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Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines Joins African Mining Week 2025

Source: APO


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Winston Chitando, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Mines and Mining Development, has confirmed his participation as a speaker at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders. During the event, Minister Chitando is expected to outline strategic investment opportunities across the country’s mining industry, while highlighting the impact of recent regulatory reforms. 

Minister Chitando will join African mining ministers at the high-level Ministerial Forum, which will spotlight investment opportunities across Africa’s mining jurisdictions. Themed, From Extraction to Transformation: African Governments Driving Beneficiation and Value Addition, the forum will feature presentations from ministers on national strategies to enhance local value addition and increase mineral resource revenues. 

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

With Minister Chitando’s participation, AMW 2025 will showcase how Zimbabwe is making strides in advancing local content policies and prioritizing community development. The government is reforming its Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill to make community investment mandatory for mining firms, ensuring that mining activities translate into direct social and economic benefits for local populations. 

Beyond community development, AMW 2025 will explore how the country is strengthening its mineral processing capabilities, particularly in the lithium sector. Following the December 2022 ban on raw lithium exports, the country has attracted over $1 billion in new lithium processing investments. Notable developments include the $310 million investment by British and Chinese firms at the 3-million-ton-per-year Sandawana lithium mine; a $300 million upgrade to the Bikita Lithium Mine by Sinomine Resources; a new 300-ton-per-day processing facility in Mutoko by Rwizi Rukuru; and a further $300 million investment by ZHEJIANG Huayou Cobalt at the Arcadia lithium facility. In a broader move to integrate mining with industrial production, Zimbabwe launched the $3.6 billion Palm River Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone and Industrial Park in March 2025. Located in Beitbridge, the project comprises a 100,000-ton ferrochrome smelting facility, a 1,200 MW coal-fired power plant, and a 7-million-ton-per-year coal mine. 

In addition to lithium, Zimbabwe is advancing its gold industry, seeking to increase gold production to 40 tons in 2025. This builds on a 21.22% growth to 36.48 tons in 2024. The upward trend is supported by new discoveries, including positive results from Kavango Resources’ drilling program at Prospect 3 of the Hillside Gold Project in Matabeleland Province, signaling Zimbabwe’s growing gold potential. 

In the platinum group metals (PGM) sector, the country targets greater investment and development. With the world’s second-largest platinum reserves and high-grade chromium ores, Zimbabwe is working with global partners to enhance its production capacity. Karo Platinum is advancing its new Ngezi platinum mine, targeting 226,000 ounces per annum. Earthworks were completed in May 2025, and the company is currently seeking $140 million in funding to finalize the project. Meanwhile, Anglo American continues its expansion efforts at the Unki Mine, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as a key player in the global PGM market. 

AMW represents an ideal platform for Minister Chitando to attract strategic partnerships and investment, further anchoring Zimbabwe’s transition from mineral extraction to value-driven industrialization. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Upstream Development Gains Pace

Source: APO


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South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe will speak at this year’s edition of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. His participation comes as the country advances developments in oil, gas and infrastructure, seeking to address key economic challenges by monetizing untapped energy resources.   

Minister Mantashe’s return to the event reflects a strong commitment to engaging global investors and advancing the development of South Africa’s energy resources. Rich in a variety of resources – most of which are largely untapped – the country has been revising its policies in recent months under efforts to secure foreign capital and drive projects forward. Key developments include the launch of the South African National Petroleum Company – a dedicated state-owned oil corporation – and the implementation of the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Minister Mantashe is expected to share insights into the role policy plays in realizing the country’s petroleum goals.  

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. 

South Africa is advancing offshore oil and gas exploration under efforts to unlock similar commercial finds to those made in neighboring Namibia. The country’s Orange Basin holds significant promise and ongoing exploration campaigns seek to open new frontiers offshore. Energy major Shell has recently received the greenlight to drill in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep block. The company plans to drill at least five deepwater exploration and appraisal wells in the Orange Basin, the results of which could lead to play-opening discoveries. Additionally, energy major TotalEnergies is targeting a two-well wildcat campaign in the South African side of the Orange Basin. Drilling is expected to commence in 2026.  

Recent Merger & Acquisition activity in South Africa reflect a strong international drive to unlock the country’s potential oil and gas resources. Notably, Eco Atlantic – through its subsidiary Azinam South Africa – acquired a 75% working interest in Block 1 in June 2024. The company serves as the operator and will carry out a work program. Energy majors TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy acquired participating interests in Block 3B/4B in March 2024, while Africa Energy Corp become operator of Block 11B/12B – situated in the Outeniqua Basin. Ongoing exploration projects stand to reposition the country as an oil and gas producing market.  

On the gas front, South Africa is making strides to enhance fuel security through domestic gas monetization projects. Energy company Renergen – currently the country’s sole onshore gas producer – operates the Virginia Gas Project in the Free State province. Producing LNG and liquid helium, the project is expected to support economic growth across the province. Minister Mantashe visited the project site in June 2025, reflecting strong governmental support for onshore gas development. With the country’s gas industry still in its infancy stage, the government is working to establish strong regulations to entice investment and development across the gas value chain. These include the Gas Master Plan (GMP) – currently under review – which provides a roadmap for critical infrastructure. The GMP is poised to spur the development of LNG terminals, pipelines and strategic production and storage infrastructure.  

Minister Mantashe’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 builds on these regulatory efforts to unlock new opportunities for international participation across the South African oil and gas market. His insights are expected to support new deals as the country accelerates exploration, production and development projects.  

“Through targeted regulation, South Africa is significantly improving the business climate for international companies. Policies such as the GMP and Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act will drive investment across the value chain, unlocking new opportunities for broader economic growth and energy security. By investing in strategic basins such as the Orange Basin and advancing onshore gas production, South Africa is well-positioned to achieve its energy goals,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Announces Keynote Speakers for 2025 Conference in Cape Town

Source: APO

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) has announced a powerful line-up of headline and international speakers for its prestigious annual conference taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), 30 – 31 October 2025 for the advancement of women in Africa as innovators and entrepreneurs.

In its eleventh edition, AWIEF’s benchmarking Conference, Expo and Awards, has more than 60 African and global thought leaders across business, politics, and development to share insight and thought leadership on the conference agenda.

The conference theme this year is, Breaking the Barriers: Now More Than Ever. The two-day event aims to promote and accelerate the growth of women-owned and women-led businesses for Africa’s inclusive economic growth; share entrepreneurship trends; connect and network with trailblazers from all over Africa and African Diaspora.

AWIEF 2025 keynote speakers include Dr Fatima Elsheikh, Secretary General, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General, Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO).

The powerful and high-profile global speaker faculty includes H. E. Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Malawi; Hon. Christelle Vuanga, Member of Parliament, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); H. E. Marie-Celine Zialor, Minister of Youth, Sports and Family, Republic of Seychelles; LaTanya White and Pamela Ellis, global business and finance experts from USA; Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member, Economic Growth, City of Cape Town; Mustapha Zaouini, Interim CEO and Head of Product and Engineering, Alyf, Morocco; Ambassador Natalina Edward Mou, Head of Mission, AU, UNECA & IGAD, Republic of South Sudan; Marvis Owusu-Gyamfi, Executive Vice President, ACET, Ghana; Alice Usanase, Lead, Europe, Middle East & Francophone Africa, African Finance Corporation (AFC); Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President Heifer Africa, Heifer International; and many more.

Sponsors and partners include: OCP Africa, Deloitte Africa, African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), City of Cape Town, UNDP, UN Women, Nedbank, APO Group, Financial Nigeria, Bellanaija, Guardian Woman, Africa.com, and AI in Africa.

AWIEF is a platform that sees global thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, academics, development organisations, and investors gather to dialogue, connect, network, share, collaborate and transact in a collective effort to boost Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The speakers will share practical insights on finance and investing, innovation, food security, sustainability, policy, and digital transformation, and will engage directly with delegates on how to break barriers and create sustainable impact.

AWIEF2025 is a high-level, content-rich, and action-oriented platform designed to equip attendees with the knowledge, networks, and tools to grow their businesses and careers. Attendees can expect:

  • Keynotes and Panel Discussions by global thought leaders and decision-makers
  • A vibrant Expo showcasing businesses, startups, corporate and development organisations
  • How-To Workshops and Masterclasses on the Expo Floor delivered by industry experts, addressing issues and challenges of vital importance for your business growth, with FREE access to both delegates and visitors
  • Startup Pitch Competitions offering visibility and investor access
  • Unparalleled Networking with investors, business leaders, policymakers, and peers from across Africa and the globe
  • A High Presence of African Diaspora Businesses and Entrepreneurs looking for African markets and partnerships

Delegate Registration

To register and book your delegate ticket for AWIEF2025, please follow this link: https://apo-opa.co/46QptFb

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

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Phone: +27 21 002 8264

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Sexual harassment policy announced for the Judiciary

Source: Government of South Africa

Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has announced the introduction of a Sexual Harassment Policy for the South African Judiciary.

According to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), the policy is aimed at “safeguarding the integrity of the courts and protecting the dignity of all who serve within them”.

Key principles of the policy are:
•    Zero tolerance for sexual harassment by or against any judicial officer, staff member, or individual engaging with the Judiciary.
•    Clear, confidential, and fair procedures for reporting and addressing complaints, with protections against retaliation.
•    Accountability, with disciplinary consequences for offenders.
•    A safe and respectful workplace, free from discrimination and intimidation.

“This policy reiterates the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to the Constitutional values of human dignity, equality, and justice, and sends a clear message: sexual harassment has no place in the halls of justice.

“As custodians of the Constitution, Judges and Magistrates bear a profound responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity. The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct and South Africa’s own Judicial Codes of Conduct demand nothing less. 

“Yet, where sexual harassment occurs within the Judiciary, it is not only a personal violation; it is also an affront to the rule of law itself, eroding public trust and betraying the very principles the institution exists to defend and uphold,” the OCJ said in a statement.

The policy is also aimed at entrenching a culture of accountability and respect.
The Chief Justice described the policy as a “necessary and urgent intervention”.

“The Judiciary cannot dispense justice to society if it does not first ensure it within its own ranks. Sexual harassment is a gross abuse of power, a denial of equality, and a stain on the legitimacy of the courts. We are going to tackle it head on and this Policy will be a very useful mechanism in that battle.

“This is not merely a document; it is a covenant with the people of South Africa. We must lead by example,” she said.

The policy can be accessed on : https://www.judiciary.org.za/index.php/judiciary/legal-instruments 
– SAnews.gov.za

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Raise women’s voices during National Dialogue – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that women must be at the forefront as the country holds the first National Convention of the National Dialogue set to be held this week. 

The President was addressing the nation through his weekly Presidential newsletter on Monday.
The convention, which forms part of the National Dialogue process, will bring together 200 organisations from 33 different sectors across the country.

“On Friday this week, organisations from across South Africa will gather at the National Convention in Pretoria to kickstart the National Dialogue process.

“Given the history of women’s struggles in our country, it is therefore to be expected that at this critical moment in our history, women will once again come to the fore and participate actively National Dialogue process,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that women make up more than half of South Africa’s population – making their contributions critical to the dialogue.

“Women are affected by every political, social and economic issue in the country. Likewise, every crisis, whether it is unemployment, crime or climate change, affects women equally and, in some instances, more than men.

“Recognising that the lives of women are bound up with the future of the nation as a whole, we are counting on women’s groups and organisations to mobilise around the National Dialogue process.

“As government, working in partnership with the various stakeholders, we have committed to ensuring women are equally represented across the structures supporting and guiding the process,” the President said.

He emphasised that “we have to ensure that all women are represented” during the process if every sector’s voice is to be heard.

“This means a concerted effort to mobilise young and old, urban and rural dwellers, women from different ethnic and linguistic communities, women with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ [ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex+] people.

“The reality is that women’s struggles are not all the same and we should not assume they are. Although they may be similar in certain respects, the issues and challenges facing rural women and women in traditional communities differ vastly from those of women in urban areas with access to education, resources and public services.

“This was one of the points made at last year’s South African Women’s Pre-National Dialogue convened by the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation. It emphasised that the National Dialogue process should focus on all issues affecting and impacting women, and that diverse perspectives and priorities of all South African women must be reflected,” he said.

Uplifting women 

With the country commemorating Women’s Month in August, President Ramaphosa noted that women have consistently “organised to ensure that their voices, consent and participation remained central to all decisions affecting them either directly or indirectly”.

“The inclusion of the gender equality clauses in the Freedom Charter was heavily influenced by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) formed in 1954. More than three decades later, the Women’s National Coalition, which was formed in 1992, played a formative role in ensuring that these passages were reflected in South Africa’s democratic constitution.

“From the protests against the pass laws, to the so-called beer-hall protests of 1959, to the rent boycotts of the 1980s, to the contemporary protest movements against gender-based violence, South African women have a proud history of standing up and being counted,” he said.

The President called on all of society to uplift the voices of women during the dialogue in recognition of the 20 000 women – led by struggle heroes Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn – who marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the apartheid government’s introduction of pass laws against black women this month in 1956.

“With the first National Convention taking place during Women’s Month, we call on all sectors of society to come together to ensure the full participation of all women in the National Dialogue. 
“This would be the most fitting and powerful tribute to the legacy of the pioneers of 1956,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA reaffirms support for global treaty to tackle plastic pollution

Source: Government of South Africa

With the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on Plastic Pollution underway in Geneva, Switzerland, South Africa has reaffirmed its support for a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution is already harming communities, economies and ecosystems – from land to rivers to oceans.
“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue. It affects public health, sustainable development and the future of our oceans. We must act now,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.

The Minister is leading the South African delegation that is attending the second part of the INC 5.2 on Plastic Pollution.

This session is a critical opportunity to finalise a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution.
George reaffirmed South Africa’s strong support for urgent and coordinated international action to end plastic pollution across its full life cycle.

Global plastic production has grown rapidly, from two million tonnes in 1950 to 475-million tonnes in 2022. Without urgent intervention, South Africa’s plastic pollution is expected to nearly double by 2040 compared to 2020 levels.

In response, South Africa has moved to ban plastic microbeads. Draft regulations have been signed and are set to be published for public comment. 

READ | Have your say on draft plastic pollution regulations

These regulations aim to prohibit the manufacture, import, export, sale and distribution of microbeads and products containing them.

“South Africa is acting with urgency to address this crisis. But no country can solve it alone. We need global cooperation, innovation and ambition,” George said.

The INC process was established by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2022, following the adoption of a resolution to develop a treaty addressing plastic pollution, including marine plastic. 

While the first part of INC 5 took place in Busan, Republic of Korea in November 2024, a final agreement was not reached, and negotiations have resumed in Geneva.

The expected treaty will cover the full life cycle of plastics, from production and design to disposal.
It will also align with existing global commitments on climate change, biodiversity and chemical safety. –SAnews.gov.za

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AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) 2025 closes with over USD 300 million in deals and bold commitments to integration, mobility and investment

Source: APO – Report:

The Fourth AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025) has concluded with over US $300 million in investment and trade deals signed and a robust  communiqué affirming both regions’ commitment to deeper collaboration. The two-day event, co-hosted by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) and the Government of Grenada, brought together more than 2,100 delegates, from 80 countries, including 11 Heads of State and Government, representatives of governments, private sector leaders, and development partners.

A total of eight major deals and memoranda were announced over the course of the forum, spanning infrastructure, tourism, digital transformation, and trade finance:

  • A USD 100 million Receivables Discounting Facility with Bahamas Striping Group of Companies Ltd for road and infrastructure works.
  • A USD 50 million Education Construction and Rehabilitation Climate-Linked Facility signed with The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
  • A USD 61.25 million Term Loan for the Homewood Suites by Hilton Barbados.
  • A USD 40 million Receivables Facility for Cat Island Infrastructure Company Ltd in The Bahamas.
  • A USD 40 million commercial port development agreement involving Gemini Integrated Commodities Trading Company Ltd and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
  • A Memorandum of Understanding with the Grenada Development Bank to promote SME development and trade flows.
  • A strategic cooperation MOU with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) to advance digital transformation.
  • The Bank of The Bahamas Ltd was also appointed as an Afreximbank Trade Finance Intermediary, strengthening the financial ecosystem to support cross-border transactions.

In a profound closing statement, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, reiterated the region’s resolve to institutionalise its collaboration with Africa:

“We have to be very deliberate about creating institutions that will, in fact, recreate the type of trade, investment, banking, and financial relationships that we want to build for ourselves. The reality is, what was created before was meant to entrap us.”

He also urged for unrestricted people-to-people movement between the regions:

“We are not here to prevent our people from moving. I see no valid reason for maintaining the visa systems… Biometrics allows us to move past that.”

From a financial and institutional standpoint, Dr. George Elombi, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank and incoming President, emphasised:

“The next phase is not about justifying our vision, it should be about conviction. Believing further in who we are, where we want to be, and acting decisively. Finance is the lifeline of trade. Once we integrate the payment systems and get them to see the Caribbean as the unique opportunity it is, the rest will follow.”

The official ACTIF2025 Communiqué welcomed the endorsement of the Global Africa Commission, by Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and other OECS states, and called for its formal adoption at the upcoming AU-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa in September. The Commission is expected to accelerate trade, culture, and investment frameworks across the diaspora and continent.

Participants also committed to the establishment of a Free Trade Arrangement, elimination of visa restrictions, support for air and maritime links, and expansion of digital, sports, and creative economy partnerships. The communiqué recognized ACTIF2025 as a pivotal moment in building “resilient cross-regional value chains” and affirmed the continuation of the ACTIF platform with the announcement of ACTIF2026.

Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, who is completing his term this year, was celebrated at the event for his vision and leadership. A symbolic tree-planting ceremony was held at Camerhogne Park in St. George’s, Grenada in his honour for his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to Africa-Caribbean relations. The Flamboyant tree, native to Madagascar and widely rooted across the Caribbean and Africa, was chosen for its vibrant red blooms and symbolic resonance of vitality, peace, and growth. The forum paid tribute to his contributions and reaffirmed his legacy as a foundational force in building Global Africa.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa’s (SA) Fibre TechCelerate Programme continues to celebrate and empower Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with essential digital and business skills

Source: APO – Report:

Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced the successful completion of its 2024 Fibre TechCelerate Programme in South Africa. The first cohort of 20 SMMEs and 10 female ICT students from Walter Sisulu University received their certifications at a graduation ceremony facilitated in East London. Twenty-five new SMMEs were welcomed into the 2025 programme at the same time.  

This initiative equips small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with the technical, business, and digital skills required to actively contribute to projects, including but not limited to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government’s fibre and broadband rollout project.  

“As we honour the achievements of the first Fibre TechCelerate graduates and welcome our next intake, we’re reminded that this programme is more than just a skills accelerator; it’s a catalyst for transformation. Working alongside the Provincial Government and supported by our implementation partner, Cortex Hub, we are proud to be empowering local businesses, especially youth and women, as well as investing in a digitally inclusive future for the Eastern Cape and beyond,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana.  

Structured around modules such as business management, fibre optics installation, occupational health and safety, digital skills, and mentorship, the initiative prepares SMMEs to thrive in South Africa’s digital economy and fosters inclusive economic growth.  

“The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme is so much more than a local enterprise and supplier development programme. Offering SMMEs in the Eastern Cape a comprehensive and sustainable business development and ICT training prepares these enterprises for success in the digital economy. As the programme’s implementing agency, the Cortex Hub is proud to witness the success of the participants, and we look forward to working closely with Liquid South Africa, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, and all other contributors in supporting the 2025 cohort,” added Dr Andile Ngcaba, Patron, Cortex Hub.  

The current fibre network installation in the province has created over 7,000 permanent and temporary jobs. Liquid’s involvement through the Fibre TechCelerate Programme reflects its commitment to providing best-in-class connectivity and digital solutions to local enterprises, government, and individuals in the Eastern Cape, empowering them on their digital transformation journeys.  

Partnering with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government on the Fibre TechCelerate Programme highlights the importance that Liquid South Africa places on public-private partnerships in accelerating the country’s digital transformation and ensuring a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.  

?> – on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.  

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Participates in Women Leaders Forum in Turkmenistan

Source: Government of Qatar

Awaza, August 07 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad participated in the Women Leaders Forum, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, taking place in the city of Awaza, Turkmenistan, with the presence of HE Vice President of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care Oguljahan Atabayeva.

In her speech at the forum, HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized that speaking about justice for women anywhere is incomplete without speaking about justice for the women of Gaza, stressing that women in all conflict zones deserve protection, safety, and a peaceful life.

Her Excellency added that she cannot speak about women’s rights without referring to the women of Gaza who endure unimaginable suffering, stressing that they are deprived of the most basic human needs, including education, safety, sanitation, and dignity, they face the threat of famine, and their children go to sleep hungry, burdened by trauma, with their childhoods stolen from them.

Her Excellency pointed out that the State of Qatar fully understands that empowering women is not merely a matter of justice and fairness, but a fundamental pillar of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development.

Her Excellency affirmed that women do not wait for an invitation to participate; rather, they are already playing leadership roles across various sectors including government, diplomacy, education, business, and innovation.

Her Excellency explained that Qatar’s national strategy was designed to enable women to realize their full potential through progressive policies that ensure protection for mothers, equal pay, pathways to leadership, and work environments that respect and support women.

Her Excellency explained in this context that one of the most inspiring examples of this is the vision of HH Chairperson of the Education Above All Foundation Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, whose pioneering work through the foundation has enabled millions of children deprived of education, especially in the least developed countries, to access their right to education, while preserving their dignity and opening new horizons for their future, noting that Her Highness’s leadership embodies a profound truth: When women participate in development, entire societies rise.

Her Excellency underscored that nearly half of the population in landlocked developing countries are women, yet for a long time, they have been asked to achieve more with fewer resources.

The time has come to change that, Her Excellency added, stressing that if they are serious about achieving the goals of the Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries, they must invest in women and support their passion, because the future we build with them will be stronger and more prosperous. 

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets UN Official

Source: Government of Qatar

Awaza, August 07 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with HE United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, being held in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

The meeting dealt with discussing the strong partnership between the State of Qatar and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries,آ Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.