The multimodal logistics operator is shaping the future of Africa’s supply chains through several recent developments. The company launched its AGL Lobito Terminal in Angola this month, which has the capacity to handle more than one million tons of bulk goods per year and drive Angola’s transformation into a regional logistics hub. In Namibia, AGL was awarded the contract by the Namibian Ports Authority to oversee operations of the bulk terminal in the Port of Walvis Bay, ushering in a new era of trade facilitation and regional integration both for Namibia and the SADC region.

Organized by Energy Capital&Power, IAE 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/49krKXM) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 14-15, 2024 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

With operations in 49 countries, AGL is expanding its presence beyond Southern Africa. In January 2023, the company secured 20 acres at the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kenya to be used for cargo handling, with a view to supporting industrialization, facilitating international trade and simplifying cross-border logistics and customs procedures. The allotment reflects AGL’s efforts to increase its cargo business and make inroads in the East African market, leveraging reduced barriers to trade associated with the African Continental Free Trade Area. Last December, AGL also won the management contract for the São Tomé Port container terminal, aiming to improve the port’s efficiency by deploying comprehensive logistics solutions and integrated technologies.

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

To support the government’s efforts in strengthening the nation’s English skills for education and migration, Pearson (https://MiddleEast.Pearson.com), (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company, successfully hosted a series of events across South Africa, emphasizing the value of English proficiency for study and work abroad opportunities.

Engaging with over 3000 individuals in pivotal locations such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the University of the Witwatersrand, the events showcased the Pearson Test of English (PTE) highlighting the vital role of English in both higher education and professional spheres, particularly for those aiming to migrate to English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. This effort gains particular significance in South Africa, where English, amidst its eleven official languages, emerges as the preferred medium (https://apo-opa.co/3TR0klF) of instruction. 

Ipek Aydin, Director – PTE, MEA&Turkey at Pearson, said, “PTE’s expansion in South Africa underscores our commitment to enhancing global education and migration opportunities for students in the country. Our recent efforts demonstrate Pearson’s dedication to making these opportunities more accessible and recognized across South Africa, empowering students and professionals to pursue their international aspirations.” 

PTE is a computer-based, AI-powered English proficiency test designed by Pearson for those who wish to study, work or migrate abroad. The exam leverages leading automated scoring technology to assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a single, two-hour assessment, ensuring accuracy and impartiality in results. With a result turnaround of just two days, it offers candidates the fastest, fairest, and most flexible way of proving their English language proficiency.  

PTE is recognised by over 3300 institutions globally and can be taken across Pearson’s existing network at more than 445 PTE centres in 117 countries. The UK, Australian, and New Zealand governments recognise PTE Academic for all visa applications, while universities across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and the USA also accept it, making it widely acknowledged for educational and immigration purposes.  

For more information on PTE, visit https://www.PearsonPTE.com.   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pearson.

About Pearson:
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c.18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in c.200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at www.Pearsonplc.com. 

In a brilliant achievement for Morocco, Ms. Charafat Afailal has secured re-election to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights for the term 2025-2028. The elections, conducted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York on Tuesday, underscore Morocco’s continued commitment to human rights advocacy on the global stage.

The re-election of Morocco to this pivotal UN body reflects the international community’s trust in the Kingdom’s initiatives, spearheaded under the visionary leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, this reaffirms Morocco’s dedication to safeguarding and advancing human rights, emphasizing their inherent universality and indivisibility.

Furthermore, Morocco’s renewed mandate on the Committee serves as a testament to its ongoing efforts to address global challenges impeding the full realization of economic, social, and cultural rights for all. These efforts have been exemplified through various socio-economic projects launched under the auspices of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, including initiatives aimed at expanding social protection and implementing a New Development Model.

Ms. Charafat Afailal, a distinguished expert in economic, social, and cultural rights, particularly noted for her contributions in the field of water management, will continue to represent Morocco on the Committee. Her extensive experience as a former government official underscores her invaluable role in national and international efforts to ensure universal and equitable access to vital resources.

Established in 1985, the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights oversees the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights by member states. Comprising 18 eminent experts in the field of human rights, elected by ECOSOC, the Committee plays a pivotal role in promoting and safeguarding these fundamental rights on a global scale.

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

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa and the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa regret the misrepresentation made by the media outlets Bloomberg and News 24 yesterday, 8 April 2024 regarding the relationship between the Republic of South Africa and the European Union.

We would like to reject the claim made by these media outlets that the Republic of South Africa has not responded to several requests by the European Union to hold a bilateral South Africa-European Union Summit during 2023. On the contrary, South Africa and the European Union have maintained a regular exchange throughout 2023 in order to prepare their bilateral Summit. This includes a Ministerial Forum in South Africa in January 2023, bilateral contacts at Heads of State level, and ministerial visits to both Pretoria and Brussels.

Those contacts have been intensified and strengthened since the beginning of 2024. This includes the bilateral meeting between Minister Dr. Naledi Pandor and High Representative Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles in the margins of the G20 meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Rio de Janeiro, Deputy Minister Mr. Botes’ visit to Brussels to participate in the Indo-Pacific Forum, the visit of EU Ambassadors from the Political and Security Committee to Pretoria, Director General Dangor co-hosted with his EU counterparts the bilateral Political and Security Dialogue Forum and the Human Rights Dialogue, both held in Pretoria, as well as the Minister’s engagement with EU Ambassadors in Cape Town.

In that context, we also reject the claim made by Bloomberg and News 24 that the delays to the summit are sending a negative signal about future relations between the EU and South Africa. In fact, the above-mentioned regular high-level visits and engagements illustrate the strength, depth and wide-range scope of the strategic partnership between the European Union and South Africa.

Against this backdrop of partnership and dialogue, and in a decisive year for democracy and multilateralism across the world, South Africa and the European Union continue to work closely together and, as part of it, to identify a suitable date for their bilateral Summit.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of South Africa.