Category: Africa

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Le Prof. Frank Stangenberg HaverKamp et Dr. Rasha Kelej, le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck, rencontrent la Première Dame du Gabon pour souligner leur engagement à long terme en faveur du développement sanitaire, social et économique du Gabon

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Fondation Merck (www.Merck-Foundation.com), la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, a officiellement lancé ses programmes en partenariat avec S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame de la République Gabonaise, également Ambassadrice de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », les programmes qui ont débuté en 2024 dans le but de transformer la prise en charge des patients, de renforcer les capacités de soins, de briser la stigmatisation de l’infertilité, d’autonomiser les femmes, de soutenir l’éducation des filles au Gabon et dans le reste de l’Afrique.

Le programme était présidé par la Première Dame du Gabon, S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, le Chairman du Conseil d’Administration de la Fondation Merck, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, et la CEO de la Fondation Merck, Dr. Rasha Kelej. Le programme a eu lieu à la Présidence, au Gabon.

Sénatrice, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret), CEO de la Fondation Merck et Présidente de la campagne « Plus Qu’une Mère », a souligné : « C’est un grand honneur de rencontrer ma chère sœur, S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame du Gabon. Nous l’avons officiellement déclarée Ambassadrice de la campagne « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère ». Nous avons également officiellement lancé les programmes de la Fondation Merck dans le pays et avons souligné notre engagement envers le renforcement des capacités de soins de santé et des médias, ainsi que la transformation du paysage des soins aux patients, briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et soutenir l’éducation des filles, ensemble dans le pays »

Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp a ajouté : « Notre objectif est d’améliorer la santé et le bien-être général des populations en renforçant les capacités de soins de santé en Afrique, en Asie et dans d’autres pays en voie de développement. Nous sommes fermement engagés à transformer le paysage des soins aux patients grâce à notre programme de bourses. »

S.E. Madame ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, Première Dame de la République Gabonaise et Ambassadrice de la « Fondation Merck Plus Qu’une Mère », a déclaré : « C’est un plaisir d’accueillir et de rencontrer le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck dans notre pays. Ensemble, nous avons officiellement lancé nos programmes conjoints et avons également célébré des étapes importantes du grand succès de nos programmes conjoints visant à renforcer les capacités de soins de santé, transformer les soins aux patients, briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité et soutenir l’éducation des filles. C’est la première fois que nous travaillons sur des programmes aussi percutants, c’est une histoire en devenir. Nous avons atteint beaucoup de choses dans un laps de temps très court, grâce à notre partenariat à long terme, qui a débuté en 2024.

Je suis très fière de partager que grâce à notre partenariat, nous avons accordé 16 bourses à nos prestataires de soins de santé locaux qui seront les futurs experts de la santé du Gabon, qui ont obtenu leur diplôme, suivent ou commenceront bientôt les bourses de formation de la Fondation Merck dans des spécialités critiques et mal desservies telles que la Fertilité, Embryologie, Oncologie, Diabète et Hypertension

« Je suis également très heureuse de partager qu’avec la Première Dame du Gabon, nous soutenons également l’éducation des filles en offrant des bourses annuelles pour soutenir l’éducation de 40 écolières très performantes mais défavorisées, jusqu’à ce qu’elles obtiennent leur diplôme, afin qu’elles puissent atteindre leur potentiel et réaliser leurs rêves », a ajouté le Dr. Rasha Kelej.

La Fondation Merck a accordé plus de 2 600 bourses à des prestataires de soins de santé de 52 pays dans 44 spécialités médicales critiques et mal desservies.

Sur un total de 16 bourses accordées au Gabon, la Fondation Merck a fourni :

  • 4 bourses en Fertilité et Embryologie. Il s’agissait de formations pratiques en Inde. Le tout premier embryologiste du pays a été formé grâce à ce programme.
  • 4 bourses pour le Diabète et l’Hypertension, dont un master spécial sur le diabète de 3 mois en langue française et une bourse clinique sur le Diabète et Hypertension. À la fin de la formation, ces spécialistes disposeront de l’expertise nécessaire pour établir des cliniques dédiées dans les hôpitaux et les centres de santé, améliorant ainsi considérablement la prévention et la prise en charge du diabète, de l’hypertension et des maladies cardiaques, apportant d’immenses avantages à la population gabonaise.
  • 8 bourses pour les soins infirmiers en oncologie, ce qui est très essentiel pour les soins contre le cancer.

Lors du programme de lancement, les bénéficiaires du programme Éduquer Linda étaient également présents, où quelques-uns d’entre eux ont partagé des témoignages inspirants sur la façon dont les bourses ont changé leur vie.

« Je crois vraiment que lorsque les filles sont éduquées, leurs pays deviennent plus puissants, plus forts et plus prospères », a ajouté la Sénatrice Kelej.  

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Gabon, a lancé sept livres d’histoires pour enfants, « Plus Qu’une Mère », « Éduquer Linda », « Le Secours de Jackline », « Pas qui vous êtes », « Une balade vers le futur », « Jude Sans Sucre » et « La Tension de Mark ». Ces livres abordent des problèmes sociaux et sanitaires critiques pour les jeunes enfants. Quelques exemplaires des livres d’histoires ont été signés par la Première Dame du Gabon, le Chairman et la CEO de la Fondation Merck. Des milliers d’exemplaires de ces livres d’histoires seront distribué aux écoliers.

De plus, la Fondation Merck a organisé deux éditions de sa Formation des Médias sur la Santé En Ligne pour les journalistes gabonais afin de leur permettre de sensibiliser à des questions sensibles telles que briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, mettre fin à la VBG, mettre fin au mariage des enfants et aux MGF et sensibiliser sur la prévention et le dépistage précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

La Fondation Merck, en partenariat avec la Première Dame du Gabon, a également annoncé l’Appel à Candidatures pour ses 8 importants prix annuels destinés aux médias, musiciens, créateurs de mode, cinéastes, étudiants et nouveaux talents potentiels dans ces domaines.

Détails des Prix :

1. Prix de Reconnaissance des Médias Africains de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : les représentants des médias et les étudiants en journalisme sont invités à présenter leur travail pour sensibiliser l’opinion à un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

2. Prix du Film de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 :  tous les cinéastes africains, étudiants des établissements de formation en réalisation cinématographique ou jeunes talents d’Afrique sont invités à créer et à partager un long ou un court métrage, qu’il s’agisse d’un drame, d’un documentaire ou d’un docudrame, pour transmettre des messages forts et influents sur un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

3. Prix de la Mode de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : tous les étudiants et créateurs de mode africains sont invités à créer et à partager des créations pour transmettre des messages forts et influents afin de sensibiliser à un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

4. Prix de la Chanson de la Fondation Merck « Plus Qu’une Mère » 2026 : tous les chanteurs et artistes musicaux africains sont invités à créer et à partager une CHANSON dans le but d’aborder un ou plusieurs des problèmes sociaux suivants tels que : briser la stigmatisation liée à l’infertilité, soutenir l’éducation des filles, l’autonomisation des femmes, mettre fin au mariage des enfants, mettre fin aux MGF et/ou mettre fin à la VBG à tous les niveaux.

Date limite de soumission : 30 septembre 2026.

5. Prix de Reconnaissance des Médias de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : les représentants des médias sont invités à présenter leur travail à travers des messages forts et influents pour promouvoir un mode de vie sain et sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

6. Prix du Film de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les cinéastes africains, étudiants des établissements de formation en réalisation cinématographique ou jeunes talents d’Afrique sont invités à créer et à partager un long ou un court FILMS, qu’il s’agisse d’un drame, d’un documentaire ou d’un docudrame, pour délivrer des messages forts et influents visant à promouvoir un mode de vie sain et à sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

7. Prix de la Mode de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les étudiants et créateurs de mode africains sont invités à créer et à partager des créations pour transmettre des messages forts et influents visant à promouvoir un mode de vie sain et à sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

8. Prix de la Chanson de la Fondation Merck « Diabètes & Hypertension » 2026 : tous les chanteurs et artistes musicaux africains sont invités à créer et à partager une CHANSON dans le but de promouvoir un mode de vie sain et de sensibiliser à la prévention et à la détection précoce du diabète et de l’hypertension.

Date limite de soumission : 30 octobre 2026.

Postulez ici : https://merck-foundation.com/Awards-Online-Application-Form (https://apo-opa.co/4wZX75l)

Les candidatures pour tous les prix doivent être soumises par courrier électronique à : submit@merck-foundation.com

Distribué par APO Group pour Merck Foundation.

Contact :
Mehak Handa
Responsable du programme de sensibilisation communautaire
Téléphone : +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
E-mail : mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Rejoignez la conversation sur nos plateformes de réseaux sociaux ci-dessous et faites entendre votre voix :
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Télécharger l’Application de la Fondation Merck : (https://apo-opa.co/4gNgFoF)

À propos de la Fondation Merck : 
La Fondation Merck, créée en 2017, est la branche philanthropique de Merck KGaA Allemagne, vise à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des populations et à faire progresser leur vie grâce à la science et à la technologie. Nos efforts sont principalement axés sur l’amélioration de l’accès à des solutions de soins de santé de qualité et équitables dans les communautés mal desservies, à renforcer les capacités de recherche sur les soins de santé et la recherche scientifique, l’autonomisation des filles à travers l’éducation et l’autonomisation des personnes en STEM (Science, Technologie, Ingénierie et Mathématiques) avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes. Tous les communiqués de presse de la Fondation Merck sont distribués par e-mail en même temps qu’ils deviennent disponibles sur le site Web de la Fondation Merck. Veuillez visiter www.Merck-Foundation.com (https://apo-opa.co/4vHwG30) pour en savoir plus. Pour en savoir plus, contactez nos réseaux sociaux de la Fondation Merck : Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4wWPSuW), X (https://apo-opa.co/4wXQkZP), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/44Iimwo), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wXmvbL), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/452aK8d) et Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4wUE10f).

La Fondation Merck se consacre à l’amélioration des résultats sociaux et sanitaires pour les communautés dans le besoin. Bien qu’elle collabore avec divers partenaires, y compris des gouvernements, pour atteindre ses objectifs humanitaires, la fondation reste strictement neutre sur le plan politique. Elle ne s’engage pas et ne soutient pas d’activités, d’élections ou de régimes politiques, se focalise uniquement sur sa mission d’élever l’humanité et d’améliorer le bien-être tout en maintenant une position strictement apolitique dans toutes ses activités.

Media files

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Ugandan women work in the Middle East even though they face abuse. They told us why

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hanne O. Mogensen, Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen

Labour migration from Uganda to the Middle East has surged since the early 2000s, with many young women travelling for employment as domestic workers. Most of these jobs are in Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

However, researchers, journalists and organisations like Human Rights Watch and the International Labour Organisation have documented the widespread abuse and exploitation of Ugandan migrant domestic workers by their employers.

Cases include physical, sexual and psychological abuse, and restrictions on movement. Collectively, these accounts point to conditions that have been described as “modern slavery”.

The Ugandan government has attempted to regulate recruitment agencies and negotiate bilateral agreements on working conditions. It’s had limited success.

Networks of authorised and unauthorised recruitment agencies, and rows of posters in Kampala, continue to lure women with promises of well-paid domestic work in the Middle East. This is despite reports of exploitation surfacing regularly in Ugandan media.

Governments and organisations should protect the rights of migrant domestic workers. But it’s equally important to recognise these women as active agents, not just victims.

We are social scientists who research changing gender relations in Uganda. In a recent paper, we studied women’s decisions to migrate to the Middle East for domestic work. We wanted to understand why so many do so even though they are aware of the risks.

Between 2018 and 2022, we interviewed a group of Ugandan women who had worked in the Middle East. We use the term “Middle East” broadly because our focus was on the women’s experiences rather than the differences between the countries where they worked.

We were interested in why they’d migrated and how their experiences abroad affected their lives back home.

Their stories revealed striking contradictions. They spoke of slavery, humiliation and confinement, but also about “becoming somebody” through migrant domestic work.

This points to the reforms needed to improve working conditions abroad and expand opportunities at home.

Gender shifts

In countries where a majority of the population depends on the informal sector or subsistence agriculture, migrant work offers unmarried women, in particular, a rare opportunity to earn an income.

In Uganda, family identity and social status are traced through the father. Marriage has traditionally been formalised through the payment of bridewealth by the man’s family to the woman’s family.

Formalised marriage has become less common in recent decades, however. In the 1995 census, 64% of Ugandan women aged 15-49 described themselves as “married”, while 9% said they were “co-habiting”. By 2016, only 30% of women considered themselves married, while 30% were co-habiting.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics stopped distinguishing between marriage and cohabitation in 2022. But close to 40% of the population considers itself neither married nor cohabiting.

Read more: Men still dominate Uganda’s party politics – women’s participation is mostly cosmetic

During our fieldwork, we found that men are finding it increasingly difficult to pay bridewealth. As a result, many women spend their adult lives in a blend of partnerships; men go in and out of their lives while they remain with their children.

Women in our study linked their decision to migrate to the Middle East to men’s failure to live up to the ideal of being providers. They saw migration as a way to gain control over resources rather than waiting for a relationship to be formalised with a man who would then provide for them.

As one of our respondents stated:

First find yourself some money – marriage will always be there.

The women saw themselves as people who had taken their future into their own hands.

They readily acknowledged the harsh realities of the work. Many spoke of losing their freedom and encountering degrading attitudes towards women and, at times, racism. Yet, as one woman put it:

First get yourself the Arab experience then maybe you will become the lucky one who manages to move on to something else.

They hoped migrant work would be the first step towards a new life. And for some women in our study it did happen. They got better jobs in other countries.

Many however, did not. They returned several times to the Middle East before eventually settling down in Uganda.

Some returned home with savings, which they couldn’t do on a Ugandan wage. Earnings in the Middle East vary widely, so getting precise amounts proved difficult. And at home, they faced competing demands, like sharing resources with relatives and trying to build a permanent home of their own.

Read more: What does a house mean to you? We asked some women who head households in South Africa

Even though many women never marry, motherhood remains a powerful social expectation. One in three Ugandan households are headed by women, according to the 2022 demographic survey. We found that even more women are actually heads of households even if a man is around some of the time.

Ugandans may say that a woman is “fathering a home” in the sense that she is building a house for herself and her children, making decisions and controlling resources. Not everybody succeeds in doing so, even after years in the Middle East. But some do. And the hope is there.

Power dynamics of migration

Recruitment agencies and other intermediaries profit from those hopes. The women’s “Arab bosses” may make possible the lives they aspire to build, while sustaining exploitative and oppressive labour relationships.

These experiences are shaped by wider global inequalities.

European countries are part of this unequal system. They restrict opportunities for low-wage migrants through tightening immigration policies. In doing so, they reinforce inequalities in who can move, where they can work and under what conditions.

The women in our study didn’t describe themselves as trying to challenge global inequalities or transform existing power structures. Rather, they sought greater control over resources and decision-making within their families and communities.

Their main motivation was to provide for their families. Yet they are also reshaping power and gender relations in Uganda and beyond.

– Ugandan women work in the Middle East even though they face abuse. They told us why
– https://theconversation.com/ugandan-women-work-in-the-middle-east-even-though-they-face-abuse-they-told-us-why-284367

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Jobs abroad or jobs in Africa? Why a focus on work in other countries shouldn’t replace opportunities at home

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Michael Boampong, Visiting Fellow, The Open University

African governments are increasingly encouraging young people to work abroad. To address youth unemployment at home, for example, Ghana and Kenya have expanded labour mobility agreements with other countries. These include Spain, Qatar and Caribbean states.

Agreements with Gulf countries have largely focused on construction and service-sector jobs. But newer partnerships with Caribbean countries are targeting skilled professionals like nurses and healthcare workers.

These arrangements can create structured pathways for people to work abroad, often in sectors where labour is in high demand.

Many African countries have large and growing youth populations struggling to get decent jobs. Meanwhile, wealthier economies face ageing populations and labour shortages. Evidence suggests that 71.7% of young adult (25-29) workers in sub-Saharan Africa are engaged in “insecure” work. At the same time, countries across Europe and elsewhere need labour in sectors such as care, agriculture and construction. Matching workers to labour shortages abroad appears to offer a practical solution.

But a deeper question emerges. What are the long-term development implications of governments promoting overseas employment as an economic strategy?

We study migration governance and youth aspirations in Ghana. We have examined how governments, international actors and young people understand the role of migration in development. Drawing on documentary analysis, interviews with policymakers and migration stakeholders, and ethnographic research with young people in Ghana, our recent research found that policymakers increasingly adopt an “economic gains” lens. They view migration as a source of remittances, skills and investment. On the other hand, young people’s aspirations to migrate remain rooted in limited opportunities and broader socioeconomic realities.

Our study focused on migration governance rather than labour mobility agreements themselves. However, it raises the question of what happens when seeing migration as an economic resource begins to shape labour mobility policy.

The drivers

In Ghana, remittances account for 6% of the country’s GDP. In 2024, this was about US$4.6 billion. It was far more than foreign direct investment and official development assistance combined that year. Expanding overseas employment is therefore seen as increasing these inflows while easing pressure on domestic labour markets.

One example of the implications concerns the protection of migrant workers.

Recent research from Kenya has shown how governments may encourage overseas employment even when protections for migrant workers remain uneven. This is an important concern, but misses a larger issue.

Broader development trade-offs can receive less attention. Even where labour mobility agreements are relatively well regulated, they may still contribute to structural challenges at home, such as the loss of skilled workers in critical sectors like health and education.

Ghana provides a clear example. The country is already experiencing a significant outflow of health professionals. Records show 500 nurses have left every month in recent years to work abroad. At the same time, health systems at home remain under pressure, with high patient-to-healthcare personnel ratios and limited resources.

This has prompted wider debates about ethical recruitment from countries already facing healthcare workforce shortages. Promoting further migration, even under formal agreements, raises important questions. Can countries sustain essential services while easing the departure of skilled workers? And how do these policies affect long-term investments in human capital?

What happens when migrants return?

Our research also highlights the importance of thinking about migration as a broader development process rather than simply movement across borders. As labour mobility expands, the question of what happens when migrants return is becoming increasingly important. Many migrants eventually return home, bringing skills, experience and financial resources.

Return migration can support entrepreneurship, innovation and local development. But these outcomes are not automatic. The UN World Youth Report on Youth and Migration suggests that returnees often require effective reintegration support and access to economic opportunities to translate the skills and experience acquired abroad into local development gains. Policies such as skills recognition and access to finance can help make this possible.

Rethinking labour mobility

One implication of our research is that migration policies should be embedded within broader development strategies rather than judged only by their immediate economic returns. This does not mean labour mobility should be discouraged. Rather, it should complement (not replace) investments in decent work, skills development and strong public institutions at home. Labour mobility is therefore not inherently negative. When well designed, it can contribute to both individual and national development.

For this to happen, it needs to move beyond a narrow focus on job placement abroad.

First, strategic partnerships between governments, employers, education and training institutions, recruitment agencies and international organisations are essential. This could involve jointly designed training programmes, mutual recognition of qualifications, and agreements where destination countries invest in training skilled workers in origin countries.

Second, reintegration needs to be taken more seriously. Providing access to finance, training and employment opportunities for returnees can help translate migration experiences into local economic development gains.

Third, labour mobility should not replace domestic job creation but complement it. Governments need to continue investing in sectors that can offer young people decent work at home, rather than relying on migration as the primary solution to youth unemployment or underemployment.

The key question is how migration fits into a broader development strategy.

Labour mobility can create opportunities for individuals and families. But it cannot substitute for long-term investments in decent work, education and economic transformation at home.

If treated simply as a short-term solution to unemployment, labour mobility risks deepening inequalities and weakening already fragile systems. When embedded in a broader development strategy, it can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable growth.

– Jobs abroad or jobs in Africa? Why a focus on work in other countries shouldn’t replace opportunities at home
– https://theconversation.com/jobs-abroad-or-jobs-in-africa-why-a-focus-on-work-in-other-countries-shouldnt-replace-opportunities-at-home-282616

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Viridien Brings Global Seismic Intelligence to Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as Bronze Sponsor

Source: APO


.

Global technology and data company Viridien is strengthening its presence in Angola through advanced seismic imaging, reprocessing and multi-client data programs designed to support the country’s next phase of exploration. The company has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, taking place September 9-10 with a pre-conference day on September 8, as a Bronze Sponsor, highlighting the growing role of subsurface intelligence as operators evaluate new acreage and pursue higher-confidence drilling targets.

Angola is accelerating exploration across offshore and onshore basins to replenish reserves and sustain crude production above one million barrels per day. This strategy is driving demand for higher-resolution seismic data that can help companies better understand complex geological structures, reduce uncertainty and identify prospective opportunities before committing capital to drilling.

Viridien maintains extensive 3D broadband seismic coverage across the Lower Congo and Kwanza basins, two of Angola’s most established offshore exploration regions. Its datasets support prospect generation and acreage evaluation across producing areas, as well as emerging deepwater and pre-salt plays.

A key component of Viridien’s Angolan portfolio is a regional 3D pre-stack depth migration dataset covering more than 7,200 km². The dataset delivers enhanced imaging of pre-salt and post-salt structures, where complex geology can make conventional interpretation challenging. These insights enable operators to refine geological models, prioritize prospects and better assess exploration opportunities.

Viridien expanded its portfolio in 2025 with the launch of a seismic reimaging program covering Block 22. The approximately 4,300 km² dataset is designed to support evaluation of underexplored structures along the Atlantic Hinge zone ahead of Angola’s upcoming licensing round. Final results are expected in the second half of 2026, providing prospective investors with updated subsurface insights as they assess potential participation in the block.

The program comes as Angola works to attract new entrants and encourage existing operators to increase exploration activity. Major developments in the Kwanza Basin, renewed interest in Namibe and Benguela, and upcoming licensing opportunities are expanding the range of acreage under evaluation. At the same time, operators are revisiting mature areas where improved seismic processing can reveal overlooked prospects close to existing infrastructure.

Viridien’s Bronze Sponsorship of AOG 2026 will connect the company with operators, regulators and investors assessing Angola’s next generation of exploration opportunities. By enabling more informed acreage evaluation and prospect selection, Viridien’s seismic technologies can help reduce exploration uncertainty and support the development of future drilling campaigns.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Innovation and partnerships key to securing South Africa’s water future

Source: Government of South Africa

Innovation and partnerships key to securing South Africa’s water future

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, says innovation, research and strong partnerships will be critical to securing South Africa’s water future, as the country confronts growing challenges posed by climate change, ageing infrastructure and water demand.

Majodina made the remarks at the opening of Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Biennial Conference and Exhibition, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Held from 22–24 July 2026, under the theme: “Rethink Amanzi – Securing Our Future” –  the conference has brought together more than 2 000 delegates, including scientists, engineers, researchers, policymakers, municipalities, development partners and private sector representatives in Southern Africa, to explore solutions for improving water security across South Africa and the continent.

Majodina said the conference provides one of Africa’s leading platforms for advancing research, innovation, and collaboration in the water sector.

“The increasingly complex challenges confronting the water sector cannot be solved by any single institution acting alone,” the Minister said.

She highlighted the Department of Water and Sanitation’s long-standing partnership with WISA, saying the collaboration has strengthened professional development, technical capacity, policy development, and innovation within the sector.

According to the Minister, securing the country’s water future will require more than investing in infrastructure.

“It will demand new forms of leadership, new governance models, new financing mechanisms, new technologies and, perhaps most importantly, a renewed commitment to collective action,” Majodina said.

Majodina said delegates will over the next three days interrogate some of the most pressing issues confronting the sector, including resilient infrastructure, innovative financing, water governance and accountability, climate adaptation, digital technologies, groundwater development, water reuse, circular economy approaches, citizen science, municipal performance, youth leadership and the future of water research.

She described innovation as central to government’s efforts to move from managing recurring water crises to building long-term water security.

“The future of water security will be built through innovation, collaboration and evidence-based policymaking,” Majodina said.

The Minister said research also has a vital role in shaping policy and improving service delivery.

Hundreds of technical papers will be presented during the conference, covering issues including emerging contaminants, reuse, Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate adaptation, and advanced treatment.

“The future depends on generating, applying and sharing knowledge so that research informs policy and improves service delivery at scale,” Majodina said.

She also stressed the importance of developing the next generation of water professionals, saying investment in engineers, scientists, researchers, and young practitioners is essential to the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Majodina said technological advances, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and smart monitoring systems, are transforming water management by improving predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and decision-making. However, she emphasised that technology complements, rather than replaces, skilled professionals.

The Minister also called for stronger partnerships between government, academia, business, civil society and development partners to mobilise investment and accelerate innovation.

She said blended financing models that combine public, private and development finance would be needed to meet the scale of investment required to modernise water infrastructure while maintaining water as a public good.

Beyond South Africa, Majodina said regional cooperation remains vital to strengthening water security.

She noted that South Africa recently co-chaired the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Water and Energy, where member states reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration on shared watercourses, climate resilience, and regional infrastructure development.

The country has also proposed the establishment of a SADC Water Week to strengthen regional collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation across the water sector.

Majodina urged delegates to use the conference to forge new partnerships, exchange ideas and develop practical solutions that will improve water security for millions of people.

“The true success of this conference will be measured by partnerships formed, innovations adopted, institutions strengthened and tangible improvements for millions of South Africans,” the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Defence Lekgotla urged to deliver action, not another ‘talk shop’

Source: Government of South Africa

Defence Lekgotla urged to deliver action, not another ‘talk shop’

The inaugural Defence Industry Lekgotla has been challenged to deliver practical solutions to revitalise South Africa’s defence industry, with government and Parliament warning that the gathering must not become “another talk shop” as the sector grapples with years of underfunding and shrinking acquisition opportunities.

Held at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria from 20 to 22 July, the Defence Industry Lekgotla brought together about 300 delegates from government, industry, labour and academia to chart a path towards rebuilding the country’s defence capabilities.

Addressing delegates on Tuesday, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Major General (Retired) Bantu Holomisa called for an honest assessment of the Department of Defence’s challenges, saying years of funding constraints have left the department struggling to meet its broad mandate.

He said the department faces mounting infrastructure backlogs, ageing military facilities in need of maintenance and modernisation, deteriorating prime mission equipment, inadequate military housing and healthcare facilities, as well as ongoing funding, skills and research challenges.

“The reality is that the Department has substantial responsibilities, but the resources available to meet all those responsibilities are limited. We cannot pretend otherwise.

“The question before us is therefore not whether the problems exist. The Department cannot simply assume that every infrastructure backlog, every equipment requirement and every modernisation project will be fully funded through additional allocations from the National Treasury. That is not a realistic assumption,” Holomisa said.

While acknowledging the financial constraints, Holomisa stressed that government cannot accept the steady decline of South Africa’s strategic defence capabilities.

He warned that allowing military bases and critical infrastructure to deteriorate would ultimately prove more costly than investing in timely maintenance, adding that military personnel should not be expected to live and work in conditions that undermine their dignity and morale.

“We must therefore consider additional and innovative ways of mobilising capital and expertise,” he said.

Holomisa welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) 30-year force modernisation strategy, Journey to Greatness, saying it marks an important step towards reversing years of defence budget cuts.

“The timing of this conference is great because Cabinet has approved the Journey to Greatness, meaning the Defence Budget will look different and be in line with the instruction of the President that the Defence defunding must be arrested and the defence budget should grow to a favourable 1.5% of the GDP,” he said.

Members of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence said the long-awaited Lekgotla comes after years of constrained defence spending, declining procurement opportunities and broader economic pressures that have placed significant strain on the defence sector.

They said a sustainable defence industrial base is critical not only for national security but also for advanced manufacturing, research and innovation, skills development, employment creation and export growth.

Joint Standing Committee on Defence Co-Chairperson Phiroane Phala said Parliament had long advocated for a forum of this nature.

“The fact that we have now arrived at this point is a positive development, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute constructively to these discussions,” Phala said.

He added that South Africa’s understanding of sovereignty must evolve to meet the realities of modern warfare.

“Our understanding of sovereignty must reflect the realities of modern warfare and modern defence technology. Sovereign capability does not necessarily mean that every capability must be produced entirely within our borders. Rather, it means that South Africa must retain the ability to maintain operational freedom, protect critical technologies, sustain essential capabilities, and make strategic decisions in the national interest,” he said.

Phala noted that Parliament’s calls for the Lekgotla were informed by years of engagement with organisations such as the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association, South African defence companies and oversight work involving institutions including the National Conventional Arms Control Committee.

Meanwhile, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said South Africa has the industrial capacity to compete in the global defence market but requires stronger coordination and long-term planning.

He described Cabinet’s approval of Journey to Greatness as a significant milestone that provides the defence industry with the predictable long-term demand signal it has lacked for the past three decades.

Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans Chairperson Dakota Legoete said Parliament was participating in the Lekgotla not merely as an observer but to fulfil its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

“We participate because we represent the people of South Africa, and because our constitutional mandate requires us to exercise oversight over the executive and the defence establishment. Our role is to contribute constructively to these deliberations, while also ensuring that the outcomes of this Lekgotla translate into actions that advance the public interest and strengthen our national defence capability,” Legoete said.

He said Parliament would closely monitor implementation of the Lekgotla’s resolutions.

“The Portfolio Committee, together with the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, will monitor the Minister’s response to the resolutions adopted and the final plan put forward. We will exercise oversight over the implementation plan that follows and assess progress against the commitments made during this Lekgotla. Where needed and identified, we will also drive the necessary legislative process,” Legoete said.

To ensure the Lekgotla delivers lasting results, Holomisa proposed that discussions on public-private partnerships in the defence sector become a standing agenda item at meetings of Parliament’s defence committees.

“The question is whether we will continue to respond to our needs only when the crisis has already emerged, or whether we will develop a long-term model that allows us to plan, invest, modernise and sustain our defence capabilities.

“To avoid this from being a talk shop, I am requesting that my colleagues in Parliament, the Portfolio Committee and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence ensure that this PPP discussion becomes a standing agenda item in all their meetings. This will help monitor implementation,” Holomisa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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NourishNext : Soutenir l’innovation portée par les jeunes dans les chaînes de valeur des fruits et légumes en Afrique de l’Ouest

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’Alliance mondiale pour une nutrition améliorée (GAIN) (www.GAINHealth.org), en partenariat avec la Direction du développement et de la coopération (DDC) suisse, la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) et le mouvement Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN), a lancé le défi ‘NourishNext West Africa 2026 : Youth Agrifood Innovation Challenge’’ (Lien: https://apo-opa.co/4gQO16a).

Télécharger le document : https://apo-opa.co/4fgzG1D

NourishNext est un défi d’innovation régional qui vise à identifier, soutenir et mettre en valeur des solutions portées par des jeunes pour améliorer la disponibilité, l’accessibilité, le caractère abordable et la consommation de fruits et légumes au Bénin, au Nigeria, en Côte d’Ivoire et au Sénégal.

Les participants franchiront plusieurs étapes d’évaluation, notamment l’examen des candidatures, l’évaluation par des experts, le mentorat et des événements nationaux de présentation des innovations. Les innovateurs sélectionnés auront ensuite l’opportunité de présenter leurs solutions lors du Salon régional de l’innovation NourishNext Afrique de l’Ouest, qui se tiendra à Dakar, au Sénégal, plus tard dans l’année. Tout au long du parcours, ils bénéficieront d’un accompagnement pour renforcer leurs innovations, accroître leur visibilité, nouer des partenariats avec des experts et des acteurs clés, et accéder à un financement d’amorçage destiné à accélérer le développement de leurs solutions.

Le Défi propose un parcours structuré qui ne se limite pas à identifier des innovations prometteuses dans les chaînes de valeur des fruits et légumes, mais qui offre également aux jeunes innovateurs l’accompagnement, les compétences et la visibilité nécessaires pour accélérer leur impact. 

Le système agroalimentaire de l’Afrique de l’Ouest emploie plus de 60 % de la population active et contribue à près d’un tiers du PIB de la région. Pourtant, la consommation de fruits et légumes reste bien en deçà des niveaux recommandés. Dans le même temps, les jeunes et les femmes continuent de faire face à des niveaux élevés de chômage et de sous-emploi, alors même qu’ils représentent l’une des principales forces d’innovation et d’entrepreneuriat de la région.

“À la Direction du développement et de la coopération suisse (DDC), nous sommes convaincus que les jeunes comptent parmi les moteurs les plus puissants de l’innovation et du développement durable en Afrique de l’Ouest. Le défi d’innovation NourishNext Afrique de l’Ouest 2026 est essentiel, car il offre une plateforme de mentorat, d’expertise et de partenariats permettant de transformer des solutions prometteuses en innovations capables de changer d’échelle, au service de systèmes alimentaires plus résilients et d’une meilleure nutrition”, a déclaré Amanda Ammann, Ambassade de Suisse au Sénégal et Responsable du Programme Systèmes alimentaires à la Direction du développement et de la coopération suisse (DDC).

Donner aux jeunes les moyens de transformer les systèmes alimentaires

Les jeunes innovateurs connaissent directement les défis auxquels leurs communautés sont confrontées et sont particulièrement bien placés pour concevoir des solutions concrètes permettant d’améliorer la manière dont les fruits et légumes sont transformés, commercialisés et consommés. NourishNext est conçu pour mobiliser cette créativité et cet esprit entrepreneurial en soutenant des innovations qui répondent aux principaux obstacles rencontrés tout au long de la chaîne de valeur des fruits et légumes.

Le Défi recherche des entreprises et des innovateurs dirigés par des jeunes qui développent des solutions dans quatre domaines prioritaires :

  • La valorisation et la transformation des fruits et légumes ;
  • L’intégration des fruits et légumes produits localement dans les programmes publics de nutrition et de protection sociale, notamment les programmes d’alimentation scolaire ;
  • Les solutions de marché et de chaînes d’approvisionnement ;
  • La stimulation de la demande des consommateurs et le changement des comportements en faveur d’une alimentation saine.

Les candidats doivent être établis au Bénin, en Côte d’Ivoire, au Nigéria ou au Sénégal. Leur innovation doit avoir dépassé le stade de l’idée et avoir atteint au minimum celui du prototype, du projet pilote, du test en conditions réelles ou d’une première validation commerciale. La plateforme s’intéresse tout particulièrement aux innovations qui réduisent les pertes post-récolte, améliorent le stockage frigorifique et la logistique, facilitent l’accès aux marchés et favorisent une plus grande consommation de fruits et légumes nutritifs.

“L’architecture institutionnelle du Bénin en matière d’alimentation et de nutrition, du Conseil de l’Alimentation et de la Nutrition aux recommandations alimentaires nationales, montre que nous sommes prêts à transformer les engagements en actions concrètes. Le défi d’innovation NourishNext Afrique de l’Ouest aidera les jeunes innovateurs béninois à commercialiser des produits à valeur ajoutée, à intégrer les programmes d’alimentation scolaire et les marchés publics, et à lever les obstacles qui limitent l’accès des ménages à des aliments nutritifs”, a déclaré Françoise Sayi, Directrice pays de GAIN Bénin.

NourishNext n’est pas seulement un concours : c’est une plateforme conçue pour aider les jeunes innovateurs à développer leurs activités et à accroître leur impact. Tout au long du Défi, les participants auront l’occasion de renforcer leur modèle économique ou leur programme, d’améliorer l’impact nutritionnel de leurs innovations et d’entrer en relation avec des mentors, des partenaires, des investisseurs et de nouveaux marchés.

En favorisant la collaboration, l’apprentissage entre pairs, l’accompagnement technique et les opportunités d’investissement, NourishNext ambitionne de renforcer l’écosystème régional de l’innovation et d’accélérer le développement de solutions qui rendent les régimes alimentaires sains plus accessibles dans toute l’Afrique de l’Ouest.

Au Bénin, cette initiative devrait contribuer à rapprocher l’entrepreneuriat des jeunes des priorités nationales en matière de nutrition et des engagements politiques du pays.

“NourishNext s’adresse aux entreprises dirigées par des jeunes qui ont déjà dépassé le stade de l’idée et disposent d’un prototype, d’un projet pilote ou d’une première validation sur le marché. Cette initiative s’appuie sur les travaux de GAIN Benin visant à renforcer les chaînes de valeur des aliments nutritifs, à soutenir les petites et moyennes entreprises et à créer les liens commerciaux ainsi que l’écosystème d’accompagnement nécessaires pour transformer des solutions prometteuses en entreprises capables de changer d’échelle”, a déclaré Françoise Sayi, Directeur pays de GAIN Bénin.

Les candidatures au Défi d’innovation des jeunes dans les systèmes agroalimentaires NourishNext Afrique de l’Ouest 2026 sont ouvertes depuis le 8 juillet 2026. Les jeunes innovateurs âgés de 18 à 35 ans, ainsi que les entreprises dirigées par des femmes dont la responsable est âgée de 40 ans au maximum, originaires du Bénin, de la Côte d’Ivoire, du Nigéria ou du Sénégal, sont invités à déposer leur candidature et à présenter leurs solutions innovantes visant à renforcer les chaînes de valeur des fruits et légumes nutritifs en Afrique de l’Ouest. Postulez ici : [Lien: https://apo-opa.co/4vBIyUd]

Distribué par APO Group pour Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Liens supplémentaires :
Nutrition Connect: https://apo-opa.co/4vBIyUd
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN): www.GAINHealth.org

Réseaux sociaux :
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Benin – LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/44MsdkK
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Nigeria – LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4gMcKs8

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NourishNext: Supporting Youth-Led Innovation in West Africa’s Fruit and Vegetable Value Chains

Source: APO

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) (www.GAINHealth.org), in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC),  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, has launched the NourishNext West Africa 2026 : Youth Agrifood Innovation Challenge (Link). NourishNext is a regional innovation challenge that will identify, support, and showcase youth-led solutions that improve the availability, accessibility, affordability, and consumption of fruits and vegetables across Benin, Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4fgzG1D

Participants will progress through a series of evaluation stages, including application screening, expert assessment, mentorship, and national pitch events, before selected finalists advance to a regional finale in Dakar, Senegal, later this year. Along the way, innovators will receive opportunities to strengthen their innovative solutions, gain visibility, connect with experts and partners, and compete for seed funding to help scale their solutions.

The Challenge is designed to provide a structured pathway that not only identifies promising innovations across the fruit and vegetable value chains but also equips young innovators with the support and exposure needed to accelerate their impact.

West Africa’s agrifood system employs over 60 percent of the workforce and contributes nearly a third of the GDP, yet fruit and vegetable consumption across the region remains far below recommended levels. At the same time, young people and women continue to face high levels of unemployment and underemployment, despite being one of the region’s strongest sources of innovation and enterprise.

“At the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), we believe young people are among the most powerful drivers of innovation and sustainable development across West Africa. The NourishNext West Africa 2026 innovation challenge is important because it provides a platform for mentorship, expertise, and partnerships that turn promising solutions into scalable ones, for building stronger food systems and better nutrition” said Amanda Ammann – Ambassade de Suisse au Senegal and Programme Manager Food Systems, Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC)

Empowering Youth to Transform Food Systems 

Young innovators understand the challenges facing their communities firsthand and are uniquely positioned to develop practical solutions that improve how fruits and vegetables are processed, marketed, and consumed. NourishNext is designed to harness that creativity and entrepreneurial drive by supporting innovations that address key bottlenecks across the fruit and vegetable value chain.

The Challenge is seeking youth-led enterprises and innovators developing solutions in four areas: 

  • Value addition and processing; 
  • Integration of locally produced fruits and vegetables into public nutrition and social protection programmes, such as school feeding; 
  • Market and supply chain solutions; and
  • Consumer demand and healthy diet behaviour change. 

Applicants must be based in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, or Senegal and should have progressed beyond the idea stage, and should be having at least a prototype, pilot, field-tested solution, or early market traction.The platform is particularly interested in innovations that reduce post-harvest losses, improve cold storage and logistics, help expand market access, and increase consumption of nutritious fruits and vegetables.

“NourishNext is designed for youth-led enterprises that are already beyond the idea stage, with prototype, pilot or early market traction. It builds on GAIN Nigeria’s ongoing work to strengthen nutritious food value chains, support small and medium enterprises, and create the market linkages and ecosystem support that help promising solutions become scalable businesses,” said Dr. Michael Ojo, Country Director, GAIN Nigeria.

NourishNext is not just a competition, it is a platform designed to help promising youth-led innovators grow and scale their impact. Throughout the Challenge, participants will have opportunities to strengthen their business models or programmes, enhance the nutrition impact of their innovations, and connect with mentors, partners, investors, and new markets. By fostering collaboration, peer learning, technical support, and investment opportunities, NourishNext aims to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem and accelerate solutions that make healthy diets more accessible across West Africa.

In Benin, the initiative is expected to help connect youth entrepreneurship with the country’s broader nutrition priorities and policy commitments. “Benin’s food and nutrition architecture, from the Food and Nutrition Council to dietary guidelines, means we are ready to translate commitment into action. The NourishNext West Africa innovation challenge, will help young Beninese innovators commercialise value-added produce, plug into school feeding and public procurement, and reduce barriers that keep nutritious food out of households,” said Françoise Sayi, Country Director, GAIN Benin.

Applications for the NourishNext West Africa Youth Agrifood Innovation Challenge 2026 officially opened on 8 July 2026. Young innovators aged 18–35 years, and women-led enterprises with women leaders up to 40 years of age, from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, or Senegal, are invited to apply and showcase their innovative solutions for strengthening nutritious fruit and vegetable value chains across West Africa. Apply here Link (https://apo-opa.co/4gQO16a). ​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Additional Links: 
Nutrition Connect: https://apo-opa.co/4vBIyUd
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN): www.GAINHealth.org

Social Media: 
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Benin – LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/44MsdkK
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Nigeria – LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4gMcKs8

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Libya Energy Summit Launches Upstream Hub to Drive Production Growth

Source: APO


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Libya is placing upstream investment at the core of its energy strategy, with a dedicated Upstream Hub set to convene during the upcoming Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2027 in Tripoli from January 23–25. The day-long strategic platform will bring together the Ministry of Oil and Gas, the National Oil Corporation (NOC), international oil companies, service providers and investors to accelerate exploration, production growth and technology deployment across Libya’s hydrocarbon sector.

The Upstream Hub comes as Libya transitions from a successful licensing phase into an execution-driven growth cycle. Following the country’s first upstream licensing round in 17 years, the Ministry of Oil and Gas and NOC are now focused on converting newly awarded exploration acreage into production, while preparing a second licensing round expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

The 2025/2026 licensing round offered 22 exploration blocks across Libya’s most prospective onshore and offshore basins. Five blocks were awarded to international operators, with production sharing agreements signed in June 2026, while the remaining acreage is expected to return to market under revised fiscal terms through the new Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA-V) framework.

Reflecting these developments, the Upstream Hub will open with “Licensing in Focus: 2027 Bid Round Expectations and Exploration Updates,” examining EPSA-V revisions, anticipated commercial reforms and exploration priorities as Libya seeks stronger participation in the relaunch of unawarded acreage.

The “Exploration Mandate: Onshore, Offshore and Frontier Basins” session will assess opportunities across the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins, as well as offshore prospects in the Pelagian Basin and frontier deepwater acreage. Discussions will support Libya’s objective of increasing crude production from approximately 1.4 million bpd to 1.6 million bpd in the near term, with a longer-term target of 2 million bpd.

Digital transformation will also feature prominently through the “AI, Digital Oilfields and Smart Production Technologies” session, showcasing advancements such as Sirte Oil Company’s AI-assisted drilling campaign using SLB technology, alongside smart field systems, real-time monitoring, cloud analytics and automated digital measurement solutions being deployed across Libya’s upstream operations.

As Libya targets the drilling of 70 to 100 new exploration and appraisal wells annually, the “Fast-Tracking Brownfield Redevelopment and Unconventional Plays” session will examine enhanced oil recovery, mature asset optimization and unconventional resource development. Ongoing work by established international operators and service firms including major global energy players highlights the role of redevelopment, infrastructure upgrades and shale resource evaluation in accelerating production growth.

Building domestic capability remains central to the Ministry’s strategy. The “Building the Service Ecosystem for Libya’s Production Growth” session will explore local content development, workforce training, technology transfer and partnerships between international operators and Libyan service companies to strengthen long-term industry capacity.

Completing the agenda, the “Gas as a Growth Engine” session will examine offshore gas development, domestic supply expansion and export potential, while the “Decarbonizing Libya’s Upstream Sector” session will focus on emissions reduction, digital efficiency, methane management and lower-carbon production practices.

Together, the Upstream Hub positions LEES 2027 as a leading platform for shaping Libya’s next phase of upstream investment, technological modernization and sustainable production growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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KZN Legislature adopts R168.2 billion budget

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN Legislature adopts R168.2 billion budget

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has welcomed the adoption of the province’s R168.2 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, marking an important milestone towards driving economic growth, strengthening service delivery and improving the lives of residents. 

The budget, approved by the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Tuesday, provides a firm foundation for the province’s continued journey from recovery to renewal and reflects government’s commitment to responsible financial management, fiscal discipline and sustainable development. 

Rodgers said the budget is aligned with the Provincial Financial Recovery Plan and is designed to protect frontline services, while creating conditions necessary for inclusive economic growth. 

More than 80% of provincial expenditure has been allocated to the Education, Health and Social Development departments, with additional funding earmarked to ease budgetary pressures in the education and health sectors. 

This includes support for the equalisation of Grade R teachers’ salaries and the strengthening of critical healthcare services.

The budget also prioritises infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth. Significant funding has been allocated for road maintenance, the rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by natural disasters, and investments in early childhood development, agriculture, tourism and public infrastructure to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities across the province.

Rodgers described the adoption of the budget as a strong vote of confidence in the province’s future.

“Taking into account the constrained fiscal environment, this budget reflects the shared commitment of the Government of Provincial Unity to build a stronger, more resilient KwaZulu-Natal. It protects essential services, invests in our people, and creates opportunities for economic growth and job creation. Most importantly, it positions our province to move forward with confidence as we work together to deliver a better future for all citizens,” Rodgers said. 

The MEC said the provincial government will now focus on implementing the budget and ensuring that every rand spent delivers meaningful value to communities.

“Through sound governance, strategic investment and a continued focus on service delivery, the provincial government remains committed to building a prosperous, inclusive and growing KwaZulu-Natal,” Rodgers said.

eNdumeni urged to adopt credible budget

Meanwhile, Rodgers has engaged with eNdumeni Mayor Mcebo Mkhize, senior councillors and municipal officials to discuss solutions to the political and administrative challenges that have prevented the municipality from adopting its 2026/27 budget, a breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

The meeting, held on Monday, was attended by senior officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Treasury, the Provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and members of the MEC’s Ministry. 

According to the provincial treasury, discussions were constructive, with all stakeholders expressing a shared commitment to finding a solution that places the interests of eNdumeni residents first. 

KwaZulu-Natal Treasury and Provincial CoGTA reiterated their availability to support the municipality in developing a credible and funded budget that will safeguard service delivery and improve the municipality’s financial sustainability.

The meeting also discussed a proposed plan to address the municipality’s debt to Eskom, which will be presented to the municipal council for consideration and possible adoption. 

Rodgers said the people of eNdumeni deserve a municipality that is focused on service delivery and sound financial management.

“The focus of the budget and its approval should be in the best interests of the residents of eNdumeni. The people of eNdumeni are not all interested in politics, but all stand to benefit from affordable and sustainable services. The KZN Treasury team is committed to assisting the local municipality,” Rodgers said.

The MEC reminded the municipality that the provincial government has resolved that eNdumeni must adopt a credible and funded budget by 31 July 2026, failing which the municipality will be dissolved, and an administrator will be appointed.

However, Rodgers emphasised that such an outcome is not the preferred option of the provincial government and that every effort should be made to resolve outstanding matters through cooperation and responsible leadership.

Rodgers also urged councillors to remain guided by the principle of putting principles before politics, and to work together in the interests of the community.

“The provincial government remains confident that, through continued engagement and collaboration, eNdumeni can adopt a credible budget that strengthens governance, protects service delivery and supports the municipality’s long-term development,” Rodgers said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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