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Beyond the balance sheet: Afreximbank unveils Season II of ‘Impact Stories,’ showcasing transformative projects across two continents

Source: APO

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (https://www.Afreximbank.com/) is pleased to launch the second season of its documentary series, Impact Stories. Building on the success of the inaugural season, the new collection of six films expands the series’ geographic scope to capture the Bank’s growing footprint across Global Africa, featuring stories from the Caribbean and Africa.

Produced by Afreximbank in partnership with Create, CNN International Commercial’s branded content studio, Season Two takes viewers on location to Grenada, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. The series brings to life the impactful outcomes of strategic investments, moving beyond finance to capture the human and economic transformation unfolding across the continent and its diaspora. Each episode provides an intimate look at the landmark projects and partnerships that are unlocking enterprise, building critical infrastructure, and fostering a new era of prosperity.

Featuring stories that highlight the breadth and impact of Afreximbank’s interventions — from the expansion of the Silversands Resort in Grenada, a flagship project of deeper Africa-Caribbean cooperation, to the development of Dangote Refinery in Lagos, the films illustrate the scale of ambition driving Africa’s economic future. Viewers will be transported to Aba, Nigeria, to see how the Geometric Power project is revitalising a historic industrial hub with reliable electricity, and to Ghana, where the series follows the journey of cocoa from farm to global market through the Bank’s partnership with Plot Enterprise.

The series also celebrates the rise of Africa’s creative economy, spotlighting Ghanaian fashion brand Boyedoe as it prepared for its debut on global stage at Paris Fashion Week, supported by Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme. The final episode explores the renovation of Abidjan’s iconic Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, showcasing how investment in national infrastructure delivers wide-reaching cultural and economic benefits for local communities.

Mrs. Anne Ezeh, Director of Communications and Events at Afreximbank, emphasised the series’ role in documenting the Bank’s core mission and impact: “These films are much more than stories about investment and projects; they are portraits of partnership and progress, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to fostering economic independence. By showcasing the entrepreneurs, communities, and national economies we partner with, we are sharing a vision of a prosperous and integrated Global Africa. This showcase is vital because it demonstrates that the building blocks for greater economic integration are already in place or being built now, inspiring businesses and regions to accelerate intra-African trade and encouraging entrepreneurs to forge cross-border collaborations that drive development at home and abroad.”

Martin Laing, Senior Director of Production and Global Executive Producer at CNN International Commercial’s Create Brand Studio, said: “It’s been a real privilege to work hand in hand with Afreximbank and their incredible team as co producers of Impact Stories again for the second season. Together, we’ve built a compelling, audience first YouTube documentary series dedicated to telling powerful human stories and showcasing the real-world impact of their initiatives across Africa, its global diaspora, and beyond. We are incredibly proud to collaborate on a truly international series that puts people at the heart of the storytelling and connects meaningfully with audiences around the world.”

The six new episodes which will debut on Afreximbank TV (https://apo-opa.co/47Dzbu0) on March 12th and serve as a powerful testament to Afreximbank’s mandate to finance and promote trade, as well as demonstrating how strategic investments are turning opportunity into tangible prosperity for businesses and communities across Africa and the Caribbean. The series will be promoted in high impact formats across CNN.com and in a long-form TV campaign across CNN International.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) at “Stable”, Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), and Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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China’s new tariff-free regime for Africa: the potential upside and downside

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lauren Johnston, Associate Professor, China Studies Centre, University of Sydney

China’s President Xi Jinping announced in February 2026 that from 1 May China would be granting zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries. (That is all of them bar Eswatini, which supports Taiwan.)

China-Africa trade reached US$348 billion in 2025, up 17.7% from 2024. Chinese exports to Africa dominate trade flows, and amounted to US$225 billion, an increase of 25.8%. This compares to US$123 billion in imports from Africa, which grew by just 5.4%. Such a rising trade deficit between Africa and its largest sovereign trade partner points to the timeliness of new China policies that support African exports to China.

Beyond potential for trade facilitation and diplomacy, at a time of trade rivalry between the great powers, what might the change mean?

Based on years of study of China-Africa trade relations, I argue that there will be two probable main effects – one positive, one negative.

First, on the positive side, zero tariffs could provide incentives for cross-country export cooperation within Africa. On the negative, it risks creating conditions in which Africa’s stronger economies capture the most gain at the expense of weaker economies.

The existing regime

China’s Africa-specific trade preferences have evolved through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, established in 2000. China’s own global trade integration since its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 has also evolved.

Since 2005, African least developed countries have enjoyed zero-tariff access to China across 100% of tariff lines. Least developed countries are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human capital.

This policy restricted zero-tariff trade access to around 33 countries (subject to change owing to income growth and diplomatic recognition of Beijing). Africa’s middle-income exporters were excluded from the trade preferences.

South Africa, for example, continued to face tariffs on most exports, including fruits, wine and processed foods. Many were between 10% and 25%.

A handful of research papers have explored earlier Chinese trade preferences for Africa. For example, policy researcher and economist Adam Minson estimated that the least developed country tariff-free arrangements of 2005 would bring some countries as little as an additional US$100,000 annually.

My own PhD research found that by 2009 these preferential trade policies had not had any significant impact on exports. More recently, economists Zhina Sun and Ehizuelen Michael Mitchell Omoruyi found that the existing zero-tariff policy had promoted diversification of manufacturing exports to China and of regional trade. But there had been little effect on agriculture and mining export diversification.

One recurring recommendation has been to expand equal tariff treatment across African regional blocs. These include the East African Community, Southern African Customs Union and the Economic Community of West African States.

This could lead to production for export being organised regionally rather than distorted or even hampered by tariff differentials.

The reforms announced by Xi in February are a shift in this direction.

An incentive to co-operate?

By extending zero tariffs to almost all African countries, China has neutralised an element of distortion in its earlier tariff policy. When only some countries enjoyed tariff-free export benefits, investors and producers had incentives to locate export production in least developed countries to secure tariff-free access.

This worked some of the time, but not all the time. The reason for this is that least developed countries find it difficult to become exporters because they face inhibiting barriers to trade in general. Examples include unreliable electricity and poor infrastructure.

The zero tariff will put least developed countries at a disadvantage as they will lose the “special status” afforded them in the old regime. But the change could open another door. Production decisions can now take advantage of existing and potential cross-country and intra-regional supply chains based on comparative advantage – in place of being located where export tariffs were smallest.

Also, lowering tariffs for more developed African economies may enable African entrepreneurs to work across borders to engage in trade without facing different trade barriers by locality. That in turn may support Africa’s own agenda of trade integration.

To boost trade, China has also signalled it will expand trade facilitation measures. This includes upgraded “green lanes” for African imports. Prospective examples include:

  • faster customs clearance

  • streamlined phytosanitary procedures (rules governing food safety). An example would be setting up a clear set of criteria that enable an approved exporter, say of Kenyan avocados, to enjoy pre-approval for customs clearance.

  • greater investments in training and trade-related logistics.

China has also set up a dedicated China-Africa trade facilitation hub in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. The aim is to have a central point of trade-related expertise and industries, making it easier for African and Chinese firms do business.

The risk of uneven gains

There is a risk that the new tariff regime will mean that production for export will concentrate in more developed countries, such as South Africa, Morocco and Kenya. These economies are better positioned to expand exports when it comes into effect.

In contrast, least developed countries will continue to struggle with:

  • constructing efficient trade-related infrastructure like telecommunications, electricity and port connectivity

  • production at export scale

  • reaching trade-related compliance standards such as the necessary fruit sizes and colour consistency.

China’s policy change calls for Africa’s frontier exporters to China to build trade-related supply chains across African borders to garner the scale and competitiveness to expand their own – soon tariff-free – exports to China. In turn, this would reduce the burden on least developed countries to need to export directly to China. Instead, they would only need to join regional trade supply chains.

Ideally within African sub-regions this could develop into a new incentive to create trade-related value chains.

The potential for equalisation

The May Day tariff reforms are a positive in removing formal tariff barriers at a time when tariffs are going up, led by the United States. This change simplifies incentives and eliminates structural asymmetries in China’s Africa trade regime.

Tariffs, however, are seldom the main constraint for African industrial transformation and export hopes. On top of this, uncertainty is complicating the global trade environment.

Nonetheless, these reforms are a step towards fostering sub-regional supply chains if African countries coordinate production strategies.

– China’s new tariff-free regime for Africa: the potential upside and downside
– https://theconversation.com/chinas-new-tariff-free-regime-for-africa-the-potential-upside-and-downside-277247

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Para além do balanço financeiro: O Afreximbank revela a Segunda Temporada de “Impact Stories” (Histórias de Impacto), apresentando projectos transformadores em dois continentes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) tem o prazer de anunciar o lançamento 
da segunda temporada da sua série de documentários Impact Stories (Histórias de Impacto). Com base no sucesso da Primeira Temporada, a nova colecção de seis filmes alarga o âmbito geográfico da série para captar a crescente presença do Banco em toda a África Global, apresentando histórias das Caraíbas e de África.

Produzida pelo Afreximbank em parceria com a Create, a produtora de conteúdos da CNN International Commercial, a Segunda Temporada leva os espectadores a Granada, Gana, Côte d’Ivoire e Nigéria. A série dá vida aos resultados impactantes dos investimentos estratégicos, ultrapassando o âmbito financeiro para retratar a transformação humana e económica que se desenrola em todo o continente e na sua diáspora. Cada episódio oferece uma visão íntima dos projectos e parcerias marcantes que estão a desbloquear o empreendedorismo, a construir infra-estruturas críticas e a promover uma nova era de prosperidade.

Apresentando histórias que destacam a amplitude e o impacto das intervenções do Afreximbank – desde a expansão do Silversands Resort em Granada, um projecto emblemático de cooperação mais profunda entre África e as Caraíbas, até ao desenvolvimento da Refinaria Dangote em Lagos, os filmes ilustram a escala da ambição que impulsiona o futuro económico de África. Os espectadores serão transportados para Aba, Nigéria, para ver como o projecto Geometric Power está a revitalizar um centro industrial histórico com electricidade fiável, e para o Gana, onde a série acompanha a jornada do cacau do campo ao mercado global através da parceria do Banco com a Plot Enterprise.

A série celebra igualmente a ascensão da economia criativa de África, destacando a marca da moda ganesa Boyedoe à medida que se prepara para a sua estreia no palco global na Semana da Moda de Paris, apoiada pelo programa Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) do Afreximbank. O episódio final explora a renovação do emblemático Estádio Félix Houphouët-Boigny, em Abidjan, mostrando como o investimento em infra-estruturas nacionais proporciona benefícios culturais e económicos de grande alcance para as comunidades locais.

A Sr.ª Anne Ezeh, Directora de Comunicação e Eventos do Afreximbank, destacou o papel da série em documentar a missão central e o impacto do Banco: “Estes filmes são muito mais do que histórias sobre investimentos e projectos; são retratos de parceria e progresso, demonstrando o nosso compromisso inabalável em promover a independência económica. Ao dar visibilidade aos empreendedores, comunidades e economias nacionais com os quais estabelecemos parcerias, estamos a partilhar uma visão de uma África Global próspera e integrada. Esta apresentação é vital porque demonstra que as bases para uma maior integração económica já estão estabelecidas ou estão a ser construídas agora, inspirando empresas e regiões a acelerar o comércio intra-africano e incentivando os empreendedores a estabelecer colaborações transfronteiriças que impulsionam o desenvolvimento no país e no estrangeiro.”

O Sr. Martin Laing, Director Sénior de Produção e Produtor Executivo Global dos Estúdios Create Brand da CNN International Commercial, afirmou: “Tem sido um verdadeiro privilégio trabalhar lado a lado com o Afreximbank e a sua incrível equipa como co-produtores da Segunda Temporada das Impact Stories (Histórias de Impacto). Juntos, criámos uma série de documentários cativante e centrada no público no YouTube, dedicada a contar histórias humanas poderosas e a mostrar o impacto real das suas iniciativas em África, na sua diáspora global e além-fronteiras. Estamos incrivelmente orgulhosos de colaborar numa série verdadeiramente internacional que coloca as pessoas no centro da narrativa e se conecta de forma significativa com o público em todo o mundo.”

Os seis novos episódios, que serão exibidos pela primeira vez na Afreximbank TV (https://apo-opa.co/47Dzbu0) no dia 12 de Março, servem como um poderoso testemunho do mandato do Afreximbank de financiar e promover o comércio, além de demonstrar como investimentos estratégicos estão a transformar oportunidades em prosperidade tangível para empresas e comunidades em toda a África e no Caribe. A série será promovida em formatos de alto impacto na CNN.com e em uma campanha televisiva de longa duração na CNN International. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa:
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com a Imprensa)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

Siga-nos no: 
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Sobre o Afreximbank:
O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2024, o total de activos e contingências do Afreximbank ascendia a mais de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares e os seus fundos de accionistas a 7,2 mil milhões de dólares. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). O Afreximbank evoluiu para uma entidade de grupo que inclui o Banco, a sua subsidiária de fundo de impacto de acções, denominada Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), e a sua subsidiária de gestão de seguros, AfrexInsure (em conjunto, “o Grupo”). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com

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Visa et Afriland First Bank signent un accord stratégique pour accélérer l’inclusion financière au Cameroun

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Visa (www.Visa.com) et Afriland First Bank annoncent la signature du « Growth Agreement », premier accord autonome de ce type conclu avec une banque locale au Cameroun.

Organisée dans la Maison de la First Bank, cette cérémonie marque une nouvelle étape dans la relation qui lie nos deux institutions et consacre une ambition commune : accélérer l’inclusion financière en offrant aux populations des solutions de paiement modernes, sécurisées et accessibles.

A travers cette convention, Visa et Afriland First Bank travailleront étroitement afin de soutenir la stratégie commerciale de la First Bank et consolider son leadership dans un environnement des paiements en constante évolution.  Pour Visa, ce partenariat représente l’opportunité de s’appuyer sur le leader du secteur bancaire afin d’étendre la pénétration de ses solutions de paiement sur un marché en forte croissance. En opérant avec un acteur disposant d’un réseau solide et d’une base clientèle diversifiée, Visa renforce son ancrage stratégique au Cameroun et accélère l’adoption de ses innovations au sein de l’écosystème financier local.

Ce partenariat pose également les bases d’un engagement renforcé à l’échelle du Groupe, au moment où Afriland First Group poursuit la consolidation de sa gouvernance et l’expansion de ses activités sur le continent.

Le Directeur Général d’Afriland First Bank, Celestin GUELA SIMO :

« Ce partenariat stratégique avec Visa constitue une étape importante dans la mise en œuvre de notre stratégie de transformation digitale. En tant qu’institution financière nationale de référence, Afriland First Bank est pleinement consciente de sa responsabilité dans la modernisation du système financier camerounais porté par l’ambition gouvernementale de bâtir une économie plus inclusive, plus digitalisée et plus compétitive. Cet accord s’inscrit pleinement dans la dynamique de notre plan stratégique Afriland Horizon 2030, qui fait de la digitalisation l’un des leviers majeurs de transformation de notre modèle de croissance et d’amélioration continue de l’expérience client »

Le Vice‑président et Directeur Général – Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale francophone et lusophone chez Visa, Ismahill Diaby :

« Nous sommes ravis de nous engager dans ce partenariat avec Afriland First Bank, qui reflète notre ambition commune d’accélérer la transformation digitale de la banque et de renforcer l’écosystème des paiements au Cameroun. En travaillant ensemble, nous visons à stimuler l’innovation, à élargir l’accès à des paiements numériques sécurisés et à soutenir la stratégie de croissance à long terme d’Afriland dans un marché en rapide évolution. »

Distribué par APO Group pour Visa Inc..

Contact presse :
Adamou PETOUONCHI
adamou_petouonchi@afrilandfirstbank.com

Yvan GUEHI:
yguehi@visa.com

À propos de Afriland First Bank :
Afriland First Bank, leader du marché bancaire camerounais et acteur financier de premier plan en Afrique centrale, incarne la solidité et l’innovation au service du développement économique et social.

Au 31 octobre 2025, Afriland First Bank affichait un total bilan de 2 489,5 milliards FCFA, avec un encours de crédit de 1 627 milliards FCFA, un encours de dépôts de 1 840 milliards FCFA et plus de 488 milliards FCFA de financements aux Etats et Institutions sous-régionales à travers des titres obligataires et bons du Trésor assimilables. Reconnue pour son expertise et son savoir-faire, Afriland First Bank propose des solutions financières innovantes, adaptées aux besoins spécifiques de tous ses segments de clientèle : particuliers, institutions et entreprises de toutes tailles, qu’elles soient petites, moyennes ou grandes.

À propos de VISA :
Visa (NYSE : V) est un leader mondial des paiements numériques, facilitant les transactions entre les consommateurs, les commerçants, les institutions financières et les entités gouvernementales dans plus de 200 pays et territoires. Notre mission est de connecter le monde grâce au réseau de paiements le plus innovant, le plus pratique, le plus fiable et le plus sûr, permettant aux individus, aux entreprises et aux économies de prospérer. Nous croyons que les économies qui incluent tout le monde partout, élèvent tout le monde partout et nous considérons l’accès comme fondamental pour l’avenir du mouvement de l’argent. En savoir plus sur www.Visa.com

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SANParks reschedules reopening of Letaba High Water Bridge

Source: Government of South Africa

SANParks reschedules reopening of Letaba High Water Bridge

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has advised visitors that the reopening of the Letaba High-Level Bridge in the north of Kruger National Park (H1-6) tar road has been rescheduled to 18 March 2026.

The new date is a few days later than the initially anticipated date of 13 March 2026. 

The bridge was extremely damaged during the devastating floods of January 2026, requiring extensive repairs.

“This change in dates has largely been necessitated by rainfall over the past week that resulted in the technical team losing approximately three days of production.

“Measures have been put in place to accelerate the remaining work required to reopen the bridge,” SANParks said on Thursday. –SAnews.gov.za

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Transnet Rail issues request for siding facilities proposals

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnet Rail issues request for siding facilities proposals

The Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has issued a Siding Lease Request for Proposals (RFPs), covering three siding facilities in the Eastern and Central Regions. 

The release will enable private-sector participation, accelerate network access, and drive sustainable revenue streams to support safer, more efficient rail logistics across South Africa.

“The issuing of this request for proposals underscores TRIM’s ongoing commitment to transparent, market-based access to critical rail assets. By inviting private sector participation under a long-term, regulated framework, we aim to strengthen partnerships, improve service delivery, and unlock value across our rail estate,” TRIM Chief Executive Moshe Motlohi said on Thursday 

TRIM is responsible for managing, operating, and maintaining the Transnet rail network infrastructure.  

Bidders will engage through a transparent, market-based process to access TRIM’s rail sidings under a regulated framework. 

This multi-stage process includes prequalification, functional evaluation, and final price/preference assessment. Safety, health, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable requirements.

 Proposals must include rail-line refurbishments, loading facilities, drainage, lighting, security, fencing, access roads, and other upgrades. 

“Through market-value-based rentals, with safeguards to preserve value, bidders are also expected to illustrate how they will facilitate improvements in turnaround times and road-to-rail efficiency. 

“To ensure continuity and sustainability, the leases will be for a minimum tenure of 10 years, with performance and investment commitments,” TRIM said.

A non-compulsory Virtual Tender Briefing will be held on Friday, 13 March 2026, and the bid submission deadline is 30 April 2026. 

The relevant RFP documents are available at: https://www.etenders.gov.za/. 

–SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Sub‑Saharan African economies among world’s fastest‑improving in global connectedness

Source: APO


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  • Global connectedness stood at 25% in 2025, matching the record high first reached in 2022
  • Namibia ranks among the top three countries globally for long‑term increases in connectedness since 2001; Mozambique, Nigeria and Zambia record strong gains
  • The DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026 draws on more than 9 million data points worldwide

Globalization remains at a historically high level – despite escalating geopolitical tensions, rising U.S. tariffs, and unprecedented uncertainty about future trade policies. This is one of the key findings of the DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026 (https://Group.DHL.com), released today by DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Based on more than 9 million data points tracking international flows of trade, capital, information, and people, the report offers the most comprehensive view of globalization available.

Sub‑Saharan Africa: connectedness gains point to rising relevance in global trade

Against this global backdrop, the report presents a nuanced picture for Sub‑Saharan Africa. While levels of connectedness differ significantly across the region, several economies are strengthening their integration into global flows, underscoring steady progress over time, and highlighting scope for further gains in others.

Namibia ranks among the countries with the largest increases in connectedness since 2001, with Mozambique also featuring among the strongest long‑run improvers. More recently, Nigeria and Zambia are listed among the countries with the largest connectedness gains since 2022, reflecting growing momentum in trade, investment and people flows.

Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub‑Saharan Africa, commented: “As supply chains across the globe continue to develop and trade routes expand into new territories, connectedness is emerging as a key differentiator for businesses and nations alike. The countries in our region that are strengthening their global links are becoming more visible in international trade networks. While this is an encouraging trend in terms of the scope of opportunities available, the key is to take advantage of these opportunities to drive consistent and reliable trade flows. This report further underscores how Africa is increasingly shifting from a narrative of aid to one of trade, a transformation powered by stronger integration, rising competitiveness, and improved access to global markets. To fully unlock this potential, the region needs strong regional connectivity, predictable cross-border processes, and partners that understand both local conditions and global trade requirements. At DHL Express, we are committed to being a catalyst for growth in Africa, ensuring that not only is Africa a part of global trade but a key driver within it.”

Beyond trade and investment, the report finds that people flows have recovered fully from the Covid‑19 collapse. In tourism, UN data show that Africa recorded a 17% increase in international arrivals in 2025 compared with 2019, the second‑largest increase among world regions, behind the Middle East.

In the report’s 2024 country ranking of 180 economies, South Africa ranks 53rd overall. Other Sub‑Saharan African countries with relatively higher overall ranks include Seychelles (40th), Mauritius (65th), Namibia (68th), Ghana (97th), Nigeria (100th), Mozambique (107th), and Kenya (119th).

Globalization has held firm since 2022

The report tracks globalization on a scale from 0% (no cross-border flows) to 100% (borders and distance have no impact). The world’s level of globalization was 25% in 2025, in line with the record high set in 2022.

“Globalization is holding its ground – and that alone speaks volumes about its value,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “From poverty to climate change, the world’s biggest challenges can only be solved through global thinking. The DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that countries and companies are not retreating behind national borders. That is good news. DHL strengthens global ties by connecting markets, businesses, and people so they can adapt, diversify, and unlock new opportunities – even in uncertain times.”

At the same time, the current level of globalization underlines how far the world remains from being fully globalized. In many areas, international flows could expand further in the absence of policy constraints.

No global split into rival blocs

Even as the U.S. and China decouple, most countries continue to engage with their longstanding partners. Over the past decade, only 4–6% of global goods trade, greenfield FDI, and cross-border M&A have shifted away from geopolitical rivals. Of these flows, most have not moved to close allies but to countries with flexible geopolitical positions, such as India and Vietnam. Overall, the world economy remains far from a broad split into rival blocs.

“The politics and policy surrounding globalization are much more volatile than the actual flows between countries,” said Prof. Steven A. Altman, Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management. “Global trade patterns changed more in 2025 than they do in a typical year, but less than they did during other recent disruptions such as the early stages of the war in Ukraine. Sound decision-making requires a calibrated view of how much global business ties are really changing. The risks to globalization are real, but so is the resilience of global flows.”

The DHL Global Connectedness Report

Published regularly since 2011, the DHL Global Connectedness Report provides reliable insights on globalization by analyzing 14 types of international trade, capital, information, and people flows. The 2026 edition is based on more than 9 million data points. It ranks the connectedness of 180 countries, accounting for 99.6 percent of global gross domestic product and 99.0 percent of the world’s population. A set of 180 one-page country profiles summarizes each country’s pattern of globalization.

The report was commissioned by DHL and authored by Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian of New York University Stern School of Business.

The report and further resources are available at https://apo-opa.co/4diKcod.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Group.

Media Contacts:
DHL Group
Media Relations
Sabine Hartmann
Phone: +49 228 182-9944
E-mail: pressestelle@dhl.com

On the Internet: https://apo-opa.co/4b6zyjc

NYU Stern
Media Relations
Carolyn Ritter
Phone: +1 212 998 0624
E-mail: critter@stern.nyu.edu

Jeffrey Piascik 
Phone: +1 212 998 0906 
E-mail: jpiascik@stern.nyu.edu  

About DHL Group:
DHL Group is the world’s leading logistics company. The Group connects people and markets and is an enabler of global trade. It aspires to be the first choice for customers, employees, investors and green logistics worldwide. To this end, DHL Group is focusing on accelerating sustainable growth in its profitable core logistics businesses and Group growth initiatives. The Group contributes to the world through sustainable business practices, corporate citizenship, and environmental activities. By the year 2050, DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics.

DHL Group is home to two strong brands: DHL offers a comprehensive range of parcel, express, freight transport, and supply chain management services as well as e-commerce logistics solutions. Deutsche Post is the largest postal service provider in Europe and the market leader in the German mail market. DHL Group employs approximately 584,000 people in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion Euros in 2025.

The logistics company for the world.

About New York University Stern School of Business:
New York University Stern School of Business, located in the heart of Greenwich Village and deeply connected to the City after which it is named, is one of the United States’ premier management education schools and research centers. NYU Stern offers a broad portfolio of transformational programs at graduate, undergraduate, and executive levels, all of them enriched by the dynamism and deep resources of one of the world’s business capitals. NYU Stern is a welcoming community that inspires its members to embrace and lead change in a rapidly transforming world. 

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President delivers on SONA commitment with SANDF deployment 

Source: Government of South Africa

President delivers on SONA commitment with SANDF deployment 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to fast-track the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Gauteng, delivering on a commitment made during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to strengthen the fight against crime and illegal mining. 

A total of 550 SANDF members began their deployment in Gauteng on Wednesday as part of Operation Prosper, a joint operation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) aimed at combating illegal mining and organised criminal networks. 

The operation forms part of government’s broader efforts to address escalating illegal mining activities, often linked to violent crime and organised syndicates.

The deployment follows the President’s commitment in this year’s SONA to use additional security resources, including the military, to support law-enforcement agencies in crime-affected provinces.

Parliament formally notified of deployment

Questions had been raised in some quarters about whether Parliament had been informed about the deployment.

However, President Ramaphosa has formally notified Parliament through a letter dated 5 March 2026, which was addressed to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.

The letter was subsequently tabled in Parliament’s Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports (ATC) on 9 March 2026.

In the correspondence, President Ramaphosa confirmed that the deployment had been authorised in terms of Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution, which allows the Defence Force to be employed in cooperation with the SAPS to maintain law and order.

“This serves to inform the Speaker of the National Assembly that I have employed 550 members of the South African National Defence Force for service, in cooperation with the South African Police Service to prevent and combat crime, and maintain and preserve law and order within Gauteng province under Operation Prosper,” the President wrote. 

The President also notified the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces to ensure both Houses of Parliament were formally informed.

Operation targets illegal mining syndicates 

The SANDF members will assist police in preventing and combating illegal mining activities in Gauteng, particularly in areas around Johannesburg’s West Rand and East Rand, where abandoned mine shafts have become hotspots for criminal operations.

Illegal mining, commonly associated with so-called “zama zama” groups, has been linked to violence, environmental damage and loss of life in affected communities.

Law-enforcement authorities have previously indicated that the police service alone lacks sufficient capacity to effectively tackle heavily armed criminal syndicates operating in illegal mining networks.

The military deployment is expected to strengthen operational capacity by providing additional manpower to secure mining areas, support police operations and disrupt organised crime networks.

The operation in Gauteng is expected to cost approximately R80.7 million.

The deployment forms part of a broader government strategy to support policing efforts following the President’s announcement earlier this year that the SANDF would assist law enforcement in tackling crime in several provinces, including Gauteng, the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape.

As the operation progresses, Parliament and civil society organisations are expected to monitor its implementation and effectiveness, particularly with regard to compliance with constitutional safeguards governing the use of the military in civilian contexts. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

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Government at work to end water crisis

Source: Government of South Africa

Government at work to end water crisis

South Africa observes National Water Month in March at a time when frustration over the unreliability of water supply has made headlines. 

We are all in agreement that citizens should not have to protest before water runs from their taps, as was the case in areas including Midrand and Westbury in Gauteng. Government is also acutely aware that some areas have experienced prolonged water shortages.

Several electro-mechanical failures at Rand Water’s Palmiet and Zuikerbosch pump stations, coupled with a major pipe burst at the Klipfontein reservoir, were to blame for the reduction of the supply of treated water to municipalities across Gauteng.

Old infrastructure and inadequate maintenance over time have also exacerbated the situation.

Efforts to remedy the situation across the country have included the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee, as announced in the State of the Nation Address last month. Chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the committee will deploy technical experts and resources from the national government to municipalities facing water challenges.

Of what use will the committee be to someone whose tap is running dry at this very moment? The frustration is warranted, acknowledged and being attended to, as most aspects of life revolve around a stable water supply, not only for households, but for businesses as well.

As much as we want these issues to be resolved yesterday, government must be given the time and chance to correct the situation. The state is acutely aware of Section 27 of the Constitution, which states that everyone has the right to have access to sufficient water.

Apart from the President’s committee, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) as the custodian of South Africa’s water resources, has begun assessments towards a water action plan that is expected to be ready by mid-month. 

The Minister of the DWS, Pemmy Majodina, has also authorised Rand Water to abstract additional water from the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) as part of urgent interventions to stabilise Gauteng’s strained water supply network.  Approval of the urgent water use licence application to Rand Water is for a four-month period, from February to June 2026).

Meanwhile, the repair of leaks in municipal distribution systems, the removal of illegal connections by municipalities; as well as the acceleration of municipal water and sanitation capital works programmes, particularly the construction of additional reservoir storage capacity and pumping capacity, are among the steps being taken to address the situation.

Recently, Johannesburg Water announced the commencement of the final commissioning of the new Brixton Reservoir Tower and pump station complex, which will bring relief for residents.

Water issues are also being prioritised in the provinces, with the North West setting aside R1.9 billion for ongoing bulk water supply projects in Madibeng, Ratlou, and Mahikeng, among others. The funding is expected to improve the reliability of supply and expand access to underserved communities.

The Western Cape has invested over R250 million, enabling local government investment in water infrastructure. The raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall is well under way, once complete, will add 69.5 million cubic metres of water to the system each year. 

In the Eastern Cape, government is implementing 13 major bulk water supply projects valued at R9.1 billion, which are scheduled for completion in the next two years, while12 more projects are in the planning stages to secure long-term water security.

Meanwhile, the DWS will implement 51 water and sanitation infrastructure projects across the Free State in the 2026/27 financial year and beyond.

Government has reaffirmed that access to sufficient, safe and reliable water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of advancing dignity, gender equality and social justice. As such, Government is putting its money where its mouth is. 

The 2026 Budget, tabled on 25 February 2026, provides an outline of both the investments in the water sector and the reform agenda for addressing systemic water supply challenges. Over the next three years, R185.2 billion will be spent on water and sanitation projects by different components of the state. 

From a reform perspective, national government is implementing the Metro Trading Services Reform to turn around the performance of water and sanitation, electricity, and solid waste services – trading services – in South Africa’s eight metropolitan cities.

 The reform responds to the long-term decline in the reliability of these trading services, which undermines the livelihoods and quality of life of more than 4 in every 10 South Africans and constrains economic growth and job creation. South Africa’s metro areas are the engine of economic growth and prosperity, accounting for over two-thirds of its economic activity.

National Treasury has introduced a R54 billion performance-based incentive grant – the metro trading services component of the Urban Development Financing Grant – to incentivise improved governance and accountability, financial and operational performance of the metro trading services. This incentive, which provides payment for performance, is different to other conditional grants. Metro performance against Council-approved turnaround targets will be independently verified on an annual basis, following which metros will be awarded their share of the incentive grant.

Over the six years of the reform, R108 billion of additional investment in trading services infrastructure will be unlocked, due to the leverage ratio built into the design of the reform. For every one rand of the incentive, an additional rand of metro infrastructure investment is required through improved revenue or metro borrowing. 

The Metro Trading Services Reform is flagship reform under Operation Vulindlela and is led by National Treasury, working together with the relevant national government departments – Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (local government), Department of Electricity and Energy (electricity), Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Department of the Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (solid waste management). 

All eight metropolitan governments are participating in this Trading Services Reform. South Africa has come a long way since the unequal provision of services to citizens seen in yesteryear and cannot afford to fail to provide services its citizens.

Government is working to address the current challenges while also planning for future water requirements as the number of settlements continues to grow.

In the month that commemorates both Human Rights and National Water Month, ours is a country that respects the rights of all.

Observed from 01-31 March, Water Month promotes water conservation, highlights infrastructure development, and mobilises all South Africans to protect and preserve the country’s limited water resources.
The month also speaks to the importance of managing water as a shared national resource and strengthening resilience for future generations.

As a society cognisant of the role that water plays in everyday life, we should continue to report leaks when we spot them, adhere to water restrictions put in place by municipalities, and continue to use water responsibly.

As a country, South Africa overcome many challenges in the past. The difficulties related to the provision of water, as hard as they may be, are not insurmountable.-SAnews.gov.za 

Neo Semono is the Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za

Neo

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Qatar Condemns Iranian Attack on Salalah Port in Sultanate of Oman

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | March 12, 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian drone attack targeting the port of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman, which caused damage to several fuel tanks at the port. Qatar considers the attack a blatant act of aggression and a flagrant violation of international law and its principles.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that targeting the Sultanate of Oman, following its tireless efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, is an unacceptable attack on its role as a mediator and its efforts to promote calm. The attack constitutes a treacherous act and an affront to the rights of good neighborliness, as well as a dangerous escalation that undermines regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the Sultanate of Oman and its support for all measures taken by the Sultanate to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability.