Category: Africa

Posted on

U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum Expands to Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Security

Source: APO – Report:

The U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum (USAEMF) has relaunched with a dedicated focus on critical minerals, marking an important evolution in its role as a platform for U.S.-Africa commercial engagement. Building on its foundation in energy, power and industrial projects, the forum’s expanded scope positions it at the center of investment conversations shaping the future energy economy.

Scheduled for July 21–22, 2026, in Houston, Texas, USAEMF comes at a time of surging global demand for copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese and rare earth elements, driven by electrification, battery storage, AI infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Africa is increasingly critical to securing these materials, highlighting how energy and minerals are now interconnected pillars of industrial growth, geopolitical stability and decarbonization.

The forum’s minerals mandate deepens engagement with African producers – particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to some of the world’s largest copper and cobalt reserves. Momentum is building through the U.S.–DRC strategic minerals framework and the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, a major investment platform supported by the DFC and private partners. The consortium is pursuing a 40% stake in the Mutanda and Kamoto copper-cobalt operations in a $9 billion transaction, securing long-term supply for allied markets while reinforcing cooperation on infrastructure, security and supply-chain governance.

U.S. financing is also expanding across the region, with the DFC managing a continental portfolio exceeding $13 billion to support mining, processing and transport infrastructure for critical mineral supply chains. Recent commitments include rare earth, graphite and potash projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Gabon; broader investments in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa; and $553 million linked to the development of the Lobito Corridor. The DFC is also a major backer of TechMet, a U.S.-supported investment firm valued at over $1 billion, which is raising up to $200 million to expand copper, cobalt, lithium and rare earth assets and pursue new opportunities across the DRC and Zambia. Together, these initiatives underscore Washington’s push to diversify battery-mineral supply while positioning Africa as a long-term partner in clean energy and industrial value chains.

Houston’s role as host city reflects the alignment between American industrial capacity and African resource development. Long established as a global energy hub, the city is expanding into energy transition technologies, advanced materials, carbon management and industrial innovation. By convening African governments with U.S. private equity, development finance institutions, exporters, insurers and technical service providers, the forum creates a commercial platform capable of converting mineral potential into bankable projects.

“The evolution from USAEF to USAEMF reflects a broader shift toward integrated energy and mineral development,” states Nadine Levin, Portfolio Director at Energy Capital & Power, forum organizers. “Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties and advances projects that deliver long-term shared value.”

While critical minerals define the forum’s strategic expansion, the U.S.’ longstanding role in Africa’s energy sector remains central to the platform’s value proposition. American energy companies continue to advance exploration and development across key upstream markets, support gas monetization in the Gulf of Guinea and revitalize mature production in North Africa. U.S. export credit and development finance are also helping unlock large-scale LNG capacity in Mozambique while supporting optimization and expansion across existing gas infrastructure in West Africa – demonstrating how American capital, engineering expertise and risk-mitigation tools convert resource potential into delivered energy systems.

USAEMF is the leading platform connecting U.S. capital and technical expertise with Africa’s energy and minerals sectors. For more information or to participate at the upcoming forum, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

.

Posted on

Marriott International Announces Robust Growth Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & Africa in 2025

Source: APO – Report:

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR, “Marriott”) (www.Marriott.com) announced an exceptional year of growth across Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) in 2025 with more than 230 organic signings representing over 31,000 rooms. Marriott also added 170 properties and nearly 24,000 rooms across EMEA last year, contributing to a 7.8% net rooms growth in the region.

“2025 was another strong year for Marriott International in EMEA defined by strategic expansion and segment-wide momentum across the region,” said Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “We continued to grow our portfolio with purpose by expanding into new destinations, scaling our brands thoughtfully and offering even more diverse experiences for our guests and Marriott Bonvoy members. Our robust growth is a testament to the dedication of our teams and the trust of our owners, and we remain committed to shaping the future of travel in the region.”

The company’s EMEA region ended the year with a pipeline of over 600 properties and nearly 113,000 rooms.

Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom were the highest growth markets, with the leading number of signings for the company across the region in 2025.  Conversions and adaptive reuse projects continue to drive significant growth for the company in the region, fueled by the company’s portfolio of collection brands and conversion-friendly offerings. Conversions and adaptive reuse projects represented nearly 50% of the region’s signings in the year.

Unrivaled Luxury Brands Deliver Extraordinary Growth

Marriott reinforced its luxury leadership in 2025. EMEA represented the company’s strongest region for signings in the luxury segment with a record 40 signed luxury deals. St. Regis saw the highest number of signed agreements in the region with 14 deals, including The St. Regis Karya Cove Resort, Bodrum and The St. Regis Jeddah Corniche. Other luxury milestone signings included The Cape Town EDITION, JW Marriott Hotel Tashkent and JW Marriott Milos Resort and Spa.

Record Breaking Branded Residential Signings

Reinforcing the company’s 25-year leadership in branded residences, Marriott signed a record-breaking 24 residential deals across EMEA, more than double the volume signed in 2024.  Since year-end 2023, the company has grown its branded residential total portfolio of open and pipeline properties by 33% in Europe, and 70% in the Middle East & Africa, demonstrating the growing demand for elevated living in the region. The company closed the year with 33 open locations and 60 in the region’s pipeline. Signings highlights in 2025 included The Residences at the Dubai Beach EDITION; Marriott Residences, Budapest; The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Palm Hills, Cairo and Seamont, Autograph Collection Residences, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.

Accelerated Expansion of Midscale Segment

Marriott has experienced extraordinary growth in the midscale segment, while maintaining a strategic focus on regionally resonant brands and scaling them. Four Points Flex by Sheraton, a conversion-friendly midscale brand offered in EMEA, represented the fastest growing brand for the company in the region with 18 signings and 23 openings in 2025.  The brand closed the year with 38 open properties with over 4,300 rooms.

Marriott recently introduced two new brands to the region – Series by Marriott, a global collection brand for the midscale and upscale lodging segments that is designed to deliver a personalised experience that reflects the distinct character of each destination, and StudioRes, an extended-stay midscale brand.  Both brands have received significant interest from developers across the EMEA region.

Acquisition of the citizenM brand

As the company continues to strive to meet the evolving needs of every traveler and trip purpose, Marriott completed its acquisition of the citizenM brand, known for its genuine service, tech-savvy in-hotel experience, highly efficient use of space, and focus on art and design. The citizenM portfolio was integrated on Marriott’s platforms in the fourth quarter of 2025, adding 19 hotels and nearly 4,000 rooms to the company’s EMEA portfolio.   

Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International added,

“From record luxury and branded residential signings to the remarkable momentum of our midscale offerings, we are capturing opportunity for growth and new audiences across every segment in the region. These milestones underscore the depth and diversity of our portfolio and reinforce our commitment to delivering long-term value for our hotel owners in this region.”

Marriott added 170 properties to its operating portfolio in the region in 2025. Opening highlights included:

  • The Luxury Collection continued its expansion in the region following the openings of Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Greece and H15 Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Krakow
  • Lifestyle luxury brands EDITION and W Hotels celebrated milestone openings such as The Lake Como EDITION, The Red Sea EDITION, W Florence and W Sardinia.
  • JW Marriott made its debut in Greece with the JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, the brand’s first Mediterranean beach resort.
  • The company’s flagship brand, Marriott Hotels, marked its debut in Luxembourg with the Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa.
  • Morea House, Autograph Collection, opened within Camps Bay in Cape Town, further expanding the brand’s diverse and dynamic portfolio of independent hotels in the region.
  • Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Moxy Hotels reached 100 open properties in the region with the Moxy Belfast City along with other key openings in Istanbul, Lisbon and Warsaw.
  • Four Points Flex by Sheraton added over 20 properties to its operating portfolio which included the brand’s entry into Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain.

As Marriott continues to expand its offerings, the breadth and depth of the company’s portfolio remain well-positioned to offer compelling options for developers and real estate investors. To learn more about Marriott’s development opportunities and updates, visit https://apo-opa.co/40s81T0.

– on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Download additional images: https://apo-opa.co/4r8stDy

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL: 
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of compelling brands across luxury, premium, select, midscale, extended stay, and all-inclusive, with over 9,800 properties in 145 countries and territories, as of December 31, 2025. Marriott franchises, operates, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, yacht, outdoor, and other lodging products all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewsCenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4sfywHl) and @MarriottIntl on X (https://apo-opa.co/4rBqNmK) and Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4u1qHGU).

Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at www.Marriott.com/investor or Marriott’s news center website at www.MarriottNewsCenter.com, which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.

NOTE ON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: 
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to our expectations regarding new brands, offerings and growth opportunities; deal signings and expected future project openings; our development pipeline; the pace and momentum of development activity, conversion activity and growth in certain segments and product tiers; brand debuts in certain markets and sectors; owner interest, demand and preferences for our brands; and similar statements concerning anticipated future actions and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media files

.

Posted on

North West declares 2026 year of ‘decisive action to fix local government’

Source: Government of South Africa

North West declares 2026 year of ‘decisive action to fix local government’

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has declared 2026 the “year of decisive action to fix local government and transform the economy”, pledging firm interventions to restore municipal functionality, accelerate infrastructure delivery and drive inclusive growth.

Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Mahikeng on Thursday, Mokgosi said the province remains committed to tackling unemployment, poverty and inequality while consolidating democratic gains 30 years after the adoption of the Constitution.

The Premier invoked the legacy of Sol Plaatje and the sacrifices of past generations, urging renewed focus on ethical leadership, accountable governance, and delivery of tangible benefits to communities.

Turning around local government

Mokgosi placed local government reform at the centre of the provincial agenda, stressing that functional municipalities are essential for service delivery and economic growth.

He noted improvements in audit outcomes, with nine out of eleven provincial departments receiving unqualified or clean audits in the last audit cycle. A number of municipalities, including Moses Kotane, Taung and JB Marks, have improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinions.

“We will be dedicating our ongoing efforts in assisting the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipalities as well as the Moretele Local Municipality to move from unqualified to clean audit outcomes,” the Premier said.

He noted the decrease in disclaimer audit outcomes from nine municipalities in 2020/21 to only one in 2024/25, which is Ditsobotla.

To strengthen oversight, the Premier announced the introduction of a province-wide SmartGov Monitoring and Evaluation Dashboard from the beginning of 2026/27 financial year.

“All our departments will be integrated into a single executive oversight platform, that allows real time tracking of performance, expenditure, and service delivery outcomes.”

Mokgosi announced that targeted interventions under Sections 154 of the Constitution will be implemented in identified struggling municipalities, including Ditsobotla and Matlosana, to strengthen their capacity in areas, including waste management and road maintenance.

“The Departments of Public Works and Roads as well Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism will be seized with the responsibility to assist with the aforementioned. 

“Ditsobotla and Matlosana Local Municipalities will be our starting point where our cooperation will include working with SANRAL [South African National Roads Agency] and farmer’s organisations.

“Section 106 investigations into alleged acts of maladministration at City of Matlosana, Madibeng and Tswaing have been completed with remedial action plans being implemented. In relation to Matlosana we are using other various legislative measures to stabilize the municipality. This is aimed at strengthening administrative stability and financial accounting,” Mokgosi said.

Eskom will also assist municipalities grappling with load reduction with energy efficiency and demand management grant. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

77 views

Posted on

Cabinet backs local FMD vaccine production

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet backs local FMD vaccine production

Cabinet has confidence the rebuilding of local vaccine manufacturing capacity within the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) will help South Africa reclaim its Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

The Agricultural Research Council’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Research facility has resumed production of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines for the first time in more than 20 years.

The first batch of locally produced vaccines was officially handed over on Friday, 6 February 2026. The vaccine is registered as a stock remedy under Act 36 of 1947 and meets all required standards for quality, safety, and efficacy standards.

Between 2010 and 2018, the ARC undertook extensive research within its existing facilities aimed at strengthening regional vaccine capacity.

The programme sought to identify new candidate vaccine strains appropriate for use within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, adapt the strains for large-scale in vitro cultivation in bioreactors to improve yields, and assess their ability to elicit protective immunity both immunologically and clinically.

Researchers also evaluated vaccine potency and the duration of immunity to inform appropriate field vaccination schedules.

Briefing media in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the resumption of local vaccine production marked a critical milestone in efforts to curb the current FMD outbreak affecting more than 14 million livestock in the country.

The outbreak has caused significant losses within the farming sector and threatens the country’s agricultural export standing.

“Cabinet extends its appreciation to the farming community, who have worked tirelessly to complement efforts of the Department of Agriculture to curb the current outbreak of the FMD,” Ntshavheni said.

Black households now 41% of high-income earners

Meanwhile, Cabinet welcomed findings from a University of Cape Town Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing study, based on Statistics South Africa data, indicating a notable shift in the country’s income distribution patterns.

The study found that the proportion of black households earning more than R75 000 per month increased to 41% in 2024, up from 29% in 2012.

The number of Black South Africans in middle- and upper-income brackets, earning more than R22 000 per month, has quadrupled to more than seven million in 2024. Overall, the total number of people in these income categories rose from approximately four million to more than 11 million between 2012 and 2024.

Ntshavheni said the increase in black remuneration reflected gradual progress in the racial profile of South Africa’s higher income brackets.

“This is a direct dividend of 31 years of democratic transformation through programmes, such as employment equity and Black Economic Empowerment.

“This progress is made in a country that was shaped by institutionalised inequality, where the black majority were systematically discriminated against during colonial and apartheid rule, and earnings were once based on one’s race, through government’s transformation programmes, amongst others,” the Minister said.

However, Cabinet acknowledged that progress remains uneven and not yet proportional to the demographic representation of South Africa’s population.

“Black South Africans still predominate the ranks of the poor and working poor, and millions still live in poverty,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

47 views

Posted on

Pesalink et Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) permettent désormais les paiements transfrontaliers en monnaies locales au Kenya

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • Virements bancaires instantanés 24h/24 et 7j/7 entre banques africaines dans différentes monnaies locales.
  • Paiements transfrontaliers simplifiés pour les particuliers, les entreprises et les PME.
  • Plus de 80 participants au réseau Pesalink sont désormais connectés à plus de 160 banques participantes au réseau PAPSS.

Pesalink, le réseau de paiement instantané de facto du Kenya, s’est associé au Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) afin de faciliter les paiements transfrontaliers et d’accélérer l’intégration financière régionale.

Ce partenariat permet aux participants au système PAPSS d’effectuer des paiements transfrontaliers instantanés 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7, vers les banques et les opérateurs de services financiers mobiles du réseau Pesalink au Kenya, en monnaies locales. Cela réduit les exigences complexes en matière de correspondance bancaire ainsi que la dépendance à l’égard des devises de réserve étrangères.

Le PAPSS, une initiative de la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) en collaboration avec l’Union africaine et le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf, permet des paiements transfrontaliers entre les pays africains. Pesalink est désormais un fournisseur de connectivité technique. Cela signifie que plus de 80 banques, fintechs, SACCO et opérateurs télécoms kenyans participant au réseau Pesalink seront connectés à plus de 160 banques commerciales et fintechs sur la plateforme PAPSS.

Les paiements transfrontaliers restent coûteux et lents pour de nombreuses entreprises africaines. Le rapport 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4baDSh7) de la Banque mondiale sur les prix des transferts de fonds indique que l’envoi d’argent à travers les frontières africaines engendre en moyenne des frais de 7 à 8 % de la valeur totale envoyée (contre 6 à 7 % en moyenne mondiale). Le règlement peut également prendre entre trois et sept jours ouvrables.

Le partenariat Pesalink-PAPSS réduira les coûts, accélérera les règlements et aidera les particuliers, les PME et les entreprises à envoyer de l’argent plus efficacement à l’international.

Lors de la signature du partenariat dans les bureaux de Pesalink à Nairobi, Mike Ogbalu III, Directeur général de PAPSS, a déclaré : « Pour que PAPSS ait un réel impact, la collaboration avec des commutateurs nationaux et privés comme Pesalink est essentielle. Pesalink est le premier commutateur que nous avons testé pour la terminaison des transactions au Kenya, et nous constatons déjà une adoption croissante grâce à l’ouverture de nouveaux canaux pour des paiements transfrontaliers fluides en monnaie locale à travers l’Afrique ».

Gituku Kirika, PDG de Pesalink, a déclaré : « Les banques kenyanes pourront désormais offrir des paiements transfrontaliers plus rapides et moins chers. Elles aideront leurs clients à développer davantage de relations commerciales régionales et à prospérer dans une économie numérique plus intégrée ».

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez contacter :
Trezer Maina
Directeur du marketing, Integrated Payment services Limited
Courriel :  twmaina@ipsl.co.ke

​Papa Samba Thiongane
Directeur Marketing & Communications, PAPSS
Courriel : communications@papss.com

À propos de Pesalink :
Pesalink est le réseau de paiement instantané et interopérable du Kenya. Il facilite les paiements 24/7 entre comptes bancaires, portefeuilles d’argent mobile, fintechs et SACCO via des applications, en ligne ou par USSD. Pesalink est exploité par Integrated Payment services Limited (IPSL) et est détenu par Kenya Bankers Association (l’Association des banquiers kenyans.)  L’IPSL a été créée en 2015 en vertu de la loi sur le système national de paiement.  Avec plus de 80 institutions déjà intégrées, le réseau est devenu un pilier central de l’infrastructure de paiement en temps réel du Kenya.

Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) :
Le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) est une initiative d’Afreximbank, la principale institution de financement du commerce en Afrique, dont la mission est de stimuler l’expansion, la diversification et le développement du commerce africain. Le PAPSS permet des transferts de fonds efficaces et sécurisés à travers les frontières africaines, minimisant les risques et contribuant à l’intégration financière régionale. Plus de 160 banques commerciales utilisent actuellement sa plateforme.

Media files

Posted on

Pesalink and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) Unlock Cross-Border Payments in Local Currencies in Kenya

Source: APO – Report:

  • Instant 24/7 bank-to-bank transfers across African borders in local currencies.
  • Simpler cross-border payments for individuals, businesses, and SMEs.
  • 80 plus Pesalink network participants now linked to 160 plus PAPSS participating banks.

Pesalink, Kenya’s de facto instant payment network, has partnered with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to ease cross-border payment and speed up regional financial integration.

The partnership enables instant 24/7 cross-border payments from PAPSS participants into banks and mobile money operators within the Pesalink network in Kenya, all settled in local currencies. This reduces complex correspondent banking requirements and reliance on foreign reserve currencies.

PAPSS, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, enables cross-border payments between African countries. Pesalink is now a Technical Connectivity Provider. It means that 80 plus Kenyan bank, fintech, SACCO and telco participants on the Pesalink network will be connected to 160 plus commercial banks and fintechs on the PAPSS platform.

Cross-border payments remain expensive and slow for many African businesses. The 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4baDSh7) World Bank Remittance Prices report indicates that sending money across African borders incurs on average 7-8% of the total value sent (above the global average of 6–7%). Settlement can also take three to seven business days.

The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders.

Speaking during the partnership signing held at Pesalink offices in Nairobi, PAPSS CEO Mike Ogbalu III said, “For PAPSS to deliver true impact, collaboration with national and private switches like Pesalink is essential. Pesalink is the first switch we’ve piloted for transaction termination in Kenya, and we are already seeing greater adoption by opening more channels for seamless, local-currency cross-border payments across Africa.”

Pesalink CEO, Gituku Kirika, said “Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments. They will be helping their customers grow more regional trading relationships and thrive in a more integrated digital economy.”

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

For more information, please contact:
Trezer Maina
Head of Marketing, Integrated Payment Services Limited
Email:  twmaina@ipsl.co.ke

Papa Samba Thiongane
Head Marketing & Communications, PAPSS
Email: communications@papss.com

About Pesalink:
Pesalink is Kenya’s instant and interoperable payment network. It facilitates the 24/7 payments between bank accounts, mobile money wallets, fintechs and SACCOs via apps, online or USSD. Pesalink is operated by Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL) and owned by the Kenya Bankers Association. IPSL was established in 2015 under the National Payment System Act.  With more than 80 institutions already integrated, the network has become a central pillar of Kenya’s real-time payments infrastructure.

About Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS):
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is the brainchild of Afreximbank, Africa’s pre-eminent trade finance institution, whose mission includes stimulating the expansion, diversification, and development of African trade. PAPSS enables the efficient flow of money securely across African borders, minimizing risk and contributing to financial integration across the regions. Currently, it has more than 160 commercial banks on its platform.

Media files

.

Posted on

Cabinet notes downward trend in murder cases

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet notes downward trend in murder cases

With the South African Police Service (SAPS) having released Quarter 3 2025/26 crime statistics last week, Cabinet says the national picture painted by these statistics indicates progress, while more work still needs to be done. 

“[With regards to] murder, the downward trend that began in Q1 of 2023/24 has been sustained, with a recorded 8.7% decrease, representing 602 fewer lives lost compared to the same period last year. Over two years, murder for this quarter period has dropped by 17.6%, translating to 1 359 fewer murders,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni at Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing in Pretoria. 

The Minister said double-digit reductions in murder were recorded in five provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and the North West. 

“Smaller decreases [were recorded] in the Western and Eastern Cape, while slight increases were recorded in Limpopo and the Northern Cape. Of the 30 highest-murder precincts nationally, only 15 recorded decreases. 

“This confirms that while national trends improve, targeted community-level intervention remains essential,” she said.

The Minister said Cabinet was very concerned over the notable increase in the murder of police officials in this quarter. 

“Twenty-three officers lost their lives, with approximately 80% killed while off duty,” she said. 

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service has been tasked to make a full assessment to prevent these deaths. 

With regard to crime, Ntshavheni said total contact crime – encompassing all categories of violent crime – decreased by 6.7%, representing 12 682 fewer cases reported to SAPS compared to the same quarter last year. 

“Over two years, total violent crime for this quarter is down 8.3%, or 15 763, fewer cases. This trend is attributable, in part, to enhanced policing operations,” Ntshavheni said. 

With regard to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) report on Home Affairs, Ntshavheni said Cabinet commended the SIU for its work that will assist the department close outstanding gaps and ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.

When President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Proclamation authorising the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and fraud in the VISA application processes on 16 February 2024, the aim was to safeguard the integrity of South Africa’s official documents and the immigration system. 

READ | Government welcomes SIU breakthrough in addressing corruption

“Cabinet also commended the Department of Home Affairs for the progress made in strengthening the country’s immigration system since the initial allegations of fraud and corruption where discovered,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

81 views

Posted on

Pesalink e Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamentos e Liquidações (PAPSS) desbloqueiam pagamentos transfronteiriços em moedas locais no Quénia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

  • Transferências instantâneas de banco para banco 24/7 através das fronteiras africanas em moedas locais.
  • Pagamentos transfronteiriços mais simples para indivíduos, empresas e PME.
  • Mais de 80 participantes da rede Pesalink estão agora ligados a 160 bancos participantes do PAPSS.

A Pesalink, a rede de pagamentos instantâneos de facto do Quénia, estabeleceu uma parceria com o Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamentos e Liquidações (PAPSS) para facilitar os pagamentos transfronteiriços e acelerar a integração financeira regional.

A parceria permite pagamentos transfronteiriços instantâneos, 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, dos participantes do PAPSS para bancos e operadores de dinheiro móvel dentro da rede Pesalink no Quénia, todos liquidados em moedas locais. Isto reduz os requisitos complexos de bancos correspondentes e a dependência de moedas de reserva estrangeiras.

O PAPSS, uma iniciativa do Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) em colaboração com a União Africana e o Secretariado da ZCLCA, permite pagamentos transfronteiriços entre países africanos. A Pesalink é agora uma Fornecedora de Conectividade Técnica. Isto significa que mais de 80 participantes quenianos, incluindo bancos, empresas de tecnologia financeira, cooperativas de crédito e empresas de telecomunicações na rede Pesalink, estarão ligados a mais de 160 bancos comerciais e empresas de tecnologia financeira na plataforma PAPSS.

Os pagamentos transfronteiriços continuam a ser dispendiosos e lentos para muitas empresas africanas. O relatório do Banco Mundial de 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4baDSh7) sobre os preços das remessas indica que o envio de dinheiro através das fronteiras africanas acarreta, em média, um custo de 7 a 8% do montante total enviado (acima da média global de 6 a 7%). A liquidação pode também demorar entre três a sete dias úteis.

A parceria Pesalink-PAPSS vai reduzir custos, acelerar as liquidações e ajudar particulares, PME e empresas a enviar dinheiro de forma mais eficiente através das fronteiras.

Durante a assinatura da parceria, realizada nos escritórios da Pesalink em Nairobi, o Director Executivo do PAPSS, Mike Ogbalu III, afirmou que “Para que o PAPSS tenha um impacto real é essencial a colaboração com sistemas de pagamento nacionais e privados, como a Pesalink. A Pesalink é o primeiro sistema de pagamento que testámos para a terminação de transacções no Quénia e já estamos a assistir a uma maior adoção, abrindo mais canais para pagamentos internacionais em moeda local em toda a África.”

O Director Executivo da Pesalink, Gituku Kirika, afirmou que “Os bancos quenianos poderão agora oferecer pagamentos internacionais mais rápidos e baratos. Ajudarão os seus clientes a desenvolver mais relações comerciais regionais e a prosperar numa economia digital mais integrada.”

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Para mais informações, queira, por favor, contactar:
Trezer Maina
Chefe de Marketing dos Serviços de Pagamento Integrados Limitados [Integrated Payment Services Limited]
Correio Electrónico:  twmaina@ipsl.co.ke

Papa Samba Thiongane
Chefe de Marketing e Comunicações do PAPSS
Correio Electrónico: communications@papss.com

Sobre a Pesalink:
A Pesalink é a rede de pagamentos instantâneos e interoperáveis do Quénia. Facilita pagamentos 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, entre contas bancárias, carteiras de dinheiro móvel, empresas de tecnologia financeira e cooperativas de crédito (SACCOs) através de aplicações, online ou USSD. A Pesalink é operada pelos Serviços de Pagamento Integrados Limitados [Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL)] e pertence à Associação de Bancos do Quénia. Os IPSL foi criada em 2015, de acordo com a Lei do Sistema Nacional de Pagamentos.  Com mais de 80 instituições já integradas, a rede tornou-se um pilar central da infra-estrutura de pagamentos em tempo real do Quénia.

Sobre o Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamentos e Liquidações (PAPSS):
O Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamentos e Liquidações (PAPSS) é uma criação do Afreximbank, a principal instituição de financiamento comercial em África, cuja missão inclui estimular a expansão, a diversificação e o desenvolvimento do comércio africano. O PAPSS permite o fluxo eficiente e seguro de dinheiro através das fronteiras africanas, minimizando os riscos e contribuindo para a integração financeira entre regiões. Actualmente conta com mais de 160 bancos comerciais na sua plataforma.

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

Public Works senior official placed on precautionary suspension

Source: Government of South Africa

Public Works senior official placed on precautionary suspension

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has directed Director-General Sifiso Mdakane to implement precautionary suspension and disciplinary proceedings against a senior Construction Project Management (CPM) Director. 

The director appeared in court on Tuesday on charges of fraud in relation to a multimillion-rand project linked to the Mpumalanga Department of Education. 

The Minister acted after learning that the official had been arrested, alongside others, for allegedly defrauding the Mpumalanga Department of Education of R113 million through a tender established between 2018 and 2019 as an emergency intervention to repair 21 schools in the province.

While the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) was not involved in the tender issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Education, the Minister stressed that all officials within the department must be beyond reproach. 

Macpherson said the precautionary suspension and disciplinary action must be in line with the prescripts of the Public Service Act and regulatory framework, and be both procedurally and substantively fair. 

“… We have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and ethical misconduct within this department. That position is non-negotiable. 

“Upon becoming aware of the official’s arrest and court appearance, I directed the Director-General to implement the precautionary suspension of the official and to initiate the appropriate disciplinary action. 

“Any official implicated in serious criminal allegations, particularly those involving public funds meant for critical infrastructure such as schools, ought not remain in their role, while these processes are underway,” the Minister said, adding that the department will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities, while internal disciplinary processes will proceed in parallel with the criminal matter.

“There will be no protection for wrongdoing. We owe it to the people of South Africa to act decisively against corruption wherever it arises. 

“Every rand lost to fraud is a rand taken away from classrooms, communities and service delivery. We are committed to strengthening governance, tightening oversight, and ensuring that public infrastructure budgets are used strictly for their intended purpose. 

“Accountability is not optional – it is fundamental to restoring trust and ensuring that infrastructure delivery serves the public, not private interests,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

55 views

Posted on

Cabinet commends Russia’s assistance in return of recruited South Africans

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet commends Russia’s assistance in return of recruited South Africans

Cabinet has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in expressing gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of 17 South African men, who were recruited to fight on the Russian frontlines in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The South African government, working closely with Russian authorities, secured the safe return of the men, aged between 20 and 39, after distress calls were received from them seeking assistance to come home.

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Thursday following Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that all 17 men have been released from the contracts they had signed with military contractors.

“Fifteen of the men are back in South Africa, while two remain in Russia, with one in a hospital and the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements,” Ntshavheni said.

President Putin pledged his support during a telephone call with President Ramaphosa on 10 February 2026.

The Presidency said the South African Embassy in Moscow will continue monitoring the individual who remains in hospital until he has fully recovered and is fit to travel.

Ntshavheni said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the recruitment of the young men into mercenary activities and violations of South African law are ongoing.

Government commends support in Ekapa Mine rescue efforts

Cabinet has also commended mining companies and the Minerals Council South Africa for their assistance during rescue operations following a mud rush accident at the Ekapa Minerals Mine on 17 February 2026.

The incident resulted in five employees being trapped underground.

Ntshavheni reported that all operations at the mine have been suspended, while an intensive rescue operation continues.

“Once the rescue operation is completed, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources will conduct a formal investigation, in line with the Mine Health and Safety Act to determine the cause of the incident,” the Minister said.

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe, together with Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul and Sol Plaatje Executive Mayor Martha Bartlett, visited the mine in Kimberley following the accident.

Ntshavheni said a team from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, led by the Chief Inspector of Mines, remains on site to monitor and support the rescue efforts.

“The affected families are receiving ongoing communication. Government’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of the affected employees as rescue efforts continue,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

62 views