Category: MIL-OSI

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IEC reiterates call to register to vote

Source: Government of South Africa

IEC reiterates call to register to vote

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has once again urged eligible voters to use the rest of Saturday and Sunday to register, verify, and update their details to ensure they are accurately captured.

“The Electoral Commission reminds eligible voters that they will not have another opportunity for voting station-based registration,” said the Electoral Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Sy Mamabolo.

Voting stations across the country are open this weekend from 8am to 5pm on both days. The Department of Home Affairs has also extended operating hours at all offices for the final Voter Registration Weekend on 01 and 02 August 2026.

Home Affairs offices will open on Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm to ensure that eligible citizens can access the services they need to register to vote.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Saturday, Mamabolo said the start of the final voter registration weekend brings the country closer to the conclusion of voting station-based registration ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“The Electoral Commission reports that the final voter registration weekend has commenced on a strong footing, with more than 99% of the 23 699 voting stations across the country opening promptly at 8am.

“At 12pm today, the Commission reported that it had already interacted with over 238 000 citizens at voting stations and on the online portal. 

“The recorded transactions were predominantly voters updating their registration details to ensure that they are correctly registered ahead of the Local Government Elections. New registrations accounted for 13.4% or approximately 30 000 of the transactions,” he said.

Mamabolo said the majority of transactions (198 232) were recorded at voting stations across the country, while the Commission’s online data-free voter registration portal recorded 20 078 transactions, providing eligible voters with an additional convenient channel to register or update their details.

“Preliminary figures indicate that the highest volumes of voter transactions are currently being recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (55 759), Eastern Cape (46 889) and Gauteng (41 774); this is consistent with historical patterns and reflects the population densities of the provinces.

“Other provinces, including Limpopo (29 680), Western Cape (19 693), Mpumalanga (17 218), North West (15 610), Free State (13 110), and Northern Cape (6 213), are also recording voter activity as citizens respond positively to the Commission’s call to register and update their details before the conclusion of the voting station-based registration. 

“The Electoral Commission welcomes the encouraging turnout of South Africans who have visited voting stations since the opening this morning. We are equally encouraged by the continued uptake of the online voter registration portal,” Mamabolo said.

Online voter registration

Mamabolo said the online voter registration portal remains active, allowing voters to register and update their details to avoid missing out on this important occasion.

“The portal, registertovote.elections.org.za, will remain open until the election is proclaimed. Nonetheless, the Commission urges citizens to register or update their details now rather than wait until the last minute. This will help to avoid unnecessary congestion on the platform in the days and hours leading up to proclamation,” he said.

Mamabolo explained that registered voters are also encouraged to verify their registration details online, through the IEC App or by contacting the Electoral Commission’s Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000.

“Voters may also check their registration status by sending their identity number via SMS to 32810 at the cost of R1 per SMS,” he said.

Mamabolo said the Commission is profoundly thankful to its electoral staff, Home Affairs officials, political parties, community leaders, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, observer groups, security agencies and all stakeholders whose cooperation and support continue to contribute to the successful delivery of the voter registration process.

The IEC had previously said it would deploy 48 212 trained electoral officials to assist voters with registration, updating their details and verifying their registration information.

The Commission has also adjusted its voting district arrangements following an assessment of voter activity during the first registration weekend, reducing the number of districts from 23 706 to 23 699.

During the first registration weekend on 20 and 21 June, more than three million registration transactions were recorded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Home Affairs to facilitate ID applications, collections this voter registration weekend

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs to facilitate ID applications, collections this voter registration weekend

As the final Electoral Commission’s voter registration weekend gets underway, Home Affairs offices across the country are open for citizens to apply for and collect their IDs this weekend.

“Home Affairs offices nationwide will be open from 8am to 5pm to support voter registration weekend for ID applications and collections only,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a post on social media platform, X.

This is as the Electoral Commission (IEC) has completed its preparations for the final voting station-based registration opportunity, with 23 699 voting stations set to operate across the country from 8am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

At a media briefing earlier in the week, the commission said it will deploy 48 212 trained electoral officials to assist voters with registration, updating their details, and verifying their registration information.

The Department of Home Affairs said more than 370000 Smart IDs are waiting to be collected.

Following the final registration weekend, the IEC anticipates that the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will proclaim the date of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The voters’ roll would close at midnight on the day the election is proclaimed.

Thereafter, no new registrations or changes to existing voter details will be permitted until after the elections, and the IEC will cease registration drives and deactivate its online registration portal.

South Africa will go to the polls in the Local Government Elections on 4 November. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Holds Telephone Conversation with Chairman of Hamas Political Bureau

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | July 31, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Chairman of the Political Bureau ofآ Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Dr. Khalil Al Hayya held a telephone conversation on Friday.
at the outset of the call HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated Dr. Al Hayya on assuming his new responsibilities, expressing his best wishes for success in serving the interests of the brotherly Palestinian people.
His Excellency also welcomed the movement’s decision to accept the roadmap for completing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, expressing hope that this would contribute to ending the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people in the Strip and to fulfilling their aspirations for security and stability.
In this context, His Excellency stressed the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities and pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations under the agreement and cease its ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people, thus ensuring the completion of the roadmap and achieving peace and stability in the Gaza Strip. 

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Celebrates the 3rd Edition of the West Africa Cultural Day in Brussels

Source: APO

The Group of Ambassadors of West African Countries (GAAO), in collaboration with the Permanent Representation of ECOWAS in Brussels, organized the 3rd Edition of the West Africa Cultural Day on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The celebration spanned three days and featured educational, sports, and cultural activities aimed at promoting regional integration and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of West Africa.

The highlight of the event was a Dialogue on the challenges and prospects of deepening the regional integration process in West Africa, under the theme: “ECOWAS, 51 Years On: What Prospects in the Face of Contemporary Challenges?” Organized by the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Brussels on Thursday, July 23, 2026, the dialogue brought together representatives of the European Union (EEAS, INTPA, and DG Trade), the OACPS Secretariat, the African Union, the diplomatic corps based in Brussels, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the diaspora for constructive exchanges on the future of regional integration.

The opening ceremony featured a musical interlude by the Welnéré Group (African musicians based in Brussels), followed by welcome remarks from Mr. Amadou BA, Economic Adviser at the ECOWAS Permanent Representation, and an address by H.E. Mr. Philip Bob JUSU, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Belgium. Messages of solidarity were also delivered by EU representatives, including Ms. Jolita PONS, Head of the “West Africa” Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Mr. Carlo Pettinato, Head of Unit TRADE.C1 Africa and Pacific, Overseas Countries and Territories.

In his remarks, Mr. BA recalled the history of ECOWAS and highlighted its numerous achievements over 51 years, while emphasizing ongoing institutional reforms to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of ECOWAS actions. He also underscored the challenges facing the Community, including security threats and political instability, the effects of climate change on food security, and migration issues affecting youth and women.

EU representatives reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ECOWAS in its efforts to promote peace, stability, economic integration, and regional development.

The program continued with an audiovisual presentation of ECOWAS achievements since its creation, followed by a roundtable moderated by Mr. Viwanou GNASSOUNOU, former Assistant Secretary-General of the OACPS, on topics such as Peace and Security, Democratic Governance

and Politics, Regional Market and Economic Integration, and Regional Coordination and Policy Coherence in West Africa. Dr. Dedou P. HEMOU, Secretary-General of the ECOWAS Parliament, presented current challenges of regional integration and prospects for strengthening cooperation among Member States.

H.E. Mr. Philip Bob JUSU, Ambassador of Sierra Leone, recalled the historic role of ECOMOG in maintaining peace and security in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, stressing the need to adapt regional mechanisms to new threats.

On democratic governance, H.E. Mr. Mame Baba Cissé, Ambassador of Senegal to Belgium, emphasized respect for the rule of law and stronger institutions to ensure lasting stability. Dr. Innocent BADASU, Counselor at the Embassy of Ghana, highlighted progress in economic integration while stressing the need to remove barriers to intra-regional trade, improve infrastructure, and enhance competitiveness.

Finally, H.E. Mr. Ousmane Koné, Resident Representative of UEMOA in Brussels, stressed the importance of better coordination among regional organizations to ensure policy coherence and maximize the impact of integration initiatives.

Discussions focused on security challenges, political transitions, financing regional integration, trade, youth, and partnerships with the European Union. Participants unanimously called for a more resilient, united, and people-centered ECOWAS.

The celebration continued on Friday, July 24, with a friendly football match between the Ambassadors’ team and the team of Advisors and local staff of West African Embassies at the Ixelles Stadium in Brussels, fostering conviviality and stronger ties among participants.

The event concluded with a cultural evening hosted at the Embassy of The Gambia in Brussels on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The evening showcased West African cultures through artistic performances, dances, traditional attire, and culinary specialties.

This 3rd Edition of the West Africa Cultural Day recorded strong participation and enhanced ECOWAS visibility, while highlighting the region’s cultural diversity and the values of integration, solidarity, and fraternity that unite the peoples of West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Banyana Banyana fight back to earn crucial draw against Côte d’Ivoire

Source: Government of South Africa

Banyana Banyana fight back to earn crucial draw against Côte d’Ivoire

Banyana Banyana bounced back from two goals down to secure a crucial 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire in their CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) Group B clash at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Friday evening.

The stakes were high for the women’s national team after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Tanzania in their opening match on Monday.

The team staged a second-half comeback, with Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia finding the back of the net to secure a valuable point for Banyana Banyana.

South Africa is drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The top two teams in each group will progress to the quarter-finals. –SAnews.gov.za

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Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Concludes Meeting of Directors-General of National Statistical Institutes by Adopting New Guidelines for Regional Statistical Harmonization

Source: APO – Report:

On July 31, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission concluded the meeting of the Directors General of the National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) of member states. Held from July 27 to 31, 2026, this meeting was part of the implementation of the ECOWAS Statistical Policy, which aims to strengthen the harmonization of national statistical systems in order to produce reliable, comparable, and timely data to inform public policy and support regional integration.

Over the course of five days, the Directors-General of the NSIs, experts from the ECOWAS Commission, and representatives of technical and financial partners assessed the progress made in implementing the Regional Statistical Program (RSP 2023–2027) and the PHASAO and PHASAOC projects. Participants also reviewed several strategic methodological documents designed to strengthen the quality, consistency, and comparability of official statistics produced in member states.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Directors-General approved several regional methodological guides intended to serve as common references for the production of official statistics within the ECOWAS region. These include the Methodological Guide for the Industrial Production Index (IPI), the Methodological Guide for the Business Register (RSE), and the Methodological Guide for Public Debt Statistics. Participants also reviewed the Methodological Guide for the Table of Government Financial Transactions (TOFE-ECOWAS) as well as the guides on Quarterly National Accounts (QNA), for which they made recommendations with a view to their finalization and harmonized implementation.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review progress on regional statistical modernization projects, challenges related to the transition to the System of National Accounts 2008 (SNA 2008), the development of quarterly national accounts, the strengthening of statistical business registers, and the integration of new technologies and innovative data sources into statistical production.

These results mark an important milestone in the implementation of the ECOWAS Statistical Policy. The validated guidelines will help enhance the quality, comparability, and availability of official statistics needed to monitor Community policies, achieve macroeconomic convergence, and deepen regional integration. As emphasized by Dr. Kaliou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture—represented by the Acting Director of Research and Statistics at the ECOWAS Commission, Professor N’Zué Félix Fofana—in his closing remarks, “Data today is a lever for sovereignty, economic transformation, and regional integration,” thereby underscoring the strategic role of statistics in the development of evidence-based public policies and in the realization of ECOWAS’s Vision 2050.

The Directors-General also made several recommendations to the member states and the ECOWAS Commission. These include the gradual adoption of validated methodological guidelines, capacity building for national statistical systems, the adoption of the legal instruments necessary for the implementation of regional standards, support for member states in their transition to the 2008 SNA, and the development of digital solutions and technical cooperation mechanisms to accelerate statistical harmonization in the region.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to translating the adopted recommendations into concrete actions and to continuing to strengthen regional          cooperation in order to equip ECOWAS with a harmonized, modern, and efficient statistical system capable of effectively supporting public policies, monitoring community programs, macroeconomic convergence, and the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej and Kenya First Lady, H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto, E.G.H., Inspire Kenyan Schoolgirls at Kenya State House During Launch of Educating Linda Program

Source: APO

  • Merck Foundation declared Kenya First Lady as the Ambassador of “More than a Mother” to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma, and support girl education.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany officially launched their Educating Linda program in Kenya in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” at the Kenya State House. The program was chaired by Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej and The First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H..

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign said, “I am very happy to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, and officially launch our Educating Linda program in the country, to support girl education.

As a part of Educating Linda, we are providing annual scholarships to 47 deserving, high performing, yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, till they finish their education. This will ensure they are not forced to abandon their education due to financial hardship. We truly believe that an educated girl transforms the entire community.”

H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, expressed, “I deeply appreciate all the programs of Merck Foundation including the Educating Linda program, through which we are providing annual scholarships to our 47 deserving schoolgirls to support their education until they graduate. We believe that every girl in Kenya, and across Africa, deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Every barrier that prevents a girl from going to school must be dismantled, and this program is one powerful means of doing exactly that. I am confident these young girls will reach their full potential and go on to inspire many others.”

During the program, the Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, together with the First Lady of Kenya, took the opportunity to meet and encourage the Kenyan schoolgirls who are the beneficiaries of the Educating Linda program, and to hear directly from them and their parents about the impact the scholarships have had on their lives.

The Educating Linda program by Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies, is providing annual scholarships to more than 1,250 schoolgirls across 21 African countries, including Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and others. The program also ensures that thousands of schoolgirls across Africa receive essential school supplies, removing further practical obstacles to their education.

“When a girl is educated, entire nation is empowered. Educated girls grow into empowered women, who drive prosperity, strengthen families, and advance nations. That is the vision behind everything we do: Girl Education today for Women Empowerment tomorrow,” said Dr. Kelej.

Merck Foundation together has provided 328 scholarships for Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties; including Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Oncology, Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Gastroenterology, Psychiatry, Neurology, and many more. During the visit, Merck Foundation also conducted their Alumni Summit 2026, to acknowledge and meet their Alumni. Moreover, they also met and recognized the Merck Foundation Awards Winners of 2024 and 2025.

Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya is also launching children’s storybooks: “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure”. These storybooks address critical social and health issues and will be available in both English and Swahili. Thousands of copies of these storybooks will be distributed to schoolchildren across Kenya.

Merck Foundation and the First Lady of Kenya also annually launch their 8 important awards for best media, film, fashion designs and songs. Together they have also conducted several editions of Merck Foundation Health Media Training Program, enabling Kenyan journalists to be equipped to be the voice of the voiceless and report responsibly and effectively on sensitive subjects including infertility, child marriage, gender-based violence, diabetes, and hypertension.

Details of the Awards:

1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026:  All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.

Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.

5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.

Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4xcon0k

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com 
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4ceXP6y

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4g5BScw), X (https://apo-opa.co/4bqlLUd),Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4xco0Ts), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4wxKL4p), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4ySabLy) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3TL8teX).

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

 

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Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Campaigns Against Perenco Threaten Energy Development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Source: APO – Report:

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Fresh criticism of Perenco’s operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has once again brought one of Africa’s biggest energy development challenges the fore: NGO-led smear campaigns.

While framed as a challenge to one company’s environmental performance, the campaign reflects a broader pattern of NGO-led attacks on African oil development. As the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly condemns the attack, recognizing it as a direct attempt to stop Perenco’s activities, limit DRC oil exploration and prevent any meaningful development across the country’s economy.

The scrutiny follows allegations published by Human Rights Watch regarding environmental impacts linked to Perenco’s operations in Muanda, as well as a government-commissioned environmental review that identified areas requiring further attention. Perenco has disputed aspects of the findings, maintaining that it operates in accordance with applicable regulations and has implemented environmental management measures across its operations.

For the AEC, this latest report demonstrates a tactic whereby NGOs rely on sensationalized rhetoric rather than facts and technical evaluations to promote a false narrative about energy companies’ operations. This approach has been seen across other smear campaigns, and the AEC strongly urges the Government of the DRC to be careful not to fall into this trap.   

Perenco has operated in the DRC for more than two decades, establishing itself as the country’s only producing oil operator through its onshore subsidiary Perenco Rep and offshore subsidiary Muanda International Oil Company. The company’s operations support average combined production of approximately 19,500 barrels of oil per day and employ around 1,500 DRC nationals, contributing to local economic activity and the country’s energy sector.

Beyond production, Perenco has invested in infrastructure and community development initiatives in Muanda. Through its 20 MW gas-fired power plant, the company supplies electricity to local installations, including those of the Société Nationale d’Électricité, while also providing power to the city of Muanda and surrounding villages.

The company has also supported community programs focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, water access, electricity, employment, culture, sport and environmental initiatives. Across its global operations, Perenco has highlighted efforts to improve environmental management, reduce emissions and strengthen operational efficiency.

“Africa cannot afford to drive away the companies that are investing in our future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “Perenco has spent more than two decades operating in the DRC, creating jobs, supporting communities, investing in infrastructure and helping deliver energy where it is needed most. Companies operating in Africa must be held accountable, but accountability cannot become a pretext for undermining responsible investors who are helping African countries develop their resources and fight energy poverty.”

The AEC believes responsible resource development requires both strong environmental oversight and recognition of the companies working to create economic opportunity across the continent. Africa cannot achieve industrialization, strengthen energy security or expand access to reliable power without investment from experienced operators with the technical expertise and capital required to develop its resources.

The DRC, like many African countries, faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the need to leverage its natural resources for economic transformation. Achieving this balance requires strong regulatory institutions, transparent processes and partnerships between governments, companies and communities.

As global competition for energy investment intensifies, Africa must ensure that legitimate environmental discussions do not become a broader deterrent to responsible development. The continent’s future depends on attracting companies committed to long-term partnerships, responsible operations and delivering shared value.

The AEC will continue advocating for an energy sector that supports both environmental responsibility and economic progress, recognizing that Africa’s development goals require investment, expertise and partnerships.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Venezuela Energy Week’s London Showcase Highlights Competitive New Fiscal Framework for Upstream Investment

Source: APO – Report:

Industry leaders at the Venezuela Energy Week London Industry Showcase on Thursday highlighted Venezuela’s newly implemented hydrocarbons framework as a major step toward restoring the country’s competitiveness as an upstream investment destination, pointing to simplified fiscal terms, greater operational flexibility and rising production as key drivers of renewed investor interest.

Presented to international investors and industry stakeholders in London, the country’s regulatory framework establishes a combined government take as low as 20% on greenfield upstream projects through a streamlined fiscal system that replaces more than 20 legacy taxes. According to industry analysis shared during the showcase, the reforms position Venezuela among Latin America’s most competitive upstream jurisdictions.

The new terms, set out in implementing regulations signed into force in July, pair a variable royalty with the Integrated Hydrocarbons Tax to produce combined rates of 20% for greenfield developments and 25% for extra-heavy and diluted crude projects. The windfall tax and shadow tax – both previously identified by investors as barriers to high-CapEx developments – have been repealed.

Carlos Bellorin, Executive Vice President of Macro Analysis at Welligence Energy Analytics, said his firm has modeled expansion under the new framework and found Venezuela’s terms highly competitive on a global scale. Production has recovered to approximately 1.2 million barrels per day, he said, with Welligence forecasting output to reach between 1.4 million and 1.6 million barrels per day by the end of 2026.

“Below two million barrels per day it’s an OpEx game,” Bellorin said. “After that, you need the big companies to come in.”

Juan Carlos Andrade, CEO of Araya Energy Group and Director and Legal Counsel at the Venezuelan Petroleum Chamber, said the regulatory overhaul has removed constraints that previously forced operators to resolve shortcomings through contractual workarounds. Operators now have the right to trade their own barrels, manage their own cash flow and develop on-site power generation.

“This is no longer a theory,” Andrade said. “What exists is an opportunity.”

Andrade projected that Productive Participation Contracts could deliver between 250,000 and 500,000 barrels per day, with mixed operating companies contributing a similar volume. Combined, these two contract structures are expected to form the foundation of Venezuela’s near-term production growth.

The London Industry Showcase marks the first in a series of international engagements leading up to Venezuela Energy Week 2026, taking place October 26-29 in Caracas. The event will convene government officials, international operators, investors and technology providers to examine the country’s evolving regulatory framework, upstream opportunities and long-term energy development strategy.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery

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

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4xdED11).

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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eThekwini welcomes improved business confidence in municipal responsiveness

Source: Government of South Africa

eThekwini welcomes improved business confidence in municipal responsiveness

The eThekwini Municipality has welcomed an improvement in business confidence regarding its responsiveness to service delivery complaints, despite an overall decline in business sentiment during the second quarter of 2026.

According to the latest Durban Business Confidence Index (DBCI), the proportion of respondents who believed the municipality was unlikely to address service delivery complaints within a reasonable timeframe, declined from 77.4% in the first quarter of 2026 to 71.2% in the second quarter.

The municipality said the improvement reflects the impact of interventions aimed at strengthening service delivery systems, improving response times and accelerating infrastructure rehabilitation across the city.

However, the report showed that overall business confidence weakened during the quarter, with the DBCI declining from 50.63 in the first quarter to 48.82 in the second quarter, placing the index below the neutral zone, although it remained above the national index.

According to the report, the decline was largely driven by factors beyond the municipality’s control.

“We conclude that factors beyond the city level largely drove the drop in business confidence. These reflect the escalating, volatile geopolitical tensions and the ongoing immigration protests,” the report reads.

Road infrastructure emerged as the biggest concern among survey respondents, followed by environmental management, water supply and public safety.

In response, the municipality said it has intensified road maintenance, rehabilitation and resurfacing programmes, including pothole repairs, stormwater infrastructure upgrades and improvements to priority transport routes used by businesses and public transport.

The city is also investing R128 million in upgrading the inner-city road network as part of its infrastructure renewal programme.

To address environmental management challenges, the municipality said it has stepped up sewer maintenance, pump station refurbishment, and waste collection operations, while allocating R92 million this financial year to strengthen its waste management fleet and support critical operational projects.

The municipality continues to invest in beautification programmes, park rehabilitation and environmental management initiatives aimed at improving the urban environment and supporting tourism and investment growth.

On water services, the municipality said it is accelerating pipe replacement, reservoir upgrades, and leak detection programmes as part of a broader turnaround strategy for eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS).

Among the key infrastructure projects is the Southern Aqueduct, which is expected to strengthen bulk water supply to more than 1.2 million residents. The city has allocated R995 million to sanitation infrastructure and services and R495.7 million to water infrastructure improvements in the 2026/27 financial year.

During the current financial year, EWS aims to deliver 4 000 new water connections, reduce non-revenue water to 48.6%, and ensure that 95% of all water connections are metered.

The municipality also highlighted ongoing investments in public safety, including R162.7 million allocated to Durban Metro Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Disaster Management, Security Management Services, and the Safer Cities programme.

Additional investments in technology, surveillance systems, visible policing and disaster management interventions are being deployed to improve safety and create an enabling environment for business growth and investment.

Sustaining electricity reliability

The DBCI found that electricity supply remains one of the municipality’s strongest-performing services, with only 1.4% of respondents identifying it as a major concern.

The municipality said continued suspension of national load shedding since March 2024 has provided further certainty to businesses and residents, supporting economic activity and operational continuity across the city.

Municipal Marketing and Communications Director Mandla Nsele said the city remains committed to addressing service delivery challenges, while strengthening partnerships with the business community.

“The municipality values feedback from organised business formations and residents, as it assists in identifying priority areas requiring intervention. We will continue implementing targeted programmes, monitoring performance and accelerating infrastructure investment to improve service delivery outcomes, create an enabling environment for economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all residents”, Nsele said.

Nsele acknowledged that challenges remain but said the improved perception of the municipality’s responsiveness demonstrates that current interventions are beginning to yield positive results. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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