Category: Africa

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Home Affairs Minister directs efforts to reducing red tape, digitalisation

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs Minister directs efforts to reducing red tape, digitalisation

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says South Africa is accelerating efforts to build a digital-first department, with expanded access to identity services, a growing electronic travel authorisation system and further reforms planned for the country’s immigration regime.

Speaking at the Xpatweb Annual Global Mobility Conference on Tuesday, Schreiber said the department was moving beyond plans for reform and was now focused on implementation, positioning Home Affairs as an economic enabler that could support investment, tourism, critical skills and economic growth.

The Minister said the department’s latest milestone was the expansion of its Trusted Employer Scheme, which has been broadened to include major infrastructure projects, companies establishing headquarters in South Africa and the financial services sector.

The scheme is also being streamlined through reduced red tape and greater digitalisation.

Companies interested in participating have until 4 September to apply.

Schreiber said the broader reform programme, known as Home Affairs @ home, was aimed at using technology to decentralise access to government services and reduce the need for people to visit Home Affairs offices.

A key part of the programme has been a partnership with the banking sector, which has enabled South Africans to apply for Smart ID Cards at participating bank branches without paperwork or appointments.

According to Schreiber, 422 119 applications had been processed through the partnership in just over four months.

The number of locations where citizens can obtain replacement Smart IDs has increased from 214 Home Affairs offices to 541 sites, with more than 750 bank branches expected to offer services by the end of the year.

The Minister said the expansion had been achieved without additional staff, budget or cost to taxpayers.

By the end of the year, passports and first-time Smart ID applications for adults and minors are also expected to become available at participating bank branches.

Schreiber said citizens would additionally have the option of having their IDs and passports delivered by courier to their homes before the end of 2026.

The Minister said the expansion of Smart ID services would also pave the way for the eventual discontinuation of the green identity document, which he said would help combat fraud and identity theft.

Another major pillar of the department’s reforms is the development of a voluntary Digital ID system. Schreiber said South Africans would eventually be able to access secure digital versions of Home Affairs documents on their mobile devices, while retaining the option of using physical identity documents.

The digital transformation is also being extended to immigration.

Schreiber described the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as the department’s flagship immigration reform, saying it was designed not merely to digitise existing processes but to replace the country’s outdated visa operating model with a modern platform using machine learning, biometric verification and automated risk analysis.

The ETA, initially piloted for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico, has already processed more than 203 000 applications, according to the Minister.

More than 5 700 fraudulent applications were rejected after the system detected fraudulent passports, manipulated documents and other indicators of fraud.

Schreiber said the system would be expanded to additional countries and visa categories, with study visas among the categories expected to be added by the end of the year.

The department has also activated an extension module that will allow qualifying visitors already in South Africa, including visa-exempt travellers, to apply digitally for an additional 90 days.

Schreiber said the long-term goal was to turn the ETA into a comprehensive digital immigration platform covering a broader range of immigration services.

He also pointed to Cabinet’s adoption of the Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection as an important policy milestone.

Government intended to introduce legislation giving effect to the revised policy framework in Parliament at the beginning of the next financial year. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government transfers state plantations to empower communities economically

Source: Government of South Africa

Government transfers state plantations to empower communities economically

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has transferred the management of seven state plantations to beneficiary communities in the Nqadu area, with a further four plantations set to be transferred during the financial year.

To build communities’ capacity to manage plantations, the department is facilitating partnerships between beneficiary communities and strategic forestry companies, which will provide investment, technical expertise, skills transfer and access to markets.

“We anticipate concluding these partnerships before the end of this financial year. One of the government’s priorities is to ensure that communities become meaningful participants in the forestry economy. 

“However, the transfer of plantations alone is not enough. Communities must also receive the technical, financial and business support required to operate commercially viable forestry enterprises,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said at the Nqadu Great Place in the Eastern Cape.

The Deputy Minister said the Eastern Cape remains one of South Africa’s priority provinces for forestry expansion, with more than 100 000 hectares identified as having afforestation potential.

Swarts stressed that the potential is subject to technical assessments, market availability, and strategic partnerships. 

“Working together with the Kingdom, we have an opportunity to identify suitable land within the Nqadu area and bring it into production, subject to the necessary assessments. 

“Such investment has the potential to create employment during plantation establishment and, over time, support downstream industries such as timber processing, furniture manufacturing and biomass energy,” she said.

Swarts was speaking during the nature-based carbon dioxide removal and rural development initiatives event, where she announced that the DFFE will donate 2 000 indigenous and fruit trees to the Nqadu Kingdom as part of government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Of these, 750 indigenous trees were delivered on Tuesday, while the remaining 1 250 fruit trees will be delivered by 15 August 2026.

Swarts said President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the department to implement the National Greening Programme, which aims to plant one billion trees within five years.

The Presidential One Billion Trees Programme seeks to mobilise South Africans from all walks of life — including government, the private sector, business, interfaith formations, the diplomatic corps, traditional leaders, NGOs, youth formations and communities — to plant trees.

“In the 2025/26 financial year, the DFFE, working with stakeholders including Traditional Authorities, managed to plant 1 303 930 trees in one day – on 24 September 2025.

“Following this achievement, the department will be facilitating and coordinating the planting of 10 million trees across the country on 24 September 2026 as part of the broader goal of achieving the One Billion Trees target,” the Deputy Minister said.

According to Swarts, the department has already implemented six successful community projects across the Eastern Cape under the Global Environment Facility.

These projects have restored degraded land, promoted indigenous tree planting, strengthened agroforestry and improved food security, while creating temporary employment and building skills in rural communities.

The Deputy Minister urged the Nqadu Kingdom to work with government to introduce the E-Waste Programme to collect and recycle electronic waste.

“Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, but it is also one of the greatest opportunities for creating green jobs. Through our national E-Waste Programme, more than 108 tonnes of electronic waste have been collected, and approximately R400 000 has been received by communities as incentives.

“We believe that similar programmes can be introduced within the Nqadu Kingdom. Working together, we can establish community-based e-waste collection and recycling enterprises that create employment, particularly for young people and women, while protecting the environment,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

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South Africa is fertile ground for investment that delivers

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa is fertile ground for investment that delivers

By Michael Currin
South Africa’s investment story is increasingly moving beyond pledges and conference commitments. It is taking shape on factory floors, industrial parks and manufacturing hubs, where production lines are being modernised, facilities expanded, workers retained and upskilled, and businesses positioned for long-term growth and global competitiveness.

Investor confidence is increasingly being reinforced by evidence that commitments are translating into implementation. This demonstrates that South Africa’s investment story is becoming more compelling because it is grounded in delivery, not promises. Because of its extensive infrastructure, industrial capacity, skilled labour force, advantageous location, policy backing, and access to both African and international markets, South Africa continues to be a desirable place for investment.

South Africa’s automotive industry provides a powerful example of how investment commitments are translating into real economic activity. Toyota South Africa Motors’ R10.4 billion investment in the production of the ninth-generation Hilux at its Prospecton plant in eThekwini is a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economic potential. The investment will support the modernisation and expansion of manufacturing capabilities, strengthen local production capacity, retain jobs, enhance skills development and reinforce South Africa’s position as a competitive vehicle manufacturing and export hub.

The significance of this investment is reflected in the broader contribution of the automotive sector to the economy. The sector contributes around 5% of South Africa’s gross domestic product and supports more than 115 000 direct manufacturing jobs, making it a key driver of industrial development, economic growth and export earnings.

The value of this investment extends well beyond new machinery or production capacity. Every manufacturing investment creates opportunities for workers, strengthens supplier networks, supports young people entering the workforce and bolsters small businesses connected to manufacturing value chains. In this way, the benefits ripple throughout the economy, reinforcing manufacturing value chains and enhancing the country’s competitiveness.

Chery’s decision to acquire Nissan’s former Rosslyn manufacturing facility in Gauteng reinforces this point. The company has committed to retaining 692 employees, while the project is expected to create nearly 3 000 direct and indirect opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, supply chains and related services. Its vision of transforming Rosslyn into an African manufacturing, export, research and development, supply chain and skills hub shows that investors see South Africa not only as a market, but as a platform for regional growth.

A crucial part of the success of South Africa’s automotive sector rests on two of government’s long-term industrial policy interventions. Firstly, the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) has helped position South Africa as a globally competitive automotive manufacturing hub. Through this programme, the country has attracted leading international manufacturers, including Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, BMW and Volkswagen, while strengthening the domestic automotive value chain and creating an enabling environment for sustained investment, production growth and job creation.

Secondly, South Africa’s network of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has become a key pillar of the country’s industrialisation, investment attraction and regional economic development strategy. SEZs are designated geographic areas where government provides targeted support, including serviced industrial land, infrastructure, regulatory assistance and other incentives, to attract businesses and encourage production. By creating an enabling environment for companies to establish and expand operations, SEZs help channel investment into strategic locations, stimulate local economies, create jobs, develop supplier networks and promote inclusive industrial growth.

South Africa’s designated SEZs are already showing measurable progress. They host 224 companies with a combined investment of about R31.7 billion and have supported more than 28 000 direct jobs. These figures matter because they show that the SEZ model is moving beyond policy design into operational impact. Investment is becoming visible in buildings, production activity, logistics networks, exports and livelihoods.

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone is an excellent illustration of what can happen when infrastructure, policy, and anchor investors come together. The zone provides enormous efficiencies by bringing together automobile manufacturers, component suppliers, logistics businesses, and skills institutes in a single ecosystem, lowering manufacturing costs, increasing competitiveness, and strengthening local supply chains.

This is why SEZs remain at the centre of South Africa’s investment and industrialisation strategy. They are essential to attracting foreign and domestic investment, accelerating industrial growth, promoting beneficiation, strengthening exports and bringing micro, small and medium enterprises into industrial value chains. At a time when South Africa must grow its economy more rapidly while ensuring that growth is more inclusive. SEZs provide a practical bridge between investment and inclusive development.

South Africa remains committed to strengthening the conditions that ensure investors choose our country. That means reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics, faster approvals, policy certainty, competitive incentives, skills development and stronger partnerships between government, business and labour. Investment attraction cannot be treated as an event; it must become a continuous delivery system.

The opportunity is to now convert the country’s investor confidence into long-term competitiveness. Sustained manufacturing-led growth creates demand for suppliers, raises the need for technical skills, supports logistics services and gives young South Africans a route into advanced industries. 

The investments by Toyota and Chery and the continued expansion of SEZs all point to a country that can manufacture at scale, expand its export base, innovate with confidence and create jobs. The task ahead is to build on this momentum by ensuring that every investment strengthens the country’s productive capacity and lays the foundation for faster, more inclusive and more resilient economic growth.

*Currin is Deputy Director-General at the Government Communication and Information System.
 

 

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APO Group a remporté un SABRE d’Or et d’autres prestigieux prix internationaux durant le premier semestre 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

APO Group (https://APO-opa.com), le spécialiste du conseil en communication pensé pour la performance à travers l’Afrique, a décroché cinq prix internationaux au cours du premier semestre 2026, en particulier l’Or aux Africa SABRE Awards, une distinction décernée par l’un des jurys les plus rigoureux dans le domaine des relations publiques mondiales.

Le SABRE d’Or a été remis pour la campagne réalisée par APO Group pour le GITEX Africa Morocco 2025. La campagne a généré plus de 3 600 placements dans les médias africains et internationaux et a renforcé le statut du Maroc en tant que pôle technologique émergent de premier plan. Les Africa SABRE Awards sont décernés par un jury international de spécialistes de la communication et sont considérés comme le plus haut niveau de reconnaissance par des pairs du secteur.

APO Group a également reçu le Gold Stevie Award dans la catégorie Agence de relations publiques la plus innovante de l’année. Le jury des Stevie Awards a récompensé des campagnes ayant généré plus de 1,2 milliard USD en valeur de relations publiques et plus de 1 500 publications dans les médias. Deux Global Brand Awards ont reconnu l’approche de communication intégrée d’APO Group et les résultats obtenus pour la Global Africa Business Initiative. Les World Business Outlook Awards ont quant à eux désigné APO Group comme meilleure société de relations publiques et de conseil en médias d’Afrique du Sud pour la troisième année consécutive.

En outre, les campagnes d’APO Group pour le GITEX Africa Morocco 2025 et la Ligue Africaine de Basketball ont été présélectionnées pour des prix internationaux de l’industrie au cours du premier semestre 2026, soulignant ainsi davantage le travail  du cabinet de conseil sur l’ensemble du continent.Toutes ces distinctions reflètent une tendance générale : des juges internationaux indépendants ont confirmé à plusieurs reprises qu’APO Group, au-delà de sa présence sur l’ensemble du continent, fournit des résultats tangibles sur divers marchés africains.

« Ces distinctions n’ont d’importance pour nous que lorsqu’elles sont le reflet de résultats concrets pour nos clients », déclare Bas Wijne, CEO d’APO Group. « Un SABRE d’Or est décerné à l’aune des placements, de la portée et de l’impact commercial d’une campagne, et non de la qualité d’un projet. Voici la rigueur que nous nous imposons, et celle que toute organisation choisissant un partenaire de communication en Afrique devrait exiger. »

Le modèle d’APO Group combine des conseils de haut niveau avec une exécution sur le terrain et une visibilité garantie via Africa Newsroom, son flux d’informations exclusif, qui diffuse à plus de 250 plateformes consacrées à l’Afrique et relie les organisations à plus de 450 000 journalistes, analystes, investisseurs et décideurs dans le monde entier. Pour les clients, cette structure est synonyme de partenariat de confiance et de portée éprouvée sur les 54 marchés  où APO Group opère.

Distribué par APO Group pour APO Group.

À propos d’APO Group :
Fondé en 2007 par Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Group est le cabinet de conseil en communication pensé pour la performance : alliant conseil stratégique, exécution sur le terrain et visibilité garantie sur l’ensemble des 54 marchés africains. Africa Newsroom, son flux d’actualités, assure le placement sur plus de 250 sites d’information axés sur l’Afrique, reliant directement les organisations à plus de 450 000 journalistes, analystes, investisseurs et décideurs dans le monde entier. 

Reconnu à l’international pour son excellence communicationnelle, notamment avec les distinctions SABRE, Davos Communications et World Business Outlook, APO Group s’associe à des organisations mondiales et africaines pour lesquelles le continent représente une priorité stratégique. Parmi ses clients figurent l’African Development Bank Group, Africa CDC, Afreximbank, la NFL, Nestlé, Emirates, Canon, Western Union, GITEX Global et Cassava Technologies.

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Aggreko Strengthens Commitment to Nigeria with Appointment of New General Manager

Source: APO – Report:

Aggreko (https://www.Aggreko.com/en-za), a global leader in energy solutions, has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria with the appointment of Nigel Greatorex as General Manager for Nigeria, marking an important milestone in the company’s renewed focus on one of Africa’s most strategically significant energy markets.

Greatorex assumed leadership of Aggreko’s Nigeria operations in early June, bringing more than three decades of international experience across the energy, utilities, oil and gas, petrochemical and industrial sectors. His appointment comes as Aggreko accelerates its growth ambitions in Nigeria, strengthening its local presence and expanding its ability to support customers with reliable, flexible and sustainable energy solutions.

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic economies, with growing demand for dependable power across industries ranging from oil and gas and manufacturing to mining, infrastructure and commercial operations. As businesses increasingly seek resilient energy solutions that can support both operational continuity and sustainability objectives, Aggreko is positioning itself to play an even greater role in enabling economic growth and industrial development across the country.

Extensive global and African energy experience

Greatorex joins Aggreko from ABB, where he most recently served as Global Industry Business Manager for Carbon Capture and Storage. In that role, he led global strategy and growth initiatives focused on energy transition technologies and decarbonisation. He also brings extensive experience operating across Africa, including Nigeria, giving him a strong understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing businesses in the region.

Throughout his career, Greatorex has held numerous senior leadership positions, successfully leading business transformations, driving operational excellence and expanding market presence in complex and highly competitive environments.

Investing in local leadership

Commenting on the appointment, Edith Kikonyogo, Managing Director of Aggreko Africa said: “Nigeria is a key part of our growth strategy across Africa. Nigel’s appointment reflects our commitment to investing in leadership and strengthening our presence in the country. His extensive industry experience, proven leadership capabilities and deep understanding of the African energy landscape make him ideally positioned to lead the next phase of our growth in Nigeria.”

Greatorex said he was excited to join Aggreko at a pivotal moment for both the company and the Nigerian market. “Nigeria presents tremendous opportunities for innovation, growth and partnership. I am delighted to be joining Aggreko as the company strengthens its commitment to the country and its customers. Aggreko has a strong reputation for delivering critical energy solutions that help businesses overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities. I look forward to working with our customers, partners and team to build on that legacy and support Nigeria’s continued development.”

A long-term commitment to Nigeria

The appointment underscores Aggreko’s confidence in Nigeria’s long-term economic potential and its commitment to helping organisations navigate evolving energy requirements through flexible, efficient and sustainable power solutions.

As the company continues to expand its footprint in the country, Aggreko remains focused on delivering the expertise, technology and local support needed to help businesses thrive in an increasingly complex energy environment.

– on behalf of Aggreko plc.

About Aggreko:
Aggreko is a global leader in engineered energy and temperature solutions. We design, deploy and optimise the flexible energy and temperature solutions that are essential to our customers’ operations.

We work across all major industries and bring deep sector expertise to shaping solutions around our customers’ needs. We use our experience of working in demanding environments and complex applications to engineer reliable, efficient and sustainable solutions that meet our customers’ needs, from critical emergencies to long term energy security.

Founded in 1962, we created the category and continue to lead it. In a world of growing energy demand and an increasing focus on sustainability, we are setting the pace. We are investing in new markets, new applications and the sustainable equipment, fuels and services that power our customers and their energy transition, wherever they are on their journey.

Headquartered in the UK, we employ over 6,800 people worldwide and are active in over 70 countries. We are part of the Aggreko group which includes specialists in every aspect of energy and temperature control.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.Aggreko.com/en-za 

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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) calls for urgent review of United States (U.S.) Ebola-related entry restrictions on Uganda

Source: APO – Report:

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H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (https://AfricaCDC.org/), has formally called on the United States Government to urgently review and remove Uganda from the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension.

Statement by H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC

Today, I formally called on the United States Government to urgently review and remove Uganda from the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension.

Uganda’s epidemiological situation has improved significantly. The country has reported no new confirmed Ebola case since 21 June 2026, discharged its last patient and entered the 42-day countdown toward declaring the outbreak over.

All 836 identified contacts have completed follow-up. Surveillance remains active across 36 high-risk districts and 38 points of entry. Laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, case management, risk communication and community surveillance remain fully operational.

These results reflect decisive national leadership, the courage and commitment of Uganda’s health workers and communities, and strong cooperation between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa CDC and our partners.

Continued transmission in parts of the DRC requires sustained vigilance. Uganda’s demonstrated capacity to detect, report and respond rapidly provides a strong basis for a differentiated, country-specific assessment.

Public health measures must follow the evidence.

Africa CDC is calling for proportionate safeguards that reflect Uganda’s current epidemiological situation. Risk-based departure and arrival screening, traveller health declarations, exposure-based monitoring and rapid referral of symptomatic travellers can provide effective public health protection.

Countries that detect outbreaks early, report transparently and act decisively deserve recognition and support. Evidence-based decisions strengthen trust, international cooperation and rapid reporting during future health emergencies.

Africa CDC stands ready to share the latest surveillance data with the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, facilitate direct technical consultations and support any additional verification required.

Uganda’s progress deserves recognition. Vigilance must continue. Every public health decision must remain grounded in science, proportionality and partnership.

H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya
Director General, Africa CDC

– on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Notes to editors:
Africa CDC has requested that the United States:

  • Remove Uganda from the countries covered by the temporary Ebola-related entry suspension;
  • Introduce proportionate, risk-based safeguards;
  • Convene an expedited technical review with Africa CDC and the Uganda Ministry of Health.

The request reflects Uganda’s current epidemiological situation, including the absence of new confirmed cases since 21 June 2026, the discharge of the last confirmed patient and the completion of follow-up for all identified contacts.

Media enquiries:
Communications and Public Information Directorate
Africa CDC
communications@africacdc.org

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Talentz MEDIA Launches the African Correspondents Network to Strengthen Pan-African Entertainment Journalism

Source: APO – Report:

Talentz MEDIA (https://TalentzMEDIA.com),  a Ghana-based Pan-African entertainment media organization, has officially launched the Talentz MEDIA African Correspondents Network (TMACN), a landmark initiative established to strengthen original entertainment journalism across Africa through a collaborative network of volunteer correspondents.

The launch of TMACN reflects Talentz MEDIA’s long-term commitment to expanding ethical, credible, and locally driven entertainment reporting while creating opportunities for passionate storytellers from across the African continent.

Africa’s entertainment industry continues to gain international recognition through its music, film, television, fashion, arts, digital creators, festivals, and cultural innovations. TMACN seeks to bridge reporting gaps by building a trusted network of volunteer correspondents dedicated to producing accurate, original, and timely entertainment news.

The network aims to become one of Africa’s leading entertainment correspondent initiatives by encouraging collaboration among journalists, content creators, photographers, videographers, bloggers, and media enthusiasts committed to professional journalism.

Volunteer correspondents selected to join TMACN will receive official Talentz MEDIA digital press identification, editorial guidance, publication opportunities, professional recognition, access to selected training initiatives, networking opportunities, and opportunities to contribute original entertainment stories. Outstanding contributors may be considered for future paid assignments or leadership opportunities as the network expands.

Moses Akarh, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Talentz MEDIA, said:

“The launch of the Talentz MEDIA African Correspondents Network reflects our commitment to strengthening original entertainment journalism across Africa.”

Applications are now open through the official TMACN application page on the Talentz MEDIA website.

– on behalf of Talentz MEDIA.

Additional Links:
Official Website: https://TalentzMEDIA.com 
About Talentz MEDIA: https://apo-opa.co/3RK7gE6
https://apo-opa.co/4bY7CxJ
https://apo-opa.co/3RLYfKM
https://apo-opa.co/3TynPDv

Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4whQT0I
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4wc9wmB
X (Twitter): https://apo-opa.co/4xgmWOL
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/4pydXFC
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4pz6W7K

Media Contact:
Talentz MEDIA – Media Relations
Moses Akarh
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Email: press@talentzmedia.com
Website: https://TalentzMEDIA.com 
Telephone: +233 54 617 1240
Accra, Ghana

About Talentz MEDIA:
Founded on 16 June 2019, Talentz MEDIA is a Ghana-based Pan-African digital entertainment media platform dedicated to original, credible and engaging coverage of Africa’s entertainment and creative industries.

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SPIRO publie son premier rapport de Développement Durable et confirme son impact économique, social et environnemental

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • Ce premier Rapport de Développement Durable offre la toute première vision consolidée des impacts environnementaux, sociaux et économiques des activités de SPIRO.
  • L’entreprise présente également sa feuille de route en matière de durabilité, avec un objectif de neutralité carbone sur les émissions de Scope 1 et 2 d’ici 2040 et jusqu’à 700 000 tonnes de CO₂ évitées chaque année grâce à l’utilisation de ses véhicules d’ici 2030.

SPIRO (www.Spironet.com), leader de la mobilité électrique en Afrique, publie aujourd’hui son tout premier Rapport de Développement Durable. Cette publication constitue la première évaluation globale de l’impact environnemental, social et économique de ses activités. Elle établit une base de référence qui permettra à l’entreprise de mesurer ses progrès dans le cadre de son ambition de développer des infrastructures de mobilité propre et des solutions de transport accessibles à travers le continent.

Télécharger le rapport : https://apo-opa.co/4wPw7VP

« Ayant grandi en Inde, j’ai pu constater de près les conséquences des émissions des véhicules sur la santé publique et les environnements urbains. Chez SPIRO, notre responsabilité en tant que fondateurs ne se limite pas à développer des innovations : nous devons construire des systèmes capables de créer de la valeur économique, sociale et environnementale sur le long terme.”  Gagan Gupta, Fondateur de SPIRO et Président d’Equitane.

« Ce rapport illustre le chemin parcouru par SPIRO, non seulement en matière de croissance, mais aussi dans notre capacité à mesurer et améliorer notre impact. Alors que nous poursuivons notre expansion en Afrique, la durabilité restera un moteur stratégique qui guidera nos investissements, notre développement industriel, notre innovation et nos partenariats sur le long terme. » Anant Badjatya, Directeur Général du Groupe SPIRO

« En établissant notre premier référentiel ESG complet, couvrant les émissions de Scope 1, 2 et 3, nous posons les bases nécessaires pour mesurer nos progrès, fixer des objectifs concrets et renforcer notre transparence. Chez SPIRO, la durabilité n’est pas une initiative isolée : elle est pleinement intégrée à notre façon d’opérer, d’innover et de créer de la valeur durable. » Imtinen Hamlaoui, Directrice ESG et Développement Durable de SPIRO

Parmi les principaux enseignements du rapport :

  • SPIRO a réalisé son premier inventaire complet de ses émissions de gaz à effet de serre, couvrant l’ensemble de sa chaîne de valeur (Scopes 1, 2 et 3), une étape essentielle pour structurer sa trajectoire de décarbonation.
  • En parallèle, les mesures d’efficacité énergétique mises en œuvre dans ses sites d’assemblage ont permis de réduire la consommation d’énergie de 15 à 25 %, illustrant la volonté de l’entreprise de limiter l’empreinte environnementale de ses opérations tout en améliorant leur performance.
  • Le rapport présente la feuille de route climatique de SPIRO, avec un objectif de neutralité carbone sur les émissions de Scope 1 et 2 à l’horizon 2040. À mesure que son réseau se développe, l’entreprise estime que son écosystème de mobilité électrique permettra d’éviter près de 700 000 tonnes de CO₂ par an d’ici 2030 grâce à l’utilisation de ses véhicules. Afin de renforcer la résilience énergétique de son réseau et de réduire sa dépendance au réseau électrique, SPIRO étudie également le déploiement de solutions solaires de 80 à 125 kVA sur certaines stations d’échange de batteries. Parallèlement, les initiatives de gestion intelligente de l’énergie déployées dans ses usines continuent d’améliorer leur efficacité opérationnelle.
  • Le rapport met en lumière les investissements de SPIRO en faveur du développement des compétences et de l’emploi local. En 2025, la Spiro Academy a formé plus de 4 000 personnes à travers l’Afrique aux métiers liés à la maintenance des véhicules électriques, à la gestion des batteries et aux opérations techniques. Des initiatives telles que la première ligne d’assemblage de motos électriques entièrement féminine d’Afrique témoignent également de l’engagement de l’entreprise en faveur de l’inclusion et du développement industriel local.
  • Au-delà de son impact environnemental, le rapport souligne les bénéfices économiques de la mobilité électrique. Les conducteurs utilisant les motos électriques SPIRO réduisent leurs coûts d’exploitation de 70 à 80 % par rapport aux motos thermiques, tout en bénéficiant de coûts de maintenance réduits et d’une moindre exposition à la volatilité des prix des carburants.

Téléchargez (https://apo-opa.co/4ptV32M) le premier Rapport de Développement Durable de SPIRO

Distribué par APO Group pour Spiro.

A propos de Spiro :
Spiro est le leader de la mobilité électrique en Afrique et exploite le plus vaste réseau d’échange de batteries pour véhicules électriques à deux roues du continent. Avec plus de 100 000 motos électriques en circulation, plus de 2 500 stations d’échange de batteries et plus de 30 millions d’échanges réalisés à ce jour, l’entreprise contribue à remplacer les solutions de transport dépendantes des carburants fossiles par une mobilité plus accessible, abordable et durable. Grâce au développement continu de ses capacités régionales de production et d’assemblage, Spiro porte l’ambition de concevoir et fabriquer des véhicules électriques en Afrique, par des Africains, pour l’Afrique et le monde. www.Spironet.com

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SPIRO publishes its first Sustainability Report and confirms strong economic, social and climate impact

Source: APO

  • Spiro’s inaugural Sustainability Report provides the first comprehensive overview of the environmental, social and economic impact of Spiro’s operations.
  • The company also unveils ambitious objectives and targets net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040 and up to 0.7 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided from product use annually by 2030.

SPIRO (www.Spironet.com), Africa’s leading electric mobility company, today published its inaugural Sustainability Report. The publication provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental, social and economic impact of its operations and aims at establishing a baseline, to track future progress on its path to scale clean transport infrastructure and affordable mobility solutions.

Download Report: https://apo-opa.co/4wPw7VP

Having grown up in India, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of vehicle emissions on public health and urban environments. At SPIRO, our responsibility as founders is not only to scale innovation, but to ensure that the systems we build endure economically, socially, and environmentally for generations to come”, said Gagan Gupta, Founder of SPIRO and Chairman of Equitane.

“This report reflects how far SPIRO has come—not only in terms of growth, but in our ability to measure and improve our impact. As we expand across Africa, sustainability will remain a core business driver, shaping how we invest, manufacture, innovate and partner for the long term”, highlighted Anant Badjatya, Group Chief Executive Officer, SPIRO.

“By establishing our first comprehensive ESG baseline, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, we are creating the foundations needed to track progress, set measurable targets and strengthen transparency as SPIRO continues to scale across Africa. Sustainability is not a standalone initiative—it is integrated into how we operate, innovate and create long-term value”, said Imtinen Hamlaoui, Head of ESG and Sustainability.

Among key highlights :

  • As part of its sustainability roadmap, SPIRO completed its first end-to-end greenhouse gas inventory, covering Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions across its operations and value chain.
  • Among others, operational efficiency measures taken last year delivered an estimated 15–25% reduction in energy use at assembly facilities, reinforcing SPIRO’s commitment to continuously improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of its operations.
  • The report outlines SPIRO’s long-term sustainability roadmap, including its ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2040. As the company expands, its electric mobility ecosystem is projected to help avoid approximately 700,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually by 2030. To further strengthen energy resilience and reduce grid dependency, SPIRO is evaluating the deployment of 80–125 KVA on-site solar solutions across selected battery-swapping stations, while smart energy management initiatives implemented at its assembly facilities have already delivered an estimated 15–25% reduction in energy consumption.
  • The report highlights SPIRO’s growing investment in people and local capabilities. Through the Spiro Academy, the company trained more than 4,000 individuals across Africa in 2025 in areas including EV maintenance, battery management and technical operations. Initiatives such as Africa’s first women electric motorcycle assembly line further reinforce SPIRO’s commitment to skills development, workforce inclusion and local industrial growth.
  • Beyond environmental performance, the report underlines the growing economic benefits of electric mobility. Commercial riders using SPIRO motorcycles reduce operating costs by 70–80% compared with petrol-powered alternatives, while benefiting from lower maintenance costs and reduced exposure to fuel price volatility.

Download (https://apo-opa.co/4ptV32M) SPIRO First Sustainability Report

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Spiro.

About Spiro:
Spiro is Africa’s largest electric mobility company and operates the continent’s most extensive battery-swapping network for electric two-wheel vehicles. With more than 100,000 electric motorcycles on the road, over 2,500 swapping stations and more than 30 million battery swaps to date, Spiro is replacing expensive fossil-fuel transport with affordable, accessible and sustainable mobility solutions. Through its growing regional production and assembly footprint, Spiro is committed to building electric vehicles made in Africa by Africans for Africa and the world. www.Spironet.com

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A Welligence Energy Analytics junta-se à Venezuela Energy Week como seu Parceiro Estratégico de Inteligência, levando inteligência energética de nível mundial ao encontro do setor mais aguardado da América Latina

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Welligence Energy Analytics, líder do setor em inteligência e análise globais do setor upstream, juntou-se à Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) 2026 como Parceiro Oficial de Inteligência Estratégica. A parceria representa um acréscimo significativo à lista crescente de líderes globais do setor presentes no evento e reforça a sua posição como a principal plataforma de diá., investimento e oportunidades num dos mercados energéticos mais acompanhados do mundo. 

À medida que a Venezuela continua a ressurgir como um interveniente estratégico nos mercados energéticos globais, o acesso a inteligência de mercado fiável, independente e baseada em dados nunca foi tão crucial. A participação da Welligence trará um novo nível de rigor analítico às discussões em torno do investimento no setor de upstream, do crescimento da produção, das oportunidades de licenciamento, da competitividade regional e das perspetivas de mercado a longo prazo. 

Fundada em 2017, a Welligence, sediada em Houston, consolidou-se rapidamente como uma plataforma líder de inteligência energética, prestando serviços a grandes empresas do setor energético, companhias petrolíferas nacionais, instituições financeiras e investidores em todo o mundo. Combinando análises avançadas, previsões baseadas em inteligência artificial, investigação ao nível dos ativos e dados de mercado exclusivos, a empresa tornou-se uma fonte fiável de informação nos mercados globais de upstream, GNL e transição energética. Sob a liderança do CEO Ross Lubetkin, a Welligence expandiu a sua presença global por vários continentes e angariou mais de 40 milhões de dólares em investimento para o crescimento, consolidando a sua reputação como uma das empresas de investigação independentes mais influentes do setor.

Esta parceria surge num momento em que o setor energético da Venezuela entra numa nova fase de oportunidades. À medida que as empresas internacionais reavaliam as oportunidades na América Latina e os governos procuram equilibrar a segurança energética, a atração de investimento e o crescimento económico, a necessidade de uma análise de mercado objetiva tornou-se cada vez mais importante. A experiência da Welligence ajudará a elevar o debate para além das manchetes, fornecendo às partes interessadas a informação necessária para tomarem decisões estratégicas informadas. 

«À medida que o interesse no vasto potencial de recursos do país continua a crescer, a VEW deve ser uma plataforma onde as decisões sejam fundamentadas nos dados, análises e conhecimentos de mercado da mais alta qualidade disponíveis. A Welligence construiu uma reputação global por oferecer exatamente isso. A sua participação reforça o nível do diá. que decorre no evento e sublinha o nosso compromisso em reunir as vozes mais influentes do setor, à medida que a Venezuela traça o seu próximo capítulo», afirmou James Chester, CEO da ECP. ​

Através desta parceria, a Welligence irá contribuir com perspetivas essenciais sobre a dinâmica do mercado, as tendências de investimento e as forças mais amplas que moldam o desenvolvimento energético em toda a América Latina. Espera-se que a presença da empresa atraia um interesse acrescido por parte de investidores, operadores, empresas de serviços e decisores políticos que procuram uma compreensão mais profunda tanto das oportunidades da Venezuela como do panorama energético global em evolução. 

«A Venezuela continua a ser um dos mercados energéticos mais importantes do mundo, com um enorme potencial de recursos e uma importância estratégica significativa para o abastecimento regional e global», afirmou Lubetkin. «Estamos satisfeitos por estabelecer uma parceria com a VEW num momento em que as partes interessadas do setor estão cada vez mais focadas em compreender a trajetória futura do país. A VEW será um fórum importante para a discussão informada, a colaboração e o investimento, e estamos ansiosos por partilhar as nossas perspetivas com os decisores de toda a cadeia de valor energética.» ​

A integração da Welligence reforça ainda mais a posição da VEW como plataforma líder para o diá. de alto nível sobre o futuro do setor energético da Venezuela. Ao reunir prestadores de informação de nível mundial, executivos do setor, líderes governamentais e investidores, o evento irá fomentar as ligações, as perspetivas e o impulso necessários para desbloquear a próxima fase de crescimento num dos mercados energéticos mais significativos do Hemisfério Ocidental. ​

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Energy Capital & Power.

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