Category: MIL-OSI

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Africa Finance Corporation Partners Lagos Fashion Week 2025 to Drive Africa’s Creative and Manufacturing Transformation

Source: APO – Report:

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, has announced its partnership with Lagos Fashion Week 2025, underscoring its commitment to empowering Africa’s youth and creative industries, as engines for inclusive economic growth.

Africa’s apparel and textile exports is projected to reach$15b by 2030. As a key partner, AFC will support Lagos Fashion Week 2025 in advancing Africa’s creative economy, one of the continent’s fastest-growing sectors, by promoting sustainable production, local manufacturing, and value addition within the fashion and textiles value chain.

This collaboration builds on AFC’s broader mandate to drive industrialisation and job creation through strategic investments in critical infrastructure that transforms economies. Through its investee company ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), AFC is facilitating Africa’s transition from being primarily an exporter of raw materials to a producer and exporter of finished goods. The Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin Republic hosts world-class textile factories where African cotton is processed into finished garments and exported to leading global retailers, including The Children’s Store in the United States. This transformational project is creating thousands of skilled jobs for local youth and stands as a model of sustainability in textiles manufacturing with the use of 100% sustainably sourced cotton running exclusively on renewable energy and recycling up to 95% of its water. 

“Africa’s creative industries embody both our cultural pride and our economic promise. Through this partnership with Lagos Fashion Week 2025, we are advancing AFC’s commitment to turn that promise into measurable impact—supporting the full fashion value chain to empower the youth, strengthen local manufacturing, and drive value addition on the continent,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC. “By building critical infrastructure that underpins these creative value chains, AFC is ensuring that Africa’s designers and manufacturers can compete on a truly global stage,” he added.

Now in its 15th year, Lagos Fashion Week has become a globally recognised platform showcasing African design excellence and creativity. The 2025 edition will spotlight circular fashion, responsible sourcing, and regional value chains, areas where AFC’s infrastructure investments are helping bridge Africa’s creative and industrial potential.

Omoyemi Akerele, Founder of Lagos Fashion Week, said: “We are pleased to welcome AFC as a key partner for Lagos Fashion Week 2025. Their commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure and local manufacturing aligns with our mission to strengthen the foundations of Africa’s fashion ecosystem and foster meaningful leadership in financing sustainable infrastructure and manufacturing aligns perfectly with our vision for a future where Africa’s creative industries not only inspire but also produce and export value from within the continent.”

AFC’s partnership with Lagos Fashion Week 2025 follows similar collaborations across Africa’s creative landscape, including its +234Art Fair partnership with Ecobank, reflecting a continued commitment to supporting the continent’s young entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists who are redefining Africa’s global narrative. Collectively, AFC-backed projects have to date added over US$50 billion to GDP and supported the creation of 7 million jobs across 36 countries on the continent.

– on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporationc
Mobile : +234 1 279 9654
Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 46 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

www.AfricaFC.org

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SA welcomes Zim decision to lift ban on importation of maize and grains

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has welcomed the decision by Zimbabwean authorities to lift the ban on the importation of maize and other grains, as gazetted under the new Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025. 

The Minister hailed the move as a return to sound economic principles that are essential for the prosperity and stability of the Southern African region. 

“Exports stabilise local prices and the Zimbabwean market plays an important role for both white and yellow maize.

“This is an extremely welcome development that underscores the collective responsibility we share in ensuring food sufficiency.

“The agricultural sector thrives on predictability and efficiency, and restrictive trade measures – while sometimes intended to protect local producers – too often lead to market distortions that ultimately harm the consumer,” Steenhuisen said.

The formal removal of the ban is crucial for food security and consumer welfare across the region.

“By allowing the free flow of maize, particularly white maize that our people on the continent consume as a staple food, we are sending a clear signal of confidence to our agribusinesses and exporters, encouraging the investment and expanded production that benefits all in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States. 

“It strengthens regional integration and ensures that surplus-producing nations can readily meet the needs of their neighbours,” the Minister  said.

The Department of Agriculture said it remains committed to collaborating with all regional partners to promote fair, open and efficient trade in agricultural products, which is the cornerstone of sustainable growth and poverty alleviation in Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

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Police on the hunt for Westbury shooters

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Fannie Masemola, says police are working around the clock to apprehend the suspects behind Tuesday’s mass shooting in Westbury.

“It’s just a matter of time before we track down these teenagers. Our crime intelligence operatives, detectives and uniformed police are on the ground actively searching for these suspects at various areas of interest,” General Masemola said.

This as police on Tuesday responded to a shooting incident where six teenagers were shot. The victims were rushed to hospital where two of them were declared dead on arrival and four were receiving medical attention. Preliminary reports suggest that the shooting was gang related. It is reported that the six, aged between 14 and 19 years, were shot at by suspects believed to be from a rival gang.

The Commissioner visited Westbury in Gauteng on Tuesday night where he said he was continuously receiving a briefing on progress made in addressing gang violence in this area and other areas that are hotspots for gang violence in the province.

“I have instructed the provincial Commissioner of Gauteng to deal decisively with these lolly lounges where these children in all these hotspot areas are allegedly bunking school to sit and smoke drugs at these lounges,” he said.

He added that police are going after the owners of these houses and those that are supplying the drugs.
“We are also investigating the source of where these firearms are coming from and how children as young as 13 years old have access to these firearms.

“We are aware as indicated last night that older gang members are using children as runners to evade justice. We are indeed focusing on these handlers and surely, we will find them and make them answer as to why they are destroying the future of these young children.”

The Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) operating in eight communities ridden by gang activity such as Westbury, Langlaagte, Reiger Park, Eldorado Park and others continue to combat crime in a bid to enhance public safety.

“In a period of four months from June 2025 to September 2025, the AGU arrested 176 suspects for crimes which include murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as being in possession of drugs.

“Among the notable successes, the AGU has arrested 21 suspects for murder, 11 for attempted murder, 94 for drug-related offences, 24 for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, highlighting the police’s determination to reduce gang-related crimes.

“The AGU Detectives have also placed in court three cases, which have been concluded with a combined sentence of 17 years and four months for three accused,” Masemola said.

The AGU’s proactive measures have also led to seizures, including 26 firearms and 452 rounds of ammunition, two stolen vehicles, over 600 grams of dagga, 480 grams of methcathinone (CAT) and over 10 000 grams worth of mandrax tablets.

Other seized items include cellphones, medicine, knives, and substantial amount of cash, all contributing to the ongoing efforts to dismantle local criminal networks.

“As the SAPS, we continue to encourage community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious and criminal activity to the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, you may opt to remain anonymous, all information received will be treated with confidentiality.

“Our deployments remain in place, and we urge all these communities to work closely with the police to put an end to gang violence,” Masemola said.

According to Masemola, five survivors are fighting for their lives in hospital, and the two deceased victims have been identified as 18-year-old Tigan Du Plessis and 17- year-old Diegan Ryters.  – SAnews.gov.za

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SA to introduce framework to govern carbon markets

Source: Government of South Africa

Government is set to introduce a new framework to guide and expand high-integrity carbon markets in South Africa. 

Addressing the Carbon Markets Africa Summit 2025, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said when carbon markets are governed with integrity, they can mobilise finance, transfer technology, and drive inclusive growth. 

“The framework lays the foundation for developing, governing, and scaling high-integrity carbon markets in South Africa. It is designed to create an enabling environment for credible, transparent, and socially inclusive carbon market activity, aligned with our Nationally Determined Contributions and with the Paris Agreement’s cooperative mechanisms,” the Minister said in Johannesburg on Wednesday.    

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) embody South Africa’s efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

“The future of carbon markets will be defined not by promises but by performance. Our goal is simple: to build a credible system that attracts investment, delivers real emission reductions, and creates lasting value for our people. Through integrity, innovation and partnership, Africa can lead a new era of climate-smart growth,” George said. 

The Draft South African Carbon Markets Framework was developed under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. 

This draft framework has been widely consulted upon, with input from stakeholders across government, business, and civil society. It is now being vetted and will be gazetted soon. 

“Carbon markets are not a substitute for national action. They are a tool to deepen ambition, enable cooperation, and deliver measurable results. They provide a pathway for countries to work together while maintaining environmental integrity and national sovereignty,” the Minister said.

Building on this foundation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is developing a complementary instrument, the Draft Carbon Credit Revenue Plan, which aims to monetise the department’s natural assets and generate new sources of sustainable revenue.

“Together, these two draft instruments represent a bold and integrated approach to advancing climate finance: a framework for integrity, a plan for implementation, and a vision for inclusive growth,” he said.

The objectives of the Draft Carbon Credit Revenue Plan are threefold:
•    First, to generate sustainable revenue by converting South Africa’s forests, wetlands, oceans, and protected landscapes into high-integrity carbon credits.
•    Second, to reinvest this revenue into environmental programmes that advance national priorities and NDC targets, ensuring that ambition is matched by practical implementation.
•    Third, to reinforce South Africa’s leadership in climate innovation by demonstrating that environmental protection can drive economic growth, social inclusion, and resilience.

The Draft Carbon Credit Revenue Plan builds on the department’s existing portfolio of scalable programmes, which align with South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) priorities: biodiversity and conservation, climate change, oceans, chemicals and waste, and land use.

“In Forestry and Land Use, our Ten Million Trees Programme is ready to be scaled as a major afforestation project. We are advancing sustainable forest management and REDD+ [reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries] initiatives that protect vital ecosystems.

“In Biodiversity and Conservation, we are managing national parks and protected areas as verified carbon sinks, restoring degraded grasslands and biomes, and creating jobs through ecological restoration,” the Minister said.

Regarding the Oceans and Coasts, South Africa’s 3 000 kilometres of coastline holds immense Blue Carbon potential. 

The restoration of mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes supports climate mitigation and coastal community resilience.

“In Chemicals and Waste, we are capturing and destroying greenhouse gases from landfills, wastewater, and industrial processes, turning pollution into both a financial and environmental asset.

“We will begin with a comprehensive status analysis and a strong institutional setup, including an inter-agency arrangement. Pilot projects will be launched in the identified sectors to demonstrate early success,” he said.

A fair revenue-sharing model will ensure that benefits flow to the national fiscus, into project expansion, and to local communities who are the stewards of our land.

South Africa’s approach aligns with the Paris Agreement’s Crediting Mechanism, which ensures that South African credits are credible, respected, and tradable internationally. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Raila Odinga: the Kenyan statesman who championed competitive politics and accountability

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By John Mukum Mbaku, Professor, Weber State University

Raila Amolo Odinga, who died on 15 October 2025, aged 80, ran five times for the Kenyan presidency but didn’t win. Yet he became a statesman of enormous influence, whose political and humanitarian achievements surpassed those of many African heads of state. He will be remembered as one of the most important figures in the struggle for multiparty democracy.

In this, he was like his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga – who was the country’s first post-independence vice-president. Oginga was a patriot, a nationalist, and one of a small number of Kenyans who were instrumental in the struggle against colonialism. In 1960, Oginga turned down an opportunistic offer from British colonialists to become Kenya’s first prime minister. He argued that there could not be a meaningful transition to an independent Kenya while the popular Jomo Kenyatta was still imprisoned.

Odinga first captured national attention stage in 1982 when he was linked to a failed coup plot by a group of air force officers. From then on he was in and out of political detention and exile until 1992. He achieved much over the next three decades, but in my view, four things stand out in his rich political legacy:

1. Strong belief in the power of the people

His political career, which lasted over three decades, was driven by a strong belief in the ability of ordinary citizens to determine their own political and economic destiny.

This belief was evidenced by his lifelong support for and defence of multiparty democracy. To this statesman, competitive politics represented the most effective way for ordinary Kenyans to participate in the governing of their country. It was the means by which poor rural farmers, and families eking out a living on the margins of rich industrial centres like Nairobi, could force their governors to be accountable to them and the constitution.

Throughout his political career, Odinga exhibited trust and confidence in the ability of ordinary Kenyans to think for themselves. He extolled their capacity to choose their own leaders and to ensure that these leaders would not act only in their own self-interest.

It’s my argument that Odinga’s political philosophy was shaped and informed by what he learned from his father’s struggles and his own experiences with Kenya’s authoritarian political and opportunistic economic elites. Kenyans cannot and must not forget his eight years of imprisonment under the authoritarian regime of Daniel arap Moi (1982–1991); nor should they underestimate his support for the 2010 constitution, which transformed Kenya into a modern democracy.

2. Entrenching competitive politics

The early 1990s were a time of turmoil, not just in Kenya. Throughout Africa many grassroots movements were fighting for better governance. These included, among others, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the struggle against Nigeria’s brutal military dictatorship. In Kenya, a political movement – in which Odinga would play no small part – was underway to end decades of a repressive single-party system.

Odinga challenged one-party rule and fought for Kenya’s transition to a competitive political system. He saw this as a system in which politicians regularly renew the mandate granted them through free, credible and competitive elections. Through this process, Kenyans have been able to exercise their right to hold their leaders accountable.

The battle was won when arap Moi agreed to the first multi-party election in 1992. But the broader war for democratic governance, political accountability and respect for human rights had only begun. In this, Odinga would play an even bigger part.

It is no accident that he was vilified by a political elite that saw him as an agitator and threat to their political fortunes. Yet, it was that threatening political personality that contributed to the modernisation of political economy in Kenya and the rise of the country as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

3. A new constitution, less political conflict

The brutality that Odinga suffered under the Moi dictatorship shaped his belief in competitive politics, respect for human rights and passion for accountable governance.

This passion placed him at the centre of Kenya’s quest for a new constitution. The quest began in the mid-2000s but crystallised after the 2007-8 post-election violence.

Among other progressive changes, Kenya’s 2010 constitution introduced an independent judiciary. Courts were empowered to peacefully resolve conflicts, including those arising from contested elections. Odinga’s several petitions to the Supreme Court alleging election malpractices have, in my opinion, helped improve, entrench and deepen democracy in the country.

The petitions also gave the judiciary the opportunity to affirm and enhance its independence. Thanks to the reforms made to the independent electoral commission, the 2022 elections were transparent, peaceful and credible. The results were transmitted in record time. The changes in the electoral system made in response to the court’s ruling enhanced the courts’ role in the peaceful resolution of conflict in a democracy.

4. Spirit of political dialogue

Odinga spent more than three decades fighting to bring democracy, pluralism, social justice and peaceful coexistence to a country torn apart by violent ethnic rivalries for scarce resources. He taught Kenyans that, through dialogue and the help of democratic institutions, they could coexist peacefully. They could create a society in which governance and economic development would be people-centred.

Odinga fully understood the nature of democratic competition and peaceful coexistence. Even as a fierce political competitor, Odinga was always willing to seek compromise with his rivals in order to advance the interests of Kenya and Kenyans. This is seen in his decision to shake Kenyatta’s hand in the aftermath of the 2017 election.

Most recently, he surprised Kenyans by seeking reconciliation with President William Ruto after the competitive 2022 election. Observers believe this illustrates Odinga’s political philosophy: in politics, a door never shuts completely.

In a nutshell

Odinga contributed significantly to Kenya’s transformation into a modern democratic state. He was also one of Africa’s most important transformative leaders. A pan-Africanist who saw continental integration as an achievable goal, Odinga believed strongly in self-reliance and the need for Africans to manage their own affairs.

– Raila Odinga: the Kenyan statesman who championed competitive politics and accountability
– https://theconversation.com/raila-odinga-the-kenyan-statesman-who-championed-competitive-politics-and-accountability-267640

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Côte d’Ivoire’s elections have already been decided: Outtara will win and democracy will lose

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sebastian van Baalen, Associate Senior Lecturer, Uppsala University

Even before the ballot, the 25 October presidential polls in Côte d’Ivoire can already be described as a loss to democracy and democratic values. Incumbent president Alassane Ouattara is running for a fourth term. With his two main contenders barred from participating, the president will most likely win by a landslide.

Ouattara has previously claimed three electoral victories. The first, in 2010, was marred by widespread violence and a re-escalation of armed conflict that led to the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

His second electoral victory, in 2015, was carried on the back of a broad coalition that later broke apart. The third, in 2020, ended in a violent opposition boycott.

Accusations of constitutional capture by the incumbent have only increased since then. In this way, the otherwise divided political opposition is unanimous in condemning the president’s fourth-term bid.

Ouattara announced his candidacy for a fourth five-year term in office in August 2025. The political opposition has condemned the announcement and the international community has remained silent.

Ouattara and his supporters argue that he is eligible because the 2016 constitutional revision has reset the count and allows him a second term. His opponents insist that the constitutional limit is of one five-year term renewable once, and that Ouattara’s third and fourth-term bids are constitutional coups, which have precedents across the continent.

Undermining democracy

Regardless of the legal reasoning, Ouattara’s fourth-term bid is a loss for democracy at the hands of a politician who, in the run-up to the 2020 election, himself insisted that Ivorian politics was in dire need of a generational change.

In addition to the principle of adhering to a two-term mandate limit, the 2025 election undermines Ivorian democracy because the contest is heavily tilted in the incumbent’s favour. In September, the constitutional council confirmed that the two main opposition candidates, Tidjane Thiam and Pascal Affi N’Guessan, would be excluded from contesting the election on technical grounds.

Thiam is the new leader of the country’s oldest party, the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally (PDCI), and was expected to give Ouattara a run for his money. He was excluded on the grounds that his renouncement of his French citizenship was finalised too late.

N’Guessan inherited the second major opposition party, the Ivorian Popular Front, from the polarising former president Laurent Gbagbo when the latter was indicted at the International Criminal Court in the Hague. This was for his alleged role in crimes against humanity in the wake of the 2010 elections.

Gbagbo, and his long-time collaborator Charles Blé Goudé, were both acquitted of all charges in 2021, and they have both gone on to found new political parties in Côte d’Ivoire, despite being ineligible due to criminal rulings against them in the Ivorian courts.

N’Guessan has been unable to mend the fractures within his party – between Gbagbo-loyal hardliners and his own support base of Ivorian Popular Front moderates – but with Thiam out of the race, he could have been a serious contender. N’Guessan was excluded because he allegedly lacked the number of patron signatures needed to support his candidacy.

Whether these technical knock-outs of the two main opposition candidates were due to negligence on their part or due to bureaucratic foul play by the regime is secondary to the fact that the absence of the two main opposition candidates casts a worrying shadow over the 2025 election.

The political climate is already polarised and rife with conspiracy theories about Ouattara’s corruption and more genuine allegations of his political divisiveness. The amputated political contest only serves to deepen the fault lines between the government and the opposition and spur further voter disillusionment. Such polarisation and disillusionment may also trigger violence, a serious risk in a country where elections are regularly marred by violence.

To complete the autocratic hat-trick, the National Security Council has banned public gatherings, citing concerns over public safety. It seems likely that the authorities were acting preemptively in light of the 2020 election, during which the political opposition called on its supporters to engage in street protests and “civil disobedience”. Those events left at least 83 people dead and 633 people injured in clashes between protesters and security forces and between rivalling communities.

Banning protests may easily backfire as opposition supporters take to the streets anyway. The opposition has called for daily protests during the brief official electoral campaign.

Silence from the international community

Despite this threefold blow to democracy playing out ahead of the 25 October vote, international reactions have been muted at best. Ouattara is a favourite among international partners such as France and the EU. Since coming to power, he has presided over continent-leading economic growth rates large-scale infrastructure investments, and an unlikely victory in the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

His popularity in Europe has been further galvanised by the virtual collapse of French influence in its other former colonies. Ouattara is now one of the few west African leaders still pursuing its diplomatic relations with Paris in a “business as usual” manner.

Afraid of rattling anti-French sentiment in yet another former colony, the French government has remained silent on Ouattara’s slow deconstruction of Ivorian democracy. The rest of the EU follows suit, as it has yet to establish a position in the sub-region independent of France’s unspoken leadership.

Both France and the EU are losing further credibility by lending support to Ouattara’s constitutional capture. Accusations of double standards and hypocrisy when insisting on democratic norms are central to the anti-French rhetoric of leaders such as Burkina Faso’s junta leader Ibrahim Traoré. By remaining silent on the slow death of democracy in Côte d’Ivoire, western leaders undermine their own position in the sub-region.

A similar impasse characterises the regional economic community, Ecowas, which is still coming to terms with the withdrawal of the three Sahelian states currently under military rule. With Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria the most important Ecowas members still insisting on its relevance and credibility, the regional bloc is unlikely to take a strong stand on Ouattara’s fourth-term bid or electoral foul play.

What the future hold

Much is still unknown with regard to Côte d’Ivoire’s upcoming election. Coalitions are forming among the opposition candidates left in the race.

Some of the excluded candidates are joining forces in a “common front” to call for street protests and demand their inclusion on the electoral list. And street protests are growing. More than 200 protestors were arrested on 11 October during a peaceful rally in Abidjan.

While street protests failed to sway the incumbent’s anti-democratic tendencies in 2020, recent events in Madagascar and Kenya indicate that governments ignore the popular appetite for change at their own peril.

Regardless of how the final days of the electoral campaign play out, democracy has already suffered a loss in Côte d’Ivoire. The most pressing question may not be about the outcome of the vote but about the more enduring marks on Ivorian electoral politics.

The incumbent, the opposition and the international community all share a responsibility to pave the way for a peaceful and constitutional transfer to a post-Ouattara era. We hope that democracy can recover, and a younger generation can gain more genuine influence.

– Côte d’Ivoire’s elections have already been decided: Outtara will win and democracy will lose
– https://theconversation.com/cote-divoires-elections-have-already-been-decided-outtara-will-win-and-democracy-will-lose-267798

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Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production

Source: APO – Report:

Canon Inc. (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) announced today that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record [1] for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced.

The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first [2] technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions.

In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models [3], covering a wide range of focal lengths [4] from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens [5], lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video.

EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z.

Canon has maintained the No.1 [6] global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture.

Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series

The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008.

In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times.

[1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon)
[2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon)
[3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures.
[4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses
[5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon)
[6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon)
[7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties
[8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website

*Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan.

– on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’ (https://apo-opa.co/471upqy). CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

For more information: https://en.Canon-CNA.com

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Taking the high road to development 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Nosihle Shelembe
With a road infrastructure network stretching 27 478 kilometres, South Africa’s national roads are an important lifeline of the economy.

A safe, efficient and reliable road network is vital to the health of the nation’s economy, much like the arteries in the human body, that keep the body moving.  The failure of these arteries, have serious and far-reaching consequences.

“In this country, over 70% of the freight that moves on the surface, moves on the national road network, not on rail. The road network is a very critical component of our economic life.

“We have cargo coming in and leaving the country through our ports. For those goods to reach their destination, you need a reliable road network,” South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) General Manager for Marketing and Communications, Vusi Mona, said in an interview with SAnews.

An entity of the Department of Transport, SANRAL is strengthening South Africa’s economic backbone while laying the groundwork for inclusive growth by building and maintaining better roads.
Beyond facilitating trade and commerce, this extensive network connects people, communities and opportunities. 

Through continuous maintenance, upgrades and improved safety measures, SANRAL ensures that South Africa’s national roads remain a driver of development and prosperity.

As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the country’s extensive road network also plays a vital role in facilitating cross-border trade.

“The road network must contribute not only to South Africa’s development, but to the region’s development. The road network we build and maintain connects us to neighbouring countries so that we can facilitate the movement of people, facilitate the movement of trade and the movement of goods,” Mona said as the country commemorates Transport Month. 

Commemorated annually in October, Transport Month aims to raise awareness of the important role of transport in the economy and investments in the transport sector aimed at stimulating development and creating jobs.

With projects to build and upgrade the road network amounting to R18.526 billion in the 2024/25 financial year and the appointment of 2 012 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) for the provision of services, the roads agency continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the growth of the economy.

The work that is being undertaken by the roads agency aligns with the objectives of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations. These are countries with the largest economies in the world, who come together to tackle global economic challenges. 

The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, and it plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
The member states meet annually to discuss economic, political and social initiatives. As President of the G20 in 2025, South Africa has the privilege of hosting the Leaders’ Summit in Gauteng next month.

The G20 also emphasises the importance of infrastructure through the Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) which is one of the seven technical groups in the in the G20 Finance Track. The IWG discusses various aspects of infrastructure financing such as identifying and suggesting innovative instruments for securing financial investment resources. 

While all roads will lead to the Sandton Convention Centre for the two day-day summit that will conclude on 23 November 2025, the country has been planning and thinking of the future of its roads.

Charting the way forward

The roads agency plans to construct a new toll route on the portion of the N1 at the Beit Bridge International Border Post in Limpopo.

Approximately 1.1km of the road has been declared to be on the South African side.
“In the past, all tolls collected at Beit Bridge went to Zimbabwe. Going forward, we will collect tolls from inward-bound traffic so that the revenue can be used to improve and maintain our infrastructure. We are hoping to build a second border post through the collection of these tolls,” Mona said. 

Beitbridge is the busiest border post in Southern Africa, connecting South Africa to Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and other SADC member states.
Moreover, the rehabilitation of the N4, between Pretoria and Maputo, is underway to ensure that it remains safe, efficient, and well-maintained.

The work includes routine pavement rehabilitation and strengthening, as well as major upgrades such as road widening, interchange construction, and new bridges. 
“We are involved through one of our concessionaires, Trans African Concessions (TRAC), which manages the N4 from just outside Pretoria to the Lebombo Border Post. 

“Beyond the border, we have assisted Mozambique in managing their national road network from Lebombo right through to the harbour. This ensures that trade and freight moving through the harbour can flow smoothly,” the road agency’s Mona, said.

With a price tag of R28 billion, SANRAL has undertaken one of South Africa’s most ambitious road infrastructure development – the N2 Wild Coast project.

The N2 connects four provinces namely the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. The route also traverses the cities and towns of Cape Town, George, Knysna, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), East London, Mthatha, Durban and Ermelo. 

It further connects Mpumalanga to Mozambique.
The project includes two mega-bridges: the Msikaba Bridge, which spans the Msikaba Gorge near Lusikisiki, and the Mtentu Bridge near Lundini.

At a budget of R11.5 billion, the state entity is also upgrading the R573 Moloto Road, which traverses Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

“We would like to highlight the infamous Moloto Road. It used to be known as the road of death. It is now going to be famously known as just Moloto Road. We’ve taken over that piece of road. It used to belong to three provinces, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng,” he said.

Job creation

During its upgrade, nearly 400 local labourers received temporary jobs on the portion of the project.

“We are very big on job creation as we invest billions of rands to enhance the national network. It would be a travesty if the taxpayers were giving us this money and not seeing any value in terms of job creation,” he said.

Through these and many other projects, SANRAL continues to connect South Africa with world-class road infrastructure that supports inclusive economic growth.

SANRAL’s efforts will help the country pave the way to a better future, one less pothole at a time. Afterall, Rome was not built in a day. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Africa and Absa Announce 20 Semi-finalists for the MEST Africa Challenge 2025

Source: APO

Twenty startups have been named semi-finalists in the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) 2025, announced today by MEST Africa (www.Meltwater.org) in partnership with Absa, highlighting the continent’s most promising ventures in FinTech and other high-value chain solutions.

Now in its 7th edition, the Challenge brings to life the theme “You Build, We Scale” — inspiring founders to transform bold ideas into scalable financial solutions across Absa’s eight priority markets: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Uganda, and Zambia.

The selected ventures are addressing some of the continent’s most pressing financial innovation needs — spanning next-generation payments, smart credit solutions, cross-border trade, agri-fintech, and digital financial literacy.

“Each of these founders represents a unique path toward reimagining how finance works for Africans,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor at MEST Africa and MAC Lead. “Their ideas pair technology with empathy, proving that lasting change comes from solving real problems within their own communities. We’re proud to provide a platform that connects them with investors, mentors, and global opportunities.”

As MEST Africa’s strategic partner for the 2025 edition of MAC, Absa continues to play a pivotal role in driving digital innovation in financial services and inclusion across Africa. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs who are redefining financial access for individuals and businesses alike.

“Congratulations to the top 20 finalists and to all applicants. The quality of submissions has been exceptional, showcasing the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial drive across Africa. These startups are not only solving real challenges; they’re building the foundation for inclusive growth and lasting impact. Our partnership with MEST and our active participation in the MEST Africa Challenge 2025 reflect our commitment to open collaboration within the FinTech ecosystem. At Absa, we see ourselves as partners in this journey, guided by a purpose to make banking simpler, more accessible, and more relevant for our customers,” says Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital for Absa Regional Operations (ARO), Retail and Business Banking.

From hundreds of brilliant ideas, these 20 standout startups have emerged to advance in the MEST Africa Challenge 2025.

Botswana

  • mystock.africa – A retail investing platform giving Africans access to stocks, ETFs, and alternative assets.

Ghana

  • Brydge – A supply chain platform simplifying cross-border trade for African businesses.
  • Kutana Technologies Limited – A multi-currency payment platform powering B2B cross-border trade using stablecoins and AI-driven credit.

Kenya

  • Logistify AI – An AI platform helping SMEs and cooperatives optimize procurement and supply chains.
  • Farmsky Ventures – A digital lending and crop insurance platform boosting productivity for smallholder farmers.
  • Investa Farm – An Agri-FinTech platform offering voucher-backed loans for climate-resilient farm inputs.

Mauritius

  • Black Swan – Uses AI and alternative data to build credit scores for Africa’s unbanked population.

Mozambique

  • Simulador Bancário – A digital platform simplifying financial planning and loan simulations.

Uganda

  • Paytota – A unified payment gateway simplifying Africa’s fragmented digital payments ecosystem.
  • Xzerra – A biometric payment system enabling cashless, fingerprint-based transactions in schools.
  • Kanzu Finance Limited – A digital banking solution for Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations, Village Savings and Loan Associations, and microfinance institutions.
  • Axiom Zorn – A data innovation company enabling access to finance and markets for smallholder farmers.
  • Credify Africa, Inc – A trade finance and logistics platform bridging Africa’s SME finance gap.
  • eMaisha Pay – A digital payments platform for agro-traders and small businesses, driving financial inclusion.

Zambia

  • Ebusaka Green Technology Limited – A FinTech-powered waste-to-value platform digitizing payments and recycling incentives.
  • KreativBox Technology – digital lending company offering salary-backed loans to civil servants.
  • Mighty Finance Solution Inc – Provides embedded digital loans to SMEs and women entrepreneurs.
  • Devdraft Ai – A cross-border payments platform for freelancers and businesses using stablecoin wallets.
  • Homer Price Agency Solutions Limited – A digital banking provider operating 550+ agents nationwide.

Seychelles

  • Fusepay – A licensed Payment Service Provider creating a digital finance hub for frontier markets.

The 20 semi-finalists will pitch virtually during the week of October 27, 2025, with only the top 10 startups advancing to the Final Demo Day in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 26, 2025. The overall winner will receive USD $50,000 in equity investment, access to MEST Africa’s global network of mentors, partners, and investors, and the opportunity to explore pilot pathways with Absa’s business units.

“Through this challenge, we’re seeing solutions that are not only innovative but strategically aligned with Africa’s evolving technology landscape. Some of these ideas have the potential to accelerate digital transformation and unlock new value for our customers,” says Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation for ARO Technology.

Since 2008, MEST Africa has trained and supported over 2,000 entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups. The MEST Africa Challenge (MAC) is its flagship pan-African pitch competition designed to identify, support, and scale high-potential technology ventures.

For more information on MAC 2025, visit: https://apo-opa.co/48ZEm9t

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

Media Contact (MEST Africa):
Ophesmur Naa Adjeley Adjei
Marketing and Communications Manager
marketing@meltwater.org

About MEST Africa:
Established in 2008 as the non‑profit arm of Meltwater, the Meltwater Foundation drives job creation and economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Support Organisation—MEST—delivers a full-time, in-person intensive tech‑entrepreneurship training to emerging talent from more than 22 African countries and provides early‑stage investment to promising ventures. To extend this impact, the Foundation launched MESTx, a suite of collaborative programs designed and delivered with like‑minded partners to expand digital‑skills training and startup acceleration across the continent. Since its inception, the Meltwater Foundation has trained 2,000+ entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups across the continent—fueling innovation, creating jobs, and shaping Africa’s next generation of tech entrepreneurs. Learn more about MEST Africa: www.Meltwater.org

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South Africa, Indonesia agree to deepen bilateral economic relations

Source: Government of South Africa

By Neo Bodumela

Jakarta, Indonesia – South Africa and Indonesia have affirmed a shared commitment on the need to bolster trade between the two countries in order to drive mutual inclusive economic growth. 

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed media at a joint press briefing following bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his State Visit to Indonesia.

Indonesia is South Africa’s third largest trading partner in the Southeast Asia region, with South African exports to that country standing at R10.5 billion and Indonesian imports amounting to R16.9 billion.

“During our discussions, we affirmed the importance of expanding and deepening bilateral relations on both political and economic fronts through existing bilateral mechanisms.

“We agreed on the need to increase trade between our two countries as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. We spoke of the importance of building more resilient and diversified economies for the benefit of the peoples of both countries, as we face similar geopolitical headwinds,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga; Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau; Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.

A South African business delegation was also in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, and took part in the South Africa-Indonesia Business Forum “with a view to building new commercial partnerships between our two countries”. 

READ | SA, Indonesia to deepen historical ties during Official State Visit

World stage

Discussions also turned to global issues, as both countries are part of organisations including BRICS, the G20 and the Non-Aligned Movement.

“We affirmed the need to strengthen the multilateral system and the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue.

“We exchanged views on efforts to end the conflict in Gaza and to secure a just and lasting peace that realises the aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that South Africa – as President of the G20 – is “looking forward” to hosting President Subianto during the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held in Johannesburg in November.

“Through our G20 Presidency, we have focused on the measures we should all take together to create an environment of inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development, especially in the Global South and on the African continent,” he noted.

Furthermore, an invitation has been extended for the Indonesian leader to embark on a State Visit to South Africa at a “mutually agreed date”.

“Indonesia and South Africa share bonds of great historical significance.

“It is clear from our engagements today that we also share a common future, of progress, development and prosperity for all,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za