Author: BGMN

Women Forge a New Wave in North African Water Management

BGMN

A multi-country programme concludes, demonstrating that inclusive governance strengthens urban climate resilience and improves water access for thousands.  A landmark initiative designed to place women at the center of water governance in North African cities marked its completion today. The Women and Sustainable Cities programme, funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and implemented by Cities Alliance with local partners, has spent the past two and a half years empowering women in Sebkha (Mauritania), Figuig (Morocco), and Kairouan (Tunisia), Cities Alliance reports. The programme reached 2,532 people,…

Tunisian Drama “Behind the Mountains” Lands at Beirut’s Premier Genre Film Festival

BGMN

The Maskoon Fantastic Film Festival, the Middle East’s sole event dedicated to modern genre cinema, is set to feature Mohamed Ben Attia’s acclaimed feature, Behind the Mountains, in its lineup this October 4th. The Tunisian filmmaker’s latest work delves into the story of Rafik, a father determined to prove his son possesses a unique gift: the ability to fly. Undeterred by his wife’s skepticism and his in-laws’ resistance, Rafik pulls his son out of school, embarking on a journey that serves as both an escape and a proof of belief. Their…

Cairo International Film Festival Announces Top 25 Egyptian Films of First Quarter of 21st Century in Collaboration with FIPRESCI and Egyptian Film Critics Association

BGMN

The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), in partnership with the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Egyptian Film Critics Association (EFCA), proudly announces the results of the poll “Top 25 Egyptian Films of the First Quarter of the 21st Century.”This initiative celebrates the historic collaboration between the festival and FIPRESCI on the occasion of the federation’s centennial. As part of its official 46th edition publications (to be held 12–21 November 2025), the festival will release a comprehensive book documenting the poll’s results. The volume will feature critical analyses…

Tunisia Launches Public Consultation to Streamline National Fiber Optic Rollout

BGMN

The telecoms regulator seeks industry input on rules for shared infrastructure in new buildings, aiming to cut costs, prevent duplication, and accelerate high-speed internet access. The Instance Nationale des Télécommunications (INT) has opened a critical public consultation to establish a framework for the mutualisation, or sharing, of fiber optic infrastructure in new real estate projects. The move is a key step in Tunisia’s ambitious plan to blanket the nation with high-speed internet. Running from September 26 to October 8, 2025, the consultation calls on telecommunications operators, developers, and other sector…

UNECA Workshop Equips Tunisian and Libyan SMEs to Seize AfCFTA Opportunities

BGMN

A joint initiative focuses on empowering youth and women-led businesses with skills in digitalization, finance, and climate resilience to drive regional integration. A capacity-building program designed to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Libya and Tunisia has concluded, with a strategic focus on preparing them for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The workshop, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in partnership with the two governments, marks a critical step towards inclusive economic integration. Titled “Harnessing AfCFTA Opportunities: Strengthening Youth- and…

UNA Director-General Highlights Importance of Enhancing Arabic Language Usage in OIC News Agencies

BGMN

Director-General of the Union of OIC News Agencies (UNA), Mr. Mohammed Abdurabbu Al-Yami, emphasized that caring for the Arabic language is a fundamental pillar of Islamic identity, as it is the language of the Holy Qur’an and a source of intellectual, scientific, and literary contributions throughout history. This came during his speech at the seminar on “Standards of Arabic Language Usage in OIC News Agencies”, where he stressed the need to unify and regulate Arabic usage in media institutions. He noted that such efforts would enhance the quality of media…

Cairo International Film Festival and Coventry University Forge Strategic Alliance with New Media Hub

BGMN

In order to bridge academic learning and professional filmmaking, the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) and Coventry University Cairo have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and inaugurated the state-of-the-art Coventry Media Hub. The landmark ceremony, held at the university’s campus within The Knowledge Hub (TKH) in the New Administrative Capital, marks a strategic step towards cultivating the next generation of Egyptian media talent. The event commenced with a welcoming reception for students, faculty, and media professionals, setting the stage for a masterclass led by Hussein Fahmy, the renowned…

Tunisia Launches Major Startup Accelerator with Silicon Valley Backing in Bid to Become Regional Tech Hub

BGMN

Local venture capital firm 216 Capital has partnered with Silicon Valley giant Plug and Play to launch a new venture accelerator. The joint initiative, named the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator, is designed to fast-track Tunisian startups towards regional and global expansion. The six-month program will select up to 20 promising startups, providing each with an initial investment of €50,000. Beyond capital, participants will gain access to intensive mentorship from international investors and coaches, as well as Plug and Play’s vast global network of corporations and venture capitalists. Top-performing companies will…

Islamic Development Bank Approves $1.27 Billion for Development Projects Across Member Nations

BGMN

The Board of Executive Directors of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has greenlit a comprehensive package of development financing totaling $1.27 billion for 12 member countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The approvals were granted during the Board’s 362nd meeting, held on September 29, 2025, under the chairmanship of IsDB President, Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser. The funding will support strategic projects in sectors including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, transport, health, education, and water resources. A significant portion of the financing is allocated to major infrastructure projects, with Pakistan…

“Desert Warrior” Premieres at Zurich Film Festival, Marking Cinematic Milestone for Saudi Arabia

BGMN

The epic historical film “Desert Warrior,” a landmark co-production between MBC Studios and JB Pictures, held its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival to significant acclaim. Boasting a stellar international cast including Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Sir Ben Kingsley, and a distinguished roster of Arab actors, the film was shot entirely in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern regions. Directed by Rupert Wyatt, the production is the first large-scale international film to be shot in NEOM, supported by NEOM’s Media Industries sector. Principal photography also took place in Tabuk, showcasing the dramatic…