Category: Africa

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Zimbabwe Introduces 5-Pillar Energy Strategy Amid $9B Investment Drive

Source: APO

Zimbabwe has introduced a five-pillar strategy – the Zimbabwean National Energy Development Compact – aimed at advancing the development of the energy value chain. This comes as the country expects up to $9 billion in investment across its power sector.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo offered insight into the strategy during the Invest in Zimbabwe: Investor Briefing at the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference on Tuesday. Led by the Government of Zimbabwe and oil and gas company Invictus Energy, the session explored emerging opportunities in natural gas, renewable energy and mining in the country.

“We have significant opportunities in power generation, transmission, distribution and retail. In other fuels, our hopes are that we can not only benefit from the oil and gas that has been found in Zimbabwe, but from infrastructure associated with these projects. As a country that is land-locked, our compact connects us with the rest of Africa,” stated Minister Moyo.  

The five pillars include expanding generation infrastructure; leveraging regional integration; embracing distributed renewable energy and clean cooking solutions; incentivizing private sector participation; and ensuring financially viable utilities that provide reliable and affordable services. The strategy focuses on expanding energy and power access, highlighting key opportunities for investors.

“We are expecting to mobilize $9 billion in investments across generation, transmission and distribution, with $4.42 billion set to come from the private sector. We want to raise access to clean cooking from 38% to 70%, reducing the reliance on firewood and charcoal. We also want to expand the share of renewable energy, including large-scale hydropower from 7% to 29% through the use of mini-grids and small-scale hydro,” stated Isaac Chiridza, Deputy Director: Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Power Development, Zimbabwe.

There are various ways investors can develop projects in Zimbabwe’s power sector. Cletus Nyachowe, CEO, Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority, said that “You can join as an independent power producer, under a public-private partnership or you can generate power for your own use.”

There are also opportunities for investors in transmission. According to Abel Gurupira, Acting Managing Director, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company, “There is a demand for us to ensure that we transport power from our generating stations to our customers. There is also a demand that we transport power within the Southern African Power Pool context, from the south to the north and east to west, because we happen to the epicenter of this power pool.”

Zimbabwe’s energy mix, historically dominated by hydropower, is diversifying with promising forays into natural gas. The country has emerged as one of Africa’s most attractive frontier gas markets, with exploration led by Invictus Energy yielding strong results. The company is advancing development of the Cabora Bassa Project in northern Zimbabwe – one of the world’s largest untested frontier rift basins – which has recently been awarded National Project Status by the government.

“Zimbabwe is not a producer of oil and gas but we hope to change that. We have exposure to a basin long-been recognized as prospective but has recently been unlocked. We drilled the Mukuyu well in 2023, which was ranked as one of the largest discoveries made in Africa. This demonstrated the potential of Cabora Bassa as a basin-scale opportunity,” stated John Bentley, Board Member, Invictus Energy.

Beyond natural gas, Zimbabwe is bolstering production in coal and renewable energy. Coal production is on track to increase by 10.5% in 2025, reaching 6.3 million tons, while developments in solar, wind and hydropower are positioned to enhance power supply and regional trade. Nobert Matarutse, Acting Managing Director, Zimbabwe Power Company, explained that the country is “pursuing two additional units at our biggest power station, Hwange 9 and 10, and thereafter we will target units 11 and 12.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Manamela confirms appointment of new SETA Accounting Authorities

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela has announced the full constitution and appointment of Accounting Authorities (AAs) for all Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), effective from 30 September 2025.

The appointments mark a key milestone in stabilising governance across the skills development sector and ensuring continuity in the execution of SETA mandates.

As their first order of business, all Accounting Authorities have already initiated processes to:

  • Recommend and appoint interim Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to ensure that there is no leadership vacuum following the expiry of CEO contracts at the end of September 2025.
  • Commence the recruitment and selection process for permanent CEOs, in line with the provisions of the Skills Development Act and the SETA Standard Constitution.

Manamela said the department is also fast-tracking the process of appointment of chairpersons for the new Accounting Authorities, with announcements expected in due course.

“The new governance cycle for SETAs provides an opportunity to strengthen accountability, improve performance, and align skills development more closely with the national priorities of job creation, industrialisation, the just energy transition, and inclusive economic growth,” Manamela said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Minister wished the new appointees success carrying out their responsibilities, assuring them of the department’s full support in delivering on the skills development mandate.

He added that the newly appointed Accounting Authorities reflect a balanced demographic and professional profile, with gender balance, strong representation of youth and participation from historically disadvantaged groups.

“Members also bring expertise spanning organised labour, business, community development, professional bodies, government, and higher education institutions. This ensures that the SETAs’ governance structures are not only inclusive but also grounded in the technical and sectoral knowledge required to advance South Africa’s skills revolution,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President welcomes new Heads of Mission

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 2, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday welcomed and received letters of credence from the newly appointed Heads of Mission from several countries across the world at a ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.

The Heads of Mission-designate from different countries presented their credentials to the President and pledged their commitment to work with South Africa to further advance and strengthen diplomatic relations.

WATCH | Credentials ceremony 

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Letters of Credence are official diplomatic documents presented to the President by Heads of Mission-designate who have been nominated by their respective governments to serve as ambassadors to South Africa.

President Ramaphosa received credentials from 18 Heads of Mission-designates from the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; the Republic of Chile; the Kingdom of Spain; the Republic of Ecuador; the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; the Kingdom of Thailand; the Democratic Republic of Congo; the Republic of Serbia; the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; the Republic of Argentina; the Republic of Sierra Leone; the Republic of Uzbekistan; the Republic of Liberia; the Kingdom of Sweden; the Republic of the Sudan; the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Zambia.

Ambassador of the Republic of Algeria Ali Achoui, committed to strengthening the relations of the Republic of Algeria and South Africa.

“As you know, the Algerian Excellency and South Africa have played a very important role to defend the African interests, the respect of international law and multilateralism and the spirit of Madiba principles. 

“Your wise excellency, you put forward Africa’s priorities in the agenda of G20 to affect your commitment to Africa. I would like to highlight this to express the Algerian support for the South African Presidency and for G20 to be held for the first time in our continent, modern Africa,” he said. 

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, Hose Manuel García, said returning to South Africa feels like coming back home. He recalled being in the same building three years ago with the Spanish Prime Minister. 

He said that the Spanish Prime Minister looks forward to meeting President Ramaphosa at the G20 Summit in November. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nelson Mandela Bay welcomes SA Auto Week as catalyst for investment

Source: Government of South Africa

Nelson Mandela Bay welcomes SA Auto Week as catalyst for investment

Nelson Mandela Bay has welcomed the 2025 edition of SA Auto Week, describing it as an opportunity to rebuild the automotive sector, forge partnerships and protect jobs.

The city is currently hosting the event at the Coega Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, from 1–3 October 2025.

Billed as South Africa’s premier automotive thought-leadership gathering, SA Auto Week is held in partnership with the Eastern Cape provincial government, marking a significant milestone to the city where the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (naamsa) was founded.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, welcomed the industry leaders, including investors, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs), Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), noting that the event and the partnerships can accelerate investment, skills development and inclusive industrialisation across the metro and province.

Lobishe highlighted the significance of discussions on innovation, localisation, the new-energy transition and workforce development held on the opening day.

“Nelson Mandela Bay is committed to ensuring these discussions translate into practical opportunities for our people, especially for SMMEs, youth and workers seeking re-skilling and placement,” she said.

The mayor also expressed concern over recent industrial job losses in the automotive value chain, pledging to work with government, labour representatives and industry stakeholders in expressing deep concern for affected workers and their families.

“We will continue to push for collective, practical responses to protect livelihoods and create tangible re-employment pathways,” Lobishe said.

Lobishe acknowledged service delivery challenges raised by auto sector companies regarding service delivery, particularly electricity reliability, street lighting, waste management and urban cleanliness.

Lobishe announced that council has appointed nine companies, effective 01 October, to address streetlight outages across the metro.

In addition, the municipality is intensifying the War on Waste campaign in hotspot areas, ensuring that the city’s industrial zones, communities and economic corridors remain clean, safe and attractive to investors.

“These interventions form part of our broader programme to restore confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay as a competitive investment destination,” Lobishe said.

The municipality committed to:

  • Convene an immediate stakeholder roundtable involving Coega Development Corporation, the provincial government, naamsa, labour (including organised unions) and affected SMMEs to agree on concrete short and medium-term interventions, including skills retraining, rapid SMME linkages and local procurement opportunities.
  • Fast-track municipal support measures for SMMEs and suppliers to access SA Auto Week business linkages and buyer-seller platforms being hosted during the event.
  • Work with provincial and national partners to secure re-skilling and placement programmes for retrenched employees and to promote new investments in the Coega SEZ and local supplier base.

Lobishe committed to improving service delivery infrastructure, from electricity reliability and water security to roads, street lighting and digital connectivity, “because these are the foundations for attracting and retaining investment.”

“A competitive Nelson Mandela Bay depends on reliable services, efficient municipal systems and responsive governance. By fixing streetlights, intensifying our War on Waste, and stabilising core services, we are making service delivery a driver of job creation, industrial growth and inclusive development.

“We welcome responsible investment, and we will hold investors and partners to a shared promise: growth must be inclusive, locally anchored and supportive of job retention and creation,” the mayor said.

Coega Development Corporation CEO, Themba Koza said SA Auto Week at Coega is more than an industry gathering,

“It is a platform for rebuilding confidence, forging inclusive partnerships, and protecting the jobs that sustain our communities. At Coega, we are proud to host this catalytic event and reaffirm our commitment to driving investment, innovation and transformation in South Africa’s automotive sector,” Koza said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Ex SABC board members ordered to pay back the money

Source: Government of South Africa

Ex SABC board members ordered to pay back the money

Former SABC board members, Mbulaheni Obert Maguvhe, Ndivhoniswani Aaron Tshidzumba, and Maleshane Audrey Raphela have been ordered to pay back some R11.5 million related to an unlawful ‘success fee’ paid to former SABC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Hlaudi Motsoeneng in 2016.

The order was handed down in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which had been pursuing the matter, welcomed the order.

“The order, granted by the Honourable Judge Crutchfield, compels [the three] to pay the amount, together with interest from the date of service of summons, jointly and severally.

“The former SABC board members are also liable for the SIU’s legal costs. Previously, Mr Motsoeneng was the only one liable for paying the R11.5 million. This ruling now holds board members accountable for also repaying the money that resulted from their unlawful decision, which was at the public broadcaster’s expense,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit described the order as a “crucial enforcement action stemming from the broader litigation concerning” the ‘success fee’.

“The then SABC Board paid the fee in August 2016 for his role in securing the MultiChoice deal, a decision subsequently declared unlawful and invalid by the High Court.

“The SIU is committed to following all legal avenues to recover every cent lost by the SABC and ultimately, the South African public. We will now proceed to carry out this latest court order to ensure the recovery of these funds.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Call to protect oneself online

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to protect oneself online

With Cybersecurity Awareness Month being observed in October, Digify Africa Head of Client Services Omphile Kgwathe-Nkiwane has outlined practical guidelines that can keep South Africans safe online.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global initiative that raises awareness about online safety and empowers individuals and businesses to protect themselves from cybercrime. 

To promote online safety, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted a webinar on Thursday to mark the month under the 2025 theme: “Secure Our World”.

The webinar was aimed at empowering the public with practical tools that will enable them to use online platforms responsibly and to protect themselves against any possible dangers that may arise while using the platforms.

As part of an initiative to educate parents and guardians about cyber safety, Digify Africa has created a WhatsApp Learning Bot called Kitso.

“It offers tools and techniques to help you and your loved ones stay safe online. The WhatsApp learning chat bot is an educator. We give these chat bots personalities; it’s like you are talking to someone.

“The content is aimed at educators, parents and guardians. In the past, the boogeyman was on the streets but now he is on the internet,” she said.

Kitso can be added to one’s contacts on WhatsApp by typing in the number 076 593 7181 and saving the contact as Kitso. 

“With so much information online, some people find it difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not and that is why we created the WhatsApp learning bots. We wanted to make the content easy for anyone to read the content and use it in a practical way,” Kgwathe-Nkiwane said.

The public can keep safe online by following these guidelines:
•    Use strong and unique passwords: Make sure to use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use your name and your children’s name. Make it difficult for people to hack your accounts.
•    Two-factor authentication: Use a two-factor authentication security method that requires two distinct forms of verification to access an account or system.
•    Recognise phishing attempts: Make sure that you do not click on suspicious links and ensure that the email that you have received is authentic. Look out for requests that are out of character. Look out for sms’s informing you that you have a parcel to pick up when you did not place an order. Do not follow instructions from individuals requesting an OTP for banking or asking for a pin code to a bank account or from people claiming that your bank account has been compromised and they can help. Look out for individuals who call you and rush you to make a decision about your bank account.
•    Safety on social media: Make sure that you don’t arrange meetings to meet a person that you have met online.
•    Use secure connections: Very often malls and airports offer free access to the internet that does not need a password. While there is nothing wrong with the internet connection, if there is no password, you could be exposed to hackers who can hack into your bank account. Do not use open Wi-Fi to access sensitive information on your phone or laptop.
•    Use critical thinking, if it is too good to be true, it probably is. If it does not feel right, it’s probably not right.

–SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle

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High hopes ahead of Germany outing for local entrepreneurs

Source: Government of South Africa

High hopes ahead of Germany outing for local entrepreneurs

Optimism reigns supreme amongst South African businesspeople who are heading to Germany to participate in the Anuga Food and Beverage Trade Fair.

The fair will take place in Cologne, Germany, from 4 – 8 October 2025. 

As part of the county’s export market diversification initiatives, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has set up a national pavilion at the fair, in which 30 South African agro-processing companies will showcase their products. 

As they prepare to depart for Germany, the businesspeople are looking forward to participating in the trade show, having committed to taking full advantage of the opportunity to showcase their products with the aim of grabbing the attention of international importers. 

They relish the prospects of returning home with bags full of trade leads that will develop into concrete deals.

“We are looking forward to the trade show in Germany. We are excited by the opportunity to interact with potential new customers, linking with current customers and networking amongst other companies from around the world.

“We are hoping to expose various companies to our vitality-centred products,” said the Sales Executive of Macavation, Peter Symons.

Macavation innovates with macadamias and produces a range of high quality products, including extra virgin macadamia oil, crude cosmetic macadamia oil, macadamia protein powder, macadamia protein crispies and various styles of macadamia kernel. 

The KwaZulu-Natal company, which employs 34 full-time employees, sells its products to local food manufacturers, as well as exporting them mainly to Europe and Canada.

The Chief Executive Officer of Limpopo-based Setšong Tea Crafters, Retang Phaahla, said she is excited about the opportunity to showcase proudly Limpopo and Proudly South African products in Germany.

“We have been eyeing Germany as a potential market for quite some time.  There is a big tea market in Europe, and Germany is one of the countries that already import Rooibos tea from South Africa.

“For us to be able to tap into that market and showcase the products that we have developed is really exciting. We hope that this will help us create more jobs and build the revenue of the business,” Phaahla said.

Setšong Tea Crafters are based at Ga-Matlala Ramoshebo village near Marble Hall, where they provide permanent employment to 30 people, and seasonal employment to 15 people. They produce tea from indigenous plants that have been consumed as herbal tea by the people of Limpopo for hundreds of years.

READ | No storm in a teacup as local company seeks new market in Germany

The Co-Founder and Managing Director of Niice Foods, Taryn Muller, says her main objective for travelling to Germany is to secure new retail, import, and distribution partners in key European Union countries and the United Arab Emirates.

“This will be the second consecutive Anuga fair that we will be participating in. It is an opportunity for us to expand our global market presence and establish long-term, strategic territory. 

“It also provides a platform for us to elevate brand recognition and showcase our new value-added macadamia offerings. Our premium macadamia cooking oil is our flagship product. It is positioned perfectly as a more affordable, functional, and versatile cooking oil with an extremely favourable health profile,” Muller said. 

Niice Foods, which is based in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, where it employs 12 people, manufactures value-added macadamia nut, ready to eat products, macadamia cooking oil, macadamia nut spreads and macadamia seasoning.

The General Manager of the South African Fruit and Vegetable Canners Export Council (SAFVCEC), Jill Atwood-Palm, says as one of the largest trade shows globally, Anuga provides her with a perfect opportunity to showcase the South African canned fruit and vegetable industry to the world.

“Anuga also serves as a platform for gathering market information, benchmarking competitor activity, assessing supply-demand conditions and identifying emerging consumer trends,” said Atwood-Palm. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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My Afrika Magazine Joins Forces with APO Group to Amplify African Voices Globally

Source: APO

My Afrika Magazine (https://MyAfrikaMag.com), a leading digital platform dedicated to telling authentic African stories, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with APO Group, the leading, multi-award winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. This collaboration marks an important milestone in advancing a shared mission to amplify African narratives and deliver high-quality, reliable content across the continent and beyond.  

For years, My Afrika Magazine has provided a platform to celebrate African culture, innovation, and people-driven stories. APO Group, with its extensive distribution network and editorial credibility, has been at the forefront of shaping African media narratives. Recognizing this shared vision, the two organizations have formalized their collaboration through APO Group’s Content Partnership Program, joining a network of more than 300+ media partners across Africa and globally.  

Through this partnership, My Afrika Magazine will:  

  • Gain daily access to premium, copyright-free press releases across key sectors, including politics, economy, energy, health, technology, and culture.  
  • Enjoy 12 free corporate press releases per year, allowing the magazine to promote its own events, campaigns, and initiatives across APO Group’s trusted Pan-African and international network.  
  • Benefit from increased traffic and engagement through timely, multimedia-rich stories, delivered automatically at zero cost of content integration.  
  • Strengthen its editorial value and credibility by affiliating with APO Group’s well-respected platform while saving valuable newsroom time.  

“This partnership represents a new chapter for My Afrika Magazine,” said Nico Abote, Co-Founder & Managing Executive Editor of My Afrika Magazine. “We are thrilled to align with APO Group, an organization that shares our commitment to amplifying authentic African voices. Together, we will enhance our coverage, expand our reach, and continue shaping a positive narrative of Africa both at home and across the diaspora.”  

By joining APO Group’s partner ecosystem, which includes major news aggregators, mobile platforms, and global media, My Afrika Magazine is further positioning itself as a leading voice for African stories that matter, connecting communities across borders and fostering informed dialogue about Africa’s progress.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of My Afrika Magazine.

Media Contact: 
Nico Abote 
My Afrika Magazine 
Email: nico@myafrikamag.com 
Tel: Call/WhatsApp: +263 78 216 2298 (ZIM) or +1 403 923 7343 (CAN) 

About My Afrika Magazine:
My Afrika Magazine is a dynamic digital publication founded to tell authentic African stories, celebrate success across the continent, and connect the diaspora with home. With a focus on culture, entrepreneurship, innovation, lifestyle, and grassroots storytelling, the magazine provides a platform where African voices are amplified globally. 

About APO Group :
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.    

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.  

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences. 

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Smarter Mobility Africa 2025: Shaping the Future of Transport through Technology and Collaboration

Source: APO

Smarter Mobility Africa 2025 kicked off with an engaging keynote session, setting the stage for a transformative dialogue on the future of transport in Africa. The vibrant gathering in Johannesburg saw leaders from across the continent come together to discuss the pivotal role of mobility in shaping our cities and economies. The keynote session was both an acknowledgment of the hard work of those in the transport sector and a call to action for continued innovation and collaboration.

One of the key takeaways from the session was the emphasis on the challenging nature of the transport industry. Ben Pullen, Group Director Mobility at VUKA Group, the organiser, highlighted the demanding environment that professionals in transport face, noting the long hours and complex political dynamics that often accompany their work. “Transport is not just about moving people and goods; it’s about connecting communities and driving economic growth,” Pullen stated. This sentiment resonated with many attendees, underscoring the sector’s critical importance to the continent’s development.

Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala, the National Spokesperson for SANTACO, delivered an inspiring message, highlighting the crucial role of the minibus taxi industry in South Africa. As the first woman to hold this position, she emphasized the industry’s commitment to creating a smarter, greener, and safer future for all. “For us, mobility is not just transport. It is access, dignity, and daily service to the nation,” she stated. Phala acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, such as violence and regulatory issues, yet emphasized SANTACO’s pro-active steps toward innovation and collaboration. By embracing smart technologies and green energy solutions, they aim to modernise operations and enhance commuter safety. Tshepo Kgobe, a partner with Gautrain, praised SANTACO, saying, “They’ve taught us a lot… through collaboration,” underscoring the importance of working together to transform informal transport systems effectively.

The event further highlighted the vital role of partnerships in advancing smart mobility solutions. The collaboration between the Transport Authority of Gauteng and Gautrain was showcased as a model for enhancing regional connectivity. Both organistions led by the impressive Tshepo Kgobe, who exemplifies a commitment to enhancing connectivity and efficiency in regional transport systems. His dual position highlights the importance of integrated strategies in addressing the challenges of urban mobility, and underscores the potential for public and private entities to work together to create more efficient and sustainable transport networks.

The session also welcomed insights from Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director of The Global Trust Project. Wilhelm emphasized the critical role of trust in building a sustainable future, noting, “When stakeholders trust each other, they are more willing to share resources, insights, and risks. This trust is what enables us to work together towards a common goal of creating smarter, more connected cities.” His words underscored the event’s theme of fostering partnerships and the belief that trust is essential for uniting diverse stakeholders.

Visa’s innovative ticketing solutions were another focal point, demonstrating how technology can simplify and enhance the user experience in public transport. By streamlining payment systems, these solutions promise to make transport more accessible and efficient for all users. This technological advancement is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing everyday challenges in urban mobility.

Attendees were particularly inspired by the Johannesburg Road Agency’s initiatives to integrate IoT technologies into urban infrastructure. This move towards smarter, data-driven systems is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of city planning and management. Tshepo Kgobe, remarked, “The integration of IoT is not just an upgrade; it’s a necessity for the future of our cities. It allows us to make informed decisions that can lead to more sustainable and livable urban environments.”

The keynote session concluded with a call to action, encouraging stakeholders to prioritise investment in digital infrastructure and to embrace data analytics for improved decision-making. The strategic insights offered during the session provide a roadmap for industry stakeholders, highlighting the need for continued innovation and collaboration to achieve a sustainable and efficient transport future for Africa.

Smarter Mobility Africa is hosted 01-02 October 2025
Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
https://apo-opa.co/4mLurr8

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Editorial Questions:
Timothy Adrigwe
Timothy.Adrigwe@wearevuka.com
t: +27 21 700 3500
f: +27 21 700 3501
e: info@wearevuka.com
w: https://WeAreVUKA.com

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

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

Discover more at https://WeAreVUKA.com

About SMA:
After 6 editions Smarter Mobility Africa has established itself as a meeting place for inspired and purpose driven transport professionals.

A Movement With A Purpose:
African cities face significant challenges today and in the coming decades due to rapid population growth and large-scale industrialisation. Many people lack access to safe, reliable, and affordable mobility, impacting how we move people and goods.

This situation has clear negative consequences for economic development, public health, job opportunities, and the environment. We refer to this as the ‘Old Urban Era.’ The human, environmental, and economic impacts of this era are profound, fuelling our passion to help cities across Africa transition to the ‘New Urban Era’ through smarter mobility solutions.

We are dedicated to uniting every element of the mobility industry to tackle these challenges head-on, creating an environment where social, environmental, and economic opportunities are exponentially amplified.

Learn more at: https://apo-opa.co/4mLurr8

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Gabon Draws Energy Giants as Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Spotlights African Market Potential

Source: APO

Gabon is signaling renewed interest from major international energy companies as it looks to expand oil and gas development across the country’s largely untapped reserves, according to remarks from Minister of Oil & Gas Sosthène Nguema Nguema at the OPEC-Africa Roundtable during African Energy Week 2025.

“We have international partners who have expressed interest in coming to Gabon,” Nguema said, noting that 72% of the nation’s resources remain unexploited and that gas will be a key component in driving industrialization. He added that the country expects to formalize a major agreement in the coming month.

Discussions highlighted Africa’s growing significance in the global energy landscape. OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais noted that the continent is both a rising consumer and a critical supplier. “Africa is not just on the supply side – it’s a rapidly growing consumer. The continent’s crude consumption is expected to reach 4.5 million barrels per day by 2050,” he said, stressing that inclusive energy strategies must account for both development and climate considerations.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, underscored the scale of required investment. “We need approximately $540 billion annually in upstream oil and gas alone,” he said, adding that Africans must develop local solutions for sustainable growth. He highlighted gas as a clean fuel key to expanding LPG availability and industrial development.

Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons for the Republic of Congo, underscored the role of investment in Congo’s production expansion. “In five years, we will double production from around 260,000 to 500,000 barrels per day,” he said, while highlighting continued collaboration with OPEC to maintain market stability. “More production coming from OPEC members is good news… if OPEC members are bringing more investment, it’s the best way to stabilize markets.”

The session also explored Africa’s energy security and the potential for local solutions. Al Ghais noted OPEC-backed studies on LPG, clean hydrogen and the cost of renewables, emphasizing the need for country-specific approaches. “It is really unjust to deny developing regions the right to develop and use their energy resources. We need a country-by-country approach to energy security, affordability and tackling climate change,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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