Category: English

Source: APO – Report:

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On World Cotton Day 2025, held at FAO headquarters in Rome, Africa’s cotton producers and partners showcased how the sector is driving green growth, local value addition and sustainable trade, powering inclusive industrialization and climate-smart growth under the AfCFTA.

Behind the progress is resilience. Across Africa’s cotton heartlands, farmers and artisans are navigating climate shocks, volatile prices and shifting global markets.

An uncertain horizon for cotton producers

Cotton is the backbone of rural economies across Africa – from Chad to Zambia and Tanzania – but the sector faces mounting challenges. Global trade uncertainties such as the expiration of AGOA preferences and tightening sustainability standards are reshaping export opportunities.

On the ground, farmers contend with erratic rainfall, soil depletion and limited access to technology and finance. A lot of cotton is exported raw, leaving local value and job opportunities untapped.

Across Africa, cotton sustains millions – farmers, spinners, weavers and fashion entrepreneurs. For many women and youth in rural areas, it is a primary source of income. When the sector grows sustainably, entire communities benefit: more children go to school, families invest in livestock and small businesses flourish.

But when prices fall or yields drop, effects ripple through economies and households alike. Sustainable cotton farming, fair trade and local transformation are therefore essential to inclusive development – and central to Africa’s industrialization goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Cotton communities spin a new future for Africa’s rural economy

At World Cotton Day 2025, the International Trade Centre (ITC) joined the FAO, WTO, UNIDO, ICAC, and African governments – including the Cotton Four (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali) alongside Niger and Côte d’Ivoire – to reaffirm a shared commitment: strengthening the cotton-to-clothing value chain from field to fashion.

Through initiatives such as the EU/OACPS Cotton Project, GTEX/MENATEX and the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), ITC is helping farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs climb the value chain and build climate resilience. 

In Tanzania and Zambia, thousands of smallholder farmers are transforming how they grow cotton. Instead of burning crop residues, they now use them to make biochar – a natural fertilizer that improves soil health, boosts yields and reduces emissions.

In just one year, more than 10,000 farmers in Tanzania adopted these climate-smart practices, increasing yields by up to 20%. Across the border in Zambia, 130,000 smallholders have doubled production while earning the world’s first carbon credit payments in the cotton sector.

At the other end of the value chain, women artisans and young designers are turning African cotton into high-value creations. In Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, EFI connects local weavers and small fashion businesses to global brands, showcasing sustainable African design at international fairs.

These initiatives not only raise incomes but also inspire a new generation of African entrepreneurs linking agriculture, creativity and climate action.

Through its Global Textiles and Clothing (GTEX) programme, ITC strengthens the competitiveness of manufacturers in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, while its UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme supports firms in Ethiopia and Tanzania to expand intra- and extra-African trade. Together, these efforts support Africa’s ambition to industrialize and create tens of thousands of jobs.

Building an integrated African value chain

Developing the cotton-to-apparel value chain within Africa is critical. Under the AfCFTA, cotton and textiles have the potential to become one of the continent’s most dynamic industries. By investing in value addition, regional trade and sustainability, African countries can retain more value at home, create jobs and compete in global markets. Experts from supply, demand, investment and finance also stressed the need to reinforce extra-continental exports to build the skills and know-how that can, in turn, serve Africa’s internal market.

This is the vision that ITC and its partners are advancing – one where African cotton tells a story of empowerment, innovation and pride, and weaves trade together with sustainable development. As FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, World Cotton Day 2025 reminds us that cotton is not just a crop – it is the fabric of Africa’s greener, fairer future.

– on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO – Report:

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The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with deep concern the recent political developments in the Republic of Madagascar. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property that has occurred.

South Africa calls for calm and restraint from all actors and urges them to do everything necessary to avoid any further action that may escalate tensions or worsen the humanitarian situation.

We strongly call upon all parties to respect the democratic process and constitutional order. It is imperative that any disputes be resolved peacefully through inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and established legal mechanisms.

In accordance with the Lomé declaration, South Africa does not support unconstitutional changes of government.

We wish to recall that regional conflict resolution mechanisms remain at the disposal of the people of Madagascar to facilitate dialogue and a peaceful way forward.

Minister Lamola reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution that upholds the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development for the region.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO – Report:

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The South African Government strongly condemns the attacks perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces on 9 October 2025 in El Fasher, North Darfur on a hospital and displacement centre killing at least 20 people. These assaults on civilian infrastructure have resulted in a tragic loss of innocent lives, severe injuries, displacement, and immense human suffering.

These actions have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis. We are deeply alarmed that thousands of civilians, including women and children, remain trapped by the fighting. The sustained attacks since September on places of worship and the central market represent a grave violation of international law.

South Africa stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan, who continue to bear the brunt of this conflict.

We remind all parties of their non-negotiable obligations under international law including international humanitarian law. There must be no impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The protection of civilians and the safeguarding of essential infrastructure are paramount.

We therefore call for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the safe evacuation of civilians from active conflict zones.

Minister Ronald Lamola reiterates that the only sustainable solution is a negotiated, inclusive, and Sudanese-owned political dialogue. We urge regional and international actors, including the African Union, the United Nations, and IGAD, to intensify efforts to broker a ceasefire and galvanise support for a just political settlement.

South Africa remains ready to support all efforts aimed at ending the suffering of the Sudanese people.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO

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The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has concluded a highly successful week-long oversight visit to the Northern Cape Province.

The oversight visit focused on several key issues, including compliance with Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) by Asman Manganese (Black Rock Operation), South32, and Ekapa Mining; illegal mining of green fluorite and rose quartz gemstones in Vredesvallei and Riemvasmaak; as well as a dispute over sugilite mining between Assmang and PP Gemstone Mining and Exporting (Pty) Ltd.

The committee also engaged with stakeholders such as the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), traditional leaders, and community mining forums in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District, as well as artisanal and small-scale miners in the Frances Baard District. These engagements enabled the committee to provide high-level interventions in response to challenges raised by stakeholders.

Among the committee’s interventions was a call for an immediate workshop on mining permit applications for the communities of Vredesvallei and Riemvasmaak, along with traditional leaders in the JTG District. Assmang and South32 also committed to working towards an amicable resolution with PP Gemstone Mining and SANCO respectively.

As the committee awaits the tabling of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill, it welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how certain provisions in the current Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002) serve as barriers for aspiring artisanal and small-scale miners.

It became clear during engagements that specific sections of the Act — particularly Sections 41, 54, and 102 — require urgent review to create a more enabling environment for artisanal and small-scale mining.

The committee highlighted the success of artisanal mining initiatives in the Frances Baard District as a positive case study. It therefore advocated for the review of all fees associated with artisanal and small-scale mining permit applications. Furthermore, the committee proposed the establishment of an independent body to monitor SLP compliance.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, commended all stakeholders for their constructive engagement and assured them that their inputs would be considered in the committee’s oversight report and recommendations. Once adopted by the National Assembly, he said these recommendations will become binding on the relevant department.

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

Source: APO

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HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo, met with Acting Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Shafi bin Newaimi Al Hajri.

The meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Qatar Walid Fahmy Al Faqi.

The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, as well as issues of mutual interest.

HE the Ambassador conveyed Egypt’s condolences over the death of three members of the Amiri Diwan in a traffic accident in Sharm El-Sheikh while performing their official duties, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

As global trade dynamics shift and economic gravity increasingly tilts toward the Global South, Africa stands at a pivotal moment. Home to 1.4 billion people and abundant in natural resources, the continent still contributes less than 3% of global trade and GDP, despite comprising 17% of the world’s population. This mismatch underscores the urgency of transforming Africa’s trade landscape. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched on January 1, 2021, represents a historic opportunity to unify markets and boost intra-African commerce from today’s 16% to levels exceeding 50%, similar to the EU and Asia.

“Yet realizing this promise demands more than ambition or trade agreements. It requires reimagining and reconstructing the arteries of African commerce, its trade corridors. More than railways, roads, and ports, these corridors must become integrated ecosystems supporting industrialization, digital trade, green growth, and resilience against global shocks” adds Sheetal Kumar, Head of Client Coverage, Corporate and Institutional Banking.

The legacy challenge: colonial corridors in a modern age

Africa’s existing trade corridors, such as the Abidjan–Lagos Coastal Corridor, the Northern Corridor from Mombasa, and the Central Corridor from Dar es Salaam, were built to extract resources, not to foster regional integration. As a result, intra-African trade remains stubbornly low. Trade costs are among the highest in the world, up to 283% of the value of goods, according to the World Bank, due to poor infrastructure, border inefficiencies, and misaligned regulations.

Whereas early momentum has been promising, with intra-African trade reaching USD 208 billion in 2024 (a 7.7% increase year-on-year), only a fraction stays within the continent. Compared to over 60% in Asia and 70% in the EU, Africa’s internal trade flows highlight a massive opportunity gap.

Closing this gap demands reengineering corridors for speed, resilience, and reliability. For example, freight-demand projections from the UN Economic Commission for Africa forecast a 28% increase in intra-African freight volumes by 2030, requiring upgrades to more than 60,000 km of critical road links.

Strategic corridors in a fragmented world

The concept of geoeconomic fragmentation—countries restructuring trade around political blocs—poses new risks for Africa. Up to half of Africa’s external trade is vulnerable under such scenarios, potentially reducing GDP by 4% over a decade. Political feuds and regional disputes further undermine the AfCFTA’s integration goals.

Africa’s response must be bold yet pragmatic:

• Connector Strategy: Corridors should serve as bridges between geopolitical blocs—like Vietnam or Mexico in global supply chains. Banks can help structure corridors as transit hubs that bridge Eastern and Western trade blocs, providing thermal-buffer zones against geopolitical shocks.
• Corridor Clusters: Align regional corridors with diverse investor pools to hedge against geopolitical shocks. Countries aligned with one bloc can still integrate regionally—Banks’ financing structures can then insulate such corridors with diversified investor pools across blocs.
• Risk Mitigation: Deploy political risk insurance, trade guarantees, and alternative route financing to navigate disruptions.

Financial institutions such as Bank One are critical in structuring such corridor models, insulating against global uncertainties while facilitating inclusive regional growth.

From trade agreements to trade highways

The AfCFTA aims to eliminate tariffs on 97% of goods and boost intra-African trade by over 100% by 2035. But translating this potential into real-world outcomes requires functioning corridors. Ports like Berbera in Somaliland, where DP World has invested USD 442 million, show what’s possible when infrastructure, policy, and capital align. Similarly, the Maputo Container Terminal’s USD 165 million expansion will double its capacity and position it as a key Southern Africa–Gulf trade node.

These are more than projects; they are blueprints. Corridor development must integrate:

• Multimodal Transport: Seamless interlinking of rail, road, air, and ports.
• Industrial Clusters: Anchoring corridors to zones of manufacturing, agribusiness, or services.
• Digital Platforms: Smart logistics, e-customs, blockchain, and IoT for real-time visibility.
• Green Infrastructure: Electric transport, resilient materials, and carbon-linked financing.

For example, the Lobito Corridor railway and the Tanzania–Zambia line highlight multimodal possibilities. When paired with inland logistics hubs, dry ports, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), corridors evolve into engines of regional value creation.

Digitalization: enabling real-time trade

Digital transformation is the nervous system of Africa’s future trade. Initiatives linking customs, payment, and logistics systems can eliminate bottlenecks and improve compliance. Fintech collaborations between African banks and Gulf-based tech firms have already produced pilots in real-time shipment tracking, smart customs clearance, and blockchain authentication.

Mauritius, Africa’s rising digital and financial hub, is leading on this front. Banks are at different stages of deploying:

• Cross-border digital trade finance platforms
• SME-focused digital banking packages
• Seamless payment systems tailored for fragmented regional markets

By scaling up these tools, African nations can unlock the full value of AfCFTA and empower traders, especially small businesses, to participate in cross-border commerce with confidence.

Green corridors: sustainability and resilience

With climate change increasingly disrupting transport, whether through floods in West Africa or heat-induced pavement failures in the East, corridor design must evolve. Africa cannot afford infrastructure that collapses under climate pressure.

Green trade corridors are not a luxury, they are essential. This means:

• Electric vehicle and freight systems
• Solar-powered logistics centers
• Flood-resistant bridges and climate-resilient roads
• Green bonds and blended climate finance

Banks like Bank One are mobilizing ESG-aligned financing, green bonds, and climate-friendly loan structures to support corridor projects that are future-ready and emissions-resilient. For investors, these green corridors also de-risk returns by aligning with global sustainability mandates.

Middle East–Africa Trade: A rising nexus

The Middle East is emerging as a vital strategic and financial partner. From DP World to Gulf sovereign-wealth funds, the region is channeling billions into African ports, renewable energy, and logistics infrastructure.

Between 2019 and 2023, Emirati entities committed USD 110 billion to African projects—USD 72 billion of which went to renewables. DP World alone plans to invest USD 3 billion more in African trade infrastructure by 2029.

Financial institutions with a regional reach are strategically positioned to serve this axis, offering:

• Sharia-compliant financial products
• Correspondent banking across MEA corridors
• Multi-currency trade finance solutions tailored for Gulf investors

In our experience, Mauritius’s regulatory regime, double-taxation treaties, and strategic geographic location positions banks such as Bank One as a trusted platform for cross-border investment flows between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. We further leverage our shareholders’ footprint across Africa, Asia and the Middle East to gain critical market knowledge, investors access and convening power.

Financing the dream: innovation over aid

Traditional public-sector financing won’t be enough. Mobilizing capital requires:

• Blended finance models combining development funds, private equity, and ECAs.
• Syndicated loans led by regional banks and development finance institutions (DFIs).
• Outcome-linked pricing, where interest rates reflect performance on climate or logistics benchmarks.
• Public–private partnerships with clear governance and transparent risk-sharing.

Context-specific solutions and understanding of the local terrain is key. For Bank One we draw great benefits from being backed by strong local shareholders, East Africa’s I&M Group and Mauritius’s CIEL Group, both of whom have been pivotal in shaping our robust track record in structuring corridor investments across the continent. Our unique combination of Sub-Saharan expertise and international finance capabilities enables us to design bankable, and scalable solutions for corridor development.

The human dividend: policy, SMEs, and youth

Infrastructure without people-centric development is hollow. The true test of corridor success lies in how it transforms lives.

• Policy Harmonization: Regulatory alignment is critical guided by the common interests of the people which should transcend political interest. AfCFTA rules must work uniformly across corridor countries for the principal benefit of the African traders among other actors.
• SME Empowerment: Trade must include informal traders, women-led businesses, and youth entrepreneurs. We must ensure that Africa’s factories, mines, farms and service hubs can truly access markets from Cairo to Cape Town, and from Lagos to the Gulf.
• Workforce Development: Corridors should generate jobs not just in construction but in logistics, fintech, agribusiness, and services.

Every one-point gain in corridor efficiency represents millions in GDP and tens of thousands of jobs. From Addis Ababa to Accra, from Port Louis to Port Harcourt, from Nairobi to Nouakchott, Dar es Salaam to Dakar, from Cape to Cairo to Casablanca, from Luanda to Lagos, Mombasa to Maputo, from Gaborone to Giza to the Gulf and beyond… efficient corridors can be lifelines—reducing emigration, boosting income, and expanding opportunity. This resonates with our core mission and purpose at Bank One: Empowering Your Prosperity.

From fragmentation to fusion, from pathways to prosperity

Africa’s trade corridors must not fall victim to a fragmented world order; they must rise above it. By building flexible, digitized, green, and strategically aligned corridors, and financing them through innovative, inclusive models; Africa can unlock a new era of trade-led growth.

Corridors are no longer just about transport; they are about transformation. With Banks like Bank One as financial architects, Mauritius as a bridge, and AfCFTA as the blueprint, Africa has all the ingredients to reimagine its future. Let us move, not just goods, but ideas, investment, and hope, along the pathways to shared prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bank One Limited.

For Media Enquiries
Ali Mamode,
Head of Marketing & Communications
Tel: +230 202 9200, +230 5713 5924
Email: ali.mamode@bankone.mu

Virginie Couronne,
Communications Specialist
Tel: +230 202 9200, +230 5258 2926
Email: virginie.appapoulay@bankone.mu

About Bank One:
Bank One Limited was established in 2008 as a joint venture between I&M Group, a key player in East Africa’s financial sector, and CIEL Finance, the finance arm of CIEL Group, one of Mauritius’s foremost conglomerates. Based in Mauritius, Bank One serves businesses and individuals across Africa and beyond, providing tailored financial solutions designed to meet their diverse and developing needs.

The Bank benefits from the extensive regional presence of its shareholders in key markets such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mauritius. We provide a comprehensive range of products and services across Corporate and Institutional Banking, Treasury Services, Consumer Banking, Private Banking, Custody Services and Wealth Management. Our services are designed to help businesses grow, manage risk, and optimize their financial resources and help individuals achieve their personal goals through a comprehensive mix of savings, loans, payments, and investment solutions.