O Afreximbank concede uma linha de crédito de 110 milhões de euros ao Chade, o maior apoio financeiro de sempre concedido ao país

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) concedeu ao Governo do Chade o maior financiamento de sempre, no valor equivalente a 110 milhões de Euros em moeda local, com o objectivo de apoiar o desenvolvimento económico do país.

O acordo da linha de crédito, assinado a 5 de Agosto de 2026 na Sede do Afreximbank, em Cairo, Egipto, pelo Dr. George Elombi, Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Banco e por S. Ex.ª o Sr. Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Ministro Sénior e Ministro das Finanças, Orçamento, Economia, Planeamento e Cooperação Internacional do Chade, prevê que as receitas da linha de crédito sejam utilizadas pelo governo para apoiar projectos de infra-estruturas que facilitem o comércio, tal como aprovado ao abrigo da Lei das Finanças de 2026 do país.

A linha de crédito irá promover os fluxos comerciais, reforçar a resiliência económica e apoiar a implementação de projectos estratégicos de infra-estruturas que facilitem o comércio, essenciais para promover os objectivos a longo prazo do Chade em matéria de comércio, transformação económica e desenvolvimento.

O acordo reforça ainda mais a parceria estratégica entre o Afreximbank e o Governo do Chade, apoiando iniciativas que promovam a criação de valor acrescentado local, a industrialização e a transformação económica no país e na região.

Esta intervenção está alinhada com o Memorando de Entendimento (MdE) assinado entre o Governo do Chade e o Afreximbank em Junho de 2025, que estabeleceu um quadro estratégico de colaboração em importantes sectores, incluindo o desenvolvimento do potencial agro-pastoril do Chade, a agricultura orientada para a exportação, o comércio de ouro, a navegabilidade do Lago do Chade, o comércio de produtos petrolíferos refinados e o desenvolvimento de refinarias.

O Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Afreximbank, Dr. George Elombi, descreveu esta linha de crédito como um marco importante na parceria do Banco com o Governo do Chade:

“O Afreximbank orgulha-se em ser um interveniente determinante na jornada de transformação económica do Chade e felicita o governo pela agenda ousada destinada a transformar estruturalmente a economia nacional. A linha de crédito faz parte de um programa de financiamento destinado a apoiar o governo na concretização de projectos prioritários, incluindo zonas industriais especiais para a produção têxtil e o processamento de carne, infra-estruturas de transportes para ligar o Chade ao Egipto e à Líbia, bem como a produção de energia, criação de capacidade de refinação de petróleo bruto e criação de oportunidades económicas nos sectores dos transportes e marítimo no Lago do Chade, entre outros. Estes investimentos contribuirão para alterar a estrutura da economia chadiana e criar emprego e riqueza sustentáveis para o povo chadiano. Com estes investimentos, estamos a colocar de forma consistente o futuro do desenvolvimento de África nas mãos dos povos africanos.”

S. Ex.ª o Sr. Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Ministro Sénior e Ministro das Finanças, Orçamento, Economia, Planeamento e Cooperação Internacional do Chade, acrescentou: “A assinatura deste acordo de financiamento no valor de 110 milhões de Euros com o Afreximbank representa um marco importante no reforço da parceria entre o Chade e o Banco. Este financiamento demonstra a confiança renovada do Afreximbank nas perspectivas económicas do nosso país e na sua capacidade de explorar todo o seu potencial. Os recursos mobilizados contribuirão para o financiamento de projectos essenciais de facilitação do comércio incluídos no nosso orçamento nacional, nomeadamente nas áreas das infra-estruturas e do desenvolvimento do comércio.

“Estamos particularmente empenhados em transformar a nossa riqueza natural e o nosso potencial económico em oportunidades comerciais concretas para a nossa economia e para o nosso povo.” Esta transacção reflecte igualmente a nossa determinação em diversificar as nossas parcerias financeiras e em reforçar a integração económica regional e continental. O Governo do Chade pretende continuar esta parceria dinâmica com o Afreximbank, em apoio a um crescimento sustentável, inclusivo e gerador de emprego.”

A transformação económica do Chade está a remodelar de forma constante o seu futuro económico através de uma combinação de reformas estratégicas, expansão agrícola e investimento sustentado no seu sector petrolífero. Outrora fortemente dependente das receitas do petróleo bruto, o país está agora a avançar no sentido de construir uma economia mais diversificada e resiliente. Esta transformação mereceu reconhecimento internacional, tendo o Banco Mundial revisto em alta a previsão de crescimento económico do Chade para 2026, apontando agora para 5,2 por cento.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contacto para a Imprensa:
Vincent Musumba
Gestor de Comunicações e Eventos (Relações com a Imprensa)
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 criou um Fundo de Ajustamento de 10 mil milhões de dólares para apoiar os países que participam de forma efectiva na ZCLCA. No final de Dezembro de 2025, o total de activos e passivos contingentes do Afreximbank atingiu mais de 48,5 mil milhões de USD, e os seus fundos próprios totalizaram 8,4 mil milhões de USD. O Afreximbank tem notações de grau de investimento atribuídas pela China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), pela GCR (A), pela Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) e pela Moody’s (Baa2)  e pela S&P Global Ratings (BBB+). O Banco tem a sua sede em Cairo, Egipto.

Para mais informações, visite: www.Afreximbank.com 

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A Venezuela Energy Week confirma a data de 19 de agosto para o Houston Industry Showcase

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Os organizadores da Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) confirmaram que a Mostra da Indústria de Houston terá lugar a 19 de agosto de 2026 no The Post Oak Hotel. Com o apoio oficial do Ministério dos Hidrocarbonetos da Venezuela e da empresa petrolífera nacional PDVSA, o evento reunirá empresas do setor energético dos EUA, investidores e decisores políticos para explorar oportunidades comerciais antes da Venezuela Energy Week 2027, que se realizará em Caracas, em fevereiro.

A mostra contará com a presença da Ministra dos Hidrocarbonetos, Paula Henao, como oradora principal, que apresentará uma atualização sobre as prioridades energéticas da Venezuela, a agenda de investimento e as oportunidades de parceria internacional. A sua participação sublinha o compromisso do país em reforçar o envolvimento com a indústria global, numa altura em que procura expandir a produção e atrair novos investimentos no setor a montante.

Reunindo empresas de exploração e produção, operadores independentes, prestadores de serviços para campos petrolíferos, empresas de engenharia, empresas de tecnologia e instituições financeiras, o Houston Industry Showcase analisará oportunidades nas áreas da exploração, otimização da produção, reabilitação de infraestruturas e desenvolvimento de campos.

À medida que a Venezuela trabalha para aumentar a produção de petróleo e gás, prevê-se que a procura cresça pela experiência técnica dos prestadores de serviços norte-americanos em perfuração, intervenção em poços, serviços de conclusão, otimização da produção, elevação artificial, tecnologias digitais para campos petrolíferos e reabilitação de infraestruturas. Os líderes do setor sediados em Houston — incluindo a SLB, a Halliburton, a Baker Hughes, a Weatherford e uma vasta rede de empreiteiros EPC, fabricantes de equipamentos e empresas de serviços especializados — estão bem posicionados para apoiar a modernização de campos maduros, melhorar a eficiência operacional e fornecer as tecnologias e serviços necessários para futuros projetos do setor a montante.

O evento de Houston surge na sequência de uma bem-sucedida Industry Showcase em Londres, que reuniu investidores internacionais, operadores e empresas de serviços energéticos para explorar o panorama de investimento em evolução da Venezuela. Aproveitando esse impulso, a edição de Houston aprofundará o envolvimento com o setor energético dos EUA e reforçará o diá. comercial antes da Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

A Venezuela Energy Week — a maior plataforma de investimento energético do país até à data — está confirmada para 22 a 25 de fevereiro de 2027, em Caracas. Organizado pela Energy Capital & Power, o evento reunirá líderes governamentais, investidores e partes interessadas do setor de toda a cadeia de valor energética global.

Para se inscrever no Houston Industry Showcase, a realizar-se a 19 de agosto, visite https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. Para saber mais sobre oportunidades de participação, patrocínio e parceria para o evento ou para garantir o seu lugar na Venezuela Energy Week 2027, em Caracas, contacte info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Apoio à recuperação da Venezuela após o terramoto
Os nossos pensamentos estão com as pessoas e as comunidades afetadas pelos recentes terramotos na Venezuela. À medida que o país inicia o longo processo de recuperação, encorajamos os membros da comunidade energética global a apoiar os esforços de socorro e reconstrução através do Fundo de Recuperação e Reconstrução da CAF para a Venezuela, que canaliza contribuições de particulares, empresas e organizações para assistência de emergência, serviços essenciais e esforços de reconstrução a longo prazo.

Para saber mais ou fazer uma contribuição, visite o Fundo de Recuperação e Reconstrução da CAF para a Venezuela.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Energy Capital & Power.

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La « Venezuela Energy Week » confirme la date du 19 août pour le « Houston Industry Showcase »

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Les organisateurs de la Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) ont confirmé que le salon « Houston Industry Showcase » se tiendra le 19 août 2026 à l’hôtel The Post Oak. Bénéficiant du soutien officiel du ministère vénézuélien des Hydrocarbures et de la compagnie pétrolière nationale PDVSA, cet événement réunira des entreprises énergétiques, des investisseurs et des décideurs politiques américains afin d’explorer les opportunités commerciales en amont de la Venezuela Energy Week 2027, qui se tiendra à Caracas en février.

La ministre des Hydrocarbures, Paula Henao, sera l’oratrice principale de cet événement et fera le point sur les priorités énergétiques du Venezuela, son programme d’investissement et les opportunités de partenariat international. Sa participation souligne l’engagement du pays à renforcer ses liens avec l’industrie mondiale, alors qu’il cherche à accroître sa production et à attirer de nouveaux investissements en amont.

Réunissant des sociétés d’exploration et de production, des opérateurs indépendants, des prestataires de services pétroliers, des bureaux d’études, des entreprises technologiques et des institutions financières, le Salon de l’industrie de Houston examinera les opportunités dans les domaines de l’exploration, de l’optimisation de la production, de la réhabilitation des infrastructures et du développement des gisements.

Alors que le Venezuela s’efforce d’augmenter sa production de pétrole et de gaz, la demande devrait s’accroître pour l’expertise technique des prestataires de services américains dans les domaines du forage, de l’intervention sur puits, des services de complétion, de l’optimisation de la production, du pompage artificiel, des technologies numériques pour les champs pétroliers et de la réhabilitation des infrastructures. Les leaders du secteur basés à Houston – notamment SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford et un vaste réseau de maîtres d’œuvre EPC, de fabricants d’équipements et de sociétés de services spécialisées – sont bien placés pour soutenir la modernisation des champs matures, améliorer l’efficacité opérationnelle et fournir les technologies et les services nécessaires aux futurs projets en amont.

L’événement de Houston fait suite à un « Industry Showcase » couronné de succès à Londres, qui a réuni des investisseurs internationaux, des opérateurs et des sociétés de services énergétiques afin d’explorer le paysage d’investissement en pleine évolution du Venezuela. S’appuyant sur cette dynamique, l’édition de Houston permettra d’approfondir l’engagement avec le secteur énergétique américain et de renforcer le dialogue commercial en amont de la Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

La Venezuela Energy Week – la plus grande plateforme d’investissement énergétique du pays à ce jour – se tiendra du 22 au 25 février 2027 à Caracas. Organisé par Energy Capital & Power, cet événement réunira des responsables gouvernementaux, des investisseurs et des acteurs du secteur issus de l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur énergétique mondiale.

Pour vous inscrire au Salon de l’industrie de Houston le 19 août, rendez-vous sur https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. Pour en savoir plus sur les possibilités de participation, de parrainage et de partenariat pour ce salon, ou pour réserver votre place à la Venezuela Energy Week 2027 à Caracas, contactez info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Soutien à la reconstruction après le séisme au Venezuela 
Nos pensées vont aux personnes et aux communautés touchées par les récents séismes au Venezuela. Alors que le pays entame un long processus de reconstruction, nous encourageons les membres de la communauté énergétique mondiale à soutenir les efforts de secours et de reconstruction par le biais du Fonds CAF pour la reconstruction et le relèvement du Venezuela, qui canalise les contributions des particuliers, des entreprises et des organisations vers l’aide d’urgence, les services essentiels et les efforts de reconstruction à long terme.

Pour en savoir plus ou faire un don, rendez-vous sur le site du Fonds CAF pour la reconstruction et le relèvement du Venezuela.

Distribué par APO Group pour Energy Capital & Power.

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Venezuela Energy Week Confirms 19 August Date for Houston Industry Showcase

Source: APO

The organizers of Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) have confirmed that the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August 2026 at The Post Oak Hotel. Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the event will bring together U.S. energy companies, investors and policymakers to explore commercial opportunities ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas in February.

The showcase will feature Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao as a keynote speaker, providing an update on Venezuela’s energy priorities, investment agenda and opportunities for international partnership. Her participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global industry as it seeks to expand production and unlock new upstream investment.

Bringing together exploration and production companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers, engineering firms, technology companies and financial institutions, the Houston Industry Showcase will examine opportunities across exploration, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and field development.

As Venezuela works to increase oil and gas production, demand is expected to grow for the technical expertise of U.S. service providers in drilling, well intervention, completion services, production optimization, artificial lift, digital oilfield technologies and infrastructure rehabilitation. Houston-based industry leaders – including SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford and a broad network of EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers and specialized service companies – are well positioned to support the modernization of mature fields, improve operational efficiency and deliver the technologies and services needed for future upstream projects.

The Houston event follows a successful Industry Showcase in London, which brought together international investors, operators and energy service companies to explore Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape. Building on that momentum, the Houston edition will deepen engagement with the U.S. energy industry and strengthen commercial dialogue ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

Venezuela Energy Week – the country’s largest energy investment platform to date – has been confirmed for 22–25 February 2027 in Caracas. Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 19, visit https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4hkvteE).

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

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Secures New Patent for Smart Stabilization System from Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

Source: APO


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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) is pleased to announce that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has granted a new patent for its innovative Smart Stabilization System.

The patent was granted on 10 July 2026 under Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B for the invention titled “A Computer Network Stabilization System and Method.” The patent application was filed on 1 September 2022 and was formally granted following a comprehensive review process.

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and advanced simulation models, the system is designed to anticipate supply and demand imbalances and implement programmable stabilization measures before they escalate into market disruptions.

Unlike traditional stabilization mechanisms that rely on capital reserves, buffer funds, or external interventions, the Smart Stabilization System introduces a next-generation framework for achieving autonomous market stabilization through proactive and programmed stabilization mechanisms. By incorporating distributed ledger technology and cryptographic trust mechanisms, the platform enhances transparency, trust, and operational resilience for digital asset and commodity markets.

The successful patent grant reflects IsDBI’s growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to developing knowledge-based solutions that address contemporary economic and development challenges.

Since filing the patent application back in 2022, the Institute has continued to advance the Smart Stabilization System through ongoing development and testing, aimed to expand its practical applications and support future capitalization opportunities. These advancements have positioned the system as a potentially transformative solution for enhancing stability and resilience in increasingly digital and interconnected economies.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said, “The grant of this patent by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore further strengthens the Institute’s position as a leader in developing innovative knowledge-based solutions that leverage modern technologies to address complex development challenges. This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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About the IsDB Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets with Swiss Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 09, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the State of Qatar Florence Tinguely.
The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. It also discussed a number of topics of common interest. 

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Turkish Ambassador

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 09, 2026

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to the State of Qatar Dr. Mustafa Goksu.

The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. It also discussed a number of topics of common interest. 

Call to apply for Reserve Bank bursary programme

Source: Government of South Africa

Call to apply for Reserve Bank bursary programme

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is calling on aspirant economists who will be entering their first year of undergraduate studies in the 2027 academic year to apply for its external bursaries programme.

“The SARB, as part of addressing the severe shortage of skills in South Africa, provides scholarships and bursaries to students in relevant fields of study who are from disadvantaged backgrounds,” the central bank said.

The closing date for the submission of applications is Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

In support of the corporate social initiatives of the SARB and its External Bursary Scheme, several external scholarships and bursaries are made available annually to qualifying prospective undergraduates.

“The SARB’s Economic Research Department, in collaboration with the SARB Academy, hereby invites prospective undergraduate degree students to apply for competitive SARB bursaries in the fields of economics, economics and econometrics, economics and mathematical statistics, and economic science,” it said.

Aspiring economists to be considered for the bursary, they must meet the following requirements:
•    have provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree in the field of economics;
•    have achieved an average pass mark of 70% in their current year of study, with a good command of English and Mathematics (70% and above);
•    be younger than 30 years of age; and 
• be in financial need (unable to afford to attend university without a bursary)

Examination results, proof of acceptance at a recognised institution (a student number), and any other supporting documents must be submitted with the application.

Students must use PROMO CODE: SARBERD27 in their applications.

They can submit by post to:
Dimpho Nkoana
POSTNET Suite 101
Private Bag X153
Bryanston
2021

Applications can also be sent by email to:  sarbbursary@ttibursaries.co.za

In addition, online applications can be made to:  https://sarb-bursary-manager.replit.app/

Potential external bursars will be required to avail themselves for interviews. Successful applicant(s) for the bursary will be expected to sign an agreement with the SARB. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Have your say on the administration of an oath draft regulations

Source: Government of South Africa

Have your say on the administration of an oath draft regulations

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is calling on interested parties to submit written comments on the draft Regulations made under the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act.

The draft Regulations will repeal and replace the current Regulations Governing the Administering of an Oath or Affirmation, 1972.

Part 5 of the regulations speaks to electronic commissioning.

“If any document that requires to be made under oath or affirmation is submitted electronically or through the online portal or any other legitimate electronic platform, the commissioner may administer the oath or affirmation, as prescribed by regulation 2, through an audio-visual communication with the person required to sign the document,” the regulations note.

Additionally, if that document was signed before the oath or affirmation is administered, the commissioner must ascertain if the deponent is the person who signed the document, and if so satisfied, the commissioner may administer the oath or affirmation as prescribed by regulation.

Part 5 further states that for the purposes of this regulation, “the administering of the oath or affirmation by the commissioner in an instance where the deponent is not in the physical presence of the commissioner is in all respects valid as if it was administered in the physical presence of the commissioner.”

However, Part 4 of the regulations, which speaks to the signing of the declaration, states that subject to regulation 5, the deponent must sign the declaration in the presence of the commissioner.

“If the deponent cannot write, the deponent must, subject to regulation 5, in the presence of the commissioner affix a mark at the foot of the declaration. If the commissioner has any doubt as to the deponent’s inability to write, the commissioner must cause such inability to be certified at the foot of the declaration by some other trustworthy person.”

Part 2 of the document speaks to the administration of an oath or affirmation.

The comments must be submitted not later than Monday, 31 August 2026, marked for the attention of Mr M Mokulubete, and:
(a) if they are forwarded by post, be addressed to The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001
(b) if they are delivered by hand, be delivered at The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Momentum Building, 329 Pretorius Street, Pretoria
(c) if they are delivered by email, be emailed to MMokulubete@justice.gov.za.

The regulations were published in the Government Gazette dated 31 July 2026 and can be accessed here: https://www.justice.gov.za/legislation/invitations/20260731-gg5507555075gon7746-Oaths-Draft-Regulations.pdf 

For more information, please contact Mr M Mokulubete on 012 406 4755 / 084 842 5780. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair opens new markets for women entrepreneurs

Source: Government of South Africa

EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair opens new markets for women entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs who exhibited at the inaugural EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair say the initiative has delivered more than just visibility, creating tangible business opportunities, boosting sales and connecting small enterprises directly with customers.

Launched at the Durban Olive Convention Centre on 1 August, the trade fair formed part of a collaborative effort between government and the private sector to advance women’s economic empowerment by creating market access for women-owned businesses.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in partnership with Absa, was officially launched by the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, during the official opening of the 2026 Women’s Month programme.

Observed under the theme: “Empowered Women Empower the Nation”, this year’s Women’s Month focuses on strengthening women’s participation in the economy and expanding opportunities for women-owned enterprises.

Addressing delegates, Chikunga said women entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers that limit their ability to start, sustain and grow their businesses.

These include limited access to markets, procurement opportunities, finance, investment, business development support, technology, information, networks and supply chains.

She said the EmpowerHer Market Trade Fair was established to bridge the gap between women entrepreneurs and viable markets by connecting women-owned businesses with buyers, investors, government departments, corporates, financial institutions and enterprise development partners.

“We aim to move beyond showcasing products towards actual commercial transactions, investment, procurement opportunities, business partnerships and long-term market linkages.

“This trade fair is not merely an exhibition – it is an economic empowerment and market access intervention. It seeks to unlock business opportunities, investment, enterprise growth, job creation and sustainable economic empowerment,” Chikunga said.

In addition to exhibiting their products and services, entrepreneurs participated in business pitch sessions, procurement engagements, finance and development finance discussions, and business support clinics designed to help expand their enterprises.

Among the exhibitors was Gogo Nomangungu, founder of Sangoma Diaries, whose stand was visited by the Minister during her walkabout.

Nomangungu said the trade fair had exceeded her expectations, generating strong sales of her complementary herbal medicines and organic skincare products.

“By opening this women’s trade fair, we made serious sales today. Our businesses are growing because customers are buying directly from us. I’m very grateful to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for creating this opportunity,” she said.

She said initiatives that connect entrepreneurs directly with consumers can play a significant role in helping small businesses grow.

Nomangungu also welcomed the platform for promoting indigenous knowledge systems and locally manufactured products, noting that the trade fair demonstrated how government-supported market access initiatives to advance women’s economic empowerment.

The trade fair forms part of government’s broader efforts to improve women’s participation in the economy by creating opportunities for women-owned businesses to access new markets, establish business partnerships and engage with potential investors and customers.

South Africa commemorates Women’s Month every August in honour of the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of pass laws to women. National Women’s Day is observed annually on 9 August. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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