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Justice, Police committees to recommend Ad Hoc Committee on Mkhwanazi allegations

Source: Government of South Africa

Justice, Police committees to recommend Ad Hoc Committee on Mkhwanazi allegations

Parliament’s portfolio committees on Police and Justice will recommend to the National Assembly (NA) that an Ad Hoc Committee be established to probe the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi.

Mkhwanazi has made several serious claims about, amongst others, an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services, and allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KZN.

This led to President Cyril Ramaphosa placing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence and the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.

“Following consideration of a Parliamentary Legal Service legal opinion, the committees were of the view that an ad hoc committee is the best format to interrogate the allegations. Ad hoc committees are formed as per Rule 253 of the National Assembly. The rationale for this option is that the scope of such a committee is specific and time bound.

“The [committees were] presented with two alternative options: a full-blown investigative inquiry and two committees exercising their conferring powers in terms of NA Rule 169. The majority of committee members present in the meeting were in favour of the ad hoc committee, as members felt Parliament would thereby remain involved in such a process, exercising their oversight responsibility,” the committees said in a statement.

The two committees noted the “urgency of the matter” and reiterated the need to reach findings to “protect the integrity and standing of the entire criminal justice system.”

“Also, the committee highlighted the need to avoid duplication of the work of the commission of inquiry established by the President.

“Lastly, the [committees] emphasised the need for continuous oversight over the work of the Presidential commission of inquiry and requested that the interim reports submitted to the President be made available to Parliament. At the next meeting, the [committees are] expected to discuss the terms of reference and timelines for such an ad hoc committee.

“The committees will on 23 July 2025, as per the directive from the Speaker, recommend to the NA that an ad hoc committee be established to consider the matter. Furthermore, the committees’ recommendations will emphasise the need for urgency in considering the matter,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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SA strengthens science and innovation cooperation with Algeria

Source: Government of South Africa

SA strengthens science and innovation cooperation with Algeria

The Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has signed another significant partnership aimed at enhancing science, technology, and innovation cooperation with Algeria.

The partnership, known as the Plan of Action for 2026-2028, currently focuses on several strategic areas, including nuclear science and technology, the co-founding and implementation of the African Laser Centre (ALC), and the establishment of the Nanosciences African Network. 

In addition, it emphasises the transfer of technical knowledge and equipment, as well as advancements in space propulsion and telecommunications.

The Plan of Action will also explore new areas of cooperation such as nanotechnology, renewable energy, nanomedicine, food and energy security, health innovation and vaccine development, artificial intelligence and emerging Technologies and others.

As much as this is a joint programme, South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) will lead its implementation.

As a government-mandated research and science development agency, the NRF funds research, the development of high-end human capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields.

This comes after Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande led a high-level South African delegation on a comprehensive visit focused on science, technology and innovation (STI) in Tunisia and Algeria.

The signing ceremony was preceded by an opening ceremony, where Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Bidar, and Nzimande delivered their keynote speeches.

Nzimande reflected on the special bond between South Africa and Algeria. In addition, he said the two nations share a strong commitment to the advancement of the African continent. 

“Similarly, our two countries also share a firm commitment to the realisation of a more just and humane world that will be underpinned by the values of human solidarity, peaceful coexistence, and a respect for the sovereignty of all nations, regardless of their size.”

Emphasising the strategic importance of cooperation in STI between South Africa and Algeria, Nzimande stated, “Both Algeria and South Africa recognise that, to address our urgent national development goals and achieve higher levels of development, we must consistently enhance our national scientific capabilities.”

The Minister believes that the countries’ shared conviction about the role of STI in development and commitment to cooperation is, in a way, a continuation of their liberation struggles. 

“But now against underdevelopment and for prosperity in our respective countries, and on the rest of the continent. I must also say that we are highly impressed by the investments that you have made in building your public science system and its constituent institutions.”

The department emphasised that signing the Plan of Action between South Africa and Algeria is crucial for reinforcing both countries’ commitment to supporting the implementation of key development programs on the African continent. 

These programmes include Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034). 

On Tuesday, South Africa and Tunisia signed a landmark agreement aimed at scaling up collaboration in STI in a bid to deepen bilateral cooperation. 

The agreement, signed during the official visit by Nzimande to Tunisia, forms part of the Scaling up Tunisia–South Africa Strategy. 

It includes a detailed plan of action and the formal minutes of a joint research call meeting. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng Health hospitals embark on surgical marathons for Mandela Day

Source: Government of South Africa

In line with the 2025 Mandela Day theme, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is taking action to restore dignity and improve lives through the third edition of its life-changing surgical marathons. 

This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’.

In alignment with this theme, the department will prioritise critical surgical interventions, including prostate, cleft palate, cataract and stoma procedures, which are essential to improving the quality of life of vulnerable patients, who have long been waiting for care.

“Gauteng public hospitals, in collaboration with private partners, have pledged to conduct over 1 000 surgical procedures, which include cataract surgeries, colostomy reversals, cleft palate repairs, urology procedures, breast surgeries, and general surgeries encompassing hernia repairs, ENT, orthopedics, gynaecology, arthroplasty and other specialties. 

“This reflects the commitment by health professionals to improve the health and quality of life for vulnerable individuals in our communities,” the department said. 

Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will conduct a walkabout and oversight visit to theaters and wards to ensure the effective implementation of the surgical marathon. 

She will also assess the quality of care being provided and engage with healthcare staff and patients about their experiences and needs during this critical initiative.

Furthermore, the MEC will proceed to reopen the refurbished Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for advanced prostate biopsies, which will significantly reduce the need for repeat procedures due to inconclusive results. 

Additionally, the newly upgraded Breast Centre for Excellence will also be reopened at Helen Joseph Hospital to provide comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and surgical services specifically for breast cancer patients.

In line with the announcement made during the 2025/26 GDoH Budget Vote, Nkomo-Ralehoko will conclude the day by launching the Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG) Framework.

“This initiative draws from the best global practices and ensures equitable access to surgical care and [institutional] time-based clinical accountability. It means that going forward, patients will be given clear timeframes as to when their operations will be performed. 

“In this way, treatment times will be standardised across facilities. This will further provide clarity on what constitutes waiting times and backlogs,” the department said. 

The Mandela Day Surgical Marathon activities will commence with a walkabout at theatres and the opening of the Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, followed by the opening of the refurbished Breast Unit at the Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Clinic. 

This will be followed by a walkabout at theaters and wards at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Dr. SK Matseke Hospital. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa and China to expand partnerships in various sectors

Source: Government of South Africa

While the relationship between South Africa and China has mutually benefited both nations through increased trade and investment, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has acknowledged a persistent trade deficit that favours China.

“South Africa’s trade imbalance with China is mostly attributable to the nature of our trading relationship. South Africa mainly exports raw materials and minerals while importing manufactured goods and capital goods from China,” he said. 

He noted that South Africa’s trade deficit with China increased from under US$1 billion between 1988 and 2000 to US$9.71 billion by 2023.

“Since FOCAC’s (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) inception, this trade imbalance has resulted in an accumulated cash outflow of US$114.83 billion from South Africa to China,” he said. 

The Deputy President was speaking at the South Africa-China Investment Forum during the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) visit to Beijing on Thursday.

He used the platform to call for urgent action between South Africa and China to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome. 

“We need to develop a more coordinated and strategic approach. We need to address challenges such as access to the Chinese market due to factors like tariffs and non-tariff barriers, distance, and competition from other countries.” 

This necessitates expanding South Africa’s export portfolio, encouraging value-added exports, and establishing a more balanced trade relationship. 

The Deputy President believes the two nations need to expand partnerships in various sectors.

“It is through strategic trade and investment partnerships with China that we can both create a balance and subsequently play a significant role towards South Africa’s economic growth, job creation, and overall development.”

He acknowledged the role of Chinese investment in South Africa, which includes various businesses and key sectors such as banking, manufacturing, and renewable energy. 

Deputy President Mashatile stated that South Africa’s mineral exports, agricultural products, and manufactured goods have made significant inroads into the Chinese market. 

He also noted that since President Cyril Ramaphosa’s investment mobilisation drive, there has been a steady influx of investment from Chinese companies.

The investment forum offers an additional opportunity to strengthen the investment relationship by facilitating exchanges and sector-specific discussions aimed at exploring the many available investment opportunities.

Deputy President Mashatile said a major significant investment was made by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), which purchased a 20% stake in the assets and earnings of Standard Bank for US$5.5 billion.

Meanwhile, he said another major Chinese electronics manufacturer, Hisense, entered the South African market in 1997 and established an industrial park in 2013. 

Other Chinese flagship companies such as Zhong Xing Communications (ZTE) and Huawei Technologies are also expanding their presence in South Africa. 

Over the last decade, 48 Chinese companies invested in South Africa with a capital investment of over US$11.69 billion.

“As South Africa-China relations continue to deepen, new opportunities emerge for Chinese businesses seeking to enter the South African market, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy storage, infrastructure and logistics, our special economic zones, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and the beneficiation of critical minerals, as well as in the digital economy.”

He told delegates that South Africa wants to continue to build on the economic relations that have seen substantial growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1998. 

“We value this longstanding relationship because it has been established on a shared vision for a prosperous future.”

Both nations are involved in several multilateral institutions, including the United Nations (UN), the Group of 20 (G20), and BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation made up of ten countries. 

South Africa and China utilises these platforms to collaborate on global issues and advocate for the interests of developing countries.

He also took the time to encourage investors who are interested in expanding to the rest of the African continent to capitalise on the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is anticipated to provide access to the African market for companies in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors and infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Leaders join hands with communities in honour of Mandela Day

Source: Government of South Africa

As South Africans commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day today, government leaders across the country are rolling up their sleeves to uplift communities through acts of service and solidarity.

Marked annually on 18 July, Mandela Day is a global celebration of the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela. It is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to reflect on Madiba’s values and principles, and to contribute to meaningful change in society.

This year’s commemoration is held under the theme: ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’.

In line with this call, various Ministers, Premiers, and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) are taking part in community-driven initiatives across the country.

The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, who also serves as the District Development Model (DDM) Champion for Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, is joining the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, Babalwa Lobishe, for Mandela Day activities at the metro. 

Their programme includes a clean-up campaign at the Kragga Kamma Road Drop-off Centre Transfer Station in Gqeberha, as well as the launch of the Knorrox Community Kitchen at St Matthias Anglican Church in Motherwell, a key initiative promoting food security.

In Cape Town, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, is leading the department’s Mandela Day commemorations by spending 67 minutes helping to improve a homeless shelter, MES Mould Bellville Safe Space. MES Mould Bellville is a non-profit organisation (NPO) established to support homeless individuals by providing shelter and empowerment services, such as waste management and food gardening.

The organisation is one of over 400 NPOs contracted through the department’s entity, the Independent Development Trust (IDT), with support from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to create meaningful work opportunities for the unemployed.

This engagement forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of community members across the country through infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, in the North West, Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi is leading a Mandela Day outreach at an elderly care centre in Mazista village, under the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality. Mokgosi is accompanied by Members of the Executive Council and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality Mayor, Thabo Jacobs, as well as senior government officials, who will carry out renovations at the centre, donate equipment for the vegetable garden and groceries.

Across the country, these acts of kindness reflect the enduring spirit of Nelson Mandela and his belief that everyone has the power to make a difference. – SAnews.gov.za

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SAWS warns of heavy rain in KZN

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 18, 2025

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for heavy rain along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), which may lead to localised flooding on Saturday.

“Isolated showers and rain are expected but scattered along the south coast and southern parts of KZN tomorrow. Around 30 to 50mm of rainfall is expected along the south coast of KZN tomorrow, leading to localised flooding due to the persistence of rainfall over those areas,” SAWS said on Friday.

These weather conditions may result in localised flooding and affect formal/informal settlements, low-lying roads and bridges.

“Difficult driving conditions can be expected on dirt roads and minor motor vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slippery roads, and localised damage to mud-built houses,” the weather service warned.

In its weather outlook for Saturday and Sunday, SAWS said partly cloudy conditions are expected in the east, with isolated to scattered showers. Fine and cold to cool conditions, with damaging waves, are expected along the west and south coast. – SAnews.gov.za

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Celebrating Partnership: Switzerland and The International Trade Centre (ITC) Reaffirm Commitment to Africa’s Trade Future

Source: APO – Report:

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The International Trade Centre (ITC) celebrated its first Partnership for Africa Day, bringing together more than 200 high-level participants from institutions, Member States, business support organizations, donors, and small businesses. The event also marked a new milestone in ITC’s collaboration with the Swiss-African Business Circle (SABC). This landmark occasion showcased how strategic, inclusive partnerships can drive trade, innovation, and prosperity for African small businesses.

Held as a high-level welcome reception on the eve of Swiss Africa Business Day (SABD) 2025, the event was co-organized by ITC and SABC. It offered a unique platform for Swiss and African leaders from both the public and private sectors to deepen dialogue and shape forward-looking trade collaborations.

“By joining forces with ITC to organise a welcome reception as the official start to SABD2025, we further strengthened dialogue on Swiss-African trade. The event brought together actors from international Geneva, business support organisations, and public and private sector representatives from Africa, Switzerland, and beyond,” said Helena Bischoff, Deputy Managing Director, SABC.

A central highlight of the gathering was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between H.E. Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank. This formalized Switzerland’s renewed commitment to advancing regional integration and SME development in Africa.

Beyond official engagements, the reception celebrated the richness of Africa’s creative economy. From a “Taste of Africa” culinary experience curated by Geneva-based African restaurants to a fashion showcase featuring designs from the Pan African Fashion Alliance (PAFA) and Swiss NGO Afrodysée, the event underscored the growing importance of diaspora engagement and cultural industries in trade development.

“The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs collaborates with ITC, a long-standing partner, to strengthen the competitiveness of African SMEs by promoting intra-African trade and fostering linkages between Africa and Switzerland,” noted SECO representatives.

As host country and development partner, Switzerland continues to play a pivotal role in ITC’s mission to empower African small businesses. Through its One Trade Africa initiative, ITC supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promotes triangular cooperation between Switzerland, African institutions, and global partners.

This inaugural Partnership for Africa Day was not only a celebration but also a springboard toward a more connected, resilient, and opportunity-rich trade future for Africa. Together with Switzerland and partners such as SABC and Afreximbank, ITC is committed to turning dialogue into action—and partnerships into impact.

– on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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South Africa Ramps Up Energy Investment Drive with Dedicated Roundtable at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

South Africa is positioning itself as a premier investment destination in Africa’s energy transition, with a strategic push across the entire energy value chain – from oil and gas exploration to renewables and green hydrogen. At African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, an “Invest in South Africa” Roundtable will bring together top-tier investors, policymakers and energy executives to spotlight the country’s evolving regulatory landscape, its new national oil company and a host of bankable infrastructure projects.

This year’s roundtable brings together a powerful lineup of speakers driving South Africa’s energy future, including Shahrukh Mirza, VP LNG Development at ExxonMobil, Stefano Marani, CEO of Renergen Limited, and senior representatives from both the newly formed South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) and the South African National Energy Development Institute.

South Africa’s energy sector is undergoing a critical transformation: years of load-shedding and grid instability has prompted bold reforms aimed at liberalizing the energy market, fast-tracking private-sector participation and diversifying supply sources. As the government unbundles Eskom and opens transmission infrastructure to independent power producers, investor interest in South Africa’s power and gas markets is growing sharply. Meanwhile, the Integrated Resource Plan and Renewable Energy Masterplan are paving the way for expanded solar, wind and battery storage deployment, backed by robust public-private collaboration.

The upstream oil and gas sector is also entering a pivotal new phase. The recently established SANPC is spearheading fresh exploration efforts and opening up acreage across frontier basins, including the Orange Basin – an area that has drawn renewed interest following a string of offshore discoveries in neighboring Namibia. Energy major Shell has secured approval for a five-well drilling campaign in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep block, while TotalEnergies is targeting a two-well wildcat campaign in South Africa’s portion of the Orange Basin, slated for 2026. With upcoming licensing opportunities, transparent fiscal terms and enhanced data packages, South Africa is well-positioned to attract both new market entrants and experienced independents to its upstream sector.

In its gas monetization strategy, South Africa is advancing efforts to leverage domestic resources – including those under development by Renergen at the Virginia Gas Project – to support helium exports and the production of LNG for transport and industrial fuel use. The country’s Gas Master Plan, currently under review, sets out a roadmap for critical infrastructure, including LNG terminals, pipeline expansions and strategic gas storage, aimed at enhancing long-term energy security. At the same time, public-private initiatives such as the green hydrogen corridor – linking the Northern Cape to key export hubs – are laying the groundwork for large-scale hydrogen production, backed by the region’s exceptional solar and wind potential.

“As South Africa retools its regulatory environment and builds momentum behind energy diversification, AEW 2025 stands as the ideal venue to connect capital with opportunity. From the Orange Basin’s high-impact prospects to scalable renewables and gas monetization, the country is open for business,” says Oré Onegbesan, Program Director, AEW.

Distributed by APO Group 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.

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African Development Fund supports climate-resilient rice value chains across West Africa

Source: APO – Report:

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF) (http://apo-opa.co/4nUpfmv), the concessional funding window of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), on 17 July 2025 approved a $9.44 million grant for the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) to strengthen the climate resilience of rice value chains across West Africa.

Funded through ADF’s Climate Action Window (http://apo-opa.co/4nVdlsD), the project will support rice producers and processors in 13 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

The initiative, part of the Regional Resilient Rice Value Chains Development Project in West Africa (REWARD), and specifically its adaptation component (REWARD-Adaptation), aims to scale up the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies throughout the rice production and processing sectors.

“The strategy for this project is to reduce the vulnerability and strengthen the resilience of rice value chains, from production to processing and marketing, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions through the dissemination and adoption of climate-smart practices and technologies,” said Marwan Ladki, Senior Irrigation Engineer at the African Development Bank, who is responsible for the project.

Key project interventions include the distribution of climate-resilient rice seeds to 11,000 farmers, including 4,950 women and 6,600 young farmers. It will train 12,600 farmers and processors, support 65 small and medium-sized enterprises with equipment and improved access to business networks, and facilitate the provision of climate services and early warning systems through digital platforms and radio broadcasts, reaching up to 2 million beneficiaries. The project will also deploy four automatic weather stations per country to improve spatial coverage and climate monitoring. It is projected to create 47,000 employment opportunities, including 8,000 permanent and 39,000 seasonal jobs.

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

Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Department of Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org

About AfricaRice:
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), based in Côte d’Ivoire, is a pan-African centre of excellence for rice research, development and capacity building. It contributes to reducing poverty, ensuring food and nutrition security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers and other actors in the rice value chain in Africa by increasing the productivity and profitability of rice-based agri-food systems, while ensuring the sustainability of natural resources.

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

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Africa Launches Continental Strategy to Decentralize Diagnostics and Accelerate Outbreak Response

Source: APO – Report:

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In a major step toward faster and more localized outbreak response, Africa CDC convened public health leaders from ten African countries in Yaoundé to co-develop a continental framework for decentralizing laboratory services. The four-day workshop, which began on 14 July, placed equitable access to diagnostics at the core of Africa’s epidemic preparedness and response strategy.

Organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Cameroon, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Union, the workshop brought together government officials, national laboratory directors, and public health experts from across the continent. Together, they produced the Continental Guidance for the Decentralization of Laboratory Services—a practical, action-oriented tool to help Member States design national diagnostic strategies that bring testing closer to communities and improve outbreak detection and response.

“Member States cannot respond effectively to outbreaks if diagnostic capacity is limited to national reference laboratories. Detection capabilities must be decentralized to sub-national levels and below to enhance early warning surveillance and timely confirmation of disease threats,” said Dr. Yenew Kebede Tebeje, Acting Director, Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems, Africa CDC. “Decentralized laboratory services are also essential for achieving Universal Health Coverage.”

Dr. Kakambi Christelle, a senior official from Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health, shared the country’s approach to decentralizing diagnostics for epidemic-prone diseases. This includes strengthening regional laboratories, training personnel, establishing a national sample transport system, and conducting lab mapping to improve surveillance.

“Laboratory detection is the first line of defense in identifying potential outbreaks. Decentralizing labs widens the net, increasing our chances of catching the culprit pathogen early and guiding timely public health action,” said Rachel Achilla, WHO AFRO representative.

Delegations from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) demonstrated how Mpox diagnostic capacity was expanded from just two laboratories to 56 in Burundi and 27 in DRC—within a single year—dramatically improving detection and case management.

“One of the key lessons learned from recent epidemics in Africa is the strategic value of decentralizing diagnostics to overcome sample transport delays and accelerate response,” noted Professor Pembe Issamou Mayengue, researcher at the National Public Health Laboratory, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

However, participants acknowledged that decentralization is not without challenges. While it brings diagnostics closer to communities, it also multiplies the burden on fragile health systems—particularly where data integration, trained personnel, equipment maintenance, supply chain management, electricity, and internet access remain unresolved.

“National Public Health Laboratories serve as the backbone of laboratory services decentralization by setting standards, guiding policy, ensuring quality, and mentoring peripheral laboratories. Their leadership is critical to building a resilient, responsive system,” emphasized Gifty Boateng, a public health researcher and academic from Ghana.

Over four days, participants co-developed a practical, adaptive guideline rooted in African realities and global good practices. The document offers strategic orientations to help countries implement decentralization in ways that ensure ownership, institutional integration, and sustainability.

“If we move from two laboratories with chronic issues in sample collection, data flow, infrastructure weakness, and supply chain bottlenecks, decentralizing laboratories means multiplying these challenges in proportion to the expansion,” warned Yao Selom, Unit Lead for Laboratory Systems and Networks at Africa CDC. “Our presence here is essential to guide, alert, and support Member States in identifying what to consider, how to prepare, and how to move forward.”

This initiative is part of the Partnership to Accelerate Mpox and Other Outbreaks Testing and Sequencing in Africa (PAMTA) program, launched by Africa CDC and ASLM, and co-funded by the European Union through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), and administered by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). It contributes to a broader continental effort to strengthen diagnostics, build technical capacity, and improve readiness for epidemic threats across Africa.

Together, we can detect faster, respond smarter, and save lives!

– on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).