Category: MIL-OSI

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Africa targets $5 Billion Project Pipeline as Green Economy Summit Returns for Fourth Edition

Source: APO

The critical climate negotiations at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, are underscoring the urgent need to translate global ambition into tangible investment and action. This imperative resonates directly with the upcoming fourth edition of the Africa’s Green Economy Summit (AGES), scheduled for 24–27 February 2026 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. Africa’s transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon future will take centre stage at the event—powered by lead partner Sanlam Investments. This year’s edition underscores a shared commitment to accelerating investment into Africa’s green and blue economies at a defining moment for global climate action.

Organised by the VUKA Group under the theme “From Ambition to Action: Scaling Investment in Africa’s Green and Blue Solutions,” AGES 2026 will bring together institutional investors, development finance institutions, innovators, governments and sustainability leaders intent on unlocking climate-aligned capital for the continent’s most pressing development priorities. With more than 580 delegates, over 150 investors, and 200 project developers expected, the Summit reflects a growing pipeline of investment opportunities estimated at USD 5 billion across renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, digital climate intelligence, adaptation technologies and climate finance platforms.

“Africa stands at the frontier of both climate risk and innovation,” says Emmanuelle Nicholls, Portfolio Director for the Green Economy at VUKA Group. “AGES exists to bridge that gap by connecting scalable, investment-ready projects with partners who can finance measurable impact.”

The AGES 2026 agenda reflects COP30’s heightened emphasis on scaling climate and nature finance, advancing system-wide reforms, and accelerating the operationalisation of country platforms that can turn national climate plans into bankable project pipelines. With growing global attention on biodiversity and emerging nature credit mechanisms, as well as COP30’s clear push for digital MRV, AI-enabled climate intelligence, and greater transparency, the programme highlights the evolving tools reshaping the climate investment landscape.

Through sessions exploring Article 6 cooperation, nature and biodiversity finance, climate-resilient infrastructure, water and city systems, industrial decarbonisation, and the role of digitalisation in strengthening trust and integrity, AGES 2026 positions African stakeholders at the forefront of designing investment-ready pathways for a just and nature-positive transition.

Speakers across this year’s edition reflect the depth of expertise shaping Africa’s climate and finance landscape:

  • Barbara Buchner, Global Managing Director, Climate Policy Initiative
  • Catherine-Candice Koffman, Regional Director Africa, Green Climate Fund
  • Dorah Modise, Executive Director, Presidential Climate Commission
  • Andrew Johnstone, CEO, Climate Fund Managers
  • David Obura, Chair, IPBES
  • Matsi Modise, Africa Lead, World Climate Foundation

A central feature of AGES 2026, the Investment Pitch and Showcase Programme, returns with a curated pipeline of vetted projects presented directly to investors. These include proposals in renewable energy, battery storage, climate-resilient water systems, mobility electrification, waste-to-value innovation, circularity, climate-smart agriculture and resilience technologies. The 40 projects range from early-stage USD 1 million concepts to industrial-scale ventures exceeding USD 100 million, attracting participation from DFIs, venture capital firms, commercial banks, blended-finance platforms and corporate climate investment vehicles.

The Summit will also host technical site visits across Cape Town, showing how climate investments translate into jobs, competitiveness and long-term resilience.

AGES 2026 is anchored by a broad network of continental and global partners. Alongside Sanlam Investments, institutional partners include:

  • The Global Green Growth Institute
  • Climate Policy Initiative
  • Convergence
  • Wesgro
  • The City of Cape Town
  • Regional policymakers, municipal authorities and leading private-sector sustainability actors.

Their involvement ensures the Summit drives year-round capital mobilisation, not just dialogue.

As global competition for climate finance intensifies, AGES 2026 offers a platform for Africa to articulate its climate investment agenda with clarity and ambition, grounded in data, policy frameworks and the continent’s vast natural and human capital. With five years remaining in the UN SDG decade of action, the Summit stands as both a milestone and a measure of Africa’s readiness to translate climate ambition into investable, scalable action.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media enquiries and interview requests:
Nomsa Mdhluli
Nomsa@tishalacommunications.com
+27 71 628 6231

Elize Engle
Pr1@tishalacommunications.com
+27 82 762 4946

Tshepang Mokoena
Pr@tishalacommunications.com
+27 76 682 9608

Registration enquiries:
Mzamo Jika – mzamo.jika@wearevuka.com

More information or registration: www.GreenEconomySummit.com

To download the event brochure, click here (https://apo-opa.co/44nkUjs).

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United Kingdom (UK) Offshore Expertise to Boost African Energy Projects, Sustainability

Source: APO


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Industry leaders highlighted how expertise developed in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) can be leveraged to support Africa’s energy growth, extending beyond traditional oil and gas projects to include sustainability and technological innovation at the Wider African Energy Summit this week.

Speaking during the summit, Thomas Sommerstad, Sales Specialist Global at ABB, emphasized the importance of early engagement in projects, from optimizing design to ensuring fit-for-purpose solutions. “If we can join our partners – EPCs, operators and so on – at an early stage, then we can integrate sustainability measures early-on in the project. This is something we’ve done in the North Sea for a long time.”

Arthur Ename, VP for Business Development – Africa at NOV, highlighted the operational benefits of early collaboration. “If you don’t engage early, your project might look cheaper to implement with a lower CapEx, but it may have very large OpEx. When you engage early with technology providers, you ensure that you don’t have too much OpEx over the life of the asset.”

Stuart Hamilton, Positioning and Construction Support Service Line Director at Fugro, focused on developing the talent pipeline. “We have to work closely with universities, providing traineeships, and create that pipeline that supports global operations,” he said, emphasizing how UKCS-trained personnel can support African projects.

Martin Booth, Managing Director at Zenith Energy, highlighted the role of supply chain and local expertise. “When it comes to planning and drilling wells, in Aberdeen, the supply chain and the people are there. Different places in Africa are different, with varying levels of infrastructure. It then becomes more of a contracting phase and a logistical exercise.”

On Africa’s growth potential, he added: “It’s a less mature basin than the North Sea. The big companies are there, but you’re also seeing smaller companies and investors moving in, and those are our traditional clients. I see a tremendous growth opportunity [in Africa] in terms of drilling wells and the expertise we’re developing in the UK on the well abandonment side.”

The panel underscored a shared theme: leveraging UK offshore expertise early in African projects can optimize design, integrate sustainability measures, reduce long-term operating costs and support the growth of local talent. Applying lessons from the North Sea, companies can help African nations meet growing energy demand while positioning themselves for long-term opportunities in emerging markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Italy-Libya Roundtable at Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 to Drive Strategic Energy and Infrastructure Investment

Source: APO


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The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026, taking place January 24–26 in Tripoli, will host a dedicated Italy-Libya Roundtable, underscoring Italy’s long-standing and expanding engagement in Libya’s energy, infrastructure and broader economic sectors. The session will provide a platform to explore strategic partnerships, investment pipelines and joint initiatives that strengthen Libya’s energy security and infrastructure resilience – and cement Italy’s role as a key partner in the country’s long-term development.

Italian companies are already deeply involved across Libya’s energy sector. Last month, Eni resumed exploration after a five-year hiatus, restarting drilling at the C1-16/4 well in Block 16/4 using Saipem’s Scarabeo-9 rig. Through its 50-50 joint venture with the NOC, Mellitah Oil & Gas, Eni is advancing an €8 billion integrated gas development project targeting production from Structures A&E, expected to deliver 750 million cubic feet per day by 2026.

Italian geoscience and offshore construction firm Next Geosolutions and its subsidiary Rana Subsea were awarded €8.5 million and €62.5 million contracts, respectively, to provide survey, subsea and installation support for the Bouri Gas Utilization Project. These contracts support Saipem’s $1 billion engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning project – aimed at revamping offshore platforms, recovering associated gas and reducing CO₂ emissions. Saipem continues to be a central player in Libya’s energy landscape through its partnership with the NOC and collaboration with Eni.

In the infrastructure sector, Italian construction company Todini Costruzioni Generali was recently awarded the contract for sub-lot 4.3 of the Emsaad-Ras Jedir coastal highway, a 160-km section connecting Al-Azizya to Ras Jedir near the Tunisian border. This project, part of Libya’s 1,750-km coastal corridor established under the 2008 Italy-Libya Treaty, reflects Italy’s $5 billion commitment to Libyan infrastructure development. Construction on this section is set to commence immediately, highlighting the broader scope of Italian participation beyond energy into economic development and connectivity.

“The Italy-Libya Roundtable at LEES 2026 will showcase the deepening collaboration across energy, infrastructure and economic development between the two countries,” said James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power. “Italian companies are not just participating in Libya’s recovery – they are helping shape its energy and infrastructure future. LEES 2026 provides a strategic platform to build on this momentum and expand investment pipelines.”

By convening Italian executives, Libyan policymakers and investors, the roundtable will highlight how Italy can double down on its strategic engagement – from accelerating energy projects and integrating advanced offshore technologies to expanding infrastructure contracts and supporting Libya’s transition toward cleaner gas utilization and industrial development. For Italy, LEES 2026 represents a moment to translate decades of partnership into tangible, forward-looking investment that strengthens both countries’ economic and energy futures.

Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 offers a premier platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth. Visit www.LibyaSummit.com to secure your participation. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Africans demand immediate climate action from rich nations and stronger measures from their own governments, new Afrobarometer Pan-Africa Profile reveals

Source: APO

Climate-change-literate Africans overwhelmingly want rich, developed countries to take immediate action and assist poorer nations to mitigate the impacts of climate change, a new Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) Pan-Africa Profile report (https://apo-opa.co/3Xca63V) shows.

They also want their own governments to take proactive measures – such as investing in infrastructure and adopting mitigation policies – despite their potential costs.

The report, based on findings from Afrobarometer’s Round 10 surveys across 38 African countries in 2024/2025, shows that more than four in 10 African adults are climate-change literate (meaning they are both aware of climate change and understand that it is driven by human activity), though climate-change literacy varies greatly by country and demographic group.

The impacts of climate change are widely felt across the continent, with drought and crop failure representing the most commonly reported effects. Most climate-change-literate citizens say climate change is making life in their countries worse. And a majority of Africans say their family has had to adapt to climate changes by changing their water or food consumption, their outdoor work patterns, their crop planting, their livestock rearing, and/or where they live.

While Africans most commonly assign primary responsibility for climate action to their national government, there has been a notable shift in recent years toward holding wealthy nations accountable for their contributions to the climate crisis.

Afrobarometer survey

Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Ten survey rounds in up to 45 countries have been completed since 1999. Round 10 surveys (2024/2025) cover 38 countries.

Afrobarometer’s national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent’s choice. National samples of 1,200-2,400 yield country-level results with margins of error of +/-2 to +/-3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Key findings

Awareness and understanding of climate change:

  • On average across 38 countries, more than four in 10 Africans (43%) are “climate-change literate,” meaning they have both heard of climate change and recognise it as being at least partly caused by human activity.
    • Climate-change literacy varies widely by country, from 19% in Nigeria to 73% in Seychelles (Figure 1).
    • It is higher among men and urban residents and increases with wealth, education, and news consumption.

Experiencing climate change:

  • Drought and crop failure are the most widely experienced climate threat, with half of respondents reporting that these events have become “somewhat more” or “much more” severe in their local area over the past decade (Figure 2).
    • Reported increases in flooding severity are lower, at 35%.
  • Eight in 10 climate-change-literate respondents (80%) say that climate change is making life “somewhat” or “much” worse in their country (Figure 3).

Support for climate mitigation and action:

  • Climate-change-literate Africans assign primary responsibility for addressing climate change to their own governments (37%), wealthy or developed nations (26%), ordinary citizens (20%), and business/industry (11%) (Figure 4).
  • Among climate-change-literate respondents, there is overwhelming demand for developed countries to take immediate action on climate change (83%) and to assist poorer nations (85%), alongside strong backing for their own governments to take proactive measures (73%) (Figure 5).
  • Africans strongly support government climate action through infrastructure investment (81%) and pressure on wealthy nations for climate aid (78%), with moderate support for banning tree cutting for fuel (51%) and mandating the use of cleaner cookstoves (47%) (Figure 6).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact: 
Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny 
Director of Communications 
Email: jappiah@afrobarometer.org    
Telephone: +233 243240933 

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Lamola urges global solidarity as SA closes G20 Social Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive, people-centred G20, with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola declaring that the 2025 G20 Social Summit has strengthened the role of civil society in shaping global governance.

Delivering closing remarks at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Thursday, Lamola said South Africa had fulfilled President Cyril Ramaphosa’s mandate to continue the social summit tradition established in Brazil during its 2024 G20 Presidency.

“We promised to carry forward the innovative practice and courageous example set by Brazil in holding an inclusive G20 that centred the voices of people on the margins. We also promised to extend the G20’s work beyond engagement groups to include civil society organisations working at the grassroots level. I believe that we have kept that promise,” Lamola said. 

He highlighted that civil society had played a decisive role throughout the summit, amplifying concerns that would otherwise be sidelined in high-level diplomacy.

“International relations are far too important to be left to governments alone. This has long been the mantra of civil society,” Lamola told delegates.

He said civil society movements had been instrumental in warning governments about the risks of a new global minerals boom, cautioning that without beneficiation, it could “usher in yet another era of extraction and plunder.” 

They had also drawn attention to the social costs of the debt crisis, noting that women and children pay the price.

According to Lamola, the message from activists and grassroots organisations was clear: the Sustainable Development Goals will remain out of reach unless global inequality is tackled decisively. 

“Your movements have constantly reminded us that inequality is bad for democracy,” he said.

He reflected on the urgent calls raised during the Summit from climate change and food insecurity to conflict and youth marginalisation. He applauded civil society’s insistence that developing countries must have meaningful representation on global platforms.

“You have said, loud and clear, that Africa must graduate from rule-taker to rule-maker in matters that affect our continent and its peoples,” he said.

Lamola emphasised that the outcomes of the Social Summit would enrich the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Declaration, expected to be adopted over the weekend. He urged delegates not to leave South Africa with resignation, but with “renewed vigour.”

Referencing Keorapetse Kgositsile’s poem Bandung Dance, he closed with a call for persistence: “Like this dancer, may we defy fatigue and dance on. May we refuse to waver in our commitment to solidarity, equality and sustainability.”

South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Social Summit marks one of its most significant efforts to elevate grassroots voices in global decision-making as it continues its G20 Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President promotes SA-Vietnam economic partnership

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has committed to creating a favourable environment for trade and investment as South Africa and Vietnam work diligently to strengthen their economic ties, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said.

During his speech at the South Africa-Vietnam Business Forum held at the Capital Empire Hotel in Sandton on Friday, the Deputy President highlighted the importance of simplifying business operations, improving industrial infrastructure, and increasing trade finance support. 

He emphasised the roles of organisations such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) in these efforts.

He encouraged Vietnamese companies to explore investment opportunities in the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which offer world-class infrastructure and incentives. 

“Likewise, we welcome South African businesses to invest in Vietnam’s dynamic industrial clusters and technology hubs.” 

WATCH | SA-Vietnam Business Forum

[embedded content]

Through Joint Trade Committee and bilateral cooperation frameworks, the Deputy President said they will continue to address trade barriers, facilitate market access, and enhance cooperation between both chambers of commerce and industry bodies.

The forum takes place alongside the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, which begins tomorrow at the Nasrec Expo Centre.

Bilateral relations 

It also builds on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent State Visit to Vietnam, which marked a new phase in bilateral relations and expanded cooperation in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, digital transformation, and science and technology.

READ | President Ramaphosa hails ‘successful’ three-nation visit to Southeast Asia

According to the country’s second-in-command, South Africa remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner on the African continent, while Vietnam offers a gateway to the 700-million-strong Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. 

Meanwhile, South Africa provides access to the African Continental Free Trade Area, connecting 1.4 billion consumers.

“This forum is not only about economics – it is about partnership, shared growth, and solidarity. It is about recognising that South–South cooperation offers a path to inclusive development, innovation, and resilience.

“In this era of global uncertainty, both South Africa and Vietnam stand as advocates for multilateralism, sustainable trade, and equitable growth.” 

As hosts of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, he emphasised the importance of collaboration among emerging economies to reform global trade systems and ensure that development benefits all.

“To our distinguished business leaders, you are the engine of this partnership. The opportunities before us will only be realised through your innovation, your entrepreneurship, and your commitment to building bridges across borders.

“Let us use this platform to identify bankable projects, establish joint ventures, and promote technology and skills exchange that can advance industrialisation and inclusive growth in both our countries.

“Our government, together with our Vietnamese counterparts, stands ready to support you every step of the way.” 

He called on the delegates to build on the momentum of President Ramaphosa’s State Visit and the spirit of this G20 Leaders’ Summit to propel South Africa–Vietnam relations to new heights.

“This commitment was similarly reaffirmed during the reciprocal visit when Vietnam’s Vice President visited South Africa in September 2023, and during my visit to Vietnam in December 2023, which included opportunities to engage with business leaders aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in sectors such as trade and investment.” 

He said the forthcoming agreement to enhance bilateral relations signifies that both parties want to establish camaraderie while also ensuring mutual benefits for their populations.

South Africa has called for stronger economic collaboration with Vietnam, highlighting untapped opportunities in trade and industrial partnerships. 

Despite steady trade growth, South Africa recorded exports of US$610.89 million to Vietnam in 2024 against imports of US$1.14 billion, leaving a sizable trade deficit. 

The two countries currently trade largely in raw commodities and manufactured goods, respectively – an imbalance South Africa hopes to address through value addition and industrial cooperation. 

“Together, we can create a model of partnership that demonstrates how developing nations, through mutual respect and shared ambition, can achieve prosperity that is both inclusive and sustainable.” 

The Deputy President is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh. – SAnews.gov.za

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Address by Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, at the South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum, the Capital Empire Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg

Source: President of South Africa –

Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H.E Mr. Pham Minh Chinh;

Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni;

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Zuko Godlimpi;

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka;

Vice Minister of Finance of Vietnam, Mr Do Thanh Trung;

Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Hoang Hiep; 

Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in South Africa, Mr Hoang Sy Cuong;

Members of the Business Community in South Africa and Vietnam;

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, and a very warm welcome to you all to Johannesburg, I hope that you have had a pleasant stay in South Africa and have experienced the spirit of Ubuntu that we pride ourselves in as a nation. 

I am honoured to address this gathering of business leaders and investors at such a pivotal moment for both our countries. The convening of this South Africa–Vietnam Business Forum, on the margins of the G20 Summit, is a timely reminder of the vital role that partnerships and collaboration play in shaping an inclusive global economy.

This forum follows closely on the successful State Visit by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a visit that has ushered in a new chapter in our bilateral relations.

During that visit, our two governments reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthen cooperation across a broad range of sectors — from trade and industry to agriculture, science and technology, renewable energy, and digital transformation. The visit not only served to strengthen the profound friendship that exists between our countries, but it also successfully mapped out a distinct course of action for the expansion of economic and developmental cooperation in the years to come.

Over the past years, South Africa has been Vietnam’s first trade partner in the continent, and Vietnam is a potential market for South Africa with a sizable population of more than 100 million, as a gateway to the ASEAN market of nearly 700 million people and a GDP of 4,000 billion US dollars.

Similarly, South Africa continues to serve as the most industrialised and diversified economy in Africa and a strategic entry point into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which connects over 1.4 billion people in a single market.

The AfCFTA benefits both South Africa and Vietnam’s economies by opening up a single, large continental market for goods and services, increasing trade, fostering economic growth, and attracting investment. South Africa could benefit from improved market access for manufactured goods and diversification opportunities, despite some industries facing heightened competition. Meanwhile, Vietnam may expand its manufactured goods exports to Africa, utilising South Africa’s infrastructure and financial markets to diversify its trade relations and address its current trade deficit with the country.

As it stands, we are appreciative that bilateral trade between South Africa and Vietnam has grown steadily, surpassing previous records in recent years. Yet, there remains vast untapped potential.

In 2024, South Africa’s exports to Vietnam amounted to US $610.89 million. In the same year, South Africa’s imports from Vietnam were about US $1.14 billion.

South Africa runs a sizable trade deficit in its trade with Vietnam, importing significantly more than it exports, recognising that our trade patterns reveal a challenge. Between 2023 and 2024 we had a trade deficit of 30%.

South Africa largely exports raw commodities—minerals, ores, fuels, and agricultural products—while Vietnam exports manufactured goods of higher value.

This imbalance calls us to move beyond the traditional trade in raw materials and work toward greater value addition, diversification, and industrial collaboration.

We have the opportunity and indeed the responsibility to diversify and deepen our economic engagement, to move beyond the exchange of raw commodities and promote value-added trade and industrial partnerships.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our governments are committed to creating an enabling environment for trade and investment. In South Africa, this includes improving ease of doing business, strengthening industrial infrastructure, and expanding trade finance support through entities such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC).

We encourage Vietnamese companies to explore investment opportunities in our Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which offer world-class infrastructure and incentives. Likewise, we welcome South African businesses to invest in Vietnam’s dynamic industrial clusters and technology hubs.

Through our Joint Trade Committee and bilateral cooperation frameworks, we will continue to address trade barriers, facilitate market access, and enhance cooperation between our chambers of commerce and industry bodies.

This forum is not only about economics — it is about partnership, shared growth, and solidarity. It is about recognising that South–South cooperation offers a path to inclusive development, innovation, and resilience.

In this era of global uncertainty, both South Africa and Vietnam stand as advocates for multilateralism, sustainable trade, and equitable growth. As hosts of the G20 Summit, we emphasise the importance of collaboration among emerging economies to reform global trade systems and ensure that development benefits all.

To our distinguished business leaders, you are the engine of this partnership. The opportunities before us will only be realised through your innovation, your entrepreneurship, and your commitment to building bridges across borders.

Let us use this platform to identify bankable projects, establish joint ventures, and promote technology and skills exchange that can advance industrialisation and inclusive growth in both our countries.

Our government, together with our Vietnamese counterparts, stands ready to support you every step of the way.

Let us build on the momentum of President Ramaphosa’s State Visit and the spirit of this G20 Summit to propel South Africa–Vietnam relations to new heights.

This commitment was similarly reaffirmed during the reciprocal visit when Vietnam’s Vice President visited South Africa in September 2023, and during my visit to Vietnam in December 2023, which included opportunities to engage with business leaders aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in sectors such as trade and investment.

The forthcoming agreement to enhance bilateral relations signifies that both parties want to establish camaraderie while also ensuring mutual benefits for their populations.

Together, we can create a model of partnership that demonstrates how developing nations, through mutual respect and shared ambition, can achieve prosperity that is both inclusive and sustainable.

I thank you.
 

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Les Africains exigent une action climatique immédiate de la part des pays riches et de leurs propres gouvernements, révèle le nouveau Profil Panafricain d’Afrobarometer

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Selon un nouveau Profil Panafricain d’Afrobarometer (https://apo-opa.co/3LRFgeE), les Africains informés sur le changement climatique souhaitent très majoritairement que les pays riches et développés prennent des mesures immédiates et aident les nations plus pauvres à atténuer les impacts de ce phénomène.

Ils souhaitent également que leurs propres gouvernements prennent des mesures proactives – comme investir dans les infrastructures et adopter des politiques d’atténuation – malgré leurs coûts potentiels.

Le rapport, basé sur les résultats des enquêtes du Round 10 d’Afrobarometer menées à travers 38 pays africains en 2024/2025, montre que plus de quatre adultes africains sur 10 sont informés sur le changement climatique (c’est-à-dire qu’ils sont à la fois conscients du changement climatique et comprennent qu’il est dû à l’activité humaine), bien que le niveau de sensibilisation au changement climatique varie considérablement selon les pays et les groupes démographiques.

Les impacts du changement climatique se font largement sentir sur le continent, la sécheresse et les mauvaises récoltes étant les conséquences les plus fréquemment signalées. La plupart des citoyens informés sur le changement climatique affirment que ce dernier détériore leurs conditions de vie. Et une majorité d’Africains déclarent que leur famille a dû s’adapter aux changements climatiques en modifiant leur consommation d’eau et d’aliments, leurs activités professionnelles en extérieur, leurs cultures, leur élevage et/ou leur lieu de résidence.

Alors que les Africains attribuent généralement la responsabilité première de l’action climatique à leur gouvernement national, on observe ces dernières années un changement notable visant à tenir les pays riches responsables de leur contribution à la crise climatique.

L’enquête Afrobarometer

Afrobarometer est un réseau panafricain et non-partisan de recherche par sondage qui produit des données fiables sur les expériences et appréciations des Africains relatives à la démocratie, à la gouvernance et à la qualité de vie. Dix rounds d’enquêtes ont été réalisés dans un maximum de 45 pays depuis 1999. Les enquêtes du Round 10 (2024/2025) couvrent 38 pays.

Les partenaires nationaux d’Afrobarometer réalisent des entretiens face-à-face dans la langue du répondant. Des échantillons nationaux de 1.200 à 2.400 donnent des résultats au niveau national avec des marges d’erreur de +/-2 à +/-3 points de pourcentage à un niveau de confiance de 95%.

Résultats clés

Sensibilisation et compréhension du changement climatique :

  • En moyenne, à travers 38 pays, plus de quatre Africains sur 10 (43%) sont « informés sur le changement climatique », ce qui signifie qu’ils ont à la fois entendu parler du changement climatique et qu’ils reconnaissent qu’il est au moins en partie causé par l’activité humaine.
    • Le niveau d’information sur le changement climatique varie considérablement d’un pays à l’autre, allant de 19% au Nigéria à 73% aux Seychelles (Figure 1).
    • Il est plus élevé chez les hommes et les citadins, et augmente avec la richesse, le niveau d’éducation et la consommation d’informations.

Expérience du changement climatique :

  • La sécheresse et les mauvaises récoltes sont la menace climatique la plus répandue, la moitié des répondants déclarant que ces événements sont devenus « quelque peu plus » ou « beaucoup plus » graves dans leur région au cours de la dernière décennie (Figure 2).
    • L’augmentation de la gravité des inondations signalée est plus faible, à 35%.
  • Huit répondants sur 10 informés sur le changement climatique (80%) affirment que le changement climatique rend la vie « quelque peu » ou « beaucoup » pire dans leur pays (Figure 3).

Soutien aux mesures d’atténuation et de lutte contre le changement climatique :

  • Les Africains informés sur le changement climatique attribuent la responsabilité principale de la lutte contre le changement climatique à leurs propres gouvernements (37%), aux pays riches ou développés (26%), aux citoyens ordinaires (20%) et aux entreprises/industries (11%) (Figure 4).
  • Parmi les répondants informés sur le changement climatique, il existe une demande massive pour que les pays développés prennent des mesures immédiates contre le changement climatique (83%) et aident les pays plus pauvres (85%), ainsi qu’un fort soutien pour que leurs propres gouvernements prennent des mesures proactives (73%) (Figure 5).
  • Les Africains soutiennent fortement l’action des gouvernements en matière de climat par le biais d’investissements dans les infrastructures (81%) et de pressions sur les pays riches pour obtenir une aide climatique (78%), avec un soutien modéré à l’interdiction de la coupe d’arbres pour le combustible (51%) et à l’obligation d’utiliser des fourneaux de cuisson plus propres (47%) (Figure 6).

Distribué par APO Group pour Afrobarometer.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter : 
Hassana Diallo  
Chargé des communications d’Afrobarometer pour l’Afrique francophone 
Téléphone : +221 77 713 72 53 
Email : hdiallo@afrobarometer.org  

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O Afreximbank apresenta um desempenho sólido e estável nos nove meses findos a 30 de Setembro de 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank ou o “Banco”) (www.Afreximbank.com) e as suas subsidiárias (o “Grupo”) apresentaram resultados sólidos para o período de nove meses findo a 30 de Setembro de 2025, destacando a sua contínua resiliência financeira.

Durante o período, o total de activos e contingências aumentou 6,98%, passando de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares a 31 de Dezembro de 2024 (ano fiscal de 2024) para 42,9 mil milhões de dólares, sublinhando a trajectória de crescimento consistente do Banco.

Embora os empréstimos e adiantamentos líquidos tenham fechado em 28,0 mil milhões de dólares (ano fiscal de 2024: 29,0 mil milhões de dólares), a redução deveu-se em grande parte a reembolsos antecipados não programados por parte de clientes cuja situação financeira melhorou devido ao aumento dos fluxos de caixa e ao reforço das posições em moeda estrangeira impulsionado pelo aumento dos preços das matérias-primas. A qualidade dos activos do Banco continua sólida, evidenciada por um rácio de crédito mal parado de 2,51%, em comparação com 2,33% no ano fiscal de 2024.

A posição de liquidez do Banco continuou forte, com o caixa e equivalentes de caixa a aumentarem para 7,6 mil milhões de dólares, face aos 4,6 mil milhões de dólares no ano fiscal de 2024. Este aumento foi impulsionado por iniciativas de angariação de fundos bem-sucedidas e direccionadas e por reembolsos antecipados não programados de empréstimos por parte de clientes mutuários. Como resultado, a proporção de activos líquidos em relação ao total de activos aumentou e representou 20%, em comparação com 13% no ano fiscal de 2024. Esta sólida liquidez posiciona bem o Grupo para apoiar as suas actividades de desembolso planificadas.

Os fundos dos accionistas cresceram para 7,7 mil milhões de dólares a 30 de Setembro de 2025, apoiados por lucros gerados internamente de 654,3 milhões de dólares e novos influxos de capital de 224,9 milhões de dólares mobilizados sob o Aumento Geral de Capital II. Os saldos dos fundos dos accionistas reportados levam em consideração os 350 milhões de dólares em dividendos apropriados dos lucros do ano fiscal de 2024.

Apesar da descida das taxas de referência, o rendimento bruto nos nove meses até Setembro de 2025 aumentou para 2,4 mil milhões de dólares, em comparação com os 2,3 mil milhões de dólares alcançados no mesmo período do ano passado. O rendimento operacional também cresceu 5,24%, para 1,44 mil milhões de dólares, mantendo uma forte eficiência de custos com um rácio custo/rendimento de 21%, bem abaixo do limite estratégico de 30%.

Consequentemente, o rendimento líquido também cresceu, aumentando de 642,2 milhões de dólares americanos nos 9M’2024 para 654,3 milhões de dólares americanos nos 9M’2025.

Os destaques dos resultados do Grupo Afreximbank são apresentados abaixo:

Métricas de Desempenho Financeiro

9 milhões em 2025

9 milhões em 2024

Receita Bruta (mil milhões de dólares americanos)

2,4

2,3

Receitas Líquidas (milhões de dólares americanos)

654,3

642,2

Rendimento do Capital Próprio Médio (ROAE)

12%

13%

Rendimento dos Activos Médios (ROAA)

2,35%

2,64%

Rácio de Eficiência

21%

17%

Métricas da Situação Financeira

9 milhões em 2025

9 milhões em 2024

Total de Activos (mil milhões de dólares americanos)

37,6

32,2

Total de Passivos (mil milhões de dólares americanos))

29,9

25,6

Fundos de Accionistas (mil milhões de dólares americanos)

7,7

6,6

Valor patrimonial líquido por acção (dólares americanos)

72.429

66.881

Rácio de Crédito Mal Parado

2,51%

2,42%

Caixa/Total de Activos

20%

12%

Rácio de Adequação de Capital (Basileia II)

                    25%

25%

O Sr. Denys Denya, Vice-Presidente Executivo Sénior do Afreximbank, comentou:

“Em meio a tensões geopolíticas persistentes, incerteza global e condições financeiras restritas, o Grupo demonstrou resiliência e apresentou um desempenho satisfatório no período de nove meses findo a 30 de Setembro de 2025, em linha com as expectativas. Esta resiliência, reflectida numa forte liquidez, numa base de capital robusta e em activos de alta qualidade, sublinha a capacidade do Grupo de navegar num ambiente operacional desafiador. Além de apoiar a rentabilidade, a resiliência demonstrada servirá como trampolim para expandir as actividades de empréstimo, aumentar a capacidade de cumprir o mandato do Grupo e criar valor sustentável a longo prazo, em linha com o 6.º Plano Estratégico”.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa: 
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com os Meios de Comunicação Social)
Correio Electrónico: press@afreximbank.com

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Sobre o Afreximbank:
O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) é uma instituição financeira multilateral pan-africana com mandato para financiar e promover o comércio intra e extra-africano. Há mais de 30 anos que o Banco utiliza estruturas inovadoras para oferecer soluções de financiamento que apoiam a transformação da estrutura do comércio africano, acelerando a industrialização e o comércio intra-regional, impulsionando assim a expansão económica em África. Apoiante firme do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (ACLCA), o Afreximbank lançou um Sistema Pan-Africano de Pagamento e Liquidação (PAPSS) que foi adoptado pela União Africana (UA) como plataforma de pagamento e liquidação para sustentar a implementação da ZCLCA. Em colaboração com o Secretariado da ZCLCA e a UA, o Banco vai criar um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países a participarem na ZCLCA de forma efectiva. No final de Dezembro de 2024, o total de activos e contingências do Afreximbank ascendia a mais de 40,1 mil milhões de dólares e os seus fundos de accionistas a 7,2 mil milhões de dólares. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela GCR (escala internacional) (A), Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e Fitch (BBB-). O Afreximbank evoluiu para uma entidade de grupo que inclui o Banco, a sua subsidiária de fundo de impacto de acções, denominada Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Exportações em África (FEDA), e a sua subsidiária de gestão de seguros, AfrexInsure (em conjunto, “o Grupo”). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com.

DECLARAÇÕES PROSPECTIVAS:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Exportação-Importação (Afreximbank) apresenta periodicamente declarações prospectivas por escrito e/ou orais, tal como consta no presente comunicado e noutras comunicações. De igual modo, os responsáveis do Banco podem fazer declarações prospectivas, quer por escrito, quer durante conversas verbais com investidores, analistas, meios de comunicação social e outros membros da comunidade de investidores. As declarações relativas às estratégias, objectivos, prioridades e resultados financeiros previstos do Banco para o período em causa constituem indicações futuras. São geralmente descritas com termos como “deveria”, “iria”, “pode”, “poderia”, “espera”, “antecipa”, “estima”, “projecta”, “pretende” e “acredita”.

Pela sua própria natureza, essas declarações exigem que o Banco faça suposições sujeitas a riscos e incertezas, especialmente incertezas relacionadas com o ambiente financeiro, económico, regulamentar e social em que o Banco opera. Alguns destes riscos estão fora do controlo do Banco e podem conduzir a resultados materialmente diferentes das expectativas inferidas a partir das indicações futuras. Os factores de risco que podem causar tais diferenças incluem declarações regulamentares, crédito, mercado (incluindo acções, mercadorias, divisas e taxas de juro), liquidez, operacional, reputacional, seguros, estratégia, jurídico, ambiental e outros riscos conhecidos e desconhecidos. Consequentemente, ao tomar decisões relativamente ao Banco, recomendamos que os leitores efectuem uma avaliação mais aprofundada e não se apoiem demasiado nas declarações prospectivas do Banco.

Quaisquer declarações prospectivas contidas neste comunicado de imprensa representam as opiniões da administração apenas na data deste documento. Essas declarações têm como objectivo ajudar os investidores e analistas do Banco a compreender a posição financeira, as estratégias, os objectivos, as prioridades e o desempenho financeiro previsto do Banco em relação ao período actual e, como tal, podem não ser apropriadas para outros fins. O Banco não se compromete a actualizar quaisquer declarações prospectivas, sejam elas escritas ou verbais, que possam ser feitas periodicamente por si ou em seu nome, excepto conforme exigido pelas disposições ou requisitos regulamentares aplicáveis. 

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KZN reaffirms accountability as NCOP brings “Parliament to the People”

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the province’s commitment to accountability, cooperative governance, and community-centred service delivery.

This comes as the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) convened its “Taking Parliament to the People” programme at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in Pietermaritzburg.

The programme, one of South Africa’s most significant participatory democracy platforms, brings national lawmakers into direct engagement with communities to listen, observe, and respond to service-delivery challenges raised by citizens.

The KwaZulu-Natal delegation of permanent delegates to the NCOP crisscrossed the uMgungudlovu municipal area from 19 to 20 November 2025, to assess the progress of various infrastructure development projects.

Premier Ntuli described the engagement as a constitutional imperative that ensures Parliament remains close to the people it serves, especially those whose voices often go unheard.

He said the NCOP’s focus on the uMgungundlovu District provide the province an opportunity to reassess progress and confront persistent service-delivery obstacles, and [refine government’s developmental approach.]

Economic and large-scale investment

The Premier highlighted notable progress across the province, including economic renewal and large-scale investment.

At the 2025 KZN Investment Conference, the province secured R100.1 billion in commitments across 34 major projects, which are expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities.

“Infrastructure development continues to accelerate, with catalytic corridors in eThekwini, tourism developments in iLembe, and major water schemes such as the R463 million Greater Mthonjaneni Bulk Water Project,” the Premier said.

He also highlighted the establishment of the KwaZulu-Natal Infrastructure Council, which oversees a R3.9 trillion long-term project pipeline focused on inclusive growth; climate resilience; integrity in procurement and broader participation of rural communities; small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), women and youth.

Road rehabilitation remains a major priority, with more than 5 million square metres of roads currently being resurfaced or repaired.

Ntuli said the province has strengthened partnerships with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to address construction mafia disruptions, enabling critical infrastructure projects to proceed safely.

“Through SAPS partnerships, disruptions caused by construction mafias are being contained, allowing projects to proceed safely,” the Premier said.

Ntuli added that KwaZulu-Natal is intensifying its climate-resilience planning.

“The Climate Change Council continues to prioritise climate-resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems, responsible land-use planning, and the growth of green industries aimed at youth employment.”

Despite progress, Ntuli acknowledged persistent water supply challenges, especially in Ugu, Zululand, uThukela and uMzinyathi, while urban centres such as Msunduzi, KwaDukuza and Newcastle face sewage failures and ageing sanitation networks.

He said illegal dumping, which the NCOP highlighted sharply during its walkabouts in uMgungundlovu, remains an urgent environmental and health concern across multiple municipalities.

“Electricity availability sits at more than 93 percent in the province, yet local networks are increasingly strained by illegal connections, vandalism, and ageing infrastructure. Municipal financial recovery is non-negotiable, especially as some government departments continue to carry substantial debt to municipalities, undermining local capacity,” the Premier said.

To stabilise governance, the Premier outlined several interventions, including strengthened intergovernmental forums, improved coordination through the District Development Model, and Section 154 support for financially distressed municipalities.

He cited improvements in Msunduzi Municipality as evidence that targeted oversight and expert deployment can restore administrative and financial stability.

Community safety also featured prominently in Ntuli’s address. He argued that economic development and service delivery cannot thrive without safe communities, as insecurity disrupts clinics, schools, and municipal operations.

“The province is expanding intelligence-driven operations, enhancing rural safety, deploying specialised law-enforcement support to high-risk municipalities, installing CCTV systems, and strengthening school-safety and youth-at-risk programmes,” he said.

Ntuli stressed that building capable municipalities is crucial to long-term progress, warning that without strong financial controls, engineering capacity and effective governance systems, infrastructure plans collapse before implementation.

“Building capable, reliable municipalities is a moral responsibility owed to every household in KwaZulu-Natal.”

The Premier also urged the NCOP to support the province in reviewing equitable-share allocations, fast-tracking disaster relief funding, enforcing municipal turnaround plans, and addressing national logistics constraints affecting development, including port inefficiencies, rail limitations, and special economic zone blockages. – SAnews.gov.za