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Home Affairs collaborates with banks to expand services

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA), First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank have launched a new partnership that will enable South Africans to apply for their smart card IDs and passports at the banks and at a later state on mobile applications.

FNB will be taking a phased approach to the rollout of these services. The bank is committing to rolling out 15 branches immediately, 240 branches over the next year, and more announcements to follow as the project plan unfolds.

Similarly, Standard Bank will be adopting a phased approach, with 20 branches going live this year and 300 over the next year with more to come by 2027. 

Both banks will avail these services to all South Africans, including those who are not clients.

This partnership was launched on Wednesday. 

“I am delighted that FNB and Standard Bank are the latest banks to partner with Home Affairs to expand the offering of our services across the entire country. 

“This new digital partnership model that harnesses the power of technology, will dramatically increase Home Affairs’ footprint and thereby bring us closer than ever before to delivering our vision of Home Affairs at home. 

“I am grateful to them for committing to demonstrate how we can resolve long-standing problems when we work together,” Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said.

CEO of FNB Public Sector Banking, Sipho Silinda, welcomed the partnership with the department that spans over a decade. 

“We have always believed that financial inclusion is directly linked to safe and secure documentation, and we are delighted to take our partnership with the DHA to the next level, by scaling our solution with more branches and reissuing via our App. 

“We commend the Minister and his department for the vision they have shown and look forward to continuing to serve South Africans with professionalism and simplicity,” Silinda said.

Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking CEO, Funeka Montjane, the bank is proud to be part of this forward-thinking collaboration that will save clients time and make it easier to access essential identity services. – SAnews.gov.za

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Investing that protects people and the planet is growing: new study maps the progress in South Africa

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kara Nel, Contract lecturer in Business Management, Stellenbosch University

Institutional investors who invest on behalf of others are increasingly considering environmental conservation and safe working conditions as investment criteria.

Sustainable investment has gained momentum in the last 20 years as asset managers – people who manage the day-to-day activities of institutional investors – have accepted the need to include sustainability criteria in their decision-making. In particular environmental, social and governance factors.

A study done in 2023 in North America, Europe and Asia reported that 80% of asset managers had sustainable investment policies. Five years earlier it was only 20%.

In South Africa, this trend has been particularly marked since 2011 following changes to pension fund legislation. The amendments require pension funds to take environmental, social and governance issues into account in their investment decisions.

Nevertheless, the momentum of investment decisions based on sustainability criteria has been slower in South Africa compared with other countries.

As part of my PhD research, I investigated the views of 26 asset managers about sustainable investing. I asked them to define what corporate social responsibility meant to them.

They identified specific corporate social responsibility practices they focus on. Human rights and stakeholder relationships were the most prominent. Most interviewees (15 of the 26) believed that the companies they invest in should have sound sustainability practices.

The research also highlighted a number of barriers to asset managers applying sustainability criteria. These included the fact that the South African equity market is quite small, and shrinking as the number of companies delisting from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange grows. There are therefore fewer companies to invest in. There is also limited client demand for such investments.

These barriers make it harder for investors to make a significant social investment impact.

Sustainable investment matters because asset managers control vast amounts of capital. In the absence of suitable impact-oriented investment opportunities, capital can’t be directed to solving pressing problems. These include poverty, inequality and climate change.

The barriers

The interviewees said it was challenging to integrate corporate social responsibility practices into institutional investment decision-making. They listed a number of reasons.

Seven commented that the local equity market was too small to make a significant social investment impact.

One interviewee said that if, for example, an asset manager wanted to build a fund with only environmental performers, it was not possible, since

you are not exactly spoiled for choice.

The already limited local investable market continues to shrink. Companies are delisting at a disconcerting rate. This means that there are limited sustainability-focused investment opportunities in the country.

Another challenge is low client demand for sustainable investment products. The interviewees mentioned that a limited number of asset owners and beneficiaries are requesting such products.

In addition, many companies don’t provide sufficient data on their sustainability practices. This makes it difficult for corporate role-players to make informed decisions.

Another complicating factor is that there isn’t consistency among data providers on how sustainability performance of companies should be measured. In South Africa this is further complicated by unique aspects of the country’s laws. For example, interviewees mentioned that popular global environmental, social and governance databases didn’t take into account broad-based black economic empowerment legislation. This was introduced after the end of apartheid to improve economic transformation and inclusion.

What needs to happen

Education is key to ensure real impact. Fund managers and their clients should thus be better informed about sustainable investing.

Here the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa could play an important role. This association aims to ensure that savings and investment in the country remain relevant and sustainable. Workshops and resources are provided to various role-players in the investment process.

In addition, having consistent, country-specific metrics for sustainability would make it easier to evaluate and compare companies. Some of the interviewees thought that the Johannesburg Stock Exchange 2022 Sustainability Disclosure Guidance was a step in the right direction. The document provides a step-by-step guide to get companies going in their sustainability reporting. It’s also designed to help locally listed companies clarify current global best practices. An example is climate-related disclosures.

Reporting standards put out in 2023 by the International Sustainability Standards Board have been another important development. These include requirements for sustainability-related financial information and climate-related initiatives.

The standards encourage more consistent, complete, comparable and verifiable information about sustainability-related risks and opportunities.

Another useful intervention would be the development of a social impact metric. This could include country-specific social considerations. A local example would be including broad-based black economic empowerment when measuring social impact.

In our view the focus for South African asset managers should be on investments that align with sustainable development. These include investing in infrastructure projects that address pressing challenges. Unemployment is one example.

Fund managers should also take advantage of tools like the Responsible Investment and Ownership guide. This provides actionable steps to improve responsible investment practices.

These resources can help asset managers integrate corporate sustainability into their decision-making. They can also be used to educate clients on the benefits of sustainable investing.

– Investing that protects people and the planet is growing: new study maps the progress in South Africa
– https://theconversation.com/investing-that-protects-people-and-the-planet-is-growing-new-study-maps-the-progress-in-south-africa-248022

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African Development Bank and partners drive data transformation in Africa with Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX) and Open Data Platform 2.0 training

Source: APO


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The Statistics Department of the African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org), in collaboration with the African Union Institute of Statistics (STATAFRIC), the Africa Centre for Statistics of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and other international partners held a week-long Regional Workshop on Statistical Data and Metadata exchange (SDMX) and the Bank’s Open Data Platform 2.0 (ODP 2.0). 

The workshop, held in Addis Ababa from 21 to 25 July 2025, brought together more than 40 participants from 16 countries, alongside delegates from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization, Paris21, and four regional institutions. Participants engaged in hands-on training on leveraging SDMX to enhance data management and dissemination in support of evidence-based policymaking.

SDMX has emerged as a leading global standard for statistical data exchange, enabling greater efficiency, automation, and integration across national, regional, and global statistical systems. Its adoption by African countries is set to boost the reliability and comparability of official statistics across the continent.

The workshop also offered in-depth technical sessions on ODP 2.0, the upgraded SDMX-native version of the African Development Bank’s Open Data Platform, developed under the Africa Information Highway initiative. ODP 2.0 enables countries to make their data systems more interoperable, accessible, and ready for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. 

In their opening remarks, representatives from AfDB, UNECA, and STATAFRIC reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate the adoption of SDMX in Africa, pledging closer collaboration with Regional Economic Communities to ensure efficient implementation across member countries. 

The event also highlighted Africa’s progress in advancing open data practices with the support of the AfDB, as reflected in the latest Open Data Inventory (ODIN) 2024-2025 report, covering 197 countries and published in April 2025: 

  • Ten African countries scored above 60 out of 100, up from just two in 2020. 
  • For the first time, three African countries — Morocco (77.3), Burkina Faso (76.8), and Senegal (75.3) — exceeded 70 out of 100, placing them among the world’s top 35 performers. 
  • Between 2022 and 2024, all regions showed improvements, with Africa recording the highest regional increase of 23% in average ODIN scores.

The milestone workshop demonstrates the growing momentum among African countries and institutions to modernize data ecosystems, strengthen statistical capacity, and drive inclusive development through better, more accessible data.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Gabon to Bring New Exploration, Gas Opportunities to African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Stage

Source: APO


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As Gabon accelerates efforts to reposition itself as a leading upstream player in Africa, the “Invest in Gabon” Roundtable at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies will present a detailed overview of the country’s most promising investment opportunities across the oil and gas value chain. The session will feature Sosthène Nguema Nguema, Minister of Petroleum; Philippe Tonangoye, Minister of Universal Access to Water and Energy; and Marcellin Simba Ngabi, CEO of Gabon Oil Company (GOC) – who will outline Gabon’s roadmap for upstream growth, regulatory modernization and new investor incentives. 

With a production history spanning over five decades and estimated reserves of more than two billion barrels, Gabon is laying the groundwork for a new phase of growth. Recent upstream momentum has been fueled by the Bourdon discovery in the offshore Dussafu License in March 2025, alongside production increases led by Perenco, BW Energy and VAALCO Energy. The government aims to boost national output to 200,000 barrels per day, unlocking additional value from both mature fields and frontier acreage. 

A central focus is Gabon’s underexplored deepwater acreage, which remains largely untapped despite significant geological potential. The Ministry of Petroleum has launched a concerted push to attract new entrants, particularly independent and mid-cap operators, through flexible PSC terms, streamlined permitting, and data accessibility. As noted by Minister Nguema Nguema in recent statements, Gabon’s deepwater drive forms a critical part of its strategy to remain competitive in a shifting global energy landscape. 

At the same time, Gabon is placing greater emphasis on natural gas development through its Gas Master Plan, which aims to strengthen domestic infrastructure and diversify energy exports. A major highlight is the $983 million investment recently committed by Perenco and GOC in a new LNG facility in Port-Gentil – a flagship project aimed at reducing flaring, boosting gas monetization and supporting clean fuel markets. This builds on Perenco’s existing $2 billion investment in the Cap Lopez LNG terminal, which will deploy a FLNG vessel and is expected to begin production in 2026. Broader efforts are also underway to scale gas use in power generation and industry, reinforcing Gabon’s commitment to energy security and sustainable growth.  

“Through robust policy reform, improved transparency and strong leadership from institutions like GOC, the country is laying the foundation for long-term investment. AEW 2025 offers a platform for operators, financiers and service providers to engage directly with Gabonese officials and explore avenues for entry and expansion in one of Africa’s most revitalized energy markets,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW:
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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Health Minister takes NHI roadshow to KZN

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is in KwaZulu-Natal today, to engage with stakeholders in the faith-based sector regarding the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. 

The Department of Health stated that this session in Melmoth forms part of a nationwide roadshow focused on health reform. 

The goal is to help South Africans better understand how this legislative reform will address the healthcare needs of all citizens, particularly those who rely exclusively on the underfunded and overburdened public health system.

Since the NHI was enacted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2024, numerous stakeholders from various sectors of society, including traditional leaders, trade unions, religious organisations, civil society groups, and youth organisations, have reached out to the Ministry of Health to request exclusive engagement regarding the NHI Act.

“The NHI Act is not just a policy but a promise of a better, healthier future for every South African,” the advisory read. 

The country is actively working towards achieving universal health coverage through the NHI system. 

The NHI is intended to provide financial protection for everyone, ensuring that access to quality healthcare does not depend on an individual’s ability to pay. 

Motsoaledi explained that it will also help to use resources efficiently by pooling funds and strategically purchasing services. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng government to visit Maponya Mall

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, will on Thursday visit Maponya Mall in Soweto as part of ongoing efforts to address tensions within the public transport sector, engage directly with affected stakeholders, and assess the situation on the ground.

The visit follows a violent incident, allegedly involving taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, which resulted in one fatality and left two others injured on Wednesday at the mall.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the amended National Land Transport Act (NLTA) 5 of 2009, paving the way for e-hailing services operators to apply for operating licences like any other public transport operator.

The National Land Transport Act was brought to the President’s desk in 2020 but was sent back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.

The revised Bill, amongst others, seeks to amend the National Land Transport Act, 2009, to insert certain definitions and amend others and provide for non-motorised and accessible transport.

The bill amends the National Land Transport Act of 2009 to bring it up to date with developments since the implementation and simplifies various provisions or solves problems that have arisen since the implementation; and makes provisions for non-motorized and accessible transport. 

It further expands the powers of the Minister to make regulations and introduce safety measures. –SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa needs higher investment in water

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says South Africa needs at least R1 trillion in water sector investment to address growing challenges linked to climate change and population growth. 

Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Mahlobo warned that the world is falling behind in meeting the water and sanitation targets set for 2030.

Mahlobo said the world is lagging – with at least 2.2 billion people globally not having access to safe drinking water, and more than 3.6 billion people not having access to decent sanitation.

“For us to achieve these numbers, we have to scale up our investment five time more in terms of investment around access to clean water, and six times more around access to decent sanitation. But equally we are having challenges of climate change [as] more than 2.4 billion people are living in water stressed countries, and Africa, especially South Africa, are the most in need,” Mahlobo said.

“In the world, the backlog is estimated at US$7 trillion. In our continent, we are looking at about a US$30 billion gap per annum, [and] in our own country, we are looking at R1 trillion that we need to be investing in water,” Mahlobo said.

Mahlobo noted that while public investment remains critical, national budgets alone cannot meet demand.

“The fiscus in most African countries is not adequate to meet the new demand that is driven by economic and population growth.”

He emphasised the importance of private sector participation and support from development finance institutions.

While the banking institutions, including African Bank, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and theWorld Bank have already started some work, Mahlobo stressed the need to scale up. 

He said South Africa will by the end of the year, share with communities what government is doing in terms of public investment. He said the richest countries and Heads of State and Government, will also meet to discuss the issue of water and sanitation. 

Mahlobo underscored that investment in water is fundamental to national prosperity, noting that “when there are problems of no access to water, you will have problems of many wars that could be created.”

“If there is no decent sanitation in the 21st century, you will have water borne diseases, [and] many people are going to perish on issues that we should have attended to. We cannot afford not to invest in water and sanitation because it is the right thing to do,” Mahlobo told SAnews.

He added that advances in scientific, technological, and engineering provide the tools needed to address these challenges, but political will and financing must align.

The three-day summit which kicks off on Tuesday, saw the Heads of State and Government committing to create an enabling environment for enhancing investment in water and sanitation.

The commitments align with national development plans, Sustainable Development Goal 6, and climate resilience priorities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Botswana calls for risk management to secure long-term water availability

Source: Government of South Africa

President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, has emphasised the need to adopt a risk management approach in water planning and management to ensure long-term water availability and for better economic growth.

Speaking on Botswana’s vulnerability to climate change, President Boko noted that the country is among four Southern African nations projected to become “highly water stressed by 2040” under a “business-as-usual” scenario.

He stressed that adaptation to climate change will require tailor-made interventions that are thoughtfully integrated into existing development processes and activities.

He said the Government of Botswana is making deliberate efforts to change the trajectory of its developments by embracing investment by private investors and allowing them to do what they know best.

President Boko made the remarks when he was addressing the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

He underscored that improving efficiency in water supply and sanitation services delivery will require significant infrastructure investment, including conveyance pipelines, network rehabilitation and expansion of reticulation network, construction of sewer network and service delivery throughout the whole onsite sanitation service chain.

“All these are capital intensive. It is, therefore imperative to efficiently manage the available water sources to effectively influence attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 Target, as enshrined in our national aspirations, Botswana Vision 2036 and Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP),” President Boko said.

President Boko said the BETP represents a new chapter for Botswana, which aims to ensure that innovation, enterprise, and local ambition fuel the country’s journey to a new future of prosperity.

According to the President, through this, the country will build a political and economic posture which will open a door to those who are ready to build with the government.

“It is a call to action; for thinkers, investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions with bold ideas that can spark real economic progress. The BETP will in a nutshell engage projects or ideas that unlock new engines of growth across the country; bring fresh thinking to old challenges; create jobs and expand opportunities for Botswana; position Botswana competitively in the region and globally and support inclusive and sustainable development, not just growth,” the President said.

Every drop counts

Due to the arid to semi-arid climatic conditions in most parts of the country with inadequate water supply sources and services, the President said Botswana is a water scarce country and knows the sting of scarcity.

He said water shortage has in recent years persisted as a result of growing demand, exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

“Climate variability and uncertainty brings about extreme events such as droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns, challenging the conventional way of food production by our people and potable water supply which relies mostly on annual rainfall.

“Our groundwater resources have also been significantly impacted by climate change variables. The sparse population distribution of the country creates major engineering and financial challenges pertaining to water infrastructure development,” President Boko said.

Ensuring clean water for all 

President Boko reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the United Nation’s International Decade of Action on “Water for sustainable development.”

“Efforts have to be made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. It is, therefore, the responsibility of government to ensure that every designated settlement is provided with potable water, irrespective of proximity to the nearest water source. Water is a basic right, and without water there is no life.

“Many settlements in Botswana are located where there is either little or no water source. Thus, the need to reticulate, store and distribute clean water to the settlements,” President Boko said. – SAnews.gov.za

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King Mswati calls for collective action to address Africa’s water challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

His Majesty, King Mswati III of Eswatini, has called for an urgent need for collective action to address persistent water challenges affecting most  countries on the African continent.

King Mswati made the call at the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The King stressed that water is central to Eswatini’s national development goals, noting that it fuels the country’s agriculture sector, which accounts for more than 90% of national water use, drives industrial growth, safeguards public health, and strengthens defences against climate vulnerability.

However, like many African nations, he said Eswatini faces significant challenges from aging infrastructure, increasing water needs, and the impacts of climate change.

He said the country’s major rivers, shared with neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique, highlight that “water security transcends borders” and requires regional cooperation, integrated planning, and bold investment in sustainable infrastructure.

“This is why Eswatini wholeheartedly endorses the continental Africa water investment Programme (AIP). The AIP is not merely a framework – it is a transformation to mobilise the estimated US$30 billion needed annually to close Africa’ water investment gap.

“It aligns seamlessly with our national development plan, climate adaptation priorities, and the country’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – ‘Ensuring access to water and sanitation for all by 20230.’ Moreover, it advances Agenda 2063: The Africa we want, envisioning a prosperous and united continent,” King Mswati said.

Major projects underway

The King highlighted national water projects, which are already in progress, and these include the Lubovane and Luphohlo Dams, which provide irrigation and clean water to the communities.

He said Eswatini is also engaging with financial institutions to construct the Mpakeni Dam, which is expected to be one of the largest in the country to support agriculture and water supply.

With support from the African Union, the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, and the Green Climate Fund, the King said Eswatini is currently developing the Eswatini Water Investment Programme, which is scheduled for completion by 2035.

“This programme will serve as a blueprint for mobilising resources and implementing high-impact water projects. We are pleased to highlight two bankable initiatives: the Nondvo Multipurpose Dam and the Raising of the Hawane Dam, and the estimated funding required is about US$115 million.

“Alongside our national potable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Master Plan, and the preliminary investment required for it, is estimated to be at US$2 billion. The project is designed to enhance access to clean water, improve sanitation, strengthen climate resilience, and unlock economic opportunities across multiple sectors,” the King said.

Regional cooperation and achievements

King Mswati underscored the importance of collaboration with South Africa and Mozambique in managing shared water resources.

Joint projects include the Maguga and Driekoppies Dams with South Africa, which have significantly boosted agriculture, and a cross-border initiative with Mozambique to ensure equitable use of the Incomati and Maputo rivers.

Through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Fund, he said Eswatini has also commenced the Lomahasha–Namaacha Project, which will provide clean water to communities in both Eswatini and Mozambique.

“Eswatini has also been developing a number of dam water supply projects with the assistance of our development partners to improve water security. Some of these projects are at a bankable stage, having completed the technical feasibility studies,” the King highlighted.

Call to development partners

The King urged development partners, including financial institutions, private investors, and multilateral organisations to join Eswatini in advancing the water security ambitions.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging support for the Africa Water Investment Scorecard to enhance performance tracking and ensure “our collective efforts deliver measurable results.” –

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with King Mswati on the sidelines of the 2025 AU-AIP Water Investment Summit, where the two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong bonds between the two countries, including growing political and trade ties. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation discusses with her Jordanian counterpart joint efforts to achieve economic development and enhance growth and employment policies

Source: APO


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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with Zeina Toukan, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during the 33rd session of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee, held in the Jordanian capital, Amman, under the chairmanship of the Prime Ministers of both countries.

The meeting witnessed discussions on strengthening the partnership between the two ministries in order to exchange expertise in the field of development planning and economic development policies, and discussed activating the executive program that was signed during the activities of the committee between the Institute of National Planning (INP) in Egypt and the Jordanian Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed the keenness of the Egyptian state, under the leadership of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to continue developing the joint relations between the two brotherly countries, which have close and extended economic ties that have contributed to the development of bilateral, Arab and regional cooperation, adding that the Egyptian-Jordanian relations represent a role model for Arab relations in light of the attention and permanent support from the political leadership of the two countries, especially in light of the developments and rapid changes taking place in the Arab world and the region.

Al-Mashat pointed to the pivotal role of the Egyptian-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee as one of the main mechanisms working to support and strengthen joint economic, trade, investment, and cultural relations between the two countries, which represents the oldest of all Arab bilateral higher committees, noting the strong contributions over 32 previous sessions in supporting bilateral relations in areas of joint work between the two countries and overcoming obstacles to mutual cooperation paths.

H.E. expressed her welcome for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the field of development planning and sustainable development, through the activation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries in August 2023 in Amman, which expands to covers promising areas, most notably cooperation in planning, capacity building through the provision of training programs, workshops, and discussion panels in the fields of planning, strategic planning, governance, sustainable development, and competitiveness.

Al-Mashat also noted the possibility of exchanging expertise between the two countries in sustainable development and planning, particularly regarding their efforts to implement the recommendations of the “Public Governance Review,” launched by Egypt and Jordan in Egypt in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) within the framework of the “Supporting Public and Economic Governance in Egypt” project, and the lessons learned in preparing Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and the role of the Higher Committee for Sustainable Development (HCSD) in Jordan.

The two ministers also discussed joint coordination in international forums to advance global efforts towards implementing the outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, recently held in Seville, as well as other international conferences, especially with regard to the global financial architecture reforms and developing the United Nations system to benefit the economies of developing and emerging countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.