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Merck Foundation congratulates Kenya First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto and the Joyful Women Organisation as they mark 16 years of inspiring women economic empowerment

Source: APO – Report:

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, extends heartfelt congratulations to H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya, and the Joyful Women Organization (JOYWO) on marking 16 impactful years of inspiring women economic empowerment across Kenya.

Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation shared, “Congratulations to Mama Rachel Ruto and Joyful Women Organization on this remarkable milestone, sixteen years of empowering women, strengthening communities, and driving real change is truly an achievement to be celebrated.”

Through the table-banking model and community-led initiatives, Joyful Women has opened pathways for women to start businesses, support their families and strengthen communities.

“We celebrate Mama Rachel’s visionary leadership and partnership in building a more inclusive, prosperous Kenya.” Kelej added.

Merck Foundation is closely working with The First Lady of Kenya, and as a part of their joint efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity in Kenya, they have provided 295 scholarships for Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties, helping to transform the patient care landscape across the country.

Moreover, Merck Foundation in partnership with Kenya First Lady will provide almost 100 scholarships of one-year postgraduate diploma of critical nutrition for Kenyan doctors across the 47 counties of Kenya over the next four years as part of her Feed One, End Hunger Program.

Additionally, through the “Educating Linda” program, Merck Foundation is providing annual scholarships to 47 deserving yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, helping them continue their education and enabling them to reach their full potential.

“Congratulations once again on 16 years of impact, here’s to many more! #JoyfulAt16” added Dr. Rasha Kelej

– on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

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Vodacom M-Pesa Tanzania Launches Cross-Border payments across the Globe

Source: APO – Report:

Vodacom Tanzania (www.Vodacom.com), the country’s leading telco company, is revolutionizing cross-border trade and digital financial inclusion with the launch of M-Pesa Global Payment. In partnership with VISA, Alipay, Network International, Magnati, and MTN Uganda, customers can now make global Tap & Pay transactions using the M-Pesa Visa tokenized card, pay merchants in China via Alipay, enabled by Thunes, transact in Dubai through TerraPay-supported merchants, and pay merchants in Uganda directly into MTN MoMo wallets, powered by Thunes, all from the M-Pesa menu or the M-Pesa Super App

The process is secure, user-friendly, and eliminates the burden of traditional banking barriers for traders and businesses. Combined, these solutions position M-Pesa as one of the most advanced digital payment systems in Africa.

These innovations respond to the growing demand from Tanzanian customers and travelers who frequently transact across East Africa, the Middle East, Asia and globally, but often face challenges with costly, slow, or insecure payment processes. “Our partnerships with VISA, Alipay, Network Internal and MTN Uganda demonstrate our commitment to building a strong and interconnected digital payments ecosystem. Together, we are enabling people and businesses to transact across borders with the same ease as they transact locally, securely, instantly, and affordably. This is central to M-Pesa’s Purpose deepening financial inclusion and ensuring that digital innovation benefits every micro, small and medium enterprise. Through this combined effort, we are opening new trade corridors, reducing the cost of doing business, and giving customers greater freedom to participate in the global digital economy” said Epimack Mbeteni, M-Pesa Director at Vodacom Tanzania

This launch introduces the new M-Pesa Tap & Pay Solution with Visa, the first of its kind in Africa, enabling customers to pay worldwide using their phones through the M-Pesa Visa card. Speaking on the M-Pesa Tap & Pay innovation, Victor Makere, Visa Country manager for Tanzania said: “Through our collaboration, we are enabling millions of M-Pesa customers to experience secure, seamless, contactless payments anywhere Visa is accepted. Tokenization brings an added layer of safety and convenience allowing customers to Tap & Pay globally using their mobile phones without exposing their card details. This innovation supports Tanzania’s transition toward a fully digital payments ecosystem and empowers consumers and businesses with more modern ways to pay.”

Through Thunes’ Direct Global Network, M-Pesa customers can now pay merchants in China within the Alipay ecosystem, supporting fast, secure international trade. Speaking on the role of Thunes in enabling payments to China, Andrew Stewart, Chief Revenue Officer at Thunes, added: “Digitizing cross-border payments is a game-changer for accessibility, and supports our mission to enable the next billion end users to take part in the global economy. Together with Vodacom, we are making it possible for Tanzanian businesses to pay Chinese merchants instantly through the Alipay network. This new level of interoperability and innovation strengthens trust in mobile financial ecosystems and opens new avenues for international trade.”

TerraPay powers international merchant payments, including the ability for M-Pesa users to transact with select merchants in Dubai through its global payment network. Speaking on the value of the Dubai payment corridor, Willie Kanyeki, Vice President of Sub-Saharan Africa at TerraPay, said, “At TerraPay, we believe in interoperability and enabling borderless payments. Our partnership with Vodacom expands secure digital commerce opportunities for Tanzanians doing business in Dubai, connecting African consumers to new global markets.”

As the enabling partner for merchant payments in Uganda through MTN MoMo, MTN plays a vital role in simplifying regional trade for SMEs across East Africa. Richard Yego, MTN Mobile Money Uganda Director, welcomed the collaboration saying, “This partnership marks a major stride toward seamless regional trade. Together with Vodacom, we are unlocking greater financial access for thousands of cross-border traders in Uganda and Tanzania, especially SMEs who are the backbone of our economies.”

With robust mobile money usage and mobile penetration in Tanzania, these solutions serve as strategic drivers for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and everyday consumers who need dependable, fast, and convenient financial tools.

As M-Pesa expands into a robust international payment platform, Vodacom Tanzania remains committed to building an inclusive digital economy and transforming lives through technology.

– on behalf of Vodacom Group.

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Distance learning changes lives, but comes with its own challenges

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ashley Gunter, Professor, University of South Africa

Across Africa, distance education has become one of the most powerful forces for expanding access to higher learning. Open and distance learning institutions such as the Open University of Tanzania, the Zimbabwe Open University and the National Open University of Nigeria have joined long-standing providers like the University of South Africa in offering flexible study opportunities to millions of students who would otherwise be excluded from higher education.

These institutions are reimagining what it means to go to university in contexts where geography, cost and social responsibilities often keep young people out of the classroom.

Read more: How place of birth shapes chances of going to university: evidence from 7 African countries

The value of distance education is undeniable. It allows working adults to continue their studies without leaving employment, gives rural youth the chance to stay in their communities while earning qualifications, and provides people with opportunities to balance learning alongside family responsibilities. During crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, distance education proved to be a lifeline when face-to-face teaching was impossible.

Across the continent, it is not simply an alternative to traditional universities; for many, it is the only route into higher education.

The World Bank has reported that only 9% of the African population in the five years after secondary school is enrolled in tertiary education – the lowest rate in the world.

My own research takes the University of South Africa (Unisa) as a case study to dig deeper into how geography and inequality shape students’ experiences of distance learning: their access, participation, and outcomes. With over 370,000 students in South Africa and other countries, Unisa is the continent’s largest provider. It’s an ideal lens through which to understand both the promise and the challenges of this educational model.

I’m a geographer with an interest in international education and economic development. For the Unisa case study, I took a qualitative research approach, interviewing 28 Unisa postgraduate students from different regions of Africa. I chose them to reflect the diversity of students enrolled at Unisa and because they already had experience of studying.

The study found that although distance education can meet educational needs where people can’t access face-to-face learning, it’s not a perfect solution. There are still challenges which make it hard for some people to study, like inadequate infrastructure (poor internet connectivity and electricity supply), financial constraints, and language and cultural barriers. There’s a need for interventions to improve the effectiveness and equity of distance education.

Experiences of distance education

My interviews with postgraduate students across Africa showed a complex picture. For the 18 students based in cities, distance education can be genuinely empowering. Internet connections, though costly, are usually accessible in cities. Electricity supply is more stable, and digital platforms are within reach. Students in urban areas spoke of the freedom and flexibility they gained, describing distance education as the only way to balance work, family life and study.

But geography matters. For students in rural or marginalised regions, participation in distance learning can become a daily struggle.

Downloading a file may take hours. Travelling long distances to internet cafés eats into scarce time and resources. A student in Zimbabwe explained how he missed deadlines simply because the university portal would not load in his village. Another said:

Some days I feel like I’m learning less and figuring out how to connect more.

Another, in Kenya, described travelling to Nairobi every two weeks to collect academic materials. She felt the sacrifice was worth it because she knew education could change her life. For others:

I begin to wonder if it’s really worth it.

These obstacles, however, underline rather than diminish the value of distance education. Students are willing to endure enormous effort and cost to access learning because they believe in its power to transform their futures. Their determination is itself evidence of the demand for and importance of this model of education.

Still, the barriers are real. High data prices, unstable internet, and unreliable electricity continue to limit access. Women in rural areas often face additional responsibilities that leave them with little time or energy to study.

It’s hard to keep up with my guy classmates who don’t face the same rules at home.

And the flexibility that makes distance education attractive can sometimes turn into a sense of isolation when students don’t have peer support.

I feel alone a lot. Even when I try to share, they don’t seem to understand what I’m facing.

Persistent inequities in distance education

Distance education can actually keep existing inequities in place, because students from wealthier, urban backgrounds are better positioned to succeed than rural students are.

My study also revealed how the realities of students’ lives not only affect their ability to use digital tools but also their sense of belonging to the academic community. There is a growing digital divide within distance education itself.

The task ahead is to make sure that these challenges do not undercut the progress distance education has already made. Over the past decade, distance education has expanded access, increased enrolment far beyond the capacity of traditional campuses, and improved the quality of digital teaching, learner support, and flexible study pathways.

Investment in affordable broadband and electricity is essential, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Financial aid needs to cover the hidden costs of learning, from devices to data. Outreach centres should be located closer to marginalised communities, and policies must explicitly address the gendered realities that shape women’s access to higher education.

Read more: Hunger among South African students: study shows those studying remotely need financial aid for food

Across Africa, open universities have already demonstrated how distance education can widen participation and build inclusive futures. Unisa’s story, and the experiences of its students, highlight both the opportunities and the work still to be done.

Geography continues to shape who can learn, but it does not have to decide who gets left behind. With the right investments and policies, distance education can move closer to fulfilling its full promise: to provide equitable, life-changing access to higher learning for all.

– Distance learning changes lives, but comes with its own challenges
– https://theconversation.com/distance-learning-changes-lives-but-comes-with-its-own-challenges-266431

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United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30): African Development Bank strengthens investments in climate-peace-security nexus

Source: APO

Climate change, of which Africa has been the principal victim, is aggravating severe and rising security threats across the continent — including terrorism, armed confrontations, and inter-community conflicts — endangering stability and, ultimately, the very survival of its populations.

Nine of the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change are in Africa. The continent also accounts for 12 of the 19 countries most affected by armed hostilities, and nine of the 20 experiencing institutional and social fragility.

To help address the climate–peace–security nexus, the United Nations Office to the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the African Union Commission convened a roundtable on 14 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil — host city of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). The discussion, held under the theme “Adapting for Stability – Scaling Partnerships for Peace and Climate Resilience in Africa,” explored how the continent can strengthen cooperation and reinforce resilience in the face of rising climate-related security risks.

The side event brought together representatives from international organisations, development finance institutions, civil society, and other development actors, creating a platform for shared analysis and collaboration.

“Climate change is amplifying conflict and fragility on the continent,” explained Dr Al Hamndou Dorsouma, Manager for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank Group. “In 2024 alone, climate disasters caused 9.8 million new internal displacements in Africa, highlighting how deeply interconnected climate risks and forced mobility are.”

He added: “Declining and irregular rainfall, as well as water scarcity, have altered the seasonal migration patterns of African pastoral communities, increasing competition between pastoral groups and between pastoral and agricultural communities. This has led to recurring conflicts in almost every region of the continent, from Ethiopia to Darfur, from Kenya to Nigeria, and throughout the Sahel.”

“There can be no implementation of climate projects without peace; we cannot fight climate change without peace,” said Nazanine Moshiri, Senior Advisor on Climate, Peace and Strategic Partnerships at the Berghof Foundation.

“As the continent’s leading development finance institution, the African Development Bank Group is fully committed to working with African countries and development partners to build climate resilience while addressing the root causes of conflict and fragility,” continued Dorsouma. “I invite our colleagues and partners here today, as well as those following online, to focus our efforts on financing: investing in early warning systems and adaptation measures is not only a humanitarian imperative, but also an economically rational and sustainable solution. Every dollar invested in climate adaptation and resilience generates an ROI of between two and 10 US dollars.”

According to Abdi Fidar, Director of the Climate Prediction and Applications Centre at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), it is now difficult to separate the security-climate nexus, as fragile areas do not benefit from climate finance.

Dorsouma went on to explain to those present that the African Development Bank’s response to the climate-peace-security nexus is threefold. First, there is its Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience and its Transition Support Facility (TSF), a concessional financing mechanism for 37 low-income African countries enduring fragile situations. The Bank has also established a Climate Change and Green Growth Strategic Framework for 2030, which has positioned the climate-peace-security nexus at the core of its priorities for climate change adaptation in Africa.

The pan-African development institution has recently introduced innovations in the design of its operations taking on board aspects such as fragility and climate vulnerability. Most importantly, it has also increased financial resources for adaptation and resilience. In 2023, the Bank Group launched the Climate Action Window (https://apo-opa.co/4roMgzN) under the auspices of the African Development Fund, with some $450 million in funding made available. In one year of operations, the Window has already supported 59 climate action projects in African countries experiencing fragility and climate vulnerability, including 41 focused on adaptation and 18 on mitigation, with a cumulative value of $386 million, according to Dorsouma, who cited other instruments that have been implemented to tackle climate and security issues.

“Building resilience while addressing fragility requires joint action across the spectrum, from humanitarian aid to peacebuilding, but most importantly with an emphasis on climate-resilient development efforts, which is the only guarantee for safeguarding the development gains already achieved and preventing climate change from continuing to amplify fragility and undermine efforts to achieve sustainable development,” said the Bank Group representative. “I call on each and every one of us to intensify our efforts to build a more climate-resilient and peaceful Africa.”

In conclusion, Charles Mwangi, Head of Programmes at the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance, explained that civil society, often closest to the affected communities, must be included in discussions and in the definition of national, continental and global policies, and on climate, peace, and security in order to avert local risks and injustices that could lead to conflict.

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

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Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 to Spotlight United States (U.S.) Corporate Engagement as American Firms Recommit to Libya’s Energy Future

Source: APO

The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026, taking place on January 24-26 in Tripoli, will showcase a renewed surge of U.S. participation as American companies re-engage with Libya’s oil, gas and infrastructure sectors. This year marks a significant moment for U.S. investment momentum, reinforced through expanded commercial programming and strategic dialogues, signaling renewed confidence in Libya’s oil, gas and infrastructure markets – and marking a strategic shift in the way American majors are approaching the region. 

A major highlight of the Summit will be a dedicated U.S.-Libya Roundtable and a U.S. pavilion, underscoring growing institutional and corporate commitment to Libya’s energy future. Discussions will explore collaboration in exploration, field redevelopment and energy services, highlighting areas where American firms can add unique value – from advanced technologies and workforce training to midstream and gas infrastructure innovation. Through these contributions, U.S. investment can accelerate technology transfer, strengthen local supply chains and support Libya’s broader industrial development and energy transition objectives. Meanwhile, the pavilion will host a broad range of American firms, industry associations and technical service providers, offering a platform for partnerships across upstream, midstream, downstream and infrastructure development.  

Industry leaders ConocoPhillips and SLB will feature prominently at LEES 2026, reflecting the resurgence of U.S.-linked investment interest. ConocoPhillips, a key partner in the Waha Oil Company, continues to support major redevelopment efforts aimed at boosting output at one of Libya’s most strategic concessions. SLB, one of the most active technology and service providers in Libya, is deepening its collaboration with the NOC to enhance crude production, modernize operations and support the country’s long-term sustainability goals. The company is deploying advanced drilling, well placement and production optimization technologies across priority fields, while expanding its footprint through new contracts – including a milestone agreement to drill three wells in the Nesr and Al-Waha fields. Hill International, meanwhile, recently secured a $235 million contract for the Structures A&E gas field project, forming part of a multi-billion-dollar program to strengthen Libya’s natural gas capacity. 

These players will be joined by Halliburton, Baker Hughes and ExxonMobil, all of which are deepening their engagement with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and assessing new commercial, technical and exploration opportunities. ExxonMobil recently signed an MoU with the NOC to undertake geological and geophysical studies covering four offshore blocks in the northwest and Sire Basin – reflecting analytical interest and preliminary evaluation of future partnership potential. The company is also expected to participate in Libya’s current licensing round, which covers 22 onshore and offshore blocks. 

Chevron has also re-emerged as a major talking point ahead of LEES 2026. Following high-level discussions in London, the NOC confirmed that Chevron is showing serious interest in returning to Libya after a 15-year hiatus. Talks have centered on cooperation in exploration, unconventional resources and undeveloped reservoirs, with Libyan officials emphasizing the country’s significant untapped potential across oil and natural gas. 

Technical programming will represent another major pillar of U.S. engagement. The Society of Petroleum Engineers Libya will host technical sessions on January 24, featuring discussions on enhanced oil recovery, field redevelopment, marginal field development strategies and digitalization in Libya’s oilfields. On January 25 and 26, S&P Global Commodity Insights will lead specialized technical sessions covering market intelligence, production trends, resource monetization and global energy outlooks relevant to Libya’s future planning. These sessions are designed to attract active exploration and support the NOC’s ambitious target of 2 million barrels per day by 2030. 

Institutional participation is set to complement private-sector involvement. The U.S. Embassy – expected to participate at LEES 2026 – supports expanded commercial cooperation between the two countries, encouraging transparent governance and reinforcing bilateral economic engagement. The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Libya – once again a strategic partner of the summit – continues to promote U.S. company participation following its Washington D.C. forum spotlighting opportunities across hydrocarbons, renewables and infrastructure.  

“The U.S.-Libya Roundtable reflects a decisive turning point in commercial engagement,” says James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power. “American companies are now investing in Libya in ways we haven’t seen for decades – driving technology transfer, securing long-term production and helping the country realize its full energy potential.” 

With exploration interest rising, redevelopment underway and several U.S. majors and service providers reassessing market entries, the U.S.-Libya Roundtable at LEES 2026 will serve as a critical platform to consolidate this momentum and shape a long-term roadmap for sustainable growth in one of the North Africa’s most promising energy markets. With the previous edition of LEES featuring 18 U.S. companies in the national pavilion – momentum next year is expected to build significantly. Together, these developments mark a strategic pivot, with U.S. companies taking a leading role in shaping Libya’s energy future by deploying capital, technology and expertise at an unprecedented scale. 

Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 offers a premier platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth. Visit www.LibyaSummit.com to secure your participation. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com. 

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

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Mashatile advocates for gender equity, local government reform

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasised the importance of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children and the critical role that communities play in eliminating the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“Let us continue to advance gender equity. Through this annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign, let us create communities where women and children are safe, empowered, and free from violence. Let us ensure that collective responsibility becomes a lived reality,” he said on Thursday. 

The Deputy President delivered a keynote address on the second day of the South African Local Government Association’s (SALGA) National Members Assembly. 

The event, hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, brought together notable figures from various sectors to discuss the future of local governance in South Africa.

This assembly which concluded on Thursday, took place during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, which was launched two days ago. 

READ | Minister Chikunga calls for Media and Creative Sectors to ‘flip the script’ in fight against GBVF

The Deputy President called for a united effort to ensure women’s and children’s safety, urging attendees to create “communities where women and children are safe, empowered, and free from violence.”

The country’s second-in-command said this commitment to gender equity aligns with SALGA’s goals, illustrating the organisation’s dedication to fostering safe and inclusive spaces at the local level.

SALGA anniversary

He also took a moment to reflect on the significance of SALGA’s anniversary, noting that November marks the 29th anniversary of the formation of a unified SALGA. 

The Deputy President recounted how SALGA’s journey began in 1996 at the National Summit for Organised Local Government and highlighted its evolution into the “unified voice of South Africa’s 257 municipalities.”

He also took the time to praise SALGA for its role in advocating for community needs and enhancing service delivery across the nation.

The Deputy President also acknowledged SALGA’s involvement in significant legislative advancements, mentioning key acts such as the Electoral Laws Amendment Act of 2021 and the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act of 2013.

He said SALGA’s steadfast dedication has enabled them successfully to push for these improvements, ensuring that the legal framework supports municipalities in carrying out their service delivery mandates.

National Dialogue on Coalition Governments

Deputy President Mashatile also touched on the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments; a critical discussion aimed at developing frameworks that guide coalition arrangements at the local level. 

“The recommendations and final declaration of the Dialogue on Coalition Government have paved the way for the development of an overarching framework that will guide coalition arrangements at the local government level.”

Professionalising the public service and reforms

He stressed government’s commitment to establishing a capable, ethical, and developmental state. 

“Parliament is currently processing the Public Service Commission Amendment Act to extend the mandate of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to include local government and public entities.” 

Deputy President Mashatile said this move is aimed at professionalising the public service across all government levels.

Through initiatives like Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela, the Deputy President outlined the government’s strategy to address economic challenges and support local governments. 

Phase 2 focuses on accelerating economic reforms to achieve faster and more inclusive growth by addressing structural constraints in key sectors like energy, water, and local government.

He also underscored the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in supporting government efforts to implement necessary reforms. 

The country’s second-in-command called to action members of organised local government, encouraging them to rally behind transformative initiatives.

Deputy President Mashatile reminded leaders of the challenges faced by municipalities while also calling for collaborative efforts for a stronger, more equitable future for South Africa.

He urged the prioritisation of economic resilience, investment in infrastructure and services, and embracing new technologies and approaches to service delivery. 

“By doing so, we can create an environment where businesses thrive, communities prosper, and each individual can realise their full potential.

“As I have stated, we all agree that local government is the sphere of government that is closest to our people. It is through municipalities that democracy connects with daily life, through the provision of water, energy, sanitation, roads, and public order, among other things.” 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa’s, address emphasised the urgent need for local government reform to enhance service delivery and tackle challenges such as GBV, youth unemployment, and infrastructure decay. 

He highlighted the importance of aligning Integrated Development Plans with global priorities, particularly following South Africa’s leadership role in the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit. 

The Minister also spoke about the review of the White Paper on Local Government, which presents a critical opportunity to strengthen governance and financial controls, ensuring municipalities can effectively address community needs.

He highlighted the importance of aligning municipal plans with global initiatives and fostering stable governance to enhance community trust and development. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SARB study rules out launch of digital currency

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) position paper on a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) in South Africa has concluded that it there is no compelling immediate need for its implementation.

A retail CBDC is defined as a purely digital banknote, denominated in the national unit of account, which could be used by individuals to pay businesses, shops or each other (a retail CBDC), or between financial institutions to settle trades in financial markets (a wholesale CBDC). 

At its core then, retail CBDC aims to mirror traditional currency, but in digital form.

“The SARB’s research and experimentation found that a retail CBDC is technically feasible and could be implemented in a way that aligns with regulatory and policy objectives. 

“However, the analysis does not reveal a strong immediate need for such an instrument. Instead, the SARB concluded that ongoing initiatives such as the Payment Ecosystem Modernisation Programme and expanding non-bank participation in the national payment system should remain the priority in the short-to-medium-term,” the Reserve Bank said. 

The SARB position paper on the necessity of a retail CBDC in South Africa and background note  was published on the bank’s website on Thursday.

The study focused on the potential role of a retail CBDC as a digital complement to cash, particularly in the context of South Africa’s evolving payment landscape and persistent financial inclusion challenge.

The SARB noted that in the longer term there may be a need for a retail CBDC to safeguard public access to central bank money − a public good that remains essential in a digital economy; and unlock opportunities to complement and enhance the existing payments landscape while supporting broader financial innovation in South Africa.

While the SARB does not currently advocate for the implementation of a retail CBDC, it will continue to monitor developments and will remain prepared to act should the need arise. 

“As the SARB continues its CBDC journey, the next phase will pivot toward further exploration of wholesale CBDC. This strategic shift reflects the growing global momentum around wholesale applications and their potential to enhance financial market innovation, cross-border payment efficiency and systemic resilience. The SARB will outline its plans for this next phase in due course.”

Central bank money plays a crucial role in the financial system for two primary reasons: it represents the highest quality of money, reducing risk and enhancing payment system efficiency and its accessibility through convertibility with commercial bank money fosters trade efficiency and mitigates financial instability in a dual money system.

Growth and cash

“From the research and analysis conducted as part of this study, there is evidence of significant growth in the adoption and use of digital payments in South Africa. 

“This has been driven by innovative solutions introduced by commercial banks, fintechs and the efforts of the SARB and other public sector agencies and partners,” it said.

These are anticipated to continue having a positive impact on financial inclusion, and it is expected that a growing number of South Africans will adopt and use digital payments on a regular basis.

“Notwithstanding the progress made, evidence also shows that physical cash continues to play a significant role in South Africa, particularly for certain segments of the population. This prevailing cash reliance is due to barriers such as infrastructure availability, costs of digital payments and network and power issues.

Balancing act

“More importantly, the continued ability to redeem private money into safe and liquid public money (i.e. banknotes and coin) provides a safety net in times of economic stress and maintains confidence in the financial system. Further, balancing access to both central bank and commercial bank money is essential for maximising trade efficiency,” SARB said.

This balance requires careful consideration of the unique benefits each type of money provides.

“In the SARB’s view, continued commitment and resources should be dedicated to realising the opportunities of existing payment modernisation initiatives, such as expanding the PayShap value proposition, enabling interoperability of different stores of value, allowing non-banks to issue electronic money and participating directly in the NPS [national payment system], QR code standardisation, introducing an open banking/open finance framework, among others,” the bank said.

SARB emphasised that the conclusion of the study should not be interpreted as a view that South Africa should not implement a retail CBDC in future. 

The study can be accessed on: https://www.resbank.co.za/en/home/publications/publication-detail-pages/Fintech/sarb-position-paper-on-the-necessity-of-a-retail-cbdc-in-south-africa

–SAnews.gov.za

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets US Congress Delegation

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, November 27, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Thursday with a delegation of Their Excellencies members of the Congress of the United States of America, including Laurel Lee, Marlin Stutzman, Abraham Hamadeh, Ryan Zinke and Lance Gooden, on the occasion of their visit to the country.

The meeting discussed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States of America and ways to support and strengthen them. It also discussed regional developments, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

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World Future Energy Summit 2026 to spotlight potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Middle East’s clean energy sector

Source: APO – Report:

  • AI will be key enabler for countries to achieve national clean energy goals
  • AI technologies help companies reduce energy consumption by as much as 60%
  • Artificial Intelligence Conference to explore ways to tackle AI’s energy footprint

As artificial intelligence emerges as a transformative force in the clean energy sector, the World Future Energy Summit 2026 (www.WorldFutureEnergySummit.com) will spotlight its vast potential to reshape energy production, transmission, and efficient, data-driven distribution. Running from January 13-15 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the three-day show is an integral part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026.

With the theme of AI running across all seven conference tracks at this year’s show, the 2026 edition will build on that momentum, raising the bar with the launch of the FUSE AI Zone, a dedicated platform where more than 40 companies will showcase cutting-edge AI solutions to drive clean energy, smart infrastructure, and climate resilience. The event will also incorporate the inaugural Artificial Intelligence Conference, a forum exploring how AI can be responsibly harnessed to accelerate progress across the energy, infrastructure, and smart cities sectors.

Gathering thought leaders, innovators, and policy influencers, the Summit will laser in on AI’s predictive power and its ability to optimise the management of clean energy flows, providing a vital technical boost to help low-carbon systems scale effectively.

Using AI to Accelerate Technical Breakthroughs

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), AI adoption is accelerating across multiple areas, from grid and demand-response management to sector coupling and system maintenance. Advances in forecasting and energy storage are also enhancing performance, enabling companies to deliver renewable energy with greater efficiency and reliability. Yet important questions remain about how best to unlock AI’s full potential to power the sustainable energy systems of the future.

For example, can AI make up for shortcomings in energy policy that hold back the transition to carbon-free energy? Can it accelerate innovation to enable researchers and entrepreneurs to more rapidly test and prove technologies that make a direct impact on decarbonisation? These pressing issues, plus the potential of AI to advance the exploration of mineralisation for carbon capture, will be addressed by leading experts at January’s World Future Energy Summit, now globally recognised as the world’s premier business event focused on future energy and sustainability.

The UAE’s clean energy goals, driven by its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, involve increasing clean energy to 50 per cent of the total energy mix by 2050, reducing carbon emissions by 70 per cent, and tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. AI will be a key enabler for achieving these clean energy targets across the region.

The World Future Energy Summit and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week’s Advisory Committee’s 2025 AI and Technology Insights Report supports this, stating that AI can significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of clean energy and infrastructure networks both regionally and globally.

According to the report, smart grid algorithms can accurately predict and then balance electricity supply and demand in real time, integrate renewables, and reduce the need for constructing new power plants. Investment in digital infrastructure and skills is key, however, so that utilities can harness data for grid optimisation and predictive maintenance.

Driving Energy Efficiency in Homes and Businesses

The 2026 edition will also highlight the growing role of AI in enhancing energy efficiency within buildings. According to the World Economic Forum, AI technologies are already helping companies reduce energy consumption by up to 60 per cent in some cases.

While the industry has only just begun to tap into AI’s full potential in this field, the opportunities for progress are vast. Through panel discussions and keynote sessions, a powerhouse of industry experts will explore the key challenges and opportunities surrounding energy efficiency in homes and businesses across the MENA region and beyond.

Speakers will discuss how new AI- and automation-powered design tools can help create spaces that are energy-, water- and people-efficient, all while staying within budget. They will also examine how smart software can rapidly test design options to identify solutions that cut costs and reduce environmental impact. Additional sessions will address how innovation, collaboration, and resilient supply chains can help build sustainable urban futures.

Shyam Parmar, the Summit’s Event Director, added: “By bringing together some of the brightest minds from across the global energy landscape, the World Future Energy Summit plays a pivotal role in unlocking the vast potential of artificial intelligence, not only to drive greater energy efficiency in homes and businesses, but to accelerate progress across the entire clean energy and sustainability ecosystem.

“The new FUSE AI Zone and Artificial Intelligence Conference provide an unparalleled platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and lively debate on how AI can be deployed responsibly and effectively. These conversations are vital to advancing the AI agenda and ensuring companies can fully harness their capabilities to meet clean energy ambitions. By facilitating this dialogue, we’re helping to translate innovation into action, and turning bold ideas into tangible outcomes that move the world closer to a sustainable energy future.”

Understanding AI’s Energy Consumption

AI’s transformative potential is undeniable, yet credible estimates project AI-related electricity consumption could grow by as much as 50 per cent each year from 2023 to 2030. The electricity demand of data centres is also projected to grow, from one per cent of global energy demand in 2022 to more than three per cent by 2030.

In January 2025, Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company announced the launch of the world’s first large-scale round-the-clock giga-scale project, combining solar power and battery storage in Abu Dhabi. Delivering up to one gigawatt of baseload power every day generated from renewable energy, it will be the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system in the world.

According to the 2025 AI and Technology Insights Report, such projects could redefine how critical AI systems are powered, eliminating the need for fossil fuel-backup. By connecting to clean energy sources, AI data centres could operate with near-zero carbon emissions, marking a major step towards a more sustainable digital future.

The Summit will explore ways to tackle AI’s energy footprint with a dedicated panel session on actionable strategies to realign AI growth with climate goals, balance energy consumption, and drive sustainable innovation without sacrificing usability.

“AI’s role in climate and environmental systems is expanding rapidly and understanding how to guide that growth is becoming just as important as advancing the technology itself,” said Mehdi Ajana, Head of Strategy at Nabat. “At the World Future Energy Summit, we’ll look at practical, data-driven approaches, from improving habitat classification and health assessment model accuracy, to monitoring carbon and biodiversity metrics  that help align AI innovation with measurable climate outcomes”.

“It’s a great opportunity for like-minded organisations to come together, listen, learn, and explore what’s possible and to understand how AI can be deployed responsibly to accelerate real progress towards global sustainability goals.”

Paving the Way to a Sustainable Future

The 2026 edition of the World Future Energy Summit will also explore the role of AI in healthcare, food security, and weather modelling, with a keynote presentation on Earth Two Climate, G42, and NVIDIA’s new AI-powered weather forecasting solution that accurately gauges weather conditions down to a single square-metre. This is invaluable to farmers and smart agriculture planners, who can make more informed decisions on crop choices, yield expectations, maintenance procedures, and more.

From cutting energy waste to improving health outcomes and driving farming efficiencies, AI is a powerful means to accelerate sustainability solutions. According to the 2025 AI and Technology Insights Report, however, it must be guided by clear human-defined goals: “Technology deployments should focus on solving real problems rather than adopting AI for AI’s sake”. That means human oversight, strategic vision, and multidisciplinary collaboration should be seen as essential in order to convert AI’s promise into tangible progress, paving the way to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

The World Future Energy Summit 2026, hosted by Masdar and part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will take place from January 13–15 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

– on behalf of World Future Energy Summit.

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press@masdar.ae 

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World Future Energy Summit:
As the largest event during ADSW, the World Future Energy Summit continues to be a driving force for innovation, collaboration, and thought leadership in renewable energy and sustainability. Now entering its 18th edition, the Summit has established itself as a vital platform bridging policy with real-world action and business growth.

The 2026 edition, taking place from 13–15 January, will feature more than 800 global brands, the dynamic Greenhouse start-up zone, the Fuse AI cleantech pavilion, and the debut of the Greenpeace Cinema. Over three days, attendees will have the opportunity to join conferences led by 300+ industry experts, explore nine exhibition halls showcasing breakthrough products and solutions, and connect with more than 50,000 participants from across the globe.

About Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week:
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is a global platform supported by the UAE and its clean energy leader, Masdar, to address the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges through crucial conversations accelerating responsible development and fostering inclusive economic, social and environmental progress.

For more than 15 years, ADSW has convened decision-makers from governments, the private sector and civil society to advance the global sustainability agenda through dialogue, cross-sector collaboration and impactful solutions. Throughout the year, ADSW conversations and initiatives facilitate knowledge sharing and collective action that will ensure a sustainable world for future generations.

About Masdar:
Established in 2006, Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is a global clean energy leader, transforming how the world produces and consumes energy through bold innovation and commercial excellence.

Masdar is a clean energy investor, developer and operator, advancing renewable energy projects across key markets and technologies, with a global project portfolio capacity to date of over 51 gigawatts (GW).

Jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC and Mubadala, Masdar is driving the scale-up of renewables worldwide, targeting a portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030.

For more information, please visit: https://Masdar.ae/

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Three additional sluice gates opened at Vaal Dam

Source: Government of South Africa

A total of 10 sluice gates are now in operation at the Vaal Dam, after three additional sluice gates opened on Thursday, to manage rising water levels.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) intensified flood management operations at the Vaal Dam by opening three additional sluice gates in response to rising inflows and persistent rainfall across the Vaal River System.

In a statement, the department announced that the gates were being opened in controlled intervals, with two gates opened at 10am and 12pm, and another scheduled to open in the afternoon at 2pm, to safely increase outflows throughout the day and stabilise dam levels.

These latest adjustments follow reopening of four sluice gates on Wednesday, between 10am and 1pm, which increased releases from 325 cubic metres per second (m³/s) to 950 m³/s.

‘With today’s measured operations, the Vaal Dam will operate with 10 open sluice gates, enabling the department to regulate the rising upstream inflows while ensuring the integrity of key water infrastructure,” department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said.

The department also confirmed that there are no changes to operations at Bloemhof Dam, with outflows remaining steady at approximately 1000 m³/s – consistent with last week’s adjustments and aligned with current dam safety protocols.

According to the department, both the Vaal and Bloemhof dams remain above 100% due to sustained rainfall this week, necessitating continuous monitoring and proactive intervention.

Mavasa noted that the opening of sluice gates is a standard operating procedure and a critical dam safety measure implemented when water levels rise sharply.

“Controlled releases help prevent overtopping, safeguard the structural integrity of dam infrastructure and protect communities downstream from potential disaster. With increased releases from the Vaal Dam, downstream areas may experience overflowing riverbanks, which could affect infrastructure located in low-lying zones of the floodplain,” Mavasa explained.

The department appealed to communities along the Vaal River, particularly those in the Vaal Triangle, Parys, and other riparian settlements, to remain vigilant and monitor rising river levels closely.

“Farmers and residents with pumps, movable equipment, or infrastructure situated close to the water’s edge are advised to take immediate steps to secure their assets. Livestock and valuable property should be moved to higher ground.”

The Department of Water and Sanitation remains on high alert and will continue to conduct real-time monitoring of inflows at both Vaal and Bloemhof Dams. Further updates will be issued as conditions change. – SAnews.gov.za