Category: Africa

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KZN Council mulls moves to accelerate growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Fast-tracking the delivery of infrastructure projects that are essential to KwaZulu-Natal’s socio-economic growth was at the core of Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli’s strategic meeting of the Provincial Infrastructure Council.

Held at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in eThekwini recently, the meeting brought together senior government officials, municipal representatives, and state-owned entities in a united drive to accelerate infrastructure delivery across the province.

According to the provincial government, the council is set to play a central role in ensuring the systematic selection, planning, and monitoring of infrastructure projects implementation.

This includes oversight of the Provincial Infrastructure Master Plan, with a strong focus on practical outcomes, improved intergovernmental collaboration, and enhanced accountability.

“The Council will also ensure that infrastructure initiatives align with the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to bring development closer to communities by fostering integrated planning at district and local level.

“By strengthening partnerships and communication between government departments, municipalities, and state-owned enterprises, the Council seeks to create a more agile and responsive infrastructure delivery ecosystem,” the provincial government said in a statement.

At the meeting, Ntuli emphasised the need to remove existing bottlenecks, improve coordination, and ensure that projects are fully aligned with both national and provincial priorities.

The meeting also addressed the implementation of the Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS) and explored ways to boost technical capacity within the public sector.

This includes training and support for officials involved in infrastructure planning, procurement, and project management. – SAnews.gov.za

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Morocco: His Majesty (HM) the King Congratulates Uruguayan President on National Day

Source: APO


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His Majesty King Mohammed VI has sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Yamandú Ramon Antonio Orsi Martinez, on his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign expresses His sincere congratulations to Orsi Martinez and His best wishes for further progress and prosperity to the friendly Uruguayan people.

HM the King also took this opportunity to express His determination to work together with the Uruguayan president in order to develop bilateral ties and instill them with new momentum, in a spirit of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect of national constants, at the service of the supreme interests of the two friendly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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Plateforme d’Échanges et de Coordination sur la Gestion des Espaces frontaliers en Afrique de l’Ouest (PECoGEF) : L’Ivoirien Diakalidia Konate elu Secretaire executif

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


L’Ivoirien Diakalidia Konaté, Secrétaire exécutif de la Commission nationale des Frontières de la Côte d’Ivoire (CNFCI), a été élu Secrétaire exécutif de la Plateforme d’Échanges et de Coordination sur la Gestion des Espaces frontaliers en Afrique de l’Ouest (PECoGEF) par la quasi-majorité des membres du Comité Exécutif de ladite organisation. Les postes de Premier et Deuxième Secrétaires exécutifs Adjoints sont respectivement revenus aux responsables en charge des frontières du Ghana et du Bénin.

C’était au terme de la réunion annuelle de la PECoGEF tenue les 21 et 22 août 2025, à Cotonou, au Bénin.

Diakalidia Konaté qui a placé son mandat sous le signe de l’efficacité, de la solidarité et de la transformation des frontières en espaces de paix et de prospérité partagée, a traduit sa reconnaissance aux États membres pour leur confiance renouvelée. Non sans saluer les efforts de l’équipe sortante et réaffirmer le rôle stratégique de la PECoGEF dans la promotion de l’intégration régionale

Face aux défis persistants, notamment l’insécurité, la criminalité transfrontalière, les crises humanitaires, la faible connectivité et le déficit infrastructurel, il a plaidé pour une action concertée des États membres, un appui renforcé des partenaires techniques et financiers, et une écoute attentive des communautés frontalières.

Il faut noter qu’à la quasi-unanimité, la présidence du Conseil Directoire a été confiée au Coordonnateur de la Sécurité nationale de la Sierra Leone, Francis Langumba Keili. Il a succédé au Béninois Marcel Ayité BAGLO.

Cette réunion annuelle de la PECoGEF a enregistré la présence des représentants des structures nationales en charge de la gestion des frontières du Bénin, du Burkina Faso, de la Côte d’Ivoire, du Gabon, de la Gambie, du Ghana, de la Guinée-Bissau, du Niger, du Nigéria, de la Sierra Leone, du Sénégal et du Togo. Y ont également pris part les représentants de la Commission de l’Union Africaine et de la Coopération allemande GIZ/PFUA (Programme Frontière de l’Union africaine) et des personnes ressources.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Côte d’Ivoire – Inauguration du marché de proximité de Torla : Les bénéficiaires s’engagent a transformer cette infrastructure en un espace dynamique d’échanges et de prospérité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Après les populations de Karakoro (Korhogo) et de Guinguereni (Boundiali), ce sont celles de Torla (Ouangolodougou) qui ont réceptionné avec une grande ferveur leur marché de proximité, le troisième de ce type dans le district autonome des Savanes. C’était le 22 août 2025, en présence des autorités administratives, coutumières et religieuses, des cadres de la région, ainsi que du coordonnateur général du Programme social du gouvernement (Psgouv), Non Karna Coulibaly, et du 4ème vice-président du conseil régional de Tcho., Kidjofolo Zana Coulibaly.

“Le marché que nous inaugurons aujourd’hui n’appartient pas seulement à Torla, il appartient à toute la commune. C’est une victoire collective et une étape importante dans la marche vers une Côte d’Ivoire prospère, solidaire et unie. Je lance donc un appel à toutes les populations d’en prendre soin, de l’utiliser avec responsabilité afin qu’il profite pleinement aux générations futures et présente”, a déclaré Moussa Tounkara, maire de Ouangolodougou.

L’adresse du premier magistrat a été chaleureusement accueillie par une foule compacte, principalement composée de femmes et de jeunes, qui peinaient à dissimuler leur satisfaction. Dans cette veine, Evariste Meyliet, président du comité de gestion du marché de proximité de Torla, a rendu un hommage émouvant à tous ceux qui ont contribué à la réalisation de ce projet d’envergure socio-économique. 

Pour lui, cette infrastructure sera un véritable espace dynamique d’échanges et de prospérité, avec un effet considérable sur la vie quotidienne des populations et la réduction des prix. “Avant la construction de cet édifice, nous faisions face à des défis concernant la collecte, le stockage et l’écoulement des produits vivriers. Grâce à ce marché de proximité, nous allons produire en plus grande quantité et améliorer l’accès aux produits alimentaires”, a-t-il souligné.

Djénéba Ouattara, présidente d’une coopérative spécialisée dans le maraîchage, s’est également réjouie de ce que ce nouveau marché de proximité sera”un lieu pour fidéliser des acheteurs qui y trouveront des produits frais, bien conservés dans des conditions hygiéniques satisfaisantes et à bon prix”.

Ténin Silué, qui est commerçante dans le domaine du manioc, a déclaré que ce marché de proximité, équipé de moyens logistiques appropriés, “réduira les pertes post-récolte et facilitera la commercialisation de nos produits vivriers”. 

Notons que ce projet de construction de marché de proximité s’inscrit dans l’objectif du gouvernement de renforcer la résilience de la chaîne de distribution des produits agricoles et d’améliorer les conditions de vie des acteurs.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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American Soybean Association Expands Partnership to Strengthen United States (U.S.)-Nigeria Commercial Ties in Aquaculture

Source: APO – Report:

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The U.S. Mission in Nigeria joined the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA WISHH) and SejFarms Consult Limited (SejFarms) at the graduation ceremony for the Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Program.  Through this initiative, 10 young Nigerian leaders in the aquaculture industry, selected through a competitive process, gained firsthand experience in modern fish farming practices — including using soybeans in fish feed — through a structured five-month training program.   

U.S. Mission Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki noted in his graduation ceremony remarks that agriculture is at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria commercial and investment partnership.  “By fostering innovation and promoting best practices, the U.S. soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.” 

ASA WISHH and SejFarms reaffirmed their three-year collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their partnership and advance Nigeria’s fish production.  Managing Director/CEO of SejFarms, Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu, emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, “This MOU with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health demonstrates that we are strengthening our commitment to encourage the growth of Nigerian aquaculture and create new opportunities for young people to be trained in aquaculture, including high-quality feeds.” 

Jamie Beyer, ASA Director and a Minnesota soybean farmer, expressed appreciation to the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service for its invaluable support in leveraging resources and programs to expand U.S.-Nigeria agricultural trade.  Nancy Kavazanjian, a Wisconsin soybean farmer and member of the ASA WISHH trade delegation to Nigeria, noted that this partnership showcased the potential of U.S. soy to strengthen Nigeria’s aquaculture industry. 

The U.S. Mission is committed to fostering collaboration between U.S. and Nigerian agribusinesses.  With bilateral agricultural trade reaching $429 million in 2024 and on track to more than double this figure in 2025, the United States values Nigeria as a key agricultural trade partner.

– on behalf of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

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5th Singapore-Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV), 26 – 28 August 2025

Source: APO – Report:

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Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan will host the 5th Singapore-Africa Ministerial Exchange Visit (SAMEV) from 26 to 28 August 2025. SAMEV is a biennial platform hosted by Singapore since 2014 to strengthen links and encourage the exchange of development experiences between Singapore and Africa. This year’s theme is “Progressing Together towards a Sustainable Future”.

14 Ministers and Deputy Ministers from Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe will attend the 5th SAMEV. They will call on Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and be hosted to lunch by Minister Balakrishnan. They will meet Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu; Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Transport Sun Xueling; SMS, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Education Dr Janil Puthucheary; SMS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs Sim Ann; Minister of State (MOS), Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of National Development Alvin Tan; and MOS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang.

The Ministers will attend the 8th Africa Singapore Business Forum (ASBF), which is organised by Enterprise Singapore, and visit the Singapore City Gallery, PSA, Marina Barrage, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, Gardens by the Bay, and the National Museum of Singapore to understand Singapore’s experiences in water management, urban planning, port management, and sustainable development.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Singapore.

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Between concern and hope for peace, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) listens to the inhabitants of Fataki and Lodha

Source: APO – Report:

At the entrance to the MONUSCO base in Fataki, a locality situated in the territory of Djugu, about sixty kilometers north of Bunia, makeshift shelters line up along the trenches dug around the perimeter secured by Nepalese peacekeepers.

Every night, families from neighboring villages come to take refuge there to escape armed attacks carried out by local militias who take advantage of darkness to target civilians. The fear is such that some sleep directly in these trenches originally designed for the defense of the base, but which have become for civilians a survival space under the benevolent protection of peacekeepers.

At the end of July, ADF rebels attacked a church in Komanda, in the territory of Irumu neighboring Djugu, killing about forty people, including women and children, and burning neighboring homes. In February, Fataki was the scene of a massacre perpetrated by CODECO militiamen, costing the lives of 63 civilians and injuring 19.

« Our villages live in fear »

It is in this context marked by insecurity and the still vivid memory of this violence that General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes, Force Commander of MONUSCO, went on August 21 to Fataki then to Lodha to meet with communities and listen to their concerns to better protect them.

At Lodha, the meeting with the community takes place in a vast hall with a wooden frame and covered with tarpaulins provided by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. On wooden benches, women, children, internally displaced persons, customary chiefs, and local representatives sit side by side, in an atmosphere heavy with emotion and expectation. All have come to welcome the MONUSCO delegation and listen to the message of the Force Commander who leads it.

“On behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Bintou Keita, I present MONUSCO’s condolences to the families bereaved by recent attacks attributed to the armed groups CODECO, Zaïre and ADF. We stand with you, and we hope that dialogue remains the essential path to end this violence.” declares General Ulisses.

In turn, community leaders take the floor to emphasize how much the presence of peacekeepers remains essential in the face of recurring attacks on the RN27, a vital road axis for the local economy, connecting Bunia to Mahagi and regularly targeted by armed groups. They insist on the need to guarantee security to be able to move freely, work in the fields, send children to school and preserve a dignified life despite persistent tensions.

In this climate of anguish, a mother, looking toward General Ulisses, launches, her voice choked with emotion, a true plea: “I am alive thanks to MONUSCO. Don’t leave. If you leave, we will no longer feel safe.” A representative of local communities pleads for reinforced security. “Our villages live in fear. We ask that security be guaranteed so that we can live with dignity and envision the future.” he mentions.

« The peacekeepers help keep us safe »

The Force Commander recalls that MONUSCO has reinforced its operational posture in Ituri with the intensification of patrols, the deployment of operational mobile bases and the conduct of joint operations with the Congolese army. Their presence is greatly appreciated, and a breath of relief passes over the assembly when General Ulisses announces that the operational mobile base installed at Fataki would remain longer. This presence constitutes precious support and is part of a joint approach, where the protection of civilians relies on close collaboration between FARDC and MONUSCO.

“Going to meet displaced persons alongside the territorial administrator and customary chiefs gave full meaning to MONUSCO’s support to local authorities. The community, particularly women and young people, was able to express its concerns and see the Mission’s commitment to stay by their side, in a spirit of listening and protection,” declares Teohna Williams, MONUSCO’s Principal Adviser for the Protection of Civilians.

Taking the floor in turn, Colonel Ruphin Mapela, administrator of the territory of Djugu, emphasized the importance of this tripartite collaboration between local authorities, population, and peacekeepers: “We work for peace. For this, we collaborate with peacekeepers to better secure the population. Our concern is that all these displaced persons can return to their respective villages.“

These words find an echo in the intervention of Chrysostome Safari Malo, president of the Lodha site, who carried the voice of the displaced with insistence: “If we are here, it is thanks to MONUSCO. The peacekeepers help keep us safe. We are happy that a temporary camp has been installed, but we ask that the peacekeepers stay with us because the Djaiba base is too far away.“

In Ituri as elsewhere, MONUSCO remains committed to the protection of civilians and supporting the Congolese government to strengthen stability and work together for lasting peace. In this province, between 80,000 to 100,000 internally displaced persons find refuge near the Mission’s bases in Gina, Fataki, Roe, Drodro and Bayoo.

– on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

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Côte d’Ivoire – Autonomisation et epanouissement des femmes : le gouvernement reaffirme son engagement par des actions concretes

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Des textes de loi, des réformes, des initiatives, des fonds d’aide… l’engagement du gouvernement ivoirien à assurer la promotion et le plein épanouissement des femmes ne s’est jamais démenti. Mieux, il se confirme pour leur plus grande participation à la marche du pays.

« En ce qui concerne les femmes de Côte d’Ivoire, gardiennes de nos valeurs et moteurs silencieux de notre développement, la revalorisation des pensions, l’adoption du code de la famille régulant le mariage, la filiation et les successions ou encore les réformes sur la représentation dans les fonctions électives sont autant de mesures qui traduisent notre engagement en faveur de leur épanouissement.», a affirmé le Chef de l’Etat, Alassane Ouattara, dans son message à la nation le 6 août 2025, à l’occasion de la célébration du 65e anniversaire de l’indépendance. A chaque prise de parole importante, le Président de la République, réaffirme le prix qu’il attache à la place et au rôle de la femme dans la construction d’une Côte d’Ivoire prospère, équitable et solidaire.

S’appuyant donc sur la Constitution, le pays a procédé à une révision de son dispositif de textes usuels. La Constitution ivoirienne (précisément ses articles 4, 36 et 37) consacre l’égalité homme-femme, protège la femme et la petite fille contre toutes formes de violences. Cette loi assure également la promotion de la femme dans les assemblées élues et la parité dans les administrations publiques et privées. La nouvelle loi N° 2019-570 du 26 juin 2019 relative au mariage a contribué à réduire les inégalités entre l’homme et la femme et à assurer la pleine protection de la famille. La loi N° 2019-573 du 26 juin 2019 relative aux successions qui réglemente notamment, les conditions d’ouverture de la succession, la procédure à suivre pour entrer en possession de son héritage et le partage des biens a permis d’améliorer la situation des femmes. Toutes les évolutions constatées ont été facilitées par la Loi fondamentale du 08 novembre 2016 qui marque une avancée historique et déterminante.

« …au-delà du cadre légal, nous avons œuvré à améliorer les conditions de vie de nos femmes et de nos filles », a relevé le Chef de l’Etat.

L’autonomisation est un volet prioritaire des actions en faveur des femmes. Plusieurs initiatives sont mises en œuvre pour y parvenir. Ainsi, depuis sa création, le Fonds d’appui aux femmes de Côte d’Ivoire (Fafci), a bénéficié à plus de 420 000 femmes entrepreneures dans toutes les régions de notre pays. A côté du Fafci, initié par la Première dame, Dominique Ouattara, il y a de nombreux autres fonds. On peut citer le projet de gestion novatrice du Fonds national femme et développement du ministère de la Femme, de la Famille et de l’Enfant qui selon la ministre Nassénéba Touré a accompagné de 2020 à 2024, 4148 femmes dans la réalisation d’activités génératrices de revenus. Le dispositif des instituts de formation et d’éducation féminine (Ifef) dont le nombre est passé de 58 en 2011 à 145 en 2025 offrent une opportunité d’autonomisation de jeunes filles et aux femmes. On estime que 104 000 femmes et jeunes filles ont été formées dans les différentes régions entre 2020 et 2024. Il y a également le Programme des Filets sociaux qui a permis à des centaines de milliers de femmes de sortir de la pauvreté…

La volonté politique a permis de faire sauter de nombreux verrous permettant aux enfants d’accéder à tous les corps de métiers. Le 24 juillet 2025 lors de la remise d’attributs aux 499 nouveaux gendarmes commandos de la 22ème promotion. Elle comprenait 21 femmes dont trois officiers. La gendarmerie était restée fermée aux femmes jusqu’en 2015.

Et dans l’arène politique et à la tête des institutions, les femmes sont un peu plus visibles. …

Cette vision de l’égalité des chances prend sa source dans la scolarisation et le maintien des filles à l’école. Les indicateurs s’améliorent et les résultats des examens à grands tirages illustrent les performances des filles. Pour la session 2025, 498 963 candidats ont été déclarés admis au CEPE, on compte 249 838 filles et 249 125 garçons. Pour le Bepc 312 041 candidats ont été déclarés admis, 160 967 filles, contre 151 074 garçons. Le Baccalauréat a enregistré 133 518 candidats admis, 68 883 filles et 64 635 garçons.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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Celebrating sports stars

Source: Government of South Africa

Celebrating sports stars

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated all the nominees and winners of the 18th annual South African Sport Awards, which celebrated both legacy and new talent.

Held at the iconic Sun City Superbowl on Sunday, the night was dedicated to honouring the champions, trailblazers, and unsung heroes who continue to elevate the nation’s sporting legacy.

From seasoned champions to rising stars, the awards highlighted the depth and diversity of South African sport. 

The coveted Sport Star of the Year and Team of the Year awards were claimed by Tatjana Smith and 4x100m Men’s Team (Paris Olympics), respectively whose performances have captured the hearts of fans and brought pride to the nation.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the South African Sport Awards 18th Edition. Your commitment, discipline, and excellence are the heartbeat of our sporting identity. You are the reason South Africa continues to shine on the world stage. You are, without a doubt,” the department said on Monday.

This year’s edition, themed, “Celebrating Sporting Excellence,” paid tribute to the remarkable achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and media professionals who have not only excelled in their respective disciplines but have also inspired a nation through resilience, passion, and performance.

The winners of the 18th annual South African Sport Awards are as follows:

  • Sport Administrator of the Year: Pholetsi Moseki (Cricket)
  • Recreation Body of the Year: Made for More Zama (Para Surfing)
  • Sport Volunteer of the Year: Phuti Leolani (Football)
  • Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
  • Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year: SA U19 Tug of War Men’s Team (Tug of War)
  • Sport Visual Journalist of the Year: Roger Sedres
  • Sports Media Journalist of the Year: Palesa Manaleng
  • Technical Official of the Year: Ernesta Strydom (Para Cycling)
  • National Federation of the Year: South African Rugby Union (Rugby)
  • Sport Team of the Year: 4x100m Men’s Team (Paris Olympics)
  • Coach of the Year: Rocco Meiring (Swimming)
  • Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
  • Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (Para Athletics)
  • Sportswoman of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)
  • Sportsman of the Year: Alan Hartherly (Cycling)
  • Sport Star of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)

–SAnews.gov.za

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SA’s foreign policy guided by national interest -President Ramaphosa 

Source: Government of South Africa

SA’s foreign policy guided by national interest -President Ramaphosa 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that South Africa’s foreign policy will always be shaped by national interest, constitutional values and priorities, and not by external influence. 

“South Africa’s national interest will forever remain independent, not beholden to external influence. It will reflect our constitutional values and national priorities. As we continue to engage constructively with the international community, we have been consistent that this should always be on the basis of mutual respect,” President Ramaphosa said.  

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President emphasised that the country’s outlook is anchored in multilateralism, respect for sovereignty and the pursuit of alliances that advance peace, justice and national interest. 

He reflected on South Africa’s participation at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan last week, describing it as an important platform for strengthening trade and investment ties.

“Japan is an important trading partner for South Africa in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, technology and agriculture,” he said.

READ | President urges deeper South Africa–Japan trade and investment ties

Business representatives from both countries used the sidelines of TICAD to explore partnerships in clean and renewable energy, automotive components and hydrogen production. 

A highlight of the discussions was Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors’ plan to expand across the continent. Isuzu’s South African plant has trialled the manufacture of commercial trucks and truck bodies locally and is engaging with Isuzu Motors Japan on its plans to become a manufacturing hub for the African market. 

President Ramaphosa said forums like TICAD are vital to South Africa’s economic diplomacy efforts, which aim to secure market access, attract investment, and reduce reliance on traditional markets at a time of global trade disruptions and tariff pressures.

“Economic diplomacy is an important part of our country’s foreign policy and has become all the more critical at a time of economic headwinds and global power shifts. 

“South Africa’s National Interest Framework Policy Document, published in 2022, is clear that it is in the country’s national interest to forge strategic alliances that support economic partnerships and trading arrangements that favour, advance and safeguard our national interest.”

He underscored that South Africa’s foreign policy remains rooted in principle, citing the country’s continued solidarity with Palestine and Western Sahara despite criticism from some nations.

“South Africa’s foreign policy outlook is not determined by pressure exerted by outside forces, but by principle. 
“It is on principle that we continue to stand with the Palestinian people in their quest for statehood, recognising as we do the pain of dispossession, land theft and state-sanctioned brutality,” he said.

Peace efforts 

The President highlighted that South Africa has lent its support to peace efforts across the continent and beyond. 

He pointed to South Africa’s peacebuilding role across the continent, noting that the country is the 15th largest contributor to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping among all UN member states, from supporting the Arusha Peace Accords in Burundi and the South Sudan process to facilitating the Pretoria Agreement that ended the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

He also noted that South Africa continues to engage both Russia and Ukraine in pursuit of peace, after joining other African leaders on a peace mission in 2023.

“These engagements all reflect our commitment to advancing a foreign policy that advances our national interest and reflects the aspirations of our constitution, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Charter.

“Respect for multilateralism and the pursuit of peace will continue to define our outlook, as will the advancement of social justice and human rights,” he said. 

Quoting former President Nelson Mandela, the President said South Africa is “situated at a particular confluence of world affairs” and is uniquely positioned to act as a bridge-builder between the Global South and the developed North.

“For these and other reasons, our approach to diplomacy will continue to be guided by respect for sovereignty, the pursuit of a just and equitable world order, and a firm belief that negotiation and dialogue have a key role to play in the mediation and resolution of conflict,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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