Category: Africa

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Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile on the occasion of the Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister of Finland Anti Petterri Orpo, OR Tambo House, Pretoria 

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency Prime Minister Anti Petteri Orpo, it is my distinct honour to welcome you and your esteemed delegation to South Africa, and to extend our sincere appreciation for the time you have taken to undertake this visit. His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has requested that I convey his regrets for not being able to meet with you personally during your stay. 

Your visit comes at an opportune moment, following South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit this past weekend in Johannesburg, which was attended by His Excellency, President Alexander Stubb and his delegation. 

It also takes place after you have attended the 7th AU–EU Summit held in Luanda, Angola, which celebrates 25 years since its establishment. I also trust that you have enjoyed your stay in Luanda.

Your Excellency, I am joined by Deputy Minister of International Relations, Mr Alvin Botes, and senior government officials from the Presidency, International Relations, Trade, Industry and Competition, Electricity and Energy as well from the Digital Communication and Technology Departments. I will introduce them later.

Excellency, allow me to reiterate South Africa’s deep appreciation for Finland’s steadfast support during our G20 Presidency. This commitment was underscored by the participation of His Excellency President Alexander Stubb at very short notice, for which we remain sincerely grateful. Relations between South Africa and Finland continue to be warm, cordial and constructive.
 
Since the dawn of our democracy, Finland has recognised the importance of South Africa’s reconstruction and development efforts and has made a meaningful contribution through various development partnership agreements, as well as expanding trade and investment across diverse sectors. 

Our bilateral engagement has been further strengthened in recent years. A notable highlight was the State Visit by former President of Finland, His Excellency Mr Sauli Niinistö, in April 2023. The visit yielded several concrete and positive outcomes, including cooperation on water resource management, educational models for Early Childhood Development, programmes focusing on out-of-school youth and adult education, and a joint initiative to train young peace mediators. These practical projects reflect the substance and value of our partnership. 

Your visit today builds on these high-level engagements and serves to further consolidate our bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade and investment. We are encouraged that your delegation includes business leaders seeking to explore new opportunities in smart and sustainable mining, water and built environments, and the development of smart cities. 

Permit me to highlight that water management and digitalisation remain central pillars of our bilateral cooperation. The 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Water Resources between South Africa and Finland is a significant milestone, particularly in its focus on innovation and technology. We also value the Letters of Intent concluded with several municipalities on water resource management. 

The visit by our Minister of Water and Sanitation, Minister Majodina, to Finland in August 2025, as well as the participation of a Finnish delegation in the inaugural Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) Technical Conference earlier this month, further demonstrates the strength of our collaboration in this area. 

Additionally, we appreciate ongoing cooperation in advancing innovation systems and start-up ecosystems. Work continues on digital infrastructure—especially low-cost connectivity in township areas—which will help create an enabling environment for inclusive development. In this regard, we value Finland’s active participation in the G20 Digital Economy Working Group. 

Honourable Prime Minister,

Beyond our strong bilateral ties, our relationship has increasingly evolved into a partnership in support of Africa’s broader development priorities. This was once again evident through Finland’s active participation in the Nordic–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted in Zimbabwe in October 2025. 

South Africa and Finland share the conviction that equitable representation in the United Nations and the wider multilateral system is essential for sustainable peace and development. We commend Finland’s consistent and principled support for the comprehensive reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, and for its advocacy for a more just, inclusive and rules-based international order. 

South Africa recognises and deeply appreciates Finland’s continued partnership on key global challenges—including the strengthening of multilateralism and international law, peacebuilding and mediation, gender equality and human rights, and the global response to climate change. 

In conclusion, the history of our respective struggles and the lessons drawn from our shared solidarity remind us that, by working together, we can help build a better world—one in which the aspirations of all nations and peoples may be realised. 

Honourable Prime Minister, it is my pleasure to invite you to deliver your remarks. 

Thank you.

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An important wetland in Ghana is under siege. Researchers investigate the real issues

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Leonard Mensah, PhD Candidate, University of Memphis

Wetlands are vital ecological resources that provide several benefits in urban and peri-urban areas. They slow down flood waters, and act as a source of fishing and farming livelihoods. They also provide socio-cultural benefits for local communities. But some of these valuable ecosystems, due to their presence in prime locations, are at the centre of competing cultural, ecological and economic interests. Property development, especially, is a threat to wetlands.

The 2025 Global Wetland Outlook emphasises that the protection of wetlands is key to sustainable development. However, since 1970, about 411 million hectares of wetlands have been lost. In Africa, degradation is widespread and many are in poor condition.

We are a multidisciplinary team of researchers working in the area of resilience, sustainability and justice in urban transitions.

Our research highlights some of the local-level issues and conflicting interests that are shaping the rapid destruction of the Sakumono Ramsar Site in Tema, Ghana. Under the Ramsar Convention, a Ramsar site is a designated wetland with special natural significance.

We found institutional complicity and the lack of engagement with communities to be key drivers shaping current wetland conditions. Our study proposes a model for enforcing regulations and asserting the community’s right to nature for socio-cultural purposes.

Read more: A root cause of flooding in Accra: developers clogging up the city’s wetlands

Tema: wetlands in an industrial city

Tema was developed from a small fishing community into an industrialised port city by independent Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Its purpose was to facilitate international trade and vibrant economic development. It is one of Ghana’s most important cities and has been experiencing urban expansion and land use changes. This has led to encroachment in environmentally sensitive areas, including the Ramsar site.

The Sakumono wetland was officially designated a Ramsar site in 1992 to protect its rich biodiversity. It covers about 1,400 hectares and is protected by several regulations, including the Wetland Management Regulations Act, 1999.

But the site has, over the years, witnessed rapid depletion and intense encroachment from property development. Approximately 80% of the Sakumono Ramsar Site has been encroached on, leaving only about 20% of the wetland intact.

Population in the wetland’s catchment area had grown from about 114,600 in 1984 to over 500,000 by 2000, indicating that large numbers of people live around and rely on the wetland. Although the exact number of people currently affected by the wetlands encroachment is unknown, the dense surrounding population suggests that many households, especially those engaged in farming and fishing, have likely experienced reduced access and livelihood displacement. Like other wetlands in Ghana, the Sakumomo Ramsar site risks eventual destruction if nothing is done to reverse current trends.

The president of Ghana has called for heavy punishment for individuals who encroach on Ramsar sites. Both community and institutional respondents in our research claimed, however, that it was the political elites who were behind unbridled property development in the first place.

Read more: Flooding incidents in Ghana’s capital are on the rise. Researchers chase the cause

Multiple and conflicting interests in wetlands management

The main objective of our study was to analyse stakeholders’ perspectives on the use, value and management of wetlands. We evaluated the impact of these views on the sustainable management of ecologically sensitive areas. We conducted in-depth interviews with community residents, community leaders and opinion leaders. We also interviewed officials from metropolitan and municipal assemblies. The research was conducted in the Sakumono community, where the Sakumono Ramsar site is located.

Conflicting views on wetlands value: while the value of the site lies in its economic and ecological benefits, community residents were more interested in its economic value. That is, how it provides livelihood opportunities through farming and fishing activities.

Residents wondered why developers were allowed to exploit portions of the wetlands for building purposes, while they were prevented from fishing and farming. One of the residents said:

See rich and influential people buying land in the wetland area and using it for building properties. But we are not permitted to fish there.

For state institutions, protecting the wetland meant restricting access for community members. They encouraged activities such as tree planting and periodic desilting.

Conflicting views on wetlands use: the views of stakeholders also showed the changing understanding of the use of wetlands. An official from the forestry commission revealed that the wetland was acquired by the state during the 1980s for conservation. But other institutional officials, such as those of the lands commission, revealed that it had become a prime area for property development. Powerful developers bypass the land registration process and build without a permit.

The size of the Ramsar site has reduced because people are acquiring the wetland, including the buffer area, for residential development. Even though the wetland area is demarcated as a protected area, many of the politically connected developers go behind us and build without a permit.

Conflicting views on wetlands management: our research revealed contradictions between state institutions and community stakeholders. For instance, traditional authorities were of the view that:

Since the management of the wetland is not under our control, we are not responsible for the current developments taking place in and around the demarcated area.

The traditional authorities said they were not consulted and did not benefit from the wetland. This perhaps explains why they watched on as destruction continued. A member of the traditional council said:

As leaders of the community, we are not consulted about how the wetland is managed. You always hear the forestry commission accusing community leaders that we are selling the land. We can’t sell land that does not belong to us.

Towards a community-based stewardship model

Communities should be at the centre of wetlands management. We propose a stewardship-based co-management model that enforces environmental and conservation regulations. It emphasises working with a range of stakeholders. This includes government agencies, traditional authorities and environmentally conscious community members. We call for an updated wetlands management plan that reflects recent changes, but that is also fair, responsible and protective for present and future generations. This is essential for building sustainable communities in Ghana and beyond.

– An important wetland in Ghana is under siege. Researchers investigate the real issues
– https://theconversation.com/an-important-wetland-in-ghana-is-under-siege-researchers-investigate-the-real-issues-269016

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Nigéria: Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento empresta 500 milhões de dólares para apoiar a governação económica e a transição energética

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), reunido em Abidjan, aprovou um empréstimo de 500 milhões de dólares ao Governo da República Federal da Nigéria para financiar a segunda fase do Programa de Apoio à Governação Económica e à Transição Energética. A operação baseada em políticas é para os anos fiscais de 2024 e 2025.

“A segunda fase do programa visa estimular o crescimento inclusivo, acelerando as reformas estruturais no setor energético, ao mesmo tempo que apoia reformas progressivas da política fiscal para aumentar as receitas não petrolíferas e expandir o espaço fiscal. A nova fase consolidará e aproveitará as conquistas da primeira fase”, disse Abdul Kamara, diretor-geral do Escritório do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento na Nigéria.

O programa irá centrar-se em três áreas principais:

· Primeiro, o programa irá aprofundar as reformas da política fiscal, reforçando os sistemas de gestão das finanças públicas e aumentando a transparência e a eficiência da despesa pública.

· Segundo, irá acelerar a reforma do setor da engenharia energética para reduzir a pobreza energética, expandir o acesso à energia, melhorar a governação do setor e atrair investimento privado.

· Em terceiro lugar, apoiará a implementação do plano de transição energética através de medidas que promovam a adaptação às alterações climáticas e a mitigação dos seus efeitos, incluindo a introdução de normas de eficiência energética para aparelhos elétricos.

A Contribuição Nacionalmente Determinada (NDC) também será atualizada para o período 2026-2030.

Os beneficiários diretos do programa são o Ministério Federal da Energia, o Ministério Federal das Finanças, o Serviço Federal de Receitas Internas, o Gabinete do Auditor Geral, o Gabinete de Gestão da Dívida, o Conselho Nacional das Alterações Climáticas da Nigéria (NCCC), o Ministério Federal do Ambiente, a Comissão Reguladora da Eletricidade da Nigéria (NERC) e outros organismos responsáveis pelas políticas sociais e económicas.

Os benefícios também serão revertidos para as empresas privadas, sob a forma de um clima de investimento melhorado e de oportunidades no setor energético ao nível dos estados individuais da Federação, bem como da criação de um ambiente mais propício às parcerias público-privadas.

A 31 de outubro de 2025, a carteira ativa do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento na Nigéria compreendia 52 projetos, com um compromisso total de 5,1 mil milhões de dólares.

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

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

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

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Nigéria : le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement accorde un prêt de 500 millions de dollars en appui à la gouvernance économique et à la transition énergétique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement a approuvé (www.AfDB.org), le 24 novembre 2025 à Abidjan, un prêt de 500 millions de dollars américains au gouvernement de la République fédérale du Nigéria pour financer la deuxième phase du Programme d’appui à la gouvernance et à la transition énergétique. Cet appui multisectoriel couvre les exercices budgétaires 2024 et 2025.

« La nouvelle phase du programme vise à stimuler une croissance inclusive en accélérant les réformes structurelles dans le secteur de l’énergie tout en mettant en œuvre les réformes progressives de la politique fiscale afin d’améliorer les recettes non pétrolières et d’élargir la marge budgétaire. Cette deuxième phase consolidera et exploitera donc les acquis de la première », a indiqué Abdul Kamara, directeur général du bureau du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement au Nigéria.

Trois axes d’intervention sont inscrits dans le cadre du Programme :

Premièrement, il approfondira les réformes de la politique fiscale en renforçant les systèmes de gestion des finances publiques tout en améliorant la transparence et l’efficacité des dépenses publique.

Deuxièmement, il accélérer la réforme du secteur de l’électricité pour réduire la pauvreté énergétique, l’amélioration de l’accès à l’énergie, le renforcement de la gouvernance du secteur de l’électricité et l’attraction des investissements du secteur privé.

Troisièmement, il soutiendra la mise en œuvre du plan de transition énergétique par des mesures favorisant l’adaptation au changement climatique et son atténuation, notamment par l’introduction de normes d’efficacité énergétique pour les appareils électriques.

La Contribution déterminée au niveau national (CDN) sera également mise à jour pour la période 2026-2030.

Les bénéficiaires directs du programme sont le ministère fédéral de l’Énergie, le ministère fédéral des Finances, le Service fédéral des recettes intérieures, le Bureau du Vérificateur général, le Bureau de gestion de la dette, le Conseil national pour le changement climatique du Nigéria (NCCC), le ministère fédéral de l’Environnement, la Commission de régulation du secteur de l’électricité du Nigéria (NERC) et d’autres organismes responsables des politiques sociales et économiques.

Par ailleurs, le secteur privé bénéficiera de l’amélioration des possibilités d’investissement dans le secteur de l’énergie au niveau des États et de la création d’un environnement propice à l’augmentation des transactions en partenariat public-privé.

Le 31 octobre 2025, le portefeuille en activité du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement au Nigéria comptait 52 projets pour un engagement total de 5,1 milliards de dollars.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Alexis Adélé
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) est la première institution multilatérale de financement dédiée au développement de l’Afrique. Elle comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). La BAD est présente sur le terrain dans 44 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, et contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux.

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Centrafrique Présidentielle 2025 : Le Groupe Africa24 vous offre une couverture inédite

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le 28 décembre 2025, la République Centrafricaine élira son président pour un nouveau mandat. Ce scrutin présidentiel constitue une étape historique dans la consolidation de la paix retrouvée après des années de transition, renforce la stabilité institutionnelle et témoigne, par sa mobilisation citoyenne, du leadership croissant de la Centrafrique comme acteur clé de la sécurité régionale, de la reconstruction nationale et de l’exploitation responsable de ses ressources naturelles au service du développement inclusif.

Le Groupe Africa24 déploie un dispositif éditorial bilingue (français-anglais) exceptionnel afin de permettre aux citoyens, aux décideurs et à l’opinion publique nationale, régionale, continentale et mondiale de découvrir toute la résilience, les richesses culturelles et les aspirations profondes de la Centrafrique.

Découvrez la Centrafrique ici : https://apo-opa.co/3XQXhMB

Interviews de leaders, débats inédits sur les grands enjeux du scrutin, Journal de Campagne et reportages immersifs

A travers Africa24 et Africa24 English, deux chaînes full HD découvrez notre dispositif TV & Digital exceptionnel avec une programmation inédite :

  • Interview : Rencontres exclusives avec les candidats issus de la majorité présidentielle, de l’opposition et des indépendants, qui exposent leurs projets pour une Centrafrique réconciliée et prospère.
  • Africa News Room : 52 minutes de débat et d’analyses avec les candidats ou leurs représentants face à des experts centrafricains, sous-régionaux et internationaux sur les défis de la paix durable et du développement.
  • Journal de Campagne : Avec nos reporters déployés dans les 16 préfectures, suivez quotidiennement : les portraits des candidats, les attentes des Centrafricains, les coulisses des meetings et caravanes, les succès du pays, une carte postale d’une préfecture, d’un village ou d’un site emblématique.

Le Groupe Africa24 Une couverture 360° et une diffusion mondiale pour 120 millions de foyers

Retrouvez « Centrafrique Présidentielle 2025 » Disponible en direct, replay et à la demande sur tous vos écrans :

  • AFRICA24 en français (chaîne 249) et AFRICA24 English (chaîne 254) du bouquet Canal+ Afrique
  • Sur myafrica24 la première plateforme de streaming HD de l’Afrique.
  • Sur www.Africa24TV.com qui vous offre accès intégral à tous les programmes

Avec le Groupe Africa24, Ensemble, transformons l’Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour AFRICA24 Group.

Contact :
Direction de la Communication
Groupe Africa24
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email : onana@africa24tv.com
Tél. : +237 691 30 03 40

Réseaux sociaux : 
@ africa24tv 

A propos du Groupe Africa24 :
Initié en 2009, le Groupe Africa 24 est le premier éditeur TV & média digital du continent avec 4 chaînes full HD en diffusion dans les plus grands bouquets. Leader chez les décideurs et cadres dirigeants du continent, Africa 24 en Français et Africa 24 English, le Groupe est le pionnier et leader des chaînes d’informations sur l’Afrique. Africa 24 a renforcé ce leadership à travers le sport avec Africa24 Sport, première chaine en Afrique dédié à l’information sportive et aux compétitions et Africa24 Infinity, première chaîne dédiée aux industries créatives qui valorisent le génie créatif de la jeunesse africaine dans l’art, la culture, la musique, la mode, le design…

Première marque audiovisuelle du continent, le Groupe AFRICA24 dispose de 4 chaînes de télévisions en full HD chacune leader dans son segment :

  • AFRICA24 TV : Leader de l’information Africaine en Français, édité par AMedia
  • AFRICA24 English : Leader de l’Information Africaine exclusivement en Anglais
  • AFRICA24 Infinity : La chaîne des talents créatifs dédiée à la Musique, l’art, la culture.
  • AFRICA24 Sport : Première chaîne d’information sportive et des compétitions

Le Groupe AFRICA24 édite myafrica24 (Google store et App Store), la première plateforme de streaming HD mondiale sur l’Afrique disponible sur tous les écrans (Télévision, tablette, smartphone, ordinateurs) …Plus de 120 millions de foyers ont accès aux chaînes du Groupe Africa24 à travers les plus grands opérateurs : Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell…et plus de 8 millions d’abonnés sur les différentes plateformes digitales et réseaux sociaux.

www.Africa24TV.com

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The Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) Invests in Junior Achievement (JA) Africa to Equip Youth with Project Management Skills for the Future

Source: APO

Junior Achievement (JA) Africa (https://JA-Africa.org) and the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) announce a partnership to equip African youth with over 240,000 project management learning experiences that turn ideas into enterprises and ambitions into action.

The initiative, titled “Elevating Project Management in Youth Ecosystems– Phase II,” will be implemented from 2025 to 2028. The primary objective is empowering young Africans and fostering their personal and professional growth, equipping them with project management and other essential skills, and supporting them to create a lasting impact on their lives and communities. The initiative will impact young Africans from Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

“This grant marks a strategic leap forward in empowering young Africans not just to dream but to execute. Project management is a future-ready skill, and through this partnership with PMIEF, we’re embedding it directly into how young Africans think, plan, lead, and execute,” said Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa.

Notably, the program also focuses on enabling adults, including educators, volunteers, and JA staff, and is set to train 1800 adults over three years. Local PMI members will act as facilitators and mentors, contributing their real-world expertise and experience.

“PMIEF is honored to partner with JA Africa to bring life-changing project management skills to the next generation,” said Ashley Forsyth, Executive Director of PMIEF. “When young people master how to manage projects, they don’t just create businesses, they shape futures.”

As the world prepares to mark International Youth Day, JA Africa and PMIEF are demonstrating what it means to invest in young people, not just with inspiration, but with structure, skill, and the support to succeed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.

Media Contact:
Ellen Ukpi 
Director of Marketing & Communications 
JA Africa
ellen.ukpi@ja-africa.org

About JA Africa:
Junior Achievement (JA) Africa is one of the largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs, working on the economic empowerment of young Africans. We deliver hands-on learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial health, STEM, and digital skills to over one million young people annually across 23 countries. We empower young people to tackle real-world problems, launch their businesses, and confidently step into the future of work. JA Africa is an ecosystem leader in youth entrepreneurship education across the continent, bringing together governments, corporations, educators, and communities to transform how young Africans are prepared for the world. By creating scalable, inclusive learning experiences and nurturing a generation of changemakers, we are helping to reshape Africa’s economic narrative.

https://JA-Africa.org

About PMIEF:
For 35 years, PMIEF has helped put youth on the path to success by incorporating project management skills into their daily lives. Our goal is to forge partnerships with nonprofit organizations that support and prepare youth for success by offering project management expertise, resources, and volunteers to aid them in making their dreams a reality.

https://apo-opa.co/49Cyrr7

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Nigeria: African Development Bank Group loans $500 million to support economic governance and energy transition

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), meeting in Abidjan, approved a $500 million loan to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to finance the second phase of the Economic Governance and Energy Transition Support Programme. The policy-based operation is for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

“The second phase of the programme aims to stimulate inclusive growth by accelerating structural reforms in the energy sector, while supporting progressive reforms of fiscal policy to boost non-oil revenues and expand fiscal space. The new phase will consolidate and build on the achievements of the first phase,” said Abdul Kamara, Director General of the Office of the African Development Bank Group in Nigeria.

The programme will place emphasis on three main areas.

·  First, the programme will deepen fiscal policy reforms by strengthening public financial management systems and enhancing the transparency and efficiency of public spending.

·  Second, it will accelerate the reform of the power engineering sector to reduce energy poverty, expand access to energy, improve sector governance, and attract private investment.

·  Third, it will support implementation of the energy transition plan through measures that promote climate change adaptation and mitigation, including the introduction of energy-efficiency standards for electrical appliances.

The Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will also be updated for the 2026–2030 period.

The programme’s direct beneficiaries are the Federal Ministry of Power, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Office of the Auditor General, the Debt Management Office, the National Climate Change Council of Nigeria (NCCC), the Federal Ministry of the Environment, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and other bodies responsible for social and economic policies.

Benefits will also accrue to private businesses in the form of improved investment climate and opportunities in the energy sector at the level of individual states of the Federation, and from the creation of an environment more conducive to public-private partnerships.

As of 31 October 2025, the active portfolio of the African Development Bank Group in Nigeria comprised 52 projects with a total commitment of $5.1 billion.

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

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is the leading multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). The AfDB is present on the ground in 44 African countries, with a field office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states.

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Central African Republic Presidential Election 2025: The Africa24 Group offers you exclusive coverage

Source: APO

On 28 December 2025, the Central African Republic (CAR) will elect its president for a new term. This presidential election is a historic step in consolidating peace after years of transition, strengthening institutional stability and, through citizen mobilisation, demonstrating the Central African Republic’s growing leadership as a key actor in regional security, national reconstruction and the responsible exploitation of its natural resources for inclusive development.

The Africa24 Group is rolling out an exceptional bilingual (French-English) editorial operation to enable citizens, decision-makers and national, regional, continental and global public opinion to discover the resilience, cultural riches and deep aspirations of the Central African Republic.

Discover the CAR here: https://apo-opa.co/3XQXhMB

Interviews with leaders, exclusive debates on the major issues at stake in the election, campaign journals and immersive reports.

Through Africa24 and Africa24 English, two full HD channels, discover our exceptional TV & Digital offering with exclusive programming:

  • Interview: Exclusive interviews with candidates from the presidential majority, the opposition and independents, who outline their plans for a reconciled and prosperous Central African Republic.
  • Africa News Room: 52 minutes of debate and analysis with the candidates or their representatives alongside Central African, sub-regional and international experts on the challenges of lasting peace and development.
  • Campaign Journal: With our reporters spread across the 16 districts, follow daily: candidate profiles, the expectations of Central Africans, behind-the-scenes coverage of rallies and campaign caravans, the country’s successes, and a postcard from a district, village or iconic site.

The Africa24 Group 360° coverage and global broadcasting to 120 million households

Watch ‘Central African Republic Presidential Election 2025’ live, on replay and on demand on all your screens at :

  • AFRICA24 in French (channel 249) et AFRICA24 English (channel 254) of the Canal+ Africa bundle
  • On myafrica24 Africa’s first HD streaming platform.
  • On www.Africa24TV.com which offers you a full access to all our programmes.

Africa24 Group, Transforming Africa Together.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.

Contact :
Communication Department
Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email: onana@africa24tv.com
Tél.: +237 691 30 03 40

Social Media: 
@ africa24tv 

About the Africa24 Group:
Launched in 2009, the Africa 24 Group is the continent’s leading TV and digital media publisher, with four full HD channels broadcast in the major cable packages. A leader among decision-makers and senior executives on the continent, Africa24 in French and Africa24 English, the Group is the pioneer and leader in African news channels. Africa24 has strengthened this leadership through sport with Africa24 Sport, Africa’s leading channel dedicated to sports news and competitions, and Africa24 Infinity, the first channel dedicated to creative industries that showcase the creative genius of African youth in art, culture, music, fashion, design and more.…

The leading audiovisual brand on the continent, the AFRICA24 Group has four full HD television channels, each a leader in its segment :

  • AFRICA24 TV : Leading French-language source for African news, published by AMedia
  • AFRICA24 English : Leading African news source exclusively in English.
  • AFRICA24 Infinity : The creative talent channel dedicated to music, art and culture.
  • AFRICA24 Sport : Leading sports and competition news channel.

The AFRICA24 Group publishes myafrica24 (Google store and App Store), the world’s first HD streaming platform in Africa available on all screens (television, tablet, smartphone, computers) … More than 120 million households have access to Africa24 Group channels through major operators such as Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell, etc., and more than 8 million subscribers on various digital platforms and social networks.

www.Africa24TV.com

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4 Tips to Protect Your Payroll and Human Resources (HR) from Cybercrime

Source: APO

A cyberattack on payroll and HR systems can expose personal employee details and financial business information: a treasure trove for criminals and can bring companies to their knees through regulatory fines, reputational damage, and derailing operations.

“Criminals are targeting payroll and HR staff. They may trick or force them with personal info or make them think they’re aiding the CEO. Ransomware attacks can encrypt payroll systems. Treating payroll and HR cybersecurity as optional is like leaving your front door wide open in a dangerous neighbourhood,” says Sandra Crous, Managing Director at Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

Securing these high-value business areas and their people reduces your business risks. With interventions ranging from personal training to using modern software, here are four tips to protect your payroll and HR from cybercrime.

1. Understand the risks faced by payroll staff

Payroll staff are high-value targets with access to sensitive information. If criminals steal that information, they can commit theft, fraud, identity theft, and much more.

Criminals target payroll staff in various ways. They can flood them with phishing attacks that steal passwords or provide unauthorised access to systems. They can launch social engineering campaigns that target staff personally. They may even find ways to exhort and coerce staff into doing their bidding. Do not underestimate the ruthlessness of online criminals that target payroll staff and the lengths they will go to.

2. Provide security training for payroll and HR staff

Once you appreciate that payroll and HR staff are the gatekeepers of important information, you can help them with security training. All staff should receive training on security fundamentals, such as good security hygiene practices and how to recognise phishing messages and scams.

Then, add training tailored to payroll staff. Let your payroll and HR staff collaborate with security trainers to build skills that match internal processes and policies. This training is not just rote—it should include psychological resilience and provide supportive, not punitive, reinforcement of solid security instincts.

3. Involve security staff

Digital security teams often have little in common with payroll or HR staff, and there is a natural tendency for them to walk separate paths. But this is a mistake. Security teams help reduce cyber risks for other parts of the business, and it is incredibly effective when security people collaborate with payroll and HR professionals.

There are various points where the two sides can connect. They can jointly discuss payroll and HR responsibilities, especially around data management. They can focus on common goals such as reducing payroll errors and maintaining compliance. They should meet regularly and create a common appreciation for the value each brings to the table. This synergy will help develop stronger security that is pragmatic and productive.

4. Use modern software

Even the best training and collaboration will crumble if the underlying software is outdated and lacks appropriate features. Isolated payroll or HR software are single points of failure that criminals can conveniently breach, encrypt, and corrupt.

Traditional payroll and HR software lack many crucial modern features and will keep falling behind. Cloud-native platforms address security shortcomings. Their account management provides nuanced and low-risk access to administrators, managers, and executives. The platform’s developers automatically apply security upgrades without disrupting operations. Business and security teams have access to detailed logs and audit trails exposing criminal and fraudulent activities. Cloud-native software also enables staff to complete tasks, make approvals, and access reporting securely from anywhere.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.

For media queries please contact:
Victoria Lindsay 
victoria@innocomm.co.za

About Deel Local Payroll:
Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace, revolutionises payroll management. It offers online, multi-country payroll and HR management for businesses from start-ups through to enterprise in over 40 African countries, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Brazil.

Cloud-native, Deel Local Payroll, is scalable, configurable, highly secure, and easy-to-use—delivering anytime, anywhere access. It features payroll automation, self-service features, automatic legislation and feature updates, customised reporting, and more.

Since 2024, Deel Local Payroll has been part of Deel, operating as an independent subsidiary, serving its customers through the PaySpace platform.

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Gondwe assists Elangeni TVET raise over R1m for Infrastructure projects

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has assisted Elangeni TVET College in securing more than R1 million for critical infrastructure development and skills-enhancement projects.

The college achieved this milestone during its 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner, held recently in Umhlanga, north of Durban.

In collaboration with local businesses, the event raised a total of R1 075 400 through financial pledges, table sponsorships, individual contributions, and auction bids.

Approximately 150 representatives from businesses, industries, academic institutions, and individual entrepreneurs attended the gala, demonstrating strong community and industry support for strengthening the TVET sector and advancing national skills development agenda.

The Deputy Minister commended the college for hosting the successful event and forging meaningful partnerships with the business community to support key infrastructural development projects.

She also urged industries and communities to strengthen their support for TVET students, stating that “a culture of giving does not emerge accidentally, it is deliberately cultivated.”

“The event demonstrated what becomes possible when communities, businesses, and government work together with a shared purpose. Building a culture of giving is not just about raising funds; it is about opening doors of opportunity for young people who rely on the TVET system for a better future,” the Deputy Minister said.

Elangeni TVET College Principal, TJ Kula, expressed appreciation for the Deputy Minister’s support and participation as the keynote speaker.

“Her leadership in strengthening public-private partnerships across the TVET sector inspires our ongoing efforts to connect education, industry, and communities,” Kula said.

Elangeni TVET College is the second institution to receive direct fundraising support from the Deputy Minister. In August, Gondwe assisted Goldfields TVET College in the Free State in raising nearly R300 000. – SAnews.gov.za