Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

IBSA leaders urged to collaborate on sustainable development

Source: Government of South Africa

India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has urged India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) partners to deepen collaboration, complement one another’s development priorities and demonstrate a model of sustainable development to the world. 

Addressing the high-level IBSA meeting on the sidelines of the second day of the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, the Prime Minister highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as millets, natural farming, disaster resilience, green energy, traditional medicines and health security. 

During the high-level meeting, convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa and attended by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio, Modi proposed an IBSA Fund for Climate Resilient Agriculture to further advance South-South cooperation.

IBSA is a forum that brings together India, Brazil and South Africa – three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges.

The forum was established to deepen South-South cooperation, coordinate positions on global issues, and promoting trilateral partnerships.

“The Prime Minister stressed that global governance institutions are far removed from 21st century realities. He called on IBSA to send a strong message that reform of institutions of global governance, in particular the United Nations Security Council, is now not an option, but an imperative.

“On counterterrorism, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for close coordination and that there should be no room for double standards while fighting terrorism,” a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.

While highlighting technology’s crucial role in ensuring human-centric development, Prime Minister Modi proposed establishing an ‘IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance’ to facilitate sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), health platforms like CoWIN [Winning Over COVID], cybersecurity frameworks and women-led tech initiatives among the three countries.

“The Prime Minister also emphasised IBSA’s potential to contribute to the development of safe, trustworthy and human-centric Artificial Intelligence norms. He invited IBSA leaders to the AI Impact Summit to be held in India next year,” the Ministry said.

South Africa is hosting Heads of State and Government from the world’s largest economies at the first G20 Summit held on African soil under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

G20 members represent 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

It comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and since 2023, the African Union. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Ntshavheni hails historic G20 consensus that places Africa at the centre

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has described the first day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg as a “very successful” opening that delivered a landmark declaration prioritising Africa and the developing world.

Speaking to SAnews at the G20 media centre in Nasrec, Ntshavheni said the declaration, adopted “by acclamation” and agreed to by an overwhelming majority of G20 countries, reflects Africa’s growing influence in shaping global governance.

“What was important on day one was the declaration that was agreed to by an overwhelming majority of delegates of countries through the Sherpa’s negotiations, and it was accepted by acclamation. 

“That declaration is important, not only because it comes from the African soil, but because it’s a declaration that prioritises the interest of Africa and the developing world,” she said. 

The Minister noted that the President had shared a remarkable detail that the word “Africa” appears 80 times in the declaration – the most in the history of the G20. 

“The President was saying last night that somebody took [a count] of the number of times where Africa is mentioned in the declaration, and for the first time… Africa is referred to 80 times in the declaration. And it’s not only important because of the reference to Africa, it’s also because the agenda prioritises African interest,” Ntshavheni told SAnews. 

Reflecting on the momentum of the summit, the Minister said South Africa is encouraged by the unity shown on key issues. 

“So for us, yesterday was a very successful day, and also that there is consensus in terms of the G20 agenda and what countries, the nations of the G20 must focus on,” she said.

A declaration shaped by crisis, climate resilience, and development needs

Ntshavheni said leaders used the opening sessions to confront shared global challenges, particularly climate change, rising inequality, and unsustainable debt levels in developing countries.

“You have seen in our own country what keeps on happening in the coastal provinces. There been floods that have wreaked havoc. G20 is also sitting when the Caribbean islands have been affected by huge storms… It meant that the G20 leaders needed to focus on that,” she said. 

South Africa had successfully placed inequality, access to finance, and debt sustainability on the agenda.

“We’ve put on the agenda the issue of the inequalities and the unsustainable debt levels of African countries and developing countries,” she said. 

The Minister said discussions also focused on building long-term disaster resilience.

“It’s important that we build disaster resilience… We were putting in place programmes that talk about how to make sure we also prevent the disasters,” she said, extending condolences to Caribbean nations recently hit by devastating storms.

Social Summit priorities carried into the leaders’ declaration

The Minister welcomed the alignment between the outcomes of the recently concluded G20 Social Summit and the main G20 Declaration, noting that key social priorities had been successfully elevated to leader level. 

“We were very clear on two fronts at the Social Summit. One, the projects at the social Summit, and also its own declarations and its priorities, were projects that we as a country, and also the other participating countries will be able to implement all on our own,” the Minister said. 

She emphasised that social issues raised by civil society, labour, business, youth and community leaders were not sidelined.

“… We also [focused on] debt sustainability [and] access to financing and funding. We have those items covered through in the main declaration, so it was quite successful and as a country, we are quite happy,” she said. 

Ntshavheni said this affirmed South Africa’s commitment that the Social Summit “is not a tick box exercise” but a meaningful contributor to the leaders’ agenda.

“It’s an exercise that will make sure that the contribution of the leaders of society is included in the final declaration of the leaders of the G20,” she said.

No handover ceremony at the Summit

Clarifying the summit’s closing process, Ntshavheni said there would be no traditional handover ceremony between South Africa and the United States.

“Today, there will be a final round of discussions on particular themes. Leaders will express their views. But what we need to clarify is that we are not going to have a handover ceremony. We’re going to have a closing ceremony after the third session of the summit,” she explained.

She said the United States – the incoming G20 President – had informed South Africa that it would not participate in the summit but would only attend a handover event. However, the US is represented in Johannesburg by a Chargé d’Affaires, which complicates protocol. 

“The United States of America must take over from South Africa, however, the United States of America indicated that they don’t want to participate in the summit but participate in the handover ceremony. 

“They are sending us a Chargé d’Affaire. However, our President cannot hand over to an official of government. It doesn’t work that way in terms of applicable international protocols. As a result, South Africa has arranged for the formal handover to take place at the DIRCO offices sometime next week with the official equivalent to that of the Chargé d’Affaires,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Motsoaledi commends Global Fund’s $11.3bn boost

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, commended the unwavering dedication of donor countries, the private sector, and philanthropic organisations that exemplified the virtues of multilateralism during the Eighth Global Fund Replenishment Summit.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria hosted its Replenishment Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Friday, co-organised with the governments of South Africa and the United Kingdom on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

Despite one of the most turbulent geopolitical and economic years in recent history, global partners pledged US$11.34 billion to sustain the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria, save millions more lives, and strengthen health systems worldwide.

As Motsoaledi opened the summit, he highlighted the significance of the investment case for replenishment by noting that the Global Fund partnership has saved 70 million lives since 2002 and reduced the combined death rate from HIV, TB, and malaria by 63%. 

“These are not just numbers – they represent futures reclaimed,” the Minister said.

He emphasised the importance of multi-sectoral approaches in strengthening health responses by encouraging “governments, civil society, private sector and communities” to stand united “because our fates are intertwined”.

In his reflections on the key theme of the G20 Presidency — ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’ — the Minister highlighted the importance of country-led solutions, enhanced domestic financing, and health sovereignty.

He told the delegates that South Africa funds 90% of its HIV medicines, but catalytic investments remain vital.

Motsoaledi declared that health service delivery should ensure that no one is left behind, especially adolescent girls, young women, key populations and marginalised communities.

He called on all stakeholders to reflect the determination of communities on the frontlines. 

“The success of this Replenishment Summit, on the sidelines of the G20, will be a defining legacy that our commitment to partnership and progress is unshakeable”.

Five Heads of State and Government, along with representatives from over 30 countries, gathered for the event. They were joined by multilateral partners, philanthropic organisations, businesses, civil society organisations, and community networks.

Together, they affirmed that the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria is not finished, and that there is a strong global commitment to continue advancing progress in this area.

President Cyril Ramaphosa underlined Africa’s growing leadership in global health.

“Hosting this Replenishment Summit on African soil for the first time symbolises how far we have come – and how far we can go.  

“Africa is not only leading in implementation; we are also driving innovation and taking greater responsibility for our own health systems. This partnership embodies solidarity, equity and transformation,” said President Ramaphosa. 

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of investing in the Global Fund.

“In today’s volatile world, we must prioritise spending that makes a genuine difference and supports both growth at home and globally. 

“That is why we will continue to support the Global Fund, whose work is at the cutting edge of fighting the world’s deadliest diseases. It is an investment in economic growth and stability, and a prime example of our modern approach to development,” said Starmer. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

India: Prime Minister participates in India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting in Johannesburg

Source: APO


.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the IBSA Leaders’ Meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The meeting was hosted by the President of South Africa, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and attended by the President of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

2. Describing the meeting as timely, Prime Minister noted that it coincided with the first G20 Summit on African soil and marked the culmination of four consecutive G20 presidencies by Global South countries, out of which the last three were by the IBSA members. This, he noted, has resulted in several important initiatives focussed on human-centric development, multilateral reform and sustainable growth.

3. Prime Minister emphasized that IBSA is not just a group of three countries but an important platform connecting three continents, three major democratic nations, and three major economies.

4. Prime Minister stressed that global governance institutions are far removed from 21st century realities. He called on IBSA to send a strong message that reform of institutions of global governance, in particular the UN Security Council, is now not an option, but an imperative.

5. On counter-terrorism, Prime Minister emphasized the need for close coordination and that there should be no room for double standards while fighting terrorism. Highlighting technology’s crucial role in ensuring human-centric development, Prime Minister proposed establishing an ‘IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance’ to facilitate sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure like UPI, health platforms like CoWIN, cybersecurity frameworks and women-led tech initiatives among the three countries.

6. Prime Minister also emphasized IBSA’s potential to contribute to the development of safe, trustworthy and human-centric AI norms. He invited IBSA leaders to the AI Impact Summit to be held in India next year.

7. Prime Minister stated that IBSA can complement each other’s development and become an example for sustainable growth. He highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as millets, natural farming, disaster resilience, green energy, traditional medicines and health security.

8. Appreciating the IBSA Fund’s work in supporting projects across forty countries in sectors like education, health, women empowerment and solar energy, Prime Minister proposed IBSA Fund for Climate Resilient Agriculture to further advance South-South cooperation. Prime Minister’s full speech can be found [here].

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

Posted on

India: Prime Minister meets with President of South Africa on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Johannesburg

Source: APO


.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today met H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa for the warm hospitality and successful conduct of the Summit. He appreciated South African G20 efforts to take forward and build on decisions arrived during the New Delhi G20 Summit.

2. Recalling the historical ties that underpin India – South Africa ties, both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields of cooperation, including trade and investment, food security, skill development, mining, youth exchange and people-to- people ties. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of AI, Digital Public Infrastructure and critical minerals. The leaders welcomed the growing presence of Indian firms in South Africa and agreed to facilitate mutual investments, especially in infrastructure, technology, innovation, mining and start-up sectors. Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa for South African cheetah relocation to India and invited him to join the International Big Cat Alliance led by India.

3. The leaders agreed to work jointly to amplify the voice of the Global South. In this context, Prime Minister appreciated the initiative take by South Africa to hold IBSA leaders meeting. President Ramaphosa assured South Africa’s full support to India’s upcoming Chairship of BRICS in 2026.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

Posted on

Prime Minister Støre visits Norwegian-owned solar power plant in South Africa

Source: APO


.

On 21 November Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre visited a Norwegian-owned solar power plant in South Africa. The company that owns the plant has provided renewable energy to 200 000 households, and a number of Norwegian companies are now investing in solar power in South Africa.

‘Some 600 million people on the African continent lack access to electricity. At the same time, Africa has an abundance of sunshine, which is a good source of renewable energy. I had the chance to see how Norwegian companies are helping to produce renewable energy. This solar energy plant is serving both to reduce emissions and create growth,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Big plans

The Prime Minister visited the Damlaagte and Ilikwa solar power plants in the Free State province in South Africa. The facilities were developed by Mainstream Renewable Power, in which Norway’s Aker Horizons ASA is a major shareholder. Together, these two power plants will be able to supply electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of roughly 120 000 households.

South Africa is currently highly dependent on coal, which accounts for approximately 85 % of the country’s power production.

‘Norway is an energy nation, and our knowledge and expertise are making a difference far beyond our own borders. These solar power plants are an excellent example of how Norwegian investments are being used to advance the green transition across the world. Plants such as this also create new jobs,’ said the Prime Minister.

The Damlaagte project employed more than 1 700 workers during its construction and has a permanent staff of 19 to oversee operations. Mainstream Renewable Power has developed and built 850 MW of renewable energy generation assets in South Africa and is planning to establish a further 12 GW in the coming years. This is equivalent to the electricity consumption of 2.8 million households.

Public and private

‘This project demonstrates how private companies and the public sector can work together to achieve common goals. Norad provided NOK 20 million in grants for feasibility studies. This made it possible to identify and lower potential risks to companies, which facilitated realisation of the project. Norway can help to accelerate the energy transition by making profitable investments, and sharing its technology, knowledge and experience. This is an approach that we are proud to support,’ said the Prime Minister.

Norway is investing widely in renewable energy development in South Africa. Norway is supporting South Africa’s long-term plan to phase out coal, and helping to mitigate the country’s energy crisis and implement the green transition. Norwegian companies such as Scatec, Aker ASA (through Mainstream Renewable Power), Magnora, and Valinor/Norsk Renewables have won numerous tenders for projects in South Africa since 2010, including projects involving large solar power plants, wind farms and hybrid systems combining solar power and battery storage systems.

Norfund (the Norwegian investment fund for developing countries) has invested approximately NOK 5 billion in South Africa, predominantly in renewable energy efforts. These investments have helped to boost capacity, create new jobs and reduce emissions.

Facts

  • Some 40 % of the world’s electricity now comes from non-fossil sources. Renewable energy production, especially solar power, has expanded more rapidly than previously anticipated.
  • In 2024 approximately 15 times more solar power was installed than the International Energy Agency’s estimated in its World Energy Outlook 2015 . At the global level, four times more solar power has been installed than the IEA forecasted in 2015.
  • 600 million people on the African continent lack access to electricity. This lowers the standard of living and poses obstacles to development.
  • South Africa is currently highly dependent on coal, which accounts for approximately 85 % of the country’s power production. A number of Norwegian companies are investing in South Africa to advance the green transition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Government of Norway.

Posted on

Global inequality is as urgent as climate change: the world needs a panel of experts to steer solutions

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Joseph E. Stiglitz, Professor, Columbia Business School, Columbia University

Given the escalating scale of inequality in the world, shouldn’t countries be banding together to set up an international panel on the issue, along the same lines as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body set up to assess the science related to climate change? The idea of setting up an international panel on inequality has been recommended by the G20 Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality.

The thinking behind the panel is set out in a report delivered to the G20 by the experts on the inequality committee. They argue that the proposed inequality panel would “support governments and multilateral agencies with authoritative assessments and analyses of inequality”. It wouldn’t make any recommendations for countries. Rather it would offer a menu of policies that could be used to address inequality. Panel leader and Nobel laureaute Joseph E. Stiglitz explains what’s behind the idea.

What are the report’s main findings on inequality?

Our report looked at the research on the state of inequality – and the conclusion should alarm us all. Wealth inequality is far worse than income inequality and has intensified in most countries over the last 40 years.

The global increase in income and wealth at the upper end of the scale is particularly worrying. The very richest people are amassing fortunes while ordinary people’s lives stagnate. For every dollar of wealth created since the year 2000, 41 cents have gone to the richest 1% of people, while just one cent has gone to the bottom 50%.

This wealth brings huge influence over economies and politics, threatening economic performance and the very foundations of democracy.

What does the report recommend the G20 countries do to deal with inequality?

Inequality is a choice. There are policies that can reduce it. These include more progressive taxation, debt relief, rewriting global trade rules and curbing monopolies.

Read more: Inequality in Africa: what drives it, how to end it and what some countries are getting right

Our committee found that there has been significant progress in tracking inequality’s scale, drivers and policy solutions. Nevertheless, policymakers still lack sufficient, dependable or accessible information on inequality.

There is a great institutional need for strong inequality analysis.

In 1988, governments set up the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to assess the data and provide rigorous analyses to help governments tackle the climate emergency. Today, we are in an inequality emergency and need a similar global effort.

That is why our primary recommendation is to establish an International Panel on Inequality.

Drawing from the report, what do you recommend South Africa should do to reduce inequality?

South Africa has shown extraordinary leadership in focusing its G20 presidency on solidarity, equality and sustainability. This report is testament to that. We hope that South Africa will continue to champion our recommendations, particularly the establishment of an International Panel on Inequality.

Our committee chose not to comment on specific policies in specific countries. But our report contains a menu of policies which can tackle inequality. These include national measures like stronger competition laws, pro-worker regulation, investing in public services, and more progressive tax and expenditure policies.

– Global inequality is as urgent as climate change: the world needs a panel of experts to steer solutions
– https://theconversation.com/global-inequality-is-as-urgent-as-climate-change-the-world-needs-a-panel-of-experts-to-steer-solutions-270102

Posted on

Bénin : Deuxième Conférence des Préfets – Édition 2025 : Un rendez-vous stratégique pour renforcer l’État de proximité

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La deuxième Conférence des Préfets au titre de l’année 2025 s’est ouverte le jeudi 20 novembre 2025 à la Préfecture d’Allada, en présence d’autorités politico-administratives, de cadres départementaux, de partenaires techniques et de représentants religieux. Pendant deux jours, les participants se pencheront sur les enjeux majeurs de la gouvernance territoriale et les orientations prioritaires de l’action publique locale. 

Dans son allocution, le Maire Joseph CAKPO a exprimé la fierté de sa commune d’accueillir cette rencontre nationale. Il a salué la décision du Président de la République d’ériger Allada en chef-lieu du département de l’Atlantique, une réforme dont les effets se matérialisent à travers des réalisations telles que la cité administrative départementale. 

Le Préfet de l’Atlantique, Jean-Claude CODJIA, a rappelé la mission stratégique des Préfets dans la mise en œuvre des réformes administratives et dans la coordination de l’action territoriale de l’État. Il a insisté sur l’importance d’une collaboration étroite entre les Préfets et les Maires afin de garantir une gouvernance locale cohérente, efficace et durable. 

Le Ministre de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité Publique, Monsieur Alassane SEÏDOU, a souligné que la sécurité demeure le socle de tout développement. Il a salué la disponibilité des Préfets dans la gestion des crises et les a encouragés à maintenir une vigilance permanente en synergie avec les forces de sécurité. 

Le Ministre de la Décentralisation et de la Gouvernance Locale, Monsieur Raphaël AKOTEGNON, est revenu sur les avancées issues des réformes engagées depuis 2016. Il a insisté sur la nécessité de poursuivre la professionnalisation de la gestion territoriale et d’améliorer la performance administrative au niveau local. 

Les travaux de cette édition aborderont entre autres : 

– la contribution des Préfets à la sécurisation des élections générales de 2026 ; 
– la lutte contre les médias illégaux ; 
– la mise en œuvre de la plateforme e-association ; 
– l’apurement de la base des personnes décédées non déclarées ; 
– l’activation des comités départementaux de lutte contre la drogue ; 
– la résilience des zones frontalières face aux menaces sécuritaires et défis socio-économiques.

En réunissant les principaux acteurs de la déconcentration et de la décentralisation, cette conférence marque une nouvelle étape dans la consolidation des acquis des réformes territoriales. Elle s’inscrit dans la vision d’un Bénin mieux structuré, mieux gouverné et fermement engagé sur la voie d’un développement harmonieux et solidaire.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Posted on

SA pushes for stronger IBSA bloc to drive inclusive growth

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) leaders to reinvigorate South-South cooperation to drive inclusive economic growth, advance sustainable development and accelerate reforms to global governance institutions.

“South Africa wishes that, as IBSA, we revitalise our interactions and renew our determination to advance our founding goals,”President Ramaphosa said on Sunday in Johannesburg. 

President Ramaphosa hosted India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio, at a high-level IBSA meeting on the sidelines of the second day of the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit taking place in Johannesburg. 

IBSA is a forum that brings together India, Brazil and South Africa – three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges.

The forum was established to deepen South-South cooperation, coordinate positions on global issues, and promoting trilateral partnerships.

“Our cooperation is grounded in the daily realities of our people. Together, we must champion ambitious reform of the global governance institutions.

“We must reinvigorate commitments to climate action and deepen cooperation on just energy transitions. We must safeguard food and health security and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably,” President Ramaphosa said.

He urged IBSA leaders to position themselves as co-architects of a more representative and responsive multilateral system.

“The structural fault in the global economy – the growing gap between the rich and the poor and deepening poverty and underdevelopment – can only effectively be addressed through a new paradigm of inclusive economic growth.

“Through initiatives like the IBSA Fund, we continue to demonstrate the practical value of our association, particularly in the assistance provided for those most in need.

“I am, therefore, delighted that we will be signing a collaboration agreement on foundational learning as a follow up of the agreement that has been signed by the three IBSA Education Ministers,” the President said.

South Africa is hosting Heads of State and Government from the world’s largest economies at the first G20 Summit held on African soil under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

“The world in which we live is changing rapidly and dramatically. It is clear that the countries of IBSA are ready to be part of global change and to work for a better future.

“India, Brazil and South Africa are not merely participating in global economic governance, but are working to shape the global agenda,” the President said.

He said IBSA stands out as a testament to the durability of principled and constructive cooperation.

“Our grouping affirms that diversity is not a fault line but a source of strength. It reminds us that collaboration among equals is indispensable to global peace, prosperity and stability,” the President said.

G20 members include the world’s major economies, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

The G20 comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and since 2023, the African Union. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA) and Senegal officially launch ECOFEST 2025 at a press conference in Dakar

Source: APO


.

The starting signal for the first edition of ECOFEST was given on Thursday, 20th of November 2025 by the Senegalese Minister of Culture, Crafts and Tourism, Mr Amadou BA, during a press conference held at the Museum of Black Civilisations. Jointly organised by the ECOWAS Commission, the UEMOA Commission and the Republic of Senegal, the West African Arts and Culture Festival will be held from 30 November to 6 December 2025 in Dakar.

Alongside the Secretary of State for Historical Heritage and Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr Bakary SARR, and in the presence of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, the Minister presented the progress of preparations and the main themes of the festival. He emphasised that Senegal is hosting ECOFEST ‘‘with responsibility and humility, recalling that creativity and cultural industries are a real driver of growth, dialogue and regional integration.

ECOFEST aims to be a unifying, multidisciplinary and open space, promoting the artistic, cultural and culinary heritage of West Africa. This year’s edition will place particular emphasis on the theme of the year: socio-political changes and crises in West Africa, and the decisive role of culture in peace, cohesion and living together. Exhibitions, shows, professional meetings, artistic residencies and spaces for reflection will punctuate this week dedicated to exchanges and bringing peoples together.

Secretary of State Bakary SARR emphasised the symbolic and community dimension of the festival, recalling that integration, social cohesion and cultural development are at the heart of the values upheld by ECOWAS and UEMOA. Finally, Minister Amadou BA praised the mobilisation of cultural and institutional actors, affirming that Dakar is ready to welcome the delegations, artists and audiences expected for this first edition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).