Category: Africa

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Grants review process to ascertain eligibility of beneficiaries

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has noted commentary about the social grants review process that the agency is currently undertaking to ascertain the eligibility of identified beneficiaries suspected of having additional income that was not disclosed.

SASSA said it would like to categorically state that there has been no suspension of social grants as stated during the review process.

In a statement, SASSA explained that grants get delayed momentarily until a beneficiary has successfully completed the review process. 

“This review is not a punitive measure to deliberately exclude any deserving beneficiary, but it is intended to ensure continued eligibility and prevent misuse of public funds,” it said.

SASSA CEO, Themba Matlou, has assured grant beneficiaries and the public that SASSA is undertaking the social grants review process for the better good of the government fiscus, thus ensuring that grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries and all the fraudulent elements are rooted out. 

Matlou stressed that in terms of the Social Assistance legislative framework, beneficiaries are legally required to fully disclose all sources of income during their initial application, adding that they are obligated to inform SASSA of any changes to their financial circumstances after their application has been approved and failure to comply with these requirements constitutes a violation of the Social Assistance legislation and may result in corrective action.

“The review of social grants helps identify beneficiaries who may no longer qualify due to changes in financial, medical, or legal circumstances and serves as a confirmation of life or existence, ensuring that grants are not paid out to deceased individuals or those who have relocated without updating their records. 

“More importantly, reviews allow SASSA to detect and prevent cases where individuals continue receiving grants despite being listed on payroll systems of other entities, public or private,” he said. 

Matlou said work is underway to capacitate all SASSA local offices to ensure that they are able to handle the large volumes of people flocking into the offices for various services including those coming in for a review.

Beneficiaries who have been affected by the grants review are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA local office and bring the following documents:

– Valid South African ID,

– Proof of income (payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if no longer employed or employment discharge confirmations),

– Bank statements for the last 3 months for all active bank accounts,

– Proof of residence (utility bill or letter from a local authority),

– Medical referral report (if applicable, for disability or care dependency grants) – to confirm disability status,

– Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable),

– Death certificate (if some death has occurred for example child, spouse etc),

– Any other supporting documents relevant to your grant type (ebirth certificates for Child Support Grants, school attendance proof for Foster Care Grants).

If a beneficiary is bedridden or unable to visit a SASSA office, a procurator may be appointed to represent you. To complete this, beneficiaries are encouraged to contact their local office for assistance in appointing a procurator.

Beneficiaries are urged to comply with the SASSA review request. Failure to respond to any official communication from the agency may result in delays in future payments, leading to a suspension or lapsing of the beneficiary’s grant and legal proceedings may be instituted.

“Whilst the review of social grants in an ongoing process, SASSA is working hard to automate the review process by introducing self-service options using online platforms to make it easier for our beneficiaries and reduce queues in our local offices,” said the agency. – SAnews.gov.za

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China to train public servants on city governance

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

The National School of Government (NSG) has organised a learning exchange visit to China on city governance for public officials.

Hosted by the Beijing Jiaotong University and supported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the programme seeks to promote knowledge exchanges on enhancing local government performance as municipalities face growing complexity and public expectations that they must respond to. 

“The programme explores the Chinese advancement in local government innovation in service delivery, modernisation of governance, construction of smart cities, participatory governance, poverty alleviation and development,” the NSG said in a statement. 

“Local government is an important sphere of government for implementation of national policy and China’s successes in the performance of this sphere of government has contributed to the abolition of absolute poverty in 2020, ten years before the 2030 deadline which the world set in the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. 

“This is the same deadline that South Africa has set in the National Development Plan to eliminate poverty and inequality by the year 2030,” the NSG said.

The South African government, in the 7th Administration, has committed itself to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living with a developmental and capable state playing a central role. 

“Municipalities therefore have a critical role in the achievement of this commitment. The exchange programme on city governance is part of the NSG’s international exchanges that are aimed at facilitating public servants’ access to specialist knowledge and skills needed to enhance public sector performance and development among others and learning from the development trajectory of other countries in the global South and North,” said NSG Principal, Professor Busani Ngcaweni. 

Ngcaweni added that partnerships were a key focus for the NSG “as they enable us to expand the depth of training delivery, diversity and allow access to expertise that we do not have.” 

The programme will run from 7 to 27 July. – SAnews.gov.za

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Protecting our environment, creating opportunities 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Bernice Swarts 

South Africa continues to face a host of interconnected socioeconomic and environmental challenges. These include the triple challenges of inequality, poverty, and unemployment, which are further compounded by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. 

These threats are not theoretical — they are realities already affecting our families and communities, especially the most vulnerable. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities, and our department is taking bold steps to transform policy into real, life-changing action.

National Dialogue 

Over the past 30 years, we have made great strides as a nation – expanding freedom, deepening democracy and building a better life for millions. Yet we also face persistent challenges: inequality, unemployment, social divisions and a growing disconnect between citizens and institution. In this spirit, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an inclusive National Dialogue – a people-led, society-wide process to reflect, reset and reimagine South Africa’s future. The National Dialogue is a chance for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to come together and help shape the next chapter of our democracy. 

At this point I wish to also express my support for the planned National Dialogue as a forum to unite South Africans behind a shared vision and approach towards addressing structural challenges as a result of the apartheid legacy. 

For the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the National Dialogue presents an opportunity to engage meaningfully with all South Africans — particularly youth, women, and persons with disabilities — about the socioeconomic opportunities available within our sector. 
We believe the outcomes of this important national engagement must translate into practical solutions that enable our people to contribute and benefit meaningfully from the work we do as both a department and a government.

One Million Trees in One Day

Under the Presidential Flagship “Ten Million Trees Programme,” our department has set out to do something remarkable – plant 1 million trees in one day under the rallying call, “My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today,” we invite every South African — from schoolchildren to corporates — to participate.

This isn’t just a symbolic act. It’s a movement for environmental justice and climate resilience. Trees are nature’s air purifiers, carbon sinks, and shelters for biodiversity. We are in the final year of this programme, and with renewed vigour, we’re mobilising every corner of society to ensure we meet and exceed our target.

Small-Scale Fisheries – Voices from the Coastline

Our oceans offer abundant resources, but for too long, small-scale fishers have been left behind. That’s why we convened the Small-Scale Fishing Co-operatives Summit in Mthatha in May. We heard firsthand about the struggles fishers face: poor infrastructure, limited market access, and lack of support.

The summit wasn’t just a talk-shop. It was a collective turning point. We are now developing technical support packages, mentorship programmes, and policy enhancements to bring dignity and sustainability to the sector. When fishing co-ops thrive, entire coastal communities thrive.

Tackling E-Waste: A Crisis Turned Opportunity

Did you know that South Africa generates over 360,000 tons of electronic waste each year? Shockingly, only about 10% of that is properly recycled. The rest — from broken TVs to outdated cellphones — ends up in our landfills or is dumped illegally, contaminating soil and water and endangering our ecosystems.

To combat this, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has rolled out a groundbreaking e-Waste Recycling Pilot Project. Launched in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West, the project has already collected over 30 tons of e-waste from rural municipalities. This isn’t just about waste removal — it’s about building a circular economy, holding producers accountable through Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, and creating green jobs.

Importantly, this initiative comes as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency, where we have identified the circular economy and waste management as priorities. 

Supporting Communities Through Forestry

Transformation in the Commercial Forestry Sector is no longer aspirational — it is underway. The DFFE is transferring eight state-owned plantations to local communities through Community Forestry Agreements. Alongside this, we’re providing post-settlement support, including business development, training, and job creation.

This initiative alone is expected to generate over 7,000 work opportunities and 550 full-time jobs, especially in impoverished rural areas. It’s forestry with a human face — empowering people to become stewards of their own natural resources.

Restoring Biodiversity, One Landscape at a Time

Through the GEF7-funded Sustainable Land Management Project, we are actively reversing land degradation in Limpopo and the Northern Cape. We have trained 129 community champions, employed over 170 people, and cleared invasive species from vast grazing lands.

Furthermore, our commitment to combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) is echoed on the global stage as a priority under our G20 Presidency.

Infrastructure for Nature and People

Our work isn’t only environmental — it’s infrastructural too. The Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, recently restored after flood damage, now boasts a new raised bridge and viewing deck. These are not mere cosmetic upgrades; they are symbols of resilience and investments in nature-based tourism that support SMMEs and jobs.

Last year alone, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) implemented over 50 infrastructure projects, while its Kids in Gardens programme reached more than 153,000 young people with environmental education. We are seeding not only trees, but a new generation of conservationists.

Building a Just, Green Future

Our collective mission is clear: we must transition to an environmentally sustainable, economically inclusive society. And that requires partnerships — across sectors, provinces, and people.

As we deliver on our budget priorities, let us rally behind bold, practical and transformative action — from planting a tree to recycling e-waste to supporting a community forestry project. These aren’t just departmental initiatives. They are building blocks of a just transition that leaves no one behind.

Together, let us restore our land, empower our people, and green our future.

*Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

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Malawi Launches Second Edition of Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy and Implementation Plan

Source: APO


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The Malawi Ministry of Health, launched its updated plan for the implementation of its Genomic Surveillance Strategy that was produced with technical support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI) on 3 July.

As pathogen genomics provides a powerful approach towards the investigation, management, and surveillance of infectious diseases, the plan is geared to include integration of multi-pathogen genomic surveillance into existing public health systems, research and development.

The second version of the plan is aligned to Africa CDC Pathogen Genomics Surveillance Policy Framework and identified priority list of pathogens and use cases for genomic surveillance in Malawi and the region.  The strategy has a robust, comprehensive, fully integrated, harmonized and well-coordinated mechanisms to guide monitoring of the implementation of the plan and evaluate impact.  The improved plan has a National Genomics Committee comprising of a steering committee, advisory group and laboratories from public, private and academia. The first genomic strategy was launched in 2023 and runs to 2030

In his opening remarks, Secretary for Health Dr. Samsom Kwazirira Mndolo emphasized the critical role of genomics in monitoring antimicrobial resistance, disease outbreak detection, response and prevention as well in precision medicine. 

He underscored the role of the plan as a roadmap for implementing a robust one health genomic surveillance system across the country with different multi stakeholders, ministries and partners.

“We have been front runners in genomics, but we lost the opportunity to learn from others, so we decided to revisit and update the 2023 plan,” said Dr Mndolo.

“This moment marks the dawn of a new era, where science, innovation, and determination converge to build a stronger, more resilient health system for all starting from Malawi by leveraging genomic sequencing power to identify and track pathogens enabling early detection, tracking and characterization of pathogens,” said Dr Lul Riek, Director for the Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre.

Dr Riek said by integrating pathogen genomic sequencing into its healthcare infrastructure, it aims to enhance its health security and swiftly respond to emerging and reemerging threats effectively. “This makes Malawi one step ahead of other countries in disease detection and response,” he said.

“In the face of several emerging and reemerging health threats including Disease X ” a hypothetical emerging pathogen, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the resurgence of Mpox, Marburg, Cholera and other epidemics, we have witnessed firsthand the urgent need for resilient public health surveillance systems that can provide timely and actionable data,” said Dr Francis Chikuse, Senior Technical Officer for Public Health at Africa CDC.

“The National Multi Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Strategy is not just a response to these challenges but a proactive step toward building a robust system that leverages the power of molecular diagnostics and sequencing to safeguard the health of the of Malawians and beyond,” said Dr Chikuse.

He said, Africa CDC in partnership with public, private and philanthropic sectors is enhancing continent-wide sample referral and data sharing strategy, systems, and governance to promote trusted, quality assured and timely data sharing as well as support the design and pilot implementation of high-impact public health priority genomic surveillance and use-cases and facilitate the utility of genomics data for policy, decision making, research and development of pandemic materials. In 2025, the World Health Assembly adopted the historic Pandemic Agreement to enhance global collaboration and to create a more equitable response to future pandemics.

Africa CDC is working with 16 Member States including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Malawi, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Morocco, Togo, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia, to develop their national pathogen genomics strategies. Through this collaboration, Malawi becomes the second country after Zambia to launch their genomic strategy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

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Eritrean Community Festival in Switzerland

Source: APO


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The 2025 Eritrean Community Festival in Switzerland was enthusiastically held in Zurich on 5 July.

The annual festival was officially opened by Mr. Habtom Zeray, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Switzerland and Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices, along with Mr. Tewolde Yohannes, Head of Public and Community Affairs.

Mr. Alsheday Mesfun, Secretary of the Holidays Coordinating Committee in Switzerland, congratulated the participants and commended all those who contributed to the successful implementation of the festival.

In a seminar delivered during the event, Mr. Habtom stated that Eritrea, undeterred by ongoing external threats and hostilities, continues to contribute earnestly to regional peace and stability, standing firm in its national stance.

Noting the politically motivated smear campaigns being waged against Eritrea, Mr. Habtom emphasized that the Government and people of Eritrea, through strengthened unity and perseverance, are effectively countering external hostilities. He also called on Diaspora nationals to reinforce their unity and increase their participation in national affairs.

Mr. Tewolde, for his part, said the annual festival—which showcased the unity and harmony of the Eritrean people—was the result of months of preparation. He also highlighted the special significance of the festival for youth and children, as it plays an important role in preserving their cultural values and identity.

The festival featured cultural and artistic performances by a cultural troupe from Eritrea.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Asmara Music School Graduates 9 Students

Source: APO


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In its 26th commencement held on 6 July, the Asmara Music School graduated nine students who completed a three-year certificate program.

Mr. Elias Woldemicael, Director of the School, highlighted the role of music in daily life and its power to motivate public participation in national affairs and promote nationalism. He expressed appreciation to Government institutions and individuals for their support and called on the graduates to continue developing their skills through practice.

Mr. Tesfay Seium, Director General of Technical and Vocational Training at the Ministry of Education, expressed confidence that the students received quality musical education, citing the school’s long-standing experience in the field. He also praised the efforts of the teachers and school community for nurturing musicians who can contribute to the development of the country’s music industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Eritrea: Extensive Water and Soil Conservation Program

Source: APO


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Extensive water and soil conservation activities are being carried out with strong public participation in the Molqui sub-zone.

Mr. Melake Woldemicael, Head of the Agriculture Office in the sub-zone, stated that the program aims to construct terraces over 2,365 hectares, and so far, 70% of the target has been completed.

Mr. Melake also noted the exemplary participation of residents in the administrative areas of Adi-Gemi’a, Adi-Mihret, Endabasimon, and Tikul. He called for continued and reinforced public engagement to ensure better outcomes.

Participants in the campaign, recognizing the impact of the program on improving their agricultural yields, expressed commitment to further strengthen their involvement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Le ministre gabonais du Pétrole et du Gaz rejoint African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 dans le cadre d’un effort pour développer les ressources en eaux profondes

Sosthène Nguema Nguema, ministre du Pétrole et du Gaz du Gabon, participe à la conférence African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies afin de discuter de l’orientation stratégique du pays vers l’exploration en eaux profondes. Prévu du 29 septembre au 3 octobre au Cap, l’événement constitue le plus grand du genre sur le continent et représente une plateforme privilégiée pour les opérateurs internationaux, les investisseurs et les prestataires de services. La participation du ministre Nguema reflète la volonté du Gabon de collaborer avec des partenaires mondiaux pour accroître la valeur de son secteur pétrolier et gazier, tout en ouvrant de nouvelles perspectives de coopération et d’investissement. 

Avec plus de deux milliards de barils de réserves prouvées de pétrole et un important potentiel gazier, le Gabon ambitionne de porter sa production nationale à plus de 220 000 barils par jour (bpj) à court et moyen terme. Pour atteindre cet objectif, le pays encourage de nouveaux investissements sur des blocs encore inexploités, notamment dans les bassins en eaux profondes qui offrent un fort potentiel. L’exploration et la production en eaux profondes devraient non seulement générer des rendements importants pour les opérateurs, mais aussi contribuer aux objectifs de croissance économique du pays. Afin d’attirer les investissements dans ce segment, le ministère du Pétrole et du Gaz mise sur des réformes politiques destinées à rendre l’environnement des affaires plus compétitif pour les entreprises étrangères. À la suite de l’adoption du Code des hydrocarbures en 2019, le nouveau gouvernement œuvre à renforcer encore davantage les conditions fiscales et réglementaires. Les amendements à venir visent spécifiquement les capitaux étrangers et devraient considérablement améliorer le climat des affaires au Gabon. 

AEW: Invest in African Energies est la plateforme de référence pour les opérateurs de projets, les investisseurs, les fournisseurs de technologies et les gouvernements, et s’est imposée comme l’espace officiel de signature d’accords dans le secteur énergétique africain. Rendez-vous sur http://www.AECWeek.com pour plus d’informations sur cet événement incontournable. 

Au-delà des nouveaux investissements, le Gabon poursuit le développement de plusieurs projets pétroliers et gaziers ambitieux. En tête de ces initiatives figure le terminal de GNL de Cap Lopez, porté par la société indépendante Perenco, situé sur le site du terminal pétrolier existant de Cap Lopez. Ce projet de 2 milliards de dollars prévoit l’introduction d’une unité flottante de liquéfaction (FLNG), destinée à monétiser les réserves de gaz offshore du pays et à réduire le torchage. L’unité FLNG offrira une capacité annuelle de 700 000 tonnes de GNL et 25 000 tonnes de GPL, avec une capacité de stockage de 137 000 mètres cubes. La production est prévue pour 2026, marquant une étape importante vers la croissance et la diversification énergétiques du pays. 

Au-delà de Cap Lopez, Perenco développe également d’autres projets pour renforcer la production nationale de pétrole et de gaz. L’entreprise poursuit l’expansion de ses activités en amont, notamment avec la mise en service prochaine de la plateforme Kombi 2, située sur le permis Kombi-Likalala-Libondo II. Actuellement en construction par Dixstone dans le chantier naval de Nieuwdorp, aux Pays-Bas, la plateforme devrait quitter le site en octobre pour être opérationnelle au large de Pointe-Noire début 2026. 

Outre Perenco, d’autres entreprises mènent également des projets ambitieux. En 2024, BW Energy a signé des contrats de partage de production pour les blocs d’exploration Niosi Marin et Guduma Marin, avec une période d’exploration de huit ans et une option de prolongation de deux ans. En partenariat avec VAALCO Energy, la société prévoit de forer un puits tout en lançant une campagne sismique 3D. BW Energy détient également des participations dans le permis Dussafu, qui comprend 14 puits producteurs reliés à une FPSO par un pipeline de 20 km. 

Parallèlement, la société chinoise CNOOC a lancé en 2023 des forages d’exploration sur les blocs BC-9 et BCD-10, misant sur un potentiel de 1,4 milliard de barils de ressources récupérables. De son côté, la société publique Gabon Oil Company (GOC) renforce ses investissements : elle a acquis l’intégralité du portefeuille gabonais de Tullow Oil pour 300 millions de dollars, une transaction qui comprend une production de 10 000 barils par jour et 36 millions de barils de réserves prouvées. GOC entend accroître la production nationale grâce à des partenariats avec des opérateurs internationaux et des investissements stratégiques dans l’exploration et la production. 

La participation du ministre Nguema à AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 contribuera à faire progresser les objectifs de développement du secteur pétrolier et gazier du pays. Il y partagera sa vision du paysage actuel de l’exploration et de la production au Gabon, mettant en avant les opportunités d’investissement à venir et les axes de collaboration. Sa présence permettra aux opérateurs d’avoir une compréhension directe et approfondie du secteur énergétique gabonais. 

« Le Gabon met en œuvre une stratégie de développement ambitieuse visant à valoriser davantage ses ressources pétrolières et gazières. En misant sur les blocs en eaux profondes, en collaborant étroitement avec des partenaires internationaux et en s’engageant à augmenter les volumes de production, le pays crée de nombreuses opportunités pour les entreprises et les entrepreneurs », déclare Verner Ayukegba, Vice-Président principal de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Canon Academy Collaborates with Kwetu Film Institute in Rwanda to Expand its Educational Footprint in Africa with First-Ever Creative Workshops

Source: APO – Report:

  • Canon Academy offers a comprehensive educational program featuring hands-on workshops covering a wide range of photography topics. To date, we have successfully trained 103 students through this initiative. 
  • The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice, where expert trainers instill confidence and passion while covering essential topics like exposure triangle, composition, lighting, focus, and more. 

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://en.Canon-CNA.com), a leader in imaging technology, has officially launched the Canon Academy in Rwanda in collaboration with Kwetu Film Institute, marking the company’s first educational programme in the country. This strategic milestone reinforces Canon’s long-standing commitment to investing in Africa’s creative talent through education, empowerment, and the promotion of inclusive opportunities for emerging image-makers.

Canon Academy is a key component of the company’s broader efforts to advance the creative sector across the continent. Aligned with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy, “Living and Working Together for the Common Good,” the programme aims to equip aspiring and professional photographers in Rwanda with high-quality training, and relevant industry knowledge.

Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, said, “The launch of the Canon Academy in Rwanda is a proud moment for us. This initiative reflects Canon’s belief in the power of education and the role of creativity role in building resilient communities. By investing in Rwanda’s young talent, we are building a bridge between imagination and opportunity, staying true to our Kyosei philosophy and our broader mission to uplift Africa’s creative economy.”

Canon Academy is dedicated to Canon users, offering hands-on experiences across a wide array of topics. Workshops are led by certified Canon trainers, ensuring that participants benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. The programme caters to different skill levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace. 

A WEEK OF LEARNING AND CREATIVITY

The inaugural Canon Academy programme, held last week in Kigali, brought together a diverse group of Rwandan participants ranging from students and beginners to semi-professionals and established photographers. Over the course of the week, participants took part in hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and practical exercises led by Canon-certified trainer Fred Ochieng.

Key focus areas included lighting, composition, visual storytelling, and portfolio development. These were tailored to equip participants with the technical and creative skills essential for success in Rwanda’s evolving visual storytelling landscape. In addition to skill-building, the programme offered a platform for participants to showcase their work and build meaningful connections within the creative community.

About Kwetu Film Institute

Based in Kigali, Kwetu Film Institute is one of East Africa’s premier creative hubs, committed to developing the next generation of storytellers through film and media. Founded by celebrated filmmaker Eric Kabera, the institute serves as a training ground and incubator for aspiring filmmakers, offering a blend of theoretical education and practical production experience. Kwetu is renowned for nurturing homegrown talent and using storytelling as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, dialogue, and social change.

Eric Kabera, Founder of Kwetu Film Institute, commented: “Our collaboration with Canon is a natural extension of our mission to empower creatives through access to quality education and global partnerships. Together, we are planting seeds that will grow Rwanda’s next generation of image-makers and storytellers, enabling them to compete and thrive on the global stage.”

With the establishment of this programme, Canon is further solidifying its commitment to inclusive development through localised engagement and hands-on skills training. The initiative is designed to build skills and strengthen the wider creative infrastructure within the region. By empowering young people with practical tools, industry insights, and educational opportunities, Canon is helping to transform creative potential into viable professions, ultimately contributing to the growth and diversification of the country’s creative economy.

Canon continues to prioritise the growth of Africa’s next generation of storytellers by developing platforms that harness the power of technology, education, and collaboration. The establishment of the Canon Academy in Rwanda reflects this ongoing commitment, one that extends beyond imaging innovation to champion people, purpose, and advancement across the continent.

– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/4nD9Kzg) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: (https://en.Canon-CNA.com)

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Gabon Oil & Gas Minister Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Drive to Develop Deepwater Assets

Source: APO – Report:

Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Minister of Oil & Gas of Gabon, has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference to discuss the country’s strategic shift towards deepwater exploration. Taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, the event represents the largest of its kind on the continent and serves as the platform of choice for global operators, financiers and service providers. Minister Nguema’s participation reflects the country’s drive to work with global partners to unlock greater value from Gabon’s oil and gas sector and is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration and investment.  

With over two billion barrels of proven oil reserves and significant gas potential, Gabon seeks to increase national oil production to upwards of 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the short to medium term. To achieve this goal, the country is promoting fresh investment across undeveloped acreage, notably deepwater basins, which offer significant upside potential. Deepwater exploration and production will not only generate significant returns for operators but support the country’s economic growth objectives. To entice deepwater investment, Ministry of Oil & Gas is leveraging policy reform to create a more competitive business environment for foreign operators. Following the implementation of the Hydrocarbon Code in 2019, the new government has sought to strengthen fiscal terms and regulations even further. Upcoming amendments are geared towards foreign capital and will significantly improve Gabon’s business climate.  

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Beyond new investments, Gabon continues to drive a series of ambitious oil and gas projects. At the forefront of this is independent energy company Perenco’s Cap Lopez LNG terminal – situated at the existing Cap Lopez oil terminal. The $2 billion development will introduce a FLNG vessel to the market, designed to monetize the country’s offshore gas reserves and reduce gas flaring. The FLNG unit features 700,000 tons of LNG and 25,000 tons of LPG, with storage capacity of 137,000 cubic meters. Production is slated for 2026, setting the country up for accelerated energy growth and diversification. Beyond Cap Lopez, Perenco’s Gabonese projects seek to bolster national oil and gas production. The company continues to expand its upstream footprint with the commissioning of the Kombi 2 platform on the Kombi- -Likalala-Libondo II permit. Currently under construction by Dixstone at the Nieuwdorp shipyard in the Netherlands, the platform is scheduled to depart in October and enter into operation offshore Pointe-Noire by early next year.  

In addition to Perenco, other companies are also driving ambitious projects. Notably, BW Energy signed production sharing contracts for exploration blocks Niosi Marin and Guduma Marin in 2024, covering an eight-year exploration period with a two-year extension option. The company – alongside its partner VAALCO Energy – plans to spud a well while carrying out a 3D seismic campaign. BW Energy also has stakes in the Dussafu license, which features 14 producing wells tied back to a FPSO through a 20km pipeline. Meanwhile, China’s CNOOC launched wildcat drilling on Blocks BC-9 and BCD-10 in early-2023 on the back of 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable resource potential. The state-owned Gabon Oil Company (GOC) is also ramping up its investments. The company acquired Tullow Oil’s entire Gabonese portfolio for a sum of $300 million, a transaction that includes 10,000 bpd in production and 36 million barrels of proven reserves. GOC is committed to enhancing oil production through partnerships with international operators and strategic investments in exploration and production.  

Minister Nguema’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will serve to advance the country’s oil and gas industry goals. During the event, he is expected to share insights into the country’s exploration and production landscape, highlighting upcoming investment opportunities and areas of collaboration. Through his participation, operators will gain first-hand insight into the country’s oil and gas sector.  

“Gabon is implementing a strategic development agenda, aimed at unlocking greater resources from the country’s oil and gas industry. By focusing on deepwater acreage, working closely with international partners and committing to enhanced production flows, the country is creating a wealth of opportunities for both companies and entrepreneurs,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice Price President, African Energy Chamber.  

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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