Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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• The IMF Executive Board completed the Second Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement for the Republic of Madagascar, allowing for an immediate disbursement of SDR 77.392 million (about US$107 million).
• Madagascar’s performance under the ECF and RSF has been satisfactory. The recent adoption of a recovery plan for the public utilities company (JIRAMA) and the continued implementation of the automatic fuel price adjustment mechanism will release space for critical development needs while helping improve energy supply.
• Recent weather-related events, reduction in official development assistance (ODA) and the U.S tariff hike risk setting Madagascar back; they constitute a wakeup call.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the Second Reviews under the 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement and under the 36-month Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement. The ECF and RSF arrangements were approved by the IMF Executive Board in June 2024 (see PR24/232). The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this review.[1]

The completion of the reviews allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 36.66 million (about US$50 million) under the ECF arrangement and of SDR 40.732 million (about US$56 million) under the RSF arrangement.

Madagascar has been hit by a myriad of shocks this year, including weather-related events and the dual external shock of ODA reduction (by about 1 percent of GDP) and U.S. tariff hike (47 percent initially). These developments would take a toll on growth, considering the country’s high dependence on external financial support and the exposure of its vanilla sector and textile industry to the U.S. market. Growth in 2025 would be lower-than-previously expected at 4 percent.

The current account deficit widened to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2024, due to continued weak performance in some mining subsectors; it is expected to widen further (to 6.1 percent of GDP) this year, amidst challenging prospects in the textile industry and the vanilla sector.

Program performance has been satisfactory, with all end-December 2024 quantitative performance criteria and three out of four indicative targets having been met. M3 growth was within the bands of the Monetary Policy Consultation Clause. All but one structural benchmark for the review period were also met. On the RSF front, a new forest carbon framework that promotes private sector participation in the reforestation was adopted and the National Contingency Fund for disaster risk management was operationalized.

At the conclusion of the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Nigel Clarke, Deputy Managing Director, and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

“Performance improved gradually over the first half year of the program, following delays related to mayoral elections; all but one of the end-December 2024 quantitative targets were met, and notable progress was achieved in the structural reform agenda. Recent weather-related and external shocks call for spending reprioritization, deliberate contingency planning in budget execution, and letting the exchange rate act as a shock absorber.

“The recent adoption of a recovery plan for the public utilities company (JIRAMA) is a step in the right direction. Its swift implementation will help address pervasive disruptions in the provision of electricity to households and businesses, while limiting calls on the State budget. The continued implementation of the automatic fuel pricing mechanism will also help contain fiscal risks with targeted measures to support the most vulnerable.

“Pressing ahead with domestic revenue mobilization efforts and enhancing public financial management and the public investment process remain key to fiscal sustainability. Early preparations for the 2026 budget will allow for stronger buy-in from domestic stakeholders; the budget should be anchored in a well-articulated medium-term fiscal strategy that accounts for the implementation of JIRAMA’s recovery plan and creates space for critical development spending.

“While inflation has receded slightly from its January peak, the central bank (BFM) should not loosen monetary policy until inflation is on a firm downward path. Further improvements in liquidity management, forecasting and communication will strengthen the implementation of the BFM’s interest-based monetary policy framework. Maintaining a flexible exchange rate will help absorb external shocks.

“A swift implementation of the authorities’ anti-corruption strategy (2025-2030), together with a homegrown action plan for implementing key recommendations from the IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment (GDA), will improve transparency and the rule of law, support the authorities fight against corruption and protect the public purse.

“The authorities’ continued commitment to their reform agenda under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) will support climate adaptation in Madagascar and complement the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) in fostering overall socio-economic resilience.”

Table. Madagascar: Selected Economic Indicators

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Est. Proj. (Percent change; unless otherwise indicated) National Account and Prices GDP at constant prices 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.0 4.0 GDP deflator 9.6 7.5 7.6 8.3 7.0 Consumer prices (end of period) 10.8 7.5 8.6 8.3 7.3 Money and Credit Broad money (M3) 13.8 8.6 14.6 13.7 8.7 (Growth in percent of beginning-of-period money stock (M3)) Net foreign assets 0.8 18.2 9.8 1.5 1.4 Net domestic assets 13.0 -9.7 4.8 12.2 7.4 of which: Credit to the private sector 9.8 0.7 5.6 6.0 6.2 (Percent of GDP) Public Finance Total revenue (excluding grants) 9.5 11.5 11.4 11.2 12.0 of which: Tax revenue 9.2 11.2 10.9 10.7 11.7 Grants 1.3 2.3 2.3 0.7 0.4 Total expenditures 16.2 17.9 16.2 15.7 16.5 Current expenditure 10.8 10.9 9.6 9.7 9.5 Capital expenditure 5.4 7.0 6.6 6.0 7.0 Overall balance (commitment basis) -5.5 -4.2 -2.6 -3.9 -4.1 Domestic primary balance1 -1.8 -0.3 1.3 0.3 1.4 Primary balance -4.9 -3.5 -1.9 -2.9 -3.0 Total financing 4.7 4.2 2.7 4.3 4.3 Foreign borrowing (net) 2.4 3.0 2.6 3.5 3.7 Domestic financing 2.2 1.2 0.1 0.8 0.5 Fiscal financing need2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Savings and Investment Investment 21.8 19.9 22.2 23.1 24.2 Gross national savings 16.8 15.9 16.9 17.0 18.2 External Sector Exports of goods, f.o.b. 23.0 19.5 14.8 13.5 13.2 Imports of goods, c.i.f. 33.8 28.0 26.4 25.7 25.5 Current account balance (exc. grants) -6.6 -6.3 -8.1 -6.8 -6.4 Current account balance (inc. grants) -5.4 -4.1 -5.4 -6.1 -6.0 Public Debt 50.0 52.7 50.3 50.9 52.2 External Public Debt (inc. BFM liabilities) 36.1 37.8 36.7 38.5 40.4 Domestic Public Debt 13.9 14.8 13.6 12.4 11.7 (Units as indicated) Gross official reserves (millions of SDRs) 1,601 1,972 2,189 2,297 2,337 Months of imports of goods and services 4.2 5.7 6.2 6.2 6.0 GDP per capita (U.S. dollars) 529 533 569 596 621

Sources: Malagasy authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

1. Primary balance excl. foreign-financed investment and grants.

2. A negative value indicates a financing gap to be filled by budget support or other financing still to be committed or identified.

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– on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency has welcomed the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, described the plans as a clear and credible turning point for infrastructure-led development in South Africa. He said: “This is not a mere tweak of the department, but a fundamental shift in how it understands and executes its core mandate. Minister Macpherson agenda marks a critical departure towards a department that is a catalyst for infrastructure-led growth, a partner in job creation, and a driver of economic recovery.”

Following a detailed presentation by the Minister of the department, Mr Dean Macpherson, the committee affirmed its support for the department’s renewed vision to serve as a catalyst for economic recovery, job creation, and inclusive growth. The plans are strongly aligned to the National Development Plan and Medium-Term Strategic Framework, and reflect an earnest commitment to reform, delivery and measurable impact.

At the centre of this renewed vision is the repositioning of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) from a temporary job relief measure to a structured, skills-based employment pipeline. With a R7.2 billion allocation over the MTEF period, this reform aims to transform the EPWP into a credible contributor to long-term, dignified employment.

Mr Badenhorst said the shift from welfare to workforce is one of the most important interventions in restoring both human dignity and economic resilience, remarked. “We will monitor its implementation with keen interest,” emphasised Mr Badenhorst.

The committee also welcomed the department’s strategic focus on urban regeneration, repurposing hijacked and underutilised buildings, and optimising state assets for greater public value, particularly within inner-city precincts. This renewed developmental posture is essential to reversing years of stagnation, inefficiency and fiscal wastage.

Minister Macpherson was frank in his assessment of the department’s historic shortcomings, including systemic inefficiencies, audit deficiencies, and skills shortages. The committee commended the Minister’s openness, and noted the department’s new risk management framework as a strong response, particularly its intention to clamping down on tender irregularities, tighten controls on lease agreements, and combat collusion in the supply chain.

Committee members posed rigorous questions during the session, including queries about the R589 million allocation for infrastructure support, the need to strengthen capacity in the EPWP, and concerns about the alignment of budget allocations with strategic intent. Particular attention was given to the transition to digital systems and its impact on job security, as well as the Department’s plans to reduce its lease portfolio and address the long-standing maintenance backlog across government buildings.

In response, the department indicated its commitment to prudent asset management, exploring alternative ownership models, and ensuring that modernisation does not come at the expense of employment or service continuity.

Mr Badenhorst said to Minister Macpherson: “It is clear that you bring political will to the table. This committee will match it with rigorous oversight, constructive engagement, and institutional support. Together, we can turn this department, and indeed South Africa, into a construction site of progress.”

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the department’s reform trajectory, underscoring the centrality of infrastructure to the nation’s economic and social recovery.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO – Report:

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The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) hosted yesterday a meeting for the Mine Action implementing partners, bringing together 22 participants, including national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The meeting, co-organized by the Libyan Mine Action Centre (LibMAC) and the Mine Action Programme, was joined by UNICEF, and representatives from the League of Arab States, Ghana, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Director of LibMAC, Khalil Elshelb, provided an update on the development of the Libyan Mine Action Strategy, announced on Mine Action Day last year as a key sector priority. The Libyan Mine Action Standards are currently under review—a crucial step in implementing the strategy—with support from the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Mine Action Programme.

LibMAC identified Mezda, the Mashrou Al Mooz (Banana Project) area between Ain Zara and Alsabaa in Tripoli, and Khalij al-Bumbah in the east as priority zones due to high contamination levels. It also shared the results of a three-week response to recent clashes in Tripoli, which caused new UXO contamination across 14 neighborhoods. LibMAC tasked NGO Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) teams with response efforts. Awareness activities reached around 19,500 people, including more than 4,700 women and 3,800 children.

Chief of the Mine Action Programme, Fatma Zourrig, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between international and national NGOs. She highlighted the importance of ensuring access to remote areas, supporting life-saving efforts, and expanding outreach to affected communities. Zourrig also reiterated the technical support offered by the Mine Action Programme and urged all stakeholders to take part in an upcoming capacity-mapping exercise, which will serve as a key advocacy tool for the sector.

Four international and three national NGOs presented activity updates from April to June 2026, covering progress in clearance and risk education. Discussions addressed key challenges, including reduced funding, limited non-technical staff capacity to identify minefields, and the dangers of individuals collecting metal objects—often remnants of war—for resale. This practice has contributed to an increase in UXO-related incidents and civilian casualties.

– on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

Source: APO

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His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio today received members of the Board of the National Revenue Authority (NRA) at State House, where the delegation briefed him on the authority’s ongoing activities and performance.

Board Chairman Mr. Kabineh Kallon, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to President Bio for granting them audience and congratulated him on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government. He noted that the visit was to update the President on the NRA’s work, acknowledging that despite the numerous challenges faced by the authority, it has remained committed to mobilizing revenue for the State.

Commissioner-General Madam Jeneba Kamara reaffirmed the NRA’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate. She acknowledged the operational challenges but assured the President that the authority is working diligently to enhance revenue collection and improve compliance across the board.

In his response, President Bio welcomed the NRA delegation and expressed appreciation for the briefing. He emphasized the critical importance of the NRA’s work to the country’s development.

“Your sole mandate is to mobilize revenue for the State. The State can only function effectively when it has the resources to do so,” the President stated. He described the NRA as the “breadbasket of the nation” and urged the Board to remain vigilant and proactive in generating income that can be used to finance national development priorities.

Board member Madam Memuna Rogers, also addressed the meeting, highlighting the progress and initiatives made in maximizing revenue mobilization. She further explained that the NRA had instituted enhanced compliance measures to encourage taxpayers to meet their obligations, a move that will be critical in meeting next year’s revenue targets.

The visit reaffirmed the NRA’s commitment to supporting national development through consistent and improved revenue generation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Source: APO

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Yesterday, 2 July, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, received Her Excellency, Mrs. Esther Armenteros, Cuban Ambassador to South Africa for a courtesy visit.

Over the past three decades, South Africa’s collaboration with Cuba evolved significantly in critical areas of human development such as public health, water resource management, and education.

Last year, South Africa and Cuba celebrated 30 years of Diplomatic relations. In the area of science, South Africa-Cuba co-operation goes back to 2001, when the first science, technology and innovation agreement was signed.

Flowing from this, between 2005 and 2007, South Africa invested more than 44 million rands in joint biotechnology and nanotechnology projects with Cuba, focusing on critical areas such as the development of cholera vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and pre-clinical drug development, which included interventions against the Human Papilloma Virus.

These early joint projects brought together South African research facilities such as Mintek, iThemba Labs, and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, laying the groundwork for future cooperation in nuclear medicine and diagnostic technology.

Further to this, in 2015, a technical delegation from South Africa visited Cuba to study Cuba’s world-class biotechnology ecosystem.

In April this year, Minister Nzimande undertook a comprehensive visit to Cuba, whose key outcome was the signing of a Statement of Intent to renew the existing science, technology, and innovation agreement between Cuba and South Africa and to expand the areas of cooperation.

A further commitment was made by Minister Nzimande and his counterpart, Cuba’s Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, Mr. Armando Rodríguez Batista to ensure that the revival of the existing STI agreement is concluded by the end of this year.

Emphasising the importance of SA-Cuba STI cooperation, Minister Nzimande stated that “South Africa and Cuba share a commitment to use scientific knowledge to resolve their development challenges and to respond to the grand challenges of energy security, climate change and the urgent need to diversify our economies.”

“Cuba has unparalleled expertise in such areas as healthcare, biotechnology, and education with South Africa’s strengths in mining, renewable energy, astronomy and space sciences research and innovation. This provides a firm basis for continued cooperation and the development of sustainable solutions for both countries,” added the Minister.

Cooperation between South Africa and Cuba is also driven by a shared commitment to such values as peace, justice, multi-lateralism, the equitable development of all nations and a commitment to building a more just and humane world, through science.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

As Africa contends with escalating insecurity, unconstitutional transitions, and protracted conflicts, parliamentary leaders are increasingly stepping into central roles in peace building and conflict resolution across the continent.

The upcoming Extraordinary General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), scheduled for 19 to 20 July in Kampala, is expected to consolidate these efforts by providing a platform for Speakers to advance legislative-led responses to Africa’s security challenges.

Speaking during a special pre-conference briefing held on Thursday, 03 July 2025, at the Parliament of Uganda for diplomats of African countries accredited to Uganda, Hon. Geofrey Ekanya, the Member of Parliament for Tororo North County, delivered a statement on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.

He described the conference as “a crucial opportunity for African legislative leaders to come together and seek solutions to the myriad challenges affecting peace and security on the continent.”

The summit builds on recent initiatives by the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), including a fact-finding mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) led by Speakers from member states.

Speaker Among and her Zambian counterpart, Rt Hon. Nelly Mutti, were part of the DRC mission.

“To further enrich their understanding of the conflict,” Among said, “the team met H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, who shared with them the historical perspective of the conflict and possible opportunities to find a lasting solution.”

The Speaker added that President Yoweri Museveni also offered insights into the causes of conflict in other African countries and ways these might be resolved.

The findings from that mission were later adopted during the 15th Plenary Assembly of FP-ICGLR in Angola in April 2025.

“In the final communiqué of this Assembly under Resolution Number 15, it was agreed to request the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures to convene an extraordinary meeting to consider the proposals by FP-ICGLR to address matters of peace and security on DRC and the African continent at large,” Speaker Among said.

The Government of Uganda accepted the request to host the event, which will take place at the Munonyo Commonwealth Resort, Kampala.

“This extraordinary conference provides a unique opportunity for Speakers and Presidents of African legislatures to convene, collaborate, and commit to actionable strategies for fostering peace and security on the continent,” she added.

The conference will aim to deepen understanding of contemporary security threats such as terrorism, electoral violence, unconstitutional transitions, and organised crime.

It will also focus on strengthening legislative oversight, promoting parliamentary diplomacy, sharing best practices, and fostering inter-parliamentary cooperation. “The theme is intended to bring African legislatures at the centre of conflict resolution because of their representative role,” Among noted.

Expected outcomes include a resolution calling for ceasefires in conflict-affected countries, support for regional peace efforts led by bodies like the African Union; ECOWAS; EAC; SADC; ICGLR; IGAD; and the Arab Maghreb Union and the establishment of a permanent African Speakers Centre on Peace and Security to be hosted in Uganda.

“The centre will serve as a permanent body for coordinating Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures’ efforts across Africa in promoting peace, conflict resolution, and legislative actions,” she said.

The Government of Uganda has committed to providing all necessary logistical support, including VIP immigration clearance, airport transfers, and security for delegates. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Source: APO

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I have learned with deep sadness of the passing of former Deputy President and former Premier of Mpumalanga, David Dabede Mabuza.

Deputy President Mabuza passed away today, Thursday, 3 July 2025, at a hospital following a short illness. He was 64 years of age.

On behalf of Government and the nation, I offer my profound condolences to the late Deputy President’s wife, Mrs Mabuza, and the children.

I extend my condolences to Deputy President Mabuza’s friends and the people of Mpumalanga whom he served as Premier from 2009 to 2018, and previously as a Member of the Executive Council of Mpumalanga across a range of portfolios.

My thoughts are also with Deputy President Mabuza’s comrades in his political home, the African National Congress, where he was elected as the organisation’s Deputy President in December 2017.

During his service as Deputy President of the Republic, Deputy President Mabuza applied his leadership and mobilisation abilities to his role as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament; leading the South African National Aids Council; coordinating anti-poverty initiatives in the form of Public Employment Programmes, Integrated Service Delivery and Enterprise Development.

Deputy President Mabuza also represented South Africa on global platforms and consolidated relations between South Africa and its closest partners.

As Deputy President, he chaired the Cabinet Committees of Governance, State Capacity and Institutional Development (GSCID) as well as Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security (JCPS).

We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa’s engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community in his role as Deputy President.

The former Deputy President deserves our appreciation for his deep commitment to the liberation struggle and to the nation’s development as an inclusive, prosperous, democratic state.

Further announcements will be made in due course on memorial arrangements and the honours with which the country will pay its final respects to the former Deputy President.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Source: APO

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed a message of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, on the occasion of his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign conveys to President Lukashenko His warmest congratulations, along with His best wishes for good health and happiness, and for further progress and prosperity to the people of Belarus.

“I avail myself of this opportunity to commend the relations based on close friendship and mutual esteem between our countries. I therefore look forward to continuing to work with Your Excellency to strengthen our ties and expand our cooperation, for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” HM the King writes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: APO

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The Republic of Guatemala affirmed on Thursday that the autonomy initiative put forward by Morocco in 2007 is “the only serious, credible and realistic basis to move towards a lasting agreement for a definitive settlement of this artificial conflict, in full respect of the Kingdom’s territorial integrity and its national sovereignty.”

This position was conveyed by Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Ramiro Martinez Alvarado, during a press briefing following his meeting in Rabat with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita.

The Guatemalan top diplomat also expressed his country’s full support for the Kingdom’s efforts to reach a political, realistic, pragmatic, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to this regional dispute.

Morocco and Guatemala also underlined their commitment to the sacred principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It is worth noting that the Republic of Guatemala was the first Latin American country to open a Consulate General in the city of Dakhla, in December 2022.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.