Category: Africa

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National Tourism Safety Forum meets in Johannesburg

Source: Government of South Africa

National Tourism Safety Forum meets in Johannesburg

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has convened the National Tourism Safety Forum in Johannesburg to strengthen and coordinate tourism safety across South Africa.

This was the first sitting of the forum under the 7th administration, bringing together MECs, provincial tourism authorities, South African Tourism, the private sector – including the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO) and a wide range of national and provincial stakeholders.

During the meeting, the Minister received a comprehensive state-of-readiness report from all the provinces ahead of the festive season. 

A key element of the national safety plan is the deployment of Tourism Monitors. 

A total of 40 of the 202 Tourism Monitors allocated to the Border Management Authority (BMA) have been officially deployed at OR Tambo International Airport to strengthen visibility and visitor support.

“Safety is the foundation of tourism growth and our ability to collaborate effectively determines how well we protect both visitors and the jobs that depend on them,” said de Lille.

She confirmed that the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, has been formally delegated to chair the National Tourism Safety Forum going forward.

“Deputy Minister Sotyu brings deep experience, including her previous tenure as Deputy Minister of Police, and her leadership will be invaluable in guiding this Forum’s work,” said de Lille.

With a strong background in public safety and crime prevention, Sotyu will now lead the Forum’s coordination efforts across government, industry and security structures.

The Minister called on communities across the country to work with government and the private sector to ensure that South Africa maintains its global appeal and remains a destination where visitors feel safe, welcomed and supported. – SAnews.gov.za

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Call for nationwide responsibility in fight against GBVF

Source: Government of South Africa

Call for nationwide responsibility in fight against GBVF

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on all South Africans to assume collective responsibility in the ongoing national effort to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), describing the crisis as one that demands urgent, coordinated action across society.

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said bold leadership and stronger partnerships across various levels of government, civil society, and the private sector, are indispensable as the country intensifies its response.

While government continues to strengthen laws, expand support services for survivors, and accelerate the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF), the Minister stressed that sustainable progress will only be possible when communities unite behind a shared commitment to end violence.

She emphasised that the fight against GBVF must extend beyond the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, urging a year-round, 365-day commitment to prevent violence, protect vulnerable groups, and build a society grounded in equality, dignity, and safety.

“Every day is a day to end GBVF,” the department said, calling on citizens to work together to build a safer, more inclusive and society free from violence.

Chikunga highlighted the role communities play in creating safe environments, supporting survivors, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.

She urged institutions and workplaces to ensure that policies, protections, and reporting mechanisms are in place and effective. She also encouraged families to instil values of respect, equality, and non-violence from early childhood.

“The responsibility does not rest with government alone, but with every sector, every community, and every individual.”

The Minister also called on men to actively challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes and to speak out against abuse whenever it occurs.

“We cannot end GBVF through legislation alone. We need a united nation, men, women, youth, traditional leaders, religious formations, business, labour, and civil society working in one direction. National efforts towards ending GBVF are both a moral duty and a collective responsibility,” the Minister said.

The department further encouraged the public to make use of available support services, including the GBVF Command Centre at 0800 428 428, to assist individuals at risk.

“Together, South Africa can build a society where women, children, and persons with disabilities live free from violence, fear, and discrimination.”

Meanwhile, in his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the call for a nationwide, sustained programme of dialogues with men and boys to confront the drivers of violence, including toxic masculinity, harmful cultural norms, peer pressure, and patterns of socialisation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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African Development Bank Approves $10 Million to catalyse Namibia’s Large Green Hydrogen Project

Source: APO


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The African Development Bank’s Board of Directors (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $10 million loan to Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, a Namibian green hydrogen development company,  to support a green ammonia project valued at more than $10 billion and with the potential to position Namibia as a pioneer in the global green hydrogen economy.

The loan, sourced from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), will support front-end engineering design studies for solar and wind generation, battery energy storage systems, and electrolyser capacity and desalination infrastructure, thereby de-risking the project and attracting the financing required for its realisation.

SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments to remove market barriers, build a more robust pipeline of  projects, and improve the risk-return profile of individual investments.

The project is poised to leverage the country’s world-class solar and wind energy resources, The first phase includes 3.75 GW of renewable energy generation, battery storage, 1.5 GW of electrolyser capacity, and supporting infrastructure such as desalination facilities, pipelines, transmission lines, and enhanced port facilities—all developed to the highest environmental and social standards.

Once completed, the project is projected to produce 2 million tons of green ammonia annually for export to key markets, while contributing to local economic development under a comprehensive socio economic development plan embedded in the project’s 40-year concession agreement.

It will additionally avert annual emissions of  5 million tons of Co2—the equivalent of removing over one million cars from the road—while deploying 7.5 gigawatts of renewable energy generation capacity, more than 10 times Namibia’s current installed capacity. Additionally, the project will supply 3 million liters of clean water through desalination daily to the water-scarce region of Lüderitz in Southern Namibia.

Moono Mupotola, African Development Bank Country Manager for Namibia and Deputy Director General for Southern Africa, said: “This is about far more than energy infrastructure,” said. “This is about demonstrating Africa’s capacity to lead the global energy transition, create quality jobs for our youth, and build prosperity while protecting our planet. Namibia is showing the world that Africa is not just participating in the green economy —we are defining it.”

“The African Development Bank’s approval of this pre-investment facility represents a strong vote of confidence in Hyphen’s project and in the broad ambitions of Namibia to develop one of the world’s most transformative green hydrogen  projects,” said Marco Raffinetti, CEO, Hyphen Hydrogen Energy. “We are deeply appreciative of the African Development Bank for partnering with us in the development of this transformative project. This facility, which will be utilised to partially fund the technical design phase of the project on our journey to the final investment decision.” 

“SEFA’s intervention is catalytic,” said Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank. “By supporting these essential pre-investment activities, we are unlocking billions in project financing. This is a strategic, high-impact development project.”

The project is expected to generate 15,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent positions, 90% of these  reserved for Namibian nationals and 20% specifically targeting youth in a country where youth unemployment exceeds 38%.

The Hyphen project is viewed as a flagship of the government’s Southern Corridor Development Initiative. It is expected to have a demonstration effect across Africa, particularly in countries that have abundant renewable energy resources.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its fifty-four regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Merafong, Eskom enter distribution agreement

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom and the Merafong City Local Municipality have concluded the official signing of a Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA).

The municipality has become the third local authority in the country to enter into a DAA with the power utility following Maluti-a-Phofung in the Free State and Emfuleni, in Gauteng. 

“The agreement forms a key part of Merafong City’s broader turnaround strategy aimed at stabilising electricity infrastructure, improving financial management, rebuilding public trust, and supporting local economic development.

“Merafong City entered into this agreement which represents a strategic and transitional intervention designed to stabilise electricity distribution, strengthen governance, and improve revenue collection while ensuring consistent and reliable power supply for residents and businesses,” the municipality and Eskom said in a joint statement.

The agreement states that:

  • Electricity distribution and certain retail functions will be jointly managed in a structured framework.
  • Billing and revenue collection will be ring-fenced and administered through Eskom systems.
  • Merafong will remain the electricity licence holder, with Eskom providing technical expertise, operational support, and skills transfer.
  • Free basic electricity will be disbursed directly by Eskom to qualifying indigent households.
  • Long-term structural reforms will continue through National Treasury to support municipal fiscal sustainability.

Furthermore, the DAA introduces “key improvements to strengthen the resilience and accountability” of the municipality’s electricity distribution system, including:

  • Strengthened operational coordination between Eskom and the Municipality.
  • Improved maintenance processes and fault-response times.
  • Enhanced infrastructure planning and investment readiness.
  • Clearer responsibilities, reporting lines, and accountability mechanisms.
  • Greater reliability and predictability of electricity supply.
  • Protection of existing jobs and structured training for municipal employees.
  • Capacity-building and skills transfer to support long-term municipal sustainability.

Municipal manager, Dumisani Mabuza, said: “Today represents more than the signing of a document. It represents a shared commitment to strengthening our electricity network, enhancing technical support, and ensuring that our residents receive the stable and reliable services they deserve. This agreement reinforces our vision of building a sustainable, responsive city centred on accountability and progress.”

Eskom acting Group Executive for Distribution, Agnes Mlambo, described the DAA as a “critical step” towards enabling the municipality to stabilise electricity provision for citizens.

“This partnership demonstrates Eskom’s commitment to work collaboratively and proactively with municipalities to restore operational efficiency and ensure sustainable service delivery for communities with the focus on capacitation and skills transfer,” she said.

In the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, National Treasury explained that DAAs are an interim measure to support municipalities that are battling to pay debt owed to Eskom.

Municipalities owe the power utility some R94 billion as at the end of March this year.

“Under these agreements, Eskom will operate municipal electricity services for a defined period, support cost-reflective tariff setting and loss reduction, and assist with collections. During this period, municipalities will be required to select the most appropriate service delivery mechanism, phase in cost-reflective tariffs and limit rebates.

“The DAA pathway is intended to stabilise cash flows, improve payment discipline and create a bridge to longer-term structural reforms in the local government fiscal framework.

“The interim measure does not rule out stronger interventions where failures persist,” National Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova 10 milhões de dólares para grande projeto de hidrogénio verde na Namíbia

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Conselho de Administração do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou um empréstimo de 10 milhões de dólares à Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, uma empresa namibiana de desenvolvimento de hidrogénio verde, para apoiar um projeto de amoníaco verde avaliado em mais de 10 mil milhões de dólares e com potencial para posicionar a Namíbia como pioneira na economia global de hidrogénio verde.

O empréstimo, proveniente do Fundo de Energia Sustentável para África (SEFA), apoiará estudos de engenharia de projeto para geração solar e eólica, sistemas de armazenamento de energia em baterias e capacidade de eletrolisadores e infraestrutura de dessalinização, reduzindo assim os riscos do projeto e atraindo o financiamento necessário para a sua realização.

O SEFA é um Fundo Especial com vários doadores que fornece financiamento catalítico para desbloquear investimentos do setor privado em energia renovável e eficiência energética. O SEFA oferece assistência técnica e instrumentos financeiros concessionais para remover barreiras de mercado, construir um pipeline de projetos mais robusto e melhorar o perfil de risco-retorno de investimentos individuais.

O projeto está pronto para aproveitar os recursos de energia solar e eólica de classe mundial do país. A primeira fase inclui 3,75 GW de geração de energia renovável, armazenamento em baterias, 1,5 GW de capacidade de eletrolisadores e infraestrutura de apoio, como instalações de dessalinização, gasodutos, linhas de transmissão e instalações portuárias melhoradas – tudo desenvolvido de acordo com os mais altos padrões ambientais e sociais.

Uma vez concluído, o projeto deverá produzir 2 milhões de toneladas de amoníaco verde por ano para exportação para mercados-chave, contribuindo ao mesmo tempo para o desenvolvimento económico local, ao abrigo de um plano de desenvolvimento socioeconómico abrangente, integrado no contrato de concessão de 40 anos do projeto.

Além disso, evitará emissões anuais de 5 milhões de toneladas de CO2 – o equivalente a retirar mais de um milhão de carros das estradas –, ao mesmo tempo que implantará 7,5 gigawatts de capacidade de geração de energia renovável, mais de 10 vezes a capacidade instalada atual da Namíbia. Adicionalmente, o projeto fornecerá 3 milhões de litros de água potável por dia através da dessalinização à região de Lüderitz, no sul da Namíbia, que sofre com a escassez de água.

Moono Mupotola, representante do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento na Namíbia e vice-diretor-geral para a África Austral, disse: “Isto é muito mais do que infraestrutura energética. Trata-se de demonstrar a capacidade da África de liderar a transição energética global, criar empregos de qualidade para os nossos jovens e construir prosperidade, ao mesmo tempo que protegemos o nosso planeta. A Namíbia está a mostrar ao mundo que África não está apenas a participar na economia verde – está a defini-la”.

“A aprovação deste mecanismo de pré-investimento pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento representa um forte voto de confiança no projeto da Hyphen e nas amplas ambições da Namíbia de desenvolver um dos projetos de hidrogénio verde mais transformadores do mundo”, afirmou Marco Raffinetti, CEO da Hyphen Hydrogen Energy. “Estamos profundamente gratos ao Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento por se associar a nós no desenvolvimento deste projeto transformador; este mecanismo será utilizado para financiar parcialmente a fase de conceção técnica do projeto na nossa jornada até à decisão final de investimento”, acrescentou.

“A intervenção do SEFA é catalisadora”, afirmou Daniel Schroth, diretor de Energias Renováveis e Eficiência Energética do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento. “Ao apoiar estas atividades essenciais de pré-investimento, estamos a desbloquear milhares de milhões em financiamento para o projeto. Este é um projeto de desenvolvimento estratégico e de grande impacto”, salientou.

O projeto deverá gerar 15 mil empregos na construção e 3.000 postos de trabalho permanentes, 90% dos quais reservados a cidadãos namibianos e 20% especificamente destinados a jovens, num país onde o desemprego juvenil ultrapassa os 38%.

O projeto Hyphen é considerado um dos principais projetos da Iniciativa de Desenvolvimento do Corredor Sul do governo. Espera-se que tenha um efeito demonstrativo em toda a África, particularmente em países que possuem recursos abundantes de energia renovável.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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Afreximbank afirma que África deve aumentar os volumes de cessão financeira (factoring) para pelo menos 240 mil milhões de euros para apoiar a transformação liderada pelas Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PMEn)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com) destacou a importância crítica da cessão financeira (factoring) e do financiamento da cadeia de abastecimento (SCF) para reduzir o défice de financiamento das Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PME) africanas e construir cadeias de valor resilientes em todo o continente.

Ao discursar no Workshop anual sobre Cessão Financeira (Factoring) do Afreximbank, em Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, a Sr.ª Kanayo Awani, Vice-Presidente Executiva para o Comércio Intra-Africano e Desenvolvimento das Exportações (IAED) do Afreximbank e membro do Comité Executivo da FCI, observou que, embora os volumes de cessão financeira (factoring) em África tenham mais do que duplicado nos últimos anos, passando de 21,6 mil milhões de euros em 2017 para 50 mil milhões de euros em 2024, e com quase 200 empresas de cessão financeira (factoring) a operar actualmente em todo o continente, a actividade actual continua significativamente abaixo do potencial transformador de África.

Afirmou ainda que: “Embora as PME representem mais de 90% das empresas africanas e mais de 60% do emprego e do PIB, continuam a enfrentar um défice de financiamento estimado em 300 mil milhões de dólares americanos por ano.

Para catalisar o crescimento liderado pelas PME, África deve aumentar os volumes de cessão financeira (factoring) para, pelo menos, 240 mil milhões de euros, o equivalente a cerca de 10% do PIB do continente. Para tal, será necessário aumentar o financiamento, aprofundar as reformas jurídicas, expandir a formação e estabelecer parcerias sólidas com a indústria.”

Ao intervir igualmente no workshop, o Sr. Neal Harm, Secretário-Geral da FCI, afirmou que a cessão financeira (factoring) e o financiamento da cadeia de abastecimento são fundamentais para desbloquear o crescimento das PME em África, apelando a soluções práticas, parcerias sólidas e acções colaborativas para transformar as discussões de hoje em transacções de amanhã.

Em representação do Dr. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governador do Banco Central dos Estados da África Ocidental (BCEAO), o Sr. Charlie Dingui, Conselheiro Especial do Director Nacional, salientou a importância do financiamento das PME para impulsionar o desenvolvimento socioeconómico nos Estados-Membros da UEMOA.

“Ao permitir que as empresas convertam as suas contas a receber em liquidez imediata, a cessão financeira (factoring) melhora o fluxo de caixa e estimula o crescimento, especialmente em ambientes marcados por longos atrasos nos pagamentos e desafios de cobrança”, afirmou o Sr. Dingui.

A Côte d’Ivoire apresenta uma oportunidade significativa para impulsionar o desenvolvimento económico através da expansão do seu mercado de cessão financeira (factoring). Estima-se que o sector de cessão financeira (factoring) e financiamento da cadeia de abastecimento do país tenha um potencial de 5 mil milhões de dólares, uma perspectiva notável numa economia em que só o sector do cacau sustenta milhões de meios de subsistência. No entanto, apenas 12% das PME procuram actualmente capital de exploração junto de instituições financeiras formais, dependendo em vez disso de fontes informais, em grande parte devido aos elevados custos de financiamento, ao risco associado das PME, aos requisitos rigorosos de empréstimo e aos processos de aprovação lentos.

O workshop anual sobre cessão financeira (factoring) faz parte do compromisso de longa data do Afreximbank e da FCI no sentido de aumentar a sensibilização e reforçar os conhecimentos técnicos sobre cessão financeira (factoring) e financiamento da cadeia de abastecimento, factores essenciais para promover a implementação da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (ZCLCA).

Até à data, mais de 5000 delegados receberam formação através de mais de 25 iniciativas de reforço das capacidades. A formação está disponível através do Certificado de Financiamento Comercial em África (COTFIA), da Academia Afreximbank (AFRACAD), dos programas de formação em linha e personalizados da FCI em matéria de cessão financeira (factoring) e do Programa de Mentoria da FCI

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa:
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com os Meios de Comunicação Social)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

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Sobre o Afreximbank:
O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2024, o total de activos e contingências do Afreximbank ascendia a mais de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares e os seus fundos de accionistas a 7,2 mil milhões de dólares. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e Fitch (BBB-). O Afreximbank evoluiu para uma entidade de grupo que inclui o Banco, a sua subsidiária de fundo de impacto de acções, denominada Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), e a sua subsidiária de gestão de seguros, AfrexInsure (em conjunto, “o Grupo”). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com.

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Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) Chiefs Honored at MSGBC 2025 for Driving Regional, Global Energy Cooperation

Source: APO

The Secretary Generals of intergovernmental organizations the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) were awarded the Gas Market Development and & Innovation Award and Regional Energy Collaborator Award, respectively, at this year’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition. 

The awards were given to Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General, GECF and Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General, APPO during the opening ceremony of the event on December 9.  

Eng. Hamel was bestowed the award in recognition of his efforts to enhance global gas cooperation during a key turning point for the MSGBC basin. Through his guidance, the GECF has promoted policy alignment, market transparency and data-drive analysis, enabling new LNG-producing nations such as Senegal and Mauritania to integrate more effectively into global markets.  

“As global energy systems evolve, natural gas will remain essential for industrialization, economic growth and stability. The GECF is committed to supporting emerging producers with data-driven insights, dialogue and collaboration. Together, we can ensure that the region’s gas resources become a catalyst for long-term, inclusive prosperity,” stated Eng. Hamel.  

Meanwhile, in recognition for his pivotal role in advancing African-led energy development at a time of accelerated industry growth across the continent, Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership at APPO has served to bolster policy harmonization, nurture joint initiatives among member states and champion the establishment of the African Energy Bank – an emerging financial instrument expected to unlock significant capital for oil, gas and associated infrastructure. 

“For too long, our industry has relied heavily on external financing, technology and markets,” Dr. Ibrahim stated, adding, “That model is no longer sustainable. We are working to build African capacity, strengthen regional centers of excellence and ensure our resources drive development at home. The path forward is one of cooperation, self-reliance and strategic unity across the continent.” 

Together, these awards underscore the strategic importance of regional and international collaboration as West Africa enters a new phase of energy expansion.  

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

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Le Forum des pays exportateurs de gaz (GECF) et les chefs de Organisation des producteurs africains de pétrole (APPO) récompensés lors du MSGBC 2025 pour leur contribution à la coopération régionale et mondiale dans le domaine de l’énergie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les secrétaires généraux des organisations intergouvernementales Forum des pays exportateurs de gaz (GECF) et Organisation des producteurs africains de pétrole (APPO) ont respectivement reçu le prix du développement et de l’innovation du marché du gaz et le prix du collaborateur régional dans le domaine de l’énergie lors de la conférence et exposition MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 de cette année. 

Les prix ont été remis à M. Mohamed Hamel, secrétaire général du GECF, et au Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, secrétaire général de l’APPO, lors de la cérémonie d’ouverture de l’événement, le 9 décembre. 

M. Hamel a reçu ce prix en reconnaissance de ses efforts visant à renforcer la coopération mondiale dans le domaine du gaz à un moment charnière pour le bassin MSGBC. Sous sa direction, le GECF a favorisé l’harmonisation des politiques, la transparence des marchés et l’analyse fondée sur les données, permettant ainsi à de nouveaux pays producteurs de GNL, tels que le Sénégal et la Mauritanie, de s’intégrer plus efficacement aux marchés mondiaux. 

« À mesure que les systèmes énergétiques mondiaux évoluent, le gaz naturel restera essentiel à l’industrialisation, à la croissance économique et à la stabilité. Le GECF s’engage à soutenir les producteurs émergents grâce à des informations fondées sur des données, au dialogue et à la collaboration. Ensemble, nous pouvons faire en sorte que les ressources gazières de la région deviennent un catalyseur de prospérité inclusive à long terme », a déclaré M. Hamel. 

Par ailleurs, en reconnaissance de son rôle central dans la promotion du développement énergétique mené par l’Afrique à une époque où l’industrie connaît une croissance accélérée sur tout le continent, le leadership du Dr Ibrahim au sein de l’APPO a contribué à renforcer l’harmonisation des politiques, à encourager les initiatives conjointes entre les États membres et à promouvoir la création de la Banque africaine de l’énergie, un instrument financier émergent qui devrait débloquer des capitaux importants pour le pétrole, le gaz et les infrastructures associées. 

« Pendant trop longtemps, notre industrie a fortement dépendu des financements, des technologies et des marchés extérieurs », a déclaré le Dr Ibrahim, ajoutant : « Ce modèle n’est plus viable. Nous nous efforçons de renforcer les capacités africaines, de consolider les centres d’excellence régionaux et de veiller à ce que nos ressources stimulent le développement chez nous. La voie à suivre est celle de la coopération, de l’autonomie et de l’unité stratégique à travers le continent. » 

Ensemble, ces récompenses soulignent l’importance stratégique de la collaboration régionale et internationale alors que l’Afrique de l’Ouest entre dans une nouvelle phase d’expansion énergétique. 

Distribué par APO Group pour Energy Capital & Power.

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Reports highlights importance of secure ecological infrastructure

Source: Government of South Africa

Reports highlights importance of secure ecological infrastructure

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Bernice Swarts, has called for swift and decisive action to protect and restore ecological infrastructure as a critical step toward strengthening South Africa’s water security.

“Our vital aquatic ecosystems including those in our strategic water source areas – the mountain catchments, wetlands and rivers that only constitute 10% of our land area yet supply over 50% of our water – continue to face severe pressure from pollution, invasive species, and altered water flows,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.

Addressing the launch of the 2025 National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA), Swarts said these challenges have been highlighted consistently over the past 20 years of the NBA. 

“While important progress has been made, it is clear that much more urgent action is required to secure the ecological infrastructure that underpins our water security. 

“Furthermore, improving the vital flow of freshwater into the sea is important for ecosystem services such as marine fisheries and coastal resilience,” she said.

According to the report, terrestrial and marine ecosystems are vast – and pressures on these systems are concentrated in particular areas. 

“This reinforces the importance of spatial prioritisation, ensuring that every rand we invest in restoration is directed where it has the greatest impact — particularly in degraded landscapes, wetlands, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems.

“For our species, we can see that again our aquatic systems are at risk, as the most threatened species groups are freshwater and cartilaginous fishes. Several terrestrial groups, including reptiles, birds, mammals and plants, are showing concerning declines,” the Deputy Minister said.

For the first time, the NBA reported a significant decline among species in Namaqualand, driven by the intersection of escalating pressures from unsustainable land-use, illegal harvesting and climate change impacts.

“On a positive note, some of our species are showing an improvement in their protection level status, reflecting the strong conservation foundation built through our protected areas and stewardship programmes.

“The NBA introduces global genetic indicators for the first time. These reveal early signs of genetic erosion even in species that appear stable. South Africa is rapidly building scientific capacity in this field and will be among the first countries globally to report on genetic indicators in our 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, we will need sustained investment to secure this essential part of our natural heritage,” Swarts said.

She said the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) remains one of the most important ways in which SANBI fulfils its legislative mandate under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act — to report on the status of the country’s biodiversity and to provide the evidence that guides sound environmental governance.

“The NBA is not just a report. It is a reflection of who we are as a country that treasures its natural heritage; it is a mirror that shows both our achievements and our challenges; and it is a compass that guides the difficult choices we must make for a sustainable future,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Significant progress being made in delivering water and sanitation projects

Source: Government of South Africa

Significant progress being made in delivering water and sanitation projects

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has announced significant progress in delivering water and sanitation projects across the province through the effective implementation of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).

According to the provincial government, several water supply projects are at various stages of construction in different municipalities, aimed at addressing water shortages and ensuring consistent water provision to communities.

Notably, the R131 million Bulk Water Augmentation Project in Ipelegeng, Schweizer-Reneke, has reached 95% completion, representing a major step towards resolving long-standing water challenges in the area.

This project includes the refurbishment of the Schweizer-Reneke Water Treatment Works, valued at R14.8 million.

In the City of Matlosana, the department said the refurbishment of critical water pump stations in Jouberton, Ellaton, Loraine, Kanana and Khuma valued at R39.5 million is nearing completion and will stabilise supply across the area.

In addition, the Mahikeng Local Municipality continues to benefit from major water and sanitation investments, including projects in Madibe A Tau, Lonely Park, Setlopo, and the Mahikeng Rural Sanitation initiative, together valued at R385 million.

In Rustenburg, the R58 million Tlhabane Bulk Internal Water Reticulation Project is now 96% complete. 

In Lethabong, the Internal Sewer Reticulation and Waste Water Treatment Works Upgrade – worth over R140 million – is at 82% completion.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Molapisi, said the MIG projects, which are implemented through municipalities, demonstrated government’s willingness to resolve water shortage and augment water supply to the ever-growing communities.

“These achievements reflect CoGTA’s commitment to strengthening the provision of basic services such as water to improve the quality of life of our communities. The success in project implementation and monitoring done through quarterly forums has improved our performance in implementing MIG projects,” said Molapisi.

Other projects are implemented through Operation Bulela Metsi, which was launched in the province, in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation, as a water and sanitation intervention programme to ensure access to water for all households.

Among the key achievements is the R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Intervention, which is currently underway in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, aimed at boosting water security for residents.

In JB Marks Local Municipality, the department said construction of the 25 megalitre (ML) reservoir in Ikageng is progressing well and will soon supply water to several extensions, including Potch Industria and Mohadin. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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