Category: MIL-OSI

Source: APO – Report:

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Today in the Korean capital Seoul, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in a roundtable meeting with the Chief Executive Officers of major companies and representatives of the business community in the Republic of Korea. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the President’s state visit to the Republic of Korea.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said twenty-three leading Korean companies took part in the meeting, during which President El-Sisi lauded the firm economic and investment partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Korea. The President affirmed Egypt’s commitment to further advancing collaboration with the Korean side to elevate cooperation to higher and more ambitious prospects.

Addressing the meeting, the President expressed his appreciation for the outstanding role played by Korean companies as trusted partners in supporting Egypt’s comprehensive development efforts.
President El-Sisi underscored the robust Egyptian political will to foster closer cooperation with the Republic of Korea and expand its prospects, particularly in the economic, investment, manufacturing, and technology fields.

President El-Sisi reviewed the measures undertaken by the Egyptian State in recent years to reform the economy, improve the investment climate, and create a conducive business environment. These efforts included implementing a comprehensive program of structural and economic reforms, encompassing the exchange rate liberalization, the modernization of legislative and regulatory frameworks governing investment, and the expansion of the private sector’s role as a principal partner in the development process. The President noted that the positive outcomes of these measures have been reflected in economic indicators and assessments by international institutions, thereby reinforcing confidence in the Egyptian economy and its capacity to attract more investment.

President El-Sisi highlighted the comprehensive package of investment incentives and facilities provided by the Egyptian State. These include streamlining procedures through the single-window system and providing industrial land at competitive rates and with state-of-the-art infrastructure built to the highest standards. This is in addition to maintaining Egypt’s steadfast commitment to offering full guarantees to safeguard investments and ensure the unrestricted repatriation of profits. Moreover, the State is implementing specialized programs to train and qualify the Egyptian workforce to meet the demands of modern enterprises. President El-Sisi also emphasized Egypt’s keenness on facilitating competitive financing to support partnerships and remove potential obstacles facing investors, including provisions for bringing in the expert technical personnel required for project implementation in Egypt.

The President also asserted that Egypt seeks to strengthen cooperation with the Republic of Korea across several strategically prioritized projects. President El-Sisi renewed the invitation to establish a fully integrated Korean Industrial Zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). The President affirmed that such a zone could serve as a regional production and export hub for Korean corporations, noting that this strategic hub would not only meet the demands of Egypt’s expansive domestic market but also offer access to regional and global markets, leveraging the extensive network of free trade agreements connecting Egypt with Africa, the European Union, and the Arab nation states.

President El-Sisi also noted that Egypt’s vision for partnership with the Republic of Korea extends beyond the concept of traditional trade exchange to encompass the localization of industry, technology transfer, capacity building, and fostering of innovation.
The President emphasized Egypt’s welcoming of industrial and investment partnerships based on joint manufacturing in vital sectors, including shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, electronics, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as advanced technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and data centers. This is in addition to promising opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, food processing, aquaculture, textiles, and tourism, particularly in new development projects extending along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts.

President El-Sisi also underscored the importance of Korean companies considering the expansion of their investments in the oil, gas, and mining sectors, as well as leveraging opportunities available in new, renewable, and clean energy projects, including solar power, wind energy, green hydrogen, smart grids, and energy-storage technologies.

The President further highlighted the significant potential for partnerships between Egyptian and Korean companies to implement joint construction, building, and infrastructure projects in Arab and African countries. The President also stressed the importance of activating the role of the Egyptian-Korean Business Council, working toward the regular holding of a joint economic forum, and developing specific action plans to ensure that the available opportunities are translated into tangible projects on the ground.

The event also featured an interactive dialogue with the Korean business community, during which participants explored opportunities for establishing strategic and sustainable partnerships between Egypt and the Republic of Korea. The participants expressed their appreciation for the President’s remarks, praising the measures taken by the Egyptian state over the past several years to facilitate the implementation of trade and investment partnerships and improve the business climate. They emphasized the need to continue working toward developing joint initiatives that serve the interests of both sides, capitalizing on the promising opportunities for Egyptian-Korean cooperation across various fields.

They also expressed the Korean companies’ interest in operating in Egypt, given its strategic geographic location, attractive investment environment, and status as a gateway to Africa and the broader region.

President El-Sisi reiterated the state’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities to investors, particularly Korean investors, and called on them to take advantage of the facilities offered by Egypt. The President described investment in Egypt as a valuable opportunity given the country’s stability, and invited Korean companies to visit Egypt to explore investment opportunities, learn about the facilities provided by the state, and identify potential partnerships.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Source: APO – Report:

The 7th World Bank Mission for the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project Phase II (DRDIP II) was held to review the project’s 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY) performance and discuss progress, challenges, and future priorities.

The meeting brought together World Bank officials, Ministry of Agriculture representatives, project staff, and regional authorities. Speaking at the forum, Dr. Isayas Nigatu, Ethiopia’s Coordinator for DRDIP II, said the project is making a significant contribution to improving the livelihoods of refugees and host communities through various development interventions. He noted that the World Bank conducts biannual missions to assess implementation progress, address challenges, and strengthen support for the effective delivery of project activities.

Mrs. Belaynesh Kumsa, Advisor to the state minister for Crop and Horticulture Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the major achievements registered under the project. She stated that DRDIP II has made notable progress in community infrastructure development, environmental protection and rehabilitation, and livelihood enhancement activities.According to Ms. Belaynesh, the project has implemented 469 community infrastructure sub-projects, directly benefiting more than 2.1 million people in refugee-hosting areas. She also noted that environmental rehabilitation initiatives have restored 35,960 hectares of land, contributing to improved natural resource management and climate resilience.

Mr. Tsehay Eshete, National Manager of the Refugee Impact Response Development Project, said the review mission aimed to evaluate the project’s performance against its planned objectives and ensure that implementation remains aligned with its strategic goals. He added that the forum also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify priority areas requiring greater attention in the coming implementation period. During the discussions, participants presented implementation updates, reviewed key achievements, and examined challenges affecting project delivery.

The forum concluded with a shared agreement on future focus areas and recommendations to further enhance the project’s impact on refugee and host communities.Ethiopia currently hosts more than one million refugees from neighboring countries. Through investments in infrastructure, environmental restoration, and livelihood development, DRDIP II continues to support sustainable development and strengthen the resilience of both refugees and host communities.

– on behalf of Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia.

Source: APO – Report:

Representing H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson, participated in the opening ceremony of the African Seed Summit, held on 6 October 2026 in the Kingdom of Eswatini, graced by His Majesty King Mswati III. The ceremony brought together African Union leadership, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and key stakeholders, ahead of the Ministerial Session.

Held under the theme “Resilient Seed Systems for a Food-Secure Africa,” the Summit reflected the African Union’s commitment, in line with the Executive Council’s decision, to deepen engagement and investment in Africa’s seed sector.

It underscored a fundamental truth: Africa’s food security begins with the seed. Building resilient and productive agricultural systems requires sustained investment, innovation, stronger institutions and, above all, effective implementation.

We must move beyond policies on paper to ensure that quality seed reaches farmers. Progress should be measured not only by the commitments made, but by their tangible impact on farmers’ fields, livelihoods and communities.

The Summit therefore provides an important platform to renew our collective commitment to resilient seed systems and to translate that commitment into concrete actions, investments and measurable results that empower farmers and strengthen the continent’s agricultural resilience.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).

Source: APO – Report:

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare branch in the Gash Barka Region has provided educational materials worth about 200,000 Nakfa to students from families facing socio-economic challenges.

Mr. Tesfagebriel Gebreselasie, acting head of the Ministry’s regional branch, said that the 1,720 beneficiary students were from the region’s 16 sub-zones and had been identified by their respective local administrations.

Mr. Tesfagebriel further stated that the support aimed to enable disadvantaged students to continue their education without interruption due to a lack of educational materials. He called on the public to fulfill their civic responsibility by supporting citizens facing socio-economic challenges. He also called for greater community participation in identifying and supporting citizens in need.

– on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO – Report:

Building a community capable of anticipating health crises, detecting threats early, sharing information quickly, and responding in a coordinated and effective manner.This is the aspiration expressed by the Resident Representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in Togo, Ms. Deweh Emily Gray, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Lomé, the Togolese capital, at the opening of the 11th annual meeting of animal health networks on the theme “Strengthening the Surveillance and Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases in the ECOWAS Region.”

For Ms. Deweh Emily Gray, the choice of this theme speaks for itself, as it reflects ECOWAS’s commitment to protecting animal resources, supporting the economic development of its member states, and promoting regional integration.

Among animal resources, she cited livestock farming, which is a vital component of West Africa’s agricultural economy, noting that it contributes significantly to food and nutritional security and serves as an important source of income for local populations.

“However, this vital sector remains exposed to persistent and re-emerging threats related to transboundary animal diseases, including Small Ruminant Peste (SRP), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Avian Influenza, and Rabies,” stated Ms. Deweh Emily Gray.

Echoing this sentiment, the Togolese Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty, through his Chief of Staff, Dindiogue Konlani, outlined several approaches to better address these threats.

“In the face of these health threats, no country can succeed on its own. The fight against animal diseases is, by its very nature, a matter of solidarity and collective action,” he suggested.

Both Dindiogue Konlani and Ms. Deweh Emily Gray urged participants to engage in constructive and fruitful discussions that would lead to relevant recommendations for further strengthening the surveillance and control of epizootics.

For their part, the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Lionel Gbaguidi, and the director of the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-BIRA), Dr. Huyam Salih—represented by the Regional Coordinator for the Control and Eradication of Small Ruminant Peste in West Africa, Dr. Perdita Hilary Lopes—expressed their gratitude to ECOWAS and the Regional Animal Health Center (CRSA) for their consistent leadership in promoting regional cooperation on animal health.

They reiterated their commitment to working with ECOWAS, its member states, and regional institutions to strengthen coordinated action against transboundary animal diseases, support veterinary laboratories, and develop information systems capable of providing reliable data for rapid and coordinated decision-making.

The objectives of this meeting are to consolidate regional animal health governance, strengthen coordination among the various stakeholders, and adopt strategic and operational tools essential for the prevention, early detection, and control of transboundary animal diseases.

Participants include heads of veterinary services, presidents of national veterinary associations, and focal points for the regional networks of animal health laboratories (RESOLAB) and epidemiological surveillance (RESEPI) from ECOWAS and Sahel member states.

Representatives from the Regional Animal Health Center (CRSA), the West African Health Organization (OOAS), and the ECOWAS Regional Disease Control Center, as well as technical and financial partners, are also participating in the proceedings.

In particular, they will review and adopt the electronic platform of the Regional Animal Health Information System (SRISA), developed by the CRSA to improve the collection, analysis, sharing, and use of animal health data for rapid and coordinated decision-making.

On the sidelines of the meeting, a gathering of ECOWAS ministers responsible for animal health will be held to approve regional strategies for the protection and conservation of donkeys by 2030, for the prevention and control of foot-and-mouth disease in West Africa (2026–2030), and for the prevention and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza and related action plans (2026–2031).

This 11th annual meeting of the animal health networks is organized by the Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC), a specialized agency of the ECOWAS Commission. Originally based in Bamako, Mali, it is now located in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

Established in 2012, the CRSA is responsible for strengthening regional cooperation on animal health and welfare. Its primary mission is to coordinate and harmonize the policies and interventions of ECOWAS member states in the prevention and control of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, returning for its biggest edition yet from October 12-16, is preparing to welcome over 10,000 delegates to Cape Town, reinforcing its position as the premier platform to do business in African energy. More than a conference, AEW has evolved into an African energy movement designed to advance projects, facilitate partnerships and mobilize investment across the entire energy value chain.

The 2026 edition is gearing up to be the most impactful to date, convening international investors, African governments, leading operators and technology developers for five days of dialogue and deals. From dedicated investor forums and project showcases to ministerial discussions, technical stages and networking functions, AEW 2026 will turn Cape Town into the center of African energy dealmaking.

Global Energy Leaders Converge on Cape Town

AEW 2026 is designed to foster greater engagement between international partners and African stakeholders. As such, the event will feature extensive international participation, connecting Africa’s energy markets with companies, financiers and policymakers from across the world. Government representatives from the United States, Europe, Japan, Venezuela, Russia, the Caribbean and Asia are participating, bringing global perspectives to African energy development.

Discussions and deals will also be led by the companies driving global energy investment. Energy majors including ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, bp, Chevron and ConocoPhillips will participate alongside global technology leaders such as SLB, Technip Energies, Halliburton and more. Strategic sessions are geared towards advancing Africa’s position in international markets, including the Russia-Africa Energy Investment Forum; Global Energy Leaders Forum; U.S.-Africa Energy & Investment Forum; OPEC-Africa Roundtables, among others.

African Governments to Shape Next Phase of Energy Development

African governments will take center stage throughout AEW 2026, using the platform to outline policy priorities, promote projects and acreage and engage directly with prospective investors. Hydrocarbon and energy ministers from South Africa, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Namibia, Niger and more are delivering addresses, reflecting AEW’s position as the official meeting place for Africa’s energy industry.   

Dedicated investment sessions will put individual markets directly in front of investors. Sessions will examine Nigeria’s drive to increase production and revitalize idle wells; Namibia’s path from Orange Basin discoveries to first oil; Mozambique’s LNG and upstream growth; Congo’s oil and gas value chain; Senegal’s gas-led industrialization strategy; Equatorial Guinea’s Mega Gas Hub; and Ghana’s ambitions to scale from extraction to production. National showcases will also highlight Algeria’s 2026 licensing round and Angola’s Gas Master Plan.

One Event, Multiple Platforms for Engagement 

Across five days, delegates can expect a multi-track program covering the full energy value chain. The AEW Townhall, Upstream E&P Forum, Energy Finance Forum, Energy Additions Forum and Downstream & Petchem Forum will examine the commercial, financial and policy questions shaping Africa’s energy future. Renegade Intel will explore the intersection of energy, artificial intelligence, data centers and digital infrastructure, while Power Africa Today will focus on the continent’s electricity sector.

AEW’s technical program will run across The Drill Room and The Innovation Hub, giving companies a platform to showcase technologies and technical solutions. Pre-conference workshops, investor forums, roundtables and masterclasses will further expand opportunities for targeted engagement, while the Deal Room provides a dedicated environment for project sponsors and developers to present active energy and infrastructure opportunities directly to investors and lenders.

Dealmaking Continues Beyond the Conference Floor

AEW 2026 is designed to facilitate engagement beyond formal panel discussions. The Just Energy Transition Concert will kickstart the week with a celebration of energy and music. The African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner will bring the industry together to recognize the projects, companies and individuals advancing Africa’s energy sector, while a series of networking functions – from cocktails to breakfast sessions and showcases – will strengthen relationship-building.

“AEW is Africa’s energy movement. Ten thousand people are coming to Cape Town not simply to talk about Africa’s energy future, but to build it – to finance projects, form partnerships, sign deals and move investment forward. This is where Africa sets its energy agenda and where the people with the capital, projects and authority to deliver it come together,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) will launch the State of African Energy 2027 Outlook Report at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) in collaboration with S&P Global Energy, and powered by S&P Global Energy data – taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16. The report will present the Chamber’s latest assessment of the continent’s energy markets, investment opportunities and infrastructure priorities. It arrives as Africa navigates shifting global energy markets, renewed upstream investment and growing demand for reliable electricity.

Upstream Investment Enters a New Phase

Africa’s upstream sector is experiencing a cautious investment renewal, with hydrocarbon production expected to reach approximately 11 million barrels of oil per day (bpd) in 2027 before rising to 12.5 million bpd by 2030. Deepwater exploration remains a major growth driver, particularly across frontier and emerging basins, while mature producers confront declining output and aging infrastructure.

The report highlights a changing ownership landscape as international oil companies rationalize portfolios and African independents expand their positions. Companies including Seplat, Oando and Assala are increasingly acquiring assets, while regional financial institutions, Middle Eastern investors and Asian national oil companies are providing alternative sources of capital for African projects.

Gas Moves Beyond Exports

With Africa holding more than 550 trillion cubic feet of known resources and supplying approximately 9% of global LNG volumes in 2025, gas occupies a central position in the Outlook. The report identifies growing opportunities to monetize these resources through LNG, pipelines, domestic consumption and gas-to-power developments.

The Outlook also examines South Africa and Mozambique as case studies for developing LNG import markets, while Libya receives dedicated analysis of its gas resource base, existing infrastructure and regulatory reforms. Across the continent, the AEC emphasizes domestic gas utilization as a pathway to electricity generation, industrialization and broader economic value.

Power Demand Creates Investment Opportunities

Africa’s electricity deficit remains one of the continent’s largest development constraints, with approximately 565 million people lacking access to electricity. The Outlook highlights rising demand from population growth, urbanization and digital infrastructure, while identifying distributed generation, microgrids, gas-fired generation, renewables and regional power pools as critical investment opportunities.

With more than 500 GW of potential capacity reportedly in conceptual planning stages, renewable energy is also creating significant investment opportunities across the continent, according to the Outlook. Solar and wind developments are expected to attract substantial investment, while transmission infrastructure, independent power projects and cross-border electricity trading will be essential to converting generation potential into reliable supply.

Critical Minerals Strengthen Africa’s Strategic Position

The report identifies critical minerals as another major source of investment and industrial opportunity. Africa’s reserves of copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese, PGMs and graphite are attracting growing interest from China, the U.S., Europe and emerging middle powers seeking secure supply chains.

The AEC emphasizes in the report that Africa’s opportunity extends beyond mineral extraction. Developing refining, processing and manufacturing capacity could allow resource-rich countries to capture more value domestically while supporting infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor and Trans-Guinean railway.

A Platform for Africa’s Energy Future

The launch at AEW 2027 will position the State of African Energy 2027 Outlook Report as a key reference point for investors, policymakers and industry stakeholders assessing Africa’s evolving energy landscape. Its central message is that the continent’s energy transition must be grounded in energy access, resource development, infrastructure investment and commercially viable projects.

By bringing together the latest outlook for hydrocarbons, gas, power, renewables and critical minerals, the report provides a strategic framework for identifying opportunities across Africa’s energy economy. Its launch at AEW 2026 will further reinforce the event’s role as a platform connecting African projects with global capital and technology.

Set for October 12–16 in Cape Town, AEW 2026 is fast-approaching, but there is still time to secure your place. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information or email registration@aecweek.com to secure your spot.  

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Source: APO – Report:

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The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (www.CanadaAfrica.ca) is pleased to announce that the 7th Canada-Africa Business Conference will take place in Windhoek, Namibia, from 2–4 February 2027, under the headline sponsorship of B2Gold. The program opens with a site visit to B2Gold’s Otjikoto operations on 2–3 February, followed by a full conference day on Thursday, 4 February — in the days immediately preceding the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. The Conference is anticipated to be the largest event the Chamber has convened on the African continent in its 33-year history.

During Africa Accelerating 2026, held in Toronto, a point was made that echoed throughout the program: all roads lead to Namibia for the next Canada-Africa Business Conference. “We are so delighted to be returning to Windhoek, and to be doing so with partners who continue to demonstrate what Canada-Africa collaboration can achieve,” said Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

“Last year we welcomed over 50 Canadian company representatives among the hundreds of delegates – we’ve now doubled capacity for the next event, based on demand,” explained Bloor during the Africa Accelerating conference underway in Toronto this year.

In remarks to the previous Canada-Africa Business Conference in Windhoek, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, recognized the Chamber “for convening leaders from across Canada and Africa” — commending its role in advancing investment, trade and partnership, and in connecting businesses and institutions to drive practical collaboration and shared growth.

“B2Gold is proud to support the Chamber’s largest event on African soil in its 33-year history, and proud that it is taking place in Namibia,” said John Roos, Managing Director of B2Gold Namibia. “Otjikoto has shown what is possible when a Canadian company and a Namibian community build together over the long term, in a country that is a gateway to the African continent. Welcoming business leaders to the mining operations, and to the investments in other sectors that have grown up around them, alongside the launch of the B2Gold Foundation in Windhoek, is our way of inviting others to see that partnership for themselves — and to consider what they might build here.”

Africa Accelerating, the Chamber’s flagship conference taking place in Canada this week, also featured a keynote address by Neil Reeder, Vice President, Government Relations at B2Gold, underscoring how vital B2Gold’s work is as a model for Canada-Africa trade and investment — and for deeper engagement between Canada and African markets.

Individuals who wish to find out more may visit the conference page here (https://apo-opa.co/4zjUsEH).

Registrants who wish to indicate their interest in joining the event may do so here (https://apo-opa.co/4hwRBlL).

– on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

Links to additional content:
Photos from this year’s conference: https://apo-opa.co/4j9Uavm
This year’s conference that took place: https://apo-opa.co/3TrkbvL

Media Contacts:
The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business:
Press Officer
press@canadaafrica.ca

B2Gold:
Namasiku Nalisa
Corporate Communications Manager
nnalisa@b2gold.com

About The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business:
Established in 1994, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business is Canada’s leading organization dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Canada and African markets. An independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber’s network spans Canada and Africa, with strong working links to businesses and governments across both.

Source: APO – Report:

Following a meeting with H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Coca-Cola system (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) today announced a R500 million public-private partnership aimed at helping address South Africa’s growing water infrastructure challenges and strengthening long-term water security.   

This non-revenue water (NRW) initiative was developed in collaboration with Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, the World Bank Group’s 2030 Water Resources Group (2030 WRG) – which received funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation – the Platform for a Water Secure Gauteng, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Rand Water Services, Global Water Challenge (GWC), and the City of Tshwane. It forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s Africa Water Stewardship Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/4y69uwA) and aims to reduce municipal water and revenue losses due to leaks, while unlocking scalable private sector investment in public water systems.                                             

South Africa currently loses an estimated *47% of treated water through leaks, aging infrastructure, and other non-revenue water losses. The initiative directly complements efforts under the National Water Action Plan to improve municipal water delivery, strengthen operational efficiency, and accelerate investment into critical infrastructure.

“Water security is fundamental to South Africa’s economic growth, community resilience, and long-term sustainability,” said Luis Felipe Avellar, President of The Coca-Cola Company’s Africa operating unit. “Beyond its direct impact, the initiative demonstrates how collaborative action can help attract private investment and address critical water sector challenges. It supports the objectives of the National Water Action Plan and provides a scalable, catalytic model that could be replicated across South Africa.”

“This creates an important model for how public and private sector can work together to address infrastructure challenges at scale,” said Sunil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa. “We are committed to being part of the solution through partnerships that strengthen infrastructure resilience and water stewardship.”

The initiative, which follows the recent announcement of a planned R17.6 billion investment in South Africa through 2030 by the Coca-Cola system, will initially focus on targeted operational and infrastructure interventions in Gauteng, with phase one commencing in the City of Tshwane municipal system. Early implementation efforts will focus on leak reduction through pressure management and the installation of infrastructure to improve industrial effluent monitoring and accountability.

“Government welcomes partnerships that support our national commitment to improving water security and municipal service delivery,” said Hon Pemmy Majodina, Minister of Water and Sanitation. “Addressing non-revenue water losses is essential to ensuring sustainable access to water for communities, industry, and future economic growth. Through the work of the National Water Crisis Committee, we continue to drive collaborative solutions that strengthen municipal capacity and accelerate progress in addressing critical water challenges. This initiative demonstrates the value of partnership across government, business, and development partners in advancing a shared national priority.”

The programme also forms part of the Coca-Cola system’s longer-term water replenishment and sustainability goals. Between 2026 and 2031, the initiative aims to mobilize R250 million in investment, matched by Public Sector partners, resulting in a combined R500 million toward Gauteng municipal water infrastructure and NRW reduction initiatives.

The innovative mechanism addresses a significant structural gap in South Africa’s water sector by creating a platform for private sector participation in municipal water infrastructure investment.

“The World Bank Group, as part of our Water Strategy Implementation Plan Water Resources Group (WRG 2030), fully supports collaborative mechanisms that can mobilize investment, technical expertise, and operational capability toward critical development priorities,” said Lubabalo Luyaba, Senior Water Specialist at the World Bank Group. “The NRW programme is a practical demonstration of the municipal trading services reforms agenda, showing how alternative service delivery mechanisms can be used to improve infrastructure performance, reduce water losses, and strengthen the financial sustainability of municipalities.”

Coca-Cola HBC, which has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, also supports the effort. Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, said: “This is a very important initiative, and it’s inspiring to see government, business and development partners come together to make a real difference for communities. We look forward to continuing to help build water security across Africa.”

The collaboration is expected to expand into additional municipalities over time, creating a broader framework for infrastructure recovery.

* https://apo-opa.co/4jaoeqx

– on behalf of Coca-Cola.

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and Santa Clara. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com and follow us on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4ybJq3o), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3Vu0KD6) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4ybJksy).

Source: APO – Report:

During his working visit to the Republic of #Mauritius, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, held fruitful meeting this morning with H.E. Mr. Jean Yvan Robert Hungley, Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius,

The Chairperson expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him & his delegation during their visit.

During the meeting, the Chairperson commended Mauritius for its political stability, democratic institutions, economic transformation & strong culture of institutional credibility, describing the country as an inspiring example for Africa.

Discussions focused on Africa’s peace & security landscape, the implementation of Agenda 2063 & the continent’s vast economic potential, particularly its young & growing population. They agreed that, with Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, creating jobs, expanding opportunities and investing in Africa’s youth remain central to building a stable, integrated & prosperous continent.

The meeting also highlighted the strategic importance of Mauritius as a bridge between Africa & Asia. They  addressed the need to strengthen connectivity, port infrastructure, logistics, trade & regional supply chains, while advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area & removing barriers to intra-African commerce.

The Chairperson welcomed Mauritius’ contribution to strengthening Africa’s economic & financial architecture, including through the launch of the African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA), an initiative aimed at strengthening the credibility of African economies through reliable African data & analysis, while enhancing investor confidence.

Chairperson Youssouf also reaffirmed the AU’s solidarity with Mauritius on the Chagos issue, stressing the importance of completing the process of implementation.

Tourism, the blue economy & air connectivity were also discussed as important avenues for strengthening continental integration & people-to-people exchanges.

They reaffirmed the shared commitment of the AU & Mauritius to advancing a more integrated, connected & prosperous Africa; one that harnesses its resources, creates opportunities for its people & takes its rightful place in the global economy.

– on behalf of African Union (AU).