Latest from Zawya
Zawya
44 minutes ago
- Health
- Zawya
South Sudan: Free medical care by Indian peacekeepers gives hope to over 300 displaced people
As security concerns continue in parts of Upper Nile state, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is making every effort to protect civilians and boost community confidence. As an example—Blue Helmets from India hosted a two-day medical outreach at the UN Protection of Civilians site, adjacent to the Mission's base in Malakal where some 315 displaced people received free treatment. Patients suffering from various ailments were diagnosed and provided with care options. For Dr. Sandeep Ravi, a medical peacekeeper, such interventions lie at the heart of the UN Peacekeeping mission's mandate to help build lasting peace in this country. 'Accessible and inclusive healthcare is key for communities to thrive. Across Upper Nile state, conflict has disrupted not only people's lives and livelihoods but also reduced the number of available health facilities. So, we decided to come together and, for a limited time, bridge this gap as much as possible,' he explained. 'Bringing quality healthcare directly to communities goes beyond free consultations and treatment. It gives hope to people who are most vulnerable.' Mary Joseph, a 20-year-old patient, can testify to Dr Ravi's opinion. 'I've had a problem with my leg for three months now but had no money to pay for treatment at the local clinics in town. Today, Indian doctors have examined me carefully and given me medications to treat the condition as well as manage my pain. I hope I can restart my small business soon,' she said with a smile. Albino Amum, a community leader residing at the camp who helped peacekeepers mobilize this event, described the activity as timely and significant. 'Earlier, we were receiving healthcare from various international and nongovernmental organizations, but we understand that there is a reduction in funding, which has left a big vacuum. So, this medical drive by our friends at UNMISS came at a very opportune time. We hope they'll consider doing similar activities for us for five or six days in future. It makes a big difference for those who are financially constrained yet need urgent health checks,' stated Mr. Amum. For his part, Dr. Ravi reveals that the biggest satisfaction was the response from community members. 'As medical professionals and peacekeepers, there is no greater reward than the genuine appreciation we have received from the displaced communities we treated. I believe this initiative is a testament to what collective effort and compassion can achieve in strengthening public health.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Accor Signs Novotel Victoria Falls, Marking Strategic Market Entry into Zimbabwe
Accor ( a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the signing of Novotel Victoria Falls, a landmark project set within Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The agreement, signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa, marks Accor's market entry into Zimbabwe, leveraging a first-mover advantage in one of Africa's most iconic destinations and underscoring the Group's commitment to pioneering development in emerging markets. Scheduled to open in 2028, the 111-key new-build property will be developed under a management agreement with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust, a Development REIT focused on high-quality assets across tourism, hospitality, health, retail, and residential sectors. Located in the Eagle Heights precinct, in a prime location overlooking the Masuwe River, the hotel will blend natural beauty with Novotel's modern, family-friendly hospitality. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed experience, with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, kids' club, all-day dining restaurant, and destination bar - designed to meet the needs of modern travellers seeking comfort, connection, and local discovery. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'The Smoke That Thunders', Victoria Falls is not only a dramatic natural wonder but also a world-renowned hub for adventure tourism, offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and scenic helicopter flights. 'This signing represents a bold step forward in our development strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa,' said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale&Economy Division, Middle East, Africa&Türkiye at Accor. 'Victoria Falls is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations, and we are proud to bring the Novotel brand experience to Zimbabwe for the very first time. As a first mover, we see this project as a gateway to long-term sustainable growth in the country.' The signing signals a strategic entry for Accor into a destination with growing regional and domestic tourism and a limited presence of global hotel brands. Bevin Ngara, Managing Director of Eagle Asset Managers, the Eagle REIT Fund Managers, added: 'We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring an international standard of hospitality to Victoria Falls. This project reflects our vision of investing in transformative developments that elevate tourism and deliver value to local communities and investors alike.' Novotel, with over 590 hotels across 68 countries and 180+ more in the pipeline, champions balanced living for both business travellers and families. As the first internationally branded Novotel in Zimbabwe, the hotel will meet the rising demand for high-quality yet accessible accommodation in Victoria Falls supporting the city's evolution into a year-round destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Accor. Contacts media relations: Cybelle Daou Khadij Director PR&Communications Middle East, Africa and Türkiye Follow on Social Media: X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok: About Accor: Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars&restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle, with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit About Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust (Eagle REIT): Eagle REIT is Zimbabwe's first dollar-denominated Development REIT focusing on developing high-impact real estate assets across the hospitality, healthcare, and residential sectors. It is also the first REIT to be listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), a member of the International Financial Services Center. The REIT is managed by Eagle Asset Management, a licensed investment manager and a subsidiary of Zimre Holdings Limited.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
NOV Delegation Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Artificial Intelligence (AI) Push in African Energy Projects
A high-level delegation from global energy services company NOV has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. With a focus on digitization, a wealth of knowledge in oilfield services and a dedication to balancing operational efficiency with sustainable development, NOV is well-positioned to lead dialogue around the future of energy development in Africa. Underscoring the company's commitment to unlocking technology-driven solutions in Africa, the NOV delegation comprises Arthur Ename, Vice President, Business Development: Africa; Cobie Loper, Senior Vice President, Operators and Geographical Sales; Johann Jansen van Rensburg, Director: Sub-Saharan Africa; and Marien Ibiaho, Area Sales Manager: Europe&Africa. The delegation will participate in a variety of panel discussions and technical workshops, providing insight into innovative tools to unlock rapid, low-carbon growth in Africa. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. With an extensive presence in Africa, NOV delivers a range of solutions for the continent's oil and gas industry. Key markets include Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. The company's cutting-edge technologies and services support clients to enhance operational efficiency while spearheading sustainable development, with its portfolio of capabilities ranging from drilling to well construction, completion and control to offshore rigs and platform repurposing to service and repair. With over 150 years' experience and a global footprint, NOV represents a strong partner for African oil and gas projects. Looking ahead, NOV strives to consolidate its position as a leading energy service provider. In 2025, the company rolled out ChatGPT Enterprise – OpenAI's most advanced generative AI platform – to advance AI-driven innovation. The enterprise has been deployed across its global workforce, putting cutting-edge tools in the hands of over 25,000 employees. For Africa, this technology will support energy projects by supporting decision-making, insights and innovation. Meanwhile, the company's Drilling Beliefs&Analytics solution continues to gain traction globally and has been applied across 20 million feet of drilling operations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. This solution leverages AI to deliver real-time insights into critical well conditions during the drilling process. Beyond the oil and gas sector, the company also has extensive experience in emerging industries such as the energy transition. Capabilities include geothermal solutions, hydrogen solutions, lithium extraction, offshore and onshore wind, and more. With oil and gas as the focus, NOV offers a range of services that support operators reduce their emissions while scaling-up output. The company is also committed to local content and workforce development, with training initiatives, skills development programs and partnerships serving as a catalyst for capacity building in the markets in which is operates. By working closely with African partners, NOV is creating jobs, enhancing skills and empowering communities. 'Now more than ever, Africa requires innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency while reducing emissions across oil and gas projects. Companies such as NOV provide the technology and expertise to deliver these goals, and as such, play a prominent role in the industry. Looking ahead, as African countries look to scale-up operations and reduce their climate footprint, NOV's solutions will continue supporting clients safely produce energy while minimizing environmental impact,' states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's Elsewedy Electric to supply power solutions for first resort in Ras El Hekma
Elsewedy Electric announced on Thursday that it has been selected by Abu Dhabi-based developer Modon Holding to provide power infrastructure for the first resort in Ras El Hekma mega project. The ADX-listed Modon Holding was appointed as the master developer for Ras El Hekma by ADQ Holding in October 2024. Elsewedy Electric, listed on the EGX, said in a statement that it will supply advanced dry-type transformers and install high-performance Busway systems as part of the resort's energy infrastructure. The resort is currently under construction and forms part of a broader investment strategy to transform Ras El Hekma into a high-end coastal destination, the statement noted. In addition to being master developer for Ras Al Hekma's 170 million square metres (sqm) area, Modon Holding is also the developer for the first phase of the city consisting of 50 million sqm. (Writing by Eman Hamed; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Iran's options against foreign aggression include closing Strait of Hormuz, lawmaker says
Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz as a way of hitting back against its enemies, a senior lawmaker said on Thursday, though a second member of parliament said this would only happen if Tehran's vital interests were endangered. Iran has in the past threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to traffic in retaliation for Western pressure, and shipping sources said on Wednesday that commercial ships were avoiding Iran's waters around the strait. "Iran has numerous options to respond to its enemies and uses such options based on what the situation is," the semi-official Mehr news agency quoted Behnam Saeedi, a member of the parliament's National Security Committee presidium as saying. "Closing the Strait of Hormuz is one of the potential options for Iran," he said. Mehr later quoted another lawmaker, Ali Yazdikhah, as saying Iran would continue to allow free shipping in the Strait and in the Gulf so long as its vital national interests were not at risk. "If the United States officially and operationally enters the war in support of the Zionists (Israel), it is the legitimate right of Iran in view of pressuring the U.S. and Western countries to disrupt their oil trade's ease of transit," Yazdikhah said. President Donald Trump is keeping the world guessing about whether the United States will join Israel's bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites. Tehran has so far refrained from closing the Strait because all regional states and many other countries benefit from it, Yazdikhah added. "It is better than no country supports Israel to confront Iran. Iran's enemies know well that we have tens of ways to make the Strait of Hormuz unsafe and this option is feasible for us," the parliamentarian said. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and is the primary export route for Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Kuwait. About 20% of the world's daily oil consumption — around 18 million barrels — passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is only about 33 km (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Alison Williams and Gareth Jones)
