Category: MIL-OSI

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Government rolls out anti-gang strategy to curb organised crime

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has created the National Anti-Gang Strategy, which aims to dismantle gang-related criminal networks through intelligence gathering, proactive policing, community engagement, and collaboration with stakeholders.

“Under the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, several measures have been introduced to restore the integrity and performance of SAPS Crime Intelligence,” the Deputy President said on Thursday. 

In response to oral questions during a session in the National Assembly, Deputy President Mashatile stated that the SAPS will expand the scope of the Anti-Gang Units. 

He announced that this expansion will include gang-related issues such as drug trafficking, shootings, and murders, extending beyond the Western Cape to include the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

“The units will also be supported by operations like Operation Shanela and Operation Vala Umgodi,” he added. 

The Deputy President was responding to a question from the Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament (MP) regarding the ongoing Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. 

The MP asked what measures should be taken to strengthen the overall criminal justice system, particularly the police service.

The country’s second-in-command stated that the government will continue to strengthen the Crime Intelligence Division to combat organised crime, gangsterism, and violent criminality in hotspot areas through structural and technological interventions, including Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

Deputy President Mashatile also spoke about the Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia’s announcement to install a multi-agency anti-gang plan in the Western Cape. 

This plan involves collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Special Investigating Unit, and SAPS to combat gangsterism and extortion.

“This plan has already been finalised with funding allocated for implementation.” 

In the meantime, he stated that the SAPS has enhanced its digital analytics, surveillance, and data-driven policing resources. 

This initiative aims to enhance intelligence-led operations in high-crime areas. 

In addition, the SAPS is collaborating with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to devise strategies that target the financial infrastructure of organised crime, focusing on cross-border business networks. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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KZN Premier calls for vigilance as festive season approaches

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called on citizens to act responsibly and remain vigilant during the upcoming festive season to ensure safety across the province.

Premier Ntuli made the call during the launch of Safety Month and the Festive Season Safety Plan, outlining KwaZulu-Natal’s comprehensive strategy to protect lives, property, and livelihoods during the holiday period.

Speaking at the launch, held in Durban on Thursday, 30 October 2025, Ntuli said the festive season represents both a time of joy and significant economic opportunity, with the province expecting to welcome over two million visitors and generate an estimated R13 billion in economic activity.

“The province’s tourism-driven economy depends on safe communities, secure roads, and law-abiding citizens. The prosperity and safety are inseparable.

“We cannot build a thriving tourism sector or sustain inclusive growth without ensuring that our communities, visitors, and roads are safe,” Ntuli said.

The Premier reminded citizens that the festive period often brings increased risks of road crashes and crime, calling on all citizens to exercise responsibility and vigilance.

Strengthened law enforcement and collaboration

The Premier announced the deployment of 24 515 law enforcement and emergency personnel across the province, as part of the integrated festive season safety operation.

The deployment includes 17 528 SAPS members, 2 000 metro police officers, 693 Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers, 1 912 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials, 134 South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officers, and 1 167 community safety volunteers.

The Premier noted that the integrated approach brings together municipalities, community policing structures, private security, and emergency services in a unified campaign to keep the province safe.

“These teams will be strategically positioned at ports of entry, beaches, shopping centres, events, and major roads, ensuring visibility, rapid response, and safety throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

“The strength of our readiness lies not in numbers alone, but in the spirit of collaboration that binds government, law enforcement, and communities together,” the Premier said.

Strengthening local economies

While reaffirming Durban as the province’s flagship tourism destination, Ntuli highlighted plans to expand tourism beyond the coastline to secondary cities and emerging towns, including Richards Bay, Port Shepstone, Newcastle, and Howick.

He said broadening the tourism map promotes inclusive economic participation, particularly among small enterprises, creative industries, and township economies.

“When residents and visitors feel safe, they stay longer, spend more, and invest deeper in our communities. Safety is an economic imperative,” he said.

Firm stand against GBVF

Ntuli also made a passionate appeal to men across KwaZulu-Natal to take an active role in ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which often tend to escalate during the festive season.

“Let this festive season be a turning point. Rise to protect, not to harm. Every woman and every child deserve to celebrate safely and live without fear.”

He also called for the protection of the elderly and vulnerable, urging families and communities to make their homes sanctuaries of respect, compassion, and dignity.

The Premier further called for action on all sectors of society, including government, business, and communities, to uphold safety as a shared responsibility.

“Let this festive season be remembered not for tragedy, but for discipline, cooperation, and success. Together, we can make this a season of safety, dignity, and growth for all the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” the Premier said.

The launch of Safety Month and the Festive Season Safety Plan reaffirmed the Provincial Government of Unity’s commitment to ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal remains a safe, welcoming, and prosperous destination for residents and visitors alike. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SA’s research and development spending grows modestly amid economic challenges

Source: Government of South Africa

Despite economic challenges, South Africa maintained its research activity relative to economic growth, with universities taking the lead and foreign partners deepening their support in 2023/24.

The latest South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development (R&D Survey) reveals that nominal Gross Domestic Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) was R43.413 billion. 

In 2015 prices, this represents a modest year-on-year increase of 1.3% to R28.621 billion in 2023/24. 

By contrast, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) said the gross domestic product (GDP) growth stood at just 0.8% over the same period.

“Inflation-adjusted R&D growth is below nominal increases. With a flat R&D/GDP ratio of 0.62%, South Africa’s innovation investment is just keeping pace with economic expansion,” said Dr Nazeem Mustapha, HSRC Research Director and the R&D Survey’s principal investigator.

Growth by sectors 

The higher education sector showed the strongest growth in R&D expenditure in 2023/24, buoyed by strong growth in researchers.

“Our universities are not only producing world-class science but also building the skills pipeline for the future,” Mustapha noted.

Government remained the single largest overall funder of R&D, providing R21.847 billion in nominal terms (50.3% of total expenditure). 

Business enterprises contributed R12.033 billion (27.7%) in R&D funding, while foreign sources reached R8.106 billion (18.7%). 

Although foreign funding grew at a slower pace than in 2022/23, business and higher education institutions recorded double-digit increases from international sources.

Shifts in research fields and sectors

The business sector continued to channel most of its R&D spend into financial and business services, which accounted for nearly half (45.8%) of all business R&D spending. 

Manufacturing, though down slightly, remained the second-largest contributor at 29.9% of business expenditure on R&D, led by industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics. Mining and quarrying placed third, with 10.5%.

The mix between near-term applied solutions and longer-term foundational research is vital for both competitiveness and scientific advancement.

Across research activity categories, applied research dominated, representing 49.5% of all R&D expenditure. 

The HSRC said businesses were the biggest spenders on applied research, investing R9.059 billion. Higher education, in turn, led in basic research, contributing R8.278 billion – around two-thirds of the national total.

Gauteng reinforced its position as the country’s R&D hub, with 40.2% of expenditure (R17.446 billion). 

The Western Cape expanded to a 10-year high of 27.9% (R12.100 billion), followed by KwaZulu-Natal contributing 10.0% to R&D activity nationwide.

According to the HSRC, the research field that South Africa focuses on mainly is the medical and health sciences, with R10.578 billion worth of R&D expenditure in 2023/24. 

The R&D expenditure on social sciences was R6.855 billion. Engineering sciences grew strongly to R5.760 billion, overtaking information and communication technology (ICT), which declined for a second consecutive year to R4.835 billion. 

Biotechnology rose to R3.650 billion, while nanotechnology slipped slightly to R1.342 billion.

Women researchers grow their contribution

The survey notes a gradual increase in the share of women researchers, rising from 47.6% to 47.7%. 

While progress is modest this year, it continues an upward trajectory in gender representation.

Click https://hsrc.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/RD_StatisticalReport2023-24_FINAL.pdf to access the results of the 2023/24 statistical report of the R&D Survey. – SAnews.gov.za

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Verdant IMAP remporte le prix du Meilleur Service de Conseil : Capital-Investissement aux Africa Global Funds (AGF) Africa Service Providers Awards 2025

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Verdant IMAP (https://Verdant-Cap.com/) a le plaisir d’annoncer sa distinction lors des Africa Global Funds (AGF) Africa Service Providers Awards 2025, remportant le prix dans la catégorie « Advisory Services: Private Equity ». Cette récompense consacre le leadership et l’excellence de Verdant IMAP dans la prestation de services de conseil en fusions-acquisitions (M&A) et en banque d’investissement destinés aux acteurs du capital-investissement à travers le continent africain.

Elle souligne l’expertise approfondie du cabinet dans la structuration et l’exécution de transactions complexes, ainsi que son engagement à connecter les investisseurs internationaux à des opportunités à fort impact, porteuses d’une croissance durable en Afrique.

Célébrant cette année sa dixième édition, les AGF Africa Service Providers Awards figurent parmi les distinctions les plus respectées de l’industrie de l’investissement en Afrique. Ils récompensent les institutions qui font preuve d’innovation, de rigueur d’exécution et de contribution tangible au développement des marchés financiers africains.

Parmi les transactions récentes de Verdant IMAP figurent notamment le conseil apporté à Ctrack, société détenue par l’investisseur en capital spécialisé Convergence Partners, dans le cadre d’une levée de fonds de 23 millions de dollars américains, ainsi que l’accompagnement de Miro Forestry dans sa levée de fonds impliquant Lagatta et ses actionnaires existants.

« Nous sommes honorés de cette reconnaissance décernée par Africa Global Funds. Ce prix confirme la position de Verdant parmi les principales banques d’affaires indépendantes du continent et reflète le dévouement, le professionnalisme et l’expertise de notre équipe. Nous sommes reconnaissants de pouvoir accompagner nos clients et partenaires vers un succès durable à travers l’Afrique », a déclaré Edmund Higenbottam, Directeur Général de Verdant Capital.

Le succès de Verdant IMAP dans le domaine du conseil repose sur sa capacité à offrir un accompagnement intégré couvrant l’ensemble du cycle transactionnel – de l’origination et la structuration à la levée de capitaux et à la clôture – dans des secteurs variés tels que les services financiers, la technologie, les télécommunications, l’industrie, l’agro-industrie et le climat.

Grâce à sa connaissance approfondie des marchés locaux et à son solide réseau d’investisseurs internationaux et d’institutions de financement du développement, Verdant IMAP s’impose comme un conseiller de confiance pour les transactions de capital privé en Afrique.

Cette distinction confirme également la solidité de Verdant IMAP en tant que membre du réseau IMAP pour la région. IMAP est un partenariat mondial en fusions-acquisitions regroupant plus de 450 professionnels dans 51 pays, et figure régulièrement parmi les 10 premiers conseils mondiaux pour les transactions de taille intermédiaire.

Distribué par APO Group pour Verdant Capital.

Contacts presse :
Orient Mahonisi
T : +27 10 140 3700
E : orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

À propos de Verdant IMAP :
Verdant IMAP est une banque d’affaires panafricaine de premier plan, spécialisée dans les fusions-acquisitions (M&A) et les marchés de capitaux privés. Alliant une expertise internationale en banque d’affaires à une connaissance approfondie des marchés locaux, Verdant IMAP aide ses clients à accéder au capital mondial et à établir des partenariats stratégiques favorisant la croissance et la transformation sur le continent.

Verdant IMAP est le partenaire IMAP pour sa région. IMAP est un réseau mondial de conseil en fusions-acquisitions regroupant plus de 450 professionnels dans 51 pays, classé de manière constante parmi les 5 premiers conseils mondiaux pour les transactions de taille intermédiaire. https://Verdant-Cap.com/

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La Chambre africaine de l’énergie accueillera le Forum d’investissement du G20 ; ouvrir la voie à des investissements énergétiques à fort impact en Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Alors que la nécessité de mettre fin à la pauvreté énergétique devient de plus en plus urgente, la Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) a annoncé le lancement du Forum sur l’investissement énergétique en Afrique du G20 le 21 novembre 2025. Se déroulant au Southern Sun Sandton à Johannesburg, en Afrique du Sud, le forum explorera les pistes potentielles pour les investissements étrangers dans l’énergie africaine, en approfondissant des sujets stratégiques allant de la production pétrolière au développement du gaz naturel, en passant par la cuisine propre, le nucléaire et l’énergie abordable.  

Le secteur énergétique africain se trouve actuellement à un tournant important. Confronté à une crise énergétique et climatique, le continent a besoin d’investissements importants pour renforcer l’accès à l’énergie tout en favorisant une transition énergétique juste et inclusive. De nombreux pays du continent ont souligné l’intérêt d’une approche intégrée pour atteindre ces objectifs, dans laquelle le pétrole et le gaz jouent un rôle fondamental. Pour l’Afrique, la production de pétrole et de gaz continuera de constituer la pierre angulaire du développement du continent et restera stable à 11,4 millions de barils par jour (bpj) en 2026. D’ici 2030, la production passera à 13,6 millions de bpj, soulignant le rôle que joue le pétrole en Afrique. Alors que la demande énergétique africaine devrait quadrupler d’ici 2040, le prochain Forum du G20 sur les investissements énergétiques en Afrique offre aux pays africains producteurs de pétrole une plateforme pour obtenir des investissements tout en relevant des défis majeurs tels que l’accès au financement.

Dans la quête de l’Afrique pour des solutions énergétiques à faible émission de carbone, le gaz naturel est apparu comme un moteur à la fois de l’accès à l’énergie et de l’industrialisation. Les estimations actuelles montrent que l’Afrique dispose de plus de 620 billions de pieds cubes (tcf) de réserves de gaz prouvées, et les campagnes d’exploration en cours devraient en découvrir des milliers de milliards supplémentaires. De nombreux pays du continent ont fait du gaz un moteur économique, reconnaissant son rôle à la fois comme source d’énergie et comme solution de cuisson propre. Avec 250 GW de capacité électrique supplémentaire nécessaires d’ici 2030 pour répondre à la croissance prévue de la demande, le gaz est apparu comme l’un des moyens les plus rapides d’atteindre cet objectif. Des pays tels que l’Angola, la Libye, l’Algérie, la République du Congo et le Nigeria se sont engagés à augmenter leur production de gaz, tandis que des producteurs émergents tels que le Zimbabwe, l’Afrique du Sud et la Namibie recherchent des partenaires pour faire progresser leur développement. Ce mois-ci, l’Afrique du Sud a annoncé son intention de lever son moratoire de longue date sur l’exploration du gaz de schiste, ce qui représente une étape clé vers l’exploitation des plus de 200 tcf de gaz estimés dans le bassin du Karoo.

Au-delà de la production d’électricité, le gaz naturel est devenu un combustible essentiel pour une cuisine propre. Avec plus de 900 millions de personnes vivant sans accès à des solutions de cuisson propres en Afrique, il existe une opportunité cruciale d’étendre des solutions GPL fiables et abordables à travers le continent, en tirant parti d’infrastructures robustes et d’une forte collaboration mondiale. L’Agence internationale de l’énergie montre que l’Afrique aura besoin d’un investissement cumulé de 37 milliards de dollars d’ici 2040 pour parvenir à un accès universel à une cuisine propre, soulignant ainsi une opportunité pour les investissements axés sur le GPL à travers le continent. Le Forum du G20 sur les investissements énergétiques en Afrique se penchera sur l’impact des solutions de cuisson propres telles que le GPL en Afrique. Ces discussions s’appuieront sur les développements récents, notamment l’engagement du département américain de l’Énergie à renforcer les partenariats avec les pays africains dans le secteur de la cuisson propre, sous l’égide du secrétaire américain à l’Énergie, Chris Wright. Cet engagement a été pris lors de la Conférence ministérielle sur l’énergie propre, qui s’est tenue à Busan en 2025, ouvrant de nouvelles voies pour la collaboration entre les États-Unis et l’Afrique.

Le Forum du G20 sur les investissements énergétiques en Afrique explorera également des pistes concrètes pour faire progresser les solutions énergétiques alternatives telles que l’hydroélectricité, la géothermie et le nucléaire. Actuellement, l’Afrique du Sud possède la seule centrale nucléaire opérationnelle en Afrique, mais les développements dans d’autres pays laissent entrevoir des investissements prometteurs pour l’avenir. L’Égypte, le Nigeria, le Ghana et le Kenya poursuivent leurs propres projets nucléaires, tandis que l’Afrique du Sud a présenté des plans visant à déployer 5,2 GW supplémentaires de capacité nucléaire dans les années à venir. D’ici 2030, l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique prévoit une augmentation de 58 % de l’utilisation de l’énergie nucléaire en Afrique, soulignant l’ampleur des investissements potentiels.

« Alors que nous nous engageons auprès du G20, notre message est simple : l’Afrique a besoin de politiques énergétiques sensées, et non d’idéologie. Nous avons besoin de financements qui aident les Africains à construire des centrales électriques, des pipelines et des raffineries, et non de barrières qui maintiennent nos populations dans l’obscurité. Le G20 doit défendre une approche pragmatique qui équilibre la croissance et la durabilité et place les priorités africaines au premier plan », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC.

Le prochain forum aura lieu juste après la conférence African Energy Week : Invest in African Energies 2025. Au cours de cet événement, les pays du G20 ont participé au Global Energy Leaders Forum, explorant des pistes concrètes pour une collaboration mondiale et des investissements dans le secteur énergétique africain. Alors que le continent se prépare pour l’édition 2026 de l’événement, le G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum servira de tremplin pour de futurs accords et partenariats.

Inscrivez-vous au forum sur https://apo-opa.co/4nvCE2S

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Le secteur amont africain envisage une reprise prudente en 2026, selon le rapport de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le secteur amont du pétrole et du gaz en Afrique entre dans une période de reprise prudente, stimulée par une combinaison de nouveaux investissements dans les pays producteurs matures et l’émergence de nouveaux pôles d’exploration, selon le rapport « State of African Energy 2026 Outlook » de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/). Ce rapport, publié au début du mois lors de l’African Energy Week 2025 au Cap, souligne à la fois les opportunités et les défis qui façonneront l’avenir énergétique du continent.

Les producteurs établis, notamment l’Algérie, le Nigeria, la Libye, l’Égypte et l’Angola, continuent de dominer la production africaine, mais sont confrontés à des pressions croissantes liées au vieillissement des infrastructures et à la maturation des gisements. En revanche, les destinations d’investissement émergentes telles que la Côte d’Ivoire et la Namibie attirent l’attention grâce à des découvertes récentes et à un potentiel de croissance élevé, en particulier dans les bassins frontaliers offrant des conditions fiscales favorables. Les progrès réalisés dans l’acquisition sismique, les technologies de traitement et les capacités de forage en eaux profondes ont renforcé les efforts d’exploration, permettant aux opérateurs de cibler des réservoirs de plus en plus complexes.

En Afrique du Nord, l’exploration sous les évaporites du Miocène supérieur dans le bassin méditerranéen a permis de découvrir plus de 50 TCF de gaz, tandis que des gisements tels que Zohr dans les eaux égyptiennes mettent en évidence les défis posés par les structures récifales variables. Le long de la marge atlantique, des découvertes telles que le champ Agogo en Angola, dans le Congo Fan, illustrent le potentiel des réservoirs pré-salifères, avec des perspectives similaires attendues le long du bassin côtier du Gabon et du bassin Kwanza en Angola. Les zones frontalières terrestres telles que le bassin Owambo en Namibie et le bassin Rufunsa au Zimbabwe n’ont pas encore donné lieu à des découvertes significatives, ce qui renforce la tendance selon laquelle les découvertes importantes sont de plus en plus liées à l’exploration axée sur les infrastructures dans des zones plus matures.

« Le secteur amont africain évolue rapidement », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC. « Les bassins frontaliers et émergents présentent un énorme potentiel, mais pour le réaliser, il faut des investissements ciblés, des cadres fiscaux innovants et des partenariats capables de réduire les risques liés aux projets techniquement complexes. L’African Energy Week 2026 sera un forum clé pour définir comment le continent peut exploiter ces ressources de manière durable. »

La production globale d’hydrocarbures en Afrique devrait rester stable à environ 11,4 millions de barils équivalent pétrole par jour (MMboe/j) en 2026, les nouveaux projets devant porter la production à environ 13,6 MMboe/j d’ici 2030. L’Afrique du Nord devrait contribuer à hauteur d’environ 60 % de ce volume, l’Afrique subsaharienne fournissant le reste. Si les développements offshore en eaux profondes gagnent du terrain, la production onshore continue de jouer un rôle essentiel, en particulier en Algérie et en Libye. Les liquides représenteront environ 63 % de la production en 2026, tandis que le gaz naturel représentera 37 %, la croissance du gaz étant tirée par la hausse de la demande mondiale et les nouvelles infrastructures GNL dans des pays tels que le Mozambique, le Nigeria et le Sénégal.

Certains champs sont toutefois exposés à des risques potentiels de blocage des actifs en raison de défis techniques et géologiques. En Égypte, les découvertes de Hoda, Notus et Satis représentent ensemble plus de 520 millions de barils de réserves récupérables, tandis que les découvertes de Jupiter en Sierra Leone et de Catchimanha en Angola constituent des actifs importants sur la marge atlantique. Dans toute l’Afrique australe, des gisements tels que Brulpadda, Luiperd et Venus sont confrontés à des contraintes commerciales en raison de conditions fiscales restrictives et de défis liés à l’industrialisation, ce qui souligne le rôle essentiel des cadres réglementaires et contractuels pour libérer le potentiel des ressources africaines.

Une caractéristique croissante du paysage énergétique africain est le rôle de plus en plus important des compagnies pétrolières nationales (CPN), qui représentent désormais environ 53 % de la production totale. En revanche, les compagnies pétrolières internationales contribuent à hauteur d’environ 30 %, ce qui reflète une évolution vers le nationalisme des ressources et une plus grande implication opérationnelle des gouvernements hôtes. Des pays tels que le Nigeria développent activement les capacités des CPN à exploiter des actifs majeurs de manière indépendante ou par le biais de coentreprises, soulignant la nécessité de développer l’expertise locale tout en attirant les investissements étrangers.

Parallèlement, le marché africain des plates-formes de forage connaît des changements nuancés. Le secteur des plates-formes flottantes est en déclin progressif, tandis que le segment des plates-formes autoélévatrices devrait rester relativement stable au cours des trois prochaines années. La demande de navires de forage pourrait s’améliorer à partir du début de 2027, mais les entrepreneurs sont confrontés à un environnement plus concurrentiel, avec des tarifs journaliers réduits et une capacité excédentaire qui pèse sur les marges. En Afrique de l’Ouest, les tarifs des installations hautement spécialisées en eaux ultra-profondes pourraient chuter à environ 400 000 dollars, offrant ainsi aux opérateurs la possibilité de mener des campagnes de forage à des coûts plus attractifs.

À l’avenir, la prochaine édition de l’African Energy Week, prévue du 12 au 16 octobre 2026 au Cap, constituera une plateforme de premier plan pour discuter en profondeur de ces tendances, en réunissant des investisseurs, des opérateurs et des décideurs politiques. Le forum explorera les avancées en matière d’exploration, les défis liés au développement et l’équilibre crucial entre l’attractivité des investissements et la complexité technique. Alors que l’Afrique entre dans la prochaine phase de sa transition énergétique, les perspectives de l’AEC soulignent l’importance des partenariats stratégiques, des cadres fiscaux innovants et des initiatives de renforcement des capacités pour libérer pleinement le potentiel en amont du continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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Verdant IMAP Wins Best Advisory Services: Private Equity at the Africa Global Funds (AGF) Africa Service Providers Awards 2025

Source: APO


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Verdant IMAP (https://Verdant-Cap.com/) is proud to announce that it has been recognised for excellence at the Africa Global Funds (AGF) Africa Service Providers Awards 2025, winning in the category of Advisory Services: Private Equity. This award celebrates Verdant IMAP’s leadership and impact in providing world-class M&A and investment banking advisory services to private equity clients across Africa. It highlights the firm’s deep expertise in structuring and executing complex transactions, as well as its commitment to connecting global investors with high-impact opportunities that drive sustainable growth on the continent.

Now in its tenth year, the AGF Africa Service Providers Awards are among the most respected accolades in Africa’s investment industry. The awards honour firms that demonstrate innovation, strong execution, and meaningful contributions to the development of Africa’s financial markets.

Verdant IMAP’s transactions in recent months include advising Ctrack, owned by specialist private equity investor Convergence Partners on its USD 23 million capital raise, and advising Miro Forestry on its capital raise involving Lagatta and existing shareholders. 

“We are honoured to receive this recognition from Africa Global Funds, this award affirms Verdant’s position as one of Africa’s leading independent investment banking firms and reflects the dedication, professionalism, and expertise of our team. We are grateful for the opportunity to help our clients and partners achieve lasting success across the continent,” said Edmund Higenbottam, Managing Director of Verdant Capital.

Verdant IMAP’s success in advisory has been driven by its ability to deliver integrated transaction support from origination and structuring to capital raising and closing across a range of sectors; including financial services, technology, telecoms, industrials, agro-industrial and climate. The firm’s deep local market knowledge, combined with its strong network of global investors and development finance institutions, continues to position it as a trusted advisor for private capital transactions in Africa.

This recognition also reaffirms Verdant IMAP’s strength as the IMAP member firm for the region. IMAP is a global M&A partnership with over 450 professionals across 51 countries and is consistently ranked among the top 10 advisors worldwide for mid-market transactions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.

Media Enquiries:
Orient Mahonisi
T: +27 10 140 3700
E: orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

About Verdant IMAP:
Verdant IMAP is a leading pan-African investment bank specialising in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private capital markets. Combining international investment banking experience with a deep understanding of local markets, Verdant IMAP helps clients access global capital and strategic partnerships to drive growth and transformation across the continent. Verdant IMAP is the IMAP partner firm for its region. IMAP is a global M&A partnership with over 450 professionals across 51 countries and is consistently ranked among the top 5 advisors worldwide for mid-market transactions. https://Verdant-Cap.com/

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African Energy Chamber to host G20 Investment Forum; Opening Doors for Impactful Energy Investments in Africa

Source: APO

As the need to make energy poverty history becomes increasingly more urgent, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) has announced the launch of the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum on November 21, 2025. Taking place at the Southern Sun Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa, the forum will explore potential avenues for foreign investment in African energy, delving into strategic topics from oil production to natural gas development to clean cooking, nuclear and affordable energy.   

Africa’s energy sector is currently at an important cross-road. Faced with both an energy and climate crisis, the continent requires significant investment to bolster energy access while driving a just and inclusive energy transition. Many nations across the continent have highlighted the value of an integrated approach to achieving these goals, one in which oil and gas play a foundational role. For Africa, oil and gas production will continue to form the cornerstones of the continent’s development and will remain stable at 11.4 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2026. By 2030, production will rise to 13.6 million bpd, underscoring the role oil plays in Africa. With African energy demand projected to rise fourfold by 2040, the upcoming G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum provides a platform for African oil nations to secure investment while addressing key challenges such as access to finance.

In Africa’s quest for low-carbon energy solutions, natural gas has emerged as a driver of both energy access and industrialization. Current estimates show that Africa has over 620 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven gas reserves, with ongoing exploration campaigns expected to uncovers trillions more. Many nations across the continent have positioned gas as an economic driver, recognizing its role as both a power generation source and clean cooking solution. With 250 GW of additional power capacity needed between now and 2030 to meet anticipated demand growth, gas has emerged as one of the fastest pathways to achieving this goal. Countries such as Angola, Libya, Algeria, the Republic of Congo and Nigeria have committed to raising gas production, while emerging producers such as Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia are seeking partners to advance development. Just this month, South Africa announces plans to lift its long-standing moratorium on shale gas exploration, representing a key step towards unlocking the over 200 tcf of estimated gas in the Karoo Basin.

Beyond power generation, natural gas has emerged as a critical fuel for clean cooking. With over 900 million people living without access to clean cooking solutions in Africa, there lies a critical opportunity to expand reliable, affordable LPG solutions across the continent, leveraging robust infrastructure and strong global collaboration. The International Energy Agency shows that Africa will require $37 billion cumulative investment to 2040 to achieve universal access to clean cooking, highlighting an opportunity for LPG-directed investments across the continent. The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum will delve into the impact of clean cooking solutions such as LPG in Africa. These discussions will build on recent developments, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with African nations across the clean cooking industry, championed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. The commitment was made at Clean Energy Ministerial, hosted in Busan in 2025, creating new pathways for U.S.-Africa collaboration.

The G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum will also explore actionable pathways to advancing alternative energy solutions such as hydropower, geothermal and nuclear. Currently, South Africa holds the only operational nuclear power facility in Africa, but developments in other nations show the promise of future investments. Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya are pursuing their own nuclear projects, while South Africa has introduced plans to deploy an additional 5.2 GW of nuclear capacity in the coming years. By 2030, the International Atomic Energy Agency projects a 58% increase in nuclear energy use in Africa, underscoring the scale of potential investments.

“As we engage the G20, our message is simple: Africa needs common-sense energy policies – not ideology. We need financing that supports Africans building power plants, pipelines and refineries, not roadblocks that keep our people in the dark. The G20 must champion a pragmatic approach that balances growth with sustainability and puts African priorities at the forefront,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.

The upcoming forum takes place on the heels of the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference. During the event, G20 nations participated in the Global Energy Leaders Forum, exploring actionable pathways for global collaboration and investment in Africa’s energy sector. As the continent prepares for the 2026 edition of the event, the G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum will serve as a launchpad for future deals and partnerships.

Register for the forum at https://apo-opa.co/4nvCE2S

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Africa’s Upstream Sector Eyes Cautious Resurgence in 2026, According to African Energy Chamber Report

Source: APO

Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector is entering a period of cautious resurgence, driven by a combination of renewed investment in mature producing nations and the emergence of new exploration hotspots, according to the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) State of African Energy 2026 Outlook (https://apo-opa.co/4ns4xcd). The report, which was launched earlier this month at African Energy Week 2025 in Cape Town, underscores both the opportunities and challenges shaping the continent’s energy future.

Established producers, including Algeria, Nigeria, Libya, Egypt and Angola, continue to dominate Africa’s output, yet face mounting pressures from aging infrastructure and maturing fields. In contrast, emerging investment destinations such as Ivory Coast and Namibia are attracting attention thanks to recent discoveries and the potential for high upside, particularly in frontier basins offering favorable fiscal terms. Advancements in seismic acquisition, processing technologies and deepwater drilling capabilities have bolstered exploration efforts, allowing operators to target increasingly complex reservoirs.

In North Africa, exploration beneath Upper Miocene evaporites in the Mediterranean basin has unlocked over 50 TCF of gas, while fields such as Zohr in Egyptian waters highlight the challenges of variable reef structures. Along the Atlantic margin, discoveries like Angola’s Agogo field in the Congo Fan illustrate the potential of pre-salt reservoirs, with similar prospects anticipated along the Gabon Coastal Basin and Kwanza Basin in Angola. Onshore frontier areas such as Namibia’s Owambo Basin and Zimbabwe’s Rufunsa Basin have yet to deliver significant discoveries, reinforcing the trend that meaningful finds are increasingly tied to infrastructure-led exploration in more mature areas.

“The African upstream sector is evolving rapidly,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “Frontier and emerging basins present enormous potential, but realizing that potential requires targeted investment, innovative fiscal frameworks and partnerships that can de-risk technically complex projects. African Energy Week 2026 will be a key forum for shaping how the continent can sustainably unlock these resources.”

Africa’s overall hydrocarbon production is expected to remain stable at approximately 11.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (MMboe/d) in 2026, with new projects projected to raise output to roughly 13.6 MMboe/d by 2030. North Africa is anticipated to contribute around 60% of this volume, with sub-Saharan Africa supplying the remainder. While offshore deepwater developments are gaining ground, onshore production continues to play a critical role, particularly in Algeria and Libya. Liquids will account for an estimated 63% of 2026 output, while natural gas represents 37%, with gas growth driven by rising global demand and new LNG infrastructure in countries including Mozambique, Nigeria and Senegal.

Certain fields, however, face potential risks of asset stranding due to technical and geological challenges. In Egypt, the Hoda, Notus and Satis discoveries collectively hold over 520 million barrels of recoverable reserves, while Sierra Leone’s Jupiter and Angola’s Catchimanha discoveries represent significant Atlantic margin assets. Across Southern Africa, fields such as Brulpadda, Luiperd and Venus face commercial constraints due to restrictive fiscal terms and industrialization challenges, highlighting the critical role of regulatory and contractual frameworks in unlocking Africa’s resource potential.

A growing feature of the African energy landscape is the increasing role of National Oil Companies (NOCs), which now account for roughly 53% of total production. By contrast, International Oil Companies contribute about 30%, reflecting a shift toward resource nationalism and greater operational involvement by host governments. Countries such as Nigeria are actively expanding NOC capabilities to operate major assets independently or through joint ventures, emphasizing the need to build local expertise alongside attracting foreign investment.

Meanwhile, the African rig market is experiencing nuanced shifts. The floater sector is in gradual decline, while the jackup segment is expected to remain relatively flat over the next three years. Drillship demand may improve from early 2027, but contractors face a more competitive environment, with reduced day rates and excess capacity pressuring margins. In West Africa, high-spec ultra-deepwater fixtures could see rates fall to the low $400,000s, offering opportunities for operators to advance drilling campaigns at more attractive costs.

Looking ahead, the next edition of African Energy Week, scheduled for October 12-16, 2026 in Cape Town, will provide a premier platform for discussing these trends in depth, bringing together investors, operators and policymakers. The forum will explore exploration breakthroughs, development challenges and the crucial balance between investment attractiveness and technical complexity. As Africa advances through the next phase of its energy transition, the AEC Outlook highlights the importance of strategic partnerships, innovative fiscal frameworks and capacity-building initiatives to fully unlock the continent’s upstream potential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Uganda Courts Swiss Luxury Tourism Visitors at International Holiday Exhibition, Lugano 2025

Source: APO


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Uganda is for the first time, participating in the Annual Swiss International Holiday Expo (SIHE) in Lugano, Switzerland. The 2025 exhibition which runs from Friday, 31st October to Sunday, 2nd November at the Centro Esposizioni Centre in Lugano, Switzerland is arguably Switzerland’s premier tourism fair, focusing on Luxury Tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions/Events), and leisure, attracting on average over 400 international buyers, 400 exhibitors from 80 countries, and more than 7,000 high-spending private visitors.

Sponsored by Uganda’s Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations in Geneva, which is also accredited to the Swiss Confederation in Bern, Uganda’s participation in the exhibition is multi-stakeholder, showcasing the nation’s offerings through exhibition, targeted B2B/B2C meetings, and networking. By showcasing Uganda’s unique attractions such as gorilla trekking, diverse wildlife, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism, Uganda can position itself as an exciting holiday destination for the Swiss.

Participants include officials Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities; Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Uganda Tourism Board; Uganda Investment Authority; Association of Uganda Tour Operators; Ugandan Diaspora in Switzerland.

The 2024 edition drew over 11,000 visitors, who were primarily Swiss vacation-seeking families. This year, the fair will launch a dedicated Luxury Tourism Zone that is tailored to exclusive clientele further amplifying opportunities to reach high-end consumers and luxury-focused tour operators.

Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Amb. Mercel Tibaleka describes Uganda’s participation as one that presents an opportunity to make direct contact with Swiss and European travel enthusiasts and media, elevate Uganda’s “Pearl of Africa” brand, and establish valuable partnerships across priority segments such as luxury safaris, cultural travel, and MICE.

Uganda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Amb. Arthur Kafeero said that following Uganda’s successful participation in the World of Coffee Expo held in Geneva in June 2025, the Lugano exhibition would further advance the promotion of Ugandan coffee to the Swiss market. “Coffee promotion will not only market Uganda’s tourism but also its agro-export sector”.

“The exhibition offers a highly professional, result-oriented format that delivers maximum value through targeted B2B meetings, thematic networking opportunities, and high-spending consumer exposure,” said Amb. Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic and Regional Cooperation, 

Kara Komuhangi from the Uganda Investment Authority expressed optimism about the outcome of Uganda’s Participation. “This will also provide a platform to market Uganda as an investment destination for broader investment opportunities beyond tourism,” she said

Among the benefits that Uganda hopes to gain in Lugano are positioning Uganda as a Premier Travel Destination to the Swiss market, boosting tourism revenue, attracting investment opportunities, market research and competitive insights, business and networking opportunities, promoting cross-sector linkages, and achieving Tourism Excellence Recognition. 

The Government of Uganda provides funding for Uganda’s participation in these and other fairs under the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.