Category: Africa

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Liberian chefs to showcase national cuisine at West Africa Food Festival in The Gambia

Source: APO


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The Liberia Professional Chefs Association (LIPCA), with support from the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), is set to represent Liberia at the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFest) in Banjul, The Gambia, from October 15 to 21, 2026.

The participation will provide an opportunity to showcase Liberian cuisine, cultural heritage and tourism potential to a regional and international audience.

Under the theme of showcasing Liberia’s flavours, people and potential, the association aims to highlight the country’s traditional dishes and the role of culinary arts in promoting tourism and supporting economic development.

The festival is expected to bring together participants from across West Africa to celebrate the region’s food traditions, cultural diversity and culinary creativity.

With support from the LNTA, LIPCA’s participation forms part of efforts to promote Liberia’s culinary identity and increase international recognition of local chefs and food-related businesses.

The association is expected to present traditional Liberian dishes and highlight how food contributes to the country’s cultural identity and tourism appeal.

The event will also provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange and potential partnerships among chefs and other stakeholders in the hospitality and food industries.

Liberia’s participation comes as efforts continue to promote the country’s cultural heritage and tourism attractions as contributors to economic growth.

The festival is scheduled to run from October 15 to 21 in Banjul, The Gambia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Tourism, Liberia.

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Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Aviators

Source: APO

Empowering young women to pursue careers in aviation is essential to nurturing future talent, advancing innovation and breaking gender barriers in the aerospace industry.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) reinforced this vision through its participation in the second Girls in Aviation Airshow Africa, held at Northlands, Nairobi, on 10 October 2026.

Officers and Service Members drawn from the Kenya Air Force (KAF) and Kenya Army participated in the event, engaging aspiring aviators and showcasing opportunities within military aviation. The Kenya Air Force exhibition stand highlighted diverse career pathways, including piloting, aircraft engineering, air traffic control and aviation medicine.

A key highlight was an interactive panel featuring KDF pilots Major Sally Sabala, Major Catherine Ngaine and Major Nakel Aupe, alongside Zambian Air Force Pilots Major Thokozile Muwamba and Lieutenant Myriam Chibesa. Drawing from their professional journeys, the pilots shared experiences, challenges and achievements, inspiring young girls to pursue their ambitions with confidence, determination and resilience.

Founded five years ago by pilot Maseka Semo Kithinji, Girls in Aviation Africa champions women’s participation in aviation under the slogan “Painting the Skies Pink.” The initiative provides a platform for mentorship, career guidance and interaction between aviation professionals and aspiring young aviators.

KDF’s participation highlighted the importance of military–civilian collaboration in developing aviation talent, promoting STEM education and expanding opportunities for women in the aerospace sector.

Through such engagements, the Kenya Defence Forces continues to inspire a new generation of pilots, engineers and aviation professionals, reinforcing the message that talent, competence and determination—not gender—define excellence in aviation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

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Western Cape launches South Africa’s (SA) first health rewards pilot for public healthcare users

Source: APO


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On 10 October 2026, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is proud to launch South Africa’s first rewards programme for residents who make use of public healthcare. Starting as a long-term pilot in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, WOWRewards will test whether small rewards can help people build healthier habits and access preventative care earlier and more consistently.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, called on residents to make healthy choices count. “While rewards programmes are familiar to many private medical scheme members, the majority of South Africans rely on public healthcare. WOWRewards will explore how a rewards approach can support healthier choices for residents served by the public health system.”

“Prevention is better than cure, but making healthy choices is not always easy. Through WOWRewards, we want to give people a little extra encouragement to take steps that can make a lasting difference to their health,” said Minister Wenger.

The pilot is open to residents of Mitchells Plain who make use of public healthcare facilities and are 18 and older. The programme will be expanded to Knysna in early 2027. The aim for this pilot project is to enrol up to 2 000 active participants across the two locations to test its operation in both metro and rural settings.

Participants will be able to earn up to R100 worth of rewards every month for completing approved activities relevant to their circumstances. These include:

  • Booking antenatal care before 20 weeks of pregnancy and attending scheduled visits.
  • Taking part in approved community exercise sessions and recognised parkrun events.
  • Participating in weight monitoring.
  • Keeping children’s routine immunisations up to date.
  • Collecting scheduled chronic medication parcels on time.
  • Completing short learning modules on pregnancy and caring for a newborn.

Once an activity has been verified, the applicable reward will be issued through the Zlto digital platform. WOWRewards builds on the community networks of Western Cape on Wellness (WOW), working with Zlto and local partners to help residents register and participate.

Chief Operating Officer for the provincial Department of Health and Wellness, Dr Saadiq Kariem, added, “This excellent wellness initiative is aimed at driving healthy behaviour and food choices that people make. Research has shown that regular exercise combined with healthier eating habits significantly reduces the prevalence of chronic diseases in people, improves one’s mental well-being and reduces weight. All of which significantly improve one’s quality of life.”

“This is a pilot, and we will learn as we go. Over time, we want to understand whether these rewards help people build and sustain healthier habits. That evidence will guide how we improve the programme and whether it can be expanded,” said Minister Wenger.

By supporting small, consistent steps towards better health, WOWRewards aims to make prevention part of everyday life and help residents make their healthy choices count.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Office of the Premier.

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Seminar on workplace safety in Southern Red Sea Region

Source: APO

The National Confederation of Eritrean Workers branch in the Southern Red Sea Region, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch, conducted a seminar on workplace safety for workers of the Marine Products Corporation of Eritrea in the port city of Assab on 8 October.

The experts who conducted the seminar provided briefings on workplace safety and health, occupational safety concepts, and labor management.

Mr. Husein Khalid, head of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers in the region, gave a detailed briefing on the rights and obligations of employers and workers in ensuring occupational safety and health. He also said that the objective of the seminar was to enhance employers’ understanding of labor administration and promote development through the formulation of workplace safety and health policies.

Mr. Ali Isa, manager of the Assab branch of the Marine Products Corporation of Eritrea, commended the efforts of the National Confederation of Eritrean Workers and its partners. He called for the continuation of the program, noting its importance to employers and workers.

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

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President El-Sisi Meets King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim at the Malaysian National Palace

Source: APO


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Today in Kuala Lumpur, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, at the Malaysian National Palace, Istana Negara.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the  King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received President El-Sisi upon his arrival at the palace. An official reception ceremony was held, which included the playing of the national anthems of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Malaysia, the inspection of the guard of honor, and a 21-gun salute fired by the artillery. The President then signed the palace’s guestbook before greeting the members of the Malaysian official delegation, as well as a group of Arab and African ambassadors who had been invited to attend the official reception. Commemorative photographs were also taken.

President El-Sisi expressed his pride in making a state visit to Malaysia, affirming his appreciation for the generous hospitality and warm reception. The President also praised the longstanding historical ties between Egypt and Malaysia.

For his part, the King of Malaysia welcomed President El-Sisi on his first visit to the country, emphasizing that the visit represents a strong boost to the enduring relations between the two countries. His Majesty also highlighted Malaysia’s keenness to advance bilateral cooperation with Egypt across various fields of mutual interest.

President El-Sisi underscored the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries in numerous areas of mutual interest and establishing a practical framework to foster cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors. The President also stressed the importance of intensifying political consultations between the two countries and coordinating their positions in multilateral forums on regional and international issues, as well as matters of concern to Islamic countries.

The President further praised the cultural and scientific cooperation between Egypt and Malaysia, particularly in light of the important role played by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Malaysia. President El-Sisi extended an invitation to the King of Malaysia to visit Egypt, which His Majesty expressed his appreciation for.

President El-Sisi outlined Egypt’s perspective regarding current regional and international developments, highlighting Egypt’s unwavering efforts aimed at de-escalating the current regional tensions.

The King of Malaysia commended the pivotal role played by Egypt, and by President El-Sisi personally, in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. He also expressed agreement with the President’s remarks regarding the importance of political coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues.

In the same context,President El-Sisi praised Malaysia’s major role through its historic support for the Palestinian cause, affirming that it remains the core issue in the Middle East.  The President stressed the necessity of a just and comprehensive settlement for the Palestinian cause, that guarantees the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state along the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and on the basis of the two-state solution.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, awarded President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the Order of Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara (Order of the Crown of the Realm), Malaysia’s highest order. This Order is the highest Malaysian federal honor awarded to foreign heads of state, royalty, and most distinguished figures. This prestigious honor underscores the exceptional and longstanding ties between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Kingdom of Malaysia and reflects the high esteem in which the King of Malaysia holds President El-Sisi.

The King of Malaysia hosted a luncheon in honor of President El-Sisi and the delegation accompanying him.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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L’Université Roi Fayçal Inaugure un Centre Universitaire de Formation et de Diagnostic Médical

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Secrétaire d’État à l’Enseignement supérieur, à la Recherche scientifique et à la Formation professionnelle, Dr KHADIDJA ADOUM ATTIMER, a présidé, hier, la cérémonie d’inauguration du Centre universitaire de formation et de diagnostic médical de l’Université Roi Fayçal. Cette réalisation marque une étape importante dans le renforcement des capacités pédagogiques et techniques de la Faculté des Sciences de la Santé Humaine de cette institution universitaire.

La mise en service de cette nouvelle infrastructure s’inscrit dans la dynamique d’amélioration des conditions de formation des futurs professionnels de santé. En offrant un cadre adapté aux activités de formation et de diagnostic médical, le centre est appelé à contribuer au développement des compétences pratiques des étudiants, à renforcer leur apprentissage et à favoriser une meilleure articulation entre les enseignements théoriques et les réalités du terrain.

Au-delà de sa vocation pédagogique, le Centre universitaire de formation et de diagnostic médical représente un atout pour le développement des capacités de l’Université Roi Fayçal dans le domaine de la formation médicale. Il témoigne de l’importance accordée au renforcement des infrastructures universitaires spécialisées, indispensables à la formation de ressources humaines qualifiées et à l’amélioration de la qualité des enseignements dispensés.

Cette inauguration s’inscrit également dans les efforts visant à promouvoir un enseignement supérieur davantage orienté vers la professionnalisation, la maîtrise des compétences techniques et la réponse aux besoins prioritaires du pays, notamment dans le secteur de la santé.

À travers cette initiative, l’Université Roi Fayçal consolide son dispositif de formation en sciences de la santé et réaffirme sa contribution au développement du capital humain national. Le renforcement de telles infrastructures constitue un levier essentiel pour préparer des professionnels de santé compétents, capables de répondre aux exigences du système sanitaire tchadien

Distribué par APO Group pour Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche Scientifique et de la Formation – Chad.

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Participation, de Son Excellence Monsieur Cheikh NIANG, à la quatorzième réunion ministérielle du Comité des Dix (C-10) des Chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union africaine sur la réforme du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans le cadre de sa participation à la quatorzième réunion ministérielle du Comité des Dix (C-10) des Chefs d’État et de Gouvernement de l’Union africaine sur la réforme du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies, qui se tient à Tripoli les 10 et 11 octobre 2026, Son Excellence Monsieur Cheikh NIANG, Ministre de l’Intégration africaine, des Affaires étrangères et des Sénégalais de l’Extérieur, s’est entretenu avec son homologue libyen, Son Excellence Monsieur Taher Salam Al-Baour.

À cette occasion, SEM Cheikh NIANG a salué la tenue de cette réunion du C-10 en Libye, à l’initiative des autorités libyennes. Il a également rappelé le rôle important que la Libye a toujours joué dans le rapprochement des peuples africains, notamment à travers des initiatives majeures telles que la création de la Communauté des États sahélo-sahariens (CEN-SAD).

Les deux ministres ont procédé à un échange de vues sur les principaux enjeux de la réunion du C-10 et réaffirmé l’engagement de leurs pays respectifs à poursuivre leurs efforts au sein de l’Union africaine en faveur d’une représentation juste et équitable de l’Afrique au sein du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies, conformément au Consensus d’Ezulwini et à la Déclaration de Syrte.

Abordant les questions bilatérales, les deux parties ont examiné l’état de la coopération sénégalo-libyenne, en accordant une attention particulière aux questions consulaires et à la situation des ressortissants sénégalais établis en Libye.

Enfin, les deux ministres ont souligné la nécessité de redynamiser le partenariat entre le Sénégal et la Libye, notamment à travers la tenue d’une session de la Commission mixte de coopération. Ils ont également échangé sur les perspectives de réouverture de l’Ambassade du Sénégal en Libye.

Distribué par APO Group pour Ministère de l’Intégration africaine, des Affaires étrangères et des Sénégalais de l’Extérieur.

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Les acteurs clés du secteur énergétique africain réunis au Cap pour l’ouverture de African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, qui accueille 10 000 participants

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


L’African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 a officiellement ouvert ses portes au Cap, où plus de 10 000 participants se sont réunis pour le plus grand rendez-vous énergétique africain de l’année. Présenté comme la principale plateforme de négociation commerciale du continent, l’événement est passé du statut de conférence à celui de mouvement capable de redéfinir l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique. Des dirigeants gouvernementaux aux grandes entreprises énergétiques internationales, en passant par les investisseurs, les financiers, les compagnies pétrolières nationales et les fournisseurs de technologies, l’ensemble du secteur est réuni au Cap pour définir une nouvelle trajectoire de développement énergétique pour l’Afrique.

Les ateliers techniques lancent les discussions de l’AEW.

Le programme de l’AEW a officiellement débuté avec le lancement des ateliers techniques de cette année. La 8e réunion du Forum des PDG des compagnies pétrolières nationales membres de l’APPO réunira les entreprises pétrolières nationales africaines, tandis que le Deal Room permettra aux promoteurs et développeurs de projets de présenter directement aux investisseurs et aux prêteurs des opportunités concrètes dans les secteurs du pétrole, du gaz, de l’énergie et des infrastructures.

L’African Farmout Forum présentera les blocs disponibles et les opportunités de farm-out. Des ateliers et des masterclasses dédiés permettront également d’approfondir les échanges sur les marchés, le financement de projets et le renforcement des capacités du secteur.

Le Global Energy Leaders Forum placera par ailleurs la sécurité énergétique, les recompositions géopolitiques et les investissements au cœur des discussions. Les participants vont examiner comment l’Afrique peut tirer parti de l’évolution des flux énergétiques mondiaux pour conclure des contrats à long terme, parvenir à des décisions finales d’investissement et renforcer sa sécurité énergétique.

Les prochaines étapes de l’AEW 2026

Au cours des prochains jours, l’AEW 2026 examinera les opportunités qui émergent tout au long de la chaîne de valeur énergétique en Afrique. L’AEW Townhall réunira les gouvernements et les acteurs du secteur autour des enjeux stratégiques qui façonnent l’avenir énergétique du continent, tandis que l’Upstream E&P Forum abordera les licences, l’exploration, le forage, les fusions-acquisitions et la croissance de la production.

L’Energy Finance Forum place quant à lui les financements au cœur des échanges. L’Energy Additions Forum examinera les infrastructures et les ressources nécessaires pour accroître l’approvisionnement énergétique fiable et soutenir l’industrialisation. Enfin, le Downstream & Petchem Forum se penchera sur le raffinage, les carburants, la pétrochimie et les possibilités de créer davantage de valeur ajoutée à partir des ressources africaines.

Une conversation globale au Cap

Parallèlement à son programme commercial, l’AEW 2026 accueillera plusieurs des débats internationaux les plus importants de l’année sur l’énergie. Au programme figurent notamment la table ronde OPEP-Afrique, le Russia-Africa Energy Investment Forum et le Global Energy Leaders Forum. Plusieurs tables rondes approfondiront également les enjeux liés au développement des projets, notamment celle consacrée au contenu local, ainsi que des discussions ministérielles et nationales permettant aux gouvernements d’échanger directement avec les investisseurs et les opérateurs.

L’AEW élargit également son champ d’action au-delà des débats traditionnels sur l’énergie avec deux conférences dédiées. Renegade Intel explorera les liens entre l’énergie, l’intelligence artificielle, les centres de données et les infrastructures numériques. De son côté, Power Africa Today abordera les investissements dans le secteur électrique, le transport et le stockage de l’électricité, la modernisation des réseaux et les enjeux d’un approvisionnement électrique fiable pour soutenir l’industrialisation de l’Afrique.

Célébrer la musique et le progrès énergétique

L’AEW 2026 ne se limite pas aux échanges en conférence. La première journée se clôturera par le concert Just Energy Transition, un événement officiel organisé en amont de la conférence pour favoriser le réseautage et mettre à l’honneur la culture.

L’African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner fera son retour mardi afin de célébrer les entreprises, les projets et les personnalités qui contribuent au développement du secteur énergétique africain.

La technologie et l’innovation à l’honneur dans l’espace d’exposition.

En parallèle de la conférence principale, des espaces techniques dédiés, The Drill Room et The Innovation Hub, accueilleront des présentations spécialisées sur l’exploration, les technologies du sous-sol, le GNL, les infrastructures, l’intégrité des actifs et d’autres défis opérationnels. Tout au long de la semaine, l’espace d’exposition constitue également un pôle commercial, favorisant les échanges entre opérateurs, sociétés de services, fournisseurs de technologies, gouvernements et partenaires potentiels.

« Dix mille participants sont venus au Cap parce que l’Afrique est prête à faire avancer ses projets. L’AEW est le mouvement énergétique de l’Afrique : un espace où les gouvernements, les investisseurs et les acteurs du secteur se réunissent pour transformer les ressources en projets, les projets en transactions et les transactions en développement. Cette semaine est placée sous le signe de l’action, de l’investissement et de la construction de l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique sur son propre sol », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’African Energy Chamber.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Negociadores do setor energético africano se reúnem na Cidade do Cabo para o início da African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, com 10.000 participantes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 teve início oficial com mais de 10.000 participantes reunidos na Cidade do Cabo para o maior encontro do setor de energia da África no ano. Consagrado como a principal plataforma de negócios do continente, o evento evoluiu de uma conferência para um movimento capaz de remodelar o futuro energético africano. De líderes governamentais e grandes empresas globais de energia a investidores, financiadores, companhias petrolíferas nacionais e fornecedores de tecnologia, o setor chegou à Cidade do Cabo para traçar um novo rumo para o desenvolvimento energético da África.

Workshops técnicos dão início aos debates da AEW

A programação da AEW começou oficialmente com os workshops técnicos desta edição. A 8ª Reunião do Fórum de CEOs das Companhias Petrolíferas Nacionais (NOCs) da APPO reunirá empresas estatais de petróleo da África, enquanto a “Deal Room” (Sala de Negócios) oferecerá a patrocinadores e desenvolvedores de projetos a oportunidade de apresentar oportunidades ativas nos setores de petróleo, gás, energia e infraestrutura diretamente a investidores e financiadores.

O Fórum Africano de *Farmout* apresentará áreas disponíveis e oportunidades de cessão de direitos (*farmout*), ao passo que workshops e *masterclasses* específicos promoverão debates direcionados sobre mercados, financiamento de projetos e capacidade do setor. O Fórum Global de Líderes de Energia também colocará a segurança energética, o realinhamento geopolítico e os investimentos no centro das discussões, analisando como a África pode transformar as mudanças nos fluxos globais de energia em contratos de longo prazo, decisões finais de investimento e maior segurança energética.

Perspectivas para a AEW 2026

Nos próximos dias, a AEW 2026 explorará oportunidades emergentes em toda a cadeia de valor da energia na África. O “Townhall” da AEW reunirá governos e o setor privado em torno de questões estratégicas que definem o futuro energético do continente, enquanto o Fórum de *Upstream* (Exploração e Produção) abordará licenciamento, exploração, perfuração, fusões e aquisições (M&A) e o aumento da produção. Já o Fórum de Financiamento de Energia colocará o capital no centro do debate. O Fórum de Expansão Energética (*Energy Additions Forum*) analisará a infraestrutura e os recursos necessários para ampliar o fornecimento confiável de energia e apoiar a industrialização, enquanto o Fórum de *Downstream* e Petroquímica explorará o refino, combustíveis, produtos petroquímicos e oportunidades para agregar mais valor aos recursos africanos.

Uma Conversa Global na Cidade do Cabo

Além de sua programação comercial, a AEW 2026 promoverá alguns dos debates globais mais relevantes sobre energia realizados neste ano. As sessões programadas incluem a Mesa-Redonda OPEP-África, o Fórum de Investimento em Energia Rússia-África e o Fórum de Líderes Globais de Energia. Uma série de mesas-redondas aprofundará questões que impactam o desenvolvimento de projetos. Entre elas, destacam-se a Mesa-Redonda sobre Conteúdo Local e discussões ministeriais e focadas em países específicos, que colocam governos em contato direto com investidores e operadoras.

A AEW também ampliará seu escopo para além das discussões tradicionais sobre energia por meio de duas conferências dedicadas. O *Renegade Intel* explorará a convergência entre energia, inteligência artificial, centros de dados e infraestrutura digital, enquanto o *Power Africa Today* abordará investimentos no setor elétrico, transmissão, armazenamento, modernização da rede e o fornecimento confiável de eletricidade necessário para apoiar a industrialização africana.

Celebrando a Música e o Progresso Energético

A AEW 2026 vai além dos debates da conferência. O primeiro dia do evento será encerrado com o Concerto da Transição Energética Justa (*Just Energy Transition Concert*), evento oficial de integração, *networking* e celebração cultural que antecede a conferência principal. Na terça-feira, acontece o *African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner*, celebrando as empresas, projetos e indivíduos que impulsionam a indústria energética do continente.

Tecnologia e Inovação na Área de Exposição

Paralelamente à conferência principal, palcos técnicos dedicados — *The Drill Room* e *The Innovation Hub* — sediarão apresentações especializadas sobre exploração, tecnologias de subsuperfície, GNL, infraestrutura, integridade de ativos e outros desafios operacionais. A área de exposição servirá como um importante polo comercial ao longo da semana, conectando operadoras, empresas de serviços, fornecedores de tecnologia, governos e potenciais parceiros. “Dez mil delegados vieram à Cidade do Cabo porque a África está pronta para fazer os projetos avançarem. A AEW é o movimento energético da África — onde governos, investidores e a indústria se unem para transformar recursos em projetos, projetos em negócios e negócios em desenvolvimento. Esta semana é dedicada à ação, ao investimento e à construção do futuro energético da África em solo africano”, afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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Gwarube calls for broader measures of provincial education performance

Source: Government of South Africa

Gwarube calls for broader measures of provincial education performance

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called for a broader assessment of provincial education performance, saying the matric pass rate should no longer be the sole measure of the quality of the basic education system. 

Gwarube said the focus on achieving the highest National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate had created unintended consequences, including practices that could undermine learner progression and participation in key subjects.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Sunday, the Minister said provinces, districts and schools had become increasingly focused on improving their pass rates, sometimes at the expense of developing the skills South Africa needs.

“This obsession has had unintended consequences and has incentivised the wrong kind of behaviour,” she said.

Gwarube said these practices included preventing weaker learners from progressing to Grade 12, keeping learners in Grade 11 when they should be progressed under the applicable rules, and encouraging learners to take Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics to improve the likelihood of passing.

She warned that an excessive focus on the overall pass rate could undermine the development of skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as Accounting and Economic Sciences.

“This obsession with the matric pass rate and its perverse incentives has been to the detriment of this country’s ability to produce skills in STEM professions, in Accounting and Economic Sciences. This must change; if our country is to be economically competitive, it needs deep and meaningful skills in STEM and other gateway subjects,” she said. 

Broader performance indicators

The department intends to increasingly assess provincial performance through a wider range of quality indicators.

These will include Bachelor passes, distinctions, learner retention, participation and performance in gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting and Economics.

Gwarube said this approach would allow provinces to benchmark their performance more meaningfully and identify areas requiring intervention. 

“The question should not only be whether learners passed, but whether provinces are improving literacy, numeracy, retention and subject participation,” Gwarube said. 

The proposed approach places greater emphasis on what learners achieve and the subjects they take, rather than relying on the overall pass rate as the primary indicator of success.

Record matric cohort

The Minister’s remarks came as the department declared itself ready for the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations, with 962 832 candidates registered for the October/November examination period.

The cohort comprises 815 051 full-time candidates and 147 781 part-time candidates.

Gwarube said the increase in full-time registrations indicated that more learners were remaining in school and completing matric in good time. 

The department has also implemented learner support interventions across all 75 education districts, reaching 159 180 learners at 1 262 centres.

These interventions include additional revision opportunities, teacher support, mock examinations and access to learning materials to address gaps in learner performance. 

Gwarube said the department had also considered the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Class of 2026, whose schooling was disrupted during the transition from the Intermediate Phase to the Senior Phase.

The department has used previous examination diagnostic reports to identify persistent learning difficulties and guide teachers in strengthening curriculum delivery and learner preparation.

The Minister said a broader approach to measuring provincial performance would help the education system identify weaknesses and focus interventions where they are most needed.

The 2026 NSC examinations begin on Tuesday, with the department saying preparations are complete across the nine provinces. – SAnews.gov.za

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