Category: Africa

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SAPS seize counterfeit goods worth over R160 million

Source: Government of South Africa

SAPS seize counterfeit goods worth over R160 million

Police operations have led to the seizure of counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million across various parts of the country.

“This week, police collectively seized counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million during multiple takedown operations in different parts of the country. The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led a joint takedown operation in Bellville on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth more than R117 million,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Saturday.

The multidisciplinary team also comprised members from the Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Crime Intelligence, the National Intervention Unit (NIU), Public Order Policing (POP) and officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division, among others.
The team seized over 130 000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, sports apparel, sneakers, caps, sunglasses, and watches.

In Gauteng, police executed several takedown operations in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Meyerton, Vanderbijlpark, and Vereeniging throughout the week.

In one operation, the Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, with support from various role players, shut down a counterfeit manufacturing plant operating in a medical building in the Johannesburg central business district.

“Counterfeit goods and label-printing machines worth over R28 million were seized. Additionally, a takedown operation in KwaZulu-Natal resulted in the seizure of a large consignment of counterfeit cigarettes worth over R15 million in Sydenham,” said the police.

The police said the illegal trade in counterfeit goods not only undermines the economy of South Africa but also threatens consumer health and safety, infringes on intellectual property rights, and erodes legitimate businesses.

Vehicle smuggling
Meanwhile, the work of the National Task Team deployed to the Emanguzi northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal has secured yet another conviction of a vehicle smuggler.

This follows the Mtubatuba Regional Court sentencing 45 -year-old Mpumelelo Cloud Goba on Friday to direct imprisonment for the theft of a motor vehicle worth more than R700 000 from a parking lot in Durban in August 2025.

“The accused was sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment, half of which is suspended for a period of five years on condition he is not found guilty of a similar offence,” the police said in a statement.
According to the police, the team operationalised information which was circulated about a Toyota Fortuner stolen from the parking lot in Durban.

Police intercepted the said vehicle with false registration en route to Emanguzi to be handed over to another driver to be smuggled into Mozambique, ultimately leading to Goba’s arrest.

“He was charged with the theft of a motor vehicle, and the team further conducted an investigation as well as successfully opposing his bail application in the Hluhluwe District Court until his case was transferred and finalised in the Mtubatuba Regional Court on 27 March 2026.

“This sentence underscores the Emanguzi Task Team’s unwavering commitment and dedication to deal decisively with cross-border crimes, especially vehicle smuggling from South Africa to the neighbouring countries, mostly to Mozambique,” the police said.

Since April 2025 to date, the team has arrested 96 suspects for various offences, seized 16 illegal firearms, including imitations and recovered 67 vehicles, as well as a truck.

“The team remains dedicated to combating cross-border crimes in the north of KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas, specifically focusing on vehicle theft and smuggling, robbery, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, murder, attempted murder and robbery,” the police said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

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SA’s power grid continues to show stability

Source: Government of South Africa

SA’s power grid continues to show stability

South Africa’s power grid has continued to show stability, with Eskom recording over 300 days without load shedding.

“South Africa’s power grid continues to demonstrate a sustained period of stability, with Eskom’s generation fleet delivering consistent improvements and strong operational performance,” the power utility said.
In a statement on Friday, Eskom said the country has experienced 315 consecutive days without an interruption in supply. Only 26 hours of load shedding were recorded in April and May 2025.

Eskom said the progress made is driven by the Generation Recovery Plan, which has resulted in a 10.80% improvement in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF). The EAF stands at 65.37% for the financial year to date, compared to two years ago.

In addition, year on year diesel expenditure has been reduced by 61.22%.
“These gains underline Eskom’s commitment to securing long term energy sustainability and supporting South Africa’s economic growth,” it said, adding that the EAF remains consistently above 65%.

Between 20 and 26 March 2026, the average unplanned outages recorded were at 11 265MW. This showed a notable improvement from the 14 122MW experienced during the same week last year, a reduction of 2 857MW.
“This underlines the ongoing gains in reliability across the fleet.”

For the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 26 March 2026), diesel expenditure is R10.098 billion, significantly lower than during the same period last year, a 61.22% reduction year on year.

“Over the past week, diesel usage contributed 0.49 GWh of electricity to the grid at a cost of R2.78 million, resulting in a weekly load factor of 0.085%. This diesel usage was primarily associated with commissioning tests conducted during the return to service of Unit 11 at Gourikwa Power Station following a major outage,” it said.

To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 2 995MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 30 March.

Eskom published its Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no load shedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan.

In addition, the utility is making progress in ending load reduction with 210 453 customers no longer affected during peak periods.

“Although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist, causing infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks. In response, Eskom continues to implement load reduction as a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network.”

To address these challenges sustainably, Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers across all provinces, out of Eskom’s total customer base of 7.2 million. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo

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AI-driven border surveillance is spreading across west Africa. What this means for migrants’ rights

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Philippa Osim Inyang, Senior Researcher, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs

West Africa as a region has long had one of the most mobile populations in the world. Since 1979, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has allowed citizens of its member states to travel freely across borders without visas.

This freedom of movement has helped support regional trade, labour mobility and social ties. But a technological shift is changing how borders operate, with important implications for human rights.

Across west Africa, governments are introducing biometric identification systems, facial recognition cameras and artificial intelligence tools at airports and land borders.

As a researcher in international law, human rights and technology governance, I recently published a study on these developments. In it I argue that the growing use of AI-driven border surveillance risks undermining migrants’ rights. It is weakening data protection and placing pressure on the region’s commitment to free movement.

These systems promise to help governments combat terrorism, human trafficking and irregular migration. However, they also raise serious questions about privacy, discrimination and the future of free movement in the region.

The rise of ‘digital borders’

In the past, borders in west Africa were often lightly controlled. Many crossing points lacked sophisticated equipment. Regional mobility relied largely on trust and travel documents. This is rapidly changing.

In the past ten years, governments have turned to technology to strengthen border security and identification. They use surveillance tools like cameras and digital systems that monitor, track and record people’s movements.

Border posts are being upgraded with biometric scanners, centralised databases and automated border management systems. Nigeria, for example, now issues biometric passports. Residents have to register for national identification numbers that store fingerprints and facial data. Immigration authorities have also introduced biometric screening at major airports and land borders.

Artificial intelligence systems can analyse travel data and flag suspicious patterns. This helps authorities detect fraudulent documents or potential security threats. But these technologies also create “digital borders”: systems where access to a country depends not only on physical checkpoints but also on data stored in digital databases.

Europe’s influence on African border technology

The expansion of digital border systems in west Africa is not happening in isolation. European migration policy has played an important role. Over the past decade, the European Union has tried to control migration before migrants reach European territory. This strategy is often called “migration externalisation”. It involves funding border control initiatives in the countries that the migrants come from or travel through.

Through programmes such as the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, European institutions have funded control systems across west Africa. These projects are often presented as development assistance to improve governance.

But they also serve another purpose. They help European governments identify and deport migrants who reach Europe by verifying their nationality using biometric data collected in their home countries. Critics argue that this shifts Europe’s border enforcement into Africa.

Nigeria and Niger show two different paths

The impact of these technologies can be seen clearly in two countries: Nigeria and Niger. In this study, I found that Nigeria has gradually introduced biometric and digital technologies into its immigration system. These tools help modernise border management, but they also raise concerns about how data is collected, stored and shared. Nigeria has adopted data protection laws to regulate personal information, but enforcement remains uneven. Migrants may have limited ability to challenge how their biometric data is used.

Niger presents a different story. For years, the country was a key transit point for migrants travelling through the Sahara towards north Africa and Europe. Under pressure from the European Union, Niger adopted strict anti-smuggling laws in 2015 and expanded surveillance of migration routes. But in 2023, after a military coup, the new government repealed those laws and distanced itself from European migration policies. The decision reopened migration routes.

Risks for privacy and migrants’ rights

AI tools can improve efficiency and strengthen border management, but they also introduce new risks. One major concern is privacy.

Biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, is highly sensitive. Once collected, it can be stored indefinitely and shared across multiple databases. Migrants have little information about how their data will be used or whether it might be shared with foreign governments.

Another concern is algorithmic discrimination. AI systems used in border control rely on historical data to identify patterns. If past enforcement targeted certain nationalities or ethnic groups, those biases can become embedded in automated decision-making systems. This may lead to some travellers being flagged for additional screening or denied entry.

Finally, digital border systems can weaken the Ecowas free movement regime if they are used to restrict mobility rather than facilitate it.

Why are regional rules needed?

West Africa already has legal frameworks that could help regulate these technologies.

The 1979 Ecowas Protocol on Free Movement guarantees the right of movement to citizens of member states. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights also protects freedom of movement and prohibits discrimination. But existing laws were written before the rise of artificial intelligence and biometric surveillance. Without updated regulations, governments may adopt powerful surveillance tools without adequate safeguards.

Ecowas has an opportunity to develop regional guidelines on AI and border governance. This could build on frameworks such as the African Union’s Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the G20 AI Principles. These could include rules on data protection, transparency in algorithmic decision-making and independent oversight of surveillance systems. Similar safeguards are already being put in place elsewhere, like the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act.

Artificial intelligence is likely to play an increasing role in border management worldwide. The question is not whether west Africa will adopt these technologies, but how they will be governed. The region is well placed to develop a model centred on human rights.

– AI-driven border surveillance is spreading across west Africa. What this means for migrants’ rights
– https://theconversation.com/ai-driven-border-surveillance-is-spreading-across-west-africa-what-this-means-for-migrants-rights-278552

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Development finance in Africa: economist explains how private savings could be unlocked

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Florian Léon, Chargé de recherche, Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le Développement International (FERDI); Chercheur associé au CERDI (UMR UCA-CNRS-IRD), Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA)

Africa holds abundant private savings, but much of it remains informal. As a result, its contribution to development financing is limited.

Researcher Florian Léon is one of the authors of a recent report on the potential of the “Caisse de dépôt” model – a financial management framework designed for long-term investment that bridges the gap between public funds and economic development. We asked him how this kind of public savings and investment fund could capture and channel these resources into productive investment, alongside development banks.

He outlines the institutional barriers, the reforms needed, and the paths forward for mobilising both local and diaspora savings.

What’s the main obstacle to mobilising private savings for development finance in Africa?

First, we need to separate two distinct issues: mobilising private savings; and directing those savings to development financing. African economies have untapped potential on both fronts.

Africa does not lack savings. World Bank data show that household saving rates in the continent are broadly similar to other regions. However, only a small share of these savings is formalised in Africa. Households often prefer informal saving methods, such as hoarding cash.

There are a variety of reasons for this. They range from the cost of using banking services (such as opening an account), to a lack of trust in banks. As a result, much of these savings remains outside the financial system and can’t be put to work for African economies.

That said, even private savings that flow through the banking system rarely fund development in Africa. African commercial banks are often reluctant to grant loans to new clients. Among many factors, financial intermediaries see lending as unprofitable or too risky.

Africa therefore faces a twofold challenge. The continent needs to mobilise more savings and also make better use of the resources already in the financial system.

Our report highlights that if Africa as a region were to catch up with the average developing country in these two areas, it could unlock an additional 10% of the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) per year.

How do funds like this differ from development banks when it comes to long-term investment?

National development banks and Caisses de dépôt share a common mission. Both aim to finance development and support long-term strategic projects.

The differences between them lie in how they operate. Development banks borrow at low rates. They borrow either on the markets or through loans from other development banks (World Bank, African Development Bank). They then lend at better terms than those available on the market (in terms of rate, duration, or amount).

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

Caisses de dépôt collect private third party funds. These include consignments (funds deposited for temporary safekeeping before restitution, such as prisoners’ savings or unclaimed funds), mandatory deposits, or a portion of regulated savings. They use part of these resources to invest in domestic companies through equity investments. Some of the largest institutions also provide loans.

In short, a fund like this channels domestic private savings into development projects. As for development banks, they rely mainly on borrowed funds – often from external sources.

These two institutions complement each other, as they mobilise different resources and financing tools.

It should be noted that in some countries, including France, Italy and Mauritania, public savings and investment institutions also act as national development banks.

What reforms could make them more effective?

Caisses de dépôt in Africa face a basic problem. They struggle to access the funds they are supposed to manage, such as legal professional deposits or pension reserves. Without them, these can’t play a meaningful role in financing the economy. This situation reflects a lack of political support, depositor mistrust and the reluctance of financial intermediaries (banks) to transfer their resources. Our report identifies three priorities to fix this.

  • First, these institutions must build trust with stakeholders, including governments, depositors and financial institutions. This requires strong legal frameworks, sound governance and transparency. They must demonstrate that funds are secure and properly managed.

Read more: Africa’s public finances are in a mess: a new book explains why and what to do

  • Second, they must broaden their funding base. This involves having a frank discussion with the depositors and custodians of these resources and with the state, which must provide backing. They can then diversify their resources, for instance by developing regulated savings tools.

  • Finally, when they have sufficient resources, they can step up as development finance actors. However, they should focus on filling market gaps rather than competing with existing financial intermediaries.

In addition, they can support the development of local financial systems by helping grow segments such as private equity.

How can informal savings and diaspora savings be better harnessed to finance development?

There is no silver bullet, but some lessons can be learned from past experiences. As early as the 1800s, European countries created innovative solutions to offer savings products to the “working population”. By offering liquid, safe savings options backed by the state and providing returns, financial inclusion expanded significantly.

That same formula explains the success of products such as livrets A in France or postal bonds in Italy.

African countries can draw on these models. The practical details must be adapted to the local context, especially to target people living far from urban centres. Digital solutions and mobile money networks could help. If such products existed and were accessible, they could increase the formalisation of public savings.

Read more: Development finance: how it works, where it goes, why it’s needed

Mobilising funds from the diaspora raises different challenges. The amounts involved are significant (African diaspora savings are estimated at nearly US$35 billion) and some of these Africans living elsewhere in the world are willing to invest back home. However, mobilising these savings is more complex for various reasons. The diaspora may be spread across many countries. Each group may require tailored solutions that comply with regulations and offerings in host countries.

Currency risk adds another layer of complexity. Diaspora members earn and save in foreign currencies (dollars, euros), but their savings end up in their home country’s currency, which can be weaker and lose value over time. On top of that, diaspora members have different expectations. The offer must be carefully designed to match their preferences.

Efforts are already underway. DiasDev by Expertise France, for example, is working with several African Caisses de dépôt to overcome these challenges. But turning diaspora savings into a real engine for development finance will take time.

– Development finance in Africa: economist explains how private savings could be unlocked
– https://theconversation.com/development-finance-in-africa-economist-explains-how-private-savings-could-be-unlocked-277204

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Réorganisation des marchés au Bénin : Agence Nationale de Gestion des Marchés (ANaGeM) détaille le processus de relocalisation vers “Tokpa Yôyô”

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La Direction Générale de l’Agence Nationale de Gestion des Marchés (ANaGeM) a tenu, le vendredi 27 mars 2026, une conférence de presse consacrée à la réforme du système de gestion des marchés au Bénin. Cette rencontre avec les professionnels des médias, avec comme point d’orgue le processus de relocalisation du marché Dantokpa, s’inscrit dans une dynamique de modernisation des infrastructures marchandes et d’amélioration durable des conditions d’exercice des activités commerciales à l’échelle nationale. 

Au cours de cette rencontre, la Directrice Générale, Eunice LOISEL KINIFFO, a présenté les grandes orientations du processus de réorganisation du Marché Dantokpa. Cette initiative marque une étape clé dans la déconcentration des activités commerciales et vise à répondre aux défis liés à la saturation du site actuel ainsi qu’aux exigences croissantes en matière de sécurité, d’assainissement et d’accessibilité. 

Dans cette perspective, le nouveau pôle marchand « Tokpa Yôyô » (Le Mall du Stade Général Mathieu Kérékou à Kouhounou, met à disposition des commerçants des infrastructures modernes comprenant des boutiques, des stands et des restaurants. Conçus selon des normes actuelles, ces espaces visent à améliorer l’organisation, la fonctionnalité et l’attractivité des activités commerciales. Les tarifs de location ont été fixés à 10.500 FCFA/m² pour les boutiques, 7.500 FCFA/m² pour les stands et 9.500 FCFA/m² pour les restaurants, avec l’obligation de verser deux mois de caution ainsi que le loyer du mois en cours. 

La Directrice Générale a également annoncé qu’à partir du 28 mars, la liste provisoire des potentiels attributaires des nouvelles places sera affichée, marquant ainsi le lancement effectif du processus d’installation des commerçants dans ces nouveaux espaces. Cette étape constitue un moment décisif dans la mise en œuvre de la réforme. 

Par ailleurs, le Gouvernement a dévoilé le calendrier de mise en service de plusieurs infrastructures marchandes modernes. Le marché de Ouando à Porto-Novo sera inauguré le 26 avril 2026, suivi le 9 mai par l’ouverture de la galerie marchande “Tokpa Yôyô” à Cotonou, attenante au Stade Général Mathieu KÉRÉKOU. Enfin, le 16 mai 2026, le marché de gros d’Akassato, rebaptisé « Tokpa Daho » , entrera en exploitation dans la commune d’Abomey-Calavi, avec pour objectif de décongestionner les zones à forte densité commerciale. 

À travers ces différentes réalisations, le Gouvernement entend structurer durablement le secteur commercial en dotant le pays d’infrastructures modernes, compétitives et sécurisées. L’ANaGeM souligne que cette réforme sera conduite de manière progressive et inclusive, en collaboration avec les associations de commerçants. Elle appelle ainsi à la mobilisation de tous les acteurs pour faire de cette transformation une réussite majeure au service du développement économique du Bénin.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Bénin.

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Opération Mirador : La grande muette densifie des soins gratuits pour rapprocher armée et populations

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À Kountori, dans la commune de Cobly, l’affluence était remarquable au centre de santé de l’arrondissement. Femmes, hommes et enfants s’y sont rendus massivement pour bénéficier d’une initiative peu ordinaire : des consultations médicales et des médicaments entièrement gratuits, offerts par les Forces Armées Béninoises (FAB) dans le cadre de l’opération Mirador. 

Après une première étape réussie à Porga en janvier dernier, l’opération poursuit son déploiement dans le département de l’Atacora avec la même ambition. Rapprocher les forces de défense des populations tout en répondant à des besoins sanitaires pressants. Dès la première journée, environ 550 patients, venus de Kountori et des localités environnantes, ont été pris en charge. 

Dans une atmosphère marquée par l’engagement et la solidarité, médecins militaires et personnels de santé civils travaillent côte à côte pour offrir des soins essentiels aux populations. Une collaboration saluée par les habitants pour lesquels l’accès aux services de santé reste souvent limité dans cette zone. 

« Cela faisait longtemps que nous attendions une telle initiative », confie un habitant venu consulter avec sa famille. Comme lui, de nombreux bénéficiaires expriment leur soulagement face à cette prise en charge gratuite et de proximité. 

L’opération est conduite sous la coordination du Lieutenant-Colonel TASSOU Abdou Wassiou, Commandant de l’unité des actions civilo-militaires de l’opération Mirador, avec l’appui du Médecin Lieutenant AVLESSI Mardochée. Au total, une trentaine de personnels soignants  militaires, appuyés par plusieurs soignants civils, sont mobilisés pour assurer la continuité et la qualité des soins. 

Au-delà de l’urgence sanitaire, cette initiative s’inscrit dans une stratégie plus large. Dans un contexte marqué par les défis sécuritaires dans le nord du Bénin, les actions civilo-militaires apparaissent comme un levier essentiel pour renforcer la confiance entre les Forces armées béninoises et les communautés locales. 

Pour les autorités militaires, la sécurité durable ne peut se construire sans l’adhésion des populations. En apportant un soutien concret et visible, l’opération Mirador contribue à instaurer un climat de confiance, indispensable à une collaboration efficace dans la lutte contre l’extrémisme violent. Avec cette réussite notée à l’étape de Kountori, l’opération Mirador confirme sa vocation. Celle d’une présence de proximité, humaine et engagée, où l’action militaire s’accompagne d’un appui direct aux populations. 

À Kountori, il ne s’agit pas seulement de soigner. Il s’agit aussi de rapprocher, de rassurer et de bâtir, pas à pas, les fondations d’une paix durable. Cette opération qui a démarré mercredi  dernier a pris fin ce vendredi 27 mars 2026.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Bénin.

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Eritrea: Training on video camera and graphics for members of the Ministry of Information

Source: APO


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The Ministry of Information has provided three months of training on video camera operation, graphics, and sound to 29 of its members, as well as members from the human resources management of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The training program is a continuation of the effort the Ministry of Information is exerting to enhance the capacity of its members and partner institutions with a view to developing the media by improving the quality of media technology.

Mr. Abdulahi Damer, head of human resources development at the Ministry, said that the theoretical and practical training covered the basic art of video editing, graphics, sound, color and presentation, as well as creativity and innovation. He also said that the training was provided through internal capacity.

A representative of the trainees, on his part, expressed readiness to play due part in media development with the knowledge gained from the training.

Mr. Asmelash Abraha, Director General of Television, presented certificates to the trainees and a special award to outstanding trainees.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) working to improve livelihoods of members

Source: APO


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The National Union of Eritrean Women branch in the Anseba Region reported that, in collaboration with partners, it is earnestly working to improve the livelihoods of women as well as their participation in development programs. The report was made by Ms. Tirhas Nirayo, head of socio-economic affairs and projects at the union branch.

Ms. Tirhas said that over the past 16 years, the union branch has carried out commendable water and soil conservation, as well as afforestation and biodiversity enhancement activities. She also said that the union branch, through its members, is actively engaged in afforestation programs at Mihlab, Ira, Debresina, Wara, Deki-Gebru, Gebgabo, Liban, and Habrengeka.

Ms. Tirhas went on to say that, as part of the effort to ensure nutritious food, the union branch, in collaboration with partners, has played its part in introducing backyard poultry farming in the sub-zones of Elaberet and Adi-Tekelezan, provided training on poultry farming, and extended financial support with a view to enabling backyard poultry farmers to develop their activities. The union branch has also organized training for farmers aimed at developing beekeeping.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

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Severe thunderstorms expected over parts of SA

Source: Government of South Africa

Severe thunderstorms expected over parts of SA

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several weather warnings for several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape, over the course of the weekend.

The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 4 Warning for severe thunderstorms for parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.

“Severe thunderstorms leading to flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges as well as strong damaging winds and hail, resulting in damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock [are] expected over the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” the weather service said in an update.

In addition, the weather service said hot and humid weather will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has urged residents to stay alert. According to the provincial government, the warning is in place from 2 pm on Saturday until Sunday, 29 March.

“Heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and severe lightning are expected, posing risks of flooding, infrastructure damage, and dangerous travel conditions, especially in the north-eastern parts of the province. 

“Stay indoors where possible, avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to cross rivers or streams. Your safety comes first, stay alert and follow official updates,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the SAWS has also issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms leading to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads, and bridges. This also includes strong, damaging winds and hail over the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, central parts, and eastern parts of Free State, as well as in places over KwaZulu-Natal, except in the north-east.

A Yellow Level 1 Warning for severe thunderstorms has also been issued for the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. According to the service, the rains could lead to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges, as well as strong, damaging winds and hail, resulting in localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, and livestock. –SAnews.gov.za
 

Neo

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Ensuring food safety to protect lives in Cameroon

Source: APO


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Since June 2023, Cameroon has been implementing the “Healthy Food Market” project in two pilot markets in Douala: Ndogpassi and New Deido. Described as a transformational and social initiative, the project is based on scientific evidence to encourage behaviour change within the community of traders. 

“Before, we didn’t pay much attention to hygiene conditions. We used products like formalin to preserve meat and the cleanliness of our stalls left much to be desired. This can cause diseases,” admits Zakariaou Mbaimoun, a butcher at Ndogpassi market for about twenty years. 

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, the burden of foodborne diseases is significant. Consuming food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances such as heavy metals can cause more than 200 diseases. In the African Region, unsafe food affects over 91 million people and causes 137 000 deaths annually.

In Cameroon, more than 200 cases of food poisoning were recorded in 2024, including 35 children. Results from a 2021 pesticide residue monitoring mission in seven regions and a 2022 hygiene survey in five markets revealed that non-compliant pesticides were present in 70% of samples. Numerous poor practices in food handling, hygiene and production were also identified, which can lead to contamination throughout the food chain.

Following these findings, the “Healthy Food Market” project was introduced in a pilot phase in the two markets to encourage compliance with basic hygiene rules and prevent foodborne diseases. “The goal is to ensure progressive and sustainable improvement in food safety in markets, involving multiple sectors under the One Health approach, for holistic management of interconnected risks,” explains Dr Lusubilo Mwamakamba, WHO Regional Office for Africa’s focal person for food safety.

With financial support from Sweden, WHO is supporting the project by developing normative documents on food safety, policies and guidelines, strengthening stakeholders’ capacities in surveillance and outbreak response and advocating for the integration of food safety into health policies.

“The concept does not yet appear in public policy documents, but important work is underway to highlight the urgency of transforming food markets and aligning them with the requirements of the ‘Healthy Food Market’ project,” notes Edouard Nya, Head of the National Laboratory for Diagnostic Analysis of Agricultural Products and Inputs at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

WHO has also helped mobilize national partners through a public-private partnership. In January 2025, the Douala Autonomous Port donated sanitation equipment, enabling hygiene activities and cleaning of 26 markets in the city. WHO also trained 150 community leaders in waste management, 25 stakeholders in food safety and sensitized more than 3000 people in the two pilot markets.

“Many things have changed thanks to the ‘Healthy Food Market’ project. Agents came several times and each time they raised awareness about the consequences of our bad practices. We became aware and started changing things,” says Mbaimoun.

At its launch, the project set three specific objectives: improving governance and coordination among stakeholders, strengthening communication, education and training on good food, hygiene, and production practices to foster lasting behaviour change, and improving technical and sanitary infrastructure in markets. With the first two objectives advanced, the next stage will focus on the third. 

“Funds obtained through the public-private partnership will allow us, starting in 2026, to tackle the third objective: improving technical and sanitary facilities in markets to meet “Healthy Food Market” standards. We will also strengthen communication,” says Dr Danièle Simnoue Nem, WHO Cameroon’s Nutrition and Food Safety Officer. “Food safety is a priority for WHO, just like vaccination or epidemic control. It promotes the production and consumption of safe, nutritious food and protects against foodborne diseases.”

Most traders no longer display food directly on the ground, and cleaning frequency has increased, with each trader now required to clean their sales area before closing each evening. Waste is stored in dedicated areas and removed every two days. Some market areas have been filled to reduce flooding and mud, improving food sales conditions, especially at Ndogpassi market.

Users welcome these improvements. “Lately, our market is much cleaner. Smoked fish, vegetables and other products are no longer spread on the ground. This protects us from diseases and reassures us,” says Marie Ekemla at Ndogpassi market. Traders also pass on their knowledge to customers. “My butcher often advises me: ‘Meat that has been thawed, left at room temperature, and then refrozen can cause illness.’ These tips help me make better choices,” adds Mado Enganign.

With the “Healthy Food Market” project, traders in the two pilot markets are taking ownership of their workplaces while making them safer. “Thanks to the project, we have been trained and are better organized. We now pay attention to hygiene and safety to offer a safer market for everyone,” says Raoul Youpa Kanmani, President of New Deido market traders.

Other planned measures include providing drinking water, sanitation and wastewater drainage to strengthen the project’s impact. “The ‘Healthy Food Market’ project will soon directly contribute to creating a safer sales environment through clean infrastructure, access to drinking water, waste management and reduce diarrheal diseases,” notes Fidéline Ndewege Djeme, Deputy Director of Hygiene and Sanitation at the Directorate of Health Promotion. “This will help protect vulnerable people—children, pregnant women, and the elderly—who are most at risk of foodborne diseases.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Cameroon.