is British qualifier Oliver Tarvet who marked his Grand Slam main draw debut with a superb 6-4 6-4 6-4 defeat of fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi of Switzerland.

    Tarvet is one of 23 British players in the singles draw, the most since 1984. The home charge was led Sonay Kartal who upset 20th seed and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 7-5 2-6 6-2. She was joined in round two by British number one Emma Raducanu who comfortably passed a tricky test against Mingge Xu, one of three British teenaged wild cards to play on Monday.

    When Katie Boulter later knocked out Spanish ninth seed Paula Badosa 6-2 3-6 6-4 on Centre Court, seven British players had enjoyed victories, the most in a single day for the home nation in the professional era.

    Home hope Jacob Fearnley could not follow suit though as he was outshone 6-4 6-1 7-6(5) by Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, who showed why he is creating such a stir with carnival tennis on a steamy Court One.

    TOUGH WORKOUT

    World number one Sabalenka won the opening five games against part-time model Branstine but was given a far tougher workout after that as she moved into round two.

    The 27-year-old from Minsk missed last year’s event because of a shoulder injury and arrived this time with a point to prove after losing in the Australian and French Open finals this year.

    Several other women’s contenders sparkled in the sunshine, none more than 13th seeded American Amanda Anisimova who served up a dreaded ‘double-bagel’ 6-0 6-0 defeat to Yulia Putintseva.

    Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina beat Anna Boindar in straight sets while 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova continued her return to form by knocking out American 30th seed McCartney Kessler, setting up a second-round clash with Raducanu.

    Australian Open champion Madison Keys, seeded sixth, battled for two hours and 41 minutes to beat Romania’s Elena Ruse and played down the impact of the heat.

    “It’s funny coming from the States, because this is quite literally a very typical summer day,” she said.

    Four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka overcame some first-round jitters to beat Australian qualifier Talia Gibson, prevailing 6-4 7-6(4).

    There was a sad end for Tunisia’s twice runner-up Ons Jabeur though as she retired against Viktoriya Tomova due to illness.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 1, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 1, 2025.

    Trauma is carried in your DNA. But science reveals a more complicated story
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara-Lyn Camilleri, Postdoctoral researcher of transgenerational effects, Monash University Radu Bercan/Shutterstock As war continues to rage in Gaza and Ukraine, there is concern about how the related trauma might be transmitted to future generations of people in those regions. More generally, interest in the idea of transgenerational

    Aamir Khan’s big screen comeback, Sitaare Zameen Par, features an all-star neurodivergent cast – a Bollywood first
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yanyan Hong, PhD Candidate in Communication, Media and Film Studies, University of Adelaide Bharti Dubey/X Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus has been far from ordinary. Sitaare Zameen Par (2025) which translates to “stars on Earth”, is the first major

    The rising rate of type 2 diabetes in young New Zealanders is becoming a health crisis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lynne Chepulis, Associate Professor, Health Sciences, University of Waikato vadimguzhva/Getty Images No longer just a condition of middle age, type 2 diabetes is increasingly affecting children, teenagers and young adults in New Zealand. And our health system is nowhere near ready to manage this surge. Type 2

    Understanding the ‘Slopocene’: how the failures of AI can reveal its inner workings
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Binns, Senior Lecturer, Media & Communication, RMIT University AI-generated with Leonardo Phoenix 1.0. Author supplied Some say it’s em dashes, dodgy apostrophes, or too many emoji. Others suggest that maybe the word “delve” is a chatbot’s calling card. It’s no longer the sight of morphed bodies

    Trump’s worldview is causing a global shift of alliances – what does this mean for nations in the middle?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva, Lecturer in Government – National Security College, Australian National University Since US President Donald Trump took office this year, one theme has come up time and again: his rule is a threat to the US-led international order. As the US political scientist John Mearsheimer famously

    We have drugs to manage HIV. So why are we spending millions looking for cures?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bridget Haire, Associate Professor, Public Health Ethics, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Alim Yakubov/Shutterstock Over the past three decades there have been amazing advances in treating and preventing HIV. It’s now a manageable infection. A person with HIV who takes HIV medicine consistently, before their immune

    Sexy K-pop demons, a human lie detector and shearers on strike: what to watch in July
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Mickel, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Tomorrow marks exactly halfway through 2025. Luckily there’s a suite of streaming options to help get you through the mid-year bump. We’ve got iconic classics celebrating major anniversaries, as well as an animated K-Pop spectacle,

    Fiji human rights coalition challenges Rabuka over decolonisation ‘unfinished business’
    Asia Pacific Report The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR) has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the new chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to “uphold justice, stability and security” for Kanaky New Caledonia and West Papua. In a statement today after last week’s MSG leaders’ summit in Suva, the

    Battle of Ideas: Political Lawfare and the Destitution of Pedro Castillo
    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage COHA On June 29, Radio Negro Primero, a community-based station in Venezuela, and affiliates, will examine the jailing and prosecution of Peru’s constitutional president, Pedro Castillo. The program, Battle of Ideas, hosted by William Camacaro (Senior Analyst for COHA) and Mary Dugarte (Venezuelan Journalist), will feature distinguished panelists:

    In Struggle and Solidarity: The Enduring Legacy of Joaquín Domínguez Parada
    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage By Fred Mills and Evelyn Gonzalez Mills Silver Spring, MD Joaquín Domínguez Parada, a renowned Salvadoran attorney and tireless advocate for refugees of war and persecution, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, four days after his 77th birthday in El Salvador, leaving a legacy of love, integrity,

    Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor of Australian and Aboriginal history, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council staff and members with researchers and actuaries from Finity Consulting. UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group The shift

    Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Heavy surf and intense rains hit Sydney beaches during a 2020 East Coast Low. Lee Hulsman/Getty Right now, a severe storm likely to be the first significant east coast low in three years is developing off the coast

    ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Ailwood, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong FG Trade/Getty Last week, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched a new report on sexual harassment, called Speaking From Experience. It includes the voices of more than 300 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from vulnerable communities. In

    My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Krissy Kendall, Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University lzf/Getty If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after you exercise.

    Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Dodd, PhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy, The University of Western Australia The long-eared kultarr (_A. auritus_) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears. Ken Johnson Australia is home to more than 60 species of

    Occupational therapists tackle obstacles in the home, from support to cook a meal, to navigating public transport
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Hitch, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Deakin University Occupational therapists (OTs) have been in the spotlight this month after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) froze NDIS payments for these services at $193.99 per hour for the sixth year. The NDIA also cut travel payments for

    Do you have Bitcoin? Be aware of the tax consequences of selling your investment
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Allen, Senior lecturer, Curtin University Bitcoin is ubiquitous. It is impossible to open a social media stream or news source without encountering yet another mention of the topic. Many Australians have invested, hoping for a good return. But they may not have considered the tax consequences

    On her new album, Lorde creates pop at its purest – performative, playful and alive to paradox
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosemary Overell, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, University of Otago “✏️Describe the vibe” goes the demand to commenters underneath the YouTube video for Lorde’s latest single, “Hammer”. Fans form a flow; a “vibe check” in Zillenial parlance: The pure rawness … (@lynmariegm) A more raw true-to-self form

    Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archeological study tells us about PNG sea trade
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Skelly, Archaeologist, Monash University Women loading pots on a Motu lakatoi trading vessel, in this photograph published in 1887. J. W. Lindt Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is a place of remarkable cultural diversity. Home to cultures speaking more than 800 languages, this region has

    Unsafe and unethical: bed shortages mean dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms are admitted to medical wards
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cindy Towns, Senior Lecturer in General Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Otago Getty Images New Zealand’s mental health crisis is well documented in the government’s 2018 inquiry, He Ara Oranga, which shows one in five people experience mental illness or significant mental distress. However, an almost singular

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 1, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 1, 2025.

    Trauma is carried in your DNA. But science reveals a more complicated story
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tara-Lyn Camilleri, Postdoctoral researcher of transgenerational effects, Monash University Radu Bercan/Shutterstock As war continues to rage in Gaza and Ukraine, there is concern about how the related trauma might be transmitted to future generations of people in those regions. More generally, interest in the idea of transgenerational

    Aamir Khan’s big screen comeback, Sitaare Zameen Par, features an all-star neurodivergent cast – a Bollywood first
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yanyan Hong, PhD Candidate in Communication, Media and Film Studies, University of Adelaide Bharti Dubey/X Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus has been far from ordinary. Sitaare Zameen Par (2025) which translates to “stars on Earth”, is the first major

    The rising rate of type 2 diabetes in young New Zealanders is becoming a health crisis
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lynne Chepulis, Associate Professor, Health Sciences, University of Waikato vadimguzhva/Getty Images No longer just a condition of middle age, type 2 diabetes is increasingly affecting children, teenagers and young adults in New Zealand. And our health system is nowhere near ready to manage this surge. Type 2

    Understanding the ‘Slopocene’: how the failures of AI can reveal its inner workings
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Binns, Senior Lecturer, Media & Communication, RMIT University AI-generated with Leonardo Phoenix 1.0. Author supplied Some say it’s em dashes, dodgy apostrophes, or too many emoji. Others suggest that maybe the word “delve” is a chatbot’s calling card. It’s no longer the sight of morphed bodies

    Trump’s worldview is causing a global shift of alliances – what does this mean for nations in the middle?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva, Lecturer in Government – National Security College, Australian National University Since US President Donald Trump took office this year, one theme has come up time and again: his rule is a threat to the US-led international order. As the US political scientist John Mearsheimer famously

    We have drugs to manage HIV. So why are we spending millions looking for cures?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bridget Haire, Associate Professor, Public Health Ethics, School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Alim Yakubov/Shutterstock Over the past three decades there have been amazing advances in treating and preventing HIV. It’s now a manageable infection. A person with HIV who takes HIV medicine consistently, before their immune

    Sexy K-pop demons, a human lie detector and shearers on strike: what to watch in July
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Mickel, Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Justice, Queensland University of Technology Tomorrow marks exactly halfway through 2025. Luckily there’s a suite of streaming options to help get you through the mid-year bump. We’ve got iconic classics celebrating major anniversaries, as well as an animated K-Pop spectacle,

    Fiji human rights coalition challenges Rabuka over decolonisation ‘unfinished business’
    Asia Pacific Report The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji (NGOCHR) has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the new chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to “uphold justice, stability and security” for Kanaky New Caledonia and West Papua. In a statement today after last week’s MSG leaders’ summit in Suva, the

    Battle of Ideas: Political Lawfare and the Destitution of Pedro Castillo
    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage COHA On June 29, Radio Negro Primero, a community-based station in Venezuela, and affiliates, will examine the jailing and prosecution of Peru’s constitutional president, Pedro Castillo. The program, Battle of Ideas, hosted by William Camacaro (Senior Analyst for COHA) and Mary Dugarte (Venezuelan Journalist), will feature distinguished panelists:

    In Struggle and Solidarity: The Enduring Legacy of Joaquín Domínguez Parada
    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs – Analysis-Reportage By Fred Mills and Evelyn Gonzalez Mills Silver Spring, MD Joaquín Domínguez Parada, a renowned Salvadoran attorney and tireless advocate for refugees of war and persecution, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, four days after his 77th birthday in El Salvador, leaving a legacy of love, integrity,

    Here’s how First Nations landholders can share the benefits of the NSW energy transition
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor of Australian and Aboriginal history, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Hay Local Aboriginal Land Council staff and members with researchers and actuaries from Finity Consulting. UNSW Indigenous Land and Justice Research Group The shift

    Warmer seas are fuelling the dangerous ‘weather bomb’ about to hit NSW
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Heavy surf and intense rains hit Sydney beaches during a 2020 East Coast Low. Lee Hulsman/Getty Right now, a severe storm likely to be the first significant east coast low in three years is developing off the coast

    ‘I’m just exhausted’: sexual harassment at work is still rife. These new laws would help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Ailwood, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of Wollongong FG Trade/Getty Last week, the Australian Human Rights Commission launched a new report on sexual harassment, called Speaking From Experience. It includes the voices of more than 300 victim-survivors of workplace sexual harassment from vulnerable communities. In

    My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Krissy Kendall, Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sports Science, Edith Cowan University lzf/Getty If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after you exercise.

    Australia’s cutest mammal is now Australia’s cutest three mammals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cameron Dodd, PhD Student in Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy, The University of Western Australia The long-eared kultarr (_A. auritus_) is the middle child in terms of body size, but it has by far the biggest ears. Ken Johnson Australia is home to more than 60 species of

    Occupational therapists tackle obstacles in the home, from support to cook a meal, to navigating public transport
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Danielle Hitch, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Deakin University Occupational therapists (OTs) have been in the spotlight this month after the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) froze NDIS payments for these services at $193.99 per hour for the sixth year. The NDIA also cut travel payments for

    Do you have Bitcoin? Be aware of the tax consequences of selling your investment
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Allen, Senior lecturer, Curtin University Bitcoin is ubiquitous. It is impossible to open a social media stream or news source without encountering yet another mention of the topic. Many Australians have invested, hoping for a good return. But they may not have considered the tax consequences

    On her new album, Lorde creates pop at its purest – performative, playful and alive to paradox
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rosemary Overell, Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies, University of Otago “✏️Describe the vibe” goes the demand to commenters underneath the YouTube video for Lorde’s latest single, “Hammer”. Fans form a flow; a “vibe check” in Zillenial parlance: The pure rawness … (@lynmariegm) A more raw true-to-self form

    Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archeological study tells us about PNG sea trade
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Skelly, Archaeologist, Monash University Women loading pots on a Motu lakatoi trading vessel, in this photograph published in 1887. J. W. Lindt Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is a place of remarkable cultural diversity. Home to cultures speaking more than 800 languages, this region has

    Unsafe and unethical: bed shortages mean dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms are admitted to medical wards
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cindy Towns, Senior Lecturer in General Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Otago Getty Images New Zealand’s mental health crisis is well documented in the government’s 2018 inquiry, He Ara Oranga, which shows one in five people experience mental illness or significant mental distress. However, an almost singular

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –