Category: Africa

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Benim: Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento concede um financiamento adicional de 28 milhões de dólares para aumentar a contribuição do setor privado para a economia do país

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Conselho de Administração do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento aprovou, a 24 de novembro de 2025, em Abidjan, um financiamento adicional de 28 milhões de dólares ao Benim para a continuação do Programa de Apoio à Governação Económica e ao Desenvolvimento do Setor Privado (PAGE-DSP).

Após as fases I e II, implementadas com sucesso em 2023 e 2024, respetivamente, o objetivo deste apoio financeiro é aumentar a contribuição do setor privado local para a economia. Especificamente, trata-se de melhorar o clima de negócios, reforçar as Zonas Económicas Especiais, apoiar o setor agroindustrial e reforçar a resiliência climática.

“Este financiamento adicional conclui uma implementação exemplar das duas primeiras fases do programa pelo governo da República do Benim”, afirmou Robert Masumbuko, responsável pelo escritório nacional do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento no Benim.

Em termos de resultados esperados, o Programa pretende contribuir para alcançar, até 2025, resultados convincentes: um aumento dos investimentos privados para 35,5% do produto interno bruto em 2025, face aos 29,9% em 2022; um aumento do montante dos investimentos na zona económica especial de Glo-Djigbé para 23 mil milhões de FCFA, cerca de 40,5 milhões de dólares, que compara com os 11 mil milhões de FCFA, cerca de 19,3 milhões de dólares em 2021; um aumento do valor acrescentado das indústrias agroalimentares para 7,7% do produto interno bruto em 2025, contra 6,1% do PIB em 2022.

“Este programa vem consolidar os resultados das duas primeiras fases, que totalizaram cerca de 100 milhões de dólares”, salientou Ammar Kessab, chefe de programa principal do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento.

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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South Africa to strengthen relations with Mozambique at fourth Bi-National Commission

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will at the invitation of His Excellency President Daniel Fransisco Chapo embark on a working visit to the Republic of Mozambique from 02-03 December 2025 for the 4th South Africa-Mozambique Bi-National Commission.  

South Africa and Mozambique have strategic and fraternal relations developed during the fight against colonialism and apartheid .

President Ramaphosa will on Tuesday , 02 December 2025,  lead the South African delegation in the 4th Bi -National Commission(BNC) at the capital city Maputo.

The BNC will be preceded by the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) scheduled to be held from 30 November to 01 December 2025 and the Council of Ministers Meeting on 02 December 2025. On the margins of the BNC, a Business Forum will be held on 02 December 2025.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will also attend and participate in the Official Launch of the Sasol Hydrocarbons Processing Integrated Infrastructure in Inhassoro Town, Inhambane Province, on 03 December 2025.
 
The relationship between South Africa and Mozambique is co-ordinated through a framework of a Bi-National Commission (BNC), which is co-chaired by the two Presidents. 

The Inaugural Session of the BNC was held on 22 October 2015 in South Africa. The Second Session of the BNC took place on 25 August 2017 in Mozambique, while the Third Session of the BNC took place in Pretoria in March 2022. 

The South Africa – Mozambique 4th BNC will strengthen bilateral relations through assessing progress made in the implementation of decisions and commitments of the 3rd Session of the BNC , enhance economic cooperation and explore new areas of trade and investment , and exchange views on regional, continental and global issues of mutual interest.

South African media who wish to cover the Maputo event can indicate their interest to Khutjo Sebata on Khutjo@presidency.gov.za by no later than midday Sunday, 30 November 2025. 

Note:Logistics to Maputo, Mozambique, to be arranged independently. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Deputy President Mashatile to address the SLGA National members Assembly

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 27 November 2025, deliver a keynote address on the closing day of the  South African Local Government Association’s (SALGA) National Members Assembly (NMA) taking place on 25 – 27 November 2025 at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Over 1 000 local Government practitioners, Mayors, Councillors, policy makers and other sectoral stakeholders are participating in the 2025 National Members Assembly held under the theme: “Empowering Municipalities to Drive South Africa’s Growth Agenda through Economic Resilience and Sustainable Service Delivery.”

The National Members Assembly is the highest-decision making body of SALGA in between its National Conferences.

Details of the address are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 27 November 2025
Time: 10h00
Venue: Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, KZN

Media still not accredited must please RSVP with Motalatale Modiba on 072 515 3022.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Youth called to lead fight against GBVF

Source: Government of South Africa

EThekwini Municipality has called on young people to take a leading role in confronting the escalating challenge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

The municipality made the call as the city officially launched the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign at King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi, south of Durban.

Launched on Tuesday under the theme “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” the event set a firm tone of unity, accountability, and collective responsibility in protecting women and children across the municipality.

The programme began with a visit to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital to assess the facilities and support services available for women and children.

The visit also sought to raise awareness on how communities and victims can report violations and access the necessary assistance.

Municipal leadership, alongside representatives from government and private sector institutions, gathered to discuss impactful interventions and strategies to combat the scourge of gender-based violence across the municipality.

Echoing the national call for unity in the fight against GBVF, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni, urged young people in uMlazi to take an active role in preventing violence and encouraged families to stand together.

“We are here to echo the President’s message that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a crisis. Law enforcement alone cannot eradicate GBVF without the support of families, churches, and the broader community. GBVF affects people of all races, genders, and backgrounds,” the Deputy Mayor said.

Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, Zama Sokhabase, emphasised that gender-based violence and femicide remain among the most pervasive human rights violations affecting women and children in South Africa.

“Let us work together to halt gender-based violence,” Sokhabase urged.

City law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service, reaffirmed their commitment to working with communities and stakeholders to curb GBV.

EThekwini Civil Society Organisation Secretary Sazi Jali highlighted the importance of accountability.

“Ending GBVF requires our communities to stand together and uphold Pillar 1 of the National Strategic Plan, which focuses on accountability. This work begins within our families, where each of us must hold one another responsible for our actions.”

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, together with Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, officially launch the national campaign at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

Observed from 25 November to 10 December, the 16 Days campaign forms part of a global United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness, mobilising communities and strengthening accountability in efforts to end violence against women and children.

Earlier this year, government launched the 90-Day GBVF Acceleration Programme to fast track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.

The 16 Days of Activism coincided with the release of the five-year review of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, which identifies areas that need urgent strengthening. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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S&P bumps up Eskom rating

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Global ratings agency, S&P, has upgraded Eskom’s foreign and local currency long-term credit ratings from B to B+, with a stable outlook.

According to the power utility, the upgrade also applies to Eskom’s senior secured and unsecured debt, while government-guaranteed foreign currency debt was raised from BB- to BB+.

“Eskom’s national scale rating improved from zaBBB+/zaA-2 to zaAV/zaA-1. The upgrade reflects the measurable impact of Eskom’s Turnaround Plan, which has stabilised generation, improved financial performance and strengthened governance. Operational improvements have been substantial: Eskom delivered electricity 97.9% of the time in the current financial year, compared to 96% in FY2025.

“This operational stability has been matched by strong financial performance, which includes our first profitability in eight years in FY2025,” the power utility said.

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, reflected on the company’s turnaround.

“The turnaround plan has been pivotal in restoring Eskom’s operational and financial stability.

“We have moved decisively from a generation crisis to a phase of reliability and disciplined management. Our focus remains on providing affordable, secure electricity for South Africa while driving the transition to lower-carbon energy,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Release of judiciary annual reports welcomed

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has welcomed the release of the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Annual Judiciary Reports by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.

The Chief Justice released the reports on Tuesday.

“These comprehensive and detailed reports will contribute to the ongoing engagement between the Executive and the Judiciary aimed at improving access to justice, the rule of law, and strengthening the institutional independence of the Judiciary,” the DJCOD said on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa, together with members of the National Executive, hosted a high-level engagement with Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and Heads of Court to kick start the process to entrenching the independence of the Judiciary.

READ | Government, judiciary reaffirm commitment to justice

The proposed model will entail structural independence, which includes both financial and operational independence with the vision to establish a single Judiciary, the administration of the Lower Courts, including the Magistrates Commission, will also be transferred the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ).

The department reiterated its commitment to that process.

“The Ministry reaffirms Government’s commitment to work with the Judiciary, led by the Chief Justice, to establish a single judiciary and a judiciary-led court administration model.

“The Ministry expresses its appreciation to the Chief Justice for the recognition given in respect of the commitment and efforts of the Department to advance these objectives,” the DJCOD said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government proposes 20% online gambling tax

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

National Treasury has encouraged the public to submit comments on a draft national online gambling tax discussion paper. 

Due to the surge in online gambling and its impact on society, it is proposed that a 20% tax is applied on gross gambling revenue from online betting, including interactive gambling, which would be in addition to the currently applied provincial taxes.

“The discussion paper provides an overview of the gambling industry in the country, considers the current legislative framework and international practices on the taxation of online gambling and proposes a new national online gambling tax for South Africa,” National Treasury said on Tuesday.

Over the years, the gambling industry has evolved from traditional forms of gambling to the greater use of online gambling. 

This has been influenced by technological advancements and increased access to the internet and electronic communication tools, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Gambling is now easily available online and it is accessible almost anywhere and at any time.

“The growth of online gambling also brings challenges, such as problem gambling and social issues, which require continued monitoring and responsive regulation. 

“From a public policy perspective, there should be no problem with recreational gamblers as they do not place any external costs on society. 

“However, to the extent that problem gambling imposes a cost on society (negative externalities), it is in the public interest that such behaviour be regulated or reduced,” National Treasury said.

The draft national online gambling tax discussion paper has been released for public comments and is available on the National Treasury website: www.treasury.gov.za. 

The public can forward written comments to the email address: gamblingtax@treasury.gov.za by close of business on 30 January 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bénin : le Fonds africain de développement octroie un financement supplémentaire de 28 millions de dollars pour accroître la contribution du secteur privé à l’économie du pays

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Conseil d’administration du Fonds africain de développement a approuvé le 24 novembre 2025 à Abidjan, un financement supplémentaire de 28 millions de dollars américains au Bénin pour la poursuite du Programme d’appui à la gouvernance économique et au développement du secteur privé (PAGE-DSP).

Après les phases I et II, respectivement mises en œuvre avec succès en 2023 et 2024, l’objectif de cet appui financier est d’accroître la contribution du secteur privé béninois à l’économie. Spécifiquement, il s’agit d’améliorer le climat des affaires, de renforcer les Zones économiques spéciales, d’apporter un appui au secteur agro-industriel et renforcer la résilience climatique.

« Ce financement supplémentaire conclu une mise en œuvre exemplaire des deux premières phases du programme par le gouvernement de la République du Bénin », a déclaré Robert Masumbuko, responsable du bureau pays du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement au Bénin.

En termes de résultats attendus, le Programme entend contribuer à atteindre, à l’horizon 2025, des résultats probants : une augmentation des investissements privés à 35,5% du produit intérieur brut en 2025 (29,9% en 2022) ; une augmentation du montant des investissements dans la zone économique spéciale de Glo-Djigbé à 23 milliards de FCFA, environ 40,5 millions de dollars (11 milliards de FCFA, environ 19,3 millions de dollars en 2021) une hausse de la valeur ajoutée des industries agroalimentaires à 7,7% du produit intérieur brut en 2025 (contre 6,1% du PIB en 2022).

« Ce programme vient consolider les résultats des deux premières phases, qui ont totalisé environ 100 millions de dollars américains », a souligné Ammar Kessab, chef de programme principal à la Banque africaine de développement.

Plusieurs mesures seront exécutées dans le cadre du Programme. Le Conseil des ministres adoptera notamment un décret sur l’Autorité nationale de la concurrence qui définira ses attributions, sa composition et son financement. L’opérationnalisation de l’Autorité lui permettra de contribuer à la politique nationale de concurrence et veiller au libre jeu de la concurrence. Une décision similaire concernera la Direction de la promotion du e-commerce qui aura la charge de mettre en œuvre la Stratégie nationale du commerce électronique 2025-2029.

Par ailleurs, une autre mesure prévoit l’actualisation du diagnostic genre dans le secteur agricole pour l’arrimer à la démarche « budgétisation sensible au genre ». Le diagnostic genre dans le secteur agricole n’avait pas pris en compte cette budgétisation, qui est désormais une obligation appliquée à tous les ministères sectoriels. Cette démarche permettra de mieux cibler les interventions de l’État à destination des femmes.

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:
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement est la principale institution du financement du développement en Afrique. Il comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). Représentée dans 41 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, la Banque contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’informations: www.AfDB.org

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Analyse du déclin de l’utilisation illicite des cryptomonnaies : comment Binance stimule les progrès du secteur

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

De nouvelles données indépendantes fournies par Chainalysis et TRM Labs révèlent que les activités illicites liées aux cryptomonnaies sur les plateformes d’échange centralisées ont atteint leur plus bas niveau historique, marquant ainsi le début d’une nouvelle ère de maturité pour le secteur. En juin 2025, les sept plus grandes plateformes d’échange n’enregistraient que 0,018 à 0,023 % de l’activité totale liée à des adresses illicites, soit une forte baisse par rapport aux niveaux observés il y a deux ans.

Binance, leader à l’échelle mondiale

Les deux cabinets d’analyse ont constaté que Binance, malgré des volumes traités comparables à ceux des six autres bourses réunies, maintient systématiquement la plus faible exposition aux fonds illicites.

  • Chainalysis : Seulement 0,007 % du volume de Binance en juin 2025 était lié à des activités illicites, soit 2,5 fois moins que la moyenne des autres principales bourses.
  • TRM Labs : Binance a enregistré une exposition directe de 0,016 % contre 0,023 % ailleurs, soit environ 30 % de moins.

Cette performance reflète une liquidité importante associée à une conformité et une surveillance rigoureuses.

Ce que l’on entend par « exposition directe »

L’exposition directe correspond au pourcentage des activités d’une bourse qui touche des portefeuilles impliqués dans des comportements illicites avérés (par exemple, arnaques, piratages, violations des sanctions). Une exposition faible indique une détection, un blocage et un signalement efficaces avant que les fonds ne circulent davantage.

Si les cryptomonnaies font souvent l’objet d’une surveillance étroite, les activités financières illicites dans les canaux traditionnels les dépassent de loin, avec des milliers de milliards blanchis chaque année via les banques et les systèmes fiduciaires, selon le NASDAQ, l’ONU et le FMI.

Pourquoi les données diffèrent légèrement

Chainalysis et TRM utilisent des ensembles de données d’attribution et des méthodes de regroupement différents, ce qui entraîne naturellement des variations mineures. Néanmoins, les deux s’accordent sur un point : les activités illicites dans le domaine des cryptomonnaies sont désormais minimes, et Binance est le leader du secteur en matière de réduction de l’exposition.

Amélioration de 96 à 98 % pour Binance depuis 2023

De janvier 2023 à juin 2025, Binance a réduit son exposition illicite de 96 à 98 %, surpassant ses concurrents de plusieurs points de pourcentage. Cela est particulièrement significatif compte tenu de l’ampleur de Binance en 2025 : plus de 90 milliards de dollars traités quotidiennement et 217 millions de transactions par jour.

Comment Binance y parvient

  • Investissement important dans la conformité : plus de 1 280 spécialistes (22 % du personnel) dédiés aux risques, à la conformité et aux enquêtes.
  • Collaboration avec les forces de l’ordre : plus de 240 000 demandes traitées ; plus de 400 sessions de formation pour les enquêteurs organisées dans le monde entier.
  • Partenariats industriels : membre actif du réseau Beacon et du programme T3+ avec Tether, TRON et TRM Labs pour geler et récupérer les fonds illicites en temps réel.
  • Surveillance avancée : les systèmes basés sur l’IA réduisent les faux positifs et augmentent la précision dans la détection des activités suspectes.

Une industrie en pleine transformation

Les données reflètent un changement plus large : la transparence de la blockchain, combinée à une supervision améliorée, a fait de la cryptomonnaie l’un des systèmes financiers les plus traçables. Les activités illicites ne représentent désormais qu’une fraction d’un pour cent des transactions mondiales en cryptos, soit bien moins que dans la finance traditionnelle.

Conclusion

L’alignement entre les cabinets d’analyse renforce un message clair : la cryptomonnaie est plus sûre que jamais. La capacité de Binance à maintenir les ratios d’exposition illicite les plus bas tout en opérant à une échelle inégalée souligne sa forte conformité, sa technologie de pointe et son engagement à long terme en faveur de la protection des utilisateurs.

À mesure que l’adoption se généralise, il sera essentiel de maintenir ces progrès grâce à la collaboration, à de meilleurs outils et à une transparence continue. Les performances de Binance révèlent que la croissance responsable et la sécurité des utilisateurs peuvent aller de pair.

Distribué par APO Group pour Binance.

Media files

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Benin: the African Development Fund grants an additional $28 million in financing to boost the private sector’s contribution to the country’s economy

Source: APO


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The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund approved additional financing of $28 million for Benin to continue the Economic Governance and Private Sector Development Support Programme (PAGE-DSP) on 24 November 2025.

Following phases I and II, which were successfully implemented in 2023 and 2024, respectively, the objective of this financial support is to increase the contribution made by Benin’s private sector to the economy. Specifically, it aims to improve the business climate, strengthen Special Economic Zones, support the agro-industrial sector and enhance climate resilience.

“This additional funding concludes the exemplary implementation of the first two phases of the programme by the Government of the Republic of Benin,” said Robert Masumbuko, the African Development Bank Group’s Country Manager in Benin.

In terms of expected outcomes, the programme aims to contribute to achieving convincing results by 2025: an increase in private investment to 35.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025 (compared with 29.9 percent in 2022); an increase in the amount of investment in the Glo-Djigbé Special Economic Zone to 23 billion CFA francs, approximately $40.5 million (compared with 11 billion CFA francs, approximately $19.3 million in 2021); and an increase in the value added of agri-food industries to 7.7 percent of GDP in 2025 (compared with 6.1 percent in 2022).

“This programme consolidates the results of the first two phases, which totalled approximately $100 million,” said Ammar Kessab, Senior Programme Manager at the African Development Bank.

Several measures will be implemented as part of the programme. In particular, the Council of Ministers will adopt a decree on the National Competition Authority, which will define its powers, composition and funding. Bringing the Authority into operation will enable it to contribute to national competition policy and ensure free competition. A similar decision will concern the Directorate for the Promotion of E-commerce, which will be responsible for implementing the National E-commerce Strategy 2025–2029.

Another measure provides for updating the gender assessment in the agricultural sector to bring it into line with the “gender-responsive budgeting” approach. The gender assessment in the agricultural sector had not taken this approach to budgeting – which is now a requirement for all sectoral ministries – into account. The approach will enable the State to target its interventions aimed at women more effectively.

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

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

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org