Category: Africa

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Sierra Leone’s harsh new laws to protect women and girls are causing harm in the wrong places

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Luisa T. Schneider, Assistant Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Independent Social Research Foundation

In the decades after Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991-2002), there was pressure on the west African country to demonstrate progress on gender equality. Laws were passed to fight domestic violence, rape and teen pregnancy. But drawing on colonial legal models, the reforms don’t always match social realities and in many cases are harming young people from poor communities. Punishment is being made more important than resolution or education.

Luisa T. Schneider is an anthropologist who has spent a decade researching the subject. We asked her about her open source book Love and Violence in Sierra Leone: Mediating Intimacy after Conflict.

What did your study involve?

My research began in Freetown in 2012, ten years after the civil war’s violence, especially against women and girls. In 2016 I began living in a hillside community in eastern Freetown and also with a group of young men downtown. For 13 months I studied intimate relationships and followed disputes from household quarrels to community mediations and court cases, tracing over 100 through the magistrate’s court. I also spent time in Central Prison, interviewing men and boys convicted in “women cases”.

I wanted to know how love and violence intersect in everyday life and how law reshapes both.

What did you find?

In Sierra Leone, gender and relationships lie at the heart of moral life. Care, warmth and resilience are virtues held in high regard, and they are cultivated and learnt from women. But this masks the widespread abuse of women and places the unpaid labour of holding families and communities together on them. When the state tries to regulate intimacy without considering these moral realities, it deepens the very violence it seeks to end.

Read more: Why Sierra Leonean women don’t feel protected by domestic violence laws

Love and violence often live together, tangled in ways that make harm hard to end. People say that when harm occurs, judgment falls not only on the act but on the person’s character. Communities call for state involvement in cases of rape against minors or severe violence. But everyday conflicts in consensual relationships are generally understood as matters of character and relational repair rather than criminal intent. They are mediated internally, often by women who bear the burden to prioritise group stability over punishment.

Yet, the country’s legal system often tells a different story.

After the war, new laws were introduced to protect women and girls from rape, early pregnancy, and domestic violence. Key laws include:

  • Sexual Offences Act (2012; amended 2019): criminalises rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation; raises age of consent to 18; mandatory sentences; zero-tolerance enforcement reshapes policing of adolescent sexuality and youth relationships.

  • Domestic Violence Act (2007): criminalises physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse within intimate and family relationships; recognises private-sphere violence as a public concern.

  • Child Rights Act (2007; revised 2025): defines children as rights-bearing subjects entitled to care, protection and due process, aligned with international standards.

  • Prevention of Child Marriage Act (2024): prohibits marriage under 18 to end early marriage and related health and educational harms.

  • Diversion and Alternatives to Detention Framework (2025): redirects children in conflict with the law from imprisonment to rehabilitation, mediation and reintegration.

Together, these reforms are meant to protect. But I found they also collapse care, consent and harm into a single criminal framework that misfits the lived realities of the Sierra Leoneans I lived and worked with. Importantly, mine is not an argument against protecting children from sexual harm, but about how protection is defined and enforced.

Although recent reforms frame children as having rights and promote alternatives to detention, boys charged under sexual offences law are routinely denied bail and treated as adult perpetrators. This reveals a contradiction in the system. It conflates rape, harm and consensual adolescent intimacy into a single category of criminality.

By raising the age of consent to 18, many ordinary youth relationships became criminalised. A 19-year-old can now face years in prison because his girlfriend is 17, even though she has chosen to love him. In aiming for zero tolerance, the state has policed intimacy instead of teaching consent.

In a society battling poverty and corruption, the new laws often shield the wealthy and punish the powerless. Young couples, especially across class lines, can be convicted, while powerful older men who abuse children can walk free.

One High Court judge told me:

We have serious problems with rape in this country. But of 25 or maybe 30 cases … mostly there are boyfriends here, you know, lovers. Maybe almost 23 of them are lovers. But the law is so rigid that I have to convict no matter the circumstance.

The updated Sexual Offences Act has deepened fear. It lowered the age of criminal responsibility to 12; sexual cases are now sent directly to the High Court; and life sentences are allowed.

Convictions happen even when girls testify that they love the boy or man who stands accused and confirm consensual sex took place. Many of the cases I studied are initiated by parents, neighbours, or teachers. This was often after pregnancies, school conflicts, or community disputes made relationships visible. Often the relationship happened within unequal social conditions between the partners.

In my view, what communities seek to mend through care, the law isolates and punishes. Conversations about consent, safety and protection disappear when love itself risks imprisonment. Women in violent relationships, meanwhile, lose attention and resources as the system turns to criminalising consensual intimacy.

What does this say about gender and justice?

Sierra Leoneans believe a good man is made not by punishment but by being raised with respect, love and care for others. As a community elder put it:

A child taught to kill becomes cruel. A child taught to love protects everyone.

Yet laws carry war’s legacy in their effort to discipline masculinity instead of guiding it.

What do you hope readers take away from your book?

Sierra Leone’s moral vision, found in everyday speech, mediation practices and women’s community leadership, reminds us that femininity is not weakness but wisdom. And that any just system must build on that strength.

If women were actually treated as they are morally regarded in Freetown – as strong, capable and central to social wellbeing – then both patriarchy and violence would begin to lose their hold. Ending violence begins in the home, in everyday care, and in the way we raise our children.

This isn’t just about Sierra Leone. It matters the world over. Law alone cannot end violence. Laws can punish, but they cannot teach care, consent or empathy. Yet punishment increasingly replaces education.

Read more: We used performing arts to map out gender violence in Sierra Leone. What we found

The lesson is clear: without engaging local understandings of care, consent and responsibility, laws meant to protect risk reproducing harm rather than preventing it.

– Sierra Leone’s harsh new laws to protect women and girls are causing harm in the wrong places
– https://theconversation.com/sierra-leones-harsh-new-laws-to-protect-women-and-girls-are-causing-harm-in-the-wrong-places-269662

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South Africa’s foreign policy is rooted in negotiation with all nations – a shifting global order makes this difficult

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tinashe Sithole, Postdoctoral research fellow at the SARChI Chair: African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, University of Johannesburg

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, South Africa’s foreign policy has been under sustained international scrutiny.

Its stance on the war in Ukraine has been one of active non-alignment. This means it has called for negotiations while abstaining from UN resolutions condemning Russia. However, it decided to take Israel to the International Court of Justice over the Gaza conflict in December 2023.

To many observers, including US policymakers and international analysts, these decisions suggest uncertainty or inconsistency. However, a closer look suggests a different interpretation.

In my recent research, I show how South Africa’s negotiated transition to democracy has shaped a foreign policy tradition that prioritises mediation, multilateralism and non-alignment.

I argue that South Africa’s foreign policy since 1994, including the period after the 2024 election, has been shaped by more than political shifts.

Instead, its negotiated democratic transition experience continues to guide how the country understands conflict and cooperation. This is even as the costs of maintaining this approach rise in a more fragmented and competitive global order. I describe this trajectory as “idealism under strain” – a principle-based foreign policy maintained under growing external pressure.

As a middle power, South Africa exerts influence most effectively through international institutions. By working through the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the UN, it helps broker agreements and shape regional and global agendas.

What has changed is the international environment. Global politics has become more polarised and more transactional. States are increasingly expected to take clear sides on major issues, from security alignments to trade relations. This shift has narrowed the space for diplomatic independence.

In this context, South Africa’s preference for dialogue and institutional process has become harder to sustain and easier to misinterpret. Positions that once appeared principled are now criticised as evasive or contradictory.

This matters because South Africa’s influence depends less on power and more on trust.

To remain effective, it needs to continue leading regional mediation and peace efforts and to apply its principles consistently. When its positions on international law or human rights appear selective, its credibility weakens. When they are consistent, its voice carries more weight.

Behind the choices

South Africa’s post-apartheid foreign policy reflects the negotiated nature of its democratic transition. The end of apartheid in 1994 came through compromise rather than a military victory. This experience shaped a preference for mediation over coercion; for dialogue over exclusion.

These preferences shaped the country’s early diplomatic engagements on the continent. In Burundi (1999-2003), the Democratic Republic of Congo (2002-2003) and Lesotho (1998 and again from 2014 to 2017), South Africa promoted negotiated political settlements and power-sharing arrangements rather than military solutions.

This history helps explain current policy choices, including the call for negotiations on Ukraine.

It also explains the contrast in how the country engages across crises. For example, in 2023 it brought the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. In other situations, such as political tensions in Zimbabwe, it has relied on quiet diplomacy, working behind the scenes rather than openly criticising the government.

In my view, these decisions reflect an adaptation to constraint rather than inconsistency.

This pattern has persisted across administrations. Successive governments have sought to balance democratic values with geopolitical realities rather than abandon one in favour of the other.

What has changed is the level of external pressure under which this balance must now be maintained.

A changing world

A more polarised and transactional world has narrowed the space for diplomatic independence.

Pressure from the US to align with the west has become more explicit, particularly following the South Africa vs Israel case.

Tensions have also affected the trade relationship. In Washington, some lawmakers called for a review of South Africa’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). The legislation provides duty-free access to the US market. The criticism reflected concerns that South Africa’s positions on Russia and Israel, and its broader stance of non-alignment, were increasingly seen as out of step with US foreign policy priorities.

South Africa’s Agoa benefits expired in September 2025 and were only renewed on 3 February 2026. The months of uncertainty highlighted the economic risks that can accompany geopolitical pressure.

For a country whose influence depends more on diplomacy and external partnerships, such signals matter. They show how the costs of maintaining diplomatic independence are rising in a more competitive international environment.

What needs to happen next

South Africa is unlikely to abandon its preference for mediation, multilateralism and non-alignment. The key challenge is how it sustains this approach as international pressure intensifies.

First, South Africa needs to use the institutions where it already has influence more actively. This means taking visible leadership roles in the AU and SADC, and continuing its involvement in UN peace missions. These platforms are the main channels through which the country exercises diplomatic influence.

Second, regional cooperation needs to result in coordinated action. Conflicts in places such as Mozambique or eastern Democratic Republic of Congo affect neighbouring states and cannot be managed by one country alone. Working with regional partners on joint mediation and shared responses helps avoid fragmented or competing interventions.

Third, consistency matters. When South Africa calls for international law, negotiated settlements or civilian protection, the same principles should guide its positions across different conflicts. Applying these standards evenly reduces accusations of selectivity and helps preserve trust in its role.

These priorities do not require a new foreign policy. They reflect the need to apply an existing approach more clearly and more consistently.

– South Africa’s foreign policy is rooted in negotiation with all nations – a shifting global order makes this difficult
– https://theconversation.com/south-africas-foreign-policy-is-rooted-in-negotiation-with-all-nations-a-shifting-global-order-makes-this-difficult-275033

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Infrastructure challenges threaten water supply

Source: Government of South Africa

Infrastructure challenges threaten water supply

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina says ageing infrastructure, leaks and poor governance are undermining the reliable supply of water. 

Speaking to media on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Majodina reiterated that the country’s major dams hold sufficient water, but systemic weaknesses in municipal infrastructure are placing water security at risk.

“…As we pump the water, the infrastructure has decayed. The water is leaking and treated water, which is supposed to reach households, is running down the streets,” Majodina said.

The Minister’s remarks come amid ongoing water supply challenges in Johannesburg, where residents have experienced intermittent shortages, low pressure and disruptions linked to a system strain.

Majodina explained that her department’s constitutional mandate is primarily focused on bulk water resource development, including building dams, tunnels and canals, while municipalities are responsible for reticulation and distribution.

However, national government has stepped in to support local interventions, where possible.

She said working with Rand Water, government has invested in major bulk infrastructure, including upgrades to the Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Works System, one of the largest facilities in the country.

“That plant has the capacity not only to supply [to] South Africa but even to provide treated water to neighbouring countries,” the Minister said.

The core problem, she stressed, lies in municipal infrastructure that has not kept pace with rapid urban growth.

“When you drive through Johannesburg, you see water flowing in the streets. That is treated water. It is not reaching the taps because pipes are leaking,” Majodina said.

Consumption

The Minister also noted that South Africa’s per capita water consumption far exceeds international norms. While the global benchmark stands at approximately 173 litres per person per day, South Africa’s consumption has been recorded at around 239 litres per person per day.

“That is abnormal. If we continue at that rate, we are going to collapse the system,” she warned.

To stabilise supply in Johannesburg, she said authorities have implemented load shifting between pump stations and introduced “water soft locking”, a measure to reduce water pressure across the system.

“Soft locking does not mean people will not have water. It means we reduce the pressure so that those who are not getting water can receive supply,” Majodina explained.

She said municipalities have been advised to increase reservoir storage capacity and ring-fence water revenue to reinvest in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.

“We have told municipalities to ring-fence water sales and invest back into water infrastructure. They have not done so. Today, some systems have collapsed because they do not have engineers and scientists,” she said.

Illegal connections and vandalism

Majodina further raised concern about illegal connections, vandalism and so-called “water mafias”, who tamper with infrastructure.

“Our infrastructure is vandalised day in and day out. Illegal connections are contributing to losses and destabilising the system.”

The Minister highlighted the significance of the proposed Water Services Amendment Bill, which seeks to separate the roles of water services authorities and water services providers.

“Currently, in many municipalities, you are both the referee and the player at the same time (sic). There is no oversight. If systems fail, no one is held accountable,” she said.

Majodina said the amendment bill will enable clearer governance distinctions and strengthen national government’s ability to intervene where service delivery collapses, a power currently limited under constitutional provisions that assign water services to local government.

Groundwater development

Looking ahead, she said government will intensify its focus on groundwater development, particularly in underserved communities that have never had access to clean piped water.

“We have not fully tapped into groundwater potential, especially for communities that have never received a drop of clean water,” she said.

While acknowledging that water challenges extend beyond South Africa to the broader continent, Majodina maintained that the country’s immediate priority is fixing infrastructure, strengthening governance, and restoring public confidence.

Meanwhile, Majodina has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent commitment to chair the National Water Crisis Committee, describing it as a crucial step in elevating water reform to the highest level of government. – SAnews.gov.za

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“Kenya Has Proven It Can Host the World,” Affirms Rugby Africa President as HSBC SVNS 2 Draws over 15,000 Fans in Nairobi

Source: APO – Report:

Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, and a member of World Rugby’s Executive Board, praised Kenya for delivering a world-class HSBC SVNS 2 tournament in Nairobi, describing the event as a statement of Africa’s readiness to host global rugby competitions.

Held at Nyayo National Stadium, the opening leg of HSBC SVNS 2 attracted over 15,000 fans across the weekend, alongside key dignitaries including Hon. Salim Mvurya, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports. The vibrant atmosphere and seamless organization reinforced Kenya’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading rugby nations.

The Nairobi leg featured 12 men’s and women’s international teams competing for promotion back to the revamped HSBC SVNS series. Kenya’s national men’s team, Shujaa, delivered a strong campaign, finishing third to secure a bronze medal and 16 points in the standings, behind Germany (20 points) and the USA (18 points).

Speaking following the tournament, Mensah commended Kenya Rugby Union and local authorities for their execution of the event.

“Impressively, it’s sold out,” said Mensah. “What do you expect? HSBC on African soil with the incredible Kenyans. This is what happens when you combine world-class rugby with passionate supporters.”

“Kenya has proven that it can host the world. The organization, the energy in the stadium, the government support, this is a blueprint for Africa. When Africa hosts, Africa delivers.”

The tournament also marked another milestone in Africa’s growing role within World Rugby’s global events strategy, with HSBC SVNS competitions now staged across multiple continents as part of a restructured pathway system.

“Africa is not the future of rugby, Africa is the now,” Mensah added. “When 15,000 people come to celebrate the sport, when leaders of government stand behind it, when young boys and girls see themselves on that stage, you are building something far greater than a tournament. You are building belief.”

Kenya’s hosting success aligns with Rugby Africa’s broader vision of positioning the continent as a key destination for international rugby. From packed stadiums to government partnership and broadcast reach, the Nairobi leg demonstrated the commercial and cultural potential of rugby events in Africa.

As the HSBC SVNS 2 series now moves to Montevideo and São Paulo, Kenya’s successful hosting of the opening leg sets a strong benchmark for future global rugby events on the continent.

The Nairobi tournament, held on 14–15 February 2026, reinforced Africa’s growing influence in the global rugby landscape as both competitors and capable hosts on the world stage.

– on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Manager
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com

About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.

Media files

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Water key to Africa’s economic future

Source: Government of South Africa

Water key to Africa’s economic future

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has stressed that Africa cannot realise meaningful economic growth without urgent investment in water infrastructure.

“We cannot have Africa developing economically when there is no water,” Majodina said.

Speaking during a media doorstep interview on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held on 14 – 15 February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Majodina placed water security at the centre of the continent’s development agenda.

The Minister commenced her second day at the summit by hosting, in collaboration with the AU High-Level Panel, a side event titled ‘High-Level Leaders Session on Water Investment’, sponsored by the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions in South Africa (AWSISA).

The session brought together Ministers, development partners, financiers, and private sector representatives to assess progress made since the inaugural Water Investment Summit held in Cape Town in August 2025.

Majodina said Africa faces a massive backlog in water infrastructure, warning that without decisive action, the continent’s ambitions for industrialisation, job creation and improved living standards will remain out of reach.

“Let us start rolling out the Water Investment Summit to check how far we can go as a continent in mobilising financial resources to fund water infrastructure. The backlog is huge.

“We cannot have Africa developing economically when there is no water. We need socio-economic development. We need to ensure that livelihoods are sustained as expected. But our people are suffering when it comes to water,” Majodina said.

In a pointed call to action, Majodina linked water security to the AU’s broader peace and stability objectives.

“Everyone talks about silencing the guns. Silence the guns and open the taps. That is where we are coming from. Silence the guns, open the taps.”

She urged African governments and the private sector to make firm commitments toward financing water infrastructure, emphasising that public resources alone will not be sufficient to close the funding gap.

“Let each country commit. Let the private sector commit to water infrastructure investment,” she said.

She emphasised that the mining industry must play a more active role in supporting sustainable water systems across the continent. “We have a lot of mines across the continent operating in our countries, but they are not committing enough in terms of funding water infrastructure.” 

Drawing on South Africa’s experience, the Minister cited challenges in the City of Johannesburg, where ageing infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with rapid urbanisation and economic growth.

“When you talk about Johannesburg, you talk about the ‘United Nations of Africa’. Everybody goes there. The economy is growing, the population is growing but the infrastructure can no longer cope,” she said.

The Cape Town Water Investment Summit, held on 15 – 16 August 2025, marked a significant milestone in mobilising funding for the sector. According to Majodina, investors at that summit committed between $10 billion and $12 billion towards water infrastructure development.

In addition, 38 of Africa’s 54 countries submitted bankable project proposals aimed at attracting infrastructure financing.

“We came up with valuable projects from 38 countries… that can be funded. Today, we are here to give a progress report on how far are we in terms of implementing that,” Majodina said.

Stability

The Minister also underscored the link between water and peace, noting that instability across parts of the continent continues to undermine development.

She said water cooperation can serve as a platform for regional integration and shared prosperity, particularly in transboundary river basins.

The Minister further noted the upcoming United Nations Water Conference scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 2 – 4 December 2026.

The conference, co-hosted by Senegal and the UAE, aims to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), enhance global water governance, and further elevate water-related issues on the international agenda.

“As leaders, we must move from declarations to implementation. Water must be at the centre of Africa’s development agenda,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Authorities probe non-compliant manufacturers in KZN

Source: Government of South Africa

Authorities probe non-compliant manufacturers in KZN

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams, says relevant enforcement authorities are investigating alleged non-compliant garment manufacturing operations in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.

Her remarks come after the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) noted with concern media reports alleging non-compliant operations in Newcastle, and the possible presence of goods linked to major retailers within those facilities.

“It is appropriate that these processes be allowed to proceed without interference. The matter raises broader systemic questions about supply-chain accountability, responsible sourcing, and the integrity of South Africa’s clothing and textile value chain.

“It has also served as a reminder that economic growth driven through sustainable industrial development requires lawful conduct and shared responsibility across the entire production and procurement ecosystem,” Abrahams said in a statement on Tuesday.

She emphasised that South Africa cannot grow its manufacturing base on the back of unsafe and illegal operations. 

“Factories that evade labour standards distort competition, undermine compliant businesses, and expose vulnerable workers to unacceptable conditions,” the Deputy Minister said.

“While the dtic is not a frontline enforcement authority for labour, immigration, or occupational health and safety legislation, it has a clear policy interest in ensuring that the domestic manufacturing base is not undermined by illegal or non-compliant operations that distort competition and erode worker protections,” she said.

Abrahams highlighted that the incident underscores that enforcement alone cannot resolve systemic risks in fragmented supply chains. 

“Demand-side actors, particularly large retailers and brand owners, carry a corresponding responsibility to exercise meaningful due diligence in their procurement and supplier management practices. 

“Moreover, there is a need for improved inter-departmental coordination and data visibility across the sector. The department supports closer collaboration with enforcement agencies to ensure that industrial areas do not become havens for informal or illegal manufacturing activity,” the Deputy Minister said.

Abrahams plans to engage the Retail Clothing, Textile, Footwear, and Leather Masterplan Executive Oversight Committee to discuss the implications of the Newcastle matter and to identify practical steps to strengthen supply-chain accountability and cooperative enforcement across the industry. 

The objectives of the Retail Clothing, Textiles, Footwear, and Leather Masterplan are grounded in the principle that industrial growth must occur within a sound governance framework of decent work, lawful business activity, and formalisation of the value chain.

“Strengthening voluntary and policy-linked disclosure mechanisms is just one of the essential mechanisms to improve visibility across supply chains and prevent illicit or exploitative production from entering formal retail channels.

“The dtic remains committed to promoting formalisation and compliance across the value chain and creating an enabling environment for a competitive, inclusive, and labour-absorbing clothing and textile industry. 

“This requires collaboration between government, retailers, manufacturers, labour, and regulators to promote formalisation and compliance across the value chain,” Abrahams said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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Government welcomes decline in unemployment rate

Source: Government of South Africa

Government welcomes decline in unemployment rate

Government has welcomed the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2025 results, which indicate an improvement in key labour market indicators. 

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), employment increased by 44 000 in the fourth quarter of 2025, while the number of unemployed persons decreased by 172 000. 

As a result, the official unemployment rate declined by 0.5 percent.

“The improvement in employment reflects the resilience of the South African economy and the impact of targeted interventions aimed at stimulating growth, supporting businesses, and expanding labour market opportunities.

“Government has intensified actions to grow employment through accelerated infrastructure investment to unlock opportunities across key sectors of the economy,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Tuesday.

The implementation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus continues to provide work opportunities, particularly for young people and women.

“Strengthened public-private partnerships are unlocking new investment and supporting industrial expansion to create long-term employment opportunities. 

“Through Operation Vulindlela and ongoing economic reform measures, the government continues to remove structural constraints that limit growth, including energy stability and logistics efficiency. These reforms are laying the foundation for sustained job creation,” GCIS said.

Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery. 

It aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport, and digital communications.

“South Africa’s progress requires sustained effort. Government calls on all social partners to work together to drive inclusive growth and ensure that more South Africans share in the benefits of economic development,” GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Face à la stagnation des progrès et à l’aggravation de la crise financière, les dirigeants africains appellent à un financement durable de la lutte contre le paludisme

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans un contexte de stagnation des progrès, de baisse des financements internationaux et d’intensification des menaces, les chefs d’État et de gouvernement africains ont lancé aujourd’hui, lors du 39e Sommet de l’Union africaine en Éthiopie, un appel unifié à une nouvelle ère de financement de la lutte contre le paludisme. Le Rapport 2025 de l’Union africaine sur les progrès accomplis en Afrique dans la lutte contre le paludisme, présenté par le président du Botswana, Président-Avocat Duma Gideon Boko, également président de l’Alliance des dirigeants africains contre le paludisme (ALMA) (www.ALMA2030.org), avertit qu’en l’absence d’une action urgente, le continent risque de perdre des décennies de progrès durement acquis dans la lutte contre la maladie.

Des mesures urgentes s’imposent face à l’aggravation de la situation

Le rapport 2025 révèle qu’en 2024, les États membres de l’Union africaine ont enregistré 270,8 millions de cas de paludisme (96 % du total mondial) et 594 119 décès (97 % du total mondial). Les progrès sont au point mort depuis 2015 et seuls cinq États membres ont atteint les objectifs du Cadre catalytique 2025 visant à réduire de 75 % l’incidence du paludisme ou la mortalité liée à ce dernier. Ces objectifs s’inscrivent dans le cadre du Programme catalytique de l’Union africaine pour mettre fin au sida, à la tuberculose et éliminer le paludisme en Afrique d’ici à 2030.

Le rapport alerte sur le fait qu’une réduction de 30 % des financements entraînerait 640 millions de moustiquaires imprégnées d’insecticide en moins, 146 millions de cas de paludisme supplémentaires, 397 000 décès supplémentaires (dont 75 % chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans) et une perte de 37 milliards de $ US de PIB d’ici à 2030. Sans mesures urgentes, le rapport prévient que le paludisme pourrait connaître une recrudescence importante, avec potentiellement plus de 400 millions de cas par an et plus d’un million de décès annuels.

 « La convergence sans précédent de défis qui menacent l’élimination du paludisme s’est intensifiée. L’aide publique au développement (APD) pour la santé en Afrique a diminué de 70 % en seulement quatre ans, et la huitième reconstitution des ressources du Fonds mondial est loin d’avoir atteint son objectif de 18 milliards de $ US. Nous ne pouvons pas permettre que ces difficultés anéantissent des décennies de progrès qui ont permis d’éviter 1,64 milliard de cas et de sauver 12,4 millions de vies depuis 2000. » 

~ Président-Avocat Duma Gideon Boko, président de la République du Botswana et président d’ALMA

Une nouvelle ère de financement : l’Afrique prend l’initiative

Face à la crise du financement, les dirigeants africains ont réaffirmé leur engagement en faveur de la mobilisation des ressources nationales, de financements innovants et de l’élaboration de plans nationaux de viabilité du financement de la santé. Le rapport souligne que les Conseils et Fonds d’élimination du paludisme de 12 pays ont mobilisé plus de 200 millions de $ US grâce à des partenariats public-privé, illustrant ainsi la force de la collaboration multisectorielle. L’établissement de partenariats public-privé est essentiel pour garantir un financement durable. Ces partenariats peuvent débloquer de nouveaux investissements, accélérant les progrès non seulement vers l’élimination du paludisme, mais aussi vers la couverture sanitaire universelle. Une approche de la société dans son ensemble, impliquant le secteur privé, les fondations philanthropiques, les particuliers fortunés et la diaspora par le biais d’un accélérateur de partenariat public-privé en matière de santé, renforcera les engagements nationaux et permettra de créer un partenariat gagnant-gagnant. 

À travers le continent, les pays intensifient leurs engagements de financement national pour la lutte contre le paludisme en 2025. Les dirigeants ont appelé les partenaires internationaux à honorer leurs engagements, à renouveler le Programme de soutien à la lutte contre le paludisme de la Banque mondiale (Malaria Booster Programme) et à aligner leur soutien sur les stratégies nationales. Le Programme initial de soutien à la lutte contre le paludisme de la Banque mondiale (2005-2010) a mobilisé plus d’un milliard de $ US et a permis d’obtenir des résultats d’ampleur. Aujourd’hui, les dirigeants africains appellent à la relance de ce programme afin de combler les déficits de financement, de déployer des outils de nouvelle génération, de renforcer les programmes d’agents de santé communautaires et de bâtir des systèmes de santé résilients face au changement climatique. Investir ainsi dans la lutte contre le paludisme permettra également de renforcer les soins de santé primaires, de rendre nos systèmes de santé plus résilients aux chocs et de nous mettre sur la voie de la victoire contre d’autres défis sanitaires tels que les maladies tropicales négligées.

« Notre approche couvre l’ensemble des mesures nécessaires pour vaincre cette maladie. La Tanzanie a investi dans la recherche de pointe et abrite l’Institut de santé d’Ifakara, où nos scientifiques travaillent à la frontière avec les nouvelles technologies, notamment le forçage génétique – une approche novatrice visant à empêcher les moustiques de transmettre le parasite du paludisme. Il s’agit d’une science africaine, menée par des chercheurs africains, qui relève un défi africain. » 

~ S.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Présidente de la République Unie de Tanzanie 

De nouveaux outils performants de nouvelle génération gagnent du terrain

Malgré les défis, le rapport souligne des progrès significatifs dans le déploiement d’outils innovants. En 2025, 74 % des moustiquaires imprégnées d’insecticide distribuées en Afrique étaient des moustiquaires de nouvelle génération à double action, contre seulement 20 % en 2023. Ces moustiquaires sont 45 % plus efficaces que les moustiquaires imprégnées uniquement de pyréthroïdes contre les moustiques résistants.

Vingt-quatre pays ont désormais introduit des vaccins antipaludéens approuvés par l’OMS pour les enfants de moins de cinq ans, avec 28,3 millions de doses distribuées en 2025, contre 10,5 millions en 2024. De plus, l’OMS a préqualifié deux produits répulsifs spatiaux en 2025, marquant la première nouvelle intervention de lutte antivectorielle introduite depuis des décennies. Un nombre record de 22 pays prévoyaient de mettre en œuvre une chimioprévention saisonnière du paludisme en 2025. Le potentiel d’innovation dans la lutte contre le paludisme est plus important que jamais.

Promouvoir la souveraineté sanitaire à travers la production locale 

Les dirigeants ont souligné l’importance de la production locale pour garantir l’accessibilité financière, l’accès aux soins et la résilience des chaînes d’approvisionnement. Actuellement, l’Afrique importe 99 % des vaccins et 95 % des médicaments utilisés sur le continent. Le rapport souligne que le Nigéria a noué des partenariats pour la production locale de traitements antipaludéens et de tests de diagnostic rapide, et travaille à la mise en place des premières moustiquaires imprégnées d’insecticide de nouvelle génération fabriquées en Afrique.

L’Agence africaine des médicaments, qui compte désormais 31 pays signataires, et les Communautés économiques régionales harmonisent les cadres réglementaires afin d’accélérer l’enregistrement de nouveaux produits sur le continent.

« Le déploiement complet des outils existants et nouveaux, associé à un financement intégral, pourrait sauver plus de 13,2 millions de vies au cours des 15 prochaines années et stimuler les économies africaines à hauteur de plus de 140 milliards de dollars. Chaque dollar investi dans le Fonds mondial génère un rendement de 19 dollars. Nous avons les outils. Il nous faut désormais les ressources. »

~ Dr Michael Adekunle Charles, PDG du RBM Partnership to End Malaria

Ce qu’il reste à faire

Les chefs d’État et de gouvernement ont lancé un appel à l’action clair, exhortant tous les États membres à considérer la lutte contre le paludisme comme un pilier central de la souveraineté sanitaire et de la transformation économique, à protéger et à accroître les financements nationaux et internationaux, et à mettre pleinement en œuvre les priorités du Cadre catalytique grâce à une grande impulsion contre le paludisme.

Les dirigeants ont appelé les partenaires internationaux à honorer leurs engagements, à aligner leur soutien sur les stratégies nationales et à investir dans les outils et les systèmes qui garantiront un avenir sans paludisme. Ils ont souligné que le chemin à parcourir est semé d’embûches. Néanmoins, grâce à un leadership déterminé, à une utilisation judicieuse des données et à des investissements soutenus, l’Afrique peut infléchir la courbe en faveur de l’élimination et garantir aux générations futures un avenir libéré de la menace du paludisme.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).

Notes aux rédacteurs :
Le Rapport de l’Union africaine sur les progrès accomplis dans la lutte contre le paludisme 2025 est disponible en téléchargement sur les sites www.AU.int et www.ALMA2030.org

Relations presse :
Alliance des dirigeants africains contre le paludisme :
Thomas Davies
TDavies@alma2030.org
www.ALMA2030.org

Commission de l’Union africaine :
Molalet Tsedeke
MolaletT@africa-union.org
www.AU.int

African Media Agency :
Leslie-Shamilda Segui
shamilda@africanmediaagency.com
https://apo-opa.co/3MMUB0E

À propos du Rapport sur les progrès accomplis dans la lutte contre le paludisme en Afrique :
Le Rapport sur les progrès accomplis dans la lutte contre le paludisme en Afrique est une publication annuelle préparée par la Commission de l’Union africaine, l’Alliance des dirigeants africains contre le paludisme et le RBM Partnership to End Malaria. Il rend compte des progrès accomplis par rapport aux objectifs du Cadre catalytique de l’UA, met en lumière les défis et les menaces qui pèsent sur l’élimination du paludisme et documente les actions menées par les États membres pour accélérer les progrès. Le rapport est présenté chaque année aux chefs d’État et de gouvernement lors du Sommet de l’Union africaine. 

À propos d’ALMA :
Fondée en 2009, l’Alliance des dirigeants africains contre le paludisme (ALMA) est une coalition novatrice de chefs d’État et de gouvernement africains qui œuvrent au-delà des frontières nationales et régionales pour parvenir à une Afrique sans paludisme d’ici à 2030. www.ALMA2030.org

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Os líderes africanos necessitam ter um financiamento contínuo para o combate à malária, no meio da estagnação do progresso e do agravamento da crise de financiamento

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Num contexto de progresso estagnado, declínio do financiamento internacional e intensificação das ameaças, os chefes de Estado e Governo africanos fizeram hoje um apelo unificado a uma nova era de financiamento para o combate à malária na 39ª Cimeira da União Africana, na Etiópia. O Relatório de Progresso sobre a Malária  da União Africana de 2025, apresentado pelo Presidente Advogado Duma Gideon Boko da República do Botsuana e Presidente da Aliança de Líderes Africanos contra a Malária (ALMA) (www.ALMA2030.org), alerta que, sem acções urgentes, o continente corre o risco de perder décadas de conquistas arduamente alcançadas na luta contra a doença.

É necessária uma acção urgente à medida que a tempestade perfeita se intensifica

O relatório de 2025 revela que os Estados-membros da União Africana foram responsáveis ​​por 270,8 milhões de casos de malária (96% do total global) e 594.119 mortes (97% do total global) em 2024. O progresso estagnou desde 2015 e apenas cinco Estados-membros atingiram as metas do Quadro catalisador de 2025 para reduzir em 75% a incidência ou a mortalidade por malária. Estas metas fazem parte do Quadro catalisador para eliminar a SIDA, tuberculose e malária em África até 2030.

O relatório alerta que uma redução de 30% no financiamento resultará em menos 640 milhões de redes mosquiteiras tratadas com insecticida, 146 milhões de casos adicionais de malária, 397 mil mortes adicionais (75% entre crianças com menos de cinco anos) e uma perda de US$ 37 mil milhões no PIB até 2030. Se não forem tomadas acções urgentes, o relatório alerta que a malária poderá ressurgir de forma significativa, com casos potencialmente superiores a 400 milhões por ano e mortes a ultrapassar um milhão anualmente.

“A tempestade perfeita de crises convergentes que ameaçam a eliminação da malária intensificou-se. A Assistência Pública ao Desenvolvimento para a saúde em África diminuiu 70% em apenas quatro anos, e a Oitava Reposição do Fundo Global ficou muito aquém da sua meta de US$ 18 mil milhões. Não podemos permitir que estes desafios revertam décadas de progresso que evitaram 1,64 mil milhões de casos e salvaram 12,4 milhões de vidas desde 2000”.

~ Presidente Advogado Duma Gideon Boko, República do Botswana, Presidente da ALMA

Uma nova era de financiamento com a África na liderança

Em resposta à crise de financiamento, os líderes africanos reafirmaram o seu compromisso com a mobilização de recursos internos, o financiamento inovador e o desenvolvimento de planos nacionais de sustentabilidade do financiamento da saúde. O relatório realça que os Conselhos e Fundos para a Eliminação da Malária em 12 países já mobilizaram mais de US$ 200 milhões através de parcerias público-privadas, o que demonstra o poder da colaboração multissectorial. O estabelecimento de parcerias público-privadas é crucial para garantir um financiamento contínuo. Estas parcerias podem desbloquear novos investimentos, que por sua vez, irá impulsionar o progresso não só no sentido da eliminação da malária, mas também no sentido da cobertura universal de saúde. Uma abordagem que envolva toda a sociedade, incluindo o sector privado, fundações filantrópicas, os pessoas com elevado património líquido e a diáspora através dum acelerador público-privado da saúde, reforçará os compromissos nacionais e proporcionará uma parceria vantajosa para todos.

Os países de todo o continente estão a intensificar os seus esforços com maiores compromissos de financiamento nacional para o combate à malária em 2025. Os líderes apelaram aos parceiros globais para que honrem os seus compromissos, renovem o Programa de Reforço da Malária do Banco Mundial e alinhem o apoio às estratégias nacionais. O programa original do Banco Mundial para o combate à malária (2005-2010) garantiu mais de US$ 1 mil milhões, com resultados transformadores. Hoje, os líderes africanos estão a instar a um programa renovado para colmatar os défices de financiamento, implementar ferramentas de última geração, fortalecer os programas dos profissionais da área da saúde da comunidade e construir sistemas de saúde resilientes às alterações climáticas. Investir na malária desta forma também fortalecerá os cuidados de saúde primários, o que tornará os sistemas de saúde mais resilientes a choques e colocar-nos-á no caminho para vencer outros desafios de saúde, como as doenças tropicais negligenciadas.

“A nossa abordagem abrangeu todo o espectro do que é necessário para vencer esta doença. A Tanzânia investiu em investigação de classe mundial e alberga o Instituto de Saúde de Ifakara, onde os nossos cientistas trabalham na vanguarda das novas tecnologias, incluindo a tecnologia de direccionamento genético – uma abordagem inovadora que visa garantir que os mosquitos deixam de transmitir o parasita da malária. Esta é ciência africana, conduzida por investigadores africanos, e aborda um desafio africano”.

~  S.Ex.a Samia Suluhu Hassan, Presidente da República Unida da Tanzânia

Novas e poderosas ferramentas de última geração avançando

Apesar dos desafios, o relatório destaca o grande progresso na implementação de ferramentas inovadoras. Em 2025, 74% das redes mosquiteiras tratadas com insecticida distribuídas em África eram redes de última geração com ingrediente activo duplo, um grande aumento em comparação aos 20% registados em 2023. Estas redes são 45% mais eficazes do que as redes que contêm apenas piretróides contra mosquitos resistentes.

Vinte e quatro países já introduziram vacinas contra a malária aprovadas pela OMS para crianças com menos de cinco anos, sendo que 28,3 milhões de doses foram distribuídas em 2025, um aumento acima dos 10,5 milhões em 2024. Além disso, a OMS pré-qualificou dois produtos repelentes espaciais em 2025, marcando a primeira nova intervenção de controlo de vectores introduzida em décadas. Um número recorde de 22 países planeou implementar a quimioprevenção sazonal da malária em 2025. O conjunto de inovações no combate à malária continua mais forte do que nunca.

Promoção da “soberania sanitária” através da produção local

Os líderes enfatizaram a importância da produção local para garantir preços acessíveis, acesso facilitado e resiliência da cadeia de abastecimento. No momento, a África importa 99% das vacinas e 95% dos medicamentos. O relatório destaca que a Nigéria criou parcerias para a produção local de tratamentos antimaláricos e testes de diagnóstico rápido, e está a trabalhar para fabricar as primeiras redes mosquiteiras de última geração fabricadas em África.

A Agência Africana do Medicamento (AMA),  com 31 países ratificados e as comunidades económicas regionais está a harmonizar os quadros regulamentares para acelerar o registo de novos produtos em todo o continente.

“A total implementação de ferramentas existentes e novas, combinada com o financiamento integral, poderá salvar mais de 13,2 milhões de vidas nos próximos 15 anos e impulsionar as economias africanas em mais de US$ 140 mil milhões. Cada dólar investido no Fundo Global gera US$ 19 Temos as ferramentas. Precisamos de recursos”.

~ Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO da Parceria com o RBM para a eliminação da malária

O que deve ser feito

Os Chefes de Estado e Governo emitiram um apelo claro à acção: instar todos os Estados-membros a tratarem a malária como um pilar central da soberania sanitária e da transformação económica, a protegerem e aumentarem o financiamento interno e externo e a implementarem plenamente as prioridades do Quadro catalisador através dum Big Push  contra a malária.

Os líderes apelaram aos parceiros internacionais para que cumpram os seus compromissos, alinhem o apoio com as estratégias nacionais e invistam nas ferramentas e sistemas que garantam um futuro livre da malária. Salientaram que o caminho a seguir é desafiante. No entanto, com uma liderança determinada, utilização inteligente de dados e um investimento contínuo, a África pode inverter a tendência para a eliminação e garantir que as gerações futuras cresçam livres da ameaça da malária.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).

NOTAS AOS EDITORES:
O Relatório de Progresso da União Africana sobre a Malária de 2025 estará disponível para . em: www.AU.int e www.ALMA2030.org

Consultas de mídia:
Aliança dos Líderes Africanos contra a Malária Thomas Davies
TDavies@alma2030.org
www.ALMA2030.org

Comissão da União Africana:
Molalet Tsedeke
MolaletT@africa-union.org
www.AU.int

African Media Agency:
Leslie-Shamilda Segui
shamilda@africanmediaagency.com
https://apo-opa.co/3MMUB0E 

Relatório de Progresso da Malária da União Africana: 
O Relatório de Progresso sobre a Malária em África é uma publicação anual elaborada pela Comissão da União Africana, pela Aliança dos Líderes Africanos contra a Malária e pela Parceria com o RBM para a eliminação da malária. Acompanha o progresso em relação às metas do Quadro catalisador da UA, destaca os desafios e as ameaças à eliminação da malária e documenta as acções dos Estados-membros para acelerar o progresso. O relatório é apresentado anualmente pelo Presidente da ALMA aos Chefes de Estado e  Governo durante a Cimeira da União Africana.

ALMA:
Fundada em 2009, a Aliança dos Líderes Africanos contra a Malária (ALMA) é uma coligação inovadora dos Chefes de Estado e  Governo Africano que estão a trabalhar por todo o país e além-fronteiras regionais com o objectivo de eliminar a malária em África até 2030. www.ALMA2030.org

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African Leaders Call for Sustainable Malaria Financing as Progress Stalls and Funding Crisis Deepens

Source: APO

Against a backdrop of stalled progress, declining international funding, and intensifying threats, African Heads of State and Government today issued a unified call for a new era of malaria financing at the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia. The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025, presented by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana and Chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) (www.ALMA2030.org), warns that without urgent action, the continent risks losing decades of hard-won gains against the disease.

Urgent action required as perfect storm intensifies

The 2025 report reveals that African Union Member States accounted for 270.8 million malaria cases (96% of the global total) and 594,119 deaths (97% of the global total) in 2024. Progress has stalled since 2015, and only five Member States have achieved the 2025  Catalytic Framework targets for reducing malaria incidence or mortality by 75%. These targets are part of the AU Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030.

The report warns that a 30% reduction in funding will result in 640 million fewer insecticide-treated nets, 146 million additional malaria cases, 397,000 additional deaths (75% among children under five), and a loss of $37 billion in GDP by 2030. Without urgent action, the report warns that malaria could resurge significantly, with cases potentially exceeding 400 million per year and deaths surpassing one million annually.

“The perfect storm of converging crises threatening malaria elimination has intensified. Official Development Assistance for health in Africa has declined by 70% in just four years, and the Eighth Replenishment of the Global Fund fell significantly short of its $18 billion target. We cannot allow these challenges to reverse decades of progress that have prevented 1.64 billion cases and saved 12.4 million lives since 2000.”

~ President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, Republic of Botswana, Chair of ALMA

A new era of financing as Africa takes the lead

In response to the funding crisis, African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, innovative financing and the development of national health financing sustainability plans. The report highlights that End Malaria Councils and Funds in 12 countries have now mobilised over $200 million through public-private partnerships, demonstrating the power of multisectoral collaboration. Establishing public-private partnerships is essential for delivering sustainable financing. These partnerships can unlock new investments, propelling progress not only toward malaria elimination but also toward universal health coverage. A whole-of-society approach, engaging the private sector, philanthropic foundations, high-net-worth individuals and the diaspora through a public private health accelerator, will reinforce domestic commitments and deliver a win-win partnership.

Countries across the continent are stepping up with increased domestic financing commitments for malaria in 2025. Leaders called on global partners to honour their commitments, renew the World Bank’s Malaria Booster Programme, and align support with national strategies. The original World Bank Malaria Booster Programme (2005-2010) committed over $1 billion with transformative results. Today, African leaders are urging a renewed programme to close funding gaps, deploy next-generation tools, strengthen community health worker programmes, and build climate-resilient health systems. Investing in malaria in this way will also strengthen primary health care, making our health systems more resilient to shock and put us on a path to defeating other health challenges such as neglected tropical diseases.

“Our approach has spanned the full spectrum of what it takes to beat this disease. Tanzania has invested in world-class research and is home to the Ifakara Health Institute, where our scientists are working at the frontier of new technologies, including gene drive–an innovative approach that aims to ensure mosquitoes can no longer transmit the malaria parasite. This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge.”

~ H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

New, powerful next-generation tools gaining ground

Despite the challenges, the report highlights significant progress in deploying innovative tools. In 2025, 74% of insecticide-treated nets distributed across Africa were next-generation dual active-ingredient nets, up from just 20% in 2023. These nets are 45% more effective than pyrethroid-only nets against resistant mosquitoes.

Twenty-four countries have now introduced WHO-approved malaria vaccines for children under five, with 28.3 million doses distributed in 2025, up from 10.5 million in 2024. Additionally, WHO prequalified two spatial repellent products in 2025, marking the first new vector control intervention introduced in decades. A record 22 countries planned to implement seasonal malaria chemoprevention in 2025. The malaria innovation pipeline remains stronger than ever.

Promoting health sovereignty through local manufacturing

Leaders emphasised the importance of local manufacturing to ensure affordability, access, and supply chain resilience. Currently, Africa imports 99% of vaccines and 95% of medicines. The report highlights that Nigeria has entered into partnerships for local production of antimalarial treatments and rapid diagnostic tests, and is working to establish the first Africa-manufactured next-generation nets.

The African Medicines Agency, with 31 countries now ratified, and Regional Economic Communities are harmonising regulatory frameworks to accelerate the registration of new commodities across the continent.

“Full deployment of existing and new tools, combined with full funding, could save over 13.2 million lives over the next 15 years and boost African economies by over $140 billion. Every dollar invested in the Global Fund delivers $19 in returns. We have the tools. We need the resources.”

~ Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO, RBM Partnership to End Malaria

What must be done

The Heads of State and Government issued a clear call to action, urging all Member States to treat malaria as a central pillar of health sovereignty and economic transformation, protect and increase domestic and external funding, and fully implement the priorities of the Catalytic Framework through a Big Push Against Malaria.

Leaders called on international partners to fulfil commitments, align support with national strategies, and invest in the tools and systems that will secure a malaria-free future. They emphasised that the path ahead is challenging. Nevertheless, with determined leadership, the smart use of data, and sustained investment, Africa can bend the curve towards elimination and ensure that future generations grow up free from the threat of malaria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).

Notes to Editors:
The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025 is available for download at: www.AU.int and www.ALMA2030.org

Media Inquiries:
African Leaders Malaria Alliance:
Thomas Davies
TDavies@alma2030.org
www.ALMA2030.org

African Union Commission:
Molalet Tsedeke
MolaletT@africa-union.org
www.AU.int

African Media Agency:
Leslie-Shamilda Segui
shamilda@africanmediaagency.com
https://apo-opa.co/3MMUB0E

About the Africa Malaria Progress Report: 
The Africa Malaria Progress Report is an annual publication prepared by the African Union Commission, African Leaders Malaria Alliance and RBM Partnership to End Malaria. It tracks progress against the AU Catalytic Framework targets, highlights challenges and threats to malaria elimination, and documents Member State actions to accelerate progress. The report is presented annually to Heads of State and Government at the African Union Summit.

About ALMA:
Founded in 2009, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) is a ground-breaking coalition of African Heads of State and Government working across country and regional borders to achieve a malaria-free Africa by 2030. www.ALMA2030.org

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