Category: Africa

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Seychelles participates in Small Island Development States (SIDS) and Youth Forums

Source: APO – Report:

Mr. Barry Faure, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora of Seychelles, delivered a statement at the Small Island Development States (SIDS) Forum under the theme “Place Countries at the Centre of the Global Climate and Development Agenda, in line with International Priorities”.

The SIDS Forum brought together SIDS from the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to deliberate on shared challenges and priorities, with a view to shaping a common position and advancing collective interests within the broader Summit framework.

In his statement, Minister Faure commended the OACPS for its continued leadership in advancing issues of critical importance to SIDS and for providing a strategic platform to amplify their voices. He stressed that, as the Organisation evolves, it must further strengthen its focus on the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS, ensuring their priorities are effectively reflected in global decision-making processes. “The renewal of the OACPS presents a timely opportunity to reposition SIDS at the centre of our collective action,” Minister Faure stated. “Seychelles remains committed to working with all partners to advance a resilient, just, and sustainable future for SIDS.”

Highlighting Seychelles’ active engagement in global climate advocacy, Minister Faure referred to the initiative seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on States’ obligations in respect of climate change. He welcomed the legal clarity provided, noting that it reinforces the imperative for climate action grounded in international law, including commitments under the Paris Agreement. In this regard, he called on developed countries to fully honour their obligations, particularly in providing adequate financial and technical support to vulnerable nations.

The Forum recognised the Debt for Nature Swap initiative undertaken by Seychelles as an innovative financing mechanism, as well as the experience of Barbados in innovative financing with its Debt for Climate and Debt for Climate Resilience instruments.

The Seychelles delegation also participated in the OACPS Youth Forum convened under the theme “OACPS Youth Compact: Jobs, Resilience, Action.”  The Youth Forum brought together youth representatives, policymakers, and partners from across the OACPS to deliberate on pressing challenges and opportunities facing young people. Minister Faure was appointed as Rapporteur for the Forum. In his capacity as rapporteur, the Minister will be responsible for presenting the key outcomes and recommendations of the Youth Forum during the Summit of Heads of States and Governments.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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Nigeria’s Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Secures Key Local Content Role at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: APO – Report:

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Parastatal regulatory agency the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will participate at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as an official Local Content Partner, reinforcing its leadership in advancing indigenous capacity across Africa’s energy sector. Taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town, the event will provide a strategic platform for the NCDMB to showcase Nigeria’s evolving local content framework and investment opportunities.

In parallel, the NCDMB continues to strengthen its domestic capabilities, most recently launching a 12-month pipeline engineering training program in March 2026 for 33 young engineers in Port Harcourt. Delivered in partnership with Renaissance Africa Energy and MJD Oilfield Services, the initiative focuses on pipeline pigging, corrosion control and integrity management, aligning workforce development with major infrastructure projects like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline.

On the infrastructure front, the board is advancing construction of a 204-room Radisson-managed hotel and conference center in Yenagoa, scheduled for commissioning this December. Positioned adjacent to the Nigerian Content Tower, the facility is designed to support industry collaboration. Complementing this, the NCDMB has commissioned a Clinical Skills and Simulation Laboratory at Bayelsa Medical University, enhancing healthcare capacity in host communities through cutting-edge training technologies.

Industrial expansion remains a core pillar of the board’s strategy. Under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme, pilot parks in Odukpani and Emeyal-1 are nearing completion and are expected to generate around 2,000 jobs each. These shared-services industrial hubs are designed to localize manufacturing, reduce costs and enable indigenous firms to scale production across upstream and midstream value chains.

From a financial and policy standpoint, the NCDMB is deploying multiple funding mechanisms, including a $100 million equity investment scheme, a $500 million intervention fund and a $20 million women-focused initiative. Recent enforcement measures – such as stricter expatriate quota controls and mandatory compliance certification – further signal a shift toward deeper localization, transparency and long-term investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“The participation of the NCDMB at AEW 2026 is a strong signal that Africa is serious about building its own capacity and retaining value within the continent,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Local content is not just policy – it is the foundation for sustainable growth, job creation and energy security across African markets.”

As AEW 2026 convenes global investors, policymakers and operators, the inclusion of the NCDMB as a Local Content Partner underscores the growing importance of in-country value creation. With dedicated forums on skills development, technology transfer and industrialization, the event is set to drive actionable dialogue on how local content can unlock resilient, competitive and investment-ready energy ecosystems across Africa.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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O Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) da Nigéria assume papel fundamental em matéria de conteúdo local na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A agência reguladora paraestatal Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) participará na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 deste ano como Parceiro Oficial de Conteúdo Local, reforçando a sua liderança na promoção da capacidade local em todo o setor energético africano. A decorrer de 12 a 16 de outubro na Cidade do Cabo, o evento proporcionará uma plataforma estratégica para a NCDMB apresentar o quadro de conteúdo local em evolução da Nigéria e as oportunidades de investimento.

Paralelamente, o NCDMB continua a reforçar as suas capacidades nacionais, tendo lançado mais recentemente, em março de 2026, um programa de formação em engenharia de oleodutos com a duração de 12 meses para 33 jovens engenheiros em Port Harcourt. Realizada em parceria com a Renaissance Africa Energy e a MJD Oilfield Services, a iniciativa centra-se na limpeza de gasodutos, no controlo da corrosão e na gestão da integridade, alinhando o desenvolvimento da força de trabalho com grandes projetos de infraestruturas, como o Gasoduto Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano.

No que diz respeito às infraestruturas, o conselho está a avançar com a construção de um hotel e centro de conferências de 204 quartos, gerido pela Radisson, em Yenagoa, cuja entrada em funcionamento está prevista para dezembro deste ano. Localizada junto à Nigerian Content Tower, a instalação foi concebida para apoiar a colaboração no setor. A complementar isto, a NCDMB inaugurou um Laboratório de Competências Clínicas e Simulação na Universidade Médica de Bayelsa, reforçando a capacidade de cuidados de saúde nas comunidades anfitriãs através de tecnologias de formação de ponta.

A expansão industrial continua a ser um pilar central da estratégia do conselho. No âmbito do Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme, os parques-piloto em Odukpani e Emeyal-1 estão em fase de conclusão e prevê-se que gerem cerca de 2 000 postos de trabalho cada. Estes centros industriais de serviços partilhados foram concebidos para localizar a produção, reduzir custos e permitir que as empresas locais aumentem a produção ao longo das cadeias de valor a montante e a meio do processo.

Do ponto de vista financeiro e político, o NCDMB está a implementar múltiplos mecanismos de financiamento, incluindo um programa de investimento de capital de 100 milhões de dólares, um fundo de intervenção de 500 milhões de dólares e uma iniciativa de 20 milhões de dólares centrada nas mulheres. Medidas de aplicação recentes – tais como controlos mais rigorosos das quotas de expatriados e certificação de conformidade obrigatória – sinalizam ainda mais uma mudança no sentido de uma maior localização, transparência e confiança a longo prazo dos investidores no setor do petróleo e gás da Nigéria.

«A participação da NCDMB na AEW 2026 é um forte sinal de que África está empenhada em desenvolver a sua própria capacidade e reter valor no continente», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. «O conteúdo local não é apenas uma política – é a base para o crescimento sustentável, a criação de emprego e a segurança energética nos mercados africanos.»

À medida que a AEW 2026 reúne investidores globais, decisores políticos e operadores, a inclusão da NCDMB como Parceiro de Conteúdo Local sublinha a importância crescente da criação de valor no próprio país. Com fóruns dedicados ao desenvolvimento de competências, transferência de tecnologia e industrialização, o evento está preparado para impulsionar um diá. prático sobre como o conteúdo local pode desbloquear ecossistemas energéticos resilientes, competitivos e prontos para o investimento em toda a África.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Yellow Level Warning for several provinces 

Source: Government of South Africa

Yellow Level Warning for several provinces 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms on Friday, 27 March 2026.

In an update, the weather service said the thunderstorms could lead to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock are expected over the central to eastern parts of Northern Cape, northern parts of the Eastern Cape, west to southern parts of Kwazulu-Natal, and most parts of Free State, except for the north.

The weather service said partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated showers and thundershowers can be expected in Gauteng while Mpumalanga can expect partly cloudy weather and warm but hot in the Lowveld with isolated showers and thundershowers.

The Free State, Limpopo and the North West can expect partly cloudy and warm conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers.

The Northern Cape can expect partly cloudy to cloudy conditions and warm to hot, with scattered to isolated showers and thundershowers but widespread over the central interior conditions.

The SAWS said that in the Western Cape, cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and thundershowers over the eastern interior conditions can be expected. In the western half of the Eastern Cape, partly cloudy conditions are expected in places, otherwise cloudy and warm to hot with scattered showers and thundershowers expected. The eastern half of the province the wind along the coast is expected to be light to moderate northeasterly, reaching fresh to strong in places during the afternoon.

KwaZulu-Natal is expected to experience scattered showers and thundershowers.

“The wind along the coast will be light and variable between Port Shepstone and Richards Bay at first, otherwise light to moderate northerly to north-easterly,” said the Weather Service. –SAnews.gov.za

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New law to increase magistrates’ financial jurisdiction

Source: APO

The Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2026 when assented to by the President, will introduce reforms aimed at strengthening the capacity of lower courts, reducing case backlog at the High Court and improving access to justice.

The Bill that was passed by Parliament on Thursday, 26 March 2026 will see the amendment of the Magistrates Courts Act aims to increase the financial jurisdiction of magistrates, enhance their sentencing powers and streamline court procedures.

The Bill also sought to increase the pecuniary jurisdiction of magistrate’s courts, enhance their powers to impose higher fines, abolish the position of magistrates grade II and provide for transitional provisions.

A key reform under the law is the upward revision of the monetary limits that magistrates can handle in civil cases.

The Bill provides that, “the civil jurisdiction of a chief magistrate is increased from Shs50 million to Shs100 million and the jurisdiction of a magistrate from Shs20 million to Shs50 million.

The Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Hon. Stephen Baka Mugabi said that Bill addresses the previous limits which were last revised in 2007 had been overtaken by inflation and economic changes.

He added that low thresholds had resulted in cases being unnecessarily filed in the High Court leading to congestion.
“The capping of the value of the subject matter is very low for the magistrates courts… cases that should be handled at the magisterial level end up in the High Court thereby causing backlog,” he said.

The proposed law expands the authority of chief magistrates to handle higher value cases with their civil jurisdiction increased to Shs200 million. This is aimed at reducing case backlog in the High Court and positions chief magistrates as more central in handling commercial, land, family, and civil disputes that previously escalated to higher courts.

The Bill also abolishes the position of magistrates grade II aligning the Act with the Judiciary’s current structure, since its already abolished under the Judiciary Service structure where the position had already been removed administratively but was still reflected in the Magistrates Courts Act.

“The position of Magistrate Grade II was removed from the approved structure of the Judiciary but its continued presence in the law created inconsistencies. The amendment therefore, repeals all provisions relating to the position, leaving chief magistrates and magistrates grade I as the recognised judicial officers at that level,” the report read in part.

In a move expected to improve efficiency, the law empowers chief magistrates to transfer cases filed in courts without jurisdiction instead of dismissing them outright.

Currently, courts lacking jurisdiction must dismiss such cases, forcing litigants to refile and incur additional costs.

The Bill states that the reform will enable judicial officers to refer cases to chief magistrates for transfer to the High Court instead of dismissing them for lack of jurisdiction thereby reducing delays and hardships for court users.

“These changes will not only decongest the High Court but also bring justice services closer to the people by empowering magistrates courts to handle more cases effectively,” Baka Mugabi added.

The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, said the provisions in the Bill have been informed by empirical data from the Judiciary.

“I know there is a proposal to increase the threshold for the chief magistrates to Shs300 million but since the committee report is based on empirical evidence from the Judiciary, let it be adopted,” Kiryowa Kiwanuka said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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Free State plan to reposition economy as Premier tackles unemployment ‘crisis’

Source: Government of South Africa

Free State plan to reposition economy as Premier tackles unemployment ‘crisis’

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has named unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the province.

The Premier was speaking during an engagement led by President Cyril Ramaphosa between the National Executive and the provincial government on Friday.

Statistics South Africa’s Q4:2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey released last month placed the province’s official unemployment rate at some 37.2% – second only to the Eastern Cape with a rate of 42.5%.

“Unemployment remains the most immediate and pressing crisis confronting our province. Over one million of our people remain without work, with young people bearing the greatest burden.

“The reality of youth exclusion from economic participation is not only unsustainable; it is a direct threat to social stability and long-term development. We therefore approach this moment with clarity and resolve,” Letsoha-Mathae said.

The Premier outlined the work the provincial government is taking to propel and reposition the economy “towards sectors that can unlock inclusive growth and sustainable employment.” 

These include:
•    Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
•    Renewable energy and green hydrogen.
•    Natural gas development.
•    Agro-processing and food production. 
•    The digital economy and e-commerce.
•    Entrepreneurship and support for small enterprises.

“Our focus is on building a competitive, future-oriented provincial economy that delivers real opportunities for our people.

“At the same time, we recognise that economic reform must be accompanied by decisive action to address persistent social challenges, including crime, substance abuse, and inequality. These issues require an integrated, whole-of-government response that is both coordinated and results-driven,” she said.

Cooperative governance in action

The Premier described the engagement as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between national and provincial government in confronting challenges.

“This oversight visit is not merely ceremonial, but a critical expression of cooperative governance and a platform for decisive alignment between national and provincial priorities in advancing service delivery and improving the lived realities of our people.

“[The] previous engagement with our province reaffirmed the urgency with which we must confront the social challenges facing our communities. We remain resolute in intensifying our efforts, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence and in building safer, more cohesive communities,” she said.

Letsoha-Mathae committed to presenting a “candid reflection” of the province’s fortunes.

“We utilise this engagement as a platform for accountability and progress. We will present a candid reflection of where we are succeeding, where we are falling short, and where focused national support is required to accelerate implementation.

“We are committed to strengthening governance, improving financial management, and restoring public confidence in the capacity of the state to deliver.

“We look forward to a constructive and solution-oriented engagement with you and your Cabinet, as we work collectively to drive implementation, unblock challenges, and ensure that our people experience meaningful change,” the Premier concluded.

The President is leading the engagement with the provincial government today at the University of Free State Centenary Complex in Bloemfontein, under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All”.

READ | Free State to outline challenges, solutions, in engagement with President Ramaphosa

“The visit is aligned with President Ramaphosa’s commitment to encourage closer collaboration with Provinces and Local spheres of government to tackle service delivery challenges.

“This initiative accords with Section 154 of the Constitution, which mandates national and provincial governments to support and strengthen capacity of municipalities in governance,” the Presidency said in a statement, ahead of Friday’s engagement. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Free State a ‘natural logistics and distribution hub’

Source: Government of South Africa

Free State a ‘natural logistics and distribution hub’

The Free State province’s strategic location has the potential to catapult the province into South Africa’s natural logistics and distribution hub.

This, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the opening remarks at a meeting between the National and Provincial Executive Councils. 

The President is today convening the eighth engagement in a series between national and provincial governments.

“The Free State is uniquely positioned to be at the heart of our country’s economic growth story.  It is strategically located, making it a natural logistics and distribution hub, linking major economic centres,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President added that the province should share the practices it is using to successfully address certain challenges, so they can be replicated elsewhere in the country. 

“For example, the Free State is leading the way in providing comprehensive agricultural support to emerging farmers and in implementing food security initiatives in vulnerable communities. 

“During the last financial year, the province also exceeded its work opportunities targets through the Expanded Public Works Programme, reaching more than 46 000 beneficiaries. The Free State also continues to register successes in the provision of health services, notably around HIV/Aids and TB. There has also been notable progress in fighting crime.

“As you build on the progress made over the past year, be assured of our full support as the National Executive,” he said.

The province’s other strategic advantages include strong agricultural capacity, established mining industry and potential in renewable energy and battery storage.

“These endowments and advantages must be leveraged to drive inclusive growth and create jobs. 

“With the necessary support, focus and direction, guided by the provincial One Plan developed under the DDM [District Development Model], the Free State’s full potential must be unleashed,” President Ramaphosa said.

Reflecting on the State of the Province Address delivered by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae earlier this year, President Ramaphosa commended the “ambitious, future-facing and outcomes-oriented” plans for the province.

“I was particularly struck by the attention to detail given to the initiatives planned for the year ahead, particularly around youth job creation, vocational training for young people, support for the agricultural sector, township economy revitalisation and others. 

“This is what the District Development Model we initiated in 2019 is all about – namely the finer, granular details of not just what is being done to localise development, but also the ‘how’ and the ‘when’.

“Timeous implementation is the yardstick by which we are measured, and also by which we will be judged. We look forward to the presentation from the Premier on the priorities, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Free State,” he said.

Resolving local government challenges

A central theme to the President’s remarks was the need to restore municipalities that face severe challenges.

Some 35 of South Africa’s 257 municipalities are in distress with a further 63% at risk.

“When there are weaknesses or failings at local government, it isn’t just service delivery that suffers, but the trust between government and citizens becomes frayed. To put it quite bluntly, across much if not most of the country, local government is in crisis,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that municipalities – including seven in the Free State – are being placed under administration, adding that government is “alive to the realities and to the magnitude of this problem”. 

“In this year’s State of the Nation Address, I outlined the steps we will be taking to strengthen local government, including reviewing the funding model for municipalities and establishing ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services.

“We will also be undertaking extensive consultations around the updated White Paper on Local Government during the course of this year. Restoring the fortunes of local government must be at the centre of our efforts if we are to attract investment that creates jobs and boosts the provincial economy,” he said.

Working together

The President urged the provincial government to ensure that as solutions are presented, implementation follows suit.

“Inasmuch as we need to drill down on what the challenges, obstacles and bottlenecks are, this must be matched by solutions, and timelines for implementing them. This would be time well and effectively spent today,” he urged.

The President emphasised that the engagement with the Free State government serves as an additional channel of communication.

This supplements the existing intergovernmental relations frameworks such as the President’s Coordinating Council.

“With the State of the Nation address having given the line of march, as it were, we are here to offer our support, and also our counsel. Being agile and responsive is a hallmark of the capable, ethical and developmental state we are striving to build, and we are also here to listen.

“We are one government, united by One Constitution for One People, and it is in this spirit of cooperation that I would like our deliberations today to proceed,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Mining, manufacturing and property leaders to share how they are cutting water demand through reuse and closed-loop systems at Water Security Africa

Source: APO

Water Security Africa, co-located with Enlit Africa (19–21 May 2026, CTICC), has released its full programme, featuring commercial and industrial leaders demonstrating how organisations are reducing water demand through reuse, recycling and closed-loop systems.

Industry accounts for up to 20% of global water withdrawals, and as municipal supply reliability and tariff pressure increase, more organisations are treating water security as a board-level risk.

The SAICE CPD-accredited programme will showcase practical approaches to reducing demand, improving water governance and building resilient water systems on-site and across supply chains.

Sector case studies and stewardship sessions include:

Mining: closed-loop tailings systems, high recycling rates and pathways towards zero-liquid-discharge approaches

Agro-processing: recovering water from production processes, condensate capture and fit-for-purpose reuse

Hospitality and healthcare: greywater recycling, rainwater systems and demand reduction programmes that can be adapted across portfolios

Property: on-site treatment and reuse solutions designed to reduce exposure to supply unreliability across commercial building portfolios

The programme also connects corporate water stewardship to municipal and catchment realities, including how loss reduction and better network performance improve supply stability and reduce system-wide costs.

“Many organisations have already proven that major reductions in water demand are possible without compromising operations,” said Claire Volkwyn, Head of Content, VUKA Group.. “At Water Security Africa, leaders will share the systems, governance and investment cases behind those results so others can replicate them.”

Confirmed speakers include Darshana Myronidis (Virgin Group UK), Petrus Swanepoel (Mediclinic), Molatelo Motau (Heineken), John van Wyk (Harmony Gold), Zomakahle Ndlovu (Inkomathi Usuthu Catchment Management Agency), Desiree Moima (Gauteng Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs)  and Martjie Cloete (Growthpoint Properties), alongside municipal and utility leaders addressing the broader system context.

Download the programme: https://apo-opa.co/4sIOBGc

Register: https://apo-opa.co/4dNJ10h

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Speaking opportunities:
Claire Volkwyn
VUKA Group
Claire.volkwyn@wearevuka.com  

For sponsorship and exhibition:
Marcel du Toit
marcel.dutoit@wearevuka.com

About Water Security Africa: 
Water Security Africa, co-located with Enlit Africa, addresses operational and economic water challenges across utilities, municipalities and commercial and industrial sectors. The event takes place 19–21 May 2026 at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. All sessions are CPD-accredited by SAICE.

About the event organisers: VUKA Group: 
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other, across Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors through innovative events, content, and strategic networking. By integrating industry introductions, curated events and digital engagement, the group empowers businesses to navigate complex markets, forge valuable connections and drive sustainable success.

Venture partners to The Global Trust Project, Founders of WomenIN empowerment platform and leaders of NPO, Go Green Africa. The VUKA Group’s diverse portfolio acts to contribute to its purpose of ‘Connecting Africa to the World’s Best, to Influence Sustainable Progress’. Discover more at https://WeAreVUKA.com/

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Africa’s Alumina Boom Signals Next Phase in Mining Value Creation

Source: APO


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African bauxite producers are rapidly moving beyond commodity exports, investing in alumina refineries that convert raw ore into high-value products. While Africa holds nearly 30% of global bauxite reserves, it currently contributes less than 1% of alumina production – a gap that underscores both the continent’s industrial potential and a lucrative investment frontier. With the global alumina market projected to grow to $67 billion by 2032, Africa’s downstream sector is emerging as a strategic hub for long-term growth and local value creation.

African Mining Week 2026 (October 14–16, Cape Town) will serve as the key platform connecting investors, project developers and government regulators with these emerging opportunities. A dedicated panel on “Unlocking Refining Investments” will focus on strategies to scale refinery projects, address operational challenges and maximize local economic impact across the continent’s bauxite value chain.

Nigeria Leads With Gas-Powered Refining

Nigeria is fast-tracking its first large-scale alumina refinery, securing $1.3 billion in financing from the Africa Finance Corporation and the Solid Minerals Development Fund to support a one million-ton-per-annum facility. Expected to produce 19 million tons of alumina over 20 years, the refinery is projected to generate $1.2 billion in annual GDP contributions while advancing the government’s goal of growing mining’s economic contribution from 1% to 10%. Powered largely by local gas, the project aligns with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative, combining energy security with industrialization and local beneficiation.

Speaking in February, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Henry Alake, stated: “We don’t want corridors exporting internationally; we want factories across borders to create jobs and generate value locally.”

Guinea and Ghana Scale Up Refining Capacity

Guinea is pursuing six alumina refineries by 2030, aiming for 7 million tons per year. Deals are in place with China’s State Power Investment Corporation, Chinalco and France’s Alteo and Alcoa. Construction is underway on the first facility in Boké, a $1.2 billion, 1.2 million-ton-per-annum refinery led by the Winning Consortium Alumina Guinea.

Ghana targets 4–6 million tons of annual alumina refining capacity through partnerships with Greek industrial group Mytilineos SA, enhancing local beneficiation of bauxite resources. Meanwhile, Australian company Canyon Resources is advancing a feasibility study for a refinery at its Minim Martap project in Cameroon, with results expected by Q3 2026.

Implications for Investors

These projects illustrate a broader push to capture downstream value in Africa’s mining sector. Alumina refineries not only increase export revenue but also generate high-skilled jobs, stimulate local supply chains and attract international investment. By linking energy infrastructure, industrial policy and mineral beneficiation, these facilities can transform bauxite-rich countries into regional manufacturing hubs.

African Mining Week 2026 will bring stakeholders together to accelerate deal-making, form partnerships and discuss operational strategies for refinery deployment. With governments and developers focused on turning reserves into industrial value, alumina refining is positioned as one of the continent’s most tangible opportunities for economic transformation and strategic investment.

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

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Calls for deeper SA–China trade ties to drive industrialisation and jobs

Source: Government of South Africa

Calls for deeper SA–China trade ties to drive industrialisation and jobs

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for stronger economic cooperation between South Africa and China, urging increased investment in key sectors to support industrialisation, job creation and sustainable growth.  

Speaking at the South Africa-China Economic and Trade Forum, held at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, on Friday, Deputy President Mashatile said the partnership between the two countries continues to yield tangible economic benefits but requires further expansion to unlock its full potential.

“We firmly believe that this forum serves as a platform for aligning government strategies with private sector engagement. 

“The issues discussed in our diplomatic and technical sessions are expected to be implemented by private sector players, leading to job creation, industrialisation, and shared prosperity. Central to this collaboration are opportunities that directly address our shared priorities,” Deputy President Mashatile said. 

The forum followed the 9th Session of the Bi-National Commission, co-chaired by Deputy President Mashatile and his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Vice President Han Zheng, which reaffirmed the longstanding ties between the two nations built on mutual respect and shared development.

Deputy President Mashatile highlighted that China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade increasing by 6.4% from US$34.2 billion in 2024, to US$36.4 billion in 2025. 

He said government efforts are now focused on restructuring trade patterns to promote value-added exports rather than raw commodities.

“Economic cooperation remains central to government collaboration. Efforts are focused on restructuring trade to enhance value-added exports to China,” he said.

He noted that Chinese investment in South Africa has reached US$8.11 billion across 103 foreign direct investment projects, creating more than 5 600 jobs. In turn, South African companies have invested US$689 million in China across sectors such as healthcare, ICT, manufacturing and financial services.

The Deputy President said the recently signed Framework Agreement for the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement (CAEPA) is expected to further enhance trade by lowering costs for Chinese imports of South African goods while improving market access for local industries.

He added that ongoing discussions around an Early Harvest Agreement could see certain South African exports receiving permanent zero-tariff treatment, subject to consultations within the customs union.

The Deputy President identified several priority sectors for investment, including mineral beneficiation, renewable and clean energy, ICT, agriculture, automotive manufacturing, and the hydrogen economy.

He emphasised the importance of moving beyond raw mineral exports by investing in processing and infrastructure development, adding that such efforts would help build sustainable industries and support long-term economic growth.

In the energy sector, the Deputy President said collaboration with China could accelerate South Africa’s transition to renewable energy, particularly in solar, wind and energy storage technologies.

He also highlighted the country’s potential to become a global leader in green hydrogen production, noting that South Africa’s natural resources position it as a low-cost producer of clean fuels. 

“With strategic partnerships, we can lead the way into a new energy future, positioning our country as a global leader in clean fuels and sustainable industrialisation,” he said.

Deputy President Mashatile encouraged Chinese investors to take advantage of South Africa’s Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, which offer infrastructure, incentives and access to skilled labour.

He said South Africa offers political stability, a strong legal framework and world-class infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for investment and a gateway to the broader African market of 1.4 billion people.

He concluded by calling on both governments and the private sector to translate agreements into tangible outcomes that will drive inclusive growth.

“Let us take this moment to ensure that our collaboration not only brings prosperity to both our nations but also makes a meaningful contribution to Africa’s broader development agenda. Together, we can create a future defined by resilience, inclusivity, and shared success,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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