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South Africa and Botswana deepen cooperation

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and Botswana deepen cooperation

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for deeper and more practical cooperation between South Africa and Botswana, as the two countries convened the Ministerial Session of the Sixth Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone on Wednesday.

Delivering opening remarks, Lamola emphasised that the identification of new and impactful areas of cooperation remains critical. 

“Both our countries must continue to explore further opportunities and establish practical avenues for joint development in the mutual interest of our nations,” he said. 

Lamola said stronger implementation of agreements and improved coordination would be central to the success of the bilateral relationship.

“As natural partners and reliable allies, South Africa and Botswana must continue to use the Bi-National Commission as an instrument through which we assess progress, resolve challenges and deepen cooperation,” he said.

Lamola expressed gratitude to the government of Botswana for its hospitality and reaffirmed the historic and fraternal ties between the two neighbouring countries.

“We also express our deep appreciation to the government and the people of Botswana for the warm hospitality extended to us since our arrival in this beautiful and historic city of Gaborone,” Lamola said.

He said the meeting took place at a time when both countries were expected to move beyond commitments and accelerate the implementation of existing agreements.

“This meeting takes place in a context where the people of our two countries expect us to work more closely and to achieve even higher levels of cooperation,” he said.

Strong trade ties, but a need for expanded investment

The Minister highlighted the strong economic relationship between the two countries, noting that South Africa remains Botswana’s largest trading partner.

According to the latest figures, total bilateral trade reached approximately R82 billion in 2025, with South Africa exporting R73.5 billion worth of goods to Botswana.

Botswana exported R7.7 billion worth of goods to South Africa, resulting in a significant trade surplus in South Africa’s favour.

Lamola said more than 100 South African companies currently operate in Botswana across banking, retail, mining, logistics and tourism.

He added that trade relations were “deeply integrated and mutually beneficial” but said both countries must expand cooperation in industrialisation and value chains to create more jobs.

Energy, minerals and infrastructure cooperation in focus

Lamola said energy security, mining and infrastructure development remain key pillars of cooperation between the two countries.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration on critical minerals, noting rising global demand and the need for African countries to ensure beneficiation and value addition.

“There is also a clear imperative to deepen cooperation in telecommunications, digital technology, financial services, tourism, hospitality, education and scientific cooperation,” he said.

South African development finance institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) are already engaging Botswana on infrastructure and development projects, including transport corridors and water resource management.

Lamola also welcomed Botswana’s plans to establish a One-Stop Border Post at Tlokweng/Kopfontein, saying it would improve trade efficiency and reduce congestion.

Migration and regional stability

Turning to migration, Lamola said regional discussions must address both opportunities and challenges, including irregular migration and security concerns.

“Migration itself is not a problem. The challenge facing South Africa is irregular migration and a high influx of illegal foreign nationals or migrants,” he said.

He called for collective regional solutions, including burden-sharing among countries of origin, transit and destination.

South Africa, he added, continues to align itself with SADC and African Union protocols on the free movement of persons.

Four agreements set for signing

The BNC is expected to conclude several agreements, including four key instruments focused on water management, biodiversity, energy cooperation and correctional services.

Among them is a Memorandum of Agreement on joint management of water quality in the Limpopo River, aimed at improving human health protection, pollution detection and ecosystem preservation.

South Africa and Botswana are also working on a revised Search and Rescue Agreement, MoU on cooperation in energy, agreements on biodiversity management and tourism cooperation and multiple science, technology and innovation partnerships, including SANSA–BIUST and SARAO–BIUST collaborations.  

Trade and integration agenda

The two countries are also advancing broader trade facilitation measures, including 24-hour border operations and improved sanitary and phytosanitary cooperation to ease agricultural trade.

South Africa supplies roughly two-thirds of Botswana’s imports, with agricultural exports alone accounting for about R14 billion of Botswana’s R15 billion agricultural import bill in 2025.

The Ministerial Session forms part of the Sixth Session of the Botswana and South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), which will culminate in a Summit co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Gideon Duma Boko in Gaborone following preparatory meetings of Senior Officials and Ministers. – SAnews.gov.za

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Le Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim rejoint l’African Energy Week 2026 alors que la demande de financements menés par l’Afrique s’intensifie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, vétéran du secteur et ancien secrétaire général de l’Organisation des producteurs de pétrole africains (APPO), se joint à l’édition 2026 de la conférence et du salon African Energy Week (AEW) en tant qu’intervenant. Sa participation intervient dans le cadre d’une initiative continentale plus large visant à accélérer les projets en amont et à renforcer les systèmes énergétiques en aval, ouvrant la voie à des discussions sur le financement de l’énergie et le développement de projets menés par l’Afrique.

Le Dr Ibrahim rejoint la conférence à un moment décisif pour le secteur énergétique africain, alors que les gouvernements, les bailleurs de fonds et les opérateurs s’efforcent de combler le déficit de financement en amont du continent – estimé entre 30 et 45 milliards de dollars de financement annuel – et de renforcer l’intégration énergétique. Le Dr Ibrahim plaide depuis longtemps en faveur de l’utilisation de mécanismes de financement menés par l’Afrique pour combler ce déficit, soulignant que les priorités africaines doivent être placées au premier plan des programmes d’investissement.

L’un des piliers de cette stratégie a été la création de la Banque africaine de l’énergie (AEB), menée par l’APPO aux côtés d’Afreximbank. En tant que l’une des figures centrales à l’origine de la création de la banque, le Dr Ibrahim a joué un rôle stratégique dans la concrétisation de cette institution. Conçue pour combler le vide créé par le déclin des capitaux étrangers destinés aux projets pétroliers et gaziers africains, la banque vise à mobiliser des fonds africains afin d’accélérer le développement de projets stratégiques dans le secteur des hydrocarbures à travers le continent. Cette initiative intervient alors que plus de 150 projets restent au point mort à travers l’Afrique en raison de déficits de capitaux.

Dotée d’un capital initial de 5 milliards de dollars, l’AEB vise 10 milliards de dollars de déploiements lors de la première phase, avec plus de 15 milliards de dollars prévus d’ici 2030. La dynamique autour de cette institution s’est accélérée en février 2026 lorsque le Nigeria a officiellement remis le siège de la banque à Abuja à l’APPO et à Afreximbank, marquant ainsi une étape cruciale vers sa mise en service. La présence du Dr Ibrahim à la conférence souligne la dynamique croissante des mécanismes de financement dirigés par l’Afrique et conçus pour soutenir les investissements dans le pétrole et le gaz à travers le continent.

Au-delà du financement, le Dr Ibrahim a également toujours défendu le développement de systèmes énergétiques régionaux plus solides à travers l’Afrique, arguant que le déséquilibre énergétique structurel du continent ne peut être résolu par la seule croissance de la production. Bien qu’elle détienne environ 125 milliards de barils de réserves de pétrole brut et environ 620 000 milliards de pieds cubes de gaz naturel, l’Afrique continue d’exporter la majorité de ses hydrocarbures tout en important de grands volumes de produits pétroliers raffinés en raison d’infrastructures de raffinage et de distribution insuffisantes.

Ce déséquilibre est devenu de plus en plus coûteux dans un contexte de volatilité géopolitique accrue, de perturbations de la chaîne d’approvisionnement et de hausse de la demande énergétique mondiale. Le Dr Ibrahim a souligné à maintes reprises la nécessité d’étendre les réseaux de pipelines, les infrastructures de stockage, les capacités de raffinage et les réseaux de distribution transfrontaliers capables de renforcer le commerce énergétique intra-africain et de réduire la dépendance vis-à-vis des importations.

« Le Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim a joué un rôle déterminant dans l’orientation de l’Afrique vers l’indépendance en matière de financement énergétique et vers des systèmes énergétiques régionaux plus solides. Son leadership au sein de la Banque africaine de l’énergie reflète une évolution plus large qui s’opère à travers le continent, où les institutions africaines prennent les devants pour financer et développer l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique selon les conditions fixées par l’Afrique », a déclaré NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie.

Alors que l’Afrique s’efforce d’attirer les investissements, de renforcer ses capacités industrielles et d’élargir l’accès à une énergie fiable, les discussions sur la souveraineté en matière de financement, le développement des infrastructures et l’intégration régionale devraient dominer l’ordre du jour de l’AEW 2026. Se tenant du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, la conférence réunira des leaders africains du secteur de l’énergie, des investisseurs internationaux, des décideurs politiques et des fournisseurs de technologies afin de définir la prochaine phase de la trajectoire de croissance énergétique du continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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O Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim junta-se à African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 num momento em que cresce a procura por financiamento liderado por África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim — um veterano do setor e antigo Secretário-Geral da Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo (APPO) — juntou-se à edição de 2026 da Conferência e Exposição da African Energy Week (AEW) como orador. A sua participação surge no âmbito de um esforço continental mais amplo para acelerar projetos a montante e reforçar os sistemas energéticos a jusante, abrindo a porta a discussões em torno do financiamento energético e do desenvolvimento de projetos liderados por África.

O Dr. Ibrahim junta-se à conferência num momento decisivo para o setor energético africano, à medida que governos, financiadores e operadores avançam para colmatar o crescente défice de financiamento a montante do continente — estimado entre 30 e 45 mil milhões de dólares em financiamento anual — e reforçar a integração energética. O Dr. Ibrahim defende há muito a utilização de mecanismos de financiamento liderados por África para colmatar este défice, sublinhando que as prioridades africanas devem estar na vanguarda das agendas de investimento.

Uma pedra angular desta estratégia tem sido a criação do Banco Africano de Energia (AEB) — liderada pela APPO em conjunto com o Afreximbank. Como uma das figuras centrais por trás da criação do banco, o Dr. Ibrahim desempenhou um papel estratégico na concretização desta instituição. Concebido para preencher o vazio criado pelo declínio do capital estrangeiro para projetos africanos de petróleo e gás, o banco visa mobilizar fundos africanos para acelerar o desenvolvimento de projetos estratégicos de hidrocarbonetos em todo o continente. Isto acontece num momento em que mais de 150 projetos permanecem paralisados em toda a África devido à falta de capital.

Criado com uma capitalização inicial de 5 mil milhões de dólares, o AEB tem como meta 10 mil milhões de dólares na primeira fase de implementação, com mais de 15 mil milhões de dólares previstos até 2030. O impulso por trás da instituição acelerou-se em fevereiro de 2026, quando a Nigéria entregou oficialmente a sede do banco em Abuja à APPO e ao Afreximbank, marcando um passo crucial para a sua operacionalização. A presença do Dr. Ibrahim na conferência sublinha o crescente impulso por trás dos mecanismos de financiamento liderados por África, concebidos para sustentar o investimento em petróleo e gás em todo o continente.

Para além do financiamento, o Dr. Ibrahim tem também defendido consistentemente o desenvolvimento de sistemas energéticos regionais mais fortes em toda a África, argumentando que o desequilíbrio energético estrutural do continente não pode ser resolvido apenas através do crescimento da produção. Apesar de possuir aproximadamente 125 mil milhões de barris de reservas de petróleo bruto e cerca de 620 biliões de pés cúbicos de gás natural, a África continua a exportar a maioria dos seus hidrocarbonetos, importando simultaneamente grandes volumes de produtos petrolíferos refinados devido à insuficiência de infraestruturas de refinação e distribuição.

Este desequilíbrio tem-se tornado cada vez mais oneroso num contexto de crescente volatilidade geopolítica, perturbações na cadeia de abastecimento e aumento da procura global de energia. O Dr. Ibrahim tem repetidamente enfatizado a necessidade de expandir os sistemas de oleodutos, as infraestruturas de armazenamento, a capacidade de refinação e as redes de distribuição transfronteiriças, capazes de fortalecer o comércio intra-africano de energia e reduzir a dependência das importações.

«O Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim tem sido fundamental na definição do impulso de África rumo à independência no financiamento energético e a sistemas energéticos regionais mais fortes. A sua liderança em torno do Banco Africano de Energia reflete uma mudança mais ampla que está a ocorrer em todo o continente, onde as instituições africanas estão a dar um passo em frente para financiar e desenvolver o futuro energético de África nos termos africanos», afirmou NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

À medida que África trabalha para garantir investimento, reforçar a capacidade industrial e expandir o acesso a energia fiável, espera-se que as discussões em torno da soberania financeira, do desenvolvimento de infraestruturas e da integração regional dominem a agenda da AEW 2026. A decorrer de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, a conferência reunirá líderes africanos do setor energético, investidores globais, decisores políticos e fornecedores de tecnologia para moldar a próxima fase da trajetória de crescimento energético do continente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Qatar Urges Greater Humanitarian Diplomacy to Protect Civilians at UN Event

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, May 20, 2026
The State of Qatar has renewed its call for stronger humanitarian diplomacy as a critical tool for safeguarding civilians in conflict zones during a high-level United Nation event in New York.

The event, organized on the sidelines of the Protection of Civilians Week 2026, was hosted by the State of Qatar’s permanent mission to the UN in partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and several international partners, including the permanent missions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Center for Civilians in Conflict, the Qatar Red Crescent Society, the International Humanitarian Law Center, Geneva Call and Save the Children. 

It brought together diplomats and humanitarian organizations to discuss ways of improving civilian protection amid growing global crises.

In a recorded address, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad said humanitarian diplomacy remained central to Doha’s foreign policy, which she said was based on dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution and respect for international law.

Her Excellency described mediation as a cornerstone of Qatar’s approach, highlighting what she called an “integrated model” combining mediation efforts with rapid humanitarian response to improve aid access and support protection initiatives in complex conflict environments.

Dr Al Misnad said challenges facing civilian protection were no longer purely operational, but increasingly political, particularly regarding respect for international humanitarian law and the delivery of aid to affected populations.

Opening the event, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani said humanitarian assistance was often obstructed while civilians continued to face attacks and violations of international humanitarian law.

Her Excellency warned that decisions concerning humanitarian corridors and aid delivery were frequently made far from realities on the ground, stressing the need for stronger political and diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.

Sheikha Alya said humanitarian diplomacy had become an essential tool for mobilizing political will and integrating humanitarian concerns into political and multilateral processes.

She also reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to mediation and humanitarian efforts in several regions, including joint initiatives in Gaza and support for peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

HE Tom Fletcher, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged the international community to use its political influence and diplomatic leverage to protect civilians, praising the State of Qatar’s partnership with OCHA. 

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Qatar and Italy Discuss Regional Security and Efforts to Reduce Escalation

Source: Government of Qatar

Rome, May 20, 2026
The State of Qatar and the Italian Republic have held high-level talks focusing on bilateral cooperation and regional security, including efforts to maintain the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and reduce tensions across the Middle East.
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met on Wednesday in Rome with senior Italian officials, including HE Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi, HE Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and European Union Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, Giulio Tremonti, and HE Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Inter-group for the Gulf Countries at the Italian Parliament, Salvatore Caiata.
The meetings reviewed relations between the two countries and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across a range of areas.
Discussions also focused on developments in the region, particularly the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and reinforcing regional stability.
During the meetings, HE Dr Al Khulaifi reiterated the State of Qatar’s support for resolving conflicts through peaceful means and reaffirmed Doha’s commitment to promoting peace and stability at both regional and international levels. 

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Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as Demand for African-Led Financing Grows

Source: APO – Report:

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Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim – an industry veteran and former Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) – has joined the 2026 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition as a speaker. His participation comes amid a broader continental drive to accelerate upstream projects and strengthen downstream energy systems, opening the door for discussions surrounding energy financing and African-led project development.

Dr. Ibrahim’s joins the conference at a defining moment for Africa’s energy sector, as governments, financiers and operators move to close the continent’s widening upstream financing gap – estimated between $30 billion and $45 billion in annual financing – and strengthen energy integration. Dr. Ibrahim has long-advocated for the use of African-led financing mechanisms to address this gap, emphasizing that African priorities must be positioned at the forefront of investment agendas.

A cornerstone of this strategy has been the establishment of the African Energy Bank (AEB) – spearheaded by APPO alongside Afreximbank. As one of the central figures behind the creation of the bank, Dr. Ibrahim played a strategic role in bringing this institution to reality. Designed to fill the vacuum created by the decline in foreign capital for African oil and gas projects, the bank aims to mobilize African funds to accelerate the development of strategic hydrocarbon projects across the continent. This comes as over 150 projects remain stalled across Africa due to capital shortfalls.

Established with an initial capitalization of $5 billion, the AEB targets $10 billion in phase one deployments, with over $15 billion planned by 2030. Momentum behind the institution accelerated in February 2026 when Nigeria officially handed over the bank’s Abuja headquarters to APPO and Afreximbank, marking a critical step toward operationalization. Dr. Ibrahim’s presence at the conference underscores the growing momentum behind African-led financing mechanisms designed to sustain oil and gas investment across the continent.

Beyond financing, Dr. Ibrahim has also consistently championed the development of stronger regional energy systems across Africa, arguing that the continent’s structural energy imbalance cannot be solved through production growth alone. Despite holding approximately 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and an estimated 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Africa continues to export the majority of its hydrocarbons while importing large volumes of refined petroleum products due to insufficient refining and distribution infrastructure.

This imbalance has become increasingly costly amid heightened geopolitical volatility, supply chain disruptions and rising global energy demand. Dr. Ibrahim has repeatedly emphasized the need for expanded pipeline systems, storage infrastructure, refining capacity and cross-border distribution networks capable of strengthening intra-African energy trade and reducing import dependency.

“Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim has been instrumental in shaping Africa’s push toward energy financing independence and stronger regional energy systems. His leadership around the African Energy Bank reflects a broader shift taking place across the continent, where African institutions are stepping forward to finance and develop Africa’s energy future on African terms,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

As Africa works to secure investment, strengthen industrial capacity and expand access to reliable energy, discussions around financing sovereignty, infrastructure development and regional integration are expected to dominate the agenda at AEW 2026. Taking place from October 12-16 in Cape Town, the conference will convene African energy leaders, global investors, policymakers and technology providers to shape the next phase of the continent’s energy growth trajectory.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) Director General Marilyn Teta Logan Selected for Prestigious 2026 Amujae Initiative

Source: APO – Report:

Marilyn Teta Logan, Director General of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), has been selected as a member of the fifth cohort of Amujae Leaders by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development. Logan joins a distinguished group of African women leaders shaping governance, business and public policy across the continent. Her inclusion represents not only a significant personal achievement, but also international recognition of the governance reforms, institutional professionalism and transparent regulatory standards being advanced within Liberia’s petroleum sector under her leadership.

Founded by former Liberian President and Nobel Peace Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Amujae Initiative supports high-potential African women leaders through executive mentorship, strategic leadership development and access to an influential network of global policymakers and business leaders. With the fifth cohort – considered the most geographically and sectorally diverse selection in the initiative’s history – the network now spans 70 women leaders from across 29 countries in Africa.

Selected out of hundreds of applicants across the continent, Logan is one of only 15 women chosen for the 2026 cohort. As a member, Logan will receive mentorship from former President Sirleaf and other internationally recognized leaders committed to strengthening women’s leadership across Africa.

Logan’s selection is a testament to both her professional accolades and leadership at the LPRA. As the first woman to lead the LPRA, Logan has overseen a transformative period for Liberia’s oil and gas sector. Her tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on institutional accountability, regulatory clarity and investor engagement at a time when African frontier markets are increasingly competing for global upstream capital.

Among the most notable milestones under her leadership was the conclusion of the country’s first petroleum Production Sharing Contracts in over a decade. Signed in 2025 with international oil company TotalEnergies, the agreements pave the way for investment in Blocks LB 6, LB 11, LB 17 and LB 29. The move not only represents a critical step toward advancing deepwater exploration in Liberia but signals renewed international confidence in the country’s hydrocarbon potential and operating environment.

Logan has also played a defining role in advancing governance reform within Liberia’s petroleum industry. She served as Officer-in-Charge of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) in 2018 and co-chaired the initiative that operationalized the separation of commercial (NOCAL) and regulatory (LPRA) functions in the hydrocarbon sector. This move helped establish the foundation for a more modern, transparent and investor-oriented petroleum governance model in Liberia, positioning the country as an increasingly credible destination for long-term energy investment.

Logan’s selection as a member of the fifth Amujae cohort reflects these efforts as well as her broader commitment to empowering women across the continent’s energy sector. Beyond her primary role at the LPRA, Logan actively mentors rising women professionals and champions women-focused initiatives across Liberia, providing in-roads for women across the largely male-dominated sector. Her selection also demonstrates the close alignment between the LPRA’s broader values of leveraging Liberia’s natural resources to empower people with the Amujae’s goal of moving from ‘tokenism to true value’ – supporting women and the institutions and communities that surround them.

As such, the announcement sends an important signal to global investors and international oil companies evaluating opportunities in Liberia and the broader West African market. With an Amujae leader at the helm of the LPRA, Liberia’s regulatory environment is increasingly associated with strategic clarity, ethical leadership and internationally recognized governance standards.

At a time when capital allocation decisions are increasingly influenced by governance quality, institutional stability and ESG considerations, Logan’s recognition further enhances Liberia’s standing within the global energy investment community.

Energy Capital & Power serves as the media representative for the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority. 

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

For all enquiries, please contact communications@energycapitalandpower.com

About LPRA:
The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) is the premier regulatory body for the petroleum sector in Liberia, dedicated to overseeing, regulating, and licensing petroleum operations. We create a transparent, accountable, and investor-friendly environment that fosters responsible exploration and production activities

About Energy Capital & Power: 
Energy Capital & Power works with governments and private industry leaders to drive investment into energy and mining markets. Through world-class events, strategic communications, market intelligence and global stakeholder engagement, we create opportunities, connect investors with projects and strengthen the international visibility of resource sectors. Our work is focused on helping our core markets attract capital, driving project execution and building partnerships that underpin long-term resource development.

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SA, Botswana to sign Limpopo water management agreement

Source: Government of South Africa

SA, Botswana to sign Limpopo water management agreement

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Botswana’s Minister of Water and Human Settlements Onneetse Ramogapi are expected to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the joint management of water quality and aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin.

The agreement forms part of ongoing cooperation between South Africa and Botswana on the management of shared transboundary water resources.

Majodina is currently on a working visit to Gaborone for the 6th Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), taking place on 20 and 21 May 2026.

The two countries enjoy strategic water cooperation on shared water resources in the Limpopo River Basin and are both members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LimCom), established between South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to ensure the protection, ecosystem-based management, development and equitable utilisation of the shared river basin.

The Limpopo River Basin is a critical transboundary water resource that supports the livelihoods of a population of approximately 14 million people across the four nations through agriculture, domestic water supply, industry, biodiversity, and economic development.

The river transverses across the four countries, and as upstream members, South Africa and Botswana have a responsibility of ensuring that the quality of water in basin does not negatively impact the other countries.

The Upper Limpopo River Basin includes the Crocodile West, Marico, Mokolo, and Mogalakwena catchments in South Africa and the Notwane, Lotsane, Motloutse, Mahalapye, Tswapong, Bonwapitse, and Tuti Rivers in Botswana.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said Majodina will also participate in a ministerial meeting ahead of the BNC session, where discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing cooperation on transboundary water resources between the two countries and progress made on the joint feasibility study on Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer (LBWT) project.

The LBWT project aims to supply water for domestic, agricultural and industrial usage by Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa through a 700 km water conveyance pipeline from a dam on the Makhaleng River, a tributary to the Orange-Senqu River in the lowerlands of Lesotho. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SA government contributes $2.5 million to Ebola outbreak response

Source: Government of South Africa

SA government contributes $2.5 million to Ebola outbreak response

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed South Africa’s multimillion-dollar contribution to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak.

The US$2.5 million pledge was made through the Africa CDC Africa Epidemics Fund.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an outbreak of the disease a public health emergency of international concern, with hundreds of cases reported. 

“Africa CDC expresses its sincere appreciation to the people and Government of South Africa, and to H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for this timely demonstration of leadership, solidarity and commitment to Africa’s collective health security.

“At a time when the continent faces increasing public health threats with significant risks of cross-border transmission, South Africa’s contribution sends a strong and reassuring message that Africa stands united in protecting the lives and well-being of its people, a pathway for Africa’s health security and sovereignty,” the continental health body said.

The pledge will support: 

  • Strengthening critical response operations including continental coordination,
  • Surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response deployment,
  • Infection prevention and control, cross-border preparedness, and support for affected communities.

“South Africa’s leadership reflects the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms and reinforces the vision of a more resilient, self-reliant and health-secure continent.

“It is a practical demonstration of African solidarity in action and a reflection of the continent’s collective responsibility to respond rapidly and decisively to public health emergencies,” the Africa CDC said.

The CDC encouraged AU member states, donor countries, development partners, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to “follow this example by contributing to the Africa Epidemics Fund and supporting ongoing response efforts”.

“The current outbreak demands urgent, coordinated and adequately financed action to contain transmission, save lives and prevent wider regional escalation.

“Africa CDC remains fully committed to working closely with affected Member States, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and global partners to ensure a rapid, effective and Africa-led response,” the Africa CDC said.

The WHO response

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is ramping up efforts to support the government of the DRC to swiftly implement critical measures to control and halt the outbreak of Ebola in the country.

“More than 35 experts and first responders from WHO and the Ministry of Health have been deployed to the field. 

“Additional teams are being deployed as the response intensifies to reinforce key measures including disease surveillance for early detection; clinical care; infection prevention and control; and engaging communities to ensure public health measures are observed.

“Collaboration with partner organisations and the private sector has been crucial in the timely delivery of the emergency supplies.

“The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has provided essential airlift support for transporting supplies from Nairobi and facilitated ground access to enhance operational effectiveness,” the WHO said in a statement.

WHO Africa Head of Regional Emergency Operations and Logistics, Adama Thiam added: “The collaboration with MONUSCO has been pivotal in ensuring a swift response. Their ability to provide airlift support significantly enhances our logistics capabilities, allowing us to respond to the needs of the community effectively.”

Additionally, following negotiations, Ethiopian Airlines has reprioritised their flights to “ensure urgent delivery of cargo, demonstrating the commitment of our partners to assist during this critical time”.

“The supplied materials include personal protective equipment, medical kits, tents, and water, sanitation and hygiene items – all crucial for preventing infection and managing cases effectively.

“Additional supplies are already in transit from Kinshasa and will reach Ituri in the coming days to bolster response operations, save lives, protect frontline responders and help end the outbreak,” the WHO said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Third Round of Qatar-Ethiopia Political Consultations Convenes

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, May 20, 2026
The third round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was held on Wednesday in Doha.
HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi chaired the Qatari side, whereas HE State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hadera Abera Admassu chaired the the Ethiopian side.
The round of consultations addressed bilateral cooperation relations and ways to boost them.