Letsike demands accountability from artist linked to teen alcohol consumption

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike has expressed concern and called for accountability after a video circulating on social media showing young girls in Limpopo engaging in illegal alcohol consumption in the presence of local well-known male artist “Tsaka RSA”.

In a statement, the Deputy Minister condemns the “uncharacteristic behaviour from the adult male artists who are committed to exploiting vulnerable young girls”. 

Letsike has since formally engaged the South African Police Service to help in calling the artist to question and investigate the case of underage drinking. 

“Underage drinking not only breaks the law, but it also poses serious risks to the health, safety, and future of our youth,” the Deputy Minister said. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted that Limpopo province is largely rural, and alcohol (all types, including traditionally brewed alcohol) is used mostly in traditional and cultural practices and rituals. This sometimes, she said, exposes adolescents to alcohol use at a young age. 

Letsike added that early initiation to alcohol use among adolescents is a cause for concern.   

“Often co-existing with this alcohol use is teenagers engaging in risky sexual behaviours whilst intoxicated. Alcohol use during adolescence has been linked to impaired brain development, poor academic performance, risky behaviour, accidents, and long-term dependency. It also places young people atgreater risk of violence, gender-based violence, and road fatalities,” Letsike said.

She further emphasised that parents, guardians, schools, communities, and the alcohol industry have a critical role to play in addressing this challenge.

Preventing underage drinking requires:

  • Parental guidance and supervision to set clear rules and model responsible behaviour.
  • Stricter enforcement of alcohol laws, particularly around sales to minors.
  • Awareness and education programmes in schools and communities to highlight the dangers of alcohol misuse.
  • Youth-focused alternatives and opportunities that promote positive lifestyles and healthy choices.

Although the legal drinking age of alcohol in South Africa is 18 years, statistics show an alarming increase in alcohol use, with binge drinking being more prevalent among youth younger than 18 years.

Letsike said the prevalence of alcohol consumption among teenagers or high school learners in rural provinces, such as Limpopo, is a cause for concern.

“The World Health Organisation highlights that South Africans consume about 10 litres of pure alcohol in a year, which is much higher than the worldwide consumption. The increasing incidents of underage alcohol consumption among young people below the legal drinking age,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

DWS marks World Rivers Day with Msuthinja River clean-up

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in partnership with uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), led a community river clean-up at Msuthinja River in Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, in commemoration of World Rivers Day.

The event brought together community members, officials from Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and Msinsi Holdings.

World Rivers Day is an annual international event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of protecting rivers. Founded in 2005, the event, endorsed by the United Nations, raises public awareness about river health and the threats of polllution and over-extraction. 

This year, World Rivers Day is celebrated today. The day promotes sustainable water management through education and community action, encouraging activities like river clean-ups and riverside events to foster stewardship for these vital ecosystems.

During the river clean-up held recently, both DWS and UUW sent a clear message that it is wrong in all aspects to throw foreign objects into the river. 

Water Education Specialist from UUW, Dudu Duma urged the community to be cautious about polluting Msuthinja river, as it contributes into uThukela River where water is extracted for purification. She encouraged the community members to protect Msuthinja River from pollution.

The department highlighted that the province of KwaZulu-Natal has experienced a lot of challenges in the past, including water supply disruption, and water leaks due to vandalism of water infrastructure. 

“The sub-standard treatment of effluence from some of the municipality’s Wastewater Treatment Works also contributes to the contamination of the water courses in the province. It is therefore imperative for the communities not to exacerbate the situation by polluting the water courses that runs through their areas,” Duma said. 

The department said the river clean-up activity was extended to a public education programme at Sundumbili Plaza Taxi Rank, where community members of different ages were educated about the disadvantages of polluting rivers. 

“The team also visited Sundumbili Primary School, and the message of keeping rivers free from pollution was also reiterated. The learners further engaged with the officials on the impact of river pollution and were encouraged to grasp the teachings on the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, which are beneficial in reducing pollution in the air and inside water,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

His Majesty (HM) the King Congratulates President of Turkmenistan on National Day

Source: APO


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In this message, the Sovereign expresses His warmest congratulations and His best wishes for good health and happiness to Berdimuhamedow as well as for continued progress and prosperity to the brotherly Turkmen people.

His Majesty the King also expressed that the Kingdom of Morocco values its cordial relations with Turkmenistan, stressing that He is looking forward to seeing them further strengthened to promote closer ties and more fruitful cooperation, for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly peoples.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

La Destination Bénin rayonne à Paris grâce à son Pavillon immersif au salon IFTM 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Dans la continuité de sa stratégie de rayonnement international et de promotion de son offre touristique, le Bénin a marqué sa présence au salon IFTM 2025, qui s’est tenu du 23 au 25 septembre à Paris, Porte de Versailles. Ce salon, véritable rendez-vous incontournable de l’industrie mondiale du voyage et du tourisme, a offert au Bénin une plateforme exceptionnelle pour présenter ses atouts touristiques et culturels à un public composé de professionnels du tourisme, de décideurs, de médias spécialisés et d’investisseurs internationaux. 

La participation du pays s’inscrit dans une dynamique globale visant à accroître sa visibilité sur le marché européen et à affirmer sa place parmi les destinations africaines les plus attractives et prometteuses. Le Pavillon du Bénin, situé au stand S086, a ainsi été le théâtre de rencontres de qualité, d’échanges stratégiques et d’expériences immersives qui ont séduit les visiteurs.

Un Pavillon vivant et immersif au cœur du salon

Tout au long des trois jours du salon, le Pavillon du Bénin a accueilli un flux constant de visiteurs, témoignant de l’intérêt croissant pour la destination. Les visiteurs ont pu découvrir de manière interactive la diversité et la richesse de l’offre touristique béninoise, allant de son patrimoine culturel et historique à ses atouts naturels et balnéaires. 

Les animations, soigneusement orchestrées, ont transformé le stand en un espace vivant et immersif. Les visiteurs ont pu participer à des expériences uniques, notamment la dégustation de spécialités béninoises, offrant un aperçu authentique des saveurs du pays. En parallèle, la comédie musicale « Le Trône de Béhanzin » a suscité un réel engouement. Ce spectacle, mettant en lumière la culture, les traditions et l’histoire du Royaume du Danxomè, a captivé le public et renforcé l’expérience émotionnelle et mémorable des participants. 

Des échanges B2B stratégiques avec les professionnels du tourisme

La participation du Bénin à IFTM a été l’occasion de nouer de nombreux échanges B2B avec des tour-opérateurs, agences de voyages, investisseurs et médias spécialisés. Ces rencontres ont permis de présenter concrètement l’ensemble des atouts du pays, de partager des informations sur les infrastructures touristiques, et de discuter des opportunités de partenariat et de collaboration pour le développement du tourisme. 

Le stand a servi de point de rencontre stratégique pour faciliter la mise en relation entre les acteurs locaux et internationaux, et renforcer la crédibilité du Bénin en tant que destination fiable, dynamique et en plein essor. 

Une présence collaborative de l’écosystème touristique béninois

Aux côtés de l’Agence Bénin Tourisme, qui a coordonné l’ensemble des activités et animations du Pavillon, plusieurs acteurs clés de l’écosystème touristique béninois étaient présents pour représenter la destination et mettre en avant leur savoir-faire :

  • Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, illustrant l’excellence de l’hébergement de luxe et la qualité de l’accueil au Bénin,
  • Ouidah Golf Club, mettant en lumière le potentiel du tourisme de loisirs,
  • Fédération Nationale des Associations de Guides de Tourisme du Bénin (FéNAGuiT), valorisant l’expertise locale et la qualité de l’accompagnement des visiteurs sur le territoire.

Un impact fort pour la notoriété et l’attractivité de la destination

La participation du Bénin à IFTM Top Resa 2025 confirme la stratégie ambitieuse de promotion internationale de la destination et son engagement à séduire les professionnels du secteur et les voyageurs en quête d’authenticité. Le succès du Pavillon, la forte affluence et la qualité des échanges témoignent de l’intérêt croissant pour le Bénin et de son positionnement comme destination émergente et prometteuse. Cette participation constitue également un levier majeur pour renforcer les partenariats existants, développer de nouvelles collaborations et consolider l’image du Bénin comme un pays dynamique. Le Bénin poursuit ainsi son ambition de devenir une destination incontournable en Afrique pour les voyageurs du monde entier.

À propos de Bénin Tourisme

Bénin Tourisme est l’agence officielle de l’État béninois, en charge de la promotion et du développement du tourisme. Elle assure également le déploiement de la marque-pays du Bénin, en veillant à sa cohérence, sa visibilité et son rayonnement à l’échelle nationale et internationale. Avec pour mission de faire du Bénin une destination incontournable, elle valorise les atouts du pays à travers des initiatives innovantes et des collaborations stratégiques. Bénin Tourisme invite les voyageurs à découvrir « Un Monde de Splendeurs », où l’authenticité, la diversité culturelle et l’hospitalité béninoise offrent une expérience mémorable.

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

Tourism is economic policy, not just leisure: De Lille

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says South Africa’s tourism sector is not a “side story” but central to the country’s economic policy, driving jobs, transformation and sustainable growth.

Speaking at the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations held at Constitution Hill’s People’s Park in Braamfontein on Saturday, De Lille highlighted the sector’s contribution to the economy and new initiatives to boost arrivals and domestic travel.

“It is a profound honour to celebrate World Tourism Day 2025 here at Constitution Hill People’s Park. This is not just a venue, but a place of memory and freedom. A reminder that democracy is not only about the rights we enjoy, but about the opportunities we create,” she said.

The Minister announced that the Department of Tourism has invested in the site’s development. The Department has allocated R12 million to the development of the park. 

She said the Constitution Hill Precinct Development Plan designates the park as homage to the Constitutional Court in much the same way as the gardens in front of the Union Buildings. 

De Lille stressed the year’s global theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, as a call for inclusive growth. 

“Today, we gather to affirm a truth that grows clearer each day: tourism is not a side story, tourism is economic policy. It is a driver of jobs, of pride, and of transformation that is sustainable, inclusive, and unstoppable,” she said. 

She said sustainability must translate into real benefits. 

“Sustainable transformation means that tourism’s benefits must be shared widely. From our villages and townships to our metros and coastal hubs. It means that as we grow, we safeguard the treasures that define us: our land, our heritage, and our culture. This transformation is not abstract.

“It is visible when a family-owned guesthouse in Bizana is fully booked, when walking tours by a young entrepreneur in Mamelodi tell our stories with pride and when a small café in Mpumalanga becomes a must-visit stop. 

“This is how tourism builds not only an economy, but a nation. South Africans are rediscovering the joy of being tourists in their own land,” the Minister said. 

Tourism’s economic footprint

According to De Lille, domestic and international tourism continued to grow strongly in 2025.

“This year during our Sho’t Left Travel Week we had 650 deals. Between January and June 2025, domestic trips increased by 14,8%, with 3.8 million holiday trips recorded contributing R15,4 billion to the GDP. During that same period, we welcomed 5 million international visitors, who spent R48,7billion. These arrivals through our port of entries mark a 12% increase.

“In July 2025, we welcomed over 880 000 international visitors, a 26% increase compared to the same month last year. These figures are set to increase with the roll out of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA),” she said. 

The ETA system, which will go live in October, is expected to significantly boost arrivals. 

“The ETA which goes live next month in a phased approach, is set to increase international arrivals by 1 million creating between 80 000 to 100 000 jobs. This will add on to the 1,8 million jobs the sector is already sustaining while contributing 8.8% to South Africa’s GDP,” De Lille said.

Investments and innovation

De Lille also confirmed that major international events would continue to showcase South Africa. 

“Next year, South Africa will host the LIV Golf right here in Gauteng’s Steyn City and in 2027 we host the ICC Cricket World Cup. These are sporting events that translate into jobs and livelihoods,” she said. 

She highlighted the Tourism Investment Summit as another milestone, where eight infrastructure projects worth nearly R1 billion were unveiled. 

“The summit has been impactful with growing interest being expressed. We continue to grow the pipeline of bankable projects, which will be presented at the next year’s investment summit,” the Minister said. 

De Lille also noted that young people are designing the future of tourism. This month the winners of the inaugural Tourism Hackathon were crowned. Students from 21 Higher education institutions competed to make travel experience more memorable through AI solutions. 

The Minister added that projects such as the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre at SanPark’s Golden Gate had already attracted 50,000 visitors since its launch in June.

Call to action

De Lille called on South Africans to embrace tourism as a driver of national pride and transformation.

“Friends, on this World Tourism Day, let us raise our voices with pride: We are building a tourism sector that is not just bigger, but better. Not just profitable, but inclusive. Not just competitive, but sustainable.

“Here at Constitution Hill, the home of freedom and resilience, we declare that tourism is economic policy, tourism is transformation, tourism is our future,” the Minister said. 

De Lille’s World Tourism Day programme concluded with a walking tour of Johannesburg’s inner city and a visit to the Soweto Expo, which she described as “live entertainment, unique hand-crafted products and an opportunity to mingle with the entrepreneurs who make tourism tick.”

“Remember, every photo shared, every review posted, every memory made here tells the world: this is a country where transformation is real, and joy is everywhere,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Eritrea: Meskel Holiday colorfully celebrated nationwide

Source: APO


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Meskel, the Finding of the True Cross, was colorfully celebrated across the country today.

A prayer service, presided over by His Holiness Abune Basilos I, 6th Patriarch of the Orthodox Tewahdo Church of Eritrea, was held at Bahti Meskerem Square.

The celebratory event was attended by Ministers, senior government and PFDJ officials, members of the Holy Synod, Archbishops, members of the diplomatic community, and a large number of the faithful.

Memhir Simon Beyene delivered an extensive briefing on the background of the Holiday and conveyed best wishes to the Eritrean people in general and to the faithful and members of the Defense Forces in particular for a joyful Meskel Holiday.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

G20 in a changing world: is it still useful? Four scholars weigh in

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Caroline Southey, Founding Editor, Africa, The Conversation

US president Donald Trump’s address to the annual gathering of the United Nations general assembly in late September 2025 set a new low in international relations. Trump delivered a broadside attack on multilateralism – the effort to solve the world’s problems through collective endeavour – as well as issues that have found common cause among rich and poor countries alike, such as climate change.

So where does this leave the work of organisations such as the G20? The body was set up by the G7 in 1999 in the wake of the Asian financial crisis. The purpose was to create a bigger grouping of countries to help manage the governance of the global economy.

The group now represents about 67% of the global population and about 85% of the global economy. But it’s a strange beast: it is a self-selected group, which raises questions about its legitimacy. And it doesn’t have a permanent secretariat, which makes its work cumbersome.

We asked four leading scholars for their answers. Given the changing global context, is the G20 still useful?

– G20 in a changing world: is it still useful? Four scholars weigh in
– https://theconversation.com/g20-in-a-changing-world-is-it-still-useful-four-scholars-weigh-in-266065

H.E. Minister of Planning Discusses FY 2025/2026 Investment Plan and Social Solidarity Strategy

Source: APO


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H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received H.E. Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, to discuss the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s investment plan for FY 2025/2026, as well as developments in launching Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience. The narrative serves as a comprehensive framework aligning the Government’s Program with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that the state attaches great importance to providing social protection and care programs for the most vulnerable groups. These programs, she explained, contribute to strengthening human capital through economic and social empowerment, which in turn increases productivity, enhances labor market participation, stimulates economic growth, and ensures sustainable development that benefits all citizens.

The meeting reviewed the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s approved investments for FY 2025/2026, which amount to approximately EGP 768.5 million, compared to EGP 455 million in FY 2024/2025, reflecting a growth rate of 75.5%.

The Minister outlined the plan’s priorities for FY 2025/2026, including: providing investments for projects nearing completion; prioritizing continuation projects, especially those with over 70% implementation; financing new priority projects in line with Presidential directives; advancing urgent initiatives and Phase II of the Decent Life program; and aligning investments with the State Ownership Policy Document.

The two ministers also reviewed financing gaps that need to be addressed, stressing the importance of integration and coordination between national and sectoral strategies. They emphasized the role of social protection and care in advancing sustainable development across its three dimensions—economic, social, and environmental.

In this context, Al-Mashat added that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation will, in the coming period, begin preparations for a new Economic and Social Development Plan. The plan will be framed within a Medium-Term Budget (2026/2027 – 2029/2030), covering the budget year and the three subsequent years, in order to unify the planning horizon. She also referred to the ‘Adaa’ system, which the Ministry is implementing to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the investment plan through the monitoring and evaluation of all administrative units, based on quantitative performance indicators.

She further referred to the launch of Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience, in line with directives from H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and pursuant to State Planning Law No. 18 of 2022 and the Unified Public Finance Law No. 6 of 2022. These laws task the Ministry of Planning with developing an integrated planning system, setting national strategies, and linking them to macroeconomic policies at the national, regional, and sectoral levels.

The Minister added that the Narrative has been opened for public dialogue over the coming two months to incorporate feedback and recommendations. The outputs of the World Conference on Population, Health, and Human Development will also be integrated, reflecting the state’s prioritization of investment in human capital. The Ministry of Social Solidarity’s strategy will likewise be incorporated, highlighting government efforts in social protection and support for low-income groups.

For her part, H.E. Dr. Maya Morsy praised the Ministry of Planning’s leadership in launching the National Narrative and underscored the importance of cooperation between the two ministries in implementing social protection programs for vulnerable families.

Dr. Morsy stressed that the new strategic financial framework for economic empowerment reflects Egypt’s shift from traditional social protection to sustainable, inclusive models. This framework will unify national efforts and strengthen coordination among entities delivering financial inclusion and empowerment services. It will serve as an executive arm for economic empowerment packages, supporting Takaful and Karama families, and integrating capable beneficiaries into productive economic activities. Beneficiaries will gain access to financial products, including credit, insurance, savings, digital investment, and employment opportunities, alongside non-financial services, enabling families to graduate from the Takaful and Karama conditional cash transfer program.

She also highlighted the role of the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund, which the ministry seeks to transform into an integrated national platform linking financing with production and marketing. This platform will leverage rural comparative advantages, address market and service gaps, and implement innovative interventions that generate sustainable income for target families.

Dr. Morsy noted that the recently enacted Social Security Law No. 12 of 2025 strengthens social justice by institutionalizing financial support and establishing the Takaful and Karama Fund with clear financing sources. The law transforms Takaful and Karama into a legal entitlement rather than just a government program, building a stronger, more flexible safety net capable of addressing economic and social challenges while reinforcing long-term social stability.

She emphasized the central role of the Ministry of Social Solidarity in supporting Egyptian women, describing them as the cornerstone of family and society. Services dedicated to women include cash assistance, economic empowerment, healthcare, education, caregiving, rehabilitation, and counseling.

The Minister also discussed coordination efforts to support irregular workers, especially from vulnerable families. She stressed that digital transformation has been a priority, with the ministry building an advanced, integrated system that consolidates data on vulnerable families and individuals nationwide. This system, she said, enhances the inclusiveness of services for all family members through closer coordination with partner ministries and entities.

Dr. Morsy concluded by stressing that the ministry is committed to regular monitoring, evaluation, and updating of program and performance indicators, in line with the Government of Egypt’s Action Program.

H.E. Minister of Planning Discusses FY 2025/2026 Investment Plan and Social Solidarity Strategy

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

16ème Conférence des Ministres de Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA) : Des stratégies communes pour structurer l’avenir des jeunes par la formation et l’emploi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Ministre d’État, chargé du Développement et de la Coordination de l’Action gouvernementale, Monsieur Abdoulaye BIO TCHANÉ, a procédé ce vendredi 26 septembre 2025, à l’ouverture officielle des travaux de la 16ème Conférence des Ministres en charge de l’Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle des pays membres de l’Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest-Africaine (UEMOA). La cérémonie s’est déroulée au sein du Dôme du Sofitel Marina Hôtel de Cotonou, en présence de plusieurs délégations ministérielles, d’Experts et de Partenaires techniques et financiers. 

Placée sous le thème : « Transformation numérique et employabilité des jeunes : Quels leviers pour les compétences d’avenir et la stabilité à l’ère de l’Intelligence Artificielle ? », cette rencontre de haut niveau se veut un espace de réflexion stratégique sur les mutations profondes que connaît le marché du travail, à l’heure où les technologies numériques et l’intelligence artificielle redessinent les contours de l’économie mondiale. 

« Notre objectif à travers cette conférence est d’apprécier le bilan des réalisations du cadre de concertation des Ministres de l’UEMOA, sur le plan technique que financier, d’identifier ensemble les orientations stratégiques et novatrices capables de faire de la transformation numérique un levier de souveraineté, de stabilité et de prospérité partagée », a indiqué le Ministre Modeste Tihounté KÉRÉKOU. 

Pour Monsieur Mamadu Sérifo JAQUITE, Commissaire de l’UEMOA, l’Union dispose d’atouts considérables pour faire de la transformation numérique un véritable moteur d’employabilité et de stabilité des jeunes. 

Le thème des assises n’a pas été choisi au hasard. C’est pour cela que Monsieur Koffi N’GUESSAN, Président du cadre de concertation des Ministres de l’UEMOA, affirme que ledit thème donne l’opportunité de s’interroger sur les défis actuels de la Formation technique et professionnelle tels que le lien avec l’intelligence artificielle, l’adéquation entre l’offre de formation et d’adhésion du marché de travail, l’implication des gouvernements, des entreprises dans le développement des compétences techniques et professionnelles des jeunes pour lutter contre le chômage. 

Dans son allocution d’ouverture, le Ministre d’État Abdoulaye BIO TCHANÉ a souligné l’urgence pour les pays de l’UEMOA de s’adapter aux exigences de la révolution numérique afin d’offrir aux jeunes des opportunités concrètes d’insertion professionnelle et de contribuer à la stabilité sociale et économique de la sous-région. « L’histoire avance vite et très vite. Notre jeunesse ne peut plus attendre et ne veut pas attendre. Faisons donc de Cotonou un point de départ d’une nouvelle étape, celle d’un résultat concret, mesurable et durable »,  a souligné le Ministre d’État qui a aussi rappelé toutes les actions entreprises par le Gouvernement du Président Patrice TALON pour prioriser la formation technique et professionnelle. 

Durant les travaux, les participants examinent des pistes innovantes pour renforcer les politiques de formation professionnelle et d’emploi, développer des compétences adaptées aux métiers de demain et promouvoir une meilleure inclusion des jeunes dans les dynamiques économiques régionales. 

Des échanges d’expériences, des études comparatives et des propositions d’actions concertées devraient permettre d’aboutir à des recommandations fortes en faveur de l’avenir de la jeunesse ouest-africaine.

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

Cabo Verde celebra o Dia Mundial do Turismo 2025 com foco na transformação sustentável

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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No dia 27 de setembro assinala-se o Dia Mundial do Turismo, com o tema “Turismo e Transformação Sustentável”, escolhido pela Organização Mundial do Turismo (OMT). Cabo Verde celebra esta data, reafirmando o turismo como um dos pilares estratégicos do seu desenvolvimento económico, social e cultural.

Em 2024, o setor turístico nacional alcançou resultados históricos, consolidando a sua posição como motor do crescimento do país. Os estabelecimentos hoteleiros receberam 1.177.467 hóspedes, mais 16,5% do que em 2023. As dormidas atingiram 5.651.774, crescendo 9,7% em relação ao ano anterior O sector do turismo representou 70% das exportações do país nesse ano transato.

Para Ministro do Turismo e Transportes, José Luís Sã Nogueira, “o setor do turismo oferece inúmeras oportunidades para um desenvolvimento equilibrado, inclusivo e centrado nas pessoas, potenciando economias resilientes, acelerando a ação climática e dando maior sustentabilidade ao planeta”.

“Queremos reforçar o firme propósito de posicionar Cabo Verde como um destino global de turismo sustentável, inclusivo e diversificado, apostando nos recursos paisagísticos, humanos e culturais do país, sempre alinhados com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável”, afirmou o governante.

Olhando para o futuro, o Ministério aposta na diversificação da oferta turística. A implementação do Programa Operacional do Turismo (POT 2022–2026) reflete este compromisso, por exemplo, com investimentos superiores a 4,7 milhões de contos destinados às ilhas mais vocacionadas para o turismo rural e de natureza.

O Governo, através do Ministério do Turismo e Transportes está empenhado em estratégias de diversificação e sustentabilidade e Cabo Verde celebra este Dia Mundial do Turismo com orgulho pelos feitos alcançados e com uma visão clara para um futuro onde o turismo continua a ser uma força motriz para o desenvolvimento inclusivo e sustentável, oferecendo experiências autênticas e memoráveis a todos os seus visitantes.

O Ministério do Turismo e Transportes, no âmbito das comem orações do Dia Mundial do Turismo, realizou a III Conferência Internacional de Turismo Rural e de Natureza, em São Jorge, município de São Lourenço dos Órgãos, ilha de Santiago, no dia 19 de setembro, reunindo especialistas, operadores turísticos, parceiros internacionais e comunidades locais, onde  debaterem as estratégias sobre o futuro do turismo em Cabo Verde e não só.

Desde 27 de setembro de 1980, que é celebrado pela Organização Mundial do Turismo como o Dia Mundial do Turismo. Foi estabelecido pela terceira conferência da Assembleia Geral da OMT em Torremolinos, em setembro de 1979. A adoção destes Estatutos é considerada um marco no turismo global.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.