APO International Minister of Planning, Economic Development & International Cooperation Announces Disbursement of €1 Billion from the EU under the Macro-Financial Assistance & Budget Support Mechanism (MFA) Following the Implementation of 16 Measures under the National Structural Reform Program H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, announced today, Thursday, the disbursement of €1 billion in concessional development financing from the European Union under the first tranche of the second phase of the Macro-Financial Assistance and Budget Support Mechanism (MFA). This disbursement follows the announcement upgrading relations between Egypt and the European Union, signed by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab […] today15 January, 2026
APO International President Herminie Engages Seychelles Community in the United Arab Emirates The President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, met with members of the Seychelles community residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a community engagement event held yesterday on the margins of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, which the President is attending. The meeting brought together Seychellois citizens living, working, and studying in the UAE, providing a valuable opportunity for direct interaction with the Head of State. […] today15 January, 2026
APO International Vodacom named Africa’s Top Employer for third year running, setting global benchmark in Innovation and Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Vodacom Group (www.Vodacom.com) has once again been certified and recognised as Africa's number one employer by the Top Employers Institute, marking its third consecutive win and reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering an exceptional employee experience. This prestigious certification and first place ranking have been awarded to Vodacom Group, alongside separate certifications for Vodacom Mozambique, Vodacom South Africa, Vodacom Tanzania, and Safaricom Ethiopia and Kenya. Vodacom Group Chief Executive, […] today15 January, 2026
APO International Guyana’s Local Content Act: What’s Next in 2026 Guyana is entering a new stage of local content development as its oil and gas economy expands rapidly. In late 2025, the Government of Guyana announced that, effective January 2026, companies seeking local content certification under the Local Content Act will benefit from faster, more structured processing times. Sole proprietorships and landlords can expect applications processed within five working days (renewals in three), 100% Guyanese‑owned entities within 15 days […] today15 January, 2026
APO International Coca-Cola Beverages Africa recognised as a Top Employer in Africa for 2026 Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com) is proud to announce its recognition as a Top Employer in Africa for 2026 by the Top Employers Institute (https://apo-opa.co/45b21Rr). In addition to this regional accolade, seven countries in the CCBA footprint – Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda – have been certified as Top Employers at a country level. This marks the second consecutive year that CCBA has achieved regional-level […] today15 January, 2026
APO International 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA): Africa under One Roof as Delegates, Artistes from 48 Countries Participate The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) (https://AFRIMA.org) once again proved why it is regarded as Africa’s biggest music awards platform, as artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries came together in Lagos, Nigeria, to celebrate the continent’s rich and diverse musical excellence. The 9th AFRIMA held from January 7 to 11, 2026, in an atmosphere of unity, colour and creativity with […] today15 January, 2026
APO International Central African Republic: Humanitarian situation remains alarming in south-east of the country Armed clashes between the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), their allies and the Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé in the town of Zémio, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, south-eastern Central African Republic (CAR) have led to casualties and displaced massive numbers of civilians who have left everything behind. Some displaced people have sought refuge across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But nearly 2,000 people lacked the means or a […] today15 January, 2026
APO International The Chairperson of the African Union Commission welcomes the signature of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation in Libya by the President of the Presidential Council H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, welcomes the significant step taken by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Younis El-Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya, regarding the signing of the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation in Tripoli on January 7, 2025. Furthermore, He expresses his profound appreciation for this commitment, which serves the interests of the peace and national reconciliation process in […] today15 January, 2026
APO International In implementation of the directives of His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, regarding the future vision for Egypt’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, and with the participation of 13 ministries and relevant entities Her Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Rania Al-Mashat chairs the sixth meeting of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship to discuss initiatives and facilitation measures set to be launched for the startup ecosystem The Ministerial Group reviews preparations for launching the Startup Charter, the Investment Incentives Initiative, a Unified Startup Guide, a unified definition for startups, and proposals to establish an institutional entity to support entrepreneurship Up 51% from 2024: Egyptian startups attract USD 614 million in funding in 2025 H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, chaired the sixth meeting of the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship […] today15 January, 2026