Category: Africa

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President Ramaphosa notes US statement on South Africa’s G20 participation

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the regrettable statement by President Donald Trump on South Africa’s participation in the 2026 G20 meetings.

The G20 South Africa 2025 Leaders Summit  attended by several heads of State and Goverments, was hailed by all members those who attended the summit as one of the most  successful summits.

The summit produced a declaration that affirmed the indisputable strength and value of multilateralism in response to the most pressing challenges facing the world. 

A number of US entities such businesses and civil society organisations participated in large numbers in G20 related activities such as the B20 and the G20 Social. South Africa values their participation.

As one of a the founding members of the  G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. In keeping with this approach, the United States was expected to participate in all the meetings of the G20 during South Africa’s Presidency but unfortunately and elected not to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg out of its own volition.  

We are however pleased that a number of US entities such as businesses and civil society organisations participated in large numbers in G20 related activities such as the B20 and the G20 Social. South Africa values their participation.

South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. It’s G20 membership is at the behest of all other members. South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. South Africa respects the sovereignty of all countries and will never insult or demean another country or its standing or worthiness in the community of nations.

A number of US entities such businesses and civil society organisations participated in large numbers in G20 related activities such as the B20 and the G20 Social. South Africa values their participation.

South Africa will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20. We call on members of the G20 to reaffirm its continued operation in the spirit of multilateralism, based on consensus, with all members participating on an equal footing in all of its structures.

It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to be vindictive and seek to apply punitive measures against South Africa  based on misinformation and distortions about our country.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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BlueTel Communications pursues global partnerships at Rail Live 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

South African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, BlueTel Communications, has arrived at Rail Live 2025 in Madrid with a clear and strategic mission, to secure international partnerships that can modernise and strengthen Africa’s digital and rail communication systems. 

The company forms part of the South African business delegation supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through its Outward Selling Mission (OSM), which aims to expand trade, unlock new markets, and position South African firms within global value chains.

Established in 2012, BlueTel Communications specialises in professional support services for the telecommunications industry, offering planning, implementation, maintenance, and after-sales support across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and parts of East Africa. 

Operating in a niche market traditionally dominated by global vendors, the company has leveraged its engineering expertise, strong customer relationships, and Africa-wide footprint to become a flexible and competitive partner for organisations seeking outsourced telecom solutions. 

Its long-term vision is to grow into one of the continent’s leading telecommunications service providers.

Speaking on the first day of the Rail Live Expo, BlueTel’s Director of Business Development and Finance, Hilkia Jacobs, said the event offered unmatched opportunities for collaboration. He explained that the synergies between ICT and railway technologies made Rail Live the ideal platform for expanding the company’s reach into the rail sector.

“Partnerships are the reason I am here. There is enormous alignment between communications technologies and the rail environment, especially on issues like connectivity, data reliability, and communications across moving trains. 

“We came to Rail Live to find innovators and equipment manufacturers we can partner with, learn from them, train our engineers, and bring those technologies back to South Africa and the broader African market,” Jacobs said.

He noted that expanding into the rail sector has long been a strategic ambition for BlueTel, pointing to earlier attempts to collaborate with Transnet on communications improvements for the Blue Train. 

Jacobs emphasised Africa’s growing demand for modern infrastructure and the company’s commitment to driving technological advancement on the continent.

“Africa is where things are happening. Our goal isn’t to take our expertise to Europe. It’s to bring the best global innovations back home. We want to position ourselves as the bridge between international technology providers and African markets,” he explained.

Since arriving at the expo, BlueTel has already experienced exceptional interest from international firms looking for a reliable partner to enter the South African and broader African markets.

“In the first five to six hours, I made more leads than I normally make in six months. There are strong indications that the companies I engaged with here want to enter the South African market. Because we operate nationally, with offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, we are well positioned to offer clients an immediate footprint, storage facilities, and a trusted partner on the ground,” noted Jacobs.

BlueTel credited the dtic’s Outward Selling Mission for enabling South African companies to showcase their strengths on a global platform, explore new sectors, and attract partnerships that support South Africa’s industrial growth objectives.

“The support from the dtic has given us exposure we would not have achieved on our own. It has opened doors to opportunities that can shape the future of our business and contribute to the development of Africa’s ICT and rail sectors,” Jacobs said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister Tau briefs Parly on SA’s trade relations

Source: Government of South Africa

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says South Africa continues to benefit from a wide network of preferential and non-preferential trade agreements covering 90 countries, representing 28% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

Tau was addressing the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition supported by Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams on the state of South Africa’s trade relations, progress in ongoing negotiations, and the country’s strategy to navigate an increasingly volatile global trading environment. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Tau told Parliament that global trade is undergoing seismic shifts, with rising unilateral measures, retaliatory tariffs, and disruptions in the multilateral trading system. 

“The share of world trade governed by WTO [World Trade Organisation] rules has already dropped from 80% to 72% in 2025. These shifts, driven by growing geopolitical tensions and great-power competition, are creating uncertainty and weakening predictable rules-based trade,” he said. 

Tau said there is a need for South Africa to strengthen its industrial base, diversify trade partners and build greater economic resilience.

He emphasised the importance of African economic integration, revealing that significant momentum has already been recorded under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).  The AfCFTA which entered into force in May 2019, is expected to boost trade and economic growth on the continent. Trading under the AfCFTA regime commenced January 2021. 

“South Africa exports under the AfCFTA have increased from R485 million in 2024 to R1.386 billion in the first seven months of 2025. Imports under AfCFTA also rose substantially. 

“South Africa implemented the agreement in January 2024, and by 2025, 24 African countries had begun trading preferentially. 
“New market access is now unlocked in 13 non-SADC [Southern African Development Community] countries. Recent breakthroughs include agreement on critical rules of origin for autos and textiles, opening new opportunities for South African industry,” he said.

He said South Africa continues to engage the United States on a reciprocal trade deal that will lower the current tariff imposed that will make South African exports more competitive.

“While South Africa’s access to the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) expired at the end of September, there is strong bipartisan support in Washington for renewal. And current proposals include a one-year and a two-year extension, though no bill has yet been tabled,” the Minister said. 

The Minister highlighted the Butterfly Strategy adopted by the department to mitigate global risk and expand export growth, and said it will assist with objectives to grow South African exports from R2 trillion to R3 trillion by 2030. 

“We will focus our efforts on implementation and adopt a coherent approach to our trade agenda,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Employment and Labour calls for compliance with COIDA  

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Department of Employment and Labour’s Compensation Fund has called on employers in the building, electrical and construction sectors to improve their compliance with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).

This comes after the Fund hosted a Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) Sector Workshop in Durban on Tuesday aimed at boosting the submission of Return of Earnings (ROEs), improving payments of assessments, and educating industry stakeholders on their legal responsibilities.

The main objective of the Act is to provide compensation for disablement caused by occupational injuries or diseases sustained or contracted by employees or for death resulting from such injuries or diseases and provide for matters connected therewith.

Opening the session, KwaZulu-Natal Deputy Director for COID Services, Jabulani Gumede, thanked employers for attending and stressed that complying with COIDA is a legal requirement to prevent workplace injuries and occupational diseases.

Deputy Director for Employer Services, Vusi Maluleke, highlighted employers’ key obligations, including registration, record-keeping, and ensuring timely ROE submissions. He urged employers to register domestic workers and to verify Letters of Good Standing to avoid falling victim to fraud. 

KwaZulu-Natal Assistant Director for COID Services, Nontsikelelo Mhlonyane, outlined employer responsibilities when employees are injured or fall ill. She reminded employers that all workplace accidents must be reported to the Fund within seven days, while occupational diseases must be reported within 14 days of diagnosis. She also spoke on injury-on-duty leave management, COID benefits, additional pensions and fatal cases.

The Compensation Fund said it will continue engaging various sectors to strengthen compliance and ensure better protection for workers. – SAnews.gov.za

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President notes US counterpart’s attempt to ban SA from G20

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted US President Donald Trump’s intention to bar South Africa from attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit in the United States next year, calling his remarks “regrettable” and rooted in misinformation.

“South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. Its G20 membership is at the behest of all other members. South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. 

“South Africa respects the sovereignty of all countries and will never insult or demean another country or its standing and worthiness in the community of nations,” the Presidency said in a statement issued on Thursday. 

In a post on social media platform, Truth Social, on Wednesday, President Trump said that South Africa would not be invited to next year’s Group of 20 Summit in the US. According to the post, this is due to the handover of the G20 Presidency and disinformation about white genocide.  

During the course of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit last weekend, the South African government indicated that there would be no traditional handover ceremony between South Africa and the United States.

On Thursday, President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa would continue to play a full, active and constructive role in the G20 and called on member states to recommit to multilateralism, consensus and equal participation.

“It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country,” the Presidency said.

President Ramaphosa said the G20 South Africa 2025 Leaders’ Summit, held in Johannesburg, and attended by several Heads of State and Government, had been widely praised as one of the most successful summits in recent years. 

The summit adopted a declaration affirming the “indisputable strength and value of multilateralism” in addressing global challenges.

The Presidency said that because the United States did not attend the summit, the instruments of the G20 Presidency were formally handed to a US Embassy official at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation headquarters.

“As one of the founding members of the G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation,” the statement read.

The Presidency added that the United States had been expected to participate in all G20 engagements during South Africa’s Presidency but had elected not to attend the Johannesburg summit out of its own volition.

Despite the US government’s absence, The Presidency noted that American businesses and civil society organisations participated in large numbers in associated events including the B20 and the G20 Social. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng hands over operating licences to public transport operators

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, November 27, 2025

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has handed over 300 operating licences to compliant public transport operators during a ceremony held at the Ekurhuleni Council Chambers.

This handover forms part of the province’s ongoing programme to clear the operating license backlog and stabilise the public transport sector.

Since 1 September 2025, the department has issued a total of 525 operating licenses.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said that the handover demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening regulation and improving service delivery to operators and commuters.

“Today is more than a handover ceremony. It is a statement of our commitment to rebuilding a licensing system that is transparent, efficient and fair. We are working tirelessly to ensure operators receive services closer to their communities and within predictable timeframes,” Diale-Tlabela said on Tuesday.

The MEC emphasised that public transport remains the backbone of mobility in Gauteng, moving millions of commuters daily, and that regulatory stability is essential for safety, economic participation and job creation.

Furthermore, the strengthened provincial licensing system is designed to validate applications, improve data accuracy, and protect operators from fraudulent middlemen.

“We are taking a firm stance against corruption, fraudulent applications and individuals who extort money from operators under the pretext of consulting. These practices will not be tolerated. We are working closely with law enforcement agencies and our stakeholders to ensure that only legitimate operators are licensed,” the MEC said.

She emphasised that an operating license is not just a document, but an instrument of economic empowerment and responsibility.

“We expect operators to honour the rules of the road, provide safe and reliable services, and contribute to a public transport system that the people of Gauteng can trust. This partnership is key to building a stable, modern and accessible transport network,” the MEC explained.

The department will continue to implement measures aimed at eliminating the remaining backlog and strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure a safer and more efficient public transport environment for all Gauteng residents. –SAnews.gov.za

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At trade show, Moroccan textiles aim to boost exports

Source: APO


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At the Morocco in Mode 2025 trade show in Casablanca, Moroccan textile and clothing manufacturers reaffirmed their export ambitions, especially toward European markets. They are actively seeking financing solutions and aligning with evolving EU sustainability standards.

From 5 to 7 November 2025, Casablanca hosted the 2025 edition of the MIM trade fair, organised by the Moroccan Association of Textile and Clothing Industries (AMITH). Key players in textiles and clothing gathered to discuss how to improve regional and international cooperation.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) supported the initiatives of the Morocco Textile and Clothing programme, promoting sustainable development and competitiveness.

The trade fair featured two flagship conferences:

  • The impact of the European Green Deal and new EU regulations on ethical sourcing: Presented by Ms. Andry Razafindrakoto, Expert in Corporate Environmental and Social Transition. It highlighted the urgency for Moroccan companies to prepare for the new requirements, while calling for greater involvement from brands to ease the regulatory burden.

  • Financing guide for textiles and clothing: Co-hosted by Ms. Aicha Iraqi, Sustainability Specialist, and Mr. Marouane Mouafir, Financial Strategy Expert. it highlighted the financing tools available, particularly green financing. The issue of personal guarantees for managers in accessing loans and subsidies was particularly emphasised.

Business meetings and regional synergies

Business meetings let Moroccan companies speak directly with Spanish brands such as El Corte Inglés, SCALPERS and renatta&go, strengthening commercial opportunities across the Mediterranean.

On the sourcing side, the active participation of Egyptian companies (LIONTEX CO., FITEX, Nassertex) and Tunisian companies (Chimitex, mastex) enriched the range of materials and accessories on offer, consolidating ties across North Africa.

With this 2025 edition of the MIM trade show, the Moroccan textile and clothing sector has confirmed its ability to respond to international challenges, strengthen its regional partnerships and integrate the requirements of sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education (AU CIEFFA) Continental Youth Workshop on Digital Innovation and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Education opens in Nairobi

Source: APO


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A Continental Youth Capacity Building Workshop on Girls in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) for Gender-Responsive Education has officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya. Running from 25th –28th November 2025, the workshop is held under the theme: “Empowering Girls in STEAM: Innovating for Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Education in Africa.”

Organised by the African Union International Centre for Girls and Women’s Education (AU CIEFFA) in collaboration with UN Women, the convening seeks to empower young women leaders in STEAM fields and AU CIEFFA alumni with essential digital and financial literacy skills. The initiative aims to amplify advocacy for girls’ STEAM education and the #AfricaEducatesHER Campaign, while showcasing grassroots efforts by young women advancing education in their communities.

The workshop also celebrates the achievements of women role models in STEAM, including projects led by the AU Go-Gal Top 10 innovators and AGCCI Alumni.

Representing Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Dr. Elyas Abdi, Director General, emphasised the country’s commitment to strengthening STEAM interventions: “Kenya’s commitment to STEAM education is anchored in the national reforms guided by the government’s Kenya Kwanza Education Charter and the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER). These frameworks prioritise strengthening STEM and STEAM pathways, expanding digital learning, enhancing teacher professionalism, upgrading laboratories, and promoting gender equity across all levels of education.”

Despite progress, girls remain significantly underrepresented in STEAM education across Africa. Women account for only 35% of STEM graduates, a figure that has stagnated over the past decade.

“For far too long, science has been viewed as a domain reserved for boys and men. While this narrative is gradually shifting, the representation of girls and women in STEAM remains disproportionately low. Yet, young African girls possess the curiosity, creativity, and intellectual rigour required to drive innovation. What they have often lacked is not talent, but equitable access to technology, inspiring female role models, and an educational environment that nurtures and believes in their potential”, said Mrs. Simone Yankey, Coordinator of the AU CIEFFA.

The workshop convenes young people and STEAM professionals from 24 African Union Member States, the majority of whom are women.

Mr Joshua Musyimi, Programme Specialist at UN Women Kenya Office, underscored the importance of policy advocacy, “It is critical not only to equip girls with digital and leadership skills, but also to advocate for policies that guarantee their access to technology, and to push for national education systems to integrate gender, ICT, and coding-related skills. Only then can we ensure that digital inclusion is not a privilege, but a right — and that the achievements of AGCCI (African Girls Can Code) reach more girls, in more communities, for generations to come”.

Contributions from the World Bank Group, represented by Mr Saifeddine Ben Mhenni, and Dr Olubusayo Akinola, Head of Social Welfare, Drug Control and Crime Prevention from AUC’s Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development highlighted ongoing initiatives to promote STEAM across Africa.

The workshop is supported by the World Bank’s East Africa Girls’ Empowerment and Resilience (EAGER) program and aligns with AU CIEFFA’s Strategic Axis 3 on STEAM and Skills Development. It further contributes to continental commitments, including AU Agenda 2063, CESA 16-25, and the recommendations from the 2024 Conference on Transforming STEM in Africa, co-organised by the AU and UNESCO in Addis Ababa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) alerta para piora da crise humanitária no Sudão com mais de 106 mil deslocados

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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As Nações Unidas revelaram nesta terça feira que mais de 106 mil pessoas fugiram da área sudanesa de El Fasher e aldeias vizinhas em apenas um mês.

Em informe diário a jornalistas, o porta-voz do secretário-geral disse que a situaçao ocorre enquanto as equipas humanitárias enfrentam falta de recursos, insegurança e necessidades que superam largamente a capacidade de resposta.

Deslocações em larga escala após tomada de El Fasher

A Organização Internacional para as Migrações, OIM, comunicou que mais de 106 mil pessoas foram deslocadas desde a tomada de El-Fasher pelas Forças de Apoio Rápido há cerca de um mês.

Grande parte dos deslocados chega à cidade de Tawila, onde muitas pessoas já enfrentam desnutrição aguda e doenças potencialmente fatais.

O subsecretário-geral para os Assuntos Humanitários, Tom Fletcher, reforçou durante a sua visita ao local a necessidade de acesso humanitário sem impedimentos a todos os civis.

Serviços de saúde saturados e operações humanitárias condicionadas

Os funcionários humanitários reportam grandes desafios operacionais, incluindo falta de financiamento e insegurança nas principais rotas de acesso.

Instalações de saúde encontram-se sobrecarregadas, e clínicas móveis lutam para atender o aumento de feridos, casos de desnutrição e infeções respiratórias.

A ONU alerta que, sem reforço urgente de serviços básicos e mais financiamento, a situação em Tawila poderá deteriorar-se ainda mais, apesar dos esforços das organizações no terreno para manter a assistência.

Violência afeta outras regiões de Darfur e Kordofan

No estado de Darfur Central, a ONG Médicos Sem Fronteiras voltou a reduzir o apoio ao hospital de Zalingei por motivos de segurança, após o assassinato de um trabalhador do Ministério da Saúde e ferimentos em outros quatro.

A violência também continua no Kordofan, onde mais de 600 pessoas foram deslocadas no último sábado após ataques a duas aldeias no sul da região.

ONU apela a proteção de civis e aumento urgente do financiamento

O porta-voz reiterou o apelo das Nações Unidas para a proteção de civis em todo o Sudão e para garantir acesso seguro e contínuo às populações afetadas.

A ONU pediu ainda aos doadores que aumentem rapidamente o financiamento destinado às operações humanitárias em Darfur, Kordofan e noutras áreas que enfrentam necessidades crescentes.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para UN News.

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Countries, experts agree on 10-year Africa health workforce agenda

Source: APO – Report:

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African countries have reached consensus on the priority actions, commitments and milestones that will shape the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035 in a major step towards transforming how the continent plans, trains and retains its health workforce. 

Member States, professional councils, universities, development partners and technical experts gathering in Pretoria from 24 to 26 November 2025 for consultation convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa agreed on a unified direction for the forthcoming Agenda, which will be formally endorsed and launched by Member States in 2026. 

The shared priorities focus on strengthening governance and stewardship; modernizing and expanding health workforce education; improving employment and retention; scaling up investments through the Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter; and institutionalizing robust labour-market intelligence to guide planning and accountability.

“These outcomes reflect a shared continental vision for a workforce that is fit for purpose and positioned to deliver quality, people-centred care. The next decade must be transformational. If we do not act boldly and collectively, the gap between what our health systems need and the workers available will only widen,” said Dr Adelheid Onyango, Director of Health Systems and Services at WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Africa faces a projected shortage of 6.1 million health workers by 2030. While the region has tripled its workforce from 1.6 million in 2013 to 5.1 million in 2022, it continues to struggle with severe mismatches between training outputs and labour market needs; outdated and theory-heavy education models; chronic underinvestment in training institutions; unemployment among newly trained health workers; and significant migration and attrition.

Throughout the consultation, participants emphasized the urgency of comprehensive reforms to align education, employment, financing and service-delivery needs, building on key achievements reached this week. 

“Let this mark a turning point in how we plan, train, deploy and retain the health workers our continent needs. With unity and determination, Africa can build a health workforce capable of meeting both present and future demands,” said Dr Percy Mahlathi, Deputy Director-General, Hospital Services, Tertiary Health Services, and Health Workforce Development, National Department of Health, South Africa.

As part of the process to develop the new strategy, WHO convened Member States in July 2025 to update their national health workforce stock and related datasets and to reflect on the challenges and progress they have made since the adoption of the current strategy.

In July 2025, WHO convened a 17-member Expert Group to review the available evidence and identify priorities for the Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2026–2035.

The Africa Health Workforce Agenda 2035 is scheduled for a formal adoption and launch by Member States in 2026.

WHO called on all partners to sustain investment and political momentum to ensure the successful rollout of the agenda once it is endorsed and launched next year. It also urged governments, regional bodies, academia and development partners to sustain investment and political commitment to transform health workforce planning and education systems at scale.

“This consultation has been more than a technical exchange; it has solidified an Africa-wide commitment to reshape the future of health workforce development. The consensus achieved here provides clear direction for the agenda that countries will endorse and launch next year,” said Dr James Asamani, Team Lead for Health Workforce at WHO Regional Office for Africa.

– on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.