Category: Africa

Source: APO – Report:

Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote has launched the media campaign for the forthcoming C&I Energy + Storage Summit Zambia (https://apo-opa.co/4lMDTK9), describing it as a key step in raising national awareness on the importance of energy in Zambia’s economic transformation. The launch, held at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Friday 22 August, was officiated on his behalf by Senior Energy Officer Palanga Ngoma. The conference is scheduled for August 27th and 28th 2025 and will bring together government officials, private sector players, development partners, financiers, and the media to deliberate on energy consumption and production in the commercial and industrial sectors.

The Minister said the energy sector is undergoing a significant transition globally and locally, driven by climate change, technological advances, and the demands of sustainable development. He stressed that Zambia’s response must be bold, inclusive, and anchored on partnerships. The upcoming summit, he explained, will focus on renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, financing mechanisms and policy alignment, with the goal of delivering practical solutions that ensure reliable and affordable energy for industries.

Highlighting government reforms, Mr. Chikote said the Ministry is reviewing the Electricity Act and Energy Regulation Act to make them responsive to emerging realities such as renewable energy and storage. Other measures include strengthening the Energy Regulation Board, streamlining licensing and tariff-setting processes, and promoting public-private partnerships to accelerate modern energy infrastructure. He urged the media to amplify key messages from the conference, noting their critical role in shaping public discourse.

Buterla Investment Holdings Limited Chief Executive Officer, Happy Chisenga Mbulo, said his company was proud to be the local partner for the event. He introduced co-organiser VUKA Group, a South Africa-based leader in convening high-level industry forums across Africa. Mr. Mbulo said the C&I Energy + Storage Summit was a timely response to Zambia’s growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and would serve as a high-impact platform for knowledge exchange, partnerships, and investment.

Stanbic Bank, one of the event sponsors, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s energy agenda. The bank pledged to continue leveraging its financial expertise and regional presence to back renewable energy, infrastructure, and industrial projects, in line with Zambia’s broader development goals.

Energy expert Dr. Johnston Chikwanda, in his vote of thanks, commended the Ministry of Energy for its leadership in guiding Zambia’s energy transition. He said the summit would not only respond to the immediate energy needs of the commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors but also lay the foundation for a resilient, diversified, and sustainable energy future. He further thanked stakeholders, advisory board members, and the media for their role in ensuring the conference becomes a transformative platform that leads to action, investment, and partnerships.

Be part of the discussion – register to attend the Summit here: https://apo-opa.co/4627kDv

Explore the conference programme: https://apo-opa.co/4mUj1Sd  

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

About VUKA Group:
As part of the Power and Energy Portfolio of VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com), this Summit aligns with VUKA’s mission to connect industries, spark innovation, and fuel economic growth. VUKA Group is a premier organiser of conferences, exhibitions, and events across Africa, delivering tailored platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development in energy and related sectors.

Source: APO – Report:

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UN experts* today called for the immediate and unconditional release of Malian civil society activist Clément Mamadou Dembélé who has remained in detention despite being cleared of all charges by a judge.

“We urge the Malian authorities to comply with the order issued on 17 April 2025, by the investigating judge of the first chamber of the Pôle national de lutte contre la cybercriminalité, who ruled that the charges against the defendant were insufficiently substantiated and ordered that the case be dismissed,” the experts said.

“This case reflects the persistent and escalating pattern of human rights violations against members of opposition political parties, civil society organisations, journalists and human rights defenders in Mali,” they said, recalling that several mandate holders had expressed similar concerns in 2021, 2024 as well as in February and April 2025.

Malian academic and anti-corruption leader Clément Mamadou Dembélé has been jailed since November 2023, despite a court order to drop all charges. Dembélé is the president of Plateforme contre la corruption et le chômage au Mali (PCC) and the Front commun pour le Mali. Arrested in Bamako while preparing a press conference after denouncing nationwide power cuts, he was accused of making death threats against the transitional president and his family in a voice message attributed to him. On 17 April 2025, a judge dismissed the case for lack of evidence, yet Dembélé remains in Bamako Central prison amid mounting concerns for his health.

“This case appears to be politically motivated, as Mr. Dembélé is not being released despite a court order dismissing the case against him for lack of evidence,” the experts said. “His prosecution and continued detention could amount to instrumentalisation of the legal system by the Government .”

The experts have also conveyed their concerns directly to the Government of Mali and are awaiting a reply.

– on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Source: APO – Report:

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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is deeply disturbed by two violent incidents that took place on Friday, 22 August 2025 one at Trenance Park Secondary School under the Pinetown District and a second incident involving a mass brawl of school learners from Esther Payne Smith Secondary School in Northdale Circuit, uMgungundlovu District.

The first incident involves an altercation of a 17-year-old Grade 10 learner outside the school during school hours, was stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife by two grade 8 learners.

The learner received immediate medical attention, he yesterday underwent surgery, and is currently recovering in hospital.

As a department, “We are relieved to report that his condition is stable, and we remain hopeful for his full recovery,” said KZN MEC for Education, Mr Sipho Hlomuka.

Two Grade 8 learners were swiftly apprehended by the security company that responded first to the call by the school and were handed over to the South African Police Services .

The Department takes these incidents of violence in schools extremely seriously and is working closely with the police to ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.

“The safety and well-being of our learners remains our top priority. The Department will continue to monitor the learner’s recovery while ensuring he receives academic support. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), the medical team for their swift intervention, and the teachers of Trenance Park Secondary School for their dedication and support during this difficult time” said KZN MEC for Education, Mr Sipho Hlomuka.

The second incident involves two learners from Esther Payne Smith Secondary School in Northdale Circuit being injured in a massive brawl.

Multiple Mi7 teams were immediately dispatched to Bombay Road, joined by other private security providers. Upon arrival, Mi7 officers found two learners (aged 15 & 17) who had sustained lacerations to their head and legs.

The victims received on-site treatment from Mi7 before being transported to a nearby hospital for further care. Another security company had already apprehended a pupil believed to be responsible for the attack.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since taken over the investigation.

“As a Department, we condemn school violence, it has no place in our learning environments and in our communities.

We wish the injured a speedy recovery,” said KZN MEC for Education, Mr Sipho Hlomuka.

– on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

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This Women’s Month, we proudly recognise and honour the remarkable contribution of the Western Cape Mobility Department’s female traffic law enforcement officers. Leading a series of all-women integrated roadblocks and interventions across the province this month, these women are not only increasing visibility in traffic law enforcement, but also reaffirming the vital role that women play in keeping our roads safe.

The presence of female officers on high-traffic routes reflects their courage, determination, and professionalism in a demanding career that has traditionally been male-dominated. These ladies bring a unique perspective and strength to the profession, balancing firmness with compassion, and enforcement with community engagement. Their efforts show that traffic law enforcement is not only about issuing fines, but also about building trust, changing behaviour, and ultimately saving lives.

Day after day, these officers make countless sacrifices, working long hours in often challenging and dangerous conditions, all in service of protecting our residents. Beyond enforcement, they engage directly with motorists by sharing safe driving tips, promoting courteous behaviour, and encouraging all road users to take responsibility for safety. Their work reminds us that road safety is a collective effort, one that requires every driver, passenger, and pedestrian to play their part.

Many of these women carry deeply personal motivations for the work they do, and they continue to serve with integrity. Their example is an inspiration to their peers, to young women considering careers in enforcement, and to all of us who benefit from their commitment.

Somerset West Provincial Traffic Inspector (PI) Nthabeleng Sibiya stressed that while Women’s Month celebrates the contribution of female officers, road safety is a collective effort. “We appreciate the spotlight on female officers this month, but safer roads depend on every driver, passenger, and pedestrian. Regardless of gender, everyone has a role to play,” said PI Sibiya.

For Elizabeth Toerien, Caledon Provincial Traffic Inspector, her work is deeply personal. “I lost family members in road crashes. That loss drives me every day to make a difference. I enjoy my role, challenges and all, especially meeting people from all walks of life,” said PI Toerien.

Departmental Road Safety Coordinator, Nokuzola Letselebe, highlighted the value of partnerships, “Working with other road safety agencies allows us to spread road safety messages further and encourage all motorists to follow the rules.”

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku hailed the women of traffic law enforcement as an inspiration to the province, “Traffic law enforcement is tough, yet these women serve with passion and courage. Every safer road and every life saved is their reward, and we thank them for it.”

This Women’s Month, we salute the hardworking women of our provincial traffic services, road safety ambassadors and partners. Their courage, strength, and perseverance remind us that every life saved is a victory, and every act of service is a step toward safer roads for all. To all our female officers, we see you, we value you, and we thank you for everything you do for the residents of the Western Cape.

While far too many lives are still lost to preventable incidents on Western Cape roads, each of us can help by making road safety a personal responsibility.

– on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has achieved its second consecutive clean audit report from the Auditor-General, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen financial management and good governance.

A clean audit outcome confirms that the department’s financial statements are free from material misstatements and that it has fully complied with relevant legislation, reflecting sound accountability and transparency in its operations.

Minister Chikunga and Deputy Minister Lestsike welcomed the Audit outcome, describing it as a vital step forward towards building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. In a joint statement, they commended the department’s unwavering commitment to good governance, ethical standards, and strengthened internal controls, noting that the achievement reflects consistent dedication to accountability and service delivery.

As detailed in the Auditor General’s engagement letter, the following programmes were presented in the annual performance report for the year ended 31 March 2025 for auditing.

• Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Women:
• Monitoring, Evaluation,
• Research and Coordination; and
• Rights of Youth.

The Department has strengthened its audit approach to ensure that irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditures (IFWE) are subjected to audit to confirm the validity, accuracy and completeness of the amounts recorded, even though they have been removed from the annual financial statements. 

The AGSA’s favourable opinion is based on critical areas, which include the Timely Submission of Annual Financial Statements. This clean audit, defined as an unqualified opinion with no material findings, demonstrates the department’s dedication towards good governance, ethical standards, and stronger internal controls.

Although a clean audit doesn’t necessarily mean responsive service delivery, the department will continue with the clarion commitment and a call to ensure that women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities are mainstreamed in public and private sector services.

– on behalf of South African Government.

Source: APO – Report:

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ECOWAS and the Republic of Guinea enhance prevention and response to gender-based violence and sexual harassment through national training workshop.

The ECOWAS Gender Development Center (EGDC), in partnership with the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children, and Vulnerable Persons of the Republic of Guinea, organised a four-day national training workshop on ECOWAS tools for the prevention of and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment in workplaces and educational settings, from the 20th to 23rd of August 2025 in Conakry.

The national training workshop forms part of the implementation of action plans arising from ECOWAS regional policies on the prevention of and response to GBV and sexual harassment in workplaces and educational settings, adopted in 2021. The training brought together participants from the Ministry responsible for Women, Children and Vulnerable Groups; the Ministry of Health (including medical and paramedical professionals); the Ministry of Justice (notably judicial actors such as judges and lawyers); the Ministry of Youth; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Labour; judicial police officers; and social actors including civil society organisations working on the issue.

In his welcome address, the Director of the ECOWAS National Office, Ambassador Elhadj Ibrahim Diallo, who is also the Director of African Integration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Guineans Abroad, emphasized that GBV remains one of the most widespread and persistent violations of human rights, significantly impacting the dignity, health, and well-being of survivors, most of whom are women and girls. He also noted that, beyond their social effects, GBV hampers economic development, erodes social cohesion, and threatens peace and security within communities.

For his part The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, Ambassador Louis-Blaise AKA-BROU, praised the efforts of the Guinean government, which, through the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and Vulnerable Persons, has marked a decisive turning point in the fight for zero tolerance of gender-based violence and sexual harassment. In his view, the various strategies, preventive measures and support for survivors developed by the Republic of Guinea fit perfectly into ECOWAS’ regional fight to address the major challenges of gender inequality. He also urged participants to work together to address the many challenges and eradicate flagrant violations against women and girls.

Speaking at the opening, General Roger Yassy Klönon, Secretary-General of the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children, and Vulnerable Persons, thanked the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) for hosting the training in Guinea. He emphasized the timeliness of the initiative, given recent incidents of violence in the country and stated that the workshop would enhance the capacities of stakeholders in preventing and responding to gender- based violence and sexual harassment. He then officially declared the National Training programme open.

This capacity-building forms part of the priority actions of the ECOWAS regional strategy to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence and to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, as well as the ECOWAS policy on sexual harassment in workplaces and educational institutions and the related action plans.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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Fousseni Togola, President of the Chamber of Mines of Mali, will participate as a speaker at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders.

Togola will feature in the Unlocking Value: Scaling Up Gold Refining and Processing in Africa panel, where he is expected to highlight efforts by Mali to expand gold production and drive economic growth through local value addition.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

As Africa’s second-largest gold producer, Mali is taking bold steps to sustain and grow its mining sector, collaborating with global investors on exploration, production maximization and infrastructure development. In July 2025, the country granted a permit for Canada’s B2Gold to begin underground mining at the Fekola Mine. The project will boost Mali’s output by 25,000 to 35,000 ounces annually. Similarly, Canada’s Robex Resources and Australia’s Toubani Resources finalized agreements with Mali to kickstart the construction of new gold production facilities.

As the leading platform for advancing local beneficiation strategies, AMW represents the ideal venue for Togola to outline Mali’s value addition roadmap. In July 2025, the country began constructing a gold refinery in partnership with Russia. With a capacity of 200 tons per year, the facility is expected to increase Mali’s revenue from monetization of value-added products and processing of gold from regional producers. Mali has also introduced five new funding facilities aimed at boosting investment across key areas of the mining sector. These include empowering small-scale miners, advancing geological research and exploration and improving the transport and energy infrastructure essential for mining operations. Against this backdrop, AMW presents a strategic platform for Togola to engage global investors and spotlight emerging opportunities within the country’s burgeoning gold industry.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.