Category: Africa

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President Ramaphosa wishes the country’s Christian communities well as they observe Easter

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his well wishes to South Africa’s Christian community during the Easter weekend. 

“For South Africa’s diverse Christian denominations and for Christians around the world, the Resurrection of Christ serves as a powerful call to personal renewal; and is an integral part of faith. This timeless message of retaining hope amidst uncertainty resonates with us all,” President Ramaphosa said.

This weekend, the President will join congregants from the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) at their annual Easter celebrations in Moria, Limpopo.

The President says: “The Easter weekend was a welcome break and a time for reconnecting with family and friends.

“No matter where we may be this weekend, let us take to heart the Easter message by observing ubuntu, empathy and tolerance – in our communities, in social gatherings, on the roads and above all, in our homes.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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ER Group chooses Nairobi to accelerate East African partnerships and investment

Source: APO

Mauritian listed business group ER Group (https://ERGroup.mu) has established a regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, and created a regional fund with equity partners to expand investment and partnerships across East Africa. The Group, created in 2025 through the merger of Mauritian business flagships ENL and Rogers, marks a new step in its regionalisation strategy by strengthening its presence in one of Africa’s most dynamic economic regions.

Regional expansion is one of the pillars of ER Group’s ten-year strategy, set out earlier this year. In line with this roadmap, the Group, which is present in 17 territories worldwide, is accelerating its expansion in Africa through a measured approach focused on sectors it knows well. The priority is to grow in industries and countries the Group already operates, working with trusted partners to expand sustainably.

Through this approach, ER Group aims to increase the contribution of international activities from around 15% of revenue today to 30% over the coming decade. East Africa has been identified as a priority region within this strategy, with Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, and Uganda forming the first phase of expansion.

To back this ambition, ER Group has created, together with equity partners, a regional fund of MUR 1 billion to accompany the expansion of its subsidiaries across Africa. The fund is designated to providing capital for growth, supporting selective investments and providing additional capacity to pursue opportunities in markets and sectors where the Group has established expertise.

On the ground, ER Group has appointed Rasmus Bentzen as its regional representative in Nairobi. Bringing over a decade of experience in private equity and regional investment across East Africa, he will anchor the Group’s regional expansion agenda by identifying investment opportunities, developing strategic partnerships and supporting growth of its subsidiaries in Africa.

Gilbert Espitalier-Noël, Group Chief Executive Officer of ER Group, said: “Regionalisation is a central part of our long-term strategy. We focus on markets where our businesses already have operational expertise and where partnerships can support sustainable growth. Establishing a regional office in Nairobi strengthens our ability to identify opportunities and support the expansion of our subsidiaries across East Africa.”

As it accelerates its regional ambition, ER Group, one of Mauritius’s most profitable and diversified business groups, continues to combine strong financial performance with dedicated investment, giving it the capacity to support its expansion with discipline and long-term perspective. For the first half of FY26, the Group, listed on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and included in its Sustainability index (SEMSI), reported:

  • Revenue of MUR 23.2 billion ($492.7 million)
  • EBITDA of MUR 6.4 billion ($135.9 million)
  • Profit after tax of MUR 2.6 billion ($55.2 million)
  • Operating margin of 26%
  • Expected EBITDA FY26: MUR 12 billion ($254.8 million)

The Nairobi presence, combined with the creation of dedicated regional investment capacity, marks the start of a more active phase of expansion for ER Group, building on its existing footprint and financial capacity to deepen partnerships and pursue opportunities across East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of ER Group.

For more information, please contact:
Céline Guillot-Sestier
Chief Communication Executive | ER Group
E. celine.guillotsestier@ergroup.mu
T. +230 404 9500

About ER Group: 
ER Group is a leading Mauritian organisation listed on the Official Market of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius. The Group was created following the strategic merger of ENL and Rogers.

Today, ER Group employs more than 13,000 people and operates across 17 territories worldwide. The Group operates across seven business segments: Agribusiness, Real Estate, Hospitality & Travel, Logistics, Finance, Commerce & Manufacturing and Technology & Energy.

Guided by its purpose “Ignite today for a better tomorrow”, ER Group focuses on responsible growth and long-term value creation across the markets in which it operates.

An established operating presence across Africa

With operations across 17 territories worldwide, ER Group has an established presence across African markets, reflecting the steady expansion of its business segments beyond Mauritius.

Logistics

Velogic, ER Group’s logistics arm, has been active in Kenya since 2016 and strengthened its position through the acquisition of Rongai Workshop & Transport Ltd in 2023. Velogic provides cross-border freight forwarding, supply chain management, warehousing and transport solutions across the globe. The company also operates in Tanzania, Madagascar, India, Mauritius, and Réunion Island and generates around 50% of its profit from overseas activities.

Hospitality & Travel

ER Aviation supports airline operations across Africa through a range of aviation services. These include airline representation, ground handling coordination, aircraft support services and distribution of travel products.

It operates in Mauritius, Réunion Island, Mozambique, South-Africa, the Comoros, Mayotte, Namibia and Madagascar, working with international airlines and aviation partners such as Air France, Air Seychelles, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Air Austral, LATAM Airlines, Air Mauritius Cargo and TAAG Angolan Airlines, to support regional air connectivity.

In the hospitality sector, subsidiary New Mauritius Hotels, which operates Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, owns luxury hospitality assets in the Seychelles and Morocco and is currently finalising the acquisition of a five-star hotel in Zanzibar.

Finance

Rogers Capital, also plays a strategic role in ER Group’s regional expansion. Based in Mauritius, Seychelles and South-Africa, through its fiduciary, corporate and fund administration services, it supports international investors and African businesses in structuring cross-border investments. The company acts as a trusted service provider for clients investing into and across Africa and serves as a bridge between Africa and Asia through Mauritius’s international financial centre.

Rogers Capital is also a founding member of the Tax Africa Network, which brings together specialised firms across the continent to deliver coordinated tax and advisory solutions.

Technology and Energy

Rogers Capital Technology provides technology infrastructure and digital services across the region, including data centre infrastructure, connectivity services, cybersecurity solutions and enterprise digital platforms. The business operates in Madagascar and Rwanda and has also deployed fibre optic networks with points of presence in South-Africa and Kenya.

On the energy side, Ecoasis delivers sustainable energy solutions, through customised system design, installation and maintenance, supporting one of the largest photovoltaic footprints in Mauritius. It is also expanding with the recent launch of Ecoasis Zanzibar and a commercial partnership with Axian Group to serve Madagascar’s industrial energy market. Ecoasis is also building up presence in Seychelles to serve the local hospitality and real estate markets.

This footprint is reinforced by associates FRCI and Superdist. FRCI, in which ER Group holds 47%, adds enterprise technology and digital capabilities and is building export activity, while Superdist, 45%-owned, strengthens the segment’s position in IT distribution and services. Together, these associates extend the segment’s presence in Mauritius and Madagascar.

Media files

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Ghana Boycotts Africa Energies Summit as Industry Pushes Back Against Discrimination

Source: APO


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Ghana has moved to boycott the upcoming Africa Energies Summit in London this May, a decision that reflects growing frustration across the African oil and gas industry over discrimination, exclusion and the marginalization of African voices at events that claim to represent the continent’s energy future. Energy Chamber Ghana has released a statement calling on Ghanaian energy authorities to reconsider their participation in the summit, expressing deep concerns regarding discriminatory hiring practices and the continued exclusion of African professionals. The move sends a strong signal: Africa’s energy industry must be shaped with African institutions and companies at the center of the conversation.

The decision to withdraw mirrors similar actions taken by other African industry stakeholders in recent months and reflects a broader shift across the sector, where governments, national oil companies and indigenous firms are increasingly pushing back against platforms that exclude African participation. Mozambique made the decision to withdraw from the summit in March 2026, while petroleum ministers from the African Petroleum Producers Organization also moved to boycott the event. Ghana’s boycott is not simply about one event; it is about principle, representation and ensuring that African countries are treated as equal partners in discussions about their own resources.

The announcement by Energy Chamber Ghana follows careful consultation with stakeholders across the country’s petroleum, gas and broader energy ecosystem, with the Chamber calling on Ghanaian institutions, policymakers, engineers, investors and academics to take the approach – at least until corrective action is demonstrated by Frontier Energy Network, the organizers of the summit. The Chamber highlighted that “Ghana is not a spectator in Africa’s energy story,” and that, “Africa cannot be treated as a marketplace for attendance while Africans are treated as optional participants in execution.”

“Ghana has invested heavily in building engineers, economists, regulators and nnovators who are shaping this continent’s energy trajectory. Platforms that carry Africa’s name must reflect Africa’s people. Until we see transparency and measurable inclusion, it is both reasonable and responsible for stakeholders across our ecosystem to reconsider participation,” Joshua B. Narh LLM, MBA and Executive Chairman of the Energy Chamber Ghana said on LinkedIn.  

Ghana’s decision to boycott the event comes at a critical time for the country. With goals to stabilize oil production, monetize gas and shift capital toward infrastructure that anchors long-term industrial growth, the country is promoting African-led investment and development across its market. In 2026, the country is seeing consolidation by IOCs as well as accelerated expansion by indigenous operators. Around $3.5 billion has been committed to infill drilling and reservoir management to stabilize output, while efforts are underway to unlock new frontiers in the Voltaian Basin. The Jubilee and TEN licenses have been expanded to 2040, while advancements at the Second Gas Processing Plant, the 1.2 GW Thermal Power Plant and downstream LPG are anchoring Ghana’s gas strategy. These projects showcase a market that is moving in the right direction and eager to unlock more value from its resources.     

Despite this momentum, the actions of international conference producers to continue excluding African professionals’ risks undermining the very partnerships and growth the industry is trying to build. At a time when African countries are working to attract capital, build local capacity and strengthen regional energy cooperation, industry platforms should be supporting these goals – not creating barriers to participation. Energy Chamber Ghana highlighted valid concerns surrounding Frontier’s discriminatory approach to hiring Black professionals, emphasizing that Africa must not be invited to events to simply attend conversations about itself. According to the Chamber, local content must not be positioned as a conference theme, but reflected in practice by conference organizers themselves.

“Africa’s energy sector cannot accept a future where conferences built on African participation exclude African professionals from meaningful roles behind the scenes,” he noted.

Ultimately, Ghana’s call to boycott the Africa Energies Summit is about more than a single summit in London. It reflects a broader industry movement toward African-led development, African-led dialogue and African-led investment strategies. If Africa is to fully develop its oil, gas and energy resources, the continent must not only control its resources, but also its narrative, its platforms and its partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Gana boicota a Cimeira Africana de Energias enquanto o setor reage contra a discriminação

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Gana decidiu boicotar a próxima Cimeira Africana das Energias, que se realizará em Londres em maio deste ano, uma decisão que reflete a crescente frustração no setor africano do petróleo e do gás face à discriminação, à exclusão e à marginalização das vozes africanas em eventos que afirmam representar o futuro energético do continente. A Energy Chamber Ghana divulgou uma declaração apelando às autoridades energéticas ganesas para que reconsiderem a sua participação na cimeira, manifestando profunda preocupação relativamente às práticas de contratação discriminatórias e à contínua exclusão de profissionais africanos. Esta medida envia um sinal forte: a indústria energética africana deve ser moldada com as instituições e empresas africanas no centro do debate.

A decisão de se retirar reflete ações semelhantes tomadas por outras partes interessadas da indústria africana nos últimos meses e reflete uma mudança mais ampla em todo o setor, onde governos, companhias petrolíferas nacionais e empresas locais estão cada vez mais a opor-se a plataformas que excluem a participação africana. Moçambique tomou a decisão de se retirar da cimeira em março de 2026, enquanto os ministros do petróleo da Organização Africana de Produtores de Petróleo também decidiram boicotar o evento. O boicote do Gana não se refere simplesmente a um evento; trata-se de princípios, representação e de garantir que os países africanos sejam tratados como parceiros iguais nas discussões sobre os seus próprios recursos.

O anúncio da Câmara de Energia do Gana surge na sequência de uma consulta cuidadosa com as partes interessadas de todo o ecossistema do petróleo, gás e energia em geral do país, tendo a Câmara apelado às instituições, decisores políticos, engenheiros, investidores e académicos ganenses para que adotem esta abordagem — pelo menos até que sejam demonstradas medidas corretivas por parte da Frontier Energy Network, os organizadores da cimeira. A Câmara salientou que «o Gana não é um mero espectador na história energética de África» e que «África não pode ser tratada como um mercado para atrair participantes, enquanto os africanos são tratados como participantes opcionais na execução».

«O Gana investiu fortemente na formação de engenheiros, economistas, reguladores e inovadores que estão a moldar a trajetória energética deste continente. As plataformas que levam o nome de África devem refletir o povo africano. Até vermos transparência e inclusão mensurável, é razoável e responsável que as partes interessadas de todo o nosso ecossistema reconsiderem a sua participação», afirmou Joshua B. Narh, LLM, MBA e Presidente Executivo da Energy Chamber Ghana, no LinkedIn.

A decisão do Gana de boicotar o evento surge num momento crítico para o país. Com o objetivo de estabilizar a produção de petróleo, rentabilizar o gás e redirecionar o capital para infraestruturas que sustentem o crescimento industrial a longo prazo, o país está a promover o investimento e o desenvolvimento liderados por africanos em todo o seu mercado. Em 2026, o país está a assistir a uma consolidação por parte das IOCs, bem como a uma expansão acelerada por parte de operadores locais. Foram comprometidos cerca de 3,5 mil milhões de dólares para perfuração de preenchimento e gestão de reservatórios, com vista a estabilizar a produção, enquanto estão em curso esforços para explorar novas fronteiras na Bacia do Volta. As licenças Jubilee e TEN foram prorrogadas até 2040, enquanto os avanços na Segunda Unidade de Processamento de Gás, na Central Térmica de 1,2 GW e no setor a jusante do GPL estão a sustentar a estratégia de gás do Gana. Estes projetos demonstram um mercado que está a avançar na direção certa e ansioso por extrair mais valor dos seus recursos.   

Apesar deste impulso, as ações dos organizadores de conferências internacionais para continuar a excluir profissionais africanos correm o risco de comprometer as próprias parcerias e o crescimento que a indústria está a tentar construir. Numa altura em que os países africanos estão a trabalhar para atrair capital, desenvolver capacidades locais e reforçar a cooperação energética regional, as plataformas da indústria deveriam apoiar estes objetivos – e não criar barreiras à participação. A Câmara de Energia do Gana destacou preocupações válidas em torno da abordagem discriminatória da Frontier na contratação de profissionais negros, enfatizando que África não deve ser convidada para eventos apenas para assistir a conversas sobre si própria. Segundo a Câmara, o conteúdo local não deve ser posicionado como um tema da conferência, mas refletido na prática pelos próprios organizadores da conferência.

«O setor energético africano não pode aceitar um futuro em que conferências baseadas na participação africana excluam profissionais africanos de papéis significativos nos bastidores», observou.

Em última análise, o apelo do Gana ao boicote da Cimeira Africana de Energias vai além de uma única cimeira em Londres. Reflete um movimento mais amplo da indústria no sentido de um desenvolvimento liderado por África, um diá. liderado por África e estratégias de investimento lideradas por África. Para que África desenvolva plenamente os seus recursos de petróleo, gás e energia, o continente não deve controlar apenas os seus recursos, mas também a sua narrativa, as suas plataformas e as suas parcerias.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Le Ghana boycotte le Sommet Africa Energies alors que le secteur s’insurge contre la discrimination

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Ghana a décidé de boycotter le prochain Sommet sur les énergies en Afrique, qui se tiendra à Londres en mai prochain. Cette décision reflète la frustration croissante qui règne au sein du secteur africain du pétrole et du gaz face à la discrimination, à l’exclusion et à la marginalisation des voix africaines lors d’événements qui prétendent représenter l’avenir énergétique du continent. La Chambre africaine de l’énergie a publié une déclaration appelant les autorités ghanéennes chargées de l’énergie à reconsidérer leur participation au sommet, exprimant de vives inquiétudes concernant les pratiques d’embauche discriminatoires et l’exclusion persistante des professionnels africains. Cette initiative envoie un signal fort : l’industrie énergétique africaine doit être façonnée en plaçant les institutions et les entreprises africaines au centre du débat.

Cette décision de retrait fait écho à des actions similaires menées par d’autres acteurs du secteur africain ces derniers mois et reflète une évolution plus large au sein du secteur, où les gouvernements, les compagnies pétrolières nationales et les entreprises locales s’opposent de plus en plus aux plateformes qui excluent la participation africaine. Le Mozambique a pris la décision de se retirer du sommet en mars 2026, tandis que les ministres du pétrole de l’Organisation des producteurs africains de pétrole ont également décidé de boycotter l’événement. Le boycott du Ghana ne concerne pas simplement un événement ; il s’agit d’une question de principe, de représentation et de la garantie que les pays africains soient traités comme des partenaires égaux dans les discussions concernant leurs propres ressources.

L’annonce de l’Energy Chamber Ghana fait suite à une consultation approfondie avec les parties prenantes de l’écosystème pétrolier, gazier et énergétique au sens large du pays. La Chambre appelle les institutions ghanéennes, les décideurs politiques, les ingénieurs, les investisseurs et les universitaires à adopter cette approche, au moins jusqu’à ce que des mesures correctives soient prises par Frontier Energy Network, l’organisateur du sommet. La Chambre africaine de l’énergie a souligné que « le Ghana n’est pas un simple spectateur dans l’histoire énergétique de l’Afrique » et que « l’Afrique ne peut être traitée comme un marché où l’on se contente d’être présent, tandis que les Africains sont considérés comme des participants facultatifs dans la mise en œuvre ».

« Le Ghana a investi massivement dans la formation d’ingénieurs, d’économistes, de régulateurs et d’innovateurs qui façonnent la trajectoire énergétique de ce continent. Les plateformes qui portent le nom de l’Afrique doivent refléter les peuples africains. Tant que nous ne constaterons pas de transparence et d’inclusion mesurable, il est à la fois raisonnable et responsable pour les parties prenantes de notre écosystème de reconsidérer leur participation », a déclaré Joshua B. Narh, titulaire d’un LLM et d’un MBA et président exécutif de l’Energy Chamber Ghana, sur LinkedIn.

La décision du Ghana de boycotter l’événement intervient à un moment critique pour le pays. Avec pour objectifs de stabiliser la production pétrolière, de monétiser le gaz et de réorienter les capitaux vers des infrastructures qui ancrent la croissance industrielle à long terme, le pays encourage les investissements et le développement menés par l’Afrique sur l’ensemble de son marché. En 2026, le pays assiste à une consolidation par les compagnies pétrolières internationales ainsi qu’à une expansion accélérée des opérateurs locaux. Environ 3,5 milliards de dollars ont été engagés dans le forage d’intercalation et la gestion des réservoirs afin de stabiliser la production, tandis que des efforts sont en cours pour ouvrir de nouvelles frontières dans le bassin de la Volta. Les licences Jubilee et TEN ont été prolongées jusqu’en 2040, tandis que les avancées concernant la deuxième usine de traitement du gaz, la centrale thermique de 1,2 GW et le GPL en aval ancrent la stratégie gazière du Ghana. Ces projets témoignent d’un marché qui va dans la bonne direction et qui est désireux de tirer davantage de valeur de ses ressources.   

Malgré cette dynamique, les actions des organisateurs de conférences internationaux visant à continuer d’exclure les professionnels africains risquent de compromettre les partenariats et la croissance mêmes que le secteur tente de mettre en place. À l’heure où les pays africains s’efforcent d’attirer des capitaux, de renforcer les capacités locales et de consolider la coopération énergétique régionale, les plateformes du secteur devraient soutenir ces objectifs – et non créer des obstacles à la participation. L’Energy Chamber Ghana a mis en avant des préoccupations légitimes concernant l’approche discriminatoire de Frontier en matière de recrutement de professionnels noirs, soulignant que l’Afrique ne doit pas être invitée à des événements simplement pour assister à des discussions la concernant. Selon la Chambre, le potentiel local ne doit pas être présenté comme un thème de conférence, mais se refléter dans la pratique des organisateurs de conférences eux-mêmes.

« Le secteur énergétique africain ne peut accepter un avenir où des conférences fondées sur la participation africaine excluent les professionnels africains des rôles significatifs en coulisses », a-t-il noté.

En fin de compte, l’appel du Ghana à boycotter l’Africa Energies Summit va au-delà d’un simple sommet à Londres. Il reflète un mouvement plus large de l’industrie vers un développement, un dialogue et des stratégies d’investissement menés par l’Afrique. Si l’Afrique veut développer pleinement ses ressources pétrolières, gazières et énergétiques, le continent doit non seulement contrôler ses ressources, mais aussi son discours, ses plateformes et ses partenariats.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Gauteng Community Safety Committee calls for a safe and peaceful Easter

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Community Safety Committee calls for a safe and peaceful Easter

The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature has called on residents to prioritise safety during the Easter weekend.

The committee warned of increased risks on the roads over the holiday while also raising serious concern over the reported fatal shooting of a teenager by a police officer.

“As families travel and gather to observe this sacred period, we urge all road users to exercise heightened caution and responsibility,” the committee said in a statement, stressing the importance of obeying traffic laws and avoiding reckless behaviour.

The committee extended its wishes for a “safe, peaceful and blessed Easter weekend” to residents, noting that the holiday remains a time of reflection, renewal and spiritual significance for many Christians.

However, it cautioned that the period is often marked by a surge in traffic volumes, increasing the likelihood of accidents. 

Motorists were urged to refrain from drinking and driving and to comply fully with road regulations, as law enforcement agencies are expected to heighten visibility across the province.

Alongside its holiday message, the committee highlighted a troubling incident involving the alleged shooting death of a 16-year-old boy by a police officer. 

While details remain unclear, the committee described the matter as one of “utmost gravity”.

It welcomed the ongoing investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), emphasising the need for a thorough, transparent and swift process.

“The safety and security of all residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and women, remain a priority,” the committee said, adding that such incidents underscored the need for professionalism and accountability within law enforcement.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the case closely, expressing confidence that appropriate action will be taken in line with the law.

As the province heads into the Easter period, the committee reiterated its appeal for unity, compassion and vigilance, urging residents to celebrate responsibly while prioritising the safety of all. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine

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African Development Bank Group commits $80 million to Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) first census in over 40 years

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has announced an $80 million contribution towards the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s second General Population and Housing Census (RGPH2).

The announcement was made on 23 March 2026 in Kinshasa during a donor roundtable convening the census’s technical and financial partners. The Bank’s $80 million contribution represents a significant share of the $200 million in total commitments announced at the event.

The last population census in DRC was held in 1984. Since then, the country has undergone significant demographic transformation, with its population now estimated at more than 112.8 million inhabitants – almost four times the 1984 figure.

Of the Bank Group’s commitment, $50 million will fund census operations, while $30 million will support capacity-building for national institutions including the National Institute of Statistics (INS) and those involved in the planning, programming, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation (PPBME) chain.

Other partners, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations, also announced contributions. The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire pledged support for data collection equipment and knowledge exchange. The Congolese government has already mobilised $30 million from the state budget for the census.

“Far from being a simple technical or administrative exercise, this event marks a moment of truth for our country, an event where our nation decides we should get to know each other better to govern itself better, plan better and transform itself better,” said President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who chaired the roundtable.

President Tshisekedi added, “To continue to plan without reliable and up-to-date data would be to govern without visibility and therefore to weaken the capacity of the State to respond accurately to the expectations of the population.” The census, he stressed, is “an act of sovereignty, an instrument of public justice and an essential lever for the effectiveness of State action”.

Commenting on the Bank Group’s contribution, Mohamed Coulibaly, Country Programme Officer for DRC, said: “This is a historic moment. Drawing on its experience in supporting this type of process in Africa, the African Development Bank Group wishes to support the DRC, in particular through strengthening the INS and institutions aligned with the planning, programming, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation chain, in order to ensure the effective, transparent and sustainable implementation of this exercise.”

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact: 
Frédérique Pascale Essama Messanga
Communication and External Relations Department
African Development Bank
media@afdb.org              

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is the premier development finance institution in Africa. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with a field office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states.

For more information: www.AfDB.org

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République démocratique du Congo (RDC) : la Banque africaine de développement annonce une contribution de 80 millions de dollars pour le recensement de la population et de l’habitat

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a annoncé le 23 mars 2026 à Kinshasa, une contribution de 80 millions de dollars américains pour financer le deuxième Recensement général de la population et de l’habitat (RGPH2) de la République démocratique du Congo.

Cette annonce a été faite lors de la table ronde des partenaires techniques et financiers de la RDC. La contribution de la Banque représente une part significative des engagements totaux annoncés, estimés à 200 millions de dollars. La part du Groupe de la Banque sera consacrée aux opérations de recensement pour 50 millions de dollars et 30 millions de dollars affectés au renforcement des capacités de plusieurs institutions nationales, notamment l’Institut national de la statistique (INS) ainsi que les structures intervenant dans la chaîne de planification, de programmation, de budgétisation et de suivi-évaluation (PPBSE).

La Banque entend soutenir en priorité les opérations du RGPH2, tout en consolidant durablement le système statistique national.

D’autres partenaires, notamment la Banque mondiale, le Fonds monétaire international, le Système des Nations unies ont également annoncé leurs contributions. La République de Côte d’Ivoire a annoncé un soutien en équipements de collecte de données et en partage d’expérience. Le gouvernement congolais a déjà mobilisé 30 millions de dollars pour l’opération, sur le budget de l’Etat.

« Loin d’être une simple séquence technique ou administrative, cet événement marque un moment de vérité pour notre pays, un événement où notre nation décide de mieux se connaître pour mieux se gouverner, mieux se planifier et mieux se transformer », a déclaré le président congolais Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo qui a présidé l’ouverture et la clôture de la table ronde.

Le dernier recensement de la population en RD Congo a eu lieu en 1984, depuis, le pays a enregistré une transformation démographique majeure, sa population étant estimée aujourd’hui à plus de 112,8 millions d’habitants.

« Continuer à planifier sans des données fiables et actualisées, reviendrait à gouverner sans visibilité et donc à affaiblir la capacité de l’État à répondre avec justesse aux attentes de la population », a poursuivi le chef de l’État soulignant que le recensement est « un acte de souveraineté, un instrument de justice publique et un levier essentiel d’efficacité de l’action de l’État ».

Dans cette même dynamique, Mohamed Coulibaly, Chargé de programme pays de la Banque pour la RD Congo, a souligné, lors de l’annonce de la contribution de la Banque : « C’est un moment historique. Fort de son expérience dans l’accompagnement de ce type de processus en Afrique, le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement souhaite appuyer la RDC, notamment à travers le renforcement de l’INS et des institutions alignées sur la chaîne de planification, programmation, budgétisation et suivi-évaluation, afin d’assurer une mise en œuvre efficace, transparente et durable de cet exercice. »

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias : 
Frédérique Pascale Essama Messanga
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org            

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux.

Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org.

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República Democrática do Congo (RDCongo): Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento anuncia contribuição de 80 milhões de dólares para o recenseamento da população e da habitação

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) anunciou, a 23 de março de 2026, em Kinshasa, uma contribuição de 80 milhões de dólares para financiar o segundo Recenseamento Geral da População e da Habitação (RGPH2) da República Democrática do Congo (RDCongo).

Este anúncio foi feito durante a mesa redonda dos parceiros técnicos e financeiros da RDCongo. A contribuição do Banco representa uma parte significativa dos compromissos totais anunciados, estimados em 200 milhões de dólares. A parte do Grupo Banco será destinada a operações de recenseamento no valor de 50 milhões de dólares e 30 milhões de dólares serão afetados ao reforço da capacitação de várias instituições nacionais, nomeadamente o Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INS), bem como as estruturas envolvidas na cadeia de planeamento, programação, orçamentação e acompanhamento-avaliação (PPBSE).

O Banco tenciona apoiar prioritariamente as operações do RGPH2, consolidando simultaneamente de forma sustentável o sistema estatístico nacional.

Outros parceiros, nomeadamente o Banco Mundial, o Fundo Monetário Internacional e o Sistema das Nações Unidas, anunciaram igualmente as suas contribuições. A República da Costa do Marfim anunciou um apoio em termos de equipamento de recolha de dados e partilha de experiências. O governo congolês já mobilizou 30 milhões de dólares para a operação, a partir do orçamento do Estado.

“Longe de ser uma simples sequência técnica ou administrativa, este evento marca um momento de verdade para o nosso país, um evento em que a nossa nação decide conhecer-se melhor para se governar melhor, planear-se melhor e transformar-se melhor”, declarou o presidente congolês, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, que presidiu à abertura e ao encerramento da mesa redonda.

O último recenseamento da população na RDCongo teve lugar em 1984; desde então, o país registou uma transformação demográfica significativa, estimando-se hoje a sua população em mais de 112,8 milhões de habitantes.

“Continuar a planear sem dados fiáveis e atualizados equivaleria a governar sem visibilidade e, por conseguinte, a enfraquecer a capacidade do Estado de responder adequadamente às expectativas da população”, prosseguiu o chefe de Estado, sublinhando que o recenseamento é “um ato de soberania, um instrumento de justiça pública e uma alavanca essencial para a eficácia da ação do Estado”.

Nessa mesma linha, Mohamed Coulibaly, responsável pelo programa nacional do Banco para a República Democrática do Congo, sublinhou, aquando do anúncio da contribuição do Banco: “Este é um momento histórico. Com base na sua experiência no acompanhamento deste tipo de processos em África, o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento deseja apoiar a RDCongo, nomeadamente através do reforço do INS e das instituições alinhadas com a cadeia de planeamento, programação, orçamentação e acompanhamento-avaliação, a fim de garantir uma implementação eficaz, transparente e sustentável deste exercício”.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media: 
Frédérique Pascale Essama Messanga
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

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Call to remain alert on the roads this Easter 

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to remain alert on the roads this Easter 

As the Easter Holiday period gets into full swing, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) urgers the cross-border road transport operators to remain alert while transporting passengers and goods across the borders to various parts of the continent.

This as the agency has heightened the deployment of its law enforcement unit, the Road Transport Inspectorate (RTI)  to major corridors that lead to border posts which link South Africa with neighbouring countries. 

“It is our collective  responsibility as law enforcement authorities, motorists and general road users to ensure accident-free roads during the Easter period and beyond. It is for this reason that we have deployed our RTI and heightened our law enforcement operations and related activities on all major routes in the country to ensure compliance,” said CEO of the C-BRTA, Lwazi Mboyi.

This  heightened deployment is meant to match the expected high traffic volumes in respect of freight and passenger vehicles as well as to ensure compliance to relevant road rules. 

At the launch of the 2026 Easter Season Road Safety Campaign in March, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy called on the C-BRTA to heighten its law enforcement activities and for the RTI to increase its visibility along all major corridors that lead to border posts. 

The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) facilitates the unimpeded flow of freight and passenger cross-border movements and plays a critical role in the implementation of cross-border road transport agreements and issuing of cross-border operator permits. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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