Category: Africa

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Tzaneen dam wall project revised completion for 2026

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced a revised completion date for the raising of Tzaneen Dam Wall project, which was initially scheduled for March 2025.

In a statement on Wednesday, the department announced that the new target for the project completion is March 2026.

The Tzaneen Dam Wall Raising project, which is part of the Groot Letaba River Water Augmentation Project (GLeWaP), was resumed on 06 June 2023.

The project includes raising the dam wall by 3 metres, which will significantly increase the dam’s storage capacity to meet the growing water demands and improve water security in the Limpopo Province.

Once completed, the additional water supply is expected to benefit households, agricultural and industrial sectors the region.

According to the department, the project is currently 46% complete.

Anthony Bhasopo from the department’s Water Resource Infrastructure Development unit, expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to deliver the project within the revised timeframe.

While acknowledging some unforeseen incidents that hampered with progress to complete the project within the stipulated timeline, Bhasopo said the department has made strides since the beginning of the project in 2023.

“We have progressed well and achieved significant milestones of the project, and we are confident that the revised timeline will be met. This project will ensure that the objective to meet the projected growing primary water requirements for the next 20 years in the region, is finally realised,” Bhasopo said.

The construction project that has been carried out includes the demolition of the upper section of the existing ogee spillway, construction of a new labyrinth spillway to increase discharge capacity, strengthening of the earthfill embankments for improved dam stability, realignment of the permanent access road downstream of the dam, and additional supporting and safety-related works.

The components that have been completed, or are in progress are as follows:
•    Temporary fencing around the site.
•    Temporary access road from Deerpark and river diversion pipeline.
•    Realignment of the permanent access road, which is 20 % complete. 
•    Embankment strengthening, which is 36% complete.
•    Tongue wall construction, which is 19 % complete.
•    Labyrinth spillway construction, which is 11% complete.

“The project enabled 241 people to be employed, which includes the main contractor and sub-contractors. Females count to 76, and the youth count to 108,” Bhasopo said.

Originally completed in 1977, the Tzaneen Dam features a mass concrete gravity spillway flanked by earthfill embankments. The existing ogee-type spillway, which is 91.44 metres long with a crest level of 723.90 metres above sea level (masl), will be replaced by a more efficient labyrinth spillway.

The non-overspill crest currently measures 1,063.5 metres at 730.60 masl, with protective interlocking concrete blocks on both the upstream and downstream embankment faces.

The dam’s current gross storage capacity is 157.3 million cubic metres (m3), and the project will increase the total storage capacity by 35.7 million m3. After the completion of the project, the new capacity will be 193 million m3. – SAnews.gov.za

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Western Cape Government condemns latest Langa shootings

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Western Cape Government (WCG) has condemned the recent Langa shootings that claimed the lives of two people and left another person injured.

Reports indicate that Monday’s fatalities are connected to the ongoing taxi violence, which is having a widespread impact across the Cape Town Metro area.

“The provincial government appeals to anyone with information to come forward and assist in ensuring those responsible are arrested,” the statement read. 

Meanwhile, the Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Isaac Sileku, expressed has since deep concern about the incident. 
“More lives have been lost to criminality. We cannot allow this to continue. These killings are robbing families of loved ones and placing the entire mini-bus taxi industry, as well as the communities it serves, under threat,” he said. 

He has since called on all the role players to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. 

“We must never accept violence to resolve disputes. Protecting lives and ensuring safety across the public transport network remains central to our mission.”

The WCG has since stated that the response to this ongoing violence is coordinated across departments.

MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has also condemned the killings while also urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue. 

“Violence is not the answer. We will not tolerate these acts of violence. I urge the SAPS [South African Police Service] to deal decisively with those responsible for this violence,” Marais said.

In addition, the MEC confirmed that SAPS investigations are ongoing and that law enforcement presence in affected areas has been intensified. 

Additional police resources, including the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and Provincial Traffic, have also been deployed. 
The provincial government announced that high-density patrols are being conducted along key routes between Somerset West and Mfuleni to stabilise the situation and prevent any further violence.

In addition, an urgent Mini-Bus Task Team meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, 12 June 2025, to bring together key stakeholders to find solutions through dialogue and coordinated action.

The Department of Mobility, in close collaboration with safety and law enforcement agencies, said it remains focused on fostering peaceful resolutions and ensuring that public transport remains safe, reliable, and dignified for all who depend on it.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by these acts of violence. The Western Cape Government stands united in its efforts to restore peace and safeguard every commuter, operator, and transport worker in our province.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Disaster Management Committee assesses impact of adverse weather

Source: South Africa News Agency

Disaster Management Committee assesses impact of adverse weather

An urgent special meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM) to respond to the country’s adverse weather conditions was convened by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa.

“The meeting was appraised by all provincial and sector departments on the state of play on the ground as disaster relief efforts are underway, stemming from the current incident.  

“The meeting noted that solid progress has been made in ensuring families who have lost their homes are housed in alternative accommodation,” the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said of Tuesday’s meeting.

The (ICDM) includes political leaders from all three levels of government and is responsible for ensuring a coordinated response across all sectors for the effective implementation of disaster management interventions.

This group involves representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL). 

The Ministry believes that the current weather conditions serve as a “stark” reminder that climate change is real and that more needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods. 

In addition, technical experts were mobilised to ensure that urgent attention is paid to the damaged water infrastructure and that water tankers be directed where they are needed. 

Meanwhile, other teams are being deployed in some areas to provide psycho-social services. 

Social partners and various non-governmental organisations like the Gift of the Givers and Al-Imdaad Foundation are also helping. 
“The ICDM has commended them for their efforts to provide hot meals, blankets and other support measures,” said the Ministry.
 

Eastern Cape severe weather conditions

All provinces have faced severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall. 
According to CoGTA, the Eastern Cape has been the hardest hit by the current severe weather incident.

“Sadly, a scholar transport minibus transporting children was unfortunately swept by water, leading to loss of life.  

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we extend our sincere condolences to them,” said Hlabisa.

According to the latest reports, the search for pupils who were swept away in floods near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape is set to resume after their minibus taxi was carried off a bridge. 

Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree.

The department said the rescue operations and search for the rest of the learners led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) around Mthatha are still ongoing.   

Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier said the death toll in the OR Tambo District Municipality has risen to nine.
The Office of the Premier reported that hundreds of people have been displaced and are currently accommodated in various community halls throughout the OR Tambo District Municipality. 

In the Amathole District, over 200 people have been relocated from the Sikiti Informal Settlement to A.B. Bam Primary School. 
In addition, numerous people from the Eugene and Zithulele Informal Settlements have been housed at the Butterworth Town Hall. Power outages have been reported in some areas due to the torrential rains in both district municipalities.

Cleanup actions

The meeting acknowledged and praised the members of various cleanup teams, including those from the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) and several municipalities in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 

These teams have successfully ensured that all major roads are reopened, allowing traffic to flow smoothly. Many of the roads had been impassable since the weekend due to heavy snowfall.

“While this is good news, members of the public are once again explicitly reminded to drive with extreme caution as roads are wet and, above all, are advised not to attempt to pass through streams or strong flowing rivers.” 

READ | Mop-up operations underway in KwaZulu-Natal after heavy snowfall

READ  | Eastern Cape government activates disaster teams in response to cold front

CoGTA has announced that the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has indicated that the inclement weather would be coming to an end as the cut-off low-pressure system is moving out to sea. The weather is expected to improve from Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile

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Green Hydrogen: Powering SA’s energy and economic future

Source: South Africa News Agency

Green Hydrogen: Powering SA’s energy and economic future

Green hydrogen is the fuel of the future and will have a major role to play in powering South Africa’s growth and employment prospects.

This according to Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who spoke to SAnews ahead of the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS) in Cape Town.

The green hydrogen economy is a new frontier for clean energy as it emits low carbon emissions coupled with a global potential of at least $300 billion in global exports over the next three decades.

South Africa holds approximately 80% of the world’s platinum group metals (PGMs) and 40% of the world’s platinum and palladium reserves which are key components in the production of hydrogen – placing it in a potentially lucrative position.

“Green hydrogen is a big part of the South African growth story because it helps us to beneficiate our upstream endowments in the form of our PGMs. Mining has got the highest employment absorption capacity of any sector so it’s going to help us beneficiate and get more and more people into employment,” he said.

Furthermore, the burgeoning sector has a big role to play in South Africa’s transition from a carbon intensive country to one powered in the main, by renewable energy technologies.

“It’s going to help us transition what we call the ‘hard to abate sectors’ of the economy. Electricity is a large part of our emissions and that’s why we are working with Eskom to reduce the emission levels.

“The next contributor to emissions is transportation but it’s very difficult to retrofit some of the renewable energy solutions…on aviation and maritime. So, we needed another solution and green hydrogen provides that solution,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister acknowledged that the sector remains “cost prohibitive” but assured that he expects those costs to reduce. 

“We are confident that with the maturity of the technology, we are going to come in competitively and it’s going to help us transition.

“Of course, it’s also going to help us diversify energy sources. It’s going to help us to ensure that there’s a multiplicity of energy choices in relation to how we meet our power needs. Green hydrogen is a big part of the conversation,” he told SAnews.

Turning to the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit, Ramokgopa said African countries must align 

“The summit…will help us to position the continent in relation to how we can align policy to ensure that the continent benefits as a whole. We are capable of producing 60% of global renewable energy…but the total investment is less than 1%.

“So it is important that we align; we coordinate our efforts, see ourselves as a grouping of countries on the continent that can benefit from the endowments we have,” Ramokgopa said.

Unlocking employment

The green hydrogen industry is expected to create thousands of permanent and temporary job opportunities in South Africa with a particular focus on youth employment.

Two young people already hard at work in the sector are PhD graduates Dr Mphoma Matseke and Dr Victor Mashindi who spoke exclusively to SAnews.

The two youngsters are currently employed at Isondo Precious Metals which is playing a pioneering role in Africa’s green hydrogen economy.

Matseke highlighted that as the country moves toward green energy solutions, young people need to be more informed about renewable energy and how it works.

“As a young person, if you go to primary schools and even high schools and you ask them about green energy, they don’t have an idea of what you’re talking about. So, I feel like this is a platform that we can use to put the message out there about green energy and its applications.

“It feels amazing to be working at the cutting edge of technology,” she said.

Mashindi echoed the sentiments of his counterpart – describing the acceleration towards renewable energy technology as a boon for youth in science.

“Working with cutting edge technology at the forefront of renewable energy technology is very exciting because often times you mainly do theoretical studies at university and then you go on and work in a bank or a municipality.

“So…this is exciting because you get to apply the knowledge to solve real life problems. Knowing that we will be contributing meaningfully towards the development of the economy and the science and technology behind that keeps us going.

“I encourage young people to study sciences such as chemistry because these are the sciences that are taking us forward. There will be more facilities like these and more jobs in this industry…the future is really bright,” Mashinidi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Parents arrested for alleged child pornography, sexual grooming of daughters

Source: South Africa News Agency

Parents arrested for alleged child pornography, sexual grooming of daughters

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man in Bloubergstrand, in the Western Cape, for the alleged sexual abuse of their two daughters, aged three and eight. 

“The suspects face multiple charges, including the production of child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as “child pornography”), rape, sexual assault and sexual grooming,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

The victims were rescued during the police operation and have since been placed in a place of safety.

“The operation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the national and Western Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations Units, officials from the Department of Social Development supported by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI),” the police said. 

The suspects were located at a residence identified through joint investigative efforts.

Several electronic devices were seized during the arrest on Tuesday.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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African Development Bank and International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) hold workshop for Francophone West Africa governments to strengthen development effectiveness


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The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) concluded a workshop on Thursday aimed at enhancing the use of development finance data to support national planning, coordination, and accountability. The workshop was attended by government representatives from Francophone West Africa.

The three-day workshop, held from 3 to 5 June, took place at the headquarters of the African Development Bank Group in Abidjan, with participants from Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.

During the event, government representatives explored how IATI data can help track external resources, align aid with national priorities, and strengthen decision-making. A key focus for the workshop participants was strengthening dialogue with development partners to improve the information on billions of dollars of development investments flowing into Francophone West Africa. Participants also received practical training on the use of IATI data and tools.

Development partner representatives from Agence Française de Développement, Islamic Development Bank, West African Development Bank (BOAD), and the World Bank attended the workshop. These partners, including the African Development Bank, through IATI, have published detailed information on their development finance, projects and results. Since 2013, the Bank has published over $200 billion in project and results data to the IATI Standard.

Armand Nzeyimana, Director of the Development Impact and Results Department at the African Development Bank, emphasised the Bank’s leadership on transparency in his opening remarks: “Since joining IATI in 2011, the Bank has made a firm commitment to making transparency a cornerstone of its work.” 

The African Development Bank has shared public data about its investments through the creation of its Data Portal and MapAfrica platform, which visualises over 5,700 projects across 17,600 locations, aligned with the Bank’s High 5 strategic priorities, Nzeyimana said.

This approach resulted in the African Development Bank’s sovereign portfolio being recognised as the most transparent out of 50 global development institutions in 2022 and 2024, according to Publish What You Fund’s (https://apo-opa.co/45NBjzm) Aid Transparency Index, Nzeyimana added.

For Charlie Martial Ngounou, Vice-Chair of IATI’s Governing Board, the workshop provided an important opportunity for governments and partners in Francophone West Africa to work towards “greater transparency, coordination, and effectiveness in development cooperation.” He underlined the importance of ensuring that IATI serves country-level realities, noting: “The value of a standard lies in its adoption, its adaptation, and its relevance to country contexts. The real impact of IATI is found in your ministries, your dashboards, your planning and coordination processes.”

Representing the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Nahoua Yeo, Directeur de Cabinet at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, highlighted the importance of accessible, high-quality data for government leadership:

“I commend the IATI initiative for its leading role in standardizing, collecting, and disseminating data on development cooperation. Thanks to this standard, countries like ours can access strategic information, enhance budgetary transparency, and improve the quality of dialogue with partners. I also commend the AfDB for its continued commitment to aid effectiveness and support to member states.”

The workshop concluded with participants agreeing on a regional roadmap to enhance the use of IATI data at the country level in francophone west Africa. Participants also looked ahead to 2030 and input their vision for what IATI’s next strategic plan should focus on to meet the information needs of francophone African countries.

Both institutions look forward to continuing their partnership with countries to advance transparency, increase country ownership, and improve the effectiveness of development cooperation.

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

Contacts:
African Development Bank:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

IATI:
Rohini Simbodyal 
IATI Advocacy and Communications Specialist Sustainable Finance Hub
email: rohini.simbodyal@undp.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. 

For more information: www.AfDB.org

About the International Aid Transparency Initiative:
IATI is a global initiative to improve the transparency of development and humanitarian resources and their results to address poverty and crises. See https://apo-opa.co/45kuqFI for more information. To date over 1,700 organisations have published data on nearly 1 million development and humanitarian projects, providing visibility on USD 3.7 trillion in spending.

For more information: https://IATIStandard.org

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Uganda’s tax system is a drain on small businesses: how to set them free

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Adrienne Lees, Researcher, Institute of Development Studies

Uganda is one of the countries most exposed to recent cuts in international aid, particularly with the dissolution of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). In 2023, about 5% of gross national income – a measure of a country’s total income, including income from foreign sources – was received in aid.

The cuts have given new impetus to the drive to increase taxes raised from domestic businesses.

Less than half (45%) of the Ugandan budget is financed through domestic revenue. The remainder is funded largely through debt and budget support (grants) from bilateral and multilateral donors. Corporate income tax makes up around 8% of total domestic revenue. Firms also collect employee income tax (pay-as-you-earn), value added tax, excise duties and fuel duties.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute a small share of overall corporate income tax collection. But they make up over 90% of the private sector. The economy is heavily reliant on these firms for employment and growth.

These businesses struggle to navigate an increasingly complex tax system.

The complexity of Uganda’s tax system makes for a time-consuming tax filing process, compounded by low taxpayer knowledge and high levels of distrust in the Uganda Revenue Authority. The time, money and effort incurred by taxpayers to meet their tax obligations adds to their total tax burden.

These compliance costs also have real economic consequences. Firms might miss out on tax benefits or artificially constrain business growth to avoid greater reporting requirements. Since smaller firms are more constrained in their ability to document revenues, accurately calculate tax liabilities and file returns, they might even pay more tax than necessary.

At the margin, compliance costs affect the economic choices people make: the fear of high compliance costs might induce a potential entrepreneur to take a salaried job instead of starting a new business.

Relieving this burden could unlock greater productivity and growth, and encourage innovation and investment.

For my PhD in economics I collaborated with the Uganda Revenue Authority to generate detailed measures of tax compliance costs, using data from a survey of nearly 2,000 taxpaying SMEs. My research finds that the burden of compliance is significant, even for firms with very little tax revenue to contribute.

Solutions should focus on making compliance easier and ensuring that tax thresholds are set appropriately to exclude unproductive small firms.

The burden

The median firm faces total annual compliance costs of about US$800, equivalent to just under 2% of turnover. These costs are also highly regressive: smaller firms face costs exceeding 20% of turnover, versus less than 1% for the largest firms.

A more troubling result is that many firms, and particularly smaller ones, spend more on completing their tax returns than they pay in actual income tax.

Much of this burden stems from labour time. Employees and firm owners dedicate over 30 hours a month on compliance-related activities, primarily compiling tax documentation and preparing returns. For firm owners personally involved in tax compliance, this responsibility consumes around 20% of their working hours, on average.

Somewhat surprisingly, the amount of time spent on tax compliance does not increase significantly with firm size.

To compensate for limited tax knowledge, many firms use the services of a tax agent. These include external accountants, consultants, or other tax specialists who assist with tax compliance. My research finds that the use of agents is common across all taxpayer categories and is primarily driven by a desire to ensure proper compliance, rather than to minimise tax liabilities.

Although these agents do not necessarily reduce compliance costs, since firms spend an average of US$54 per month on agents’ fees, related research shows that they have a broadly positive impact on the quality of tax returns submitted.

What can be done

The Ugandan parliament recently voted on the 2025 tax amendment bills, with measures aiming to bolster revenue collection and simplify compliance. For instance, policymakers propose to use the national identity document as a taxpayer identification number, rather than requiring separate tax registration.

But policymakers should consider bolder actions.

Read more: Uganda’s tax system isn’t bringing in enough revenue, but is targeting small business the answer?

Firstly, the administrative thresholds for corporate income tax and presumptive tax (a simplified tax on business income for the smallest firms) have not been adjusted for over a decade. In a high inflation environment, this means that the tax system is capturing many firms with very little profit, and no tax to pay. Yet, these firms still bear compliance costs, and the revenue service incurs administrative costs registering and monitoring unproductive taxpayers.

Roughly 30% to 35% of firms filing returns each year file a nil return, meaning that they report zero on all significant fields of the tax return. Even these firms report compliance costs of, on average, around US$500 per year.

Read more: Uganda study shows text messages can boost tax compliance: here’s what worked

Rather than chasing the “little guy”, bigger revenue gains are likely to come from focusing on the largest businesses. For instance, research shows that tax incentives and exemptions cost Uganda over US$40 million in lost revenue per year.

Secondly, the Ugandan corporate income tax return is particularly long, complex, and more suited to the business structure of very large firms, rather than the SMEs making up most of the Ugandan economy. In addition to changing the thresholds, simplifying the return would be beneficial.

Read more: Wealthy Africans often don’t pay tax: the answer lies in smarter collection – expert

Filing processes could also be eased through automated pre-filling, for instance by using information from a firm’s monthly VAT returns to pre-populate parts of the corporate income tax return. The rollout of the Uganda Revenue Authority’s electronic invoicing system for VAT is a promising step in this direction, although it has been met with resistance by taxpayers.

– Uganda’s tax system is a drain on small businesses: how to set them free
– https://theconversation.com/ugandas-tax-system-is-a-drain-on-small-businesses-how-to-set-them-free-258120

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Azana Electric et la Banque africaine de développement s’unissent pour impulser l’avenir énergétique du Burundi grâce à un don de 600 000 dollars à Weza Power

Lors du lancement du Pacte national pour l’énergie du Burundi dans le cadre de la consultation du secteur privé pour « Mission 300 » (M300) à Londres, Anzana Electric Group et la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) ont annoncé un don de 600 000 dollars du Fonds pour l’énergie durable en Afrique (SEFA) pour soutenir Weza Power, une entreprise privée de services publics. Ce don effectué dans le cadre d’un partenariat public-privé (PPP) vise à étendre rapidement l’électrification du pays et de raccorder neuf millions de personnes dans ce pays des Grands Lacs.

Le don s’inscrit dans le cadre du programme régional d’assistance technique récemment approuvé par les instances décisionnelles du SEFA en faveur des PPP et relatif au transport et à la distribution de l’électricité. Le programme est conçu pour permettre au secteur privé de participer au développement et au financement de projets de lignes de transport et d’extension du réseau, afin d’accroître l’intégration des énergies renouvelables. Pour le Burundi, il permettra d’accélérer les activités de développement de Weza Power et de financer des axes de travail environnementaux et sociaux clés au moment où l’entreprise se prépare à devenir pleinement opérationnelle.

« Weza Power représente un nouveau modèle audacieux pour accélérer l’accès à l’électricité pour tous les Burundais, a déclaré le ministre burundais de l’Hydraulique, de l’Énergie et des Mines, Ibrahim Uwizeye. Nous sommes fiers de nous associer au secteur privé pour apporter des solutions innovantes à nos défis énergétiques et étendre l’accès à l’électricité à des millions de nos citoyens. »

Weza Power est la première société nationale de distribution d’électricité de ce type à opérer au Burundi. Détenue et exploitée par Anzana Electricity, avec le soutien de British International Investment et Gridworks, Weza Power est la première société nationale privée de distribution d’électricité en Afrique subsaharienne depuis plus d’une décennie.

Avec ce nouvel engagement, la Banque africaine de développement devient le plus récent partenaire de « M300 » à apporter un soutien direct à Weza Power, rejoignant ainsi la Société financière internationale (SFI) et la Banque mondiale. La Banque africaine de développement explore activement d’autres pistes pour assurer la réussite à long terme de ce modèle innovant de PPP par le biais de ses guichets de financement des secteurs public et privé.

« Notre objectif est de permettre à chaque Burundais de profiter pleinement des opportunités offertes par l’électricité. Ce soutien de la Banque africaine de développement et du SEFA contribuera à accélérer le développement du projet et à concrétiser les ambitions énergétiques du Burundi », a déclaré Brian Kelly, PDG d’Anzana Electric Group, la société mère de Weza Power. « Ce don représente une nouvelle avancée majeure pour notre équipe et les nombreuses communautés à travers le Burundi qui bénéficieront d’une électricité fiable et abordable », a-t-il ajouté.

« Ce soutien à Weza Power s’inscrit dans notre engagement à déployer à grande échelle des modèles commerciaux innovants qui peuvent nous aider à atteindre l’accès universel », a déclaré Daniel Schroth, directeur des énergies renouvelables et de l’efficacité énergétique à la Banque africaine de développement. « En tant que leader de la « Mission 300 », nous sommes fiers de soutenir le pacte « Mission 300 » du Burundi et de catalyser les capitaux privés grâce à des partenariats public-privé ambitieux comme Weza », a-t-il souligné.

Cette annonce intervient après que le Burundi a dévoilé son Pacte national pour l’énergie lors de la Consultation du secteur privé sur la « Mission 300 », organisée par le Groupe de la Banque mondiale et l’Agence multilatérale de garantie des investissements (MIGA). Le Pacte définit les réformes clés et les priorités d’investissement pour parvenir à l’accès universel à l’énergie et constitue la pierre angulaire de l’initiative « Mission 300 », un programme conjoint de la Banque mondiale et de la Banque africaine de développement visant à fournir l’électricité à 300 millions de personnes en Afrique d’ici 2030.

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

Contacts média :
Pour Azana Electric :
Thom Wallace
thom.wallance@azana.com

Pour la Banque africaine de développement :
Frederica Lourenco
f.lourenco@afdb.org

À propos de Weza Power :
Weza Power est une société privée de distribution d’électricité visant à accélérer l’accès universel à l’énergie au Burundi. Créée et détenue par Anzana Electric Group, Weza Power est conçue comme un partenariat public-privé à l’échelle nationale. Elle s’appuie sur des capitaux commerciaux, des financements liés au climat et concessionnels, ainsi que sur le soutien technique de donateurs multilatéraux et bilatéraux. La société vise à raccorder 9 millions de personnes dans les zones périurbaines et rurales d’ici 2030, ce qui en fait l’un des projets de distribution les plus ambitieux d’Afrique subsaharienne. Gridworks Development Partners, une plateforme d’investissement détenue par British International Investment qui se concentre sur les secteurs du transport et de la distribution en Afrique, est l’un des investisseurs d’Anzana Electric Group.

À propos de la Banque africaine de développement :
La Banque africaine de développement est la première institution multilatérale de financement du développement en Afrique. Elle soutient le progrès économique et social sur tout le continent. Le Burundi est membre du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement et l’un des pays cibles de l’initiative « Mission 300 », développée par le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement et la Banque mondiale. Le soutien de la Banque africaine de développement comprend un cofinancement stratégique et une assistance technique afin de mobiliser des capitaux publics et privés pour l’accès à l’énergie, le développement des infrastructures et une croissance inclusive.

À propos du Fonds pour l’énergie durable en Afrique :
Le Fonds pour l’énergie durable en Afrique (SEFA) est un fonds spécial multidonateurs qui fournit des financements catalytiques pour débloquer les investissements du secteur privé dans les énergies renouvelables et l’efficacité énergétique. Il propose une assistance technique et des instruments de financement concessionnels pour lever les obstacles au marché, constituer un portefeuille de projets plus solide et améliorer le profil risque-rendement des investissements individuels. L’objectif principal du Fonds est de contribuer à l’accès universel à des services énergétiques abordables, fiables, durables et modernes pour tous en Afrique, conformément au New Deal pour l’énergie pour l’Afrique et à la « M300 ».

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

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Anzana Electric e Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento impulsionam o futuro energético do Burundi com uma subvenção de 600 mil dólares à Weza Power

O Grupo Anzana Electric e o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) acordaram uma subvenção para o desenvolvimento de projectos no valor de 600 mil dólares do Fundo de Energia Sustentável para África (SEFA). O anúncio foi feito no lançamento do Compacto Nacional para a Energia do Burundi, durante a Consulta do Setor Privado da Missão 300 (M300), em Londres.

A subvenção apoiará a Weza Power, uma empresa privada apoiada por uma parceria público-privada (PPP), com o objetivo de expandir rapidamente a eletrificação e ligar nove milhões de pessoas em todo o Burundi.

A subvenção faz parte do programa de assistência técnica regional recentemente aprovado pelo SEFA para PPP nos setores do transporte e da distribuição, implementadas pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento. O programa foi concebido para permitir a participação do setor privado no desenvolvimento e financiamento de linhas de transporte e projetos de expansão da rede, com o objetivo de aumentar a integração das energias renováveis. Especificamente, irá acelerar as atividades de desenvolvimento da Weza Power e financiar as principais vertentes ambientais e sociais, à medida que se prepara para o lançamento operacional total.

“A Weza Power representa um novo modelo arrojado para acelerar o acesso à eletricidade para todos os habitantes do Burundi”, afirmou o Ministro da Hidráulica, Energia e Minas do país, Ibrahim Uwizeye. “Estamos orgulhosos da parceria com o setor privado para trazer soluções inovadoras para os nossos desafios energéticos e expandir o acesso à eletricidade a milhões dos nossos cidadãos”, acrescentou.

A Weza Power é a primeira empresa de distribuição de eletricidade a nível nacional do seu género a operar no Burundi. Propriedade privada e operada pela Anzana Electricity, com o apoio da British International Investment e da Gridworks, a Weza Power representa a primeira empresa nacional de distribuição de eletricidade operada pelo setor privado na África subsaariana em mais de uma década.

Com o seu mais recente compromisso, o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento torna-se o mais recente parceiro da M300 a prestar apoio direto à Weza Power, juntando-se à Sociedade Financeira Internacional (SFI) e ao Banco Mundial. O Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento está a explorar ativamente outras vias para garantir o sucesso a longo prazo deste modelo inovador de PPP através das suas janelas de financiamento dos setores público e privado.

“O nosso objetivo é desbloquear a oportunidade que a energia proporciona a todos os burundenses. Este apoio do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e do SEFA ajudará a acelerar o desenvolvimento de projetos e a concretizar as ambições energéticas do Burundi”, afirmou Brian Kelly, CEO do Anzana Electric Group, a empresa-mãe da Weza Power. “Esta subvenção representa mais um grande passo em frente para a nossa equipa e para as muitas comunidades do Burundi que irão beneficiar de energia fiável e acessível”, apontou ainda.

“Este apoio à Weza Power alinha-se com o nosso compromisso de dar escala a modelos de negócio inovadores que nos podem ajudar a alcançar o acesso universal”, disse Daniel Schroth, Diretor de Energias Renováveis e Eficiência Energética do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento. “Como líder da Missão 300, estamos orgulhosos de apoiar o compacto da Missão 300 do Burundi e catalisar o capital privado através de parcerias público-privadas ousadas como a Weza”, afirmou.

O anúncio surge no momento em que o Burundi revelou o seu Compacto Nacional para a Energia na Consulta do Setor Privado M300, organizada pelo Grupo Banco Mundial e pela Agência Multilateral de Garantia do Investimento (MIGA). O Compacto delineia as principais reformas e prioridades de investimento para alcançar o acesso universal à energia e serve como pedra angular da iniciativa Missão 300 – um esforço conjunto do Banco Mundial e do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para ligar 300 milhões de pessoas em África até 2030.

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

Contactos para os media:
Azana Electric:
Thom Wallace
thom.wallance@anzana.com

Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
Frederica Lourenço
f.lourenco@afdb.org

Sobre a Weza Power:
A Weza Power é uma empresa privada de distribuição de eletricidade criada para acelerar o acesso universal à energia no Burundi. Criada e detida pelo Anzana Electric Group, a Weza Power foi concebida como uma Parceria Público-Privada à escala nacional. É apoiada por capital comercial, financiamento climático e concessional e apoio técnico de doadores multilaterais e bilaterais. A empresa pretende ligar 9 milhões de pessoas em zonas periurbanas e rurais até 2030, o que a torna um dos projetos de distribuição mais ambiciosos da África subsaariana. O Anzana Electric Group é uma empresa investida pela Gridworks Development Partners, uma plataforma de investimento detida pela British International Investment que se concentra nos setores de transmissão e distribuição em África.

Sobre o Fundo de Energia Sustentável para África:
O SEFA é um Fundo Especial de vários doadores que fornece financiamento catalítico para desbloquear investimentos do setor privado em energias renováveis e eficiência energética. O SEFA oferece assistência técnica e instrumentos de financiamento concessional para eliminar as barreiras do mercado, criar uma reserva mais robusta de projetos e melhorar o perfil de risco-retorno dos investimentos individuais. O objetivo global do Fundo é contribuir para o acesso universal a serviços de energia acessíveis, fiáveis, sustentáveis e modernos para todos em África, em conformidade com o Novo Acordo sobre Energia para África e o M300.

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

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Bank One Extends a Facility to the ESATF Trade Fund to Support Regional Trade Finance in Africa

Bank One (www.BankOne.mu) has extended a USD 5 million facility to ESATF, an African trade fund managed by the ESATAL fund management company, a TDB Group subsidiary, to support trade finance on the continent.

The facility is designed to support the Fund’s growing loan book. The financing will be deployed to meet the rising demand for trade finance across Africa, a key growth market for both institutions.

TDB Group and Bank One share a long-standing relationship which was first established with Bank One’s participation in the syndicated loans of TDB Group’s Trade and Development Banking operations. 

This facility is a new area of collaboration between both institutions, and Bank One’s first direct lending engagement with ESATF. It reflects the institution’s confidence in the Fund as a strong and well-managed trade finance vehicle, with a diversified and de-risked loan portfolio.

ESATAL Executive Director Umulinga Karangwa said “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Bank One as we extend our trade finance reach across African markets. This latest collaboration builds on the existing relationship with TDB Group and reflects a shared commitment to unlocking capital for businesses that drive regional trade and economic development. As ESATF continues to scale-up, such partnerships are key to deepening our impact and expanding access to much-needed financing across the continent.”

Bank One CEO, Sunil Ramgobin adds: “Over the past few years, Bank One has joined TDB on two syndicated debt raises, demonstrating our shared mission to promote sustainable, inclusive growth across Africa. This third collaboration—a USD 5 million trade finance facility to ESATF—reinforces our joint ambition to deliver measurable social, environmental and developmental impact. By supporting ESATF’s growing loan book, we respond to rising demand for trade finance across African markets. We stand alongside TDB Group in building a stronger, more resilient Africa and look forward to achieving many more milestones together as we finance progress that truly matters.”

With USD 300 million in net assets under management as of June 2025, and over 60 investors in its diverse stable, the ESATF trade fund serves as a strong platform for institutional investors looking to support Africa’s growing trade finance sector, and its impact across several sectors, including for SMEs, women and smallholder farmers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bank One Limited.

Media contacts:
Trade and Development Bank Group:
Anne-Marie Iskandar
Senior Communications Officer
Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
Anne-Marie.Iskandar@tdbgroup.org

Zethical PR Agency:
Kaajal Gungadeen
Head of PR & Communications
communication@zethical.com

Bank One:
Virginie Couronne
Senior Communication & Content Specialist
virginie.appapoulay@bankone.mu

About TDB Group:
Established in 1985, the Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group) is an African regional multilateral development bank, with a mandate to finance and foster trade, regional economic integration and sustainable development in Africa. TDB Group counts several subsidiaries and strategic business units including Trade and Development Banking, TDB Asset Management (TAM), the Trade and Development Fund (TDF), TDB Captive Insurance Company (TCI), the ESATAL fund management company and TDB Academy.

About ESATAL fund management company:
The ESATAL fund management company, a wholly owned TDB Group subsidiary, manages trade finance funds aligned with TDB Group’s commitment to promoting trade-led economic and social development. One of its key initiatives is the ESATF trade fund, a collective investment scheme financing shortto medium-term trade transactions, particularly those involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ESATAL and ESATF are part of TDB Group’s asset management activities which are focused on the design, origination, and growth of stand-alone investment vehicles for a wide range of investors and development partners. Domiciled in Mauritius, ESATAL and ESATF are regulated by the Financial Services Commission as collective investment scheme (CIS) fund manager and CIS expert fund, respectively.

About Bank One:
Bank One is a joint venture between CIEL Finance Limited in Mauritius and Kenya-based I&M Group PLC. Bank One provides a wide range of banking products and services to its clients through a geographic footprint spread across the island of Mauritius, comprising 7 branches and a well-distributed ATM network. As the financial landscape in sub-Saharan Africa continues to evolve, Bank One is determined to play an active role in supporting individuals, businesses and communities through continuous innovation and value addition. Bank One has deep development finance institution relationships and long-term funding lines in place with the German Investment Corporation (DEG), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the French Development Agency (Proparco). Bank One has been rated ‘BB-‘ with a Stable Outlook by Fitch Ratings.

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