Category: Africa

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Powering Mines & Industry Launches, Outlining Africa’s Pathway to Clean Energy Manufacturing Leadership

Source: APO

ESI Africa is thrilled to announce the release of Volume 6 of Powering Mines & Industry, addressing one of the most critical themes shaping Africa’s future: the intersection of mining, industrial power, and the global energy transition.

This volume is essential reading for professionals navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of mining, industrial electrification, and clean energy development.

Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl, Editor-in-Chief of ESI Africa, comments:

“If we want a credible energy future, we must redesign power systems around reliability, resilience, and local value creation, while recognising that mines are now a strategic energy and mineral asset in the low-carbon era.”

Available as a free downloadable PDF, the publication delivers a comprehensive analysis of the critical nexus between mining, industrial power demand, and Africa’s potential to become a global clean energy manufacturing leader.

Woven throughout the volume is a striking energy paradox: while Africa is richly endowed with the mineral resources essential for the clean energy transition, it currently captures less than 1% of the global clean energy manufacturing market.

The publication underscores a central truth: the global energy transition depends fundamentally on mining, and mining operations themselves depend on access to affordable, reliable, high-quality power. This circular relationship is explored in depth, with the volume arguing that mines must electrify intelligently, plan regionally, finance proactively, and mine responsibly in order to become key enablers of climate resilience.

Inside This Must-Read Volume

Readers will:

  • Explore investment trends, policy landscapes, and the role of beneficiation in capturing value onshore rather than exporting raw materials.
    Headline to bookmark: From Raw Materials to Refined Returns
  • Learn about the opportunity to produce low-emission commodities such as green iron and low-emissions ammonia, powered by Africa’s abundant solar and wind resources.
  • Examine the challenges and solutions associated with integrating renewable energy into mining operations, noting that renewables currently supply only 30–40% of total mine energy demand.
    Headline of interest: Renewables at Mines
  • Discover four critical energy lessons from a coal mine that could save millions in revenue, highlighting hidden inefficiencies in electrical systems, Contract Demand management, and the financial impact of maintaining a high Power Factor.
  • Gain insights from industry leaders on the fast-evolving commercial and industrial (C&I) energy and storage market, where private power traders and integrators are delivering cost-competitive, verified green energy solutions.
  • Understand why a “process approach” is key to unlocking energy efficiency in open-cast mining, moving beyond traditional conservation methods to achieve substantial economic gains.
  • Uncover five hidden truths about the minerals powering the green revolution, including:
    • The geopolitical leverage of mid-stream processing
    • The complexities of the “Hitchhiker Problem”, where critical minerals are tied to host-metal production
    • Why the “Recycling Paradox” limits immediate supply

Driving Climate Resilience Through Industry

This volume delivers essential insights and expert analysis for mining and industrial stakeholders seeking to position themselves as cornerstones of climate resilience and sustainable development.

Availability

The latest volume of Powering Mines & Industry is available now as a free downloadable PDF.
Access the publication here:
https://apo-opa.co/3YtDrr8

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact
Nicolette Pombo-van Zyl
Editor-in-Chief, ESI Africa
nicolette@wearevuka.com
www.ESI-Africa.com

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Emirates rolls out retrofitted Boeing 777s with Premium Economy to Beirut and Beijing

Source: APO

Emirates (www.Emirates.com) today announced that retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy will serve flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut from 6 January 2026 and flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing, starting from 1 February 2026. *

Beijing becomes the fourth city in the Chinese mainland to receive Emirates’ latest aircraft and next-gen products, while travellers to and from Beirut will experience the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy and new Business Class cabin in 1-2-1 layout for the first time.

For Lebanon’s capital city, EK953 departs Dubai at 1540hrs, arriving in Beirut at 1700hrs, with the return EK954 departing at 1945hrs and arriving in Dubai at 0050hrs. ** The schedule offers seamless connections to and from major cities with significant Lebanese diaspora communities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane as well as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Montreal. Customers can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience across both legs of their journey, with many of these cities being served by retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s featuring the airline’s latest interiors.

Emirates’ flight EK306 departs Dubai at 3:20hrs, arriving in Beijing at 14:45hrs. The return flight EK307 takes off from Beijing at 00:40hrs, landing in Dubai at 5:30hrs. ** Travellers can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience from Beijing to popular destinations across Emirates’ global network, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé and Lisbon, as well as key cities in the Gulf region such as Kuwait, Riyadh and Amman.

The refurbished four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features upgraded interiors with new design elements, including modern colour palettes, specially designed Ghaf Tree motifs, and wood finishes across all cabins. Each aircraft includes 260 of the latest-generation Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, and eight First Class Suites.

Emirates’ Premium Economy has garnered glowing feedback for its unique value and standout features. Passengers can expect a Business Class-like experience at a more accessible price, featuring spacious leather seats with a generous recline, full leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, and a 13.3-inch TV screen. Premium Economy also includes generously sized pillows and blankets, complimentary amenity kits on select flights, and globally exclusive sparkling wine – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

Emirates’ Boeing 777 Business Class cabin has also been redesigned, with seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration to offer privacy, full aisle access, and ample space to work, lounge, and rest. Each seat is wrapped in champagne leather, matching the ones on the latest Emirates A380, with detailed stitching and soft, cushioned headrests.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.Emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. WeChat Pay is available on www.Emirates.com for customers in China.

  * Aircraft deployment may be advanced if released earlier from refurbishment

 ** all times are local 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Emirates Group.

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President Ramaphosa to chair virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, in his capacity as the interim Chairperson of Southern African Development Community (SADC), address the opening and  participate in a virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government. 

The virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit is taking place under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC” , and will be preceded by meetings of Senior Officials and Council of Ministers  respectively. 

The Summit will consider the fact-finding mission report on the political situation in the Republic of Madagascar and the interim Incoming Chairperson of SADC.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied  by  Minister Ronald Lamola of International Relations and Cooperation. 

Extraordinary SADC  Summit of Heads of State and Government opening address by President Ramaphosa will take place  as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
Time: 16h00
Streaming: PresidencyZA 

The opening ceremony  will be live streamed on  PresidencyZA digital platforms.  

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) President, Global Experts Map Out New Direction for Culture at Morocco Forum

Source: APO

The President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) (https://AFRIMA.org), Mr Mike Dada, joined leading cultural and creative industry experts from across the world to discuss the future of Africa’s cultural sector at the 3rd Moroccan Forum of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) in Rabat, Morocco.

The event, which took place from  December 11 to 14, 2025, was organised under the ‘High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’ and hosted by the HIBA Foundation, a cultural organisation established by the King to support the growth of Morocco’s creative economy.

This year’s forum brought together policymakers, investors, cultural operators, academics, and creative professionals from countries including Senegal, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Belgium, Germany, France, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Quebec. Over four days, they examined how African countries can strengthen their cultural ecosystems and increase the economic value of their creative industries.

Mr. Dada, a lawyer, Public Relations Consultant and creative economy expert who represented AFRIMA and the African music sector, joined a major panel session titled “Towards a Pan-African Federation of Cultural Operators: What lessons can be drawn from past experiences, and how can we project forward?” The conversation focused on how African countries can share knowledge, build stronger partnerships, and promote cultural exchange across borders.

During the discussion, Mr Dada highlighted AFRIMA’s work with the African Union and how the awards platform has helped to project African music to a global audience. He also stressed the need for investment, training, and collaboration to grow the continent’s cultural industries and provide more opportunities for young creatives.

He said, “Africa’s creative industry is not just growing; it is becoming a powerful economic force. What we need now is stronger cooperation across the continent, better policies, and sustainable investment. If we can achieve that, our cultural sector will contribute far more to national development than it does today.

“This forum gives us the platform to exchange ideas, learn from global partners, and build a shared vision for African culture. Conversations like this help us understand what is working, what needs to change, and how we can move forward together as one creative continent.

“Through AFRIMA, we continue to promote African music to the world, support young creatives, and strengthen partnerships between countries. Our goal is to make sure African talent is visible, respected, exposed to global opportunities and celebrated everywhere.”

As part of the event, Mr Dada attended a special reception hosted by the Ambassador of France to Morocco, Mr Christophe Lecourtier, on December 12, where cultural leaders interacted and explored new partnership opportunities.

AFRIMA is Africa’s global music awards platform established in 2014 by the International Committee AFRIMA and the African Union (AU) to celebrate, reward, and promote Africa’s diverse musical talents and rich cultural heritage globally, and its 9th Edition is scheduled to hold on January 7-11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event is broadcast live in more than 84 countries around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

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Le motif retenu pour les médailles des Jeux Olympiques de la Jeunesse de Dakar 2026 est dévoilé

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

“The Roar of Youth” (le rugissement de la jeunesse), un motif saisissant de la designer espagnole Pilar Barbadillo Vicario, 26 ans, a été retenu pour l’avers des médailles des Jeux Olympiques de la Jeunesse (JOJ) de Dakar 2026. L’œuvre a été sélectionnée par un jury (https://apo-opa.co/3YvkIeN) à la suite d’un appel à propositions lancé à l’échelle mondiale. Elle figurera sur les médailles remises aux athlètes qui monteront sur le podium au Sénégal. 

Faits majeurs :

  • Le motif “The Roar of Youth” de la designer espagnole Pilar Barbadillo Vicario, 26 ans, a été sélectionné pour l’avers des médailles des JOJ de Dakar 2026.
  • Il met en avant un lion, symbole de force, de courage et du Sénégal. Sa crinière se compose de deux visages symétriques, incarnant l’équité et le respect, chacun couronné d’une branche d’olivier en référence à l’héritage olympique.
  • Le motif a été choisi à la suite d’un appel à propositions lancé à l’échelle mondiale et auquel ont répondu 103 pays.

Un motif inspiré par la culture Sénégalaise et les valeurs olympiques

Fruit d’une étude approfondie de l’art et du symbolisme sénégalais, “The Roar of Youth” place au centre du motif un lion, représentant à la fois le pays hôte et les valeurs de force et de courage. Deux visages symétriques, inspirés de l’art sénégalais, forment la crinière et illustrent l’équité et le respect dans le sport. Chaque visage est couronné d’une branche d’olivier, évoquant les origines antiques des Jeux Olympiques et la quête d’excellence. Le motif est complété par des lignes épurées, créant une médaille qui reflète à la fois la culture locale et les valeurs olympiques.

Pour expliquer son approche, Pilar Barbadillo Vicario, a déclaré : “J’ai conçu la médaille en pensant à ce que vous verriez lorsque vous l’auriez chez vous. Elle incarne tout ce que vous avez accompli au fil du temps – non seulement la victoire, mais aussi l’effort fourni et la motivation pour l’avenir.”

“J’ai l’impression d’avoir moi-même gagné l’une de ces médailles”

Actuellement étudiante en master de design UX/UI, Pilar Barbadillo Vicario a décrit le moment où elle a appris qu’elle avait gagné comme étant profondément émouvant. “Je ne peux pas l’expliquer”, a-t-elle confié. “Mes sœurs et moi adorons les Jeux Olympiques. Nous les regardons toujours ensemble. Elles n’en reviendront pas. Mes doigts en tremblaient.”

Réfléchissant à ce que cette réalisation représente, elle a ajouté : “J’ai l’impression d’avoir moi-même gagné l’une de ces médailles. Les athlètes s’expriment à travers le sport, et moi à travers l’art. Savoir que de jeunes athlètes porteront une médaille ornée de mon motif est tout simplement incroyable.

Je voulais que la médaille rappelle aux vainqueurs où ils étaient et ce qu’ils ont réalisé ; qu’ils ont voyagé et qu’ils ont accompli quelque chose d’exceptionnel grâce à leurs efforts.

Lancé en septembre 2025, l’appel à propositions (https://apo-opa.co/3YvkIeN) a attiré des candidatures issues de 103 pays, témoignant d’un fort intérêt international pour Dakar 2026. Les designers indiens, sénégalais, brésiliens, mexicains et français figurent parmi ceux ayant soumis le plus grand nombre de projets. En plus de voir sa création remise aux jeunes athlètes, Pilar Barbadillo Vicario sera invitée à assister aux JOJ de Dakar 2026.

Les motifs ont été examinés par un jury composé du président de la commission de coordination du Comité International Olympique (CIO) pour Dakar 2026, Humphrey Kayange OLY, du gagnant du concours de création des médailles de Gangwon 2024, Dante Akira Uwai, de l’olympienne artiste Annabel Eyres OLY, des jeunes leaders du CIO Peniamina Percival OLY et Pragnya Mohan, des jeunes reporters du CIO Yun Su Park et Yann Durand, ainsi que de l’ambassadeur de Dakar 2026, Elzo Jamdong. Le président de la commission de coordination de Dakar 2026 a présenté la recommandation du jury à la commission exécutive du CIO la semaine dernière.

Le deuxième prix a été décerné à Agisilaos Kyriazis, de Grèce, avec le motif “The Sun of Values”, tandis que la troisième place a été attribuée à Elizuba Joe Abraham, d’Inde, pour “The Celebration of Triumph”.

Le revers de la médaille sera conçu par le comité d’organisation de Dakar 2026 dans le cadre d’un concours national. Il intégrera des éléments de la culture sénégalaise ainsi que l’emblème des JOJ.

La possibilité de concevoir l’avers de la médaille a été offerte pour la première fois aux jeunes designers à l’occasion des JOJ de Singapour 2010, lorsque la Japonaise Setsuko Fukuzawa a créé le motif “Yes Youth Can”. Depuis, des designers originaires de Slovaquie, de Roumanie, d’Indonésie, de Nouvelle-Zélande et du Brésil ont vu leurs créations remises aux jeunes athlètes sur le podium des JOJ.

Pour rappel, les JOJ de Dakar 2026 se tiendront du 31 octobre au 13 novembre 2026 et réuniront 2 700 des meilleurs jeunes athlètes du monde âgés de 17 ans au maximum. Les Jeux se dérouleront sur trois sites hôtes : Dakar, Diamniadio et Saly.

Distribué par APO Group pour International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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Winning medal design revealed for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Source: APO

“The Roar of Youth” – a striking design by 26-year-old Spanish designer Pilar Barbadillo Vicario – has been selected for the obverse of the medals for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The artwork was selected by a jury (https://apo-opa.co/4p2J3DJ) following a global call for designs and will feature on the medals awarded to athletes who step on to the podium in Senegal. 

Key facts:

  • “The Roar of Youth” by 26-year-old Spanish designer Pilar Barbadillo Vicario was selected as the Dakar 2026 YOG obverse medal design.
  • The medal features a lion, symbolising strength, courage and Senegal, with its mane forming symmetrical faces representing fairness and respect, each wearing olive crowns as a nod to Olympic heritage.
  • The design was chosen following a global call for designs that welcomed submissions from 103 countries.

A design inspired by Senegal and the Olympic values

Created following research into Senegalese art and symbolism, The Roar of Youth places a lion at the centre of the design, representing both the host country and the values of strength and courage. The lion’s mane is formed by two symmetrical faces inspired by Senegalese art and symbolising fairness and respect in sport. Each face is adorned with an olive crown, recalling the ancient origins of the Olympic Games and the pursuit of excellence. The design is completed with clean lines, creating a medal that reflects both local culture and the Olympic values.

Explaining her approach, Barbadillo Vicario said: “When I was designing the medal, I was thinking about what you see when you already have it at home afterwards. It represents everything you’ve achieved over time – not only the moment you win it, but all the work behind it and what can motivate you in the future.”

“I feel as if I had won one of those medals myself”

Currently studying for a master’s degree in UX/UI design, Barbadillo Vicario described the moment she learned she had won as deeply emotional. “I just can’t explain it,” she said. “My sisters and I love the Olympic Games – we always watch them together – and they won’t believe this. Even my fingers were shaking.”

Reflecting on what the achievement represents, she added: “Right now, I feel as if I had won one of those medals myself. Athletes express themselves through sport, and for me it’s art. Knowing that young athletes will wear a medal with my design is just incredible.”

“I wanted the medal to help winners remember where they were and what they achieved there. It’s about knowing you’ve travelled, that you’ve been somewhere, and that you’ve achieved something through your effort.”

The call for designs (https://apo-opa.co/4p2J3DJ), launched in September 2025, attracted submissions from 103 countries, highlighting strong international interest in Dakar 2026, with designers from India, Senegal, Brazil, Mexico and France submitting the highest number of entries. As well as seeing her design awarded to athletes at the YOG, Barbadillo Vicario will be invited to attend Dakar 2026.

The designs were evaluated by a jury featuring International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange OLY; Gangwon 2024 medal design competition winner Dante Akira Uwai; Olympian artist Annabel Eyres OLY; IOC Young Leaders Peniamina Percival OLY and Pragnya Mohan; IOC Young Reporters Yun Su Park and Yann Durand; and Dakar 2026 ambassador Elzo Jamdong. Coordination Commission Chair Kayange presented the jury’s recommendation to the IOC Executive Board last week.

The runner-up was Agisilaos Kyriazis from Greece, with the design entitled “The Sun of Values”, while third place went to Elizuba Joe Abraham from India for “The Celebration of Triumph”.

The reverse of the medal will be designed by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee through a national competition and will incorporate Senegalese cultural elements alongside the Youth Olympic Games emblem.

The opportunity for young designers to create the obverse of the Youth Olympic medals was first introduced at the inaugural YOG in Singapore in 2010, when Japan’s Setsuko Fukuzawa created the “Yes Youth Can” design. Since then, designers from Slovakia, Romania, Indonesia, New Zealand and Brazil have seen their creations presented to young athletes on the podium at the YOG.

The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together 2,700 of the world’s best young athletes aged up to 17. The Games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Olympic Committee (IOC).

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Ramokgopa announces 890MW solar boost as renewable rollout accelerates

Source: Government of South Africa

Ramokgopa announces 890MW solar boost as renewable rollout accelerates

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced the appointment of additional Preferred Bidders to deliver 890 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, marking a significant expansion of South Africa’s renewable energy programme and a R16 billion investment injection into the economy.

With the latest announcement, total capacity procured under Bid Window 7 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) now stands at 3 940MW, to be delivered through 18 solar PV independent power producer (IPP) projects.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Monday, Ramokgopa said the additional capacity forms part of government’s drive to stabilise electricity supply, while supporting economic growth and job creation.

“South African equity participation of 49% across all the Preferred Bidders and average Black Economic Empowerment participation of 40% have been committed by these projects,” Ramokgopa said, adding that these commitments will be formalised through Implementation Agreements between the department and the project companies.

The Minister said the additional projects in Bid Window 7 emerged from strong market interest, which attracted 48 bidders offering a combined 10.2 gigawatts — more than double the capacity originally requested.

“They were giving us twice the number of megawatts that we had called for,” Ramokgopa said, noting that government initially prepared preferred bidders for about 1 760MW of solar PV, close to the 1 800MW target.

He explained that when Bid Window 7 did not yield sufficient wind energy bids, government successfully converted that capacity allocation to solar PV, enabling the appointment of additional bidders.

“We were able to get six additional bidders that were going to add another 1 290 megawatts. After further engagements on pricing and compensation, we are now able to ensure that four of these projects go over the line, giving us an additional 890 megawatts,” he said.

Ramokgopa said the new projects are expected to reach the grid within the next 24 months, reinforcing government’s commitment to expanding generation capacity as economic activity picks up.

“The more the economy grows, the more electricity consumption we need to support that growth. We have to give the country assurance that electricity will be there,” he said.

The Minister confirmed that three of the four newly announced projects were awarded to Red Rocket, and that the solar PV facilities will be located in the Free State and Northern Cape — provinces well suited to renewable energy development.

Ramokgopa reiterated that South Africa remains an ideal destination for renewable energy investment, with energy seen as a key enabler of economic recovery.

“We want the South African economy to grow. We want investors to come into this space, we want to get people into employment, and we are going to use energy to get the economy going,” he said.

The Minister said the R16 billion investment linked to the newly announced projects would flow directly into the South African economy, supporting industrial development, employment and long-term energy security. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Rawbank renouvelle pour cinq ans son partenariat stratégique avec Visa pour accélérer la digitalisation des paiements en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Rawbank, banque leader en République Démocratique du Congo, annonce le renouvellement pour cinq ans de son partenariat stratégique avec Visa (www.Visa.com). Cet accord marque l’ouverture d’un nouveau cycle d’une collaboration engagée il y a plus de quinze ans, qui a joué un rôle déterminant dans la modernisation des paiements en RDC et l’accélération de la digitalisation des services financiers, en ligne avec les priorités nationales en matière d’inclusion financière.

Des résultats probants sur le cycle 2022-2025

Entre 2022 et 2025, Rawbank et Visa ont accompagné la montée en puissance des usages digitaux, avec une adoption croissante des paiements électroniques dans un pays où le cash reste dominant. Ce partenariat a permis de structurer l’écosystème des paiements : modernisation des infrastructures d’acceptation, élargissement du réseau de commerçants, soutien au décollage de l’e-commerce et opérations d’animation commerciale autour de grands rendez-vous sportifs mondiaux comme la CAN, la Coupe du Monde ou les Jeux Olympiques. Ces campagnes ont contribué à familiariser le grand public congolais aux usages de paiement digital.

Rawbank, partenaire clé pour la tokenisation

Dans ce nouveau cycle, Rawbank s’affirme comme banque partenaire de référence pour la tokenisation des paiements en RDC, permettant aux consommateurs et aux entreprises de bénéficier de transactions plus sécurisées et innovantes. Cette démarche s’inscrit dans la volonté commune de renforcer la confiance dans les paiements digitaux et de soutenir l’évolution vers une économie plus connectée.

Un nouveau cycle axé sur l’innovation, les solutions commerciales et l’international

Rawbank et Visa entendent accélérer le développement de solutions commerciales dédiées aux petites et moyennes entreprises, avec des outils de gestion des dépenses destinés à professionnaliser la gestion financière des PME. L’expansion des offres pour la clientèle aisée et le renforcement des solutions cross-border figurent également parmi les priorités, afin de répondre aux besoins d’une clientèle diversifiée et de soutenir la croissance des échanges internationaux. Sur le versant des marchands, l’expansion des solutions d’acceptation, terminaux physiques, solutions en ligne et outils de paiement à distance, doit soutenir la croissance de l’e-commerce et améliorer la sécurisation des flux.

En parallèle, les deux partenaires préparent la mise sur le marché de Companion Cards et de cartes virtuelles, conçues en collaboration avec les opérateurs de télécommunications, pour mieux répondre aux usages mobiles et offrir plus de flexibilité aux particuliers comme aux entreprises. Des campagnes ciblées d’inclusion financière, notamment via la Visa Academia Card et de futurs programmes conjoints, visent plus spécifiquement la jeunesse, les femmes et les entrepreneurs, avec un volet d’éducation financière et d’accès aux services bancaires formels.

« Ce renouvellement confirme la solidité d’un partenariat qui a profondément transformé l’usage des services financiers en RDC. Avec Visa, nous poursuivons un objectif clair : offrir aux Congolais des solutions de paiement modernes, sûres et adaptées à leurs besoins. » déclare Mustafa Rawji, Directeur Général de Rawbank.

« Nous sommes ravis de renouveler notre collaboration avec Rawbank un nouveau cycle de cinq ans, avec l’ambition de moderniser l’acceptation, de stimuler l’e‑commerce et de déployer des solutions mobiles innovantes. Ensemble, nous souhaitons élargir l’accès aux services financiers digitaux en RDC et accélérer l’inclusion pour tous. » affirme Sophie Kafuti, Directeur Général de VISA en RDC. »

Avec ce renouvellement sur cinq ans, Rawbank et Visa entendent consolider leur position de piliers de l’écosystème des paiements en RDC et s’inscrire dans la durée comme deux acteurs de référence de la transition vers une économie plus digitalisée, plus formelle et plus inclusive, au moment où le marché congolais attire de plus en plus l’attention des observateurs et investisseurs internationaux.

Distribué par APO Group pour Visa Inc..

Contact presse :
Noe SOULA
ns@35nord.com

Yvan GUEHI
yguehi@visa.com

À propos de RAWBANK :
Depuis 23 ans, avec un total d’actifs de 6,2 milliards de dollars, Rawbank soutient le développement de l’économie congolaise. Première banque de la RDC depuis 13 ans, Rawbank offre les produits et services les plus modernes à ses  500 000+ clients Corporate, PMEs et Particuliers à travers un réseau de plus de 100 agences dans 19 provinces du pays, une offre digitale avec Illicocash, la banque par internet et plus de 320 guichets automatiques. Son action est récompensée par l’African Bankers Award 2022 et 2024 de la meilleure banque régionale d’Afrique centrale, une note Moody’s B3, des certifications ISO/IEC 20000 et ISO/IEC 27001.  Les partenaires qui font confiance à RAWBANK sont entre autres : IFC, BAD, TDB, BADEA, AGF, etc 

Pour plus d’informations, visitez notre site web : https://Rawbank.com.

À propos de VISA :
Visa (NYSE: V) est un leader mondial des paiements numériques, facilitant les transactions entre les consommateurs, les commerçants, les institutions financières et les entités gouvernementales dans plus de 200 pays et territoires. Notre mission est de connecter le monde grâce au réseau de paiements le plus innovant, le plus pratique, le plus fiable et le plus sûr, permettant aux individus, aux entreprises et aux économies de prospérer. Nous croyons que les économies qui incluent tout le monde partout, élèvent tout le monde partout et nous considérons l’accès comme fondamental pour l’avenir du mouvement de l’argent.

En savoir plus sur www.Visa.com

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Majodina assures accountability in R53bn Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Source: Government of South Africa

Majodina assures accountability in R53bn Lesotho Highlands Water Project

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina has assured that there will be full accountability for the R53 billion allocated for the implementation of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

“We will account at the right time. When the project is completed, the books will be audited… We will be transparent to both countries, showing what has been done and how much has been spent. If contingency funds were used, we will account comprehensively,” Majodina said.

The Minister was speaking to media on Monday during the second day of an oversight visit to Lesotho to assess progress on LHWP Phase II.

As part of the oversight programme, Majodina visited the newly upgraded Katse Lodge, which now has 81 rooms, including single quarters and dormitories, as well as conference facilities. She also toured the Botanical Garden, campsite and caravan park, Tunnel Access Adit, and the Katse Dam.

While acknowledging delays in the project’s completion, Majodina said some challenges were unavoidable.

“Some of these challenges are common to construction projects anywhere in the world. Lesotho receives a lot of rain, and when rainfall is excessive, work has to stop. Employees are withdrawn from sites because there is nothing that can be done,” she said.

She noted that delays were experienced particularly on feeder roads and housing construction. “We cannot build when it is raining,” she added.

Despite some challenges, the Minister said government was satisfied with how the project is being managed.

South Africa ‘not stealing water’

Meanwhile, Majodina has dismissed claims that South Africa is stealing water from Lesotho, emphasising that South Africa pays royalties for the water it receives under the LHWP agreement.

Her comments come amid opposition from some quarters in Lesotho, who argue that the project benefits South Africa at the expense of the host country.

“We want to [assure] all Basotho that we are not stealing any water here. We are paying royalties on a monthly basis. But those royalites were not meant for a particular village, but for the country [as a whole] .

“They go to the national fiscus and get distributed in accordance with the plan of the government of Lesotho, and we don’t enter into that space. What we do is to meet our requirement of payment,” the Minister said.

Majodina said South Africa and Lesotho are close to finalising discussions on hydropower arrangements linked to the project.

“While we are paying royalties, the question is how Lesotho will pay for hydropower services on our side,” she said.

She confirmed that Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to visit Lesotho soon, as the Bi-National Commission (BNC) has set a deadline for progress reports ahead of its next meeting.

“By now I am certain that we are going to give a more positive report to the BNC,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Job Offer: Private Personal Assistant to the Founder and Chairman (fully remote)

Source: APO


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