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Tasha Amos honoured with Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence

Nigerian entrepreneur and businesswoman Tasha Amos, founder of Tasha Collectibles and TGang Wears has been inducted As A West Africa Youth Ambassador and honoured with the prestigious Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence.

Known for her work in the beauty, fashion and lifestyle industries, Tasha continues to build innovative African brands with a vision for global expansion.

Beyond business, she is passionate about youth empowerment, women and community development. Her future plans include expanding her brands across Africa, developing new lifestyle and wellness concept’s and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation.

The recognition marks another significant milestone in her journey of entrepreneurship, leadership and impact.

IED Found At Niger General Hospital

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was on Wednesday discovered at the New Bussa General Hospital in Borgu LGA of Niger State.

A resident of New Bussa told our correspondent that the explosive device was spotted by one of the security personnel at the hospital.

He reportedly alerted conventional security operatives who confirmed it to be an explosive device.

Another resident, who did not want his name mentioned, told Daily Trust that experts from the bomb disposal unit of the Nigeria Police Force successfully diffused the device before taking it away for destruction.

He said soldiers and police officers have been deployed to the hospital to strengthen security and restrict movement within the facility.

‘Right now, soldiers and police are moving around the hospital. Only patients and one or two of their relatives are allowed into the hospital now. The general population is no longer allowed in,’ he said.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, did not respond to a message sent to him seeking confirmation of the incident.

Dangote Refinery IPO: Global leaders rally behind spread of Africa’s industrial wealth

The proposed initial public offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is attracting strong backing from prominent African and international leaders. The opening of the IPO, the argued, translate to opening the industrial giant to wider ownership, marking a new phase in African wealth creation, industrialisation and economic sovereignty.

The leaders, speaking at the 2026 Africa Diaspora Leadership Programme Young Global Leaders Convening in Lagos, yesterday, said the refinery had already demonstrated Africa’s capacity to build at global scale, while its proposed IPO could allow ordinary Africans, pension funds, institutional investors and the diaspora to participate directly in the wealth created by one of the continent’s biggest industrial investments.

President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said the philosophy behind the IPO was to extend the prosperity created by the refinery beyond its promoters and give ordinary Africans an opportunity to become owners.

‘I want drivers, cooks, the woman selling food on the streets of Ghana, Rwanda and South Africa to invest so they can share in this prosperity. We are doing the IPO to pass this prosperity to Africans,’ Dangote said during a fireside chat.

He explained that his ambition had always gone beyond accumulating wealth to building enterprises capable of creating jobs, opportunities and prosperity across the continent. ‘I am wealthy, not rich. A wealthy man creates wealth, while a rich man makes money and keeps it for himself. What keeps me going is that we must industrialise Africa. There is no amount of hurdle that will stop us. If you put a brick wall in front of me, I will make a hole and pass through,’ he said.

Dangote expressed confidence that the refinery could eventually become Africa’s largest company by size and profitability, drawing parallels with global corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla and Alibaba, which grew substantially after entering the public markets. ‘By the grace of God, this refinery will be the largest company in Africa by size and profitability,’ he said.

He said the Group’s wider mission was to reduce the perceived risks associated with investing in Africa and demonstrate that globally competitive enterprises could be built successfully on the continent. ‘Our job is to derisk Africa, encourage more investors, create jobs and create more opportunities. That is how we will transform Africa,’ Dangote said.

Former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Co Chair of The Africa Center, Ambassador Jendayi Frazer, said the proposed IPO could connect African industrial production with African and diaspora capital, broadening participation in the value created by the continent’s strategic assets. ‘The refinery connects us all through the proposed IPO that creates broader ownership,’ Frazer said. ‘It can broaden participation in the value created by African industry. It can connect investment with African production to scale with African institutions, pension funds, savers, individual investors, including the African diaspora coming into this, owning a stake in Africa’s growth.’

Frazer said the refinery had already ‘changed the equation’ for Africa, with implications extending far beyond petroleum production into the continent’s geopolitical standing. ‘Economic power is not only what a country possesses, it’s what it can create, process, finance, transport and sell. Supply chains, energy systems and capital markets shape sovereignty,’ she said.

She said the refinery demonstrated what was possible when African ambition was matched by capital, technical knowledge, partnerships and disciplined execution. ‘Africa does not need the world’s permission to build,’ Frazer said, ‘and the world, if it comes as a partner and not a prospector, will find that Africa has already started.’

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu, similarly called for a new model of African industrial ownership in which ordinary citizens, institutional investors and diaspora capital hold stakes in the continent’s strategic assets. ‘The next frontier of African scale is not another giant. It is a thousand ordinary owners: the teacher in Enugu, the nurse in New Jersey and the pension fund in Nairobi, each holding a piece of the strategic assets of their own continent,’ Sanwo Olu said.

The governor described the refinery as compelling evidence of Africa’s capacity to execute projects once considered beyond its reach. ‘Mr Dangote did not build a refinery. He built a country around a refinery, and then he built the refinery,’ Sanwo Olu said. ‘There was no port that could receive the equipment, so he built a jetty. There was not enough power, so he built a power plant.’

Noting that the project survived enormous construction challenges, the COVID 19 pandemic and severe currency depreciation, Sanwo Olu recalled predictions that it would never become operational. ‘It runs,’ he declared. ‘Africa can build at market changing scale. Not in theory. Here.’

He, however, challenged governments to build the infrastructure and institutions required to ensure future African investors do not have to overcome similar obstacles. ‘The true measure of this refinery is not that it stands. It is whether the next one is easier,’ he said.

Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko Dangote, said Africa must now move beyond merely possessing natural resources and talent to building the productive capacity and institutions required to retain the value they create. She said the deeper question was what Africa could build, process, finance and own, arguing that development must ultimately translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. ‘This is more than a Dangote story. It is a story about what Africa must build, what Africa must own, and what this generation of leaders must help make possible,’ she said.

Fatima Dangote, who is also a Trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Trustee of The Africa Center in New York and Patron of the Aliko Dangote Young Global Leaders Fellowship, said sustainable development must ultimately be measured by its impact on people.

Afreximbank, which provided significant financial backing for the refinery, described the project as its African industrialisation mission ‘made concrete’. Speaking on behalf of President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Dr George Elombi, Director, Creatives and Diaspora, Intra African Trade and Export Development Bank, Temwa Roosevelt Gondwe, said Afreximbank underwrote $2.5 billion of the $4 billion syndicated loan supporting the refinery and subsequently provided a $1 billion working capital facility. ‘Unless we produce, we cannot trade. Unless we capture value, we cannot prosper,’ Gondwe said, describing the refinery as proof that Africa could move from exporting raw materials towards processing resources and capturing more value on the continent.

The convening also highlighted the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s investment in Africa’s leadership pipeline. Over the past 15 years, the YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship, a collaboration between the Foundation and the World Economic Forum, has supported more than 130 young African leaders to participate in the global Young Global Leaders community. Beneficiaries including Founder and Chief Executive Officer, I Am The Code, Lady Mariéme Jamme, whose initiative aims to enable one million young women and girls to become coders by 2030; Chief Executive Officer, African Leadership Academy, Hatim Eltayeb; and Kenyan technologist and open source advocate, Angela Oduor Lungati, commended the ADF for supporting them.

Thai-Malaysian families could be impacted by shortened visa-free stay

Malaysians married to Thai nationals could be the group affected by the 30-day visa-free programme which will take effect next week.

The Malaysian ambassador to Thailand, Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, said the new policy would yield little impact on Malaysian visitors to Thailand except the families of Thais and Malaysians.

“For this category of visitors, the measures may have a comparatively greater bearing on their travel arrangements, particularly the duration of family visits, which may potentially be shortened,” Bernama on Thursday quoted the ambassador as saying in an interview.

Thailand’s shortened visa-free programme from 60 to 30 days for visitors will be effective on Tuesday for 54 countries or territories, including Malaysia.

The average stay of Malaysians is 4.3 days and 75% travelled to southern Thailand, according to the ambassador.

Thailand received 2.6 million travellers from Malaysia in the first eight months of this year. They were the second largest group after the Chinese, who accounted for 3.5 million during the same period.

Oladele’s Suit: Court serves SDP, INEC, fixes September 24 for hearing

The Federal High Court has fixed September 24, 2026, for hearing in a suit instituted by Oloye Saheed Oladele against the leadership of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged violation of the 2026 Electoral Act during its Oyo State governorship primary process.

The suit, filed on behalf of Oladele by Barrister Akinlolu Oyebamiji of AOC Chambers, and served to the respondents as appropriate, is challenging the submission of the name of Mr. Michael Okunlade to INEC as the SDP’s consensus candidate for the Oyo State governorship election.High Court

Oladele’s legal team is contending that Okunlade, who is currently the Oyo State Chairman of the SDP, allegedly failed to obtain the requisite Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms within the period stipulated by the electoral guidelines.

According to the legal team, Oladele was the only member of the party who paid for and obtained the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms within the prescribed period, a development they argue should be considered in determining the party’s valid governorship candidate.

The suit has consequently placed the process through which the SDP arrived at its purported consensus candidate under judicial scrutiny, with the court expected to determine the legality of the party’s action and the subsequent submission to INEC.

Meanwhile, supporters of Oladele have expressed joy in the prompt fixing of the commencement hearing of the suit, and optimism that the court will uphold what they described as strict compliance with the Electoral Act and applicable electoral guidelines.

The development follows recent activities within the Oyo State chapter of the SDP, including the emergence of Okunlade as a purported consensus candidate and the unveiling of Mogaji Segun Agboola to party members on August 17, 2026 as a new guber aspirant, which is another flagrant violation of the 2026 Electoral Act.

Oladele’s supporters, who said they remain confident in the judicial process, pledged to continue their political activities while awaiting the outcome of the case before the Federal High Court.

The September 24 hearing is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for the parties to present their respective positions before the court as the controversy over the SDP’s 2027 Oyo governorship ticket can be laid to rest.

AU, ATAF move to strengthen Africa’s tax systems

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) are working to strengthen cooperation among African countries on taxation as part of efforts to increase government revenue, improve tax compliance and reduce losses from cross-border tax evasion and illicit financial flows.

The two continental bodies agreed to deepen their institutional partnership and develop more practical African-led approaches to domestic resource mobilisation following a high-level meeting at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The meeting brought together an ATAF delegation led by its Council Chair, Dr Johnston Makhubu, and the AUC Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Francisca Belobe.

The discussions focused on how African countries can make better use of existing tax agreements and technical tools to collect more revenue and strengthen their fiscal systems without relying excessively on external financing.

A major area of discussion was the Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters (AMATM), which provides a framework for tax authorities across Africa to cooperate in areas such as the exchange of taxpayer information, recovery of taxes and joint tax examinations.

The agreement is particularly important as businesses and financial transactions increasingly operate across national borders, making it more difficult for individual countries to tackle tax avoidance and evasion on their own.

Through greater cooperation, tax authorities can obtain information held in other jurisdictions, assist one another in recovering taxes and conduct joint investigations where necessary.

The AUC and ATAF also discussed the need to strengthen Africa’s tax treaty network, with the ATAF Model Double Taxation Agreement serving as a guide for countries negotiating tax treaties with other jurisdictions.

Double taxation agreements are designed to prevent the same income from being taxed twice, but the African bodies said treaty arrangements should also protect the revenue interests of African countries and reflect their development needs.

For many African countries, the challenge is not only collecting taxes but ensuring that tax agreements do not unnecessarily limit their ability to raise revenue from economic activities taking place within their territories.

Commissioner Belobe also called for stronger engagement between tax authorities and the private sector, saying businesses should be part of discussions on tax policy and compliance.

She said closer engagement with businesses could encourage voluntary compliance, widen the tax base and support greater participation in African economies.

The discussions also recognised that businesses are more likely to comply with tax obligations when they have greater certainty about tax rules and can engage with authorities on policy and implementation issues.

Another area of concern is the taxation of extractive industries and other sectors that are difficult for tax authorities to monitor effectively.

The sectors can involve complex contracts, cross-border transactions, difficulties in determining the correct value of transactions and limited access to information required by tax authorities.

These challenges can make it difficult for governments to determine the correct amount of tax payable by companies operating in areas such as mining and other extractive activities.

The AUC and ATAF are therefore seeking stronger cooperation and technical capacity to help countries address these revenue gaps and ensure that economic activities within Africa contribute appropriately to public finances.

The two organisations also reviewed their cooperation through the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration (STC-FMAEPI).

Commissioner Belobe welcomed the progress made through the partnership and called for further work aimed at improving tax collection and strengthening national fiscal systems across the continent.

The broader objective is to translate continental tax policies, agreements and technical instruments into measures that can produce tangible results for individual African countries.

For governments facing pressure to finance infrastructure, healthcare, education and other public services, stronger domestic revenue collection could provide additional resources while reducing dependence on borrowing and external funding.

The AUC and ATAF are now expected to finalise the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and prepare a detailed work plan covering their cooperation in the coming years.

The renewed agreement is expected to provide a framework for coordinated action on tax policy and administration, tax treaties, mutual assistance between tax authorities, private-sector engagement and the taxation of strategic and hard-to-tax sectors.

The partnership comes as African governments continue to search for ways of raising more domestic revenue from their economies, particularly as many countries face competing demands for public spending and limited fiscal space.

By strengthening cooperation between tax administrations and making it easier for countries to share information and assist one another, the AUC and ATAF believe African countries can improve their ability to collect taxes that are legally due to them.

The two institutions are expected to continue working together to ensure that continental tax instruments are not merely policy documents but are applied in ways that improve revenue mobilisation and strengthen Africa’s fiscal capacity.

PRESS RELEASE – EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Delivering Europe’s independence – five days until State of the Union 2026

Next Wednesday 16 September, at 9:00 CEST, President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her second State of the Union address of the current mandate.

Since the State of the Union speech of 2025, the Commission has been focused on delivering the promise of Europe’s independence. In a more fragmented world, Europe is assuming more responsibility for its own future.

Over the past 12 months, the Commission has accelerated efforts to boost the EU’s competitiveness and make Europe a better place to invest, innovate and grow. We have taken steps towards reducing dangerous overdependencies and making European industry more resilient in the face of market distortion and global overcapacity. We have diversified trade opportunities, with new trade agreements from the Indo-Pacific to Latin America, and we have continued to build mutually beneficial relations with partners around the world.

We have been working to protect what matters: our security, our social model, our democracies. SAFE is spurring major defence investments across Europe and we are working on flagship defence projects such as the Eastern Flank Watch. The Commission and the EU have also continued our unwavering support for Ukraine, including with the first disbursements under the pound 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, the opening of two accession clusters and 21 sanctions packages against Russia.

Through the European Democracy Shield and our rule of law toolset we are upholding our democracy, while with our digital rulebook we are protecting and empowering our citizens, especially the young ones. We have also acted to support the most vulnerable households with tackling issues from housing to high energy costs.

To summarise this work, the Commission has published today a brochure and a timeline with the key milestones of the past year.

You can find out more about the State of the Union address on this website.

The President’s State of the Union address will be broadcast next Wednesday morning on EBS.

(For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15)

Commission supports Turkish Cypriot community with annual programme worth pound 34 million

Today, the European Commission adopted the 2026 EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, providing pound 34 million to support socio-economic development and facilitate the reunification process in Cyprus.

The 2026 programme will invest in key areas to improve social and economic development and bring communities closer together. It will support the Turkish Cypriot community in aligning with EU food safety and animal health standards, including through continued support for the all-island Halloumi/Hellim Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) scheme.

The programme will also help drive economic growth by strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting innovation and expanding trade opportunities, including through Green Line trade.

In addition, the new funding will back important projects in energy, school infrastructure, and wastewater and waste treatment infrastructure. This includes initiatives promoting the reuse of treated water from the bicommunal Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The 2026 programme will continue to support the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, the Committee on Missing Persons, other bicommunal technical committees and civil society organisations, as well as two flagship EU scholarship programmes: the bicommunal scholarship programme for Cypriot youth to attend United World Colleges, and the scholarship programme for Turkish Cypriots studying at universities across the EU.

Over the past 20 years, the EU has allocated more than pound 794 million to the Aid Programme, underlining its strong commitment to supporting the Turkish Cypriot community and fostering trust, cooperation and reconciliation.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 229-66483; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)

Commission hosts first meeting of EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance

The European Commission today hosted the first meeting of the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance to support a strong drone and counter-drone industry in Europe and Ukraine. The Alliance is an industry led initiative which will strengthen Europe’s and Ukraine’s security by accelerating the development and production of next-generation drone and counter-drone systems and fostering partnerships. It brings together 18 founding members, including manufacturers, innovators, start-ups and scale-ups from EU Member States, EEA EFTA countries and Ukraine.

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space, said: ‘European airspace is being tested with repeated drone violations over airports, military installations and critical infrastructure. In Ukraine, this threat is a daily reality. The challenge we face is not only technological edge but also about speed and industrial capacity to deliver together. We need design cycles in weeks, not months, and countermeasures that keep pace. The EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance will address that gap.’

Launched during the third EU-Ukraine Defence Industry Forum in Kyiv, it is a first step implementing the EU-Ukraine Drone Deal, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen on 15 July as part of the EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Pact.

The founding members will now take forward the agreed activities. Further information on how to join the Alliance as general members or public partners will be published shortly on the Commission’s website, ahead of a second Board meeting.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)

Commission presents EU-Ecuador Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement to Council

Today, the European Commission presented its proposal on the EU-Ecuador Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement (SIFA) to the Council for its signature and conclusion. This is the first SIFA negotiated with a Latin American country and will help promote further EU investment in Ecuador. The SIFA aims to make it easier for EU companies to invest and expand their operations in the country, benefiting both EU and local investors.

It will facilitate investment across the whole economy by supporting efforts to address challenges such as bureaucratic hurdles and regulatory uncertainty, which is especially relevant in sectors with untapped potential such as renewable energy. For the first time in a SIFA, the agreement with Ecuador contains specific provisions which aim to deepen cooperation and facilitate investment in sustainable energy and raw materials – sectors of particular interest for EU investors and Ecuador. The SIFA is closely aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy in Ecuador, which supports investments and sustainable infrastructure in sectors such as energy, water sanitation, and waste management.

The EU is a leading trade and investment partner of Ecuador, with the EU’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock reaching pound 9.1 billion in 2024. Pursuing SIFAs is part of the objectives set out in the Competitiveness Compass, which highlighted the need to seek new ways of deepening partnerships and creating benefits for EU businesses.

With its proposals for the signature and conclusion of the SIFA, the Commission is seeking the Council’s approval to sign the agreement. Once the Council gives its agreement it will be sent to the European Parliament for consent. Following approval, the deal can enter into force.

More information is available online.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 attract 21,627 applications from researchers worldwide

Researchers from around the world are showing record interest in developing their research careers in Europe. The 2026 call for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships has attracted 21,627 applications, with an indicative budget of pound 399.05 million.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: ‘Researchers are choosing Europe – they know we value and support science. The European Union has never been more attractive as a destination for global talent. This year’s all-time record high of applicants means European societies and economies will benefit more than ever from their knowledge, from cutting-edge ideas, applications and products. We are committed to ensuring science will continue to thrive in Europe – by steering sustained and stable investment from the EU and Member States towards world-class research.’

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships give researchers holding a PhD the opportunity to undertake a research project in another country, acquire new skills, and develop international networks. Researchers of any nationality can apply, with fellowships supporting research projects hosted by organisations across the academic and non-academic sectors, including universities, research centres, companies, and public bodies.

This year’s high application figure exceeds that of all previous application rounds, just as the European Union steps up its efforts to make Europe an even more attractive destination for researchers with initiatives such as Choose Europe for Science.

Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, said: ‘MSCA is one of the key components for the success of the broader EU strategy Choose Europe. In 2026 alone, the Commission announced new calls through the MSCA worth pound 1.25 billion to support training and research. Today, 40% of MSCA-supported researchers come from outside the EU, and the majority of them remain in Europe after the end of their fellowship.’

The results of the call are expected to be announced in February 2027.

More information is available on the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions website.

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 8433; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 2 295 70 65)

Commission invests in the development of innovative therapeutics against respiratory viruses

The European Commission, together with the European Investment Bank, has signed a pound 30 million investment agreement with the company Ethris. The agreement will support the clinical development of mRNA next-generation therapeutics and vaccines addressing respiratory viruses, including those that carry pandemic potential.

Such medicines would be administered by inhalation or nasal spray, offering alternative routes of administration directly at the pathogen’s point of entry. By preventing viral transmission, this approach could save lives and become an important tool for pandemic preparedness and prevention.

Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said: ‘The images of COVID must never fade from our memory: overwhelmed hospitals, empty streets, families kept apart. COVID showed us the cost of being caught off guard. We cannot forget that lesson. We must stay one step ahead. Today we are investing in a new generation of vaccines and treatments that can save lives before an outbreak becomes a crisis. With HERA Invest, we are building Europe’s defences today, before the next pandemic strikes.’

With HERA Invest, the Commission is enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy in health emergency preparedness. Backed by pound 130 million from the EU4Health programme as part of the InvestEU initiative, it targets small and mid-sized companies. The European Investment Bank in partnership with the Commission, provides venture loans covering up to 50% of a project’s costs. HERA Invest aims to bridge the financial gap where private sector resources are insufficient, leveraging public funds to encourage private investment in the development of medical countermeasures. By supporting research and development in these areas, HERA Invest seeks to ensure that Europe remains prepared to face future health challenges.

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortes – Tel: +32 2 291 32 83)

Commission approves pound 6.1 billion to support Ukraine’s air and missile defence and other defence needs

Today, the European Commission has approved an additional pound 6.1 billion for Ukraine to procure different defence products in the field of air and missile defence, ammunition, drones and electronic warfare. This essential funding will support Ukraine’s capacity to withstand the continued intensification of Russian ballistic missile and drone strikes.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission: ‘Today, we have approved pound 6.1 billion to help Ukraine procure different defence products in the field of air and missile defence, ammunition, drones and electronic warfare. With this approval, Ukraine can now also purchase the Patriot equipment it needs to better protect its skies from Russia’s indiscriminate attacks. Together with our Member States and NATO, we will continue to deliver for Ukraine while strengthening Europe’s own defence.’

These funds will support the procurement of defence products from both EU and Ukrainian companies. Following agreement by EU Member States on Monday, the decision also enables Ukraine to procure PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. Funded under the pound 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, the package includes five derogations from standard eligibility conditions: three for Ukrainian-made drones and components exceeding cost thresholds, and two for US-made equipment, in particular PAC-3 missiles, including via the NATO-coordinated PURL mechanism.

The Ukraine Support Loan includes pound 30 billion for budgetary aid and pound 60 billion for defence across 2026-2027. With this approval, the pound 28.3 billion for Ukraine’s 2026 defence support has now been fully allocated, defining precise equipment procurements, selected suppliers, required quantities and implementation timelines.

Ukraine’s military edge depends on the rapid availability of critical products in the required quantities and within very short timeframes. Accelerating EU deliveries through destocking, reprioritising orders and ramping up the production remains crucial.

The Commission has already disbursed pound 8.35 billion in defence funding for Ukraine this year, and more will soon follow.

Next steps

Before releasing funds, the Commission is reviewing the contracts to ensure compliance with conditions set in the Ukraine Support Loan and the procurement terms agreed with Member States.

Background

In February 2026, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/467 establishing the Ukraine Support Loan. The Regulation provides for up to pound 90 billion in support to Ukraine. The support is structured around two complementary components: assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and defence industrial capacities, and support to ensure the continued functioning of the state, maintain essential public services and strengthen economic resilience.

Following Ukraine’s submission of its Financing Strategy in March 2026, the Council adopted, on 23 April 2026, an Implementing Decision determining the assistance to be made available to Ukraine in 2026. The Decision provides for up to pound 45 billion in support for 2026, comprising pound 16.7 billion in budget support and pound 28.3 billion in support for Ukraine’s defence industrial capacities. The budget support component is split equally between a top-up to the Ukraine Facility and a new Macro Financial Assistance operation, each amounting to up to pound 8.35 billion.

The defence component focuses on reconstructing and modernising Ukraine’s defence technological and industrial base, while supporting its gradual integration into the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base.

All funding decisions respond to Ukraine’s evolving needs and are subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. Since 2022, the EU and its Member States have provided pound 220.2 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including pound 3.8 billion from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets.

For more information

Ukraine Support Loan

Regulation (EU) 2026/467 – Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027

Commission implementing decision validating the use of derogations for drones in Ukraine

Macro-Financial Assistance

Macro-Financial Assistance to Ukraine

Ukraine Facility

Factsheet – EU solidarity with Ukraine

Quote(s)

Today, we have approved pound 6.1 billion to help Ukraine procure different defence products in the field of air and missile defence, ammunition, drones and electronic warfare. With this approval, Ukraine can now also purchase the Patriot equipment it needs to better protect its skies from Russia’s indiscriminate attacks. Together with our Member States and NATO, we will continue to deliver for Ukraine while strengthening Europe’s own defence.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Delivering defence products and in particular anti-ballistic missiles to Ukraine is urgent. Every system that reaches Ukraine helps to protect its people, defend its cities and strengthen its sovereignty against Russia’s relentless missile attacks. At the same time, Europe and Ukraine must accelerate the development of air and anti-ballistic defence solutions, to strengthen our security of supply.

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space

Commission presents landmark India trade deal to Council for signature

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TopQuote(s)Related topicsPrint friendly pdfContacts for media

Today, the European Commission has put forward its proposals to the Council for the signature and conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India, seeking authorization for its signature and conclusion. If authorized by the Council, this will be the largest trade agreement ever concluded by both the EU and India.

Once adopted and entered into force, the agreement will improve market access, reduce tariffs, tackle unnecessary barriers to trade, as well as provide predictable rules for trade and investment between the EU and India. The EU and India already trade over pound 180 billion worth of goods and services per year, supporting close to 800,000 EU jobs. This deal will eliminate or reduce tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India. Overall, the tariff reductions will save around pound 4 billion per year in duties on European products. It will make it easier for European companies to access the Indian market and compete on a more level playing field, while it will ensure consumers can benefit from increased choices and more competitive prices.

The proposal put forward today represents a key step towards ensuring that consumers and businesses can start reaping the benefits of this deal as soon as possible. This is in line with the fast-track procedure laid out by Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefcovic earlier this year. The procedure aims at speeding up the implementation of FTA’s, which is crucial at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and growing pressure on the global trading system.

The EU-India FTA reflects the EU’s commitment to strengthen economic ties with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. With its proposals, the Commission is seeking Council’s approval to sign the agreements which will then require European Parliament’s consent, before conclusion and entry into force. The Indian authorities are in parallel going through their own internal ratification procedures.

For more information

Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of India

Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of India

Questions and answers on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement

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Our focus has been clear from the start: to ensure that businesses and citizens feel the tangible benefits of this landmark FTA as quickly as possible. Timing matters, which is why we are now following through by submitting our proposals to the Council for signature and conclusion in record time. This agreement brings together two of the world’s largest economies – a market of 2 billion people and around a quarter of global GDP. It will very soon start creating new opportunities for both trade and investment.

Maroš Šefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security; Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Síkela participate in European Arctic Summit as EU advances work on its Arctic Strategy

On 13 and 14 September, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, will participate in the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, together with European Council President António Costa. The Summit will focus on strengthening the EU’s common strategic approach to the Arctic as its geopolitical significance continues to grow rapidly.

The Summit comes at an important moment as the EU is updating its Arctic Strategy to respond to the evolving economic, geopolitical and environmental context. Engaging directly with like-minded partners and stakeholders is central to this process, ensuring that their perspectives help shape the EU’s future Arctic Strategy.

High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Síkela will exchange views with partners on the evolving geopolitical and security environment in the Arctic. They will also discuss the EU’s strategic role in the region and ways to advance common priorities.

The Summit follows a series of high-level EU engagements on the Arctic this year, including President von der Leyen’s and Commissioner Síkela’s most recent visit to Greenland, the EU-Arctic Forum in Brussels at the beginning of the month, and High Presentative/Vice-President Kallas’ participation in the 2026 Arctic Frontiers Conference in February. These engagements are supporting the ongoing preparations of the new EU Arctic Strategy.

Uniqlo opening 3 new stores in Philippines

Japanese retail giant Uniqlo is set to open three stores to strengthen its presence in the Philippines.

In a statement, Uniqlo said that it is slated to open a store in SM City Zamboanga on Sept. 25. This would be the brand’s eighth in Mindanao.

Uniqlo is also set to expand further by opening a store at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in November.

Located within the airport’s departure area, the store aims to give travelers access to Uniqlo’s LifeWear essentials.

Uniqlo is also set to open a store in SM City Nuvali in Laguna in November.

Beyond expanding through new store openings, Uniqlo is upgrading existing locations.

In particular, it is expanding retail spaces in SM City Marikina and SM City Cabanatuan.

The Cabanatuan store will also be introducing self-checkout counters to provide a more seamless shopping experience.

Meanwhile, the Uniqlo store in SM City Cebu is set to undergo a major transformation and expand into a two-level large-format store from its current one-floor standard layout.

In Mindanao, Uniqlo is set to reopen its store in SM City General Santos to cater to the community as it recovers from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit the region in June.

The store openings and upgrades form part of Uniqlo’s continuous celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship.

‘As Uniqlo continues to grow across the country, the brand remains focused on bringing LifeWear closer to more Filipinos through strategically located stores and apparel designed to meet the evolving needs of everyday life,’ it said.

Uniqlo opened its first store in the Philippines in 2012.

FG Pays D’Tigress Players $100,000 Each For Afrobasket Triumph

Players of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have received the naira equivalent of $100,000 each as part of the Presidential reward approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed that the accounts of the players and team officials were credited on September 9, 2026, with all beneficiaries confirming receipt of the payments.

Each team official received the naira equivalent of $50,000.

The payment completes the financial component of the Presidential reward promised to the team following D’Tigress’ historic triumph at the 2025 Afrobasket, where they secured a record fifth consecutive title and seventh overall.

In a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Kehinde Ajayi, on Wednesday, the NSC said the payment marked the completion of all components of the reward promised by Tinubu.

‘With the payment, the entire presidential rewards promised to each member of the team by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR comprising a 3-Bedroom flat in Abuja, national honours of OON and Naira equivalent of $USD 100,000 to players and $USD 50,000 to officials have been fully redeemed and completed,’ the commission said.

The NSC recalled that D’Tigress players and officials had earlier received title documents for their three-bedroom apartments in Abuja, alongside certificates of national honours.

The documents, duly signed by Tinubu, were presented to the team in February 2026 during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Lyon, France.

The commission said the cash component was paid following the team’s participation in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany.

It will also be noted that the Federal Government has also extended similar Presidential rewards to the Super Falcons following their achievement at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

According to the NSC, Falcons players have received title documents for their three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and certificates of national honours.

The documents were presented during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July and August 2026, while the cash component of their reward is expected to be paid before their next official engagements.

RHA to mobilise 3,500 leaders

Lagos State Directorate of Christian Affairs of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) has announced plans to mobilise 3,500 leaders across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general election.

The organisation also disclosed plans to hold a special prayer session for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as part of efforts to promote peaceful campaigns and credible elections.

Speaking about the initiative, the Director of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Lagos State Directorate of Christian Affairs, Rev. Sam Ogedengbe, said the programme was designed to strengthen the organisation’s grassroots structure and mobilise committed leaders across the state. Dr. Ogedengbe said the event would also feature the inauguration of senatorial coordinators across the local governments and LCDAs, with letters of appointment to be presented to the newly- appointed coordinators.

He said the initiative was aimed at taking the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ mobilisation campaign to the grassroots.

Said he: ‘We are mobilising 3,500 leaders across the local governments and LCDAs in Lagos State. We are also going to pray for peaceful campaigns and elections. ‘On that day, we will inaugurate our senatorial coordinators across the local governments and LCDAs and present letters of appointment to them.’

Ogedengbe said the purpose of the mobilisation was to ensure the appointed coordinators returned to their local governments, wards and communities to build a strong grassroots network and mobilise committed supporters.

He said the programme would be held at ICG, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The director urged members of the organisation to remain steadfast, committed and dedicated to the cause, noting that their efforts would contribute to the success of the initiative.

He said members, who remained committed to the cause, would be rewarded by God for their dedication and service.