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Cabinet welcomes commencement of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet welcomes commencement of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry

Cabinet has welcomed the commencement of the hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – commonly known as the Madlanga Commission.

“Cabinet calls on anyone who may have information that could assist the work of the commission to make contact via madlangacommission@behonest.co.za or 0800 111 369,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.

Speaking to the media following the briefing, the Minister said that Cabinet is happy that the commission is underway. 

“We are happy that the commission is underway and that the recommendations will come soon so that the President can then take the necessary measures but also the Justice Cluster can also work on strengthening its own system,” the Minister said. 

The second day of the Madlanga Commission hearings got underway at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane earlier today, where proceedings continued with the evidence of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi’s testimony relates to the work of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team and the allegations he has raised about a criminal syndicate operating within law enforcement and the broader criminal justice system.

The Khampepe Commission

Cabinet has also welcomed the commencement of the Khampepe Commission on Truth and Reconciliation Conciliation (TRC) matters.

The commission has already held meetings with complainants and representatives of government. 

The Khampepe Commission is a judicial commission of inquiry established by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 29 May 2025. 

The purpose is to investigate whether attempts were made to delay, refuse, or interfere with the investigation and prosecution of apartheid‐era crimes that had been identified in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process.

Governance

Cabinet further welcomed the outcomes of the meeting between the National Executive with the Provincial Executive Council of the North West. 

This is the 7th engagement between national executive and provincial executive councils aimed at strengthening intergovernmental coordination and improving service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.

“This meeting underscored a renewed commitment to improving service delivery in the province. It affirmed the close cooperation across spheres of government to deliver critical infrastructure such as the rebuilding of roads, provision of water infrastructure and energy availability for powering the province’s industrial ambitions,” the Minister said.

The meeting further committed to work closely with the North-West provincial government to ensure the resolution of challenges currently plaguing municipalities in the province. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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Cabinet releases draft National Entrepreneurship Strategy for public comment

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet releases draft National Entrepreneurship Strategy for public comment

Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft National Entrepreneurship Strategy (NES) and Implementation Plan for public comment. 

The Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, announced this on Thursday, during a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held the previous day.

According to the Minister, the strategy aims to enhance the involvement of young people and historically disadvantaged businesses in the economy by promoting entrepreneurship and ensuring the sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Furthermore, the NES makes proposals on how to promote the culture of entrepreneurship in South Africa by providing an enabling environment for entrepreneurial activity, as well as creating a supportive environment for MSMEs to be sustainable and thrive.” 

This will be achieved by focusing on five key pillars of the strategy.

These include enhancing entrepreneurship education and skills development; facilitating technology exchange and innovation; improving access to finance and markets; optimising the business regulatory environment; and promoting awareness and networking. 

“Overall, the strategy aims to increase formal economic participation, address high youth unemployment by promoting youth entrepreneurship and provide a strategic direction and roadmap that integrates the work of other key departments and strategic partners. 

“In addition, the strategy aims to coordinate the ecosystem for entrepreneurship development in the country, including recommendations for entrepreneurship to be incorporated into the curricula of the departments of Basic and Higher Education as a viable career choice,” the Minister explained. 

The Minister also announced that Cabinet has approved the draft National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) Bill, 2025, for public comment.

She explained that this draft Bill will repeal the NEDLAC Act of 1994 and proposes to align NEDLAC’s institutional arrangements with the changes in the constitutional legal order that have taken place since 1994.

“The draft Bill also provides for the Minister to make regulations on admission and membership thresholds through a process that includes consultation and public admissions, making the system more transparent.” 

NEDLAC is the vehicle by which government, labour, business and community organisations seek to cooperate, through problem-solving and negotiation. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Gabisile

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Government crime prevention outreach brings relief to Mthatha communities

Source: Government of South Africa

Government crime prevention outreach brings relief to Mthatha communities

Communities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, have welcomed government’s crime prevention outreach programme, saying it provides much-needed intervention in an area where crime levels have reached alarming proportions.

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster hosted the outreach on Thursday, bringing increased police visibility and government services to the area. 

Locals reported that the presence of law enforcement allowed them to move about more freely.

According to the residents who spoke to SAnews, crime, including armed robberies, house break-ins, extortion and gender-based violence, has left many people living in fear. 

Lungiswa Ngqoye said she was happy that government is doing something with crime in the area.

“Once it gets dark, we live in fear. Criminals prey on us, [and] sometimes even rob people in their homes,” Ngqoye told SAnews. 

Echoing same sentiments, Lloyd Masikwa stressed the need for community policing forums in their areas to complement police efforts.

“As a community, we need to actively get involved in the fight against crime,” Masikwa said.

Addressing the community, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the JCPS Cluster took a decision to visit Mthatha to better understand the situation and engage directly with residents. 

Kubayi expressed concern about the high rate of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) incidences in Mthatha. 

“We decided to work together as a cluster to address these problems here. We felt we needed to speak to people and concertise them about what they need to know, what they should do, and where to go for assistance,” Kubayi said.

Kubayi also encouraged the locals to raise their concerns so that they can be assisted.

“We want to do better, and we will continue to conduct these visits to hear from the people,” the Minister said.

Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety Xolile Nqatha appealed to Police Minister to avail a helicopter to enable them to monitor crime in the province. He noted that some businesses had shut down due to extortion. 

“We thank the JCPS cluster for coming here. We are experiencing high levels of crime, but we will continue to arrest these criminals,” he said.

The MEC also encouraged residents to report crimes in their communities, even anonymously.

Also speaking was the Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia who said they are aware of the problems in Mthatha saying they are working on strengthening police services.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said government was working to strengthen policing in Mthatha and across the Eastern Cape. He highlighted GBVF as a major challenge nationwide and stressed the need for technology to monitor parolees effectively. 

“It is government’s responsibility to address these problems, but communities must also be involved in the fight against crime,” Cachalia said.

The day’s programme started with visits to Mthatha Police Station, Mthatha Magistrate’s Court and the Thuthuzela Care Centre at Mthatha Hospital, where Kubayi and her delegation assessed operations and engaged with officials.

Last week the Justice Minister visited the Magistrate courts in Tembisa, New Brighton, Palm Ridge, Kempton Park and Randburg and Polokwane High Court.

According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the visits identified several court-specific challenges and positives that impact on service delivery and the efficient functioning of courts.

During visits, positive observations were made which includes the services offered by the small claims courts which often sits after hours. 

The outreach forms part of the JCPS Cluster’s ongoing efforts to address community safety concerns, strengthen justice services and tackle crime through collaboration with residents, civil society, and local leaders. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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La Banque africaine de développement approuve une prise de participation dans The Currency Exchange Fund pour soutenir l’accès au financement en monnaie locale à travers l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé une prise de participation de 25 millions de dollars américains dans The Currency Exchange Fund (TCX), leader mondial des solutions de couverture à long terme en monnaie locale sur les marchés émergents et frontières.

Cet investissement stratégique renforcera la base de capital de TCX, améliorera sa capacité de prise de risque et augmentera sa capacité à proposer des instruments de couverture dans des devises illiquides et moins liquides à travers le continent africain. Cette opération contribuera à atténuer les risques de change auxquels sont confrontés les emprunteurs en Afrique, en particulier ceux qui opèrent dans des États fragiles et des marchés mal desservis.

The Currency Exchange Fund est un fonds axé sur le développement qui fournit des instruments de couverture de change sur mesure pour permettre l’octroi de prêts en monnaie locale dans des pays où les marchés de couverture conventionnels sont soit sous-développés, soit inexistants. L’investissement de la Banque attirera d’autres institutions financières de développement et investisseurs privés, renforcera l’intégration de l’Afrique dans les marchés de capitaux mondiaux et soutiendra une croissance durable en réduisant le décalage entre la monnaie de la dette et les revenus des emprunteurs locaux.

Ahmed Attout, directeur du Département du développement du secteur financier du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, a déclaré : « Cet investissement dans TCX marque une étape importante dans les efforts de la Banque pour approfondir les marchés de capitaux africains et s’attaquer aux causes profondes du surendettement. Le soutien de la Banque au Fonds permettra de débloquer des financements en monnaie locale pour les MPME, les infrastructures et de nombreux secteurs en Afrique ». Il a ajouté : « Cette opération s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’objectif plus large de la Banque de promouvoir l’accès à des financements adéquats par le biais de solutions alternatives innovantes. »

Cet investissement s’inscrit dans le prolongement de la participation antérieure de la Banque dans TCX et témoigne de sa confiance dans les résultats obtenus par le fonds et dans son modèle axé sur l’impact. Le fonds a couvert plus de 17 milliards de dollars en montants notionnels depuis sa création, dont plus de 4 milliards de dollars dans 31 pays africains. La participation de la Banque devrait faciliter l’augmentation des volumes de couverture dans des secteurs prioritaires, tels que le secteur public (bureaux de gestion de la dette et banques publiques de développement), les infrastructures, l’accès à l’énergie, la microfinance et le développement des PME. TCX joue également un rôle unique dans les pays fragiles et à faible revenu, avec environ 18 % de l’encours global de son portefeuille actuellement concentré sur ces marchés.

Ruurd Brouwer, directeur général de TCX, a indiqué : « Nous sommes ravis d’accueillir le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement dans notre capital, rejoignant ainsi d’autres institutions de financement du développement, des investisseurs d’impact et des gouvernements qui soutiennent notre solution de couverture en monnaie locale. Cela marque le début d’un partenariat étroit visant à protéger les emprunteurs des secteurs public et privé de la Banque africaine de développement du risque de change et à promouvoir le développement des marchés de capitaux africains. Nous sommes impatients de renforcer notre impact commun sur le continent. »

Cette opération est alignée sur la Stratégie décennale 2024-2033 de la Banque. Il complète la stratégie plus large de la Banque en matière de marchés de capitaux, qui comprend le soutien à l’émission d’obligations en monnaie locale, les garanties partielles de crédit et les prêts en monnaie locale au secteur privé.

Cet investissement devrait avoir un fort impact sur le développement. La Banque africaine de développement reste déterminée à promouvoir des marchés de capitaux résilients en Afrique, à soutenir les mécanismes de réduction des risques pour le secteur privé et à élargir l’accès aux financements en monnaie locale afin de favoriser un développement inclusif et durable.

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

Contact média : 
Alexis Adélé
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org

À propos de TCX :
TCX est une initiative mondiale de financement du développement soutenue par un panel d’investisseurs comprenant FMO, IFC, la Banque européenne pour la reconstruction et le développement, la Banque européenne d’investissement, KfW, ainsi que la Commission européenne, les gouvernements néerlandais, suisse, britannique, français et allemand, ainsi que d’autres institutions financières de développement et organismes de microfinance. La Banque africaine de développement a été l’un des membres fondateurs de TCX lors de sa création en 2007.

TCX protège les emprunteurs des marchés émergents et frontières du risque de change en facilitant des couvertures de change qui transfèrent le risque au bilan de TCX. Le fonds propose des instruments dérivés — swaps de devises et contrats de change à terme — dans des devises non couvertes ou insuffisamment couvertes par des parties commerciales. Basée à Amsterdam, aux Pays-Bas, TCX a démarré ses activités en 2007 et a depuis couvert un volume total de plus de 17 milliards de dollars de prêts au développement dans 66 monnaies, dont plus de 4,1 milliards de dollars en monnaies africaines.

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova investimento de capital no The Currency Exchange Fund para apoiar o acesso ao financiamento em moeda local em toda a África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou um investimento de capital de 25 milhões de dólares no The Currency Exchange Fund (TCX), líder global na oferta de soluções de cobertura de moeda local de longo prazo em mercados emergentes e de fronteira.

Este investimento estratégico irá reforçar a base de capital do TCX, aumentar a sua capacidade de assumir riscos e expandir a sua capacidade de oferecer instrumentos de cobertura em moedas ilíquidas e menos líquidas em todo o continente africano. A transação ajudará a mitigar os riscos cambiais enfrentados pelos mutuários em África, particularmente aqueles que operam em estados frágeis e mercados carentes. O TCX opera como um fundo focado no desenvolvimento que fornece instrumentos de cobertura cambial personalizados para permitir empréstimos em moeda local em países onde os mercados de cobertura convencionais são subdesenvolvidos ou inexistentes. O investimento do Banco atrairá outras Instituições de Financiamento do Desenvolvimento e investidores privados, reforçará a integração de África nos mercados de capitais globais e apoiará o crescimento sustentável, reduzindo o desfasamento entre a moeda da dívida e as receitas dos mutuários locais.

Ahmed Attout, Diretor do Departamento de Desenvolvimento do Setor Financeiro do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, afirmou: “Este investimento no TCX éum marco importante nos esforços do Banco para aprofundar os mercados de capitais africanos e abordar as causas profundas do endividamento excessivo. O apoio do Banco ao TCX irá desbloquear o financiamento em moeda local para micro, pequenas e médias empresas (MPME), infraestruturas e muitos setores em toda a África”.

A transação, acrescentou, “faz parte do objetivo mais amplo do Banco de promover o acesso a financiamento adequado através de soluções alternativas inovadoras”.

O investimento baseia-se na participação anterior do Banco np TCX e reflete a sua confiança contínua no histórico do fundo e no seu modelo orientado para o impacto. O TCX protegeu mais de 17 mil milhões de dólares desde a sua criação, incluindo mais de 4 mil milhões de dólares em 31 países africanos. Espera-se que a participação do Banco facilite o aumento dos volumes de cobertura em setores prioritários, como o setor público (gabinetes de gestão da dívida e bancos públicos de desenvolvimento), infraestruturas, acesso à energia, microfinanças e desenvolvimento das PME. O TCX também desempenha um papel único em países frágeis e de baixo rendimento, com cerca de 18% da sua carteira global em dívida atualmente focada nesses mercados.

Ruurd Brouwer, diretor executivo do TCX, afirmou: “Estamos entusiasmados por dar as boas-vindas ao Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento à base de capital do TCX, juntando-se a outras instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento, investidores de impacto e governos que apoiam a nossa solução de cobertura cambial em moeda local. Isto marca o início de uma parceria estreita na proteção dos mutuários dos setores público e privado do BAD contra o risco cambial e na promoção do desenvolvimento dos mercados de capitais africanos. Estamos muito ansiosos por aumentar o nosso impacto conjunto no continente”.

Esta operação está alinhada com a Estratégia Decenal 2024-2033 do Banco e as suas cinco prioridades estratégicas, conhecidas como High 5, em particular Industrializar África, Melhorar a Qualidade de Vida das pessoas em África e Integrar África. Complementa a estratégia mais ampla do Banco para os mercados de capitais, que inclui o apoio à emissão de obrigações em moeda local, garantias de crédito parciais e empréstimos em moeda local ao setor privado.

Espera-se que o investimento tenha um forte impacto no desenvolvimento. O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento continua empenhado em promover mercados de capitais resilientes em África, apoiando mecanismos de redução do risco para o setor privado e alargando o acesso ao financiamento em moeda local para promover um desenvolvimento inclusivo e sustentável.

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

Contacto para os media:
Alexis Adélé
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

Sobre o TCX:
O TCX é uma iniciativa financeira de desenvolvimento global apoiada por uma base de investidores que inclui a FMO, a IFC, o BERD, o BEI, o KfW, bem como a Comissão Europeia e os governos holandês, suíço, britânico, francês e alemão e outras IFDs e veículos de microfinanças. O BAD foi um dos membros fundadores do TCX, em 2007. 

O TCX protege os mutuários em mercados emergentes e fronteiriços contra o risco cambial, facilitando coberturas cambiais que transferem o risco para o balanço do TCX. O TCX oferece instrumentos derivados – swaps cambiais e contratos a prazo – em moedas não cobertas ou insuficientemente cobertas por entidades comerciais. Com sede em Amesterdão, na Holanda, o TCX iniciou as suas operações em 2007 e, desde então, protegeu um volume total de mais de 17 mil milhões de dólares em empréstimos para o desenvolvimento em 66 moedas, incluindo mais de 4,1 mil milhões de dólares em moedas africanas.

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CEO da Fundação Merck mantém encontro com Primeira-Dama do Gana e 13 Primeiras-Damas Africanas na 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck para discutir a estratégia de reformulação do atendimento ao paciente e de apoio à educação de meninas em África e em além fronteiras

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha, realizou a 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI 2025 recentemente. A Cimeira foi aberta pelo Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Presidente do Conselho de Curadores da Fundação Merck, e Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck & Presidente da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck e por S. Exª. Srª. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gana e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe”, bem como pelas Primeiras-Damas de Angola, Cabo Verde, República Centro Africana, Gabão, da Gâmbia, Quénia, Libéria, Maldivas, Moçambique, Nigéria, São Tomé e Príncipe, Senegal e do Zimbabwe.

A Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej enfatizou: “Tenho o prazer de dar as boas-vindas à minha querida irmã, Sua Excelência, a Sra. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gana, e de nomeá-la Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe. Discutimos o início da nossa parceria de longo prazo e reforçamos o nosso compromisso com o desenvolvimento da capacidade de saúde e a transformação do panorama da assistência ao paciente, através da concessão de bolsas de estudo a médicos ganeses locais. Tenho orgulho em partilhar que, até ao momento, concedemos 210 bolsas de estudo a médicos ganeses locais em 44 especialidades críticas e carentes, como Oncologia, Diabetes, Cardiologia, Endocrinologia, Medicina Respiratória, Medicina Aguda, Medicina Sexual e Reprodutiva, Embriologia, Medicina Respiratória, Cuidados Intensivos, Psiquiatria, Cirurgia Geral, Dermatologia, Medicina de Emergência e Ressuscitação, Gastroenterologia, Neuroimagem para Investigação, Gestão da Dor, Reumatologia e Medicina Neonatal. Juntos, continuaremos a promover uma revolução na assistência ao paciente no Gana.”

Sua Excelência, a Sra. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, Primeira-Dama da República do Gana e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck “Mais do Que uma Mãe” disse, “Estou muito feliz por ser nomeada Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais Que uma Mãe. Agradeço e saúdo ​​muito a nossa parceria com a Fundação Merck.

210 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas aos nossos médicos locais, em muitas áreas cruciais para o nosso país, o que considero um grande marco. Além disso, por meio do programa Educar Linda, da Fundação Merck, estamos a patrocinar a educação de 20 alunas de alto desempenho, porém carentes, no nosso país. Esse apoio continuará até que se formem, garantindo que elas tenham os recursos necessários para perseguir os seus sonhos. Tenho muito orgulho dessas iniciativas e estou comprometida em recrutar e apoiar mais médicos e meninas talentosas.

Assista ao discurso da Primeira Dama do Gana e Embaixadora da Fundação Merck Mais do Que uma Mãe durante a Cúpula da Iniciativa das Primeiras Damas da Fundação Merck 2025 aqui: https://apo-opa.co/4pllU0o

No segundo dia da Cimeira, foi realizada a reunião do Comité da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação Merck – MFFLI entre as Primeiras-Damas Africanas, o Presidente e a CEO da Fundação Merck, onde as Primeiras-Damas Africanas e Asiáticas compartilharam os relatórios de impacto dos programas da Fundação Merck nos seus respectivos países, bem como discutiram a futura estratégia.

Assista ao video da reunião do Comité MFFLI: https://apo-opa.co/4n6yI9I

Durante a Cúpula, também foi realizada uma reunião estratégica entre a CEO da Fundação Merck, a Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, e a Primeira-Dama do Gana para discutir o impacto dos programas em andamento e definir estratégias para desenvolver ainda mais a capacidade de assistência médica e de mídia no Gana para melhorar o atendimento ao paciente e aumentar a conscientização sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde no país.

Assista ao vídeo do encontro entre a CEO da Fundação Merck, a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej e a Primeira-Dama do Gana: https://apo-opa.co/3VereFi

Do total de 210 bolsas de estudo oferecidas a médicos ganeses:

– 75 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas a jovens médicos de diferentes províncias para Diabetes, Endocrinologia e Cardiologia e Gestão da Obesidade e do Peso, no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Pontos Azuis em Diabetes e Hipertensão da Fundação Merck.

O programa de treinamento capacitará os médicos para estabelecer clínicas de diabetes e hipertensão nos seus centros de saúde ou hospitais, com o objectivo de prevenir e controlar essas condições nas suas comunidades.

  • 64 bolsas de estudo foram concedidas para treinamento em Especialidade em Fertilidade e Embriologia na Índia, além de um Diploma de Pós-Graduação de um ano e um Mestrado de dois anos em Cuidados Sexuais e Reprodutivos, Urologia, Saúde da Mulher e Medicina da Família. Essas bolsas contribuirão significativamente para a melhoria da saúde da mulher e dos cuidados reprodutivos no país.
  • 12 bolsas de estudo foram fornecidas a médicos ganeses em Oncologia e Tratamento do Cancro, o que é crucial, dado o crescente número de casos de cancro.
  • 59 bolsas de estudo foram fornecidas para Diploma de Pós-Graduação de 1 ano e Mestrado de 2 anos em diversas outras especialidades críticas e carentes, como Medicina Aguda, Cuidados Respiratórios, Cuidados Intensivos, Cirurgia Geral, Traumatologia e Ortopedia, Psiquiatria, Dermatologia, Medicina de Emergência e Ressuscitação, Gastroenterologia, Neuroimagem para Pesquisa, Tratamento da Dor, Reumatologia, Medicina Neonatal, Pediatria e Saúde Infantil, entre outras.
     

A Fundação Merck já concedeu 2.280 bolsas de estudo a médicos de 52 países em 44 especialidades críticas e carentes.

“A nossa visão é que todos possam ter uma vida saudável e feliz. Há 13 anos, isso se concretiza na nossa missão de desenvolver a capacidade de atendimento à saúde, transformar o cenário de atendimento ao paciente, acabar com o estigma da infertilidade, empoderar mulheres e apoiar a educação de meninas. Por meio da nossa parceria com a Primeira Dama do Gana, podemos impactar a vida de pessoas nas comunidades mais desfavorecidas do Gana e além, levando-as a um futuro melhor”, disse a Senadora Dra. Rasha Kelej.

A Fundação Merck, em parceria, com a Primeira Dama do Gana, também anunciou a abertura de candidaturas para os seus 8 importantes prémios de jornalismo, canção, moda, cinema, para estudantes e novos talentos com potencial nessas áreas

Além disso, em parceria com a Primeira Dama do Gana, a Fundação Merck também lançou sete livros de histórias infantis, que abordam diversas questões sociais e de saúde, como o combate ao estigma da infertilidade, apoio à educação de meninas, combate à violência do género e conscientizar sobre a diabetes e a hipertensão.

A 7ª Edição da Cimeira da Iniciativa das Primeiras-Damas foi stransmitida em directo nos canais das redes sociais da Fundação Merck e da Senadora, Dra. Rasha Kelej, CEO da Fundação Merck:

@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/41SQh4l), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nbQOH2), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4n1ekXv), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3Vffa6K).

@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3VIHGh8), X (https://apo-opa.co/461tS7r), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4pgIlnL), e YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/41STcds)..

Link para a transmissão em directo no Facebook da Sessão de Abertura do Painel de Alto Nível das Primeiras-Damas da Fundação  : https://apo-opa.co/41QI94n

Fundação Merck está a transformar o cenário de atendimento ao paciente e fazer história junto com os seus parceiros em África, Ásia e além, através de:

Mais de 2.280 bolsas de estudo fornecidas pela Fundação Merck para médicos de 52 países em mais de 44 especialidades médicas críticas e carentes.  

A Fundação Merck também está a criar uma mudança cultural e quebrar o silêncio sobre uma ampla gama de questões sociais e de saúde em África e em comunidades carentes através de:

Mais de 3.700 profissionais da mídia de mais de 35 países treinados para aumentar a conscientização sobre diferentes questões sociais e de saúde

8 prémios diferentes lançados anualmente para a melhor cobertura da mídia, designers de moda, filmes e músicas

Cerca de 30 músicas abordando questões sociais e de saúde, por cantores locais de toda a África

8 livros de histórias infantis em três línguas: inglês, francês e português

7 filmes de animação de conscientização em cinco línguas: inglês, francês, português, espanhol e Swahili para conscientizar sobre a prevenção e a detecção precoce da diabetes e da hipertensão e apoiar a educação de meninas.

Programa televisivo pan-africano “Nossa África da Fundação Merck” aborda questões sociais e de saúde em África através da comunidade “Moda e ARTE com Propósito”

Mais de 950 bolsas de estudo oferecidas a estudantes africanas de alto desempenho, mas carentes, para empoderá-las a concluir os seus estudos

15 canais de mídia social com mais de 8 milhões de seguidores

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Merck Foundation.

Contato:
Mehak Handa
Gerente do Programa de Conscientização Comunitária
Telefone: +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Participe da conversa nas nossas plataformas de mídia social abaixo e deixe sua voz ser ouvida!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/41SQh4l
X: https://apo-opa.co/4nbQOH2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3Vffa6K
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4n1ekXv
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4n0iNcT
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3K0HKWW
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com

Sobre Fundação Merck:
A Fundação Merck, criada em 2017, é o braço filantrópico da Merck KGaA Alemanha e visa melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar das pessoas e impulsionar suas vidas por meio da ciência e da tecnologia. Nossos esforços concentram-se principalmente em melhorar o acesso a soluções de saúde de qualidade e equitativas em comunidades carentes, fortalecer a capacidade em saúde e pesquisa científica, empoderar meninas na educação e empoderar pessoas em STEM (Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia e Matemática), com foco especial em mulheres e jovens. Todos os comunicados de imprensa da Fundação Merck são distribuídos por e-mail ao mesmo tempo em que são disponibilizados no site da Fundação Merck.  Visite www.Merck-Foundation.com para ler mais. Siga as redes sociais da Fundação Merck: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/41SQh4l), X (https://apo-opa.co/4nbQOH2), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4n1ekXv), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3Vffa6K), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4n0iNcT) e Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3K0HKWW).

A Fundação Merck dedica-se a melhorar os resultados sociais e de saúde de comunidades carentes. Embora colabore com diversos parceiros, incluindo governos, para alcançar os seus objectivos humanitários, a fundação permanece estritamente neutra em questões políticas. Não se envolve nem apoia quaisquer actividades, eleições ou regimes políticos, concentrando-se exclusivamente na sua missão de elevar a humanidade e promover o bem-estar, mantendo uma postura estritamente apolítica em todos os seus esforços.

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African Development Bank Approves Equity Investment in The Currency Exchange Fund to Support Access to Local Currency Financing across Africa

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved an equity investment of USD 25 million in The Currency Exchange Fund (TCX), a global leader in offering long-term local currency hedging solutions in emerging and frontier markets.

This strategic investment will strengthen TCX’s capital base, enhance its risk-bearing capacity, and expand its ability to offer hedging instruments in illiquid and less liquid currencies across the African continent. The transaction will help mitigate the foreign exchange risks faced by borrowers in Africa, particularly those operating in fragile states and underserved markets. TCX operates as a development-focused fund that provides tailor-made FX hedging instruments to enable local currency lending in countries where conventional hedging markets are either underdeveloped or non-existent. The Bank’s investment will crowd in additional DFIs and private investors, reinforce Africa’s integration into global capital markets, and support sustainable growth by reducing the mismatch between the currency of debt and revenue for local borrowers.

Ahmed Attout, Director of the financial Sector Development Department, at the African Development Bank Group, stated: “This investment in TCX marks an important milestone in the Bank’s effort to deepen African capital markets and address the root causes of debt distress. The Bank’s support to TCX will unlock local currency financing for MSMEs, infrastructure and many sectors across Africa.” He added : “The transaction forms part of the Bank’s broader objective to promote access to adequate financing through innovative alternative solutions.”

The investment builds on the Bank’s prior participation in TCX and reflects its continued confidence in the fund’s track record and impact-driven model. TCX has hedged more than USD 17 billion in notional amounts since inception, including over USD 4 billion across 31 African countries. The Bank’s participation is expected to facilitate increased hedging volumes in priority sectors such as the public sector (Debt Management Offices and Public Development Banks),  infrastructure, energy access, microfinance, and SME development. TCX also plays a unique role in fragile and low-income countries, with around 18% of its global outstanding portfolio currently focused on such markets.

Ruurd Brouwer, TCX’s Chief Executive Officer stated : “We are thrilled to welcome African Development Bank Group to TCX’s capital base, joining fellow development finance institutions, impact investors and governments that support our local currency hedging solution. It marks the start of a close partnership in protecting AfDB’s public and private sector borrowers from currency risk and promoting the development of African capital markets. We very much look forward to increasing our joint impact on the continent.”

This operation is aligned with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy 2024–2033. It complements the Bank’s broader capital markets strategy, which includes support for local currency bond issuance, Partial Credit Guarantees, and private sector local currency lending.

The investment is expected to deliver strong development impact. The African Development Bank remains committed to fostering resilient capital markets in Africa, supporting de-risking mechanisms for the private sector, and expanding access to local currency finance to promote inclusive and sustainable development.

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

Media contact: 
Alexis Adélé
Communications and External Relations Department
African Development Bank
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

About TCX:
TCX is a global development finance initiative supported by an investor base that includes FMO, IFC, EBRD, EIB, KfW as well as the European Commission and Dutch, Swiss, British, French and German governments and other DFIs and Microfinance Vehicles. The AfDB was a founding member of TCX when it was established in 2007.

TCX protects borrowers in emerging and frontier markets from currency risk by facilitating currency hedges that transfer the risk to TCX’s balance sheet. TCX offers derivative instruments—cross-currency swaps and FX forwards—in currencies not or insufficiently covered by commercial parties. Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, TCX started operations in 2007 and has since hedged a total volume of over USD 17bn in development loans in 66 currencies, including over USD 4.1bn in African currencies.

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NJ Ayuk on Five Years of Powering Africa’s Energy

Source: APO

Five years may seem a short time in the lifespan of an industry, but in the African energy space, it has been nothing short of a revolution. At the heart of that transformation stands NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org/), a figure who has become synonymous with unapologetic advocacy for African-led solutions, deal-making at scale, and an unrelenting drive to end energy poverty on the continent. His voice carries weight not just in Africa but across global boardrooms, where he has positioned Africa not as a bystander in the energy transition but as a decisive player. 

Against this backdrop of ambition, grit, and unprecedented growth, Pan African Visions recently had a Q&A with NJ Ayuk, a conversation that captured both the triumphs of the African Energy Week (AEW) journey and the sharper edges of Africa’s energy reality. More than just a conference, AEW has grown into what Ayuk describes as a “movement,” one that in just five years has turned Cape Town into the epicenter of global energy dialogue. 

In the exchange that follows, Ayuk speaks candidly about the birth of AEW, its achievements, the hurdles of perception, and the bold steps that still lie ahead. His words are not rehearsed slogans; they are infused with the lived intensity of someone who has fought to bring Africa’s energy story back to African soil—and won. 

The fifth anniversary of this incredible conference fills me and the AEC team with pride as well as clarity of purpose. From our 2021 debut of 1,700 delegates, ministers, global executives, and financiers, we’ve evolved into the continent’s premier energy investment platform, with just short of 7,000 delegates attending in 2024, with 26 official delegations and 27 ministries. Celebrating this symbolic fifth year, the mood is electric – we’ve catalyzed multi-billion-dollar deals, shaped policy, and intensified regional collaboration. With renewed confidence, I can wholeheartedly say, AEW is the heartbeat of Africa’s energy ambitions. We feel fortitude, optimism, and an unwavering commitment to deliver deals that will make energy poverty in Africa history by 2030. 

AEW was born out of a need to bring the discussion about Africa’s energy future back to the continent. For so long, we have seen major energy events discuss key topics about the continent in international locations. From Houston to Dubai to London. And during COVID-19, when it was even more imperative to protect Africa’s interests, we saw major conferences abandon the continent for Dubai. This not only took the discussion about Africa away from the continent but also took all of the economic benefits of hosting a conference away from the community as well. Africa deserves to not only be part of those discussions but drive them. AEW proved that the continent is capable of hosting international energy conferences. 

In five years, AEW has delivered transformative outcomes: facilitating multi-billion-dollar deals, institutionalizing platforms like the African Farmout Forum and Deal Room, and shaping energy policy dialogue across Africa. We launched initiatives such as the African Green Energy initiative and the Just Energy Transition Concert, amplifying green energy investment and inclusive engagement. Strategic financing commitments have flowed – like Afreximbank channelling over $120 million in 2024, and impactful cross-border projects like hydrogen exploration in The Gambia and gas facility funding in Nigeria. We’ve built the continent’s prime energy forum – where deals happen, and barriers fall. 

When we launched AEW in 2021, our vision was ambitious. Seeing dozens of ministers, presidents, multinationals, financiers, and international institutions converge annually exceeds initial expectations. What started as a bold conference has matured into a movement. We now convene the full spectrum – governments, national oil companies, investors, and technology providers – powering tangible capital mobilization and project acceleration. Today, the AEW ecosystem is broader, deeper, and more impactful than we dared to dream. 

Behind closed doors, ministers and heads of state recognize both urgency and opportunity – their energy stakes are existential, tied to development, jobs, and security. We hear a unified call for enabling regulation, transparency, and finance. Many affirm meaningful political will: Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act, South Africa’s new petroleum company, the Republic of Congo’s Gas Master Plan. Each underscores commitment to reform and sector growth. That political will is real and rising, though implementation must accelerate. At AEW, declarations are becoming actionable through partnerships, policy alignment, and capital flow. 

Expect AEW 2025 to raise the bar. Highlights include expanded Big-5 Premium Content Stages, African Farmout Forum, and Deal Room. We’re introducing high-impact elements: the G20 Energy Leaders Roundtable, OPEC-Africa Roundtable, COP30 positioning sessions, and country spotlight forums for nations like Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, and more. Pre-conference workshops, technical hubs, fireside chats, African Energy Awards, and the Just Energy Transition Concert also return, fueling innovation, recognition, and high-value networking. AEW 2025 delivers new formats and cutting-edge content. 

Financing momentum is accelerating, with Africa’s oil and gas capital expenditure jumping to $47 billion in 2024 – a 23% year-on-year increase. Institutional elements like the African Energy Bank, launching with $5 billion this year, signal a new African-led financing era. Cross-border collaboration also strengthens – from joint LNG developments to regional pipeline planning and farm-out partnerships across the continent. While challenges persist, capital and cooperation are surging – proof that Africa is writing its own energy narratives. 

Our global mission is shifting perception. Africa is not an energy laggard but a frontier of high-growth and resilient opportunity. Investors now see us not as a risk, but as full-sized players in oil, gas, and renewables. However, the myths remain: that Africa lacks governance, scale, and legitimacy. AEW counters that. Through real deals, ministerial validation, and deliverables. That lens is changing. We are now positioned as energy champions, not bystanders. But we still combat outdated tropes about instability and poor capacity – and events like AEW are the antidote. 

We hope that Africa emerges as a global energy powerhouse, leveraging oil, gas, and renewables to power inclusive industrialization, growth, and energy justice. Financing, policymaking, and implementation must not falter. AEW’s future is to deepen impact, expanding satellite forums, reinforcing policy-to-project pipelines, and embedding digital integration and sustainability at every stage. We aim to revolve AEW into a year-round engine for capital flow, institutional building, and continuous energy transformation. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Cabinet welcomes improved GDP growth and youth employment strides

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet has welcomed the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, which show that the economy has grown 0.8% in the second quarter of 2025, an improvement from the 0.1% growth in the first quarter.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the 0.8% GDP growth reflects a broad-based recovery across key sectors. 

“Eight industries recorded growth in the second quarter, with key sectors like manufacturing, mining, and trade returning to growth territory.

“Rising household consumption also reflects an improvement in disposable income and this is confirmed through improved reported inflation figures,” the Minister said at the briefing on Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday.. 

Cabinet further welcomed Fitch’s decision to affirm South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings and maintain the stable outlook.

The Minister said the ratings are supported by a favourable government debt structure that is mostly local currency denominated, with long maturities and strong institutions and a credible monetary policy framework. 

According to Fitch, the progress being made under government’s Operation Vulindlela phase 2 reforms focused on fixing network infrastructures (electricity, logistics, and water) have alleviated load shedding and ended the decline in freight volume transported, contributing to Fitch’s forecast of a modest increase in real GDP growth.

“The Fitch’s affirmation signals continued investor confidence in the country’s fiscal management and institutional strength,” the Minister said. 

Presidential Youth Employment Initiative 

Cabinet at its meeting further welcomed the latest Quarterly Progress Report of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) for April to June 2025, which highlights significant strides in creating pathways to earning for young South Africans.

To date, more than 5.64 million young people have registered on the National Pathway Management Network (NPMN), surpassing the initial target of 5 million. 

Over 1.91 million young people have accessed temporary earning opportunities, demonstrating government’s steady progress in tackling youth unemployment.

In this quarter alone, more than 234 000 opportunities were accessed by young people through the NPMN. These include work experiences, skills development programmes, and income-generating opportunities that are equipping young people to transition into the labour market.

“Cabinet expressed appreciation to all partners for their continued contributions and reaffirms government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment through innovative and scalable interventions,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Infrastructure development as key to sustainable future

Source: Government of South Africa

Infrastructure service delivery goes beyond merely constructing roads, bridges, or buildings; it is about laying the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future.

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who spoke during the Public Works and Infrastructure Minister and MECs (MinMEC) event at the Eastcape Training College (ETC) in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, on Thursday. 

“As we continue to focus on infrastructure development, let us remember that every road laid, every bridge built, and every water system installed contributes to the advancement of our nation and the well-being of our people,” the Deputy President told the attendees. 

Deputy President Mashatile attended a meeting at the invitation of Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson. 

The MinMEC is a government forum chaired by Macpherson, which includes the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Sihle Zikalala, as well as the Members of the Provincial Executive Councils (MECs) for Public Works and Infrastructure from all nine provinces.

The Deputy President spoke about the importance of infrastructure service delivery in boosting the economy and creating much-needed jobs.

The country’s second-in-command also used the platform to emphasise government’s commitment to the development of crucial infrastructure. 

He cited this morning’s visit to the 75MW Umoyilanga-Dassiesridge hybrid renewables-battery project before arriving at the venue for his speaking engagement.

“It was remarkable to witness the energy generation initiative as it approaches its last phase before becoming operational,” the Deputy President said, underscoring the importance of projects such as solar farms and wind energy facilities.

He believes these initiatives play a pivotal role in modernising South Africa’s energy infrastructure.

“The development of critical infrastructure, including energy, transportation, water, and telecommunications, is undeniably crucial to economic growth. This is because it increases output while decreasing expenditure and broadens market access,” he explained. 

He highlighted the benefits of such investments by touching on Infrastructure South Africa’s newly released Construction Book for 2024/2025, which lists around 250 construction projects valued at over R238 billion.

Deputy President Mashatile announced that government has pledged to invest over R1 trillion over the next three years, focusing on improving public infrastructure to enhance the living standards of citizens. 

“Together we should continue to upgrade and construct public infrastructure such as water supply, energy, schools and health clinics, to improve the living standards and to restore the dignity of the people and foster national unity,” he said. 

He acknowledged the critical role of infrastructure in achieving developmental goals and stressed a combined effort to strategically deploy key infrastructure.

“Meeting the expectations of the community implies a great deal of responsibility,” he told the attendees. 

He called for a focus on community engagement, skills development, and combating corruption to enhance infrastructure service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za