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Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? International court will take years to decide, but states have a duty to act now

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Magnus Killander, Professor, Centre for Human Rights in the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria

South Africa instituted a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague in late December 2023, claiming Israel was violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide through its actions in Gaza, and requesting provisional measures. Human rights law scholar Magnus Killander explains the process and why it’s so slow. International law, including the ICJ’s provisional measures, are binding on states. However, international law does not enforce itself and all states have an obligation to attend to the situation.

Why could it take until 2028 to get a final decision?

On 5 April 2024, the ICJ set two deadlines. It wanted to receive memorials, that is the full arguments related to the case, from South Africa by 28 October 2024 and counter-memorials from Israel by 28 July 2025. Following a request by Israel, the court on 14 April 2025 extended the time for submission of Israel’s counter-memorials to 12 January 2026.

It is likely that Israel, in a bid to delay the proceedings, will file preliminary objections, such as dealing with the jurisdiction of the ICJ to hear the case. South Africa would then have a few months to respond. Then an oral hearing on preliminary objections would be held, probably towards the end of 2026 or early 2027.

A few months after the hearing, the ICJ would deliver a judgment on the preliminary objections. Preliminary objections are unlikely to be successful, so the ICJ would then set a new deadline for Israel’s counter-memorial on the merits, which might again be extended. When Israel’s counter-memorial has been submitted, there may be a request from South Africa for a reply and from Israel for a rejoinder.

Read more: South Africa’s genocide case against Israel: expert sets out what to expect from the International Court of Justice

At some point, the court would consider requests from states to intervene, and set timelines for their submissions.

So far, the following states have filed requests to intervene: Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, Spain, Türkiye, Chile, the Maldives, Bolivia, Ireland, Cuba and Belize. Nicaragua subsequently revoked its request.

After the written submissions, the ICJ will schedule an oral hearing. Following this the judges will write the final judgement on the merits of the case. The judgment will be hundreds of pages of detailed factual and legal analysis with separate opinions from many of the 16 judges. The court has 15 permanent judges (including South Africa’s Dire Tladi) and an Israeli ad hoc judge in the South Africa v Israel case.

It is this final judgement that will decide whether Israel breached the Genocide Convention through its actions in Gaza.

Given these lengthy procedures, it is unlikely that the final judgement in the case will be handed down before 2028.

Does it usually take this long?

Yes.

The South Africa v Israel case can be compared to the Gambia v Myanmar case. In November 2019 The Gambia brought the case that Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya constituted genocide.

The ICJ handed down a judgment on preliminary objections on 22 July 2022. A hearing on the merits is yet to be scheduled. The case is likely to be concluded in 2026.

The first case brought to the ICJ under the Genocide Convention, Bosnia and Herzegovina v Serbia and Montenegro, was submitted in 1993. The final judgment was delivered in 2007.

The second case, Croatia v Serbia, was submitted in 1999 and the final judgment was delivered in 2015.

The ICJ has so far held a state accountable for genocide in one case.

In its 2007 case, it held Serbia and Montenegro responsible for the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica. The ICJ case had limited impact. However, it should be noted that Ratko Mladić, a Bosnian Serb military leader, was arrested in Serbia in 2011 and transferred to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia as called for in the ICJ judgment. In 2017 he was convicted by the tribunal for the genocide in Srebrenica, a judgment which was confirmed on appeal in 2021, 26 years after the Srebrenica massacre.

In the two cases against Serbia, the court held that, apart from the Srebrenica massacre, the mens rea, the “specific intent” to destroy a group or part of a group, had not been proven. The main difference with the Myanmar and Israel cases is that the state of Serbia did not participate itself directly in the conflict.

In both the Gambia v Myanmar and the South Africa v Israel final judgments, the main discussion will likely be in relation to whether the mens rea requirement has been met.

In my view most of the ICJ judges will find that both acts of genocide and incitement to genocide have taken place.

What’s the point then?

The orders of the ICJ are binding on states, but are often ignored. This is in line with the general difficulty of enforcing international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Only political pressure from outside and inside Israel will bring about change, as it is clear that the Israeli government considers only itself as the judge of its actions. In addition, enforcement measures by the UN security council are not possible given the position of the United States. It is a permanent member of the council, with veto power, but does not want to criticise Israel and is its main supplier of weapons.

The issue of Palestine has also been raised in a case before the ICJ that does not directly involve Israel. In March 2024, Nicaragua instituted a case against Germany in relation to its export of weapons to Israel, which it argued facilitated genocide in Gaza. On 30 April 2024, the court decided not to issue provisional measures against Germany since it had shown the measures it had taken to restrict weapons exports to Israel following the invasion of Gaza.

It was only in August 2025, however, that Germany declared it would suspend the export of weapons that could be used in the war in Gaza.

Another international court based in The Hague is also trying to hold violators of international crimes to account. The International Criminal Court (ICC) deals with international criminal responsibility as opposed to state responsibility – the purview of the ICJ. Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant have been indicted by the ICC. The three Hamas leaders against whom the ICC prosecutor sought indictments have been killed by Israel.

It is unlikely that we will see Netanyahu in the dock in The Hague since he avoids travelling to countries that are parties to the ICC Statute and would thus be obliged to surrender him to the ICC.

Of course, the ICC is not the only possibility in relation to criminal accountability. For example, prosecutors in Sweden are investigating war crimes in Gaza.

The wheels of international justice grind exceedingly slowly and will never be sufficient on their own to bring about lasting change.

And the latest developments?

The provisional measures issued by the ICJ on 26 January 2024, 28 March 2024 and 24 May 2024 remain in force and are binding. These included the provision of

urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.

Clearly this measure and and others have not been complied with.

South Africa has not requested any additional provisional measures since the last ones were issued in May 2024. However, advisory proceedings provide another way to address the situation.

On 23 December 2024, the UN general assembly requested an advisory opinion on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organisations and third states in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Hearings were held from 28 April to 2 May 2025. The advisory opinion is likely to be delivered soon and address the issue of access to humanitarian aid.

This is the third advisory opinion proceedings dealing with Palestine. In December 2003, the UN general assembly requested an advisory opinion on Israel’s construction of a wall separating it from the occupied territories in the West Bank. The advisory opinion of the ICJ was delivered on 9 July 2004, finding that the construction of the wall was in violation of international law. On 19 January 2023, the UN general assembly requested an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. The court delivered its advisory opinion on 19 July 2024, confirming its view that the occupation was illegal and that Israel had an obligation to leave the occupied territory.

– Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza? International court will take years to decide, but states have a duty to act now
– https://theconversation.com/is-israel-committing-genocide-in-gaza-international-court-will-take-years-to-decide-but-states-have-a-duty-to-act-now-263076

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Maponya Mall shooting a threat to public transport system stability

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has met with all public transport operators in Soweto as part of efforts to find lasting solutions to issues affecting the sector.

Stakeholders included local taxi associations, e-hailing service operators and law-enforcement officials.

This comes in the wake of resurging violence which left one person dead and two others injured near the Maponya Mall, in Soweto, on Wednesday night.

The MEC described the attack as “senseless, unacceptable, and a direct threat to the safety and stability of our public transport system”.

She said such acts undermined public safety, tarnished the image of the transport sector, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

Thursday’s meeting resolved that all public transport operators must be allowed access and operate inside the mall and that the mall will remain operational to protect jobs.

The meeting also called for law-enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation into Wednesday night’s incident and bring those involved to book.

Stakeholders agreed that no operator or passenger should endure intimidation or fear of any form.

The department will set up a temporary office to assist operators with licensing issues.

Lastly, the gathering agreed that a meeting will be convened with industry leaders to discuss all issues affecting the sector.

The MEC urged the public transport sector – minibus taxi and e-hailing operator associations – to resolve disputes through platforms facilitated by the department.

The Public Transport Crisis Committee, chaired by the MEC, was initially formed to collaborate with the taxi industry and support the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE) to clear the operating license backlog. 

It has since expanded to include all public transport stakeholders. This inclusive approach ensures representation from all public transport operators including learner transport, e-hailing services, bus and meter taxi operators. 

Local government and various provincial sister departments are also represented in the committee. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bank of Algeria joins Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) network, accelerating financial integration in Africa as Algeria prepares to host Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025)

Source: APO

The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) launched by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has officially welcomed the Bank of Algeria into its growing network. Algeria now becomes the 18th country of presence for PAPSS, marking a significant step in advancing Africa’s journey towards deeper financial integration. This development is expected to further support cross-border payments and enhance the regulatory framework governing intra-African trade.

Algeria’s accession to PAPSS comes at a moment when the nation prepares to host the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) from 4th to 10th September 2025 in Algiers. This premier event, another flagship initiative of Afreximbank, is projected to bring together over 35,000 participants from more than 140 countries, creating an unrivalled platform for business, investment, and the realization of the AfCFTA vision.

Mike Ogbalu III, Chief Executive Officer of PAPSS, celebrated this landmark event, stating: “We are delighted to welcome the Bank of Algeria to the PAPSS network. Algeria’s entry not only strengthens our presence in North Africa but also demonstrates the continent’s rising confidence in our system as the engine for Africa’s payment transformation. So far, PAPSS has reduced intra-Africa cross-border transaction costs among participating countries and enabled savings of up to 27% for end users, while helping banks experience transaction volume surges of over 1000% through digital channels integration. As our network grows, we’re making African payments faster, more affordable, and accessible, catalysing economic growth and unlocking new opportunities for businesses and communities across Africa.”

Mohamed Benbahane, Deputy Governor of Bank of Algeria, remarked: “In support of Algeria’s commitment to contribute to accelerating African economic integration, the Bank of Algeria has joined the Pan-African Payments and Settlement System (PAPSS). This membership, which aims in particular to improve payment efficiency and facilitate intra-African trade, represents an essential lever for strengthening Algeria’s role within the African financial ecosystem and supporting sustainable economic development in Africa.”

Since its debut in West Africa in 2022, PAPSS has rapidly expanded its reach, with significant momentum in Northern Africa, with Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, and now Algeria on board. Today, PAPSS connects 18 countries across four African regions, more than 150 commercial banks, and 14 switches, evidence of growing trust in a solution that is revolutionizing how money moves within Africa and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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About PAPSS:
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System – PAPSS is a centralised Financial Market Infrastructure that enables the efficient flow of money securely across African borders, minimising risk and contributing to financial integration across the regions. PAPSS collaborates with African central banks to offer payment and settlement solutions that commercial banks and licensed payment service providers (switches, fintechs, aggregators, etc.) across the continent can connect to, making these services accessible to the public. To date, PAPSS has developed and launched 3 payment solutions: PAPSS Instant Payment System (IPS), PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM), and the PAPSSCARD.

Afreximbank and the African Union (“AU”) first announced PAPSS at the Twelfth Extraordinary Summit of the African Union held on July 7, 2019, in Niamey, Niger Republic, therefore adopting PAPSS as a key instrument for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Further, in its thirteenth (13th) extraordinary session, held on December 5, 2020, the assembly of the African Union directed Afreximbank and the AfCFTA secretariat to finalise, among others, work on the Pan-African Payments and Settlements System (PAPSS). The 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU further directed the AfCFTA and Afreximbank to deploy the system to cover the entire continent. PAPSS was officially launched in Accra, Ghana, on January 13, 2022, thus making it available for use by the public.

For more information, visit: www.PAPSS.com.
 

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The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Officially Partners with African Energy Week 2025 in Historic Alliance Set to Elevate Africa’s Role in Global Energy Dialogue

Source: APO – Report:

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies is proud to announce that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has joined as an Official Partner of the continent’s leading energy event, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. This milestone marks a decisive step forward in positioning Africa not only as a supplier but as a strategic partner in global energy decision-making. With OPEC now fully engaged in AEW 2025, Africa’s priorities – from oil and gas to development and energy access – will be shaped on its own terms.

OPEC’s participation comes at a pivotal moment for African energy. Countries such as Nigeria, Algeria, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Libya – as well as emerging producers like Senegal and Namibia – already play central roles in OPEC’s global agenda. The partnership further extends to African OPEC+ members like South Sudan and observing participants such as Egypt, forming a powerful bloc of African producers with the potential to shape upstream policy, mobilize investment and drive regional integration. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s deepening energy ties with Africa – from infrastructure and renewables investments like Egypt’s Kom Ombo solar plant to South Africa’s Project DAO hybrid facility, alongside strategic partnerships through ACWA Power – underscore a broader, long-term commitment to the continent’s energy future.

A critical dimension of Africa’s energy agenda is clean cooking. Nearly one billion Africans still lack access to clean cooking solutions, posing a major health, environmental and gender equity challenge. For African OPEC and OPEC+ producers, expanding access to cleaner fuels like LPG represents both a development imperative and an untapped market opportunity. As the continent ramps up gas production and infrastructure, prioritizing clean cooking access can create jobs, reduce deforestation, improve public health and drive inclusive growth.

In strategic alignment with AEW 2025, OPEC’s involvement is also set to catalyze critical dialogue on unlocking upstream investment across Africa while bolstering global advocacy against bans on fossil fuel financing – policies that have long stunted the continent’s development. As the African Energy Chamber has emphasized, OPEC members can play a constructive role in pressing institutions like the World Bank to reconsider restrictive financing frameworks and support equity-based development agendas across African producer states.

“Having OPEC officially partner with AEW 2025 is a game-changer – not just for the event, but for the entire continent,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “At a time when global markets are navigating deep uncertainty and rising demand, this partnership sends a clear message: Africa is ready to lead, ready to produce and ready to take its rightful place at the center of global energy discussions. AEW 2025 will be the platform where Africa’s energy priorities are aligned with global dynamics, and where African voices don’t just participate – they lead.”

With OPEC and Saudi Arabia now deeply invested in Africa’s energy trajectory – both through fossil fuel and clean energy channels – AEW 2025 presents a strategic opportunity to convert policy influence into capital, regional development, clean cooking access and energy security. From high-level ministerial participation to deal‑signing and dialogue on the sidelines, this collaboration will elevate AEW into a true continental showcase for African energy ambition.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About 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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General Maphwanya’s Iran visit "ill-advised"

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 15, 2025

Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says President Cyril Ramaphosa did not sanction Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya’s visit to Iran.

At a media briefing on Thursday, Magwenya said the SANDF was enabled by bilateral and multilateral frameworks to forge ties with other military forces around the world. 

“The exchange of knowledge and the strengthening of professional military to military cooperation is encouraged within our system of government, this includes joint training drills with other countries, cooperation on peacekeeping and rescue mission during natural disasters.

“However, senior military officers do not engage outside of their military purview and they do not represent the country on foreign policy matters neither are they delegated to perform such functions.”

Magwenya said the President did not sanction the visit, as the General’s travel approval “starts and ends” with the Minister.

“As much as the President is the appointing authority and the Commander-in-Chief, he does not get involved in supervising the General’s travel. That process sits with the Minister. So the President did not know [about it],” said Magwenya.

The spokesperson said the issue was indeed a concern. 

“In the spirit of heightened geopolitical tensions as well as conflict in the Middle East, one can say the visit was ill-advised.”

He said the General should have been a lot more circumspect with the comments that he made which delve in to the area of foreign policy “that only the President as well as the Department in International Relations and Cooperation are responsible for”.

“We are in a process of managing a very delicate exercise of … resetting diplomatic relations with the United States, but more importantly balancing the trade relationship in such a manner that that trade relationship is mutually beneficial and therefore it is indeed not helpful you then have senior government or military officials making statements that will further inflame the situation,” said Magwenya. – SAnews.gov.za

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National Convention kicks off in Pretoria

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 15, 2025

The long-awaited National Convention, which paves the way for the National Dialogue, has kicked off this morning at the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Pretoria.

The two-day National Convention, in which stakeholders and representatives from all quarters of society will participate, aims to outline and agree on key themes for the National Dialogue. The National Dialogue has been described by the Presidency as a call to action for citizens to lead an inclusive dialogue on the challenges facing the country.

The Convention is also intended to agree on the approach and modalities for the nationwide public dialogues at sectoral and community level. It will also outline and agree on the key themes for discussion in the National Dialogue and establish a Steering Committee.

The Convention brings together representatives from government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others, to chart a way forward for the commencement of the National Dialogue.

In preparation for the first National Convention of the National Dialogue process, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with representatives of the interim Preparatory Task Team (PTT) on 7 August 2025. 

READ | Call to make use of National Dialogue platform 

The task team has been given the responsibility of organising the convention and preparing for the public dialogues that will take place thereafter. 

Since April 2025, a Preparatory Task Team has been responsible for preparing for the first National Convention.

It was established as an interim structure pending the establishment of a broadly inclusive Steering Committee representing all sectors. It has been composed of members of the foundations of struggle stalwarts and representatives of the President. – SAnews.gov.za

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Leaders to attend SADC Summit in Madagascar

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the Southern African Development Community (SADC) 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government this weekend.

The summit is a historic moment for Madagascar, following the country’s membership of SADC in August 2005.

The summit will focus on accelerating regional integration through key pillars: strengthening industrial capacity and regional value chains, modernising agriculture, and promoting an inclusive energy transition, all aimed at building a resilient, sustainable, and cohesive SADC region.

Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, said during the summit, Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar, will officially assume the SADC Chairpersonship, succeeding Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

“The summit will review progress on the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, consider the report from the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and review achievements under the 44th Summit theme:  ‘Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC’,” he said.

He was briefing media on Thursday on the President’s upcoming engagements.

This weekend’s summit, taking place at the Ivato Conference Center in Antananarivo, will also see South Africa formally accepting its Chairship of SADC for 2026-2027. 

TICAD9

Meanwhile, the President will lead South Africa’s High Level delegation participation to the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan next week.

The 9th TICAD Summit will convene in Yokohama from 20–22 August 2025 under the theme “People, Planet, and Prosperity in a Changing World”.

Launched by Japan in 1993, the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD is co-hosted with the UN, UNDP, World Bank, and African Union Commission and has become a premier forum for African development.

“Grounded in African ownership and international partnership, TICAD has steadily evolved from conflict prevention and human security (TICAD I–III) to economic transformation, innovation, and universal health coverage (UHC) (TICAD VI–VIII),” said Magwenya.

The President will address a South Africa-Japan Business Engagement in Yokohama. 

“Bilateral trade between Japan and South Africa had been expanding since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992. Japan is one of the major investors in the South African economy and has a presence in South Africa of 273 companies, sustaining over 200 000 local jobs,” said the spokesperson.

TICAD 9 will gather over 20 African Heads of State and Government, senior AU, UN, World Bank, and AfDB leadership, philanthropic actors, and bilateral partners including the G7, G20, and BRICS. – SAnews.gov.za

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High hopes from investors at AU-AIP water summit

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

African Heads of State have expressed strong confidence in investors following positive responses to commitments made on the opening day of the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025.

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit on Thursday, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Global Water Partnership (GWP), Alex Sialabwi, said investors and partners were “excited” after a high-level matchmaking session and the launch of the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments.

Unveiled on Wednesday by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the council aims to scale up the Africa Water Investment Programme into a Global Water Investment Platform.

Sialabwi said the signal received on Wednesday was very encouraging, with the investors expressing enthusiasm.

“The leadership already demonstrated gives enough confidence to the private sector and partners. This is exactly what they are looking for: commitment and leadership.”

Sialabwi also highlighted President Ramaphosa’s reference to a landmark project by Rand Water, which was launched last week ahead of the summit, as an example of leadership in action.

The summit has drawn nearly 200 investors from across Africa and beyond.

According to Sialabwi, several countries have already initiated deals during private meetings following the matchmaking sessions.

He said momentum remains high after the Heads of State’s declaration on Wednesday, which will be presented at the G20 meeting in November.

Sialabwi said the leaders on the continent hope that the issues identified will lead to the further prioritisation of water.

“You cannot achieve solidarity and equality, [which are] the key objectives of the… summit, without making sure that everyone has access to water.” 

Opening the summit on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa underscored the urgent need to ensure that every African has access to clean and reliable water. – SAnews.gov.za

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Choithram International Foundation Expand School Feeding Partnership in Benin

Source: APO

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Choithram International Foundation (CIF) (www.Choithrams.com) are renewing their commitment to fight hunger and improve education in Benin. CIF will contribute $975,000 in the next three years to sustain and expand school feeding initiatives under the Benin Government’s Integrated National School Feeding Programme (PNASI).

CIF has partnered with WFP in Benin since 2015 to help thousands of schoolchildren receive nutritious meals. The programme now supports 30 schools across the country to increase school enrolment and retention rates, reduce dropout rates, and improve the nutritional status of schoolchildren while fostering economic empowerment and community resilience.

Between 2025 and 2027, the programme will aim to improve nutrition, education, and resilience in Tanguiéta, Matéri, Malanville, Ségbana, and Banikoara in the north of Benin. It will also invest in sustainable agricultural practices, with a focus on training women’s food processing groups, improving community resilience through local farmers’ support groups, and introducing “green” canteens equipped with energy-efficient cooking technologies.

“This funding from the Choithram International Foundation marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support the most vulnerable communities in Benin—particularly in the northern regions, where food insecurity and instability have deepened. It will enable us not only to ensure the continued operation of school canteens, but also to strengthen nutrition outcomes, enhance community resilience to overlapping crises, and promote the economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level,” said Ali Ouattara, WFP Country Director and Resident Representative in Benin.

CIF’s investment has transformed schools and communities, not just ensuring children stay in classrooms thanks to dependable, healthy school meals, but also reshaping livelihoods. With funds channeled into building essential infrastructure—including kitchens, refectories, water points, and gardens— the partnership is helping beneficiary schools on their journey towards becoming sustainability hubs.

“The school feeding programme run by WFP in cooperation with local governments around the world is a benchmark global campaign that aims to solve challenges of food security and climate change. Choithrams is continuously looking to improve the quality of food consumed, reduce the quantum of food wasted, and efficiently upgrade how food is grown, distributed and retailed. Our commitment to WFP is a synergy of purposes. It gives us an opportunity to rally behind children facing the risk of hunger and malnutrition,” said Lekhu T. Pagarani, Chairman of CIF.

The programme originally launched as a three-year plan targeting 10 schools in the Atacora department, specifically in Boukoumbé and Toucountouna. In its second phase, from 2019 to 2021, the initiative expanded to the southern regions of Mono and Ouémé, benefiting 3,698 schoolchildren in 10 other schools. In 2022, it was extended to support 20 more schools, including those in the Couffo, Atlantique and Alibori departments.

Beyond the classroom, the foundation’s support is empowering local economies by establishing a maize mill and equipping women’s cooperatives with cassava and palm nut processing tools. The result has been a strengthened community where education and employment go hand in hand, creating long-term resilience for families in need.

For the people of Benin, Choithrams’ contribution will supply essential food items—including cereals, beans, oil, and iodized salt—while fresh produce from community gardens will complement the meals. The programme will support 750 women with training and market access.

Through innovative partnerships and strategic investments, WFP and CIF are driving long-term impact, empowering communities with food security solutions that promote self-sufficiency and economic resilience. The delivery of these programmes not only addresses immediate hunger challenges but also lays the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Choithram International Foundation.

For more info please contact:
Choithram International Foundation
kmalhotra@choithrams.com

World Food Programme
lorenzo.tacchella@wfp.org

T +39 06 65131

Social Media:
Choithrams
Twitter: @ choithramsuae

World Food Programme
X: @ wfp_gcc, @ wfp_media
Instagram: @ GccWfp

About The UN World Food Programme:
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

WFP does not endorse any product or service.

About the WFP – Choithrams Partnership:
Established in 2015, the strategic partnership between WFP and Choithrams, through Choithram International Foundation, has delivered tangible, life-changing results for many in vulnerable communities in the Middle East and Africa. Choithrams and WFP have collaborated as partners on a variety of Zero Hunger campaigns in supermarket locations across the United Arab Emirates. Over 6.5 million meals have been donated since the start of the partnership in 2015. The WFP Benin Country Office, with financial support from CIF, continues to deliver school feeding programmes under the framework of the Integrated National School Feeding Programme (PNASI) in the West African country.

About Choithrams:
For generations, Choithrams has captured the imagination of UAE residents by following its Full of Goodness mantra, delighting customers, partners, and stakeholders at every touchpoint. The brand offers a truly hybrid shopping experience to customers with more than 50 outlets at strategic locations in the UAE, a robust online presence at www.Choithrams.com, and an optimised mobile-first delivery network to reach customers through Instashop, Talabat, Deliveroo, El Grocer, Noon, WhatsApp or by phone.

Today, Choithrams is a successful group with associates in diverse fields including manufacturing, distribution, commodities, retailing This rich combination brings to the group a huge fund of experience and resources. Choithrams came to UAE in 1974 and its chain of over 50 supermarkets have made it a household name in the Emirates.

Check our website: www.Choithrams.com

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Ministers showcase Africa’s multibillion water sector projects for global investors

Source: Government of South Africa

African Ministers of Water have used the AU–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025 to highlight the multibillion dollar opportunities in the water sector.

The Ministers presented bulk water projects currently underway in their countries during a ministerial roundtable on how they are de-risking the water sector.

Among the large water projects presented included the construction of dams, climate-resilient financing, and nationwide water supply programmes.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, told delegates that the country presents abundant opportunities for discerning investors, as it has “the highest density of dams in Africa”, with 10 600 dams built to date, creating vast investment potential.

“The new paradigm is that ‘a dam is an economy’,” Masuka said when outlining government’s ‘Infrastructure 6.0’ model, which integrates hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, potable water, fisheries, tourism and wastewater management.

To attract private investors, Masuka said Zimbabwe has developed Special Economic Zones, which are spearheaded by a one-stop investment centre — the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA), working alongside the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to fast track government’s water projects.

“The two institutions, ZIDA and ZINWA, would be able to handle world investors in the water sector to ensure the acceleration of the last mile development of the 10 600 dams. If you are looking for investment, start in Zimbabwe,” the Minister said.

Climate resilient financing strategy

Malawi Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Sidik Mia, said while water is not only a basic human right, but also a strategic asset for resilience, economic growth, and sustainable development, access to water remains a privilege for the “lucky few” across the African continent.

She said Malawi’s Climate Resilient WASH [Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene] Financing Strategy, has assisted the country to shift from “reactive funding to proactive planning”, boosting investor confidence and unlocking new financing.

“The financing strategy is not just a technical document – it is a strategic planning instrument that brings clarity on the financing needs, identifies sources of financing, and aligns investment areas with national priorities, filling the gaps where we need.

“Financing strategies effectively signal government seriousness, readiness, and strategic intent,” Mia said.

Water for all 

In Côte d’Ivoire, Water and Forests Minister Laurent Chagba highlighted the country’s biggest project in the water sector, the ‘Water for All’ programme, valued at 1 320 billion CFA francs (US$2.3 billion).

He said the initiative aims to guarantee fair and sustainable access to drinking water for all populations, both in rural and urban areas. It also integrates water resources management in the context of climate change.

The major achievements of the first phase of the project include strengthening the storage capacity of the country’s economic capital, which is the Autonomous District of Abidjan; the increase in the production of drinking water in 27 regions and departments, as well as the equipment of 200 chiefs from sub-prefectures to people deprived of water supply systems.

The initiative also aims to implement 450 000 social water connections over three years.

“It also [facilitated] the rehabilitation and maintenance of human-powered pumps between 2017 and 2020,” Chagba said.

In the area of water resources, Chagba highlighted the implementation of the Integrated Development and Adaptation Programme for Climate Change in the Niger River Basin, financed by a consortium of donors and led by the African Development Bank.

The programme covers eight regions and an autonomous district, mainly in the northern and central regions of the country.

“This programme illustrates the commitment of the Ivory Coast to making water a lever for sustainable development, social inclusion and climate resilience,” he said.

Ministers including the Senegal Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr Sheikha Atidi-Anediye; Abdallah Ahmed Balala, Assistant Minister Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability in the UAE, and Dr Engineer Abtamu Ittefa, the Minister of Water and Energy of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, also took part in the plenary.

The Ministers commended South Africa and the African Union for hosting a successful summit, held in the lead-up to South Africa hosting the G20 Summit in November. – SAnews.gov.za