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SA records R20.1 billion trade surplus in July

Source: Government of South Africa

SA records R20.1 billion trade surplus in July

South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R20.1 billion in July 2026, driven by trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN), according to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

In a statement on Monday, SARS said the surplus was the result of exports worth R194.0 billion and imports amounting to R173.8 billion, including trade with BELN countries.

“The year-to-date preliminary trade balance surplus, from 1 January to 31 July 2026, was R130.9 billion, higher than the R100.6 billion surplus recorded during the comparable period in 2025.

“On a year-on-year basis, export flows for July 2026 were 5.8% higher at R194.0 billion, compared with R183.3 billion recorded in July 2025. Import flows also increased by 5.8%, from R164.3 billion in July 2025 to R173.8 billion in the current period,” SARS said.

On a month-on-month basis, exports increased by R1.5 billion, or 0.8%, from R192.5 billion in June to R194.0 billion in July 2026. Imports decreased by R1.4 billion, or 0.8%, from R175.2 billion to R173.8 billion over the same period.

SARS said export growth in July 2026 was driven by motor vehicles for passengers, manganese ores and concentrates, and coal. Import flows declined mainly because of lower imports of petroleum oils, excluding crude; crude oil; and telephone sets, including smartphones.

“Due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction, the preliminary trade balance surplus of R17.8 billion announced for June 2026 was revised downwards by R0.5 billion, leaving a final surplus of R17.2 billion,” the revenue service said.

SA trade with the rest of the world

Meanwhile, South Africa’s trade with the rest of the world, excluding BELN countries, recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R9.1 billion in July 2026.

“The R9.1 billion preliminary trade balance surplus for July 2026 resulted from exports of R176.7 billion and imports of R167.6 billion. Exports increased by R0.7 billion, or 0.4%, between June and July 2026, while imports decreased by R1.9 billion, or 1.1%, over the same period.

“The preliminary cumulative trade balance for 2026 was a surplus of R61.1 billion, compared with a R24.3 billion surplus for the corresponding period in 2025,” SARS said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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African Energy Sector Surges as Namibia’s Mopane Field Reserves Jump 57% and Nigeria Approaches Downstream Self-Sufficiency; International African Energy, Oil, and Gas Summit (IAEOGS) 2026 Announces Strategic Rescheduling to November 2026

Source: APO

The African continent is cementing its position as the world’s most dynamic energy frontier, driven by massive new upstream discoveries and a rapid expansion of domestic refining infrastructure.

In Southern Africa, Namibia’s rise as an energy superpower has reached a new milestone. Recent appraisal data confirms that the offshore Mopane field’s oil reserves have surged by 57% to an estimated 1.38 billion barrels. Simultaneously, the Namibian government has approved TotalEnergies’ multi-billion-dollar asset swap in the Orange Basin, signaling absolute regulatory alignment and paving the way for fast-tracked offshore developments.

Concurrently, West Africa is experiencing a downstream revolution. Driven by mega-projects and modular expansions championed by bodies like the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity is projected to quadruple to 2.64 million barrels per day by 2030. This shift transforms the regional powerhouse from an exporter of crude to a dominant processing hub for the entire sub-continent.

New Dates Announced for IAEOGS 2026In light of these fast-moving industry transformations, and to ensure the full participation of international stakeholders, the Joint Board of the Organizing Committee hereby announces a strategic adjustment to the timeline of the landmark International African Energy, Oil, and Gas Summit (IAEOGS) 2026.

To accommodate critical bilateral state assignments and optimize international investor participation, the summit has been rescheduled. The new dates for IAEOGS 2026 are November 3–6, 2026.

The venue remains unchanged: the prestigious Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, the Republic of Namibia.

The 2026 edition is organized by International Energy Summits Ltd in partnership with African Energy World, African Energy Vault Ltd, African Peace Magazine UK, Transcontinental University USA, and the African Energy Academy Ltd. The summit is convened alongside official Co-host Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST; ILLH), and key institutional partners including the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), CRG Research & Consulting Ltd (CRG), and CORAN.

A high-powered delegation has already confirmed attendance for the November event, alongside global financiers and heads of National Oil Companies (NOCs).

The organizing committee regrets any inconvenience caused by this date adjustment and is working closely with the Hilton Windhoek to seamlessly transition all existing delegate registrations, exhibition bookings, and hotel room blocks to the new November timeline.

Issued by:

The IAEGOS 2026 Organizing Committee

1st, September, 2026

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

Media contact:
Prudence Ramotso
Group Head Events & International Affairs
+2348033975746
+447407399766
+27651766722
+2648123522

info@iaegos.com
prudence@iaegos.com
registration@iaegos.com

Website:
https://AfricanPeace.org/
https://AfricanOilAndGasSummit.com/
https://www.IAEOGS.com/

#enegrysecurity #endenergypoverty #unity #summit #iaeogs2026 #africanow #getinvolved #endafricandebts #techsolution #intraafricatrade #afcfta  #IAEOGS #InvestinAfricanEnergies

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South Africa’s Government-Business Partnership Opens New Mining Investment Opportunities Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Source: APO


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South Africa is stepping up efforts to attract investment into its mining sector, with President Cyril Ramaphosa launching Phase 3 of the Government-Business Partnership, a public-private initiative designed to accelerate economic growth, investment and job creation. Mining has been identified as a key pillar of the new phase, alongside energy, transport and logistics, tourism, infrastructure and agriculture. 

The initiative targets GDP growth of more than 3% and the creation of one million additional jobs by 2030, with the mining sector positioned to play a central role in achieving those objectives. 

Within mining, Phase 3 targets R50 billion in capital expenditure by February 2028 and the rollout of South Africa’s national mining cadastre system by March 2027. The digital platform is expected to streamline mining-rights applications and help address administrative and project-implementation bottlenecks, supporting efforts to attract new investment and improve the sector’s contribution to economic growth. 

Mining currently contributes approximately 6% of South Africa’s GDP and supports around 470,000 direct jobs, with each mining job supporting an estimated five to 10 dependents. The urgency of accelerating investment was underscored by President Ramaphosa, who said the country’s current growth rate remains insufficient to meaningfully expand employment, with 8.5 million people unemployed and roughly 300,000 new job-seekers entering the labor force each year. 

Phase 3 forms part of a broader national ambition to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock South Africa’s critical minerals potential. The country holds approximately 80% of the world’s platinum group metals and ranks as the world’s largest producer of chrome and manganese, creating significant opportunities for investors across exploration, mining, processing and related infrastructure. South Africa is also seeking to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in iron ore potential, further expanding the pipeline of opportunities for international and domestic capital. 

Against this backdrop, African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – the Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – will bring together global investors, financiers, mining companies and government decision-makers in Cape Town from October 14–16. The event comes at a critical juncture as South Africa seeks to translate its vast mineral endowment into new investment, production, infrastructure and jobs while improving the regulatory environment needed to support long-term project development. 

AMW 2026 will feature senior figures from across South Africa’s mining and investment ecosystem, including Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Joel Mohai, Rand Refinery CEO Dean Subramanian, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies, Gold Fields Executive Vice President: South Africa Benford Mokoatle, Minerals Council of South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, Standard Bank Managing Principal and Coverage Head for Resources & Energy Shirley Webber, and Executive Head for Energy, Infrastructure and Mining, Business and Commercial Banking Deerosh Maharaj, among other industry leaders. 

Through high-level discussions, project showcases and networking sessions, AMW 2026 will examine South Africa’s evolving regulatory environment, expanding project pipeline and investment opportunities across the mining value chain. The conference will provide a platform for investors and industry stakeholders to explore how public-private partnerships, domestic capital and international investment can accelerate the next phase of South Africa’s mining growth.

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

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South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Planning Seiso Mohai Confirmed as African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 Speaker

Source: APO


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Seiso Joel Mohai, Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) of South Africa, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – taking place from October 14-16 in Cape Town.

As Deputy Minister, Mohai supports the monitoring and evaluation of government performance and the implementation of national development priorities, making his participation particularly timely as South Africa advances reforms to strengthen the competitiveness of its mining sector. AMW provides an important platform for Mohai to engage with industry leaders on policy implementation, investment priorities and strategies to improve mining’s contribution to economic growth, employment, energy security and industrial development.

At AMW, Mohai is expected to share insights into South Africa’s progress in advancing its mining agenda while exchanging best practices with regional counterparts on strengthening governance, attracting investment and aligning mining development with broader economic objectives.

His participation comes as South Africa targets increasing mining’s contribution to 12% of GDP by 2030. The sector contributed R439.2 billion to GDP in 2025, representing 5.8% of the economy, highlighting significant opportunities to unlock additional growth through exploration, infrastructure development and value addition.

The country is also pursuing ambitious exploration goals, including attracting R2 trillion in private investment to expand its critical minerals industry and unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources. Earlier this year, the Junior Miners Exploration Fund reached R600 million, supported by a R300 million contribution from Anglo American, with 14 exploration projects already benefiting. As South Africa seeks to maintain its global leadership in platinum group metals and chrome production, effective planning, performance monitoring and policy execution will remain critical to achieving these objectives.

Meanwhile, government reforms are improving the investment climate. South Africa aims to migrate all nine provinces onto a new online mining cadastre by March 2027, providing investors with more transparent access to geological data and mining rights. Across the logistics sector, government is targeting an increase in annual rail freight volumes from approximately 180 million tons to 250 million tons by 2030, supporting greater exports of coal, bulk minerals and critical minerals.

These reforms will be a key focus at AMW 2026, where Mohai will participate in keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, providing updates on South Africa’s mining reforms and outlining the government’s vision for accelerating sustainable sector growth.

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

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President El-Sisi Receives Chinese President Xi Jinping on Official Visit to Egypt

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives President of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping, during his official visit to Egypt.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the visit comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries across various political, economic, and developmental fields, as well as following up on the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between the two countries in 2014. The visit will also include consultations on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Qatar Participates in Opening Session of UNCTAD Investment Commission

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, August 31, 2026

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah participated today in the opening of the 16th session of the Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

In Qatar’s statement during the opening session on the country’s hosting of the World Investment Forum, Her Excellency affirmed Qatar’s full readiness and welcomed world leaders, ministers, policymakers and chief executives to participate in the ninth edition of the forum, scheduled to take place in Doha from Oct. 25 to 27 under the theme “Investing in the Future.”

Her Excellency added that the World Investment Forum in Doha has been designed as an international platform to strengthen collective action and build actionable partnerships between global capital and development priorities. She noted the broad international momentum surrounding the forum, with around 20 ministers confirming their attendance, alongside leading figures from international organizations, including the World Trade Organization, UN Tourism and the International Telecommunication Union, as well as representatives of development banks, the private sector and the International Chamber of Commerce, in addition to prominent economists from around the world.

Her Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar’s support for UNCTAD initiatives that aim to accelerate the modernization of the network of international investment agreements (IIAs) and reform the older generation of such agreements, while safeguarding states’ regulatory and sovereign policy space in support of development objectives and a just environmental transition. Her Excellency noted that the upcoming forum in Doha will see the launch of UNCTAD’s new guidelines for aligning investment agreements with sustainable development, alongside specialized dialogues aimed at nurturing future talent for small and medium-sized enterprises in cooperation with the Qatar Development Bank, as well as several joint events with relevant entities.

Her Excellency discussed the close strategic partnership between the State of Qatar and UNCTAD, stressing that Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030) place knowledge-driven and innovation-driven economic diversification, private-sector empowerment, digital transformation and sustainability at the forefront of national priorities, while consolidating Qatar’s position as a trusted international partner in ensuring the sustainability of global energy supplies and the resilience of supply chains.

The session also saw the State of Qatar strengthen its diplomatic participation through the election of Qassim Nasser Al Darwish, who serves as Commercial Attache at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, as Vice-Chair of the Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission for its current 16th session, reflecting international recognition of Qatar’s active role and continued efforts to support United Nations bodies and entities concerned with trade, investment and development. 

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Minister of State for International Cooperation Holds a Telephone Conversation with the Foreign Minister of Nepal

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | August 31, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad has expressed condolences to Nepal over victims of recent floods during a phone call with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal on Monday.

Al Misnad offered the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of those who died in the floods and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Her Excellency said the arrival of a Qatari aircraft carrying humanitarian aid for people affected by the floods in Nepal was part of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to support relief and humanitarian response operations and promote international solidarity.

Al Misnad also reaffirmed Doha’s readiness to continue coordinating with Nepal on its priority humanitarian needs.

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Qatari Aircraft Arrives in Nepal Carrying Humanitarian Aid for Flood Victims

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | August 31, 2026

A Qatari Armed Forces aircraft arrived in the Republic of Nepal carrying urgent humanitarian aid for people affected by the floods that struck the country.

The aid was provided by the Qatar Fund for Development, as part of the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to support relief and humanitarian response operations and strengthen international solidarity in addressing disasters and crises.

The Qatari aid, benefiting around 52,000 people, includes water extraction and pumping equipment, lighting and food supplies, and multipurpose tents, helping meet the basic humanitarian needs of families and children, particularly in areas facing challenges in accessing water and essential services.

The Qatari International Search and Rescue Group affiliated with the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) is participating in delivering the Qatari aid to affected areas and supporting humanitarian efforts on the ground, contributing to the response to the urgent needs of affected populations.

The response comes as part of the State of Qatar’s longstanding approach of standing by countries and peoples affected by crises and disasters, based on its belief that international cooperation extends beyond emergency humanitarian response to contributing to addressing crises and strengthening communities’ capacity to withstand and recover from them.

These efforts also reflect the State of Qatar’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and humanitarian and development partnerships, and working with countries, organizations and international partners to help address crises, mitigate their impact, and reinforce Qatar’s position as an active and trusted partner in international relief and development efforts.

The State of Qatar has reaffirmed its continued support for international efforts to respond to disasters and crises and strengthen solidarity among countries and peoples, contributing to building more resilient communities and reflecting its steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles and international cooperation.

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Qatar Condemns Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Extremist Israeli National Security Minister, Groups of Settlers

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | August 31, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the extremist Israeli National Security Minister and groups of settlers, considering it a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and an unacceptable provocation of the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, and that all unilateral measures aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites are null and void under international law.

The Ministry warns that the continuation of these repeated violations and provocations would fuel cycles of violence and escalation in the region, and undermine the chances for de-escalation and stability. It reiterates its call on the international community to take urgent action to compel Israel to cease its ongoing violations against the Palestinian people and their holy sites, and to comply with relevant international resolutions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm and supportive stance to the Palestinian cause and the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people, based on ending the occupation and enabling the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights, foremost among which is the establishment of their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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From India to Liberia: Advancing Women’s Leadership Through South-South Cooperation

Source: APO


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From 10 to 15 August 2026, a delegation of 12 Liberian legislators, including nine Representatives and three Senators, together with legislative support staff and UN Women Liberia participated in a South-South Peer Learning Mission to India. The mission formed part of the project “Women Legislators in Liberia: Promoting Voice, Leadership and Gender-Responsive Governance for Sustainable Development,” funded by the IBSA Fund through the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and implemented by UN Women Liberia in partnership with the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLCL). 

South-South cooperation is a central part of the project, connecting Liberia’s priorities with knowledge and experience from IBSA countries. 

For Hon. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh, Chairperson of the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia and Head of Delegation, one of the strongest messages from India was its approach to women-led development, including “women shaping development as leaders, entrepreneurs, legislators and decision-makers. We saw how this vision is connected to systems, from gender-responsive budgeting and women’s political representation to Self-Help Groups, digital and financial inclusion, and programmes that support women’s economic empowerment”.

The delegation engaged India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, as well as institutions working on digital public infrastructure, gender-responsive budgeting, services for women, education and research. The exchanges enabled legislators to examine how policy commitments are translated into financing, institutions and services, and consider lessons relevant to Liberia. 

A key area of learning was India’s Gender Budget Statement, which tracks public spending on women and girls. Discussions explored how Liberian legislators can strengthen budget oversight by tracking allocations, assessing spending and examining whether programmes are delivering results for women and girls.

At India’s National e-Governance Division, the delegation explored digital inclusion and digital public infrastructure, including DigiLocker, while considering affordability, privacy, cybersecurity, limited connectivity and digital literacy. These lessons are particularly relevant to the IBSA Fund project’s economic empowerment activities for rural and young women, which include adult education, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital tools and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).

The mission also examined India’s One Stop Centre model for coordinating medical, legal, police, counselling and referral services for women affected by violence, while discussions with Mobile Creches highlighted how childcare can support women’s economic and public participation.

At O.P. Jindal Global University, the delegation explored opportunities for professional and academic development for young Liberian women and professionals, building on its partnership with the University of Liberia and complementing opportunities through India’s ITEC Programme.

India’s Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma emphasized the broader significance of the exchange:

“This exchange also carries special significance as a reflection of the friendship and solidarity that define South-South cooperation.”

Dr. A. H. Monjurul Kabir, UN Women Country Representative in Liberia, noted that the mission provided legislators with practical insights into women-led development, political leadership, gender-responsive budgeting, economic empowerment, digitalization and institutional responses to violence against women.  

“This knowledge-based mission has provided Liberian legislators with insights for their legislative, oversight and advocacy roles.” To explore further what this means for Liberia, and what the wider African continent can learn from such partnerships listen to Dr. Kabir’s interview with Channel Africa Rise & Shine here. 

As the project’s first formal South-South peer learning exchange, the mission established new institutional connections and identified practical areas for continued cooperation, including gender-responsive budgeting, digital and financial inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, responses to violence against women, and opportunities for young women and professionals. UN Women Liberia and WLCL will take these lessons forward to strengthen work already underway in Liberia.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.