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African Development Bank 2026 Annual Meetings: Governors Endorse the Four Cardinal Points and Call for Accelerated Reform of Africa’s Financial Architecture  

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) five-day Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, concluded on Friday 29 May 2026 with the Board of Governors strongly endorsing President Dr Sidi Ould Tah’s mandate to implement the Bank’s Four Cardinal Points strategic vision. 

The governors called on Dr Ould Tah to accelerate the reform of Africa’s financial architecture in order to mobilize large-scale resources for Africa’s development within the framework of the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD). They also expressed their support for institutional reforms undertaken by Ould Tah to make the Bank more agile, more flexible, and closer to beneficiaries across Africa. 

“The Board of Governors approved and encouraged the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, to implement his vision, ‘the Four Cardinal Points,’ to strengthen Africa’s capacity for action and influence in an increasingly fragmented world,” said the Minister of Economy, Planning, Statistics and Forecasting of the Republic of the Congo, Ludovic Ngatsé, Chair of the Bank Group’s Boards of Governors, during the closing ceremony. 

“I would like to warmly welcome the clear, frank and overwhelming support we received,” said Dr. Ould Tah during these Meetings. 

In a compelling address, he recalled that it is “bold political decisions that will make the difference on the ground.” “I want to say this,” he added with the utmost clarity, “I have listened to you, and I have heard you.” The President emphasized that what was built in Brazzaville “beyond the figures” was “deeper.” “We have set in motion a dynamic of action, a dynamic of transformation, a dynamic of integration,” Ould Tah stressed. 

More than 4,000 participants from over 81 countries took part in the Bank Group’s Annual Meetings, held under the theme: “Mobilizing large-scale resources for financing Africa’s development in a fragmented world.” 

The Annual Meetings, the first organized under Dr. Ould Tah’s presidency since he took office on 1st  September 2025, featured a presidential panel bringing together the President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou-N’Guesso, his Central African counterpart Faustin-Archange Touadéra and Gabon’s Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, together with Bank President Sidi Ould Tah. 

The Annual Meetings, the Bank Group’s main statutory gatherings, were also marked by several major announcements. Angola announced a contribution of €6.5 million to the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF). This brings to 25 the number of African countries financing ADF-17, with a total exceeding USD 190 million. The unprecedented commitment of African countries to financing ADF-17 marks a turning point toward shared responsibility and reinforces African ownership within the development finance architecture and the economic future of the continent. 

The Meetings were also marked by more than USD 3 billion in commitments to the Congo Basin Blue Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4nYSbKB), aimed at supporting 17 African countries in environmental conservation and sustainable development.  

Numerous agreements were signed as part of the operationalization of the Bank’s new Four Cardinal Points strategic vision, as well as during a high-level meeting on the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme in Africa (IATP) and the African Facility for Medicines and Medical Equipment (AMEF). 

Japan announced USD 10 million in funding for the implementation of AMEF. 

As the Annual Meetings kicked off with the Africa Day celebrations on Monday 25 May, the President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou N’Guesso announced the abolition of visas for all African citizens.  

“As from the first of January 2027, nationals of all African countries will have visa-free access and will no longer need a visa to come to Congo,” the Congolese leader said and urged countries to deepen regional integration  

Welcoming the landmark decision, Bank President Ould Tah described it as “a courageous and deeply pan-African decision.” 

Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso hailed the fact that the Annual Meetings were held in person despite the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a few days before the event. 

A joint mobilization of the Congolese government, the World Health Organisation’s regional office which has its headquarters in Brazzaville, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the African Development Bank, put in place detailed safety measures to address the threat of the outbreak. To date, no Ebola case has been reported or detected in the Republic of the Congo since the outbreak was declared by the WHO on 17 May.  During his closing remarks, Minister Ngatsé, the Chairman of the Bank Group’s Boards of Governors, stated: 

“For the Republic of the Congo, hosting these Meetings has been an exceptional international showcase, but above all a unique opportunity to align its national priorities with continental dynamics”.  

Bank Group President Ould Tah reaffirmed his ambition to make the African Development Bank a “solutions bank,” more agile, closer to people, and fully engaged in the continent’s economic transformation. 

At the press conference following the closing ceremony, Ould Tah said the African Development Bank will never be burdened by bureaucracy and will remain firmly connected to the field. “There is no risk of disconnect from the field,” stressing that the Bank will work with national banks and regional banks to provide support to Small and Medium Enterprises, youth, and women.  

The Bank Group president emphasized that Africa must mobilize more domestic resources, guard against fragmentation, and transform its raw materials in order to create value, growth, and above all jobs for African youth and women. 

President Ould Tah also paid tribute to civil society organisation, philanthropists, and the African diaspora. “Your role is irreplaceable,” he acknowledged, “The Bank will be your leading partner,” Ould Tah assured. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact: 
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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Annual Meetings (AM) 2026: The African Development Bank Group’s Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility announces Clean Cooking Program at 2026 Annual Meetings

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF) has announced the RPFF Clean Cooking Program (RCCP), an important new contribution to increasing investments into clean cooking across Africa.

The announcement was made at the African Development Bank Group’s 2026 Annual Meetings during a special session held on Wednesday May 27, hosted by the Government of Italy in partnership with the African Development Bank.

Established in February 2025, the RPFF is designed as a catalytic tool combining grant and concessional financing to be deployed rapidly in co-financing with the African Development Bank Group in the sectors of energy, transport and water. The RPFF provides an impactful financial platform that leverages strategic partnership and enables co-designing and co-financing, to address key drivers of fragility, climate vulnerability, and irregular migration.

Dr Daniel Schroth, Director of the Department of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, announced the RPFF Clean Cooking Program (RCCP) with an initial EUR 25 million envelope. The programme aims to provide access to clean cooking to approximately one million households and is expected to reduce five million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The programme fully aligns with the clean cooking objectives contained in the Mission 300 national energy compacts, while working in synergy with partners such as the International Energy Agency (IEA).

“Clean cooking is a strategic priority for the Italian Government’s Mattei Plan for Africa, representing one of the most urgent and transformative challenges we face today. Nearly one billion people in Africa still lack access to clean cooking solutions, with serious consequences for health, gender equality and economic development,” Lorenzo Ortona, Deputy Coordinator of the Mission Structure for the Mattei Plan at the Office of the Italian Prime Minister, said in opening remarks.

The panel, comprising Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, State Secretary for Development Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark;  Semereta Sewasew, State Minister of Finance for Economic Cooperation of Ethiopia; Leah Chirchir, Director Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance of Kenya, and Mulele Mulele, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning of Zambia, discussed the role of the RPFF, the new Clean Cooking programme, and the importance of increasing investments into clean cooking across Africa.

Krone, emphasised Denmark’s decision to join the RPFF in December 2025 and underscored that access to clean cooking is an important priority for Denmark.

Other panellists shared their country’s perspectives on requirements for implementing the Facility. Kenya, which will host the second Africa Clean Cooking Summit in Nairobi from 9-10 July 2026, is developing an e-cooking market development programme with support from RPFF. Ethiopia, already a beneficiary of RPFF investment in the water sector, will host COP32 in 2027 and is building clean cooking into its broader climate agenda. Zambia, is already a beneficiary of RPFF for support with the strategic Lobito corridor and is also expanding access to clean cooking in line with its Mission 300 National Energy Compact ambitions.

To date, around EUR 168 million has been committed to the RPFF by three donors- Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Denmark – with a current active portfolio of four projects, from solar-powered water systems in Ethiopia, to green mini-grids in Mauritania to road infrastructure along the Lobito Corridor in Angola and Zambia. That portfolio has already leveraged around EUR 389 million in co-financing from the African Development Bank Group and EUR 148 million from other partners and governments.

“The RPFF has shown that speed matters. In just a short time, it has moved from concept to committed investments, demonstrating that strong partnerships can deliver tangible results quickly. The new clean cooking programme is strategically important because it addresses one of Africa’s most urgent development challenges at the intersection of energy access, health, gender, climate, and livelihoods,” stated Dr Schroth.

“Through the RPFF Clean Cooking Programme, developed in partnership with the African Development Bank, we are mobilizing concessional finance and leveraging additional investment to scale up access to modern, safe and affordable solutions. This is not only about energy, but also about dignity, opportunity and improving daily life. By working together, we are committed to delivering concrete results that will benefit millions of people across the continent,” Ortona said.

Francesca Utili, Alternate Governor at Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, delivered closing remarks in which she commended the effectiveness of partnerships.

“One year after the launch of the Facility, the RPFF is now operating at full capacity, with a solid governance in place, a first set of approved projects, and a rapidly expanding pipeline to effectively respond to the needs of African countries. This shows the added value of the partnership with the AfDB and the joint support to strategic priorities of the Continent including energy access and sustainable infrastructure development,” she said.

The Africa Clean Cooking Summit is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 9-10 July 2026.

To learn more about The Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF), click here (https://apo-opa.co/3PT7Qyj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations
email: media@afdb.org

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Assemblées annuelles 2026 : la Facilité de financement du Processus de Rome/Plan Mattei du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement annonce un programme de cuisson propre

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Facilité de financement du Processus de Rome/Plan Mattei (RPFF) du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a annoncé le lancement du Programme de cuisson propre de la RPFF, une nouvelle contribution importante visant à accroître les investissements dans la cuisson propre en Afrique.

L’annonce a été faite lors des Assemblées annuelles 2026 du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, au cours d’une session spéciale tenue mercredi 27 mai et organisée par le gouvernement italien, en partenariat avec la Banque africaine de développement.

Créée en février 2025, la RPFF est conçue comme un outil catalyseur combinant des subventions et des financements concessionnels, déployables rapidement en cofinancement avec le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement dans les secteurs de l’énergie, des transports et de l’eau. La RPFF offre une plateforme financière à fort impact qui s’appuie sur des partenariats stratégiques et permet la conception et le cofinancement, afin de s’attaquer aux principaux facteurs de fragilité, de vulnérabilité climatique et de migration irrégulière.

Daniel Schroth, directeur du Département des énergies renouvelables et de l’efficacité énergétique de la Banque africaine de développement, a annoncé le lancement du Programme de cuisson propre de la RPFF, doté d’une enveloppe initiale de 25 millions d’euros. Ce programme vise à fournir un accès à la cuisson propre à environ un million de foyers et devrait permettre de réduire les émissions de CO2 de cinq millions de tonnes. Il s’aligne pleinement sur les objectifs de cuisson propre définis dans les Pactes énergétiques nationaux de la Mission 300, tout en travaillant en synergie avec des partenaires tels que l’Agence internationale de l’énergie (AIE).

« La cuisson propre est une priorité stratégique du Plan Mattei pour l’Afrique du gouvernement italien, représentant l’un des défis les plus urgents et les plus transformateurs auxquels nous sommes confrontés aujourd’hui. Près d’un milliard de personnes en Afrique n’ont toujours pas accès à des solutions de cuisson propre, ce qui a de graves conséquences sur la santé, l’égalité des genres et le développement économique », a déclaré dans son discours d’ouverture Lorenzo Ortona, coordinateur adjoint de la Structure de mission pour le Plan Mattei à la Primature italienne.

Le panel, composé d’Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, secrétaire d’État auprès du ministre des Affaires étrangères, chargée de la Politique de développement du Danemark ; Semereta Sewasew, ministre d’État aux Finances chargée de la Coopération économique de l’Éthiopie ; Leah Chirchir, directrice de la Planification économique au ministère des Finances du Kenya ; et Mulele Mulele, secrétaire permanent au ministère des Finances et de la Planification nationale de la Zambie, a débattu du rôle de la RPFF, du nouveau programme de cuisson propre et de l’importance d’accroître les investissements dans la cuisson propre en Afrique.

Mme Krone a mis l’accent sur la décision du Danemark de rejoindre la RPFF en décembre 2025 et a insisté sur le fait que l’accès à des solutions de cuisson propres est une priorité importante pour le Danemark.

D’autres intervenants ont partagé les points de vue de leur pays sur les conditions nécessaires à la mise en œuvre de la facilité. Le Kenya, qui accueillera à Nairobi le deuxième Sommet sur la cuisson propre en Afrique les 9 et 10 juillet 2026, élabore actuellement un programme de développement du marché de la cuisson électronique avec le soutien de la RPFF. L’Éthiopie, qui bénéficie déjà d’investissements de la RPFF dans le secteur de l’eau, accueillera la COP32 en 2027 et intègre la cuisson propre dans son programme climatique global. La Zambie bénéficie déjà du soutien de la RPFF pour le corridor stratégique de Lobito et élargit également l’accès à la cuisson propre conformément aux ambitions de son Pacte national de l’énergie Mission 300.

À ce jour, trois donateurs — l’Italie, les Émirats arabes unis et le Danemark — se sont engagés à hauteur d’environ 168 millions d’euros en faveur de la RPFF, dont le portefeuille actif comprend actuellement quatre projets, allant de systèmes d’approvisionnement en eau alimentés par l’énergie solaire en Éthiopie à des mini-réseaux verts en Mauritanie, en passant par des infrastructures routières le long du corridor de Lobito en Angola et en Zambie. Ce portefeuille a déjà mobilisé environ 389 millions d’euros de cofinancement auprès du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement et 148 millions d’euros auprès d’autres partenaires et gouvernements.

« La RPFF a démontré que la rapidité est un facteur déterminant. En très peu de temps, elle est passée du stade du concept à celui d’engagements d’investissement concrets, prouvant ainsi que des partenariats solides peuvent produire rapidement des résultats tangibles. Le nouveau programme en faveur de la cuisson propre revêt une importance stratégique, car il s’attaque à l’un des défis de développement les plus urgents de l’Afrique, à la croisée de l’accès à l’énergie, la santé, le genre, le climat et les moyens de subsistance », a déclaré M. Schroth.

« Grâce au Programme de cuisson propre de la RPFF, élaboré en partenariat avec la Banque africaine de développement, nous mobilisons des financements concessionnels et levons des investissements supplémentaires pour élargir l’accès à des solutions [de cuisson propre] modernes, sûres et abordables. Il ne s’agit pas seulement d’énergie, mais aussi de dignité, d’opportunités et d’amélioration de la vie quotidienne. En travaillant ensemble, nous nous engageons à produire des résultats concrets qui bénéficieront à des millions de personnes sur le continent », a déclaré M. Ortona.

Francesca Utili, gouverneure suppléante au ministère italien de l’Économie et des Finances, a prononcé le discours de clôture, dans lequel elle a salué l’efficacité des partenariats.

« Un an après le lancement de la Facilité, la RPFF fonctionne désormais à pleine capacité, avec une solide gouvernance en place, une première série de projets approuvés et un pipeline de projets en rapide expansion pour répondre efficacement aux besoins des pays africains. Cela montre la valeur ajoutée du partenariat avec la Banque africaine de développement et du soutien conjoint aux priorités stratégiques du continent, notamment l’accès à l’énergie et le développement d’infrastructures durables », a-t-elle déclaré.

Le Sommet sur la cuisson propre en Afrique se tiendra à Nairobi, au Kenya, les 9 et 10 juillet 2026.

Pour en savoir plus sur la Facilité de financement du Processus de Rome/Plan Mattei (RPFF), cliquez sur ce lien (https://apo-opa.co/3PT7Qyj).

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
courriel : media@afdb.org​

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Mecanismo de Financiamento do Processo de Roma/Plano Mattei do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento anuncia Programa de Cozinha Limpa nos Encontros Anuais de 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Mecanismo de Financiamento do Processo de Roma/Plano Mattei (RPFF), do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), anunciou o Programa de Cozinha Limpa do RPFF (RCCP), uma nova e importante contribuição para o aumento dos investimentos em cozinha limpa em toda a África.

O anúncio foi feito nos Encontros Anuais de 2026 do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, durante uma sessão especial realizada na quarta-feira, 27 de maio, organizada pelo Governo da Itália em parceria com o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento.

Criado em fevereiro de 2025, o RPFF foi concebido como uma ferramenta catalisadora que combina subvenções e financiamento concessional para ser rapidamente mobilizado em cofinanciamento com o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento nos setores da energia, dos transportes e da água. O RPFF proporciona uma plataforma financeira de impacto que aproveita parcerias estratégicas e permite a conceção e o cofinanciamento conjuntos, para abordar os principais fatores de fragilidade, vulnerabilidade climática e migração irregular. 

O Diretor do Departamento de Energias Renováveis e Eficiência Energética do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, Daniel Schroth, anunciou o Programa de Cozinha Limpa do RPFF (RCCP) com um dotação inicial de 25 milhões de euros. O programa visa proporcionar acesso a cozinha limpa a cerca de um milhão de famílias e espera-se que reduza cinco milhões de toneladas de emissões de CO2. O programa está em total sintonia com os objetivos de cozinha limpa contidos nos compactos energéticos nacionais da Missão 300, trabalhando em sinergia com parceiros como a Agência Internacional de Energia (AIE).

“A cozinha limpa é uma prioridade estratégica do Plano Mattei para África do Governo italiano, representando um dos desafios mais urgentes e transformadores que enfrentamos atualmente. Quase mil milhões de pessoas em África ainda não têm acesso a soluções de cozinha limpa, com graves consequências para a saúde, a igualdade de género e o desenvolvimento económico”, afirmou Lorenzo Ortona, Coordenador Adjunto da Estrutura da Missão para o Plano Mattei no gabinete da primeira-ministra italiana, nas suas observações iniciais.

O painel, composto por Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, Secretária de Estado para a Política de Desenvolvimento do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros da Dinamarca; Semereta Sewasew, Ministra de Estado das Finanças para a Cooperação Económica da Etiópia; Leah Chirchir, Diretora de Planeamento Económico no Ministério das Finanças do Quénia, e Mulele Mulele, Secretário Permanente no Ministério das Finanças e Planeamento Nacional da Zâmbia, debateu o papel do RPFF, o novo programa de Cozinha Limpa, e a importância de aumentar os investimentos na cozinha limpa em toda a África.

Krone destacou a decisão da Dinamarca de aderir ao RPFF em dezembro de 2025 e sublinhou que o acesso à cozinha limpa é uma prioridade importante para a Dinamarca. 

Outros participantes do painel partilharam as perspetivas dos seus países sobre os requisitos para a implementação do Fundo. O Quénia, que acolherá a segunda Cimeira Africana de Cozinha Limpa em Nairobi, de 9 a 10 de julho de 2026, está a preparar um programa de desenvolvimento do mercado de cozinha elétrica com o apoio do RPFF. A Etiópia, que já é beneficiária do investimento do RPFF no setor da água, acolherá a COP32 em 2027 e está a integrar a cozinha limpa na sua agenda climática mais ampla. A Zâmbia já é beneficiária do RPFF para apoio ao corredor estratégico de Lobito e está também a expandir o acesso à cozinha limpa, em linha com as ambições do seu Compacto de Energia Nacional, no âmbito da ‘Missão 300’.

Até à data, foram comprometidos cerca de 168 milhões de euros para o RPFF por três doadores — Itália, Emirados Árabes Unidos e Dinamarca —, com uma carteira ativa atual de quatro projetos, desde sistemas de água alimentados a energia solar na Etiópia, passando por mini-redes verdes na Mauritânia, até infraestruturas rodoviárias ao longo do Corredor de Lobito em Angola e na Zâmbia. Essa carteira já mobilizou cerca de 389 milhões de euros em cofinanciamento do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e 148 milhões de euros de outros parceiros e governos.

“O RPFF demonstrou que a rapidez é importante. Em pouco tempo, passou de conceito a investimentos comprometidos, demonstrando que parcerias sólidas podem produzir resultados tangíveis rapidamente. O novo programa de cozinha limpa é estrategicamente importante porque aborda um dos desafios de desenvolvimento mais urgentes de África, na interseção entre acesso à energia, saúde, género, clima e meios de subsistência”, afirmou Schroth.

“Através do Programa de Cozinha Limpa do RPFF, desenvolvido em parceria com o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, estamos a mobilizar financiamento concessional e a alavancar investimento adicional para ampliar o acesso a soluções modernas, seguras e acessíveis. Não se trata apenas de energia, mas também de dignidade, oportunidades e melhoria da vida quotidiana. Ao trabalharmos em conjunto, estamos empenhados em alcançar resultados concretos que beneficiarão milhões de pessoas em todo o continente”, afirmou Ortona.

Francesca Utili, Governadora Suplente do Ministério da Economia e Finanças de Itália, proferiu as palavras de encerramento, nas quais elogiou a eficácia das parcerias.

“Um ano após o lançamento do Mecanismo, o RPFF está agora a funcionar a plena capacidade, com uma governação sólida em vigor, um primeiro conjunto de projetos aprovados e um pipeline em rápida expansão para responder eficazmente às necessidades dos países africanos. Isto demonstra o valor acrescentado da parceria com o BAD e o apoio conjunto às prioridades estratégicas do continente, incluindo o acesso à energia e o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas sustentáveis”, afirmou.

A Cimeira Africana sobre Cozinha Limpa está agendada para Nairobi, no Quénia, de 9 a 10 de julho de 2026.

Para saber mais sobre o Mecanismo de Financiamento do Processo de Roma/Plano Mattei (RPFF), clique aqui (https://apo-opa.co/4o9mPRx).

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

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Legacy of Kruger National Park will continue for hundreds of years to come – Minister Aucamp

Source: Government of South Africa

Legacy of Kruger National Park will continue for hundreds of years to come – Minister Aucamp

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has called on South Africans to embrace their shared responsibility as custodians of the Kruger National Park (KNP).

The Minister delivered remarks at the KNP Centenary Commemoration held at the park’s Skukuza Rest Camp in Mpumalanga.

The Minister reflected on the recent flooding that affected the park.

“What these floods taught us is the resilience of the Kruger family. Over 100 years, lots of successes, lots of failures, lots of hardships [and] lots of triumphs. But we’ve always come through and we will do that for 100s of years to come.

“Our responsibility is to raise this generation…so that they can accept this stewardship and can take this pattern and go forward. So that our grandchildren, our great grandchildren and theirs will still be able – in 100 to 200 years’ time from now – to sit alongside the Sabie River, to watch a herd of elephants going through this Sabie River, to listen to the roar of a lion at night, to play a game in the car [and] see who is the best of the siblings. I hope that that legacy can continue,” Aucamp said.

The Minister committed that the KNP will not only endure but also claim its place as the world’s leading conservation destination.

“This…event calls not only for reflection and celebration but it also demands clarity. Clarity about where we come from and where we are going.

“The Kruger National Park stands today as one of the most recognised conservation landscapes in the world,” he urged.

Aucump acknowledged the park’s pioneers and workers for their contribution to its establishment and continued existence.

“The Kruger National Park reflects foresight at a time when such foresight was rare. It reflects decades of scientific progress, of institutional commitment and the sustained efforts of generations. We are clear that the future of conservation in South Africa lies with inclusive stewardship, a responsibility that we all have got to take on.

“I realise that we are walking in the footsteps of giants. We truly are. Their vision, their perseverance and their deeper abiding love for nature gave us the Kruger National Park.

“They dreamt beyond their time of a landscape where elephants roam, where lions rule, and where the ancient rhythms of the wild echo through the bush for generations to come. As a united people, that legacy now rests in our hands,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Godongwana urges Ditsobotla Municipality to ’embrace’ intervention

Source: Government of South Africa

Godongwana urges Ditsobotla Municipality to ’embrace’ intervention

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has urged the leadership of the Ditsobotla Municipality to fully embrace the national intervention to strengthen the municipality.

The Minister visited the North West municipality on Friday to officially hand over the revised Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) and outline its implementation.

The municipality was placed under administration in terms of section 139(7) of the Constitution in a bid to stabilise it.

“I can only surmise that part of the reason for eight failures is that we have not fully embraced what it means to be under an intervention. When a municipality is under intervention, it is not operating under normal conditions.

“The municipality is operating under constrained conditions with fewer financial resources. Therefore, it cannot be ‘business as usual’ in the way the day-to-day activities are run and managed. Habits, attitudes and mindsets must shift in this process.

“An intervention mindset must be adopted to kickstart recovery. I believe that officials from the Municipal Financial Recovery Services unit are already assisting the municipality with change management,” Godongwana said.

He noted that strained finances meant that it would be unlikely for the municipality to receive financial assistance.

“Neither national nor provincial interventions are accompanied by financial bailouts. However, this does not mean that other forms of support will not be provided to get you moving.

“The National Treasury will provide you with fuel by exploring options to assist the municipality with smart metering and metering for bulk supply and will investigate further opportunities for assistance,” Godongwana explained.

The municipality has already completed the Section 78 process required to sign the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA) with Eskom where the power utility will take over revenue collection while sector departments have also committed to supporting the municipality.

Furthermore, in terms of Section 147 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, the Minister will ensure that progress reports are presented on a quarterly basis to Cabinet.

“The National Treasury will continue with oversight visits and closely monitor the implementation of the financial recovery plan through the monthly progress reporting by the municipality and through War Room meetings which will take place quarterly,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SARS finalises China zero-tariff scheme framework

Source: Government of South Africa

SARS finalises China zero-tariff scheme framework

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced that both the legal and operational frameworks required to administer China’s temporary zero-tariff scheme have been finalised.

The Asian country announced in February this year that it would implement the zero-tariff policy with African countries which it has diplomatic ties with.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu explained that from June, it would be issuing Rules of Origin certificates for qualifying exports in this regard.

“Beginning 1 June, we are introducing a simple, printable certificate format, allowing exporters to prove origin and claim the tariff preference straight away.

“We understand that exporters have questions about how this scheme works, especially for shipments already on the way. I want to assure our traders that no qualifying exporter will be left behind.

“From 1 June, SARS is issuing origin certificates retrospectively to cater for qualifying goods that were shipped or cleared after 1 May 2026, so they can still benefit fully from the zero tariffs,” Makhubu said.

This measure, the revenue collector said in a statement, confirms its commitment to “providing clarity and certainty while making the movement of goods easy and seamless [and]…to facilitate legitimate trade and protect South Africa’s customs system”.

“As an interim measure, exporters can lodge security with China’s customs administration in the absence of a certificate of origin. This security will be released upon the lodging of a valid certificate of origin obtained from SARS in respect of qualifying goods.

“Exporters are reminded that not all goods qualify for China’s zero-tariff arrangement: some remain subject to tariff‑rates or quotas and specific conditions. Zero-tariff treatment depends strictly on meeting the Rules of Origin and presenting a valid SARS Certificate of Origin.

“Exporters must confirm eligibility with their trading partners in China, maintain proper origin documentation, and stay up to date with SARS processes. Only fully compliant shipments will qualify, making careful preparation essential to avoid delays or disqualification,” SARS further stated.

For purposes of the verification of the issued certificates, contact rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za.

Exporters requiring assistance can also contact SARS at rulesoforigin@sars.gov.za for guidance on the new arrangement. – SAnews.gov.za

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has Deployed a Technical Mission to Observe the Legislative and Local Elections of May 31, 2026 in Guinea

Source: APO


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To oversee these elections, the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) deployed a technical election observation mission to Guinea from May 24 to June 4, 2026.

This mission, comprising forty (40) experts, includes representatives of electoral management bodies and election observation experts from other ECOWAS member states.

The deployment of these experts is supported by ten (10) staff members of the Commission of the regional organization, to ensure better coordination and efficient implementation of the mission’s activities, which will be deployed in various regions of the country.

By deploying this mission, ECOWAS reiterates its commitment to supporting Guinea in successfully completing its transition process and strengthening its democratic institutions, with a view to ensuring lasting peace, constitutional governance, and sustained stability in the country.

The combined legislative and local elections of May 31, 2026, constitute the final phase of this process. This is a major step in consolidating democratic governance and institutional stability in the country. It follows the constitutional referendum of September 2026 and the presidential election of December 2025, which marked significant steps toward the full restoration of constitutional order in Guinea.

Through the deployment of forty (40) experts and ten (10) staff members, the ECOWAS Commission continues to provide increased support to the electoral process in Guinea, in accordance with its mandate to promote democracy, good governance, peace, and credible electoral processes in the West African region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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President Herminie Attends Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) Cup Final and Presents Trophy to Bazar Brothers FC

Source: APO


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President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie attended the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) Cup Final at Unity Stadium on Saturday evening, where he presented the Cup trophy to the winning team, Bazar Brother FC of Point Larue. The occasion marked the President’s first football engagement since accepting the role of Patron of the Seychelles Football Federation earlier this year.

The President was joined at the final by Minister for Youth and Sports Ms Kalsey Belle, SFF Chairman Mr Elvis Chetty, SFF Chief Executive Officer Denis Rose, National Sports Council Chief Executive Officer Mario Pragassen, and Member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse Praslin, Hon. Alvin Grandcourt, amongst other guests.

Bazar Brother FC claimed the 2025-26 SFF Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Lightstar FC of Praslin, earning the right to represent Seychelles in the continental club competition in Africa. Defending champions Forester were unable to retain their crown.

Football continues to serve as a powerful unifying force and a source of national pride across the islands of Seychelles, and President Herminie’s presence at Saturday’s final was a reaffirmation of his personal commitment to championing the sport in his capacity as SFF Patron.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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République démocratique du Congo (RD Congo) : le chef de Organisation mondiale de la Santé (OMS) à Bunia en Ituri, épicentre de l’épidémie d’Ebola

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le chef de l’agence sanitaire mondiale de l’ONU (OMS) est arrivé ce samedi 30 mai 2026 à Bunia, chef-lieu de la province de l’Ituri, épicentre de l’épidémie d’Ebola qui progresse dans l’est de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) et qui touche aussi l’Ouganda voisin. 

En déplacement dans la région jusqu’à dimanche, le Directeur général l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) va y rencontrer les autorités locales et les acteurs sanitaires mobilisés sur le terrain « afin de les remercier pour leur engagement à sauver des vies ».

« Nous sommes ici pour échanger avec la communauté, afin de comprendre comment la riposte est mise en œuvre et d’identifier les éventuelles difficultés pour pouvoir y apporter notre soutien », a déclaré aux journalistes à son arrivée à Bunia, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Le dernier décompte de l’OMS fait état de 906 cas suspects dont 223 décès. Au 29 mai, un total de 134 cas confirmés, dont 9 en Ouganda, avec 18 décès parmi les cas confirmés, ont été signalés en RDC et en Ouganda. 

Situation préoccupante à Bunia, Rwampara et Mongbwalu

Cela représente 49 cas confirmés supplémentaires, huit décès confirmés supplémentaires, 160 cas suspects supplémentaires et 47 décès suspects supplémentaires depuis la dernière mise à jour du 21 mai.

La province de l’Ituri est l’une des trois provinces de l’Est de la RDC durement touchée par la maladie à Ebola, causée par le virus Bundibugyo.  L’épidémie reste surtout concentrée dans la province d’Ituri, qui représente 88 % (110) des cas confirmés. 

Les chiffres les plus élevés de cas confirmés dans la province d’Ituri sont signalés à Bunia (37 cas), Rwampara (33 cas), Mongbwalu (20 cas) et Nyankunde (10 cas). Sur les 17 décès parmi les cas confirmés en RDC, 10 concernaient des hommes (neuf âgés de plus de 15 ans et un de moins de 15 ans) et sept des femmes (cinq âgées de plus de 15 ans et deux de moins de 15 ans).

A la date du 27 mai, 774 échantillons avaient été prélevés. Parmi ceux-ci, 648 (84 %) ont été analysés, dont 125 se sont révélés positifs, ce qui représente un taux de positivité des tests de 19,2 %. 

Engagement communautaire 

« Ce chiffre est probablement une sous-estimation du taux de positivité réel, car plus de 100 échantillons sont toujours en attente d’analyse et ont été envoyés à Kinshasa pour des analyses complémentaires », a détaillé dans son dernier rapport l’OMS, relevant que 2.635 contacts ont été recensés dans les provinces de l’Ituri et du Nord-Kivu. 

La visite du Dr Tedros dans cette région intervient alors que des « incidents de sécurité » avaient visé au début de l’épidémie des établissements de santé. Le rapport de l’OMS fait état de « trois incidents signalés récemment » dans les zones de santé de Mongbwalu et de Rwampara ainsi que d’une « résistance des communautés ». 

Une situation qui crée « des risques supplémentaires de transmission non détectée, perturbe les efforts de riposte à l’épidémie et renforce la nécessité de consolider les activités de protection et d’engagement des communautés », a mis en garde l’agence onusienne. 

Renforcer le système de santé en Ituri

Face à cette situation, le Dr Tedros entend profiter de cette visite pour rappeler certains fondamentaux qui ont déjà fait leurs preuves dans la lutte contre l’Ebola : le renforcement du système de santé, l’engagement communautaire, l’adaptation des comportements à risque et la poursuite d’une coopération étroite entre le Gouvernement congolais et ses partenaires internationaux.

Avant cette étape de Bunia, le chef de l’OMS a rencontré hier vendredi 29 mai à Kinshasa, la Première ministre Judith Suminwa Tuluka. A l’issue de cette entrevue, le Dr Tedros a rappelé que l’appropriation de la réponse par les communautés est un élément essentiel pour maîtriser l’épidémie, et que l’expérience acquise par le gouvernement lors de la lutte contre les 16 épidémies d’Ebola précédentes le place en bonne position pour venir à bout de celle-ci.

« Nous avons également discuté de la manière dont nous allons tirer parti de cette épidémie pour renforcer le système de santé en Ituri et dans d’autres provinces du pays, et améliorer les services et la préparation aux situations d’urgence », a conclu le Dr Tedros.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.