Category: Africa

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NPO ordered to pay back ‘unlawful’ NLC funding

Source: Government of South Africa

NPO ordered to pay back ‘unlawful’ NLC funding

The Special Tribunal has declared that the National Lotteries Commission’ (NLC) decision to award a R4 million grant to non-profit organisation (NPO) Mshandukani Foundation unlawful, reviewing and setting it aside.

The Tribunal has also ruled that the funds be repaid, including interest.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) had investigated the funding, which found irregularities in the awarding as well as use of the funds.

“[The] investigation… revealed that the funding application was based on a [borehole] project that had already been completed several years earlier and that the grant funds were diverted to entities linked to the foundation’s leadership.

“The SIU’s investigation found that the Mshandukani Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation (NPO), applied in February 2019 for grant funding of R4 708 000 to implement a community development project aimed at providing clean water to communities in the Eastern Cape.

“The application, signed by the Mshandukani Foundation’s Chairperson, Pretty Shandukani, to the NLC indicated that the project would benefit 8015 vulnerable people and create 15 part-time jobs. It also included operational costs such as salaries, stipends, audit fees, bank charges and travel expenses,” the SIU explained.

The funding was approved by former NLC Chief Operating Officer Phillemon Letwaba and was further distributed to various individuals and organisations including some R3.6 million paid to Preldon Construction CC, a company owned by Pretty Mshandukani.

“From the R3.6 million, R500 000 was paid… to Ironbridge Travelling Agency and Events (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Mr Letwaba’s wife, Ms Rebotile Malomane, and R550 000 was paid… to Mshandukani Holdings, purportedly as a loan.

“Furthermore, Preldon Construction made several payments of R700 000 to Mshandukani Foundation, R2.1 million to Mshandukani Holdings, R150 000 to an associate, and R120 000 to Mr Mshandukani’s personal account. Additionally, R39 675 was paid to Rocbit Drilling Equipment,” the SIU said.

The investigation also found:

  • The borehole work itself was of poor quality.
  • Engcobo Local Municipality had no legal authority over the schools and clinics because responsibility for water services rests with the Chris Hani District Municipality.
  • Mshandukani Foundation lacked the necessary approvals under the South African Schools Act and had failed to consult the Department of Basic Education, as required.

“The SIU also discovered that two employees of Mshandukani Holdings, a geologist intern and a receptionist, had been listed as members of the foundation without their knowledge or consent.

“The SIU found that neither the foundation, Mr Letwaba, Ironbridge Travelling Agency and Events, nor Ms Malomane had provided any explanation for how the grant funds were used,” the corruption busting unit added.

The SIU was authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at the NLC through Proclamation R32 of 2020 signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za

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Líderes em conteúdo local vão impulsionar a agenda de desenvolvimento da força de trabalho na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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À medida que África entra num novo ciclo de investimento energético, a formação de uma força de trabalho local qualificada tornou-se tão importante quanto a captação de capital. A Conferência e Exposição da African Energy Week (AEW), que decorrerá de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, coloca este tema no centro da sua agenda, com a participação de figuras de destaque nas áreas do desenvolvimento de competências, da formação da força de trabalho e das políticas de conteúdo local.

O painel de oradores inclui Nillian Mulemi, CEO da Petrofund, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Secretário Executivo do Conselho de Desenvolvimento e Monitorização de Conteúdo Nigeriano (NCDMB), e Loïc du Rusquec, Membro do Conselho Executivo e Administrador da IFP Training. Juntos, reúnem décadas de experiência no desenvolvimento de reservas de talentos nacionais, no reforço da capacidade institucional e na garantia de que os profissionais locais estejam preparados para apoiar projetos energéticos cada vez mais complexos em todo o continente.

Fundada em 1993, a Petrofund promove o desenvolvimento do capital humano através de bolsas de estudo, apoio institucional e parcerias estratégicas que reforçam o ensino das ciências, da engenharia e das áreas técnicas. A organização opera com o mandato de formar a mão-de-obra qualificada necessária para apoiar a emergente indústria petrolífera a montante da Namíbia. Com a TotalEnergies a avançar para a decisão final de investimento (FID) do projeto Venus em 2026 e a corrida para a primeira produção de petróleo até 2030 em curso, a Petrofund pretende posicionar a juventude da Namíbia na vanguarda do próximo capítulo de desenvolvimento do país. Espera-se que Mulemi partilhe a sua visão sobre esta estratégia durante a AEW 2026.

Em representação da Nigéria, Ogbe junta-se à conferência num momento em que o país se esforça por atingir os dois milhões de barris por dia na produção de petróleo, impulsionado por uma nova onda de investimentos na ordem dos mil milhões de dólares. O NCDMB coloca as empresas e os empreendedores nigerianos no centro desta dinâmica de investimento, promovendo o desenvolvimento e a utilização das capacidades internas para a industrialização do país. Marcos recentes refletem esta visão, incluindo o lançamento de um programa de excelência académica denominado «Cradle-to-Career», uma nova certificação de formação em petróleo e gás e um programa de desenvolvimento de capital humano introduzido em parceria com a TotalEnergies e a Geoplex.

Entretanto, enquanto líder na formação profissional e no desenvolvimento de competências para os setores da energia, mobilidade e ambiente, a IFP Training oferece programas especializados que abrangem a exploração, a produção, a refinação, as tecnologias de transição energética e a excelência operacional, ajudando empresas e governos a reforçar as capacidades da força de trabalho nos setores energéticos tradicionais e emergentes. Através das suas parcerias com operadores e instituições nacionais em todo o mundo, a IFP Training continua a apoiar o desenvolvimento de profissionais técnicos altamente qualificados, capazes de responder às exigências em constante evolução da indústria energética global. Du Rusquec participa na AEW 2026 para debater o impacto destes programas no setor energético africano.

«O futuro energético de África não será determinado apenas pelos projetos que desenvolvemos, mas pelas pessoas que capacitamos para os liderar. Desenvolver competências técnicas locais, reforçar as instituições nacionais e criar oportunidades para os profissionais africanos são elementos essenciais para garantir que o continente tire o máximo partido dos seus recursos naturais», afirma NJ Ayuk, presidente executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Les acteurs clés du contenu local vont piloter le programme de développement des ressources humaines lors de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Alors que l’Afrique entre dans un nouveau cycle d’investissements énergétiques, la constitution d’une main-d’œuvre locale qualifiée est devenue tout aussi importante que l’attraction de capitaux. La conférence et le salon African Energy Week (AEW), qui se tiendront du 12 au 16 octobre au Cap, placent ce thème au cœur de leur programme, avec la participation d’intervenants de premier plan dans les domaines du développement des compétences, de la formation de la main-d’œuvre et de la politique de contenu local.

Parmi les intervenants figurent Nillian Mulemi, PDG de Petrofund, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, secrétaire exécutif du Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), et Loïc du Rusquec, membre du comité exécutif et administrateur d’IFP Training. À eux trois, ils apportent plusieurs décennies d’expérience dans le développement de viviers de talents nationaux, le renforcement des capacités institutionnelles et la mise en œuvre de mesures visant à garantir que les professionnels locaux soient dotés des compétences nécessaires pour soutenir des projets énergétiques de plus en plus complexes à travers le continent.

Créé en 1993, Petrofund favorise le développement du capital humain par le biais de bourses, d’un soutien institutionnel et de partenariats stratégiques qui renforcent l’enseignement des sciences, de l’ingénierie et des disciplines techniques. L’organisation a pour mission de constituer la main-d’œuvre qualifiée nécessaire pour soutenir l’industrie pétrolière en amont émergente de la Namibie. Alors que TotalEnergies vise la décision finale d’investissement (FID) pour le projet Venus en 2026 et que la course à la première production de pétrole d’ici 2030 bat son plein, Petrofund entend placer la jeunesse namibienne au premier plan du prochain chapitre du développement du pays. M. Mulemi devrait partager son point de vue sur cette stratégie lors de l’AEW 2026.

Représentant le Nigeria, M. Ogbe participe à la conférence à un moment où le pays s’efforce d’atteindre une production pétrolière de deux millions de barils par jour, porté par une nouvelle vague d’investissements de plusieurs milliards de dollars. Le NCDMB place les entreprises et les entrepreneurs nigérians au cœur de cette dynamique d’investissement en favorisant le développement et l’utilisation des capacités nationales pour l’industrialisation du pays. Des étapes récentes témoignent de cette vision, notamment le lancement d’un programme d’excellence académique « Cradle-to-Career », d’une nouvelle certification de formation dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, ainsi que d’un programme de développement du capital humain mis en place en collaboration avec TotalEnergies et Geoplex.

Par ailleurs, en tant que leader de la formation professionnelle et du développement des compétences dans les secteurs de l’énergie, de la mobilité et de l’environnement, IFP Training propose des programmes spécialisés couvrant l’exploration, la production, le raffinage, les technologies de transition énergétique et l’excellence opérationnelle, aidant ainsi les entreprises et les gouvernements à renforcer les compétences de leur main-d’œuvre dans les secteurs énergétiques traditionnels et émergents. Grâce à ses partenariats avec des opérateurs et des institutions nationales du monde entier, IFP Training continue de soutenir le développement de professionnels techniques hautement qualifiés, capables de répondre aux exigences en constante évolution de l’industrie énergétique mondiale. M. du Rusquec participera à l’AEW 2026 pour discuter de l’impact de ces programmes sur le secteur énergétique africain.

« L’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique ne sera pas déterminé uniquement par les projets que nous développons, mais par les personnes que nous formons pour les diriger. Renforcer l’expertise technique locale, consolider les institutions nationales et créer des opportunités pour les professionnels africains sont essentiels pour garantir que le continent tire pleinement parti de la valeur de ses ressources naturelles », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Capital Takes Center Stage at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as Finance Leaders Join Speaker Lineup

Source: APO


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Angola’s investment landscape will take center stage at the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition 2026, taking place September 9–10 with a pre-conference day on September 8, as a lineup of leading financial institutions joins the program. Senior representatives from the Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group), the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Houlihan Lokey, Gemcorp Capital and Banco Sol will share insights into mobilizing capital, overcoming financing constraints and supporting the next phase of growth across Angola’s oil and gas value chain.

TDB Group continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading development finance institutions, supporting infrastructure, energy and industrial projects across the continent. In Angola, the bank introduced the Angola Export and Trade Development Facility in partnership with the Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund in 2025 to expand export capacity and improve access to infrastructure financing. Gift Moonga, Chief Executive, Southern Africa & Island States, is expected to discuss how innovative financing mechanisms such as this can strengthen Angola’s position as a regional energy hub.

As one of Africa’s largest trade finance institutions, Afreximbank has become a major financier of Angola’s upstream, downstream and energy infrastructure projects. Its recent investments include a $1.3 billion facility for the Soyo fertilizer plant, announced in 2025, and a $1.75 billion syndicated receivables purchase facility for Sonangol in early 2026, supporting the national oil company’s operating and capital expenditure requirements. Peter Olowononi, Director, Regional Operations, Southern Africa, will examine the role of development finance in accelerating Angola’s energy ambitions.

JP Hanson, Managing Director and Global Head of the Oil & Gas Group at Houlihan Lokey, joins the conference as the global investment bank continues to expand its advisory work across the energy sector. Through its dedicated Oil & Gas Group, the firm advises upstream, midstream, downstream and oilfield services companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, restructuring and strategic transactions. Hanson is expected to provide a global perspective on investment trends and capital markets shaping the energy industry.

Imbono, the operational platform of Gemcorp has established a significant presence in Angola’s energy sector through investments in strategic infrastructure. These include the Cabinda Refinery, in which Gemcorp holds a 90% stake, and which commenced operations in 2025 with an initial processing capacity of 30,000 barrels per day. The firm also partnered with Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund in 2025 to launch a $500 million Africa-focused infrastructure fund aimed at expanding access to project finance across the continent. Pablo Mattos, Head of Downstream Operations, will speak at AOG 2026.

Meanwhile, Banco Sol – one of Angola’s leading financial institutions – continues to play an important role in improving access to finance for domestic companies operating across the oil and gas value chain. The bank recently partnered with the Association of Companies Providing Services to the Angolan Oil Industry to strengthen financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, underscoring the growing importance of domestic financial institutions in supporting local participation and project delivery. Osvaldo Lemos Macaia, President of the Executive Committee, has joined the AOG 2026 speaker lineup.

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

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Local Content Leaders to Drive Workforce Development Agenda at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO


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As Africa enters a new energy investment cycle, building a skilled local workforce has become just as important as attracting capital. The African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition, taking place on October 12-16 in Cape Town, positions this topic at the center of its program agenda, with leading voices in skills development, workforce training and local content policy speaking.

The speaker lineup includes Nillian Mulemi, CEO, Petrofund, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Loïc du Rusquec, Executive Board Member and Board Director, IFP Training. Together, they bring decades of experience developing national talent pipelines, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring local professionals are equipped to support increasingly complex energy projects across the continent.

Established in 1993, Petrofund advances human capital development through scholarships, institutional support and strategic partnerships that strengthen science, engineering and technical education. The organization operates under a mandate to build the skilled workforce needed to support Namibia’s emerging upstream petroleum industry. With TotalEnergies pursuing Venus FID in 2026 and the race for first oil production by 2030 on, Petrofund aims to position Namibia’s youth at the forefront of the country’s next development chapter. Mulemi is expected to share insight into this strategy during AEW 2026.

Representing Nigeria, Ogbe joins the conference at a time when the country is striving to reach two million barrels per day in oil production, driven by a renewed wave of billion-dollar investments. The NCDMB positions Nigerian companies and entrepreneurs at the center of this investment drive by promoting the development and utilization of in-country capacities for the industrialization of the country. Recent milestones reflect this vision, including the launch of a Cradle-to-Career academic excellence program, new oil and gas training certification and a human capital development program introduced alongside TotalEnergies and Geoplex.

Meanwhile, as a leader in professional training and skills development for the energy, mobility and environment sectors, IFP Training delivers specialized programs covering exploration, production, refining, energy transition technologies and operational excellence, helping companies and governments strengthen workforce capabilities across traditional and emerging energy sectors. Through its partnerships with operators and national institutions worldwide, IFP Training continues to support the development of highly skilled technical professionals capable of meeting the evolving demands of the global energy industry. Du Rusquec joins AEW 2026 to discuss the impact of these programs on Africa’s energy sector.

“Africa’s energy future will not be determined solely by the projects we develop, but by the people we equip to lead them. Building local technical expertise, strengthening national institutions and creating opportunities for African professionals are essential to ensuring the continent captures the full value of its natural resources,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Consumer inflation rises

Source: Government of South Africa

Consumer inflation rises

Annual consumer inflation rose to 5% in June 2026 from 4,5% in May, reaching its highest level in two years, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has announced.

Stats SA said the June figure was the highest inflation reading since June 2024, when the rate stood at 5,1%. 

Prices rose by 0,7% on average between May and June, the same increase recorded between April and May.

“Transport was the largest contributor to both the annual and monthly changes in the consumer price index (CPI), mainly underpinned by higher fuel prices. The annual rate for transport accelerated to 12,7% in June from 9,4% in May. Fuel prices climbed by 34,3% in the 12 months to June, driven by increases of 50,8% in diesel prices and 31,7% in petrol prices,” Stats SA said on Wednesday. 

Higher fuel prices also pushed up passenger transport inflation, which rose by 8,1% month on month in June.

As a result, the annual rate for the category increased to 12,5% from 4,0% in May.

Sharp monthly increases were recorded for minibus taxi fares (+11,5%), e-hailing services (+8,7%), long-distance bus fares (+8,4%) and school transport (+3,7%).

“Annual food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation slowed further in June, dipping to 1,6% from 1,9% in May and 2,9% in April. Cereal products recorded a fifth consecutive month of deflation at -1,5%. Several notable products are cheaper than a year ago, including white rice (-13,4%), maize meal (-5,9%), samp (-1,5%) and porridge (-1,3%).

“Meat inflation also extended a downward trend, moderating further to 5,1% from a peak of 13,5% in January 2026. Inflation for beef products is settling, with the annual rate for beef mince cooling to 3,9% from May’s 10,6%. Stewing beef entered deflationary territory, with its annual rate declining to -2,7%,” Stats SA said.

Pork inflation eased for the third consecutive month but remained in double digits at 13,9%.

The annual rate for mutton and lamb rose to 8,4%. Processed meat products that experienced high rates in June include sausages at 11,8%, corned meat at 10,2% and bacon at 8,6%.

Hot beverages inflation, which has remained above 6,0% since June 2022, reached 7,4% in June 2026.

The annual rate for black tea was 8,3% in June 2026, while instant coffee was 7,0%.

The graph below shows the food and beverage products that recorded the sharpest price changes. Pork, tomatoes, sausages, corned meat and hake registered the largest annual increases in June, while seasonal fruit, beetroot, white rice, potatoes and dried beans saw the largest decreases over the same period.

Actual housing rents and owners’ equivalent rent are included in the CPI calculation at the end of each quarter.

In June, actual rents rose by 1,1% from the March quarter, bringing the annual increase to 4,1%.

Over the past 12 months, rent increased by 5,4% for townhouses, 4,6% for flats and 3,7% for houses. –SAnews.gov.za

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IDAC Ombud confirms receipt of complaints against directorate head Adv Johnson

Source: Government of South Africa

IDAC Ombud confirms receipt of complaints against directorate head Adv Johnson

The Office of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Oversight Judge has confirmed receipt of complaints relating to IDAC Head, Advocate Andrea Johnson.

The public acknowledgment comes amid growing media interest and public scrutiny regarding leadership integrity within IDAC, following allegations against Johnson at the Madlanga Commission. 

“The Office does not ordinarily comment on complaints received or matters under consideration. However, given the exceptional public interest in this matter, the numerous media enquiries received, and the fact that the existence of the complaints is already in the public domain, the Office considers it appropriate to confirm their receipt.

“The complaints are receiving attention through the Office’s established processes and are being assessed in accordance with its statutory mandate and the applicable legal framework,” the office said in a statement.

The ombud insisted that it remains committed to protecting whistleblowers and complainants who make “disclosures in good faith”.

“The reporting of alleged corruption and misconduct is an essential feature of constitutional accountability and the rule of law.

“The Office will take all reasonable measures within its mandate and the bounds of the law to ensure that individuals who raise concerns are not discouraged from doing so by fear of prejudice, intimidation, or retaliation,” the statement continued.

Furthermore, the Office explained that there is no “hard-and-fast rule” on the protection or publication of the identity of “persons against whom complaints have been lodged”.

“Whether such information is disclosed or remains confidential depends on the particular circumstances of each case, including considerations of public interest, procedural fairness, legality, the rights and interests of affected parties, and the integrity of the IDAC Oversight Judge Office’s processes.

“These considerations are carefully weighed and balanced on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Office’s constitutional and statutory mandate,” the statement read.

The public is cautioned against drawing premature conclusions regarding Johnson’s conduct.

“The Office emphasises that the receipt of a complaint does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing, nor should it be interpreted as evidence of misconduct. Every complaint is considered independently, objectively, and in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness.

“To protect the integrity of the Office’s processes and the rights of all concerned, the Office will not comment further on the substance of the complaints or any assessment or investigative steps that may or may not be undertaken while the matter remains under consideration,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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APO Group wins SABRE Gold and further international awards in the first half of 2026

Source: APO

APO Group (https://APO-opa.com), the communications consultancy built for performance across Africa, has been recognised with five international industry awards in the first half of 2026, headlined by a Gold award at the Africa SABRE Awards, one of the most rigorously judged standards in global public relations.

The Gold SABRE was awarded for APO Group’s campaign for GITEX Africa Morocco 2025. The campaign generated more than 3,600 media placements across African and international outlets and strengthened Morocco’s positioning as a leading emerging technology hub. The Africa SABRE Awards are judged by senior communications professionals from across the world and are widely regarded as the highest standard of peer recognition in the industry.

APO Group also received a Gold Stevie Award for Most Innovative Public Relations Agency of the Year. The Stevie judges cited campaigns delivering over USD 1.2 billion in PR value and more than 1,500 media features. Two Global Brand Awards recognised APO Group’s integrated communications approach and its results for the Global Africa Business Initiative. The World Business Outlook Awards named APO Group South Africa’s top public relations and media consultancy for the third consecutive year.

In addition, APO Group’s campaigns for GITEX Africa Morocco 2025 and the Basketball Africa League were shortlisted for international industry awards during the first half of 2026, further recognising the consultancy’s work across the continent.

Together, these distinctions reflect a consistent pattern: independent global judges have repeatedly confirmed that APO Group delivers measurable results in African markets, not presence alone.

“Awards matter to us only when they reflect client outcomes,” said Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group. “A SABRE Gold is judged on placements, reach, and business impact, not on the quality of the entry. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, and it is the standard any organisation appointing a communications partner in Africa should demand.”

 APO Group’s model combines senior advisory with on-the-ground execution and guaranteed visibility through Africa Newsroom, its owned newswire, which distributes to more than 250 Africa-focused platforms and connects organisations with 450,000+ journalists, analysts, investors, and policymakers worldwide. That structure gives clients one accountable partner and verified reach across all 54 markets in which APO Group operates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007 by Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Group is the communications consultancy built for performance – combining strategic advisory, on-the-ground execution, and guaranteed visibility across all 54 African markets. Its owned newswire, Africa Newsroom, secures placement on 250+ Africa-focused news sites, connecting organisations directly with 450,000+ journalists, analysts, investors, and policymakers worldwide.

Recognised internationally for communications excellence, including SABRE, Davos Communications, and World Business Outlook distinctions, APO Group partners with global and African organisations for whom the continent is a strategic priority. Clients include the African Development Bank Group, Africa CDC, Afreximbank, NFL, Nestlé, Emirates, Canon, Western Union, GITEX Global, and Cassava Technologies.

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O APO Group conquista o prémio SABRE de Ouro e outros prémios internacionais no primeiro semestre de 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O APO Group (https://APO-opa.com), a consultora de comunicação  orientada para o desempenho em toda a África, foi distinguido com cinco prémios internacionais no primeiro semestre de 2026, com destaque para um prémio Gold nos Africa SABRE Awards, que impõe alguns dos critérios de avaliação mais rigorosos no domínio das relações públicas a nível mundial.

O prémio Gold SABRE foi atribuído à campanha do APO Group para a GITEX Africa Marrocos 2025. A campanha gerou mais de 3600 publicações nos meios de comunicação africanos e internacionais e reforçou o posicionamento de Marrocos como um importante polo tecnológico emergente. Os Prémios SABRE Africa são avaliados por profissionais de comunicação de alto nível de todo o mundo e são amplamente considerados como o mais elevado padrão de reconhecimento entre pares no setor.

O APO Group recebeu também um Gold Stevie Award na categoria de “Agência de relações públicas mais inovadora do ano”. O júri dos prémios Stevie destacou campanhas que geraram mais de 1,2 mil milhões de dólares em valor de relações públicas e mais de 1500 reportagens nos meios de comunicação social. Dois prémios Global Brand Awards reconheceram a abordagem de comunicação integrada do APO Group e os resultados obtidos no âmbito da “Global Africa Business Initiative”. Os World Business Outlook Awards distinguiram o APO Group como a melhor consultora de relações públicas e comunicação social da África do Sul pelo terceiro ano consecutivo.

Além disso, as campanhas do APO Group para a GITEX Africa Marrocos 2025 e para a Basketball Africa League foram nomeadas para prémios internacionais do setor durante o primeiro semestre de 2026, o que constitui mais um reconhecimento do trabalho da consultora em todo o continente.

Em conjunto, estas distinções refletem um padrão consistente: juízes independentes a nível mundial têm confirmado repetidamente que o APO Group apresenta resultados mensuráveis nos mercados africanos, e não apenas a sua presença.

“Os prémios só são importantes para nós quando refletem os resultados dos nossos clientes”, afirmou Bas Wijne, diretor executivo do APO Group. “Um prémio SABRE Gold é avaliado com base na colocação, no alcance e no impacto nos negócios, e não na qualidade da candidatura. É esse o padrão a que nos submetemos e é o padrão que qualquer organização que contrate um parceiro de comunicação em África deve exigir.”

O modelo do APO Group combina consultoria de alto nível com execução no terreno e visibilidade garantida através da Africa Newsroom, o seu serviço próprio de distribuição de notícias, que que alcança mais de 250 plataformas dedicadas a África e liga as organizações a mais de 450.000 jornalistas, analistas, investidores e decisores políticos em todo o mundo. Esta estrutura proporciona aos clientes um parceiro responsável e um alcance comprovado em todos os 54 mercados em que opera.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para APO Group.

Sobre o APO Group:
Fundado em 2007 por Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, o APO Group é uma consultora de comunicação orientada para o desempenho: combina aconselhamento estratégico, execução no terreno e visibilidade garantida em todos os 54 mercados africanos. A sua agência de notícias própria, a Africa Newsroom, garante a divulgação em mais de 250 websites de notícias dedicados a África, ligando as organizações diretamente a mais de 450.000 jornalistas, analistas, investidores e decisores políticos em todo o mundo.

Reconhecido internacionalmente pela excelência em comunicação, incluindo distinções como os prémios SABRE, Davos Communications e World Business Outlook, o APO Group estabelece parcerias com organizações globais e africanas para as quais o continente constitui uma prioridade estratégica. Entre os seus clientes contam-se o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, o Africa CDC, o Afreximbank, a NFL, a Nestlé, a Emirates, a Canon, a Western Union, a GITEX Global e a Cassava Technologies.

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Banyana Banyana prepare for WAFCON 2026 opener

Source: Government of South Africa

Banyana Banyana prepare for WAFCON 2026 opener

Banyana Banyana are fine-tuning their preparations in Morocco ahead of their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) opening match against Tanzania.

“We’ve had two sessions now trying to acclimatise to the heat as we are coming from a cold South Africa, but fortunately, for now, it’s not as hot as it was last year. We had really good sessions, and now we are looking forward to the rest of the week,” Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said, on Tuesday. 

The tournament will be staged in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August 2026, with South Africa drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.

Banyana Banyana head coach, Dr Desiree Ellis, recently announced a final 26-player squad to represent South Africa at the continental showpiece.

The 2022 African champions will make their 14th appearance at the tournament.

According to the South African Football Association (SAFA), Ellis and her technical team have retained the core group of players who have featured for the senior women’s national team in recent matches.

Of the players selected, 17 were part of the WAFCON 2024 squad, while nine additions have been included for the upcoming competition: Katlego Moletsane, Isabella Ludwig, Asanda Hadebe, Antonia Maponya, Zoe October, Robyn Moodaly-Salgado, Nthabiseng Majiya, Thembi Kgatlana and Ronnel Donnelly.

Six players will make their tournament debuts: Moletsane, Hadebe, Maponya, Phila, Ludwig and October, with October the youngest member of the squad at 18.

“We have a nice mixture of youth and experience, and that was key in making our selection because while we have immediate goals, we still need to look beyond the tournament and not be found wanting. 

“We are under no illusion that this competition will be tough, but we believe we have a balanced squad and are well prepared for what lies ahead of us,” Ellis said.

Ellis said the team’s immediate mission is to qualify for the World Cup.

“That means the focus for now is the opening game against Tanzania as it will set the tone for the tournament. We also depart with the full knowledge of the weight of expectations from all South Africans, and we promise not to disappoint,” Ellis said.

WAFCON 2026 kicks off on Sunday, with South Africa in action the following day, Monday, 27 July, when they face Tanzania in their opening game. They will then meet Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the group stage.

The top four nations will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. –SAnews.gov.za

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