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Capitec, FNB partner with Home Affairs to deliver Smart IDs

Source: Government of South Africa

Capitec, FNB partner with Home Affairs to deliver Smart IDs

Capitec Bank and First National Bank (FNB) have signed up to the Department of Home Affairs’ new digital partnership model that aims to expand access to Smart ID and passport services.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced that the partnership will see the expansion of Smart ID and passport services from the existing 30 to hundreds more bank branches in urban and rural areas across South Africa.

It will further expand these services to digital banking applications.

“In fulfilment of the target set by Cabinet in the Medium-Term Development Plan, which tasks Home Affairs with expanding its services to 1 000 bank branches by 2029, the Director-General of the department, Mr Tommy Makhode, on 30 April 2025 wrote to
the Chief Executive Officers of ABSA, African Bank, TymeBank, Capitec Bank, Discovery Bank, First National Bank, Investec Bank, Nedbank, and Standard Bank, inviting them to join this transformative, digital-first new phase of the department’s existing collaboration with the banking sector,” explained the department.

It said the collaboration dates back more than a decade and has, until now, seen the successful delivery of Smart ID and passport services at only 30 branches across five different banks.

The original model relied on the costly duplication of Home Affairs staff and hardware inside bank branches and failed to take advantage of technology to dramatically expand services into all rural and urban areas where bank branches already exist, as well as onto secure banking apps that have come to be widely used across society.

The department said the new partnerships marked the beginning of the end for long travelling distances to reach Home Affairs services, for long queues, as well as for the Green ID book with its unacceptable vulnerability to fraud and identity theft.

It is also the next step in the new digital-first era of public service delivery that the Government of National Unity is building, said the department.

The Minister will visit Capitec and FNB this week to provide further information on how this reform will benefit all South Africans. On Tuesday, the Minister will visit Capitec Head Office in Stellenbosch and then on Wednesday he will visit FNB at the Portside Tower, in Cape Town.

“The department further reiterates its call for all other banks to similarly take up the invitation to work together, to ensure that all South Africans have access to Smart ID and passport services in their own communities.

“This reform marks a critical milestone on our journey to unlock the power of digital transformation to deliver Home Affairs @ home.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine

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Parolee denied bail for allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head 

Source: Government of South Africa

Parolee denied bail for allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head 

The Hatfield Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to parolee Thabo Enoch Theletsane, who is facing charges of fraud and allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

Theletsane – who was out on parole after serving time for another fraud case – allegedly contacted a businessman on WhatsApp using Lebeya’s profile picture.

“[He] allegedly claimed his phone had been hacked and that the businessman would be contacted by ‘Mr. Mokoena’, purportedly a police officer from the cybercrime unit. Posing as ‘Mr. Mokoena,’ Theletsane allegedly told the businessman that his phone had been hacked and offered to ‘clean’ it. 

“He is accused of requesting the businessman’s frequently used contact numbers, which he then obtained. The accused allegedly asked the businessman to make a payment for a hard drive to store his information; however, this payment was not made,” the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.

According to the statement, Theletsane then contacted another complainant “using the numbers supplied by the businessman”.

“He allegedly told the second complainant that their phone had been hacked and requested a payment of R50 000 for a hard drive to store their information. The complainant paid the money. 

“After realising they had been defrauded, both victims reported the matter to the police on 01 November 2024,” the statement read.

Theletsane was arrested in May this year following an investigation and subsequently applied for bail on the basis that he is a father of seven with “another on the way to provide for”. 

“Prosecutor Dikeledi Moganyaka opposed the bail application and read into the record an affidavit by investigating officer Mpho Phantinah Dlamini. The affidavit stated that the accused had deliberately given a false address during the investigation and had two previous convictions for fraud and forgery from 2020, making him likely to reoffend if released.

“In delivering judgment, the magistrate agreed with the State that the accused has the propensity of committing crime since he is alleged to have committed the current offences just days after being released on parole. The court also found his claims about the parole board to be unsubstantiated and ruled that releasing him would not be in the interest of justice,” the statement said.

The case was postponed to September. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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eThekwini welcomes approval to develop new power generation capacity

Source: Government of South Africa

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba says the approval for the development of a new electricity generation capacity, marked a critical milestone in the city’s energy roadmap, aimed at diversifying energy sources, reducing reliance on the national grid, and improving energy security.  

The municipality has become the first metro in South Africa to receive ministerial approval to procure new electricity generation capacity directly from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), in what Xaba calls a “precedent-setting moment” for municipal-led energy transition.

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has authorised the city to move ahead with its Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (MPPPP), which will add 400 megawatts (MW) to the local grid — 100MW from solar PV and 300MW from gas-to-power.

“We are not only celebrating the decision by the Minister of Electricity and Energy to authorise the city to develop new electricity generation capacity, but we are also affirming our commitment to lead South Africa’s energy transition in a way that is secure, inclusive, and sustainable.

“We are excited that we are the first metro in the country to receive this determination from the Minister to procure new electricity generation capacity directly from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This is a precedent-setting moment that reinforces the constitutional role of municipalities in ensuring they deliver quality services,” Xaba said.

Energy roadmap and milestones

In line with its energy strategic road map, the municipality launched its energy strategy in 2021, to respond to the national energy crisis.

As a result, the council resolved to initiate its own electricity procurement programme, through the Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (MPPPP).

Xaba noted that the decision was driven not only by necessity, but by a forward-looking vision of building a decentralised, diversified, and resilient municipal energy system.

“By July 2021, we issued a technology-agnostic Request for Information (RFI) to the market, targeting 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. This move allowed us to engage industry stakeholders, assess investment appetite, and lay the groundwork for meaningful public-private partnerships.

“A year later, our 400 MW business case received full endorsement from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. Subsequently, the National Treasury approved the project, positioning eThekwini as a national pioneer in municipal-led power procurement,” Xaba said.

The municipality convened the first Energy Transformation Summit in 2023, with key public and private stakeholders, reaffirming their commitment to a reliable, low-carbon, inclusive energy future.

A Section 34 Determination application was formally submitted and received the full attention of the Minister, and by October 2024, the Minister issued the draft Section 34 determination to National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), which launched public participation in March 2025.

Section 34 Determination outlines the procurement of new electricity generation capacity or transmission infrastructure to ensure a reliable electricity supply. NERSA then reviews the determination and provides its concurrence (or not) based on its regulatory mandate.

The final approval of the Ministerial Determination gives the city the green light to move to the next phase of the Request for Proposals (RFP).

According to the municipality, the programme will allow the eThekwini Municipality to procure 400 MW of new generation capacity (100 MW Solar PV and 300 MW Gas to Power (GTP), with a focus on dispatchable, reliable, and low-carbon energy technologies.

“Our energy strategy is embedded in our Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which is a legislated planning and performance management instrument. The inclusion of our energy mix in the IDP ensures that our power procurement is directly tied to broader development outcomes, job creation, economic growth, climate change and spatial transformation,” the mayor emphasised.

Xaba reassured the city’s ratepayers that the programme is financially sound, with preliminary modelling indicating that it would save the municipality approximately R5 billion over the duration of the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), translating to around R250 million in annual savings.

“These are savings we can redirect to the upgrading of infrastructure for basic services that will directly benefit our residents. Furthermore, this programme is catalytic as it is projected to unlock R8.5 billion in private investment and boost regional industrial activity.

“Most importantly, it will create an estimated 2 200 jobs during construction and operation phases. This initiative will also empower small businesses and promote inclusive enterprise and supplier development,” he said.

On energy security and environmental sustainability, Xaba said once fully operational, the new capacity will reduce eThekwini’s reliance on the national grid by 18%, significantly cushioning the city from up to Stage 3 load shedding.

“During this period our economy can stay productive, our hospitals, schools and police stations will continue operating without any disruption. The project supports both our Climate Action Plan and South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

“It is expected to avoid 250 000 tonnes of CO₂ [carbon dioxide] -equivalent emissions annually, a significant step towards achieving a just transition and low-carbon emissions.”

Procurement rollout process

The mayor also highlighted that the procurement will be rolled out in phases, with the RFP for Solar PV planned to be issued in December this year, while the construction expected by September 2027.

“The Gas-to-Power RFP will follow in 2026 and the details of which will be communicated in due course. This staggered approach allows us to align with demand profiles, strengthen local capacity, and manage implementation risks responsibly,” the mayor explained. –  SAnews.gov.za

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Airtel, Vodacom sign network infrastructure agreement to drive digital inclusion

Source: APO

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group (www.Vodacom.com) have announced a strategic infrastructure sharing agreement in key markets including Mozambique, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), subject to regulatory approvals in the various countries. 

The agreement marks a transformative milestone in promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to reliable connectivity across Africa. 

The initial partnership focuses on sharing fibre networks and tower infrastructure, to accelerate the roll-out of digital services in these markets, increasing connectivity for customers while reducing operators’ infrastructure costs and improving speed to market. 

By leveraging existing infrastructure, the collaboration aims to deliver improved connectivity, faster internet speeds, and more reliable services. This will not only enhance customer experience but also assist with providing access to digital services for a broader population, particularly those in underserved areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in Africa. 

Vodacom Group’s chief executive officer Shameel Joosub said: “Providing connectivity to empower people is at the core of our strategy. Our partnership with Airtel Africa is a proactive step forward in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future for the continent.  

Through infrastructure sharing, we can provide cost-effective services to more people, more rapidly, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. As we fulfil our ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030, the need for scalable and cost-efficient network solutions becomes increasingly significant 

This partnership provides us with the opportunity to narrow the digital divide, empowering more individuals and communities through digitalisation across the continent. It is aligned with our purpose to connect for a better future,” concludes Joosub.  

Airtel Africa’s chief executive officer Sunil Taldar said: “This partnership is aligned with our unwavering commitment to delighting our customers by always making our network available to them even in the remotest locations. Working with Vodacom, we will open greater access to digital and financial opportunities which will transform the lives of our customers while complying with all regulatory requirements. 

Even as competitors, it has become a business imperative for us to collaborate in the provision of critical infrastructure required to build resilient network with strong capacity to support the emerging digital technologies as well as the growing need for data-enabled products and services. 

Accelerating the deployment of fibre connectivity is a key enabler in the acceleration of 4G and 5G technologies in Africa to deliver the high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connections needed for modern digital applications.  

This partnership allows for further opportunities for both operators to enhance network performance, extend coverage, and increase mobile, fixed, and financial services leveraging a broader footprint on the continent.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vodacom Group.

Airtel Africa:
Emeka Oparah 
Vice-President Communications & CSR 
Emeka.oparah@africa.airtel.com    

Hudson Sandler 
Cosmas Butunyi, Eugene Ng’ang’a 
airtelafrica@hudsonsandler.com    

Vodacom Group:  
Byron Kennedy 
Executive Head of Media Relations 
Mediarelations@vodacom.co.za  

Khensani Mthombeni 
Principal Specialist for Corporate Media Relations 
Khensani.Mthombeni@vodacom.co.za

About Airtel Africa:
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with operations in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Airtel Africa’s integrated offer provides national and international mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services to approximately 170 million customers. The company’s strategy is focused on delivering a great customer experience across the entire footprint and increasing digital and financial inclusion to transform lives across Africa, in line with our corporate purpose.   

For more information, please visit www.Airtel.Africa or connect with us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/47paCSg).  

About Vodacom Group:
Vodacom Group is a leading and purpose-led African connectivity, digital and financial services company. The Group, serves over 211.3 million customers and 87.7 million financial services customers, including Safaricom. From our roots in South Africa, we have grown our business to include operations in the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Our mobile networks cover a total population of over 500 million people. Vodacom Group is majority-owned by Vodafone (65.1% holding), one of the world’s largest communications companies by revenue. 

For more information, please visit www.Vodacom.com or connect with us on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/45AUVFh). 

  

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African Development Bank and Invest in Africa Sign $850,000 Grant Agreement to Boost Inclusive Green Jobs in Ghana and Senegal

Source: APO

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has signed a $850,000 grant agreement with Invest in Africa (IIA), a non-profit organization, to support the MicroGREEN project to provide livelihood opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable groups in Ghana and Senegal.

Titled, Strengthening Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities’ Micro-Entrepreneurship for Green Jobs in Natural Resources, this initiative aims to generate up to 500 green jobs, focusing on the agroforestry, fisheries, and biodiversity conservation sectors. It is funded through the Bank’s Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), alongside an initial $1 million grant commitment by the Bank’s Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund to support the project over two years.

These targeted sectors hold high potential for climate-resilient employment and require a skilled workforce capable of managing ecosystems and deploying green technologies.

Despite their potential, women and youth in Africa remain largely underrepresented in Africa’s sustainable growth sectors. Increasing their participation, especially in employment-intensive green industries, could accelerate inclusive and resilient economic development across the continent.

The FAPA grant will fund the Capacity Development and Value Chain Enhancement component of the MicroGREEN project. Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in fragile or transitional economies like Ghana and Senegal face limited access to entrepreneurship training and business development services. These constraints are particularly acute for women- and youth-led enterprises and are compounded by high service costs and systemic socio-economic and gender-based barriers.

To help address these challenges, the MicroGREEN project will deliver high-quality entrepreneurship training, tailored business development services, and mentorship programs for women, youth, and people with disabilities in agriculture-based sectors.

By strengthening capacity and integrating micro enterprises into green value chains, the project seeks to stimulate local job creation and promote inclusive participation in Africa’s green economy.

Invest in Africa will serve as the implementing partner for the project. As a non-profit organization, IIA is dedicated to supporting African SMEs by facilitating market access, developing skills, and improving access to finance.

FAPA is a multi-donor trust fund that supports technical assistance and capacity building initiatives aligned with the African Development Bank’s Private Sector Development Strategy. The Government of Japan is FAPA’s primary donor. Since its inception, FAPA has financed over 100 projects across more than 38 African countries, committing more than $80  million to improve business environments, deepen financial systems, and foster the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises. FAPA funding allows the Bank to play a more active role in upstream project preparation, thereby strengthening the pipeline of bankable private sector operations.

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

Media Contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeepers from South Koren help transform food production and build resilience in Jonglei and Greater Pibor

Source: APO


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More than 1.3 million people in Jonglei and Greater Pibor are suffering from acute food insecurity because of persistent intercommunal fighting, climate shocks, and a deteriorating economic situation.

To help combat this crisis, South Korean peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan are helping local communities develop innovative ways to boost food production and build resilience.

Working in collaboration with the Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology, the peacekeepers are leading the implementation of high-tech farming techniques to transform the agricultural sector, including developing a new rice variety, known as Korous (a combination of “Korea” and “rice” in Juba Arabic), and training local communities to cultivate these crops.

“I am applying the knowledge I have learned here at the community level, working with local farmers. I also have my own small farm where I have planted this rice,” said Elizabeth Nyang Kiir, Hanbit Vocational Training Center student

First established in 2015, the South Korean peacekeeping HANBIT Vocational Training Center has trained hundreds of young people in a wide variety of skills, such as welding, construction, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry and growing a diverse range of crops. The initiative helps secure incomes, contribute to the region’s economic growth, as well as promoting reconciliation and peace between the youth from traditionally feuding communities.

“Working alongside the technical university, we are implementing technological advances in a multi-faceted way: the university is benefiting, and the community is benefiting from the presence of the peacekeepers from South Korea,” said the Head of UNMISS’ Bor Field Office, Geetha Pious.

In this region, and across South Sudan, cattle are king. They have immense economic, social, and cultural importance, representing wealth, status, and a form of currency.

“Our people often focus only on raising livestock, ignoring the possibilities around the domestication of birds. The South Korean peacekeepers have inspired the university to introducing poultry farming training and it now also has high value in our community,” said teaching assistant, John Koryom.

The priority is to help communities to diversify the ways in which they build self-reliance, promote development, and economic growth.

“This vocational school has enhanced the skills of the students to be self-reliant, self-employed, to create their own jobs and then employ other people, which is job creation and also empowerment of human resources,” said vocational trainer, Peter Ajak.

Through strong partnerships and mutual respect, the peacekeepers are helping those they serve realize their own dreams as well as building the better future that the people of the world’s newest nations deserve.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Building skills to track progress on strengthening resilience across Africa

Source: APO

A regional workshop on measuring household resilience to climate and socioeconomic shocks has opened in Addis Ababa, bringing together statisticians and technical experts from 27 African countries. The three-day event, jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), aims to ensure consistent reporting on resilience for the final biennial review of the Malabo Declaration.

“This workshop is a milestone in our shared journey to strengthen resilience analysis across Africa,” said Koffi Amegbeto, FAO Senior Policy Officer. “By building the skills and systems needed to measure resilience, we are equipping countries with the tools to design better policies and track progress over time,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of the next phase, Dr. Janet Edeme, Head of the Rural Economy Division in the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, noted that “as we transition to the Kampala Declaration era and prepare for the implementation of the new Kampala CAADP Strategy, it is essential that we institutionalize the existing tools and methodologies developed, including the RIMA framework, so that countries are empowered to track resilience independently in the future.”

The training is focused on the calculation of indicator 6.1.i of the Malabo targets which is the percentage of farmers, pastoralists and fisherfolk who improved their resilience to climate change and other shocks. It forms part of Commitment 6 of the Malabo Declaration on enhancing resilience to climate variability. The workshop is combining technical sessions on data cleaning, validation, and indicator estimation with practical exercises using the Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA) methodology developed by FAO.

RIMA helps track changes in resilience over time, adapt interventions, and improve programme design. Since its development in 2008, RIMA has been used in countries across Africa and around the world and FAO has worked closely with governments, regional bodies and international organizations to build capacity on using the RIMA toolset.

Meeting the Malabo targets

FAO’s collaboration with the AUC and other partners has already led to significant progress. In 2017, no country reported on indicator 6.1.i due to capacity and data gaps. By 2023, 34 countries had reported, enabling the inclusion of the indicator in Commitment 6 scoring. Following a targeted sub-regional workshop last year, 11 countries have successfully calculated and validated their indicator. This year’s event builds on that momentum, with a focus on expanding capacity to all participating countries ahead of the 2025 Biennial Review reporting of the Malabo Declaration.

Adopted by African Heads of State and Government in 2014, the Malabo Declaration set ambitious targets for agricultural transformation by 2025, including halving poverty, ending hunger, and enhancing resilience. The Biennial Review process tracks progress against seven commitments. This Addis Ababa workshop marks a final push to ensure all countries can report on resilience for the fifth and last review, and to establish capacity that will serve future monitoring under the post-Malabo agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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Nigeria needs to increase investment in agricultural biotechnology for food security – (By Joseph Omode)

Source: APO

By Joseph Omode, editor in chief of Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) and the Chief Executive Officer of Alexa Media Services.

Nigeria is making remarkable progress in leveraging agricultural biotechnology. With robust regulatory structures, real-world biotech crop adoption, and growing public engagement, the country is setting the pace for innovation in Africa. Sustainability and confidence will grow as awareness spreads and more biotech solutions reach Nigerian farms.

If Nigeria can increase and boosts Research & Development (R&D) investment, streamlines regulations, builds public trust, equips farmers, and engages the private sector, it can become Africa’s leader in safe, climate-smart agricultural biotechnology—helping to secure food supply and economic growth.

Agricultural biotechnology for food security is about using modern biological techniques to improve crops, livestock, and agricultural systems so that they can produce enough safe, nutritious, and affordable food — even under challenges like climate change, pests, and limited resources. Agricultural Biotechnology is the use of new scientific techniques based on our understanding of DNA to improve crops and livestock that are not possible with conventional breeding alone.

Biotechnology is seen as essential to improve food security, climate resilience, and economic growth by helping farmers manage pests, drought, and nutrition deficiencies. Biotechnology provided innovative tools to improve agricultural productivity and safeguard food crops from the impacts of climate change, such as heat, floods and drought.

Agricultural biotechnology uses tools like genetic engineering, molecular markers, tissue culture, and bioinformatics to develop plants and animals with improved traits. It can:

  • Increase yields
  • Improve nutritional quality
  • Enhance resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses
  • Reduce post-harvest losses

Nigeria can strengthen and expand its agricultural biotechnology sector by focusing on five main areas:

1. Strengthen Research & Development (R&D)

Increase funding for NBRDA, universities, and agricultural research institutes so they can develop more locally relevant biotech crops (drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, nutrient-rich varieties).

Encourage public–private partnerships so biotech innovations move faster from lab trials to farmers’ fields.

Support regional research hubs to reduce dependence on imported biotech solutions.

2. Improve Regulatory Efficiency & Transparency

Streamline approval processes so that promising crops can reach farmers without unnecessary delays.

Enhance biosafety monitoring with stronger post-release tracking of biotech crop performance and safety.

Adopt clear genome editing guidelines so that CRISPR-based and other precision-breeding techniques are not overregulated as GMOs.

3. Expand Public Awareness & Trust

National biotech education campaigns through radio, TV, social media, and community outreach to counter misinformation.

Demonstration farms & “Seeing is Believing” programs where farmers and the public can see biotech benefits firsthand.

Include biotechnology in school curricula so the next generation grows up with accurate knowledge.

4. Build Farmer Capacity

Training on biotech crop management to ensure farmers understand planting, pest control, and post-harvest handling.

Subsidies or credit access for smallholder farmers adopting biotech seeds.

Support farmer cooperatives to improve adoption rates and collective bargaining for inputs.

5. Encourage Private Sector & Market Development

Attract biotech seed companies with favorable investment policies.

Develop seed distribution networks to ensure timely and affordable access to biotech seeds nationwide.

Promote export opportunities for biotech-based products where regulations permit.

How Biotechnology Supports Food Security

Food security depends on four pillars:

  1. Availability – Enough food produced locally or imported
  2. Access – People can afford and physically reach food
  3. Utilization – Food is safe, nutritious, and culturally acceptable
  4. Stability – Supply is reliable over time

Biotechnology addresses each:

  • Availability:
    • Genetically modified (GM) crops like drought-tolerant maize or pest-resistant Bt cotton boost productivity.
    • Biofortified crops (e.g., Golden Rice enriched with Vitamin A) tackle nutrient deficiencies.
  • Access:
    • Higher yields and reduced production costs can make food cheaper for consumers and more profitable for farmers.
  • Utilization:
    • Improved nutritional content (e.g., high-iron beans, protein-rich sorghum) helps combat malnutrition.
  • Stability:
    • Crops resistant to climate extremes and diseases ensure consistent harvests year after year.

Challenges & Considerations

  • Regulatory approval and biosafety frameworks
  • Public perception and misinformation about GMOs
  • Equitable access to technology for smallholder farmers
  • Intellectual property rights that can limit seed saving
  • Environmental concerns like potential biodiversity impacts
  • African Development Bank (AfDB) and other international government agencies should mobilize for funds for establishing agricultural processing zones in all Nigerian states and efforts should be aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening value chains.
  • International bodies in their support should mainly focuse on mechanized farming equipment, farmer training, and service centers to transition Nigeria from subsistence to commercial agriculture .
  • The Nigerian government should significantly increase funding for GMO technology, because public support remains minimal. Budget aloccated most times is limited and Nigeria need stronger political and financial commitment to fully harness agricultural biotechnology, especially given emerging innovations like TELA maize. Nigeria has made strategic strides in agricultural biotechnology—setting up regulatory institutions, approving biotech crops like TELA maize, and launching infrastructure hubs. However, domestic funding remains limited, and large-scale investments have been mostly external (e.g., Brazil, AfDB). To truly scale biotech-driven solutions for food security, sustained domestic investment and stronger R&D support are vital.
  • Nigerian government should help already established biotechnology hubs across the six geopolitical zones, focusing on genetic engineering, crop improvement, and support for biotech startups leveraging Nigeria’s biodiversity.

The Future Of Agricultural Biotechnology

  • Genome editing (e.g., CRISPR) for precise, low-cost improvements without introducing foreign DNA.
  • Synthetic biology for creating entirely new traits.
  • Microbiome engineering to improve soil health and crop resilience.
  • Climate-smart biotech crops tailored to local conditions.

Joseph Omode is the editor in chief of Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) and the Chief Executive Officer of Alexa Media Services. Joseph Omode is a multifaceted professional with over a decade years of diverse experience spanning media, brand strategy and development, public relations and reputation management,  communication and media relations, content creation, design and visual branding.His career spans various industries, including hospitality management, oil and gas, education, and community development, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt his skills to different challenges. His career, marked by adaptability, continuous learning, and a dedication to creating meaningful change, positions him as a forward-thinking person equipped to drive innovation and impact across sectors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

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Briefing Highlights: How the African Development Fund is Financing Africa’s Future in a Shifting Global Landscape

Source: APO

The African Development Fund, the African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) concessional financing arm, was the focus of a special edition of the African Transformation Briefing co-hosted by the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) and the Global Strategic Communications Council.

Moderated by ACET Communications Manager Belinda Ayamgha, the session was held virtually on 29 July 2025. The media-focused event convened development partners, journalists, and policymakers for an in-depth conversation on the Fund’s role in financing economic transformation across 37 low-income African countries, nearly half of which are classified as fragile states.

Valerie Dabady, Manager of Resource Mobilization and Partnerships at the African Development Bank, delivered a keynote presentation outlining the Fund’s catalytic impact, financing structure, and evolving strategic direction. She underscored the Fund’s ability to channel investments in areas such as climate resilience and regional integration through concessional resources tailored to country-specific needs and highlighted plans to expand its resource base.

“With 37 member countries and over $45 billion in investments since inception, the African Development Fund is a cornerstone of Africa’s development financing architecture,” Dabady said. “As we look toward the future, innovations like market borrowing and expanded donor engagement will be critical to increasing our impact.”

The briefing also featured a country perspective from Joseph Chanda, Assistant Director for Economic Management and Planning in Zambia’s Ministry of Finance. Chanda highlighted how Zambia is leveraging African Development Fund resources to accelerate infrastructure development, build climate resilience, and deepen regional integration.

“ADF financing has played a transformative role in Zambia,” he noted. “By allocating just 10% of our national resources to the Lobito Corridor, we were able to leverage over $330 million in regional window co-financing. These are the types of investments that build real economies and regional prosperity.”

The Lobito Corridor, a strategic rail and road project connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, is among the largest regional integration initiatives currently under preparation with support from the African Development Fund. With a $500 million commitment, the Fund is helping to finance and de-risk the project, which is expected to catalyze investment in logistics, agriculture, and mining, particularly in critical minerals vital to the global energy transition.

Chanda also referenced the Kazungula Bridge Project, a regional integration initiative co-financed by the Fund with an investment of $68 million. Completed in 2021, the 923-meter-long bridge spans the Zambezi River, connecting Zambia and Botswana and replacing a long-standing ferry service. The project also includes One-Stop Border Posts on both sides of the bridge, significantly streamlining customs procedures and reducing transit times along the North–South Corridor. It supports intra-African trade, enhances regional logistics efficiency, and has become a key node for trade between Southern and Central Africa.

Participants raised questions on donor engagement, capital market access, and the future structure of the Fund. Dabady reaffirmed the Bank’s ongoing efforts to attract non-traditional partners and finalize approvals that would enable the Fund to access capital markets.

“The ADF has long flown under the radar,” she said. “But this is a pivotal moment to raise its profile, demonstrate impact, and unlock greater investment for Africa’s most pressing priorities.”

The session concluded with a call to action from Kerezhi Sebany, Africa Director for Economic Opportunities at the ONE Campaign. “We must shine a light on the African Development Fund,” she said. “When people know what the Fund is and what it delivers, it fosters transparency, trust, and partnership. Now is the time to tell the ADF story and tell it boldly.”

The African Development Fund is currently undergoing its 17th replenishment cycle (ADF-17). The next consultative meeting with development partner representatives will be held virtually on 18-19 September 2025. This will be followed by a meeting in Lusaka, Zambia in October, where Zambia government representatives will share results and country-level experiences.

The final pledging session for ADF-17 is scheduled for December 2025.

Watch the briefing: 

https://apo-opa.co/4mxztaR

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

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How hot is your home? Nigerian study explores comfort levels in buildings

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mak Okay-Ikenegbu, Researcher, University of Portsmouth

Global standards for heating comfort are largely based on cooler, northern hemisphere climates. How relevant are these benchmarks in low-cost housing in warmer African regions?

Mak Okay-Ikenegbu did his doctoral research on thermal comfort in low-cost housing for warm and humid climates in Nigeria. His research showed that people in tropical environments can withstand higher temperatures than current global standards assume. The findings open the door to affordable housing designs that are climate-appropriate, without relying on energy-intensive solutions like air conditioning. He told us about his research.

How do you define comfortable housing for people in tropical Africa?

Comfortable housing in the tropics is housing that allows people to live, work and rest without experiencing excessive heat or discomfort. This can be without air conditioning as well. It supports well-being by allowing natural ventilation, reducing heat build-up and adapting to local climate conditions.

It is housing that keeps people thermally comfortable using passive design techniques such as cross-ventilation, shading and use of breathable materials. These materials can be adobe, earth blocks, or bamboo, which reduce indoor heat.

What did you find out about people’s housing needs?

My research found that people in low-income, tropical settings like informal settlements in Nigeria adapt to higher indoor temperatures than international standards suggest.

I developed a local thermal comfort model based on real-life experiences of people living in naturally ventilated earth and makeshift homes in Nigeria. My data came from low-income residents in low-cost homes.

This model is unique to the study context, as it directly reflects the comfort responses of people living in this environment. Adaptive thermal comfort models have been developed before, for example, the American ASHRAE 55 model and the European EN 16798 model. These are based primarily on data from temperate climates and mechanically cooled buildings.

Models like this are scarce for sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the context of low-income or informal housing. This model has potential application for design and policy. It can inform architects, urban planners and housing authorities on how to design buildings that align with how people actually experience and adapt to heat.

This is crucial for creating affordable, climate-responsive housing that doesn’t depend on expensive mechanical cooling systems. It shows that people in tropical climates are comfortable at higher indoor temperatures than the international comfort standards suggest.

What does better housing look like in these conditions?

Affordable, climate-responsive housing solutions use local and thermally appropriate materials.

In my research, earth-based construction materials like mud or adobe walls were found to be more comfortable than materials such as scrap metal, timber planks and plastics. In earth-based housing such as those built with adobe or compressed earth blocks, indoor temperatures typically ranged from 20°C to 43°C. In contrast, in makeshift housing, often constructed from materials like corrugated metal sheets and tarpaulin, the temperatures were even higher, ranging from 25°C to 47°C.

This shows that makeshift structures tend to trap more heat and expose occupants to more extreme indoor conditions. The findings highlight the importance of building material choice and passive design in helping to reduce indoor heat and improve comfort, especially in settings without access to mechanical cooling.

I didn’t test the thermal performance of specific materials, but based on previous studies, materials like adobe or compressed earth blocks are known to offer natural insulation and reduce heat gain.

Corrugated metal roofs, which are common in low-income tropical informal settlements, often trap heat. So, incorporating insulation and ventilation beneath roofing can make a significant difference at very low cost.

Combining passive design strategies like shaded outdoor spaces, high ceilings, wide eaves, and cross-ventilation with materials that are affordable and climate-appropriate would help achieve better comfort.

What is significant or new about your findings?

My findings highlight the limitations of applying international comfort standards like ASHRAE 55 and EN 16798 in tropical climates. These standards were developed by organisations in the United States and Europe.

ASHRAE 55 is from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and EN 16798 is from the European Committee for Standardisation. They set out detailed guidelines for what indoor temperature are considered comfortable based on studies mostly from cooler climates and mechanically cooled buildings.

I found that many of the indoor temperatures that international standards would label as “too hot” were actually considered fine by residents. This was done by creating a comfort guide based on how people in the local area experience heat in their homes.

Based on the European standard, depending on outdoor conditions, comfortable indoor temperatures are expected to fall between 22°C and 32°C in the buildings surveyed in this study. The American standard shows a narrower range of approximately 23°C to 29°C. But the model or guideline developed in this study, based on actual feedback from residents in low-income homes in Nigeria, showed that people were comfortable at higher temperatures than those predicted by the international standards.

In this local context, comfort temperatures ranged from 24°C to 40°C, reflecting a greater tolerance for heat. This higher threshold suggests that people living in tropical climates, particularly in naturally ventilated and informally built homes, have adapted to their environment in ways that global models do not fully account for.

This matters because it affects how we design, build and improve low-cost housing in hot climates. If we rely only on international standards, we risk pushing for expensive cooling systems like air conditioning in order to meet recommended indoor conditions. Simpler, low-cost solutions based on how people actually adapt to heat could work just as well, or even better.

What policies or interventions can make this feasible?

Local adaptive comfort standards do not exist for sub-Saharan African contexts like Nigeria. Housing policies should therefore recognise the value of local comfort models and not impose global standards. Governments and other local stakeholders should allow and promote context-specific benchmarks when designing or delivering affordable housing schemes.

Building codes, urban development policies and political interventions should encourage residents and builders to adopt passive design techniques. These can be shading and ventilation, for example. Interventions must support the use of local, sustainable materials that perform well in hot, humid climates.

Investment is needed in community-led housing upgrades, especially in informal settlements. Even small improvements to insulation or adding windows for cross-ventilation can greatly improve comfort without incurring major costs.

– How hot is your home? Nigerian study explores comfort levels in buildings
– https://theconversation.com/how-hot-is-your-home-nigerian-study-explores-comfort-levels-in-buildings-262060