Category: MIL-OSI

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SA signs US$474.6 million loan for Just Energy Transition

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 25, 2025

South Africa and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a US$474.6 million loan agreement aimed at supporting the implementation of the Just Energy Transition (JET).

The loan agreement with the AfDB follows the first policy loan concluded in 2023 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition. 

“This new agreement highlights the importance of South Africa’s partnership with the AfDB in advancing South Africa’s development agenda. It strengthens efforts to improve energy security measures, accelerate the decarbonisation of the economy, and enhance the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation,” National Treasury said on Thursday.

This loan is part of the third Development Policy Operation which includes participation from the World Bank, KFW Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) to support structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services.

It offers favourable concessional financial terms at a nominal value of US$474.6 million with a maturity of 15 years and a 3-year grace period at an interest rate of a daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.22%.

“The National Treasury wishes to express its appreciation to the AfDB for its continued partnership and support of South Africa’s development objectives. 

“This includes efforts to implement critical reforms in the energy and transport sectors, while also advancing the country’s Just Energy Transition goals and meeting foreign currency commitments at lower interest rates.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Western Cape works to enhance road safety

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape is working to enhance efforts aimed at preventing road incidents, particularly those involving pedestrians.

This as the Western Cape Mobility Department is working closely with law enforcement, municipalities, and Joint Traffic Control Centres (JTCCs) in this undertaking.

According to the provincial department, pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, accounting for the majority of lives lost on the province’s roads this month.

Of the 72 road fatalities recorded across the province from 1 to 22 July 2025, pedestrians account for the most deaths, highlighting the need for focused interventions.

READ | Western Cape concerned at 23 deaths on province’s roads in one week 

The department said many of these incidents occurred in high-density municipal areas, with Khayelitsha, Milnerton, Paarl, and Kuilsriver repeatedly emerging as hotspots for multiple pedestrian deaths.

In addition, the R300 corridor, a provincial route, also recorded several fatalities. 

Meanwhile, outside the primary hotspots, there were over 20 individual pedestrian deaths spread across the province, from metro suburbs to smaller rural towns. 

“This wide distribution highlights that no community is immune and underscores the need for a province-wide safety response. Recent statistics reveal that pedestrian fatalities occur mostly at night, along highways, and on poorly lit roads,” the statement read. 

Contributing factors include jaywalking, alcohol use by both pedestrians and drivers, speeding, and non-utilisation of pedestrian infrastructure.

The department stated that it was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to prevent road incidents involving road users. 
In the meantime, the province has conducted 442 vehicle checkpoint operations in the first three weeks of July, including 219 drunk driving operations, 84 public transport checks, and targeted operations focusing on seatbelt use, vehicle fitness, learner and farm worker transport.

The team is deploying road safety ambassadors in high-risk areas to educate communities on safe road use and is launching awareness campaigns supported by schools, neighbourhood watches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and other community groups.

They are also enhancing law enforcement visibility on highways and provincial routes, with improved monitoring.

Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, said the loss of pedestrian lives is not just a statistic; it represents families torn apart and communities left in mourning. 

“We urge both motorists and pedestrians to take responsibility. Motorists must slow down and remain vigilant, while pedestrians should always use designated crossings, wear visible clothing at night, and avoid walking under the influence of alcohol,” Sileku said.

Meanwhile, the department is also preparing to roll out new pedestrian safety infrastructure and interventions in identified high-risk zones in the coming months, as part of its ongoing strategy to reduce road deaths.

“Road safety is a collective effort. By working together, as government, drivers, and pedestrians, we can turn the tide on these preventable deaths,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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2026 Gauteng School admission process garners over 213 000 applications 

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane has announced that more than 213 000 online applications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners were successfully processed by 1pm when the 2026 online admissions process officially opened. 

The online admissions application period for Grade 1 and Grade 8 in Gauteng officially commenced on Thursday at 8am and within the first hour alone, the system had recorded a total of 78 645 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications.

The department said this translates to 32 584 Grade 1 applications and 46 061 Grade 8 applications recorded within the first hour. By 1pm, this number had risen to 213 654 successfully processed applications, including 93 042 Grade 1 and 120 612 Grade 8 applications. 

As part of the start of the much-anticipated application period, MEC Chiloane led the official Switch-On at the YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa on Thursday morning, where he assisted parents and guardians in navigating the online application process. 

“Significantly, over 40 000 users were already attempting to access the system even before the official opening time of 8am, with some starting as early as 5am. This early surge caused temporary delays for some users, who had to refresh the page before gaining access once the system went live. 

“We therefore urge parents and guardians in future to refrain from trying to log in before the official start time, to avoid unnecessary access issues. The 2026 Online Admissions application window will remain open until 29 August 2025,” the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said. 

READ | 2026 Gauteng School admission process begins

Parents and guardians can apply by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. Required documents must be uploaded on the system or submitted directly to the schools applied to, within seven school days of applying. 

Parents requiring help can visit their nearest District Office or one of the 81 Decentralised Walk-in Centres across Gauteng. The GDE Call Centre is also available at 0800 000 789, or via WhatsApp at 060 891 0361. 

“We are proud of this monumental achievement, processing such a high number of applications on the first day. This success reflects the improvements made to the system, which operated smoothly overall, despite a brief delay experienced by users who tried accessing the site before it officially opened.

“We encourage parents not to panic. The system will remain open until 29 August, giving ample time to apply,” said the MEC. – SAnews.gov.za

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Benim: Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova mais de 30 milhões de dólares para proteger os agricultores dos choques climáticos e da insegurança alimentar

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento  (www.AfDB.org) aprovou um financiamento de 30,25 milhões de dólares para um programa inovador de proteção climática e resiliência do setor agrícola no Benim. Graças a esta aprovação, os agricultores beninenses, especialmente os do norte do país, não terão mais de temer perder toda a sua colheita durante secas devastadoras ou inundações repentinas. 

Esta iniciativa irá proteger 150 mil pequenos agricultores contra choques climáticos num país onde a agricultura emprega sete em cada dez pessoas, mas continua à mercê de um clima cada vez mais imprevisível. A situação é particularmente crítica nas regiões de Alibori e Atakora, onde um em cada quatro agricultores sofre de insegurança alimentar, muito acima da média nacional.

Estas regiões do norte enfrentam um duplo fardo de desafios climáticos e efeitos colaterais da instabilidade no Sahel, criando pressões adicionais através de deslocações forçadas e encerramento das fronteiras com o Níger. As projeções climáticas indicam riscos alarmantes para o futuro, com a produção de algodão e o rendimento do milho a deverem cair 22% e 6,3%, respetivamente, com perdas económicas potenciais estimadas em mais de 200 mil milhões de francos CFA.

“Este investimento representa o nosso compromisso com o reforço da resiliência climática no setor agrícola do Benim, respondendo simultaneamente às necessidades urgentes das comunidades agrícolas vulneráveis”, afirmou Robert Masumbuko, representante do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento no Benim. “Ao introduzir ferramentas inovadoras de gestão de riscos e reforçar as capacidades locais, estamos a ajudar os agricultores a adaptar-se às alterações climáticas, prevenindo conflitos e promovendo a coesão social em zonas fronteiriças frágeis”, acrescentou.

O projeto reforça os esforços do governo do Benim para estabelecer um seguro agrícola, cuja fase piloto é gerida pelo Fundo Nacional para o Desenvolvimento Agrícola (FNDA) do país.

Introduz mecanismos inovadores de transferência de riscos climáticos, incluindo cobertura de seguro soberano contra secas e inundações através da Capacidade Africana de Risco, e micro-seguros agrícolas para pequenos agricultores. Estas ferramentas irão melhorar os perfis de risco dos agricultores junto das instituições financeiras, facilitando o acesso ao crédito e às oportunidades de investimento. 

Para além dos mecanismos de seguro, a iniciativa reforçará as capacidades institucionais para a gestão de catástrofes climáticas, implementará sistemas de alerta precoce com equipamento agrometeorológico e promoverá práticas agrícolas inteligentes em termos climáticos. O programa visa especificamente uma participação de 30% dos jovens e garante uma representação feminina de 30% entre os 150 mil beneficiários diretos. Além disso, é dada especial atenção às atividades de coesão social para apoiar a integração pacífica das populações deslocadas nas comunidades de acolhimento.

O financiamento provém de várias fontes: 20 milhões de dólares da dotação ‘prevenção’ do Mecanismo de Apoio à Transição, 5 milhões de dólares do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento, 3 milhões de dólares do fundo fiduciário multidoadores ADRiFi e aproximadamente 2,44 milhões de dólares em contribuições nacionais de contrapartida para prémios de seguro.

O projeto está em consonância com o Plano Nacional de Desenvolvimento 2018-2025 do Benim e o seu Plano Nacional de Adaptação 2022-2027, apoiando os objetivos de transformação agrícola do país e reforçando a resiliência às alterações climáticas através de instrumentos inovadores, como os seguros. As parcerias estratégicas com o Programa Alimentar Mundial, o Banco Mundial e doadores bilaterais, como as cooperações suíça e luxemburguesa, garantem um apoio abrangente ao desenvolvimento agrícola sustentável, incluindo a criação de seguros agrícolas no Benim.

Para as famílias agrícolas do Benim, este financiamento representa a esperança de colheitas protegidas, rendimentos estáveis e um futuro mais seguro para os seus filhos. Para as comunidades do norte do Benim, este projeto é uma garantia de estabilidade e coesão social numa região estratégica da África Ocidental e, finalmente, para o Estado beninense, o projeto assegura a resiliência financeira contra riscos de catástrofes cada vez mais recorrentes.

O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento continua empenhado em apoiar a transformação agrícola de África através de soluções inovadoras de adaptação às alterações climáticas que protejam as comunidades vulneráveis, promovendo simultaneamente o desenvolvimento sustentável e a estabilidade regional.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media: 
Natalie Nkembuh
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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Gâmbia: Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova subvenção de 19,93 milhões de dólares para combater a fragilidade e ampliar as oportunidades para jovens e mulheres rurais

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou uma subvenção de 19,93 milhões de dólares para o Projeto de Resiliência – Apoio a Jovens e Mulheres Vulneráveis, destinado a melhorar o acesso a serviços sociais básicos para comunidades carentes na Gâmbia.

A iniciativa visa combater as causas profundas da pobreza e da migração irregular, criando meios de subsistência sustentáveis, abordando os primeiros sinais de fragilidade e prevenindo os fatores estruturais que conduzem ao conflito e à instabilidade na região visada. Faz parte da agenda de prevenção reforçada do Banco no âmbito da Dotação para a Prevenção do Mecanismo de Apoio à Transição (TSF), que enfatiza a resposta precoce aos riscos de fragilidade e aos fatores sistemáticos que conduzem ao conflito.

A Gâmbia enfrenta graves desafios económicos, com 53,4% da população a viver abaixo do limiar da pobreza. A pobreza é particularmente grave nas zonas rurais, afetando 76% dos residentes, em comparação com 34% nas zonas urbanas. O desemprego juvenil situa-se em 38,6%, com as mulheres a serem desproporcionalmente afetadas – 1,3 mulheres desempregadas por cada homem desempregado. Estas disparidades socioeconómicas, aliadas ao acesso limitado aos serviços, são os principais fatores que alimentam a migração irregular e a instabilidade social.

Embora o país tenha alcançado um acesso robusto à eletricidade em todo o território nacional, persistem desigualdades regionais gritantes. Em áreas como Kuntaur e Janjanbureh, menos de uma em cada quatro pessoas tem acesso à eletricidade, em comparação com 95% na capital.

Além disso, uma em cada quatro crianças sofre de desnutrição. Ao abordar estas lacunas, o projeto visa renovar o contrato social e promover a resiliência da comunidade. “Este projeto representa o nosso compromisso em combater as causas fundamentais da fragilidade, pobreza, exclusão e falta de oportunidades, investindo nas pessoas e nos sistemas que constroem a resiliência e a esperança da comunidade”, afirmou Joseph Ribeiro, Diretor-Geral Adjunto do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento para a África Ocidental e Gestor Nacional para a Gâmbia.

“Através do Envelope de Prevenção do TSF, estamos a agir precocemente para prevenir conflitos e a migração dos jovens, promovendo o crescimento inclusivo, a igualdade de género e a estabilidade institucional, ao mesmo tempo que construímos as bases para meios de subsistência sustentáveis que manterão as famílias e as comunidades unidas”, acrescentou.

O projeto criará diretamente 1.500 empregos, aumentará a produtividade de 5 mil postos de trabalho existentes e proporcionará formação profissional anual a 500 jovens em setores de elevada procura, como agricultura, engenharia, TIC e energias renováveis. Além disso, o apoio será alargado a 500 micro e pequenas empresas lideradas por mulheres e a 50 cooperativas de mulheres.

Os principais investimentos em infraestruturas de saúde incluirão a reabilitação de quatro unidades de saúde primárias em regiões vulneráveis, incluindo Basse, Kuntaur e Janjanbureh, onde as taxas de mortalidade materna e de desnutrição infantil excedem as médias nacionais. Sistemas de vigilância nutricional reforçados permitirão a deteção precoce de 22 mil crianças e facilitarão o tratamento de mil crianças que necessitam de cuidados especializados.

A insegurança alimentar aumentou, passando de 13,4% em 2021 para 29% em 2023, com picos de 61% em áreas como Kuntaur. O projeto irá abordar esta crise promovendo uma agricultura inteligente em termos climáticos e reforçando as cadeias de valor locais para melhorar a segurança alimentar e reduzir a vulnerabilidade aos choques climáticos.

A inclusão financeira é um pilar fundamental da intervenção. Com 77% dos jovens gambianos atualmente excluídos dos serviços financeiros formais, o projeto estabelecerá linhas de crédito dedicadas e fornecerá apoio ao desenvolvimento empresarial para desbloquear o empreendedorismo, especialmente para mulheres que enfrentam barreiras sistémicas ao acesso ao capital e aos mercados.

A iniciativa também inclui a intensificação dos esforços para combater a violência e a desigualdade de género e o reforço das capacidades das instituições governamentais para melhorar a elaboração de políticas baseadas em dados e a monitorização de longo prazo das tendências de fragilidade.

As organizações da sociedade civil, incluindo a Associação de Organizações Não Governamentais (TANGO), serão fundamentais para garantir que o projeto seja inclusivo, participativo e alinhado com as prioridades nacionais.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contato para os media:
Natalie Nkembuh,
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas,
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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Bénin : la Banque africaine de développement approuve plus de 30 millions de dollars pour protéger les agriculteurs des chocs climatiques et de l’insécurité alimentaire

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement  (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un financement de 30,25 millions de dollars pour un programme révolutionnaire de protection climatique et de résilience du secteur agricole au Bénin. Grâce à l’approbation, les agriculteurs béninois, particulièrement ceux du nord du Bénin n’auront plus à craindre de perdre toute leur récolte lors des sécheresses dévastatrices ou des inondations soudaines.

Cette initiative protégera 150 000 petits agriculteurs contre les chocs climatiques dans un pays où l’agriculture emploie sept personnes sur dix mais reste à la merci d’un climat de plus en plus imprévisible. La situation est particulièrement critique dans les départements de l’Alibori et de l’Atakora, où un agriculteur sur quatre souffre d’insécurité alimentaire, bien au-dessus de la moyenne nationale.

Ces régions du nord font face à un double fardeau de défis climatiques et d’effets de contagion de l’instabilité sahélienne, créant des pressions supplémentaires à travers les déplacements forcés et les fermetures de frontière avec le Niger. Les projections climatiques indiquent des risques futurs alarmants, avec une production de coton et des rendements de maïs qui devraient chuter respectivement de 22% et de 6,3%, avec des pertes économiques estimées potentiellement à environ 201 milliards de francs CFA.

« Cet investissement représente notre engagement à renforcer la résilience climatique du secteur agricole béninois tout en répondant aux besoins urgents des communautés agricoles vulnérables – a déclaré Robert Masumbuko , représentant pays de la Banque africaine de développement au Benin – en introduisant des outils innovants de gestion des risques et en renforçant les capacités locales, nous aidons les agriculteurs à s’adapter au changement climatique tout en prévenant les conflits et en promouvant la cohésion sociale dans les zones frontalières fragiles. »

Le projet vient renforcer les efforts du gouvernement béninois pour la mise en place d’une assurance agricole, dont la phase pilote est gérée par le Fonds national pour le développement agricole (FNDA) du Bénin.

Elle introduit des mécanismes novateurs de transfert des risques climatiques, notamment une couverture d’assurance souveraine contre les sécheresses et les inondations via la Mutuelle panafricaine de gestion des risques, et une micro-assurance agricole pour les petits exploitants. Ces outils amélioreront le profil de risque des agriculteurs auprès des institutions financières, facilitant un meilleur accès au crédit et aux opportunités d’investissement.

Au-delà des mécanismes d’assurance, l’initiative renforcera les capacités institutionnelles pour la gestion des catastrophes climatiques, déploiera des systèmes d’alerte précoce avec des équipements agrométéorologiques, et promouvra des pratiques agricoles intelligentes face au climat. Le programme cible spécifiquement 30% de participation des jeunes et assure 30% de représentation féminine parmi les 150 000 bénéficiaires directs. En outre, une attention particulière est accordée aux activités de cohésion sociale pour soutenir l’intégration pacifique des populations déplacées dans les communautés d’accueil.

Le financement provient de sources multiples : 20 millions de dollars de l’enveloppe « prévention » de la Facilité d’appui à la transition, 5 millions de dollars du Fonds africain de développement, 3 millions de dollars du fonds fiduciaire multi-donateur ADRiFi, et environ 2,44 millions de dollars en contributions de contrepartie nationale pour les primes d’assurance.

Le projet s’aligne avec le Plan national de développement du Bénin 2018-2025 et son Plan national d’adaptation 2022-2027, soutenant les objectifs de transformation agricole du pays tout en renforçant la résilience face au changement climatique à travers des instruments innovants tels que l’assurance. Les partenariats stratégiques avec le Programme alimentaire mondial, la Banque mondiale, et les donateurs bilatéraux tels que les coopérations Suisse et Luxembourgeoise assurent un soutien global pour le développement agricole durable, y compris la mise en place de l’assurance agricole au Bénin.

Pour les familles agricoles du Bénin, ce financement représente l’espoir de récoltes protégées, de revenus stables et d’un avenir plus sûr pour leurs enfants. Pour les communautés du nord Bénin, ce projet est gage de stabilité et cohésion sociale dans une région stratégique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest et, enfin, pour l’État béninois, le projet assure une résilience financière face aux risques de catastrophes de plus en plus récurrents. 

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement demeure engagé à soutenir la transformation agricole de l’Afrique par des solutions innovantes d’adaptation climatique qui protègent les communautés vulnérables tout en promouvant le développement durable et la stabilité régionale.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Natalie Nkembuh
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) est la première institution multilatérale de financement dédiée au développement de l’Afrique. Elle comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). La BAD est présente sur le terrain dans 44 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, et contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux.

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Gambie : la Banque africaine de développement accorde un don de près de 20 millions de dollars pour lutter contre la fragilité et offrir plus d’opportunités aux femmes et aux jeunes ruraux

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Conseil d’administration du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) a approuvé un don de 19,93 millions de dollars américains à la Gambie pour mettre en œuvre le Projet de renforcement de la résilience – soutien aux jeunes et femmes vulnérables, qui permettra d’améliorer l’accès aux services sociaux de base pour les communautés mal desservies du pays.

Le projet permettra de faire face aux causes profondes de la pauvreté et de la migration irrégulière en créant des moyens de subsistance durables, en abordant les premiers signes de fragilité, et en prévenant les facteurs structurels de conflit et d’instabilité dans la région ciblée. Le financement provient de l’enveloppe « prévention » du Mécanisme de soutien à la transition de la Banque, qui met l’accent sur la réponse précoce aux risques de fragilité et aux facteurs systémiques de conflit.

La Gambie fait face à de graves défis économiques, avec 53,4 % de la population qui vit en dessous du seuil de pauvreté, est particulièrement sévère dans les zones rurales (76 %), contre 34 % en zones urbaines. Le chômage des jeunes s’élève à 38,6 %, les femmes étant disproportionnellement touchées — 1,3 femme est au chômage pour chaque homme au chômage. Ces disparités socioéconomiques, couplées à un accès limité aux services, sont des facteurs d’incitation majeurs alimentant la migration irrégulière et l’instabilité sociale.

Bien que le pays ait atteint un niveau significatif d’accès à l’électricité à l’échelle nationale, d’importantes inégalités régionales persistent. Dans des zones telles que Kuntaur et Janjanbureh, moins d’une personne sur quatre seulement, a accès à l’électricité, contre 95 % dans la capitale. De plus, un enfant sur quatre souffre de malnutrition. En ciblant ces lacunes, le projet vise à renouveler le contrat social et à favoriser la résilience communautaire.

« Ce projet représente notre engagement à nous attaquer aux causes fondamentales de la fragilité, de la pauvreté, de l’exclusion et du manque d’opportunités, en investissant dans les personnes et les systèmes qui construisent la résilience communautaire et l’espoir », a déclaré  le directeur général adjoint de la Banque pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et directeur pays pour la Gambie, Joseph Ribeiro. « À travers l’ « enveloppe prévention du Mécanisme de soutien à la transition, nous agissons de manière précoce pour prévenir les conflits et la migration des jeunes en favorisant une croissance inclusive, l’égalité des sexes, et la stabilité institutionnelle, tout en construisant les fondations pour des moyens de subsistance durables qui maintiendront les familles et les communautés ensemble », a-t-il ajouté.

Le projet créera directement 1 500 emplois, améliorera la productivité de 5 000 postes existants, et fournira une formation annuelle en compétences à 500 jeunes dans des secteurs à forte demande tels que l’agriculture, l’ingénierie, les TIC, et les énergies renouvelables. De plus, un soutien sera étendu à 500 micros et petites entreprises dirigées par des femmes et à 50 coopératives de femmes.

Les investissements clés dans l’infrastructure de santé incluront la réhabilitation de quatre établissements de santé primaires dans les régions vulnérables, notamment Basse, Kuntaur, et Janjanbureh, où les taux de mortalité maternelle et de malnutrition infantile dépassent les moyennes nationales. Des systèmes de surveillance nutritionnelle améliorés permettront une détection précoce pour 22 000 enfants et faciliteront le traitement de 1 000 enfants nécessitant des soins spécialisés.

L’insécurité alimentaire a grimpé, passant de 13,4 % en 2021 à 29 % en 2023, avec des pics de 61% dans des zones telles que Kuntaur. Le projet s’attaquera à cette crise en promouvant une agriculture intelligente face au climat et en renforçant les chaînes de valeur locales pour améliorer la sécurité alimentaire et réduire la vulnérabilité aux chocs climatiques.

L’inclusion financière est un pilier central du projet. Avec 77 % des jeunes gambiens actuellement exclus des services financiers formels, le projet établira des lignes de crédit dédiées et fournira un soutien au développement des entreprises pour débloquer l’entrepreneuriat, particulièrement pour les femmes qui font face à des barrières systémiques pour accéder au capital et aux marchés.

Le projet inclut également l’intensification des efforts pour lutter contre la violence et l’inégalité basées sur le genre, et le renforcement des capacités des institutions gouvernementales pour améliorer l’élaboration de politiques basées sur les données et le suivi à long terme des tendances de fragilité.

Les organisations de la société civile, y compris l’Association des organisations non gouvernementales (TANGO), seront impliquées dans la mise en œuvre du projet afin de s’assurer qu’il est inclusif, participatif et aligné avec les priorités nationales.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Natalie Nkembuh,
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures,
media@afdb.org

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) est la première institution multilatérale de financement dédiée au développement de l’Afrique. Elle comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). La BAD est présente sur le terrain dans 44 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, et contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux.

Pour plus d’information : www.AfDB.org

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The Gambia: African Development Fund Approves $19.93 Million Grant to Tackle Fragility and Expand Opportunities for Rural Youth and Women

Source: APO

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved $19.93 million grant funding for the Resilience Building – Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project, designed to improve access to basic social services for underserved communities in The Gambia.

The initiative seeks to address the root causes of poverty and irregular migration by creating sustainable livelihoods and tackling early signs of fragility and preventing structural drivers of conflict and instability in the targeted region. It forms part of the Bank’s scaled-up prevention agenda under the Prevention Envelope of the Transition Support Facility (TSF), which emphasizes early response to fragility risks and systematic drivers of conflict.

The Gambia faces severe economic challenges, with 53.4% of the population living below the poverty line. Poverty is particularly severe in rural areas, affecting 76 percent of residents, compared to 34 percent in urban areas. Youth unemployment stands at 38.6%, with women disproportionately impacted — 1.3 unemployed women for every unemployed man. These socio-economic disparities, coupled with limited access to services, are major push factors fuelling irregular migration and social instability.

Although the country has achieved robust electricity access nationwide, glaring regional inequalities persist. In areas such as Kuntaur and Janjanbureh, fewer than one in four people have access to electricity, compared to 95 percent in the capital. Additionally, one in four children suffers from malnutrition. By targeting these gaps, the project aims to renew the social contract and foster community resilience.

“This project represents our commitment to tackling the foundational causes of fragility, poverty, exclusion, and lack of opportunity, by investing in people and systems that build community resilience and hope,” said Dr. Joseph Ribeiro, African Development Bank Deputy Director General for West Africa, and Country Manager for The Gambia. “Through the TSF Prevention Envelope, we are acting early to prevent conflict and youth migration by fostering inclusive growth, gender equality, and institutional stability, while building foundations for sustainable livelihoods that will keep families and communities together.”

The project will directly create 1,500 jobs, enhance productivity for 5,000 existing positions, and provide annual skills training to 500 youth in high-demand sectors such as agriculture, engineering, ICT, and renewable energy. In addition, support will be extended to 500 women-led micro and small enterprises and 50 women’s cooperatives.

Key investments in health infrastructure will include rehabilitating four primary health facilities vulnerable regions, including Basse, Kuntaur, and Janjanbureh, where maternal mortality and child malnutrition rates exceed national averages. Enhanced nutrition surveillance systems will enable early detection for 22,000 children and facilitate treatment for 1,000 children requiring specialized care.

Food insecurity has surged, rising from 13.4 percent in 2021 to 29 percent in 2023, with peaks of 61 percent in areas such as Kuntaur. The project will address this crisis by promoting climate-smart agriculture and strengthening local values chains to improve food security and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks.

Financial inclusion is a core pillar of the intervention. With 77 percent of Gambian youth currently excluded from formal financial services, the project will establish dedicated credit lines and provide business development support to unlock entrepreneurship, particularly for women who face systemic barriers to accessing capital and markets.

The initiative also includes scaling up efforts to tackle gender-based violence and inequality, and capacity-building for government institutions to enhance data-driven policymaking and long-term monitoring of fragility trends.

 Civil society organisations, including the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO), will be central to ensuring the project is inclusive, participatory, and aligned with national priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Natalie Nkembuh,
Communication and Media Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Her Excellency (H.E.) Bridget Motsepe-Radebe to Headline WomenIN Festival 2025 as Keynote Speaker

Source: APO

The WomenIN (WiN) (www.WeAreWomenIN.com) Festival is proud to announce Her Excellency Bridget Motsepe-Radebe, Chairman & Founder of Mmakau Mining and Ambassador for Economic Development at the Pan-African Parliament, as the official keynote speaker for the highly anticipated WomenIN Festival 2025, taking place from 13–14 November 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Renowned for her bold leadership, advocacy for gender and economic equality, and trailblazing legacy in the mining sector, H.E. Motsepe-Radebe has consistently broken barriers and redefined power and influence on the continent. Her presence at this year’s festival is set to ignite conversations, inspire generations, and elevate the mission of WomenIN — to connect, empower, and celebrate women across industries and borders.

“Having H.E. Bridget Motsepe-Radebe headline this year’s WomenIN Festival is a full-circle moment for so many of us,” says Naz Fredericks Maharaj, Director of the WomenIN Portfolio. “She is a living symbol of what it means to lead with both courage and conviction. Her voice reflects the essence of this year’s theme — Limitless. No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies. We are honoured to welcome her to the stage, and even more excited for what her message will unlock in every woman attending this year’s festival.”

The WomenIN Festival brings together women leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers from diverse sectors including mining, energy, mobility, finance, fashion, media, and the green economy. With a curated program of thought-provoking dialogues, fireside chats, capacity-building sessions, live activations, and power networking, the festival is a movement — not just a moment.

This keynote announcement marks the first of many exciting speaker and program reveals as the WomenIN team rolls out its boldest edition yet.

Tickets are officially on sale — reserve your seat and be part of a movement that’s shaking the world:

Visit www.WeAreWomenIN.com to get your ticket, sponsor someone else’s, or explore partnership opportunities.

Come as you are. Leave ignited.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Additional Links:
Website: www.WeAreWomenIN.com
Link to tickets : https://apo-opa.co/450gy1h

WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact
WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive.

Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa’s future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come.

Whether you’re a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together.

For more information, please visit: www.WeAreWomenIN.com or contact our team at info@wearewomenin.com.

ABOUT VUKA Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa’s industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment.

The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise.

Learn more at: www.WeAreWomenIN.com

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President Ramaphosa to meet with Northern Cape Provincial Executive

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 25 July 2025, lead an engagement between the National Executive and the Provincial Executive of the Northern Cape on catalytic projects to drive economic growth and service delivery.

The engagement will take place in Kimberley under the theme, “A Nation that Works for All”.

The visit will be the sixth engagement between the National Executive and Provinces following interactions between the President and the Provincial Governments of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

The President will meet with Provincial Government Executive Members, led by Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, as well as Executive Mayors from the five district municipalities in the Northern Cape.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior Government officials. 

The President’s engagement is aligned to the commitment made during the 2024 Budget Speech to collaborate closely with provincial and local governments to improve the lives of citizens and broaden economic opportunities.

The Provincial Executive will present to the President its five-year program in alignment with the priorities of the 7th Administration and in the context of South Africa hosting the G20. 

The meeting will afford the Northern Cape Provincial Government an opportunity to engage the President and Cabinet on the development opportunities and challenges in the Province and its constituent municipalities. 

Media will be able to cover the President’s opening address.

Accredited members of the media are invited as follows:

Joint Government Meeting
 
Date: Friday, 25 July 2025 
Time: 09h00 (media to arrive from 08h00)
Venue: Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, Northern Cape Province

Media enquiries:

Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa, on media@presidency.gov.za

Naledi Gaosekwe, Media Liaison Officer to the Premier, on 067 417 3648 or gaosekwen@ncpg.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria