Category: Africa

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China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), la principale agence de notation chinoise confirme la notation AAA/stable d’Afreximbank

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) a confirmé la note de crédit émetteur « AAA » de la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), avec une perspective stable.

Télécharger le rapport : https://apo-opa.co/47lLSKY

La note élevée reflète l’évaluation par CCXI des atouts d’Afreximbank, notamment un positionnement stratégique élevé, un système de gestion des risques solide, une flexibilité dans le développement des affaires, une rentabilité très forte, une gestion prudente des liquidités et un ratio de couverture très élevé des actifs courants sur les dettes à court terme.

L’agence de notation a en outre déclaré qu’elle s’attend que les notations d’Afreximbank restent stables au cours des 12 à 18 prochains mois, même après examen des risques de crédit à la baisse pour les environnements macroéconomiques et opérationnels affectant la Banque.

Réagissant à l’annonce de la notation, M. Denys Denya, Premier Vice-Président Exécutif d’Afreximbank, a souligné que la notation confirme la pertinence systémique de la Banque pour l’Afrique et sa gestion prudente des risques. Il a également noté que cette notation améliorera les opportunités de diversification du financement, en particulier sur le marché obligataire chinois de Panda, soutenant le mandat de développement d’Afreximbank et la facilitation du commerce entre l’Afrique et la Chine.

M. Demya a réitéré l’engagement d’Afreximbank à soutenir le financement du commerce en Afrique et dans les Caraïbes, en dépit du contexte difficile. Il a réaffirmé l’engagement indéfectible de la Banque envers ses États membres et tous ses clients ajoutant que la solide expérience de la Banque a grandement contribué à cette formidable notation. Il a déclaré que la notation chinoise confirmait le statut de créancier privilégié de la Banque auprès de ses 53 États membres en Afrique et de ses 13 États membres dans les Caraïbes.

M. Denya a poursuivi en ces termes : « La notation de CCXI est une réussite remarquable dans un environnement opérationnel difficile, et elle démontre la pertinence systémique d’Afreximbank pour l’Afrique et les Caraïbes, nos régions prioritaires ». M. Denya a ajouté que cette notation illustrait la résilience de la Banque et lui permettrait de tirer parti de l’ampleur et de la profondeur du marché Panda tout en diversifiant ses sources de financement à l’échelle mondiale.

La notation de la CCXI devrait stimuler un soutien accru aux plans de financement d’Afreximbank sur le marché chinois et renforcer la présence de la Banque ainsi que sa position de crédit

En avril de cette année, Afreximbank a émis avec succès son tout premier emprunt obligataire Panda sur le marché obligataire interbancaire chinois, levant 2,2 milliards de RMB (soit 303 millions de dollars US). Cette émission a constitué un succès majeur puisqu’elle a été sursouscrite et a attiré des investisseurs de premier plan, ce qui témoigne de la forte confiance du marché dans le profil de crédit de la Banque.  Cette opération pionnière offre non seulement à Afreximbank une nouvelle source de financement diversifiée en renminbi chinois, mais elle établit également une référence essentielle pour les autres emprunteurs africains et constitue une étape clé dans l’approfondissement de la coopération financière entre l’Afrique et la Chine ».

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable de la communication et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

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Let us all support the Class of 2025  

Source: Government of South Africa

With the end of August marking the start of the matric class of 2025’s preliminary examinations, we all have a responsibility to give them the extra support they need, as they take the next step towards becoming responsible adults of tomorrow.

Exams come with heightened levels of fear and anxiety around mathematical formulas and the like, and all parents, guardians, siblings and society at large, should chip in to ease these fears.

Learners sitting for the prelims across the country, will likely share similar fears as these exams are a step closer to the all-important October/November final exams that mark the end of the Class of 2025’s high school career.

These prelims are a litmus test of what is to come when our Matrics sit for their finals, and it should be seen as just as important.  

Caregivers can extend an encouraging word or two to their beloved matrics who will be sitting for various papers. A pep talk, for example, on how the exams are going, can be helpful to relieve some of the pressure and a care pack of their favourite treats will also likely put a smile on their dial. Reducing their daily chores will also demonstrate thoughtfulness, as they burn the midnight oil in earnest.

To help learners prepare for the exams, schools often have revision, and extra lessons are often held over weekends to assist learners with their studies. The Department of Basic Education also has the Mind the Gap study Guides for learners. The study guides are aimed at improving the academic performance of Grade 12 candidates and are available for various subjects including Accounting, Life Sciences and Economics.

Additionally, the department also has Practical Assessment Tasks guidelines for those registered for subjects like Agriculture: Agricultural Management Practices and Agricultural Technology; and Life Orientation among others.
Learners can also use previous exam papers to revise and prepare for the final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams that begin in October.

The papers as well as the guidelines and study guides are accessible on the department’s website (https://www.education.gov.za).

While exams provide plenty a dish of nervousness, learners should walk into the various exam halls with confidence that they have prepared sufficiently when they put pen to paper.

This is despite the hardships they may have had in getting to grips with the subject matter or learners who were at the mercy of mother nature’s adverse weather that battered parts of the country, including the Eastern Cape, not so long ago.

While government has been assisting flood-ravaged communities, we take our hats off to leaners and their teachers who have kept track of their academics in the midst of challenging times.

Our support in helping them to reach their academic goals will help our country in producing the leaders and captains of industry of tomorrow. Education is an important item in any society’s toolbox.

Addressing the current challenges the country faces, including poverty, inequality and the materialising effects of climate change, requires innovation and foresight that will also help anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.
The learners of today and tomorrow are a crucial part of that toolbox if South Africa is to overcome challenges and move towards a better life for all.

And yes, many wonder whether the learners who are about to complete their schooling and become graduates in many a field will be able to find work given the high unemployment rate.

And while unemployment is a very real challenge, learning cannot come to a halt if the country has ambitions of being progressive. The future world requires education, and the country needs young, innovative people, who will acquire coding and other skills that the future demands. Employment and entrepreneurship will have to be a part of the future South Africa. 

In June, Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that the country has ratified the Protocol for Women and Youth in Trade, under the African Continental Free Trade Area, as a way of fostering inclusive growth. Speaking at the High-Level G20 Intergenerational Roundtable, hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Deputy President said the milestone is not just a symbolic gesture, but a move that operationalises the inclusion of woman-led and youth-led enterprises in regional and global value chains. 

This it does by the removal of  structural trade barriers, prioritising access to information, finances, and markets, as well as requiring state parties to create enabling legal and policy environments for inclusive economic participation.

Government has also put in place measures such as the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative which has to date provided over 190 000 young people with year-long work experience opportunities as a means of addressing unemployment.
As society, we need to support the dreams of not only the Grade 12 learners who will step into the exam rooms to face their prelims, but all learners across the country.  They need to know that we believe in them and are hopeful of a bright future for them.

In the same vein, we need responsible learners who will not take up cheating in any of their exams or bully other learners to do their exam preparation for them. If a learner does not do well in this round of exams, they must not give up hope – but realise they can up the ante in the final exam.

The country does not need leaked papers either, but a mutual respect between learners, teachers and those working across the various exam halls.

The country stands fully behind the matric class of 2025. –SAnews.gov.za 

*Neo Semono is a Features Writer/Editor at SAnews.gov.za 

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Angola: Calumbo reinforces national polio vaccination effort

Source: APO


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Surrounded by the wide Kwanza River, the municipality of Calumbo is known for the resilience and hard-working spirit of its people. Between August 15 and 17, the municipality joined the rest of the country in the First Round of the National Polio Vaccination Campaign, a large-scale operation that mobilized 1,000 health workers to administer 1.5 million doses of vaccine to 100,000 children. 

Between August 15 and 17, the municipality joined the rest of the country in the First Round of the National Polio Vaccination Campaign, a large-scale operation that mobilized more than 50,000 health professionals and volunteers to protect around 7 million children under the age of five in all 326 municipalities of Angola. 

In Calumbo, dozens of teams visited homes, markets, churches, and taxi stands to ensure that no child was left without receiving the two drops of the oral polio vaccine. Among the faces of this mobilization is Francisco Manuel, 26, a physical education and sports student who started as a community mobilizer and is now a vaccination team supervisor. 

“What motivates me to be a supervisor is being able to teach my colleagues how to work and also talk to the population to protect the lives of our children,” he says. 

For Francisco, each training session is a weapon against misinformation. “Thanks to the training we have received, we have been able to change mindsets. Today, the community understands that vaccines save lives and that no child should go without being vaccinated.” 

Francisco has become a role model for young people and families in the municipality. In addition to the fight against polio, he is involved in volunteer work at the Municipal Hospital of Icolo and Bengo. 

At his side is Rosa Joaquim, the municipality’s Child Health Supervisor and coordinator of the Calumbo Vila area, where the goal was to vaccinate 9,002 children. A nurse with over 20 years of experience in pediatrics, Rosa is intimately familiar with the challenges and achievements of this mission. 

“The areas that previously rejected the vaccine now accept it. We changed our strategy: we recruited local people, respected leaders in the neighborhoods, who helped mobilize families. We also carried out a pre-campaign to raise awareness, which greatly facilitated acceptance,” she explains. 

Rosa’s experience and Francisco’s passion show how the fight against polio is carried out by ordinary people, motivated by love for their community, working for a polio-free future. But this mobilization is not just local: it is part of a national and global effort to eradicate polio once and for all. 

From house to house, neighborhood to neighborhood, vaccinators across the country are giving hope to millions of families. Only with everyone’s collaboration will it be possible to ensure that no child in Angola is left behind.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

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President Hakainde Hichilema, African Union (AU) Cholera Champion, Joins Partners to Unveil Africa’s New Continental Cholera Plan

Source: APO


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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a six-month 1.0 continental preparedness and response plan against cholera under the leadership of H.E. President Hakainde Hichilema, the African Union Cholera Champion, in Lusaka, Zambia, on 26 August.

President Hichilema has led the rallying call for African political leaders as key actors and champions of change. In June 2025, he rallied African Heads of State to commit to accelerating investment, cross-border coordination, and vaccine access to eliminate cholera by 2030. That commitment has now led to the new plan.

The plan is built around seven priorities: strengthened coordination, enhanced surveillance, expanded laboratory capacity, effective case management, WASH interventions, vaccination, and community engagement. It will be driven by the Continental Cholera IMST, integrated with the Mpox IMST, and co-led by Africa CDC and WHO to deliver rapid, coordinated responses while leveraging technical expertise and logistics support.

In parallel, Africa CDC and WHO will support the AU Cholera Champion in establishing the African Continental Task Force on Cholera Control. This body will bring together Member States and key partners to align with the 2030 Global Cholera Elimination targets, create National Presidential Task Forces, and mobilize resources, including vaccines, to accelerate elimination across Africa.

Africa CDC notes that cholera is a major public health challenge on the continent, accounting for 82% of global cases and nearly 94% of cholera-related deaths. Between September 2025 and February 2026, Africa is projected to face more than 200,000 cholera cases and 6,020 deaths — a 42% surge in cases and a 98% rise in deaths compared to 2024, if current interventions remain unchanged.

The new plan requires $231.7 million for supplies and response, plus $100 million to scale African Oral Cholera Vaccine production.

“Today’s launch of the Continental Cholera Outbreak Response Plan marks a major milestone, a turning point in how political leaders engage alongside technical experts to address Africa’s public health challenges,” said H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, at the launch.

“Their leadership, matched with Africa CDC’s technical guidance and the solidarity of our partners, will move us closer to a continent free of epidemics, free of cholera, and resilient against future threats,” he added.

In a joint foreword to the plan, Dr Kaseya and Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, Regional Director, WHO-Afro, emphasized: “We have learned that only through solidarity, shared responsibility, and regional collaboration can we effectively respond to complex health emergencies like cholera.”

“To efficiently respond to this outbreak, leveraging the successful model of the Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) is critical. The IMST has proven effective in coordinating multi-country responses to mpox with its ‘4-One’ principle — one team, one plan, one budget, and one monitoring framework — which ensures strategic coherence, operational efficiency, and accountability across Member States and partners,” they noted.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supports Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau in domestication and implementation of community fiscal directives

Source: APO


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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Directorate of Customs Union and Taxation, conducted consultative missions to Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau from 16 to 23 August 2025 to follow up on the domestication and implementation of regional fiscal directives.

Led by Mr. Salifou Tiemtore, Director of Customs Union and Taxation, and Mr. Darlingston Y. Talery, Principal Programme Officer for Domestic Taxes, the ECOWAS delegation held high-level consultations with the Ministers of Finance of Cabo Verde and Guinea-Bissau, Honourable Dr. Olavo Avelino Garcia Correia and Honourable Ilídio Vieira Té, as well as senior officials from the Directorate-General of Contributions and Taxes.

The missions focused on assessing the progress made by the two countries in aligning their national fiscal frameworks with eight ECOWAS Community Directives and two Supplementary Acts, including measures on Value Added Tax (VAT), Excise Duties, Transfer Pricing, Beneficial Ownership, and Double Taxation. The discussions also addressed the establishment of institutional mechanisms to monitor fiscal transition processes.

In Guinea-Bissau, the delegation commended the implementation of a VAT regime in January 2025, which has already contributed to increased revenue collection. The team also welcomed the establishment of a dedicated unit preparing the country’s first Tax Expenditure Report for 2024 and 2025, as a step towards greater transparency and regional compliance.

In Cabo Verde, the mission noted the strong political commitment to fiscal integration and applauded the ongoing reforms at the Ministry of Finance, which align with ECOWAS regional objectives.

Despite progress, the delegation identified persisting challenges affecting full implementation of the fiscal instruments, notably limited human and technical capacity, financial constraints, political instability in Guinea-Bissau, and the need for enhanced institutional coordination.

At the conclusion of the mission, the ECOWAS Commission and the two Member States agreed to reinforce efforts through an Aide Mémoire that outlines steps for the domestication and implementation of regional tax instruments. ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to provide continued technical and financial assistance to support Member States in strengthening national fiscal systems in accordance with regional standards.

The delegation expressed appreciation to the Honourable Ministers and their technical teams for their collaboration, and reiterated ECOWAS’ determination to promote transparent, harmonized, and efficient tax systems that advance regional integration and sustainable revenue mobilization.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Minister Ntshavheni pays tribute to late journalist

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Ntshavheni pays tribute to late journalist

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday described the late Eyewitness News (EWN’s) politics associate Editor, Tshidi Madia, as someone with a strong personality and a remarkable work ethic.

She said the country has been left with a void, following the passing away of the acclaimed journalist on Wednesday.
Madia died at the age of 42 following a short illness.

During her visit to the Madia family in Leondale in Gauteng, Ntshavheni said Madia reported truthfully, critically and constructively, with a focus on nation building.

The Minister conveyed her condolences to the family, adding that Madia was a patriot.

“She would go miles to fight for the country. I’m sure all of us will remember when she fought for the voice of South Africa at the White House in the Oval Office, but she didn’t stop there. She went to Fox [News] and she had an interview there and she was not intimidated by that platform,” Ntshavheni said.

She added that the political journalist was a daughter of South Africa.

“Her support was not bias to government and to the country. She made sure that her message was about the country. She was not intimidated by the office, not intimidated by an issue, she confronted it head-on.

“She was an ordinary girl who came from Limpopo and made a huge impact in her field of work. She also made sure that the story of South Africa is told, whether good or bad, in a manner that is constructive for the country. 

“It is a great loss for the country. We have asked God to receive her beautiful soul. We are going to miss her dearly. I know that next week when we do the post-Cab [post-Cabinet media briefing], questions from Tshidi Madia will be missing. It will be the first void we are going to feel,” the Minister explained.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late Eyewitness News Associate Political Editor with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) saying Madia would be remembered for her professionalism, courage and commitment to telling South Africa’s story.

“During the unfounded allegations made against South Africa about white genocide, she rose above sensationalism to provide clarity and truth to a global audience, ensuring that the world understood the reality of our nation beyond distortion and misinformation,” the GCIS said.

READ | Tributes pour in for political journalist Tshidi Madia

Deputy Preisdent Paul Mashatile has also conveyed his condolences, saying Madia was a consummate professional.

READ | Deputy President honours renowned, late journalist Tshidi Madia
–SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin

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South Africa launches critical skills initiatives for Just Energy Transition

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa launches critical skills initiatives for Just Energy Transition

In a landmark event during Women’s Month, South Africa officially launched the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk and National JET Skills Advisory Forum, signalling a strategic commitment to inclusive economic transformation. 

The keynote address – delivered by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile – highlighted that the energy transition is “not just about megawatts” but is fundamentally about people, communities, and equity.

“It must be about ensuring that women, youth and vulnerable groups are not left behind,” Manamela told the attendees at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, on Friday. 

Today’s launch saw the unveiling of the JET Skills Desk and the National Jet Skills Advisory Forum, two pillars of South Africa’s JET Skills Portfolio. 

The Minister believes that these structures are not symbolic but are operational instruments designed to close the green skills gap that hinders energy transition, slows competitiveness and risks excluding those most affected by the decline of coal and other traditional industries. 

“Through this way, we recognise that skills are the bridge between transition and inclusion to economic restructuring and social justice. 

“As Minister of Higher Education, we are actively aware that the post-school education and training system sits at the centre of this transformation. Universities, TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] colleges, community education centres and industry partners must prepare South Africans, especially workers in vulnerable sectors, for new opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric vehicles and sustainable industries.” 

Manamela stated that the JET Skills Desk, located within his department, will coordinate the reskilling and upskilling of workers, while focusing on preparing them for opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industries.

“It will drive reskilling and upskilling of adult workers. It will anticipate skills needs through labour market intelligence. It will strengthen curricular and educator readiness, and align training with industry.” 

The aim is to also create skills development zones in provinces like Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape. 

“Skills are the bridge between transition and inclusion, between economic restructuring and social justice,” Manamela said, underlining the initiative’s broader national significance. 

WATCH | 

 

The Minister acknowledged that government currently has no dedicated budget line for the transition, emphasising the need for blended funding with public investment leading the way. 

“That is why the mobilisation of blended funding is so important. Public investment must lead, private investment must follow, and philanthropic and development partners must catalyse community-based economies,” he said. 

In the meantime, he said a multi-donor initiative supported by the European Union, Germany and Switzerland, will help catalyse these efforts, demonstrating international confidence in South Africa’s skills agenda. 

“We cannot remain in the face of endless research and reports; the time has come to move to implementation and delivery. Therefore, we must focus on building infrastructure, for instance, colleges and universities strengthen entrepreneurship in affected communities. 

“That’s why we have a Minister of Small Business Development here, amongst others, supporting career guidance and train the trainer programmes, creating clear pathways for youth and women in the glacial economy.” 

The Minister strongly believes that the initiative aims to empower vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, ensuring they are not left behind in the green economy transformation. 

“This is not only a skills agenda, but also a nation-building agenda, as we conclude and move forward to the G20 Summit later this year under South Africa’s Presidency. 

“Let us remember the Just Energy Transition must be measured not only by how much power we install, but how many lives we improve and how many communities we empower.” 

READ | Mashatile to launch Just Energy Transition initiatives in Johannesburg

On behalf of the Deputy President, Manamela told the delegates that government has pledged its full commitment to ensuring that the JET Skills Portfolio fulfils its promise.

“I call on all our partners, public and private, local and international, to act with agency and imagination to ensure that the transition, that this transition is truly just, let us build a greener, fairer and more prosperous South Africa,” he concluded to a round of applause. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Senegal’s Ministry of Energy Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Diamond Partner Amid Rising Oil and Gas Success

Source: APO


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Having recently emerged as a major oil and gas producer in West Africa, Senegal’s Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines will participate as a Diamond Partner at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The country’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop is also speaking, underscoring the country’s commitment to collaboration, investment and project advancement.  

The Ministry’s participation comes as the country advances offshore hydrocarbon production, while promoting new investment opportunities on the back of offshore project success. The partnership reflects Senegal’s commitment to advancing investment-driven partnerships across oil, gas and renewables, while showcasing recent developments in the country’s legal and policy frameworks.  

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

Senegal has emerged as a pivotal oil and gas producer, following the launch of major offshore projects. In April 2025, energy major bp announced the successful loading of the first LNG cargo from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 project, marking a historic milestone for Senegal’s gas industry. Located offshore between Senegal and Mauritania, GTA is one of Africa’s most complex deepwater developments and is designed to produce approximately 2.3 million tons of LNG annually. The project positions Senegal as a competitive LNG exporter and unlocks opportunities for investment across gas infrastructure, transport and downstream utilization. These achievements follow the announcement of first gas from the GTA field in December 2024, which underscored Senegal’s rapid emergence as a key player in the global LNG market. 

Building on this momentum, the Yakaar-Teranga Gas Project – targeting a final investment decision in 2025 – will expand domestic gas-to-power capacity while providing additional volumes for LNG exports, forming the next pillar of Senegal’s gas monetization strategy. Energy major Kosmos Energy and Senegal’s national oil company Petrosen are currently seeking partners to support the project, highlighting a strategic opportunity for investors.  

Meanwhile, Senegal’s oil sector continues to deliver strong results. Since achieving first oil in 2024, the Sangomar offshore field has exceeded expectations, producing 16.9 million barrels of crude last year – well above its target of 11.7 million. Operated by global energy company Woodside Energy, the field has already begun supplying Senegal’s domestic refinery in Dakar, where 650,000 barrels have been processed into diesel, kerosene, gasoline and butane. This milestone strengthens the local value chain, reduces reliance on imports and creates new opportunities for investment in refining, infrastructure and downstream development.  

The Ministry’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 also comes as the country spearheads human capital development, striving to position local Senegalese entrepreneurs and companies at the forefront of oil and gas development. Recently, an oil and gas scholarship program was launched by gas company Vivo Energy and the government of Senegal, aimed at training the next generation of energy professionals and equipping local talent with the skills needed to drive the sector’s growth. 

“Senegal’s emergence as a leading African energy market, underpinned by strong policy direction and recent oil and gas milestones, offers investors strong opportunities across the entire value chain. With integrated strategies for crude, LNG and renewables, the country is positioning itself as one of the most attractive destinations for long-term energy investment in Africa,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Plus de 400 restes explosifs et 9 000 munitions détruites : Antimines des Nations unies (UNMAS), Agence coréenne de coopération internationale (KOICA) et Centre congolais de lutte antimines (CCLMA) clôturent un important projet de lutte antimines

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le projet « Lutte antimines durable en soutien aux réfugiés, déplacés internes et communautés affectées par les conflits en République démocratique du Congo », financé par l’Agence coréenne de coopération internationale (KOICA) et mis en œuvre par le service de la lutte antimines des Nations unies (UNMAS) en partenariat avec le Centre congolais de lutte antimines (CCLAM) depuis novembre 2022, a été clôturé mercredi 27 août 2025 à Kinshasa.

Ce projet a notamment permis la destruction de 450 restes explosifs de guerre, de 9 248 munitions de petit calibre et de 36 mines antipersonnel. Un travail salué par le CCLAM dont le coordonnateur national, Emmanuel Lokinu, s’est félicité de l’assistance de l’UNMAS, « un acteur dévoué ». « La présence de l’UNMAS est si importante. Son apport technique est primordial dans notre travail », fait-il savoir. Selon lui, ce projet a permis à nombreuses communautés rurales de reprendre leurs activités champêtres qu’elles avaient abandonnées à cause des risques liés à la présence de restes explosifs de guerre. « Les mines empêchent les paysans de s’adonner à l’agriculture, les enfants de jouer », a-t-il martelé. 

Au total, 67 865 m² ont été déminés manuellement et 330 615 m² de zones de combat nettoyés. Pour Jean-Denis Larsen, en charge du programme de UNMAS en RDC, plus que le nombre de restes explosifs de guerre détruits, c’est l’étendue de la superficie dépolluée qui importe. Les suspicions d’une présence d’un engin explosif peuvent éloigner des communautés entières de grandes étendues de terre de pâturage ou de culture, les privant ainsi de leurs moyens de subsistance. 

« Des vies sauvées » 

Présent à la cérémonie de clôture, le directeur pays de KOICA, Choi Yonjae, s’est réjoui du fait que ce projet ait permis de sauver des vies humaines. « Chaque engin désamorcé est un danger en moins », a-t-il noté, rappelant que son pays a également connu des épisodes violents qui ont appris à ses habitants l’importance de la lutte antimines. Jean-Denis Larsen a, pour sa part, rappelé le témoignage d’une habitante de l’Ituri dont le champ avait été dépollué l’année dernière : « Vingt-huit mines neutralisées, ce sont vingt-huit vies humaines sauvées et des mutilations évitées ». 

Le projet financé par KOICA à hauteur de 6 000 000 dollars américains a été mené dans trois provinces : Ituri, Nord-Kivu et Sud-Kivu. Des provinces en proie à des violences armées depuis de nombreuses décennies. L’ambassadeur de la République de Corée, Jeong Hong Geun, souligne que son pays est engagé à faire progresser la lutte antimines contre les mines, un combat nécessaire pour permettre à des communautés entières de travailler sans peur et de produire pour leur prospérité. 

Sensibilisation des communautés paysannes 

« Les mines et les restes explosifs de guerre mettent en danger les vies humaines, freinent le développement de l’agriculture et empêchent le retour des déplacés », a rappelé Jeong Hong Geun. Le projet « Lutte antimines durable en soutien aux réfugiés, déplacés internes et communautés affectées par les conflits en République démocratique du Congo » a également permis de cartographier les zones polluées par les restes explosifs de guerre et les mines.

Tout au long de sa mise en œuvre, des campagnes de sensibilisation ont également été menées auprès des communautés : plus de 200 000 femmes, hommes, filles et garçons ont été formés aux dangers des engins explosifs, contribuant à des comportements plus sûrs et à la réduction des risques pour les populations vulnérables.

Quelque 24 personnels et 68 agents issus d’ONG nationales œuvrant dans la lutte antimines ont également été formés, renforçant ainsi les capacités opérationnelles locales. Des agents du Centre congolais de lutte antimines (CCLAM) ont bénéficié de formations ciblées sur la gestion de l’information. Enfin, un plan de mise en œuvre du déminage 2025-2027 suivant une enquête réalisée par le CCLAM dans les provinces de l’Ituri, Nord et Sud-Kivu a été développé. 

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Le Président Ndayishimiye a participé dans la prière d’action de grâce pour les 20ans du Conseil national pour la défense de la démocratie – Forces de défense de la démocratie (CNDD-FDD) au pouvoir

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans l’après-midi de ce jeudi, le Président du Conseil des Sages du CNDD-FDD,en compagnie de la Première Dame, s’est joint aux Bagumyabanga de la province de Gitega réunis à l’école paramédicale, pour la prière oecuménique organisée chaque dernier jeudi du mois, mais qui fut l’occasion de rendre grâce pour les 20ans du CNDD-FDD au pouvoir.

Dans son intervention, le Président du Conseil des Sages a appelé les nouveaux élus à d’abord changer de mentalités, à écouter la population, à suivre les instructions de leurs supérieurs, et surtout avoir confiance en Dieu, prêt à fortifier ceux qu’il a choisis pour diriger son peuple.

En référence au thème du jour : « C’est Dieu qui viendra en aide aux élus du peuple burundais », le Prédicateur Apôtre Isidore Ntuyahaga s’est appuyé sur le passage d’Ésaïe 40:10, où l’Éternel affirme sa puissance et sa proximité envers son serviteur. Il promet de le fortifier, de le soutenir, et rappelle qu’il n’y a rien à craindre tant qu’il est avec lui.

Apôtre Mbayahaga a également exhorté les Bagumyabanga à suivre l’idéal de l’aigle: avoir vision claire, s’élever au dessus des défis, se concentrer sur ses objectifs, agir avec courage, ne pas avoir la double facette, et savoir choisir de vrais collaborateurs.

L’Apôtre Isidore Mbayahaga a salué les 20 ans de leadership du CNDD-FDD, fruit d’une décision importante de placer Dieu au centre. C’est ainsi que le parti a surmonté des turbulences internes et externes, des obstacles et injures, avec dignité, et mérite pleinement des félicitations.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.