Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Contributes to Study of Russia’s Wild Reindeer

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On August 2, Russia celebrates Reindeer Day, a holiday dedicated to reindeer and reindeer herding. Rosneft makes a significant contribution to the study and conservation of the population of these animals in the Russian Federation.

    Wild reindeer are a vital link in Arctic ecosystems. Since 2014, the company has been studying the reindeer population in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, in the territories of Evenkia and the Taimyr Peninsula. Large-scale ground and aerial surveys of the animals are conducted annually. Using satellite tags installed on the reindeer, scientists have tracked the annual migration cycle for the first time, and also identified seasonal behavior patterns.

    In 2025, as part of the Tamura corporate environmental program, a new research expedition to study wild reindeer was launched in Western Taimyr. Field work is being conducted by scientists from the Siberian Federal University (SFU). The first group of specialists will travel along the Khatanga River and the upper section of the Kheta River. The total length of the boat routes will be more than 700 km. The second part of the scientific expedition started from Norilsk. Scientists plan to travel by boat along the Pyasina, Dudypta, Tareya, and Pura rivers. Based on the results of the work, the number of reindeer in Western Taimyr and their migration routes will be determined.

    In 2024, as part of the Tamura program, scientists from SFU and Taimyr reserves also conducted a comprehensive census of the number and migration of animals to update data on the state of the Taimyr-Evenki population.

    For many years, the East Siberian Oil and Gas Company (ESOG, part of Rosneft) together with SFU have been implementing the Evenki Deer project. Scientists track the movements, numbers, and habitat characteristics of wild deer in the region. For people living in the taiga and tundra, deer are an important part of their everyday life and culture.

    VSNK also supports research into musk deer, a small deer-like animal rare for Evenkia that lives in Siberia and the Far East. Their secretive lifestyle and size (up to 70 cm at the withers) make them almost invisible. These even-toed ungulates are listed in the Red Book of several regions of Russia and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a vulnerable species. Scientists have conducted work to find musk deer habitats in Evenkia. During the research, their presence was confirmed in an area that was previously considered unsuitable for this rare deer species, and the population size was estimated – it currently stands at 300 individuals.

    As part of the forest reindeer research with the support of RN-Uvatneftegaz (part of the Company’s oil production complex), scientists from the Tobolsk Scientific Station of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences carried out large-scale work in the Kunyaksky Reserve. Based on the results of aerial monitoring, which covered almost 60 thousand hectares, over 100 thousand images were obtained to clarify the reindeer population. The environmental program of RN-Uvatneftegaz is of great practical importance for the Tyumen Region – forest reindeer research has not been conducted in the region for more than 20 years.

    Thanks to the grant support of RN-Vankor (part of the oil production complex of NK Rosneft), SFU scientists have created a teaching aid, Wild Reindeer of Taimyr. The project is aimed at developing scientifically based strategies for the rational use and conservation of a key species-bioindicator of Arctic ecosystems. The aid systematizes extensive data obtained as a result of field and office studies.

    Reference:

    Rosneft pays special attention to environmental issues and biodiversity conservation, implementing the largest comprehensive Arctic region study program since Soviet times. The new Tamura research program, which started in 2024, is designed to update information on the state of key animal species living in the north of Krasnoyarsk Krai. The Tamura program includes studying the Kara subpopulation of polar bears, wild reindeer populations, valuable bird and fish species in the Yenisei estuary. Three expeditions to study the Kara subpopulation of polar bears have already taken place in 2025. In total, ten expeditions will be held in four years.

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftAugust 1, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI China: China clarifies tax incentives for foreign investors reinvesting dividends

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

    BEIJING, Aug. 1 — China’s State Taxation Administration (STA) has released detailed implementation rules for foreign investors claiming tax credits on reinvested dividends, providing operational guidelines for preferential tax treatment under a recently released policy.

    In June, China’s finance, taxation and commerce authorities unveiled a tax incentive granting foreign investors a 10 percent corporate income tax credit on direct domestic investments funded by dividends from Chinese resident companies.

    The measure, effective as of Jan. 1, 2025 and running through Dec. 31, 2028 — allows unused credits to be carried forward and applies lower rates under existing tax treaties.

    According to a notice released by the STA on Thursday, profits used to pay up subscribed registered capital or increase paid-in capital or capital reserves, qualify as eligible reinvestment.

    The STA notice also clarified executable frameworks for this tax incentive, including definition of the holding period for reinvestment by foreign investors, the calculation method for the determination of the tax credit amount, and procedures for foreign investors to claim tax credits.

    China, notably, has been offering tax incentives to boost overseas investment. Foreign reinvestment in China benefiting from a tax deferral policy saw rapid growth in 2024, earlier data from the STA showed.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: WomenIN Ignites Women’s Month with the Launch of a Bold Multi-Sectoral Campaign and Countdown to WomenIN Festival 2025

    Source: APO

    As South Africa marks the beginning of Women’s Month this August, WomenIN proudly launches a dedicated, multi-sectoral campaign designed to spotlight the everyday advocacy required to shift the narrative around women’s empowerment. While Women’s Month may be a moment of national focus, WomenIN champions the belief that true empowerment is not confined to a single month — it’s a daily, ongoing commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and change.

    This campaign is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action, uniting voices across energy, mobility, mining, retail, customer experience, tech, green economy, and beyond. It sets the stage for the highly anticipated WomenIN Festival 2025, taking place in Cape Town on the 13th and 14th of November, under the theme:

    LIMITLESS: NO LABELS. NO LIMITS. NO APOLOGIES.

    She’s not fitting in — she’s standing out, showing up, and shaking the world. A celebration of authenticity, boldness, and multidimensional brilliance.

    Throughout August and into the months that follow, WomenIN will roll out collaborative activations, workshops, dialogues, and digital campaigns in partnership with leading organizations, changemakers, and grassroots initiatives that are tackling the toughest issues facing women today — from economic inequality to gender-based violence.

    “This work is personal. It’s not just a campaign, it’s our calling,” says Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Director of the WomenIN Portfolio. “We know that real impact is not created by ticking boxes in August, but by showing up every single day. And yet, during this symbolic month, we rise even higher, because the challenges facing women demand nothing less.”

    The WomenIN team, led by a collective of women who themselves have broken barriers across industries, is working tirelessly — often behind the scenes and often against the odds — to bring this movement to life.

    “While this journey is often challenging, it’s our purpose and passion that fuels us,” adds Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Director of the WomenIN Portfolio ,  “Every day, we are connecting with organizations, finalizing partnerships, and laying the groundwork for something truly transformative. Our WomenIN Festival will be the heartbeat of this mission — but the build-up is where the real change begins.”

    Already, strategic partnerships are being launched and announced. Many of these partners are NPOs and impact-driven organizations actively addressing systemic challenges and building tangible solutions for women across South Africa and the continent. These alliances underscore WomenIN’s deep commitment to cross-sectoral collaboration, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

    With the stage set for a powerful Women’s Month, WomenIN invites all women, male allies, and stakeholders to join the movement — to rise, to speak, to collaborate, and to break through the barriers that remain.

    Stay connected, stay inspired, and get ready to stand with us at the WomenIN Festival this November.

    Because empowerment isn’t a moment. It’s a movement.

    Whether you’ve followed us from the beginning or you’re only just discovering our work, this is your invitation to join a growing network of changemakers who are louder together, braver together — and better together.

    Visit www.WeAreWomenIN.com to get your ticket, sponsor someone else’s, or explore partnership opportunities.

    Come as you are. Leave ignited.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

    Additional Information:
    https://apo-opa.co/45aKZ54
    https://apo-opa.co/4l9YHv9

    Contact the team:
    info@wearewomenin.com

    About WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact:
    WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive.

    Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa’s future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come.

    Whether you’re a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together.

    For more information, please visit: www.WeAreWomenIN.com.

    About VUKA Group:
    VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa’s industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment.

    The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise.

    Learn more at: www.WeAreWomenIN.com

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria: African Development Bank Approves $46 Million to Transform Healthcare in Sokoto State

    Source: APO

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $46 million loan to finance the Sokoto State Health Infrastructure Project, a transformative initiative designed to enhance healthcare access and quality in Nigeria’s Sokoto State.

    The project addresses critical health system gaps in Sokoto, where key indicators reflect a critical need for intervention. Only one in 20 children is fully vaccinated, while infant mortality stands at 104 deaths per 1,000 live births, nearly double Nigeria’s national average of 63. Less than 14 percent of health facilities in the state have functional infrastructure, and there is just one doctor for every 8,285 people — far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000.

    The Bank’s financing will support the delivery of climate-smart health infrastructure across three levels of care. These include the construction and equipping of a 1,000-bed teaching hospital complex; three zonal hospitals with a combined capacity of 450 beds; and six primary healthcare canters strategically located to serve rural communities.

    The project also includes the rehabilitation of health training institutions and the development of a modern medical warehouse to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains.

    “This investment illustrates our commitment to continue working with the Government to fill critical infrastructure gaps in Nigeria’s health system while building resilient, climate-adapted healthcare facilities,” said Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Office. “By strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Sokoto State, we are building hope and creating pathways to better health outcomes for millions of Nigerians.”

    Aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,500 jobs, with 60 percent of opportunities targeting youth and 30 percent women. In addition, the project will integrate electronic health infrastructure and renewable energy systems, ensuring sustainable, energy-efficient operations while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Expanded capacity in local the medical and nursing schools will create 700 new training slots annually, helping to address the region’s acute shortage of skilled health professionals.

    The initiative builds on the Bank’s successful track record in Nigeria’s health sector, where it has financed four health infrastructure projects totaling $117.68 million. It will leverage strategic partnerships with the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organization, USAID, and other development actors to maximize impact and ensure comprehensive health system strengthening.

    The African Development Bank Group remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for Africa’s people through targeted investments in resilient health infrastructure that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contact:
    Natalie Nkembuh,
    Communication and Media Relations Department  
    media@afdb.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Changes to the Community Equipment Service in Plymouth

    Source: City of Plymouth

    The company that currently delivers the Community Equipment Service (CES) in Plymouth, NRS, is no longer able to provide the service due to financial challenges.

    As soon as we became aware of the challenges that NRS was facing we began working to identify a solution to ensure that this vital service continues to operate.

    We are pleased to confirm that we have now agreed arrangements with another provider of community equipment, Millbrook Healthcare. This contract starts on Friday 1 August, while work takes place to secure a new long-term contract takes place.

    Please be aware that this service will be more limited for a while as Millbrook Healthcare work to get set up in Plymouth.

    Our teams will do all they can to ensure that you receive the support you need to live safely at home, but we have limited equipment available and there will be a delay in carrying out any minor adaptations to your property.

    We expect there to be some disruption to the CES until the end of September, when we anticipate that we will be able to provide a full service again.

    If you do not wish to wait, you may choose to purchase smaller equipment items or arrange for your own minor adaptations (for example, external rails). You can find a list of local suppliers on our website. If you decide to purchase things privately, please do let us know so that we can remove you from our waiting list. If you live in a Housing Association property, it may be that your landlord can complete any minor adaptation works.

    If you have any existing NRS equipment that you no longer need, please do not dispose of it and keep hold of it for now. Much of the equipment is designed to be recycled and reused, which helps keep costs down. It also means that unused equipment can be given to someone else so they can remain independent in their home.

    We are working with Millbrook Healthcare to identify how this equipment can be collected or returned.

    We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the changes to the service and appreciate your patience at this time.

    If your needs change or you find things more difficult while you are waiting for equipment, please contact us.

    Millbrook Healthcare, our new community equipment provider, can be contacted by calling 01752 354193 or you can email [email protected].

    To see frequently asked questions, please visit the Plymouth Online Directory website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Heilind Electronics Announces Retirement of Asia President William Sim and Appointment of Charles Tan as Successor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Mass., Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heilind Electronics, a leading distributor of interconnect, electromechanical, and sensor solutions, is pleased to announce the retirement of William Sim, President of Heilind Asia, effective July 15, 2025. Sim has been a cornerstone of Heilind’s international expansion for over a decade, playing a pivotal role in establishing the company’s footprint and reputation throughout the Asia Pacific region.

    Charles Tan has been hired to succeed Sim as President of Heilind Asia, effective immediately. Tan joins Heilind from Future Electronics where he served as Managing Director for Greater China. With 12 years of executive leadership experience across Asia, Tan brings a proven track record in scaling complex distribution businesses and driving growth in high-performance markets.

    Tan holds a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Engineering from Shanghai University of Technology, a Master’s degree in Economics from Fudan University, and an MBA from McGill University.

    “William Sim’s leadership was instrumental in transforming Heilind into a truly global distributor,” said Robert Clapp, President & CEO at Heilind Electronics. “We thank him for his vision, discipline, and commitment to excellence. We are equally confident in Charles Tan’s ability to lead the Asia team with integrity and boldness as we move into our next chapter.”

    This leadership transition marks a key milestone in Heilind’s global growth strategy and underscores the company’s ongoing investment in regional talent, infrastructure, and customer relationships throughout Asia.

    About Heilind Electronics

    Heilind Electronics, Inc. (https://www.heilind.com) is one of the world’s leading distributors of connectors, relays, sensors, switches, thermal management and circuit protection products, terminal blocks, wire and cable, wiring accessories, and insulation and identification products. Founded in 1974, Heilind has locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China.

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    David P. Warren, Director of Global Marketing

    Heilind Electronics

    dwarren@heilind.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Churches Conservation Trust members: 1 August 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Appointment of Churches Conservation Trust members: 1 August 2025

    The King has approved the nomination of Trustees of the Board of the Churches Conservation Trust.

    The King has approved the nomination of Bishop Andrew Rumsey, Dr Ingrid Samuel OBE, Lord (Stephen) Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Michael Bithell JP, Vivienne King and Reverend Canon Timothy Goode.

    Andrew Rumsey read history at the University of Reading before training for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and doctoral studies at King’s College, London. Ordained in 1997, he has held a variety of parish posts in London and Southwark and was appointed Suffragan Bishop of Ramsbury in 2018. Andrew is the joint National Church of England Lead for Church and Cathedral Buildings, and is a writer, musician and champion for Anglican heritage.

    Dr Ingrid Helene Samuel OBE was educated at McGill University, Canada, obtaining BA in History, she then gained a M Litt and PhD in Modern History at Jesus College, Cambridge. In 2004 Ingrid was Head of Culture for the London Olympic Bid and between 2005 – 2011 has held several roles in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport including Head of Properties and Ceremonial Branch, Head of Heritage, and Head of Heritage and Architecture. Additionally, in 2011 she took up the role of Placemaking and Heritage Director with the National Trust.

    Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, obtaining an MA in History. From 2021-2024 Stephen was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, and previously was Political Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Adviser to the Home Secretary.

    Michael Bithell JP was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, completing a MA in Engineering Science and post-graduate studies in Manufacture and Management at Cambridge University. Now retired, Michael was Group Finance Director of United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation from 2015 to 2022. Previously, he worked for Deloitte LLP for 23 years, as Director, National Quality & Risk; and Director, Corporate Finance Government & Infrastructure. He has a number of voluntary and non-executive positions, including as a member of London Diocesan Synod, Finance Committee and Non-Property Investment Committee, as a Magistrate and an Honorary Steward of Westminster Abbey.

    Vivienne King was educated at Keele University obtaining a BSoc Sci in Law and Politics in 1983, subsequently completing a Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in 1985. In 2010 and 2012 she completed a Corporate Finance Programme with Cranfield University and in 2021 undertook Business Sustainability Management with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. After seven years as Real Estate Associate with Herbert Smith Freehills, Vivienne joined The Crown Estate in 1994 as a Senior Solicitor and was subsequently Director of Business Operations & General Counsel. She was CEO of the Soho Housing Association from 2016 to 2020, CEO of Revo and then Head of Real Estate Social Impact at The Good Economy. In March 2024 Vivienne founded Impactful Places, an independent sustainability consultancy.

    Timothy Goode has been the Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture at York Minster since September 2023. Previously he was Rector of St Margaret’s Lee in South East London, and a member of General Synod and Archbishops’ Council. Tim is a member of the National Disability Task Group, which advises the Archbishops of Canterbury and York on disability issues and he led the first debate on disability at the General Synod in July 2022. Tim was a secondary school teacher at the Roehampton Institute and Director of Music of Homefield School from 1995-2007. He trained for ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon and served his title at Croydon Minster, in the Diocese of Southwark and was ordained priest in 2010. From September 2012 to May 2018, he was Team Vicar of St Luke’s Whyteleafe and St Peter and St Paul, Chaldon, part of the Caterham Team ministry. From 2013 to 2021 he was additionally the Southwark Diocesan Disability Advisor. Tim was made an Honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral in September 2020 and has been a trustee of the Churches Conservation Trust since November 2020. He has now been re-appointed in the role for a second term until October 2028.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to boost support for consumer goods trade-in program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities plan to allocate 69 billion yuan (about 9.65 billion U.S. dollars) in special super-long-term bonds in October to support the trade-in program for consumer goods, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said at a press conference on Friday.

    According to the official of the SCRR Jiang Yi, this volume of securities aimed at implementing the above-mentioned program will be the fourth and last in 2025. Within the framework of the current year, the Ministry of Finance, together with the SCRR, plans to allocate a total of 300 billion yuan for these needs.

    China’s economy showed strong resilience in the first half of 2025, said Zhou Chen, another NCRR official, adding that domestic demand contributed 68.8 percent to the country’s GDP growth in January-June and continued to serve as an important driving force for economic growth.

    According to Zhou Chen, in the future, the NCRR will continue to promote the adoption and implementation of a series of measures to stabilize employment and the economy. In addition, the NCRR will strengthen economic monitoring and forecasting, as well as risk prevention to enhance economic security, and will continuously improve the set of policy instruments that promote employment growth and expansion of domestic demand, he noted. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Financial Action Task Force conducts on-site assessment in SA

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Africa Joint Group has concluded an on-site assessment visit to South Africa, which was aimed at verifying the implementation of reforms to address money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

    The on-site assessment took place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Pretoria, completing the last step before the October 2025 FATF Plenary can consider whether to remove South Africa from its greylist.

    The FATF Joint Group held meetings with South African government officials and representatives of financial institutions and Designated Non-Bank Financial Institutions. 

    “At the conclusion of the meetings, the FATF Africa Joint Group held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, who both assured the FATF of the South African government’s political commitment to continue to sustainably improve the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system,” National Treasury said on Thursday.

    The on-site visit followed the announcement by the June 2025 FATF Plenary that South Africa had substantially completed all the 22 action items that were contained in the Action Plan that was adopted when South Africa was greylisted in February 2023.

    Following the completion of the 22 action items in the Action Plan, the June 2025 FATF Plenary noted that South Africa’s progress warranted an on-site assessment to verify that critical AML/CFT reforms have been implemented, and that the necessary political commitment remains in place to sustain progress.

    “After the conclusion of the onsite visit, the FATF Africa Joint Group will submit a report to the October 2025 FATF Plenary, which will consider any recommendations from the report on whether South Africa can be delisted from the FATF greylist.

    “Deputy Ministers Masondo and Nel thanked the FATF Africa Joint Group for its collegial working relationship with the South African government delegation since the country’s greylisting in February 2023, and further assured the FATF Africa Joint Group that the South African government will continue actively partnering with the FATF Global network in preserving and advancing the integrity of the South African and global financial systems,” National Treasury said.

    Treasury will not be issuing further media statements or conducting interviews until the FATF Plenary concludes its next Plenary Meeting on 24 October 2025 and issues its post-plenary outcomes media statement. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The renovated National Road 1 between Kinshasa, Kwango and Kwilu is boosting economic activity in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo

    Source: APO

    In Kikwit, in Kwilu province in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the “lower town” market is bustling. No-one seems bothered by the sun, which is at its zenith. Motorcycles, tricycles, goods trucks and street vendors intermingle in a constant, noisy ballet, signs of the economic dynamism of this city located more than 600 kilometres from the capital, Kinshasa.

    In the distance, men can already be seen busy loading huge blue plastic drums onto large trucks lined up in single file at the edge of the market. Their destination: Kinshasa, via National Road No. 1 or RN1.

    Modeste Mafangala, a road haulier, makes no secret of his satisfaction with a recent major change in his daily life: the repair of the Kinshasa–N’Djili–Batshamba section of the RN1.

    “Before, it was very difficult to get from here to Kinshasa. You could spend a week or two on the road. But now the road is good. The goods we’re loading today will arrive at their destination the next day, either by bus, truck or motorcycle,” he says, visibly relieved.

    The project to renovate the 622-kilometre section of RN1 between Kinshasa, N’Djili and Batshamba was financed to the tune of $70.2 million by the African Development Fund, the African Development Bank Group’s concessional financing window. The project addresses the major challenge of opening up rural areas to trade in goods and services. Long isolated due to poor road conditions, the provinces of Kwango and Kwilu now enjoy better connectivity with the capital and with each other.

    This improvement greatly facilitates interprovincial trade and creates momentum for regional economic integration. The impact on transport conditions is particularly evident. The journey between Kinshasa and Kikwit, and even Batshamba, now takes just six hours. In addition to reducing travel times, the improved road quality has also led to a significant reduction in the number of accidents.

    “Back then, hauliers would spend days on end trying to reach Kikwit or Tshikapa,” explains Jean Luemba, project implementation coordinator in Kinshasa.  “But today, they get there in less time and save money on fuel and even spare parts, because with all the potholes on the road, vehicles used to suffer significant damage. You could say that hauliers are now getting their money’s worth.”

    But the benefits of the project go far beyond simply repairing the road. An integrated approach to development has multiplied the positive impacts for the people living in the project area. Schools now have access to drinking water, health centres have been built, rural markets refurbished, agricultural tracks upgraded, and several villages equipped with boreholes.

    At the Don Bosco Institute in Kenge, for example, the project has changed the daily lives of the students. A drinking water borehole with a standpipe has been installed in the schoolyard, so the students can now enjoy their breaks without worrying about finding water to drink.

    Espérance Anga, a student in the 4th grade general mechanics class, said: “This is a very good thing for us. Before, we had trouble getting drinking water during breaks. We used to buy water in bags from the canteen. Now, thanks to the borehole, it’s much easier.”

    The RN1 renovation project is a major infrastructure initiative that is expected to have positive effects on socioeconomic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By connecting Kinshasa to the provinces of Kwango and Kwilu, the road facilitates travel and trade, with a knock-on effect on the daily life of communities and economic activity.

    “Today, people living along the road can get more value from their daily produce. They can sell more easily because vehicles now have direct access to their villages. One mother, for example, no longer needs to travel to Kinshasa or the market to sell a bag of cassava or charcoal: she can sell it in front of her house. It’s a real change in their daily lives,” says Jean Luemba.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nottingham Rehab Limited and NRS Healthcare Limited in liquidation: information for customers, suppliers, creditors and landlords.

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Nottingham Rehab Limited and NRS Healthcare Limited in liquidation: information for customers, suppliers, creditors and landlords.

    On 1 August 2025, a winding-up order was made against Nottingham Rehab Limited and NRS Healthcare Limited. The court appointed the Official Receiver, Gareth Jonathan Allen, as Liquidator.

    On 1 August 2025, winding up orders were made against Nottingham Rehab Limited (trading as NRS Healthcare) and NRS Healthcare Limited. The court appointed the Official Receiver, Gareth Jonathan Allen, as Liquidator.  

    Following an application made by the Official Receiver, the court also appointed Mark James Tobias Banfield, Edward Williams, Helen Laura Wheeler-Jones, Adam Seres and David James Kelly of PwC as Special Managers of the companies. The Special Managers have been appointed to assist the Official Receiver with the liquidations.   

    The Official Receiver will wind-up the companies in accordance with his statutory duties. He also has a duty to investigate the cause of each company’s failure and the conduct of current and former directors.   

    Information for customers, suppliers and landlords  

    If you are a customer of the companies, please contact the Special Managers via email: uk_nrs_customers@pwc.com 

    If you are a supplier of the companies, please contact the Special Managers via email: uk_nrs_suppliers@pwc.com 

    If you are a landlord of the companies, please contact the Special Managers via email: uk_nrs_landlords@pwc.com 

    Information for creditors   

    You will need to register as a creditor in the liquidation of the companies if:  

    • you have not been paid for goods or services you have supplied
    • you have paid the company for goods or services that you have not received

    To register as a creditor, you will need to complete a proof of debt form, clearly identifying which company owes you money. A Proof of Debt form can be downloaded at proof of debt – gov.uk. Please return the form, together with all supporting documentation, to the Official Receiver at NRS.Creditor@Insolvency.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 August 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing hosts eldercare robot competition

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

    The inaugural Beijing Intelligent Healthcare and Nurse Robots Application Competition took place on Tuesday in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (Beijing E-Town), coinciding with the launch of the IEC 63310 international standard for eldercare robots.

    The competition showcased 53 products from 40 teams across China, focusing on five key scenarios of eldercare: rehabilitation training, caregiving, intelligent companionship, health monitoring, and public services. Participants represented cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Wuxi, covering the entire industry chain from hardware manufacturing to software development.

    The competition broke away from traditional formats by introducing a pioneering “Direct-to-Market” model, designed to better match supply with demand through collaboration among government, industry, academia, research institutions, and end users.

    “Participating in this competition helps boost our market recognition and brand competitiveness, enabling precise supply-demand matching and accelerating implementation,” said Shuai Mei, CEO of Beijing AI-robotics Technology Co., Ltd.

    The competition invited senior citizens to participate as judges, aiming to collect their feedback to ensure that the featured technologies meet their real life needs. One participant, a 73-year-old senior surnamed Zhang, said “Robotic care for the elderly is the future trend. I saw many specialized robots today that assist with walking and hand rehabilitation.”

    As the world confronts aging demographics, Beijing E-Town is leading the way in the eldercare robotics, with over 300 specialized companies and an industrial chain exceeding 10 billion yuan (US$1.39 billion).

    “This event is not only a technical competition but also a platform for building the industrial ecosystem,” said a government representative from Beijing E-Town. “We aim to promote research, application, and production through the competition, facilitating the transition of robotic technology from the laboratory to the frontline of eldercare, and ensuring it meets the real needs of seniors.”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: Patria Reports Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patria (Nasdaq:PAX) reported today its unaudited results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The full detailed presentation of Patria’s second quarter 2025 results can be accessed on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/.

    Alex Saigh, Patria’s CEO, said: “In 2Q we made continued progress in leveraging and expanding the diversified platform we’ve built the past several years as fundraising was a solid $1.3 billion in the quarter, bringing our total fundraising over the first half of 2025 to ~$4.5 billion. Reflecting our strong fundraising momentum and confidence in our outlook, we now expect full-year fundraising to be 5%-10% higher than our initial $6 billion target. We also reported 2Q25 FRE of $46 million, or $0.29 per share, representing year-over-year growth of 17% and 11%, respectively. Also, FEAUM grew 6% sequentially and 20% year-over-year, and we generated over $600 million of organic net inflows. Over the first half of 2025 our annualized organic growth rate exceeded 8%.

    While a looming trade war and global economic concerns create potential headwinds, we believe we are well positioned to generate the $200 to $225 million of FRE we are targeting for 2025 as the increased diversification of our platform is paying off in terms of fundraising and profitable organic growth, enhancing our confidence in the three-year targets we introduced at our Investor Day back on December 9th.”

    Financial Highlights (reported in $ USD)

    IFRS results included $12.9 million of net income attributable to Patria in Q2 2025. Patria generated Fee Related Earnings of $46.1 million in Q2 2025, up 17% from $39.5 million in Q2 2024, with an FRE margin of 56.8%. Distributable Earnings were $38.8 million for Q2 2025, or $0.24 per share.

    Dividends

    Patria declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share to record holders of common stock at the close of business on August 15th, 2025. This dividend will be paid on September 15th, 2025.

    Share Repurchase Program

    Patria’s board of directors has authorized a new share repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, Patria may repurchase up to 3 million of its outstanding Class A common shares in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions, over a period beginning in August 2025 continuing until the earlier of the completion of the repurchase or August 2026, depending upon market conditions. Patria’s board of directors will review the repurchase program periodically and may authorize adjustments to its terms and size or suspend or discontinue the repurchase program. Such purchases may benefit from the safe harbors provided by Rule 10b-18 and/or Rule 10b5-1, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the repurchase program will depend on several factors, including constraints specified in the Rule 10b-18 and/or Rule 10b5-1, price, general business and market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities. The repurchase program does not obligate Patria to acquire any specific number of shares in any period, and may be expanded, extended, modified or discontinued at any time.

    Conference Call

    Patria will host its second quarter 2025 earnings conference call via public webcast on August 1st, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. To register and join, please use the following link:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/rpv5tvp5

    For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, there will be a webcast replay on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/ shortly after the call’s completion.

    About Patria

    Patria is a global alternative asset management firm focused on the mid-market segment, specializing in resilient sectors across select regions. We are a leading asset manager in Latin America and have a strong presence in Europe through our extensive network of General Partners relationships. Our on-the-ground presence combines investment leaders, sector experts, company managers, and strategic relationships, allowing us to identify compelling investment opportunities accessible only to those with local proficiency. With 37 years of experience and over $48 billion in assets under management, we believe we consistently deliver attractive returns through long-term investments, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the regions where we operate. Further information is available at www.patria.com.

    Asset Classes: Private Equity, Solutions (GPMS), Credit, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Public Equities

    Main sectors: Agribusiness, Power & Energy, Healthcare, Logistics & Transportations, Food & Beverage and Digital & Tech Services

    Investment Regions: Latin America, Europe and the U.S.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words, among others. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Further information on these and other factors that could affect our financial results is included in filings we have made and will make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including but not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in our periodic filings.

    Contact

    Patria Shareholder Relations
    E. PatriaShareholderRelations@patria.com
    T. +1 917 769 1611

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Marquette National Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marquette National Corporation (OTCQX: MNAT) today reported year-to-date net income of $6.6 million compared to net income of $13.2 million for the first six months of 2024. Earnings per share for the first six months of 2025 were $1.52, as compared to income of $3.02 per share for the comparable period in 2024.

    At June 30, 2025, total assets were $2.23 billion, an increase of $22 million, or 1%, compared to $2.21 billion at December 31, 2024. Total loans increased by $32 million to $1.44 billion compared to $1.41 billion at the end of 2024. Total deposits increased by $20 million, or 1%, to $1.76 billion compared to $1.74 billion at the end of 2024.

    Paul M. McCarthy, Chairman & CEO, said, “the primary reason for the decrease in consolidated earnings was a lower level of unrealized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio in 2025. The decrease in unrealized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio was partially offset by an increase in realized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio and an increase in net interest income. Other comprehensive income was positive for the first six months of 2025 and helped deliver an increase to tangible book value per share in 2025. Tangible book value per share increased by $2.69 during the first six months of 2025.”

    Marquette National Corporation is a diversified financial holding company and the parent of Marquette Bank, a full-service, community bank that serves the financial needs of communities in Chicagoland. The Bank has branches located in: Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Summit and Tinley Park, Illinois.

    For further information on financial results, visit: https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/MNAT/disclosure.

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. 
    This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “bode”, “predict,” “suggest,” “project”, “appear,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” ”annualize,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “likely,” “might,” “potential,” “continue,” “annualized,” “target,” “outlook,” as well as the negative forms of those words, or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

    A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the implementation of policies proposed by the new presidential administration, including tariffs, mass deportations and tax regulations; (iii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or threats thereof (including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East), or other adverse events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iv) new or revised accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (v) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to the bank failures in 2023; (vi) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by the Company’s commercial borrowers; (vii) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (viii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (ix) unexpected results of acquisitions which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (x) the loss of key executives and employees, talent shortages and employee turnover; (xi) changes in consumer spending; (xii) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions involving the Company; (xiii) the economic impact on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xiv) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (xv) credit risk and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral and industry) within our loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including CRE loans); (xvi) the overall health of the local and national real estate market; (xvii) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (xviii) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and who may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xix) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (xx) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxi) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xxii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiii) changes in the interest rates and repayment rates of the Company’s assets; (xxiv) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework, and (xxv) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

    Marquette National Corporation and Subsidiaries
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
                 
                 
    Balance Sheet        
               06/30/25       12/31/24 Percent
    Change
      Total assets   $2,229,653 $2,207,663 1%
      Total loans, net     1,421,815   1,390,799 2%
      Total deposits     1,759,649   1,739,799 1%
      Total stockholders’ equity   185,298   173,579 7%
             
      Shares outstanding   4,366,911   4,367,477 0%
      Book value per share $42.43 $39.74 7%
      Tangible book value per share $34.34 $31.65 8%
             
             
    Operating Results        
        Six Months Ended June 30,
    Percent
    Change
         2025   2024 
     
      Net Interest income $25,003 $22,486 10%
      Provision for credit losses   619   1,894 -67%
      Realized securities gains, net   9,996   1,261 *
      Unrealized holding gains (losses) on equity securities and exchange traded funds   (4,825)   16,294 *
      Other income   7,767   8,264 -6%
      Other expense   28,453   28,533 0%
      Income tax expense   2,233   4,645 -52%
      Net income   6,636   13,233 -50%
             
      Basic and fully diluted earnings per share $1.52 $3.02 -50%
      Weighted average shares outstanding   4,367,277   4,381,037 0%
             
      Cash dividends declared per share $0.62 $0.56 11%
             
      Comprehensive income $14,442 $12,348 17%
               
      * Not meaningful        
               

    For more information:
    Patrick Hunt
    EVP & CFO
    708-364-9019           
    phunt@emarquettebank.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Boosts Stock Futures Selection with TRON, BITF, ICG and More

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has expanded its innovative Stock Futures offering by adding five new trading options: ICG, BITF, ETHWSTOCK, TRON, and CRCL. This move continues MEXC’s mission to bridge the gap between digital assets and traditional finance, providing users with seamless access to U.S. stock market opportunities through the flexibility of crypto-based derivatives.

    MEXC’s Stock Futures product is designed with traders in mind—offering zero trading fees, zero funding fees, and deep global liquidity. With a clean and intuitive user interface, the product removes traditional barriers to stock market access and brings popular equity exposures to a new generation of crypto-native investors. Users can now trade select U.S. stock-linked futures directly on MEXC without the need for a brokerage account.

    Each Stock Futures pair supports up to 5x leverage, allowing users to go long or short based on market sentiment, all settled in USDT. This structure empowers traders to capitalize on market movements with limited capital, while simplifying the trading process through familiar crypto infrastructure. By tokenizing price exposure to traditional stocks like ICG, BITF, and CRCL, MEXC is setting a new standard for global trading accessibility.

    Five Key Features of MEXC Stock Futures:

    0 Fees, Maximum Potential
    To celebrate the launch, MEXC is offering a limited-time “Double 0” promotion: 0 trading fees and 0 funding rates. This drastically reduces transaction costs for both high-frequency traders and long-term investors, helping users maximize profit potential.

    Industry-Leading Depth & Execution Speed
    Built on a high-performance matching engine and deep liquidity pools, MEXC delivers industry-leading trading depth for Stock Futures. Users benefit from ultra-low slippage, tight spreads, and millisecond-level execution, even for large-volume trades.

    Streamlined, User-Friendly Interface
    The platform offers an intuitive UI with one-click leverage adjustment, quick order execution, and real-time risk alerts. Compared to the complexity of traditional CFDs, MEXC’s simplified design and smart tools make it easy for beginners to enter the leveraged trading space.

    Trading Hours Synchronized with U.S. Market Operations
    Unlike platforms that offer 24/7 trading, MEXC’s Stock Futures align with NASDAQ and NYSE trading hours, minimizing volatility during illiquid off-hours and ensuring a more authentic market experience. Real-time price feeds are sourced from official data providers, ensure transparency and minimize the risk of market manipulation.

    Institutional-Grade Asset Protection
    MEXC prioritizes user asset security with a dedicated Futures Insurance Fund to cover potential losses and a robust real-time risk management system to maintain a fair, stable trading environment.

    This guide will walk you through how to trade Stock Futures on MEXC, from opening an account to executing your first order.

    About MEXC

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

    Risk Disclaimer: Futures trading carries inherent risk. Ensure you fully understand the associated risks involved before investing.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c3945edd-ad57-47dd-b7fd-8791609ce2c2

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government announces measures to assist exporters

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has announced a set of measures in response to the tariff hike on South African exports to the United States, which comes into effect this month.

    “The dtic has announced a set of measures in response to the imminent 30% tariff hike on South African exports to the United States, which comes into effect on 1 August 2025.

    “These urgent interventions are part of the dtic’s ongoing commitment to protecting jobs, preserving market access in the United States, and promoting export diversification to alternate markets in Africa, the EU [European Union], Asia, Latin America, and other strategic partners,” Minister Parks Tau said in a statement ahead of the start of the implementation of the tariff.

    In Thursday’s statement, Tau said key among the interventions is the establishment of an Export Support Desk, which will serve as a direct point of contact for companies affected by the US tariff hike.

    “The Desk will provide updates on developments and tailored advisory services to exporters on alternative destinations, guidance on market entry processes, insights into compliance requirements and linkages to South African Embassies and High Commissions abroad.”

    READ | SA reaffirms commitment to US trade deal

    In July, President Cyril Ramaphosa noted the correspondence from the United States (US) President Donald Trump on the unilateral imposition of a 30% trade tariff against South Africa.

    In a letter addressed to President Ramaphosa, President Trump announced that he would subject imports from South Africa to new 30% tariffs, that would take effect from 1 August 2025.

    On Thursday, the dtic said the tariff hike poses a “direct threat” to the country’s export capacity, particularly in strategic sectors such as automotive, agro-processing, steel and chemicals, amongst others.

    “As government, we are fully committed to supporting our exporters through this challenging time. We are working with urgency and resolve to implement real and practical interventions that defend jobs and position South Africa competitively in a shifting global landscape.

    “The stakes are high and we must respond decisively to ensure our export industries remain resilient, competitive, and globally integrated into diversified markets.

    “Exporters are encouraged to engage directly with the Export Support Desk and also to visit the dtic website regularly for updates and support mechanisms. The dtic remains steadfast in its mission to assist local producers and safeguard South Africa’s trade interests amid growing global uncertainty,” the Minister explained.

    The contact details of the Export Support Desk are as follows:

    Exporters to the United States and Market Enquiries related to the Americas can contact:
    •    Ms. Nthatisi Moraloge 
    NMoraloge@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1125
    Or 
    •    Mr. Karabo Modimokwane
    KModimokwane@thedtc.gov.za
    (012) 394-1164

    Market Enquiries related to other markets:

    In the African region exporters can contact: 
    •    Ms. Zamaswazi Nkosi 
    ZPNkosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3533

    Or

    •    Mr. Mncedisi Madela
    MMadela@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5659

    Or

    •    Ms. Sithembile Shongwe 
    SLShongwe@thedtic.gov.za 
    Or

    •    Ms. Sibongimpilo Mashatola
    SMashatola@thedtic.gov.za
    (012) 394-5507

    In ASEAN and Asia, exporters can contact:

    •    Ms. Meresina Ranphabana 
    MRanphabana@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5918

    Or 
    •    Ms. Mundzhedzi Mahosi
    MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5645

    Or 
    •    Ms. Ledile Bambo  
    LBambo@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1997

    Or 
    •    Mr. Kenneth Malatsi 
    MMahosi@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-1061

    In the Europe region, exporters can contact :

    •    Ms. Hloniphile Nkiwane
    HNkiwane@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3496

    Or

    •    Mr. Seth Pule 
    SPule@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3087

    In the Middle East, exporters can contact :
    •    Mr. Waseem Rinquest 
    WRinquest@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-5863

    Or

    •    Ms. Mpho Sebatana
    MSebatana@thedtic.gov.za 
    (012) 394-3415

    SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong’s vibrant bar scene attracts highly anticipated cocktail bar to open in Hong Kong (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (August 1) that Montana, the brainchild of two of the world’s most celebrated bartenders, Mr Lorenzo Antinori and Mr Simone Caporale, has officially opened its doors in Soho, Hong Kong. This exciting new venture brings together the creative genius behind Bar Leone, Asia’s Best Bar in 2025 and second in the World’s Best Bar 2024, and Sips, the third-ranked bar in the World’s Best Bar 2024, to create a unique experience for cocktail enthusiasts and trendsetters alike that promises to redefine the city’s nightlife.

    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “We are thrilled to support Montana’s arrival in Hong Kong. Hong Kong continues to attract world-class talent and innovative businesses, and Montana is a testament to our city’s dynamic and diverse hospitality scene. Mr Antinori and Mr Caporale are global leaders in mixology, and their decision to open Montana in Hong Kong reinforces our reputation as a world-class destination for dining and nightlife.”

    Mr Antinori said, “Hong Kong has always been a city that embraces innovation and creativity. Montana is our tribute to this dynamic city, where we aim to blend the best of global cocktail culture with a unique local twist. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting journey.”

    Mr Caporale added, “Montana represents a new chapter in our quest to elevate the bar experience. Hong Kong’s energy and diversity inspire us to push boundaries and create something truly extraordinary. We are proud to contribute to the city’s thriving bar scene.”

    Mr Antinori stressed that Montana is more than just a bar; it is an experience. Located in the heart of Hong Kong, the bar offers a meticulously crafted menu of cocktails that blend tradition with innovation. The ambiance, designed to reflect the city’s cosmopolitan spirit, provides the perfect setting for both intimate gatherings and lively celebrations.

    For more information about Montana, please visit www.instagram.com/montanabarhk.

    To download event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328049749.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latvia to get solar-power boost as energy company Sunly receives almost €85 million international financing

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    Latvia is set to get more clean energy as a result of almost € 85 million in international financing for renewable-electricity provider Sunly. Estonia-based Sunly will use the loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and SEB to build four solar parks in Latvia with total capacity of 329 megawatts (MW) enough to meet the annual electricity consumption of up to 180,000 households.

    The project marks one of Latvia’s most ambitious renewable-energy initiatives to date and will accelerate the Baltic region’s shift to clean power while enhancing Latvia’s energy independence. The financing package includes loans of €35.2 million from the EIB, €35.2 million from the EBRD and €14.4 million from SEB.

    The solar parks are due to be completed by early 2027 and will be located near Matīši village in Valmiera Municipality (54 MW), in Dagda Parish, Krāslava Municipality (90 MW), near Barkava village in Madona Municipality (81 MW) and in Zirņi Parish, Saldus Municipality (104 MW).

    “Latvia’s bold push for hybrid solar infrastructure is exactly the kind of forward-looking investment Europe needs,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “We are proud to support Sunly’s vision — not just to generate clean power, but to build energy systems that are resilient, flexible, and future-ready. This project is a blueprint for how we can accelerate the green transition while strengthening regional energy security.”

    While the scope of this financing will support the solar component, the broader ambition is to develop all sites as hybrid parks, by subsequently integrating wind energy and battery energy storage systems, aiming to ensure more stable electricity production, improve grid efficiency, and enhance energy security.

    “We’re pleased to build on our partnership with Sunly and support the development of new renewable energy capacity in Latvia,” said Grzegorz Zielinski, EBRD Head of Energy for Europe. “This marks an important step toward strengthening the Baltic region’s energy security and advancing its climate goals. We look forward to contributing our expertise to help scale up this capacity and support the green energy transition.”

    Latvia’s installed solar capacity reached approximately 660 MW at the end of 2024, more than doubling from 305 MW in 2023 and 100 MW in 2022. According to the long-term planning guidelines Energy Strategy Latvia 2050, solar capacity is projected to reach around 1.2 GW by 2030, gradually increasing to 2.0 GW in the baseline scenario by mid-century. Sunly’s large-scale solar projects are set to play a major role in achieving these targets.

    This financing is a significant step toward strengthening Latvia’s economy and energy supply,” said Toms Nāburgs, Sunly’s country manager for Latvia. “By developing large hybrid solar parks, we are not only increasing the country’s renewable energy production capacity but also enhancing energy security and driving economic growth in the regions. These parks will provide long-term benefits to local communities by supporting socially important projects and initiatives, as well as contributing to the country’s broader electrification and subsequent industrialization.

    The solar parks are financed on a non-recourse basis without relying on government subsidies or long-term power contracts and are designed to thrive in a competitive energy market. Sunly has built more than 300 MW of renewable-energy capacity in Estonia, Latvia and Poland over the past five years, with plans to add a further 700 MW over the next two years

    “SEB in the Baltics has been a financial partner for Sunly since 2019 and we are very proud to support company’s ambitious journey in Latvia with the state-of-the-art hybrid solar parks portfolio,” said Ints Krasts, Management Board member of SEB Latvia. “The solar capacities launched in 2027 will ensure diversity of energy sources and will strengthen energy independence of Latvia. This a signature cooperation for SEB Latvia as well as we are supporting it both as a lender and a hedge provider.”

    The project’s total cost is estimated at € 203.9 million, with Sunly providing € 119.1 million. The EIB and EBRD portion of the new financing for Sunly is backed by a guarantee under the InvestEU programme and promotes climate action and economic and social cohesion.

    Background information

    EIB Group

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.    

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the EIB Group’s headquarters for media use are available here

    About InvestEU programme

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investments for the European Union’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. The InvestEU programme brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments currently available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners that will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment. 

    Sunly  

    Sunly is a renewable energy producer, dedicated to developing and operating renewable energy projects across the Baltics and Poland, while also investing in startups in the electrification sector and selling 100% renewable electricity to consumers in Estonia. At the heart of Sunly’s mission is renewable energy production, playing a crucial role in achieving regional climate goals, energy security, and affordability.

    EBRD

    The EBRD is a multilateral bank that promotes the development of the private sector and entrepreneurial initiative in 36 economies across three continents. The Bank is owned by 79 countries, as well as the European Union and the European Investment Bank. EBRD investments are aimed at making the economies in its regions competitive, well governed, green, inclusive, resilient and integrated.

    SEB

    SEB is a leading northern European financial services group with international reach. We exist to positively shape the future with responsible advice and capital, today and for generations to come. By partnering with our customers, we want to be a leading catalyst in the transition to a more sustainable world. In Sweden and the Baltic countries, SEB offers financial advice and a wide range of financial services. In Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom, we have a strong focus on corporate and investment banking based on a full-service offering to corporate and institutional clients. The international nature of SEB’s business is reflected in our presence in more than 20 countries worldwide, with around 19,100 employees. At 30 June 2025, the Group’s total assets amounted to SEK 4,110bn while assets under management totalled SEK 2,744bn. Read more about SEB Group at sebgroup.com and about SEB Latvia at: Homepage | SEB

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. : Form 8.3 – JUST GROUP PLC – Ordinary Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. in its capacity as investment advisor and on behalf its affiliates who are also investment advisors (”Dimensional”). Dimensional expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares described in this form 8.3.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
       
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree
    Just Group PLC  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure
    31 July 2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”
    N/a  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: 10p ordinary (GB00BCRX1J15)  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 24,959,558 2.40 %      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 24,959,558 * 2.40 %      
    * Dimensional Fund Advisors LP and/or its affiliates do not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 51,686 shares that are included in the total above.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

     
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

     
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
             
    There was a Transfer In of 6,460 shares of 10p ordinary  
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     
    None  
       
    (c) Attachments  
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 01 August 2025  
    Contact name Thomas Hone  
    Telephone number +44 20 3033 3419  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Moonshot MAGAX Presale Goes Live — Built for Virality, Fueled by Community

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After months of building behind the scenes, Moonshot MAGAX is opening the gates. We are pleased to announce the official launch of our token presale, offering early investors a rare opportunity to invest in a community-driven token with the potential for significant growth and virality.

    We’re building MAGAX for the culture, not just for the chart or hype.

    What Is MAGAX?

    Traditionally, memecoins are known to be a hyped token that quickly buzzes the entire ecosystem, then fade away after the hype subsides. Apart from this hype, memecoins are also perceived as unrealizable due to their rapid appreciation value among people.

    But that’s exactly the narrative Moonshot MAGAX is here to challenge.

    In a recent conversation with the Founder, CEO, and Creator of Moonshot MAGAX, Jatinder Pal Singh, he is rooted in experience, intention, and cultural relevance. JP is not your average crypto founder. He’s a visionary who sits at the intersection of AI, blockchain, and community. As a former senior leader at Apple, he helped shape products and AI systems that now define how millions interact with technology. Today, he brings that same level of product excellence and global mindset to Web3.

    A serial entrepreneur with a passion for empowering creators, JP’s mission is simple but bold: “elevate memes beyond entertainment and turn them into meaningful, monetizable assets.”

    His decision to leave Big Tech behind and go all-in on a culture-powered Web3 project speaks volumes. It shows that MAGAX wasn’t built out of hype but born out of the belief that memecoins could be more than a flash in the pan. They could represent a new form of creative and cultural capital.

    MAGAX, short for “MAKE ALT COIN GREAT AGAIN XPLOSION,” is the first AI-powered Meme-to-Earn token. It merges viral content mechanics with smart contract incentives and a reward system built around creators and the community.

    You’re not just investing when you engage with MAGAX. You’re stepping into a shift a transformation from memecoins as empty pumps to memecoins as real, functional tools for cultural expression and community-driven value.

    With AI-powered meme discovery, MAGAX can detect viral content automatically, inviting creators and community promoters to monetise effortlessly. And it doesn’t stop at payouts this is a system designed to drive ongoing cultural relevance, where the content that connects people also fuels the platform’s growth.

    And it’s not just for creators. This token isn’t creators’ alone, it is for:

    1. Investors & Holders: Acquire tokens early, stake for passive growth, and benefit from long-term platform growth.
    2. Early Adopters: Explore cutting-edge, decentralised AI-powered platforms early.
    3. Developers & Builders: Contribute actively in growing and nurturing MAGAX’s community and ecosystem.
    4. Viral Promoters: Share memes and grow reach across all social media platforms, get rewarded in MAGAX
    5. Web3 Enthusiasts: Engage directly with blockchain technology, decentralised governance, and staking rewards.

    Why Participate in the Pre-Sale?

    By participating in the presale, you will enjoy the following:

    1. Early Access, Low Price: MAGAX tokens are currently being offered at $0.00027 USDT per token, with a minimum purchase of $20. As the stages progress, this price has the potential to increase to $0.00061 or more.
    2. Token Utility with Real Rewards: With MAGAX tokens, you gain governance rights in the MAGAX DAO, the ability to license viral memes and advertisement spaces, and you can earn rewards for referring others.
    3. Vesting Mechanisms for Stability: To prevent rug pull after launch, only 20% of your presale tokens are unlocked on launch, with the remaining 80% vested over 12 months. This encourages long-term alignment, ecosystem health, as well as security.
    4. Built for Memes and Viral Culture: MAGAX uniquely rewards meme creators, early amplifiers, and community members based on real engagement driven by AI and on-chain transparency

    How to Participate in the Pre-sale?

    1. Visit MAGAX LaunchPad
    2. Connect your wallet using the available supported wallet options.
    3. Choose any coin of your choice to pay with, e.g ETH, USDT, BTC
    4. Enter the amount you’re buying
    5. Confirm and you’re in.

    Memes aren’t just jokes. They’re assets. And it’s time the people behind them get rewarded.

    Let’s preserve the culture. Let’s empower community growth

    Media Details

    Contact: Moonshot Magax

    Email: Support@moonshotmagax.com

    Website: https://www.moonshotmagax.com/

    Whitepaper: https://magax-dev-public-bucket.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/pdfs/Whitepaper.pdf

    Telegram: https://t.me/moonshotmagax

    Twitter (X): https://x.com/moonshotmagax

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Moonshot Magax. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5502a42b-8286-4a09-9c61-c57ff4fc9b26

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: WeTrade Marks 10th Anniversary with Global Campaign Upgrades and Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WeTrade, the leading international financial broker, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a global branding campaign, a domain name upgrade, expanded trading tools, and one of its biggest client reward programmes to date. 

    Since its founding in 2015, WeTrade has grown into a globally recognised trading platform serving a fast-expanding community of clients across multiple regions. This year’s anniversary campaign brings together everything the company stands for: performance, visibility, and appreciation. 

    WeTrade marked the milestone by lighting up three of the world’s most iconic skylines — Nasdaq Tower in New York, Leicester Square in London, and Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong — showcasing the brand on some of the largest LED billboards in global finance and culture. The campaign reinforced WeTrade’s position as a trusted international broker and highlighted its growing influence in the financial industry. 

    $100,000 Reward Campaign for Clients 

    Running from 1 to 31 August 2025, the “10 Years In Trust We Trade” campaign features significant incentives for both new and existing clients, terms and conditions apply: 

    New clients receive $2 cashback per standard lot traded, up to $100,000 in total giveaways. 

    Existing clients earn 2 Reward Points per lot, up to 100,000 points. 

    All clients who trade 25 standard lots within the campaign period can redeem a limited-edition Gold Note. 

    All clients stand a chance to win up to 3,000 Reward Points per spin on the Anniversary Lucky Wheel. 

    Major Brand Updates 

    In conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebration, WeTrade has also launched several important updates: 

    The official website has transitioned from wetradebroker.com to wetrade.com — reflecting a more streamlined and global digital identity. 

    MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is now available across mobile and desktop, providing traders with faster execution, deeper market data, more charting options, and multi-asset trading flexibility. 

    Built for the Future 

    WeTrade’s growth has been defined by its commitment to trust, client-first innovation, and strong partnerships. Over the years, the brand has earned multiple regulatory licences, industry recognition, and loyal client support — positioning it as a reliable partner for modern traders. 

    “Ten years ago, we made a promise to create a better trading experience. This 10th anniversary celebration belongs to all who put their trust in us. But we are just getting started,” said George Miltiadou, EU WeTrade’s CEO. 

    About WeTrade 
     
    WeTrade is a globally recognised financial broker, founded in 2015, offering innovative online trading services across a diverse range of CFD instruments. Known for its strong client protection, ultra-low spreads, and award-winning loyalty programs, WeTrade is dedicated to making trading both successful and rewarding. 

    Media Contact

    Organization: WeTrade

    Contact Person Name: CHONG PEI ZHOU

    Website: https://www.wetradebroker.com/

    Email: contactus@wetradebroker.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by WeTrade. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa continues to engage the United States (US) government on the reciprocal tariffs

    Source: APO


    .

    President Cyril Ramaphosa notes with concern the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on South African products.

    The reciprocal tariffs have been imposed by the US on a significant number of its trade partners and South Africa has not been spared. South Africa will continue negotiating with the US regarding the 30 percent tariff announced by the US, which will come into effect on or after 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025.

    All applicable exceptions published in the previous US Executive Order are set to remain in force and these exceptions covered products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, stainless steel scrap and energy and energy products. 

    Government has been engaging the United States, and has submitted a Framework Deal that aims to enhance mutually beneficial trade and investment relations. All channels of communication remain open to engage with the US and our negotiators are ready pending invitation from the US. 

    In the meantime, Government is finalising a package to support companies that are vulnerable to the reciprocal tariffs. The package consists of a  number of measures to assist companies, producers and workers affected by the tariffs on SA exports to the US. The details of the measures will be announced in due course. 

    South Africa and US trade relations are complementary in nature and South African exports do not pose a threat to US industry. Importantly, SA exports to the US contain inputs from the African Continent and contribute to intra-Africa trade. 

    South Africa will continue to pursue all diplomatic efforts to safeguard its national interests.  It is important that as a country we keep our people at work and our companies producing some of the high-quality products destined for many parts of the world.

    To this end, Government will intensify its diversification strategy to create resilience of our economy and is working with export councils and industry associations, as well as top exporters to the US with a view to assist with alternative markets. In this regard, an Export Support Desk to provide updates on development and provide advisory services to exporters has been established. The details  are to be published by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition on its website. 

    Government, through the dtic is also in constant contact with the US on the  Framework Deal. The Executive order published by the United States today clarifies that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12h01 eastern daylight time, 7 days after 1 August 2025, and entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12h01 eastern daylight time on 5 October 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty and shall instead remain subject to the additional ad valorem duties previously imposed in Executive Order 14257, as amended.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI USA: Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    Flood Survivors in Four More Counties May Apply for Federal Assistance

    AUSTIN, Texas – Homeowners and renters in Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch and Menard counties are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance if you were affected by the Central Texas flooding in July

    FEMA, the State of Texas and the U

    S

    Small Business Administration may be able to help with serious disaster-related needs, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss and disaster loans

    Previously, Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties were designated for FEMA assistance, meaning survivors with losses in those counties could apply even if they do not live in the county or in Texas

    A total of 10 counties are now designated for federal assistance under the major presidential disaster declaration for the July 2-18 severe storms and flooding in Central Texas

    Survivors with homeowners’, renters’ and flood insurance are encouraged to file a claim with their insurance carrier as soon as possible

    By law, FEMA cannot provide funding for losses covered by your insurance

    If your policy does not cover all disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance

    FEMA works closely with the Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes

    You have until Thursday, Sept

    4, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance, which is not the same as reporting your damage to the state

    Reporting disaster damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management at damage

    tdem

    texas

    gov helps officials connect you with resources and services

    The fastest way to apply to FEMA is online at DisasterAssistance

    gov

    You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

    Lines are open from 6 a

    m

    to 10 p

    m

    CT daily

    If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service

    Helpline specialists speak many languages

    Press 2 for Spanish

    To apply online or to download an SBA application, go to SBA

    gov/disaster

    You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba

    gov

     The deadline to apply for an SBA physical disaster loan is also Thursday, Sept

    4

    The last day to apply for an SBA economic injury loan is April 6, 2026

    You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center to receive in-person assistance

    To find one close to you, use your ZIP code to search FEMA

    gov/DRC

    To view an accessible video, visit What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance

    For the latest information about the Texas recovery, visit fema

    gov/disaster/4879

    Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x

    com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook

    com/FEMARegion6
    toan

    nguyen
    Thu, 07/31/2025 – 15:35

    MIL OSI USA News

  • Ancient pre-Hispanic grave unearthed under residential Lima street

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Human remains pointing to a 1,000-year-old pre-Hispanic cemetery were unearthed in northern Lima by workers digging under the Peruvian capital to install a gas pipeline, an archaeologist told Reuters on Thursday.

    The tomb was found on a residential street just two meters (6.6 feet) from the front gate of a house.

    Jose Pablo Aliaga, an archaeologist for gas distribution firm Calidda, said the remains of a man wrapped in burial cloths alongside pottery likely pointed to a burial complex, after another body was found nearby last month.

    “The material evidence suggests that it could be a burial of the Chancay culture, from approximately 1,000 to 1,200 years ago,” said Aliaga, pointing to a coastal fishing-based civilization known for its textiles and ceramics.

    “We are probably over a pre-Hispanic cemetery, as we found another burial just around the corner from here,” he added.

    It is common for companies excavating under Lima to hire archaeologists due to the number of sites scattered in the city.

    Last month, Calidda gas workers working in the same district of Puente Piedra discovered the remains of a mummified woman, which researchers estimate are over 900 years old.

    Peru’s 10 million-strong capital hosts over 400 archaeological sites dotted around the city. Calidda has itself reported over 2,200 archaeological discoveries in the last two decades, most of them traced back to the Chancay culture.

    The South American nation is home to hundreds of archaeological sites, including the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the Andean region of Cusco, and the ancient Nazca lines carved into the coastal desert of its Ica region.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Facing Earthquakes and Extremes, Asia-Pacific Deepens Disaster Cooperation Incheon, Republic of Korea | 01 August 2025 APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group

    Source: APEC Secretariat

    A powerful earthquake off the coast of Kamchatka jolted the Asia-Pacific just hours before emergency officials from APEC economies convened in Incheon for the 21st meeting of the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG), a timely reminder of how disasters can ripple across the region without warning.

    “Disasters know no borders, and they affect not only local communities but have long-term consequences for entire economies,” said Kim Gwang-yong, Vice Minister of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety, in his welcome address. “Cooperation and solidarity among APEC economies are more important than ever.”

    Vice Minister Kim highlighted Korea’s recent experiences with typhoons, heavy rainfall and wildfires, noting that the country has continuously improved its disaster management systems. 

    He also emphasized Korea’s commitment to sharing these best practices with fellow APEC economies and expanding cooperation in ICT-based early warning systems, disaster prediction models using artificial intelligence (AI), and community-centered disaster resilience strategies.

    The meeting’s agenda covered digital-based disaster risk management strategies, community leadership in disaster response and strengthening multi-layered governance. 

    Experts and officials discussed enhancing early warning systems, leveraging big data and satellite technologies and developing resilient infrastructure that can support disaster-affected communities. 

    Sessions also focused on advancing collaborative governance, bridging gaps in disaster risk management, and preparing communities for emerging risks.

    EPWG co-chair Dayra Carvajal of the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency, urged members to recognize the compounding risks affecting the region’s interconnected systems. 

    “From devastating earthquakes to wildfires and catastrophic flooding, this year has once again underscored the interconnected impacts of disasters in Asia-Pacific,” she said. “These compounding stressors that ripple through shared infrastructure remind us that events in one economy are frequently felt elsewhere.”

    “This year, we must endeavor to identify concrete and practical ways in which to strengthen the systems that sustain regional economic growth and prosperity: our infrastructure, markets and supply chains.”

    The agenda featured project updates and best practice exchanges by member economies including on topics such as disaster risk prediction and whole-community preparedness in urban, coastal and inland areas. Delegates examined how to bridge gaps in early warning systems, scale agile and adaptable governance across central and local levels and enable technology-driven disaster leadership.

    “The more we prepare, the more we can reduce disaster damage. And the more we cooperate, the stronger our response can become,” Vice Minister Kim concluded.

    Looking ahead, the group emphasized that continued collaboration under the newly launched EPWG Strategic Plan 2025–2027 will be essential to turn this momentum into durable systems of protection and preparedness. 

    The EPWG meeting is a key platform for promoting APEC’s vision of a resilient and prosperous future, with discussions expected to result in actionable policies and collaborative projects that can mitigate disaster risks, enhance regional preparedness and protect the lives and livelihoods of the 2.9 billion people who call the APEC region home.


    For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI: LYNO AI Launches 2025 Presale: Advanced Cross-Chain Arbitrage Protocol Enters Early Bird Phase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A presale event for LYNO AI, a decentralized AI-driven cross-chain arbitrage protocol, has officially begun. This unique opportunity gives early-stage crypto investors access to LYNO AI’s proprietary technology before its broader rollout. The protocol integrates artificial intelligence with blockchain infrastructure to enable high-speed, automated trading across more than 15 EVM-compatible blockchains.

    LYNO AI Presale Now Open with 16M Tokens in Early Bird Phase

    The LYNO AI presale is currently in its Early Bird stage with 16 million tokens available at $0.050. The next pricing milestone will raise the token price to $0.055. LYNO’s presale model is divided into seven structured phases, ensuring gradual price increases and rewarding early participants.

    Investors can acquire tokens using ETH, USDT, or USDC through popular wallets like MetaMask and Trust Wallet. The project’s tiered pricing model is designed to create momentum and increase value for early adopters.

    Introducing LYNO AI: A Four-Layer Arbitrage Engine Across 15+ Blockchains

    LYNO AI operates as a fully autonomous protocol executing arbitrage trades in real-time through smart contracts. Its system includes:

    • Data Layer: Aggregates live market pricing and liquidity
    • AI Layer: Identifies optimal arbitrage paths using machine learning
    • Execution Layer: Executes trades through cross-chain bridges and flash loans (e.g., LayerZero, Axelar, Wormhole)
    • Settlement Layer: Distributes profits and retrains models for continuous performance improvement

    This combination supports intelligent, real-time arbitrage across chains such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism.

    Security and Compliance Features

    The LYNO protocol is audited by Cyberscope and incorporates robust safety mechanisms such as multi-signature wallets, circuit breakers, slippage control, and zero-knowledge proof-based protections to guard against MEV exploits and front-running risks.

    Tokenomics and Governance

    Holders of the $LYNO token gain governance rights, enabling community-based decisions on upgrades, fees, and future developments. Staking incentives offer up to 60% of protocol fee rewards, creating long-term value and passive earning potential for participants.

    A buyback-and-burn model helps reduce circulating supply over time, potentially increasing scarcity and value. The presale represents 28% of the total token supply, distributed over seven rounds, with a roadmap focused on ecosystem sustainability.

    Conclusion

    With a focus on automation, interoperability, and community governance, LYNO AI positions itself as a forward-looking entrant in the AI-blockchain sector. The protocol’s combination of smart arbitrage infrastructure and AI-led optimization aims to create long-term utility and scalability.

    Early supporters are encouraged to participate in the presale while the $0.050 token price is active.

    More Information

    Website: https://lyno.ai/
    Buy Presale: https://lyno.ai/#presale
    Whitepaper: https://lyno.ai/whitepaper.pdf
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/Lyno_AI
    Telegram: https://t.me/lyno_ai

    Contact
    LYNO AI
    contact@lyno.ai

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by LYNO. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Sets Date to Announce Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WATERLOO, Ontario and ATLANTA, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (TSX: DSG) (Nasdaq: DSGX), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, is scheduled to report its second quarter fiscal 2026 financial results after market close on Wednesday, September 03, 2025.

    Members of Descartes’ executive management team will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 5:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 03, 2025. Designated numbers are +1 289 514 5100 for North America and +1 800 717 1738 for international, using conference ID 15589.
    The company will simultaneously conduct an audio webcast on the Descartes website at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations. Phone conference dial-in or webcast log-in is required approximately 10 minutes beforehand.

    Replays of the conference call will be available until Wednesday, September 10, 2025, by dialing +1 289 819 1325 or Toll-Free for North America using +1 888 660 6264 with Playback Passcode: 15589#. An archived replay of the webcast will be available at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations.

    About Descartes Systems Group
    Descartes is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security, and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

    Descartes Investor Contact         
    Laurie McCauley
    (519) 746-2969
    investor@descartes.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Business Partners Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE: BBU, BBUC; TSX: BBU.UN, BBUC) announced today financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    “We had an active quarter, reaching an agreement on the sale of a partial interest in three businesses, investing $300 million to acquire two market-leading businesses, and repurchasing an additional 2.2 million of common equity at highly accretive levels,” said Anuj Ranjan, CEO of Brookfield Business Partners. “The strength of our financial results in an uneven macroeconomic environment underscores the resilience of our operations, while progress on our value creation plans and capital recycling initiatives enable us to continue compounding growth for investors.”

      Three Months Ended
    June 30,
      Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    US$ millions (except per unit amounts), unaudited   2025   2024       2025   2024
    Net income (loss) attributable to Unitholders1 $ 26 $ (20 )   $ 106 $ 28
    Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit2 $ 0.12 $ (0.10 )   $ 0.49 $ 0.13
               
    Adjusted EBITDA3 $ 591 $ 524     $ 1,182 $ 1,068

    Net income attributable to Unitholders for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $26 million ($0.12 per limited partnership unit), compared to net loss of $20 million (loss of $0.10 per limited partnership unit) in the prior period.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $591 million, compared to $524 million in the prior period reflecting increased performance on a same store basis and contribution from recently completed acquisitions. Prior period results included $71 million of contribution from disposed operations including our offshore oil services’ shuttle tanker operation which was sold in January 2025.

    Operational Update

    The following table presents Adjusted EBITDA by segment:

      Three Months Ended
    June 30,
      Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2025     2024       2025     2024  
    Industrials $ 307   $ 213     $ 611   $ 441  
    Business Services   205     182       418     387  
    Infrastructure Services   109     157       213     300  
    Corporate and Other   (30 )   (28 )     (60 )   (60 )
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 591   $ 524     $ 1,182   $ 1,068  

    Our Industrials segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $307 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $213 million during the same period in 2024, benefiting from strong operating performance at our advanced energy storage operation. Current period results included $71 million of tax recoveries as well as contribution from recent acquisitions including our electric heat tracing systems manufacturer which was acquired in January 2025. Prior period results included contribution from our Canadian aggregates production operation which was sold in June 2024.

    Our Business Services segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $205 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $182 million during the same period in 2024 which reflected the impact of reduced contribution from our dealer software and technology services operation in the prior period. Prior period results included contribution from our road fuels operation which was sold in July 2024.

    Our Infrastructure Services segment generated Adjusted EBITDA of $109 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $157 million during the same period in 2024 primarily reflecting the sale of our offshore oil services’ shuttle tanker operation in January 2025.

    The following table presents Adjusted EFO4 by segment:

      Three Months Ended
    June 30,
      Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2025     2024       2025     2024  
    Adjusted EFO          
    Industrials $ 154   $ 206     $ 284   $ 386  
    Business Services   105     86       222     254  
    Infrastructure Services   38     76       204     148  
    Corporate and Other   (63 )   (79 )     (131 )   (168 )

    Adjusted EFO included the benefit of lower interest expense due to a reduction in corporate borrowings compared to the prior period. Industrials Adjusted EFO reflected the impact of higher interest expense related to the funding of a distribution received from our advanced energy storage operation during the current year. Adjusted EFO in the prior period included $103 million of net gains related to the disposition of our Canadian aggregates production operation and the sale of public securities.

    Strategic Initiatives

    • Capital Recycling
      In July, we completed the previously announced sale of a partial interest in three businesses to a new evergreen private equity fund managed by Brookfield Asset Management. In exchange, BBU will receive units of the new evergreen fund with an initial redemption value of approximately $690 million, representing an aggregate 8.6% discount to net asset value (NAV) of the interests sold. In the 18-month period following the initial close of the new evergreen fund, the units are expected to be redeemed for cash.
    • Canadian Mortgage Lender
      In July, we entered into a partnership to privatize First National Financial Corporation, a leading publicly-listed Canadian residential and multi-family mortgage lender, for $2.7 billion. The transaction is expected to be funded with approximately $1.3 billion of equity, of which BBU’s share is expected to be approximately $145 million for an 11% interest in the business. The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to obtaining the required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
    • Specialty Consumables and Equipment Manufacturer
      In May, we completed the previously announced acquisition of Antylia Scientific, a leading manufacturer and distributor of critical consumables and testing equipment serving life sciences and environmental labs for approximately $1.3 billion. BBU invested $168 million for a 26% interest.
    • Unit Repurchase Program
      During the quarter, we invested $56 million to repurchase 2.2 million units and shares of Brookfield Business Partners at an average price of approximately $25 per unit and share. Since the start of the year, our buyback program has returned $157 million to owners through the repurchase of 6.5 million units and shares under our normal course issuer bid (NCIB), which we plan to renew once it expires later this month.

    Liquidity

    We ended the quarter with approximately $2.3 billion of liquidity at the corporate level, including $2.2 billion of availability on our credit facilities. Pro forma for announced and recently closed transactions, corporate liquidity is approximately $2.9 billion.

    Distribution

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly distribution in the amount of $0.0625 per unit, payable on September 29, 2025 to unitholders of record as at the close of business on August 29, 2025.

    Additional Information

    The Board has reviewed and approved this news release, including the summarized unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein.

    Brookfield Business Partners’ Letter to Unitholders and the Supplemental Information are available on our website https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings.

    Notes:
    1 Attributable to limited partnership unitholders, general partnership unitholders, redemption-exchange unitholders, special limited partnership unitholders and BBUC exchangeable shareholders.
    2 Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit calculated as net income (loss) attributable to limited partners divided by the average number of limited partnership units outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 which were 88.9 million and 84.5 million, respectively (June 30, 2024: 74.3 million and 74.3 million, respectively).
    3 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure of operating performance presented as net income and equity accounted income at the partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments, respectively, excluding the impact of interest income (expense), net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, gains (losses) on dispositions, net, transaction costs, restructuring charges, revaluation gains or losses, impairment expenses or reversals, other income or expenses, and preferred equity distributions. The partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments excludes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests consistent with how the partnership determines net income attributable to non-controlling interests in its unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of operating results. The partnership believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides a comprehensive understanding of the ability of its businesses to generate recurring earnings which allows users to better understand and evaluate the underlying financial performance of the partnership’s operations and excludes items that the partnership believes do not directly relate to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring items necessary for business operations. Please refer to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA included in this news release.
    4 Adjusted EFO is the partnership’s segment measure of profit or loss and is presented as net income and equity accounted income at the partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries and equity accounted investments, respectively, excluding the impact of depreciation and amortization expense, deferred income taxes, transaction costs, restructuring charges, unrealized revaluation gains or losses, impairment expenses or reversals and other income or expense items that are not directly related to revenue generating activities. The partnership’s economic ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries excludes amounts attributable to non-controlling interests consistent with how the partnership determines net income attributable to non-controlling interests in its unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of operating results. In order to provide additional insight regarding the partnership’s operating performance over the lifecycle of an investment, Adjusted EFO includes the impact of preferred equity distributions and realized disposition gains or losses recorded in net income, other comprehensive income, or directly in equity, such as ownership changes. Adjusted EFO does not include legal and other provisions that may occur from time to time in the partnership’s operations and that are one-time or non-recurring and not directly tied to the partnership’s operations, such as those for litigation or contingencies. Adjusted EFO includes expected credit losses and bad debt allowances recorded in the normal course of the partnership’s operations. Adjusted EFO allows the partnership to evaluate its segments on the basis of return on invested capital generated by its operations and allows the partnership to evaluate the performance of its segments on a levered basis.

    Brookfield Business Partners is a global business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that provide essential products and services and benefit from a strong competitive position. Investors have flexibility to invest in our company either through Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE: BBU; TSX: BBU.UN), a limited partnership or Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC), a corporation. For more information, please visit https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Brookfield Business Partners is the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield Asset Management’s Private Equity Group. Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager with over $1 trillion of assets under management.

    Please note that Brookfield Business Partners’ previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR, and are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    For more information, please contact:

    Conference Call and Quarterly Earnings Webcast Details

    Investors, analysts and other interested parties can access Brookfield Business Partners’ second quarter 2025 results as well as the Letter to Unitholders and Supplemental Information on our website https://bbu.brookfield.com under Reports & Filings.

    The results call can be accessed via webcast on August 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time at BBU2025Q2Webcast or participants can preregister at BBU2025Q2ConferenceCall. Upon registering, participants will be emailed a dial-in number and unique PIN. A replay of the webcast will be available at https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
     
      As at
    US$ millions, unaudited June 30, 2025   December 31, 2024
               
    Assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 3,329     $ 3,239
    Financial assets     11,658       12,371
    Accounts and other receivable, net     7,148       6,279
    Inventory and other assets     5,808       5,728
    Property, plant and equipment     10,591       13,232
    Deferred income tax assets     1,959       1,744
    Intangible assets     19,158       18,317
    Equity accounted investments     2,397       2,325
    Goodwill     13,287       12,239
    Total Assets   $ 75,335     $ 75,474
               
    Liabilities and Equity          
    Liabilities          
    Corporate borrowings   $ 1,116     $ 2,142
    Accounts payable and other     13,766       16,691
    Non-recourse borrowings in subsidiaries of the partnership     42,493       36,720
    Deferred income tax liabilities     2,639       2,613
               
    Equity          
    Limited partners $ 2,291     $ 1,752  
    Non-controlling interests attributable to:          
    Redemption-exchange units   1,330       1,644  
    Special limited partner          
    BBUC exchangeable shares   1,805       1,721  
    Preferred securities   740       740  
    Interest of others in operating subsidiaries   9,155       11,451  
          15,321       17,308
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 75,335     $ 75,474
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Consolidated Statements of Operating Results
     
    US$ millions, unaudited Three Months Ended
    June 30,
      Six Months Ended
    June 30,
      2025     2024       2025     2024  
               
    Revenues $ 6,695   $ 11,946     $ 13,444   $ 23,961  
    Direct operating costs   (5,465 )   (10,928 )     (10,867 )   (21,806 )
    General and administrative expenses   (271 )   (307 )     (582 )   (624 )
    Interest income (expense), net   (801 )   (778 )     (1,571 )   (1,574 )
    Equity accounted income (loss)   23     31       15     54  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net   (14 )         (14 )   10  
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net   6     84       220     99  
    Other income (expense), net   (103 )   (100 )     (186 )   16  
    Income (loss) before income tax   70     (52 )     459     136  
    Income tax (expense) recovery          
    Current   (119 )   (122 )     (316 )   (212 )
    Deferred   184     239       248     344  
    Net income (loss) $ 135   $ 65     $ 391   $ 268  
    Attributable to:          
    Limited partners $ 11   $ (7 )   $ 41   $ 10  
    Non-controlling interests attributable to:          
    Redemption-exchange units   6     (6 )     29     9  
    Special limited partner                  
    BBUC exchangeable shares   9     (7 )     36     9  
    Preferred securities   13     13       26     26  
    Interest of others in operating subsidiaries   96     72       259     214  
    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measure
     
    US$ millions, unaudited   Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
      Business
    Services
      Infrastructure
    Services
      Industrials   Corporate
    and Other
      Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 253     $ (173 )   $ 95     $ (40 )   $ 135  
                         
    Add or subtract the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     208       175       384             767  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net                 14             14  
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net     (6 )                       (6 )
    Other income (expense), net1     (200 )     76       229       (2 )     103  
    Income tax (expense) recovery     9       10       (76 )     (8 )     (65 )
    Equity accounted income (loss)     (5 )     (4 )     (14 )           (23 )
    Interest income (expense), net     238       142       401       20       801  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     28       40       20             88  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (320 )     (157 )     (746 )           (1,223 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 205     $ 109     $ 307     $ (30 )   $ 591  

    Notes:
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $236 million of net gain recognized upon the deconsolidation of our healthcare services operation, $183 million of expenses related to employee incentive payments linked to the realization of value at our advanced energy storage operation, $59 million of net revaluation losses, $57 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $19 million of net loss on debt modification and extinguishment, $3 million of transaction costs and $18 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by its investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measure
     
    US$ millions, unaudited   Six Months Ended June 30, 2025
      Business
    Services
      Infrastructure
    Services
      Industrials   Corporate
    and Other
      Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 253     $ (17 )   $ 240     $ (85 )   $ 391  
                         
    Add or subtract the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     430       340       727             1,497  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net                 14             14  
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net     (6 )     (214 )                 (220 )
    Other income (expense), net1     (132 )     (3 )     322       (1 )     186  
    Income tax (expense) recovery     27       35       25       (19 )     68  
    Equity accounted income (loss)     (8 )     22       (29 )           (15 )
    Interest income (expense), net     468       291       767       45       1,571  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     52       73       35             160  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (666 )     (314 )     (1,490 )           (2,470 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 418     $ 213     $ 611     $ (60 )   $ 1,182  

    Notes:
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $236 million of net gain recognized upon the deconsolidation of our healthcare services operation, $183 million of expenses related to employee incentive payments linked to the realization of value at our advanced energy storage operation, $135 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $125 million of unrealized gains recorded on reclassification of property, plant and equipment to finance leases at our offshore oil services operation, $110 million of net revaluation losses, $38 million of transaction costs, $22 million of net loss on debt modification and extinguishment and $59 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by our investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measure
     
    US$ millions, unaudited   Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
      Business
    Services
      Infrastructure
    Services
      Industrials   Corporate
    and Other
      Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ (5 )   $ (92 )   $ 216     $ (54 )   $ 65  
                         
    Add back or deduct the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     248       222       339             809  
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net                 (84 )           (84 )
    Other income (expense), net1     51       22       26       1       100  
    Income tax expense (recovery)     (17 )     4       (91 )     (13 )     (117 )
    Equity accounted income (loss)     (5 )     (11 )     (15 )           (31 )
    Interest income (expense), net     253       178       309       38       778  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     18       44       15             77  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (361 )     (210 )     (502 )           (1,073 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 182     $ 157     $ 213     $ (28 )   $ 524  

    Notes:
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $82 million related to provisions recorded at our construction operation, $49 million of net gains on debt modification and extinguishment, $41 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs, and restructuring charges, $21 million of net revaluation gains, $8 million of transaction costs and $39 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by our investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

    Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
    Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measure
     
    US$ millions, unaudited   Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
      Business
    Services
      Infrastructure
    Services
      Industrials   Corporate
    and Other
      Total
                         
    Net income (loss)   $ 235     $ (157 )   $ 314     $ (124 )   $ 268  
                         
    Add back or deduct the following:                    
    Depreciation and amortization expense     502       434       681             1,617  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net     (4 )     (12 )     6             (10 )
    Gain (loss) on dispositions, net     (15 )           (84 )           (99 )
    Other income (expense), net1     (89 )     4       58       11       (16 )
    Income tax expense (recovery)     7       1       (118 )     (22 )     (132 )
    Equity accounted income (loss), net     (6 )     (15 )     (33 )           (54 )
    Interest income (expense), net     505       358       636       75       1,574  
    Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA2     35       83       31             149  
    Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests3     (783 )     (396 )     (1,050 )           (2,229 )
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 387     $ 300     $ 441     $ (60 )   $ 1,068  

    Notes:
    1 Other income (expense), net corresponds to amounts that are not directly related to revenue earning activities and are not normal, recurring income or expenses necessary for business operations. The components of other income (expense), net include $179 million of net revaluation gains, $82 million related to provisions recorded at our construction operation, $61 million of business separation expenses, stand-up costs and restructuring charges, $50 million of other income related to a distribution at our entertainment operation, $38 million of net gains on debt modification and extinguishment, $29 million of transaction costs and $79 million of other expenses.
    2 Equity accounted Adjusted EBITDA corresponds to the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the partnership that is generated by our investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method.
    3 Amounts attributable to non-controlling interests are calculated based on the economic ownership interests held by the non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries.

    Brookfield Business Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results
     

    Brookfield, News, August 1, 2025 – Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC) announced today its net income (loss) for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

      Three Months Ended
    June 30,
      Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    US$ millions, unaudited   2025     2024     2025     2024  
               
    Net income (loss) attributable to Brookfield Business Partners $ (120 ) $ 124   $ (178 ) $ (26 )

    Net loss attributable to Brookfield Business Partners for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $120 million, compared to net income of $124 million during the same period in 2024. Current period results included $176 million of remeasurement loss on our exchangeable and class B shares that are classified as liabilities under IFRS and a net gain recognized upon the deconsolidation of our healthcare services operation due to loss of control. Prior period results reflect the impact of reduced contribution from our construction operation. As at June 30, 2025, the exchangeable and class B shares were remeasured to reflect the closing price of $25.93 per unit.

    Dividend

    The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.0625 per share, payable on September 29, 2025 to shareholders of record as at the close of business on August 29, 2025.

    Additional Information

    Each exchangeable share of Brookfield Business Corporation has been structured with the intention of providing an economic return equivalent to one unit of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. Each exchangeable share will be exchangeable at the option of the holder for one unit. Brookfield Business Corporation will target that dividends on its exchangeable shares be declared and paid at the same time as distributions are declared and paid on the Brookfield Business Partners’ units and that dividends on each exchangeable share will be declared and paid in the same amount as distributions are declared and paid on each unit to provide holders of exchangeable shares with an economic return equivalent to holders of units.

    In addition to carefully considering the disclosures made in this news release in its entirety, shareholders are strongly encouraged to carefully review the Letter to Unitholders, Supplemental Information and other continuous disclosure filings which are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Please note that Brookfield Business Corporation’s previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR and are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com/bbuc under Reports & Filings. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    Brookfield Business Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
     
      As at
    US$ millions, unaudited June 30, 2025   December 31, 2024
               
    Assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 613     $ 1,008
    Financial assets     290       353
    Accounts and other receivable, net     3,234       3,229
    Inventory, net     26       52
    Other assets     517       627
    Property, plant and equipment     181       2,480
    Deferred income tax assets     236       197
    Intangible assets     5,980       5,966
    Equity accounted investments     187       198
    Goodwill     5,018       4,988
    Total Assets   $ 16,282     $ 19,098
               
    Liabilities and Equity          
    Liabilities          
    Accounts payable and other   $ 2,981     $ 5,276
    Non-recourse borrowings in subsidiaries of the company     7,940       8,490
    Exchangeable and class B shares     1,815       1,709
    Deferred income tax liabilities     967       988
               
    Equity          
    Brookfield Business Partners $ (159 )     $ (59 )  
    Non-controlling interests   2,738         2,694    
          2,579       2,635
    Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 16,282     $ 19,098
    Brookfield Business Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Operating Results
     
    US$ millions, unaudited Three Months Ended
    June 30,
      Six Months Ended
    June 30,
      2025     2024       2025     2024  
               
    Revenues $ 1,860   $ 1,929     $ 3,826   $ 3,794  
    Direct operating costs   (1,695 )   (1,860 )     (3,484 )   (3,512 )
    General and administrative expenses   (69 )   (77 )     (144 )   (141 )
    Interest income (expense), net   (212 )   (203 )     (431 )   (413 )
    Equity accounted income (loss)   2     2       5     3  
    Impairment reversal (expense), net                 (2 )
    Remeasurement of exchangeable and class B shares   (176 )   237       (183 )   126  
    Other income (expense), net   236     (59 )     202     (70 )
    Income (loss) before income tax   (54 )   (31 )     (209 )   (215 )
    Income tax (expense) recovery          
    Current   14     16       (9 )   (28 )
    Deferred   17     55       60     109  
    Net income (loss) $ (23 ) $ 40     $ (158 ) $ (134 )
    Attributable to:          
    Brookfield Business Partners   (120 )   124       (178 )   (26 )
    Non-controlling interests $ 97   $ (84 )   $ 20   $ (108 )


    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements and Information

    Note: This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, include statements regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies and outlook of Brookfield Business Partners, as well as regarding recently completed and proposed acquisitions, dispositions, and other transactions, and the outlook for North American and international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods, and include words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “seeks”, “intends”, “targets”, “projects”, “forecasts”, “views”, “potential”, “likely” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “would” and “could”.

    Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, investors and other readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Brookfield Business Partners to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us or are within our control. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations and our plans and strategies may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information herein.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the cyclical nature of our operating businesses and general economic conditions and risks relating to the economy, including unfavorable changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, inflation, commodity prices and volatility in the financial markets; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits; business competition, including competition for acquisition opportunities; strategic actions including our ability to complete dispositions and achieve the anticipated benefits therefrom; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; changes to U.S. laws or policies, including changes in U.S. domestic and economic policies as well as foreign trade policies and tariffs; technological change; litigation; cybersecurity incidents; the possible impact of international conflicts, wars and related developments including terrorist acts and cyber terrorism; operational, or business risks that are specific to any of our business services operations, infrastructure services operations or industrials operations; changes in government policy and legislation; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and pandemics/epidemics; changes in tax law and practice; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States including those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section in our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed on Form 20-F.

    Statements relating to “reserves” are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described herein can be profitably produced in the future. We qualify any and all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary factors.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements and information, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding the Use of a Non-IFRS Measure

    This news release contains references to a Non-IFRS measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a generally accepted accounting measure under IFRS and therefore may differ from definitions used by other entities. We believe this is a useful supplemental measure that may assist investors in assessing the financial performance of Brookfield Business Partners and its subsidiaries. However, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analysis of our financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    References to Brookfield Business Partners are to Brookfield Business Partners L.P. together with its subsidiaries, controlled affiliates and operating entities. Unitholders’ results include limited partnership units, redemption-exchange units, general partnership units, BBUC exchangeable shares and special limited partnership units. More detailed information on certain references made in this news release will be available in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our interim report for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 furnished on Form 6-K.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: A university bookshop in Ibadan tells the story of Nigeria’s rich publishing culture

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tinashe Mushakavanhu, Assistant Professor, Harvard University

    Driven by a desire to explore Nigeria’s literary and cultural history beyond the metropolis of Lagos, I took a road trip to Ibadan, once the most important university town in the country. Ibadan, in Oyo State, was the first city in Nigeria to have a university set up in 1948.

    Ibadan is where the Mbari Club once gathered, an experimental space where Nigerian writers, artists and thinkers – among them Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, JP Clark, Christopher Okigbo, Uche Okeke, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Mabel Segun and South Africa’s Es’kia Mphahlele – met, debated and dreamed in the 1960s and 70s.

    It’s the city where celebrated Nigerian artist and architect Demas Nwoko imagined and built his utopias. Where the Oxford University Press and Heinemann Educational Books established their west African headquarters.




    Read more:
    Chimamanda’s Lagos homecoming wasn’t just a book launch, it was a cultural moment


    Books have always been a form of cultural currency in Ibadan. The presence of major publishers meant that bookshops were not just retail outlets, but intellectual salons, sites of encounter and exchange.

    So while in Ibadan I visited cultural spaces and independent bookshops but it was the charms of the University campus that mostly captured my imagination. And my favourite place was the University of Ibadan Bookshop. At this campus bookshop I lingered the most, in awe and wonder. Its eclectic range of books, journals, public lecture pamphlets, novels, poetry collections and monographs excited me.

    Today, when the global publishing economy has increasingly digitised and centralised, the bookshop feels almost radical just by existing. It’s a reminder that intellectual life in Africa is not peripheral or derived from the west. It is present, prolific and profoundly local. To walk through the shelves of this bookshop was to encounter a history of African thought written and produced on its own terms.

    As a scholar of African literature and archives, my research traces the hidden lives of spaces that have shaped publishing and archives. University bookshops have been overlooked but are essential nodes in the continent’s intellectual history.

    A snapshot of Nigeria

    This campus bookshop gives a snapshot of Nigeria as a print country. Here we witness the nation through its printed matter. A nation of prolific publishing. I found the literary output in the Ibadan campus bookshop not only vast but exuberant and unrelenting. It reflects the texture of the Nigerian personality: loud, boisterous, layered and insistent. Stacks upon stacks of books.

    In these stacks, it dawned on me that beneath the surface lies a vibrant, ongoing literary discourse that is unmistakably Nigerian, and sadly not resonant far beyond its borders. These are books you don’t see on reference lists of “popular” and “influential” scholarship that privileges work produced and imported to Africa from the Euro-American academy.

    I was especially intrigued with how the Nigerian academic and writer does not tire in producing academic and cultural journals. There are journals for every subject under the sun.

    While the critical framework of African literature is too often shaped by the global north (see critiques by Ato Quayson, Biodun Jeyifo, Simon Gikandi and Grace Musila) in Ibadan, I saw a distinctly local and deeply African critical discourse rooted in place, language and lived experience. To walk into the University of Ibadan Bookshop is to step into legacy. Its shelves bear the weight of decades of African thought, theory and storytelling.

    Despite being housed in an ageing building, it has stayed defiant. Even though floods destroyed books and computers worth a small fortune in 2019, the bookshop is still standing proudly. And there was pride too among the staff who were eager to help or answer any questions about the books.

    More than bookshops

    The University of Ibadan bookshop reminded me of the bookshop from my undergraduate days in Zimbabwe. Even though our campus bookshop was much smaller, I used to find pleasure going there in between lectures. It often felt like walking into a vault of African knowledge and memory.

    Our bookshop at Midlands State University stocked old, canonical books alongside current literature. On occasion, rare, out-of-print secondhand books would appear on the shelves. The bargain sales also meant I spent most of my money there.

    But to call these spaces on African university campuses “bookshops” hardly does them justice. They are hybrid cultural ecosystems that function as part bookshop, part print shop, stationer, library and sometimes even archive. They have long served as vital nodes in the circulation of African knowledge and thought.

    Yet this ecosystem is rapidly eroding, undermined by the rise of internet culture, artificial intelligence, piracy and harsh economic conditions. The result is a slow but devastating disappearance of African intellectual memory. As scholars remind us, digital platforms are not neutral. They are structured by algorithms that often marginalise black and African knowledge. So, the loss of these analogue spaces is more than nostalgic, it is epistemic erasure.

    In this digital age, there is something vital about the physical presence of bookshops on African campuses. Thanks to them, as a student, for me literature was the serendipity of discovery, the tactile feel of books, the beautiful persistence of a local knowledge system that was relatable and produced by people like me.




    Read more:
    Nigerian architect Demas Nwoko on his award-winning work: ‘Whatever you build, it should suit your culture’


    On the way out of the city, we stopped at Bower’s Tower. From there you can see Ibadan’s sprawling layout, the ancient hills from which the settlement was built, and its red roofs.

    The view reflected the complexity and density of ideas the city has nurtured. And despite shifts in Nigeria’s publishing geography from here to Lagos and Abuja, Ibadan still matters. It’s a city that remembers, that archives, that holds on to knowledge.

    Tinashe Mushakavanhu 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. A university bookshop in Ibadan tells the story of Nigeria’s rich publishing culture – https://theconversation.com/a-university-bookshop-in-ibadan-tells-the-story-of-nigerias-rich-publishing-culture-262050

    MIL OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amo Hosts Press Call About Skyrocketing Costs and Decimation of Social Safety Net During Trump’s First Six Months

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Congressman Amo joined local press to highlight how Trump’s chaotic tariffs, Big, Ugly law, and illegal withholding of federal funds is hurting Rhode Islanders.

    Providence, RI – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) hosted a press call with Rhode Island news outlets highlighting President Donald Trump’s terrible track record of delivering for the Ocean State. 

    “I’ve been working aggressively over the last six months to fight Trump’s betrayal of Rhode Islanders,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “Time and time again, Trump and Congressional Republicans have broken promises. Costs are skyrocketing, they’re stripping 47,000 Rhode Islanders of health care, gutting disaster response, and imposing erratic tariffs – making it impossible for small Rhode Island manufacturers to hire and compete. I’ve voted against their disastrous agenda, signed amicus briefs to stop these illegal actions in the courts, agitated at protests in DC and Rhode Island, and will continue to fight Trump’s treachery every step of the way.”

    Video of the full press call can be found here

    Background

    Congressman Amo will spend the month of August, while Congress is not in session, meeting with Rhode Islanders to learn how they are being impacted by Trump’s treachery.

    Today, he joined primary care providers at East Bay Community Action Program to discuss the impact of Medicaid and Medicare cuts on their ability to serve Rhode Islanders. 

    On July 26, 2025 Amo joined Accessibility is Beautiful to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and highlight the importance of Medicaid to disabled Americans. 

    On May 20, 2026, he joined the Congressional Black Caucus on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol to highlight the disproportionate harm Trump’s cuts will have on Black and Brown communities. 

    On March 28, 2025 Amo visited Woonsocket Head Start and met the littlest Rhode Islanders whose families may be impacted by cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. 

    On March 18, 2025, with Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner, Amo met with providers at Butler Hospital in Providence to raise the alarm about the impact of Medicaid cuts to Rhode Islanders seeking behavioral and mental health care.

    On March 17, 2025, Amo met with emergency food providers at the Rhode Island Food Bank and the MLK Center to discuss the harm SNAP cuts will have on hungry Rhode Island families.

    On March 10, 2025, Amo stood with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner calling out the harms of Medicaid cuts to the 45% of new moms and babies in Rhode Island covered by the program. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News