Category: Africa

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Clôture en beauté du Mois de la Mode 2025 : L’excellence créative de la filière célébrée à Cotonou

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le rideau est tombé ce week-end à Cotonou sur la 7ème édition du Mois de la Mode, une initiative portée par le Ministère du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts à travers l’Agence de Développement des Arts et de la Culture. L’évènement, devenu au fil des éditions un temps fort de valorisation de la mode béninoise, s’est achevé sur un défilé de haute facture qui a mis en lumière la richesse, la diversité et l’ingéniosité des créateurs locaux. 

De jeunes stylistes aux maisons de couture confirmées, en passant par les mannequins et artisans de la chaîne de valeur mode, tous ont répondu présents pour faire de ce dernier acte un véritable hommage au savoir-faire béninois. Les collections présentées, empreintes d’originalité et de modernité, ont confirmé la vitalité d’un secteur en pleine mutation. 

Au-delà de l’aspect festif, cette édition a surtout témoigné de la volonté du gouvernement de hisser les industries culturelles et créatives à un niveau d’organisation et de professionnalisation supérieur, en cohérence avec sa vision de développement par la culture. 

Entre expositions, formations, masterclass, rencontres d’affaires et vitrines créatives, le Mois de la Mode 2025 s’achève sur une note de satisfaction partagée, réaffirmant l’ambition nationale de faire de la mode béninoise un levier économique et identitaire stratégique.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Bienvenue au Bénin : Visa gratuit pendant 72h pour les croisiéristes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Bénin franchit un nouveau cap dans le développement de son offre touristique internationale. Désormais, les croisiéristes effectuant une escale au Bénin pourront bénéficier d’une exemption de visa de 72 heures, sous réserve d’un encadrement par une agence de voyages agréée. Cette mesure, approuvée par les autorités béninoises, vise à faciliter l’accueil des voyageurs internationaux et à renforcer l’attractivité de la destination pour les compagnies maritimes opérant en Afrique de l’Ouest.

Une mesure stratégique pour le positionnement croisière du Bénin

Mise en œuvre avec l’appui de la Police Républicaine et en coordination avec les autorités portuaires, cette mesure traduit la volonté des autorités béninoises de garantir un accueil fluide, encadré et sécurisé pour les croisiéristes. Elle s’inscrit dans une stratégie globale de montée en gamme de l’offre touristique nationale, en particulier dans le secteur croisière, en plein essor ces derniers mois. Les formalités sont simplifiées pour permettre une meilleure expérience voyageur dès l’arrivée.

Un contexte porteur : Les croisières de luxe séduites par le Bénin

Depuis le début de l’année, plusieurs compagnies de croisière de prestige ont inscrit le Bénin à leurs itinéraires. Après le Seabourn Sojourn en février et le Crystal Symphony en avril – le plus grand navire de croisière jamais accueilli à Cotonou –, le pays a démontré sa capacité d’accueil et son sens de l’hospitalité. À chaque escale, les passagers ont pu découvrir les sites emblématiques de Cotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo ou encore Ganvié, plongeant dans un univers culturel riche et préservé.

Une invitation à inscrire le Bénin sur toutes les cartes maritimes

Avec cette nouvelle mesure, le Bénin confirme son ambition d’intégrer durablement le cercle restreint des escales africaines de référence pour les croisières haut de gamme. L’Agence Bénin Tourisme, en coordination avec les autorités portuaires, invite les compagnies et opérateurs à planifier dès à présent leurs prochaines escales et à profiter de cette dynamique porteuse pour offrir à leurs clients une expérience exceptionnelle dans un Monde de Splendeurs.

À propos de Bénin Tourisme

Bénin Tourisme est l’agence officielle de l’État béninois, en charge de la promotion et du développement du tourisme. Avec pour mission de faire du Bénin une destination incontournable, elle se consacre à valoriser les atouts touristiques du pays à travers des initiatives innovantes et des collaborations qualitatives. Bénin Tourisme invite les voyageurs à découvrir « Un Monde de Splendeurs », où l’authenticité, la diversité culturelle et l’hospitalité béninoise offrent une expérience mémorable.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Cabo Verde: Parlamento aprova, para ratificação, o Acordo BBNJ (Tratado do Alto Mar)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A Assembleia Nacional aprovou, esta terça-feira, em sessão plenária e por unanimidade, em votação final global, o Acordo BBNJ, relativo à Conservação e Utilização Sustentável da Biodiversidade Marinha em Áreas Além da Jurisdição Nacional.

O diploma foi apresentado ao Parlamento pelo Ministro do Mar, Eng.º Jorge Santos, que destacou a importância do chamado Acordo BBNJ, também conhecido como o Tratado do Alto Mar, no quadro da Convenção das Nações Unidas sobre o Direito do Mar.

Durante a sua intervenção, o Ministro recordou que, em 2023, a comunidade internacional alcançou um acordo histórico, após quase duas décadas de negociações. O BBNJ é considerado um marco sem precedentes no Direito Internacional do Mar, ao reconhecer os oceanos como património comum da humanidade e ao estabelecer medidas concretas para a proteção equitativa, inclusiva e sustentável da biodiversidade em alto mar.

“Trata-se de um avanço jurídico, científico e ambiental sem precedentes no Direito Internacional do Mar”, sublinhou o governante, para quem o Acordo BBNJ responde a uma necessidade urgente que é a de preservar os ecossistemas marinhos situados no alto mar e na chamada “Área”, regiões que representam quase metade da superfície do planeta e que são vitais para o equilíbrio climático, para a segurança alimentar e para a própria resiliência da vida marinha. O alto mar abriga espécies migratórias essenciais para as pescas de Cabo Verde, e influência diretamente fenómenos oceanográficos que moldam os nossos ecossistemas costeiros.

Ao dirigir-se aos Deputados, o Ministro do Mar sublinhou que a aprovação deste acordo para ratificação pelo Senhor Presidente da República é de extrema importância para Cabo Verde, tendo em conta que se trata de um Estado insular, localizado no meio do Atlântico, cuja identidade, economia e segurança estão profundamente ligadas ao oceano, observando que a Zona Económica Exclusiva de Cabo Verde é vasta, rica em biodiversidade e recursos, mas também vulnerável à exploração desregulada, às alterações climáticas e à poluição marinha.

Com a ratificação do Acordo, Cabo Verde poderá participar ativamente nas decisões multilaterais sobre conservação marinha em áreas além da sua jurisdição, reforçando o seu papel na proteção de habitats marinhos e no uso sustentável dos recursos genéticos marinhos.

O Acordo BBNJ assenta em quatro pilares fundamentais, nomeadamente, a partilha justa e equitativa dos benefícios provenientes dos recursos genéticos marinhos; a criação de zonas

marinhas protegidas e outros instrumentos de gestão por área; a realização obrigatória de avaliações de impacto ambiental; e o reforço das capacidades e a transferência de tecnologia marinha.

Cabo Verde poderá tirar benefícios concretos deste acordo, nomeadamente através do acesso a recursos financeiros e tecnológicos, que permitirão o mapeamento genético de espécies associadas a ecossistemas sensíveis, como os montes submarinos e outras áreas de elevado valor ecológico e científico. Os dados recolhidos durante campanhas oceanográficas realizadas pelos navios OceanXplorer e METEOR, com participação de cientistas cabo-verdianos, poderão integrar o sistema internacional de partilha de benefícios previsto no Acordo.

Para o Ministro do Mar, a aprovação deste instrumento reafirma o compromisso de Cabo Verde com uma governança global dos oceanos inclusiva, moderna e responsável, permitindo ao País assumir uma posição ativa na definição de políticas internacionais sobre biodiversidade marinha. Cabo Verde passará a estar representado na Conferência das Partes e nos respetivos órgãos subsidiários, contribuindo com a sua visão enquanto nação insular resiliente e comprometida com a cooperação internacional sustentável.

Após a aprovação pela Assembleia Nacional, o Acordo segue agora para Ratificação pelo Presidente da República, marcando mais um passo significativo para a consolidação do papel de Cabo Verde como parceiro ativo na proteção dos oceanos a nível global.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Educators Trained on identifying and addressing School-Related Gender Based Violence (SRGBV)

Source: APO


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Educators from over 20 African Union Member States are currently participating in a capacity-building workshop on School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), taking place in Yaoundé under the theme: “Empowering Educators to End SRGBV through Teacher Leadership and Advocacy”. The training is to be held from July 28–31, 2025, in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The four-day training aims to deepen participants’ understanding of SRGBV and equip them with practical skills to design learner-centred activities that integrate SRGBV prevention and response strategies. By the end of the workshop, participants are expected to serve as trainers within both pre-service and in-service teacher education programs, extending the impact across national education systems.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Simone Yankey, Coordinator of the African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA), emphasised the pivotal role of educators in creating safe learning environments: “Educators are vital agents of change. You are the custodians of safe and nurturing learning spaces and advocates for the rights of our children. This training goes beyond prevention—it provides tools to ensure safety and offer psychosocial support to both learners and teachers.”

Mr. Ndissara Philemon, General Inspector Coordinator for Teachers’ Training at Cameroon’s Ministry of Secondary Education, welcomed participants on behalf of the Minister. He reaffirmed Cameroon’s commitment to promoting safe schools and closing gender gaps in education.

Globally, an estimated 246 million children experience violence in and around schools each year, according to UNICEF. SRGBV remains a major barrier to learning, particularly for girls, affecting school attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being.

Professor Jean Koulidiati, Rector of the Pan African University, highlighted the importance of collective responsibility: “If we all take responsibility and give violence prevention the priority it deserves, we can turn risks into opportunities.”

Dr. Said Ould A. Voffal of UNESCO asserted the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all students, especially girls, who are disproportionately affected by physical violence.

SRGBV has been linked to increased absenteeism, school dropouts, and poor learning outcomes. Addressing it is essential to achieving inclusive and equitable quality education across Africa.

H.E. Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor, President of Cameroon office of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), shared key milestones achieved by FAWE in reducing SRGBV and advancing girls’ education through its national chapters.

During the opening, Mrs. Yankey officially presented the award trophy to the Cameroonian authorities in recognition of their efforts in launching the #AfricaEducatesHer Campaign in the country.

The Teachers’ Capacity Building workshop is jointly organised by AU CIEFFA, the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA) and FAWE, reflecting a strong partnership to empower educators and promote gender equality in education.

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

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Mauritius builds a digital future with stronger Information and Communication Technology (ICT) trade data

Source: APO


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Measuring trade in ICT services remains complex due to diverse operations, rapid technologic development and limited data sources. Only 56 countries currently report service data by partner country, essential for crafting effective policies.

When people think of Mauritius, idyllic beaches and tourism often come to mind. However, the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector is also emerging as an important economic driver. In 2024, it contributed Rs 33.9 billion ($735.6 million) to the economy—5.6% of total gross value added (GVA).

Mauritius is pursuing a government-led digital strategy, as outlined in the 2025–26 budget and the upcoming Digital Transformation Blueprint (2025–29). These initiatives emphasize artificial intelligence, open data, digital government services, and a robust startup ecosystem.

On the trade front, ICT services became the country’s fifth-largest service export category in 2023, accounting for 5.2% of total service exports. This surpasses pre-COVID-19 levels and signals strong growth potential. However, fully tapping into this potential requires better trade data.

High-quality, detailed trade statistics—including bilateral data and modes of supply—are crucial for designing effective policies, attracting investment, and ensuring sustainable growth. Yet capturing accurate ICT trade data is challenging due to rapidly evolving technologies and complicated tracking of transactions. Recognizing this, the upcoming Balance of Payments Manual (BPM7) includes new guidance on international standards for digitalization, covering areas such as cloud computing, digital platforms, and crypto-related transactions.

To improve this trade data, the International Trade Centre (ITC) is partnering with key Mauritian institutions, including the Bank of Mauritius, Statistics Mauritius, the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, and the Economic Development Board. A technical workshop held from 14 to 16 July 2025 focused on data integration, trade surveys, modes of supply, and improved dissemination.

Currently, the Bank of Mauritius relies on bank-reported data through the International Transactions Reporting System (ITRS) and is exploring the feasibility of publishing bilateral trade data. Such data is rare across African countries. ‘The ITRS offers frequent data, but we face accuracy issues in identifying partner countries,’ said Satishingh Jugoo, Chief of the Statistics Department. He noted that financial flows often do not match the country of residence of service providers or clients—especially for ICT services. Many countries therefore use surveys, requiring collaboration between central banks, national statistical offices, and regulators.

‘The open exchange of experiences showed our collective strength in tackling shared challenges,’ said Rajivsing Jeetoo, the Ministry’s Programme Manager.

ITC and Bank of Mauritius will now work together to enhance ITRS data and support a smooth transition to BPM7 standards. ‘We value this collaboration and look forward to continuing beyond the current phase of the African Trade Observatory project,’ concluded Dooneshsingh Audit of the Bank of Mauritius.

The African Trade Observatory is led by the African Union, implemented by ITC, and funded by the European Union.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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Tunisia: From Heavy Fuel Oil to Natural Gas — The Société Tunisienne de l’Électricité et du Gaz (STEG) Project Powers Energy and Industrial Transition in Northwestern Tunisia

Source: APO

In the industrial zones of northwestern Tunisia, a quiet revolution is transforming how businesses operate and communities live. Where heavy fuel oil once dominated the energy landscape, natural gas now flows through newly constructed pipelines, bringing cleaner air and economic opportunity to a region that has long waited for such progress.

The contrast is striking when you visit facilities like SICAM, an agri-food company specializing in canned tomatoes. Not long ago, the plant ran on heavy fuel oil. Thick black smoke choked the surrounding neighborhoods, machinery clogged up quickly, and starting the boilers was time-consuming. Today, thanks to natural gas, everything has changed.

“With gas, we have eliminated pollution, reduced production costs, and increased our efficiency. We save up to 500,000 Tunisian dinars per season,” says Kamel Trabelsi, Deputy Director General of SICAM.

This transformation was made possible by the Natural Gas Transport and Distribution Network Development Project in Western Tunisia, implemented by the Société Tunisienne de l’Électricité et du Gaz (STEG), with €49.39 million in financing from the African Development Bank.

A transformative project for households and businesses

Designed to improve access to cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy in a historically underserved region, the STEG project has already achieved two major natural gas activations: in February 2025 in Béja Sud and in June 2025 in Mjez Elbeb.

These rollouts connected over 1,250 households to the natural gas network. Eventually, the infrastructure will serve 13,500 subscribers across 19 municipalities in Tunisia’s Northwest, including 2,500 additional connections by the end of this year.

“This project is truly improving people’s lives. It not only heats homes, but also boosts local economic activity,” notes Mohamed Riadh Hellal, Lead Department Head at STEG and the project’s coordinator.

Driving industrial and economic growth

Beyond residential connections, many businesses are benefiting from the switch to natural gas — with positive impacts on performance, production costs, and environmental sustainability.

“Thanks to natural gas, our boilers now reach 95% capacity in record time. Efficiency is up, maintenance is easier, and pollution has dropped significantly,” explains Mr. Trabelsi. SICAM, connected to the grid in October 2024, now uses around 17,000 m³ of natural gas per production cycle.

According to Mehdi Khoali, Chief Operations Officer at the African Development Bank, “One of the project’s most transformative outcomes is the gradual industrialization of the serviced zones. Around ten new industrial units — including brickyards and cement plants — have been established thanks to the gas supply. Others have expanded their operations. This is helping create jobs and strengthen regional economic resilience.”

A model partnership between the African Development Bank and STEG

The project also stands as a model of effective collaboration between STEG and the African Development Bank. Mr. Hellal commends the Bank’s swift disbursement process: “The African Development Bank disburses funds within five to seven days on average, compared to up to two months with other donors. That has been key to keeping the project on track.”

By accelerating the energy transition, fueling industrialization, and improving living standards in western Tunisia, the STEG project — backed by the Bank — aligns seamlessly with Tunisia’s national priorities for inclusion, green growth, and balanced regional development.

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

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Tunisie : du fioul lourd au gaz naturel, le projet Société tunisienne de l’électricité et du gaz (STEG) alimente la transition énergétique et industrielle dans le Nord-Ouest tunisien

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Avant, l’usine tournait au fioul lourd. La fumée noire étouffait le voisinage, les machines s’encrassaient, et le démarrage des chaudières prenait un temps précieux. Aujourd’hui, grâce au gaz naturel, tout a changé.

« Avec le gaz, nous avons éliminé la pollution, réduit nos coûts de production, et augmenté notre rendement. Nous économisons jusqu’à 500 000 dinars tunisiens par campagne », témoigne Kamel Trabelsi, directeur général adjoint de l’entreprise agroalimentaire SICAM, spécialisée dans la production de tomates en conserve.

Cette transformation est le fruit du Projet de développement du réseau de transport et de distribution du gaz naturel dans l’Ouest tunisien, mis en œuvre par la Société tunisienne de l’électricité et du gaz (STEG), avec un financement de 49,39 millions d’euros de la Banque africaine de développement.

Un projet structurant pour les ménages et les industriels

Conçu pour améliorer l’accès à une énergie plus propre, plus abordable et plus fiable dans une région historiquement sous-équipée, le projet STEG a déjà permis deux mises en gaz majeures en février 2025 à Béja Sud et en juin 2025 à Mjez Elbeb.

Ces opérations ont permis de raccorder plus de 1 250 ménages au gaz naturel. À terme, ce sont 13 500 abonnés répartis dans 19 communes des régions du Nord-Ouest tunisien qui bénéficieront de cette infrastructure, dont 2 500 d’ici la fin de l’année.

« Ce projet change concrètement la vie des populations. Il permet non seulement de chauffer les foyers, mais aussi de dynamiser l’activité économique locale », souligne Mohamed Riadh Hellal, chef de département principal à la STEG et responsable du projet.

Une impulsion industrielle et économique

Au-delà des ménages, de nombreuses entreprises ont profité du raccordement au gaz naturel, avec des effets notables sur la performance, les coûts de production et la préservation de l’environnement.

« Grâce au gaz naturel, nos chaudières atteignent désormais 95 % de leur capacité en un temps record. Le rendement s’est amélioré, la maintenance est simplifiée et la pollution a fortement diminué », explique M. Trabelsi. L’usine SICAM, raccordée en octobre 2024, consomme désormais environ 17 000 m³ de gaz naturel par campagne.

Selon Mehdi Khoali, chargé en chef des opérations à la Banque africaine de développement, « l’un des impacts structurants du projet est l’industrialisation progressive des zones desservies. Une dizaine de nouvelles unités industrielles, comme des briqueteries ou des cimenteries, se sont implantées grâce à l’arrivée du gaz. D’autres ont pu étendre leurs activités. Cela contribue à stimuler l’emploi et à renforcer la résilience économique régionale. »

Efficacité du partenariat Banque africain de développement–STEG

Ce projet est également un exemple de collaboration fluide et efficace entre la STEG et la Banque africaine de développement et M. Hellal salue la rapidité des décaissements : « La Banque africaine de développement effectue les décaissements en moyenne entre 5 à 7 jours, contre parfois deux mois pour d’autres bailleurs. C’est un facteur clé pour le bon avancement du projet. »

Le projet STEG, soutenu par la Banque, accélère la transition énergétique, stimule l’industrialisation, et améliore les conditions de vie dans l’Ouest tunisien. Il s’inscrit pleinement dans les priorités nationales en matière d’inclusion, de croissance verte et de développement équilibré du territoire.

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

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

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Condolences for Dlozi Msibi 

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has expressed sadness at the passing of journalist, Dlozi Msibi.

“He was a passionate journalist and digital content creator whose work gave voice to local stories and promoted accountability through fearless, community-focused reporting,” GCIS Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa said.

Msibi was the founder of Mkhondo TV, a respected community media platform that informed and connected residents in Mkhondo, which is in the Gert Sibande District Municipality and surrounding areas in Mpumalanga.

The Acting Director-General said the GCIS recognises and prioritises community media as an essential stakeholder in advancing democracy. 

“Platforms like Mkhondo TV play a vital role in promoting transparency, public participation, and access to information. We extend our sincere condolences to Msibi’s family, colleagues, and the Mkhondo community. His legacy will continue to inspire the growth of credible, independent local media,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za 

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SA affirms commitment to ensuring food sovereignty 

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to food sovereignty as a pillar of national resilience and development.

Steenhuisen made the commitment at the second United Nations Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4), held at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The three-day conference, which began on Sunday, brought together Heads of State, Ministers, scientists, producers, indigenous leaders, youth and civil society to assess progress on transforming food systems worldwide.

In his address, the Minister outlined a series of strategic initiatives designed to strengthen local food production and empower communities to define their own food policies.

He said the South African government is promoting localised food production, with a clear focus on leveraging indigenous crops and livestock, which have both nutritional value and resilience to climate change.

“Current government programmes are mapping these crops nationwide and investing in research to identify underutilised plants and their agro-processing potential to develop products that will facilitate the upscaling and uptake of these foods for nutrition security,” the Minister said.

To further bolster self-sufficiency, Steenhuisen announced the development of community seed banks, ensuring reliable access to quality seeds, and supporting agricultural self-sufficiency.

“Breeding for resilience is the buzzword in promoting livestock, with a focus on indigenous livestock for genetic material. Strengthening biosecurity with the development of modern diagnostic tools that will aid tracking and tracing outbreaks, and research and development of vaccines to support prevention programmes, are prioritised,” he said.

The Minister underscored government’s continued support for smallholder farmers, noting the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), which provides financial assistance, training, and infrastructure to enhance productivity and sustainability.

With global food inflation on the rise, Steenhuisen highlighted initiatives like Ilima/Letsema’s (One Household, One Garden) model designed to help households mitigate rising food costs, especially for vulnerable populations.

He highlighted that South Africa is also advancing sustainable and regenerative production systems.

“We are actively encouraging our farmers to embrace regenerative agriculture, agroecology and conservation practices. These approaches are designed to restore land, improve biodiversity, and future-proof local food systems in the face of climate volatility,” the Minister said.

“Food safety and quality assurance are non-negotiable priorities. The South African Good Agricultural Practices (SA GAP) programme is helping farmers – especially smallholders – adopt responsible, market-friendly production methods that meet both domestic and international standards.”

Reflecting on international collaboration, the Minister noted South Africa’s engagement with global partners, such as the G20 Food Security Task Force and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to address food price inflation and its impact on low-income households.

“The aim is to develop policy “baskets” that support effective interventions, both at home and across the African continent. Key elements include smallholder farmer support, sustainable agriculture aligned with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, and country-led planning—all in support of the African Agenda 2063,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Gauteng to launch Merchant Development Programme

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is set to launch the Merchant Development Programme, which aims to address barriers of entry into the automotive industry.

“This is an initiative championed by g-FleeT Management, a trading entity of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, in partnership with WesBank and the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC). 

“It aims to address barriers of entry into the automotive sector by empowering small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to become sustainable suppliers of fleet maintenance services. The programme targets merchants in townships, informal settlements, and hostels (TISH) areas with onboarding, training and accreditation and integrates them into the government supply chain,” said the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.

Thursday’s launch will take place Chamdor Automotive Hub, 1 Jacobs Street, Krugersdorp.

Members of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics, the Mayoral Committees on Transport will be in attendance together with the Chief Executive Officers from AIDC, WesBank and g-FleeT Management. – SAnews.gov.za