Category: Africa

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Empowering Africa’s Youth: African Union (AU) Rolls Out Capacity‑Building Training on Shared Values Instruments

Source: APO

The African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) through the AGA-APSA Secretariat, with the support of partners including the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) has officially opened the Continental Youth Capacity-Building Programme on African Union Shared Values Instruments, bringing together young leaders from across Africa for a four-day capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening their understanding of democratic governance, human and peoples’ rights, peace and security, civic participation and responsible leadership.

Representing H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, H.E. Amb. Salah Hammad, Head of the Secretariat of the African Governance Architecture-the Peace and Security Architecture (AGA-APSA), delivered a welcoming remark. He welcomed the young participants to the Continental Youth Capacity-Building Programme and reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to strengthening meaningful engagement between the Union and its citizens.

“This programme is a reflection of the growing interest and commitment among young Africans to contribute to issues of democratic governance, human rights, peace and security, and leadership.” Said Amb. Salah  

He further underscored that African Union Shared Values instruments are not merely legal or diplomatic frameworks but have a direct impact on the everyday lives of African citizens. These instruments address fundamental issues including citizens’ participation in public life, the protection of rights and freedoms, accountable institutions, equal opportunities for leadership, and the peaceful management of political differences through dialogue rather than violence.

Delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of H.E. Amb. Dr. Khaled Mohamed, Chairperson of the AGA-APSA Platform Amb. Jevin Pillay Ponisamy the Vice Chairperson of the AGA-APSA Platform underscored that meaningful citizen, and youth engagement is central to sustainable governance, peace and security on the continent.

He noted that the AGA-APSA Platform is founded on the recognition that democratic governance, human rights, peace and security are inseparable, stressing that youth engagement should not be treated as an additional item on the continental agenda, but as an integral part of making the governance, peace and security nexus work in practice.

“Governance, peace and security cannot be sustained without citizens who understand, own and help give effect to the values on which our institutions are built,” Amb. Pillay Ponisamy emphasized.

He encouraged the young participants to use the programme as practical preparation for constructive civic engagement, responsible defence of rights and the peaceful management of differences through dialogue rather than division or violence.

H.E. Amb. Lemlem Fiseha Minale, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and UNECA, alsp welcomed participants to Addis Ababa on behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, expressing appreciation to the African Union Commission for convening the Continental Youth Capacity-Building Programme on African Union Shared Values.

Amb. Lemlem underscored that Africa’s youthful population, with more than 400 million young people, represents a tremendous opportunity for the continent’s growth and prosperity.   

“Africa’s young people and human capital constitute one of the continent’s greatest assets, with the creativity, skills and determination needed to drive its economic, social and political transformation.” – Amb. Lemlem Fiseha

In his opening remarks, Amb. Willy Nyamitwe placed young Africans at the heart of Africa’s present and future, emphasizing that they should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development and governance initiatives, but as citizens, innovators, community leaders, entrepreneurs, journalists, activists and leaders with an essential role in shaping the continent.

“Africa cannot continue telling its young people that they are the leaders of tomorrow while asking them to wait for tomorrow, Africa needs your leadership now.” Amb. Nyamitwe stated.

He further highlighted the commitment of the Republic of Burundi and H.E President Evariste Ndayishimiye as the Champion for to the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, including efforts to advance youth empowerment, inclusive leadership and peacebuilding across Africa.

Amb. Nyamitwe concluded by officially declaring the Continental Youth Capacity-Building Programme on African Union Shared Values Instruments open, while expressing appreciation the Federal Democratic Republic oof Government of Ethiopia for being gracious hosts and for to African Center for the Constructive resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and the teams within the AGA-APSA Secretariat that contributed to making the programme possible.

Among the key instruments highlighted for engagement during the programme is the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), alongside the broader body of AU Shared Values instruments relating to democratic governance, constitutionalism, human and peoples’ rights, the rule of law and citizen participation.

The programme reflects the African Union’s broader commitment to realizing the vision of Agenda 2063 for an Africa whose development is people-driven, especially by its women and youth, while strengthening citizen ownership of the Union’s governance, peace and security agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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UAE red meat export registration deadline extended

Source: Government of South Africa

UAE red meat export registration deadline extended

South African farms and feedlots supplying livestock for red meat exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been given more time to comply with mandatory registration requirements.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp announced on Wednesday that the deadline for farms and feedlots to complete the registration process under Veterinary Procedural Notice 59 (VPN-59) has been extended to 31 December 2026.

The extension is intended to prevent disruptions to South Africa’s red meat exports to the UAE while producers and provincial state veterinarians complete the necessary compliance and registration processes.

Aucamp said the decision would help protect livelihoods in the livestock sector and maintain South Africa’s agricultural trade relationship with the UAE.

“This extension is critical for our livestock sector and agricultural trade relations with the United Arab Emirates,” Aucamp said.

He said the additional time would allow trade to continue while farmers and state veterinarians finalise registration, while ensuring that the industry continues to meet international standards.

However, the extension does not mean that unregistered facilities can freely supply livestock for export.

During the extended period, exports may only proceed if the relevant farm or feedlot has been inspected by the responsible provincial state veterinarian, compliance with the applicable requirements has been verified, and a compliant registration application has been submitted to the Department of Agriculture’s Directorate: Animal Health for processing.

Aucamp stressed that the extension does not exempt farms or feedlots from the registration requirements.

“After 31 December 2026, farms and feedlots that have not been registered will not be eligible to supply livestock for slaughter for the export of red meat to the UAE,” the department said.

Exports originating from unregistered facilities will therefore not be supported or endorsed after the deadline.

The department said the extension was aimed at facilitating the completion of the registration process and avoiding unnecessary interruptions to trade, while maintaining the required animal-health and food-safety standards. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Call for social and solidarity economy to drive inclusive growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for social and solidarity economy to drive inclusive growth

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has called for the social and solidarity economy (SSE) to move beyond the margins of South Africa’s economy and become a key vehicle for creating jobs, expanding ownership and delivering more inclusive economic growth.

Delivering the keynote address at the Catalyst Now South Africa Social and Solidarity Economy Symposium on Thursday, Letsike said South Africa needed to build economic institutions that translated the constitutional values of dignity, equality, freedom and democratic participation into people’s everyday lives.

The symposium, held virtually under the theme: “Building Inclusive Economies Through the Social and Solidarity Economy”, brought together representatives from government, organised labour, business, academia, civil society, social enterprises, cooperatives and community organisations.

Letsike linked the development of an inclusive economy to South Africa’s history of colonialism and apartheid, arguing that dispossession, extraction, migrant labour and exclusion from productive assets had left a legacy that continued to shape economic inequality.

She said the country’s constitutional democracy had made important advances, including dismantling discriminatory laws, expanding social protection and improving access to public services, but stressed that the constitutional project remained unfinished.

“The persistence of unemployment, poverty, inequality and spatial exclusion does not diminish the Constitution. It makes the urgency of its implementation even clearer,” she said.

According to Letsike, the SSE can provide part of the institutional machinery needed to turn constitutional rights into economic realities.

She described cooperatives, mutual organisations, associations, community enterprises and qualifying social-purpose businesses as organisations that undertake real economic activity while placing collective benefit, social purpose and democratic participation ahead of unrestricted profit.

However, she cautioned that SSE should not become another name for poverty or informal economic activity.

“It cannot become cheap outsourcing of public responsibilities, nor can social purpose excuse poor governance or exploitation,” she said.

The Deputy Minister said the need for a stronger SSE sector was particularly urgent given the country’s employment challenges.

She cited economic growth of 0.5% in the first quarter of 2026, but said that growth had not translated into inclusion at the scale required.

In the second quarter, 8.5 million South Africans were officially unemployed, with the unemployment rate at 33.6%. Youth unemployment had risen to 47.4%, while the unemployment rate for women stood at 37.5%, more than seven percentage points higher than that of men.

Letsike said the country could not expect young people to celebrate political freedom while almost half of those seeking work could not find employment.

She called for stronger pathways linking education and skills to employment, enterprise development, ownership and economic dignity.

Government programmes such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus and Social Employment Fund, she said, had created important entry points into the world of work. The Presidential Employment Stimulus had generated more than 2.5 million work and livelihood opportunities, mainly for young people and women.

The next challenge was to ensure that temporary opportunities became bridges to accredited skills, permanent employment, cooperative ownership, community enterprises and sustainable contracts.

Letsike highlighted the so-called “missing middle” as a major obstacle facing community enterprises and cooperatives.

While traditionally understood as the gap between micro-grants and commercial lending, Letsike said the problem was broader and included difficulties accessing appropriate finance, markets, contracts and institutional support.

She pointed to women-led community enterprises that may have demand and experience but lack collateral, audited financial statements or the capacity to compete for large tenders.

A recent assessment had identified 117 public MSME-financing mechanisms administered by 26 institutions, she said, arguing that the challenge was now to simplify access, diversify financial instruments and connect finance with capability and markets. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Le Président Ndayishimiye a reçu le nouveau Chef de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Président de la République du Burundi et Président en exercice de l’Union Africaine Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye a reçu en audience au palais de Gitega mercredi 26 août 2026 M. James Swan, Représentant spécial du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies en République démocratique du Congo et Chef de la MONUSCO.

Cette rencontre s’est déroulée en présence de M. Huang Xia, Envoyé spécial de Secrétaire général des Nations Unies pour la région des Grands Lacs. Elle intervient à la suite de la nomination de M. James Swan à ses nouvelles fonctions et s’inscrit dans le cadre des efforts diplomatiques visant à renforcer la paix et la stabilité dans la région et spécialement à l’est de la RDC confrontée depuis plusieurs années à une situation sécuritaire préoccupante.

Le Président Ndayishimiye et ses interlocuteurs ont également abordé la mise en œuvre des différents accords conclus et initiatives prises en faveur de la paix, dans la Région des Grands Lacs.

En sa qualité de Président en exercice de l’Union Africaine, le Chef de l’État Burundais a réaffirmé l’importance d’une approche concertée entre les pays de la région, de l’Union Africaine et les Nations unies pour répondre aux défis sécuritaires et humanitaires auxquels fait face l’Est de la RDC.

Cette rencontre témoigne ainsi de la volonté de poursuivre la coordination entre les acteurs régionaux et internationaux afin d’appuyer les efforts de paix et de stabilité en République démocratique du Congo et dans la région des Grands Lacs.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Customarily married couples have until 31 August to regularise unregistered unions

Source: Government of South Africa

Customarily married couples have until 31 August to regularise unregistered unions

By Sihle Manda
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has urged couples in unregistered customary marriages to regularise their unions before the looming 31 August 2026 deadline.

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Thursday, Deputy Director-General of Operations at the DHA, Thulani Mavuso, said the department was concerned about the legal difficulties that arise when customary marriages remain unregistered.

The registration allows couples to comply with the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 1998, and provides legal proof of their union. The Act came into effect on 15 November 2000 and recognises customary marriages concluded before its commencement. It also requires marriages concluded afterwards to be registered within three months.

However, Mavuso said many couples had failed to register marriages concluded both before and after the law took effect.

“The bigger problem then comes in when one of the spouses dies. We then find ourselves having to conclude a marriage posthumously. In most instances, those are contested by families, which creates problems for matrimonial property and also the conclusion of the estate,” he told the news platform. 

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schrieber gazetted the deadline in September 2024, using a provision in the Act that permits the Minister to prescribe a registration period longer than the standard three months.

The extended window covers older marriages that were never registered, as well as later unions whose statutory three-month registration period has elapsed.

Failure to register, Mavuso said, can leave surviving spouses struggling to prove that a marriage existed and expose them to disputes over assets.

“In most instances, women suffer if those marriages are not registered, and all the assets that belong to them in the marriage end up in the hands of the wrong people, be it the family of the husband or vice versa,” Mavuso said.

He cited a recent case in which a husband sought to register his marriage after his wife died, but her family disputed that the union was still valid because the couple had been living separately.

Mavuso said registration could also help establish the legal relationship between parents when official consent is needed for matters involving their minor children, including passport applications.

Couples seeking registration must provide evidence showing that customary negotiations or practices took place. This may include proof of lobola negotiations or a marriage ceremony. They must also bring witnesses who can confirm the union.

“It is actually a simple process because, if people leave these things longer, they create problems downstream,” he said.

Delayed registration could force the DHA to adjudicate conflicting claims between families and decide whether a marriage may be registered posthumously.

“It is a very difficult process that also subjects the department to litigation together with the applicant. We then have to go to court to defend a decision that would not have arisen had people taken into consideration that they are in these customary marriages and that they have to register them,” he said.

Marriage officers at the DHA offices can advise couples according to their circumstances.

Mavuso stressed that the 31 August deadline was intended to encourage people with longstanding unregistered marriages to come forward. However, the cut-off date does not mean Home Affairs will refuse every application submitted afterwards.

“We will not prevent them from registering that particular marriage, even after that particular period. But we do encourage people that this is a legally protected way of ensuring that your marriage is recognised in law,” he emphasised. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo

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Chikunga calls for measurable action on women’s empowerment

Source: Government of South Africa

Chikunga calls for measurable action on women’s empowerment

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for a shift from symbolic commitments to measurable action on women’s empowerment, warning that South Africa’s progress on gender equality is being undermined by unemployment, violence and weak implementation of laws and policies.

Speaking at a National Press Club and stakeholder engagement at the UNISA School of Business and Leadership on Wednesday, Chikunga said the country had made significant gains since the 1956 Women’s March, but that the economic and social realities facing women showed that much work remained.

The engagement formed part of Women’s Month 2026 celebrations, marking 70 years since about 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956.

Chikunga said the demands contained in the 1954 Women’s Charter remained relevant seven decades later, particularly those relating to equal pay, ownership of property, childcare, economic opportunity and protection from violence.

“The Women’s Charter is not a museum piece. It is the founding mandate of the Department I lead,” she said.

She said government was working on several initiatives aimed at translating those historic demands into practical programmes.

These include the development of a national care economy strategy, gender-responsive budgeting through the Women’s Economic Assembly, the work of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, regulations following the signing of the Public Procurement Act, and progress towards a cooperative financial institution owned and governed by women.

Chikunga said the procurement reforms could bring government closer to legally requiring that 40% of government procurement goes to women-owned businesses.

“For years the 40% was a presidential target with no legal teeth,” she said, adding that government now had an instrument to move the target towards implementation.

Despite these developments, the minister acknowledged that women continued to face severe economic inequality.

She cited Statistics South Africa figures showing that women’s unemployment stood at 36.4% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 29.6% for men. Among black African women, unemployment stood at 40.5%.

Women’s median monthly earnings were also at 82% of men’s earnings, according to figures cited by Chikunga.

“Implementation remains our weakest link,” she said, warning that laws could exist without being effectively enforced and that procurement targets could fail to benefit women if government departments did not monitor compliance.

Chikunga also described violence against women as “our deepest failure”.

Citing the most recent national femicide study by the South African Medical Research Council, she said three women were killed by an intimate partner every day and that South Africa’s intimate-partner femicide rate was five times the global rate.

“We have the laws. We now have the Council. What we do not yet have is a fall in the number of funerals,” she said.

The Minister also called on journalists to scrutinise government programmes rather than focusing only on announcements.

She urged the media to “follow the money” by examining how much of the country’s R1.5 trillion procurement pipeline reaches women-owned businesses, follow gender-based violence cases from the police station through to conviction, and report on whether government commitments translate into actual delivery.

“An announcement makes a headline and delivery makes a life,” Chikunga said.

She proposed establishing a standing partnership between her department, the National Press Club, the UNISA School of Business and Leadership and research institutions. The partnership, she said, should meet quarterly, examine data and publicly assess whether commitments made during Women’s Month were still being implemented.

Chikunga also called for greater resources for her department, arguing that its mandate covering women, young people and persons with disabilities was not matched by its budget.

“A mandate of this scale requires means of a matching scale,” she said.

As part of her proposed long-term approach, Chikunga unveiled what she called the “Charter Compact: Seventy Years, Five Promises”, designed to turn the theme “Empowered Women Empower Nations” into a measurable movement beyond the 2026 commemorations.

The five promises focus on ownership, earnings, care, safety and power.

Under the proposal, progress would be measured through indicators such as land and property ownership by women, the gender earnings gap, recognition and payment of care work, the number of women killed, and women’s representation in institutions where decisions are made. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Police launch manhunt for a murder suspect

Source: Government of South Africa

Police launch manhunt for a murder suspect

Police in Moeka Vuma, near Makapanstad in the North West, have launched a manhunt for a 41-year-old man who is wanted in connection with the brutal murder of three people.

This is as the South African Police Service (SAPS) intensifies its fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and serious and violent crimes perpetrated against women, children and vulnerable groups during Women’s Month. 

The 41-year-old James Mohajane is wanted for the murder of his girlfriend and her sister, as well as her sister’s boyfriend.

“It is alleged that the three victims were last seen together at a house belonging to Tshepo Molekwa. On Sunday morning, the bodies of the three victims were discovered at the house. They had allegedly been hacked to death with a spade,” the police said in a statement.

Police said the suspect was nowhere to be found when they arrived at the scene. However, police found his cellphone at the crime scene.

The motive for the killings is still under investigation.

In a statement on Wednesday, the SAPS appealed to anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of James Mohajane to contact Sergeant Nhlapo on 078 918 7746.

Members of the public are urged not to approach or confront the suspect, but to immediately provide information to the police.

“The SAPS reiterates its commitment to intensifying efforts to prevent and combat GBVF and violent crime, particularly crimes targeting women and vulnerable groups,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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How Guyana’s Expanding Oil Sector Is Driving Historic Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth and Local Investment

Source: APO


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Guyana’s projected 16.2% GDP growth in 2026, underpinned by an anticipated 17.9% rise in oil production and $2.79 billion in oil revenues, underscores how is the oil and gas sector is transforming the economy.

Higher Oil Production Targets Drive Guyana’s Economic Expansion

With oil output expected to average 840,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2026, with 309 crude cargoes forecast for export compared with 260 cargoes in 2025, the sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to remain bullish.

The government is targeting crude oil production of 1.3 million bpd by 2027 and 1.7 million bpd by 2030, creating the foundation for higher export earnings, stronger fiscal revenues and continued GDP expansion. Upcoming developments, including the $12.7 billion Uaru project, Whiptail, Hammerhead and Longtail, are expected to significantly increase production, and expand the sector’s contribution to an anticipated to reach GDP of between $50 billion and $69 billion by 2030.

Oil Investment Creates Opportunities Beyond Production

The sector’s contribution extends well beyond crude exports, with projects development accelerating the growth of a broader domestic economy as capital flows into construction, logistics, engineering, manufacturing, transport and financial services. The sector spent an estimated $3.6 billion with local businesses between 2019 – when first oil production was achieved – and 2025, reflecting the success of Guyana’s local content framework in ensuring that petroleum development generates tangible economic benefits for domestic companies and communities.

The petroleum sector has been the primary driver of Guyana’s exceptional economic performance. Oil production supported GDP growth of 63.3% in 2022, 33.8% in 2023, 43.6% in 2024 and 10.3% in 2025. According to the International Monetary Fund, offshore oil development has enabled Guyana’s economy to significantly outperform regional peers while accelerating its transition toward high-income economy status. The sector has also transformed the country’s fiscal position, with the Natural Resource Fund exceeding $3.1 billion by the end of 2024, including more than $1.1 billion deposited during 2024 alone, providing the government with unprecedented resources to finance national development priorities.

Oil Wealth Funds Infrastructure and Social Development

Oil revenues are also becoming a key source of financing for Guyana’s national development agenda. The government plans to utilize petroleum revenues to construct 40,000 homes over the next five years, while simultaneously investing in critical infrastructure, healthcare, education and transportation. In the energy sector alone, oil revenues are funding flagship initiatives such as the 300 MW Gas-to-Energy project, transmission network upgrades and clean cooking solutions, supporting energy mix diversification, improving electricity affordability and strengthening grid reliability.

As production continues to grow and new offshore projects enter development, oil and gas will play an increasingly important role in shaping Guyana’s economic future. Beyond generating export revenues and fiscal income, the sector is strengthening local industries, attracting international capital, supporting infrastructure development and creating opportunities across manufacturing, construction, finance and technology.

Caribbean Energy Week 2027 to Spotlight Guyana’s Growth Story

The role of oil and gas in driving GDP growth, investment and economic transformation will be a central focus at Caribbean Energy Week 2027, held under the theme “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub.” Bringing together governments and international partners, the conference will examine how Guyana and the wider Caribbean can maximize hydrocarbon revenues to unlock the next phase of regional economic growth.

Ahead of the conference, an in-country launch in Guyana on 1, September 2026 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, will explore strategies driving the Caribbean’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets. The event will bring together government officials, investors, operators and industry stakeholders for an early look at the opportunities, priorities and partnerships that will shape the region’s energy future. To register, please visit https://apo-opa.co/46phc9L.

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

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Seychelles: Cabinet Business, Wednesday 26th August, 2026

Source: APO


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President Dr Patrick Herminie chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 26th August, during which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.

Cabinet approved the signing and ratification of both the African Charter on Statistics and the SADC Protocol on Statistics, reaffirming Seychelles’ commitment to strengthening its national statistical system and aligning it with African, regional and international standards. These instruments will enhance the quality, reliability, harmonisation and comparability of official statistics, support evidence-based policymaking and decision-making, improve the monitoring of national and regional development priorities, strengthen institutional capacity through technical cooperation and resource mobilisation, and reinforce Seychelles’ contribution to regional integration and collaboration. Both initiatives are expected to be implemented with minimal financial implications while creating greater opportunities for capacity building and partnerships with regional and international development partners.

Cabinet approved the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development Strategic Plan 2026–2030 as the national roadmap for advancing education and human resource development. The Plan focuses on improving teaching and learning, strengthening leadership and governance, developing the workforce, accelerating digital transformation, and enhancing institutional capacity. Cabinet also directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to work together to implement the Plan. It further supported the mobilisation of financial, technical and institutional resources through existing Government planning and budgeting mechanisms to ensure the Plan is successfully delivered between 2026 and 2030.

Cabinet approved the Revised National Policy for Open and Distance Learning (ODL), 2026 as the national framework for expanding accessible, inclusive and technology-enabled education and lifelong learning in Seychelles. The Policy strengthens governance, institutional capacity, digital transformation, quality assurance, learner support and partnerships. The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development will lead its implementation in collaboration with all relevant Government entities and stakeholders. A costed National ODL Action Plan will be developed and a National ODL Steering Committee will be established.  

Cabinet approved in principle the National Addressing System Bill, 2026, which establishes the legal and institutional framework for a standardised national addressing system.  The aim of the Bill is to improve public service delivery, emergency response, land administration, infrastructure planning and digital government services. Cabinet also approved the establishment of the National Addressing System Department under the Ministry of Local Government and Inner Islands.  The Bill will be finalised and submitted to the National Assembly for consideration.

Cabinet approved in principle the Law Enforcement Integrity and Accountability Bill, 2026. The Bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework to strengthen integrity, accountability and operational security across Seychelles’ law enforcement and security agencies. It introduces measures such as the mandatory use of body-worn cameras during specified operations, stronger protection of classified operational information, and new offences relating to bribery, information leaks and interference with operational recordings.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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ESI Africa releases Nuclear Energy volume tracking Africa’s shift from nuclear ambition to bankable projects

Source: APO

ESI Africa, published by VUKA Group (www.WeAreVuka.com), today released its Nuclear Energy volume, examining how more than a dozen African countries are moving nuclear power from policy ambition toward financed, under-construction projects.

The volume arrives as two of the continent’s most advanced nuclear programmes reach fresh milestones. In Egypt, the reactor pressure vessel for Unit 2 of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, the country’s first nuclear facility, was installed in its design position on 9 July 2026, following the same milestone at Unit 1 in November 2025. The four-unit, 4,800MW plant is being built by Rosatom under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2015.

In South Africa, Koeberg’s Unit 2 received its long-term operating licence in November 2025, extending operations to 9 November 2045, following Unit 1’s extension to 21 July 2044, granted in July 2024.

The Volume also reviews the reactor technology South Africa is likely to consider once bidding opens for its second nuclear build, targeted at 5,200MW by 2039, comparing the construction cost and delivery record of the AP1000, the EPR, South Korea’s APR-1400, Russia’s VVER-1200 and China’s Hualong One designs.

“The countries that treat nuclear as an execution problem to be solved, rather than a philosophical question to be revisited indefinitely, are the ones who will set the terms for everyone else,” said Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, Editor-in-Chief of ESI Africa.

Elsewhere in the Volume, interviews recorded at the Nuclear in Africa side event at Enlit Africa 2026 and on the sidelines of World Atomic Week gather insight from government leaders, utilities, regulators, financiers and academics from South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, Türkiye and France.

Their consistent message is that institutional readiness, financing structures and public trust, not reactor construction itself, will determine whether Africa’s nuclear ambitions become bankable reality.

A separate opinion piece by South African nuclear physicist Dr Kelvin Kemm argues that small modular reactors could put nuclear power within reach of mines, municipalities and industrial users across the continent, an opportunity one estimate cited in the issue values at $105 billion.

The full issue is available at https://apo-opa.co/4gXUmev

Continue the conversation at Enlit Africa 2027

This conversation will continue at Enlit Africa 2027, where nuclear will form part of the wider discussion around Africa’s future energy mix, including financing, policy, SMRs, large-scale nuclear and project delivery. If nuclear is part of your organisation’s future plans, pre-register for Enlit Africa 2027, 11 – 13 May at  the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa: https://apo-opa.co/3SwV4ag 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact:
Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl Editor-in-Chief, ESI Africa
nicolette@wearevuka.com 

About ESI Africa:
ESI Africa is a pan-African power, energy, water and infrastructure publication marking its 30th year in 2026. Published by VUKA Group, it delivers insights and analysis on the sectors shaping the continent’s future. www.ESI-Africa.com

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations across Africa’s energy, mining, mobility, green economy, and retail sectors through events, content, and strategic networking. Venture partners to The Global Trust Project and leaders of NPO Go Green Africa. www.WeAreVuka.com

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