Category: English

Source: APO

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The inaugural Sectoral Committee of Ministers for Fisheries and Aquaculture convened on 23 October 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of the framework of the Revised African Fisheries Reform Mechanism (AFRM). This high-level ministerial meeting marked a significant milestone in ensuring that Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors have a structured, evidence-based reporting and coordination mechanism within the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment (STC-ARDWE).

The establishment of the Sectoral Committee followed years of institutional groundwork within the African Union’s policy architecture. The decision to institutionalize fisheries and aquaculture governance was endorsed through Executive Council Decision EX.CL/Dec.1074 (XXXVI) of 2020, building on earlier Conference of African Ministers in Fisheries and Aquaculture (CAMFA) held in Banjul, The Gambia (2010), and Addis Ababa (2014). These conferences produced the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS), a blueprint for sustainable development, and established the African Fisheries Reform Mechanism as a platform for policy coherence, coordination, and technical dialogue.

The meeting brought together Ministers and Directors of Fisheries and Aquaculture from ten African Union Member States, representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC) and African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). The inaugural session aimed to operationalize the Sectoral Committee as a functional policy organ that consolidates technical recommendations from working groups and submits them to the STC-ARDWE for ministerial endorsement and subsequent transmission to the Executive Council and AU Summit.

Opening the session, on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), Director of AU IBAR Dr Huyam Salih emphasized the increasing recognition of fisheries and aquaculture as drivers of food security, job creation, and climate resilience in Africa. He noted that the establishment of this ministerial structure reflects the AU’s commitment to embedding fisheries and aquaculture governance within the broader continental agricultural agenda under the Kampala CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) and Agenda 2063. The Commissioner underscored that Africa’s fisheries sector generates approximately USD 24 billion annually, sustains over 17 million livelihoods, and plays a critical role in addressing malnutrition and fostering inclusive economic growth. The Commissioner reiterated AU-IBAR’s leadership role as the Secretariat of the AFRM and its mandate to coordinate evidence-based policy reforms.  AU-IBAR, therefore, has facilitated the operationalization of the PFRS, supported the establishment of the African Fisheries and Aquaculture Database (AFAData), and developed continental strategies addressing nature-based solutions for aquatic ecosystems. 

The meeting reviewed a comprehensive Technical Expert Report detailing the implementation progress of the PFRS, validated Terms of Reference of the SCFA, the achievements of the EU-funded Fisheries Governance II (FishGov II) project, and the Swedish-funded Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation project. These initiatives have operationalized six African Centres of Excellence in training and research, supported national policy harmonization in over 15 Member States and COMESA, and developed regional capacity on fisheries governance and trade facilitation. The report also outlined the strategic priorities of the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan (2024–2028), whose five pillar, governance and policy coherence, resilient production systems, One Health principles, trade facilitation, and institutional strengthening, are aligned with continental frameworks including the PFRS, the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES), and the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA).

Ministers welcomed these updates and engaged in substantive discussions on how the Sectoral Committee can better support Member States in implementing national fisheries policies and translating AU decisions into practical interventions. Several delegations stressed the importance of the timely dissemination of technical documents prior to ministerial sessions to enable adequate national consultations and informed decision-making. Others called for enhanced resource mobilization mechanisms, including engagement with the development banks and private sector partners, to ensure long-term sustainability of the AFRM and related continental programs.

A recurring theme throughout the deliberations was the need to accelerate aquaculture development as a strategic response to declining fish stocks and growing demand driven by population growth and urbanization. Ministers emphasized that aquaculture could serve as a vital source of protein, employment, and export earnings, particularly for landlocked countries and communities facing limited access to marine fisheries. They called for investment in feed systems, hatchery infrastructure, value-addition chains, and climate-smart aquaculture technologies. The meeting also underscored the importance of integrating cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, climate adaptation, and the One Health approach into fisheries and aquaculture programming.

Ministers further discussed the critical role of the AFRM in amplifying the African voice in global fisheries negotiations. They emphasized that a unified continental position, informed by robust data and evidence from the African Fisheries and Aquaculture Database, would strengthen Africa’s negotiating capacity and ensure that international commitments reflect the continent’s unique socio-economic and ecological contexts.

The Sectoral Committee endorsed several strategic recommendations, including the establishment of designated national focal points for improved communication between AU-IBAR, Member States, and RECs; the acceleration of aquaculture subsector development through targeted investment and capacity building; the mainstreaming of gender, climate change, and One Health principles into all fisheries and aquaculture policies; and the institutionalization of biennial reporting cycles to ensure continuity and accountability in implementing AU decisions.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Technical Experts’ Report of the Inaugural Sectoral Committee Meeting. Ministers commended AU-IBAR, AUDA-NEPAD, the European Union, SIDA, the World Bank, and other partners for their leadership and financial support in advancing continental fisheries and aquaculture governance. They reaffirmed their collective commitment to transforming the sector into a cornerstone of Africa’s food security, blue economy growth, and sustainable development agenda.

By establishing a direct and functional reporting pipeline between the AFRM and the STC-ARDWE, this inaugural meeting laid the institutional groundwork for evidence-based policy coherence, stronger inter-governmental collaboration, and accelerated implementation of continental strategies. It represents a defining moment in Africa’s journey toward inclusive, sustainable, and resilient fisheries and aquaculture systems that contribute meaningfully to the realization of Agenda 2063 and the Kampala CAADP Agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Source: APO

On October 23, 2025 as part of a working visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Maxim Ryzhenkov, met with the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries of Algeria, Co-chairman of the Algerian side of the Belarusian-Algerian Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Yacine El Mahdi Oualid.

The parties stated the need to increase mutual trade turnover. In particular, the Algerian side expressed interest in procuring Belarusian baby food, increasing the supply of powdered milk, as well as Belarusian meat products with a halal certificate.  

An agreement was reached to sign an intergovernmental agreement in the field of veterinary medicine and a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of agriculture. 

The parties exchanged mutual invitations to attend specialized exhibitions in the field of agriculture and food, in particular, “Belagro 2026” in Minsk. 

The interest in intensifying practical cooperation between the relevant departments was emphasized.

Maxim Ryzhenkov noted that Belarus, being a major producer of agricultural machinery and possessing extensive competencies and technologies in the field of agriculture, is ready to contribute to ensuring Algeria’s food security. 

In this context, the parties discussed the need for agricultural mechanization within the framework of a large-scale project implemented by the Algerian side to develop new lands in the desert with an area of up to 1 million hectares.

The Algerian side also expressed interest in continuing work on projects to create grain storage systems.

In addition to the main meetings, a number of point-to-point negotiations and consultations of expert groups on cooperation in industry, agriculture, business contacts, as well as other areas of trade and economic cooperation took place. An agreement was reached to organize a visit of a delegation of representatives of “Bobruiskagromash”, “MTZ”, “MAZ” and “Amkodor” enterprises to Algeria on November 3, 2025 to practice areas of further cooperation in the supply of Belarusian machinery to Algeria, as well as conditions for the creation of joint productions of tractors and utility vehicles and attachments and service centers in Algeria.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

Source: APO

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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has told the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality not to commit funds on Red Location Museum without a detailed empirical information that will inform a workable business plan.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Makhi Feni, lamented the extent of decay in community infrastructure within the municipality. He said that it was shocking and unacceptable.

“There seems to be no care on government funded projects. The common thing about these projects is that they are within the communities and should serve to stimulate and drive economic activity in the townships,” said Mr Feni.

He added: “Vandalism took over everything but people and officials allowed for it to set in. That is why we are at this quagmire; this is government money.”

In the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, the committee visited the Red Location Museum, Dan Qeqe Stadium, KwaNobuhle Sports complex, Kyuga Sports Facility, and St Johns Swimming Pool.

Mr Feni said the committee was to spend money to visit the sites and be given the kinds of reports it received. “We are entirely disappointed with the collapse and the ruin we found on projects that are meant to be viable. It is evidently clear that the decay is a characteristic of Metro assets.”

Mr Feni said if the decay is allowed to manifest and expand as it has, what claim to legitimacy does the Metro have. “It is so sad that millions keep being allocated to refurbishing and reviving projects that should self sustain like the Red Location Museum.”

He said the committee will make firm recommendations with clear timeframes that it will strictly monitor every six months. “The Bay Metro must perhaps prepare to frequent committee meetings, the state of affairs in the Bay is unacceptable.”

The committee will visit Bay schools and TVET colleges on Friday.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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The Select Committee on Appropriations has successfully concluded its two-day oversight visit to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts in the North West Province.

The oversight visit focused on four projects that are funded through the Health Facility Revitalisation Grant (HFRG). The projects are: Mmabatho Nursing College, Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital, Marcus Zenzile Clinic, and the Potchefstroom Hospital Casualty Ward upgrade.

The HFRG is a direct conditional grant transferred by the national Department of Health to provincial departments of health to support infrastructure development, refurbishment, and upgrading of health facilities.

During its visits to the projects, the committee observed a number of concerning trends that cut across all four of the projects, including cost overruns, inconsistent reporting, under-expenditure of the grant, inadequate interdepartmental planning and coordination, as well as delays.

The Marcus Zenzile Clinic project has been delayed by three years, the Potchefstroom Hospital project by one year, while the Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital project is expected to delay for at least seven months.

The delays were are attributed to several factors, including interference by construction mafias, community protests, poor performance by contractors that often result in penalties, terminations, reappointments, and disruptions by community business forums.

As a way forward, the committee has directed the North West Department of Health to submit a comprehensive report on the progress of the four projects, including the geotechnical report for the Marcus Zenzile Clinic, which is being constructed on dolomitic land.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Morocco and Belgium reaffirmed, on Thursday in Brussels, their shared willingness to deepen a strategic and structuring partnership based on trust, mutual respect and converging views on major regional and international challenges.

This reiteration was expressed on the occasion of a meeting held in Brussels between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita and the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot.

Both senior officials lauded the excellent political dialogue between Rabat and Brussels, marked with intensified exchanges along with the implementation of a bilateral Roadmap issued by the High Joint Commission held in April 2024, which lays the groundwork for future cooperation.

On the economic front, both parties underlined the need to elevate the relationship to a higher level, through the joint development technological value chains, the promotion of sustainable investment in strategic sectors such as green hydrogen, energy transition, infrastructure, and innovation.

The two ministers also highlighted the complementarity between Moroccan and Belgian visions in cooperation, regional security and human development, confirming their commitment to work together at the service of stability, and shared prosperity between the two continents.

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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Africa Tech Festival (ATF) (https://AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent’s leading platform for digital innovation, will kick off next month in Cape Town with a strong focus on cybersecurity and cloud resilience – two critical areas for governments and enterprises navigating Africa’s expanding digital economy.

This year’s programme will also explore responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation. These themes reflect ATF’s role as a cohesive platform that supports Africa’s digital transformation ecosystem and guides tech experts, analysts, and policymakers in shaping informed insights and decisions.

Africa is experiencing a surge in cybercrime, driven by the rapid expansion of digital technology and the widespread reliance on mobile internet. Recent reports indicate that 90% of African countries require significant improvements in law enforcement capabilities to effectively respond to cyber threats. Although cybercrime is on the rise, most African countries still lack the core IT infrastructure needed to respond effectively. Only 30% have an incident reporting system, 29% maintain a digital evidence repository, and just 19% operate a cyberthreat intelligence database (https://apo-opa.co/4oEJm82).

An underdeveloped cybersecurity ecosystem, a significant skills gap, and increasing risks to critical infrastructure compound this challenge. Common threats include phishing, online scams, business email compromise (BEC), and ransomware.

“Cybersecurity is no longer an individual concern for organisations; it’s a shared responsibility across all sectors,” said Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival. “ATF is where Africa’s digital leaders come together to tackle these challenges head-on and shape a secure, inclusive future.”

Among the standout sessions at Africa Tech Festival 2025 is the keynote fireside chat titled “State of Cybersecurity in Africa: Threats, Gaps & Opportunities”, scheduled for Tuesday, 11 November. This discussion will delve into the continent’s most pressing cyber threats, evaluate regional preparedness, and explore how governments and enterprises can work together to strengthen response capabilities and regulatory frameworks.

Also featured is the panel session “The Quantum Threat Is Now: Rethinking Encryption Before It’s Too Late”, which will examine the emerging risks posed by quantum computing to current encryption standards. As the industry begins to grapple with the implications of post-quantum security, this session will offer timely insights into how organisations can prepare for a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

On Wednesday, 12 November, the festival will host “Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: Breaking Barriers and Building Leadership”. With women representing less than a quarter of the global cybersecurity workforce, and even fewer in Africa, this session will spotlight emerging female leaders across technical, operational, and policy roles. It will also examine how mentorship, sponsorship, and structural reforms can build greater inclusion and leadership opportunities in cyber and cloud careers.

Africa Tech Festival is recognised as a unique platform where cybersecurity experts, including Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), can learn from diverse case studies across industries and regions. Feedback from past attendees highlights ATF’s value in fostering cross-regional dialogue, enabling professionals to share experiences and strategies for tackling cyber threats in different contexts.

Africa Tech Festival 2025 will feature a complete programme of panels, fireside chats, and policy discussions aimed at addressing almost every aspect of Africa’s digital journey, from infrastructure and investment to regulation and workforce development.

To explore the complete cybersecurity programme, visit the Africa Tech Festival 2025 Agenda (https://apo-opa.co/3WmaWdV).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together more than 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The Festival encompasses four anchor events:

• AfricaCom – The continent’s largest telecoms and connectivity event
• AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
• AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa’s startup ecosystem
• The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life

With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and extensive networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the continent’s most influential gathering for those shaping Africa’s connected future.

Source: APO

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The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has urged government departments, including the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Social Development, to honour their bulk services payment commitments to the Salvokop Government Precinct to prevent jeopardising the progress and potential benefits of the project.

The call follows the committee’s second day of oversight visits in Gauteng, which included an inspection of the Salvokop precinct site.

Committee Chairperson Mr Rikus Badenhorst said the precinct tells a bigger story about what can be achieved when government invests with purpose, creating jobs, supporting SMMEs and transforming underused public land into a modern, functional space that works for people.

“It is in this context that the departments must honour the commitments they made for phase one of the project, which includes the installation of bulk and internal infrastructure services that are nearing completion,” said Mr Badenhorst.

The committee considers the non-payment by certain departments a direct risk to the potential benefits the project will yield, not only for the departments themselves, but also for the City of Tshwane and the broader economy.

The committee also expressed concern about residents who remain unwilling to be relocated to enable the completion of the initial phase of the project. While acknowledging that some concerns may be genuine, the committee emphasised the need for constructive engagement to reach workable solutions.

Although the matter is currently before the courts, the committee remains confident that a middle ground can be achieved through collaboration. It has called on relevant departments including Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation to assist in providing sustainable relocation solutions for affected residents.

Despite these challenges, the committee reaffirmed its support for the project, describing it as a ground-breaking initiative that links infrastructure investment to inner-city regeneration, integrated human settlements, and improved mobility.

“The model should be applauded and replicated across the country,” said Mr Badenhorst. “The precinct’s property management plan will ensure sustainability and the socio-economic spinoffs from job creation to spatial integration are too valuable to be lost.”

During the oversight visit, the committee also toured the Gibela Rail Consortium’s Dunnottar factory, commending the strides made in localising the production of passenger trains in South Africa.

Mr Badenhorst praised the factory’s achievement of sourcing 85% of its components locally, well above the target of 65% localisation, describing this as a major milestone for industrialisation, skills development and job creation. “Manufacturing remains a critical pillar in driving economic development. The Gibela project demonstrates how local production can stimulate economic spinoffs and build much-needed technical skills within our communities,” he said.

Efficient and reliable passenger rail transport, the committee noted, is crucial for economic productivity, job access and environmental sustainability. The committee committed to continue engaging with the Department of Transport and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to ensure improved access to rail services across the country.

The select committee reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the implementation of key infrastructure and transport projects, ensuring that they deliver tangible socio-economic benefits and contribute to the transformation and development of South Africa’s cities and communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Source: APO

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita called, Thursday in Brussels, on Belgian economic operators to seize the opportunities offered by the Southern provinces of the Kingdom, in line with His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision of making the Sahara region a hub for development and cooperation.

The call was made during the joint press conference in which Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Maxime Prévot, announced his country’s new advanced position on the Moroccan Sahara and that Belgium will henceforth act diplomatically and economically in line with this stance.

Mr. Bourita cited the example of several of Morocco’s partner countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States, which already view the Southern provinces as a genuine land of opportunities.

Washington has formally encouraged investment in the Moroccan Sahara region, and France recently organized the France-Morocco Economic Forum in Dakhla, he added.

The Minister noted in this regard that Belgium currently ranks 13th among Morocco’s trading partners and 17th among investors, an important position that can be strengthened by involving the private sector more, particularly during the upcoming visit to Morocco by a Belgian government delegation accompanied by economic operators and businessmen.

Through the Southern provinces of the Kingdom, “Belgium can develop its trade relations with West Africa and Central Africa,” insisted Mr. Bourita, emphasizing that the city of Dakhla can be a gateway to the African continent for Belgium.

In this context, the minister mentioned promising prospects for cooperation with Belgium in the renewable energy, infrastructure, industry, and green hydrogen sectors.

Belgium has expressed today its support for autonomy, placing the Sahara region within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and national unity, stressing that it will act as of now on diplomatic and economic plans in line with this position.

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