Category: English

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Support Group unanimously endorsed the appointment of His Excellency Ambassador Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, as Chair of the Support Group for the 2025–2026 term, as of August 2025.

The UAE will assume the Chairmanship from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, which currently holds the position for the 2024–2025 term. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as the UAE becomes the first Arab country to assume this role.

The UAE’s leadership reflects the country’s strong commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and proactive engagement in tackling the rising risks posed by climate change and disasters.

Addressing the group during the meeting, H.E. Al Musharakh stated: “The UAE is fully committed to leveraging its leadership of the UNDRR Support Group to drive forward practical, long-term disaster risk reduction strategies. The UAE’s priority will be to enhance international cooperation, ensuring that disaster resilience becomes integrated into every aspect of development. Furthermore, the country is committed to working closely with all partners to protect the most vulnerable groups and mitigate the growing challenges posed by climate change and disasters.”

The UNDRR Support Group plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue among Member States and supporting the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It also serves as a vital platform for strengthening international coordination and cooperation to reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience to both natural disasters.

As the incoming Chair, the UAE will work to set priorities and guide discussions aimed at addressing the increasing challenges posed by such disasters, including those exacerbated by climate change.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Andry Rajoelina of the Republic of Madagascar on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to President Rajoelina and to Prime Minister Christian Ntsay on the occasion.

– on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

The Sustainable Coffee Platform of Indonesia (SCOPI) and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org) announced key findings of the mid-term survey from the Coffee Master Trainer Upgrade (Coffee MUG) Program, a five-year initiative helping smallholder farmers in North Sumatra and Aceh adopt sustainable coffee-growing practices. 

Since its launch in October 2021, the program has trained 4,754 farmers—37% (1,781) women—across 130 villages, with 3,700 hectares now managed under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Nineteen Master Trainers and eight candidates act as local champions, guiding farmer groups on soil health, pruning, post-harvest handling, and quality control. The field midline survey conducted to the program and confirmed that average yields in the target areas rose 13.7 percent in 2023, equivalent to 78 kilograms of green bean per hectare compared to the previous year. 

Capacity-building results are equally encouraging participating trainers demonstrated 91 percent competence in sustainable coffee farming and 87 percent competence in training methodologies during recent evaluations. Farmer livelihoods are beginning to reflect these gains. Average annual coffee sales reached IDR 82.95 million (US$5,100) per farmer in 2023, while average net farm income rose to IDR 71.52 million (US$4,400).  

Earlier this year, SCOPI and ITFC convened twin data-utilisation workshops in Berastagi (Karo Regency) and Takengon (Central Aceh Regency). Local officials, private buyers, Master Trainers, and farmer leaders reviewed the mid-line survey results, explored a new web-based monitoring dashboard, and agreed on concrete follow-up actions—such as establishing demonstration plots that now serve as “living classrooms” for young farmers and expanding market pathways with ofi Indonesia, Louis Dreyfus Company, and Ecom/Indo Cafco. 

“This survey is more than just data collection—it is a strategic tool to sharpen the program’s direction and ensure it remains responsive to farmers’ real needs” said Ade Aryani, Executive Director of SCOPI 

Nazeem Noordali, Chief Operating Officer of ITFC, added: “Farmer surveys offer data-driven guidance, help identify gaps, and support the development of more impactful strategies. Programs like Coffee MUG must remain dynamic and responsive to field realities.” 

At data-utilization workshops Karo Regency and Central Aceh Regency, SCOPI and ITFC joined officials, buyers, trainers, and farmers to review mid-line findings, test a new monitoring dashboard, and launch demo plots for youth training. 

Looking ahead, the program is scaling its trainers network through a new recruitment drive that will bring more young people into the Master Trainer pipeline, securing generational renewal. Field trials focused on soil-health interventions will also continue, targeting a further yield increase by 2026. In parallel, fresh modules on financial literacy and digital marketing are being developed for rollout later this year, with a special emphasis on empowering women and youth farmer groups. 

– on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

ITFC Contact:
Tel: +966 12 646 8337   
Fax: +966 12 637 1064   
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org 

SCOPI Contact: 
Email: info@scopi.or.id  

ITFC Social Media: 
Twitter: @ ITFCCORP   
Facebook: @ ITFCCorp   
LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)    

SCOPI Social Media:
Linkedin: Sustainable Coffee Platform of Indonesia (SCOPI) 
Instagram: @ scopi_id 
Website: www.SCOPI.or.id 

About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):  
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.   

About the Sustainable Coffee Platform of Indonesia (SCOPI):  
The Sustainable Coffee Platform of Indonesia (SCOPI) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting sustainable coffee production and improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers. SCOPI is a platform for collaboration among key stakeholders in the Indonesian coffee industry, working towards a shared vision of a thriving and sustainable coffee sector. 

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has approved a grant of $500,000 to undertake a feasibility study into the first phase of a cable car transport network in Kigali, that will be sub-Saharan Africa’s first aerial urban transit system.

The funds, to be sourced from the Bank Group’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund (https://apo-opa.co/45CiDm9), are expected to help pave the way for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project, a 5.5 km mobility initiative valued at $100 million and promising to ease the city’s traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and connect underserved communities to jobs and essential services.

The Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) is a trust fund hosted by the African Development Bank, which provides direct support to cities, to mobilize funding and technical assistance, develop partnerships, city engagement, project identification and investment.

Phase 1 of the project will comprise two critical transit corridors: Nyabugogo Taxi Park to the Central Business District (CBD) Hub; and the Kigali Convention Center to Kigali Sports City, connecting public landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and the newly developed Zaria Court.

The feasibility study is expected to position the project to attract international investment, including through platforms such as the Africa Investment Forum (AIF). The UMDF provided funding for the feasibility of another project in the country, the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement project, to help attract critical investment.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with commissioning scheduled for 2028. Once complete, the cable car will convey over 50,000 passengers a day on a 15-minute end-to-end journey, integrating into the city’s existing transport infrastructure.

African Development Bank Group president Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said: “This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for sustainable, green climate-resilient urban mobility infrastructure, and with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, which focuses on urbanization, and the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA), a global partnership initiative driven by the African Development Bank Group, Africa50 and the African Union. By financing Rwanda’s urban cable car system, we are investing in a scalable model of low-carbon, inclusive public transport that cities across Africa can emulate.”

The project is anchored in Rwanda’s Green Taxonomy, E-mobility Strategy, and Climate and Nature Finance Strategy (CNFS) and aligns closely with Rwanda’s national climate objectives, which target a 38% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The project implementation is expected to follow a Public-Private Partnership model, according to  Imena Munyampenda, the Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Agency.  

The feasibility study plans to draw lessons from successful cable car systems in La Paz, Bolivia, and Singapore. The system will prioritize access for the disabled, employment opportunities for girls, women and low-income residents; and job creation, capacity building and technology transfer.

“This pioneering feasibility study is a game-changing milestone,” said Solomon Quaynor, African Development Bank’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialization. “Through the UMDF, AfDB is laying the foundation for an investment-ready green infrastructure asset that offers both impact and returns.”

Blended Financing

The $100 million funding structure will comprise a strategic mix of grants, concessional loans, blended finance, and technical assistance. The UMDF grant will fund an assessment of the project’s viability gap.

The Rwandan government, the African Development Bank Group, and other development partners, will collaborate to offer blended financing, along with commercial funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa50, the Trade and Development Bank (TDB), the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), as well as private investors and the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA). 

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Janet Onyango
African Development Bank Group 
media@afdb.org

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has called on entities within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure portfolio to explore innovative solutions to improve their financial sustainability, rather than relying solely on the parent department for funding and bailouts.

The committee today received a briefing from four public works entities on their 2025/26 annual performance plans and budget allocations. The entities include the Independent Development Trust (IDT), Agrément South Africa (ASA), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), and the Council for the Built Environment (CBE).

The committee expressed concerns over the absence of both the Minister and Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure from the meeting. Members of the committee were not pleased with the Minister’s backlog in oral and written questions. In addition, the committee also raised alarm over the continued lack of transparency regarding the costs associated with the Minister’s overseas travel, which remain undisclosed.

Regarding the IDT, the committee raised serious concerns about the entity’s continued financial dependence on the department. Members of the committee questioned whether the entity has any concrete plans to improve its revenue-generating capacity and reduce its reliance on bailouts. The committee also urged the entity to promote inclusivity for categories of previously disadvantaged people, women, youth, and the people with disabilities.

The committee further expressed concern over the high legal costs incurred by the IDT and recommended that the entity strengthens its internal capacity to mitigate litigation risks, especially during ongoing projects.

The committee called on ASA to identify alternative revenue streams, as continued dependence on government funding is unsustainable. It criticised the weak transformation and job creation targets presented and called for bolder, measurable commitments. ASA’s ICT systems were also flagged and the committee encouraged the entity to work collaboratively with departments such as Human Settlements to broaden its impact. T

The committee further urged ASA to establish testing sites and laboratories to ensure compliance with technical standards, noting that current operations do not adequately support this function.

Committee Chairperson, Ms Caril Phiri, expressed concern over irregularities in contractor grading by the CIDB. She highlighted reports of contractors receiving higher grades without completing corresponding project scopes and urged CIDB to address and dispel public perceptions that grading statuses are being bought.

The committee also raised alarm over the CIDB’s claim that contractors involved in the recent collapsed building in George were not registered with them, but rather with the National Home Builders Registration Council.

The committee called for greater regulatory alignment and oversight between these entities, the national and provincial departments of human settlements, and all municipal councils to prevent such tragedies.

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

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, emphasised the vitality of the role of transportation in the South African economy when the Department of Transport appeared before the committee yesterday to brief it on the department’s strategic plan for the 2025-26 financial year.

Mr Badenhorst outlined the ambitious targets of the department for increasing rail freight and commuter services. He acknowledged the financial and structural challenges faced by the department, making more emphasis on the need for efficient and effective transport systems to stimulate economic growth.

The department’s presentation, detailed the alignment of the strategic plan with the Medium-Term Development Plan. Key targets highlighted included enhancement of economic growth through private sector involvement, reduction of road fatalities by 50% by 2030, the improvement of freight movement, and infrastructure investment. The department told the committee about the necessity of increased investment in transport infrastructure to bolster economic growth and job creation.

The committee raised concerns regarding the Driving License Card Account (DLCA), particularly the backlog in card production stemming from machine issues and procurement irregularities. The projected budget for the upcoming financial year indicated a revenue expectation of R321 million against expenses of R379 million. The department shared its insights into the budget allocation, underscoring the importance of infrastructure development.

Committee members expressed concern regarding governance within public entities, the department’s reliance on consultants, and the challenges of policy implementation amid fiscal constraints. The committee requested a detailed report on the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and the state of the entity’s governance.

Members of the committee highlighted the negative consequences of governance deficiencies on public entities and proposed the development of a taxi fare index to promote balance within the taxi industry. The regulation of scholar transport, and digital driver licenses were also discussed.

On digital drivers’ licences, the department confirmed that the current backlog stands at approximately 680,000 cards while efforts are underway to clear it within three months. The complexities of transitioning to a digital identification system were highlighted.

Mr Badenhorst reiterated the committee’s commitment to oversight and accountability. He said the department serves as a catalyst for economic prosperity. He stressed the importance of collaboration of the department with other key role-players in the transport sector for further enhancement of the transportation system in the country.

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

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy received a briefing yesterday from the Department of Electricity and Energy on the Battery Energy Storage System Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme from the Minister of the department, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

The Minister told the committee that the engagement with the committee was to ensure accountability and transparency especially in the light of the recent allegations concerning conflicts of interest and procurement irregularities that have been levelled by the Umkhonto weSizwe (MKP) Party regarding the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme.

The Minister stated that the department had nothing to hide hence it agreed to appear before the committee and brief it as per the request of the MKP that brought the allegations. The Minister said: “We welcome the scrutiny from both the members of the committee and the public regarding the procurement process for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).”

He stressed the department’s commitment to ensuring that the procurement processes are upheld with the utmost integrity and fairness. “Our commitment to transparency is paramount. We must ensure that public resources are managed responsibly and that all stakeholders are held accountable,” said Dr Ramokgopa.

The Minister and the senior departmental officials and the Independent Power Producer (IPP) officials provided a comprehensive overview of the BESS procurement process. The presentation outlined the objectives of the program, which includes enhancing energy security, promoting Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), and ensuring transparency in the procurement of private sector generation capacity.

A key point of discussion amongst some committee members was the involvement of the former Chief Operating Officer of Eskom, who has been awarded a tender under the current IPP procurement process. Some committee members expressed concerns regarding the appropriateness of awarding contracts to an individual with such a recent history in a senior position at Eskom, questioning whether this could potentially lead to perceptions of favouritism or conflict of interest.

Members of the committee highlighted the importance of maintaining public trust in the procurement process and said that stringent measures should be implemented to prevent any appearance of impropriety. The committee stressed that it is vital for the integrity of the procurement process to be upheld and for public confidence in the decisions made by the Department of Electricity and Energy to be restored.

Members of the committee sought clarification on the governance mechanisms in place to verify declarations made by bidders, emphasising the need for due diligence beyond mere declarations to ensure compliance with BEE commitments. The committee questioned whether the procurement process had adequately considered the implications of awarding contracts to individuals with recent ties to Eskom.
In response to these concerns, Dr Ramokgopa reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a diverse and competitive energy market. He said: “We acknowledge that while we have made progress, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the benefits of these projects are shared equitably among all South Africans, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Regarding the BESS procurement process the committee expressed concerns about the slow pace of the current IPP processes, questioning their effectiveness in contributing to industrialisation and economic growth in South Africa. In addition, members of the committee highlighted the perceived failure of the IPP process to create genuine long-term and sustainable transformation, particularly regarding the BEE within communities.

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