Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has registered its strong objection and concern regarding circumstances around the recent visit of an eminent South African leader, former South African President Mr Jacob Zuma, who is Leader of Umkhonto We Sizwe Party, visited the Kingdom of Morocco and held a meeting in Rabat on 15 July 2025, with His Excellency Mr Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Whilst recognition we respect the sovereign right of Morocco to invite individuals and groups, DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, strongly protests the use of South African national symbols, in this instance the use of the South African National Flag, in the meeting between Mr Jacob Zuma and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The use of the South African National Flag in a meeting with a member of a political party in opposition, which is a non-state actor, constitutes an abuse of existing protocol and decorum, and undermines official bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco.

South Africa has indicated to the Kingdom Morocco that the display of national symbols inherently conveys official state endorsement and elevates the perception of the encounter to that of a state-to-state engagement. This characterisation is inconsistent with established diplomatic protocol, as the participants did not represent the official positions or engagements of the South African state.

Consequently, this portrayal cannot be recognised as an official bilateral meeting, and the implications drawn from it are firmly rejected.

The Government of the Republic of South Africa holds the firm view that the use of its national symbols in contexts implying official state endorsement of non-governmental engagements is inappropriate, irrespective of setting. In the spirit of fostering and maintaining cordial and friendly bilateral relations, and consistent with the fundamental principles of mutual respect between sovereign states and non-interference in internal affairs, South Africa respectfully encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions. Upholding these shared principles is essential for the continued positive development of relations between our two nations.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO – Report:

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President Wavel Ramkalawan on Wednesday morning welcomed the newly ordained Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Port Victoria, the Right Reverend Danny Elizabeth, for a courtesy call at State House, following his ordination on Sunday, 3rd August 2025.

The meeting served as an opportunity for President Ramkalawan to extend his congratulations to Bishop Elizabeth as he assumes his new spiritual leadership role within the Anglican Church. The two leaders engaged in a cordial exchange, reflecting on the Church’s enduring contribution to the nation and the values it upholds.

Discussions centred on the long-standing relationship between the Anglican Church and the State, with a shared emphasis on the importance of continued collaboration in key areas such as education, social development, national unity, and moral guidance.

President Ramkalawan reiterated the Government’s commitment to religious freedom and the maintenance of open dialogue with all faith-based institutions. He also underscored the Church’s potential role in strengthening spiritual values within society and expressed openness to increased partnership in social initiatives, particularly those focused on the welfare of children and youth.

Bishop Elizabeth conveyed his gratitude to the President for the warm reception and, on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Port Victoria, expressed a firm commitment to continued cooperation with Government and other national institutions in the service of the Seychellois people.

In addition to discussions on social engagement, both parties also addressed the upcoming consecration of St Agnes Chapel in Plaisance as a full Anglican Church, as well as the role of the Church in promoting peace and national unity ahead of the forthcoming elections. They agreed on the importance of sustaining a strong Church-State partnership to advance the common good and reinforce the values of tolerance and cohesion throughout the nation.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

Source: APO – Report:

HE Speaker of the Council of the Nation of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Azzouz Nasri met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Algeria Abdulaziz Ali Al Naama.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has successfully concluded the Chad leg of the training and policy dialogue under the GONAT initiative (Governance of Natural Resources in Transition and Fragile States), which focuses on improving natural resource governance in fragile and transitioning countries. 

Launched in 2023, the GONAT initiative carried out diagnostic studies, prepared training modules, and is now embarking on a series of in-country training sessions and policy dialogues aimed at helping African countries build capacity to tackle illicit financial flows (IFFs) and better manage resource-backed lending. Following previous sessions in the Central African Republic and Sierra Leone, Chad became the third country to host this high-level GONAT policy dialogue, focused on promoting more transparent and accountable management of extractive resources. The next sessions are scheduled for August in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. 

“Strengthening overall governance and transparency in the natural resource sector is a necessary step in reforming the design, governance, monitoring, and implementation of IFFs, illegal natural resource trade, and resource-backed lending in Africa. The GONAT initiative is helping address these issues and ensuring that Africa harnesses its natural wealth for resilient growth and development,” said Solomane Koné, Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre. 

From 21 to 25 July, around 50 participants — including officials from the ministries of Finance, Economy, Planning, Environment, Mines, and Geology, as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, academia, and local communities — gathered under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Wealth: Curbing Illicit Financial Flows for Resilient Growth and Development.” 

High-level panellists included: 

• Mme Kadidja Hassane Abdoulaye, Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines and Geology; 
• Mr. Ahmat Abderahim Abbo, Secretary General in charge of Economy and Planning at the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation; 
• Dr. Solomane Koné, Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre (ECNR), African Development Bank; 
• Dr. Innocent Onah, Chief Natural Resources Officer, ECNR, African Development Bank; 
• Prof. Abdallah Mahamat-Nour, Professor–Researcher, Hydrogeologist, Director of the Hydro-Geosciences and Reservoir Laboratory, and Head of the GeoRes Master’s Programme at the University of N’Djamena. 

“Natural resource governance cannot succeed in isolation. It requires coordinated action across institutions, informed by data, and grounded in local realities. Through initiatives like GONAT, we aim to equip countries with the tools and partnerships needed to build resilient, accountable systems,” stated Dr. Solomane Koné. 

Each year, IFFs cost the African continent tens of billions of dollars, undermining efforts to mobilise domestic resources for essential infrastructure and social services. Like many other countries, Chad is not immune to this challenge. 

“Illicit financial flows are one of the major obstacles to development in Africa. According to the African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook, the continent loses an average of nearly $90 billion annually due to IFFs — about 4% of its GDP,” said Eric Ogunleye, Director of the Bank’s African Development Institute. 

Discussions also explored the growing use of resource-backed lending — financing mechanisms secured by future revenues from oil or minerals. While these loans can provide quick access to capital, they carry risks of over-indebtedness and heightened vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations. 

Jointly organised by the African Development Institute (ADI) and the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre (ECNR), the workshop combined technical sessions, case studies, group work, and policy dialogue. Topics included: 

• Methods for detecting IFFs, including trade transaction tracking and customs cooperation 
• Legal and fiscal frameworks to safeguard extraction contracts 
• Tools to negotiate more transparent resource-backed loans aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The final day, 25 July, was dedicated to a policy dialogue bringing together decision-makers and key stakeholders. The objective was to share GONAT’s findings and recommendations, and to explore how they could be incorporated into national policies, particularly in combatting illicit resource trade and monitoring resource-backed lending. 

“The workshop enhanced our understanding of illicit financial flows and underscored the need for an inclusive approach. Achieving sustainable and equitable development requires the meaningful involvement of women at all levels of natural resource governance,” noted Nguema Nakoye Mannta, Field Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Chad. 

The workshop concluded with a series of recommendations, including: 

• Ensuring that knowledge and research inform decision-making and policy in the natural resource sector 
• Reforming mining sector laws and institutions 
• Enhancing transparency and public disclosure around extractive activities 
• Building technical capacities 
• Establishing multi-stakeholder commissions to audit resource flows and coordinate government action 
• Ratifying and implementing key initiatives such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the Yaoundé Declaration, the Kimberley Process, and related agreements. 

“Should a second phase of the GONAT initiative be designed, we would strongly encourage it to focus on key strategic areas for Chad’s natural resource sector — including geological studies, digital cadastre expansion, revenue management, and capacity building across our institutions. Strengthening national systems and human capital is essential for turning resource wealth into sustainable development,” stated Mme Kadidja Hassane Abdoulaye. 

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

About the GONAT Project:
GONAT is a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank Group. It aims to strengthen governance in natural resource sectors across fragile and transitioning countries. The project currently focuses on six countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. It covers a broad range of sectors, including oil, gas, minerals, forestry, fisheries, and wildlife. 

Source: APO – Report:

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As South Africa celebrates National Science Week (NSW) 2025 under the theme “Science, technology and innovation are for everyone,” 19 outstanding first-year university students embarked on an inspiring scientific journey across Gauteng and the North West.

Launched over the weekend by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, NSW emphasises the importance of making science inclusive, accessible and relevant to all South Africans, regardless of age, gender, language or location. In line with this vision, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) hosts its annual Brilliants Programme, showcasing the nation’s brightest young minds in science, engineering and medicine.

The NSTF Brilliants are top-performing Grade 12 learners from each province, selected based on exceptional results in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Chosen in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, these students – two male and two female per province – are pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The 2024 cohort toured cutting-edge research and innovation facilities from 27 to 30 July, beginning at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and concluding at North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom.

Among the participants are future medical doctors, engineers, data scientists and innovators, including:

• Sinothando Matsha (Eastern Cape) – MBChB at Stellenbosch University.
• Sivikele Majebe (Eastern Cape) – BSc in Statistics, Data Science and Computer Science at University of Cape Town (UCT).
• Susan Bender (Free State) – MBChB at University of the Free State.
• Lehlohonolo Mokhothu (Free State) – BEng in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at UCT.
• Kagiso Tele (Gauteng) – MBChB at Wits University
• Ntsako Thato Ringane (Gauteng) – MBChB at Wits University
• Matthew Christopher Wise (Western Cape) – BSc in Data Science at UCT
• Kgopolo Danny Ibang (North West) – Computer Science at University of Johannesburg.

Several Brilliants were also selected to represent South Africa internationally at the London International Youth Science Forum, a 15-day STEM summer camp held at Imperial College London. They are Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema, Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo, Takatso Obrey Sibanda, Jurie Johannes Blignaut, Andre De Boer, Lehlohonolo Mokhothu and Kagiso Tele.

The four-day tour offered immersive experiences in South Africa’s most advanced scientific environments.

The first day started at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Agroprocessing Facility, where students explored technologies that convert raw agricultural materials into food products. They then visited Aditiv Solutions, a leading metal 3D printing company, to witness high-performance additive manufacturing systems in action.

Day two was spent at Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Hub, an incubator for small businesses and tech startups. The young students engaged with innovations in gaming, animation and digital media. Other activities included visits to the National Aerospace Centre and the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, culminating at the Evolutionary Studies Institute, where students interacted with fossils and explored South Africa’s rich paleontological heritage and the legacy of pioneers like Charles Darwin.

Day three began with a sunrise game drive, followed by a visit to Jonker Sailplanes in Centurion – South Africa’s premier manufacturer of high-performance gliders. Its co-founder and the Director of the School of Mechanical Engineering at NWU, Prof. Attie Jonker, led a full factory tour, showcasing the engineering excellence behind the design and assembly of sailplanes.

The students were inspired by Prof. Jonker’s message, “Passion is sometimes a decision – to decide that something is worthwhile and even fun, even when it’s challenging. It’s about mindset.”

The final stop was the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Infrastructure Centre of Competence at NWU. Led by Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov, HySA is a flagship Department of Science, Technology and Innovation programme launched in 2007 to position South Africa as a global player in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. Students learned about sustainable energy solutions, green hydrogen production, and South Africa’s growing role in the global hydrogen economy.

Reflecting on the experience, Mr Ntsako Thato Ringane said: “Most of the places we visited are doing extraordinary and unique work. I’ve learned the importance of following one’s passion and staying curious.”

The NSTF Brilliants Programme not only celebrates academic excellence but also fosters a pipeline of future STEM professionals. By exposing high-achieving youth to real-world science and technology, the programme reinforces the message that science is for everyone, and that South Africa’s future is being built by its brilliant young minds.

– on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO – Report:

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On August 3, at the invitation of the Rwanda Kung-fu Wushu Association (RKWF), Ambassador Gao Wenqi attended the Car-Free Day event, and practiced the Tai-Chi and Kung-fu show organized by the RKWF. Hon. Samuel Dusengiyumva, Mayor of Kigali, and Hon. Christine Nkulikiyinka, Minister of Public Service and Labour, were present.

Ambassador Gao noted that the Car-Free Day is an innovative initiative to promote healthy lifestyles and environmental protection. The Embassy will continue to participate in and support the events. He also thanked the RKWF for its efforts to promote Chinese Kung-fu in Rwanda and bilateral people-to-people exchanges.

Launched by the City of Kigali in 2016, the Car-Free Day is held twice a month to encourage residents to reduce motor vehicle use and engage in physical exercises.

– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.