Source: APO – Report:
HE Speaker of the Council of the Nation of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Azzouz Nasri met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Algeria Abdulaziz Ali Al Naama.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries.
– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
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Source: APO – Report:
The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has successfully concluded the Chad leg of the training and policy dialogue under the GONAT initiative (Governance of Natural Resources in Transition and Fragile States), which focuses on improving natural resource governance in fragile and transitioning countries.
Launched in 2023, the GONAT initiative carried out diagnostic studies, prepared training modules, and is now embarking on a series of in-country training sessions and policy dialogues aimed at helping African countries build capacity to tackle illicit financial flows (IFFs) and better manage resource-backed lending. Following previous sessions in the Central African Republic and Sierra Leone, Chad became the third country to host this high-level GONAT policy dialogue, focused on promoting more transparent and accountable management of extractive resources. The next sessions are scheduled for August in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.
“Strengthening overall governance and transparency in the natural resource sector is a necessary step in reforming the design, governance, monitoring, and implementation of IFFs, illegal natural resource trade, and resource-backed lending in Africa. The GONAT initiative is helping address these issues and ensuring that Africa harnesses its natural wealth for resilient growth and development,” said Solomane Koné, Director of the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre.
From 21 to 25 July, around 50 participants — including officials from the ministries of Finance, Economy, Planning, Environment, Mines, and Geology, as well as representatives from civil society, the private sector, academia, and local communities — gathered under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Wealth: Curbing Illicit Financial Flows for Resilient Growth and Development.”
High-level panellists included:
“Natural resource governance cannot succeed in isolation. It requires coordinated action across institutions, informed by data, and grounded in local realities. Through initiatives like GONAT, we aim to equip countries with the tools and partnerships needed to build resilient, accountable systems,” stated Dr. Solomane Koné.
Each year, IFFs cost the African continent tens of billions of dollars, undermining efforts to mobilise domestic resources for essential infrastructure and social services. Like many other countries, Chad is not immune to this challenge.
“Illicit financial flows are one of the major obstacles to development in Africa. According to the African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook, the continent loses an average of nearly $90 billion annually due to IFFs — about 4% of its GDP,” said Eric Ogunleye, Director of the Bank’s African Development Institute.
Discussions also explored the growing use of resource-backed lending — financing mechanisms secured by future revenues from oil or minerals. While these loans can provide quick access to capital, they carry risks of over-indebtedness and heightened vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations.
Jointly organised by the African Development Institute (ADI) and the African Natural Resources Management and Investment Centre (ECNR), the workshop combined technical sessions, case studies, group work, and policy dialogue. Topics included:
The final day, 25 July, was dedicated to a policy dialogue bringing together decision-makers and key stakeholders. The objective was to share GONAT’s findings and recommendations, and to explore how they could be incorporated into national policies, particularly in combatting illicit resource trade and monitoring resource-backed lending.
“The workshop enhanced our understanding of illicit financial flows and underscored the need for an inclusive approach. Achieving sustainable and equitable development requires the meaningful involvement of women at all levels of natural resource governance,” noted Nguema Nakoye Mannta, Field Officer at the Ministry of Environment, Chad.
The workshop concluded with a series of recommendations, including:
“Should a second phase of the GONAT initiative be designed, we would strongly encourage it to focus on key strategic areas for Chad’s natural resource sector — including geological studies, digital cadastre expansion, revenue management, and capacity building across our institutions. Strengthening national systems and human capital is essential for turning resource wealth into sustainable development,” stated Mme Kadidja Hassane Abdoulaye.
– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
About the GONAT Project:
GONAT is a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank Group. It aims to strengthen governance in natural resource sectors across fragile and transitioning countries. The project currently focuses on six countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. It covers a broad range of sectors, including oil, gas, minerals, forestry, fisheries, and wildlife.
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Source: APO – Report:
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As South Africa celebrates National Science Week (NSW) 2025 under the theme “Science, technology and innovation are for everyone,” 19 outstanding first-year university students embarked on an inspiring scientific journey across Gauteng and the North West.
Launched over the weekend by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, NSW emphasises the importance of making science inclusive, accessible and relevant to all South Africans, regardless of age, gender, language or location. In line with this vision, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) hosts its annual Brilliants Programme, showcasing the nation’s brightest young minds in science, engineering and medicine.
The NSTF Brilliants are top-performing Grade 12 learners from each province, selected based on exceptional results in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Chosen in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, these students – two male and two female per province – are pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The 2024 cohort toured cutting-edge research and innovation facilities from 27 to 30 July, beginning at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and concluding at North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom.
Among the participants are future medical doctors, engineers, data scientists and innovators, including:
• Sinothando Matsha (Eastern Cape) – MBChB at Stellenbosch University.
• Sivikele Majebe (Eastern Cape) – BSc in Statistics, Data Science and Computer Science at University of Cape Town (UCT).
• Susan Bender (Free State) – MBChB at University of the Free State.
• Lehlohonolo Mokhothu (Free State) – BEng in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at UCT.
• Kagiso Tele (Gauteng) – MBChB at Wits University
• Ntsako Thato Ringane (Gauteng) – MBChB at Wits University
• Matthew Christopher Wise (Western Cape) – BSc in Data Science at UCT
• Kgopolo Danny Ibang (North West) – Computer Science at University of Johannesburg.
Several Brilliants were also selected to represent South Africa internationally at the London International Youth Science Forum, a 15-day STEM summer camp held at Imperial College London. They are Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema, Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo, Takatso Obrey Sibanda, Jurie Johannes Blignaut, Andre De Boer, Lehlohonolo Mokhothu and Kagiso Tele.
The four-day tour offered immersive experiences in South Africa’s most advanced scientific environments.
The first day started at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Agroprocessing Facility, where students explored technologies that convert raw agricultural materials into food products. They then visited Aditiv Solutions, a leading metal 3D printing company, to witness high-performance additive manufacturing systems in action.
Day two was spent at Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Hub, an incubator for small businesses and tech startups. The young students engaged with innovations in gaming, animation and digital media. Other activities included visits to the National Aerospace Centre and the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, culminating at the Evolutionary Studies Institute, where students interacted with fossils and explored South Africa’s rich paleontological heritage and the legacy of pioneers like Charles Darwin.
Day three began with a sunrise game drive, followed by a visit to Jonker Sailplanes in Centurion – South Africa’s premier manufacturer of high-performance gliders. Its co-founder and the Director of the School of Mechanical Engineering at NWU, Prof. Attie Jonker, led a full factory tour, showcasing the engineering excellence behind the design and assembly of sailplanes.
The students were inspired by Prof. Jonker’s message, “Passion is sometimes a decision – to decide that something is worthwhile and even fun, even when it’s challenging. It’s about mindset.”
The final stop was the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Infrastructure Centre of Competence at NWU. Led by Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov, HySA is a flagship Department of Science, Technology and Innovation programme launched in 2007 to position South Africa as a global player in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. Students learned about sustainable energy solutions, green hydrogen production, and South Africa’s growing role in the global hydrogen economy.
Reflecting on the experience, Mr Ntsako Thato Ringane said: “Most of the places we visited are doing extraordinary and unique work. I’ve learned the importance of following one’s passion and staying curious.”
The NSTF Brilliants Programme not only celebrates academic excellence but also fosters a pipeline of future STEM professionals. By exposing high-achieving youth to real-world science and technology, the programme reinforces the message that science is for everyone, and that South Africa’s future is being built by its brilliant young minds.
– on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.
Source: APO – Report:
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On August 3, at the invitation of the Rwanda Kung-fu Wushu Association (RKWF), Ambassador Gao Wenqi attended the Car-Free Day event, and practiced the Tai-Chi and Kung-fu show organized by the RKWF. Hon. Samuel Dusengiyumva, Mayor of Kigali, and Hon. Christine Nkulikiyinka, Minister of Public Service and Labour, were present.
Ambassador Gao noted that the Car-Free Day is an innovative initiative to promote healthy lifestyles and environmental protection. The Embassy will continue to participate in and support the events. He also thanked the RKWF for its efforts to promote Chinese Kung-fu in Rwanda and bilateral people-to-people exchanges.
Launched by the City of Kigali in 2016, the Car-Free Day is held twice a month to encourage residents to reduce motor vehicle use and engage in physical exercises.
– on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.
Source: Government of South Africa
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has vowed to remain committed to ensuring a safe, transparent, and supportive learning environment across all public schools in the province.
In a statement on Tuesday, the department outlined key interventions and progress made by the department in addressing school safety concerns, including the impact of nearby mining activity, the expansion of first aid and disaster readiness programmes, and the enforcement of school-based safety compliance.
Impact of illegal mining on schools
The GDE confirmed that several schools across the province have been affected by ground instability, air pollution, and proximity to illegal and legal mining activities.
In some cases, schools have been relocated or placed on rehabilitation programmes due to safety concerns.
The department has conducted assessments and is set to begin the rehabilitation programme on 13 schools in areas, such as Gauteng West, Centurion and Ekurhuleni South, that face challenges from dolomitic ground conditions. These include Boiteko Primary School, Laerskool Fleur, Laerskool Louis Leipoldt, and more.
“It must be noted that although there is no formal complaint by schools regarding air pollution, the GDE also has schools located close to heavy industrial area in Germiston, Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark and other areas across the province.
“The signs of pollution over long period of time are seen through the dilapidation of concrete and masonry elements in the buildings. There is excessive carbonation of concrete and corrosion of reinforcement,” the department said.
The department said about 11 schools in the Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark regions are currently under the rehabilitation programme, including Laerskool Oospark, Setjhaba-Sohle Secondary School, Oliver Lodge Primary School and more.
The GDE has also conducted disaster management training for school staff across all districts, including firefighting and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA).
On the curriculum side, the department said learners are taught about mining and environmental safety through various subjects. In the Intermediate Phase, Grade 5 Social Sciences includes dedicated content on mining and its environmental and social impacts.
In the Senior Phase, these issues are explored through Life Orientation, Natural Sciences, and Geography, aligned with the national CAPS curriculum. These lessons are delivered by teachers as part of the regular classroom programme.
First aid training for learners
The department said it continues to promote learner safety and empowerment through the facilitation of basic first aid training in public schools.
In line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, this training is also delivered under the department’s flagship Multi-Certification Skills Programme (MCSP), an innovative initiative which ensures that learners acquire practical, accredited skills alongside their formal education.
“Through this program, learners are exposed to a wide range of certifications, including first aid, coding, entrepreneurship, and more, equipping them with up to 13 certification credits by the end of Grade 12.
“Over the past three financial years, 212 schools facilitated accredited first aid training, reaching 1 017 learners. The training includes CPR, bleeding control, burn treatment, fracture stabilisation, and seizure management, and is provided by accredited service providers sourced via the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Central Supplier Database,” the GDE said.
The programme is fully funded by the department as part of its School Safety strategy, with School Management Teams and School Safety Teams supporting and managing learner first aiders at school level. New learners are trained annually to ensure the programme remains active and sustainable.
School-based safety certification
In line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the GDE continues to prioritise safety compliance at schools through the training and deployment of certified first aiders.
“While the law requires one trained first aider per 100 staff members, we train 3 – 4 staff members per school to ensure continuity when personnel leave due to promotion, retirement, or other reasons,” the department said.
To date, 315 staff members have been trained as first aiders across the province in the past three financial years, with 116 schools currently confirmed to have at least one trained first aider on site.
“These first aiders, drawn from each school’s School Safety Committee, are equipped with Level 1 accredited training, valid for three years, enabling them to respond to health emergencies while awaiting professional EMS services,” the department said.
To further ensure compliance and sustainability, the department:
• Distributes awareness materials on the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• Provides schools with first aid kit refills;
• Trains personnel on both basic first aid and firefighting techniques; and
• Ensures schools identified as non-compliant are promptly trained and supported to meet the required standards.
Operation of politically affiliated organisations
The GDE said it does not formally endorse or permit the operation of politically affiliated organisations, including COSAS, PASO and any other politically affiliated student organisations within public schools.
The department emphasised that its goal is to ensure that schools remain non-partisan and focused on learning.
“Only the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) is recognised as the official learner governance structure. While freedom of association is respected, any external group must operate with proper authorisation and without disrupting teaching,” the GDE said.
In recent years, the department explained that student organisation driven and linked disruptions have been reported at several schools across the province.
The department responds to such incidents through law enforcement partnerships, in line with the legislation, which prohibits political activity during school time.
“Principals receive annual guidance on managing such incidents, and criminal charges are laid where disruptions involve intimidation, vandalism, or violence. Everyone must be reminded that the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) views disruptions at schools as a criminal offence,” the department said.
Action against corruption
Over the past five financial years, the Gauteng Department of Education recorded one corruption-related case, which involved the decontamination and deep cleaning of schools.
The matter was investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), with R3.8 million spent on legal and investigative fees. Disciplinary action was taken against implicated officials, and a criminal case was referred to the SAPS.
“The Gauteng Department of Education remains committed to transparency and regular public accountability in addressing matters that affect the education sector. We take seriously any issues raised within our sector, whether related to safety, governance, or the wellbeing of learners and staff.
“In doing so, we continue to engage constructively in finding sustainable solutions. Through ongoing monitoring, policy interventions, and partnerships, we strive to ensure that all Gauteng schools operate in safe, compliant, and supportive conditions,” the MEC Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Over 17 000 suspects have been arrested in Operation Shanela nationwide, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“[A total] 17 054 suspects [were] arrested, 266 for rape and 155 firearms seized during this week’s nationwide Operation Shanela,” said the police.
The arrests were made between 27 July and 2 August.
According to the police, 2 911 wanted suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes, such as murder, attempted murder, car hijackings, rape, house and business robbery. A further 179 suspects were arrested for murder.
A total 1 763 individuals were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm (GHB), while 246 people were arrested for dealing in drugs.
Fifteen suspects were arrested for human trafficking, while 2 406 for drug possession.
Meanwhile, 1 805 rounds of ammunition and 155 firearms, as well as 53 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered.
Other takedowns made by the police include the arrest of a 25-year-old suspect from São Paulo, who was intercepted attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at R4.2 million. The suspect was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: APO – Report:
The Delta Social Media Summit’s 3rd edition is scheduled for August 28, 2024, at the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park in Asaba. Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) joined forces for the awareness and promotion of Delta social media summit where great intellectuals, entrepreneurs and influencers will gather.
According to the host, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor Mr. Ossai Ovie Success, the summit promised to be a game-changer for the youth and entrepreneurs of the region.
He noted that the summit is with a clear vision – to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage social media platforms for economic growth, job creation, and social development.
“The summit’s agenda is packed with insightful sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Participants will be learning about the latest social media trends, strategies, and tools, and how to apply them in various sectors, including entrepreneurship, education, and community development.
With a lineup of esteemed guest speakers, including content creators, industry experts, and thought leaders, the summit is poised to be a hub of innovation and creativity.”
The summit’s objectives according to Ossai include showcasing innovative uses of social media in various sectors, fostering a sense of community and social responsibility among participants, and facilitating meaningful connections between participants, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
A diverse lineup of speakers has been assembled for the summit, featuring content creators, industry experts, and thought leaders.
Some of the notable speakers include: Blessing CEO, GehGeh, KellyRae (Big Brother Naija Season 9 winner), and Black Heart (TikTok influencer), Industry Experts include Dr. Charles Akpoki, High Chief Kestin Pondi, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, Pastor Julius Ekweozor, and Dr. Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede, Leaders and Entrepreneurs: Amb. Dr. Nkem Imarue, Nweze Ikechukwu, Teacher Chike and Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa.
The Chief Executive Officer and Editor in Chief of Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng), Jokpeme Joseph Omode says “Delta Social Media Summit is an event where the brightest minds in digital innovation will gather to explore the cutting-edge trends shaping the future of social media. This Summit will bring you face-to-face with expert speakers from across the industry, offering a deep dive into the evolving digital landscape. You’ll gain invaluable insights into the growing importance of authenticity, community-driven strategies and the strategic use of algorithms to build stronger connections with audiences. Plus, hear from top influencers and the role of social media in brand storytelling”.
The summit promises to provide a platform for networking, learning, and growth, and is expected to attract a wide range of attendees, including young entrepreneurs, social media enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
With its impressive lineup and clear objectives, the Delta Social Media Summit is poised to be a significant event in the region.
– on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.
For Further Inquiries and Sponsorship:
08163767435
0807 165 5916
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Source: APO – Report:
PAC Capital Limited (www.PACCapitalLtd.com), a premier investment banking and financial advisory firm, successfully hosted a high-impact side event on “Bridging Funding Gaps Through Strategic Partnerships” during the Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF 2025) at the Grenada Room, Radisson Conference Centre, St. George’s.
The event convened over 100 industry leaders, project sponsors, institutional investors, development finance institutions, and policymakers from across Africa and the Caribbean. It featured a dynamic lineup of thought-provoking sessions, including case study spotlights, high-value funding clinics, and networking engagements aimed at catalyzing cross-border project financing opportunities.
Delivering the opening remarks, Mr. Bolarinwa Sanni, Executive Director at PAC Capital, framed the agenda around unlocking the region’s capital potential.
“The Caribbean and Africa may differ in demographics and resource capacity, but both share a common challenge — funding gaps in critical sectors. Our vision is to be the bridge that connects transformative ideas to patient, strategic capital,” he noted.
A major highlight was the fireside chat with PAC Capital’s Managing Director, Mr. Humphrey Oriakhi, who addressed the challenges and opportunities in deal origination across emerging markets.
“At PAC Capital, we do not just close transactions, we build trusted partnerships. What we have seen here in Grenada is affirmation that the appetite for well-structured, impactful investments is alive. The key is alignment, and that’s what we came to foster,” Mr. Oriakhi stated.
The event climaxed with closing remarks from Non-Executive Director, Mr. Sina Alimi, who charged participants to take bold steps from ideas to action.
“This isn’t just another conference conversation. It’s a call to deepen collaboration, to break barriers, and to dare to build together across continents. PAC Capital is ready to walk this journey with you,” Mr. Alimi concluded.
One of the most insightful segments was a 20-minute keynote presentation by Mrs. Maureen Mba, Head of the MANSA Digital Initiative at Afreximbank, who introduced the African Entity Identifier (AEI) as a pivotal tool for streamlining cross-border compliance and trade finance.
“With over 36,000 entities already assigned the AEI, we are reshaping how African businesses gain trust and visibility in global markets. The AEI isn’t just a code; it’s a passport to transparency, trust, and seamless trade,” said Mrs. Mba.
The event successfully initiated over 60 informal connections, facilitated 40 one-on-one funding clinics, and catalyzed multiple pipeline conversations expected to progress into formal expressions of interest in the months ahead.
Attendees received a curated Capital Success Kit and engaged with a vibrant feedback wall themed: “What’s Your Biggest Funding Challenge?” — an activation that helped gather insights for PAC Capital’s post-event intelligence brief.
With significant media presence and enthusiastic participation, the side event reinforced PAC Capital’s reputation as a trusted capital partner across Africa and the Caribbean.
For more information, visit www.PACCapitalLtd.com
– on behalf of PAC Capital Limited.
Follow the conversation:
#BridgingFundingGaps #PACCapital #ACTIF2025
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Source: APO – Report:
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Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has outlined the vast critical mineral opportunities available across the country in a report released in collaboration with the British Geological Survey. Covering strategic minerals such as copper, cobalt, manganese and more, the report underscores the instrumental role the country already plays in global supply chains.
The report comes ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders. Taking place October 1-3 in Cape Town, the event will feature a dedicated panel on Zambia, titled Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation. The session will unpack the country’s strategy to unlock its full mineral potential, outlining investment prospects, market trends and partnership opportunities.
Copper
As the tenth-largest copper producer globally – contributing 3% of total output – Zambia is expected to play a critical role in meeting the anticipated rise in global demand – projected to increase 25% by 2040. With several large-scale projects set to come online by 2026, including Sinomine Resources’ Kitumba Mine, Mimosa Resources’ Kashime Mine and KoBold Metals’ Mingomba Mine, Zambia’s copper sector is primed for expansion. The country has set a target to increase production to three million tons by 2031, highlighting a unique opportunity for mining firms.
Cobalt
In 2024, six operations in Zambia were actively producing cobalt from copper. Together with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia holds 58% of the world’s cobalt-bearing copper resources. The commissioning of Africa’s first cobalt sulfate refinery by the end of 2025 in Zambia will expand the country’s cobalt output. The project is led by Kobaloni Energy and backed by a $100 million investment from Vision Blue and the Africa Finance Corporation. U.S.-based Terra Metals is also relaunching a copper-cobalt acid leach plant in the Kabompo Dome area in 2025.
Manganese
Zambia’s Luapula Province is the country’s manganese hub. Musamu Resources’ Luongo Open-Pit Mine – Zambia’s first large-scale manganese mine – began operations in 2022 and aims to scale output to one million tons per year by 2027. Kabundi Resources also operates two washing plants in Serenje.
Nickel
Zambia hosts two nickel operations: the Enterprise Project owned by First Quantum Minerals and the Munali Mine operated by Mabiza Resources. Annual production rose from 2,500 tons in 2019 to 8,000 tons in 2023, with global demand expected to climb by 70% by 2040.
Graphite
Significant graphite prospects have been identified in Petauke, Lundazi and Kapiri Mposhi, with high-grade discoveries at the Mvuvye and Njoka sites. Other known discoveries include the Sasare and Mkonda deposits. As companies such as Malaika Exploration move to commercialize these assets, Zambia is set to contribute to meeting a forecast 130% surge in global graphite demand by 2040, driven by growth in the electric vehicle sector.
Lithium
Zambia’s lithium potential is concentrated in the Choma Belt of the Southern Province. UK-based First Africa Metals has confirmed high-grade deposits at its Misika and Kandela projects, with additional exploration ongoing across Tonga, Konayuma and Rock Valley. With global lithium demand set to grow by 350% by 2040, these assets could significantly boost Zambia’s export revenues and job creation.
Rare Earth Elements
With global Rare Earth Element demand forecast to rise by 65% by 2040, Zambia is ramping up exploration. Antler Gold is progressing at its Kesya Project, while x-RAM Traws is advancing the Nkombwa Hill discovery.
Columbite-Tantalite
Columbite-tantalite – critical in electronics, aerospace and energy – represents an untapped opportunity for Zambia to diversify its mineral base and revenue streams. Exploration is underway by Maamba Collieries in the Southern Province and Malaika Exploration in north-eastern Zambia. With global demand for the mineral projected to increase by up to 525% by 2040, Zambia’s reserves are becoming increasingly strategic in global supply chains.
– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About African Mining Week:
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.
Source: APO
By Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com).
Strategic communications is in a pressure phase. Regulation is moving faster. Investors are watching harder. And public backlash arrives in hours, not days.
Across industries, communications is no longer just about visibility – it’s about viability. For leaders in Africa’s most dynamic sectors, comms has become a frontline function for managing regulatory complexity, investor expectations, and social trust. It’s no longer optional. It’s operational.
In Africa, where younger regulatory systems can be fragmented and enforcement uneven, this shift is sharper. A missed message doesn’t just weaken reputation but risks investor confidence, compliance, and public trust – making strategic comms no longer optional. It’s operational.
In PRCA Africa and APRA’s 2024 report on the state of PR and ethics in Africa, risk preparedness comes out as a leading communications challenge across the continent. It’s an insight echoed in APO Group’s own client data. In the first half of 2025, demand for reputational crisis support rose significantly. A dipstick poll of our 57,000+ LinkedIn network also flagged energy and sustainability, and tech and digital as sectors in need of attention in Africa. The takeaway: visibility alone is no longer enough.
Here are three sectors where the pressure is most acute.
1. Energy and sustainability: ESG expectations without the guardrails
With COP30 approaching and ESG frameworks being reassessed globally, African energy players are under the pump. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has been delayed, while the US SEC has scaled back ESG disclosure rules. Meanwhile, the UN’s 2025 SDG Progress Report shows that only 15% of goals are on track.
In this vacuum, the narrative is up for grabs. From Nigeria’s diversification strategy to South Africa’s unbundling reforms and Namibia’s green push, communicators must now translate ambiguity into trust-building messaging. And sustainability communications must stand up to activist, investor, and local scrutiny without the cushion of global consensus.
2. Tech and digital: AI moves faster than the messaging
In Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, AI adoption is racing ahead of legislation. This puts PR teams on the front line: managing deepfake risk, public confusion over AI applications, and the reputational implications of algorithmic bias – all before regulatory frameworks are finalised. Without this certainty, legal and compliance voices are prone to shaping communications more conservatively.
The next frontier is electoral interference: with several African nations holding elections in 2025, concerns are mounting that AI-generated misinformation, including deepfakes, could be used to manipulate public sentiment or discredit political figures. Already, the African Union and Kenya’s National Cohesion and Integration Commission have raised early warnings about AI-driven disinformation campaigns seeded through social media networks. For PR teams, this means that election-year communications strategies must now include real-time fact-checking, media training to counter visual manipulation, and crisis protocols for false attribution.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Data Protection Act and other regional privacy laws are reshaping how companies communicate consent and transparency. Cybersecurity threats are now regular boardroom topics, and PR teams must respond with proactive, trust-driven messaging strategies.
3. Financial services: Rebuilding trust in a high-friction regulatory era
As Africa’s fintech sector matures, communications leaders are navigating not just launch PR, but investor confidence issues and consumer trust erosion. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s mobile money rules and the East African Community’s cross-border payments integration are prompting firms to localise trust messaging in real time.
In Ghana, the Bank of Ghana suspended the operations of several digital lenders in 2024 over breaches of consumer protection rules. This came after a spike in complaints about predatory loan terms and data privacy violations. The fallout damaged public trust and exposed a gap in crisis preparedness: many brands lacked clear communication during enforcement and struggled to rebuild credibility. In 2025, those that recovered best were the ones who treated communications as a regulatory ally, not an afterthought.
What next: Strategy, not sentiment
From image-building to operational discipline, comms leaders across sectors must recalibrate. High-performing teams embed communications into policy forecasts, regulatory roadmaps, and investor dialogues – not just campaigns. And responses must be turned around in hours, not days.
Done well, communications can be an organisation’s operating system for trust, alignment, and action – and in 2025, the difference between proactive and reactive comms is reputational survival.
APO Group’s work across 54 African markets shows: comms delayed is opportunity lost. The question is no longer whether to elevate comms, but whether you’ve waited too long.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group Insights.
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award, and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm in Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.
APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
