Cabinet concerned over persistent high levels of GBVF

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has expressed deep concern that South Africa continues to battle unacceptably high levels of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) despite sustained national efforts to stem the flow of violence.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, made the remarks during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, 

“Cabinet is deeply concerned that despite concerted efforts by government, civil society, businesses and communities to tackle the scourge, South Africa continues to grapple with alarming rates of GBVF,” the Minister told the media.

The Minister’s comments come as South Africa will observe the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign from 25 November to 10 December 2025, under the theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).”

The campaign, which forms part of a global United Nations initiative, calls for collective action across society to raise awareness, mobilise communities, and strengthen accountability in efforts to eliminate violence against women and children.

Earlier this year, government launched the 90-Day Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Acceleration Programme, a national initiative aimed at ensuring “rapid and coordinated action” against the scourge and to “fast track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF”.

“The 90-Day programme which was led by JCPS [Justice, Crime Prevention and Security] Cluster worked on urgent and impactful interventions to reverse the upward trend of GBVF in the country.

“These include the re-establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee [IMC] to ensure cooperation in the implementation of the GBVF National Strategic Plan,” she explained.

The Minister called on a whole of society approach to root out GBVF.

“We call upon South Africans to work with government as society, as family to prevent and stop the scourge of [GBV]. Gender-based violence occurs in our homes, in our communities so we are the first responders and have the power and the ability to stop it.

“Government comes in to protect and to respond to the actions of those who have already perpetrated GBVF. But we know that prevention is better than cure. So, this is a societal call to be united to address GBVF against our children and women,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za 

South Africa can Realize its Gas Potential with a Balanced Gas-to-Liquids Strategy (By NJ Ayuk)

Source: APO


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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org/)

It is not an exaggeration to say that South Africa’s offshore gas discoveries offer up a potential economic transformation for the country that would be on par with Guyana’s oil-driven boom or Suriname’s emerging energy sector. 

Estimates for the Luiperd-Brulpadda gas-condensate project, in Block 11B/12B off South Africa’s southern coast, gauge its holdings at 3.4 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas and 192 million barrels of gas condensate. Production at this site would equate to thousands of jobs and a revitalization of regions like Mossel Bay, where South Africa’s gas-to-liquids refinery once fueled local employment and industry before declining production forced cutbacks. 

Unfortunately, this could all be just wishful thinking, as TotalEnergies’ exit from this project in 2024 revealed a critical barrier. 

South Africa’s gas potential is currently locked up, partly because of legal challenges initiated by environmental activist groups that halted projects to the tune of USD1.6 billion, but also due to the inability of all parties involved to come to an agreement on gas purchase pricing.  

The GTL Solution 

A gas-to-liquids (GTL) strategy — one that links prices to liquefied natural gas (LNG) spot markets and includes meaningful community engagement — would help balance the needs of upstream investors, downstream users, and the coastal communities while delivering sustainable growth for the rest of the nation. 

The gas pricing dilemma is the main obstacle.  

Upstream companies like TotalEnergies demand dollar-based contracts to mitigate currency risk and ensure returns on their substantial exploration investments. The South African government is justifiably wary of dollar-denominated agreements and would prefer rand-based prices to protect local consumers and maintain affordability. The impasse TotalEnergies encountered on this issue is one of the factors behind their withdrawal from Block 11B/12B, despite their promising, hard-won discoveries at the site.  

The domestic market complicates the situation even further.  

Electricity producers require low gas prices, as they operate on slim margins once carbon costs are accounted for. Upstream operators, on the other hand, need to collect higher prices to justify the development of their capital-intensive deepwater projects. Meanwhile, the global LNG market is expected to remain saturated for the next three to five years, making the export of gas in the form of LNG a less competitive option for now. Without a pricing compromise, South Africa’s gas remains untapped, leaving behind all the profit and opportunity it represents.

A GTL strategy offers a multifaceted solution, however. By revitalizing the PetroSA GTL facility in Mossel Bay and converting natural gas into high-value liquid fuels like diesel and kerosene on site, South Africa could cut its reliance on fuel imports, strengthen its energy security, and extend employment opportunities to thousands of workers.

The precedent is clear: In Suriname, TotalEnergies’ GranMorgu deepwater project is set to generate 6,000 local jobs and inject at least USD1 billion into the economy. A similar initiative at the dormant Mossel Bay facility could transform South Africa’s southern coast, providing the government with fresh revenue and wider economic stability.

This is not mere optimism; this gameplan would be a practical means of leveraging existing infrastructure to drive regional development. But, once again, the economic viability of a GTL strategy as a solution for South African gas production hinges on securing a gas pricing agreement that satisfies the needs of both producers and consumers.

To resolve this pricing stalemate, South Africa should adopt a formula that ties the gas purchase price to the global LNG spot price, minus a percentage to reflect the absence of liquefaction and transportation costs. This approach would allow upstream companies to receive dollar-based payments, satisfying their financial requirements while aligning with the inherent shifts in the global market. Downstream, power producers and GTL operators would enjoy the affordability of discounted pricing, making projects economically feasible at both ends of the supply chain.

Furthermore, the government could incentivize GTL development through tax breaks, infrastructure subsidies, or public-private partnerships, so the economic benefits of these projects would be more likely to outweigh the initial costs. This pricing model would be a fair compromise that avoids the pitfalls of rand-based contracts and meets the needs of all stakeholders. 

Additional Roadblocks

Overcoming environmental opposition is another critical step toward progress in gas development, and overlooking community engagement in this regard only empowers non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to challenge projects in court. Petroleum Agency SA’s community awareness campaigns, which educate locals about the benefits and risks of gas development, offer a model for improvement in this area. Expanding such efforts to include early and transparent engagement in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process would help build trust and reduce grounds for legal action.

Town hall meetings and accessible EIA summaries would be a means of highlighting the economic benefits of a GTL strategy. By involving communities as stakeholders, the government and industry can work together to demonstrate that gas development can create shared prosperity.

The implementation of a GTL strategy is itself another way of addressing the legal pushback brought against South African exploration projects. Liquid fuels produced domestically reduce emissions by avoiding long-distance shipping, meaning that a GTL strategy is already in alignment with environmental goals from the start. Emphasizing the lower carbon footprint of a GTL operation would go a long way in gaining public approval of the project, but the government must still work to speed up the permitting process by establishing clear, time-bound guidelines for EIAs and consultations. Mechanisms should also be put in place to limit repetitive, post-approval legal challenges and allow projects to proceed without endless litigation.

A dedicated task force of industry, government, and local representatives would strengthen South Africa’s negotiating power and help hold projects accountable to environmental and social standards.

A Collaborative Path Forward 

Extracting and monetizing the gas resources held in Block 11B/12B and elsewhere could be a course-correcting game-changer for South Africa, but doing so to the greatest possible benefit requires bold, collaborative action. For South Africa to truly benefit from its gas resources, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration must move beyond the traditional focus on coal and mining, prioritize gas development, and embrace the potential of a GTL strategy.

By reviving the defunct Mossel Bay GTL facility and implementing a pricing model tied to LNG spot prices, the government can satisfy the needs of both upstream and downstream stakeholders while creating jobs for South Africans and reducing their dependency on imports. Simplifying the permit process and expanding community engagement would address environmental concerns so that projects can move forward without unnecessary delays or lawsuits.

With decisive leadership and a commitment to balance, South Africa can transform its gas potential into a catalyst for sustainable growth and secure a prosperous future, not just for the industry, but for the nation as a whole. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Aman Union Members Demonstrate Robust Technical Performance in 2024

Source: APO

The AMAN Union, the leading professional forum for commercial and non-commercial insurance and reinsurance companies across the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), showcased the key findings of its Technical Performance Analysis for 2023–2024, prepared and presented by Türk Eximbank, during the 15th Annual Meeting of the Aman Union, hosted by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) (http://ICIEC.IsDB.org) in Jeddah.

The presentation highlighted the continued growth and resilience of the AMAN UNION Full members, underscoring their collective contribution to enhancing trade facilitation and risk management across OIC Member States.

According to the analysis, total insured business among Aman Union full members reached USD 54 billion in 2024, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous year. Premium volumes also expanded by 20%, amounting to USD 338 million, reflecting strong underwriting performance and increased demand for export credit and investment insurance solutions.

Meanwhile, claims paid by member ECAs decreased by 21%, indicating improved portfolio quality and risk mitigation measures. The total number of policyholders rose to 10,000—an 8% annual increase—while the number of buyers insured reached 110,000, growing by 9% year-on-year.

The analysis further revealed that Türk Eximbank, ICIEC, and Saudi EXIM accounted for 87% of total short-term export business insured across the Union, while ICIEC led in investment insurance activities. These results reaffirm the pivotal role of Aman Union members in supporting regional trade, export diversification, and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Aman Union Secretariat, Ms. Neslihan Diniz, Manager of International Relations at Türk Eximbank, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and data transparency among members to strengthen institutional capacity and performance benchmarking within the Union.

The Technical Performance Analysis serves as a vital monitoring tool to assess members’ operational trends, identify growth opportunities, and promote exchange of best practices in the field of credit and investment insurance. Its findings contribute to the Union’s broader objective of fostering cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development among its 17 full members.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

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About AMAN UNION:
The AMAN Union is a professional forum that brings together insurers and reinsurers covering commercial and non-commercial risks in the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman). The Union was established on October 28, 2009, following a bilateral agreement between Dhaman and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) to unify their efforts in creating a platform that enhances cooperation among insurers and reinsurers operating within their respective member countries.

Read more at www.AMANUnion.org

About The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC):
As a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, ICIEC commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC Member States and promote intra-OIC trade and investment by providing credit enhancement and risk mitigation solutions. The Corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world and has been at the forefront of delivering a comprehensive suite of de-risking solutions to support cross-border trade and investment for its 51 Member States. ICIEC has maintained its “Aa3” rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s for 18 consecutive years, positioning the Corporation among the leaders in the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry. Additionally, S&P has reaffirmed ICIEC’s “AA-” rating for the second year with a stable outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting practices, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management framework. Since inception, ICIEC has cumulatively insured over USD 121 billion in trade and investment, supporting key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture in its member states.

For more information,
Visit http://ICIEC.IsDB.org 

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Mashatile calls for stronger public-private collaboration for inclusive growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged stronger coordination between government, business, and civil society to unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the Garden Route and beyond.

Delivering a virtual address at the Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue on Thursday, Mashatile commended the region for sustaining momentum since the inaugural Knysna Regional Investment Conference.

He said the continued collaboration was transforming the Garden Route into a growing investment and tourism destination.

“I am very proud of your commitment to promoting this part of our country as a key investor destination, but also a catalyst for tourism in the Garden Route,” Mashatile said.

Held under the theme: “Strengthening intergovernmental coordination and private sector collaboration for inclusive economic growth”, the roundtable echoes what the Presidency had been promoting – a drive to build partnerships that accelerate development and create jobs.

Mashatile highlighted a number of national initiatives designed to harness private investment and expertise, including the Strategic Partnership Programme, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and the Government Business Partnership.

“These programmes are designed to harness private capital and expertise to enhance investment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. They specifically target issues in infrastructure development, improving operational efficiency, and creating employment opportunities for the youth, thereby addressing critical economic challenges,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President drew parallels with local initiatives, such as the iThuba Development Project, a R200 billion investment that aims to drive inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, township revitalisation, and innovation-led economic development across the Garden Route District and beyond.

“These initiatives are not merely development projects; they are catalysts for change that align with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) mandate to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. They reflect a collaborative commitment to transform the very communities that shaped us, ensuring that the next generation inherits a future of dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity,” Mashatile said.

Intergovernmental coordination key to success

Mashatile also underscored the importance of intergovernmental relations in ensuring effective service delivery and avoiding duplication of resources.

Quoting Chapter 3 of the Constitution, the Deputy President reminded delegates that the three spheres of government, including national, provincial, and local, are “distinctive, interdependent and interrelated” and enjoins them to “cooperate in mutual trust and good faith.”

He said intergovernmental relations are crucial for South Africa’s economic growth as they ensure coordination between national, provincial, and local governments to implement policies and deliver services effectively.

“Strong intergovernmental relations prevent the duplication of resources and efforts, align strategic planning, and foster a stable environment for investment, which is essential for economic development. This is what we have been encouraging with the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which encourages better coordination among the various spheres of government,” the Deputy President said.

Empowering small businesses

The Deputy President also emphasised that government action alone is not enough to drive growth, calling for greater support for small businesses and young entrepreneurs.

“Local municipalities need to encourage young individuals to start their own businesses, as small enterprises create jobs, products, revenue, and services that benefit the community. Significant investments in the local economy are necessary to empower the younger generation and facilitate their economic participation,” the Deputy President said.

He highlighted the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, introduced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, which provides financial and non-financial assistance to South African-owned spaza shops, general dealers, and grocery stores located in townships and rural areas.

Mashatile concluded his remarks by urging South Africans to use the upcoming G20 Summit to promote the country’s commitment to building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous South Africa.

“Tell the world that there is no genocide happening in our country. Tell the world that we live side by side and we are building a nation that Madiba and Tutu spoke about. We are building a nation that Braam Fischer and Helen Suzman spoke about. We are building a nation that Fatima Meer and Dr Naicker fought for,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Over 80 unroadworthy vehicles removed in Gauteng wide crackdown

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, through its enforcement unit, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), has taken 84 unroadworthy vehicles off the road during intensified stop-and-search operations conducted between 3 and 9 November 2025.

The high-impact operations form part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s comprehensive road safety strategy aimed at tackling lawlessness, enhancing compliance with traffic regulations, and safeguarding the lives of road users across the province.

According to the department, the discontinued vehicles were found to be in serious violation of road safety standards, with many failing critical roadworthiness tests due to faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, and defective lighting systems.

The GTI’s swift action prevented these hazardous vehicles from continuing to operate on public roads, reducing the risk of crashes linked to mechanical defects.

In addition to the discontinued vehicles, GTI officers uncovered widespread levels of non-compliance among public transport operators.

Key offences recorded during the week-long blitz included:

•    54 minibuses operating without valid licence discs,
•    40 minibuses discontinued for mechanical and safety defects, and
•    72 drivers operating without valid driving licences.

A total of 1 539 infringement notices were also issued for various traffic and transport-related offences. Of these, 557 were handwritten and 982 were processed electronically using GTI’s e-Force enforcement gadgets, a demonstration of the department’s commitment to leveraging technology in promoting compliance and accountability.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, commended the GTI for its consistent and proactive enforcement approach, reaffirming the department’s zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance.

“The discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles is a necessary step to protect lives on our roads. Public transport operators must understand that non-compliance will not be tolerated. We remain resolute in our mission to create safer roads and restore order within the public transport sector,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The GTI, comprising 96 highly trained officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), continues to roll out targeted enforcement operations across Gauteng to identify and remove unroadworthy vehicles, apprehend illegal operators, and ensure adherence to road safety standards.

Maintenance work underway on R24

Meanwhile, the Department of Roads and Transport has urged motorists to exercise caution along the R24, where milling and resurfacing work is currently underway.

The project is expected to be completed by Sunday, 16 November 2025.

“Motorists are urged to exercise caution, plan for possible delays, and use alternative routes where feasible.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Call to put shovel to the ground

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a rallying call to the construction sector to “go and construct South Africa” by seizing the opportunity presented by government’s R1 trillion infrastructure drive.

The President was addressing the National Construction Summit held at Kempton Park in Gauteng on Thursday. 

“Our country is poised…for great growth. 

“We have the money [for infrastructure], we have the leadership, we have the opportunity. Just go and construct South Africa,” President Ramaphosa told industry leaders at the summit.

Government has committed some R1 trillion over the medium term solely to infrastructure development and is also introducing reforms to create a conducive environment for public-private partnerships (PPP).

Amendments to Treasury Regulation 16 – which are aimed at driving higher PPP investment, managing fiscal commitments, improving governance and easing private sector entry – took effect in June.

“The purpose of this Summit is to ensure that these investments and reforms do indeed turn the country into a building site.

“We want to see cranes and construction vehicles in cities, townships, villages and rural areas. When visitors travel by road or rail or air, they must see a country at work.”

The President warned that as announced investments turn to soil turning, government will “not let anyone derail these efforts”.

“We will not negotiate with construction mafias. We will not yield to cable thieves or those who vandalise infrastructure. The law enforcement agencies will deal with those who break the law.

“We have declared war on the construction mafias and they will not stop us,” he said.

Those construction companies that underperform and delay government projects are also up for accountability through the South African Construction Action Plan.

“It is a framework for collective and individual accountability; a plan that sets measurable targets, real timelines and enforceable consequences.

“The plan outlines actions to prevent underperforming contractors from securing new contracts from the state. It aims to fix cash-flow constraints and use technology to track construction projects in real time,” the President explained.

Provinces are also poised to establish Procurement War Rooms aimed at “identifying “blockages, speed up evaluations and ensure that projects move from bid to site without unnecessary delay”.

“The plan includes actions to strengthen audit and governance outcomes and professionalise the built environment in the public sector.

“In essence, this plan will ensure that projects are started and completed on time, within budget, and with no wastage.”

The President assured the gathering that government is determined that “infrastructure should be the main area of activity in taking our country forward”.

“From a social development perspective, infrastructure provides people with what they need to live and to thrive. It improves the quality of life and plays a key role in reducing inequality. Through reliable infrastructure we can boost productivity of our people and…to reduce the costs of living.

“Through infrastructure, we provide a country that will grow and develop. Infrastructure facilitates trade and commerce. When we boost infrastructure through the construction industry, we also attract investment.

“The roads we build, the bridges we construct, the schools and hospitals we erect are the foundations of opportunity and hope. Infrastructure is the engine that drives economic growth and social transformation,” President Ramaphosa said.

In the maiden budget speech of the Government of National Unity (GNU) earlier this year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a R1 trillion allocation for infrastructure investment over the medium term. 

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) tabled in Parliament yesterday, said reforms are under way to mobilise private-sector finance and technical expertise at scale.

“In parallel, there are initiatives to strengthen government’s ability to deliver infrastructure more efficiently and improve spending outcomes,” it said.

READ | Infrastructure drive firmly on the roll
SAnews.gov.za

L’Afrique du Sud peut réaliser son potentiel gazier grâce à une stratégie équilibrée de conversion du gaz en liquides (Par NJ Ayuk)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Par NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie (https://EnergyChamber.org/)

Il n’est pas exagéré de dire que les découvertes de gaz offshore en Afrique du Sud offrent à ce pays un potentiel de transformation économique comparable à celui du boom pétrolier en Guyane ou du secteur énergétique émergent au Suriname. 

Les estimations pour le projet de gaz à condensats Luiperd-Brulpadda, dans le bloc 11B/12B au large de la côte sud de l’Afrique du Sud, évaluent ses réserves à 3,4 billions de pieds cubes (tcf) de gaz et 192 millions de barils de gaz à condensats. La production sur ce site permettrait de créer des milliers d’emplois et de revitaliser des régions telles que Mossel Bay, où la raffinerie de gaz liquéfié d’Afrique du Sud alimentait autrefois l’emploi et l’industrie locaux avant que le déclin de la production n’oblige à procéder à des réductions. 

Malheureusement, tout cela pourrait n’être qu’un vœu pieux, car le retrait de TotalEnergies de ce projet en 2024 a révélé un obstacle majeur. 

Le potentiel gazier de l’Afrique du Sud est actuellement bloqué, en partie à cause des contestations judiciaires engagées par des groupes d’activistes environnementaux qui ont stoppé des projets d’une valeur de 1,6 milliard de dollars, mais aussi en raison de l’incapacité de toutes les parties concernées à s’entendre sur le prix d’achat du gaz. 

La solution GTL 

Une stratégie de conversion du gaz en liquide (GTL), qui lie les prix aux marchés spot du gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL) et inclut une participation significative de la communauté, contribuerait à équilibrer les besoins des investisseurs en amont, des utilisateurs en aval et des communautés côtières, tout en assurant une croissance durable pour le reste du pays. 

Le dilemme du prix du gaz est le principal obstacle. 

Les entreprises en amont telles que TotalEnergies exigent des contrats libellés en dollars afin d’atténuer le risque de change et de garantir le retour sur leurs investissements considérables dans l’exploration. Le gouvernement sud-africain se méfie à juste titre des accords libellés en dollars et préfère des prix en rands afin de protéger les consommateurs locaux et de maintenir des prix abordables. L’impasse rencontrée par TotalEnergies sur cette question est l’un des facteurs qui ont motivé son retrait du bloc 11B/12B, malgré les découvertes prometteuses et difficilement acquises sur le site. 

Le marché intérieur complique encore davantage la situation. 

Les producteurs d’électricité ont besoin de prix du gaz bas, car leurs marges sont faibles une fois pris en compte les coûts liés au carbone. Les opérateurs en amont, en revanche, doivent obtenir des prix plus élevés pour justifier le développement de leurs projets en eaux profondes, qui nécessitent d’importants investissements. Parallèlement, le marché mondial du GNL devrait rester saturé pendant les trois à cinq prochaines années, ce qui rend l’exportation de gaz sous forme de GNL moins compétitive pour l’instant. Sans compromis sur les prix, le gaz sud-africain reste inexploité, laissant de côté tous les profits et les opportunités qu’il représente. 

Une stratégie GTL offre toutefois une solution à plusieurs facettes. En revitalisant l’installation GTL de PetroSA à Mossel Bay et en convertissant le gaz naturel en combustibles liquides à haute valeur ajoutée tels que le diesel et le kérosène sur place, l’Afrique du Sud pourrait réduire sa dépendance vis-à-vis des importations de combustibles, renforcer sa sécurité énergétique et offrir des opportunités d’emploi à des milliers de travailleurs. 

Le précédent est clair : au Suriname, le projet en eaux profondes GranMorgu de TotalEnergies devrait créer 6 000 emplois locaux et injecter au moins 1 milliard de dollars dans l’économie. Une initiative similaire dans l’installation inactive de Mossel Bay pourrait transformer la côte sud de l’Afrique du Sud, fournissant au gouvernement de nouvelles recettes et une plus grande stabilité économique. 

Il ne s’agit pas là d’un simple optimisme ; ce plan d’action serait un moyen pratique de tirer parti des infrastructures existantes pour stimuler le développement régional. Mais, une fois encore, la viabilité économique d’une stratégie GTL comme solution pour la production de gaz sud-africaine dépend de la conclusion d’un accord sur les prix du gaz qui satisfasse à la fois les producteurs et les consommateurs. 

Pour résoudre cette impasse sur les prix, l’Afrique du Sud devrait adopter une formule qui lie le prix d’achat du gaz au prix spot mondial du GNL, moins un pourcentage reflétant l’absence de coûts de liquéfaction et de transport. Cette approche permettrait aux entreprises en amont de recevoir des paiements en dollars, satisfaisant ainsi leurs besoins financiers tout en s’alignant sur les fluctuations inhérentes au marché mondial. En aval, les producteurs d’électricité et les opérateurs GTL bénéficieraient de prix réduits, rendant les projets économiquement viables aux deux extrémités de la chaîne d’approvisionnement. 

En outre, le gouvernement pourrait encourager le développement du GTL par des allégements fiscaux, des subventions aux infrastructures ou des partenariats public-privé, de sorte que les avantages économiques de ces projets seraient plus susceptibles de l’emporter sur les coûts initiaux. Ce modèle de tarification constituerait un compromis équitable qui éviterait les écueils des contrats basés sur le rand et répondrait aux besoins de toutes les parties prenantes. 

Autres obstacles 

Surmonter l’opposition environnementale est une autre étape cruciale pour faire progresser le développement gazier, et négliger l’engagement communautaire à cet égard ne fait que donner aux organisations non gouvernementales (ONG) les moyens de contester les projets devant les tribunaux. Les campagnes de sensibilisation communautaire de l’Agence pétrolière sud-africaine, qui informent les populations locales sur les avantages et les risques du développement gazier, offrent un modèle d’amélioration dans ce domaine. L’extension de ces efforts pour inclure une participation précoce et transparente au processus d’évaluation de l’impact environnemental (EIE) contribuerait à instaurer la confiance et à réduire les motifs d’action en justice. 

Les réunions publiques et les résumés accessibles de l’EIE seraient un moyen de mettre en évidence les avantages économiques d’une stratégie GTL. En impliquant les communautés en tant que parties prenantes, le gouvernement et l’industrie peuvent travailler ensemble pour démontrer que le développement gazier peut créer une prospérité partagée. 

La mise en œuvre d’une stratégie GTL est en soi un autre moyen de répondre aux contestations juridiques dont font l’objet les projets d’exploration sud-africains. Les combustibles liquides produits localement réduisent les émissions en évitant le transport sur de longues distances, ce qui signifie qu’une stratégie GTL est d’emblée conforme aux objectifs environnementaux. Mettre l’accent sur la faible empreinte carbone d’une opération GTL contribuerait grandement à obtenir l’approbation du public pour le projet, mais le gouvernement doit encore s’efforcer d’accélérer le processus d’octroi des permis en établissant des lignes directrices claires et assorties de délais pour les EIE et les consultations. Des mécanismes devraient également être mis en place pour limiter les contestations juridiques répétitives après l’approbation et permettre aux projets d’avancer sans litiges interminables. 

Un groupe de travail dédié, composé de représentants de l’industrie, du gouvernement et des collectivités locales, renforcerait le pouvoir de négociation de l’Afrique du Sud et contribuerait à garantir la conformité des projets aux normes environnementales et sociales. 

Une voie collaborative pour l’avenir 

L’extraction et la monétisation des ressources gazières détenues dans les blocs 11B/12B et ailleurs pourraient changer la donne pour l’Afrique du Sud, mais pour en tirer le meilleur parti possible, il faut mener une action audacieuse et collaborative. Pour que l’Afrique du Sud tire véritablement profit de ses ressources gazières, l’administration du président Cyril Ramaphosa doit dépasser l’accent traditionnellement mis sur le charbon et l’exploitation minière, donner la priorité au développement du gaz et exploiter le potentiel d’une stratégie GTL. 

En relançant l’installation GTL désaffectée de Mossel Bay et en mettant en œuvre un modèle de tarification lié aux prix spot du GNL, le gouvernement peut satisfaire les besoins des parties prenantes en amont et en aval tout en créant des emplois pour les Sud-Africains et en réduisant leur dépendance vis-à-vis des importations. La simplification du processus d’octroi des permis et le renforcement de l’engagement communautaire permettraient de répondre aux préoccupations environnementales afin que les projets puissent avancer sans retards ni poursuites judiciaires inutiles. 

Grâce à un leadership décisif et à un engagement en faveur de l’équilibre, l’Afrique du Sud peut transformer son potentiel gazier en un catalyseur de croissance durable et assurer un avenir prospère, non seulement pour l’industrie, mais aussi pour la nation dans son ensemble. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Les membres de l’Union Aman font preuve de solides performances techniques en 2024

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

L’Union AMAN, le principal forum professionnel regroupant les assureurs et les réassureurs des risques commerciaux et non commerciaux des pays membres de l’Organisation de la coopération islamique (OCI), a présenté les principales conclusions de son analyse de performance technique pour 2023-2024, préparée et présentée par Türk Eximbank, lors de la 15ème réunion annuelle de l’Union Aman, organisé par la Société islamique d’assurance des investissements et des crédits à l’exportation (SIACE) (http://ICIEC.IsDB.org) à Djeddah.

La présentation a souligné la croissance continue et la résilience des membres à part entière de l’Union AMAN, soulignant leur contribution collective à l’amélioration de la facilitation des échanges et de la gestion des risques dans les États membres de l’OCI.

Selon l’analyse, le chiffre d’affaires total assuré parmi les membres à part entière de l’Union Aman a atteint 54 milliards de dollars américains en 2024, soit une augmentation de 10% par rapport à l’année précédente. Les volumes de primes ont également augmenté de 20%, pour s’établir à 338 millions de dollars américains, reflétant la bonne performance de souscription et l’augmentation de la demande de solutions de crédit à l’exportation et d’assurance investissement.

Entre-temps, les sinistres payés par les membres des agences de crédit à l’exportation ont diminué de 21%, ce qui indique une amélioration de la qualité du portefeuille et des mesures d’atténuation des risques. Le nombre total d’assurés s’élève à 10.000, soit une augmentation annuelle de 8%, tandis que le nombre d’acheteurs assurés atteint 110000, en hausse de 9% en glissement annuel.

L’analyse a en outre révélé que la Türk Eximbank, la SIACE et la Saudi EXIM représentaient 87% du total des exportations à court terme assurées dans l’Union, tandis que la SIACE était en tête des activités d’assurance des investissements. Ces résultats réaffirment le rôle central des membres de l’Union AMAN dans le soutien du commerce régional, de la diversification des exportations et de la croissance économique durable.

S’exprimant au nom du Secrétariat de l’Union AMAN, Mme Neslihan Diniz, responsable des relations internationales chez Türk Eximbank, a souligné l’importance de la collaboration continue et de la transparence des données entre les membres afin de renforcer les capacités institutionnelles et l’évaluation des performances au sein de l’Union.

L’analyse technique de la performance est un outil de suivi essentiel pour évaluer les tendances opérationnelles des membres, identifier les opportunités de croissance et promouvoir l’échange de bonnes pratiques dans le domaine de l’assurance-crédit et de l’assurance-investissement. Ses conclusions contribuent à l’objectif plus large de l’Union, qui est de favoriser la coopération, l’innovation et le développement durable entre ses 17 membres à part entière.

Distribué par APO Group pour Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).

Contact presse :
Courriel : ICIEC-Communication@isdb.org

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À propos de l’UNION AMAN :
L’UNION AMAN est un forum professionnel regroupant les assureurs et les réassureurs des risques commerciaux et non commerciaux des pays membres de l’Organisation de la coopération islamique (OCI) et de la Société arabe de garantie des investissements et des crédits à l’exportation (DHAMAN). L’Union AMAN a été créée le 28 octobre 2009, suite à un accord bilatéral entre DHAMAN et la Société islamique d’assurance des investissements et des crédits à l’exportation (SIACE) pour unir leurs efforts afin de créer une plate-forme qui renforce la coopération entre les assureurs et les réassureurs opérant dans leurs pays membres respectifs.

En en savoir plus, veuillez consulter le site www.AMANUnion.org

À propos de la Société islamique d’assurance des investissements et des crédits à l’exportation (SIACE) :
En tant que membre du Groupe de la Banque islamique de développement, la SIACE a commencé ses activités en 1994 avec pour mission de renforcer les relations économiques entre les États membres de l’OCI et de promouvoir le commerce et l’investissement intra-OCI en fournissant des solutions d’amélioration des conditions de crédit et d’atténuation des risques. La SIACE est le seul assureur multilatéral islamique au monde et s’est imposée comme un acteur de premier plan dans la fourniture d’une gamme complète d’outils de réduction des risques au service du commerce et des investissements transfrontaliers pour ses 50 États membres. Pour la 17ème année consécutive, la SIACE a maintenu la notation de solidité financière «Aa3» attribuée par Moody’s, la plaçant parmi les leaders de l’industrie de l’assurance-crédit et d’assurance des risques politiques. En outre, la SIACE s’est vu attribuer pour la deuxième année une notation de crédit à long terme de «AA-» avec une perspective stable par S&P Global Ratings. La résilience de la SIACE repose sur des pratiques de souscription rigoureuses, des accords de réassurance solides et un cadre de gestion des risques performant. Depuis sa création, la SIACE a assuré cumulativement plus de 121 milliards de dollars américains en opérations commerciales et en investissements, soutenant des secteurs clés tels que l’énergie, l’industrie manufacturière, les infrastructures, la santé et l’agriculture dans ses États membres.

Pour plus d’informations,
Veuillez visiter http://ICIEC.IsDB.org

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Rich Africa Consultancy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins G20 Forum Amid Namibian Oil and Gas Drive

Source: APO


.

Selma Shimutwikeni, CEO of strategic advisory company RichAfrica Consultancy, has joined the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum (www.EnergyChamber.org) – taking place November 21 in Johannesburg. Her participation comes at a defining moment for Namibia, as the country accelerates oil and gas exploration and development following a string of world-class discoveries made in recent years. During the forum, Shimutwikeni is expected to share insight into how the country is turning offshore discoveries into catalysts for inclusive economic growth.

Namibia’s oil and gas industry has captured global attention over the past three years, with discoveries by TotalEnergies, Shell and Galp Energia marking one of the most significant new hydrocarbon plays globally. Recent estimates place the country’s reserves at approximately 11 billion barrels of oil and 2.2 trillion cubic feet of gas, underscoring the wealth of development opportunities that lie in offshore basins. The country is now positioning itself to achieve first oil production by 2029, an achievement that could transform its economy, strengthen energy security and establish Namibia as a new pillar of African oil and gas production.

Exploration continues to gain traction in the country’s Orange Basin as both international energy companies and independent explorers pursue new discoveries. Highlights include Rhino Resources’ announcement of a discovery at the Voltans-1X well in October 2025. The find follows a string of successes, including the Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X discoveries. Oregen Energy Corporation has expanded its presence in Namibia with a 33.95% stake in Block 2712A while Sintana Energy extended its PEL 79 license by 12 months. The company has stakes in five offshore assets and one onshore license across three basins and is seeking a partner to fund drilling operations at PEL 87. Beyond the Orange Basin, independent operators are advancing exploration efforts in the offshore Walvis and onshore Kavango Basins. ReconAfrica drilled the onshore Kavango West-1X well in 2025, with results set to be announced later this year.

As the country works to monetize its discoveries, the role good governance, inclusive policy frameworks and effective stakeholder collaboration plays in ensuring economic growth becomes increasingly more vital. Companies such as RichAfrica Consultancy play an instrumental part in this process by bridging policy, business and community interests. The firm’s work on regulatory alignment, stakeholder engagement and responsible investment reflects a commitment to balancing commercial growth with environmental and social responsibility. As Namibia prepares for first oil, these capabilities are vital to shaping the frameworks that will guide exploration, production and revenue management.

“At this pivotal stage in Namibia’s energy story, institutions like RichAfrica Consultancy bring together the legal, social, and commercial expertise needed to translate discoveries into long-term national prosperity. With world-class discoveries and strong leadership from both government and the private sector, Namibia has a real opportunity to become a model for sustainable energy development in Africa. The key now is ensuring that investment translates into jobs, skills, and long-term value for Namibians,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/49PShPy).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Le Groupe Africa24 vous offre : Afreximbank Compliance Forum (ACF2025)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Du 12 au 14 novembre 2025, le Groupe AFRICA24 (https://Africa24TV.com/) vous offre une couverture exceptionnelle de l’édition 2025 du Afreximbank Compliance Forum – qui se tient sous le thème : L’intelligence artificielle au service d’un commerce plus sûr et plus transparent, grâce à un cadre moderne de conformité LBC/FT/FP.

Cette édition de l’ACF2025 se veut être un cadre de réflexion sur l’utilisation de l’intelligence artificielle (IA) et de la manière dont elle transforme le paysage de la conformité à travers l’Afrique et sa diaspora.

ACF2025 : Un événement majeur sur 3 jours :

  • 12-13 novembre : Cérémonie de lancement et panels de discussion
  • 14 novembre : Lancement de l’Association africaine des professionnels de la conformité dans le secteur financier (AACPFS)

A propos de Afreximbank Compliance Forum :

Le Forum sur la conformité de la Afreximbank (ACF2025), est un événement de premier plan qui se penchera sur la manière dont l’intelligence artificielle (IA) remodèle la conformité à travers l’Afrique, permettant aux organisations d’améliorer leur compétitivité et leur agilité grâce à la transformation numérique.

Les participants examineront le rôle de l’IA dans l’amélioration de l’évaluation des risques, la détection des fraudes et les efforts de lutte contre le blanchiment d’argent et le financement du terrorisme, tout en abordant la nécessité de politiques de conformité robustes pour garantir une utilisation responsable de la technologie IA.

En tant que forum de premier plan, l’ACF continue de favoriser le dialogue entre les régulateurs, les banques et  divers intervenants afin de relever les défis de conformité pour saisir les opportunités dans le paysage financier dynamique de l’Afrique.

Le Groupe Africa24 Une couverture 360° et une diffusion mondiale pour 120 millions de foyers

Retrouvez « Afreximbank Compliance Forum 2025 »

Disponible en direct, replay et à la demande sur tous vos écrans :

  • AFRICA24 en français (chaîne 249) et AFRICA24 English (chaîne 254) du bouquet Canal+ Afrique
  • Sur myafrica24 la première plateforme de streaming HD de l’Afrique.
  • Sur https://Africa24TV.com/ qui vous offre accès intégral à tous les programmes

Avec le Groupe Africa24, Ensemble, transformons l’Afrique.

Distribué par APO Group pour AFRICA24 Group.

Contact :
Direction de la Communication – Groupe Africa24
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
Email : onana@africa24tv.com
Tél. : +237 691 30 03 40

Suivez le Groupe Africa24 :
@ africa24tv

A propos du Groupe Africa24 :
Initié en 2009, le Groupe Africa 24 est le premier éditeur TV & média digital du continent avec 4 chaînes full HD en diffusion dans les plus grands bouquets. Leader chez les décideurs et cadres dirigeants du continent, Africa 24 en Français et Africa 24 English, le Groupe est le pionnier et leader des chaînes d’informations sur l’Afrique. Africa 24 a renforcé ce leadership à travers le sport avec Africa24 Sport, première chaine en Afrique dédié à l’information sportive et aux compétitions et Africa24 Infinity, première chaîne dédiée aux industries créatives qui valorisent le génie créatif de la jeunesse africaine dans l’art, la culture, la musique, la mode, le design…

Première marque audiovisuelle du continent, le Groupe AFRICA24 dispose de 4 chaînes de télévisions en full HD chacune leader dans son segment :

  • AFRICA24 TV : Leader de l’information Africaine en Français, édité par AMedia
  • AFRICA24 English : Leader de l’Information Africaine exclusivement en Anglais
  • AFRICA24 Infinity : La chaîne des talents créatifs dédiée à la Musique, l’art, la culture.
  • AFRICA24 Sport : Première chaîne d’information sportive et des compétitions

Le Groupe AFRICA24 édite myafrica24 (Google store et App Store), la première plateforme de streaming HD mondiale sur l’Afrique disponible sur tous les écrans (Télévision, tablette, smartphone, ordinateurs) …Plus de 120 millions de foyers ont accès aux chaînes du Groupe Africa24 à travers les plus grands opérateurs : Canal+, Bouygues, Orange, Bell…et plus de 8 millions d’abonnés sur les différentes plateformes digitales et réseaux sociaux.

https://Africa24TV.com/

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