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Majodina to inspect R2.7 billion Sol Plaatje water project

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 25, 2025

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to conduct an oversight inspection of the Sol Plaatje Integrated Bulk Water Intervention Project in the Northern Cape on Saturday to assess progress on critical bulk infrastructure aimed at improving water supply in the region.

The project, valued at over R2.7 billion, is located at the old Riverton Water Treatment Plant and forms part of a broader initiative by the Department of Water and Sanitation to assist the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality to meet its constitutional responsibility to provide reliable water and sanitation services.

According to the department, the municipality applied for the Budget Facility Infrastructure (BFI) to Water and Sanitation, through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) programme and the National Treasury, to fund the refurbishment and upgrade of the existing bulk water supply system.

The goals of the project include reducing non-revenue water losses, improving the assurance and quality of water supply, and enhancing the municipality’s long-term financial sustainability.

As most of the project scope comprises refurbishment and repairs of existing infrastructure, a progressive project development approach has been structured into three phases, namely: 

  • Phase 1: Emergency intervention- focused on restoring water supply and improving water quality.
  • Phase 2: Emergency work- focused on the upgrade of the water treatment and quality.
  • Phase 3: Long-term interventions- Include the development of various water storage facilities. – SAnews.gov.za
     

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Northern Cape green energy potential could be ‘heartbeat’ of SA’s economy

Source: Government of South Africa

With its immense potential for renewable energy and green hydrogen production and export, the Northern Cape could become a key driver of South Africa’s energy transition and economic growth.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered remarks at the opening session of a Presidential engagement between the National Executive and the Provincial Executive of the Northern Cape.

“I have said on a number of occasions that the Northern Cape is an economic pioneer and a frontier of innovation. Last year, there was a report published…that characterised the province as South Africa’s emerging powerhouse – quite literally.

“The Northern Cape is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and is experiencing a significant surge in power projects, notably solar and green hydrogen,” the President said.

According to the African Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) – which is made up of 10 African states, including South Africa – the green hydrogen industry has the potential to add between $66 billion and $126 billion to the Gross Domestic Product of the member countries over the next 25 years.

Government is already working on capitalising on this with the Boegoebaai Port and Rail Development named as one of the top seven infrastructure priorities for 2025/26.

“The province’s Green Hydrogen Masterplan is ambitious in both scope and potential – not just for the Northern Cape but for the national economy as well. It is also, a potential that can have an impact on SADC and even for our continent.

“In recent months I, together with a number of members of the National Executive, …have participated in multilateral discussions and business forums where we have been articulating our vision of South Africa being a leader in the renewable energy revolution.

“And to quote the [Pulitzer Centre] report, once the energy transition unfolds as envisaged, the Northern Cape could be the new heartbeat of the economy,” he said.

The President noted the strides made in the province becoming an industrial hub.

“This is supported by traditional industries like mining, but is being expanded through special economic zone development, industrial park development and major infrastructure developments, notably in port and rail,” he said.

Resolving challenges

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that while the province’s economy has been growing and creating jobs, “persistent challenges” remain.

“National Treasury’s 2024 provincial socio-economic review points to an increase in the percentage of people living in poverty and…a drop in the number of households with access to basic services like water. Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, remains high.

“Fiscal constraints are holding back a number of projects particularly at a municipal level, including for disaster response, asbestos eradication, land restitution, rural electrification and public housing.

“Much as we look at the potential and the progress that is being made, these challenges are still casting a shadow on our way to much better development,” he said.

To resolve some of these challenges, the President said government will have to find ways to “support high impact projects” in the vein of the Northern Cape Industrial Corridor, the province’s R1 billion housing programme and the Kimberley Big Hole precinct.

“We will also need to find creative funding mechanisms for major projects…for instance the Boegoebaai Harbour project. That is a project that will turn the fortunes of our province around. 

“We need an urgent relook at the current delivery model to enable regulatory approval and investment activation,” he said.

The President emphasised that integrated planning between all three spheres of government “must involve State-owned enterprises as important stakeholders with significant capabilities”.

This integration must also align with the Medium-Term Development Plan. 

“We are keen to discuss how the province is addressing the issue of climate change and its state of readiness to respond to natural disasters.

“Another challenge that we need to address is at the local government level…how we are able to improve our local government sphere and find ways of ensuring that this province is able to move up to a high level in terms of tourism.

“There is latent potential in this province where we can actually exploit the number of endowments that the Northern Cape has,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mashatile highlights role of SMEs in economic growth and job creation

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as crucial contributors to economic development and job creation. 

“Speaking of job creation, the SMEs are significant contributors to economic development and job creation globally. We can attribute their relevance in reducing unemployment to their ability to react swiftly to market changes,“ he said on Thursday. 

The country’s second-in-command was delivering his closing remarks during the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, Gauteng. 

The Deputy President has called for prioritising the development of SMEs to create jobs and enhance income for youth, women, and marginalised groups.

He stressed the need for a commitment to resolving regulatory bottlenecks related to cross-border trade and investment, urging participants to focus on local value creation and expanding local supply chain opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

“This can be achieved by ensuring that the Green Economy Transition is supported by clear green industrialisation policies,” he added. 

The Global SME Ministerial Meeting served as a vital platform for fostering partnerships and setting a collaborative agenda aimed at propelling SMEs towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to support SMEs worldwide, as leaders gathered to address the challenges and opportunities they face in a rapidly changing global landscape. 

“This inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting could not have come at a better time,” he told the attendees. 

The discussions revolved around key themes such as enhancing access to finance, promoting digital transformation, and facilitating green transitions within the SME sector. 

Mashatile expressed optimism, highlighting the potential for collaboration and shared goals to unlock significant opportunities for SMEs globally.

He also took the time to commend the role of the United Nations (UN) in fostering multilateral cooperation during a time when unilateralism is challenging the sustainability of nations. 

“This relationship is critical in this challenging period of abrupt shifts towards unilateralism, which jeopardise the sustainability of our respective countries and the world,” Mashatile added.

The Deputy President touched on the “Call to Action” that emerged from the meeting, which reaffirmed support for vital multilateral initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact, the Declaration on Future Generations, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and Group of 20 (G20). 

He stressed South Africa’s position as the G20 Presidency, under the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,’ focused on championing developmental issues, particularly in Africa.

As the G20 Leaders’ Summit approaches, Deputy President Mashatile told attendees that the meeting was instrumental in gathering ministers from the continent and the Global South to exchange insights relevant to the larger G20 agenda.

“We have heard your voices and will ensure that we champion the issues you have raised in the broader G20 processes and the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November,” he said.

In addition, a meeting of Trade Promotion Organisations took place alongside the Ministerial Meeting, where participants discussed the impacts of trade protectionism and disruptions to global supply chains. 

The Deputy President urged governments to enhance trade and economic diplomacy, emphasising the importance of multilateral trade agreements in bolstering economic growth.

“We must enhance our capabilities to strengthen trade and economic diplomacy, allowing ourselves to engage more effectively in both bilateral and multilateral trade agreements,” Mashatile stated.

South Africa’s efforts to strengthen regional trade through agreements like the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were highlighted as pivotal steps towards unlocking Africa’s economic potential. 

“The Free Trade Area Agreement can significantly enhance Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape by reducing trade barriers and increasing market access, enabling youth to expand businesses, innovate products and services, and seize untapped opportunities within the continent.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Final Preparatory Meeting of the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) 2025 Organising Committee Chaired by President Ramkalawan

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, today chaired a high-level preparatory meeting of the Organising Committee for the 13th edition of the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games, which Seychelles is proud to host from 1st to 11th August 2025.

Held at State House, the meeting brought together all key stakeholders, including senior government officials, representatives of the Local Organising Committee, law enforcement and emergency services, youth and sports authorities, volunteers’ coordinators, and partners from both the public and private sectors.

The meeting served as a comprehensive final review of operational readiness across key sectors, including logistics, infrastructure, security, medical services, and transportation. It also assessed the overall experience being curated for athletes and delegations from the Indian Ocean region. The President was briefed on progress and final preparations in each area, aimed at ensuring a successful and memorable edition of the Games.

President Ramkalawan expressed his satisfaction with the level of commitment demonstrated by all teams involved and reiterated the importance of national unity, hospitality, and professionalism in showcasing Seychelles to the region. He commended the efforts of all those who have contributed to the months of planning and coordination leading up to the event.

“The CJSOI Games is not just a sporting event—it is a celebration of youth, culture, and regional solidarity. As hosts, we have the opportunity to make this edition a legacy moment for our young people and the entire nation. Let us work together to deliver an exceptional event that reflects the warmth and spirit of Seychelles,” said President Ramkalawan.

The 2025 CJSOI Games will see participation from seven member countries, with hundreds of young athletes competing across various disciplines, alongside cultural exchanges that promote friendship, understanding, and youth empowerment. Seychelles stands ready to welcome the Indian Ocean youth with open arms.

Also present for the meeting were the Minister of Youth, Sport and Family, Mrs. Marie Celine Zialor, Minister for Lands and Housing, Mr. Billy Rangasamy, Principal Secretary for Youth and Sport, Mr. Ralph Jean Louis, Principal Secretary for the President’s Office, Ms. Theresa Dogley, CEO of Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA), Mr. Gitesh Shah, CEO of the National Sport Council (NSC), Mr. Mark Arrisol, Commissioner of the CJSOI Games, Mr. Lucas George, Dr. Julie Shamlaye, and additional key representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Seychelles Police, National Sport Council, and the Seychelles National Youth Council.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Launches Regional E-Commerce Committee to Accelerate Digital Trade Integration

Source: APO


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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched the Regional E-Commerce Committee, marking another milestone in the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Strategy (2023–2027) on Wednesday July 16th, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. The launch was immediately followed by the Committee’s first meeting, which brought together representatives from Member States and Community institutions.

In his opening remarks during the launch ceremony, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, the Acting Director of Private Sector, ECOWAS Commission highlighted the private sector as both a key driver and beneficiary of digital transformation. He stressed the significance of e-commerce in unlocking opportunities under African Continental Free Trade Agreement and called for robust implementation of digital reforms. He described the establishment of the Regional E-Commerce Committee as pivotal to fostering private-sector-led digital economies.

Madam Sally Koroma, the representative of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of the Meeting emphasized the potential of e-commerce to boost inclusive growth. She highlighted the importance of harmonized regulations, secure infrastructure, digital literacy, and tailored financing to unlock the full benefits of digital trade. She commended the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy as critical to addressing these barriers and called for collective action among Member States, development partners, and the private sector to move from ambition to implementation, and build an inclusive, gender-responsive digital economy.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) congratulated ECOWAS on its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of regional cooperation. He celebrated the adoption of the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Strategy and highlighted the role of digitalisation in realizing ECOWAS Vision 2050. He reaffirmed UNCTAD’s commitment to support digital reform, encourage inclusive digital ecosystems, and advance women’s economic empowerment within the region. He closed with a call to action to make e-commerce a driver of prosperity, innovation, and regional unity.

In the keynote address, on behalf of Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, Director of Trade of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the significance of the launch of the Regional E-Commerce Committee during the 50th Anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS, noting the progress that had been made in advancing regional integration and the opportunities that lay ahead through digitalisation. He emphasized that the Committee would serve as a platform for implementing strategic goals, aligning policies, and accelerating digital trade across borders.

Mr. Sofola called for continued collaboration across all stakeholders to realise the Strategy’s vision of an inclusive and sustainable digital future for West Africa. Finally, he declared the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Committee launched.

The newly established Committee is a central feature of the governance framework outlined in the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy, which was adopted by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in July 2023. It is designed to steer the implementation of digital trade reforms, foster inter-institutional coordination, and promote inclusive participation across the region, particularly of women, youth, and MSMEs.

The launch and first meeting were attended by representatives of the Ministries responsible for Trade from ECOWAS Member States and the internal working group on e-commerce, consisting of key directorates and agencies of the ECOWAS Commission. Prior to the launch, the internal working group on e-commerce received a training on the e-Trade Reform Tracker, a tool for monitoring implementation of the E-Commerce Strategy. Both activities were supported by the UNCTAD and the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP) funded by World Bank.

The meeting considered the overview of the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy, continental and regional digital initiatives as well as key initiatives from Member States in advancing e-commerce. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the terms of reference for the Committee and a call for continued collaboration among ECOWAS Member States to promote implementation of the E-Commerce Strategy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Champions Women-Led Digital Trade in West Africa

Source: APO


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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and with the support of the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP) funded by World Bank, convened an eTrade for Women Joint Workshop in Lagos, on Friday July 17th, 2025, to spotlight and strengthen the role of women-led digital businesses in regional trade. This event was held as part of a broader regional agenda to build a more inclusive, connected, and digitally enabled West Africa.

In his statement on behalf of Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, welcomed participants and noted the event’s importance in advancing inclusive digital transformation. He highlighted that the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy, adopted by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in July 2023, places women, youth, and small-scale producers at the centre of digital trade reforms to promote regional integration and inclusive development. Through platforms and dialogues such as the workshop, ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to gender-responsive policymaking and sustainable digital trade development in West Africa.

In her opening remarks, Madam Sonia NNAGOZIE, the representative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlighted the role of digital trade in unlocking new opportunities for women entrepreneurs across West Africa. She echoed the importance of the workshop in delivering actionable recommendations to improve women’s participation in digital trade. She went on to commend ECOWAS for leading the way in building an enabling digital ecosystem that supports women and appreciated the ongoing partnership between UNCTAD and ECOWAS.

The workshop served as a platform for dialogue, policy coordination, and knowledge sharing. Participants discussed the structural and policy barriers women face in participating in the digital economy, and shared practical solutions and good practices that promote women’s digital empowerment.

The event also showcased ECOWAS-led initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade and Gender Action Plan, export readiness trainings, and platforms like the 50 Million African Women Speak (50MAWS) and the Business-to-Business matchmaking platform of the West Africa Competitiveness Observatory.

The Workshop was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders including women entrepreneurs, representatives of Ministries responsible for trade in ECOWAS, and development partners.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) Mine Action Programme hosts the African Group

Source: APO


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The United Nations Support Mission in Libya’s Mine Action Programme Tuesday met with the African Group, led by Ghana and chaired by DSRSG/RC Aeneas Chuma, with participation from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tunisia.

The session focused on the impact of explosive remnants of war, unsecured stockpiles, and uncontrolled arms on civilian safety and development in Libya and the wider region. The Mine Action Programme, together with its partner non-governmental organization HALO Trust, delivered a presentation on the link between weapons and ammunition management and regional stability.

Participants highlighted the need for continued collaboration and called for strengthened regional approaches to address these shared challenges, which directly affect the lives of civilians, particularly vulnerable populations.

“Managing weapons and ammunition safely is about more than logistics — it’s about protecting lives, enabling movement and supporting stability,” DSRSG Chuma said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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Sierra Leone and African Development Bank Target $90 Billion in Annual Illicit Financial Flows

Source: APO

A four-day high-level seminar concluded last week with concrete recommendations to combat the estimated $90 billion that Africa loses annually to illicit financial flows, as the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and Sierra Leone Government intensify efforts to strengthen natural resource governance.

More than 70 stakeholders from government, civil society, private sector, and international organizations gathered at The Place Resort in Tokeh  under the theme “Harnessing Africa’s Wealth: Curbing Illicit Financial Flows for Resilient Growth and Development.” Illicit financial flows are among Africa’s most pressing economic challenges.

The dialogue produced specific policy recommendations, including establishing national communities of practice, implementing institutional reforms, and enhancing transparency in resource-backed lending (RBL). Participants agreed that RBLs should be treated as “an option of last resort” and used only with maximum transparency and for investments that directly contribute to repayment capacity.

“This initiative can help us improve revenue from natural resources by blocking leakages through illegal natural resource trade and improved management of resource-backed lending,” said Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura.

The workshop sessions focused on identifying illicit financial flows, managing resource-backed lending, and developing transparent governance mechanisms. Participants reviewed findings from the Sierra Leone Country Diagnostic Report, which examined illegal natural resource trade and institutional capacity gaps.

International expert Bernd Schlenter from Rand Sandton Consulting Group presented technical insights on illicit financial flows patterns and policy recommendations during the intensive sessions.

Halima Hashi, African Development Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone, noted the project aligns with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy 2024-2033 and Natural Resources Management and Investment Action Plan 2025-2029.

Broader Impact

The GONAT Project, funded by the African Development Bank’s Transitional Support Facility, has three pillars: policy analysis and diagnostics, capacity strengthening, and high-level policy dialogue. The initiative supports the African Development Bank’s mission to optimize Africa’s natural wealth for inclusive prosperity.

“Achieving transparent and equitable natural resource management is not merely a technical exercise—it is a strategic imperative for Africa’s future,” said Dr. Eric Ogunleye, Director of the African Development Bank’s African Development Institute.

The seminar produced a draft communique for national adoption, with participants pledging to transform the policy recommendations into actionable reforms.

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

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

Media files

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KZN Treasury withdraws support to Umkhanyakude District Municipality

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Treasury has officially withdrawn its financial support services to Umkhanyakude District Municipality, citing concerns over wasteful expenditure and lack of cooperation from municipal officials.

Finance MEC Francois Rodgers confirmed the decision in a formal letter addressed to the municipality’s mayor, Siphile Mdaka, on Thursday.

Rodgers said the decision was taken in a bid to conserve provincial government resources and redirect them where it is possible to work freely in the spirit of building a capable and ethical state.

According to the MEC, KZN Treasury teams had on various occasions travelled to Umkhanyakhude a day in advance, to facilitate a full productive day with municipal officials.

However, the teams have often found themselves subjected to late cancellations of sessions by municipal officials, either the evening before, the mornings of scheduled meetings.

“These [recurring late cancellations] has resulted in fruitless and wasteful expenditure being incurred by KZN Provincial Treasury,” Rodgers said.

In his letter to the mayor, Rodgers emphasised that Treasury has limited resources, and in determining which municipalities to support; the municipal manager is required to “commit to the initiative and to provide assurance that the Treasury teams will receive full cooperation.”

“This clearly has not happened, and I have therefore instructed my team to withdraw from the municipality and to reassign the resources to other municipalities that desperately require our support,” Rodgers said.

Intervention in municipality

The withdrawal of support comes as Umkhanyakude District Municipality faces heightened scrutiny.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Thulasizwe Buthelezi, recently invoked Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution to place the municipality under administration.

The section empowers the provincial government to intervene when a municipality fails to fulfil its constitutional mandate to deliver services.

Buthelezi has launched a forensic investigation under Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration within the municipality.

“This investigation, being conducted in terms of Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, aims to thoroughly examine the various allegations. The intervention will ensure that officials are held accountable should any wrongdoing be uncovered by the investigators,” Buthelezi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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G20 nations called to be bold in addressing development challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, has called on G20 nations to demonstrate bold leadership and shared accountability in addressing the world’s most pressing development challenges.

Ramokgopa has emphasised the importance of inclusive growth, social protection, and sustainable financing.

“This week is crucial for the advancement of our shared commitment to confront global development challenges. We gather not just as Ministers and officials, but as stewards of a common ambition to build a world in which progress does not bypass the most vulnerable,” the Minister said.

The Minister addressed the Fourth G20 Development Working Group (DWG) Meeting at Skukuza Lodge, in the Kruger National Park which wraps up today.

The working group meetings, hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency brought together G20 member states, invited countries, and international organisations to discuss key development priorities.  

These include the need to tackle illicit financial flows, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, advance inclusive social protection systems and align development finance with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ramokgopa underscored the urgent need to address illicit financial flows, describing them as a threat to financial stability and a barrier to development.

“Illicit financial flows undermine public trust, drain essential resources, and destabilise economies. We urge global cooperation on automatic data sharing, beneficial ownership transparency, and digital identity tracking. We must shine light into the shadowy corners of the global financial system to finance sustainable futures,” she said.

The Minister said social protection should not be viewed as an act of charity but as a core pillar of sustainable development contributing to economic growth, societal cohesion, and gender equity.

The Development Working Group meetings were a culmination of negotiations working toward the ministerial declarations that were handed over for the Ministerial Meeting.

There was an introduction to the G20 USA Presidency, and the meeting was closed with a tribute to the delegation whose hard work and determination were instrumental in shaping a progressive and unified outcome.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency continues to prioritise inclusive dialogue and bold action in driving global progress through sustainable development, justice, and financial reform. – SAnews.gov.za