Category: Africa

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National Minimum Wage to rise to R30.23 per hour from March 

Source: Government of South Africa

National Minimum Wage to rise to R30.23 per hour from March 

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has announced an increase in the statutory National Minimum Wage (NMW) for 2026, raising it from R28.79 to R30.23 for each ordinary hour worked.

“The 1st of March 2026 is the date on which this amendment shall become binding. The R1.44 upward adjustment will benefit all workers, including vulnerable farm workers and domestic workers,” the Minister said in a statement on Tuesday. 

Excluded from the NMW increase are workers employed under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Due to EPWP workers being employed under a special dispensation, their adjustment will rise from R15.16 per hour to a minimum wage of R16.62 per hour. 

Workers who have concluded learnership agreements contemplated in section 17 of the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998), are entitled to the allowances contained in Schedule 2. The rates on learnerships will be published on the departmental website.

The National Minimum Wage is South Africa’s labour market statutory requirement. The National Minimum Wage Act came into effect in 2019. In terms of the legislation, employers are obligated to pay workers a minimum amount per hour, and the NMW is subject to an annual review.

Any violations of the Act are subject to fines enforced by the inspectorate. The wage is enforced by the Department of Employment and Labour and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

“The NMW is the floor which an employer is legally obligated to remunerate employees for work done. No employee shall be paid below the National Minimum Wage. It cannot be varied by contract, collective agreement or law; and it is also an unfair labour practice for an employer to unilaterally alter hours of work or other conditions of employment in implementing the NMW,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday. 

In terms of the latest NMW adjustments, the rates in the Sectoral Determination for areas and rates, work categories for the Contract Cleaning Sector, as well as those of the Wholesale and Retail Sector, are also made available on the departmental website (www.labour.gov.za).

The NMW Act applies to all workers and their employers except members of the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency and the South African Secret Service.

It also does not apply to a volunteer who is a person who performs work for another person and who does not receive, or is not entitled to receive, any remuneration for his or her service.

The National Minimum Wage does not include allowances such as transport, tools, food or accommodation, payments in kind (board or lodging), tips, bonuses and gifts, among others. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Courts are playing a growing role in ending female genital mutilation, new research finds

Source: APO

Courts are emerging as a critical frontline in the fight to end female genital mutilation (FGM). Over the past two decades, international recognition of FGM as a human rights violation has grown, alongside a shift toward criminal bans. A new report by Equality Now (www.EqualityNow.org) – with legal research support facilitated through the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono service, TrustLaw – reveals how women’s rights advocates and FGM survivors are increasingly using strategic litigation to strengthen implementation of laws, close legal gaps, and defend hard-won protections from rollback.

Towards Justice: Global Challenges and Opportunities in Litigating Cases of Female Genital Mutilation (https://apo-opa.co/4rzdxio), outlines lessons from strategic litigation in Burkina Faso, India, Kenya, Liberia, The Gambia, and the United States. The report also analyses barriers to justice in ten countries: Australia, Burkina Faso, Egypt, France, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Equality Now’s Divya Srinivasan explains, “By examining how the law works in practice, we can better understand how to harness it effectively. Our research finds that strategic litigation is one of the most powerful ways to challenge FGM by exposing gaps in protection, setting legal precedents, and driving wider reform. But litigation alone is not enough. To deliver real justice and lasting change, it must be backed by well-implemented, sufficiently funded enforcement of laws alongside legal systems that shield survivors from harm.”

Female genital mutilation is a global problem

FGM is internationally recognised as a serious human rights violation involving the partial or complete removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The practice is associated with severe physical and psychological problems, and stems from gender inequality.

UNICEF estimates that 230 million women and girls (https://apo-opa.co/4asXCw6) are impacted by FGM globally. Equality Now and its partners have collated evidence of FGM in 94 countries (https://apo-opa.co/4qhwrZV), but of these, only 59 have a specific law prohibiting the practice, and considerable improvement is needed to ensure better access to justice and support for survivors.

Strategic litigation can strengthen access to justice for FGM survivors

Strategic criminal, civil, and constitutional litigation can strengthen state responses to FGM by exposing systemic failures and clarifying the law, setting legal precedents, and driving legal and policy reforms that have an impact beyond individual cases.

Strategic litigation can empower survivors to speak out and seek remedies. High-profile prosecutions raise public awareness that FGM is a socially and legally unacceptable form of violence against women and girls. Other survivors are encouraged to come forward, and critical conversations are sparked within affected communities, helping drive social change that prevents future harm.

Crucially, strategic litigation can compel States to uphold their human rights obligations to protect women and girls, particularly where national protections are weak or political will has faltered. It also assists civil society advocacy efforts by equipping them with legal instruments and authoritative court rulings that facilitate campaigning, prevention work, and accountability for FGM.

An illustration of a country’s obligations being clarified under constitutional and international law is the 2025 ruling by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court against Sierra Leone, where FGM remains widespread. The judgment specified Sierra Leone’s binding legal duties, calling on the country to criminalise FGM, adopt measures to prevent and prohibit the practice, protect those at risk, compensate survivors, investigate cases, and prosecute perpetrators.

Defending FGM legal protections against rollback

Strategic litigation can be critical in preventing rollback of legal protections. In Kenya, coordinated legal action successfully defended the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act after a constitutional challenge sought to legitimise the practice by framing it as a matter of consent, culture, and bodily autonomy. The High Court’s 2021 ruling preserved one of the strongest anti-FGM laws in Africa and reaffirmed that such arguments cannot override the rights of women and girls.

Similar arguments are now being tested in The Gambia. After lawmakers rejected a bill in 2024 seeking to repeal the ban on FGM, the law is now being challenged before the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds. If the Court rules in favour of repeal, it would set a dangerous precedent by prioritising religious or cultural rights above the fundamental human rights to equality, dignity, and freedom from violence. Such a decision could weaken protections for women and girls in The Gambia and embolden efforts to roll back anti-FGM laws elsewhere.

Legal gaps and systemic failures in prosecuting FGM

Despite the number of countries with anti-FGM laws, prosecution for FGM remains rare, with weak enforcement of laws and legal loopholes undermining the ability to bring cases to court. Reporting of FGM is low, partly due to stigma, fear, and weak victim and witness protection. Other concerns include poor investigations, mishandled evidence, and limited political or institutional prioritisation of FGM cases.

These shortcomings are compounded by delays in investigations and court proceedings, alongside inaccessible court processes. For the few cases that do make it to court, justice is far from guaranteed, and in some instances, inconsistent or lenient sentencing fails to reflect the seriousness of the harm caused.

Survivors often experience stigma, intimidation, discrimination, and re-traumatisation during court proceedings. In some contexts, a lack of survivor-centred approaches has contributed to survivors themselves being criminalised under the very laws meant to protect them.

Judges, prosecutors, police, healthcare professionals, and social services often lack adequate training on FGM and relevant legal frameworks. This lack of understanding contributes to cases being poorly handled and laws being incorrectly applied.

Poor enforcement of court decisions allows perpetrators to avoid meaningful consequences despite conviction. This undermines the credibility of the justice system, contributes to a broader pattern of impunity, and discourages survivors from pursuing legal action.

A multi-sectoral approach to ending FGM

Governments must strengthen and clarify laws to ensure that all forms of FGM are explicitly prohibited and existing legislation is well enforced. This includes pursuing investigations effectively, ensuring sentencing reflects the gravity of the crime, and enforcing court rulings consistently. Targeted investment in professional training is needed to improve evidence handling, case management, and survivor-sensitive responses.

Laws work best when paired with prevention efforts that address the root causes of FGM. Ending this harmful practice requires a multi-sectoral approach that combines legal action with health, education, child protection, and community-based responses.

Underfunding undermines efforts to implement FGM laws. Sustained public investment, awareness-raising, and community engagement are essential. Survivors need access to free legal aid and support services. Civil remedies must also be guaranteed, allowing individuals to seek compensation, protection orders, or other forms of redress through the civil courts, independent of criminal proceedings.

Kathryn Beck, Head of Legal for TrustLaw at the Thomson Reuters Foundation, commented, “Legal pro bono has a unique power to support the critical missions of organisations such as Equality Now. We hope that this important report lays the groundwork to strengthen anti-FGM laws and empowers frontline professionals working to protect the rights of women and girls around the world.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.

Notes to editors:
For media enquired contact
Tara Carey
Global Head of Media
Tcarey@equalitynow.org
+44 (0)7971556340 (WhatsApp)

Aakasha Saxena
Communications Officer
asaxena@equalitynow.org

About Equality Now​:
Equality Now is a worldwide human rights organisation dedicated to securing the legal and systemic change needed to end discrimination against all women and girls. Since its inception in 1992, it has played a role in reforming 120 discriminatory laws globally, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of women and girls, their communities and nations, both now and for generations to come.

Working with partners at national, regional and global levels, Equality Now draws on deep legal expertise and a diverse range of social, political and cultural perspectives to continue to lead the way in steering, shaping and driving the change needed to achieve enduring gender equality, to the benefit of all. For more details, go to www.EqualityNow.org and LinkedIn Equality Now. For more information about FGM around the world, please see our 2025 report, The Time Is Now: End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, An Urgent Need for a Global Response – Five Year Update (https://apo-opa.co/3ZcTlqn).

About The Thomson Reuters Foundation​:
The Thomson Reuters Foundation is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, using its expertise in media, law, and data to advance free, fair, and informed societies. Through journalism, legal support, and research, the Foundation works to uphold human rights, foster transparency, and promote inclusive economies.

Its global pro bono service, TrustLaw, is the world’s largest network of legal professionals providing free legal assistance to NGOs, social enterprises, and independent media in over 190 countries. By facilitating access to legal support and producing pioneering legal research, TrustLaw helps strengthen civil society and drive systemic, lasting change. For details, go to www.Trust.org, LinkedIn Thomson Reuters Foundation.

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Equatorial Guinea, Chevron Sign Aseng Agreement, Strengthening GEPetrol Participation

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, in partnership with energy major Chevron, has officially signed the Heads of Agreement (HoA) for the financing of GEPetrol’s participation in the Aseng Gas Project in Block I. Demonstrating the partners’ commitment to unlocking innovative financing solutions and maximizing state participation in strategic projects, the agreement paves the way for accelerated development phases at Equatorial Guinea’s broader Gas Mega Hub.

The African Energy Chamber, the voice of the African energy sector, salutes the agreement, as it reflects how partnerships between national oil companies and international operators can strengthen state participation while accelerating gas monetization.

Under the terms of the agreement, GEPetrol increases its stake in the project from 5% to 32.55%, ensuring stronger national participation in the exploitation of the country’s natural resources. Gas volumes from Aseng are expected to underpin the technical and commercial viability of multiple downstream and upstream developments under the Extended Gas Mega Hub initiative, including the Alen Tail, Yoyo-Yolanda, new drilling in Chevron-operated blocks and potential cross-border gas flows through Gulf of Guinea pipeline infrastructure. In this context, the HoA functions as an enabler, unlocking a portfolio of projects rather than advancing a single field.

Crucially, the agreement secures long-term gas supply to the Punta Europa complex, maximizing the use of existing LNG and processing infrastructure. This improves cost efficiency, reduces stranded gas risk and strengthens Equatorial Guinea’s competitiveness as a gas monetization hub at a time when regional demand and LNG flexibility are increasingly prized.

“This agreement represents a strategic step forward for our energy sector, enhancing national participation and opening the door for further projects that will drive industrial development, create jobs and strengthen energy security for our country and the region,” said Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of Equatorial Guinea.

The signing ceremony took place at the People’s Palace in Malabo, with senior government officials, Chevron executives and the United States Ambassador in attendance. It also follows months of negotiations initiated after the Vice President’s 2025 visit to the United States, reflecting strong coordination between the government, GEPetrol, Chevron and international partners. The project is expected to generate long-term economic benefits and reinforce Equatorial Guinea’s role as a key energy player in the Gulf of Guinea.

From an investor perspective, the HoA sends a clear signal on policy direction. It demonstrates coordinated execution between the state, the national oil company and an international major, as well as the government’s willingness to adopt flexible financing solutions to accelerate development. As global gas markets prioritize reliability, infrastructure access and regional integration, Equatorial Guinea’s approach positions it as a stabilizing supplier in the Gulf of Guinea. The Aseng HoA does not merely strengthen GEPetrol’s balance sheet position; it reinforces the country’s ability to convert gas resources into industrial growth, export capacity and cross-border energy cooperation.

The Aseng project is being developed by Chevron (operator) alongside GEPetrol, Glencore and Gunvor.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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La Guinée équatoriale et Chevron signent un accord Aseng, renforçant la participation de GEPetrol

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le ministère des Hydrocarbures et du Développement minier de la République de Guinée équatoriale, en partenariat avec le géant énergétique Chevron, a officiellement signé l’accord-cadre (HoA) pour le financement de la participation de GEPetrol au projet gazier Aseng dans le bloc I. Témoignant de l’engagement des partenaires à trouver des solutions de financement innovantes et à maximiser la participation de l’État dans des projets stratégiques, cet accord ouvre la voie à l’accélération des phases de développement du méga-hub gazier de Guinée équatoriale.

La chambre africaine de l’énergie salue cet accord, qui reflète comment les partenariats entre les sociétés pétrolières nationales et les opérateurs internationaux peuvent renforcer la participation de l’État tout en accélérant la monétisation du gaz.

Selon les termes de l’accord, GEPetrol augmente sa participation dans le projet de 5 % à 32,55 %, garantissant ainsi une participation nationale plus forte dans l’exploitation des ressources naturelles du pays. Les volumes de gaz provenant d’Aseng devraient soutenir la viabilité technique et commerciale de multiples développements en amont et en aval dans le cadre de l’initiative Extended Gas Mega Hub, notamment Alen Tail, Yoyo-Yolanda, les nouveaux forages dans les blocs exploités par Chevron et les flux gaziers transfrontaliers potentiels via l’infrastructure pipelinière du golfe de Guinée. Dans ce contexte, le protocole d’accord sert de catalyseur, débloquant un portefeuille de projets plutôt que de faire progresser un seul domaine.

Cet accord garantit notamment l’approvisionnement à long terme en gaz du complexe de Punta Europa, optimisant ainsi l’utilisation des infrastructures existantes de GNL et de traitement. Il améliore la rentabilité, réduit le risque de gaz bloqué et renforce la compétitivité de la Guinée équatoriale en tant que plaque tournante de la monétisation du gaz, à un moment où la demande régionale et la flexibilité du GNL sont de plus en plus prisées.

« Cet accord représente une avancée stratégique pour notre secteur énergétique, renforçant la participation nationale et ouvrant la voie à de nouveaux projets qui stimuleront le développement industriel, créeront des emplois et renforceront la sécurité énergétique de notre pays et de la région », a déclaré Antonio Oburu Ondo, ministre des Hydrocarbures et du Développement minier de la Guinée équatoriale.

La cérémonie de signature a eu lieu au Palais du Peuple à Malabo, en présence de hauts responsables gouvernementaux, de dirigeants de Chevron et de l’ambassadeur des États-Unis. Elle fait également suite à des mois de négociations engagées après la visite du vice-président aux États-Unis en 2025, reflétant la forte coordination entre le gouvernement, GEPetrol, Chevron et les partenaires internationaux. Le projet devrait générer des avantages économiques à long terme et renforcer le rôle de la Guinée équatoriale en tant qu’acteur énergétique clé dans le golfe de Guinée.

Du point de vue des investisseurs, l’accord d’intention envoie un signal clair sur l’orientation politique. Il démontre la coordination entre l’État, la compagnie pétrolière nationale et une grande entreprise internationale, ainsi que la volonté du gouvernement d’adopter des solutions de financement flexibles pour accélérer le développement. Alors que les marchés mondiaux du gaz privilégient la fiabilité, l’accès aux infrastructures et l’intégration régionale, l’approche de la Guinée équatoriale la positionne comme un fournisseur stabilisateur dans le golfe de Guinée. L’accord d’achat de gaz Aseng ne se contente pas de renforcer la situation financière de GEPetrol, il renforce également la capacité du pays à convertir ses ressources gazières en croissance industrielle, en capacité d’exportation et en coopération énergétique transfrontalière.

Le projet Aseng est développé par Chevron (opérateur) en collaboration avec GEPetrol, Glencore et Gunvor.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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We run writing workshops at a South African university: what we’ve learnt about how students are using AI, and how to help them

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Peet van Aardt, Coordinator: Initiative for Creative African Narratives (iCAN) & Lecturer: Academic Literacy, University of the Free State

Much is being said about the wonders of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is the new frontier. And while it provides amazing possibilities in fields like medicine, academics are debating its advantages for university students. Peet van Aardt researches student writing and presents academic writing workshops at the University of the Free State Writing Centre, helping students to build clear arguments, summarise essay structure and express their opinions in their own voice. He also spearheads the Initiative for Creative African Narratives (iCAN), a project that assists students in getting their original stories published. Here he shares his experiences and thoughts on the use of generative AI at university.

What are your biggest concerns about the growth of AI-generated material from students?

The use of generative AI to compose assignments and write essays is widely reported, and its potentially detrimental effects on critical thinking and research are clear.

My biggest concern is that it takes away academic agency from students. By that I mean it takes the proverbial pen out of our students’ hands. If they over-rely on it (which we see they tend to do), they no longer think critically and no longer express their own voices.

Student voice might be lost when AI does the writing. Clout, Unsplash, CC BY

This is particularly important in African universities, where student voice and the intellectual contribution of students to society are drivers of social change and decolonisation.

How can you tell if a text is written by a student or is AI generated?

Flawless grammar and clichés are the first two signs. Generic, shallow reasoning is another. Finally, the generative AI answer does not tend to relate well to topics set in a local context.

If I take student short stories that have been submitted to our iCAN project as an example, I see more and more tales set in some unnamed place (previously, students’ stories often took place in their own towns) or adventures experienced by characters named Stacey, Rick, Damian or other American-sounding people.

Another example: third year students studying Geography were asked to write a ten page essay on the history and future of sustainability and how it applied to Africa. To guide them, the students were referred to a report that addresses challenges in sustainability. What we saw during our consultations in the writing centre were texts that discussed this report, as well as relevant topics such as “global inequality and environmental justice” and “linking human rights, sustainability and peace” – but nowhere was South Africa even mentioned. The students clearly prompted their generative AI tool to produce an essay on the first part of the assignment instructions.

Writing workshop. Author provided (no reuse)

Also, it’s quite easy to determine whether somebody did their own research and created their own arguments when they have to reflect on it.

When students don’t understand the text of their essay, it’s a sign that they didn’t produce it. As academics and writing coaches we increasingly encounter students who, instead of requiring help with their own essay or assignment, need assistance with their AI-produced text. Students ask questions about the meaning and relevance of the text.

Writing centre consultations have always relied on asking the students questions about their writing in an attempt to guide them on their academic exploration. But recently more time needs to be spent on reading what the students present as their writing, and then asking them what it means. Therefore, instead of specifics, we now need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

Not all students use generative AI poorly. That is why I still believe in using AI detection tools as a first “flag” in the process: it provides a place to start.

What interventions do you propose?

Students should be asked questions about text, like:

  • Does what it is saying make sense?

  • Does this statement sound true?

  • Does it answer the lecturer’s question?

In some instances teaching and learning is moving back to paper-based assignments, which I support. If possible, we should let students write with pens in controlled environments.

It’s also becoming more important to reignite the skill of academic reading so that students can understand what their AI assistant is producing. This points to the importance of reading for understanding, being able to question what was read, and being able to remember what one has read.

Generative AI is quite western and northern-centric. I believe we in academia have an opportunity to focus, where possible, on indigenous knowledge. Students should be encouraged to reflect on indigenous knowledge more often.

Lastly, academics should not over-rely on generative AI themselves if they don’t want their students to do so. As student enrolment numbers rise, time is becoming a rare luxury for academics, but we cannot expect students to take responsibility for their learning when we want to take shortcuts in our facilitation.

Have you changed your approach given these insights?

We have been revisiting our workshop materials to include more theory and practice on reading. Well-known strategies like the SQ3R method (to survey, question, read, recite and review a text) and the PIE approach (understanding that paragraphs Point to a main idea, support this by Illustration and Explain how and why the writer supports the main idea) are infused, along with various activities to ensure students apply some of these.

Our one-on-one consultations between students and trained, qualified academic writing experts continue to be integral.

If we as academics want to continue facilitating the learning process in students – and truly put them at the centre of education – we have to empower them to think critically and express themselves in their own voices.

– We run writing workshops at a South African university: what we’ve learnt about how students are using AI, and how to help them
– https://theconversation.com/we-run-writing-workshops-at-a-south-african-university-what-weve-learnt-about-how-students-are-using-ai-and-how-to-help-them-273286

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South Africa: Walter Sisulu University Flags Department of Higher Education for Development Setbacks

Source: APO


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Walter Sisulu University yesterday raised concerns that delays in its development were being driven by a lack of cooperation from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education is currently conducting oversight visits to post-school education institutions in the Eastern Cape to assess their state of readiness for the 2026 academic year.

During the engagement, the Chairperson of the university’s Council informed the committee that DHET had declined to allow the university to use approximately R100 million in interest earned from long-standing unused infrastructure funds. The university had intended to use these funds to refurbish university-owned student residences.

The university also indicated that demand for placement continues to far exceed capacity. In the 2026 academic year, the university received approximately 500 000 applications but only has space to accommodate about 7 000 students.

The committee also noted with concern that the university did not own the land on which the university is built; it is owned by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. This lack of ownership limits the university’s ability to develop and improve its facilities as it does not have the tittle deed.

Chairperson of the committee, Mr Tebogo Letsie, said the matter requires urgent inter-departmental engagement. “This is not a challenge unique to Walter Sisulu University. It is a sector-wide problem that is negatively affecting the development of institutions. We will engage the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure to find sustainable solutions,” said Mr Letsie.

Meanwhile, the committee welcomed the university’s investment in water infrastructure, particularly in light of the ongoing water shortages in the area. “We are encouraged by the proactive steps taken by the university to address water challenges, which are critical for both learning and student accommodation,” Mr Letsie added.

The committee and the university jointly expressed concern over the absence of the Director-General of DHET during the oversight engagement. The committee noted that this absence was disappointing, especially at a time when the sector is facing serious challenges that normally occur during the first weeks of the academic calendar.

The committee commended the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for its preparedness for the 2026 academic year, with funding decisions finalised well in advance. Mr Letsie praised the intervention, noting the socio-economic context of the institution. “We commend NSFAS for a job well done. This support is critical for WSU students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and rely heavily on financial assistance,” he said.

However, the committee raised concerns about the state of the university’s ICT infrastructure, after observing slow and outdated computer systems. “The current ICT infrastructure does not meet the needs of a modern university. We are recommending that DHET’s skills branch work closely with the university to secure funding to urgently improve ICT capacity,” Mr Letsie said.

The committee will today, 3 February 2026, continue with the second leg of its oversight programme with a visit to the East Cape Midlands TVET College at its Graaff-Reinet Campus.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Private credit rating agencies shape Africa’s access to debt. Better oversight is needed

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Daniel Cash, Senior Fellow, United Nations University; Aston University

Africa’s development finance challenge has reached a critical point. Mounting debt pressure is squeezing fiscal space. And essential needs in infrastructure, health and education remain unmet. The continent’s governments urgently need affordable access to international capital markets. Yet many continue to face borrowing costs that make development finance unviable.

Sovereign credit ratings – the assessments that determine how financial markets price a country’s risk – play a central role in this dynamic. These judgements about a government’s ability and willingness to repay debt are made by just three main agencies – S&P Global, Moody’s and Fitch. The grades they assign, ranging from investment grade to speculative or default, directly influence the interest rates governments pay when they borrow.

Within this system, the stakes for African economies are extremely high. Borrowing costs rise sharply once countries fall below investment grade. And when debt service consumes large shares of budgets, less remains for schools, hospitals or climate adaptation. Many institutional investors also operate under mandates restricting them to investment-grade bonds.

Read more: Africa’s development banks are being undermined: the continent will pay the price

Countries rated below this threshold are excluded from large pools of capital. In practice it means that credit ratings shape the cost of borrowing, as well as whether borrowing is possible at all.

I am a researcher who has examined how sovereign credit ratings operate within the international financial system. And I’ve followed debates about their role in development finance. Much of the criticism directed at the agencies has focused on: their distance from the countries they assess; the suitability of some analytical approaches; and the challenges of applying standardised models across different economic contexts.

Less attention has been paid to the position ratings now occupy within the global financial architecture. Credit rating agencies are private companies that assess the likelihood that governments and firms will repay their debts. They sell these assessments to investors, banks and financial institutions, rather than working for governments or international organisations. But their assessments have become embedded in regulation, investment mandates and policy processes in ways that shape public outcomes.

This has given ratings a governance-like influence over access to finance, borrowing costs and fiscal space. In practice, ratings help determine how expensive it is for governments to borrow. This determines how much room they have to spend on public priorities like health, education, and infrastructure. Yet, credit rating agencies were not created to play this role. They emerged as private firms in the early 1900s to provide information to investors. The frameworks for coordinating and overseeing their wider public impact – which grew long after they were established – developed gradually and unevenly over time.

The question isn’t whether ratings should be replaced. Rather, it’s how this influence is understood and managed.

Beyond the bias versus capacity debate

Discussions about Africa’s sovereign ratings often focus on two explanations. One is that African economies are systemically underrated, with critics pointing to rapid downgrades and assessments that appear harsher than those applied to comparable countries elsewhere.

Factors often cited include the location of analytical teams in advanced economies, limited exposure to domestic policy processes in the global south, and incentive structures shaped by closer engagement with regulators and market actors in major financial centres.

The other explanation emphasises macroeconomic fundamentals, the basic economic conditions that shape a government’s ability to service debt, such as growth prospects, export earnings, institutional strength and fiscal buffers. When these are weaker or more volatile, borrowing costs tend to be more sensitive to global shocks.

Both perspectives have merit. Yet neither fully explains a persistent pattern: governments often undertake significant reforms, sometimes at high political and social costs, but changes in ratings can lag well behind those efforts. During that period, borrowing costs remain high and market access constrained. It is this gap between reform and recognition that points to a deeper structural issue in how credit ratings operate within the global financial system.

Design by default

Credit ratings began as a commercial information service for investors. Over several decades, from the 1970s to the 2000s, they became embedded in financial regulation. United States regulators first incorporated ratings into capital rules in 1975 as benchmarks for determining risk charges. The European Union followed in the late 1980s and 1990s. Key international bodies followed.

This process was incremental, not the result of deliberate public design. Ratings were adopted because they were available, standardised and widely recognised. It’s argued that private sector reliance on ratings typically followed their incorporation into public regulation. But in fact markets relied informally on credit rating assessments long before regulators formalised their use.

By the late 1990s, ratings had become deeply woven into how financial markets function. The result was that formal regulatory reliance increased until ratings became essential for distinguishing creditworthiness. This, some have argued, may have encouraged reliance on ratings at the expense of independent risk assessment.

Today, sovereign credit ratings influence which countries can access development finance, at what cost, and on what terms. They shape the fiscal options available to governments, and therefore the policy space for pursuing development goals.

Yet ratings agencies remain private firms, operating under commercial incentives. They developed outside the multilateral system and were not originally designed for a governance role. The power they wield is real. But the mechanisms for coordinating that power over public development objectives emerged later and separately. This created a governance function without dedicated coordination or oversight structures.

Designing the missing layer

African countries have initiated reform efforts to address their development finance challenge. For instance, some work with credit rating agencies to improve data quality and strengthen institutions. But these efforts don’t always translate into timely changes in assessments.

Part of the difficulty lies in shared information constraints. The link between fiscal policy actions and market perception remains complex. Governments need ways to credibly signal reform. Agencies need reliable mechanisms to verify change. And investors need confidence that assessments reflect current conditions rather than outdated assumptions.

Read more: Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how

While greater transparency can help, public debt data remains fragmented across databases and institutions.

A critical missing element in past reform efforts has been coordination infrastructure: dialogue platforms and credibility mechanisms that allow complex information to flow reliably between governments, agencies, investors and multilateral institutions.

Evidence suggests that external validation can help reforms gain market recognition. In practice, this points to the need for more structured interaction between governments, rating agencies, development partners and regional credit rating agencies around data, policy commitments and reform trajectories.

One option is the Financing for Development process. This is a multistakeholder forum coordinated by the United Nations that negotiates how the global financial system should support sustainable development. Addressing how credit ratings function within the financial system is a natural extension of this process.

Building a coordination layer need not mean replacing ratings. Or shifting them into the public sector. It means creating the transparency, dialogue and accountability structures that help any system function more effectively.

Recognising this reality helps explain how development finance actually works. As debt pressures rise and climate adaptation costs grow, putting this governance layer in place is now critical to safeguarding development outcomes in Africa.

– Private credit rating agencies shape Africa’s access to debt. Better oversight is needed
– https://theconversation.com/private-credit-rating-agencies-shape-africas-access-to-debt-better-oversight-is-needed-274858

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South Africa targets tourism growth through investment, connectivity and visa reforms

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa targets tourism growth through investment, connectivity and visa reforms

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says South Africa is strengthening its tourism growth strategy through investment promotion, improved air connectivity and visa reforms, as the country deepens engagement with key Asian markets.

De Lille was speaking in Singapore this week during a visit that included engagements with the Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore’s Minister of National Development Alvin Tan, and tourism sector stakeholders.

She said discussions focused on increasing tourist arrivals from Singapore and the broader South-East Asian region, as well as presenting bankable tourism investment projects in South Africa.

In 2025, South Africa welcomed 9 827 Singaporeans in the country, which is a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year. 

“Thank you for contributing to South Africa’s record-breaking 10.48 million international arrivals that we recorded between January and December 2025,” De Lille told the Singapore Tourism Board. 

“Last year, we had our first Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit and we are now building up to the second instalment this year in September. Our message is: Tourism Policy is Economic Policy and South Africa’s tourism sector is open for business.”

De Lille said while Singaporeans who travel to South Africa enjoy hospitality and wildlife, there is more to offer. 

“To improve ease of access, South Africa’s Home Affairs Department is rolling out the Electronic Visa Authorisation system. This is game changer. Applicants can apply for a visa on their phones or computers without visiting an office. The application is processed within 24 hours. There is no human adjudication.”

De Lille said while Singaporeans do not require a visa to travel to South Africa, passport holders from Indonesia, India, China, and Mexico will benefit from the efficiency of the system. 

“We are also looking at how we can increase the frequency of flights to South Africa. Singapore, as a central connectivity hub in South-East Asia, is key for us to increase travellers to South Africa. 

“Currently, Singapore Airlines SQ, has 12 flights per week to South Africa, and we would like to see more flights from the region. And here we have made great progress, in collaboration with the private sector and law enforcement. 

“The private sector has invested in the SECURA app, with panic buttons that give visitors access to emergency services,” the Minister said. 

De Lille told the meeting that the Department of Tourism invested R174.5 million to deploy over 2 300 Tourism Monitors at key tourist attractions across the country. 

“Following the successful hosting of the G20 Summit in South Africa, next year we will host the Special Davos World Economic Forum meeting. Our world-class MICE infrastructure is being lauded globally, and that is what we’ll continue to promote,” the minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Call for shift to innovative building technologies

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for shift to innovative building technologies

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called for a fundamental shift in how South Africa plans, finances and delivers housing. 

The Minister said traditional construction methods are no longer sufficient to meet the country’s growing and increasingly complex housing needs.

Delivering the keynote address at the first Presidential Innovative Building Technologies (IBT) Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Simelane described the gathering as a turning point in the country’s approach to human settlements delivery.

“This summit marks a seismic shift. It is not a conference about ideas alone, [nor] an exhibition of technologies for admiration. The character of this summit is anchored on an important clarion call to decisive action [and] a collective commitment to change how we plan, finance, approve and build sustainable human settlements in our country,” Simelane said.

She said while government had made significant strides since 1994, delivering more than five million housing opportunities in the form of sites and houses, the country continued to face a stubborn housing backlog of about 2.5 million households.

Simelane highlighted rapid urbanisation and population growth, pressure on land and infrastructure, constrained public finances and the escalating climate crisis as structural challenges that demand new solutions.

“Section 26 of our Constitution affirms that everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing. The way we have been building is no longer sufficient for the scale, speed, and complexity of South Africa’s housing challenges,” the Minister said.

She noted that urbanisation is reshaping the global landscape of human life and South Africa is urbanising rapidly, with projections indicating that nearly 70% of the population will live in urban areas by 2050.

This growth, she said, often manifests in informal settlements located on floodplains, unstable slopes and environmentally degraded land, placing the poorest households directly in harm’s way.

At the same time, climate change has become an undeniable reality, with the country already experiencing devastating floods, prolonged droughts, extreme heat, and destructive fires.

“The built environment is both a contributor to carbon emissions and a frontline of vulnerability. Housing must be reimagined not just as shelter, but as climate-resilient infrastructure, energy-efficient assets, water-wise systems, and engines of green economic growth,” she said, adding that IBT offer a practical pathway to achieving these goals.

Read I Tech innovations key to building climate-resilient homes – President Ramaphosa 

In the South African context, IBTs refer to building systems developed outside conventional brick-and-mortar methods and certified through Agrément South Africa in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.

These include, among others, panelised and modular systems, lightweight steel framing, alternative foundation technologies, and prefabricated or off-site manufactured components.

Simelane stressed that these technologies are not experimental curiosities but proven viable construction solutions capable of delivering faster build times, predictable quality, reduced material waste, and improved energy performance, often at lower lifecycle costs.

The Minister said the mainstreaming of IBTs is firmly grounded in government policy. The 2024 White Paper on Human Settlements, approved by Cabinet, commits the state to invest in innovative and flexible building typologies; promote sustainable and resilient materials; strengthen partnerships with the private sector, academia and civil society; and enable rapid responses through alternative building technologies.

In support of this policy direction, Simelane announced that the department will finalise Performance-Based National Norms and Standards for IBTs, guided by outcomes of the summit.

These standards will allow IBTs to be integrated into subsidised housing programmes, provide regulatory certainty to industry and financiers; protect consumers through minimum performance requirements; and ensure safety, durability, energy efficiency and accessibility.

However, the Minister warned that innovation must be approached honestly, noting concerns around local manufacturing capacity, skills availability, job impacts, financing models, and market acceptance.

Central to the summit, she said, is the development of a Social Compact on Mainstreaming Innovative Building Technologies, bringing together government, regulators, the private sector and developers, financial institutions, academia and research councils, and civil society and community formations. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

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Seychelles: President Herminie Attends “NOU MENM” Spectacle in Commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie together with First Lady Mrs Véronique Herminie, yesterday attended NOU MENM, a powerful cultural spectacle held at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles (ICCS) in commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery.

The event, organised by the Department of Tourism and Culture, formed part of the national activities marking this historic milestone and served as a moment of collective remembrance, reflection, and cultural expression. Through a compelling blend of poetry, music, song, and dance, the spectacle portrayed the struggles, resilience, and lived experiences of enslaved people, whilst highlighting the ways in which they resisted and expressed their humanity during one of the darkest chapters in history.

‘NOU MENM’ took the audience on a symbolic journey, from the pain and injustice of slavery to the strength, identity, and freedom of today’s Seychellois society. The performances not only honoured the sacrifices of those who endured slavery but also celebrated the cultural heritage that has emerged from that history and continues to shape the nation’s identity.

President Herminie has declared 1st February a public holiday, officially recognising the Abolition of Slavery as a National Day of Remembrance. The declaration pays tribute to those who fought against slavery and reaffirms the country’s commitment to honouring their legacy, while encouraging present and future generations to remain vigilant against all forms of modern-day exploitation.

Complementing the official ceremony held earlier in the morning at the National Library, the evening spectacle was widely described as a memorable and moving production, resonating deeply with the audience as it reflected on where Seychelles began and how far the nation has come.

Also in attendance were the Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles Mr Sebastien Pillay, the Minister for Tourism and Culture Mrs Amanda Bernstein, along with other distinguished guests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.