Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

SA develops innovation roadmap to transform agriculture sector

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), is developing a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Roadmap for Agriculture.  

According to the department, this strategic initiative will enhance institutional coordination, drive innovation and support the transformation of South Africa’s agrifood system into one that is inclusive, resilient and aligned with national and regional development priorities.

Agriculture remains South Africa’s most resilient sector but still faces persistent structural challenges that contribute to low productivity and slow gross domestic product (GDP) growth.  

These include high input costs, market competition, unreliable energy supply, climate change impacts such as droughts and shifting weather patterns, widespread rural poverty, food insecurity, underutilisation of arable land and household food insecurity.

“The roadmap will promote the development of new high-value crops, livestock and agro-processed products; create expanded opportunities for women and youth in rural areas. It will focus on enhancing food and nutrition security through sustainable technologies and strengthen value chains that support livelihoods and socio-economic transformation.” 

Anchored in South Africa’s STI Decadal Plan 2022-2032 and the 2019 STI White Paper, the statement said the roadmap aims to modernise productive sectors and promote inclusive growth through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.  

In alignment with the FAO’s Strategic Framework for 2022-2031, this initiative promotes the “Four Betters“– better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and better living conditions. 

It also directly contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (zero Hunger), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and 13 (climate action).

The Decadal Plan emphasises key intervention areas for the challenges facing agriculture.  

These include, but are not limited to, plant and animal improvement, digital decision-support systems, precision agriculture, biosecurity, early-warning systems, agro-processing, value chain development, skills development and farmer development support.  

“A key aim is to build an inclusive and competitive agricultural bioeconomy targeting marginalised groups, women, youth and smallholder farmers.“

The roadmap aligns with various national strategies, including the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, led by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. 

It also supports the Forestry Sector Master Plan and the Aquaculture Research and Technology Development Strategy, both championed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

In addition, it incorporates the Agricultural Bio-economy Innovation Partnership Programme from the DSTI, which aims to foster public-private innovation partnerships, create innovation opportunities, promote inclusive growth, and facilitate economic recovery.

The Directors-General of the key departments will appoint a steering committee to guide the STI roadmap, while an advisory committee will be established and constituted by members from industry, academia and implementing agencies for inclusivity.  

An inception meeting to introduce the project to key role-players was convened in September 2025.

The South African government places a high priority on STI as a driver for addressing societal challenges such as food and nutrition security, while advancing the SDGs.  

“The FAO also recognises STI as central to transforming agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable – leaving no one behind.“

The roadmap is expected to be completed by the end of September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

IDAC, Agrizzi enters plea deal over BOSASA corruption

Source: Government of South Africa

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has entered into a plea and sentence agreement with former BOSASA Chief Operations Officer (COO), Angelo Agrizzi, in connection with corruption involving senior Department of Correctional Services officials.

Agrizzi pleaded guilty to corruption linked to former Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services Linda Morris Mti, former Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Patrick O’Connell Gillingham, and former member of the National Assembly Vincent George Smith, who chaired the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services.

According to an IDAC statement, Agrizzi pleaded guilty to three counts of corruption – two of those counts of Corruption allege his contravention of section 4(1)(b) of Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities [PRECCA] and the third count of Corruption alleges his contravention of section 7(1)(b) of PRECCA. 

He also pleaded guilty to one count of Money Laundering in contravention of section 4 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act [POCA].

Agrizzi was sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment on four counts suspended for five years.

“[The sentence] is wholly suspended for five years on various conditions, including that the accused co-operates with the IDAC and provides the Investigators attached to the IDAC and the SAPS officials assigned to the investigation of this matter with affidavits, detailing the full extent of his knowledge of all matters investigated by the IDAC regarding the corruption by both public and/or private officials at BOSASA.

“The IDAC affirms that while the crimes committed were severe – representing a critical component of state capture – the agreement secures a definitive conviction and mandates Agrizzi’s continued and truthful cooperation,” the IDAC said.

The directorate added that Agrizzi’s cooperation, which includes providing affidavits in terms of Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act and testifying in all proceedings, is indispensable to the NPA’s ongoing investigations and future prosecutions against other high-level individuals implicated in the BOSASA corruption network.

“The agreement will also ensure that broader accountability is prioritised. Furthermore, the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) will proceed with an opposed confiscation inquiry, in terms of POCA, to recover the proceeds of these criminal activities,” the IDAC said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Biovac unveils new lab, boosting SA’s vaccine manufacturing capacity

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has welcomed the opening of a new product development laboratory at Biovac in Cape Town, set to expand South Africa’s capacity to develop vaccines from start to finish.  

“Today marks a historic milestone for South Africa, as the opening of Biovac’s new Product Development Laboratory brings us closer to our vision of achieving full, end-to-end vaccine manufacturing capability on the African continent,” said Gina on Thursday.

Currently, vaccines in South Africa are completed and filled using active ingredients sourced from abroad. 

With the new laboratory, the country will be able to develop vaccines from start to finish, enhancing Biovac’s world-class capabilities in vaccine product development.

The new facility will also enable the production of vaccines for Africa from the early stages of product development through drug substance and drug product manufacturing and will aid in responding to the continent’s high disease burden with locally driven solutions.

This evolution into vaccine product development reflects South Africa’s growing vaccine innovation and manufacturing capacity, strengthened by public-private collaboration.

The company currently develops, formulates, fills, finishes, and distributes vaccines used in South Africa’s childhood vaccine programme.

The Deputy Minister added that this high-tech facility, equipped with advanced mRNA technology and state-of-the-art research capacity, will empower scientists to tackle the most prevalent diseases in Africa, ensuring that homegrown innovation addresses the health needs of the citizens.

“The Government of South Africa, together with partners like the Gates Foundation and the Industrial Development Corporation, remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that build robust local pharmaceutical manufacturing and enhance our preparedness for future health emergencies,” the Deputy Minister said.

She believes that the laboratory was not just a monument to technological advancement, but a beacon of hope for all Africans, a demonstration of what is possible when vision, investment and scientific excellence come together. 

“Let us celebrate this step forward, confident that today’s investment in science will yield tomorrow’s health and economic security for our country and continent.”

The new laboratory has been realised through the support of the Gates Foundation. 

The department stated that it will assist Biovac, South Africa, and the African continent, to be able to develop its own vaccines across multiple platforms and be better able to respond to future pandemics or outbreaks using advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment.

The laboratory includes infrastructure for mRNA drug substance development, screening, evaluation, and manufacturing. 

It houses a specialised suite to formulate nanoparticles that safely encapsulate and protect mRNA, along with dedicated areas for bacterial and cell culture, cell bank storage and handling of sensitive medical materials.

The African Union Commission and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) committed in 2022 to ensuring that 60% of vaccines used on the continent are manufactured in Africa by 2040. 

Currently, only about 1% are produced locally; a gap this facility seeks to help close.

Biovac CEO, Dr Morena Makhoana, said: “The establishment of our new product development laboratory gives us the capability to develop and test next-generation vaccines using the most advanced technology available, ensuring that Africa is not left behind in responding to current and future vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Gates Foundation CEO, Mark Suzman, stated that Biovac’s new product development laboratory represents a leap forward for vaccine innovation and manufacturing in Africa. 

“For millions of people across the continent, it brings the promise of faster, more reliable access to lifesaving vaccines, developed and produced in Africa, for Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

W Cape urges compliance with height restrictions on Bain’s Kloof Pass

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

The Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed concern about heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) getting stuck on Bain’s Kloof Pass recently.

In the past two months alone, the provincial department said seven HMVs have become lodged on the pass, causing significant disruptions to traffic flow and posing safety risks to other road users.

According to the department, Bain’s Kloof Pass has a clearly marked height restriction of 3.68 meters, and heavy motor vehicles exceeding this height should not use the pass. 

However, despite the clear signage, some drivers of HMV continue to disregard the height restriction.

“Removing a stuck heavy vehicle from the pass is a complex process that, depending on the nature of the incident, can take an average of five hours to clear. In addition, there is limited or no mobile network signal on certain sections of the pass, which makes communication and incident response more challenging,” the statement read.  

The department has since appealed to all freight and logistics operators, as well as HMV drivers, to strictly adhere to the height restriction. 

HMV exceeding the 3.68-metre height limit should take alternative routes, such as R44 Wellington/Hermon Road or the Huguenot Tunnel (N1).

“We urge all heavy motor vehicle operators and drivers to respect the height restriction on Bain’s Kloof Pass. Ignoring these rules not only endangers your own safety but also the safety of other road users. It leads to unnecessary delays, costly recoveries, and disruptions to traffic,” said the Chief Director of Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout. 

“Our traffic law enforcement teams will continue monitoring the route and will take the necessary steps to ensure compliance.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) advances market coodination and investment matchmaking in Kenya’s livestock sector

Source: APO


.

Through a demonstrated market coordination and investment matchmaking forum, the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform continues to play a critical role in strengthening coordination, investment and private sector integration across Africa’s livestock value chains. Representing the AU-IBAR Director, Mr. John Oppong, the Economics, Markets and Trade Coordinator, emphasized the essence of creating a more connected, transparent and market-oriented livestock economy that links production with processing, finance with opportunity and policy with enterprise. 

The 2-day roundtable, therefore, brought together key stakeholders in Kenya’s meat industry, feedlot operators, meat processors, financial institutions, and policymakers, to explore practical solutions for improving coordination, investment and value chain efficiency. While contributing approximately 12% of Kenya’s GDP and nearly 40%to agricultural GDP, the sector largely remains informal, with over 80% of beef produced by pastoral communities being channeled through unstructured markets and low processing value systems. 

The Naivasha forum underscored the urgent need for structured linkages between feedlot operators and meat processors. Feedlotters highlighted several issues affecting their operations, including high feed costs, limited access to affordable financing and logistical bottlenecks that translate to an increased production cost. Predominantly, the feedlot operators called for the introduction of quality-based pricing mechanisms by processors to reward producers for higher-grade cattle and improved feeding practices. Additionally, the stakeholders emphasized the need for timely payments from processors, as the delays in settling supplier accounts strain cash flow and the ultimate investment in the intensive livestock production system.

Feed costs emerged as a particularly significant constraint, with calls for targeted subsidies on livestock feed and inputs to stabilize production costs and enhance profitability. ” Without support to manage the cost of feed, the entire feedlot system struggles to compete.” noted Abdulrahim, reflecting a widely shared sentiment among stakeholders. 

In the bid for financial inclusion, the financial service providers (FSPs) presented emerging solutions to expand access to capital and insurance for pastoral value chain actors. Equity Bank, in its presentation on Livestock Ecosystems, showcased innovative approaches including asset-based lending, digital financial services and bankassurance insurance models. These instruments, the bank explained, can help de-risk investment in the livestock sector, particularly for the pastoral producers who often lack formal collateral but hold valuable livestock assets.

On examination, Kenya’s meat export grew by 39% in 2023, reaching a value of KES 19 billion (US$ 146 million), with major markets in the Gulf region including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. However, achieving sustained growth requires addressing systemic challenges such as poor infrastructure, fragmented coordination, limited cold-chain capacity and weak compliance with international quality and safety standards. 

By convening this forum, APMD reaffirmed its leadership in facilitating investment dialogue and partnership between public and private actors, while promoting evidence-based policymaking to drive sustainable pastoral market transformation. The expected outcome of the Naivasha engagement includes new business linkages between feedlot operators and processors, policy recommendations for improving coordination and a forthcoming market insight report that will inform investment and policy decisions within Kenya’s livestock sector. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Posted on

Uganda Moves to Integrate Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease Services

Source: APO


.

Uganda is taking bold steps to integrate health service delivery for communicable diseases (CDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), addressing the growing double burden of disease in the country.

Speaking at the three-day National Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases and 19th Joint Scientific Health Conference, Minister of Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero emphasized the urgency of unified action. “Health promotion and disease control are not the responsibility of the health sector alone, but require active collaboration across sectors,” she said.
Held under the theme “Unified Action Against Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases,” the conference aimed to explore the linkages between CD and NCDs and develop actionable recommendations to eliminate priority diseases and advance health equity.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr Queen Dube from WHO headquarters echoed the call for a multisectoral approach. “Most causes of ill-health lie outside the health sector. CDs and NCDs share risk factors, co-morbidities, and often compete for the same resources. Integration is not just logical, it’s essential,” she noted.

Conference deliberations led to consensus on four key enablers for integration:
1.    Breaking Silos by dismantling operational barriers between CD and NCD programs through innovative, evidence-based, and locally tailored solutions.
2.    Harmonizing Systems, by aligning health systems, interoperable data platforms, coordinated supply chains, and integrated workforce training.
3.    Prioritizing Prevention by promoting public awareness and early prevention alongside curative care for both CDs and NCDs.
4.    Investing in Primary Health Care (PHC) by embedding services for HIV, TB, malaria, and related comorbidities into PHC and community-based services.

Dr Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, affirmed the feasibility of integration, noting that what has been lacking is the language and determination. “The science is well known, and the practice is clear. Even with minimal resources, we can do it,” she said.

WHO Representative Dr Kasonde Mwinga, in remarks presented by Dr Christine Chiedza Musanhu, praised Uganda’s leadership, stating that “Uganda’s commitment to integrated, people-centred service delivery is a beacon in the region. By aligning national strategies with the broader regional vision, we can confront complex health challenges with unity and purpose. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous Africa, where no one is left behind,” she concluded.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Uganda.

Posted on

Small Business Development Committee Welcomes Progress on Red Tape Reduction Framework

Source: APO


.

The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development has welcomed the progress made by the Department of Small Business Development in developing the Red Tape Reduction Framework. The committee received a briefing on the department’s progress during its meeting on Wednesday.

The framework, which addresses the regulatory and administrative challenges faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), aims to establish a systematic approach to reducing bureaucratic barriers across all spheres of government.

While commending the department for its efforts, the committee emphasised that the effectiveness of the framework would be significantly strengthened through the introduction of dedicated legislation to govern red-tape reduction.

In line with recommendations made by the National Planning Commission (NPC), which briefed the committee two months ago, committee members reiterated their view that a Red Tape Reduction Bill should be tabled in Parliament for consideration.

Committee Chairperson Ms Masefako Dikgale said: “The framework alone will be unenforceable across all spheres of government without the necessary legislative mechanisms to ensure its effective implementation.”

The framework proposes that the Minister of Small Business Development be responsible for its oversight, supported by an advisory council to guide implementation.

The committee has urged the department to expedite the finalisation of the framework, noting that the absence of standardised red tape reduction measures currently costs South African businesses an estimated 6.5% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Posted on

Nonattendance of Ambassador Sizani to Oversight Session Concerns International Relations Committee

Source: APO


.

The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has expressed its grave concern over the nonattendance of His Excellency Ambassador Stone Sizani with no apology to the committee’s oversight session in Brussels, where the committee engaged with European High Commissions during its unprecedented week-long oversight mission in the Europe region.

The committee considers this a missed opportunity for Ambassador Sizani to engage constructively with Parliament and to provide an account of how his work in Germany contributes to advancing South Africa’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges and promoting redress.

This is not the first instance where the committee has experienced limited cooperation from Ambassador Sizani. During its oversight visit to Germany in October 2023, the committee sought to assess two vacant state-owned properties in Bonn. Despite the significance of this engagement, the Ambassador did not attend, without tendering a formal apology to the committee for his absence.

The committee remains dedicated to fulfilling its constitutional role of oversight and ensuring accountability in the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy. In light of these developments, the committee has resolved to formally report its concerns to the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the committee will also recommend that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation initiate an investigation into the matter and consider appropriate measures. In addition, the committee will engage with the Presidency to express its view that the conduct observed does not meet the standards expected of a representative of South Africa’s national interests abroad.

The committee continues to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability and mutual respect in its engagements with all Missions and looks forward to future interactions that reflect these shared values.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Posted on

Côte d’Ivoire – Apprentissage et education des adultes : les acteurs nationaux formes pour l’elaboration du sixieme rapport mondial Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE 6)

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Les points focaux des structures impliquées dans le processus d’élaboration du sixième Rapport mondial sur l’apprentissage et l’éducation des adultes (GRALE 6) ont pris part, ce jeudi 6 novembre 2025 à Abidjan-Cocody, à un atelier de formation.

Cette rencontre, initiée par le ministère de l’Éducation nationale et de l’Alphabétisation à travers la Direction de la Coordination et du Suivi des Programmes d’Alphabétisation (DCSPA), s’inscrit dans la démarche de suivi et d’évaluation du GRALE. Ce rapport, piloté par l’UNESCO, vise à mesurer les progrès réalisés en matière d’apprentissage et d’éducation des adultes, à identifier les défis persistants et à orienter la mise en œuvre des recommandations issues de la Conférence internationale sur l’éducation des adultes (CONFINTEA).

L’atelier avait pour objectif principal de renforcer les capacités des participants afin de garantir une compréhension harmonisée du questionnaire, assurer une collecte de données de qualité, et une contribution pertinente de la Côte d’Ivoire à ce rapport mondial.

Prenant la parole à cette occasion, la directrice de la DCSPA, Yvette Kouassy, a souligné l’importance stratégique de l’éducation des adultes en Côte d’Ivoire dans sa vision de développement du capital humain, prôné dans le Plan national de développement (PND).

« L’Apprentissage et l’éducation des adultes (AEA) joue un rôle important pour relever les défis actuels et futurs en matière de compétences, ainsi que pour soutenir le développement personnel et la cohésion sociale », a-t-elle déclaré.

Elle a rappelé que l’Apprentissage et l’éducation des adultes désigne l’ensemble des dispositifs permettant aux adultes de développer leurs aptitudes, d’enrichir leurs connaissances, d’améliorer leurs qualifications professionnelles ou de se réorienter. 

Yvette Kouassy a également exhorté les participants à s’impliquer pleinement dans le processus : « L’éducation des adultes est une responsabilité collective. Elle est aussi une promesse d’avenir pour notre pays. En nous engageant pleinement dans ce processus, nous contribuons à bâtir une société plus instruite, plus inclusive et plus résiliente ».

Créée en 1949, la CONFINTEA est organisée tous les douze ans par l’UNESCO. Elle promeut l’apprentissage et l’éducation des adultes à l’échelle mondiale et sert de cadre de référence pour l’élaboration du rapport GRALE, dont l’édition actuelle est la sixième.

La dernière édition, la CONFINTEA VII, s’est tenue en 2022 à Marrakech (Maroc). Elle a abouti à l’adoption du Cadre d’action de Marrakech, soutenu par 142 pays, dont la Côte d’Ivoire. Ce cadre appelle à un apprentissage inclusif, équitable et durable pour les adultes.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

Posted on

Ghana ready to lead Africa’s industrial renaissance – President Mahama assures as he cuts sod for Dawa Industrial Enclave Solar Park project

Source: APO


.

President John Dramani Mahama has assured investors of Ghana’s preparedness to spearhead an industrial revolution that will not only transform its economy but also serve as a catalyst for Africa’s next phase of development.

The President was speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a Solar Park at Agortor in the Dawa Industrial Enclave of the Greater Accra Region.

The project, which is being executed by Solar for Industries Limited (SFI), a subsidiary of LMI Holdings Limited, will be in two phases, beginning with an initial 200 MWp installation.

The first, with a capacity of 100MWp — about 2% of Ghana’s total power supply — is expected to be completed by December 2026, while the additional 100MWp will be added to the grid after 9 months.

This is expected to be expanded to 1,000 megawatts (MWp) by 2032, making it the largest and only private utility-scale solar farm in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa.

President Mahama, who was impressed by the company’s vision, said the Solar for Industries initiative supports a broader environmental agenda and aligns with the Blue Water Guards, the Tree for Life Reforestation Programme, and the Clean Ghana Campaign.

“This is how development should work, one project generating many opportunities,” he noted. The president added that the project symbolises the growing investor confidence in Ghana and that the ongoing reforms by his government are aimed at ensuring a win-win situation for both Ghana and businesses.

“Let us build this project with integrity, speed, and purpose, so that when we return here to commission it, we can all say with pride that this is the dawn of Ghana’s clean industrial revolution.”

He observed that Ghana’s long-term energy vision is founded on three pillars: sovereignty, sustainability, and the security of supply. “Sovereignty involves generating more of our energy locally and using the sun, wind, and water provided by nature to do so.”

He continued, “As we pursue industrial growth, we must also restore our natural heritage. Our rivers must run clear, our forests must regenerate, and our communities must breathe clean and fresh air.”

President Mahama observed that such initiatives are already transforming Ghana, emphasising that the SFI project is not just a power plant but a message that Ghana is prepared to lead the next phase of Africa’s industrial renaissance, energised by the sun, propelled by innovation, and upheld by their collective determination.

“As we cut the sod, let us remember that every light that shines from this Solar Park will illuminate not just the factories and homes, but the aspirations of millions of Ghanaians whose dreams rely on energy and power,”

Mr Kojo Aduhene, the Chief Executive Officer of Quarm Investments, announced that upon completion of the project, industries located in the Dawa Industrial Enclave taking power from them would enjoy a 10% discount.

He said the project demonstrates and supports an opportunity in the 24-Hour Economy, aligns with industrialisation, and shows the world that Ghana is very much open for business.

The project implementing partners include the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, Enclave Power Company, John Murphy Construction (JMC), China International Water and Electric Corp (CIWE) and SgurrEnergy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.