Category: MIL-OSI

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Government welcomes boom in international tourist arrivals

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

South Africa’s tourism industry continues its strong recovery, recording an increase of 1 108 222 international tourists between January and September 2025, compared with the same period last year, according to Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.

Welcoming this record-breaking growth, the Minister noted that it confirms that tourism has not only recovered but it is once again driving economic growth.

“Tourism is proving itself a catalyst of economic growth and development. The industry is creating jobs, stimulating investment, and revitalising local economies,” she said.

September’s figures recorded 846 367 visitors, which is an increase of 26.9% compared to September 2024. 

“This is a clear sign of growing global confidence in South Africa as a destination of choice. The results bear testament to the collaborative efforts between government and the private sector to implement the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, which includes coordinated destination marketing,” the Minister said.

With the December holidays around the corner, De Lille has indicated that South Africa is ready to welcome the world this festive season with open arms, warm smiles, and world-class experiences.

 “I want to call on all South Africans to continue showing the spirit of ubuntu and hospitality that defines our nation. Whether you’re in a village, a small dorpie, the city, or at the coast, let’s make every visitor feel at home. Tourism is everyone’s business and together, we can make this the most joyful and successful festive season yet,” the Minister said.

The regional highlights for tourism are as follows:

  • Africa (Land markets) rose by 26.7%, showing sustained regional growth.
  • Africa (Air markets) grew by 28% with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (+58%), Kenya (+27%), Nigeria (+42%).
  • Europe grew by 29%, with the UK (+35%) and Germany (+31%) leading the charge.
  • North America increased by 22%, boosted by Canada’s 47% surge and the United States (+18%).
  • Asia and the Middle East continued to deliver solid double-digit growth: Asia (+11%) and Middle East (+58%). – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | November 04, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Tuesday with HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently held in Doha.

Discussions during the meeting dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries and means to support and develop them.

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Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie of DR Congo

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | November 04, 2025

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Tuesday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Thereseآ Kayikwambaآ Wagner, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development currently held in Doha.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to support and enhance it.

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Le ministre sénégalais de l’énergie défendra les opportunités d’investissement au salon MSGBC 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


À la suite d’une série de jalons atteints en 2025 dans le domaine du pétrole et du gaz, le ministre sénégalais de l’Énergie, du Pétrole et des Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop, a rejoint la conférence et l’exposition MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025, qui se tiendra à Dakar du 8 au 10 décembre 2025. Au cours de cet événement, le ministre Diop devrait expliquer comment les développements énergétiques en cours façonnent la dynamique régionale et comment les investissements futurs consolideront la position du Sénégal en tant que centre d’investissement et d’industrialisation.

Après le démarrage du projet de champ pétrolier de Sangomar en 2024 et le développement de Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) en 2025, le Sénégal se tourne vers les prochaines phases de son développement énergétique. Il s’agit notamment d’amener le GTA à sa pleine capacité opérationnelle tout en faisant avancer la deuxième phase du projet, qui portera la production à cinq millions de tonnes par an. Parallèlement, dans le cadre de son plan de développement Vision 2050, le Sénégal recherche activement des partenaires potentiels pour rejoindre la compagnie pétrolière nationale Petrosen et la compagnie pétrolière internationale Kosmos Energy dans le développement du champ gazier en eaux profondes Yakaar-Teranga – estimé à environ 25 billions de pieds cubes de gaz en place avantageux.

Pour soutenir les investissements futurs, le ministère de l’énergie, du pétrole et des mines a modernisé le secteur pétrolier et gazier tout en favorisant les conditions de la croissance industrielle dans tout le pays. Le gouvernement a annoncé en octobre 2025 qu’il était en train de réviser tous ses codes – y compris les codes de l’investissement, fiscal, du gaz, du pétrole, des mines et de l’électricité – afin de créer un cadre stable qui encourage les investisseurs tout en préservant les droits des autochtones. Cette révision devrait attirer les dépenses étrangères en améliorant le climat des affaires pour les opérateurs mondiaux.

L’infrastructure intermédiaire représente également un axe de développement clé pour le ministère. L’entreprise publique Réseau Gazier du Sénégal est le fer de lance de la construction d’un réseau national de gazoducs de 400 km, évalué à 1 milliard de dollars, pour relier les gisements offshore – à savoir GTA et Yakaar-Teranga – aux centrales électriques et aux centres industriels dans tout le pays. Conçu pour transporter jusqu’à 2,5 milliards de mètres cubes de gaz par an, le réseau facilitera la conversion des centrales électriques existantes du fioul et du charbon au gaz naturel, ce qui réduira considérablement les coûts et les émissions. Le projet est déployé en cinq segments, dont un premier tronçon nord de 85 km déjà en cours de développement et des phases supplémentaires en cours d’appel d’offres. 

Le ministère de l’Énergie, du Pétrole et des Mines vise également à attirer des investissements dans des projets en aval susceptibles d’accélérer le processus d’industrialisation du Sénégal. La Société africaine de raffinage (SAR), entreprise publique, raffine actuellement environ 1,5 million de tonnes de pétrole brut par an, mais son projet d’expansion SAR 2.0 vise à ajouter 4 millions de tonnes supplémentaires par an d’ici 2029, ce qui porterait la capacité totale à 5,5 millions de tonnes par an. Avec un investissement estimé entre 2 et 5 milliards de dollars, ce développement est conçu pour répondre à la demande domestique de carburant et positionner le Sénégal comme un exportateur régional de produits pétroliers raffinés à travers l’Afrique de l’Ouest. 

“Les développements de projets en cours soulignent le rôle croissant du Sénégal en tant que plaque tournante de l’investissement énergétique dans la région MSGBC”, a déclaré Sandra Jeque, directrice de projet, Energy Capital & Power. “La participation du ministre Diop à la conférence MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 sera déterminante pour mettre en relation des projets à fort impact avec des investisseurs stratégiques, soutenant ainsi la prochaine phase du développement énergétique du pays.”

Explorez les opportunités, encouragez les partenariats et restez à la pointe du secteur du pétrole, du gaz et de l’électricité de la région MSGBC. Visitez le site www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com pour garantir votre participation à la conférence MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025. Pour sponsoriser ou participer en tant que délégué, veuillez contacter sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distribué par APO Group pour Energy Capital & Power.

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President Ramaphosa appoints Electoral Commissioners

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act and on the recommendation of the National Assembly, appointed commissioners of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) who will serve for a period of seven years.

Mrs Joyce Pitso will serve as a full-time member of the Electoral Commission.

Judge Dhaya Pillay will serve as a part-time member of the Electoral Commission.

Mr Mosotho Moepya will serve as a full-time member of the Electoral Commission.

President Ramaphosa has also, in terms of Section 8(1) of the Electoral Commission Act, designated Mr Moepya as the Chairperson of the Commission.

The President wishes the commissioners well in safeguarding the integrity of diverse elections in the country.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Enhanced support as Western Cape launches safe summer initiation season 

Source: Government of South Africa

In preparation for the summer initiation season, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), has equipped cultural practitioners with the necessary skills and resources to ensure a safe and dignified rite of passage.

The 2025 summer initiation season commenced on Saturday, 1 November 2025, and will run until 31 January 2026, marking the beginning of a significant cultural period for initiates, their families, and communities.

According to the provincial department, a total of 680 cultural practitioners, including traditional surgeons, traditional caregivers, and administrators, have participated in capacity-building training. 

The training focused on key areas, including fire and environmental management, health and hygiene, specialised training for traditional surgeons, and organisational development.

In collaboration with the Initiation Forums, DCAS has also announced the revised Initiation Minimum Standards to reinforce safety and accountability. 

“These standards now require Initiation Forums to be registered under relevant legislation as responsible community organisations, ensuring both the safety of initiates and compliance by cultural practitioners.” 

Meanwhile, the DCAS is also actively distributing personal protective equipment (PPE), fire equipment, and water tanks to initiation schools across the province.

From this summer season, the department said a digital initiation management system approved by the Western Cape Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (WCPICC) will be utilised. 

This system is designed to improve the efficiency of initiation applications and represents a significant step forward in enhancing the protection and well-being of initiates.

“The Western Cape Government is committed to supporting initiatives in our province to ensure that all initiates can safely undergo this important and sacred practice. We wish all initiates well for the upcoming season, and we will continue working closely with all stakeholders to protect the welfare and dignity of all initiates,” said the Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie.

The Head of Department, Guy Redman, stated that ensuring a safe and meaningful rite of passage depends on strong collaboration among all stakeholders involved. 

This includes the initiates, their families, cultural practitioners, healthcare professionals, Initiation Forums, traditional leaders, municipalities, and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee.
“Each of them plays a crucial role, and by working together, we can uphold this tradition with the utmost care and respect for all,” Redman added. 

The Chairperson of the WCPICC, Nkosi Ntsika Minenkulu Joyi, said that they are working hard as a collective with all stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Customary Initiation Act (Act 2 of 2021) across the province.

“We wish all initiates well as they undertake this important journey, and we will continue providing support to ensure that initiations are practised safely in the Western Cape,” Joyi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government reaffirms commitment to Independent Transmission Programme

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has reiterated its commitment to the Independent Transmission Projects (ITP) Programme, aimed at unlocking large-scale investment in transmission infrastructure critical for the expansion of the electricity grid.

This according to a joint statement by the Department of Electricity and Energy and National Treasury.

“The ITP Programme remains on track to unlock large-scale investment in transmission infrastructure and is being implemented in a manner that upholds bankability, transparency, and credibility, which are key conditions for long-term investor confidence.

“The [departments] remain united in their commitment to deliver a credible, transparent, and globally benchmarked procurement process. By aligning the ITP and CGV timelines, government is acting decisively to ensure that this first-of-its-kind programme is technically sound, commercially bankable, and institutionally aligned.

“The ITP Programme continues to serve as a cornerstone of South Africa’s energy reform agenda and as a catalyst for investment, localisation, and economic renewal,” the statement read.

The two departments said there would be a refining of timelines to “strengthen alignment and market confidence”.

“As part of ongoing coordination between government and development partners, it has become necessary to better align the timelines of the ITP Phase I procurement with the establishment of the Credit Guarantee Vehicle [CGV], a key credit enhancement instrument being developed by National Treasury with the support of the World Bank Group.

“The sequencing of these two processes is critical to ensure that bidders and lenders have full clarity on the guarantee framework that will underpin the financial close of the ITP transactions,” the statement said.

Pre-qualified bidders (PQBs) are expected to be announced no later than 15 December 2025, which will be followed by the release of a draft Request for Proposal (RFP).

“This will allow PQBs to provide feedback on commercial and bankability components prior to the release of the final RFP. The final RFP will be released by no later than quarter 3 of the 2026 calendar year,” the departments said.

The consultations with the market are aimed at ensuring that the final RFP will be:

  • Be a fit-for-purpose RFP that reflects market realities, lender expectations, and international best practice.
  • Enable early identification of technical and commercial barriers, thereby minimising post-release clarifications.
  • Instill enhanced investor confidence, signalling government’s commitment to transparency, predictability, and collaboration.
  • Provide a strong foundation for competitive, high-quality bids that support timely financial close.
  • Reduce downstream clarifications once the RFP is formally released.
  • Reinforce South Africa’s reputation for transparent, credible, and world-class energy procurement.

“Although this refinement adds time to the initial RFP schedule, it ensures that the ITP Programme proceeds on a sound, coordinated, and fully bankable footing, protecting the integrity of both the RFP process and the CGV’s credit framework,” the statement said.

At the same time, the two departments have made “significant progress on the CGV’s technical, legal, and financial design”.

“The CGV will be established as a private, nonlife insurer, independent from government and regulated by the Prudential Authority. The CGV is expected to provide credit guarantees for qualifying infrastructure projects, commencing with Phase I of the ITP Programme.

“The current focus is on finalising capital commitments and progressing licensing requirements, with CGV operationalisation anticipated in second half of 2026, which is critical to implement Phase I of the ITP Programme.

“This facility is a groundbreaking innovation in South Africa’s infrastructure finance architecture, designed to mobilise private capital and reduce reliance on sovereign guarantees,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Man arrested for trespassing G20 venue

Source: Government of South Africa

Police have arrested a man for allegedly trespassing at the NASREC venue in the south of Johannesburg, where South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) conference will be hosted from 22-23 November, 2025.

The man who works as an operations director at Gauntlet Security Solutions was arrested on Monday. 

“His stunt at NASREC was an attempt at proving his falsehood that South Africa’s security apparatus were not ready to secure the forthcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit,” Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi said on Tuesday.

According to Baloyi, the man’s arrest demonstrates that the law enforcement agencies are more than ready to ensure the safety of all delegates at the upcoming summit. 

Since taking over the G20 Presidency, South Africa has already hosted more than 130 G20 preparatory meetings, some at Ministerial level and Governors of Central Banks, without any incident.

South Africa assumed the Presidency for G20 from 1 December 2024, and it runs through to November 2025, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

G20 members include the world’s major economies, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

The G20 comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and since 2023, the African Union. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mukuru and JUMO partner to launch responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered credit solution in South Africa

Source: APO

Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com), a leading next-generation financial services platform, has partnered with AI-powered banking technology provider JUMO to launch ‘ Fast Loan’, a scalable, mobile-first credit solution designed to address a critical gap in South Africa’s financial ecosystem.

According to TransUnion (https://apo-opa.co/4nVVSPL), 16.8 million people in South Africa remain outside the formal credit system. Many earn irregular incomes, lack traditional credit histories, and are excluded from mainstream financial services.

With the launch of Fast Loan, the two African fintech leaders aim to close this gap by offering fair, transparent, and responsible access to short-term credit by combining Mukuru’s trusted customer relationships and network with JUMO’s AI-driven credit infrastructure.

JUMO’s banking as a service infrastructure will power Fast Loan. JUMO  provides plug-and-play infrastructure behind a new generation of data orientated financial products. Their solutions include SME and retail banking software infrastructure provided to banks.

Mukuru customers can apply via WhatsApp, with instant disbursements to their Mukuru Card. Loan amounts range from R100 to R8,000, repayable over 30 days, and funds can be used immediately across all digital channels such as POS or online ecommerce with the card, or on any of the many value-added services offered by Mukuru. They can also be withdrawn as cash at any ATM or at over 11,000 of Mukuru’s retail partner points, including Spar, Pick ’n Pay, Boxer, and Shoprite.

Loan pricing is transparent: a 11.5% initiation fee, interest in arrears (5% for first loans, 3% thereafter), and capped penalties. Customers who repay early incur no interest charges, encouraging responsible borrowing and providing an affordable lending option for many customers who have not had access to formal credit until now.

All loans are reported to credit bureaus, helping customers build formal financial profiles. JUMO’s ethical lending technology has been independently verified, earning a 92.2% score in the Cerise + SPTF Customer Protection Certification, being one of the highest in the industry.

Andy Jury, Group CEO of Mukuru, said:
“Fast Loan is built on years of deep engagement with South Africa’s informal economy. It reflects our understanding of how our customers earn, transact, and manage financial pressure. Partnering with JUMO allows us to scale this offering responsibly; combining trust, technology, and insight to deliver meaningful financial solutions where they’re needed most.”

Andrew Watkins-Ball, Founder and CEO of JUMO, added:
“We are proud to work with Andy and the team at Mukuru. Their products are relied upon by millions of customers and we will work hard to provide them with the technology infrastructure that they need to deliver more value to their customers.”

Beyond providing immediate access to credit, Fast Loan will generate valuable insights into customer borrowing behaviour, repayment patterns, and financial goals. These learnings will guide future product enhancements including longer terms, higher loan amounts, and more flexible repayment options.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.

Media enquiries:
comms@jumo.world

About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next-generation financial services platform serving over 17 million customers across Africa, Asia and Europe. With more than 100 million transactions processed across 570+ corridors, Mukuru leverages technology to provide affordable, accessible financial services via both physical and digital channels. Recognised six times in the FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies, Mukuru is also an award-winning employer and innovation leader.

www.Mukuru.com

About JUMO:
JUMO has developed AI-led financial technology that enables banks to offer a new generation of digital credit and savings products to millions of entrepreneurs in Africa. JUMO works with partners, such as banks, e-money operators and payments providers, to facilitate high-tech information and money management systems.

Since its founding in 2015, JUMO has enabled over $8.7 billion of lending by banks to 35 million people in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Benin and Cameroon.

With unmatched speed to market and low infrastructure costs, JUMO aims to bring banking to everyone, everywhere, at any time.

www.JUMO.world
 

Media files

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Senegal’s Energy Minister to Champion Investment Opportunities at MSGBC 2025

Source: APO


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On the back of a series of oil and gas milestones reached in 2025, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop has joined the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference and Exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 8–10, 2025. During the event, Minister Diop is expected to share insight into how ongoing energy developments are shaping regional dynamics and how future investments will cement Senegal’s position as a hub for investment and industrialization.

Following the start of the Sangomar oilfield project in 2024 and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) development in 2025, Senegal is turning towards the next phases of its energy development. This includes bringing GTA to full operational capacity while advancing the project’s second phase, which will increase output to five million tons per annum. Meanwhile, under the government’s development plan Senegal Vision 2050, Senegal is actively seeking potential partners to join the national oil company Petrosen and international oil company Kosmos Energy in developing the deep‑water offshore gas field Yakaar‑Teranga – estimated at about 25 trillion cubic feet of advantaged gas‑in‑place.

To support future investments, the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines has been modernizing the oil and gas sector while fostering conditions for industrial growth across the country. The government announced in October 2025 that it is currently reviewing all its codes – including investment, fiscal, gas, oil, mining and electricity – to create a stable framework that encourages investors while preserving indigenous rights. The review is expected to entice foreign expenditure by improving the business climate for global operators.

Midstream infrastructure also represents a key development focus for the Ministry. The state-owned Réseau Gazier du Sénégal is spearheading the construction of a 400 km national gas pipeline network, valued at $1 billion, to link offshore fields – namely GTA and Yakaar-Teranga – to power plants and industrial hubs across the country. Designed to transport up to 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year, the network will facilitate the conversion of existing power plants from fuel oil and coal to natural gas, significantly reducing both costs and emissions. The project is being rolled out in five segments, including an initial 85 km northern section already under development and additional phases currently in tender.

The Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines also aims to attract investment into downstream projects that can accelerate Senegal’s path toward industrialization. The state-owned Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) currently refines around 1.5 million tons of crude oil per year, but its SAR 2.0 expansion project seeks to add an additional 4 million tons annually by 2029, bringing total capacity to 5.5 million tons per year. With an estimated investment of $2 billion–$5 billion, this development is designed to meet domestic fuel demand and position Senegal as a regional exporter of refined petroleum products across West Africa.

“Ongoing project developments underscore Senegal’s growing role as a hub for energy investment within the MSGBC region,” said Sandra Jeque, Project Director, Energy Capital & Power. “Minister Diop’s participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference will be instrumental in connecting high-impact projects with strategic investors, thereby supporting the next phase of the country’s energy development.”

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.