Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Seychelles: President Lays to Rest His Dear Friend, Ambassador Dick Esparon

Source: APO

In a solemn gathering to honour a life devoted to service, President Dr Patrick Herminie joined family, friends, national leaders and members of the diplomatic community this afternoon in bidding a final farewell to Ambassador Dick Esparon, who was laid to rest following a funeral service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Victoria. 

Standing alongside the President in paying their last respects were First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, Vice President Mr Sebastien Pillay and his wife Mrs Lena Pillay, as well as former Presidents Mr Wavel Ramkalawan and Mr Danny Faure, both accompanied by their wives.

The ceremony featured a moving eulogy delivered by the President himself, who described Ambassador Esparon as a dear friend a determined man who believed deeply in equality and opportunity, and who gave so much of himself to his country and its people. Further tributes were shared by his brother, Ambassador Silvestre Radegonde, who described him as someone who loved life and was a backbone to the family caring and supportive to all and by his wife, Vivienne, whose words reflected on his character and the depth of his commitment to those he served. Prayers offered during the service further enriched the solemn tribute to his memory.

Following the service, Ambassador Esparon was laid to rest at the Mont Fleuri Cemetery, surrounded by family, friends, and close ones who came together to bid him a final farewell. Also in attendance were members of the Cabinet of Ministers, members of the National Assembly, and numerous friends and family who came to honour his memory.

He leaves behind his wife, three adult children, and three grandchildren.

Ambassador Esparon’s career of public service was marked by extraordinary breadth. He served three terms as a Member of the National Assembly, representing his district of Pointe Larue with dedication and integrity. In the diplomatic arena, he served with distinction as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, including as Seychelles’ first resident High Commissioner to India and as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, in addition to serving as Secretary of State for Poverty Alleviation. Most recently, he served as Secretary General of United Seychelles, guiding the party with a steady hand and unwavering commitment.

The country as a whole joins the family in prayer, for the eternal rest of Ambassador Dick Esparon. The nation salutes a man who gave so much of himself in service of his people, and whose legacy of dedication, integrity, and compassion will continue to inspire generations to come.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Europe Day 2026 highlights European Union (EU) support to Tanzania’s Private Sector

Source: APO

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC), together with the diplomatic missions of EU Member States, celebrated Europe Day 2026 at the residence of the EU Ambassador on the evening of 7th May 2026. The event highlighted the regional bloc’s continued contribution to strengthening Tanzania’s private sector through support to entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable business growth. 

The celebrations brought together Honourable Judith Salvio Kapinga (MP), Minister of Industry and Trade of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ambassadors from around the world, senior government officials, private sector representatives, innovators, civil society, media, and members of the diplomatic community.

In her remarks, EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, Ms. Christine Grau, highlighted the EU’s broad partnership approach in supporting Tanzania’s development:

“Our partnership is about creating opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses, and enabling innovation to grow for the mutual benefit of Tanzania and the European Union. Through our 360-degree approach, we invest not only in infrastructure and connectivity, but also in people, skills, and businesses to support shared prosperity.”

Honourable Minister Kapinga welcomed the EU’s continued engagement with Tanzania’s private sector and its contribution to strengthening the business environment and supporting national development priorities.

The European Union remains a key economic partner to Tanzania. In 2024, trade between the EU and Tanzania reached €1.95 billion (TZS 5.96 trillion), with EU exports to Tanzania amounting to €1.19 billion (TZS 3.63 trillion), and imports from Tanzania reaching €756 million (TZS 2.31 trillion). Through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the EU has committed €585 million (TZS 1.79 trillion) under the current cooperation framework (2021–2027) through the national envelope for Tanzania, complemented by an additional €141 million (TZS 431 billion) from regional programmes. Notably, the entirety of this financial support is provided in the form of grants, supporting areas such as digitalisation, infrastructure, connectivity, and value chain development.

Europe Day 2026 also featured a selection of EU-supported Tanzanian enterprises working across agribusiness, digital innovation, ICT, and value addition, demonstrating how targeted support is helping enterprises grow, access markets, and create jobs.

Europe Day is celebrated annually on 9 May and marks the foundation of the European Union and its commitment to peace, unity, and cooperation. Around the world, the occasion is used to reflect on partnerships and shared priorities between the EU and its partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community.

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Canon Cinema EOS – Firmware Update

Source: APO

Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces a new free firmware update for the EOS C80 and EOS C400, delivering image quality, workflow and compatibility enhancements for professional filmmakers. Headlined by the introduction of Cinema Exposure Mode, the update reflects Canon’s ongoing commitment to evolving Cinema EOS products based on professional user feedback, helping customers get even more from their existing equipment.

Improved image performance and enhanced workflows

The latest firmware update introduces Cinema Exposure Mode, designed to improve highlight performance when shooting above base ISO levels (up to 2-stops), as well as providing a more streamlined camera menu specifically for log shooting. This gives filmmakers greater flexibility in challenging shooting conditions while helping maximise image quality throughout post-production workflows.

The EOS C400 also benefits from a range of workflow and usability enhancements, including Auto Exposure Ramping Compensation for smoother operation in broadcast and live production environments with supported Cine Servo lenses, alongside additional refinements that streamline day-to-day camera operation.

Further expanding the Cinema EOS ecosystem, the update adds enhanced compatibility with the all-new and optically groundbreaking CN30x40 Cine Servo lens, strengthening integration across Canon’s professional imaging portfolio and providing greater flexibility for production teams.

By adding meaningful new capabilities at no additional cost, Canon continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting professional creators long after purchase, ensuring the Cinema EOS platform continues to evolve in line with the needs of filmmakers.

Availability

The EOS C80 and EOS C400 firmware update will be available to download free of charge from 19 August via canon-cna.com/support (https://apo-opa.co/4wzHoZX). 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Jayashri Namdar
e. jayashri.namdar@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
​Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4zuJ0Xu) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com 

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Le groupe Sancorp rejoint African Energy Week (AEW) en tant que partenaire Platine, renforçant ainsi sa présence dans le secteur énergétique africain

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le groupe Sancorp, groupe de négoce d’énergie et de matières premières dont le siège est à Dubaï et qui exerce des activités dans toute l’Afrique subsaharienne, participera en tant que partenaire Platine à l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, qui se tiendra au Cap du 12 au 16 octobre. Ce partenariat, qui correspond au plus haut niveau de l’AEW, reflète l’engagement commercial croissant entre les groupes énergétiques du Golfe et les marchés africains.

Sancorp opère sur l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur énergétique, du négoce de pétrole brut et de produits raffinés à la participation dans des actifs en amont et aux services liés aux champs pétroliers. Parmi ses contreparties commerciales figurent Trafigura, Mercuria, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote Fertilizers, la Société ivoirienne de raffinage (SIR), PETROCI, la raffinerie de pétrole de Tema et la Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) du Ghana. À ce jour, Sancorp a structuré plus de 2 milliards de dollars d’investissements dans le secteur du pétrole et du gaz à travers le continent.

Le vaste réseau commercial du groupe fait de sa présence à l’AEW une opportunité de premier ordre pour les opérateurs, les raffineries et les négociants cherchant à établir ou à développer des relations d’approvisionnement en Afrique de l’Ouest. La Côte d’Ivoire est le marché le plus important et le plus actif de Sancorp, avec des flux annuels prévus dépassant les 600 millions de dollars, répartis entre les livraisons de produits raffinés, de pétrole brut, de GPL et d’engrais à la SIR et à PETROCI.

En juillet 2026, le groupe a livré plus de 36 000 tonnes de gazole au terminal de la SIR à Abidjan. Sancorp détient également une licence certifiée par le gouvernement pour l’importation et la distribution d’engrais dans le pays, fournissant chaque année 500 000 sacs d’urée et d’engrais NPK par l’intermédiaire du ministère de l’Agriculture.

Au Ghana, Sancorp a fourni plus de 300 000 tonnes de gazole et d’essence en 2024, tandis qu’au Nigeria, sa filiale SCP Energy dispose de capacités de services en amont certifiées par la NIPEX et est une contrepartie commerciale certifiée pour l’exportation auprès de la raffinerie Dangote. Le groupe se développe également en Angola, où il est enregistré auprès de Sonangol et mène des discussions avancées concernant des participations minoritaires dans deux blocs de production en eaux profondes ainsi qu’une prise de participation dans l’une des raffineries « grassroots » prévues dans le pays.

Pour les participants à l’AEW 2026, le modèle de Sancorp incarne le type de passerelle commerciale entre le Golfe et l’Afrique qui prend de plus en plus d’importance dans le paysage du négoce énergétique du continent : financement structuré, capacité de négoce physique et présence sur le terrain sur plusieurs marchés d’Afrique de l’Ouest, le tout au sein d’un seul et même groupe. Le « Platinum Partnership » offre à Sancorp une visibilité sur l’ensemble du programme de l’AEW, alors que le groupe cherche à développer son portefeuille de négoce et à renforcer ses positions en amont et dans le raffinage.

« Sancorp s’appuie sur les relations et l’exécution sur des marchés où ces deux aspects sont difficiles à maîtriser », explique NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber. « Il s’agit d’un groupe qui négocie, investit et renforce activement ses positions en amont à travers l’Afrique de l’Ouest, et sa présence à l’événement crée de réelles opportunités pour les opérateurs et les gouvernements présents. »

En tant que partenaire Platine de l’AEW 2026, Sancorp devrait nouer des discussions avec des opérateurs, des raffineries, des compagnies pétrolières nationales et des investisseurs concernant des partenariats commerciaux, des investissements en amont et le développement de la chaîne d’approvisionnement en Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique australe.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Ituri : grâce aux efforts de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO), deux petites filles retrouvent leur famille à Djugu

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Deux petites filles portées disparues depuis le début de la semaine dernière près de Jiba, dans le territoire de Djugu, en Ituri, ont été retrouvées saines et sauves et réunifiées avec leur famille grâce à une mobilisation conjointe des autorités locales, des leaders communautaires et des Casques bleus bangladais de la MONUSCO. Cette intervention a permis de ramener les enfants en sécurité et de désamorcer des tensions communautaires qui commençaient à naître à la suite de leur disparition dans une région où la méfiance règne encore entre les communautés sur fond de violences armées.

Une disparition dans un contexte délicat

Les circonstances de cet incident demeurent sujettes à différentes versions. Selon certains témoignages, les deux enfants se trouvaient avec leur mère dans un champ près de Jiba pour une récolte. Celle-ci se serait momentanément éloignée afin de chercher du plantain, laissant les fillettes sur place.

Durant son absence, des hommes armés auraient découvert les enfants et les auraient emmenées vers une base de la milice CODECO. D’autres sources évoquent plus directement un enlèvement perpétré par des membres de ce groupe armé.

Cette disparition a rapidement suscité une vive inquiétude parmi les déplacés du site de la Plaine Savo et ravivé les tensions entre les communautés Hema et Lendu.

Une médiation rapide pour éviter l’escalade

Aussitôt alertée, la MONUSCO, à travers ses assistants de liaison communautaire (CLA), a engagé des consultations avec les autorités administratives, les responsables coutumiers et les leaders communautaires afin d’empêcher toute dégradation de la situation.

Le dimanche 16 août 2026, une patrouille de la Mission s’est rendue à Jiba, à une douzaine de kilomètres de Bule. Les échanges menés avec les responsables locaux des groupements de Dhendro et de Dhendo ont permis d’instaurer un climat de confiance propice à une solution pacifique.

À l’issue des discussions, les différentes parties se sont accordées pour que les deux fillettes soient remises aux Casques bleus de la MONUSCO basés à Rhoo, localité située à proximité de la zone où elles étaient retenues.

Cette opération a également permis l’évacuation d’une femme d’une trentaine d’années blessée lors d’affrontements armés survenus il y a environ trois mois dans la région de Bule. Après avoir été soignée à l’hôpital de Jiba, elle y demeurait dans l’attente de conditions sécuritaires permettant son transfert et son retour au sein de sa famille.

Sous la protection de la MONUSCO, les deux adolescentes et la femme blessée ont ainsi été escortées jusqu’au site de déplacés de Rhoo, où elles ont retrouvé leurs proches.

Satisfaction des autorités et de la société civile

Cette action a été saluée par la société civile locale, qui y voit une illustration concrète du rôle joué par la Mission dans la protection des civils grâce à la médiation et au dialogue entre les communautés.

« Voilà ce que nous demandions à la MONUSCO. La collaboration est très franche, et cela fait la joie de la communauté. Lorsque les enfants avaient disparu, les parents et toute la communauté étaient très inquiets. Vous avez donc fait de votre mieux, comme nous vous l’avions demandé, pour rechercher les enfants. Et finalement, vous les avez retrouvés. C’est une bonne chose. Nous tenons à remercier la MONUSCO pour le travail qu’elle a effectué en faveur de la communauté. La MONUSCO est là pour assurer la protection de la population… Il est donc important de rappeler à tout le monde que la MONUSCO reste notre partenaire et un partenaire de confiance », a déclaré Salomon Pinzile Lole, président de la société civile de Bule.

À Bule, d’où sont originaires les parents des deux adolescentes, la nouvelle de leur retour a suscité un immense soulagement.

Un membre d’une organisation de la jeunesse de Bule a également salué la rapidité de l’intervention :

« La population est très contente de la prompte action de la MONUSCO, qui a été très attentive à l’alerte de la population. »

Selon lui, cette réaction rapide a permis d’éviter une aggravation des tensions et de préserver le dialogue entre les communautés concernées.

Au site de déplacés de la Plaine Savo où vivent les parents de deux petites filles, la disparition des fillettes avait provoqué une profonde inquiétude, la satisfaction était visible sur tous les visages.

La gérante du site, Rollande Mawazo Kambonesa, a exprimé sa gratitude envers la Mission :

« Nous sommes vraiment ravis pour cette intervention de la MONUSCO. La disparition des deux fillettes enlevées par la Codeco a créé de vives inquiétudes au sein des déplacés. La MONUSCO a pu récupérer ces enfants et les ramener saines et sauves dans leur famille élargie. »

Au-delà de son caractère humanitaire, cette intervention semble avoir contribué à renforcer la confiance entre la population et la Mission des Nations Unies.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Western Cape Strengthens Hazardous Materials Response Capacity in Cape Winelands

Source: APO – Report:

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The Western Cape Government today handed over specialised hazardous materials (Hazmat) equipment to the Cape Winelands District Municipality as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen municipal fire and rescue services across the province.

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said, “We are investing in preparedness, resilience and the ability of our emergency services to respond when communities need them most.”

The handover forms part of the Western Cape Government’s broader Fire Service Capacity Building Programme, which focuses on strengthening municipal fire and rescue services through targeted investment in people, equipment, systems and partnerships.

An allocation of R7.5 million over the three-year Medium-Term Expenditure Framework was earmarked for the initiative. The equipment includes detection and monitoring equipment, leak-sealing and containment systems, as well as personal protective equipment.

Since 2016, the programme has supported municipalities with the procurement of 112 vehicles for the provincial fire service system, representing a significant investment in the sustainability and operational capacity of municipal fire services across the Western Cape.

The equipment handed over to the Cape Winelands District Municipality forms part of a strategic provincial initiative to establish and strengthen Hazmat operational capability along major transport routes across the Western Cape.

Bredell said municipalities needed to make informed, risk-based investment decisions in an increasingly constrained financial environment.

“Everybody wants a shiny new red fire engine, but the economic realities facing our country require us to maximise every rand available, prioritise the greatest operational need and ensure that our investment delivers the greatest possible benefit to the communities we serve.”

He also paid tribute to firefighters and emergency personnel who will ultimately use the equipment.

“Their work is often dangerous, demanding and carried out under extremely difficult circumstances. Our responsibility is to give them the best possible tools, training and support to do their work safely and effectively.”

– on behalf of Western Cape Government: Office of the Premier.

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Sancorp Group Joins African Energy Week (AEW) as Platinum Partner, Deepening Its African Energy Footprint

Source: APO – Report:

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Sancorp Group, the Dubai-headquartered energy and commodities trading group with active operations across sub-Saharan Africa, will participate as a Platinum Partner at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town from October 12-16. The partnership, AEW’s highest tier, reflects the growing commercial engagement between Gulf-based energy groups and African markets.

Sancorp operates across the full energy value chain, from crude oil and refined product trading through upstream asset participation and oilfield services. Its trading counterparties include Trafigura, Mercuria, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Dangote Fertilizers, Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), PETROCI, the Tema Oil Refinery and Ghana’s Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST). To date, Sancorp has structured over $2 billion in oil and gas investments across the continent.

The group’s vast commercial network makes its presence at AEW a prime opportunity for operators, refineries and traders looking to build or expand supply relationships in West Africa. The Ivory Coast is Sancorp’s largest and most active market, with projected annual flows exceeding $600 million across refined products, crude, LPG and fertilizer deliveries into SIR and PETROCI.

In July 2026, the group delivered more than 36,000 tons of gasoil into SIR’s Abidjan terminal. Sancorp also holds a government-certified license to import and distribute fertilizers in the country, supplying 500,000 bags of urea and NPK annually through the Ministry of Agriculture.

In Ghana, Sancorp supplied more than 300,000 tons of gasoil and gasoline in 2024, while in Nigeria its subsidiary SCP Energy maintains NIPEX-certified upstream service capabilities and is a certified export trading counterparty to the Dangote Refinery. The group is also expanding into Angola, where it is registered with Sonangol and in advanced discussions on minority interests in two deepwater production blocks and an equity stake in one of the country’s planned grassroots refineries.

For AEW 2026 attendees, Sancorp’s model represents the kind of Gulf-to-Africa commercial bridge that is becoming more prominent across the continent’s energy trading landscape: structured finance, physical trading capacity and on-the-ground presence across multiple West African markets, all housed within a single group. The Platinum Partnership gives Sancorp visibility across the full AEW program as it looks to scale its trading book and deepen its upstream and refining positions.

“Sancorp is built around relationships and execution in markets where both of those things are hard to get right,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “This is a group that is actively trading, investing and building upstream positions across West Africa, and their presence at the event creates real opportunities for the operators and governments in the room.”

As a Platinum Partner at AEW 2026, Sancorp is expected to engage operators, refineries, NOCs and investors on trading partnerships, upstream investment and supply-chain development across West and Southern Africa.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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7th Session of Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee Convenes in El Alamein

Source: Government of Qatar

El Alamein (Egypt), August 20, 2026

The seventh session of the Joint Higher Committee between the State of Qatar and the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt convened today in El Alamein.

The Qatari side was chaired by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, while that of Egypt was headed by HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty.

During the session, the two sides reviewed cooperation relations between both countries and ways to support and strengthen them, particularly in the fields of economy, investment, diplomacy, health, agriculture, and food security. Both sides commended the qualitative leap in Qatari-Egyptian relations guided by the leadership of both nations, and the growing pace of high-level visits, which reflects a shared political will to elevate these relations to broader horizons.
The latest regional developments were also discussed, along with diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and contain tensions and enhance security and stability in the region, in addition to the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.

In this context, both sides affirmed their rejection of any scenarios aimed at displacing Palestinians from their land or altering the demographic or geographic composition of the occupied Palestinian territories. They stressed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the security, safety, and freedom of maritime navigation and the flow of international trade. They also emphasized the importance of continued coordination between Doha and Cairo to reach a final and sustainable agreement that ends the war and military escalation and addresses the concerns of the brotherly Gulf states.

The session also addressed the latest developments in the Sudanese crisis. In this regard, both sides emphasized the importance of the international community fulfilling its responsibilities towards Sudan’s neighboring countries. They stressed the necessity of preserving Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity, rejecting any threat to its unity or the establishment of parallel entities, and supporting Sudanese state institutions as a fundamental pillar for restoring security and stability.

They signed a draft agreement on mutual administrative assistance for the optimal application of the customs law and for the suppression, investigation and combat of customs violations, a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of oversight work between the State Audit Bureau of the State of Qatar and the Central Auditing Organization of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the Qatar Fund for Development and the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, and a grant agreement between the Qatar Fund for Development and the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population regarding the establishment of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag Governorate in the Arab Republic of Egypt, in addition to the minutes of the seventh session of the Joint Higher Committee.

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Joint Government-Business partnership statement

Source: President of South Africa –

Government-Business Partnership launches Phase 3 to unlock growth, jobs and confidence

Phase 3 is focused on urgently addressing the societal crisis of low growth and unemployment. It adds additional sectors to the partnership platform, with the goal of 3%+ growth and one million additional jobs by 2030.
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa today launched Phase 3 of the Government Business Partnership for Growth and Jobs, marking the next chapter of the joint effort between government and business to accelerate inclusive economic growth, unlock investment, strengthen confidence and create jobs.
 
The challenge is urgent. While growth has improved over the past two years, it remains too low to meaningfully expand employment, 8.5 million people are without work, and roughly 300,000 net new work-seekers enter the labour force every year. At below 3% growth, new entrants outpace job creation; above it, jobs compound. Phase 3 is designed to get South Africa decisively above that line.
 
Building on the progress achieved since the Partnership was established in 2023, Phase 3 sets an ambitious shared goal: to help move South Africa onto a path of sustained GDP growth of more than 3% per annum, and contribute towards the creation of one million additional jobs by 2030. 
 
The Partnership enters Phase 3 with a simple guiding principle: every initiative will be assessed against its contribution to inclusive growth, job creation and confidence.
 
Since its establishment, the Government Business Partnership has brought together the capabilities and resources of government and business in a unique delivery model focused on implementation, accountability and measurable outcomes. Through Phases 1 and 2, government and business worked together to address binding constraints to South Africa’s growth through coordinated interventions in energy, transport and logistics, crime and corruption, and youth employment.

This collaboration has helped to stabilise two of South Africa’s most important network industries, advanced critical structural reforms and laid stronger foundations for economic recovery. Loadshedding has ended – from 335 days of power cuts in 2023 to a stable grid, with Eskom in profit for the first time in eight years. Logistics performance is recovering, with Durban named the world’s most improved port. South Africa has exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and recorded its first primary budget surpluses in 15 years. Economic reforms coordinated through Operation Vulindlela are accelerating and strengthening credibility among domestic and global investors.

Phase 3 is designed to convert this momentum into faster growth and job creation. While South Africa is showing signs of improvement – including six consecutive quarters of growth, sovereign rating upgrades by S&P and Fitch, an improved Moody’s outlook, a stronger Rand, declining inflation and other significant green shoots – GDP growth was just 1.1% in 2025, while unemployment stands at 33.6%. Unemployment at this scale is a national crisis, and it will not be resolved at current growth rates. The Partnership must now focus on the constraints preventing growth from accelerating above 3%, the level needed to create jobs at scale.

Phase 3 is organised around three complementary pillars that together are designed to accelerate growth, create jobs and strengthen confidence.
 
The first pillar focuses on South Africa’s economic growth enablers and comprises the Energy and Transport and Logistics workstreams. These remain fundamental to improving competitiveness, attracting investment and driving growth across the economy.
 
The second pillar focuses on four new growth drivers: Mining, Tourism, Infrastructure, and Agriculture and Agro-processing. These workstreams focus on sectors where South Africa has strong competitive advantages and where targeted interventions can unlock investment, expand output and create jobs. They were selected through a disciplined, evidence-led assessment of materiality and size, potential to scale and impact on both rural and urban areas, and the ability to absorb large numbers of lower-skilled workers, with a particular focus on the youth.

The third pillar focuses on confidence multipliers: Crime and Corruption, which has been part of the Partnership since earlier phases; addressing challenges in local government, including the city of Johannesburg and Youth Employment; and building an evidence-based national growth narrative. These areas recognise that sustainable investment depends not only on economic reform, but also on a safe, well-governed operating environment, credible public institutions and visible progress that builds confidence in South Africa’s growth trajectory and maximises participation by the private sector.

Youth employment is both a dedicated workstream and a cross-cutting outcome pursued across every focal area, ensuring that growth translates into greater opportunities for young South Africans.
 
President Cyril Ramaphosa says: “What started as a platform to address multiple crises has evolved into a platform for growth and shared prosperity. This partnership has endured because our ambition for South Africa is strongly aligned. We both seek an economy that is growing, an economy that is creating jobs, and an economy that includes those who have been left outside it for too long. Through our efforts, our economy is again showing signs of sustained recovery. More rapid and inclusive economic growth is within our reach. “  
 
Adrian Gore, BLSA chairperson and co-convenor of the Partnership, says: “I am optimistic about our collective ability to fulfil South Africa’s potential. We have world-class capabilities, deep natural advantages and sectors with enormous unfulfilled potential. Phase 3 has been meticulously designed to unlock that potential through targeted interventions in areas where South Africa can compete globally and win.

“Growth is essential for large scale job creation. We need to move beyond business as usual and lift growth above 3% if we are to start to create net jobs. Business is fully committed to contributing leadership, expertise, implementation capacity and investment support alongside government. We believe South Africa has a significant opportunity to build a self-reinforcing cycle of an improved narrative, investment, growth, jobs and increased confidence. The inclusion of many additional CEOs to lead our work bears testimony to our approach.”
 
The Government Business Partnership has become a unique national asset: well governed, proven in delivery, and able to bring together the respective strengths of government and business in the national interest. Under the leadership of the President, Phase 3 will continue to operate through this proven delivery model, bringing together Ministers, senior government officials, senior business leaders, CEOs and dedicated implementation teams with clear priorities, measurable targets and the rapid resolution of implementation bottlenecks. 

Detailed delivery plans and metrics for each focal area will be announced in the fourth quarter of 2026. These will form a standing agenda item at the Partnership’s quarterly meetings with the President, and the Partnership will report publicly against them – on progress and challenges alike.

Media enquiries:
THE PRESIDENCY
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President: media@presidency.gov.za 

BUSINESS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Sandra Sowray, B4SA media: 079 167 6863 / sandra@prologconsulting.co.za 
Dani Cohen, B4SA media: 082 897 0443 / dani@prologconsulting.co.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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O Grupo Sancorp junta-se à African Energy Week (AEW) como Parceiro Platina, reforçando a sua presença no setor energético africano

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Grupo Sancorp, grupo de comercialização de energia e matérias-primas com sede no Dubai e operações ativas em toda a África Subsariana, participará como Parceiro Platina na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, que decorrerá na Cidade do Cabo de 12 a 16 de outubro. A parceria, o nível mais elevado da AEW, reflete o crescente envolvimento comercial entre os grupos energéticos do Golfo e os mercados africanos.

A Sancorp opera em toda a cadeia de valor energética, desde o comércio de petróleo bruto e produtos refinados até à participação em ativos a montante e serviços para campos petrolíferos. As suas contrapartes comerciais incluem a Trafigura, a Mercuria, a Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a Dangote Fertilizers, a Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), a PETROCI, a Tema Oil Refinery e a Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) do Gana. Até à data, a Sancorp estruturou mais de 2 mil milhões de dólares em investimentos no setor do petróleo e do gás em todo o continente.

A vasta rede comercial do grupo torna a sua presença na AEW uma oportunidade privilegiada para operadores, refinarias e comerciantes que pretendam estabelecer ou expandir relações de abastecimento na África Ocidental. A Costa do Marfim é o maior e mais ativo mercado da Sancorp, com fluxos anuais previstos a excederem os 600 milhões de dólares em entregas de produtos refinados, petróleo bruto, GPL e fertilizantes à SIR e à PETROCI.

Em julho de 2026, o grupo entregou mais de 36 000 toneladas de gasóleo no terminal da SIR em Abidjan. A Sancorp detém também uma licença certificada pelo governo para importar e distribuir fertilizantes no país, fornecendo anualmente 500 000 sacos de ureia e NPK através do Ministério da Agricultura.

No Gana, a Sancorp forneceu mais de 300 000 toneladas de gasóleo e gasolina em 2024, enquanto na Nigéria a sua subsidiária SCP Energy mantém capacidades de serviços a montante certificadas pela NIPEX e é uma contraparte comercial de exportação certificada da Refinaria Dangote. O grupo está também a expandir-se para Angola, onde está registado junto da Sonangol e em negociações avançadas sobre participações minoritárias em dois blocos de produção em águas profundas e uma participação acionista numa das refinarias de nova construção planeadas para o país.

Para os participantes da AEW 2026, o modelo da Sancorp representa o tipo de ponte comercial entre o Golfo e África que está a tornar-se cada vez mais proeminente no panorama do comércio energético do continente: financiamento estruturado, capacidade de comercialização física e presença no terreno em vários mercados da África Ocidental, tudo reunido num único grupo. A Parceria Platina confere à Sancorp visibilidade em todo o programa da AEW, à medida que esta procura expandir a sua carteira de negociação e aprofundar as suas posições a montante e na refinação.

«A Sancorp assenta em relações e na execução em mercados onde ambas as coisas são difíceis de concretizar», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «Trata-se de um grupo que negoceia, investe e constrói ativamente posições a montante em toda a África Ocidental, e a sua presença no evento cria oportunidades reais para os operadores e governos presentes.»

Na qualidade de Parceiro Platina da AEW 2026, espera-se que a Sancorp estabeleça contactos com operadores, refinarias, empresas petrolíferas nacionais (NOC) e investidores sobre parcerias comerciais, investimento a montante e desenvolvimento da cadeia de abastecimento na África Ocidental e Austral.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.