Category: Africa

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Sea levels around Africa are rising faster than the global average: what’s behind this alarming trend

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Franck Ghomsi, Postdoctoral Fellow, Nansen Tutu Centre, University of Cape Town

For over three decades, satellites orbiting Earth have measured the height of the ocean surface with remarkable precision. These measurements are crucial because changes in ocean height are one of the clearest indicators of how our planet is responding to climate change. Rising ocean surfaces signal warming temperatures, melting ice and shifting ocean currents.

These all directly affect coastal communities through flooding, erosion and habitat loss. Even a small rise in the baseline sea level means that normal tidal cycles and storm surges reach further inland. This can turn high tides into damaging flood events.

Many people assume ocean levels are uniform, like water sitting flat in a bathtub. In reality, the ocean surface is surprisingly uneven. Winds push water in certain directions. Ocean currents redistribute heat. Temperature differences cause water to expand or contract. Even variations in Earth’s gravity field create bumps and dips in the sea surface. All these factors combine so that sea level can vary by tens of centimetres from one region to another.

When we say sea level has risen, we’re comparing it to a stable reference level, the distance between the satellite and the ocean surface.

I’m an oceanographer and geophysicist who specialises in these measurements. My research team and I analysed ocean height measurements collected by radar instruments on orbiting satellites from 1993 to 2024, for all waters surrounding Africa.

Our analysis revealed that African seas have risen by approximately 11.26cm since 1993. This process is driven by warming waters and melting ice.

African sea levels are rising by approximately 3.54 millimetres each year, which exceeds the global average of 3.45 mm/yr. Perhaps more troubling is that the pace of rise is speeding up, especially in African waters. This acceleration is a long-term trend driven by ongoing ocean warming and ice sheet melting, and it persists regardless of whether any individual year features an El Niño or a La Niña. The ocean continues to absorb heat and receive meltwater from ice sheets year after year, and it is this relentless accumulation, not any single climate cycle, that drives the long-term acceleration.

Africa’s 38 coastal nations are home to over 200 million people living near the shore. Rising seas threaten these communities with flooding, coastal erosion, and saltwater contamination of drinking water and farmland. Rising and warming seas also disrupt fisheries that millions of Africans depend upon for food and livelihoods.

Dramatic changes

We analysed 32 years of records and isolated the long-term trends from short-term influences like the El Niño weather pattern. We also examined ocean temperature and salinity data from the surface down to 300 metres depth to determine how much of the sea level change was caused by the ocean warming and expanding versus gaining additional water mass.

Our study revealed something remarkable about the 2023 to 2024 period. The El Niño event, which every so often spreads warm water across parts of the Pacific Ocean and alters weather patterns around the world, combined with other climate phenomena. Together, they created the largest sea level spike ever recorded in African waters, reaching an anomaly of 27mm.

The most dramatic changes are occurring in specific regions. The ocean does not respond to warming and climate variability uniformly. Local factors, including the strength and direction of ocean currents, the depth of warm surface layers, the influence of nearby climate patterns like the Indian Ocean Dipole, and the shape of the coastline and seafloor, all combine to make certain areas far more sensitive to change than others.

The Western Indian Ocean, including waters around Mozambique, Madagascar and the Comoros Islands, shows the highest acceleration of sea level rise at 0.16 mm/yr² with a trend of 3.88 mm/yr.

The Eastern Central Atlantic, encompassing the Gulf of Guinea and waters off west African nations like Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon, follows closely at 3.90 mm/yr. These regions are experiencing both the fastest rise and the sharpest acceleration, making them priority areas for monitoring and adaptation.

Impact of El Niño

The western Indian Ocean and the tropical Atlantic were already abnormally warm in 2023-2024, with sea surface temperatures well above their long-term averages. This created a higher baseline from which El Niño could push up temperatures, and therefore sea levels.

Unusual wind patterns suppressed the normal process of upwelling. This is when winds push surface water aside, allowing colder, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to rise to the surface. The result was that heat was trapped at the surface instead of being mixed downward and replaced by cooler water. The ocean layers did not mix well.

The result was striking. Thermal expansion alone (warmer water) accounted for over 70% of the exceptional sea level rise during this event, reaching nearly 30mm across the African marine domain. Ocean heat content quadrupled compared to the 2015-2016 El Niño.

The 2023-2024 period contributed 2.34cm of rise, representing 19% of the total increase since 1993 in just two years.

Because sea levels have been steadily climbing for decades, the starting point before each new extreme event is already higher than it used to be. The Western Indian Ocean surged by 3.87cm in one year alone – nearly one third of its total rise since 1993.

What drives rising sea levels

Two main factors drive sea level rise globally. First, as ocean water warms, it expands. Second, melting glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica add water mass to the oceans. Both are consequences of human caused climate change.

This rise is not a natural cycle. While sea levels have fluctuated throughout Earth’s history, the current rate of rise is far faster than anything seen in thousands of years, driven by the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The human cost of rising seas

Major cities face mounting dangers. Lagos, with over 20 million residents, sits on low lying land increasingly vulnerable to flooding. Dar es Salaam in Tanzania faces similar risks. Small island developing states like the Comoros and Seychelles are particularly exposed.

The “normal” water level today is centimetres higher than it was 30 years ago. Each new event builds on an ocean that is already swollen from decades of warming.

And when upwelling doesn’t happen, fish populations decline and the communities that depend on them lose food and income.

What needs to happen next

Addressing this crisis requires action on multiple fronts. Most fundamentally, global carbon emissions must be drastically reduced to slow ocean warming. Without achieving carbon neutrality by mid century, Africa risks exceeding 2°C of warming by 2100.

Adaptation is equally urgent. African nations need expanded ocean monitoring networks to track changes and provide early warnings. Coasts need protection through sea walls, restored mangroves and improved drainage.

The West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program, a World Bank supported regional effort, is a promising model. It aims to help countries manage erosion, flooding and pollution through investments in infrastructure, nature based solutions, and policy coordination.

Protecting Africa’s coasts requires combining oceanographic science with community level planning to build resilience against an uncertain ocean future.

– Sea levels around Africa are rising faster than the global average: what’s behind this alarming trend
– https://theconversation.com/sea-levels-around-africa-are-rising-faster-than-the-global-average-whats-behind-this-alarming-trend-276888

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Do dads of disabled children do enough? Kenya study points to misunderstood ways of caring

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amani Karisa, Associate Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center

A child’s success at school doesn’t depend only on teachers and classrooms. Studies show that when parents engage with schools – by attending meetings, supporting learning at home and working with teachers – children tend to do better academically and socially.

In many African countries, fathers hold decision-making and financial authority within families. This gives them strong influence over children’s schooling.

But when a child has a disability – such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism or other conditions that significantly affect learning and daily functioning – a father’s involvement often shifts in complex ways.

Research from Kenya and other African settings shows that children with disabilities already face barriers to school access, continuity and support.

What is less well understood is how fathers engage with their education, and how ideas about masculinity, responsibility and disability shape that involvement.

Much of the existing research on parental involvement focuses mainly on mothers or treats parents as a single category. Fathers’ roles are often assumed rather than examined directly.

Our research set out to address this gap. My colleagues and I are education and disability researchers based in Kenya and South Africa. We looked at how a father’s involvement in the education of school-aged children with intellectual disabilities is constructed and negotiated in Kenya.

We studied a public special school at the coast that serves children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. Like many such schools, it functions as a place of learning and a support hub for many low-income families navigating stigma, poverty and limited services.

We wanted to find out how fathers, mothers, teachers and learners themselves describe fathers’ roles, and what counts as involvement from their point of view.

The goal was to identify practical patterns: what a father’s involvement looks like in reality, what limits it and where opportunities exist to strengthen it. We found that many fathers see their main role in their child’s education as financial provision, such as paying school fees, rather than attending school meetings or events.

Social expectations also shape fathers’ visibility at school, with some avoiding engagement in spaces associated with intellectual disability. Work pressures in low-income settings further limit participation.

Our study also found that teachers’ assumptions about fathers’ disengagement can unintentionally reinforce their absence. However, when fathers do engage, their influence is often decisive because they are decision makers in many households.

Our findings challenge the assumption that fathers are simply absent or uninterested. They show instead that involvement often takes less visible forms that are shaped by economic pressures, social norms and school practices.

Recognising these patterns can help schools and policymakers design more effective ways to engage fathers and support children with intellectual disabilities.

The research

Our core evidence comes from case study research conducted in Kenya. Participants included fathers, mothers, teachers and learners with disabilities.

We collected data through individual interviews, focus group discussions and document reviews of school records and parent meeting notes. This allowed us to identify recurring patterns, not just individual opinions.

We extended the analysis by placing these findings within the broader Kenyan social and policy context of fatherhood, education and disability.

The findings cannot be assumed to represent all families. But they do reveal consistent mechanisms that likely operate in similar settings.

What to know about a father’s involvement

1. Many fathers see their main education role as financial provision

Across participants, one pattern was consistent: fathers strongly identified with the role of provider. Paying school fees, transport costs and buying uniforms and supplies was widely viewed – by fathers, mothers and teachers – as legitimate educational involvement.

Even when fathers rarely attended school meetings or events, they were still described as “involved” if they financed schooling. In contrast, mothers were expected to handle direct school contact and daily follow-up.

This means schools that define involvement only as physical presence may misread how the role of fathers is understood.

2. Masculinity norms shape how visible fathers are at school

Many teachers we spoke to linked the low attendance of fathers at school events to masculinity pressures. They suggested that some fathers avoided being publicly associated with a child with intellectual disability because disability was seen socially as weakness or imperfection that could damage male status.

Importantly, this interpretation came mostly from teachers. Fathers themselves framed their absence more often in terms of work and provider duties.

3. ‘Work demands’ are real – but also sometimes a shield

Fathers often explained non-attendance at meetings by pointing to unstable or casual labour conditions – missing a day’s work could mean losing income or even a job. In low-income settings, this constraint is credible.

But our research also found that fathers’ attendance was still low even when meetings were scheduled with advance notice or on weekends. Some teachers and mothers saw “work” as a socially acceptable explanation for fathers to protect their masculine identity.

Both readings can be true at once: economic pressure is real, and identity protection is also operating.

4. Teachers’ expectations can unintentionally push fathers away

Another finding is more uncomfortable for schools. Some teachers held strong prior beliefs that fathers of children with disabilities are uncaring or in denial. These assumptions shaped how, and how often, they contacted fathers.

Where teachers mainly communicated through mothers, fathers became even less engaged with the school. This confirms the original expectation.

5. When fathers are engaged, their influence is high

Where fathers did engage, their impact was often decisive. Their support accelerated school placement, fee payment and follow-through on school recommendations.

Teachers reported that when fathers backed a decision, implementation at home was easier. This suggests that increasing father engagement has practical effects on children’s educational stability.

What it means

The findings suggest that father involvement should be approached differently in disability education.

  • Schools should broaden what counts as involvement. Financial provision, decision support and consent are forms of engagement, even when fathers are not physically present. But schools should also create father-inclusive contact strategies. These include direct invitations, flexible meeting formats, and communication channels that do not rely only on mothers.

  • Teachers need to examine their own gender assumptions, so as to build relationships with fathers.

  • Policy messaging that links father involvement with protection, dignity and future stability may be more effective than messages around attendance.

  • Civil society organisations and family support programmes should design father-focused engagement spaces where men can discuss disability and schooling without stigma pressure.

It is too simple to label fathers as absent or resistant. In our study, fathers’ involvement was not missing – it was different.

– Do dads of disabled children do enough? Kenya study points to misunderstood ways of caring
– https://theconversation.com/do-dads-of-disabled-children-do-enough-kenya-study-points-to-misunderstood-ways-of-caring-274745

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After a Decade of Suffering Under a Growing Tumor, Hope and Healing Begins in an Instant

Source: APO

For nearly ten years, Theogette, a mother of three from rural Madagascar, lived with a painful facial tumor. That tumor grew larger and more noticeable every year, as did her pain and the isolation from her community. All it took was a moment for Theogette’s nephew Ronaldo to connect her to the treatment she needed.

Theogette’s burden began as a severe toothache. The tooth was removed at a local clinic, but a small swelling appeared along her jaw and grew over time until it overwhelmed the entire lower part of her face. Superstitious rumors spread throughout her village until eventually her husband caved under the pressure and abandoned her. Left alone to raise her three children, Theogette continued working through her pain in the rice fields.

The simple life of the rice fields had always been all the fulfilment that Theogette needed. She cared for her family and worked daily to support her children. But, as the tumor gradually took over her life, that joy faded, and working daily to support her family and care for her children grew increasingly difficult.

Theogette’s story reflects a broader medical reality. The tumor affecting Theogette, known as ameloblastoma, is the most common odontogenic tumor; it accounts for approximately 1% to 3% of all tumors and tumor-like lesions in the head and neck region. A recent systematic review in the Journal of Stomatology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (http://apo-opa.co/3NI5rWd) examining the prevalence of ameloblastoma in Sub-Saharan Africa highlights the importance of improving access to timely diagnosis and surgical treatment in the region.  Although benign, these tumors can still grow over many years and significantly affect a person’s ability to eat, breathe, and carry out daily activities if left untreated.

“People said I was sick and contagious,” Theogette recalled. “I still had to go to the farm to be able to feed my children, although the swelling hurts when I work for too long.”

For ten years, Theogette endured both physical discomfort and social rejection as many people in her community avoided her because of her condition. Hope for restoration finally arrived when her nephew Ronaldo, a medical student, learned about Mercy Ships and the surgical care the organization provides on board its hospital ships.

“She even avoided interacting with people anymore,” Ronaldo noted how the tumor had affected his aunt’s value in her community. “I called her to come because I knew they could treat her.”

Determined to find help, Theogette embarked on a three-day journey by canoe, ferry, and car to reach the port of Toamasina, Madagascar, where Mercy Ships’ hospital ship the Africa Mercy was serving patients.  There, the professional team of volunteer surgeons successfully removed the tumor, enabling Theogette to begin a new chapter in her life.

As global health partners, governments, and medical organizations continue working to strengthen surgical systems and train healthcare professionals in Africa, joint efforts are continuously underway to ensure that fewer patients have to wait years for the treatment they need. Mercy Ships plans to return to Madagascar in early May to continue providing surgical care and training alongside national health care partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

About Mercy Ships:   
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.    

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit https://www.MercyShips.org ​follow @ MercyShips on social media.   

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Starsight Energy Africa Group (“Starsight”) partners with British International Investment (“BII”) to advance clean energy growth in West Africa through US$15 million mezzanine funding

Source: APO

  • Capital will be deployed in Starsight’s existing West African operations to support growth, strengthen operations and scale energy solutions for commercial and industrial users.
  • Majority of the funds will assist in improving power security in Nigeria, where the unstable grid and reliance on diesel self-generation remain key characteristics of the energy sector.
  • The collaboration demonstrates BII’s confidence in Starsight’s long-term commitment to delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable power across the region.

Starsight Energy Africa Group (https://StarsightEnergy.com), a leading provider of clean energy solutions for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers across Sub-Saharan Africa, has secured USD15 million mezzanine debt funding from British International Investment (www.BII.co.uk), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

The funding will drive clean energy growth in Starsight’s existing West African operations, with Nigeria earmarked to receive the majority of the funding. It will finance a substantial growth pipeline of renewable solar energy projects whilst also ensuring best-in-class service is maintained to existing clients including asset replacement.

The deployment of the funding within Starsight fits well with BII’s strategic objectives to support productive, sustainable and inclusive development. The collaboration between Starsight and BII also underscores a shared commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure, supporting private sector growth, and driving measurable climate impact across West Africa.

It has been estimated that up to 40GW of electricity in Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/4utGmik) is generated from diesel and petrol generators and Starsight’s funding round with BII is an important stride toward filling this vacuum with clean renewable energy for the C&I sector, says Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight.

“Partnering with BII marks a significant milestone for the Starsight Energy Africa Group. This funding strengthens our ability to scale more rapidly in Nigeria and Ghana (https://apo-opa.co/4sQSB7a), delivering reliable, clean energy solutions that support economic growth and improve energy resilience for our clients,” says Van Zijl.

“BII’s mission is to support sustainable socio-economic development in emerging markets. Their decision to partner with us is an endorsement of the role we play in increasing energy access within these markets, delivering affordable, low-carbon solutions while simultaneously uplifting the communities in which we operate,” adds Van Zijl.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter said: “The UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s transition to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. This investment by BII reflects that commitment in action. By expanding access to dependable renewable power for businesses across Nigeria, it will help unlock growth, strengthen energy resilience, and reduce dependence on costly and polluting diesel and petrol self-generation. It represents a practical step toward a greener, more sustainable future for both our countries.”

Benson Adenuga, West Africa Regional Director and Head of Office, Nigeria, at BII, says: “Nigeria’s businesses need dependable and affordable power to grow. We identified Starsight’s strong track record, combined with its clean energy model, as a strong fit with BII’s mandate. Starsight’s commercial and industrial solar solutions directly address this challenge by reducing dependence on refined petroleum products and improving reliability. By backing scalable distributed renewable platforms like Starsight, BII is supporting clean energy expansion in West Africa and demonstrating confidence in the region’s potential for sustainable, inclusive growth.”

Michael Chuchu, Group Commercial Director at Starsight, says that the BII funding will unlock new capacity in countries where energy stability has historically been a barrier to growth.

“Nigeria remains our second-largest market and a core focus area for expansion. For our West African customers, this investment tangibly proves that Starsight is here to support their operations and provide energy certainty through environmentally responsible solutions.

“With BII’s support, we’re set to pursue the next chapter of our growth journey,” Chuchu concludes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Starsight Energy.

Media contacts:
Starsight Energy Africa
Shalewa Olanrewaju  
marketing@starsightenergy.com  

British International Investment 
Nia Tam  
press@bii.co.uk

Social Media:
Follow Starsight Energy  
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4sLPQnm

Follow British International Investment 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4bnFkeX 
Bluesky: https://apo-opa.co/4bAbhB8 
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About Starsight Energy Africa Group:
Starsight provides clean on-grid and off-grid energy services to commercial and industrial (https://apo-opa.co/4bIA0nQ) clients in Sub-Saharan Africa – eliminating upfront capital costs for clients making it financially viable for organisations to switch to clean energy solutions.

Starsight is redefining what it means for businesses to be energy efficient by delivering tailored power and cooling solutions to meet client requirements while optimising consumption through energy-efficient appliances and environmentally friendly practices and recommendations.

Starsight is backed by Helios Investment Partners (the largest Africa-focused private investment firm) and African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) – one of Africa’s largest infrastructure-focused private equity fund managers.

For more information, visit https://StarsightEnergy.com. 

About British International Investment:
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good.

Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge (www.2XChallenge.org) which has raised over USD33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development. The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of GBP9.87 billion.

For more information, visit: www.BII.co.uk | watch here (https://apo-opa.co/4uDXaDx).

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Mnquma Municipality strengthens rural infrastructure development efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

Mnquma Local Municipality has intensified efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure development following an oversight visit by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) to monitor progress on key road construction projects in Ngqamakwe, valued at more than R33 million.

The recent oversight visit to the Eastern Cape municipality was led by MPAC Chairperson Zikhethele Mnqokoyi, together with councillors and senior municipal officials.

The delegation inspected the Sivangxa to Matshanganeni via Jojweni to Majamaneni Access Road construction project, which aims to improve mobility and strengthen access to essential services for surrounding rural communities.

The project includes the construction of new road infrastructure and the rehabilitation of 10.7 kilometres of existing road, with a five-metre road width. Stormwater drainage systems are also being installed to prevent soil erosion and enhance the road’s durability during heavy rains.

During the visit, the committee conducted site inspections and engaged with project managers and contractors to review progress and ensure that the project is being implemented in line with municipal standards and timelines.

The road upgrade forms part of the municipality’s broader programme to improve rural connectivity and enhance the quality of life for residents in remote areas.

Speaking during the visit, Mnqokoyi emphasised that the municipality remains committed to ensuring that infrastructure investments translate into meaningful benefits for communities.

“These oversight visits form an important part of strengthening transparency and ensuring that municipal projects deliver value for communities. As Mnquma Municipality, we are committed to ensuring that development projects are implemented effectively and that residents benefit from improved infrastructure and access,” said Mnqokoyi.

The six-month project has already created 26 temporary job opportunities for residents during the construction phase, contributing to local economic empowerment.

Community members have welcomed the progress, noting that improved road infrastructure will make travel safer and easier for school learners, workers, farmers and patients accessing healthcare services.

The MPAC oversight programme also included visits to the Jojweni to Mzitheni Access Road in Ndabakazi, the Ext 15 Ring Road street paving project in Ematankini in Ward 4, and the Ibika Taxi Route Phase 1 project spanning Wards 5, 6 and 7.

Once completed, the Ngqamakwe road project is expected to significantly improve transport connectivity, support local economic activity and enhance access to essential services for residents across the area, reinforcing Mnquma Municipality’s commitment to inclusive development. – SAnews.gov.za

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Buying local strengthens SA’s economic recovery

Source: Government of South Africa

Buying local strengthens SA’s economic recovery

South Africa’s economic recovery and long-term growth are built not only in boardrooms and policy meetings, but in everyday choices ordinary South Africans make, says Government Deputy Spokesperson William Baloyi. 

From the corner spaza shop in Ga-Mokgotho, Burgersfort, to proudly South African brands competing on the global stage, supporting local businesses is one of the most powerful ways to  build the economy. 

“When we choose local, we are not just buying a product, we are financially backing our own people.

“We are supporting the entrepreneur running a small business in the township, the young designer turning talent into opportunity, entertainment space creates a vibrant sound of amapiano and the factory worker, whose job depends on demand for locally made goods. 

“From the kasi to the world, South Africans have the creativity, resilience and talent to produce goods and services that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best anywhere. 

“Every rand spent on local products keeps money circulating within communities, supports families – helping to grow businesses that create jobs. Local brands are proving that South African businesses can compete at the highest level,” Baloyi said.

A great example is Portia M, which has grown into one of the country’s most successful beauty brands, showing how local entrepreneurship can transform an industry. 

MaXhosa Africa has become a global fashion player by integrating authentic African heritage with high-end fashion, appearing on international runways and opening a flagship store in Manhattan.

Whoa Collections and its premium packaging that combines artistry and sophistication, with each box representing a strong commitment to quality and design, has also become another South African success story. 

South Africans have also witnessed President Cyril Ramaphosa proudly supporting the local sneaker brand, Bathu, sending a powerful message that supporting local businesses is not only patriotic but practical. 

Over today and Tuesday, Proudly South African celebrated the 14th edition of its Buy Local Summit & Expo, which is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

“Initiatives such as the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo, which celebrates its 14th edition in 2026, continue to play a critical role in converging businesses, government and consumers to champion local production. 

“It’s a testament that over the years, this flagship event has grown into a dynamic two-day gathering, portraying highlights of the quality, innovation and diversity of products and services produced locally. 

“Proudly South African is the country’s national buy local campaign that was formed in 2001 to boost job creation by promoting South African businesses, products and services, rallying consumers, the public and private sector to procure locally manufactured goods and services,” Baloyi said.

Government is also committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and thrive. 

In the 2026 National Budget, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the compulsory VAT registration threshold for small businesses will increase from R1 million to R2.3 million per annum from 1 April 2026. 

“This reform will significantly reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for small enterprises, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on expanding their businesses, innovation and creating jobs. 

“Subsequently, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is finalising a National Industrial Policy to grow a globally competitive manufacturing sector, with a focus on decarbonisation, diversification and digitalisation,” Baloyi said. 

Sectoral interventions are supporting automotive manufacturing, critical minerals beneficiation, agro-processing, furniture, clothing and emerging industries such as cannabis and hemp. 

In addition, government is taking deliberate steps to reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods. Expanding local manufacturing and procurement strengthens domestic industries, broadens markets and unlocks opportunities for business expansion. 

Baloyi said by simplifying business regulations and compliance, government is working to ensure that companies and entrepreneurs can focus on growth, innovation and job creation. 

“Equipping people with the skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in the economy is equally important. When South Africans buy local, they help sustain factories, farms, small businesses and service providers that employ thousands of people across the country.

“These concerted efforts can play a vital role in reducing the unemployment rate in our country, which remains one of the most pressing hurdles. However, tackling this challenge would require a coordinated action by government, business and labour to increase production, stimulate demand for locally produced goods and expand employment opportunities. 

“This vision aligns with the goals of the National Development Plan 2030, which sets out South Africa’s long-term strategy to reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality, while building a more inclusive society,” he said. 

During the 2026 State of the National Address, Presidency Cyril Ramaphosa announced that over the coming year, government will provide more than R2.5 billion in funding to small and medium enterprises, and extend additional guarantees, with a particular focus on women- and youth-owned businesses. Red tape reduction, credit reform and targeted support will help unlock growth at the local level. 

“Every time you choose a South African product, you are not just making a purchase, you are making an investment. Supporting local businesses is the most direct, practical way to fuel our economic vision of South Africa. 

“It’s a simple choice that carries massive weight. It keeps people  employed, strengthens homegrown industries, and invests in a shared future. Collaboration among consumers, businesses and government is essential to build a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive economy for future generations,” Baloyi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2026 Announces Award Recipients: Vimbai Masiyiwa and Colin Bell to Be Honoured in Nairobi

Source: APO – Report:

FHS Africa (www.FutureHospitality.com/Africa), organised by The Bench, is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the prestigious FHS Africa Awards.

This year’s honourees are Vimbai Masiyiwa, Co-Founder and CEO of Batoka Africa, who will receive the Leadership Award, and Colin Bell, CEO of Natural Selection and former CEO of Wilderness, who will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award.

Both awards will be presented in Nairobi during FHS Africa 2026, taking place from 31 March to 1 April 2026. The recipients will be celebrated as part of the event programme, including exclusive one-to-one interviews in which they will share reflections on their life stories, leadership journeys and the milestones that have shaped their impact on African hospitality.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Batoka Africa, Vimbai Masiyiwa is shaping a new era of African hospitality. The company operates a portfolio of luxury safari properties in Zimbabwe, grounded in conservation, sustainability and community empowerment.

Under her leadership, Batoka Africa has championed responsible tourism that protects biodiversity while creating meaningful economic opportunity for local communities. Masiyiwa is recognised for advancing gender inclusion in leadership and for building an African-owned brand that competes confidently on the global stage while remaining deeply rooted in shared value and local impact.

Commenting on the award, Vimbai Masiyiwa said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the FHS Africa Leadership Award. For us at Batoka Africa, hospitality is about stewardship, of land, of culture and of opportunity. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams and the communities we work alongside in Zimbabwe. I look forward to sharing our journey in Nairobi and celebrating the continued evolution of African-led hospitality.”

Colin Bell is one of the most influential figures in African conservation tourism. Through his leadership at Natural Selection and previously at Wilderness, he has helped shape a model of high-end, conservation-driven safari experiences that balance commercial success with environmental stewardship. Over the course of his career, Bell has played a central role in expanding conservation tourism into new territories, strengthening partnerships with governments and communities, and demonstrating how hospitality can directly support biodiversity protection and local livelihoods. His work has positioned African safari tourism as a global benchmark for sustainable luxury.

Colin Bell said: “I’m deeply grateful for this recognition from FHS Africa. Hospitality, at its best, connects guests to wild places in meaningful ways while safeguarding those places for generations to come. I look forward to reflecting on that journey in Nairobi and celebrating the collective effort of so many people who have shaped Africa’s conservation tourism story.”

Matthew Weihs, Growth Director at The Bench, added: “Vimbai Masiyiwa and Colin Bell are two exceptionally worthy winners. Both have redefined what leadership in African hospitality looks like – purpose-driven, commercially astute and deeply committed to community and conservation. We cannot wait to showcase their stories and personal journeys on stage in Nairobi at FHS Africa 2026.”

FHS Africa 2026 will bring together hospitality investors, owners, operators and industry leaders from across the continent and beyond for two days of forward-looking discussion, high-level networking and celebration in Nairobi.

– on behalf of Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa).

Sponsors include:
Host Partner: Westmont Hospitality Group
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, ClubMed, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: ACT; CityBlue, CHIC, Hansgrohe, Kofisi, Quo, Rotana, Rwanda Development Board, The First Hospitality Group, Tui Hotels & Resorts; Uganda Tourism Board
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, Clique Ltd, Gary Greene Design, Knight Frank, Choice and LMR Hotels, STR and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Education Partner: Millat Group
Networking Partner: AIRE, Planet Food & Beverage and Trianum Hospitality
Official Carrier: Kenya Airways

Media files

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SA turning the tide against slow growth

Source: Government of South Africa

SA turning the tide against slow growth

South Africa is finally turning the corner on slow growth. 

Thanks to government’s pro-growth reformist agenda, green shoots are emerging in nearly all key sectors of the economy, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said on Monday.

“Consistent energy supply, and an improved transport and logistics environment, including the drop in inflation to 3.5% recorded early this year, have had a positive knock-on effect on key sectors of the economy.

Mining and Agriculture have both shown strong growth – factors which bode well for sustained growth,” Tau said in a statement. 

The Minister stressed that the four consecutive quarters of growth recorded leading into early 2026 were a result of government led interventions – critical of which was government’s successful investment mobilisation drive.

Investment Conference 

He added that to augment this growth, South Africa is scheduled to host the 6th Investment Conference (SAIC) at the Sandton Convention Centre on 31 March 2026.

In line with the President’s commitment at the 2026 State of the Nation Address, the conference promises to set South Africa on an even bolder investment target over the medium term.

“To date, over R600 billion has already flowed into the economy, resulting in the opening of new factories, mines, and various other industrial facilities. These investments play a critical role in South Africa’s national goals of socio-economic development by creating sustainable jobs, reducing poverty, and addressing inequality,” Tau said.

Launched in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the SAIC has become the country’s premier platform for attracting global and domestic delegates to discuss emerging opportunities. The 2026 conference occurs during a period of significantly improved investor perception. 

Over the last 18 to 24 months, several critical economic challenges have been addressed, most notably the improvement in the country’s energy reliability.

Tau stressed that the forthcoming conference will be anchored on South Africa’s new future focused economic and industrial policy, including the targets in the Medium Term Development Plan, the Economic Growth and Inclusion (GAIN) programme and South Africa’s New Industrial Policy which is being finalised.

Tau reinforced that the 6th SAIC will continue building on the achievements of the dtic family since the beginning of the seventh administration.

“Over the past year and a half, we have implemented industrial reforms in targeted sectors and incentivised industry to create jobs. We have embarked on market and export diversification through our Butterfly Strategy and are redesigning Transformation through the Transformation Fund and B-BBEE policy review,” he said.

Government will host the sixth edition of the conference in Johannesburg as it intensifies efforts to attract R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.

The upcoming summit builds on the success of the previous five-year investment cycle, which concluded in March 2023, after raising R1.51 trillion, surpassing the initial R1.2 trillion target. 
– SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Positions Africa as Rapid, Cost‑Effective Solution to Europe’s Gas Crunch

Source: APO


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Europe is facing renewed gas supply pressure. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing EU efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas have exposed vulnerabilities in global LNG markets, driving up spot prices. In this context, Africa’s growing LNG export capacity – particularly via floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) technology – offers a timely, cost-efficient solution to bridge supply gaps, deliver volumes quickly, and attract international investment. The Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum, taking place in Paris next month, provides investors direct access to projects, operators and policymakers – making it the premier platform for engaging with Africa’s LNG sector.

FLNG integrates liquefaction facilities on mobile offshore vessels, bypassing the need for large onshore infrastructure and long construction timelines. These modular assets can be deployed rapidly, cutting years off project schedules and reducing upfront capital intensity compared with conventional LNG plants. Africa’s offshore gas basins – abundant but historically underdeveloped – are ideal candidates for FLNG deployment, allowing producers to deliver export volumes to global buyers at pace with demand.

The Republic of Congo offers a compelling case study. Operated by Italian energy major Eni, the Congo LNG project has leveraged sequential FLNG units to build export capacity quickly. The first unit, Tango FLNG, began operations in late 2023, followed by Nguya FLNG in late 2025, bringing total liquefaction capacity to roughly 3 million tons per year, or about 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Phase 2 exports from Nguya began in early 2026 ahead of schedule, highlighting the speed and flexibility FLNG offers compared with traditional onshore facilities. Congo’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, has been confirmed to speak at IAE 2026 and is expected to showcase the country’s rapidly expanding LNG capabilities.

Beyond Congo, other African FLNG initiatives are gaining momentum. Mozambique’s Coral South FLNG has shipped over 100 LNG cargoes to European markets since 2022. Its follow-on project, Coral North, backed by major international financing, is expected to nearly double Mozambique’s offshore LNG capacity in the coming years.

For investors and policymakers, FLNG’s appeal extends beyond speed. Floating infrastructure minimizes onshore footprint, lowers permitting risk, simplifies logistics in deepwater settings, and allows phased capacity growth tied to field development. This reduces project risk, improves economics and aligns capacity expansions with offtake agreements.

The IAE 2026 Forum enables stakeholders to access active projects, negotiate partnerships and commit capital to development-ready LNG supply chains. As Europe seeks to diversify its gas import portfolio in response to geopolitical risk, Africa’s FLNG capacity represents both a strategic energy solution and a compelling investment frontier for 2026 and beyond.

IAE 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4rzl8gj) is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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South Africa and Eswatini sign revised Komati River Basin treaty

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and Eswatini sign revised Komati River Basin treaty

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Eswatini Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Prince Lonkhokhela Dlamini, have signed a revised treaty on the Development and Utilisation of the Water Resources of the Komati River Basin.

The amended treaty, signed at Maguga Dam in Eswatini on Friday, 13 March 2026, supports future water development, while safeguarding long-term water security for communities in Mpumalanga relying on the Driekoppies Dam and Maguga Dam, and reinforces strong transboundary cooperation between South Africa and Eswatini.

The agreement was concluded during a meeting hosted by Prince Dlamini, who invited Majodina to the Kingdom of Eswatini to discuss cooperation on shared water resources and to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The Ministers emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation and the existing bilateral relations through the Joint Water Commission (JWC) Agreement signed in 1992. The Commission acts as a technical advisory body to both governments on all technical matters relating to the development and utilisation of shared water resources.

The Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa also signed the Treaty on the Development and Utilisation of water resources of the Komati Basin in 1992, which led to the establishment of the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) in 1993. The bi-national authority was mandated to raise financing through loans, design and oversee the construction of the Maguga and Driekoppies dams, and to manage their operation and maintenance.

The Treaty stipulated the equitable water allocations between two countries and set out a formula for sharing the costs of construction of the two dams as well as operation and maintenance of the dams and the system post construction phase.

However, the agreement had not been reviewed in the 33 years since its signing. With the introduction of many legislative changes in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa, environment in which KOBWA operates and commitments to international principles governing transboundary water cooperation between member states amongst others, necessitated a review of the treaty.

The revision aims to broaden KOBWA’s mandate so that it can support the two governments’ efforts to improve water services for their citizens and explore sustainable revenue streams to support its operational expenses.

The review process included public consultations in both countries, and all relevant processes for concluding international agreements were observed from both countries.

During the meeting, the Ministers stressed the importance of complying with minimum cross-border water flow requirements at the Ressano Garcia gauging station in line with the Incomati–Maputo Watercourse Agreement. They also encouraged KOBWA and the Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) to work together towards ensuring the 2.6 m3/s (cubic metres) is achieved as prescribed in the Incomati-Maputo agreement.

“The Ministers further committed their support to the Incomati-Maputo Water Commission (INMACOM) as the new institution established to promote cooperation between the three Parties (The Kingdom of Eswatini, The Republic of Mozambique and The Republic of South Africa) to ensure the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of water resources shared by the Member States,” the Ministers said in a Joint statement.

The meeting reaffirmed the continued strong cooperation between the two governments, especially in the management of transboundary water resources.

It was agreed that the Joint Water Commission would continue to meet at least once a year, while the Ministers would hold regular engagements to share updates and discuss progress on the work of the Commission. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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