Speech by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, on the occasion of The Presidency Budget Vote 2025/2026, National Assembly

Source: President of South Africa –

Madame Speaker,
His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa,
Deputy President of the Republic, The Honourable Paul Mashatile, (In absentia)
Members of the Executive,
Honourable Chief Whip,
Honourable Members of the House,
Distinguished guests.
Mr President,  

Madame Speaker, after the 2024 May Election results, the political parties committed to see South Africa move forward, anchored on strengthening our constitutional democracy came together guided the Statement of Intent, to form Government of National Unity. Our constitution, founded on amongst others, the Freedom Charter, adopted 70 years ago. The constitution, in the preamble enjoins us to improve the quality of life of every citizen and free the potential of each person.

We accept that the challenges confronting our country are stark. We are contending with the stubborn legacy of colonialism and apartheid that continues to manifest itself through inequality, youth unemployment and slow economic growth. But we remain resolute.

Through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), and cross-cutting coordination with social partners, we are shifting the dial and scaling solutions that are showing real impact.

One of the most promising interventions we are leading is Jobs Boost, a groundbreaking outcomes-based employment model. Jobs Boost is a R300 million pay-for-performance initiative currently being piloted. 

This programme which is currently in its pilot phase, seeks to connect 4,500 of the most marginalised young people in our country to sustainable, quality jobs. It is among the largest outcomes funds globally dedicated to youth employment. 

Mr President, What makes Jobs Boost particularly powerful is its laser focus on inclusion and results. The programme targets young people who have matriculated from quintile 1 to 3 schools or received child support grants, and who have no formal post-school qualifications. These are the youth most at risk of long-term exclusion. 

Jobs Boost ensures they are placed in high-quality jobs that are employer-paid, and monitors whether they remain in these jobs. 

To date, twelve implementing partners have begun rolling out the programme. Since September 2024, we have seen:
• 4,136 young people placed in sustainable jobs,
• 1,543 of them have retained these jobs for at least three months,
• 825 have remained employed for six months or longer.

These are not just numbers; they represent young lives being changed. They represent families who now have a steady income. 

The pilot will conclude in December 2025, and early indicators suggest that Jobs Boost will not only meet its targets but also set a new benchmark for how we tackle youth unemployment. We look forward to scaling this model in 2026, in partnership with the private sector and donors.

Linked to this success is the growing impact of SAYouth.mobi, the digital platform that is the heartbeat of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. Since its launch in 2020, SA Youth has grown to over 4.7 million registered users. 

Through the platform, young people have accessed more than 1.67 million earning opportunities. These include jobs supported by the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Youth Employment Service, and the National Youth Service.

This platform is not only large in scale but also deeply equitable. Over 70% of the opportunities accessed have gone to young black African women. More than 73% of users come from quintile 1 to 3 schools, and 65% live in households where at least one member receives a social grant. 

These statistics show that SA Youth is reaching the very people who need it most.

Speaker, this is what inclusive development looks like. When we design systems intentionally to serve the poor and unemployed, we bend the trajectory of this country towards justice and shared prosperity.

These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of strong coordination led by the Presidency, and the tireless work of departments and delivery partners across the state. 

As we move forward, we invite all sectors of society to be part of the solution. The Jobs Boost model demonstrates the power of partnership. Equally so, the SA Youth platform thrives because of cooperation between government, business, and civil society. 

Honourable Members, we are laying the foundation for a new economy. One that works for all, especially the youth. One that sees potential in our people, not just risk. One that rewards innovation, not exclusion.

Madame speaker, I also wish to highlight the responsibilities of Deputy President Paul Mashatile who is on official assignment abroad, whose work continues to strengthen the Presidency’s leadership across critical social and economic programmes.

The Office of the Deputy President leads our national response to HIV, TB and STIs through his stewardship of the South African National AIDS Council. Under his leadership, the country is intensifying efforts to reach the 95-95-95 targets, while also strengthening partnerships with civil society and the private sector to reduce vulnerability and address the social drivers of disease. 

This includes prioritising gender-based violence and femicide, and aligning our work with global efforts to end AIDS in children by 2030. At the World TB Day commemoration in Mpumalanga earlier this year, the Deputy President reminded us that ending TB is not just a health imperative but a matter of dignity and justice. He reaffirmed our commitment to invest in early diagnosis, community-led monitoring and strengthening the health systems that support vulnerable people. His call to action is clear. We must ensure that no one is left behind in our fight to end preventable illness and suffering. 

Madame Speaker, The Presidency is also leading the Human Resource Development Council, advancing the implementation of South Africa’s Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030. The Council has committed to deepening coordination across sectors to solve the structural skills mismatch in our economy.

The National Skills Advisory Forum was launched, which will serve as a strategic platform for all stakeholders to jointly diagnose, prioritise and respond to South Africa’s skills challenges. 

This initiative reflects a shift toward a more agile, data-driven and responsive human development ecosystem that aligns with our growth sectors and transformation objectives. This forum is about more than training people for jobs, it is about building the competencies and capabilities of an empowered nation.

The Presidency emphasises on building capacity for the Just Energy Transition is especially critical. Through the Just Energy Skills Forum, we are ensuring that South Africa’s energy future is not just clean but also inclusive. 

Workers and communities affected by the transition will not be left behind. Instead, they will be equipped to lead it. The HRDC’s work is laying the foundation for industrialisation pathways that are both green and just. 

The upcoming Fifth HRDC Summit, which will assess progress and chart the next phase, is a moment to galvanise action across the skills landscape. The HRDC is not an observer it is an enabler of change. This work is essential for preparing our workforce for the demands of a 21st century economy, and is being done in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and partners across labour, business, academia and communities.

Lastly fellow Members, I would like to remind some amongst us in the GNU, that what binds us, is the statement of intent, whose foundation is the respect of our constitution and constitutional democracy. I would like to warn the DA, that being in the GNU does not give a license to alter the constitution or pick and choose constitutional provisions that we like and throw others of the window because we don’t like them. 
 

Premier Mokgosi to visit elderly in Mazista

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier Mokgosi to visit elderly in Mazista

Elderly people in Mazista village in Swartruggens will on Friday be paid a visit by the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi.

As part of commemorating International Nelson Mandela Day, the Premier will carry out renovations at a centre for elderly people as well as donate equipment for their vegetable garden and groceries.

Mokgosi will be accompanied by Members of the Executive Council and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality Mayor Thabo Jacobs as well as senior government officials.

“The initiative, which is a collaborative effort between government and various social partners, gives impetus to this year’s celebrations held under the theme: ‘Uniting to combat poverty and inequity’,” said the Premier’s office in a statement.

The late former President Nelson Mandela, in addressing the scourge of poverty, suffering and deprivation, said: “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.”

These profound words by the global icon and father of the nation are at the heart of the actions this Nelson Mandela Day in tackling poverty, fighting inequality and building a society based on justice. 

The day is an opportunity for citizens to recognise their individual power to change the world for the better. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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Mandela Day: New change room facilities at Westbury Open Grounds

Source: Government of South Africa

Mandela Day: New change room facilities at Westbury Open Grounds

The Chairperson of Committees of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Bishop Dulton Adams, will lead a Mandela Day activation in Westbury on Friday.

This as South Africans join the global community in commemorating the late former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy on 18 July 2025 for Nelson Mandela International Day, which is also known as Mandela Day.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature will highlight the construction of change room facilities at the Westbury Open Grounds.

This responds directly to the needs of the community by ensuring young players, especially girls, have access to safe, private spaces to change before and after matches.

The event, aimed at promoting youth development, dignity, and social upliftment through sport, demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to building a better, more inclusive society.

“This initiative forms part of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s public participation mandate, reaffirming its role as a caring, activist and people-centred Legislature. The Legislature continues to champion cooperative governance and promote meaningful engagement with communities, especially those most in need,” it said in a statement.

The activation will start at 10am at the Mabaleng Stadium. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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States announce several measures to halt the Gaza genocide at Bogotá conference

Source: Government of South Africa

States announce several measures to halt the Gaza genocide at Bogotá conference

In a significant multilateral initiative, a coalition of countries from various regions has agreed on six coordinated diplomatic, legal and economic measures aimed at restraining Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and upholding international law.

The Emergency Conference of The Hague Group, jointly organised by the governments of Colombia and South Africa as co-chairs, brought together 30 nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. 

“In the deliberations at the Bogotá conference, all 30 participating States unanimously agreed that the era of impunity must end – and that international law must be enforced without fear or favour through immediate domestic policies and legislation – along with a unified call for an immediate ceasefire,” a joint statement issued at the end of the conference read. 

To initiate this process, 12 countries from around the world – Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa – convened in Bogotá, Colombia, for two days. 

READ | Israel’s disregard for ICJ rulings undermines global governance, says Dangor

The countries committed to immediately implement six measures through their domestic legal and administrative systems. 

The leaders have scheduled a meeting for 20 September, coinciding with the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to invite more countries to join this initiative. Consultations with governments worldwide are currently underway.

The countries have since announced several measures to be adopted based on the States’ domestic legal and legislative frameworks. This includes a ban on arms shipments to Israel, a prohibition on ships transporting such arms, and a review of public contracts to identify any links to companies benefiting from the Israeli occupation. 

In addition, the group supports “universal jurisdiction mandates”, which would enable States or international bodies to prosecute serious international crimes, regardless of where they occurred.

“These 12 States have taken a momentous step forward,” said UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese. 

“The clock is now ticking for States – from Europe to the Arab world and beyond – to join them.”

The conference agreed to set a deadline for States’ final decisions by September 2025, in line with the 12-month timeframe mandated by United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24, adopted on 18 September 2024.

That resolution called on all States to take effective action on Israel’s violations of international law, including accountability, sanctions, and cessation of support — within one year of adoption.

“We came to Bogotá to make history – and we did,” said Colombian President Gustavo Petro. 

“Together, we have begun the work of ending the era of impunity. These measures show that we will no longer allow international law to be treated as optional, or Palestinian life as disposable.” 

South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, said what they have achieved is a collective affirmation that no State is above the law. 

“The Hague Group was born to advance international law in an era of impunity. The measures adopted in Bogotá show that we are serious and that coordinated State action is possible,” said Lamola. 

The Executive Secretary of The Hague Group, Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, said the conference marks a turning point – not just for Palestine, but for the future of the international system.  

“For decades, States, particularly in the Global South, have borne the cost of a broken international system. In Bogotá, they came together to reclaim it, not with words, but with actions.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Moçambique Assume Presidência da AP-CPLP

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Moçambique assumiu durante a cerimónia de encerramento da 14ª sessão ordinária da AP-CPLP a presidência rotativa da AP-CPLP para o biénio 2025–2027. A presidente da Assembleia da República de Moçambique (AR), Margarida Talapa, apontou, como desafios a promoção da paz, democracia e boa governação como condição indispensável para o funcionamento das instituições democráticas.

De acordo com a Presidente da Assembleia da República, a paz um bem precioso que sem a qual nenhuma democracia pode florescer. “A paz deve ser cultivada com diá. permanente, respeito mútuo e um compromisso firme com a reconciliação e coesão social”.

Margarida Talapa, recordou o percurso de Moçambique, destacando os avanços registados no processo de reconciliação nacional, com enfoque no papel do Parlamento na aprovação de reformas políticas, na descentralização e no incentivo ao diá. inclusivo.

Em relação à democracia, reforçou que esta deve ser uma realidade vivida no quotidiano dos cidadãos, assente na liberdade de expressão, em eleições regulares e na inclusão social. Referiu também os progressos nacionais, com destaque para o aumento da participação de mulheres e jovens no Parlamento. “A participação do cidadão fortalece as instituições democráticas e constrói sociedades mais justas e equitativas”.

Talapa defendeu ainda que a boa governação deve traduzir-se em transparência, integridade e eficiência na gestão pública, com impactos concretos na vida dos cidadãos. “A confiança do cidadão é a base da legitimidade do Estado”.

A Presidente da AR defendeu ainda o reforço os laços históricos e culturais entre os Estados-membros, a promoção de trocas económicas e valorização da identidade colectiva da comunidade lusófona.  Outro tema de destaque foi a importância da livre circulação de pessoas e bens no espaço intracomunitário da CPLP.

Ainda na sessão de encerramento da 14ª sessão ordinária da AP-CPLP, foi aprovado o Plano de Actividades da presidência moçambicana para os próximos dois anos, com enfoque na visibilidade, vitalidade e relevância da Assembleia Parlamentar, e na promoção dos valores e princípios partilhados pelos Estados-membros.

Talapa aproveitou a ocasião para agradecer a Guiné Equatorial, presidência cessante, pelo trabalho realizado, e expressou reconhecimento ao Secretariado Permanente pela dedicação à consolidação de uma Assembleia coesa, solidária e interventiva.

A XIV Sessão Plenária da AP-CPLP, realizada em Maputo, contou com a participação de delegações parlamentares dos Estados-membros, e teve como objectivos reforçar os mecanismos de integração, cooperação legislativa e partilha de boas práticas entre os Parlamentos da comunidade lusófona.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

Moçambique e união europeia reforçam parceria estratégica para aceleração da transformação digital

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministério das Comunicações e Transformação Digital recebeu, no dia 16 de Julho de 2025, em Maputo, uma delegação de alto nível da União Europeia, no âmbito do reforço da cooperação bilateral para a transformação digital em Moçambique. O encontro, dirigido pelo ministro Américo Muchanga, contou com a presença de Paula Vazquez Horyaans, Chefe da Delegação da União Europeia em Moçambique, acompanhada por Hugo Van Tilborg, responsável da Unidade África Austral e Oceano Índico.

Integraram igualmente a missão europeia Almudena Méndez Morante (oficial de cooperação para ajuda internacional), Miguel Exposito (adjunto da unidade de transformação digital) e Sander Van Kooten (responsável sénior de investimentos do Banco Europeu de Investimento). A visita inscreve-se na implementação da Global Gateway, estratégia europeia que visa mobilizar até 300 mil milhões de euros até 2027, com foco em conectividade digital, infra-estruturas inteligentes e serviços públicos resilientes.

Durante o encontro, Américo Muchanga apresentou a arquitectura institucional do Ministério das Comunicações e Transformação Digital, sublinhando que a sua criação reflecte a prioridade estratégica que o Governo de Moçambique atribui à digitalização como vector de inclusão social, modernização do Estado e dinamização económica. O ministério lidera a formulação e implementação de políticas públicas nos domínios das comunicações, tecnologias de informação, ciência, inovação e meteorologia, actuando como catalisador da transformação digital do país.

O ministro destacou os instrumentos normativos em curso, como a Estratégia Nacional de Inteligência Artificial, a Lei de Protecção de Dados, a Lei de Cibersegurança e o Plano Estratégico da Sociedade da Informação. Ressaltou também iniciativas estruturantes para o quinquénio 2025–2029, como a operacionalização da Identidade Digital, do Portal do Cidadão, da Certificação Digital, da infra-estrutura estatal de pagamentos electrónicos e da expansão da conectividade em escolas, centros comunitários e serviços públicos.

Muchanga destacou o apoio técnico e financeiro da União Europeia, com destaque para o reforço institucional do INTIC, o desenvolvimento do quadro legal digital, e a formação em cibersegurança.

O governante mencionou ainda o programa VaMOZ Digital, que prevê a criação de polos tecnológicos em Nampula e Zambézia, e o estudo financiado pela UE sobre infra-estruturas de média e última milha, apresentado na recente Conferência Internacional de Digitalização.

O ministro propôs à delegação europeia o estabelecimento de um mecanismo coordenado de articulação e partilha de prioridades entre as partes, alinhado ao Plano Quinquenal do Governo 2025–2029 e à Estratégia Nacional de Desenvolvimento Digital. Sublinhou que a Global Gateway representa uma oportunidade estruturante para o desenvolvimento de iniciativas conjuntas em áreas como interoperabilidade governamental, conectividade rural, capacitação digital, inovação tecnológica e fiscalização da inteligência artificial.

Paula Vazquez Horyaans reiterou o compromisso da União Europeia em apoiar a agenda digital de Moçambique e destacou a relevância de consolidar mecanismos de cooperação integrados que permitam acelerar a transição digital de forma segura, inclusiva e sustentável.

O encontro terminou com o reconhecimento mútuo da importância estratégica da transformação digital para o desenvolvimento nacional e para a integração de Moçambique na economia digital global, reforçando os laços entre o Governo e a União Europeia num sector considerado prioritário para os próximos anos. (MCTD).

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

Many South Africans ‘eagerly awaiting’ National Dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

As many as 737 organisations have registered their wish to participate in various elements of the National Dialogue, which will take place next month. 

This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was speaking during the debate on the Presidency Budget Vote on Wednesday.

She said this showed that many South Africans were eagerly awaiting this process.

The national dialogue is a historic process to bring South Africans together and chart a common path forward.

“As the President has indicated, the national dialogue is one of the most important pillars of any thriving democracy. It is a bridge that connects government to citizens, leaders to communities, and one generation to the next. 

“In moments of uncertainty, it provides clarity. And in seasons of transformation, it offers us direction and shared purpose. From South Africa’s own journey out of apartheid, where dialogue laid the foundation for reconciliation and democracy, the lesson is clear: when people talk— honestly, openly, and respectfully—nations change,” said the Minister.

She said the National Dialogue was not an event but a process that would commence on 15 August and take place for a period of no less than 12 months. 

“The national dialogue must be a culture. A culture where disagreement is not a threat, but a sign of a healthy democracy. A culture where every voice matters —whether from the hills of the rural provinces or the corridors of our cities. 

“A culture where the youth are not just heard but involved, and where the marginalized are not only included but empowered.”

She said to achieve these goals, the National Dialogue Preparatory Task Team and IMC have proposed an inclusive process that will be immersed in deep citizen engagements that prioritise the voice of those who feel marginalised. 

They have identified 30 sectors around which to mobilise, with an emphasis on the diversity and inclusion of the often-marginalised sections of society. 

In its entirety the National Dialogue will involve the following layers of conversation: 

1. The first National Convention on 15 August 2025 with 1000 delegates. This is an agenda setting convention which will prepare the nation for the community engagements. 

2. Community dialogues with 13400 ward-based community dialogues. 

3. The online platform aims to reach no less than 2.5 million citizens. 

4. There will be smaller citizen-hosted events in churches and community groups that shall have access to the toolkit being designed so that the outcomes feed into the process. 

5. Sectoral dialogues – self organised in specific social or economic sectors which shall also have access to the toolkit so that their outcomes feed into the process.

6. The 2nd National Convention will be the concluding event that converts the engagements into a National Compact and 30 Year Plan of Action. It is estimated that this will be about another 1000 delegates. 

7. A detailed implementation plan. 

8. A national roadshow to socialise the outcomes of the National Dialogue and engage with implementation partners.

9. Independent, citizen-led monitoring and evaluation. 

The national dialogue will promote government social cohesion efforts and strengthen social compacting as led by the Deputy President. The Deputy President-led social cohesion efforts have prioritised a focus on gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, racism, sexism and patriarchy, as well as the role of families in building communities.

The majority of the work of conceptualising and planning for the National Dialogue process has been undertaken by ordinary citizens from various walks of life who have volunteered their time, skills and resources to this national effort over the past 12 months, said the Minister.

To register go to : https://nationaldialogue.org.za/. – SAnews.gov.za

Mandela Day: Regulator to roll up its sleeves

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 17, 2025

In honour of Mandela Day, the Railway Safety Regulator is set to roll up its sleeves by painting classrooms, donating school uniforms and providing essential computer hardware and software to two schools in the Northern Cape.

“In honour of Mandela Day 2025, Traxtion, AfriSam and the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) will be joining hands to make a tangible difference in the Northern Cape. Driven by a shared commitment to community upliftment, the organisations will invest time and resources in two deserving schools: Ulco Primary School and Delportshoop Intermediate School,” the RSR said in a statement.

Friday’s initiative will also include the refurbishment of the Grade R playground.

“In addition, the Delportshoop Community Library will receive much-needed support in the form of updated computer hardware and software,” the RSR said.

South Africans will join the global community in commemorating Mandela’s legacy on 18 July 2025 for Nelson Mandela International Day, which is also known as Mandela Day.

According to the National Mandela Foundation, the day is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities.

Mandela was democratic South Africa’s founding President. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

DWS to probe presence of ARVs in water after university study

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 17, 2025

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will engage the North West University (NWU) on the study findings of traces of anti-retroviral (ARV) medicines in water resources.

The research was conducted by the NWU’s Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research. It found that ARVs appear to be entering water resources through municipal wastewater treatment systems, which were usually not designed to remove such chemicals.

The report titled, ‘Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources’, revealed significant concentrations of ARVs in water sources, particularly downstream of wastewater treatment plants.

The drugs most frequently detected were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms.

According to the study, this is attributed to South Africa’s large-scale HIV treatment programme, the most extensive of its kind worldwide.

The research highlighted alarming effects on aquatic ecosystems and wastewater management systems. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs exhibited altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages – viruses critical to controlling bacteria in wastewater treatment – were significantly impacted.

“Such disruptions could lead to bacterial bloom and reduced water quality. The consumption of any type of exogenous drug by any organism in sufficient quantities may intervene with the regulation of metabolic systems and bring about adverse effects. The presence of antiretrovirals in water can be considered a hidden or latent risk,” the report noted.

The report was submitted to the Water Research Commission (WRC).

The DWS said it will engage the university on its findings and potential impacts.

“This will be done in conjunction with the Water Research Commission and the Department of Health,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

Financing Africa’s Minerals: Momentum Builds Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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International finance institutions are playing an increasingly pivotal role in Africa’s mining sector, providing essential capital and technical support to unlock the continent’s vast mineral potential. Last month, Angola became a sovereign shareholder in the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) through a $184.8 million equity investment. This milestone builds on over $1 billion in AFC financing that Angola has already received, including for the Lobito Corridor – an integrated logistics project connecting Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), African Development Bank (AfDB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD) are actively funding mining projects throughout the continent. As such, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1-3, 2025, in Cape Town – will showcase strategic moves by African mineral-rich countries to enhance cooperation with global financiers. A dedicated panel titled The Investor Perspective – Financing Africa’s Mineral Industrialization will discuss the investment landscape for African mineral industrialization.

Algeria officially joined the New Development Bank – a multilateral institution founded by BRICS countries – in May this year, enhancing the country’s access to capital and technical support for its oil, gas and mineral industries. That same month, Benin, Ivory Coast – one of Africa’s largest gold producers – and Nigeria were designated as recipient countries by the EBRD, broadening their access to energy and mining project funding.

Meanwhile, Ghana – Africa’s largest gold producer – recently joined Nigeria and Angola in completing their capital contributions to the forthcoming Africa Energy Bank. Spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organization and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the bank will serve as a dedicated financing institution for African extractive sector projects.

In March 2025, Somalia also became the 53rd member of Afreximbank, a move expected to unlock new financing channels for the country’s gold mining and trade-related developments. In 2024, the Ivory Coast and Botswana – the world’s largest diamond producer – joined the AFC as sovereign shareholders, while Libya became the 53rd member of Afreximbank.

In line with growing efforts to align financial innovation with mineral sector development, the AfDB approved a $150 million senior loan to Mauritania’s state-owned mining firm, Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM). The funding supports a $467 million logistics expansion program aimed at doubling SNIM’s iron ore railway transport capacity by 2030 and scaling up production of higher value-added products like iron ore pellets. The project integrates renewable energy through the construction of a 12 MW solar plant and includes climate resilience measures backed by the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program.

Amidst these developments, AMW connects African policymakers with global investors to strengthen existing and forge new investment partnerships aimed at unlocking the continents full potential of its extractive sector.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.