Seychelles: Minister Wallace Cosgrow Sworn in as Principal Minister
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Minister Wallace Cosgrow was sworn in as Principal Minister following his approval by the National Assembly on 14 November 2025, during a short ceremony held at State House, Wednesday Morning.
During the ceremony, Principal Minister Cosgrow took three oaths before President Dr. Patrick Herminie: the oath of allegiance to the Constitution, the official oath, and the oath of secrecy.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Mr. Sebastien Pillay and the Cabinet of Ministers.
Principal Minister Cosgrow also holds the portfolio of Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.African Development Bank welcomes major Algerian development initiatives as two forge an even stronger partnership
The African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) has officially been earmarked as Algeria's international partner in the country's renewed efforts to engage with external financing, marking a key milestone in the ongoing partnership between Algeria and the Bank Group.
During his official visit to Algeria on 16-17 November, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank, expressed his deep gratitude to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for this significant decision. Ould Tah emphasised that the move represented a strategic step forward in Algeria's development and its relationship with the Bank Group.
As part of the 2025 Finance Law, Algeria has initiated its approach to external financing, focusing on large-scale projects of national importance. A central priority is the development of the Laghouat–Ghardaïa–El Meniaa railway line (495 km), with an estimated cost of $2.8 billion.
This rail line marks the first phase of a major Trans-Saharan Railway corridor, which will eventually stretch from the north of the country to Tamanrasset and beyond, connecting to Niger. This new logistics route will not only open up the southern regions of Algeria but will also provide a vital transport link for landlocked countries in the Sahel, facilitating access to essential resources and markets.
The project is part of Algeria's broader national railway expansion plan, which aims to double the country's railway network to 10,000 km by 2030, with a long-term goal of reaching 15,000 km. This expansion aligns with Algeria's broader goal of modernising its infrastructure to reduce transportation costs, integrate isolated regions, and increase the domestic processing of valuable natural resources, including critical and industrial minerals.
Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, underscored the government's commitment to adding value to the country's raw materials. “We can no longer accept exporting our raw materials in their unprocessed state,” said Arkab.
Algeria has set ambitious targets to increase the local transformation of hydrocarbons from 30 percent to 60 percent by 2035, supported by a $60 billion investment plan running from 2025 to 2029. The country also aims to expand its capacity in petrochemicals, hydrogen, and other gas derivative industries, with a focus on upgrading fertilizer, oil, tire, and mineral processing.
In the mining sector, Algeria is positioning itself as a leader in the extraction and processing of critical minerals such as iron, zinc, gold, and rare earths. Many of these resources are located in the Saharan region, often huge distances from existing infrastructure. The Trans-Saharan Railway will provide the necessary logistical support to unlock the potential of these remote deposits, enabling local processing and improving access to markets in Algeria and neighbouring countries.
Ould Tah expressed strong support for Algeria's ambitions, highlighting the alignment of the country's industrial transformation with the African Development Bank's strategic vision. “The localisation of value, industrialisation, and mineral sovereignty are key pillars of Africa's future,” Ould Tah said, referencing a recent study by BloombergNEF, which indicated that Africa has a clear competitive advantage in producing battery precursors. He called for a coordinated approach across African nations to protect and sustainably enhance the continent's critical mineral resources.
The visit also focused on Algeria's efforts to strengthen energy and water security. The Bank President visited the “Fouka 2” seawater desalination plant, which is part of Algeria's broader efforts to address water scarcity exacerbated by prolonged drought in the Mediterranean region.
The country currently operates 19 desalination plants. Five more units are set to come online by 2027, increasing desalination capacity to meet an impressive 60 percent of national water needs by 2030.
Algeria's years-long expertise in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution was also highlighted as a model for the continent. The country provides 75 percent of its households with LPG, including cities in the southern desert region, through locally designed and built infrastructure. This experience is seen as a valuable contribution to the African Union's clean energy transition efforts, with the African Development Bank supporting similar clean cooking initiatives across the continent.
Minister of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, and Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, highlighted Algeria's exceptional capacity to manage large infrastructure projects. The country recently completed 950 km of railway in just 24 months using entirely domestic resources and expertise. This execution capacity is critical for supporting the ongoing development of key North-South corridors and strategic mining lines.
President Ould Tah praised Algeria's ambitious vision and ability to execute high-quality projects, declaring: “The ambition of the Algerian government, the quality of its projects, and its national execution capacity make it a central partner for Africa's transformation.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).Additional Link:
https://apo-opa.co/47ZqARW
Contact:
Chawki Chahed
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Volunteer Opportunity: Executive Assistant for the Roman Catholic Church in Africa’s Communications Volunteer Programme
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As part of the voluntary communications programme managed pro bono by APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) to support the Roman Catholic Church in Africa, we are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support the leadership team within the volunteer programme.
Location: Remote (Europe or Africa)
Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)
Commitment: 10 - 15 hours per week, for at least 6 months
About the Role
This volunteer position is ideal for a professional with a minimum of 4 years of administrative experience and a proven record of managing calendar schedules, correspondence, and coordination tasks at a high standard of professionalism and discretion.
Working closely with the Chairman's Office and Senior Leadership, the Executive Assistant will play a key role in ensuring efficient operations and communication across teams and departments.
The Volunteer Programme works within the European and African time zones. Due to this commitment, we are only accepting applicants from within the European or African time zones.
As the Executive Assistant, you will:
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Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the leadership team.
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Manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and assist with project follow-ups.
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Set up and join weekly team meetings, taking detailed minutes and tracking action items.
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Draft and review correspondence, reports, and presentations.
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Maintain organized digital filing systems and ensure document confidentiality.
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Serve as a key communication link between leadership, staff, and external partners.
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Support the preparation and documentation of meetings, including action items and next steps.
More information about the Roman Catholic Church in Africa's Communications Volunteer Programme:
Requirements
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Minimum 4 years of experience in an executive assistant, administrative, or coordination role.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (French or Portuguese is a plus).
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Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
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High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive information.
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Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).
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Availability for at least 10 to 15 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months (fully remote).
What We Offer
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The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the mission of the Roman Catholic Church in Africa.
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High-level executive experience in an international, faith-driven environment.
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The chance to expand your professional network across Africa and globally.
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A multicultural and collaborative setting that values service, purpose, and professional excellence.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Church's noble mission, while also enhancing your professional experience, strengthening your CV, and broadening your international network.
I M P O R T A N T: Only applicants who complete the form below will be considered.
APPLY here: https://apo-opa.co/4oOrO9X
The Catholic Church operates 82,235 Catholic Schools in Africa, educating 30,629,476 pupils. Its extensive network of care includes 13,880 facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, leprosy centres, homes for the elderly and chronically ill, centres for disabled people, orphanages, kindergartens, and marriage counselling centres.
According to the 2022 State of the World's Volunteerism Report compiled by the United Nations, the global number of volunteers stands at 862.4 million. Embracing volunteerism provides individuals with unparalleled firsthand professional experience, allowing them to enrich their CVs with valuable expertise gained through meaningful contributions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Jobs.APO Group Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.
APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
Egypt: Her Excellency (H.E.) Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Holds Extensive Talks with Her German Counterpart During the Joint Governmental Negotiations...
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- H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: The success of the Egyptian–German negotiations reflects the strength of economic relations between both countries.
- The Egypt–EU Strategic Partnership provides a broad framework for deeper cooperation with European nations.
- Egypt is discussing with Germany the expansion of the Debt Swap Program for Development and Climate Action.
- Germany is a key partner in supporting Egypt's green transition in the energy sector.
- Development cooperation has opened major avenues for increased foreign investment in renewable energy.
- Egyptian–German relations offer promising opportunities for joint cooperation across all sectors.
- Egypt looks forward to more German investments and stronger commercial partnerships.
- Germany is a principal partner for Egypt within the broader strategic relations with the European Union.
- Greater coordination is expected in the coming period to implement signed agreements and widen the scope of cooperation.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ms. Reem Alabali-Radovan, Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, on the sidelines of the Egyptian–German Governmental Negotiations held in Berlin. The meeting included extensive discussions on all aspects of bilateral partnership in development cooperation, as well as economic, trade, and investment relations.
At the outset of the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the depth and longstanding nature of the partnership between Egypt and Germany, noting that the Egyptian–German Governmental Negotiations are not only an important milestone in a decades-long relationship, but also a strategic dialogue shaping the next phase of development cooperation. She expressed Egypt's appreciation for Minister Alabali-Radovan's visit to Cairo in July 2025—her first bilateral visit following the formation of the new German government—reflecting Egypt's prominent position on Germany's development agenda.
The talks reviewed the latest developments in bilateral cooperation in areas including the green transition, renewable energy, industrial localization, education, and water, while exploring new opportunities within financial cooperation agreements and the Egyptian–German Debt Swap Program. The two sides also discussed progress in ongoing programs and joint projects in priority sectors aligned with Egypt's national development plans.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat commended the Debt Swap Program for Development between Egypt and Germany, which continues to witness the signing of new tranches, highlighting its pioneering role in promoting innovative financing mechanisms in Egypt and advancing the transition to renewable energy and a green economy. She noted that further discussions will take place with the German side to expand the program in the coming period.
The Minister explained that debt swaps have evolved into an increasingly important innovative financing tool globally due to their role in enhancing financial sustainability, stimulating investment, and redirecting part of external debt toward development projects with direct impact on key sectors—particularly the green transition, infrastructure, and efforts to ease fiscal pressures on the state budget.
She added that development cooperation with Germany has contributed significantly to attracting foreign direct investment, especially in the renewable energy sector. Given the promising opportunities across various fields, Egypt is looking forward to increased German investment and greater trade exchange. She affirmed that the coming period will witness intensified coordination to activate signed agreements and expand cooperation frameworks.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that Egypt is working to broaden international partnerships beyond traditional development cooperation to include wider frameworks for investment, joint economic efforts, and shared development goals.
The Minister also reviewed the positive developments in Egypt's economic performance, noting that GDP growth reached approximately 5% in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024/2025—up from 2.4% in the same quarter of the previous year—marking the highest quarterly growth rate in three years. This improvement was driven by structural reforms and the shift to medium-term planning under the Unified Public Finance Law. She added that fiscal reforms under the IMF program helped reduce inflation, improve external financing inflows, and modernize the tax system and targeted social protection mechanisms.
During the meeting, she highlighted Egypt's Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience, which offers a comprehensive framework linking Egypt's Vision 2030 with economic and sectoral policies. The narrative provides greater clarity and transparency for development partners, enabling Germany to contribute more effectively to improving the investment climate, creating jobs, and achieving inclusive growth.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also referenced the Egypt–EU Summit, co-chaired by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the President of the European Commission, as an affirmation of the depth of Egypt–EU relations and the importance of the strategic partnership as a broad platform for enhanced cooperation with individual European states.
The two sides also discussed the current portfolio of Egyptian–German development cooperation, which exceeds €1.8 billion, in addition to progress in the NWFE Program and ongoing collaboration in green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and water.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.