Category: English

Posted on

Egypt: Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Reviews Targets for the Agriculture and Irrigation Sector in the Financial Year (FY) 2025/2026 Plan

Source: APO


.

  • Agriculture and Irrigation are key pillars for enhancing food and water security and supporting sustainable economic development efforts.
  • 144.8 billion EGP in total targeted investments for the agriculture and irrigation sectors in the FY 2025/2026 plan.
  • Continue expanding agricultural land reclamation programs, improving crop yield per feddan, and increasing water use efficiency.

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reviewed the targets for the agriculture and irrigation sector in its report on the FY 2025/2026 plan. The fourth section of the plan details sectoral targets, starting with commodity sectors like agriculture, irrigation, manufacturing, mining, and electricity, followed by productive services sectors, including transport, information and communication technology, tourism, and the Suez Canal activity.

The 2025/2026 plan document uses a unified analytical approach for all sectoral targets. It first reviews the economic importance of the sector, then the specific development vision, ensuring it aligns with the Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030, the targets of the Government Action Program (2024/2025 – 2026/2027), and the national strategy proposed by the relevant ministry.

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, highlighted the dual economic importance of the agriculture and irrigation sector. It serves as a foundational pillar of national food security and a mainstay for enhancing the productive capacities of national industry and its related activities of transport, trade, and logistics services. 

Agriculture is also the primary source of income and employment, given its vast geographical spread and its employment of over 50% of the total population in rural areas, who are primarily dependent on agricultural activities and related animal, poultry, and fish production, as well as transport, storage, and marketing services.

Total Investments for the Agriculture and Irrigation Sectors

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that agriculture plays a pivotal role in developing the country’s foreign exchange resources through the export of agricultural products. It also contributes effectively to strengthening its inter-sectoral linkages with other economic sectors, making it a key driver for their growth. The agriculture and irrigation sector is one of the most significant sectors for enhancing the components of sustainable development across its three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. Minister Al-Mashat noted that the plan allocates total investments of about 144.8 billion EGP to agriculture and irrigation activities in 2025/2026, including 17.5 billion EGP in public investments and 127.4 billion EGP in private investments.

Agricultural Production Targets

The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation’s report indicated the development plan’s targets for 2025/2026. Regarding agricultural output, the plan aims for the sector’s production to reach approximately 3.7 trillion EGP in 2025/2026, up from an estimated 3.3 trillion EGP in 2024/2025, and to grow to 5.7 trillion EGP by the end of the medium-term plan in 2028/2029.

As for agricultural product, the goal is to increase the agricultural product—after excluding the value of intermediate production inputs—to about 2.6 trillion EGP in 2025/2026, reaching 4 trillion EGP in 2028/2029, a growth rate of 53.8%, compared to the expected product of about 2.3 trillion EGP in 2024/2025.

Key Targets in the Agriculture and Irrigation Sectors

The report explained that the priorities for agricultural investment and development in the plan include: continuing the expansion of agricultural reclamation programs in the Toshka, North and Central Sinai, and New Delta lands. Expanding programs to improve crop yield per feddan by 10% to 15%, by increasing the efficiency of land and water use through the cultivation of high-yield, early-maturing, and low-water-consuming crops, developing and modernizing field irrigation systems to benefit 18% of the total area, improving agricultural drainage methods and expanding the application of modern agricultural practices, such as drip and pivot irrigation, expanding greenhouse projects and protected agriculture systems, reducing agricultural waste and developing the agricultural extension system, expanding the application of the contract farming system (1.8 million feddans) to include other agricultural products in addition to wheat, sugarcane, sugar beets, tomatoes, potatoes, and citrus fruits, such as yellow corn, cotton, and oilseed crops (sunflower and soybeans), continuing to activate programs for the production of selected seeds to meet agricultural needs and reduce reliance on imports, which are subject to price fluctuations, quality variations, and potential incompatibility with the Egyptian agricultural environment. Diversifying the origins of agricultural imports—especially wheat and corn—and expanding the storage capacity of wheat silos to reach about 5.5 million tons in the plan year, expanding the cropped area to exceed 21 million feddans in 2025/2026, including wheat (52%), corn (55%), and fava beans (39%), completing the establishment of 18 agricultural complexes in North and South Sinai governorates, as well as developing the agricultural land tenure system (Farmer’s Card) to reach 80% of beneficiaries.

Livestock Development

The plan’s priorities for agricultural investment and development also include continuing to develop livestock, with a targeted increase of one million heads during 2025/2026. It also focuses on developing poultry and fish farming projects to achieve self-sufficiency in white meat and fish, while increasing red meat self-sufficiency to 60%. This will be achieved by continuing to activate projects for revitalizing the veal industry and milk collection centers, fish farms at البركة in Kafr El Sheikh and East Al-Tafri’a in Port Said, and projects to enhance fish resources in Qarun, Manzala, and Burullus lakes. The plan also aims to expand the export of surplus agricultural products, such as vegetables and fruits, to exceed $5 billion in value during the plan year.

Water Resources Development

Complementing agricultural development efforts, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation’s plan aims to develop water resources and increase their use efficiency by: expanding projects for canal rehabilitation and lining over a length of 600 km, expanding the transition to modern field irrigation systems, constructing and upgrading pumping stations, building dams, artificial lakes, and reservoirs to hold floodwater, completing the construction of the New Deirout Barrage to improve irrigation for 1.6 million feddans in five governorates in Upper Egypt, constructing, replacing, and renovating about 616 barrages and other structures (inlets, bridges, weirs, etc.), constructing 85 dams, artificial lakes, and underground reservoirs to contain floodwater, continuing efforts to rehabilitate drains, including Jabal al-Akhdar, Belbeis, Qalyubia, and Bahr al-Baqar, and their associated structures, to accommodate the discharge of treated sewage stations, completing the development of the Toshka spillway, constructing the feeder canal for the Thomas and Afiya area, 57 km long, in the Toshka project in Aswan, addressing siltation in Lake Nasser, improving water quality in the Kitchener Drain, protecting the coast of Alexandria and reinforcing submerged breakwaters (Phase 1), constructing and replacing covered agricultural drainage networks in an area of 60,000 feddans in both Lower and Upper Egypt, as well as constructing and replacing about 35 industrial structures on drains (bridges, culverts, etc.).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

Posted on

Kenya Engineer Magazine September–October 2025 Issue Goes into Circulation

Source: APO – Report:

Kenya Engineer Magazine (www.KenyaEngineer.co.ke), the definitive publication for engineers, industrial professionals, and technology leaders, is excited to announce that the September–October 2025 issue (Vol. 53, Issue 5) is now in circulation.

This issue focuses on Infrastructure — a sector at the heart of Kenya’s economic transformation. From mega transport projects and energy developments to smart city solutions, we unpack the technologies, policies, and strategies shaping the region’s future.

Inside the September–October 2025 Issue:

  • Feature Focus – Infrastructure: In-depth coverage of transformative infrastructure projects redefining Kenya’s economic landscape.
  • Expert Insights & Thought Leadership: Contributions from leading engineers, policymakers, and innovators across multiple sectors.
  • Technology & Innovation: Discover cutting-edge engineering solutions and tools revolutionizing infrastructure delivery.
  • Industry Updates & Opportunities: Stay informed about tenders, policies, and emerging business prospects.
  • Exclusive Interviews: Hear directly from industry leaders driving change in Kenya’s engineering ecosystem.

Whether you’re an engineer, policymaker, contractor, manufacturer, student, or technology enthusiast, this issue delivers insights that keep you informed, inspired, and connected to the heartbeat of Kenya’s engineering and industrial transformation.

Availability:

  • Print Edition: Get the premium-quality, full-color print edition delivered to your doorstep.
  • Digital Edition: Instantly access the full issue anywhere, anytime via downloadable PDF.

Order Now:

  • Buy Print Edition: https://apo-opa.co/4p5HyWE
  • Buy Digital Edition:  https://apo-opa.co/46ekxJo
  • Subscribe to Print Edition (6 Issues Per Year): https://apo-opa.co/4n6Joof

– on behalf of The Kenya Engineer.

For press inquiries, partnerships, or advertising opportunities, contact:
Email: admin@kenyaengineer.co.ke

About Kenya Engineer Magazine:
For over five decades, Kenya Engineer Magazine has been the leading source of information, insights, and inspiration for engineers and industrial professionals across Kenya and East Africa. Published bi-monthly, the magazine covers engineering innovations, project developments, policies, and opportunities shaping the region’s future.

Website: www.KenyaEngineer.co.ke

Media files

.

Posted on

Call to advance financial inclusion for women

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has emphasised the importance of collaborative ecosystems in driving successful and resilient women-owned businesses across Africa.

Addressing the Group Twenty (G20) Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) Women to Africa event, held in Johannesburg on Friday, Chikunga said governments, including private sector, development institutions, and women entrepreneurs, should work together to advance financial inclusion for women. 

“No economy can claim resilience if more than half its people — women, young and old — remain locked out of markets, of finance, of safety, and of dignity,” the Minister said.

Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the EWWG prioritises the care economy, financial inclusion for women and ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“These priorities sit firmly within Africa’s broader G20 Presidency agenda — reforming global governance institutions, financing sustainable development and climate action, driving inclusive growth and job creation, harnessing digital transformation, and building peace and resilient societies. None of these can succeed if women are left behind.

“At the continental level, Agenda 2063 reminds us that Africa’s future will be people-driven, especially by women and young people. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — the largest integration project in the world — must open its value chains to women, who already make up 70% of cross-border traders. If AfCFTA does not work for women, it will not work for Africa,” the Minister said.

At the domestic level, South Africa has made progress, women now make up 43% of Cabinet, 43.5% of Parliament, and 45% of the judiciary. 

The new Public Procurement Act makes the 40% set-aside for women-owned businesses binding, not optional. 

“Yet challenges remain, 35.7% women’s unemployment, with young women above 44%; women represent less than 13% of patent holders; and the cost of GBVF drains our economy of billions each year.

“These realities remind us that progress without transformation is organised inequality. And they demand that Africa’s G20 Presidency must not end with words, but with a legacy of systems that work for women,” Chikunga said.

The Minister therefore called for bold shifts, not just commitments, but concrete actions.

“We must finance the missing middle by unlocking affordable capital for women-owned businesses that are too big for microfinance and too small for traditional banks.

“We must place women at the frontier of Africa’s new industries — from renewable energy and agritech to digital and advanced manufacturing — as leaders, owners, and innovators.

“We must institutionalise accountability beyond events. Conferences do not change the world — systems do. That means setting measurable targets, enforcing fair payment norms for women-owned businesses, tracking progress publicly, and embedding zero tolerance for gender-based violence in every workplace,” the Minister said.

She said these shifts are reinforced by the legacy projects of Africa’s G20 Presidency.

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024, and it will run until 30 November 2025, under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

It comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States) and two regional bodies, namely the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU).

The G20 members represent around 85% of the global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Eskom marks over 105 days without loadshedding

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom’s power system remains stable, with the power utility reached 105 consecutive days without loadshedding to South Africa.

In a statement on Friday, Eskom said this milestone, driven by consistently low level of unplanned outages, underscores the sustained improvements in the performance of the generation fleet.

“This milestone builds on the momentum of Financial Year (FY) 2025, which recorded 352 loadshedding-free days, and reflects a significant improvement from the 36 days achieved in FY2024. As the winter season concludes, the national grid remains stable and reliable, reinforcing Eskom’s commitment to ending loadshedding,” Eskom said.

Eskom’s sustained technical improvements have ensured a reliable power system, meeting more than 97% of electricity demand this winter and financial year to date. 

South Africa has experienced no loadshedding since 15 May 2025, with only 26 hours recorded between 1 April and 28 August 2025.

“The resilience of our generation fleet continues to improve, with unplanned losses due to breakdowns now at 8 948MW, well below the 10 000MW threshold, highlighting the structural progress in plant performance as a result of the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan,” Eskom said.

Between 15 and 28 August 2025, planned maintenance increased, averaging 6 968MW. 

During this period, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) fluctuated between 64% and 75%, with the month-to-date average rising to 66.15%. 

“This upward trend reflects growing stability and improved reliability across the generation fleet. These figures exclude Kusile Unit 6, which has been contributing 720MW to the national grid since 23 March 2025. Although not yet in commercial operation, the unit is expected to reach that milestone by September 2025.

“To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 4 830MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 01 September 2025, and throughout the coming week,” Eskom said.

Between 1 April and 28 August 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 27.3%. 

This represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.55%, although it remains about 1.6% higher than the 25.67% recorded during the same period last year.

The open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) load factor further decreased to 0.16% this week from 0.78% the previous week (21–28 August 2025), with OCGTs utilised strategically to address occasional system constraints during morning and evening peak periods.

From 1 April to 28 August 2025, diesel spend remains well under the allocated budget. 

“The Winter Outlook, published on 5 May 2025, covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid. It indicates that loadshedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, loadshedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2.

“With just two days remaining in Eskom’s Winter Outlook period, the power system remains well-positioned to maintain stability and reliably meet demand,” the utility said.

The available generation capacity currently stands at 29 132MW, while Friday’s electricity demand was expected to reach 25 797MW. 

The current capacity is sufficient to meet both Friday’s demand and anticipated requirements over the weekend.

Eskom is scheduled to announce its Summer Outlook in September 2025. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

NYDA clarifies partnership with Scorpion Kings

Source: Government of South Africa

NYDA clarifies partnership with Scorpion Kings

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has sought to clarify that its partnership with music duo Scorpion Kings for a concert was a non-financial collaboration aimed at creating opportunities for young people in the creative sector.

This comes after the agency noted concerns raised by the public regarding its involvement in the event.

“The NYDA has entered a partnership with Scorpion Kings to expand opportunities for young people. The NYDA did not pay or provide financial support for the Scorpion Kings event,” NYDA said in a statement on Friday.

The partnership provides the National Youth Service (NYS) participants with exposure and practical experience in event management and related functions, while supporting the broader growth of South Africa’s arts and culture industry.

“By engaging young people in event functions such as ushering, stage support, and front-of house operations, the NYS is helping to build technical and professional skills that extend across the arts, culture, and entertainment industries. 

“This positions the NYS as a key enabler of entry-level opportunities, giving participants the foundation to pursue careers in events, stage management, production, hospitality, and beyond.

“The Scorpion Kings concert partnership illustrates how public-private collaboration can create spaces for youth to be active participants in major cultural events, not just as audiences but as contributors,” the agency said.

Currently, more than 4 000 NYS participants are applying their craft to uplift communities, whether through local performances or cultural initiatives that foster social cohesion.

Additionally, through the Young Creatives Programme (TYCP) and the partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), over 330 young artists are supported to grow their talents while preserving and promoting South Africa’s cultural heritage.

According to the NYDA, the creative arts and entertainment sector is one of the fastest-growing contributors to South Africa’s economy, however, it remains underdeveloped in terms of accessible pathways for youth. 

“The NYS is working to bridge this gap. This partnership is more than a single event. It represents a broader vision of youth empowerment, using the service as a platform for skills development, employability, and sector transformation. 

“By integrating youth into the creative industries, the NYS contributes to diversification, professionalisation, and unlocking the sector’s potential for job creation. Equally, it positions the NYS as a structured, scalable model for industries seeking to nurture and grow young talent, as well as advancing inclusive economic growth,” NYDA said.

The agency said it plans to scale and replicate this model to impact youth across both rural areas and their urban counterparts, ensuring equitable access to opportunities within the creative economy nationwide. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

35 views

Posted on

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Expresses Solidarity with Egypt and Conveys Condolences Over Victims of Train Accident

Source: APO


.

The UAE expressed its solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt following a train derailment in Matrouh Governorate, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Egypt over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Posted on

Government welcomes ruling on foreign nationals in Bellville sites

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has welcomed the Western Cape High Court ruling granting the City of Cape Town, in partnership with the Departments of Home Affairs and Public Works and Infrastructure, authority to serve eviction notices at the Wingfield and Paint City sites in Bellville.

This follows the COVID-19 lockdown, when groups of people were relocated to the two sites after their removal from Greenmarket Square and the Central Methodist Church in Cape Town’s city centre. 

While many accepted support and reintegration, approximately 160 people remained at Wingfield and 200 at Paint City, rejecting assistance and demanding relocation abroad – requests that government said were not legally feasible.

“This ruling demonstrates the importance of collaboration between national and local government. Together with the City and the Department of Home Affairs, we have taken a decisive step towards restoring these sites and ensuring that state-owned assets are protected and used for the benefit of the public.

“We are relentlessly pursuing our agenda to reclaim state assets and repurpose them for public good. The rule of law will be enforced. No person has the legal right to unlawfully occupy state land or to claim public buildings and land as their own. It is our responsibility to return these properties to their intended purpose so they can contribute to the upliftment of our communities,” the Minister said on Friday.

The Minister also stressed that the evictions will help relieve the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure of the millions of rands in costs paid each month to maintain tents and facilities at these sites, freeing up funds for essential infrastructure and service delivery. 

The ruling allows the sheriff of the court, working with government partners, to serve notices on those currently occupying the sites.

“This process will allow us to reclaim these sites to ensure they become productive spaces that can be used to support community development,” Macpherson. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

South Africa calls for immediate end to Sudan conflict

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa calls for immediate end to Sudan conflict

With the escalation of fighting in the Republic of the Sudan, the South African government has reiterated its call for an immediate end to the conflict and resumption of genuine and sincere talks to bring an end to the conflict.

The on-going armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in the significant loss of civilian lives, the destruction of property, especially critical infrastructure, and the internal and external displacement of the Sudanese population.

Since 15 April 2023, the innocent people of Sudan have been subjected to suffering in this crossfire, with the gravity of the situation becoming more dire.

In a statement on Saturday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the latest brutal attack on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which has been besieged for over 500 days, is yet another example of the many atrocities the civilians have had to endure. 

It has been reported that heavy artillery was fired at densely packed neighbourhoods, including the central market and Awlad al-Reef, claiming around 24 lives, leaving 55 others wounded, among the wounded are five women. 

“South Africa stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan, especially women and children, who continue to face the plight of this war. This prolonged conflict poses a grave threat to the stability and economic prosperity of Sudan and the broader region, as its spillover effects, including the humanitarian and refugee crisis have worsened,” DIRCO said.

South Africa has also called on all the parties to the conflict to respect international law, including international humanitarian law that seeks to protect civilians, especially women and children. 

“In this regard, we also urge the parties to allow access for the distribution of humanitarian assistance as well as the provision of critical medical support to those in desperate need, notably in El Fasher.

“There can be no military solution to the conflict, which must be resolved in a peaceful manner on the basis of a Sudanese-owned and Sudanese-led inclusive dialogue, paving the way to a peaceful transition process where a civilian-led, democratic government, can steer the country towards harmony, reconciliation and redevelopment.

“It cannot be emphasised enough that there is an urgent need to put an end to this conflict where indiscriminate human rights abuses are committed daily. Despite the numerous mediation efforts, which have yet to yield a peaceful resolution, the role of multilateral and regional bodies and other initiatives, remains relevant, and the work must continue ceaselessly to this end,” the Ministry said.

South Africa has reaffirmed its full support to the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to promote the peaceful end to the conflict through mediation and dialogue that will ensure that the people of Sudan can enjoy sustainable peace and freedom in this lifetime. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

69 views

Posted on

Ambassador Mahlangu honoured with Special Official Funeral Category 2

Source: Government of South Africa

Ambassador Mahlangu honoured with Special Official Funeral Category 2

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, former Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

The long-serving diplomat passed away at the age of 72 on 24 August 2025, on his way to a South African hospital after a short illness.

The President has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from Saturday, 30 August 2025, until the evening of his funeral on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the Mahlangu family, colleagues, comrades, and associates with whom Ambassador Mahlangu engaged during his distinguished career.

Ambassador Mahlangu served as the High Commissioner of South Africa to the Republic of Kenya; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).

He was instrumental in the drafting of South Africa’s democratic Constitution and served in the first Parliament.

“The President has declared that Ambassador Mahlangu will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 which will entail ceremonial honours performed by the South African Police Service,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The funeral service will take place in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

72 views

Posted on

Standard Bank invests $10m to support African women fund managers

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has welcomed Standard Bank’s commitment to invest $10 million to the African Women Impact Fund (AWIF), aimed at supporting women fund managers with businesses in Africa.   

The AWIF is a private-public partnership that recognises women are essential to Africa’s social and economic transformation.

It was launched in response to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which target gender equality, decent work and economic growth to address the $42 billion funding gap experienced by women entrepreneurs on the continent. 

“We are proud to witness key public-private partnerships like this one, which move beyond dialogue and translate into strategic, sustainable solutions. It is through collaboration that a greater potential for success and shared benefits for our communities and country can be achieved,” the Minister said on Friday.

Standard Bank’s investment was announced at the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) Women to Africa event hosted in partnership with Standard Bank and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) at the Inanda Club in Sandton.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of this initiative. Our focus is on driving sustainable growth across Africa by mobilising capital for women-owned businesses. 

“By strengthening the role of women as fund managers and decision makers, we are helping expand access to finance, unlock opportunities and drive growth,” Standard Bank Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking Luvuyo Masinda said.

According to the IFC report, Gender and Investing: Women Fund Managers and Capital Allocation Trends, female fund investment managers are two times more likely to invest in women-led businesses, which can create a ripple effect and accelerate the financial inclusion of women. 

AWIF is a scalable and sustainable platform that empowers women as fund managers and creates opportunities for investing into women-owned or women-led enterprises through market-based approaches.

This AWIF’s approach and strategy allows for the private sector to play a stronger role in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth in developing countries. 

“This is the reason we must be intentional about gender-focused investing and ensure that women are well represented in decision-making roles within the investment management industry,” Standard Bank’s Executive Head of Strategic Partnerships Global Markets and Chair of the African Women Impact Fund (AWIF) Lindeka Dzedze said.

The AWIF’s strategy calls for actions to accelerate the empowerment of women and close multi-sectoral disparities. 

Through its ability to work and develop small managers who otherwise go untapped by larger institutions, the AWIF’s reach of fund managers, and the number of potential Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) is a powerful multiplier effect that speaks to economic transformations at a macro level.

The G20 Women to Africa event was a platform for strategic, action driven dialogue on gender equality and financial inclusion. 

It recognised key ecosystem players who are vital in shifting institutional power and was a sector-wide call-to-action for commitments and partnerships involving diverse stakeholders from public, private, and civil society sectors. –SAnews.gov.za