Category: Africa

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Rio Tinto mining project a nod to SA mining industry strength

Source: Government of South Africa

Rio Tinto mining project a nod to SA mining industry strength

Rio Tinto’s announcement to restart the Richards Bay Minerals’ $473 million Zulti South project has been described as a vote of confidence in South Africa’s mining industry. 

This week, the mining company announced the restart with the aim of extending the mine’s life to 2050.

“This significant capital commitment signals renewed investor confidence in South Africa’s mineral resources sector and enhances collaboration between industry, government, and host communities.

“Richards Bay Minerals [RBM], which is 74%-owned by Rio Tinto, mines mineral-rich sands in KwaZulu-Natal and produces zircon, rutile, ilmenite and titanium dioxide. These minerals are essential inputs in the manufacturing of a wide range of products, including paints, medical applications, sunscreen and smartphones – underscoring South Africa’s role in global value chains,” the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) said on Tuesday.

The project was halted in 2020 due to unrest in the area but, with the help of government, Amakhosi and the host community, the project will now forge ahead.

“Through partnerships of this nature, the mining sector can leverage private-sector investment to unlock inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. 

“The department reiterates the importance of sustained collaboration between mining companies, government, traditional leadership structures, organised labour and communities.

“Stability, social compacting, and responsible mining practices remain fundamental to unlocking long-term value from South Africa’s mineral endowment while ensuring that the benefits of mineral development are broadly shared,” the department noted.

In its announcement on Monday, the company said construction is anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2026 and will take 30 months to be completed. 

“In keeping with our regulatory frameworks, the Zulti South project is expected to generate employment opportunities, support skills development initiatives, and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of mining-affected communities,” the DMPR added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Call to ensure validity of vehicle licence discs

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to ensure validity of vehicle licence discs

Motorists who intend to travel over the Easter long weekend are advised to ensure the validity of their vehicle licence discs and driving licence cards, as the Natis system indicates that 700 399 vehicle licence discs will be expiring at the end of March.

The renewal for vehicle licence discs affects 259 563 vehicles in Gauteng, 116 633 vehicles in the Western Cape, 98 735 vehicles in KwaZulu-Natal, 51 198 vehicles in Mpumalanga and 45 240 vehicles in Limpopo.

In the Eastern Cape, 44 840 vehicles are affected, 36 335 in the North West, 31 964 vehicles in the Free State, and 15 891 vehicles in the Northern Cape.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has encouraged motorists to renew their vehicle licence discs in the comfort of their home or office by using the online.natis.gov.za

“The disc will be delivered within three to five working days. More than six million vehicle licence discs have been processed through this platform since it became available in 2022.

“Drivers based in Gauteng, Gqeberha and Karigan in the Eastern Cape can use the same platform to prebook a slot to renew driving licence cards. Drivers in other provinces can use the services at their driving licence centres,” RTMC said on Tuesday.

A total of 128 080 driving licence cards will be expiring in the same period and need to be renewed. 

This will affect 44 142 drivers in Gauteng, 20 188 drivers in KwaZulu-Natal, 17 108 in the Western Cape, 12 515 in Mpumalanga, 11 831 in Limpopo, 8 404 in the Eastern Cape, 6 187 in North West, 5 471 in Free State, and 2 234 in Northern Cape. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

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SA-EU hold inaugural Clean Trade and Investment Partnership dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

SA-EU hold inaugural Clean Trade and Investment Partnership dialogue

South Africa and the European Union have held the inaugural Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) business to government dialogue on Tuesday.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), Alexandra Abrahams opened the Business-to-Government Dialogue.

“The Clean Trade and Investment Partnership marks a strategic evolution in the South Africa–EU economic relationship. The EU [European Union] remains one of South Africa’s largest trading partners with total trade growing by 56% since 2016 and, through this mutually beneficial partnership, we will continue to deepen our relationship,” she said.

The CTIP is a partnership between the EU and South Africa aimed at promoting bilateral trade and investment in clean supply chains.

It was endorsed on 20 November 2025 by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Ramaphosa.

Through strengthened cooperation between the EU and SA industries and governments, the CTIP aims to improve the trade and investment climate to unlock EU public and private investment, including maximising the impact of Global Gateway financing.

The Deputy Minister said the partnership will expand trade volumes while reshaping value chains.

“It will align decarbonisation with industrialisation, and investment with local economic development, ensuring that South Africa participates as an industrial partner in clean supply chains rather than as a supplier of raw materials. As we move into implementation, our focus is to mobilise bankable investment, address regulatory and market access constraints, and ensure that clean trade translates into economic growth and sustainable job creation,” she explained.

Deputy Director General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, Maria Martin-Prat said that there are enormous mutual trade and investment opportunities in “our clean supply chains.”

“Look at South Africa’s ambition to reform its electricity sector and construct approximately 14,500 km of new transmission lines in the next decade – the scale of opportunity is immense. To turn ambitions into reality, we will need three things. Firstly, we need companies ready to invest in these supply chains.

“European firms, with their cutting-edge technology and expertise in clean solutions, have a clear comparative advantage in supporting South Africa’s green transition. Secondly, while private investment will drive this transformation, Global Gateway funding can play a catalytic role by reducing risk and crowding in capital. 

“Thirdly, we need a conducive regulatory business environment for these investments to scale and reach their full potential.  This is what the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership is all about, and where we need your input,” she said.

The dtic said the first CTIP Business-to-Government Dialogue which was organised in the context of the Africa Energy Indaba, was well-attended by over 150 representatives from industry, financial institutions and policymakers.

The Business-to-Government dialogue showcased the demand-driven nature of the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership.

Industry representatives shared their views on the concrete regulatory, financing and risk-mitigation measures that would most effectively facilitate trade and investments in South African and EU clean supply chains. These recommendations will be discussed by South African and the EU government representatives, including at the CTIP Government to Government dialogue later this year.

At a trilateral meeting held ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November last year, President Ramaphosa, together with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission, Dr Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed the deepening of the South Africa–European Union partnership.

The leaders welcomed the signature of the CTIP, noting that it will create new trade and investment opportunities while supporting decarbonisation objectives through a tailored, flexible and targeted approach that reflects shared priorities. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

Neo

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Macpherson expresses condolences following collapse of Ormonde building

Source: Government of South Africa

Macpherson expresses condolences following collapse of Ormonde building

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to those injured, following the partial collapse of a building in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, where nine people have tragically died. 

Visiting the site on Tuesday afternoon alongside emergency services, the Minister said the building collapse raises serious questions around systemic weaknesses.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and with all those who have been injured during this incredibly difficult time, as well as the workers and families affected by this tragedy.

“We furthermore thank the brave men and women in our emergency services, who worked tirelessly to rescue survivors and recover bodies. 

“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, together with our entity, the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), we will continue working with all stakeholders to support affected families and to ensure accountability where wrongdoing has occurred.

“We should never normalise the collapse of any building. Buildings are not meant to collapse and therefore, there must have been serious failures that led to the tragedy we witnessed. We are determined to get to the bottom of this and will release the findings publicly once the investigation has concluded. We will not hesitate to take action against any individual found to be complicit,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that in the days ahead, the CBE, which regulates professionals within the built environment sector, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse to determine whether professional negligence, contravention of mandatory standards, or any misconduct took place.

Macpherson said he will be expediting a meeting with the Minister of Human Settlements to review the regulation and enforcement of building standards in South Africa, with the aim of preventing similar tragedies in future.

“We need to be frank in acknowledging that repeated building collapses point to deeper structural issues that must be urgently reviewed to improve building safety and construction oversight. 

“As we work to turn South Africa into a construction site, it is critical that we do so in an environment where building construction can be trusted and the loss of life avoided. By working together to find solutions, I have no doubt that we can strengthen the regulatory environment and build a better South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Chemicals seized at Gauteng makeshift manufacturing facility 

Source: Government of South Africa

Chemicals seized at Gauteng makeshift manufacturing facility 

Members of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has seized chemicals and manufactured detergents worth millions of rands at the Windmill Park informal settlement in Boksburg.

The operation was conducted following information received from a brand holder regarding a suspected makeshift manufacturing facility producing detergents and foam bath products.

Upon arrival at the premises, officers discovered large quantities of chemicals and finished products, including thick bleach, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, foam bath and ammonia-based cream cleaner. 

“It is alleged that the chemicals are mixed in 200-litre barrels and subsequently repackaged into recycled containers bearing labels of well-known brands manufactured by Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive,” said the DPCI on Tuesday.

Chemicals recovered at the scene include caustic soda, Kulubrite, soda ash light, sodium hypochlorite and sodium chloride, which are commonly used in the manufacturing of detergents and soaps. 

The members also confiscated containers that were yet to be cleaned and reused for further repackaging.
“All seized finished products and chemicals will be subjected to forensic chemical analysis to determine their composition and to establish whether they are counterfeit and in contravention of applicable legislation,” the DPCI said.

The DPCI remains resolute in protecting consumers and legitimate businesses from the proliferation of counterfeit and illicitly manufactured goods. The police investigation is ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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A KFC homenageia 55 mulheres que dão mais a África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Quando Lesego Chombo foi coroada Miss Botsuana em 2022, criou imediatamente uma fundação para apoiar jovens desfavorecidos e os seus pais nas zonas rurais.

Depois de terminar o seu mandato como Miss Mundo África em novembro de 2024, a jovem de 26 anos tornou-se a mais jovem ministra do Governo do Botsuana ao ser nomeada Ministra da Juventude e dos Assuntos de Género e está agora a liderar a elaboração de um projeto de lei sobre a violência baseada no género, centrado na proteção, cuidados e apoio às vítimas, bem como na prevenção.

Raïssa Banhoro apercebeu-se de que a falta de literacia, a literacia numérica limitada e a falta de ferramentas digitais acessíveis estavam a impedir a literacia digital das mulheres na Costa do Marfim, pelo que desenvolveu a Lucie, a primeira aplicação móvel de literacia do país com assistência vocal na língua local, que abordava os três desafios.

Em seguida, foi pioneira num modelo de formação digital intensiva e gratuita para jovens que não trabalham, não estudam nem seguem qualquer formação, conseguindo uma taxa de emprego de 100% para os que terminaram a formação.

Chombo e Banhoro são duas das 55 mulheres que a KFC África está a celebrar para assinalar o Dia Internacional da Mulher, no domingo, 8 de março, e honrar o tema global da ocasião “Dar para Ganhar”.

“Estas não são apenas histórias de conquistas individuais”, afirmou Akhona Qengqe, Diretora Geral da KFC África. “Estas são histórias de mulheres que dão mais a África.

“Concedem acesso onde antes havia exclusão. Oferecem oportunidades onde as perspetivas eram limitadas. Dão esperança onde esta não existia.”

O poder de dar

Há 55 anos que a KFC África ajuda as comunidades e capacita mulheres, as quais constituem 60% da sua força de trabalho.

Para assinalar o Dia Internacional da Mulher em 2024, celebrou 53 estreias femininas nos seus 22 mercados e, no ano passado, homenageou 54 mulheres responsáveis pela defesa da igualdade de género.

Este ano, o foco passa a ser o poder da dádiva, muitas vezes por mulheres que encarnam este espírito diariamente sem reconhecimento, recursos ou fanfarra.

As 55 mulheres homenageadas, uma por cada ano de presença da marca em África, incluem também:

  • Nice Leng’ete, do Quénia, que em 2014 persuadiu os anciãos Maasai a abandonarem formalmente a mutilação genital feminina. Trabalhando com a Amref Health Africa, e com a sua própria fundação, ajudou mais de 21.000 raparigas a escapar a esta prática.
  • Dr. Germaine Retofa, de Madagáscar, que transformou os cuidados maternos numa das regiões mais pobres do país num sistema que salva vidas e garante que a localização ou o rendimento de uma mulher não afetam as suas hipóteses de sobrevivência.
  • Alexandra Machado, de Moçambique, que é pioneira num modelo de mentoria circular que teve impacto em 25.000 mulheres moçambicanas, triplicando as taxas de transição escolar e provando que o investimento na liderança feminina é uma estratégia de alto retorno para o desenvolvimento nacional.

Da visibilidade à voz

“Para a lista deste ano das primeiras mulheres de África, procurámos deliberadamente mulheres cuja influência pode não encher estádios, mas cujo impacto enche corações”, afirmou Qengqe.

“Entre elas contam-se mulheres que criaram redes tecnológicas para as suas colegas, alargaram o acesso aos cuidados de saúde, tornaram os cuidados menstruais uma prioridade nacional, visaram melhorar o acesso das raparigas à educação e combateram as disparidades salariais entre homens e mulheres.

“Trata-se de mulheres de diversas origens – advogadas, políticas, profissionais de saúde, empresárias, autoras, tecnólogas e organizadoras comunitárias. Algumas são figuras bem conhecidas. Muitas não são.

“O que as une é o que dão: orientação, proteção, acesso, conhecimento, visibilidade, oportunidade, recursos e tempo.”

O efeito cascata da dádiva

A Diretor de Recursos Humanos, Cultura e Objetivos, Nolo Thobejane, afirmou que o tema Dar para Ganhar está profundamente relacionado com a abordagem da KFC ao empoderamento.

“Durante anos, vimos como a dádiva cria retornos exponenciais”, afirma. “Quando a KFC Add Hope dá refeições a crianças vulneráveis através de centros de alimentação liderados por mulheres, as comunidades ganham nutrição e dignidade.

“Quando a Women on the Move proporciona o desenvolvimento da liderança às mulheres da nossa empresa, toda a organização ganha uma liderança mais forte e diversificada. Quando a nossa Streetwise Academy dá às jovens qualificações acreditadas, as famílias ganham mobilidade económica.”

Thobejane diz que muitas mulheres da equipa da KFC África estão a retribuir às suas comunidades de forma significativa. “Temos gerentes de restaurantes que orientam jovens mulheres que estão a entrar no mercado de trabalho. Temos membros da equipa que gerem programas pós-escolares nas suas comunidades. Temos franqueados que criam caminhos para que outras mulheres tenham acesso à propriedade de empresas. A sua dádiva acontece de forma discreta, consistente e com um objetivo profundo.”

Quando as comunidades ganham, África sobe

O tema do Dia Internacional da Mulher de 2026 desafia o mundo a reconhecer que a dádiva tem um efeito multiplicador. Quando as mulheres são respeitadas e têm visibilidade, oportunidades, orientação, recursos e acesso, as comunidades beneficiam.

Qengqe afirmou que, embora os progressos no sentido da igualdade de género na África Subsariana tenham estagnado – o Relatório do Fórum Económico Mundial sobre as disparidades de género em 2025 (http://apo-opa.co/3OYsxIp) prevê que a paridade de género esteja a 107 anos de distância – a lista de mulheres africanas pioneiras da KFC prova que a transformação é possível.

“Estas 55 mulheres não estão preparadas para esperar mais de um século”, afirma. “Estão a dar agora para que as suas comunidades possam ganhar agora. E quando as comunidades ganham, a África sobe.”

A lista completa das 55 mulheres que dão mais a África está disponível em: https://apo-opa.co/3MZ2rEs

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para KFC Africa.

Contacto para os meios de comunicação social:
aloma@kamuses.co.za

Para nomear mulheres que dão mais a África: 
za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com

Sobre a KFC África:
A KFC faz parte da história de África desde 1971, quando o primeiro restaurante abriu em Joanesburgo. Atualmente com mais de 1500 restaurantes em 22 países subsarianos, é a marca líder de restaurantes de serviço rápido do continente e a casa do frango frito Original Recipe® que milhões de pessoas adoram. 

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African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) Launches 50th Anniversary Year Celebrations & Commemorative Logo

Source: APO

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) (www.ARIPO.org) yesterday officially launched its 50th Anniversary year celebrations and unveiled its commemorative Golden Jubilee logo at a high-level ceremony held at the ARIPO Secretariat. The event, which was streamed live to stakeholders across Africa and beyond, marked the beginning of a year-long programme of activities celebrating five decades of advancing intellectual property (IP) protection, innovation, and creativity across the continent.

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/3Pe9REz

Under the theme “Fostering innovation, creativity, and a sustainable future for Africa,” ARIPO’s golden jubilee year launch brought together government representatives, diplomats, development partners, IP lawyers, innovators, creators, academia, industry leaders, and members of the media. The unveiling of the 50th Anniversary logo symbolised ARIPO’s enduring legacy and its renewed commitment to shaping Africa’s innovation-driven future.

Honourable Nobert Tichaona Mazungunye, Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, representing Honourable Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. He underscored the strategic role of intellectual property in national and regional development, reaffirming the commitment of ARIPO Member States to strengthening IP systems as a catalyst for innovation, industrialisation, investment, and sustainable growth across Africa.

“Our appreciation to the current and former Directors General of ARIPO and their teams for ably leading this great institution over the years and for formulating robust protocols that have empowered inventors, creators, and businesses across the region”, said Honourable Mazungunye.

Delivering opening remarks at the ceremony, ARIPO Director General, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, described the Golden Jubilee as both a moment of reflection and a call to action.

“Fifty years is a significant milestone for any institution. For ARIPO, it represents five decades of service to our Member States; five decades of delivering intellectual property services across our region; and five decades of supporting inventors, creators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities as they transform ideas into impact,” he said.

Mr. Twebaze paid tribute to the visionaries who laid the foundation of ARIPO, acknowledging their foresight in recognising the central role of intellectual property in development. He further reaffirmed his commitment to stewarding the Organization into its next phase of growth, alongside a dedicated Secretariat and responsive governing bodies.

“As we gather here, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us. Visionaries unified by a shared belief that intellectual property would be central to Africa’s development. I stand before you humbled by the faith you have placed in me, honoured to serve, and proud to lead a team that ensures excellence is not the exception, but the standard,” he said.

Mr. Willie Mushayi, the Chief Registrar of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property Zimbabwe (CIPZ) gave remarks on behalf of the ARIPO Administrative Council, highlighting the importance of robust IP administration, institutional cooperation, and capacity building in delivering effective and accessible intellectual property services across the region, and commended ARIPO for five decades of excellence and impact.

As part of the Golden Jubilee commemorations, ARIPO will convene high-level symposia throughout 2026, each dedicated to a critical pillar of the intellectual property ecosystem. These strategic platforms will foster high-level policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnerships aimed at strengthening Africa’s IP landscape and support innovation, industrialisation, creative industries, and sustainable development.

The anniversary year will culminate in a flagship main event on 9 December 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the home of the Lusaka Agreement, which established ARIPO. The landmark gathering will feature the ARIPO IP Africa Conference, bringing together policymakers, global experts, innovators, investors, and development partners to shape Africa’s future IP agenda.

This historic event will serve as both a tribute to ARIPO’s origins and a forward-looking platform to chart the strategic direction for the Organization’s next 50 years of innovation-led growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).

Contacts:
Mrs. Susan Mwiti  
Head Communications
smwiti@aripo.org

Ms. Cathrine Denga
Communications Associate
cdenga@aripo.org

About ARIPO:
ARIPO is an intergovernmental organization that facilitates cooperation among its Member States in Intellectual Property (IP) matters. The purpose of ARIPO is to pool resources for the promotion, development, and harmonization of the IP laws and policies of its Member States. The objective of ARIPO, amongst others, is to establish common services and organs for IP coordination, development and harmonization. The Member States of ARIPO comprise Botswana, The Kingdom of Eswatini, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, The Kingdom of Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé & Príncipe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. You can read more about ARIPO at www.ARIPO.org

  1. Harare Protocol on Patents and Industrial Designs
  2. About the Banjul Protocol on Marks
  3. About the Swakopmund Protocol on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore
  4. About the Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants
  5. About the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights

About ARIPO@50:
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) will mark its 50th Anniversary in Lusaka, Zambia, on December 9, 2026, under the theme “Fostering innovation, creativity, and a sustainable future for Africa.” The celebrations will feature the Africa IP Conference, which will showcase ARIPO’s achievements, review major milestones, and outline future goals for IP in Africa. Over 500 attendees from governments, organizations, partners, the private sector, academia, and IP professionals are expected to participate.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, ARIPO will convene a series of high-level symposia throughout 2026, each dedicated to a critical pillar of the IP ecosystem:

  • Brands and Trademarks Symposium (April 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia)
    Theme: “Building Value Through Branding: Unlocking the Power of Brands and Trademarks for Business Growth and Competitiveness”
    This symposium will explore how strong and effective trademark systems can support African enterprises, boost competitiveness, and build trusted brands in regional and global markets.
  • Nurturing Agricultural Innovation: Advancing The Protection Of New Plant Varieties For Food Security And Sustainable Agriculture In Africa (June 2026 in Arusha, Tanzania)
    Theme: “Nurturing Agricultural Innovation: Advancing the Protection of New Plant Varieties for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in Africa”
    Discussions will focus on plant variety protection as a tool to stimulate agricultural research and development, strengthen food security, and support climate-resilient farming systems.
  • Protecting Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore Symposium (August 2026 in Swakopmund, Namibia)
    Theme: “Harmonising Heritage and Innovation: Protecting Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Expressions of Folklore”
    This symposium will examine policy and legal frameworks for protecting Africa’s rich heritage while enabling responsible research, innovation, and benefit-sharing.
  • Copyright and Related Rights Symposium (September 2026)
    Theme: “Empowering Creativity: Harnessing IP for Sustainable Development in Africa”
    Focusing on creators, cultural industries, and the digital environment, this symposium will address how copyright and related rights can drive inclusive economic growth and safeguard African creative works.

To enrich the ARIPO @ 50 experience, exhibition slots will be made available for institutions, companies, innovators, creators, and partners to showcase their IP-related products, services, and success stories. These exhibition spaces will be offered at a fee.

For more information, visit www.ARIPO.org

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Binance Reinforces Industry-Leading Compliance Commitment to Foster a Safer Crypto Ecosystem

Source: APO – Report:

Binance (https://www.Binance.com), the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, highlights the progress it continues to make in strengthening compliance and regulatory excellence, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in building a safer and more transparent crypto industry. Over the past years, Binance has invested significantly in enhancing its global compliance framework by expanding its teams, systems and controls that align with evolving regulatory expectations across its key markets. These ongoing efforts are designed to support responsible innovation while ensuring that user protection, financial integrity and market transparency remain at the core of the platform’s operations.

Leading with Robust Compliance Measures

Binance has implemented a multi-layered compliance program that includes advanced transaction monitoring, stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, and continuous enhancements to its anti-money laundering (AML) systems. These efforts are designed to protect users, prevent illicit activities, and ensure adherence to evolving regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.

Building the Future of Crypto with Advanced, Measurable Compliance

Over the past several years, Binance has built one of the most robust compliance programs in the digital-asset industry, combining world-class talent, advanced monitoring technology, and strong partnerships with regulators, law-enforcement agencies, and independent analytics providers. These programs include rigorous onboarding and KYC controls, sophisticated transaction monitoring systems, sanctions screening, behavioral analytics, and a dedicated global compliance team of more than 580 professionals, supported by more than 970 employees in compliance-related roles across customer-service, technology, and product teams.

The results of these efforts are measurable: Binance’s direct exposure to illicit activity has dropped by 96% between January 2023 and June 2025, while its capacity to detect, report, and help disrupt financial crime continues to grow. Specifically, sanctions-related exposure reduced dramatically and is now marginal (from 0.284% in January 2024 to just 0.009% in July 2025, a 96.8% decrease). This progress reflects daily collaboration with authorities, independent research, and the lived experience of serving over 300 million users safely, demonstrating how modern crypto compliance works in practice and underscoring Binance’s ongoing commitment to transparency, regulatory excellence, and a safer financial ecosystem.

Noah Perlman, Binance Chief Compliance Officer, “At Binance we’ve built a system that doesn’t just react to threats, it anticipates them. A 96% reduction in illicit exposure is a testament to our infrastructure and the 1,500+ professionals working behind the scenes to protect our 300M users.”

Driving Industry-Wide Standards

Binance’s leadership team emphasizes that compliance is a shared responsibility and that the company actively engages with regulators, policymakers, and industry partners to foster a collaborative environment. This engagement helps shape balanced regulations that support innovation while safeguarding users and the broader financial system.

Transparency and User Protection

Transparency remains a cornerstone of Binance’s compliance philosophy. The company regularly publishes updates on its compliance initiatives and welcomes dialogue with the community and regulators. By maintaining high standards, Binance ensures that users can trade with confidence on a platform that prioritizes security and integrity.

National Cybercrime Units Collaborations

Binance responds to tens of thousands of law-enforcement requests each year. In 2025 alone, Binance responded to more than 71,000 law enforcement requests and assisted in confiscating over $130 million in illicit funds.

Binance supports agencies such as Europol (https://apo-opa.co/4coJAx9), INTERPOL (https://apo-opa.co/4b0FCIt), the DEA, the NCA, Homeland Security Investigations, and multiple national cybercrime units. These collaborations have resulted in the takedown of ransomware groups, darknet markets, human-trafficking networks, and financial-fraud rings. The value of our work has been repeatedly recognized by our global law-enforcement partners.

Richard Teng, Binance co-CEO, “Our mission has always been to increase the freedom of money, but that freedom is only sustainable if it is built on a foundation of trust. By integrating compliance into our product DNA, we are proving that the world’s largest exchange can also be the most secure.”

Binance remains committed to building a secure, transparent, and trusted platform through ongoing investment in compliance, strong global partnerships, and independently validated results. Since its launch in 2017, Binance has focused on protecting users and supporting the responsible growth of digital finance, with measurable progress recognised by law-enforcement agencies and regulatory stakeholders worldwide.

– on behalf of Binance.

About Binance:
Binance is a leading global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Binance is trusted by more than 300 million people in 100+ countries for its industry-leading security, transparency, trading engine speed, protections for investors, and unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and offerings from trading and finance to education, research, social good, payments, institutional services, and Web3 features. Binance is devoted to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem to increase the freedom of money and financial access for people around the world with crypto as the fundamental means. For more information, visit: https://www.Binance.com    

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Network International powers card tokenization for Apple smartphones in Egypt in latest regulatory rollout

Source: APO – Report:

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  • Enablement signifies a critical milestone in Network’s proven execution capabilities for multi-bank payment initiatives
  • The launch of Apple tokenisation deploys the highest standards of security and operational resilience in Egypt’s digital transformation rollout

Network International (Network) (www.Network.ae), a leading fintech company across the Middle East and Africa, has announced the successful enablement of Apple Pay acceptance by powering card tokenisation for Apple smartphones for four renowned Egyptian banks, as part of the country’s digital transformation initiatives.

The successful launch comes within the third wave of the Central Bank of Egypt’s granting of tokenisation licenses to select banks and is an important milestone for Egypt’s digital payment ecosystem. The initiative reinforces Network’s scale, innovation leadership and proven execution capabilities in the market.

Supporting all four bank go-lives within the same wave underscores the strength, reliability, and agility of Network’s processing platform, alongside the depth of its local delivery and implementation expertise. The achievement reflects Network’s ability to execute complex, multi-bank digital payment initiatives at pace while maintaining the highest standards of security, operational resilience, and service quality.

Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa & Co-Head Group Processing at Network International, said: “We are proud to have supported four renowned banks to successfully transform themselves as Egypt strengthens its digital economy. We have been present in the market for over 20 years and delivering multiple simultaneous implementations demonstrates our local teams’ expertise and the robustness of our processing platform. We are grateful to the Central Bank of Egypt and the participating banks for their trust and partnership as we continue to help accelerate secure and scalable digital payments across Egypt.”

This launch also supports Network’s broader focus on expanding its presence and strengthening its brand across the region, underpinned by its long-standing commitment to Egypt’s payments ecosystem. In 2023, Network International announced the investment valued at EGP 1 billion to expand its operations in Egypt, while serving 160+ banks across Africa and 65+ in the Middle East from its Egypt hub.

– on behalf of Network International.

Media Queries:
Network International
Corporate Communications
Tel: +9714 303 2431
lambert.espedido@network.global

Burson
adnan.wahidi@bursonglobal.com

About Network International:
Network International is the Middle East and Africa’s leading fintech company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We serve a diverse ecosystem of banks, fintechs, telcos, merchants, governments, and public sector entities spanning 50+ countries – empowering our partners with innovative technology, value-added services, and deep expertise in payment systems and infrastructure. Our 3,000+ team strength on the ground works closely with 250+ financial institutions and 240,000+ merchants to deliver reliable, scalable, and future-ready payment and fintech solutions across the region.

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Presidential eThekwini Working Group meeting with stakeholders, Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, eThekwini

Source: President of South Africa –

Ministers,
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Thami Ntuli,
MECs,
Mayor of eThekwini, Mr Cyril Xaba,
Councillors,
Representatives of business and labour,
Officials,
Colleagues, 

It is a privilege to join you once again under the auspices of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. 

Thank you to the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry for inviting us to collectively take stock of our achievements, confront continuing challenges and launch the second phase of our partnership. 

When we first met in early 2024, we were navigating uncertainty. Confidence was fragile. Service delivery challenges were acute. The future of eThekwini required urgent, coordinated action. 

Today, we gather in a changing context. 

After two years of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, there are tangible signs that the decline has been arrested, that stability has taken root and that recovery is underway. 

The latest findings of the Durban Business Confidence Index tell an important story. Business confidence now stands at the highest level recorded since the index was established. 

This is the result of strong political leadership, administrative stability and all three spheres of Government coming together on a united mission. 

It is the result of the insistence of all social partners that eThekwini must work. 

In tourism, we have witnessed a remarkable recovery. 

I understand that during the recent festive season, eThekwini welcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors, a significant increase from the previous year. 

Occupancy rates rose to 77 percent. Tourism spend reached R2.7 billion. 

Durban is once again a destination of choice. 

In manufacturing, confidence rose by nearly 16 percent quarter-on-quarter. This matters deeply in a city that is home to the second-largest manufacturing sector in the country and whose prosperity is intrinsically linked to the Port of Durban. 

I welcome the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s Council approval of the Partnerships Framework in September 2025. 

This framework establishes a transparent, legally compliant system for public-private collaboration on infrastructure and catalytic projects. 

We have always maintained that water security in the metro is foundational to economic growth. 

Critical projects, like the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade, are under construction. 

Bulk dam levels remain stable. 

The structural reform of metro trading services in eThekwini is advancing.

There has been improved coordination during high-risk periods, enhanced CCTV coverage and better integrated safety planning. 

These improvements enhance investor confidence and strengthen the rule of law. 

Transnet has completed repairs to the Umlazi Canal, a critical intervention protecting the South Durban Basin’s industrial infrastructure. 

While we applaud this progress, stabilisation is not the same as transformation. 

Two-thirds of surveyed business leaders still believe that service delivery complaints may not be resolved in a reasonable timeframe. 

Environmental management, roads and water remain areas of concern. 

Non-revenue water stands at 55 percent, far above acceptable benchmarks. This represents lost revenue, lost capacity and lost opportunity. 

The second phase of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group will therefore focus on economic development. 

Through the Partnerships Framework we must unlock infrastructure investment at scale. 

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition will need to play a greater role in the Working Group as we confront illicit trade, dumping and industrial vulnerability. 

If eThekwini is to compete with other metros, we must reduce friction in development planning, accelerate approvals and reform cost structures that deter investment. 

A reform agenda in this area will form a central part our efforts in the second phase. 

Derelict and hijacked buildings in the city centre undermine tourism, reduce property values and affect investor confidence. 

Addressing problem buildings is not merely about enforcement. It is about enabling redevelopment, incentivising investment and restoring dignity to the urban core. 

This next phase will require capacity. 

I am happy to announce that the National Business Initiative will support the establishment of the Independent Public-Private Partnership Office within the City Manager’s office with technical expertise. 

We will continue to embed the Working Group’s approach within the District Development Model to ensure sustainability beyond direct Presidential oversight. 

We have always understood that partnership must be mutual. 

Government must create certainty, enforce standards and remove obstacles. 

Business must invest, innovate and uphold the highest standards of compliance and social responsibility. 

All social partners must be ready to play their part.

Colleagues, 

Two years ago, eThekwini stood at a precipice. 

Today, it stands at a threshold. 

The green shoots are visible in tourism numbers, business confidence, revenue performance and infrastructure projects underway. 

But we must not confuse early recovery with guaranteed success. 

The work ahead requires discipline. It requires courage. It requires partnership. 

The extension of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group – as requested by the social partners – is both a vote of confidence and a recognition that the journey is not yet complete. 

Together, we can move eThekwini from stabilisation to catalytic growth. 

Together, we can protect its industrial base, modernise its infrastructure, secure its water future and restore its urban core. 

And together we can ensure that eThekwini once again stands as a gateway to the continent, and as a beacon of resilience, partnership and shared prosperity. 

I thank you.