Category: Africa

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Northern Cape ramps up service delivery with Operation Vala Zonke

Source: Government of South Africa

Northern Cape ramps up service delivery with Operation Vala Zonke

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, has launched Operation Vala Zonke Pothole Patching and Road Maintenance Programme and the province’s R98 million Yellow Fleet at the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley.

The Premier led the launch alongside provincial MEC for Roads and Public Works Fufe Makatong, Frances Baard District Municipality Executive Mayor Wende Marekwa and the Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Martha Bartlett.

The Yellow Fleet consists of bright yellow machines, including graders, pavers, trucks and other road maintenance equipment to give maintenance teams teams the tools they need to work faster and more effectively.

“The pothole patching and road maintenance intervention will be implemented over a three-month period across all wards of Sol Plaatje Municipality, while the cleaning programme will continue on an ongoing basis as part of broader efforts to enhance service delivery and restore civic pride. 

“The intervention forms part of the provincial government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, creating work opportunities and strengthening municipal service delivery through the Operation Vala Zonke and Rooting Out the Dust programmes,” the provincial government said.

Furthermore, the initiative “represents a decisive step towards restoring Sol Plaatje Municipality into a modern, clean, functional and economically vibrant city”.

“Speaking during the launch, Premier Saul…emphasized that the government is committed to addressing infrastructure backlogs, improving the quality of life of residents, and rebuilding public confidence through visible and practical service delivery interventions.

“The programme demonstrates the power of cooperative governance, with provincial and local government working together to deliver tangible improvements to communities across Kimberley, Galeshewe, Roodepan and surrounding areas,” the provincial government said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The international legal order is broken: 2 key shifts needed to fix it

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

The international legal order that was created after the second world war is no longer fit for purpose. Its response to urgent global problems like climate, poverty and pandemics is inadequate. Its key institutions like the United Nations are incapable of restoring peace in Ukraine, Iran, Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo or stopping genocides in places like Myanmar or Palestine.

The World Trade Organization is paralysed because its most powerful member states have lost confidence in the trading system that they created. The international community is unable to reform the global financial system so that it provides adequate development finance to Africa and other parts of the global south.

These developments lead many people to conclude that international law is merely nice-sounding words that hide a more cynical truth: the only effective international legal rule is (and has always been) that “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must”, as the ancient Greek historian Thucydides put it.

There is indeed a history of international law being used by the strong for evil purposes. For example, international law was used to justify slavery and colonialism. It was also used to force newly liberated Haiti to compensate its French colonisers for the loss of their slaves.

The International Court of Justice initially relied on legal technicalities to uphold South Africa’s unlawful post-second world war control of Namibia.

My experience as a scholar and practitioner of international law convinces me that this view ignores the many ways in which international law is essential for the functioning of the world. Without it, for example, planes would be unable to fly people around the world. Ships could not carry goods across the globe. And the services on which we all rely, such as the internet and cross- border payments, would not function efficiently. Governments could not be held accountable when they abuse the human rights of their citizens. Multilateral development banks would be able to avoid responsibility when they fail to comply with their own policies and procedures, causing harm in their borrower countries.

Although international law has failed to stop the current illegal wars, at least two of their perpetrators – Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Russia’s Vladimir Putin – have been charged with international crimes. They now find it difficult to travel outside their home states.

Most states know that without widely understood and accepted international laws and principles it would be harder to resolve their disagreements peacefully or to structure their international economic transactions with confidence. Their own sustainable development would proceed more slowly and unpredictably.

Consequently, they continue advocating for a world based on international legal principles. For example, this view motivated South Africa and The Gambia to bring cases to the International Court of Justice seeking to stop alleged genocides. It inspired students in Vanuatu to advocate for an advisory opinion from that court on the legal implications of climate change.

They seem to accept a more optimistic view of international law, originally articulated by the legal scholar Louis Henkin:

Almost all nations observe almost all principles of international law and almost all of their obligations almost all of the time.

Henkin’s qualified endorsement cautions that international law is an imperfect instrument. States will ignore it when they think it does not suit their purposes. Over time, the gap between the state of the world and the content of international law expands. Eventually it becomes too large and, to remain credible, the law is forced to adapt.

We are approaching such a tipping point.

But the current breakdowns can’t be fixed easily. There are two complex challenges that must be addressed if a new international legal regime is to be formulated, agreed and respected. It requires the international decision making process to become more inclusive. States must also accept that there are some issues that they cannot control alone because the issues do not respect national borders.

What needs to change

First, global decision-making arrangements must change so that they reflect the interests and concerns of the whole international community. The existing global institutions need to more completely incorporate those who were not present when the current legal order was created. These include the many states that only gained their independence in the past 70 years and are not fully part of the structures of global governance. Non-state actors like corporations, civil society organisations and international organisations that are influential in international affairs should also be brought in.

The need for these changes drives states in the global south to promote more inclusive governance in institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and to advocate for reform of the UN Security Council. It inspires both states and civil society organisations to try to make businesses more respectful of human rights and their tax obligations to their host states.

All these actors must accept that they have international responsibilities and obligations towards the communities and individuals that are affected by their decisions and operations.

Second, the international community must adjust to the fact that states are no longer fully sovereign. To be sure, states can close their borders. They can refuse to allow goods, services or people from other countries into their territory. They can refuse to participate in the global financial system and can break off diplomatic relations. However, there is at least one problem, climate change, that they cannot stop on their own. It transcends national borders. Resolving it requires collaboration among all state and non-state actors that are affected by and that influence climate change.

The new international order must rethink sovereignty so that it respects the agency of states and their citizens to the extent feasible.

But it must not allow states to use sovereignty as the excuse to avoid their global responsibilities. The new international law must acknowledge that individuals, communities, corporations, sub-national and national governments and supranational organisations all have an impact on the climate and are affected by it.

– The international legal order is broken: 2 key shifts needed to fix it
– https://theconversation.com/the-international-legal-order-is-broken-2-key-shifts-needed-to-fix-it-285844

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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Mr.Barham Salih, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty, UNHCR Representative to the Arab Republic of Egypt and the League of Arab States Dr. Hanan Hamdan, UNHCR Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Ms. Rema Jamous Imseis, and Special Assistant to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Ms. Rez Gardi.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the President welcomed the High Commissioner’s visit to Egypt and congratulated him on assuming his new post at the beginning of this year. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s appreciation for its ongoing cooperation with the UNHCR to provide international protection for refugees and asylum seekers residing in Egypt, and to manage the asylum process in accordance with the national law regulating this matter, stressing Egypt’s readiness to continue this cooperation and thus enhance international solidarity and support refugees.

The President reviewed Egypt’s efforts to host more than 10.5 million foreigners, migrants, and refugees of various nationalities against the backdrop of numerous regional and international crises. President El-Sisi affirmed the State’s commitment to providing them with basic services within its capacity, while ensuring respect for Egyptian laws and Egypt’s international obligations. The President also emphasized that Egypt has never used the refugees issue to achieve political objectives. The President stressed the importance of activating the principle of burden and responsibility sharing, increasing international support to Egypt, and supporting the new national framework currently being finalized to address asylum issues.

President El-Sisi further called for adopting a comprehensive approach for addressing asylum seeking and displacement by tackling their root causes, including political and security crises and economic challenges, thereby contributing to sustainable development and promoting peace and stability in countries of origin.

Mr. Salih expressed his deep appreciation for visiting Egypt and meeting the President and emphasized the UNHCR’s interest in further strengthening cooperation with the Egyptian government in providing protection for refugees and supporting host communities. He commended Egypt’s significant efforts in hosting millions of foreigners, migrants, and refugees and expressed the UNHCR’s appreciation for the burdens borne by the Egyptian state to ensure the sustainability of services provided to them. Mr. Salih stressed the need to bolster international support to be commensurate with the scale of these efforts, noting that Egypt is bearing immense burdens and that there must be genuine support and active burden-sharing regarding the hosting of foreigners, migrants, and refugees. In the same context, the High Commissioner underscored the key role Egypt and the President play in achieving regional stability, noting that Egypt serves as a central and historically steadfast anchor in the region.

Mr. Salih welcomed the steps that the Egyptian state has taken to launch the new national asylum system, commending the establishment of the Standing Committee for Refugee Affairs. He affirmed the UNHCR’s readiness to provide all support for these efforts. Mr. Salih also briefed the President on his vision for the UNHCR’s work in the coming period, in light of the mounting global challenges related to asylum, noting the UNHCR’s strategy aimed at reducing the number of refugees worldwide and expressing his hope for continued cooperation with Egypt in this regard, in light of the pivotal role it plays in various regional and international issues.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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New FMD control measures to support farmers, protect trade

Source: Government of South Africa

New FMD control measures to support farmers, protect trade

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has approved a new set of national Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) control measures aimed at providing livestock farmers with a clearer path to recovery during outbreaks while safeguarding South Africa’s agricultural trade and biosecurity.

The measures, which will take effect once published in the Government Gazette, consolidate and replace a range of previous directives, including the 2019 FMD Contingency Plan and subsequent amendments.

The new framework creates a single, integrated national system for managing FMD outbreaks from detection through to recovery.

Announcing the changes on Thursday, Steenhuisen said livestock producers require certainty and practical solutions to manage disease outbreaks without unnecessarily threatening their livelihoods.

“South Africa’s livestock producers need clear rules, sound science and practical pathways that allow them to manage outbreaks without unnecessarily jeopardising their livelihoods,” he said.

Foot and Mouth Disease remains one of the most economically damaging animal diseases affecting the livestock sector, with outbreaks capable of disrupting production, limiting market access and placing severe financial pressure on farmers and rural communities.

A key feature of the new measures is the introduction of risk-based pathways that allow certain trade activities to resume during quarantine periods.

Animals may be sent to designated FMD abattoirs from 16 days after a property has been declared clinically clear, while broader slaughter options, including export-approved facilities, become available after 42 days.

The revised framework also clarifies that vaccinated animals that have never been infected and are not under quarantine remain healthy and may continue to be traded and moved under normal regulations.

Steenhuisen said the objective was to balance disease control with economic sustainability.

“The objective is simple: protect animal health and stop the disease spreading, while ensuring that farmers can continue operating safely wherever possible,” he said.

The measures further reduce unnecessary destruction of animal products and agricultural inputs. 

Based on updated scientific understanding of the FMD virus, products such as feed, fodder and manure will now be managed according to scientifically established risk periods rather than blanket disposal requirements.

Another major reform is the introduction of alternative recovery pathways for affected farms.

Producers will no longer automatically be required to remove entire herds before quarantine restrictions can be lifted. Instead, they will be able to choose from several options, including restocking with vaccinated animals or sourcing livestock from FMD-free areas.

“For many farmers, particularly those operating under difficult financial conditions, the prospect of losing an entire herd can be devastating. These measures introduce practical alternatives that are scientifically sound and economically realistic,” Steenhuisen said.

The framework also introduces, for the first time, dedicated provisions for communal and peri-urban livestock systems.

The measures recognise the unique challenges associated with shared grazing areas, multiple ownership structures and different livestock movement patterns, providing tailored quarantine and vaccination approaches.

In addition, well-fenced farms will be able to manage outbreaks within affected sections of a property rather than placing entire operations under full quarantine.

Veterinary procedures have also been streamlined, and farmers seeking authorisation to move products will benefit from clearer response timelines and escalation mechanisms.

The measures were developed through extensive consultation with the Department of Agriculture, the Ministerial Task Team, the FMD Industry Coordination Council and veterinary experts.

Steenhuisen described the new framework as a significant step in strengthening South Africa’s biosecurity system while supporting the long-term sustainability of the livestock industry.

“These measures reflect the latest scientific evidence, recognise the realities facing farmers on the ground and provide a balanced framework that protects animal health while limiting economic disruption,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture will continue monitoring the effectiveness of the measures and has committed to conducting a formal review within 12 months of implementation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Centres africains de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (Africa CDC) appelle à la solidarité et au renforcement de la collaboration suite au cas importé de maladie à virus Ebola en France et renforce la surveillance transfrontalière

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Un professionnel de santé humanitaire ayant appuyé la riposte contre Ebola en République démocratique du Congo (RDC) a été diagnostiqué avec la maladie à virus Ebola en France.

Les autorités sanitaires de la France et de la RDC ont informé Africa CDC de ce cas confirmé, causé par le virus Ebola de type Bundibugyo. Le professionnel de santé a développé des symptômes après son arrivée en France, a rapidement sollicité une prise en charge médicale et a été diagnostiqué sans délai. Les dispositifs de surveillance et de notification prévus pour ce type de situation ont fonctionné.

Le professionnel de santé avait appuyé la riposte Ebola dans la province de l’Ituri du 19 mai au 19 juin. À l’issue de sa mission, il a quitté la RDC en bonne santé et s’est rendu en France. Il a ensuite développé des symptômes légers et consulté les services de santé. Les analyses de laboratoire ont confirmé une infection par le virus Ebola de type Bundibugyo.

Le risque de transmission d’Ebola commence après l’apparition des symptômes. Le professionnel de santé a quitté la RDC sans symptôme et a satisfait à toutes les exigences de voyage en vigueur. Le Gouvernement de la RDC a mis en place une surveillance renforcée, des contrôles sanitaires à l’entrée et à la sortie du territoire, ainsi que des mesures de santé aux frontières dans le cadre de la riposte Ebola, notamment aux principaux points d’entrée et de sortie, dans les aéroports des zones affectées et au niveau des grands hubs de transit.

Son Excellence Dr Jean Kaseya, Directeur Général d’Africa CDC, s’est entretenu avec le Ministre de la santee de la RDC, la Directrice du Centre européen de prévention et de contrôle des maladies (ECDC) ainsi qu’avec la Commissaire européenne chargée de la Préparation, de la Gestion des crises et de l’Égalité, Hadja Lahbib. Ils ont examiné la situation, renforcé la coordination et aligné les actions de santé publique en cours.

« Ce cas illustre l’importance d’une surveillance solide », a déclaré Son Excellence Dr Jean Kaseya, Directeur général d’Africa CDC. « Le professionnel de santé a quitté la République démocratique du Congo sans symptôme, et le Gouvernement de la RDC a mis en place une surveillance renforcée, des contrôles à l’entrée et à la sortie du territoire, ainsi que des mesures de santé aux frontières dans le cadre de la riposte Ebola. Les symptômes ont été identifiés après son arrivée en France, et le diagnostic a été posé rapidement grâce aux systèmes d’alerte et à la coordination internationale. Je tiens à remercier ce médecin, qui a servi en première ligne en Ituri du 19 mai au 19 juin, aux côtés des communautés affectées, avec courage et dévouement. Les agents de santé portent le poids le plus lourd dans cette épidémie. La réponse juste aujourd’hui repose sur la vigilance, la solidarité et un soutien renforcé aux équipes qui travaillent à mettre fin à Ebola à la source. Les partenaires du monde entier doivent se mobiliser et contribuer à mettre fin à cette épidémie. »

Africa CDC salue la rapidité de détection, de diagnostic et de notification des autorités sanitaires françaises. Le passage des premiers symptômes à la confirmation en laboratoire a été possible grâce à l’action rapide et au partage d’informations entre les partenaires nationaux, régionaux et internationaux. Une surveillance robuste, une notification rapide et une coopération internationale efficace protègent les communautés.

Des investigations sont en cours afin d’établir la période et les circonstances les plus probables de l’exposition et d’appuyer le traçage complet des contacts. Les autorités de la RDC et de la France, avec Africa CDC, l’OMS, l’ECDC et d’autres partenaires, conduisent des évaluations du risque et assurent le suivi des contacts identifiés conformément aux protocoles de santé publique établis.

Le niveau de risque global de l’épidémie demeure inchangé. Ce cas importé renforce la nécessité de maintenir une vigilance soutenue, de consolider la surveillance, d’appliquer rigoureusement les mesures de prévention et de contrôle des infections, et de continuer à soutenir les agents de santé de première ligne qui mènent la riposte.

Africa CDC appelle les partenaires et la communauté internationale à poursuivre leur appui à la riposte et à rejeter les mesures dépourvues de fondement scientifique, y compris les restrictions inutiles aux voyages et au commerce. Ces mesures ralentissent le déploiement des équipes de riposte et l’acheminement des fournitures essentielles, et affaiblissent l’action de santé publique.

Africa CDC réaffirme son engagement total aux côtés des Gouvernements de la RDC et de l’Ouganda pour contrôler l’épidémie, protéger les communautés et faire avancer une réponse continentale et mondiale coordonnée. Africa CDC continuera de suivre la situation de près et partagera de nouvelles informations dès qu’elles seront vérifiées.

Distribué par APO Group pour Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Contacts médias :
Saran Koly
Directrice de la Communication et de l’Information publique
Africa CDC
kolys@africacdc.org

À propos d’Africa CDC :
Les Centres africains de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (Africa CDC) sont l’agence continentale autonome de santé publique de l’Union africaine. Africa CDC appuie les États membres dans le renforcement des systèmes de santé et la promotion de la sécurité sanitaire à travers la surveillance des maladies, la préparation et la réponse aux urgences, le renseignement épidémiologique, les systèmes de laboratoire, le développement du personnel de santé, la recherche, l’innovation et les partenariats.

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Power Africa Today : African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 lance une nouvelle plateforme et une conférence consacrées à l’énergie pour intensifier la lutte contre la pauvreté énergétique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Plus de 600 millions de personnes en Afrique subsaharienne n’ont toujours pas accès à l’électricité, ce qui met en évidence une réalité crue : aucune source d’énergie ne pourra à elle seule combler le déficit énergétique du continent. C’est pourquoi les gouvernements africains s’orientent de plus en plus vers une stratégie énergétique multi-ressources – tirant parti du gaz naturel, des énergies renouvelables, de l’hydroélectricité et des actifs thermiques existants – afin d’élargir l’accès à l’électricité, d’améliorer la fiabilité du réseau et de progresser vers l’objectif d’éradication de la pauvreté énergétique d’ici 2030.

Ces priorités occuperont le devant de la scène lors de l’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, dans le cadre de la conférence « Power Africa Today » récemment lancée. Cette plateforme réunira des dirigeants de services publics, des décideurs politiques, des investisseurs, des développeurs et des fournisseurs de technologies afin d’examiner comment l’expansion de la production, le développement des réseaux de transport, l’innovation en matière de financement et l’intégration des marchés régionaux peuvent accélérer l’électrification et la croissance industrielle à travers l’Afrique. Si les discussions porteront sur un large éventail de développements en cours à travers le continent – notamment l’expansion des énergies renouvelables, les projets de conversion du gaz en électricité, la modernisation du réseau et le commerce transfrontalier –, l’accent sera mis sur la manière dont ces efforts peuvent être mieux coordonnés pour aboutir à des solutions viables à l’échelle du système, capables de combler le déficit d’accès à l’énergie.

Le gaz naturel continue de jouer un rôle central dans le mix énergétique africain en tant que combustible flexible et régulable qui soutient la croissance industrielle et complète la production intermittente d’énergies renouvelables. Parallèlement, les gouvernements développent à grande échelle des projets solaires et éoliens à l’échelle des services publics, ainsi que des mini-réseaux décentralisés et des systèmes hors réseau visant à étendre l’accès aux communautés isolées. Les technologies émergentes telles que l’hydrogène vert commencent également à gagner du terrain, soutenues par des financements de démarrage et des cadres politiques, notamment l’appel à projets de 20 millions de dollars lancé par la Banque africaine de développement pour réduire les risques liés aux projets pilotes.

Parallèlement à l’expansion de la production, la réforme du secteur de l’électricité et le développement des infrastructures prennent de l’ampleur. Les réformes du marché de gros de l’électricité en Afrique du Sud et les plans d’extension à long terme du réseau de transport ouvrent la voie à une plus grande participation du secteur privé, tandis que le projet Amari Power Transmission en Ouganda – premier projet de transport indépendant financé par le secteur privé en Afrique à avoir atteint la clôture financière – témoigne de l’intérêt croissant des investisseurs pour les infrastructures de réseau.

L’intégration régionale s’accélère également, les pools énergétiques favorisant les échanges transfrontaliers d’électricité grâce à des cadres réglementaires harmonisés. Parallèlement, des initiatives d’accès à grande échelle telles que « Mission 300 », menées par la Banque mondiale et la BAD, contribuent à intensifier les efforts d’électrification, ayant déjà permis de raccorder plus de 50 millions de personnes à travers le continent.

« Pour que l’Afrique parvienne à mettre fin à la pauvreté énergétique, toutes les ressources disponibles devront être mobilisées conjointement. Le gaz naturel, les énergies renouvelables, l’hydroélectricité et les actifs énergétiques existants, notamment le charbon et le pétrole, ont chacun un rôle à jouer pour fournir une électricité fiable, soutenir l’industrialisation et améliorer la qualité de vie sur l’ensemble du continent », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber.

La conférence « Power Africa Today », organisée dans le cadre de l’AEW 2026, offrira une plateforme dédiée pour traduire ces investissements, ces réformes et ces partenariats en projets bancables, afin d’accélérer l’accès à l’énergie et de soutenir une croissance économique durable sur l’ensemble du continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Media files

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LEDA, ZimTrade sign agreement to boost trade

Source: Government of South Africa

LEDA, ZimTrade sign agreement to boost trade

The Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) and Zimbabwe’s national trade development and promotion organisation, ZimTrade, have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening trade relations and creating new business opportunities between Limpopo and Zimbabwe.

The agreement was signed following the endorsement of Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Dr Tshitereke Matibe.

The partnership seeks to facilitate and promote trade between the two regions, enabling businesses on both sides of the border to benefit from increased economic cooperation.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru welcomed the agreement, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening regional economic ties.

The signing follows a series of engagements between the two organisations, including a welcome dinner hosted by LEDA for the ZimTrade delegation at Meropa Casino in Polokwane.

The event served as a platform for both parties to discuss opportunities for collaboration and prepare for the formalisation of the partnership.

The ZimTrade delegation was led by Majuru, who pledged that Zimbabwe would reciprocate the hospitality when a Limpopo delegation visits the neighbouring country in the future.

LEDA Director Alan Baloyi expressed gratitude for the visit by the Zimbabwean delegation and highlighted the importance of the partnership during a vote of thanks delivered at the event.

The MoU is expected to enhance trade promotion initiatives, facilitate market access, encourage investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between businesses in Limpopo and Zimbabwe.

LEDA serves as a special-purpose vehicle for economic development in the province. The agency was formed through the amalgamation of four entities: Trade and Investment Limpopo, the Limpopo Business Support Agency, the Limpopo Agribusiness Development Corporation and the Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise.

The new partnership with ZimTrade is expected to contribute to regional economic growth and deepen cross-border trade relations, further positioning Limpopo and Zimbabwe as key partners in Southern Africa’s economic development agenda. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) calls for solidarity and increased collaboration following imported Ebola virus disease case in France and strengthens cross-border surveillance

Source: APO


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A humanitarian health worker who supported the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been diagnosed with Ebola virus disease in France.

Health authorities in France and DRC have informed Africa CDC of this confirmed case, caused by the Bundibugyo-type Ebola virus. The health professional developed symptoms after arriving in France, quickly sought medical care and was diagnosed without delay. The monitoring and notification systems for this type of situation worked.

The health professional had supported the Ebola response in Ituri province from May 19 to June 19. At the end of his mission, he left the DRC in good health and went to France. He then developed mild symptoms and consulted the health services. Laboratory tests confirmed infection with Bundibugyo-type Ebola virus.

The risk of Ebola transmission begins after symptoms appear. The medical professional left the DRC without symptoms and met all applicable travel requirements. The Government of the DRC has put in place enhanced surveillance, health checks on entry and exit from the country, as well as border health measures as part of the Ebola response, including at the main entry and exit points, at airports in affected areas and at major transit hubs.

His Excellency Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, met with the Minister of Health of the DRC, the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as well as the European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib. They reviewed the situation, strengthened coordination and aligned ongoing public health actions.

“This case illustrates the importance of strong oversight,” said His Excellency Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “The health worker left the Democratic Republic of the Congo without symptoms, and the Government of the DRC has put in place enhanced surveillance, entry and exit controls, and border health measures as part of the Ebola response. The symptoms were identified after his arrival in France, and the diagnosis was made quickly thanks to alert systems and international coordination. I would like to thank this doctor, who served on the front lines in Ituri from May 19 to June 19, alongside the affected communities, with courage and dedication. Health workers are bearing the heaviest weight in this outbreak.

The right response today is based on vigilance, solidarity and increased support for the teams working to end Ebola at the source. Partners around the world must step up and help end this epidemic. »

Africa CDC welcomes the speed of detection, diagnosis and notification by the French health authorities. The transition from early symptoms to laboratory confirmation was possible thanks to rapid action and information sharing among national, regional and international partners. Robust surveillance, early notification and effective international cooperation protect communities.

Investigations are underway to determine the most likely time and circumstances of exposure and to support full contact tracing. Authorities in the DRC and France, together with Africa CDC, WHO, ECDC and other partners, are conducting risk assessments and following up on identified contacts in accordance with established public health protocols.

The overall risk level of the outbreak remains unchanged. This imported case reinforces the need to maintain sustained vigilance, strengthen surveillance, rigorously enforce infection prevention and control measures, and continue to support frontline health workers leading the response.

Africa CDC calls on partners and the international community to continue to support the response and reject measures that lack scientific basis, including unnecessary restrictions on travel and trade. These measures are slowing down the deployment of response teams and the delivery of essential supplies, and weakening the public health response.

Africa CDC reaffirms its full commitment alongside the Governments of the DRC and Uganda to control the outbreak, protect communities, and advance a coordinated continental and global response. Africa CDC will continue to monitor the situation closely and will share new information as soon as it is verified.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Media Contact:
Department of Communication and Public Information  
Communications@africacdc.org 
KolyS@africacdc.org

About Africa CDC:
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is the public health agency of the African Union. As an autonomous institution, Africa CDC supports AU Member States in strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and strengthening preparedness and response to health emergencies. For more information, visit https://AfricaCDC.org and follow Africa CDC on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4af75XC), X (https://apo-opa.co/43RvyyD), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4wa7naE), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/43XvU6N).

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Power Africa Today: African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Launches New Power platform and Conference to Drive the Fight Against Energy Poverty

Source: APO

More than 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity, underscoring a stark reality: no single energy source will close the continent’s power gap. Instead, African governments are increasingly pursuing a multi-resource energy strategy – leveraging natural gas, renewables, hydropower and existing thermal assets – to expand access, improve grid reliability, and advance the goal of ending energy poverty by 2030.

These priorities will take center stage at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 through the newly launched Power Africa Today conference. The platform will convene utility executives, policymakers, investors, developers and technology providers to examine how generation expansion, transmission build-out, financing innovation and regional market integration can accelerate electrification and industrial growth across Africa. While discussions will reflect a wide range of ongoing developments across the continent – including renewable energy expansion, gas-to-power projects, grid modernization and cross-border trade – the focus will be on how these efforts can be better aligned into bankable, system-wide solutions that close the energy access gap.

Natural gas continues to play a central role in Africa’s power mix as a flexible, dispatchable fuel that supports industrial growth and complements intermittent renewable generation. At the same time, governments are scaling up utility-scale solar and wind projects alongside decentralized mini-grids and off-grid systems aimed at extending access to remote communities. Emerging technologies such as green hydrogen are also beginning to gain traction, supported by early-stage financing and policy frameworks, including the African Development Bank’s $20 million funding call to de-risk pilot projects.

Alongside generation expansion, power sector reform and infrastructure development are gaining momentum. South Africa’s wholesale electricity market reforms and long-term transmission expansion plans are opening the door to greater private sector participation, while Uganda’s Amari Power Transmission Project – Africa’s first privately financed independent transmission project to reach financial close – signals growing investor appetite for grid infrastructure.

Regional integration is also accelerating, with power pools advancing cross-border electricity trade through harmonized regulatory frameworks. At the same time, large-scale access initiatives such as Mission 300, led by the World Bank and AfDB, are helping to scale electrification efforts, having already connected more than 50 million people across the continent.

“Africa’s pathway to ending energy poverty will require every available resource working together. Natural gas, renewables, hydropower and existing power assets including coal and oil each have a role to play in delivering reliable electricity, supporting industrialization and improving quality of life across the continent,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

The Power Africa Today conference at AEW 2026 will provide a dedicated platform to translate these investments, reforms and partnerships into bankable projects – accelerating energy access and supporting sustainable economic growth across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Developing nations face complex climate transition amid need for affordable finance

Source: Government of South Africa

Developing nations face complex climate transition amid need for affordable finance

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh has emphasised that affordable finance to support a just transition and build climate resilience remains a critical enabler for developing countries as they navigate a complex global environment that could reshape mitigation strategies.

Singh was addressing the international community virtually at the Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA), where he expressed concern about the climate response of developing nations, many of which are facing fiscal constraints due to debt-servicing costs.

“Due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions, fragmentation of international trade and investment flows, and persistent uncertainty, it is recognised that countries may recalibrate climate mitigation strategies to balance an increasingly complex set of policy objectives, including energy security, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy,” Singh said.

He said that as governments around the world pursue different approaches in responding to these emerging issues, new international spillovers may arise, with implications for greenhouse gas emissions, carbon leakage, trade and investment patterns, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, incentives to innovate, and technology diffusion.

“The imposition of high trade tariffs and reciprocity measures imposed by some countries invariably has impacts on others, particularly exporting countries, at the domestic level. 

“Entire value chains have been impacted. Many business operations have been disrupted, whilst they are grappling with soaring input costs such as fuel and fertilizers,” the Deputy Minister said.

He added that policies such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have also affected exports of certain commodities, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa, which are still transitioning to an inclusive, climate-resilient, low-carbon economy.

CBAM is the European Union’s (EU) levy on emissions embedded in imported products, which makes it more expensive for companies to emit greenhouse gases. It intends to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.

“In a developing country context, we also need to be cognisant of the need to develop new skills across value chains, recognise funding gaps, mobilise necessary capital investment, and ensure that the supporting infrastructure is equally enabling to grow the economy sustainably and inclusively. 

“Moreover, engagement with affected stakeholders and communities to ensure awareness and buy-in on required policy shifts and to identify capacity building requirements associated with the just transition is of paramount importance. The potential opportunities that can be created through the transition also need to be communicated,” Singh said.

The Deputy Minister said identifying risks and challenges is key to understanding what measures need to be put in place and what opportunities these may create.

He pointed out that South Africa has taken several steps to create an enabling policy environment that will facilitate the transition of the economy in a manner that is low-carbon, inclusive and climate resilient.

South Africa’s Climate Change Act was promulgated in 2024 to guide the country’s just transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

“We have consulted with companies, which trigger in excess of 30 000 tonnes of carbon emissions equivalent (CO2 eq.) per annum, in preparing companies for the Carbon Budget Regulations. 

“Companies need to put mitigation plans in place and report on progress on an annual basis. This is a significant intervention in transitioning the industry in reducing emissions,” Singh said.

Furthermore, the national government has been working closely with other spheres of government, particularly local government, to undertake risk and vulnerability assessments and assist municipalities with developing climate change response plans.

“The end goal is to enhance adaptive capacity and build climate resilience. Recently, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, launched the Industrial Development Strategy (IDS) for South Africa,” he said.

The objective of the strategy is to support the decarbonisation of industry through the uptake of cleaner technology and new energy systems, as well as economic diversification through beneficiated value chains and digitalisation.

“Product and market diversification is a long-term goal. By the same token, we must also ensure inclusivity and, in this regard, small businesses need to be part of the solution.

“As South Africa, we remain committed to the targets as set in the 2025 updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and the implementation of the Climate Change Act of 2024. We look forward to developing and nurturing enabling partnerships both internationally and domestically to support these important processes,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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