Category: Africa

Posted on

CORRECTION: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania sign cooperation framework to advance private sector development and strategic investment

Source: APO – Report:

  • Three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed to strengthen ICD’s cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
  • ICD to support Shariah-compliant financing mobilization for a proposed mining project of strategic importance.
  • Cooperation to support sovereign credit rating readiness, PPP ecosystem development, and SME financing.

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (https://ICD-PS.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for strategic cooperation across key areas of private sector development and economic capacity building.

The agreement was signed at ICD Headquarters by H.E. Dr. Abdellah Souleymane Cheikh-Sidia, Minister of Economic Affairs and Cooperation, IsDB Governor and the Acting CEO of ICD, Dr Khalid Khalafalla in the presence of H.E. Mohamed Lemine Dhehby, Central Bank of Mauritania, IsDB Alternate Governor, and senior officials from the IsDB Group and members of the Mauritanian delegation.

An important part of the MoU is ICD’s continued engagement, on a strictly non-binding and best-effort basis, to arrange a Shariah-compliant syndicated or club financing facility for a proposed mining project of strategic importance.

Beyond this flagship initiative, the cooperation framework encompasses a range of activities aimed at strengthening Mauritania’s institutional foundations and broadening access to private sector financing. These include supporting Mauritania’s sovereign credit rating engagement, developing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) ecosystem, and extending lines of financing to local financial institutions to enhance SME access to capital. ICD will also work to identify and finance bankable projects in priority sectors, including energy.

Commenting on the signing, Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ICD, said: “We are honored to formalize this cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. This MoU reflects our commitment to deploying Shariah-compliant finance as a catalyst for sustainable development. From supporting one of the country’s most significant mining project to building institutional capacity in areas such as PPP and sovereign credit rating readiness, ICD is proud to play a role in Mauritania’s long-term economic transformation.”

H.E. Abdullah Suleiman Sheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development and IsDB Governor for Mauritania, stated:  “This partnership marks an important step in strengthening Mauritania’s efforts to accelerate sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Through this cooperation with ICD, we aim to mobilize innovative and Shariah-compliant financing solutions to support strategic investments, strengthen our institutional framework, and expand opportunities for private sector development. We particularly welcome ICD’s support in areas such as sovereign credit rating engagement, the development of a robust PPP ecosystem, and improving access to finance for SMEs. These initiatives will contribute to unlocking Mauritania’s economic potential and advancing our long-term development objectives.”

H.E. Mohamed Lemine Dhehby, Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania and Alternate Governor of the IsDB Group, said: “Strengthening Mauritania’s sovereign credit profile is an important step toward deepening our integration into international financial markets and unlocking new sources of sustainable financing for our development priorities. We welcome ICD’s support in advancing our sovereign credit rating engagement and in reinforcing the financial ecosystem necessary to attract long-term investment. This collaboration will contribute to enhancing transparency, strengthening investor confidence, and supporting the continued development of Mauritania’s financial sector.”

– on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).

For media inquiries, contact:
icd.communication@isdb.org

About the Islamic Republic of Mauritania:
The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a member state of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Its Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development is the government body responsible for formulating and implementing national economic strategy, coordinating development programming, and managing Mauritania’s engagement with international financial institutions.

About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector:
ICD, a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is a multilateral financial institution established in 1999. ICD promotes economic development in member countries by financing private sector projects, fostering competition and entrepreneurship, offering advisory services, and encouraging cross-border investments. It holds strong credit ratings, including A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A- by S&P. ICD focuses on Shari’ah-compliant financing for projects like infrastructure and private equity funds, aiming to create jobs and boost exports.

For more information, visit https://ICD-PS.org and follow ICD on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube @icdps.

Media files

.

Posted on

School shoes restore dignity for learners in Taung, Mamusa

Source: Government of South Africa

School shoes restore dignity for learners in Taung, Mamusa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, on Friday handed over school shoes to learners from nine schools in the Greater Taung and Mamusa Local Municipalities at Uurpan Safari Lodge in Schweizer-Reneke.

The event brought together community leaders, education stakeholders, School Governing Bodies, councillors from Taung and Mamusa Local Municipalities, as well as representatives from government departments and partner organisations committed to supporting learners in rural communities.

During the programme, Morolong reflected on the challenges that many learners in rural areas continue to face and emphasised the importance of restoring dignity in education.

Sharing a story about a young boy who once walked long distances to school without proper shoes, the Deputy Minister reminded the audience that access to basic necessities such as school shoes can make a profound difference in a learner’s life.

“Sometimes what appears small can carry great meaning. A simple pair of school shoes can represent dignity, confidence and the opportunity for a child to walk into a classroom knowing that they belong there,” he said.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to support education and uplift communities in the North West Province.

Deputy Minister Morolong also took the opportunity to recognise the important role played by educators and school leadership in shaping the future of young people.

Two school principals from the district, who recently retired after many years of service in education, were acknowledged for their lifelong dedication to developing learners and strengthening their communities.

Their contribution, the Deputy Minister noted, extended far beyond the classroom and lives on through the generations of learners they have mentored and guided.

The programme was made possible through collaboration between government and key partners, including Infrastructure South Africa, Brand South Africa and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), with support from private sector partners such as KPMG.

Through this partnership, hundreds of learners received school shoes, ensuring that they can attend school with dignity and confidence.

Deputy Minister Morolong emphasised that nation building requires collaboration between government, business, and communities.

“When government and business work together with purpose, we can create meaningful change in the lives of our people, especially our children,” he said.

He also called on communities to protect and support schools as important spaces for learning and development.

“Our schools must once again become centres of pride for our communities. Education is not only the responsibility of teachers or government. It belongs to all of us.”

Addressing the learners present at the event, the Deputy Minister encouraged them to wear their new school shoes with pride and remain focused on their education.

“Let these shoes remind you that your future is bigger than the streets you walk today. One day, among you, will be doctors, teachers, scientists and leaders who will shape the future of our country.”

The handover programme formed part of ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening communities and ensuring that every child in South Africa has the opportunity to learn and succeed.

“Every journey begins with a step. Today, together, we are making sure that step is taken with dignity,” said the Deputy Minister. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Janine

70 views

Posted on

BROXO présente sa nouvelle image de marque sur les marchés du traitement de l’eau

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

BROXO (www.BROXOSalt.com/) est une marque d’Hengelo Salt Specialties et de Mariager Salt Specialties, sociétés intégrées au Groupe Salins, dont le siège est à Clichy, en France. Fort de plus de 100 ans d’expertise, BROXO s’est forgée une solide réputation en fournissant du sel raffiné de qualité supérieure utilisé dans les systèmes professionnels de traitement de l’eau à travers l’Europe.

Le sel BROXO est produit à partir de sel raffiné de haute pureté extrait de cavernes de sel souterraines aux Pays-Bas et au Danemark. Aux Pays-Bas, le sel est compacté en pastilles, ainsi qu’en différentes formes et granulométries pour être utilisés dans toutes les applications d’adoucissement de l’eau. Composé de chlorure de sodium pur à 99,9 % et avec une teneur extrêmement faible en calcium et en magnésium, BROXO fait partie des sels de la plus haute qualité disponibles sur le marché.

Le sel joue un rôle essentiel dans la régénération des résines échangeuses d’ions dans les systèmes d’adoucissement de l’eau, éliminant efficacement le calcium et le magnésium de l’eau. En empêchant la formation de calcaire, BROXO contribute à protéger les tuyaux, les systèmes de chauffage, les lave-vaisselle et les installations industrielles. Dans les environnements industriels, un adoucissement efficace de l’eau réduit la consommation d’énergie, minimise les besoins d’entretien et préserve l’efficacité opérationnelle.

Le rafraîchissement de la marque  vise à renforcer l’identité fondamentale de BROXO, mettant en avant les atouts reconnaissables de la marque ,  ses couleurs et son langage visuel auxquels les clients font confiance depuis des décennies. Le nouveau look reflète à la fois l’héritage de BROXO et son approche tournée vers l’avenir sur le marché mondial.

« BROXO est un leader dans son segment depuis plus de 100 ans. Ce rafraîchissement consiste à revenir à nos atouts principaux: qualité, fiabilité et cohérence, tout en modernisant la façon dont nous nous présentons sur le marché », déclare Nico Basson, responsable marketing des segments Traitement de l’eau et Grande Consommation. « Nous nous appuyons sur une base solide et préparons la marque àune croissance continue. »

Aujourd’hui, BROXO continue de servir un large éventail de clients, notamment des restaurants, des hôtels, des  établissements commerciaux et des opérateurs industriels qui ont besoin de systèmes d’adoucissement d’eau hautement performants.

Distribué par APO Group pour BROXO.

Contact:
Nico Basson
broxo@salins.com
Responsable Marketing Segment – Traitement de l’eau et Grande Consommation
www.BROXOSalt.com

À propos de BROXO : 
BROXO est une marque de Salt Specialties qui fait partie du Groupe Salins, l’un des plus grands producteurs de sel en Europe. Le groupe français existe depuis plus de 160 ans et emploie actuellement environ 2 200 personnes dans le monde.

Media files

Posted on

Missed the webinar? Watch “Creating the mine of the future” on demand

Source: APO

Technology in African mining is evolving rapidly, with innovations such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital twins reshaping how mines operate. These technologies are driving improvements in exploration, productivity, health and safety, ESG performance and extending the life of mining operations.

Those who missed Mining Review Africa’s recent webinar, “Tech Talk: Creating the mine of the future,” can now watch the full discussion on demand.

The webinar, hosted by Mining Review Africa and sponsored by BME (a division of the Omnia Group) and the Council for Geoscience, explores how emerging technologies are helping to create more intelligent, connected and efficient mines across the continent.

The expert panel unpacked several key themes shaping the future of mining. These included current technology trends such as automation, robotics and artificial intelligence, as well as the growing role of digitalisation through improved connectivity, the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital twins.

Watch on demand for free here: https://apo-opa.co/40wdto1

The discussion further explored how artificial intelligence is being applied across the mining value chain, from exploration to processing, helping companies enhance productivity while improving worker safety. Technology’s role in sustainability was also highlighted, with digital solutions enabling mines to become more energy efficient and reduce their environmental footprint.

Another key topic focused on building the workforce of the future, with panellists emphasising the importance of upskilling employees to ensure that new technological solutions are implemented and used effectively. The session also looked ahead to the innovations expected to shape the next generation of mines.

The webinar brought together a panel of industry experts including Nishen Hariparsad, General Manager: Technology and Marketing at BME, a member of the Omnia Group; Bokang Kalepa, Chief Growth Officer at Baletsema Holdings; and Clement Ndou, Scientist and Spectral Geologist at the Council for Geoscience.

Mining professionals who were unable to attend the live session on 5 March at 14:00 SAST can now watch the full webinar on demand and gain valuable insights into how technology is shaping the future of mining in Africa.

Watch on demand for free here: https://apo-opa.co/40wdto1

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media files

.

Posted on

BROXO Introduces Brand Update Across Water Treatment Markets

Source: APO

BROXO (www.BROXOSalt.com/) is part of Hengelo Salt Specialties and Mariager Salt Specialties, companies incorporated under Groupe Salins, headquartered in Clichy, France. With over 100 years of expertise, BROXO has built a strong reputation for delivering premium vacuum salt used in professional water treatment systems across Europe.

BROXO salt is produced from high-purity vacuum salt extracted from underground salt caverns in the Netherlands and Denmark. In the Netherlands, the salt is compacted into briquettes and tablets, as well as specialized grades for water softening applications. With a sodium chloride purity of 99.9% and extremely low calcium and magnesium content, BROXO is among the highest quality salts available on the market.

The salt plays a critical role in regenerating ion exchange resins in water softening systems, effectively removing calcium and magnesium from water. By preventing limescale formation, BROXO helps protect pipes, heating systems, dishwashers, and industrial installations. In industrial environments, effective water softening reduces energy consumption, minimizes maintenance requirements, and safeguards operational efficiency.

The brand refresh focuses on strengthening BROXO’s core identity, reinforcing the recognizable brand assets, colors, and visual language that customers have trusted for decades. The updated look reflects both BROXO’s heritage and its forward-looking approach to the global market.

“BROXO has been a leader in its segment for over 100 years. This refresh is about returning to our core strengths: quality, reliability, and consistency while modernizing how we present ourselves to the market,” says Nico Basson, Segment Marketing Manager Water & Retail Products. “We are building on a strong foundation and preparing the brand for continued growth.”

Today, BROXO continues to serve a wide range of customers, including restaurants, hotels, commercial facilities, and industrial operators that rely on high-performance water softening systems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BROXO.

For more information, please contact:
Nico Basson
broxo@salins.com
Segment Marketing Manager – Water & Retail Products
www.BROXOSalt.com

About BROXO:
BROXO is a brand of Salt Specialties which is a part of Groupe Salins, one of the largest salt producers in Europe. The French group has existed for more than 160 years and currently employs approximately 2,200 people worldwide.

Media files

.

Posted on

2 200 soldiers deployed to five provinces

Source: Government of South Africa

2 200 soldiers deployed to five provinces

President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of his decision to deploy 2 200 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

This is in line with section 201 (3) (a)(b)(c) and (d) of the Constitution.

According to the Presidency, the deployment serves to prevent and combat crime, and support and preserve law and order under Operation Prosper which is targeting illegal mining and gangsterism. 

“The deployed members of the SANDF will assist the South African Police Service to prevent and combat illegal mining and gangsterism in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.

“The deployment is for the period 01 March 2026 until 31 March 2027,” said the Presidency in a statement on Friday.

Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, directs that, “Only the President, as head of the national executive, may authorise the employment of the defence force in co-operation with the police service”.

The Presidency said expenditure for this employment is estimated at R823 153 960.

During the State of the Nation Address 2026, President Ramaphosa announced the intention to deploy the South Africa National Defence to areas afflicted by illegal mining and gang violence. 

President Ramaphosa has called on communities to welcome and work more closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to identify and alienate criminal elements and make neighbourhoods safer in the process. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

2 views

Posted on

Cabo Verde: Ministério da Justiça rubrica protocolos de cooperação institucional com Igrejas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

O Ministério da Justiça rubricou dois protocolos de parceria com igrejas. O primeiro foi assinado com a Igreja de São João Batista da Ribeira Grande de Santiago, na Cidade Velha, e tem como objetivo apoiar financeiramente a implementação do projeto “Espaço Aeropónico Agro-Mater”. A iniciativa pretende beneficiar mulheres, em especial mães solteiras de 12 comunidades daquele concelho, através da prática de agricultura vertical com recurso à aeroponia. O ato contou com a presença do Ministro da Promoção de Investimentos e Fomento Empresarial, Eurico Monteiro, cujo ministério também irá apoiar a concretização do projeto.

O segundo protocolo, rubricado com a Paróquia São Filipe Apóstolo, em Achada de São Filipe, visa, por sua vez, o apoio financeiro para a implementação do Projeto de Montagem de uma Padaria Comunitária, destinada a promover inclusão social, criação de emprego e apoio alimentar à comunidade.

A Ministra da Justiça, Joana Rosa, que presidiu os dois atos salientou “o papel fundamental das igrejas em trabalhar as questões sociais, quer na ótica de prevenção à criminalidade e outros males sociais, quer na ótica do empoderamento das famílias para que possam viver melhor, com dignidade, paz e harmonia, formando cidadãos conscientes dos seus direitos e deveres e úteis à própria sociedade”

Joana Rosa destaca que “as igrejas conseguem, muitas vezes, chegar aonde o próprio Estado tem mais dificuldades e conhecem muito melhor as nossas comunidades”.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

Posted on

Deputy President Mashatile to deliver Eulogy at the Special Official Funeral of the late former Minister Mosiuoa Lekota

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Republic of South Africa, deliver the Eulogy at the Special Official Funeral Category 2 of the late former Minister of Defence and founding President of the Congress of the People (COPE), Mr Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick “Terror” Lekota, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 March 2026 in Bloemfontein, Free State Province.

Mr Lekota, a veteran of the liberation struggle and former Premier of the Free State and inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, passed away on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, at the age of 77.

In honour of his contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle and democratic development, President Ramaphosa declared that Mr Lekota will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2. 

Mr Lekota dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and democracy. As a member of the South African Students’ Organisation and a leading figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF), he played a significant role in mobilising communities against apartheid. He was imprisoned on Robben Island for eight years alongside struggle leaders, including Tata Nelson Mandela.

In the democratic era, Mr Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State (1994–1996), the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (1997–1999), and Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008.

The President has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations until the evening of the funeral on 14 March 2026.

Details of the funeral proceedings are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 14 March 2026
Time: 09h00
Venue: Old Grey Sports Club, 72 Park Road, Willows, Bloemfontein, Free State Province

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

EThekwini intensifies crackdown on non-compliant tuckshops

Source: Government of South Africa

EThekwini intensifies crackdown on non-compliant tuckshops

Five undocumented foreign nationals operating spaza shops in Umlazi, south of Durban, were arrested during a three-day multi-disciplinary compliance operation conducted this week.

A total of 34 tuckshops were inspected by eThekwini Municipality’s law enforcement agencies and Environmental Health Officers.

The operation was conducted in partnership with Durban Metro Police, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City’s Business Licensing Division, and the Supply Side and Area-Based Operations Directorate.

The multi-disciplinary initiative focused on enforcing municipal by-laws, verifying business licence compliance, ensuring adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, and safeguarding public health.

During the inspections, most businesses were found to be operating without valid business licences, raising significant compliance concerns.

On the first day of the operation on 9 March 2026, officials inspected 14 tuckshops in Umlazi’s K and H sections.

“None of the businesses had valid licences. One fine and one summons were issued for dirty conditions. Warnings were also issued.

“The operation moved to Q and U sections on 10 March, where 12 tuckshops were inspected. None of the businesses had valid licences,” the municipality said.

Officials issued warnings, and Environmental Health Practitioners are expected to conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that corrective measures are implemented.

Operations on Wednesday, 11 March, focused on sections T and B, where eight tuckshops were inspected.

Of these, one had a pending licence application, while seven were operating without licences.

“Two fines were issued, along with summonses for dirty conditions and expired foodstuffs. Expired goods were confiscated to prevent them from being sold to the public. Warnings were also issued,” the municipality said.

Inspectors also uncovered illegal electricity connections at some premises, posing additional safety risks.

The municipality said the joint operations reflect the city’s commitment to protecting residents, enforcing compliance, and ensuring that businesses operate within the confines of the law.

The city warned that it will not tolerate non-compliance, particularly where public health and safety are compromised.

Similar operations will be rolled out in other communities as the municipality strengthens law enforcement and promotes responsible and compliant business practices.

Businesses are urged to visit municipal Business Licensing Offices to register or renew their licences, as trading without a valid licence is an offence under the Business Licensing Act 71 of 1991.

For licence applications or renewals, businesses can contact the City’s Business Licensing Division on 031 311 4535, email licensing@durban.gov.za, or visit 199 Anton Lembede Street, Embassy Building, 7th Floor. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

149 views

Posted on

Cabo Verde: Ministro do Mar e Secretário de Estado das Pescas e do Mar de Portugal destacam reforço da cooperação marítima entre os dois países

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Baixar .tipo

O Ministro do Mar, Jorge Santos, e o Secretário de Estado das Pescas e do Mar de Portugal, Salvador Malheiro, fizeram nesta quinta-feira, 12 de março, um balanço positivo da visita de dois dias realizada pelo governante português a Cabo Verde, destacando o reforço da cooperação bilateral no domínio do mar e da economia azul.

Segundo o Ministro do Mar, a visita revelou-se “positiva e oportuna”, permitindo aprofundar o diá. e identificar novas oportunidades de parceria entre os dois países, particularmente no plano empresarial e na valorização dos recursos ligados ao mar.

Durante os encontros de trabalho, as duas delegações abordaram diversas áreas estratégicas da Economia Azul, com destaque para a promoção do investimento privado no setor das pescas e para o desenvolvimento da indústria de transformação do pescado em Cabo Verde.

Jorge Santos sublinhou que a cooperação com Portugal poderá contribuir significativamente para a modernização e o fortalecimento da cadeia de valor das pescas, beneficiando da experiência portuguesa na gestão das lotas, na garantia da qualidade do pescado e na criação de condições para o abastecimento do mercado interno, incluindo o setor turístico, bem como para a exportação.

Por sua vez, o Secretário de Estado das Pescas e do Mar destacou a importância da visita para reforçar as relações entre os dois países num setor estratégico para ambas as nações. O governante português recordou que, durante a missão, foi assinado um novo memorando de entendimento entre os dois governos, que substitui o acordo anterior, datado de 2014.

De acordo com Salvador Malheiro, o novo instrumento de cooperação reflete a evolução do contexto global e a crescente relevância da economia azul, atualmente associada a temas como soberania, segurança alimentar, criação de riqueza e desenvolvimento sustentável.

O memorando estabelece um quadro mais abrangente de colaboração entre Cabo Verde e Portugal em diversas áreas ligadas ao mar, incluindo as pescas, a construção naval, a sustentabilidade dos oceanos, os desportos náuticos e a investigação científica.

A visita do governante português a Cabo Verde incluiu ainda uma agenda de visitas técnicas a importantes infraestruturas ligadas ao setor do mar na ilha de São Vicente, nomeadamente ao Complexo de Pesca e Logística do Porto Grande do Mindelo, ao Complexo de Pesca da Cova de Inglesa, à CABNAVE, ao Instituto do Mar e à Frescomar, permitindo conhecer de perto o potencial e os investimentos existentes no país no domínio da economia do mar.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.