Category: Africa

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Military coups promise change – 4 ways they can leave African countries worse off

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By John Mukum Mbaku, Professor, Weber State University

A military coup d’état is the ouster of an elected president or head of state, usually through the use or threat of force. Putschists (those who participate in a coup) often justify their actions by accusing the government of mismanaging the economy and lowering living standards. Political instability is another reason coup makers give for their actions.

A coup is not necessarily the most effective way to cure economic and political ills, however. Positive change comes instead through institutional reform, structural economic changes and engagement with civil society – including the people who create wealth and economic growth.

Military regimes are usually unable or unwilling to provide the necessary regulatory reforms. They don’t provide the legal and institutional stability needed to fight poverty and improve living standards.

I’m an economist and legal scholar who studies political economy and human rights in Africa. My research includes military coups and how they affect states.

In my studies of military and constitutional takeovers in Egypt, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Sudan, I have identified four major consequences of coups:

  • they worsen intergroup conflict and threaten peaceful coexistence

  • they undermine entrepreneurship and the creation of wealth needed to confront poverty and inequality

  • they encourage the abuse of vulnerable groups, such as women and children, and ethnic or religious minorities

  • they destroy efforts to deepen democracy and the rule of law.

1. Coups worsen intergroup conflict

Most African countries are diverse in ethnic and religious terms. Unfortunately, most post-independence governments have failed to provide an institutional environment that helps people to live together in peace.

This failure has enabled the majority faction to tyrannise minorities.

In most African countries, ethnicity influences political mobilisation, patronage and coalition building. Ruling elites use ethnic identity as a tool to build voting blocs and secure power.

Military elites fill top military and security positions with officers from their own ethnic group. This is known as ethnic stacking. It’s happened in Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

When there is a coup, the concentration of power within a specific military faction can trigger intense security crises. Marginalised minorities may engage in violence to protect themselves, their resources and their political representation.

Coups can dismantle power-sharing arrangements or democratic frameworks that previously allowed people to live in peace and gave them a voice in governance.

2. Coups undermine wealth creation

A military coup tends to destabilise the legal system and make life less predictable. The uncertainty can discourage investment and entrepreneurship.

Investors want to know that tax rules, environmental standards and laws governing operations won’t change overnight. Courts must be reliable, accessible and able to settle disputes. Clear, predictable and reliable legal frameworks mean long-term trade contracts can be enforced.

A 2026 International Monetary Fund report estimates that coups “can reduce GDP growth by around 2.3 percentage points in the same year”. The report says coups in Africa reduce investment by 14.3%. These economic effects can persist in the years that follow.

3. Coups spark human rights abuses

Recognising and protecting human rights is a foundation for economic and human development. Human rights enable peaceful coexistence, long-term economic growth and sustainable development.

Constitutional democracies protect human rights, respect the rule of law and put limits on government power.

A military coup usually creates an environment in which human rights are routinely violated. Leaders no longer account to either the constitution or the people. In 2023, Freedom House, an American non-governmental organisation that advocates for democracy, warned that a surge of coups in Africa was threatening human rights and the rule of law.

Coup leaders often suspend or discard the constitution and its bill of rights. Military regimes are also known for committing serious human rights abuses like arbitrary detentions and torture.

4. Coups weaken the rule of law

One of the first things coup leaders do is destroy constitutional order. They put executive, legislative and judiciary powers in military hands. This deprives the people of the right to choose their leaders through elections.

Coup leaders typically ban peaceful protests, censor media, and jail critics of the regime without trial. Post-coup military elites usually rule by decree and not through an elected legislature or independent judiciary.

Forceful regime changes often invite counter-coups, civil conflict, and more political violence and instability.

This has been seen in Egypt, Sudan and several Sahelian states.

Stopping the coup wave

African states need to develop a democratic culture, which is undergirded by the control of the military by elected civilian authorities. Citizens who believe a government has failed can have their say through regularly scheduled elections.

Armed forces should be professional. Troops should be accountable to the constitution and elected civilian leaders. Military education should include human rights law and the duty to defend the constitution.

Coup leaders should not be allowed to take part in elections held to restore democratic order. Neither should they hold positions of responsibility in the state’s political institutions. The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance provides for this, but the African Union has not made sure it happens.

In Egypt, for instance, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi overthrew the democratically elected president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. A year later, el-Sisi became the country’s president. Similarly, Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema led the 2023 coup in Gabon. He then won the April 2025 presidential election and was then installed as Gabon’s new president.

African states must also ban military coups and make it a crime to change the government unconstitutionally. There must be mechanisms for prosecuting perpetrators. Several African countries have developed strong democratic norms that reject military rule. Afrobarometer surveys, for example, show that respondents in Zambia (90%), Uganda (87%), Eswatini (85%) and Seychelles (85%) are highly opposed to military coups.

Countries that have avoided military coups have generally developed strong constitutions and institutions. They have credible elections and professional armed forces accountable to civilian authority.

In South Africa and Namibia, new governments brought armed forces together under civilian oversight. Botswana and Mauritius have combined good governance with economic development.

When political, military and economic institutions provide effective peaceful ways to resolve grievances, it’s harder to stage a coup.

– Military coups promise change – 4 ways they can leave African countries worse off
– https://theconversation.com/military-coups-promise-change-4-ways-they-can-leave-african-countries-worse-off-292469

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Listen, understand, repeat: the circular approach to good communication in a health crisis

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Herkulaas MvE Combrink, Senior lecturer/ Co-Director, University of the Free State

During a health crisis, the first instinct is often to give people information. Governments make announcements. Experts explain what is happening. Health departments share information on television, radio, social media and through communities. The idea seems simple: give people the right information, and they can make better decisions.

But does simply providing more information resolve uncertainty, misinformation or public concern?

My research focuses on infodemics: using artificial intelligence and machine learning to understand how misinformation spreads, identify information voids, and analyse the concerns and questions that emerge during a crisis.

In a recent paper, a group of researchers involved in studying infodemics and I examined the system South Africa put in place to understand public concerns and what responses were recommended to address them.

During the COVID pandemic, South Africa’s national Department of Health established a technical Risk Communication and Community Engagement working group that used a research approach called social listening to identify what people were saying, asking and worrying about in relation to the pandemic.

To do this, public conversations and feedback were tracked across social media, online news, public WhatsApp streams, call centres and community channels.

Regular social listening reports brought this information together to identify concerns, misinformation, rumours and gaps in understanding. These reports alerted health authorities and partners to emerging concerns, and provided recommended actions for addressing them.

The social listening system was structured as a circular process, described as: listen, understand the problem, recommend a response, and keep listening.

We wanted to understand two things:

We studied 91 reports produced between 2021 and 2023. What emerged was that similar concerns kept appearing, despite the existence of a system to address them.

What people were worried about

At least two researchers reviewed the information independently so that the findings did not depend on one person’s judgment. We grouped statements that were saying the same or very similar things. In total, we identified 964 instances of misinformation across 12 themes and 573 recommended actions across six themes.

More than half of the misinformation was directly about COVID. The rest was about vaccines and various health-related concerns.

The reports reflected recurring areas of uncertainty and misinformation around vaccine safety and side effects, trust, treatments and government communication.

The recommendations focused on improving how health information was communicated and managed, and on working more directly with communities.

This meant going beyond broadcasting the same national message to everyone. Recommendations included community information sessions using local media platforms, and engagement activities which included working with people within communities who could place complex health information into a locally relevant language and context.

Why did the concerns keep appearing?

Our study did not track what happened after recommendations were made. Furthermore, the study could not determine whether individual recommendations were implemented, how widely they reached communities, or whether they changed what people understood, believed or did.

It is possible that concerns recurred because information environments change. New questions emerge, information voids develop as circumstances change, and misinformation can reappear or take different forms. A concern appearing again at a later point therefore does not necessarily mean that exactly the same information problem has persisted.

This is why the gap between listening and outcome matters. Identifying a concern is only the first step. What also matters is how that concern is translated into a response, whether the response reaches the intended audience, whether it addresses the underlying question, uncertainty or information void, and whether anything changes afterwards.

Across the reports, five principles appeared repeatedly that can help health authorities and risk communication practitioners translate social listening insights into more responsive public health communication.

Firstly, understand the concern. Social listening can show health communicators what people are worried about, instead of assuming what people need to know.

Secondly, use that information to improve how health information is framed. If the concern is about vaccine side effects, for example, providing general information about COVID may not address the actual concern.

Thirdly, work with trusted people to communicate and engage with communities. The reports recommended community participation as well as involvement from public figures and other credible voices. The purpose is to communicate through relationships and voices that communities recognise.

Fourth, use appropriate communication channels. Something posted online does not necessarily require an online response. Communication can be through community radio, newspapers, faith based and community organisations, outreach programmes and community health workers.

Lastly, keep listening because concerns change. New rumours appear, old ones return, and people’s questions change as circumstances change.

The purpose of social listening is not simply to build another dashboard counting posts, likes and mentions. Its value lies in connecting what is being heard to decisions about what needs to be communicated, to whom, through whom and through which channels, and then listening again to determine whether the information environment has changed.

When we hear a concern, we should ask: Who is saying this? Why are they worried? Could this cause harm? Who do they trust? What language do they speak? Where do they get their information from? And, after we respond, has anything changed?

These findings matter beyond COVID-19, as it will not be the last time countries face uncertainty, fear and rapidly changing information. The next challenge may be another infectious disease, a vaccine, a new treatment or an entirely different public emergency.

The unanswered question is what happens between identifying a concern, recommending or implementing a response, and determining whether anything changes in what people understand, believe or do. Social listening gives us the ability to hear the problem. The next challenge is understanding what happens after we hear it.

– Listen, understand, repeat: the circular approach to good communication in a health crisis
– https://theconversation.com/listen-understand-repeat-the-circular-approach-to-good-communication-in-a-health-crisis-291739

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KZN transport and logistics future takes centre stage at Indaba

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN transport and logistics future takes centre stage at Indaba

The future of transport and logistics in KwaZulu-Natal took centre stage at the Transport Indaba, with government, industry experts and policymakers exploring measures to strengthen the province’s position as a major trade and logistics gateway.

The two-day Indaba, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 1 and 2 October 2026, focused on practical solutions to strengthen freight, aviation, rail, maritime and road transport, while improving connectivity and supporting economic growth.

The indaba forms part of the implementation of a 10-point plan announced during the budget presentation by Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma. 

Delivering the opening address, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy highlighted the strategic importance of KwaZulu-Natal as South Africa’s primary gateway to sub-Saharan Africa.

“The province’s ports of Durban and Richards Bay handle millions of tons of cargo annually, connecting local producers with global markets and supporting key economic sectors including manufacturing, automotive exports and imports, mining, and agriculture,” Creecy said. 

KwaZulu-Natal’s extensive transport infrastructure, including the N2 and N3 corridors, rail network, King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort, continues to position KwaZulu-Natal as a leading logistics and trade hub.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the Indaba represents a significant milestone in shaping the future of mobility and logistics in the province.

“Through discussions on freight, aviation, and multimodal integration, our panellists are exploring resilient transport networks and strategic transport corridors that will strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s economy and connectivity,” Duma said.

A key focus of the discussions was strengthening the rail network and shifting more freight from road to rail to ease congestion, improve road safety and increase the efficiency of major freight corridors.

Stakeholders received updates from Transnet Rail Infrastructure and the National Department of Transport on rail reform initiatives and the proposed rolling stock Leasing Company (LeaseCo), aimed at modernising freight operations, attracting private investment, and expanding participation in rail services. 

The shift from road to rail is expected to significantly reduce congestion and improve safety on major freight corridors such as the N3 and N2. A single heavy-haul coal train can transport between 13 000 and 17 000 tonnes of cargo, replacing approximately 300 to 425 trucks on the province’s roads.

The Indaba also examined aviation, maritime transport, road infrastructure, and innovative funding models required to develop and maintain the province’s transport infrastructure.

The eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, said the gathering provided an opportunity to move beyond identifying challenges towards implementing practical solutions. 

“Under the theme: ‘The Gateway for Smart Mobility’, we have gathered to reaffirm our collective commitment to building an integrated, reliable, and dignified transport system.

“There is no better way to address transport and logistics challenges than by bringing together the brightest minds from across sectors. This Indaba must move us from dialogue to delivery,” Xaba said.

Xaba also highlighted the municipality’s recently unveiled roadmap for GO! Durban, which aims to transform public transport and support a more connected, inclusive, and economically competitive city.

The eThekwini Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to work with all transport stakeholders to drive innovation, improve mobility, and strengthen the province’s position as a world-class logistics gateway. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Petrol, diesel prices set to climb

Source: Government of South Africa

Petrol, diesel prices set to climb

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced increases for all fuel types from Wednesday. 

The adjustment to prices from Wednesday is as follows:

  • Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R3.12 increase.
  • Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R3.33 increase.
  • Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R2.84 increase.
  • Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R3.24 increase.
  • Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R3.58 increase.
  • Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R4.77 increase.
  • Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: 42c increase and 48c increase in the Western Cape.

“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 87.89 US Dollars (USD) to 101 USD during the period under review. The increase is due to the continued US/Iran tensions, uncertainty regarding the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs and decreasing inventories.

“The average international product prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased due to supply shortages caused by lower global inventories of products.

“These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices (BFP) of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 329.07 cents per litre (c/l), 280.17 c/l and 357.23 c/l, respectively. The prices of Propane and Butane also increased during the period under review due to supply uncertainties,” the department said.

Additionally, the Rand strengthened against the USD, leading to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 0.17 c/l, 0.22 c/l and 0.21 c/l. – SAnews.gov.za

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RFI issued for redevelopment of Telkom Towers

Source: Government of South Africa

RFI issued for redevelopment of Telkom Towers

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has published the Request for Information (RFI) for the redevelopment of the Telkom Towers Precinct.

The private sector is thus invited to provide information on how the asset can be refurbished, upgraded and brought back into productive use. 

“This marks an important milestone in the department’s reform agenda, which is anchored by repurposing public assets through private sector investment,” the department said on Monday.

READ| DPWI to issue a Request for Information for the redevelopment of the Telkom Towers

The RFI forms part of the department’s approach to fundamentally changing how government approaches large-scale infrastructure projects and working with stakeholders beyond government to unlock the potential of State-owned assets. 

Respondents will be asked to assess technical approaches to refurbishing and upgrading the asset to meet regulatory and government accommodation standards. 

The process will also evaluate potential Publi- Private Partnership (PPP) delivery models, including contract structuring, packaging and lifecycle approaches.

Once the RFI process has been concluded, the department will use the responses received to design the Request for Qualification (RFQ) stage.

This will identify companies that are technically and financially capable of undertaking the work, after which qualified bidders will be invited to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) to rehabilitate, operate and ultimately transfer the facility back to the state. 

“The publication of the RFI marks an important step towards unlocking the potential of Telkom Towers and leveraging private sector participation in the redevelopment of State assets.  

“We want to understand what is technically feasible, commercially viable and financially sustainable, while ensuring that we achieve value for money for the State. 

“This process will allow us to draw on the expertise and capabilities of the market so that we can move this underutilised State asset back into being a productive precinct that delivers value for government and the people of South Africa,” Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said.

More information relating to the RFI can be found here: https://www.dbsa.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/202610/RFI003.2026_Telkom%20Towers%20complexSS%20Technologies%20Database.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za

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Kenya: Building Resilience Ahead of the Rains

Source: APO – Report:

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The strength of a community is often tested not by the intensity of the storm, but by how well it prepares for it. With forecasts pointing to strong El Nino rains, heavy downpours are expected to transform roads into muddy channels, overwhelm drainage systems and disrupt movement around critical infrastructure and residential areas.

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in collaboration with the Jubaland Administration, have therefore stepped-up flood preparedness efforts around Dhobley town aimed at mitigating the effects of heavy rainfall, improving access routes and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure and surrounding communities.

Led by KDF Engineers, the exercise focused on clearing and improving drainage systems, restoring key access routes and enhancing preparedness around Dhobley town ahead of the rainy season.

Armed with engineering expertise and a clear understanding of the challenges posed by seasonal rains, the engineers cleared accumulated debris, silt and other obstructions from drainage channels to minimize waterlogging and reduce the risk of flooding within Dhobley town and surrounding residential areas.

Beyond drainage works, the engineers also undertook the compaction of key access routes, restoring firm and durable surfaces capable of supporting movement and sustaining essential operations.

Lower Juba region, especially Dhobley town and its surrounding areas have experienced severe flooding in the past due to heavy rains with floodwaters affecting key connecting roads and airstrip rendering them impassable.

Through continued coordination with local authorities and engagement with surrounding communities, KDF troops serving under AUSSOM continue to address these challenges through practical initiatives that safeguard infrastructure, enhance mobility and help communities better withstand the effects of extreme weather.

– on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

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Police arrest 670 wanted suspects

Source: Government of South Africa

Police arrest 670 wanted suspects

Police have arrested more than 670 suspects in Gauteng for serious and violent crimes as part of Operation Shanela II, led by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The suspects were on the run after committing serious and violent crimes, including murder, armed robbery, rape, fraud, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking and theft. 

“These suspects were arrested during the first phase of the operation, where the detectives were tracing wanted suspects,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

They will appear at different Magistrate’s Courts in due course. 

In addition, police arrested 14 people during a roadblock in Protea, Soweto.

The operation targeted illegal goods and substances transported by road users. It also searched for stolen, hijacked vehicles and contraband. 

“During the roadblock conducted in Protea, 14 people were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, nine for possession of drugs, and 13 illegal immigrants were taken in to be processed by Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs,” the police said.

Meanwhile, other districts also conducted weekend operations that resulted in the arrest of 86 people in Tshwane District, 45 in the West Rand District, 29 in Sedibeng District, and 22 in Ekurhuleni District.

Mthombeni commended the detectives and operational teams for their continued efforts to track down wanted suspects and disrupt criminal activities through intelligence-driven and integrated policing operations. – SAnews.gov.za

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Afreximbank e Conselho Empresarial da África Oriental (EABC) expandem o acesso ao comércio digital para as empresas da África Oriental por meio do Africa Trade Gateway

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

  • As empresas da África Oriental dispõem agora de uma ponte digital para um mercado com mais de 1,3 mil milhões de consumidores.

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) e o Conselho Empresarial da África Oriental (EABC) assinaram o Acordo de Agência do Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), que liga as empresas da região, incluindo as PME e as grandes exportadoras, ao Mercado Comum da Comunidade da África Oriental (EAC), com 300 milhões de habitantes, e ao mercado mais vasto da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA), com 1,3 mil milhões de consumidores, através do comércio digital.

O acordo foi assinado recentemente no primeiro Fórum de Directores Executivos e Investimento da África Oriental, em Nairobi, Quénia, assinalando um marco significativo na colaboração em curso entre as duas organizações.

O EABC tem promovido activamente o ecossistema digital junto dos seus membros e apoiado a sua integração. Ao fazê-lo, a parceria combina a rede empresarial regional do EABC com os serviços de comércio digital do ATG para ajudar as empresas a encontrar compradores e fornecedores verificados em toda a África e além-fronteiras, aceder a informações sobre parceiros comerciais e estabelecer ligações com soluções financeiras e de pagamento.

A parceria, que reveste grande importância para a África Oriental e para o continente em geral, permite ao Conselho Empresarial da África Oriental (EABC) integrar-se numa rede crescente de instituições de apoio ao comércio em toda África, que trabalham em conjunto para ligar as empresas a oportunidades para além dos seus mercados regionais. O reforço destas ligações ajudará mais empresas a expandirem-se além-fronteiras e a tirar partido das oportunidades criadas pela Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA).

O Sr. Haytham El Maayergi, Vice-Presidente Executivo do Banco de Comércio Global do Afreximbank, comentou: “O comércio assenta nas relações, mas, para muitas empresas, identificar parceiros de confiança e aceder aos serviços adequados para realizar transacções transfronteiriças pode constituir um desafio significativo. O Africa Trade Gateway foi concebido para colmatar essa lacuna, ligando as empresas a compradores, fornecedores e instituições financeiras de confiança, bem como aos serviços de que necessitam para transformar oportunidades em transacções reais. A nossa colaboração com o EABC está a ajudar mais empresas da África Oriental a aceder a novos mercados com maior confiança. Ao tirar partido das redes de confiança e dos serviços digitais disponíveis através do Africa Trade Gateway, as empresas podem estabelecer ligações significativas, desbloquear novas oportunidades e participar mais activamente na crescente economia digital africana. À medida que mais empresas se ligam e comercializam com sucesso, a rede torna-se mais forte, criando um ciclo virtuoso de oportunidades e crescimento em todo o continente.”

Nas suas observações, o Sr. Ahmed Farah, Director Executivo do Conselho Empresarial da África Oriental, afirmou: “O EABC está a capacitar as empresas da África Oriental com conhecimento sobre as oportunidades de mercado da ZCLCA, as Regras de Origem, as concessões pautais, os procedimentos aduaneiros e os requisitos de exportação, complementados por apoio consultivo personalizado sobre a entrada no mercado e a preparação para a exportação. Enquanto parceiro do corredor comercial do Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) do Afreximbank, o EABC está a ligar as empresas ao ecossistema, permitindo o acesso a serviços de estabelecimento de parcerias entre empresas e a soluções de financiamento comercial que podem facilitar o comércio intra-africano no âmbito da ZCLCA.”

O Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) é o ecossistema de comércio digital emblemático do Afreximbank, que liga empresas, instituições financeiras e parceiros comerciais em toda África e além-fronteiras. A partir de uma única plataforma integrada, liga as empresas a contrapartes de confiança e a serviços que facilitam o comércio – financiamento comercial, pagamentos, conformidade, logística e informação de mercado – para facilitar as transacções transfronteiriças.

Lançado em Junho de 2023, o ATG opera actualmente em mais de 45 países africanos, ligando 45 instituições de apoio ao comércio, 110 bancos comerciais e 25.000 empresas verificadas, com uma carteira de oportunidades no valor de 4,5 mil milhões de USD em matérias-primas, minerais, petróleo e gás, bens de grande consumo e outros produtos fabricados em África. Ao consolidar os serviços necessários ao comércio, o ATG ajuda as empresas a comercializar com maior confiança, eficiência e escala.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

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

EABC
Endereço de Correio Electrónico: communications@eabc-online.com

Siga o Afreximbank em​: 
X: https://apo-opa.co/4yPnnkh
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4yvWqSt
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4yAjhfA
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4ym5pot

Siga a EABC em:
X: https://apo-opa.co/475VdVN
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4y0Ekqo
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/47xVu3V
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3W6zz1e

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 USD para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2025, o total de activos e passivos contingentes do Afreximbank atingiu mais de 48,5 mil milhões de USD, e os seus fundos próprios totalizaram 8,4 mil milhões de USD. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), pela GCR (A), pela Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e pela Moody’ s (Baa2) e pela S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com.

Sobre o EABC:
O Conselho Empresarial da África Oriental (EABC) é o órgão máximo de defesa dos interesses das associações do sector privado e das empresas dos oito estados parceiros da Comunidade da África Oriental (EAC) (Quénia, República Democrática do Congo, República Federal da Somália, Tanzânia, Ruanda, Burundi, Uganda e Sudão do Sul). Fundado em 1997, o EABC busca a excelência e é a plataforma regional mais reconhecida para as empresas apresentarem os obstáculos ao comércio e aos investimentos e, em conjunto, traçarem soluções para reduzir os custos de fazer negócios, impulsionar o crescimento do comércio e dos investimentos intra-regionais e promover reformas para uma economia diversificada, competitiva, orientada para a exportação, integrada e sustentável na África Oriental. A razão de ser do EABC é promover mudanças nas políticas públicas, de modo a criar um ambiente propício aos negócios na EAC.

Para mais informações, visite: www.EABC-Online.com

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Afreximbank et Conseil des entreprises d’Afrique de l’Est (EABC) renforcent l’accès des entreprises d’Afrique de l’Est au commerce numérique par le biais de la plateforme Africa Trade Gateway

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • Les entreprises d’Afrique de l’Est disposent désormais d’une passerelle numérique leur permettant d’accéder à un marché de plus de 1,3 milliard de consommateurs.

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) et l’East African Business Council [le Conseil des entreprises d’Afrique de l’Est] (EABC) ont signé l’accord d’agence relatif à « Africa Trade Gateway » [Passerelle commerciale africaine] (ATG), qui permet de relier les entreprises de la région, notamment les PME et les grands exportateurs, au marché commun de la Communauté de l’Afrique de l’Est (CAE), fort de 300 millions de consommateurs, ainsi qu’au marché plus large de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), qui compte 1,3 milliard de consommateurs, grâce au commerce numérique.

Cet accord a été signé récemment lors du premier Forum des PDG et de l’investissement d’Afrique de l’Est, qui s’est tenu à Nairobi, au Kenya, marquant ainsi une étape importante dans la collaboration en cours entre les deux organisations.

L’EABC s’emploie activement à promouvoir l’écosystème numérique auprès de ses membres et à les accompagner dans leur intégration. Ce partenariat associe ainsi le réseau régional d’entreprises de l’EABC aux services de commerce numérique de l’ATG afin d’aider les entreprises à trouver des acheteurs et des fournisseurs vérifiés à travers l’Afrique et au-delà, à accéder à des informations sur leurs partenaires commerciaux et à bénéficier de solutions de financement et de paiement.

Ce partenariat, qui revêt une importance particulière pour l’Afrique de l’Est et l’ensemble du continent, permet à l’East African Business Council d’intégrer un réseau grandissant d’institutions africaines d’appui au commerce qui collaborent pour permettre aux entreprises de trouver des opportunités au-delà de leurs marchés régionaux. Le renforcement de ces liens contribuera à permettre à un plus grand nombre d’entreprises de se développer à l’échelle transfrontalière et de tirer parti des possibilités offertes par la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf).

M. Haytham El Maayergi, Vice-président exécutif, Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, a déclaré : « Le commerce repose sur les relations, mais pour de nombreuses entreprises, l’identification des partenaires de confiance et l’accès aux services adaptés pour commercer au-delà des frontières peuvent constituer un défi de taille. L’Africa Trade Gateway est conçue pour combler ce fossé en mettant les entreprises en relation avec des acheteurs, des fournisseurs et des institutions financières de confiance, ainsi qu’avec les services dont elles ont besoin pour transformer les opportunités en transactions concrètes. Notre collaboration avec l’EABC aide un grand nombre d’entreprises d’Afrique de l’Est à accéder à de nouveaux marchés avec plus de confiance. En tirant parti des réseaux de confiance et des services numériques disponibles via l’Africa Trade Gateway, les entreprises peuvent nouer des liens fructueux, saisir de nouvelles opportunités et participer plus activement à l’économie numérique africaine en pleine croissance. À mesure que les entreprises parviennent à établir des contacts fructueux et à développer leurs échanges commerciaux, le réseau se renforce, créant ainsi un cercle vertueux d’opportunités et de croissance à l’échelle du continent ».

Dans son allocution, M. Ahmed Farah, Directeur général de l’East African Business Council, a déclaré : « L’EABC donne aux entreprises d’Afrique de l’Est les moyens d’agir en leur fournissant des informations sur les opportunités de marché offertes par la ZLECAf, les règles d’origine, les concessions tarifaires, les procédures douanières et les exigences en matière d’exportation, en plus d’un accompagnement sur mesure concernant l’entrée sur le marché et la préparation à l’exportation. En tant que partenaire du corridor commercial, l’Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) d’Afreximbank, l’EABC met les entreprises en relation avec l’écosystème, leur permettant ainsi d’accéder à des services de mise en relation entre entreprises et à des solutions de financement du commerce susceptibles de faciliter les échanges intra-africains dans le cadre de la ZLECAf. »

L’Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) est l’écosystème de commerce numérique phare d’Afreximbank, qui met en relation des entreprises, des institutions financières et des partenaires commerciaux à travers l’Afrique et au-delà. À partir d’une plateforme unique et intégrée, l’ATG relie les entreprises à des partenaires de confiance et à des services facilitant le commerce — financement du commerce, paiements, conformité, logistique et intelligence de marché — afin de faciliter les transactions transfrontalières.

Lancée en juin 2023, l’ATG est désormais présente dans plus de 45 pays africains, reliant 45 institutions de soutien au commerce, 110 banques commerciales et 25 000 entreprises vérifiées, avec un portefeuille d’opportunités de 4,5 milliards de dollars US couvrant les produits de base, les minerais, le pétrole et le gaz, les produits de grande consommation et d’autres produits fabriqués en Afrique. En regroupant les services nécessaires au commerce, l’ATG aide les entreprises à commercer avec davantage de confiance, d’efficacité et à plus grande échelle.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable de la communication et des événements (relations avec les médias)
​Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

Suivez Afreximbank sur :
X : https://apo-opa.co/4yPnnkh
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4yvWqSt
LinkedIn : https://apo-opa.co/4yAjhfA
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/4ym5pot

Suivez EABC sur :
X : https://apo-opa.co/475VdVN
Facebook : https://apo-opa.co/4y0Ekqo
LinkedIn : https://apo-opa.co/47xVu3V
Instagram : https://apo-opa.co/3W6zz1e

À propos d’Afreximbank : 
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2025, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 48,5 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 8,4 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A par GCR, A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et Baa2 par Moody’s. Moody’s (Baa2) et S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour plus d’ informations, veuillez visiter : www.Afreximbank.com

À propos de l’EABC :
​L’East African Business Council (EABC) est l’organisme faîtier de défense des intérêts des associations du secteur privé et des entreprises des huit États partenaires de la Communauté de l’Afrique de l’Est (CAE) : le Kenya, la République démocratique du Congo, la République fédérale de Somalie, la Tanzanie, le Rwanda, le Burundi, l’Ouganda et le Soudan du Sud. Créé en 1997, l’EABC vise l’excellence et constitue la plateforme régionale la plus réputée permettant aux entreprises d’identifier les obstacles au commerce et aux investissements et d’élaborer conjointement des solutions visant à réduire le coût des activités commerciales, à stimuler la croissance du commerce et des investissements intrarégionaux et à faire progresser les réformes en faveur d’une économie diversifiée, compétitive, axée sur les exportations, intégrée et durable en Afrique de l’Est. La raison d’être de l’EABC est de promouvoir des changements dans les politiques publiques afin de créer un environnement plus propice aux affaires au sein de la Communauté de l’Afrique de l’Est (CAE).

Pour plus d’ informations, veuillez visiter :  www.EABC-Online.com

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15 ans du partenariat de Ouagadougou : un bilan d’impact et une vision renouvelée pour les Droits en Santé Sexuelle et Reproductive/Planification Familiale (DSSR/PF)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’Afrique de l’Ouest célèbre cette année, le quinzième anniversaire du Partenariat de Ouagadougou (PO). Lancé en février 2011 à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), ce cadre unique de coopération régionale a permis de placer la planification familiale au cœur des priorités de santé publique dans neuf pays (Bénin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinée, Mali, Mauritanie, Niger, Sénégal et Togo) d’Afrique de l’Ouest.

Quinze ans après sa création, le Partenariat de Ouagadougou s’est imposé comme un espace régional de dialogue, de mobilisation et d’action collective, réunissant gouvernements, société civile, jeunes leaders, partenaires de mise en œuvre, bailleurs et acteurs de la recherche autour d’une ambition commune : faire progresser les droits et l’accès à la santé sexuelle et reproductive et à la planification familiale en Afrique de l’Ouest francophone.

En quinze ans, le PO a contribué à des avancées majeures : renforcement des politiques nationales, mobilisation accrue des ressources domestiques et extérieures, amélioration de l’offre de services et plaidoyer constant pour les Droits en Santé Sexuelle et Reproductive / Planification Familiale (DSSR/PF). Grâce à l’engagement des neuf pays membres, le nombre d’utilisatrices de méthodes contraceptives modernes a significativement progressé, créant une dynamique régionale qui doit désormais être accélérée pour atteindre l’ambition de 13 millions d’utilisatrices à l’horizon 2030. (https://apo-opa.co/4hpnahi)

Quelques chiffres cumulés en 15 ans :

  • Environ 30,3 millions de grossesses non désirées évitées ;
  • Environ 8,9 millions d’avortements à risque évités ;
  • Environ 1,8 millions de décès maternels évités ;
  • Environ 4 millions d’utilisatrices additionnelles de méthodes modernes de contraception.

Au-delà de ces chiffres, ces avancées traduisent quinze années de mobilisation collective pour permettre à davantage de personnes, notamment des femmes et des jeunes, de disposer de l’information, des services et du choix nécessaires pour décider librement de leur santé reproductive.

« Ces quinze années nous montrent ce qu’il est possible d’accomplir lorsque les pays, la société civile, les jeunes leaders, les chercheurs et les partenaires avancent dans la même direction. Notre responsabilité aujourd’hui est de préserver ces acquis tout en accélérant nos efforts pour que les ambitions de 2030 se traduisent concrètement dans la vie des femmes et des jeunes d’Afrique de l’Ouest. » Marie Ba, Directrice de l’Unité de Coordination du Partenariat de Ouagadougou.

Cette célébration est l’occasion de souligner une dynamique régionale : tous les 9 pays (https://apo-opa.co/4jCRc2q) du PO disposent de Plans d’Action Nationaux Budgétisés en planification familiale (PANB-PF)   ou de plans nationaux pour la santé reproductive, maternelle, néonatale, infantile, des adolescents et des personnes âgées (SRMNIA) en cours de mise en œuvre ou en cours de renouvellement, ce qui favorise une meilleure planification et intégration des politiques de planification familiale.

Dans 3 pays (Niger, Burkina Faso et Côte d’Ivoire) sur 9, l’accès aux méthodes de planification familiale est totalement gratuit sur toute l’étendue du territoire et la possibilité de la gratuité est en cours d’évaluation en Guinée. Dans les pays restants, l’accès est rendu possible grâce à des coûts relativement maîtrisés.

Quelques réalisations des pays

Bénin (https://apo-opa.co/4rJkb6J)

Burkina Faso (https://apo-opa.co/4rMlKAV)

Côte d’Ivoire (https://apo-opa.co/3VrJWg4)

Guinée (https://apo-opa.co/3Vv9wAH)

Mali (https://apo-opa.co/3ViXlqG)

Mauritanie (https://apo-opa.co/4jFAjUR)

Niger (https://apo-opa.co/4jCR8zI)

Senegal (https://apo-opa.co/4rK4b4u)

Togo (https://apo-opa.co/4hDuQNb)

En 2022, le PO s’est par ailleurs doté d’un « agenda recherche » visant à éclairer les décisions des autorités nationales et des partenaires avec des évidences produites localement (https://apo-opa.co/4huE0eP); huit projets de recherche, menés par des instituts ouest-africains, ont déjà été financés et leurs conclusions contribuent aujourd’hui à orienter concrètement les politiques publiques en matière de planification familiale.

Cette volonté de rapprocher davantage la recherche de la décision publique constitue également un axe important du PO : produire des connaissances ancrées dans les réalités ouest-africaines et faire en sorte qu’elles puissent nourrir les politiques, les financements et les programmes.

En 2023, la Réunion Annuelle du Partenariat de Ouagadougou, (RAPO) organisée en Côte d’Ivoire a été marquée par une annonce qui a fait date : le Premier Ministre ivoirien a porté le budget national d’approvisionnement en produits de planification familiale de 400 millions à 2,5 milliards FCFA. Cette décision illustre l’importance croissante de la mobilisation des ressources domestiques pour assurer la pérennité des progrès en matière de planification familiale.  Au Mali, un fonds Patronat a été mis en place pour soutenir la santé reproductive et la planification familiale.  À l’approche de 2030, l’enjeu sera non seulement de mobiliser davantage de financements nationaux, mais également de s’assurer que les engagements pris se traduisent durablement dans les budgets et les politiques publiques. C’est dans cette optique que s’inscrit la table ronde ministérielle du Partenariat de Ouagadougou qui s’est tenue en marge de la 81e Assemblée générale des Nations Unies, à laquelle les ministres de la santé et des finances ont pris part.

Le Partenariat de Ouagadougou, c’est bien plus qu’une initiative régionale : c’est une coalition d’acteurs (gouvernements, société civile et partenaires techniques et financiers) unis autour d’une même cause. Chacun, à son niveau, mobilise son expertise et ses ressources pour faire reculer les besoins non satisfaits en planification familiale en Afrique de l’Ouest. Sa force réside dans cette capacité à réunir les acteurs autour de priorités communes, à favoriser la redevabilité et à transformer les engagements politiques en actions concrètes pour les femmes, les jeunes et les communautés.

À quinze ans, le PO entre ainsi dans une nouvelle étape de son histoire. Alors que des progrès importants ont été réalisés, les besoins non satisfaits en matière de planification familiale persistent et le contexte régional appelle à préserver les acquis tout en accélérant les efforts.

Le cap fixé pour 2030 est clair : atteindre 13 millions d’utilisatrices de méthodes contraceptives modernes, tout en contribuant à l’Objectif de développement durable 3 et à l’accès équitable à des services de santé sexuelle et reproductive de qualité, fondés sur les droits et le libre choix.

Cette ambition nous rappelle que la planification familiale ne relève pas uniquement de la santé. Elle a des effets sur la vie des femmes et des filles, leurs possibilités d’éducation et leur participation à la vie économique et sociale. Elle contribue ainsi plus largement au développement de nos pays, notamment à l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes, à la réduction de la pauvreté, à la gouvernance et au développement durable.

Les cinq prochaines années seront déterminantes. Le Partenariat appelle à renforcer la mobilisation des ressources domestiques, à préserver l’accès aux services dans tous les contextes, à mieux intégrer les besoins des jeunes, à soutenir les organisations de la société civile et à continuer à faire de la donnée et de la recherche des outils au service de la décision publique.

Le PO invite l’ensemble de ses parties prenantes : États, société civile, partenaires de mise en œuvre, bailleurs, médias, jeunes, chercheurs à poursuivre leurs efforts pour que chaque femme et chaque jeune, où qu’il ou elle vive en Afrique de l’Ouest, puisse exercer pleinement ses droits et accéder à des services de qualité répondant à ses besoins et à ses aspirations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Speak Up Africa.

Pour toute information complémentaire, veuillez contacter :​
Mme Armelle Nyobe
Responsable Communication – UCPO
anyobe@partenariatouaga.org

Mme Jensiah Ohouo
Chargée de communication – UCPO
johouo@partenariatouaga.org

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