Category: Africa

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Artificial Intelligence Done Right

Source: APO – Report:

Generative AI can be a powerful business knowledge service, saving considerable time for employees. Yet, concerns grow around AI accuracy and how it handles sensitive information. According to a 2025 KPMG survey (https://apo-opa.co/3UgIjBb), only 46% of company workers trust AI, and that proportion is shrinking, especially since 56% say they are making more mistakes because of AI.

Despite such growing doubts, the technology can be an exceptional information source and time-saver, especially for sensitive, technical, and contextual queries. A South African payroll platform developed these advantages, using AI to provide detailed and contextual information for customer employees and payroll teams.

Payroll staff spend considerable amounts of time answering routine questions, such as why someone’s net pay decreased, what amount of taxes they paid, or how much overtime they earned last month. Said staff also have queries around formulas and components, regulations, payroll statuses in different business units, and creating new payroll structures.

“Payroll staff juggle a lot of queries,” says Warren van Wyk, Director at Deel Local Payroll, home of the PaySpace payroll platform. “Can generative AI handle those queries while adding real context? We believe it can, but that’s not enough. There has to be trust, accuracy, and oversight. How do we create those things? That was the challenge we set for ourselves.”

Building an AI assistant worthy of payroll

Generative AI excels at conversing in natural language, changing how we communicate with technology. Already, search engines produce AI-compiled answers that users can expand with follow-up questions.

Yet, search answers are relatively simple. An AI that handles payroll queries must meet specific parameters. Van Wyk didn’t want another chatbot that simply responded to keywords. Payroll information is very contextual, and the AI must reflect that. Payroll environments are also full of private information, security limits, and regulations that require strict oversight and privileges.

These stipulations define the baseline for a useful generative AI payroll assistant. Thus, the engineers at Deel Local Payroll developed AI Assist, a remarkable assistant that can answer payroll questions tailored to the person asking. Employees get specific answers about their payslips, from what they pay in tax to deductions and overtime.

Payroll staff additionally use AI Assist to surface and study specific payroll components and formulas, handle detailed queries, and explore the PaySpace platform’s knowledge base. AI Assist provides answers relevant to an organisation’s payroll setup, such as calculation formulas or listing components sharing specific tax codes. Payroll departments also use AI Assist to understand and exploit the PaySpace system’s features.

Building trust in AI

However, being helpful is not enough. Generative AI can make mistakes. Firms worry about AI’s access to information. Can someone use AI to learn other people’s salaries? Will the AI unearth forgotten and under-supervised data? What about the current data? Payroll information is incredibly sensitive. What if the AI causes a data leak or embeds that information in its model?

Developers understand how crucial it is to answer those concerns and use them as their baseline, says Van Wyk.

“We are very conservative with AI Assist’s features, focusing on several important things from the start. We host pre-engagements with our customers to identify specific use cases, and we established several rules. The AI will be native to the platform, not an integration. It will conform to ISO and SOC standards, and it will show a user only what they have authority to access. Nobody can ask AI Assist about other people’s salaries if they don’t have the authority to see those details. If a feature can’t meet those criteria, it goes back onto the shelf.”

The team designed AI Assist’s infrastructure to ensure sensitive data doesn’t appear to the wrong user or end up inside an AI’s model. Whenever someone interacts with the AI, it creates a temporary instance on secure Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure. No data leaves that space, and access to data depends on the user’s profile as determined by the PaySpace platform.

To reduce the risk of hallucinations and other mistakes, the system doesn’t rely solely on the AI model. It runs subsystems that handle specific queries and data access, passing information to the AI.

“We cannot use our customers’ data to train the model,” says Van Wyk. “Instead, we have systems that curate the right data and hand information to the AI, which then responds to the user. This is very important and has two advantages. It stops data from leaking into the AI model, and it improves answer accuracy because we directly control the mechanisms that link the data with AI Assist.”

Intuitive and effective

Hype and misconceptions cloud generative AI’s potential. Deel Local Payroll avoids these issues by focusing on the technology’s most obvious value and deliberately slowing its development pace to ensure maximum, focused benefits.

“We start from a basic premise: how can generative AI make things easier for our customers, whether they are working on payroll or need answers from payroll. How do we create thoughtful communication that gives them answers they can trust? It’s that simple, but it’s still very difficult to figure out because this is a new technology with many unknowns. So, we move carefully, test thoughtfully, and involve our customers through user engagements and beta testing.”

The results are incredible: “It’s amazing; there’s nothing like it. This will change payroll and every aspect of how we engage with business information. Generative AI done right is changing business for the better.”

– on behalf of Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

About Deel Local Payroll:
Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace, revolutionises payroll management. It offers online, multi-country payroll and HR management for businesses from start-ups through to enterprise in over 40 African countries, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Brazil.

Cloud-native, Deel Local Payroll, is scalable, configurable, highly secure, and easy-to-use—delivering anytime, anywhere access. It features payroll automation, self-service features, automatic legislation and feature updates, customised reporting, and more.

Since 2024, Deel Local Payroll has been part of Deel, operating as an independent subsidiary, serving its customers through the PaySpace platform.

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South Africa, Brazil seek stronger Global South voice, amid global headwinds

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa, Brazil seek stronger Global South voice, amid global headwinds

South Africa and Brazil must use their Strategic Partnership to advance a stronger Global South voice, reform the global financial architecture and ensure that critical minerals drive industrialisation and prosperity in their own economies.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola urged this on Wednesday, while delivering opening remarks at the Eighth Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission in Pretoria, which he co-chairs with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira.  

The Joint Commission is taking place against the backdrop of what Lamola described as strong headwinds facing the multilateral system and global peace, with the two countries facing an increasingly important role in defending multilateralism and advancing the interests of developing countries.

“Today, as the multilateral system and global peace face strong headwinds, our joint efforts are more important than ever,” Lamola said.

He said South Africa and Brazil, as two leading economies on their respective continents, were well positioned to act as bridge builders between the Global North and Global South. 

“As two leading economies on our continents, Brazil and South Africa are bridge builders between the countries of the global North and the global South,” he said. 

Lamola said the two countries had consistently pursued common positions in multilateral forums, particularly on reforming global governance to better reflect the aspirations of the majority of the international community.

He highlighted the urgent need to reform the global financial architecture, pointing to the burden of debt servicing across Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.

“On our continent, as many as 750 million people, more than half of Africa’s population, live in countries that spend more on interest payments than on hospitals and classrooms.

“In Latin America and the Caribbean, many countries are also saddled with debt. More than half of the population, or roughly 350 million people, live in countries that spend more on debt repayments than on health,” he said.

Lamola said the two countries had used their membership of the G20 to highlight these inequalities and push for concrete reforms.

“As founding members of the G20, Brazil and South Africa have used the forum to place these imbalances under the microscope and to advance concrete reforms,” he said.

The Minister also identified critical minerals as an area where South Africa and Brazil could deepen cooperation and pursue a different development model for the Global South.

Both countries are rich in minerals needed for the transition to a green economy, with Lamola warning that growing global demand should not simply reproduce historical patterns in which developing countries export raw materials while value and wealth are created elsewhere.

“Our countries have not hesitated to use their voice and soft power to call attention to the challenges and crises bedevilling countries of the global South,” he said.

He added that South Africa and Brazil could work together to ensure that critical minerals contribute to industrialisation, skills development and technological advancement.

“Our countries are well placed to advance a different model – one in which the minerals that power a green future also power industrialisation, skills development, technological exchange and prosperity in our own societies,” he said. 

The Joint Commission will also examine ways to strengthen bilateral economic ties and expand market access between the two countries.

Brazil is South Africa’s largest trading partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately US$2 billion in 2025.

Lamola said South African companies had established a presence in Brazil in sectors including pharmaceuticals, technology, mining, financial services and chemicals, while Brazilian companies were investing in South Africa’s automotive and food-manufacturing sectors.

He said the African Continental Free Trade Area offered Brazilian companies access to a rapidly integrating African market of more than 1.4 billion people, while Brazil offered South African companies an important gateway into Latin America and the Caribbean.

The SACU-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement also provided a platform on which the two countries could build.

“This Joint Commission gives us an opportunity to explore ways to expand market access, address trade barriers, and ensure this partnership fulfils its true promise. South Africa is equally committed to achieving more balanced and diversified trade between our countries,” Lamola said.

The Minister said South Africa also looked forward to concluding the Agreement on Investment Promotion, Cooperation, Facilitation and Protection, which he said would strengthen the framework for productive and mutually beneficial investment.

The two countries are expected to review existing bilateral agreements and identify new areas of cooperation, including aggrotech, aerospace and defence industries, biopharmaceuticals, creative industries, critical minerals beneficiation, energy, science and innovation, youth and women’s empowerment, transport and health.

Lamola also highlighted growing tourism ties, noting that Brazil had become South Africa’s ninth-largest source market for tourism.

Nearly 65 000 Brazilians visited South Africa in 2025, with Lamola attributing the recovery towards pre-pandemic levels partly to the bilateral 90-day visa agreement and the expansion of direct flights between South Africa and São Paulo.

The Joint Commission follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Brazil in March, during which the two countries reaffirmed their Strategic Partnership.

Lamola said the relationship was rooted not only in contemporary political and economic interests but also in a shared history of struggle against colonialism, slavery and racial exclusion.

He recalled that former President Nelson Mandela visited Brazil in August 1991, where he met political leaders, representatives of the Black movement and ordinary Brazilians to thank them for their solidarity with South Africa’s liberation struggle.

The Minister said the historical ties between the two countries continued to inform their contemporary partnership.

“Our histories and our difficult journeys towards building united and diverse societies have taught us important lessons. Democracy is always a work in progress.

“Democratic victories are never permanent. Democracy survives through vigilance, strong institutions and the active participation of citizens,” he said. 

Against this backdrop, Lamola expressed confidence in the resilience of Brazil’s democracy as the country approaches its upcoming elections.

“It is in this spirit that we wish the people of Brazil well as they approach the upcoming elections. We are confident in the strength and resilience of Brazil’s democracy,” he said.

Lamola said South Africa viewed Brazil as a dependable ally in the pursuit of a more equitable international order.

“South Africa is proud to have in Brazil a dependable ally and co-creator of a just, democratic and equitable world,” he said. 

The Eighth Session of the South Africa-Brazil Joint Commission will assess progress in existing areas of cooperation and identify new opportunities to deepen the Strategic Partnership. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa to deliver inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa to deliver inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 3 September, 2026, deliver the inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture at the University of Mpumalanga. 

Simelane was an anti-apartheid struggle hero who was abducted, tortured and murdered by apartheid Special Branch police in the 1980s.

“The Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture is being established as a national platform to promote dialogue on democracy, social justice, ethical leadership, gender equality, human rights and nation-building, while preserving and advancing the legacy of Nokuthula Simelane and other heroes and heroines of South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“The Memorial Lecture seeks to create a national conversation on justice, accountability, truth, reconciliation and the unfinished business of South Africa’s democratic transition,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The inaugural lecture will be hosted by the Nokuthula Simelane Foundation.

“Nokuthula Simelane dedicated her life to the struggle for freedom and democracy and paid the ultimate price in service of the people of South Africa.

“In 2024, she was posthumously awarded the Order of Luthuli in Gold for her incredible bravery. President Cyril Ramaphosa described her disappearance as a wound that will never heal for her family,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Register your customary marriage at Home Affairs before deadline

Source: Government of South Africa

Register your customary marriage at Home Affairs before deadline

The Department of Home Affairs has urged members of the public that have not yet registered their customary marriages to do so before the special registration period closes on 31 August 2026.

The registration enables couples to regularise their marital status.

“This includes marriages concluded before the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act came into effect in November 2000, as well as those concluded thereafter but not registered within the required timeframe.

“The department urges qualifying couples to register without delay to avoid unnecessary queues as the deadline approaches,” the department said.

Further information on how to register can be obtained at local Home Affairs offices around the country.

“Traditional leaders, community leaders and civil society organisations are also encouraged to help raise awareness and ensure that affected couples are informed of the approaching deadline,” the department stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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African countries commit to train and retain 3 million more health workers by 2035

Source: APO

Ministers of health from Africa today endorsed the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035, committing to plan, educate, employ and retain 3 million additional health workers by 2035 in a landmark effort to strengthen health systems and ensure more people across the continent have access to quality health services when and where they need them.

Adopted by Ministers of Health during the Seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, the Agenda marks a decisive shift from simply training more health workers to strengthening health labour markets through better planning, education, employment and retention. It calls for coordinated investments to ensure countries have the competent, motivated and well-supported workforce needed to meet Africa’s growing health needs.

The commitment comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s health workforce. The Region’s health workforce has grown substantially over the past decade, reaching an estimated 5.72 million health workers in 2024. Yet Africa still has only about 46% of the workforce it needs, leaving millions of people without adequate access to essential health services. Without decisive action, the Region could face a shortage of more than 6 million health workers by 2035.

At the same time, the Region faces a striking labour market paradox. While health facilities struggle with workforce shortages, an estimated one million trained health professionals are unemployed, with new graduates particularly affected. More than half of newly qualified nurses, doctors and midwives in several countries are unable to secure employment soon after graduation, highlighting the urgent need to better align health workforce education with job creation, sustainable financing and long-term workforce planning.

“Today, Africa has made a collective commitment to transform one of the foundations of its health systems, its people. By adopting the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035, our Member States have recognized that educating health workers is only the beginning. We must also create the opportunities, the support and the conditions that enable them to serve, grow and thrive where they are needed most. This Agenda turns evidence into action and political commitment into lasting investment in Africa’s health workforce and ultimately, in the health and well-being of our people,”said Dr Mohamed Yakub Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

The Health Workforce Agenda provides countries with a practical roadmap to strengthen health labour markets by improving workforce planning, expanding quality education, creating employment opportunities and retaining skilled health workers where they are needed most. It also calls for coordinated action across health, education, finance, labour and public service sectors to ensure investments translate into better access to quality health services.

The Health Workforce Agenda also makes a strong economic case for investing in the health workforce. The latest evidence shows that closing Africa’s health workforce gap would require an additional investment of about US$ 4 to US$ 6 per person per year, while generating substantial economic and social returns. Every dollar invested in the health workforce can generate up to 10 dollars in economic returns and around thirty times its value in broader social benefits through healthier populations, increased productivity and stronger economies. These findings reinforce that investing in health workers is not simply a health priority, it is a smart investment in Africa’s future.

The Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2035 builds on the foundation laid by the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, reaffirming Member States’ commitment to invest in the health workforce as a driver of stronger health systems, healthier populations and sustainable development. By translating that commitment into a clear roadmap for action, it provides countries with practical direction to plan, educate, employ and retain the health workers needed to meet Africa’s present and future health needs.

With the adoption of the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2035, Member States have established a shared roadmap to build the competent, supported and equitably distributed health workforce needed to meet the Region’s evolving health needs. Its success will ultimately be measured not by the number of policies adopted, but by the number of health workers empowered to serve their communities and by the millions more people who gain access to the quality health services they need.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

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Consolidation de la paix : la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République centrafricaine (MINUSCA) renforce le dialogue direct avec les leaders religieux à Ndele

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

À Ndele, dans la préfecture de la Bamingui-Bangoran, la MINUSCA a organisé les 14, 19 et 20 août 2026 des rencontres avec 43 leaders religieux, dont 32 chrétiens et 11 musulmans. Ces échanges visaient à renforcer la collaboration avec ces acteurs influents de la communauté afin de soutenir les efforts de consolidation de la paix, de promotion de la cohésion sociale, de protection des civils et de renforcement de l’autorité de l’État.

Les leaders religieux saluent cette démarche de dialogue direct initiée par la MINUSCA. Pour ces autorités spirituelles, ces rencontres ont été l’occasion de rappeler le rôle majeur qu’elles ont joué lors des différentes crises qu’a connues la région.

Aujourd’hui, la priorité demeure le maintien d’un climat de paix dans la préfecture, selon Pierre Makossa Bangui, pasteur de l’Église UFEB de Ndele. « Je suis né à Ndele, j’y ai grandi et vieilli. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes sur la bonne voie vers la paix et la cohésion sociale. C’est un acquis qu’il faut entretenir chaque jour. Nous devons cultiver le pardon et l’ouverture envers nos concitoyens afin de continuer à évoluer ensemble », a-t-il indiqué.

Chaque semaine, dans les mosquées comme dans les églises, les messages de coexistence pacifique occupent une place centrale dans les prêches. Ce travail de longue haleine porte progressivement ses fruits, même s’il exige une mobilisation constante.

Pour Abdel Affis Soumaine, imam de la mosquée centrale de Ndele et président de la Plateforme des confessions religieuses, la sensibilisation reste un outil incontournable pour préserver les acquis de la paix. « Ce que nous devons faire, c’est sensibiliser davantage la communauté afin de préserver la paix et le vivre-ensemble. La sensibilisation permet de faire comprendre aux populations que la paix n’a pas de prix. Elle ne s’achète pas », a-t-il dit.

Le climat sécuritaire s’est nettement amélioré à Ndele ces dernières années. Toutefois, les responsables religieux soulignent que la paix demeure un processus continu, malgré les contraintes logistiques et matérielles auxquelles ils font face.

Le vicaire de la paroisse Sainte-Marie, Yacinthe Kalengona, reste prudent quant aux progrès accomplis. « Pour le moment, j’avoue qu’il reste encore beaucoup à faire, car tout n’est pas parfait. Nous devons poursuivre nos efforts dans cette dynamique afin de consolider la cohésion sociale », a-t-il souligné.

Vers un partenariat renforcé avec la MINUSCA

Ces séances d’échanges ont également permis à la MINUSCA de mieux faire connaître son mandat auprès des responsables religieux et de recueillir leurs préoccupations sur les défis auxquels les communautés restent confrontées.

Selon Wilfried Relwendé Sawadogo, chef du bureau de la MINUSCA à Ndele, ces rencontres ouvrent la voie à des actions concrètes. « L’objectif de cette rencontre était d’abord de leur exprimer toute notre gratitude pour le travail accompli en faveur du dialogue. Nous espérons mettre en place des projets concrets pour travailler ensemble au renforcement de l’autorité de l’État, à l’amélioration de la cohésion sociale et à une meilleure protection des populations civiles dans notre zone de responsabilité », a-t-il confié.

Malgré les progrès enregistrés, les leaders religieux estiment que les efforts de sensibilisation doivent être poursuivis et renforcés. Ils ont réitéré leurs remerciements à la MINUSCA pour son appui constant dans cette quête collective de stabilité et de paix durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

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World Health Organization (WHO) supports Mauritius in undertaking a comprehensive Health Labour Market Analysis

Source: APO – Report:

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Mauritius is set to reshape its health workforce through a comprehensive Health Labour Market Analysis, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative marks a decisive step toward strengthening Mauritius’ health system and advancing progress toward universal health coverage.

“The Health Labour Market Analysis comes at the right time for Mauritius. We must address workforce shortages, improve distribution and ensure the number of health workers are adequate for our population’s health needs,” says Dr Poonam Gungadin, Director of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). “This process will give us the evidence we need to design effective and sustainable workforce policies.”

Mauritius has long demonstrated strong investment in its health workforce, maintaining one of the highest doctor and nurse densities in the African Region, with 31.7 doctors and 35.7 nurses and midwives per 10 000 population. Yet, the health system faces mounting challenges: persistent shortages across several cadres, emerging skills gaps, high workloads, burnout, and uneven distribution of health professionals. Despite employing approximately 13 000 officers across 375 grades, shortages remain acute due to retirement, migration, limited training capacity, and lengthy recruitment procedures.

To meet rising service demands, the MOHW expanded specialized services and increased the number of primary care clinics from 147 to 268 between 2022 and 2024—an 82% increase. While this expansion strengthens access to care, it also intensifies staffing pressures. Both public and private health institutions face difficulties filling vacancies due to a limited pool of qualified candidates, compounded by emigration and complex recruitment and licensing processes.

The HLMA process is taking place from 16 to 27 March 2026 with participation from across government with 40 representatives from the different ministries, regulatory councils, statistical bodies, training institutions, health professional associations and the private sector. This broad engagement ensures that the analysis is grounded in high quality data, shared ownership, and consensus driven policy recommendations that reflect the realities of both public and private service delivery.

“WHO is proud to support Mauritius in this comprehensive HLMA process,” says Dr Gilbert Buckle, Health Policy Advisor at WHO Mauritius. “A resilient health system depends on a well-planned, well-supported health workforce. Mauritius’ Health Labour Market Analysis is a vital investment in understanding workforce realities and shaping the reforms needed to deliver health for all.”

This major national undertaking reaffirms Mauritius’ commitment to developing a resilient, motivated and equitably distributed health workforce capable of delivering high quality, accessible health services to every person in the country.

Mauritius joins more than 20 countries across the African region actively implementing the principles of the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter, which aims to halve inequities in access to health workers by 2030.

“By undertaking the Health Labour Market Analysis, Mauritius is taking a decisive step toward smarter, evidence‑driven workforce investments that strengthen resilience, improve equity and accelerate progress toward health for all,” says Dr Sunny Okoroafor, Health Workforce Management, Performance and Retention Advisor at WHO ‘s Regional Office for Africa and facilitator for the process. 

– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

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President Museveni Bids Farewell to Outgoing Egyptian Ambassador

Source: APO – Report:

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met and held discussions with the outgoing Egyptian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Monzer Selim, who paid a farewell call on him at State House, Entebbe. President Museveni wished the outgoing envoy success in his next assignment.

“I wish you good luck,” President Museveni said. Ambassador Selim, who will conclude his four-year tour of duty in Uganda on August 31, 2026, thanked President Museveni for the support extended to him, the Egyptian Embassy and the Government of Egypt during his tenure.

Ambassador Selim said his successor is expected to arrive in Uganda on September 4, adding that although he would be returning to Egypt, his new responsibilities would continue to bring him into contact with Uganda. “I’m going back to headquarters in Egypt, and I’ll be responsible for the Horn of Africa issues. So, I guess Uganda will not be a stranger to me,” he said.

The ambassador highlighted several milestones achieved in strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between Uganda and Egypt during his tenure. He noted that the number of major Egyptian companies with established operations in Uganda had increased from two when he assumed office to five, reflecting growing investor confidence and expanding commercial ties between the two countries.

According to Ambassador Selim, the total value of operations by Egyptian companies in Uganda has also grown significantly, from approximately $120 million at the beginning of his tenure to an anticipated $700 million following planned investments next year. “With our upcoming investment next year, we will reach approximately $700
million. So that’s about six times,” he said.

The outgoing ambassador also commended President Museveni’s leadership and approach to sensitive regional issues, including developments in Somalia and Sudan, as well as the management of water resources under the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI). He said Egypt had closely followed Uganda’s leadership, particularly its efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation among member states of the Nile Basin Initiative.

“Your wisdom and the wisdom of Uganda has guided the family of the NBI through troublesome times, and we are counting on the continued leadership of Uganda when it comes to consultative efforts that would be able to bring everybody on board,” H.E Selim said. He further noted that Egypt and Uganda were exploring additional areas of
cooperation, including establishing a joint business council, attracting more Egyptian investment and collaborating on infrastructure projects.

– on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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President El-Sisi Receives China’s President Xi Jinping During his Official Visit to Egypt

Source: APO – Report:

Within the framework of the outstanding bilateral relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the People’s Republic of China, Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Egypt in the coming days.

During the visit, President El-Sisi will meet with President Xi Jinping to deliberate on avenues for further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries across diverse domains of mutual interest, as well as exchange views on a multitude of regional and international issues.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Government to accelerate investment in tourism infrastructure

Source: Government of South Africa

Government to accelerate investment in tourism infrastructure

Through a formalised strategic partnership between the Departments of Tourism and Public Works and Infrastructure, government will unlock investment in tourism infrastructure and drive economic growth.

“If we want tourism to make an even greater contribution to economic growth and job creation, we must build the infrastructure that makes investment and new tourism experiences possible,” Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said on Tuesday.

De Lille and Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson have formalised a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen the preparation of priority tourism infrastructure projects and unlock greater private-sector investment in South Africa’s tourism economy.

Under the three-year agreement, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will support the Department of Tourism with specialist resources, including investment expertise and transaction advisory services. These resources will help strengthen the project pipeline and improve projects’ readiness for investment.

“This partnership will also facilitate the transfer of skills, knowledge and technical competencies to strengthen the Department of Tourism’s long-term capacity to prepare and facilitate tourism infrastructure investment. We must turn tourism potential into bankable projects, investment and ultimately jobs,” de Lille said.

The agreement comes just days after President Cyril Ramaphosa launched Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership, with tourism identified as one of the key sectors capable of accelerating inclusive economic growth and employment.

The Department of Tourism will retain overall accountability for and ownership of its Investment Facilitation Service, while Infrastructure South Africa will provide the specialist technical and transaction support required under the agreement.

Infrastructure South Africa is a programme within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure that provides infrastructure planning, management and delivery services.

“Through this partnership, we can help move priority tourism infrastructure projects from plans on paper to shovels in the ground, while crowding in private-sector investment and creating new economic opportunities across the country. This is another practical step towards our goal of turning South Africa into a construction site and using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation,” Macpherson said.

The partnership is also timely, as the Department of Tourism prepares to host the second Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit in Gauteng from 30 September to 1 October 2026.

The summit builds on the inaugural event held in 2025, which created a dedicated platform to connect tourism infrastructure projects with potential investors and financiers.

The second instalment will continue to build a pipeline of credible, bankable tourism projects from both the public and private sectors. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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