The International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS) Returns to Windhoek in October, Unveiling Unprecedented Investment Opportunities in Africa’s Energy Hub

Source: APO – Report:

(www.IAEGOS.com) is proud to announce that Africa’s premier investment platform IAEOGS will return for its fourth edition from October 6-9 at in Windhoek Namibia, this year.

Uniting global financiers, high-profile project developers, and key players from both in Africa and global energy landscape, the IAEOG Summit and exhibition proudly takes place with the full support and endorsement of the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and several others, as well as the key players in the private sector.

The 4th Edition of the International African Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (IAEOGS)Namibia 2025, would feature panel discussions, presentations, exhibitions, Presidential dinner, golf tournament, award presentations, tours, Energy Concert and a host of others. The venue for Charity Golf Tournament is the 18th Hole Championship Golf Course of the prestigious Windhoek Golf & Country Club.

According to APM Chairman (www.AfricanPeace.org) Hon Justice Suleiman Galadima JSC rtd., OFR CFR, “expanding on the success of previous editions, IAEOGS 2025 will be bigger and better as we bring together industry leaders and foster collaboration for a more resilient African Energy, oil and gas landscape.”

Noah Ajare, Group CEO, notes that “Africa’s energy sector is ripe for investment and the IAEOGS 2025 summits and Exhibition serves as a bridge connecting foreign companies and their African counterparts.’’

The theme of IAEOGS 2025 is “Getting it Right“, reflecting on the urgent need to get Africa’s energy issues right. Natural resources must translate into socio economic development and poverty alleviation. It focuses also on Africa’s defining moment to accelerate energy access, localize value chains, and fast-track just and inclusive energy transitions.

Hosting the IAEOGS again, Namibia is emerging as a significant frontier for oil and gas, marked by major offshore discoveries by companies like Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp in the Orange Basin starting in 2022. Despite challenges, including Shell’s recent decision to write down some discoveries due to commercial viability concerns, the country is attracting considerable investor interest and aims to fast-track development for first oil production by the end of the decade. TotalEnergies is targeting a final investment decision for its Venus discovery by late 2026, with first oil projected for 2029, while Galp continues to progress development of its Mopane field

Time to Invest is Now?

Africa’s energy, oil, and gas industry is experiencing unprecedented momentum and the time to invest is now.

In 2024 alone, the African energy sector attracted over $120 billion in investments, with $75 billion directed toward oil and gas development. These record-breaking inflows reflect surging global demand, untapped reserves, and the steady rise of indigenous players reshaping the continent’s energy narrative from within.

Today, Africa stands as one of the last frontiers for large scale energy exploration and expansion. From new natural gas discoveries in Mozambique and Senegal to oil rich fields in Namibia and Nigeria, the region is drawing renewed global interest from financiers, supermajors, EPC contractors, and independent producers alike.

Meanwhile, local companies are no longer spectators. Indigenous oil and gas firms now account for 35% of operational control across the continent—up from just 20% ten years ago. This shift reflects not only improved technical capacity but also stronger regulatory backing for African-led development and ownership.

WHY NOW?

Africa is home to more than 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These resources are increasingly vital as global markets seek diversified, stable, and lower-emission supply chains. Yet, paradoxically, over 600 million Africans still lack access to reliable electricity a gap that offers both a moral and economic imperative for accelerated investment.

As countries build frameworks under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which is projected to unlock a $3.4 trillion market, energy infrastructure stands at the heart of Africa’s economic future.

IAEOGS aims to attract international attention to Namibia’s investment opportunities and contribute to the continued development of its national energy, oil and gas sector.

IAEOGS 2025 will be larger than previous editions. A record number of participants are expected, with attendees from over 45 countries. The event will feature more than 1,000 delegates, 250 exhibitors, and 200 speakers. The conference serves as a key platform for businesses, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange insights, foster partnerships, and shape the future of the energy sector.

Registration for participants is already open. To encourage local participation, companies headquartered in Namibia receive a 50% discount on the standard rate. This initiative offers local businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves to the world and connect with investors, policymakers, and other players in the energy industry.

Local Content?

Local oil producers in Nigeria have significantly increased their contribution to national production, now accounting for over 50% of the country’s crude oil output compared to approximately 40% before international majors began divesting onshore operations. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission data shows indigenous firms are key to achieving the government’s additional one million barrels daily production target by next year.

Recent milestones include Green Energy International’s launch of Nigeria’s first fully indigenous onshore crude export terminal at Otakikpo, with 360,000 barrels-per-day capacity. The facility is expected to unlock stranded reserves across 40 marginal fields in the Niger Delta region.

Green Energy International Ltd is the gold sponsor of IAEOGS 2025.

IAEOGS is a major gathering for the oil and gas industry, drawing participants from various sectors. High-level delegates, including government officials, industry leaders, and international representatives, attend the summit. The event focuses on discussions, networking, and deal-making opportunities, fostering collaboration and sustainable development within the oil and gas sector.

Early bird extended to 30th August 2025.

Register now and be a part of a transformative experience that promises to shape the future of African Energy landscape.

Participants can look forward to business to business (B2B) and Business to Government (B2G) meetings, policy dialogues, sector-focused panels, investment showcases, gain access to financing facilities, high-level panel discussions, exhibitions, business network session, and explore trade and investment opportunities.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF IAEOGS 2025

– $1 billion+ in investment deals projected during summit week
– 500+ curated, pre-vetted B2B meetings for deal facilitation
– 1,000+ exhibitors spanning oil, gas, renewables, hydrogen, storage, infrastructure, and finance
– 8 high-impact thematic tracks, including:
   – Energy Transition Strategies
   – Local Content Development
   – Infrastructure & Grid Expansion
   – Climate Finance & ESG
   – Regulatory Reforms & Investment Protection
   – Gas Monetization & LNG
   – Downstream & Midstream Value Chains
   – Digitalization & Emerging Technologies
– African Energy Excellence Awards honoring innovation, leadership, and sustainable development
– Charity Golf Tournament supporting youth entrepreneurship and technical education

DON’T MISS OUT

Whether you are a multinational, indigenous operator, fund manager, tech innovator, or policymaker IAEOGS 2025 is where Africa’s energy future takes shape. Meet the decision-makers, secure bankable deals, and join the community powering the next energy revolution.

SECURE YOUR PARTICIPATION

Sponsorships, keynote speaking, exhibition space, and partnerships are now open but slots are limited.

“Africa is not just rich in resources it is rich in possibilities. The time to act is now.”

– on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

Contact:
Sandra Chia
Phone:  +44 7407 399 766
Email: info@iaeogs.com
Visit: www.IAEGOS.com

Media files

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Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9): African Development Bank and Aerosense Inc sign Letter of Intent (LOI) to advance cooperation and projects in drone technology in Africa

Source: APO – Report:

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and Aerosense Inc have signed an agreement to advance cooperation and projects in drone technology in Africa. Aerosense Inc. is a leading Japanese company engaged in drone manufacturing.

Representatives of both institutions signed a Letter of Intent on Thursday 21 August, on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama, Japan. The agreement was signed by Mr. Solomon Quaynor, Vice President  for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization, AfDB and Mr. Kohtaro Sabe, President & CEO, Aerosense Inc.

The agreement formalizes a relationship of mutual co-operation, assistance, information and knowledge sharing between the two institutions, exploring co-financing and deal opportunities and appropriate coordination of actions between them and their respective teams, specifically concerning the promotion of sustainable infrastructure solutions in Africa.

Aerosense Inc.’s drone solution was selected through a call for proposals under the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Road Maintenance Program for Africa (SRMPA) in June 2025.

Under the agreement, the Bank will facilitate coordination with the public sector, lead awareness-raising campaigns, support capacity building for local partners, and explore possible debt (and/or equity) financing support for projects related to the deployment of drone solutions.

Aerosense Inc. on its part, would conduct demand studies for drone solution in target African markets, perform technical feasibility studies for the application of drone solution, considering local geographical conditions, and explore possible deployment opportunities upon positive feasibility study results.

“The program is a bold response to Africa’s growing infrastructure challenges. By partnering with Aerosense, we will not only promote efficient road management but also consider promoting other unique solutions such as disaster management, river/flooding control, agricultural sensing, and medical equipment delivery,” Quaynor said.

Mr. Sabe stated: “It is a great honor to serve the people in Africa with our Japanese technology for enhancing their quality of life. We are looking forward to collaborating with AfDB to build a better future together in a concrete manner”.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org

About Aerosense Inc.:
Established in 2015. With the mission of “bringing about change and contributing to society with drone technology”, we are developing unique hardware and software solutions created from high technological capabilities in the fields of surveying, inspection, monitoring, and logistics. We make full use of our in-house development system, from hardware design to cloud data analysis, and provide a “One push solution” that allows on-site people to easily proceed with their work with the touch of a button.

Website: Aerosense Inc. HP: https://Aerosense.co.jp/

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Media files

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DWYPD secures second clean audit

Source: Government of South Africa

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

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

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike welcomed the outcome, describing it as a vital step 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.

“The achievement reflects consistent dedication to accountability and service delivery,” Chikunga and Letsike said.

The Auditor-General’s engagement report confirmed that the following programmes were audited in the annual performance report for the financial year, ending 31 March 2024:
• Advocacy and mainstreaming for the rights of women;
• Monitoring and evaluation;
• Research and coordination; and
• Rights of youth.

The department said it has strengthened its audit approach to ensure that irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditures are subjected to audit to confirm the validity, accuracy and completeness of the amounts recorded, even when they have been excluded from the annual financial statements.

According to the Auditor-General, the favourable opinion was based on critical areas, including 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,” Chikunga and Letsike said.

While acknowledging that a clean audit does not necessarily mean responsive service delivery, the department reiterated its commitment and call to ensuring that women, youth, and persons with disabilities are mainstreamed in public and private sector services. – SAnews.gov.za
 

New regulations for ship-to-ship transfer operations

Source: Government of South Africa

New regulations for ship-to-ship transfer operations

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has signed new regulations to manage offshore ship-to-ship transfer operations, which will see transgressors pay fines of up to R2 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The new rules are designed to prevent pollution, protect coastal ecosystems, minimise and mitigate the impacts of a spill in the unlikely event that one occurs and secure the survival of the African Penguin, together with other marine species and ecosystems in the rich biodiverse Algoa Bay and along South Africa’s coastline in general.

“These regulations are a decisive step to safeguard our oceans and secure the future of our African Penguin. They set strict standards for offshore ship-to-ship transfers, ensuring that maritime activity can only proceed in a safe and responsible way,” the Minister said.

George signed the Regulations for the Environmental Management of Offshore Ship-to-Ship Transfer, published under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No. 24 of 2008).

These regulations will come into force once published in the Government Gazette. 

They provide South Africa with a clear and enforceable environmental framework to manage offshore ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations, including bunkering. 

The new measures include:

  • Prohibited zones: STS operations are banned within marine protected areas, aquaculture development zones, within 5 nautical miles of each of these zones and within three nautical miles of the high-water mark.
  • Wildlife protection: Operators must monitor for penguins and marine mammals, deploy hydrophone systems, and report sightings and incidents. Immediate response plans must be in place for any oiled or injured wildlife.
  • Weather limits: In Algoa Bay, operations may only take place in safe conditions, with wind speeds below 22 knots and wave heights below two metres. The Minister may set conditions elsewhere.
  • Pollution prevention: Operators must use drip trays, leak detection systems, inflatable booms, and have a spill-response vessel on standby within five nautical miles of shore.
  • Training and compliance: All crew must receive environmental awareness training. Each operator must also submit an independent Environmental Management Plan, approved by the Minister, addressing site-specific risks.
  • Algoa Bay restrictions: Operations are confined to designated anchorages, with a limit on the number of operators and tankers, and seasonal restrictions in anchorage area 2 to protect sensitive habitats.

The signed regulations can be accessed here: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislation/regulationsforshiptoshiptransfersignedministergeorge.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za

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Afreximbank Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Diamond Partner Amid African Financing Drive

Source: APO – Report:

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Multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has joined this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference as a Diamond Partner amid a growing push to advance access to financing across the continent’s energy sector. As one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, the organization plays a critical role in driving African energy and infrastructure projects forward. Afreximbank’s participation is expected to support new transactions across the continent as the continent strives to make energy poverty history by 2030. 

Under a mission to stimulate the consistent expansion, diversification and development of African trade, Afreximbank has supported key projects across the continent. Recent investments reflect this mission and are poised to transform regional economies. In August 2025, Afreximbank committed to funding energy projects in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, signing a series of agreements aimed at unlocking $1 billion. Agreements include a $300 million deal with NBS Bank of Malawi to de-risk multiple sectors – including energy, transport and logistics -; a Heads of Terms deal with Green Hybrid Power Private Limited to mobilize $4.4 million for a 1 GW hybrid solar project in Zimbabwe; and a deal with Proton Energy featuring a $4 million facility for a 500 MW Sapele Gas Power Plant in Nigeria.

Afreximbank has also played an instrumental part in financing Africa’s largest crude oil refinery: the Dangote facility in Nigeria. Since the refinery’s start in 2024, the organization has provided key financing solutions, with the most recent transaction including a $1.35 billion financing facility to refinance capital expended on constructing the facility. The facility is part of a larger $4 billion syndicated financing arrangements for Dangote Industries Limited, with Afreximbank serving as the Mandated Lead Arranger. Afreximbank was also mandated as the financial advisor to raise capital for the $4.5 billion EG-27 LNG project, developed by Equatorial Guinea’s state-owned gas corporation Sociedad Nacional de Gas de Guinea Ecuatorial. Afreximbank will leverage its financial structuring expertise and investor network to mobilize capital, thereby supporting the development of the facility.

Beyond project financing, a cornerstone of Afreximbank’s strategy is the Africa Energy Bank (AEB), a strategic institution that brings new sources of financing for African energy projects. Established in partnership with the African Petroleum Producers Organization, the AEB is expected to address the continent’s investment gap – estimated between $31 billion and $50 billion. With an initial capitalization of $5 billion, the bank offers tailored funding solutions to meet Africa’s energy needs. To date, the partners have selected Abuja, Nigeria as the headquarters of the institution. Consulting firm PWC has been hired as project management consultants while Angola, Ghana and Nigeria have fulfilled their commitments to funding the bank. As the AEB prepares for launch, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will serve as a vital platform for fostering engagement between project developers and financiers.

“Afreximbank’s track record of providing financing for African energy projects has yielded positive results for Africa’s energy sector. These financing structures are expected to support the development and expansion of critical oil and gas infrastructure in Africa, underscoring the instrumental role organizations such as Afreximbank play in strengthening Africa’s energy sector. These transactions reflect a broader commitment by Afreximbank to mobilizing capital, spurring development and facilitating cross-border trade across the continent,” states NJ Ayuk, executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies:
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.

Namibia celebrates independence heroes, but glosses over a painful history

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Henning Melber, Extraordinary Professor, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria

Namibia celebrates 26 August as Heroes’ Day. It recalls the first military encounter between the South African army and members of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), Namibia’s liberation movement, in 1966. Initially a German colony (1884-1915), the country was then administered by South Africa, which refused to give up the occupation.

Since independence in 1990, the heroic Swapo liberation narrative has also been inscribed in Heroes’ Acre, a monument built by North Korea.

The institutionalised public commemoration in Namibia today – rightly – recalls the sacrifices of those who were willing to fight for self determination. At the same time, it glosses over the toxic impact of the way warfare was conducted. Those involved in the struggle for independence were far from innocent in the execution of the military resistance. Yet their violations of human rights were never addressed.

This ambiguity was visible in 2025 in a public controversy when tribute poured out to the late Solomon Hawala, whose combat name was Jesus. He was a leading fighter in Swapo’s military wing, known as PLAN.

He also had a bloody track record of eliminating fellow Namibians in exile.

The celebration of Hawala finally moved me to resign as a member of Swapo, an organisation I joined when I was 24 years old. I set out my reasons in an interview accessible on YouTube.

Since the late 1970s I have specialised as an academic in Namibian history and politics. Since the early 1990s I have engaged with the traumatic side of so-called liberation. More recently I wrote a book chapter giving voice to the victims.

Patriotic history versus struggle realities

The history of liberation movements displays their authoritarian nature. Their camps in southern Africa forged bonds of comradeship. For Mozambique’s Frelimo, the African National Congress, Swapo, the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola and Zimbabwe African People’s Union, Tanzania’s Kongwa camp in the 1960s provided a first operational base in preparation for the armed struggle abroad.


Read more: Tanzania’s independence leader Julius Nyerere built a new army fit for African liberation: how he did it


The movements then started to arrange for their own bases in host countries.

In the early to mid 1970s Swapo established the Old Farm outside Lusaka in Zambia. This was followed by Nyango. Finally, a Health and Education Centre was established in Angola’s Kwanza Zul.

The administration and management required strict discipline and reinforced repressive hierarchies.

There were several times in Swapo’s exile history when internal critics were silenced. Testimonies of the early stages in the late 1960s and early to mid 1970s offer insights by those persecuted. These included the former Swapo secretary for information Andreas Shipanga, the first generation Swapo member Hans Beukes, the former Swapo Youth League activist Keshii Nathanael and one of the first PLAN cadres, Samson Ndeikwila.

Speaking out and thereby disclosing the crimes, the Namibian chaplain in exile Salatiel Ailonga and his wife Anita were forced to seek refuge elsewhere.

Some scholars have drawn attention to the plight of the dissidents. The first waves of repression triggered two of those academics in solidarity with the liberation struggles to ask questions about liberation and democracy.

These earlier events were only a prelude to the “spy drama” in the 1980s. This was a chapter of horrendous crimes, mainly committed by a group of PLAN members at the camp in Lubango in southern Angola.


Read more: Painted messages in Angola’s abandoned liberation army camps offer a rare historical record


Over 1,000 Swapo members were incarcerated in dungeons. Their fate was most likely triggered by setbacks in the border war in southern Angola between the South African army and PLAN units backed by Cuban forces. In 1978, the South African army had attacked a Swapo camp at Cassinga in Angola, killing hundreds of women and children.

Members of the higher ranking Swapo military, the so-called securocrats, blamed spies for the disaster and other military setbacks. They tortured the accused to extract confessions and to implicate others. With no proof of guilt, people were often executed, disappeared or died of neglect in the dungeons. Numbers of the missing with no traces were estimated by the surviving victims at around 2,000.

Victims were, in the main, rank and file Swapo members. That South African spies had most likely penetrated the higher echelons of the movement was ignored.

Some of the victims, like Oiva Angula, have published accounts of their suffering.

Those who pointed out the unfolding terror were dismissed by the international solidarity movement as anti-Swapo propaganda. This included the early revelations by Siegfried Groth, a pastor for the refugees in Zambia. He was blamed for besmirching the image of the freedom fighters.

Glorification of the perpetrators

With the passing on of the first generation of struggle stalwarts, the number of posthumously celebrated heroes increased. Many of the veterans were put to rest in full honour by state funerals.

Hawala passed away aged 89 on 11 August 2025. Until his retirement in 2006 he had been the chief of the defence force.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah recognised his

distinguished military service, steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to the cause of Namibia’s liberation and nation-building. His legacy remains a symbol of courage, patriotism, and commitment to the ideals of freedom and independence.

This triggered a public debate. It brought back memories of heinous crimes in which he played a crucial role. Named the “Butcher of Lubango” by those who survived the ordeal, he was the personification of a brutal and ruthless system targeting those accused of spying and those who dissented with the leadership.

In his defence, a former Swapo MP pointed out that he was merely acting on Swapo’s instructions. People, he argued, “were killed with the knowledge of senior Swapo leaders”, and some of these were already buried at Heroes’ Acre.

Unheroic heroism

The survivors of the dungeons who are still alive were in shock over celebrating Hawala. But as they also pointed out, he personified a system.

I argued along similar lines when I was interviewed about my resignation from Swapo after more than 50 years as a member. Before the announcement that Hawala would get a state funeral I had urged in an article that his death should be an opportunity to finally address the plight of his victims. Instead the blinkers remained.

This motivated my letter of resignation: I had joined Swapo for believing in its slogan “Solidarity, Freedom, Justice”. Out of loyalty to these values and as a matter of – albeit belated – restoration of moral integrity, I had no choice but to depart.

Praising the perpetrators as heroes adds insult to injury to their surviving victims. Such denialism and amnesia lies like a lead cloak over truth and reconciliation. It shows the limits to liberation when Heroes’ Day is celebrated.

– Namibia celebrates independence heroes, but glosses over a painful history
– https://theconversation.com/namibia-celebrates-independence-heroes-but-glosses-over-a-painful-history-263654

Egypt: World Bank Issues Report on Developments in the Implementation of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the Government for the Period 2023–2027

Source: APO – Report:

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  • Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: Our joint strategy with the World Bank is based on national priorities and aims to support economic and structural reform.
  • Continued implementation of several ongoing projects to strengthen social protection, food security, and create more job opportunities.
  • World Bank Report: 201 projects financed in Egypt since 1959 worth USD 27.5 billion.
  • 6.3 million people benefited from joint projects and programs in food security and health services.
  • “Takaful and Karama” program is one of the priority projects under the partnership with Egypt to protect and empower low-income groups.

The World Bank has issued a recent report on the developments of the strategic partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt, within the framework of implementing the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the period 2023–2027, which aims to enhance the state’s efforts in achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic development, whether through concessional development financing, technical support, diagnostic reports across various sectors of the economy, or development policy financing.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and Egypt’s Governor at the World Bank Group, affirmed that Egypt is one of the founding countries of the World Bank and its affiliated institutions, and that the decades-long partnership has contributed to reinforcing national priorities and priority areas, especially in terms of investing in human capital, food security, and private sector empowerment. The partnership with the World Bank is based on national ownership and aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the Government Action Program.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation pointed out that the Ministry is keen to develop the aspects of partnership with the Bank to support Egypt’s economic and structural reforms and improve governance of public investment spending, noting that empowering the private sector and enhancing its participation in leading development efforts is one of the priorities of the partnership with the World Bank Group in the current period.

Diversified Partnership Portfolio

The report highlighted the evolution of the Egypt–World Bank partnership portfolio, noting that Egypt is the third largest shareholder in the Bank in the Middle East and North Africa region. Since the World Bank began supporting Egypt’s development program in 1959, it has financed more than 201 projects worth $27.5 billion, focusing on infrastructure, human capital development through health and education, economic reforms, and private sector development.

The report outlined the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), which is being implemented for the period 2023-2027, between Egypt and the World Bank Group, to support development efforts and foster conditions for green, resilient, and inclusive growth, explaining that the framework focuses on enhancing job creation in the private sector, improving human capital outcomes, and strengthening resilience to economic and environmental shocks.

Over the past years, joint projects between the government and the World Bank have contributed to providing health and food services to around 6.3 million people. These efforts also contributed to improving access to quality education for 3.6 million primary and secondary students, supporting food security for 2.2 million people, and extending financial services to about 750,000 people. 

According to the report, around 1.1 million people benefited from improved sanitation services, 30.3 million people gained access to improved services and safe rail transport, and 8 million people in Upper Egypt benefited from improved infrastructure services.

Investing in Human Capital

The report reviewed joint efforts to strengthen investment in human capital and social protection through health and education projects, noting that the “Takaful and Karama” program is one of the most prominent joint programmes implemented with Egypt, which has contributed over the past years to providing cash support and protection to millions of families, As of June 2025, the program had reached 5.2 million households representing approximately nearly 17 million individuals, 75% of whom are women. These transfers help create greater resilience to shocks such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic impacts of regional and global crises.

The report also referred to cooperation with the government in implementing presidential health initiatives, including the nationwide campaign “100 Million Healthy Lives” to eliminate Hepatitis C.

Job Creation

According to the report, through the “Catalyzing Entrepreneurship for Job Creation” project, economic opportunities have been expanded for Egyptians, particularly women and youth, by providing financing to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), innovative startups, and high-growth companies. The project has created more than 400,000 jobs and supported over 200,000 beneficiaries — 43% of whom are women and 43% youth.

Diagnostic Reports

According to the World Bank report, economic analyses and diagnostic reports are one of the most prominent areas of cooperation with the government, as they contribute to improving government policies and enhancing evidence-based decision-making, and several reports have been completed in this regard, including the “Public Expenditure Review for Human Development Sectors in Egypt.”

Renewable Energy Sector

The report presented the partnership between the government and the World Bank in the field of renewable energy, explaining that collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) supported the the establishment and implementation of the “Feed-in Tariff” policy, which opened the market for private sector participation in energy production and led to the establishment of the Benban Solar Park with a solar generation capacity of 1,465 MW.

The partnership between Egypt and the World Bank Group has resulted in significant achievements in Egypt’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While much has been achieved, more remains to be done. The World Bank Group remains committed to continuing its support for Egypt’s journey towards improving the lives of its people.

It is noteworthy that the current Egypt–World Bank partnership portfolio includes 13 ongoing projects with total financing of $6.5 billion.

– on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Commémoration de la Journée Internationale du Souvenir de la Traite Négrière et de son Abolition (JISTNA) 2025 : Le Bénin réaffirme son engagement à concilier mémoire et avenir

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Bénin et sa diaspora, constituée d’un grand nombre d’Afro-descendants revenant sur la terre de leurs ancêtres, ont célébré le samedi 23 août 2025, à Ouidah, la Journée Internationale du Souvenir de la Traite Négrière et de son Abolition (JISTNA). Cette année, l’évènement a été axé sur le thème : « Mémoire, résilience et avenir : honorer les victimes, construire pour demain ». 

Instituée par l’UNESCO et célébrée chaque 23 août, la JISTNA a, cette année, accueilli des chercheurs, des acteurs culturels porteurs de mémoire, venus non seulement du Bénin, mais également de la diaspora africaine et d’autres continents. Ensemble, ils ont partagé réflexions et témoignages concernant la mémoire des déportés, les survivances culturelles, ainsi que les initiatives commémoratives. 

La journée a été ponctuée par une conférence inaugurale, des présentations, des débats citoyens, des animations culturelles, ainsi qu’une marche silencieuse vers l’Arène culturelle de Ouidah. Ce moment fut accompagné d’un lâcher de colombes, d’une chaîne d’union, et s’est conclu par une cérémonie mémorable. 

« Chaque année, le Bénin, terre de cicatrices et de mémoire, se joint à cette commémoration, non pas seulement parce qu’elle est inscrite dans le calendrier mondial, mais parce que notre sol porte encore les stigmates de cette tragédie et que nos cœurs en gardent l’écho », a souligné le Ministre Jean-Michel ABIMBOLA. 

Pour le Ministre du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts, le thème choisi pour la commémoration de la JISTNA de cette année s’avère être une véritable boussole. Il nous enseigne que le souvenir n’est pas suffisant ; il est impératif de transmettre, de guérir et de bâtir. « La mémoire ne constitue pas uniquement une exigence morale ; elle est également une semence politique et culturelle », a-t-il affirmé. 

Dans cette dynamique, le Ministre ABIMBOLA a rappelé les engagements forts et historiques pris par le Gouvernement béninois afin de faire perdurer cette mémoire tout en l’inscrivant durablement dans l’avenir. Parmi ces engagements figure l’adoption d’une loi sur la nationalité au bénéfice des Afro-descendants, un geste fondateur marquant une main tendue au-delà des océans. Selon le Ministre ABIMBOLA, cette loi permet au Bénin d’ouvrir à ses fils et filles de la diaspora la possibilité de renouer juridiquement et symboliquement avec leurs ancêtres, d’y re-s’implanter et d’y bâtir un futur. 

« Oui, nous avons tout quitté, nous avons tout vendu en Martinique pour répondre à l’appel puissant de nos aïeux qui ont tant pleuré, qui ont tant crié pour retourner chez eux. C’est en leur honorable et précieux nom que nous sommes ici, sans regret », a déclaré Madame Akhsamiya MARTIAL, Présidente de l’Association Médiation Internationale pour les Réparations (MIR), en France et au Bénin. 

Parmi les initiatives notables du Gouvernement, on trouve la création, au cœur du Fort portugais de Ouidah, du Musée international de la mémoire de l’esclavage. Ce projet emblématique transformera ce lieu en un sanctuaire universel de mémoire, de recherche et de transmission. Le Ministre a également évoqué les efforts déployés par le Gouvernement du Bénin pour réhabiliter et moderniser le bateau mémoriel au sein du Musée de Ouidah, lequel retrace les étapes emblématiques de l’horreur de la traite négrière en passant par Zomaï, Zoungbodji, et le célèbre bateau de départ, offrant ainsi une restitution fidèle du navire négrier. Il a conclu en citant le Chef de l’État : « Il y a des choses que ni la parole ni l’écriture ne peuvent exprimer. Matérialiser ce qu’a été l’horreur de la traite des Noirs fera de chacun, génération après génération, le témoin de la cruauté humaine, mais aussi le gardien des valeurs humaines. » 

À travers ces projets structurants, le Bénin affirme sa détermination à établir un dialogue entre mémoire et avenir. « Mémoire pour reconnaître, comprendre et honorer. Avenir pour bâtir un monde de dignité, de justice et de fraternité », a conclu le Ministre ABIMBOLA. 

C’est avec fierté que Christian HOUÉTCHENOU, Maire de la ville historique de Ouidah, a invité les Afro-descendants à effectuer leur retour sur la terre de leurs aïeux afin de mener une vie épanouie et prospère, mettant ainsi en lumière les réalisations du Gouvernement du Président Patrice TALON en matière de promotion du patrimoine culturel et touristique. 

Ont également pris part à cette journée, le Préfet de l’Atlantique Jean-Claude CODJIA, le Pontife Dagbo HOUNON TOMADJLEHOUKPON II et plusieurs Autorités politico-administratives.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Media files

Awards honour excellence in the arts 

Source: Government of South Africa

The stage was alive with celebration as the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) hosted the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) at the Sun City Super Bowl in the North West. 

Friday’s ceremony shone a national spotlight on the extraordinary storytellers, performers, and visionaries who continue to shape South Africa’s cultural identity.

Hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Minister Gayton McKenzie, the evening brought together icons, innovators, and emerging voices across the creative industries. 

From theatre and dance to literature, film, design, and heritage, the awards reaffirmed that South Africa’s greatest resource is the imagination and resilience of its people.

The awards recognised excellence across South Africa’s creative industries, from performance and visual arts to literature, design, film, and cultural heritage.

“The arts remain one of the most powerful forces in our society, they carry our history, express our present, and inspire our future. As a nation, the arts are not only a source of pride but also a driver of unity, healing and progress,” said the department in a statement on Sunday.

The department said the arts preserve traditions, open doors for innovation, and remind us of who we are while showing the world the depth of South Africa’s creativity.

The winners at the awards were: 
•    Heritage Category 
Outstanding Cultural Landscape Award: Freedom Park Heritage Site Museum
Outstanding Museum Award: William Humphreys Art Gallery
•    Literature Category  
Outstanding Book, Fiction Award: The Comrade’s Wife (by Barbara Boswell)
Outstanding Book, Non-Fiction Award: 100 Years of Dispossession (by Lebogang Seale)
Outstanding Children’s Fiction Book: Sanda Makes Some Money (by Yamkela Tywakadi)
Outstanding Publisher Award: Vhakololo Press (Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho)
•    Design Category 
Outstanding Architecture/Interior Designer: Asher Zachary Marcus
Outstanding Fashion/Textile Designer: Mzukisi Mbane
•    Visual Arts Category 
Outstanding Crafter Award: Majolandile Samuel Dyalvane
Outstanding Curator Award: Nontobeko Ntombela
Outstanding Visual Artist Award: Malebogo Naticia Molokoane
•    Performance Art Category
Outstanding Musician Award: Mphumelelo Dlamini
Outstanding Actor in Theatre: Tshireletso Nkoane
Outstanding Theatre Production: A Street Taxi Named Desire (by Obett Motaung)
Outstanding Dance Production: INGOMA (by Moeketsi Koena)
Outstanding Poet Performance: Napo Masheane
•    Audio Visual Category  
Outstanding Documentary Film: London Recruits (by Jacintha de Nobrega)
Outstanding Documentary Series: Free At Last (by Xoliswa Sithole)
Outstanding Film Fiction Award: Old Righteous Blues (by Catharina Weinek)

“The winners of NACA 2025 embody the richness of South Africa’s creative spirit. Their work pushes boundaries, honours traditions, and gives voice to the stories that define us,” the department said.

“Together, they stand as proof that art is not a luxury, but a national necessity — shaping how we see ourselves and how the world sees us.”

The ceremony also featured unforgettable performances and tributes, weaving together music, dance, and storytelling in a way that reflected the vibrancy and resilience of South Africa’s cultural heartbeat. 

READ | SA’s best to be celebrated at NACAs and SA Sport Awards

More than awards, NACA is dedicated to honouring legacy, uplifting today’s trailblazers, and inspiring the next generation of South African artists. – SAnews.gov.za

Tributes continue for Mama Nandi Nyembe

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, August 24, 2025

The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Matome Chiloane has extended his heartfelt condolences following the passing of South Africa’s legendary actress, Mama Nandi Nyembe, who passed away on Saturday.

Mama Nandi’s career, spanning more than five decades, added richly to the cultural tapestry of the nation through her unforgettable roles in several television and film productions she starred in which includes iSibaya, Soul City, Zone 14, Yizo -Yizo, Joacob’s Cross and Yesterday, among others. 

According to the MEC, Nyembe was was more than an actress, she was an icon, mentor and an inspiration to generations of young creatives.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Mme Nandi. She gave dignity to the stories of our people and carried them with authenticity and grace. Earlier this year, she spoke with rare honesty about her wish to keep working rather than being pitied.

“That humility and strength deeply touched the nation, reminding us of the resilience of our artists and the importance of celebrating their contributions while they are still with us. Mme Nandi’s name will forever stand among the greats who shaped South African storytelling.

“Our sincerest condolences go to the Nyembe family, friends and the entire creative community. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the MEC said. 

READ | Condolences for actress Nandi Nyembe

Nyembe passed away at the age of 75. – SAnews.gov.za