insert_link World US and Iraqi officials discuss coalition withdrawal U.S. and Iraqi officials have met to discuss security relations and the possible winding down of coalition forces in the country. Roughly 2,500 U.S. troops remain in Iraq to help combat the threat posed by ISIS. William Denselow reports from Baghdad. todayJuly 9, 2024 32
insert_link APO International Prime Minister discusses with Grand Imam Sheikh of Al-Azhar of Egypt during visit to Thailand as Guest of Royal Thai Government On 8 July 2024, H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister, discussed with His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam Sheikh of Al-Azhar of Egypt, during His Eminence’s visit to Thailand as Guest of the Royal Thai Government during 5 - 8 July 2024. In attendance were H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Police Colonel Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice. During the meeting, the Prime […] todayJuly 9, 2024 12
insert_link APO International 29 Blocks Available for Investment in Angola, Including First-Ever Marginal Fields Angola's National Oil, Gas&Biofuels Agency will launch a limited tender in Q1 2025, offering 10 blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela Basins – including 5 marginal fields – marking a first for the country. Amid efforts to entice investment in blocks opportunities, the ANPG is inviting companies to participate in the upcoming licensing round. Negotiations are already open and companies are invited to contact the ANPG ahead of the official […] todayJuly 9, 2024 6
insert_link APO International Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica), the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) Spud Groundbreaking Exploration Well in Namibia’s Onshore Kavango Basin Canadian oil and gas company Reconnaissance Energy Africa (ReconAfrica) and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) have spud the Naingopo exploration well in the Damara Fold Belt on Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 73 onshore Namibia. ReconAfrica expects to take 90 days to drill the well at a total depth of approximately 3,800 meters and expects to strike various reservoir intervals containing oil and natural gas. As the voice of […] todayJuly 9, 2024 9
insert_link World Germany’s Scholz Says He’s not worried about Biden’s fitness As a growing number of US democrats voice concerns about the electability of Joe Biden, one key European leader has expressed public confidence in the President. From Berlin, Trent Murray has the details. todayJuly 9, 2024 26
insert_link Business / Economics 9 July 2024 Afternoon Biz News: Economic Update: Aquaculture Project Cleared, Rand Stable Amid Global Market Uncertainty Blue Ridge Aquaculture Africa (Pty)’s Aquaculture Project: Blue Ridge Aquaculture Africa (Pty)’s local associate has received Environmental Clearance for a 25-hectare aquaculture project near Henties Bay. The project will use Recirculating Aquaculture Systems for Tilapia farming and is expected to cost under N$1.4 billion. South African Rand Stability: The South African rand remained stable, trading at 18.13 against the dollar. Market focus is on the Federal Reserve chair's testimony […] todayJuly 9, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa S.A National Assembly passes motion for MK Party parliamentary leader to serve in the Judicial Service Commission The S.A National Assembly has passed the motion for MK Party parliamentary leader John Hlophe to serve in the Judicial Service Commission, despite objections from the DA, ACDP, and FF Plus. His nomination has sparked mixed reactions due to his impeachment as Western Cape judge president for attempting to influence Constitutional Court justices in a case involving former president Jacob Zuma. EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu highlights Hlophe's Cambridge PhD […] todayJuly 9, 2024 14
insert_link Africa UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo Halts Withdrawal Plans Without Future Timeline The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a pause in its withdrawal process, with no specified schedule for subsequent phases following the initial one in June as reported by Reuters. Last September, President Felix Tshisekedi had urged the mission to accelerate the withdrawal of peacekeepers deployed to tackle insecurity fueled by armed conflicts over territorial and resource control. todayJuly 9, 2024 9
insert_link Namibia June Inflation Eases to 4.6%, Food Inflation at Lowest in a Year In June, Namibia experienced a decrease in overall inflation to 4.6%, down from 4.9 in May and marking the second lowest rate of the year. Food inflation specifically dropped to 4.0%, the lowest recorded in at least a year, based on newly released data from the Namibia Statistics Agency. However, transport inflation rose sharply to 8.3%, reaching its highest level in the past 12 months, compared to just 0.1% in […] todayJuly 9, 2024 28
