Category: MIL-OSI

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Johannesburg ready to host historic G20 Leaders’ Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

The City of Johannesburg says preparations to host the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit have reached their final stages, with significant investments in infrastructure and security.

The city said the Johannesburg summit, to be held later this month, will mark the first time the prestigious gathering of world leaders is held on African soil.

In a statement on Tuesday, the city said hosting the summit will unlock a wealth of economic prospects for the city and the broader South African economy. 

The gathering is expected to attract high-profile delegates, global investors and international media, providing a platform to showcase the city’s burgeoning markets, technological innovations and entrepreneurial spirit. 

“This momentous occasion positions Johannesburg not only as a political and economic centre but also as a beacon of urban innovation, inclusive development and international cooperation.

“The city’s readiness reflects a comprehensive effort encompassing infrastructure upgrades, security measures and economic opportunities that promise to leave a lasting impact on the city and continent at large,” the city said. 

Increased investment during this period is anticipated to stimulate local economies, create jobs and foster new business partnerships across sectors such as finance, technology and tourism.

The city said it was also ready to welcome an influx of international visitors, with hotels, shopping centres, and transport networks having been upgraded ahead of the summit. 

The city expects to benefit from heightened global exposure, positioning it as a premier destination for business and leisure tourism beyond the event itself.

Infrastructure and safety upgrades

A major part of Johannesburg’s readiness plan has been the extensive infrastructure upgrades. 

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has been conducting maintenance along critical routes including Sandton, Alexandra, Lanseria, the M1, M2, and Soweto corridors. 

These efforts include resurfacing, pothole repairs, stormwater management, and beautification projects in collaboration with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and waste management entity Pikitup.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has implemented a dual security and traffic management plan focusing on high-security zones, motorcade routes, and overall public safety. This includes strict perimeter controls, enhanced patrols, and enforcement of bylaws across the city.

“City Power has undertaken a major overhaul of the electricity network, with over 30 substations undergoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure a reliable power supply. 

“Streetlighting has been rehabilitated along strategic routes, enhancing both safety and visibility. Critical water infrastructure, including Rand Water’s Eikenhof Pumping Station, has received reinforced power supply systems to prevent disruptions during the event,” the city said. 

Johannesburg Water said contingency plans, including mobile water tanks and sanitation services, are in place to respond swiftly to any emergencies that might arise during the summit.

A defining moment for Johannesburg and Africa

The City of Johannesburg said these efforts go beyond the immediate needs of the G20 Summit, laying a foundation for Johannesburg to attract more international events in future.

“By investing in infrastructure, security and economic development, the city is not only ready to welcome the world but also to position itself as a leading African city capable of hosting future international events. 

“The summit promises to be a pointed milestone, nurturing economic growth, tourism and international collaboration that will benefit Johannesburg for years to come,” the statement read.

The 2025 G20 Summit is expected to be a defining moment for Johannesburg and for the African continent as leaders from the world’s largest economies convene to discuss global growth, sustainability, and development. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Dube cargo terminal records 7% growth in airfreight volumes

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Dube Cargo Terminal at King Shaka International Airport has recorded a 7% increase in air cargo volumes handled over the last year, signalling sustained recovery and growth in KwaZulu-Natal’s airfreight sector.

The terminal first saw a significant surge in demand between September and December 2023, following the downturn experienced in 2020.

The rebound was primarily driven by increased perishable exports and a gradual shift from sea to air transport for high-value goods such as automotive components.

Building on this momentum, cargo throughput grew by over 5% year-on-year, reaching a total of 14,424 tonnes in the previous financial year.

Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone Spokesperson, Vincent Zwane, highlighted that for the current period, April 2024 to March 2025, volumes have continued to increase, with 15,429 tonnes of cargo handled through the Dube Cargo Terminal.

“This performance has been supported by the rise of specialised air charters and an expanded demand for airfreight by the perishables sector, particularly in fruit and meat exports, destined for markets in Europe and the Middle East,” Zwane said in a statement.

He said the increase in air connectivity in Durban has also improved the capacity of the Dube Cargo Terminal to support exporters, especially those operating in time-sensitive sectors.

To sustain airfreight growth, Zwane said Dube TradePort has invested in bonded and cold storage warehouses, bonded trucking, and expanding the airline route development efforts through Durban Direct.

“These investments have enhanced the handling of specialised and time-sensitive shipments. Dube Cargo Terminal’s infrastructure and commitment to service excellence is designed to meet these needs while strengthening South Africa’s participation in both regional and global supply chains,” Zwane said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Mashatile reaffirms government’s commitment to economic growth, job creation

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed government’s commitment to driving economic growth, fostering job creation, and reshaping South Africa’s legislative landscape. 

Speaking during a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the Deputy President detailed ongoing reforms while addressing doubts about implementation and inclusivity.

He said the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains focused on key priorities to enhance the South African economy, including rapid and inclusive economic growth. 

“Together with members of the Executive, we have been working on an investment drive to market our economic policy and to attract foreign direct investment to our economy,” the Deputy President said on Tuesday. 

He told Members of Parliament (MPs) that the GNU has adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029, which focuses on three strategic priorities – driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. 

The Deputy President said the MTDP is guiding the work of the GNU for the next five years in pursuit of these strategic priorities, which are informed by the Statement of Intent.  

“The government’s goal of attaining sustainable and rapid economic growth has historically been a priority of the ANC-led government. Even before the seventh administration, we have introduced critical legislation and policy reforms to support this objective.” 

He told the MPs that in October 2020, government introduced Operation Vulindlela, a significant initiative, aimed at accelerating economic reforms. 

Operation Vulindlela focuses on enhancing the country’s growth trajectory and improving its overall economic performance through various strategies.

The Deputy President also noted that the infrastructure reform remains a key focus area. highlighting steps being taken to strengthen State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

“Through the National State Enterprise Bill, we are introducing reforms to strengthen our State-Owned Enterprises, focusing on improving governance, unbundling monopolies and introducing competition to reduce costs and boost efficiency, whilst at the same time transforming SOE boards to be fit for purpose,” he said. 

In addition, he said government recently took steps to ensure more effective government service and transparency.

“The NCOP passed the Public Administration Amendment Management Bill. Rather, the Bill has been sent to the President for ascent. All these reforms demonstrate our commitment to deliver on the Medium-Term Development Plan and the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President also reaffirmed government’s commitment to reviewing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation to ensure it benefits the majority of South Africans. 

“We want legislation that will ensure that we benefit the majority of South Africans. I will not support legislation that seeks to benefit a few, as you are saying, we want to benefit the majority of the people.”

On challenges in education and persistent unemployment, the Deputy President underscored an urgent shift in strategy. 

“We have the Human Resource Development Council, which the President has asked me to lead. We work with labour, with business and non-governmental organisations. 

“We are putting the issue of education and skills on top of the agenda of what we do, particularly amongst young people, so that we don’t have people called unemployed graduates and so on. So that’s a very important thing.”

On crime, government will continue with coordinated efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb the flow of drugs into our country. 

“We call on all of society to continue to collaborate in these efforts.” 

During the 2024/25 financial year, the Hawks were successful in dismantling 19 clandestine drug laboratories, making 45 arrests at 18 of those sites, with at least two cases involving identified international actors and ongoing investigations. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa Must Produce Oil and Gas to Develop, Whether Western Nations Like It or Not (By NJ Ayuk)

Source: APO


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

In an opinion piece for The Guardian Fiona Harvey and Matthew Taylor wrote that it was time for gas exploration in Africa to stop.

“Africa must embrace renewable energy and forgo exploration of its potentially lucrative gas deposits to stave off climate disaster and bring access to clean energy to the hundreds of millions who lack it, leading experts on the continent have said,” they wrote.

This is hardly new. For several years now, wealthy nations and their environmental organizations have been strong-arming African countries to leave their petroleum assets in the ground.

The stance of the African Energy Chamber has been consistent: Yes, African oil and gas-producing countries should and will do their part to support global emissions-reduction goals. Yes, the dangers of climate change should be taken seriously.

However, we refuse to let the world set the timing for when Africa will ease up on oil and gas exploration and production. We are convinced that oil and gas production, when managed strategically, provides a pathway for economic growth and energy security, and we are determined to help Africa realize those benefits.

This is the message that we urge every African leader to take to COP30 in Brazil: African countries have to produce every drop of hydrocarbons they can fine and they have every right to set the timing for their energy transitions. And like nations around the world, African states will be exercising those rights.

Africa’s Miniscule Contribution

The world must understand that African countries cannot be on the same energy transition timeline as Western countries. Africa still needs time – time that the Western world has already had and, frankly continues to milk – to resolve energy poverty and industrialize.

Let’s first address the proverbial elephant in the room: When it comes to global emissions, Africa is NOT the problem.

In 2023, global CO2 emissions hit 37.12 billion tonnes. China ranked first in contributing 11.47 billion tonnes; the entire continent of Africa contributed 1.45 billion tonnes, only 4% of global carbon emissions. In fact, over the last two decades, Africa’s total contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions has never been above 4% — by far the smallest share in all the world. Africa has the lowest per-capital emissions of all continents, averaging 1 tonne of CO2 emitted annually by each individual. The average American emits as much CO2 in one month as the average African does in an entire year.

And yet, Africa is disproportionately being punished for the climate catastrophe that, let’s be honest, it was initiated and is perpetuated by Western and developed economies.

“The story of Africa or the developing world is not really an energy transition story, it’s a development story,” Andrew Kamau with the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University said in a recent interview with Energy Intelligence.

“You hear a lot about all these technologies that are being developed, but where are they at scale?” Kamau asked. “And has somebody industrialized using wind and solar only? I don’t know. We wait to see if it’s possible.”

Kamau also questioned where all the international funding is. The West has made grand financial promises, but the level of support truly needed to undertake a transition to renewables at the pace dictated by the West has yet to materialize.

Using the Resources at Our Feet

While we at the African Energy Chamber agree that it’s important to develop affordable and sustainable green technologies to supply our energy, we strongly disagree with being pigeonholed into accepting the West’s one-size-fits-all timeline.

I hear from Africans who are skeptical about the benefits of oil and gas because they have seen the problems caused by the energy sector. You could make the same arguments about the Internet, which has been blamed for harming social relationships, decreasing our safety and security, and damaging children’s cognitive development. Yet, used wisely, the Internet does considerable good as well, and I’m not hearing widespread calls to get rid of it. My point is, oil and gas can and does do good (I’ve written whole books on the subject!) — the key is to be smart about how we capitalize on our resources.

Some 600 million people on the continent still lack adequate electricity access or even clean cooking technologies. These Africans aren’t focused on the fact that reliable energy infrastructure facilitates economic growth by generating jobs, increasing productivity, and reducing the cost of doing business. Most would be elated to have light in their homes after dark or the ability to refrigerate their food.

But think about Africa’s abundant energy potential!

By 2050, the continent will be home to 11% of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) market and the second-highest growth supply of gas. By tapping into the vast stores of natural gas at our feet, we can first work to eradicate energy poverty from the continent, and then secure our economic growth as we transition toward renewables.

I agree with Mohamed Hamel, the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, in his description of the argument that Africa should not develop its natural gas resources as “misguided.”

“A prosperous Africa will be more capable to protect its environment. The right of Africa to develop its vast natural resources can be preserved, and its access to finance and technology, facilitated,” Hamel said.

Turning the Pressure into Partnership

At the previous COP, I made it clear that, while African nations would not be continuing oil and gas operations indefinitely, with no movement toward renewable energy sources, we Africans should be setting the timetable for Africa’s transition.

“What I’d like to see instead of Western pressure to bring African oil and gas activities to an abrupt halt, is a cooperative effort,” I wrote at the time. “Partnerships, relationships rooted in respect, open communications and empathy. What does that look like? It begins with the belief that when African leaders, businesses, and organizations say the timing is not right to end our fossil fuel operations, we have a point. That when we are discussing our own countries, we know what we are talking about.”

Clearly, we still have progress to make. Too many outsiders suggest that African leaders are being manipulated or influenced by greed when they work to foster oil and gas exploration and production in their countries. Few seem to believe that, when countries establish and fine-tune local content laws, adapt investor-friendly fiscal regimes, and promote policy that protects human dignity, they are making reasoned, strategic moves to create better futures for their people.

That saddens me, but it also strengthens my resolve. We will continue to fight for what’s right, for what’s ours. We are not giving up on a just energy transition for Africa — a transition on a timetable that benefits and uplifts Africans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Managing Director Joins MSGBC 2025 as Nation Seeks New Upstream Partners

Source: APO


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Baboucarr Njie, Managing Director of the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), will speak at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition, taking place December 8-10 in Dakar, Senegal. Njie’s participation comes as the country seeks to advance frontier exploration (https://apo-opa.co/49fLBKn) and is expected to strengthen discussions around MSGBC upstream investment opportunities – from seismic data acquisition to frontier drilling to cross-border collaboration and petroleum distribution.

As a frontier oil and gas market situated in close proximity to regional discoveries, The Gambia is promoting exploration across its offshore basins. Most notably, the country lies south of the Sangomar Basin, home to the Sangomar oilfield development which began operations in June 2024. With a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, the project is a testament to the viability of large-scale oil projects in the region. While it remains unproven whether the Sangomar Basin transcends the border into The Gambia, enhanced geological surveys could reveal the extent of the basin, thereby supporting new exploration campaigns in The Gambia.

To determine the country’s offshore potential, various drilling campaigns have been launched in recent years. Independent oil and gas company FAR (https://apo-opa.co/48fjEjV) drilled the Bambo-1 prospect in 2021, following by a sidetrack well (Bambo-1ST1). The drilling showed indications of oil shows, confirming an oil source is present in the area. However, subsequent analysis determined that the prospect was not commercial. The company also completed regional and detailed subsurface studies within the broader A2 and A5 blocks. An agreement was also signed in 2023 with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, involving geological studies, seismic data analysis and potential drilling. Looking ahead, the country is seeking new partners to invest in exploration prospects. Currently, eight offshore blocks and two onshore are available for investment, with approximately 80% of offshore data coverage acquired.

Beyond exploration, regional collaboration has become a cornerstone of the GNPC’s development strategy, with the corporation establishing close ties with West African oil and gas producers in recent months. In June 2025, The Gambia signed 14 bilateral agreements with Mauritania (https://apo-opa.co/47yVPnW), aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of energy, hydrocarbons, mining, water and trade. A trade agreement was also signed with Guinea-Bissau. Under efforts to enhance capacity building, the GNPC has strengthened ties with regional counterparts. A knowledge-exchange partnership with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation has been established, whereby Gambian staff were trained in Ghana. Senior officials from Ghana also conducted a lecture series in 2024 in The Gambia in support of the company’s 2024/2025 work program.

As the premier event for the region’s energy sector, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 offers a timely platform for The Gambia to not only strengthen regional collaboration but advance its exploration agenda through engagement with international operators and investors. Njie’s participation is expected to create new avenues for potential partners seeking in-roads into the country’s upstream sector, supporting future investments across the country’s energy value chain. 

“The Gambia’s upstream ambitions signal a new chapter for frontier exploration in West Africa. GNPC’s engagement at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 reflects the country’s drive to attract strategic partners, advance offshore exploration and strengthen regional collaboration in unlocking shared prosperity across the MSGBC basin,” stated Sandra Jeque, Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

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

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Africa International Advisors to Host High-Level Session on Regional Energy Integration at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025

Source: APO


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The upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar on December 8-10 – will feature a strategic session entitled Unlocking West Africa’s Energy Potential Through Greater Integration, hosted by business management consultants Africa International Advisors. The session will take place during the pre-conference day on December 8 at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf (CICAD).

Led by Henry Gilfillan, Partner and Integrated Energy Practice Leader, and Lwandle Fakazi, Partner and Africa Practice Leader, Africa International Advisors, the session will explore how greater regional collaboration can accelerate energy access, infrastructure development and investment across the MSGBC basin.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The MSGBC region is rapidly emerging as a major global energy hub. New oil and gas projects such as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project and Sangomar oil development are positioning the region as a key LNG and crude exporter. Meanwhile, large-scale renewable projects in solar, wind and hydropower are advancing national electrification targets. With initiatives like Mauritania’s green hydrogen programs and The Gambia’s 23 MW Jambur solar plant, countries are pursuing a dual strategy of leveraging hydrocarbons for growth while transitioning toward clean energy.

The session is likely to unpack these dynamics under four key focus areas: understanding regional energy dynamics; clear priorities for integration; actionable collaboration pathways; and strengthened regional relationships. Discussions are set to highlight how cross-border infrastructure projects, power pool integration and regulatory harmonization can transform West Africa’s energy landscape.

Flagship integration projects – such as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (https://apo-opa.co/3LsoN0f), expected to reach FID by the end of 2025, and the Mauritania-Mali Interconnection, financed by financial institution the African Development Bank – demonstrate growing regional collaboration. These initiatives are complemented by efforts from the West African Power Pool to create a unified electricity market, enabling countries with surplus power to trade efficiently with neighbors.

As such, the Unlocking West Africa’s Energy Potential Through Greater Integration session will unite policymakers, financiers and private sector leaders to identify actionable strategies that can unlock new efficiencies, attract investment and accelerate sustainable industrialization across West Africa. The session also reinforces MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation under the theme Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergy for Inclusive Economic Development.

“Regional energy integration is the key to unlocking West Africa’s full economic and industrial potential. This session will showcase how collaborative infrastructure and policy alignment can transform shared resources into shared prosperity,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

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

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Cassava Technologies launches Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Multi-Model Exchange to advance local AI development

Source: APO

Cassava Technologies (www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced the launch of its Cassava AI Multi-Model Exchange (CAIMEx), a first-of-its-kind platform designed to make the world’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) tools and large language models (LLMs) easily accessible to mobile network operators (MNOs) across Africa.

The platform serves as a one-stop shop for accessing multiple AI models from providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and others. Instead of navigating complex integrations or cost-intensive infrastructure, African MNOs can now connect to the most powerful AI technologies through a single, easy-to-use platform, managed and supported locally by Cassava.

“With its growing AI ecosystem Africa has the potential to be more than a consumer of AI technologies imported to the continent. Through CAIMEx, Cassava is creating a bridge between global innovation and African ambition, giving every MNO the ability to offer subscribers world-class AI tools and LLMs easily and affordably,” said Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Cassava AI.

CAIMEx supports:

  • Anthropic’s Claude models
  • Google’s Gemini models
  • And others

Together, these models make CAIMEx a versatile and future-ready AI hub. The platform enables mobile network operators to choose the model that best fits their subscriber and enterprise needs, from fast, real-time intelligence and advanced reasoning to trusted, ethical decision-making and open-source flexibility. Whether driving customer engagement, streamlining operations, or building innovative digital experiences, CAIMEx delivers speed, scalability, and security to help organisations unlock the full power of artificial intelligence.

CAIMEx also ensures that data stays within Africa, addressing data sovereignty, privacy, and compliance requirements. All services are hosted in Cassava’s regional AI factories, guaranteeing access to high performance compute, data security, and compliance with local data protection regulations. Additionally, the platform unlocks access to AI tools to the millions of mobile subscribers and SMEs across Africa, and not just large enterprises.

This ongoing commitment to Africa’s digital future aligns with Cassava’s mission to provide appropriate digital solutions that enable enterprises to transform the lives of their customers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a technology leader providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Through its business units, namely, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, Distributed Power Africa, Sasai Fintech, Cassava has operations across key growth markets like Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Cassava provides its customers in 94 countries with offerings that will help them grow, transform, and expand their operations. https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com/

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Africa Tech Festival 2025: Government and tech leaders forge a shared vision for responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa

Source: APO


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Africa’s technology leaders opened the 28th annual Africa Tech Festival 2025 (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/) in Cape Town with a powerful message of unity, calling for responsible, inclusive, and people-centred innovation to drive the continent’s digital future.

Leaders from government, global tech firms, and the startup ecosystem stressed that the continent’s digital future must be built on ethical governance, inclusive access, and meaningful social impact. The opening day saw strong alignment among key stakeholders, including South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, Deputy Minister, Hon. Mondli Gungubele, and representatives from Cassava Technologies, OpenAI, and Meta, who pledged to champion a collaborative digital transformation that ensures no African country is left behind in the age of AI.

Reinforcing the government’s focus on equitable digital transformation, Minister Malatsi called for coordinated action to harness technology for social impact. He reiterated that for South Africa to benefit from and participate in the next wave of innovation, particularly AI, three foundations are essential: affordable connectivity and devices, reliable digital public infrastructure, and digital literacy. When these foundations are strong, everything else accelerates.

Building on the Minister’s call for inclusive digital development, Cassava Technologies announced that it is now Africa’s first NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP), deploying NVIDIA GPUs across five sites to power the continent’s Al innovation. Emphasising that Africa will not be left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Executive Chairman of Cassava Technologies, shared how strategic partnerships with Google, Anthropic, and others are enabling access to world-class Al tools and solutions designed for African industries,  

Speaking on the AfricaTech main stage, this vision was echoed by Hon. Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. In his address Building Digital Nations – Governance for a Tech-Driven Africa, he championed the use of digital systems to build transparent, citizen-centric governments, noting that Africa is not waiting to be connected, but building its own digital future that is sovereign, interoperable, and human centred. The country’s national AI policy was used as an example of a governance blueprint to ensure that innovation in artificial intelligence is safe, inclusive, and transformative.

On the AI Summit Cape Town stage, Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead at OpenAI, joined Akim Benamara, Chief Editor & Founder of TechAfrica News, and Thabo Makenete, Head of Public Policy for Southern Africa at Meta, in a session titled OpenAI for an Open Africa, exploring open-source innovation, language diversity, and equitable AI access.

The AI Summit programme also included a session titled Unlocking Agentic AI – The Next Leap in African Innovation, Moderated by Dr. Santiago Erroz Ferrer (Lufthansa Group), panellists Katarzyna Hewelt (Resolutiion), Abdul Kader Baba (Infrastructure South Africa), and Ravi Bhat (Microsoft Africa) examined how autonomous AI systems can transform industries and service delivery while upholding ethical design principles.

Reflecting on the opening day, Kadi Diallo, Portfolio Manager for Africa Tech Festival, said, “Africa Tech Festival has always been more than an event. It’s a movement that celebrates Africa’s ingenuity and ambition to lead in the digital age. This year’s edition is about ensuring that innovation is responsible, inclusive, and anchored in real-world impact. From AI and cloud to connectivity and policy, the conversations taking place here in Cape Town this week reflect a continent that is not only participating in the global digital economy but shaping it on its own terms. We’re proud to provide a platform for the continent’s tech visionaries, investors, and policymakers.”

Framed by the central themes of responsible innovation, inclusive investment, connectivity for development, and policy harmonisation, the festival showcases the strength of Africa’s growing digital ecosystem across four flagship programmes: AfricaCom, AfricaTech, The AI Summit Cape Town, and AfricaIgnite.

The official event was preceded by AfricaIgnite Founder Day on Monday, 10 November, a showcase of African innovation that drew entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and founders, setting the tone for the rest of the week.

The day concluded with AFest at Grand Africa Café & Beach, where delegates, founders, investors, and policymakers gathered for an evening of live music and networking.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival:
Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together more than 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The Festival encompasses four anchor events:

  • AfricaCom – The continent’s largest telecoms and connectivity event
  • AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
  • AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa’s startup ecosystem
  • The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life

With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and extensive networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the continent’s most influential gathering for those shaping Africa’s connected future.

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Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA) Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Energy Chamber’s G20 Forum Amid South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Formation, Operational Restructuring

Source: APO


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Sesakho Magadla, Interim CEO of the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA) will speak at the upcoming G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum – hosted by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) on November 21, 2025 in Johannesburg. As a follow-up to African Energy Week and a precursor to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the forum provides a strategic platform for PetroSA to engage global investors as the company strives to revitalize legacy assets and advance fuel security across the country.

Magadla’s participation comes as the company undergoes a strategic restructuring, with the entity being incorporated into the newly-established South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC). The launch of the SANPC signals an important shift in South Africa’s oil and gas landscape and is expected to significantly improve the sector’s operational capacity and efficiency. The SANPC officially opened for business in April 2025 as a fully-fledged subsidiary of the Central Energy Fund (CEF), formed through the merger of three state-owned entities – iGas, PetroSA and the Strategic Fuel Fund – and operating under a lease and assignment model. The move allows the SANPC to lease select assets from the merging entities while isolating PetroSA’s legacy liability and the operational challenges at its gas-to-liquids (GTA) refinery in the Western Cape.

For PetroSA, being incorporated into the SANPC enables the company to enhance its operational efficiency while making its assets more commercially viable. A key focus is the Mossel Bay GTL refinery which has been closed since 2020 due to lack of feedstock. When operational, the refinery produces high-value products from methane and condensate, including petrol, diesel, kerosene, propone and more. Work is currently underway with the support of the CEF to reinstate the facility and resolve its operational constraints, with the most pressing challenge being finance. While Russian gas giant Gazprom International secured a contract to revitalize the facility in 2023, the contract has since collapsed, underscoring the need for a new investment partner to restart operations. The G20 Forum offers a strategic platform for PetroSA to engage global investors, aligning its refinery revitalization plans with Africa’s broader natural gas and industrialization agenda.

“Natural gas has a critical role to play in South Africa’s energy future, not only as a cleaner, more efficient fuel but as a catalyst for industrial growth and energy security. Revitalizing the Mossel Bay GTL refinery represents more than just restarting an asset; it’s about building a bridge between South Africa’s upstream gas potential and its downstream fuel needs. With the right investment and policy support, PetroSA can position the refinery at the heart of a diversified and resilient energy mix that powers industries, creates jobs and strengthens national self-sufficiency,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

Through high-level dialogue and dealmaking, the G20 Forum supports PetroSA’s objective to attract capital for feedstock supply, infrastructure upgrades and downstream integration – all of which are key to ensuring South Africa’s sustained fuel supply, reducing reliance on imports and reinforcing the country’s resilience against global energy disruptions. The forum also offers a strategic opportunity for South Africa to engage international energy companies to advance offshore gas projects, most of which have been stalled due to environmental opposition. For the country’s energy future, the development of upstream natural gas – and its associated downstream infrastructure – represents a top priority, paving the way for enhanced fuel access and sustainable economic growth.

To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/4oZJ0ZC).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Minister Godongwana to present MTBPS

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, will deliver the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) at a sitting of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber in Parliament, today, Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

The MTBPS plays a critical role in the overall budget process, as it sets out the policy framework for the budget that is presented every February.

“It also provides the country and its elected representatives with an update on the National Treasury’s economic forecasts, adjusts the budgets of government departments, and makes emergency changes to spending,” Parliament said.

At the sitting, the Minister is also scheduled to table the Adjustments Appropriation Bill, the Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill, the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, and the Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill.

The MTBPS makes it possible for Parliament and the public to interact with the government’s budget through committee oversight over government departments, when committees review the effective and efficient use of available resources.

The process is known as the Budget Review and Recommendations Reports, which must be tabled in the National Assembly before the MTBPS reports are adopted. 

The address will be broadcast on various television channels and live streaming platforms at 2pm. – SAnews.gov.za