Category: Africa

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Ethiopia Dialogues on Progress Towards Building a Competent, Responsive, and Equitably Distributed Health Workforce for Universal Health Coverage

Source: APO


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The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a series of High‑Level Multisectoral Dialogues focused on aligning national priorities, investments, and policies for health workforce development. This work is supported by funding from the United Kingdom Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

The first dialogue, themed “Progress Toward a Competent, Responsive, and Equitably Distributed Health Workforce for UHC in Ethiopia,” brought together senior policymakers, training and accreditation bodies, global health partners, and leaders from across the health, education, and finance sectors. The dialogue examined Ethiopia’s progress toward its Human Resources for Health (HRH) Strategic Plan 2024–2030 and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to building a health workforce capable of delivering quality care to all communities.

Over the past decade, Ethiopia has significantly expanded its health workforce, scaling health training institutions, enhancing licensure systems, and pioneering the formalization of community health workers through the Health Extension Program and health workforce investment compacts.

However, despite these important gains, persistent challenges remain. Gaps in workforce quality, inequitable distribution, fiscal space limitations, productivity concerns, and rapid shifts in service delivery needs continue to place pressure on the health system and threaten progress toward UHC.

The dialogue highlighted that achieving UHC will require coherent multisectoral action, data-driven decision‑making, and sustained investment in health workforce development across the entire labor market cycle, from production to employment, performance management, and retention.

H.E. Mrs. Seharela Abdulahi, State Minister of Health mentioned that “This dialogue is not an exercise — it is a commitment. Ethiopia has made real progress in expanding training, opening new schools, and improving licensure systems, but we must be honest that significant gaps remain in the number, distribution, and performance of our health workforce. To address these challenges, we need stronger health financing, multisectoral engagement, coordinated leadership, and harmonized policies. By grounding our decisions in evidence and turning today’s dialogue into sustained action, we can make health workforce strengthening a national culture. Strong health systems require a strong health workforce.”

The High‑Level Multisectoral Dialogue on Health Workforce Investment was guided by clear objectives: 
•    to review Ethiopia’s current health workforce landscape, 
•    identify priority reforms, 
•    strengthen multisectoral coordination, 
•    inform the expansion of the Health Workforce Investment Compact, and 
•    mobilize political and financial commitments for sustained workforce development.

Stakeholders reflected on achievements while also acknowledging the need for further action to improve employment pathways, motivation, and retention. Through collaborative deliberation, they identified key areas for investment and reform to ensure that Ethiopia’s health workforce is well‑prepared to meet evolving population health needs.

A central theme throughout the discussions was the importance of strengthened coordination between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, and regulatory and training institutions. The dialogue provided a platform to explore how Ethiopia can more effectively operationalize its Health Workforce Investment Compact and ensure that future investments are grounded in evidence, aligned to national realities, and supported by shared accountability.

“WHO is keen to support Ethiopia in this important dialogue on Human Resources for Health, which is helping build a shared understanding of the current health workforce context and the strategic actions needed to strengthen development, retention, and investment for the future,” said Dr. Bejoy Nambiar, Health Systems and Policy Advisor, WHO Ethiopia.

Ms. Susan De, Deputy Director of Health and Nutrition, Health Systems Strengthening – Ethiopia, at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also highlighted, “The health workforce ecosystem is complex; it requires a team effort, cross-sectoral partnerships: Ministries of Health, Education, Finance, professional bodies, donors.”

The series would continue with subsequent dialogues, which would focus on identifying concrete financing strategies and resource pathways to support sustainable workforce investments and co‑creation of Ethiopia’s Health Workforce Investment Compact III, translating policy priorities into actionable, accountable commitments. 

Together, these dialogues represent a coordinated national effort to ensure that Ethiopia’s health workforce remains at the heart of efforts to build a resilient, equitable, and high‑performing health system for all.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Ethiopia.

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World Health Organization (WHO) and Novo Nordisk Foundation partner to advance health workforce education in Kenya

Source: APO – Report:

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Kenya has made notable progress in health workforce production, including a doubling of nurses, doctors, and other health professionals over the past decade. However, findings from the Health Labour Market Analysis also identify persisting and emerging gaps in the availability of health workers. The analysis projects that to meet the population’s health needs, more than 114,000 additional health professionals across 31 different roles will need to be trained, employed, and retained within the health system by 2031.  

To address this challenge, WHO Kenya has entered a new partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation through the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals flagship programme. The collaboration aims to strengthen the capacity, quality, and relevance of Kenya’s health workforce in response to evolving population health needs and the country’s Universal Health Coverage agenda.  

Over the past five years, WHO has supported the Ministry of Health in Kenya to strengthen health workforce planning through the systematic translation of evidence into policy decisions, strategic reforms, and targeted investments. Last year, WHO AFRO launched the first-ever prototype competency-based curricula for 10 key health cadres including critical care nursing, general surgery and community health workers. The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing Council of Kenya, Dr Anne Mukuna, welcomed the partnership and underscored that it will strengthen regulatory oversight by ensuring the core curriculum is competency based, thereby equipping future nurses with the competencies required for safe and effective practice.

“Competency-based education ensures our health workers are prepared to address the real health challenges communities face, from preventing and managing chronic diseases including diabetes and heart disease to delivering quality care at every level. This partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation helps us bridge the gap between training and population health needs,” says Dr. Neema Kimambo, WHO Acting Representative to Kenya.

“Building a sustainable health workforce requires coordinated investment in education, employment, and retention. This partnership gives us the strategic support needed to create lasting change in how we train and deploy health professionals,” she continued.  

The partnership will support the transformation of health professions education through competency-based approaches that better prepare health workers for prevention, early detection, and management of priority health conditions. Key areas of support include curriculum reform and improved alignment between training outputs and service delivery needs at all levels of care. In addition, the initiative aims to strengthen governance and coordination mechanisms across the health workforce education ecosystem, enhance national research and knowledge translation capacity, and support the development of sustainable financing and investment mechanisms for the health workforce.  

“What I appreciate about the competency-based approach is that we’re assessed on whether we can actually do something, not just whether we can write about it in an exam. That’s what patients need from us,” says Joel Masiaga, President of the Association of Medical Students at the University of Nairobi.  

“Strategic investment in health workforce education is critical to ensuring that Kenya produces confident, competent, and labour-market-ready health workers who can effectively respond to population health needs,” explains Evalyne Chagina, Health Workforce Technical Lead, WHO Kenya. “The focus extends beyond increasing numbers to ensuring these professionals have the right skills for the communities they serve.”  

By building a skilled, responsive health workforce, the partnership aims to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage, improve the quality of care, and strengthen the resilience of Kenya’s health system for the future.  

– on behalf of World Health Organization – Kenya.

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Deputy Minister Mhlauli to host Community Youth Services Outreach in Mfuleni

Source: President of South Africa –

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, will host a Community Youth Services Outreach Programme in Mfuleni, Cape Town, aimed at connecting young people with government services, employment opportunities, skills development programmes and civic services.

The outreach forms part of government’s ongoing commitment to expand access to opportunities for young people, particularly those who are unemployed, out of school, or not in education, employment or training. The initiative will bring multiple government departments and partners together in one accessible space to ensure that young people receive practical support, information and pathways into learning, work and participation in the economy.

The programme will target youth, graduates seeking employment, first-time ID applicants, and young people registering to vote.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 15:00
Venue: Mfuleni Community Hall, Mfuleni, Cape Town, Western Cape

Government departments and partners participating in the outreach include the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Harambee, Youth Employment Service (YES), the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and Transnet.

The outreach is expected to benefit approximately 350 young people and will serve as a catalyst for connecting youth to opportunities and essential government services.

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 or mandisam@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Budget 2026: SA economy ‘on the cusp’ of rapid growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Budget 2026: SA economy ‘on the cusp’ of rapid growth

As South Africa prepares for next week’s Budget Speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa has signalled a shift in the national narrative – from one of recovery to one of guarded optimism.

Delivering his remarks during the debate of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 19 February 2026, the President noted the importance of a growing economy.

“[We] know that what will make the greatest difference in people’s lives are jobs and other livelihood opportunities. What will make the greatest difference is accelerated economic growth. A growing economy means expanding opportunity and it means hope. 

“We have not experienced the excitement and the promise of rapid growth for almost 20 years, but we are on the cusp of achieving it now. We are focused on rebuilding the economy and driving investment.

“We should not underestimate the scale of the task ahead nor diminish the progress we have made,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President acknowledged that while progress is modest, the “momentum of change is building”.

Among the other positive indicators, South Africa’s economy has shown marginal yet positive growth over the past four quarters – expanding by 0.6% in Q4 2024, followed by 0.1% in Q1 2025, 0.8% in Q2 2025, and 0.5% in Q3 2025.

Inflation rates have also been steady, standing between 3.5% and 3.6% since October last year.

“Our task now is to sustain this momentum, to protect and build on the progress we have made, and to ensure that it results in a tangible improvement in the life of every South African. Improved economic indicators may seem distant and abstract, but they have a real impact on our lives.

“Lower borrowing costs for the state frees up resources for health and education, for the police and for better services. Reduced public debt enables the private sector to invest more of its capital in expanding production and jobs.

“A lower inflation rate reduces the cost of living, enabling families to pay for food and other basic needs. And a declining unemployment rate means an income for more families and hope for more young South Africans,” he said.

Removing impediments

The President told the gathering that government is determined to rebuild the economy and drive investment.

To do this, government is addressing several impediments, including load shedding, infrastructure and efficiency at the country’s ports.

“Severe load shedding was debilitating our economy, lowering production, raising costs and deterring investment. We have effectively ended load shedding.

“Overburdened infrastructure and inefficiency at our ports and on our rail lines have for years been reducing our competitiveness and harming our export industries. We are improving operational performance through investment, increased capacity and far-reaching reforms. 

“To respond to low levels of investment and policy uncertainty, we are strengthening policy formulation and reducing regulatory burdens,” he noted.

Additionally, poor governance, diminishing state capacity and corruption are being tackled by “focusing on the professionalisation of the public service, improved efficiency and the modernisation of our procurement system”.

Macroeconomic challenges

President Ramaphosa noted that a “challenging macroeconomic environment” has also proved a stumbling block for economic growth.

“[This] is why we have been reducing high debt service costs and supporting lower inflation and interest rates.

“Perhaps one of the most immediate impediments to faster economic growth is dysfunctionality in many municipalities. We are addressing this through an overhaul of our local government system through the review of the White Paper, and through direct interventions in municipalities in trouble.

“The transformation of our network industries is the platform on which rapid inclusive economic growth will be achieved,” he said.

Concurring voices

President Ramaphosa’s optimism for economic growth is not without merit.

Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – following consultative meetings with government, the SA Reserve Bank, Eskom, Transnet, business, organised labour and academia amongst others – wrote that the South African economy is on the up.

The IMF acknowledged that South Africa’s economic growth has been hampered by “repeated global shocks and domestic challenges, including, more recently, increased protectionism, fragmentation and global trade policy uncertainty”.

Despite this, the economy has proven its resilience owing to “ample natural endowments, independent institutions, and strong monetary policy framework”.

“Growth is projected to accelerate to 1.4 percent in 2026, reaching 1.8 percent in the medium term, supported by resilient consumption and investment driven by structural reforms. Inflation is projected to reach the 3 percent target by end‑2027.

“Although fiscal deficits are moderating, they remain elevated, and public debt is therefore projected to continue rising over the medium term.

“Risks are tilted to the downside, mainly stemming from global fragmentation, trade tensions, and domestic reform fatigue, while upside risks include faster reform implementation and stronger global growth,” the IMF said in a statement.

The international financial institution noted that economic activity had “picked up in 2025, with growth estimated at 1.3 percent, supported by robust private consumption”.

“Inflation moderated to an average of 3.2 percent, enabling a shift to a lower 3 percent inflation target. The current account remained stable despite higher US tariffs and global policy uncertainty, and the banking sector remains sound. Public debt, however, has risen further, reaching 77 percent of GDP at end‑March 2025,” the IMF stated.

Furthermore, South Africa was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list – adding weight to confidence going forward.

South Africa had been placed on the grey list in February 2023 due to, including, lax legal frameworks against money laundering and terrorist financing.

“South Africa’s removal from the FATF Grey List in October 2025…marks significant gains for the country, for business confidence and for investment.

“The FATF decision was the fruit of extensive collaboration between government departments and the financial sector to strengthen the country’s anti-money laundering regime,” National Treasury said last year.

About a month after removal from the grey list, South Africa received an S&P Global credit rating upgrade, strengthening from BB- to BB with a positive outlook.

“The upgrade reflects South Africa’s improving growth and fiscal trajectory, alongside the reduction in contingent liabilities largely tied to performance improvements at the state-owned electricity utility, Eskom.

“The government is on track to post its third annual primary surplus [revenue minus expenditure, excluding interest payments on debt] in fiscal 2025 [year ending March 31, 2026], while contingent liabilities are likely to ease as state-owned electricity utility, Eskom, is being reformed. Eskom has posted its first profit in eight years and is therefore likely to require less financial support going forward,” the institution said.

In response, Treasury welcomed the ratings bump – the first in more than 16 years.

“South Africa is one of just three countries globally to secure an S&P upgrade in 2025, while continuing to maintain a positive outlook after the rating revision.

“Government is improving the health of the public finances and accelerating infrastructure investments. Over the medium term this will strengthen growth prospects, reduce borrowing costs, improve confidence and foster faster job creation.

“Raising South Africa’s growth trajectory depends on continuing to strengthen macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, building a capable state and improving public-sector infrastructure investment,” the department said at the time.

Collaborative efforts

In the State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2026, President Ramaphosa set the tone for the coming year – stating that the country is “stronger today than we were a year ago”.

“Our economy is growing again, and this growth is gathering pace. While we have experienced four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, we know that it has to grow much faster to meet our social and economic challenges. 

“We have achieved two consecutive primary budget surpluses. Our credit rating has improved, interest rates are coming down and inflation is at its lowest level in twenty years.  We are on a clear path to stabilising our national debt. The rand has strengthened against the dollar,” he said.

Now, the President, in reply to the SONA, urges citizens, government and the private sector to work together to propel the country and the economy even further.

“We don’t all have the same role, but every role matters. Some people plan. Some people lift. Some people reinforce. Some people spot the leaks early and fix them before they become disasters.

“When we build like that – patiently, practically, together – we don’t just complete a project. We create a “neighbourhood”: a place where others can thrive because we chose to cooperate.

“So let’s build like beavers: with urgency, with unity and with the quiet determination to make something strong enough to hold – something that lasts and something that shelters more than just ourselves. Let us be the real builders of South Africa, working together,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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President to officiate Armed Forces Day

Source: Government of South Africa

President to officiate Armed Forces Day

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today officiate the annual Armed Forces Day, which will be held in Limpopo.

He will officiate the commemoration in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

“The President will commence the ceremony by laying a wreath at the Thohoyandou Memorial Site. He will then observe a multi-aircraft fly-past by the South African Air Force before delivering the keynote address.

“Armed Forces Day seeks to deepen public understanding of the role of the SANDF in the life of the nation and to demonstrate, through live military simulations, the capabilities of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the South African Military Health Service,” the Presidency said.

The day is observed in commemoration of the sinking of the SS Mendi on 21 February 1917.

“The sinking of the SS Mendi remains one of South Africa’s greatest tragedies of the First World War [1914–1918]. A total of 616 black South African troops lost their lives when the vessel sank en route to France,” the Presidency explained. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Invictus Investment posts record results for 2025 as EBITDA increases nearly threefold, up 184% year-on-year

Source: APO

  • EBITDA increased by an impressive 184% to AED 458.5 million in 2025, up from AED 161.4 million in 2024 – marking the company’s highest EBITDA performance since ADX listing in 2022
  • Revenue rose to an all-time high of AED 13.3 billion in 2025 from AED 8.9 billion in 2024
  • Net profit reached AED 227.6 million in 2025, up 37% year-on-year
  • Commodity transaction volumes increased by 73% year-on-year to 14.2 million metric tonnes
  • Total equity reached AED 1.4 billion in 2025, compared with AED 1.2 billion the previous year
  • The Board recommended a cash dividend of AED 40 million for 2025

Invictus Investment Company PLC (http://InvictusInvestment.ae/) (ADX: INVICTUS), a leading agro-food enterprise in the Middle East and Africa, today published its audited financial results for the 12 months ended December 31, 2025. The company delivered its strongest EBITDA performance since listing on ADX, soaring by a record 184% year-on-year to AED 458.5 million – an increase driven by the integration of recent acquisitions, enhanced supply chain capabilities and improved operational efficiencies across the business.

Revenue meanwhile grew by 49% to AED 13.3 billion in 2025, compared with AED 8.9 billion the previous year. This strong top-line performance helped underpin a 37% increase in net profit to AED 227.6 million, up from AED 166.3 million in 2024, while return on equity reached 18%, underscoring the company’s success in enhancing profitability while continuing to expand its operations across key markets. The Board has in turn recommended a cash dividend of AED 40 million.

Commodity transaction volumes also reached record levels, expanding 73% to 14.2 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 8.2 million metric tonnes in 2024. At the same time, total equity increased 17% year-on-year to AED 1.4 billion in 2025 – a reflection of the company’s improving financial position as it continues to scale.

The year also saw a significant milestone in IHC’s increasing of its shareholding in Invictus Investment to 40% – highlighting continued confidence in the company’s strategic direction and growth trajectory. The deal involved the purchase of 196 million shares in a major block trade valued at 419.83 million. In parallel, Invictus Investment has progressed both equity and debt financing structures as part of a diversified and disciplined financial strategy. It most recently secured a financing package from the Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited (MCB) structured as an acquisition finance and revolving credit facility to fund growth across new African markets.

The company continued to deliver on its growth strategy in 2025 through a number of strategic investments. This included the acquisition of Merec Industries, Mozambique’s largest flour milling company, and the integration of its operations, as well as an agreement to acquire a 65.25% stake in Angata Limitada, a fertiliser blending company based in Angola, with the transaction being completed in January 2026. These developments, along with the operational consolidation of Moroccan agro-trading leader Graderco, in which Invictus Investment acquired a 60% stake in 2024, have further enhanced the company’s sourcing and processing capabilities across Africa. The Board has also approved the issuance of a binding offer to acquire a majority shareholding interest in an agro-food manufacturing company with its primary business in North Africa. 

In addition, Invictus Investment entered 10 new markets during the year, including Iraq, Lithuania, Cameroon, Ghana, Madagascar, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe, bringing its global presence to 65 countries. This was supported by strong organic growth across core markets, particularly in Africa, where demand for staple agro-food commodities continues to be strong. The company’s product portfolio was also expanded to more than 30 categories to meet the evolving needs of its global client base.

Commenting on the results, Amir Daoud Abdellatif, CEO of Invictus Investment, said: “2025 was a defining year for Invictus Investment as we delivered significant growth across our key metrics while making strategic acquisitions that have fundamentally strengthened our business. The biggest vote of confidence for us during the year came with IHC’s increasing of its stake in the company to 40% – a major development that both validates our growth journey to date and sets the tone for the strategic trajectory before us. Our priorities are clear, and we have a strong pipeline of investment opportunities in midstream and downstream assets across our core markets. All of this places us in a strong position to continue expanding the business and delivering added value for our shareholders as we work towards our goal of becoming a fully integrated agro-food enterprise and reaching AED 25 billion in revenue by 2028.”

In terms of its sustainability commitments, Invictus Investment continues to build upon the progress set out in the 2024 ESG report published in May 2025 across three core pillars: Environmental Stewardship; Social Empowerment; and Ethical Governance and Partnerships – priorities that are only on track to become more embedded across the business, including within the company’s newly acquired entities.

Looking ahead, Invictus Investment remains focused on furthering its long-term growth strategy through targeted investments in key African markets, with an emphasis on North Africa and coastal hubs, while advancing its goal of becoming a fully integrated agro-food enterprise that contributes to food security in the region.

*Please refer to https://apo-opa.co/3MADzmw for more information.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invictus Investment Company PLC.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Tales & Heads
E: InvictusInvestment@talesandheads.com 
M: +971 (50) 694 4650

About Invictus Investment:
Invictus Investment Company PLC (ADX: INVICTUS), established in March 2022 and headquartered in Dubai, is a leading holding entity specialised in agro-food commodities. Through its main subsidiary, Invictus Trading – founded in 2014 – the company initially offered procurement services that supplied raw materials and finished goods across the MENA region. It has since expanded its business model to include grain trading and commodity exports with a portfolio that now spans over 30 product categories, among them barley, corn, sesame, soya bean, sugar and wheat. Today, Invictus Investment operates across 65 countries with a broad sourcing network and a focus on midstream and downstream acquisitions in the value chain, with the aim of becoming a fully integrated agro-food enterprise in the Middle East and Africa.

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Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2026: Pan‑African green pipeline ready for scale and investors invited to catalyse USD 3.09bn in climate solutions

Source: APO

Africa’s Green Economy Summit (24–27 February 2026) will present a curated, deal‑ready pipeline of climate projects from more than 25 African countries. Since 2023 our mission has been unchanged: connect global capital with Africa’s ventures. This year’s portfolio spans early‑stage SMMEs and bankable expansion and infrastructure opportunities, together seeking approximately USD 3.09 billion in funding – roughly USD 90 million for SMME-stage pitches and nearly USD 3 billion for expansion and infrastructure.

The projects cover energy, waste, e-mobility and circular economy, food and agriculture, blue economy, built environment and nature‑based solutions, offering investors a rare, investable cross‑section of climate solutions across the continent.

Deal‑ready, technically validated pipeline

AGES is designed to accelerate transactions through focused pitch sessions, curated 1:1 matchmaking and investor briefings that align founders, DFIs, commercial banks, venture funds and specialist partners. The projects on stage are beyond concept: most have pilots, offtake LOIs or bankable feasibility studies. That technical validation, combined with near‑term market demand, creates investable opportunities – provided the right mix of catalytic capital, blended finance and structured risk mitigation.

Elodie Ashdown, Investment Project Lead at VUKA Group, adds: “AGES presents curated deal flow where catalytic investors can unlock both impact and return – from decentralised hydrogen manufacturing to circular industrial solutions and resilient food systems. Now is the moment to mobilise blended capital and turn validated pilots into regional industries.”

Strategic verticals

  • Alternative energy: Projects include electrolyser BoP manufacturing, battery assembly, decentralised solar mini‑grids and AI‑driven energy management. These investments address decarbonisation, energy stability and domestic manufacturing, accelerating access to reliable, low‑carbon power and reducing diesel dependence.
  • Waste management & circular economy: Initiatives range from pyrolysis and advanced battery recycling to medical‑waste sterilisation and composite manufacturing. These solutions turn waste into traded products and feedstock, reduce landfill pressure and generate measurable carbon outcomes – attractive  to impact‑focused and risk‑adjusted investors.
  • Sustainable agriculture & blue economy: Proposals include vertical farming, organic‑waste‑to‑bioproduct systems, traceable small‑scale fisheries, seaweed‑to‑fuel pathways and insect‑based feed platforms. Combined with nature‑based investments – catchment  restoration, urban composting, market infrastructure, these projects strengthen food security, livelihoods and carbon finance potential.

Investor ecosystem & financing approaches

Expected investor participants are well matched to the pipeline’s needs:

  • Multilaterals and climate funds: concessional finance and guarantees for large infrastructure and nature‑capital projects.
  • Commercial banks and asset managers: project finance and structured lending for revenue‑backed ventures.
  • Impact VCs and growth funds: equity to scale SME platforms and technology businesses.
  • Specialist investors and sector partners: technical expertise that reduces execution risk and accelerates market access.
  • Credit enhancement and local‑currency intermediaries: bridge foreign capital with on‑the‑ground lending.

Strategically pairing instruments to project maturity – from  pilot funding and blended concessional finance to commercial debt and equity – will  be critical to convert validated opportunities into industrial capacity and jobs.

Market context and readiness

Several market trends support investability: declining renewable and storage costs; stronger corporate carbon commitments and regulation; and policy and SEZ approvals enabling on‑shoring of green manufacturing. For higher‑risk technologies (e.g., some power‑to‑liquid pathways), staged financing that blends demonstration and commercial capital will be essential.

“African ecosystems are maturing and investor interest is translating into tangible manufacturing prospects and skilled jobs across the Western Cape and beyond,” says Amanda Ganca, Head of Investment at WESGRO.

Africa’s Green Economy Summit is a practical convening for investors ready to move from commitment to deployment. Founders will deliver concise five‑minute pitches followed by five minutes of Q&A, with curated matchmaking and targeted 1:1 meetings. Institutional and strategic investors are invited to attend pitch sessions, join investor briefings and consider catalytic commitments that accelerate manufacturing, job creation and resilient systems across Africa.

The Africa Green Economy Summit brings together an influential coalition of leaders and partners shaping the continent’s sustainable future — led by the Host Organisation, the African Union, with Sanlam Investments as Title Sponsor, Standard Bank as Gold Sponsor, and Silver Sponsors FSD Africa, Gautrain and UNOPS. Proudly hosted in partnership with the City of Cape Town, and supported by Government Partners including the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Summit creates a powerful platform for collaboration, investment and action — join them and many more as we accelerate Africa’s green growth journey.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Additional Links:
https://apo-opa.co/4r6hAlH
https://apo-opa.co/406FVwF

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SAPS committed to stabilising, reducing serious and violent crimes

Source: Government of South Africa

SAPS committed to stabilising, reducing serious and violent crimes

The National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola says the management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) remains steadfast in their commitment to stabilising and reducing serious and violent crime across the country.

“While numbers remain high, it is quite encouraging that we are noting a reduction in the number of murders, rape and sexual offences reported,” Masemola said.

He was speaking at the release of the 3rd Quarterly Crime Statistics in Pretoria earlier today.

Over the past two years, the numbers of murders for the quarter three period (1 October to 31 December) have dropped by 17.6% or 1 359 fewer murders.

He said 1 906 suspects were arrested for murder; 1 725 suspects for attempted murder and 2 382 suspects for rape.

“This is indeed a clear demonstration that we are turning the tide, intentionally and aggressively by heightening police visibility and successfully implementing solution driven crime combatting strategies, with a view of ultimately dismantling organised crime syndicates,” he said.

Masemola said through targeted intelligence driven operations, they have also noted the 14 percent reduction in trio crimes which is carjacking, house and business robberies.

“While we are not out of the woods yet, these small victories and wins must serve as motivation to intensify our fight against crime,” he said.

With regard to the illegal firearms, the SAPS yesterday witnessed the destruction of 13 859 firearms that were confiscated during intelligence driven police operations which brings the total number of firearms destroyed over the past seven years to 305 934. 

“As we all know firearms remain a challenge in our communities as most violent crime including murders and robberies are used with the commission of firearms.

“Some of the firearms destroyed were linked to finalised criminal cases such as farm attacks, cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies and crimes against women and children. Others were voluntarily surrendered or handed in during firearm amnesty periods. By destroying these firearms, the men and women in blue prevent them from further circulation,” he said.

Masemola said on a weekly basis, the SAPS seizes no less than 100 illegal firearms during tracing operations, stop-and-searches and other targeted crime combating activities.

“Just last week, nationwide operations led to the recovery of 147 illegal firearms. The previous week was 142 illegal firearms and the week before that was another 119 illegal firearms,” he said.

Masemola pointed out that in an effort to ensure compliance of the Firearms Controls Act, the men and women in blue conducted compliance inspections at more than 3700 licensed firearm dealers and private security company premises across the country. 

“In one operation in Middleburg in the province of Mpumalanga, police seized 537 licensed firearms after the owner failed to comply accordingly.

“Legal firearm owners are reminded to urgently comply with the Firearms Control Act and ensure safe storage, authorisation and to account for each and every firearms that they own,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Ethiopia and Eritrea are on edge again: what’s behind the growing risk of war

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Yohannes Gedamu, Senior Lecturer of Political Science, Georgia Gwinnett College

The histories of Eritrea and Ethiopia have long been closely intertwined. Once part of Ethiopia, Eritrea launched an armed struggle for independence in 1961 that resulted in its secession in 1993 following a referendum. But since Eritrea’s independence, relations between the two countries have evolved through many ups and downs, which include a devastating war from 1998 to 2000, followed by two decades of mutual isolationism.

The two countries appeared to have healed their broken relations when Eritrea’s Isaias Afwerki accepted the newly appointed Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s overtures for peace in 2018. Unfortunately, by early 2026, that started to feel like a distant memory with the re-emergence of the prospect of a return to war. Political science scholar Yohannes Gedamu explains the context and potential consequences.

What’s the history of conflict between the two countries?

A border dispute in 1998 ignited a deadly war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which share a border of over 1,000km. The war started when Eritrean troops invaded Badme, a contested town in Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia. It became one of the deadliest conflicts of contemporary Africa as tens of thousands lost their lives.

The war ended in June 2000 with the Algiers Agreement. It established a ceasefire, mandated the deployment of UN peacekeepers, and created a boundary commission to legally demarcate the disputed border. However, the fact that borders are yet to be demarcated means tensions could persist.

At the time, Ethiopia was ruled under a four-party political coalition created and dominated by Tigray People’s Liberation Front. The coalition, known as Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, ruled the country between 1991 and 2018.

Eritrea’s ruling party was historically an ally of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. That changed because the ally was in charge of Ethiopia when it won the war.

The resentment has never gone away.

Tensions have flared from time to time. The border is heavily militarised, with a no man’s land between the two armies serving as a security corridor.

Abiy Ahmed’s peace overtures to Eritrea in 2018 and the resulting peace agreement were lauded by many in the global community and locally. Most recognise that the countries have more in common than what sets them apart.

Eritrean-Ethiopian post-war map. Wikimedia Commons

But the agreement did not lead to increased political and economic cooperation. It created only a short-lived marriage of convenience. Here is why.

After Abiy came to power in April 2018, the Tigrayan grip on Ethiopia ended. In November 2020, the Tigray war started. Eritrea blamed the Tigray People’s Liberation Front for its own economic and political fragility and isolation, and supported Abiy against the Tigrayans.

The Tigray war became a devastating conflict with allegations of war crimes committed by all parties – but most were attributed to the Eritrean troops.

The prospect of a new war in the ever volatile Horn of Africa would threaten a region already ravaged by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

What’s driving the present tensions?

Despite the peace agreement in 2018 between the countries, fault lines persist. The biggest is access to the sea.

Eritrea’s independence in 2000 gave it control of a long coastline across the Red Sea, but left populous Ethiopia a landlocked nation. Addis Ababa now depends on the goodwill of its neighbours like Djibouti for port access.

In recent years, especially since the Tigray war ended in 2022, Abiy has brought up the topic of access to the sea, naming Eritrea and Somaliland as potential avenues. He argues that Ethiopia has a historical claim to Eritrea’s port of Assab, which is a mere 60km from the Ethiopian border.

Indeed, many Ethiopians consider the loss of access to the sea as a national tragedy. Abiy’s plea for a diplomatic solution that would give Ethiopia access to the sea has galvanised support at home.

This has angered Eritrea, which doesn’t accept Ethiopia’s claim to Assab.

The second fault line is Eritrea’s documented support to various Ethiopian rebel organisations and movements in recent periods. This support was evident before the peace deal in 2018. There are also new allegations of Eritrean military support for Tigrayan and other rebellions in Amhara and Oromia, especially since 2022.

The most important fault line, however, has developed in the aftermath of the Tigray War. Eritrea fought on Ethiopia’s side during the war. When the war ended, Eritrea complained that it was not consulted or invited by Ethiopia to be a party to the peace accord.

Ethiopia now claims that Eritrea has switched alliances. After the Tigray war concluded and a provisional administration was installed in Mekelle, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the government of Ethiopia failed to address their differences. And Eritrea extended its hand to its historic foe, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.

This has angered Ethiopia and stoked cross-border animosities.

Is war inevitable?

In October 2025, Ethiopia’s foreign minister Gedion Timothewos wrote to the United Nations accusing Eritrea of making new incursions into Ethiopia’s territories and movement of its troops into Tigray.

He claimed that Eritrea’s collusion with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front had become “more evident over the past few months”. He also accused Eritrea of “funding, mobilising and directing armed groups” in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where militiamen known as Fano have been battling the federal government.

In February 2026, Ethiopia also wrote to Eritrea demanding the withdrawal of troops from its territory. Eritrea fired back that the allegations were “patently false and fabricated”.

The danger of a return to war is real. And time is running out for diplomatic and political efforts to defuse tensions. In its letter to Eritrea, Ethiopia said it remained open to dialogue. Addis also indicated willingness to engage in broader negotiations, including maritime affairs and potential access to the sea through the port of Assab.

A dialogue could address Ethiopia’s desire for reliable sea access and Eritrea’s fears of an attack on its sovereignty.

Diplomacy now could prevent the onset of conflict. Just three years after the Tigray war – and with the Sudan war soon dragging into its fourth year – the region can ill afford another. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, the African Union especially needs to invite both countries to the negotiating table before time runs out.

– Ethiopia and Eritrea are on edge again: what’s behind the growing risk of war
– https://theconversation.com/ethiopia-and-eritrea-are-on-edge-again-whats-behind-the-growing-risk-of-war-276424

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Concern over increase in police murders

Source: Government of South Africa

Concern over increase in police murders

Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia says he is deeply concerned about the notable increase in the murder of police officials.

“Almost 80% of the 23 police officials who lost their lives were off duty,” he said on Friday at the release of the Third Quarterly Crime Statistics in Pretoria.

Cachalia said this was an issue he would ask the South African Police Service (SAPS) management to look into so that they can prevent these deaths from happening.

“Again, firearms remain the single largest weapon driving murder, robbery and organised crime in our country,” he said.

Cachalia said they would be taking additional measures to address the scourge with a focus on removing illegal firearms and preventing legal firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

Speaking about gender -based violence and femicide (GBVF), which has been declared as a national disaster, Cachalia said it demanded that government intensify its efforts to deal with it.

“Much inter-personal, domestic and gender-based violence takes place between people who live with each other or know each other. We are taking steps to strengthen the policing approach to addressing GBVF and other forms of violence,” he said.

The SAPS allocated an additional 999 police members to the Detective Services over the past year.

“While we work to improve law-enforcement, we also need to give attention to implementing the Integrated Crime and Violence Strategy (ICVPS.) 

“This requires that different social departments such as Health, Education and Social Development to align their services across levels of government to mitigate the factors that drive crime and violence so that it can be prevented from happening,” the Minister said.

Regarding other crime categories, Cachalia said most violent crime categories, including murder, rape, robbery and most property related crimes like theft and burglary continued to decrease in the period, but remain at unacceptably high levels.

“After more than a decade of annual increases, murder, our most accurate crime statistic started decreasing on the first quarter of 2023-24,” Cachalia said.

He said the trend has continued throughout this year with this quarter showing a 8.7% decrease, or 602 fewer lives lost.

“This means that over the past two years, the numbers of murders for the quarter three period (1 October to 31 December) had dropped by 17.6% or 1 359 fewer murders,” Cachalia said.

The Minister said total contact crime made up of all categories of violent crime started to decrease in the 3rd quarter of 2024-25.

“During this quarter, total violent crime decreased again by 6.7% or 12 682 fewer cases reported to the SAPS when compared to the same quarter last year. Over the past two years, total violent crime for this quarter is down by 8.3% or 15 763 fewer cases. This trend may well be attributable to enhanced policing operations.

“The crime situation also varies substantially across the country. Remember that these are statistical patterns. This does not necessarily translate into a felt sense of security by individuals, families and communities,” the Minister said.

While the country has seen double digit reductions in murder in five provinces, namely KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and the North West, much smaller decreases were recorded in the Western and Eastern Cape, with slight increases recorded in Limpopo and the Northern Cape.

“And out of the 30 highest murder precincts, decreases were recorded in only 15 of them. The killings relating to gang violence in the Eastern and Western Cape in particular, remain worrisomely high,” he said.

During this quarter, total violent crime decreased again by 6.7% or 12 682 fewer cases reported to the SAPS when compared to the same quarter last year.

Over the past two years, total violent crime for this quarter is down by 8.3% or 15 763 fewer cases. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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