Category: MIL-OSI

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Uganda: Parliament gives green light on external funding for crucial projects

Source: APO


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Government will proceed to access loan funding for critical national projects, after getting a nod from Parliament on the financing for several infrastructure and agricultural plans.

During the sitting on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, legislators approved borrowing worth US$1.341 billion which had previously been stayed owing to concerns on a financing agreement negotiated with the World Bank.

During the sitting, the State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, laid the agreement before the House that will support funding for the Uganda Cities and Municipal Councils Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme. Parliament had a day earlier stayed the consideration and approval of this request demanding that the Minister presents the agreement.

The loan facility that will be secured from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, together with a grant worth US$328.3 million, will also support four other key programs and projects.

These include US$250 million for the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF IV) that seeks to strengthen adaptive social protection systems in Uganda, and US$180.5 million for the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP) which seeks to expand economic opportunities for host communities and refugees.

The loan also provides US$210 million for the Uganda Learning Acceleration Program (ULEARN) that aims at improving learning environments in target schools.

To strengthen government efficiency, accountability and sustainability of public investment and asset management, US$200 million will be availed under the Uganda Strengthening Public Investment and Asset Management for Growth and Resilience Program (PIMPLUS).

The House also approved a loan facility from Standard Chartered Bank worth Euros115.8 million, meant for construction of critical oil roads.

These include the 56.5 kilometer Karugutu-Ntoroko road that links to Rwebisengo via 8.2 kilometers, as well as 3.3 kilometers of town roads in Ntoroko district.

The Committee on National Economy, however, observed that key infrastructure was not included in the project, including the River Semuliki bridge connection to Democratic Republic of Congo, and critical oil roads in Bunyoro sub-region.

“The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Works and Transport fast-tracks the construction of these roads, in order to improve the livelihoods of the people in these areas,” said Hon. John Bosco Ikojo, the Committee Chairperson.

In a dissenting view, Hon. Hassan Kirumira (NUP, Katikamu County South) raised concerns over the expensive nature of the loan and urged the Minister for Finance to always negotiate for better loan terms.

Musasizi explained that the Ministry of Finance engaged a number of financing institutions on the project, where Standard Chartered Bank offered the most favorable terms after negotiations.

Legislators also gave the green light to government to borrow Euros192.9 million from Citi Bank to finance phase one of the Enhancing Agricultural Production, Quality and Standards for Market Access Project.

The project will promote an inclusive competitive agricultural sector through the establishment of systems and infrastructure to enhance the volume, safety and quality of agricultural projects on the market.

Deputy Chairperson of the National Economy Committee, Hon. Robert Migadde, said the project will be implemented across 69 districts in 13 agro-ecological zones of Uganda, including seven districts specifically hosting refugee communities.

“The beneficiaries are agro-processors and Makerere University students in the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-engineering. The project trains agro-processors to meet quality standards and helps students develop skills to support the agro-processing industry,” Migadde noted.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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South Africa’s Shark Crisis: Decisive enforcement action under way

Source: APO


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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has taken firm action against a shark longline vessel found to have breached permit conditions — reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting South Africa’s shark populations and restoring integrity in our fisheries.

Following an inspection on 25 June 2025, Fishery Control Officers confirmed that the vessel had failed to comply with permit condition 5.1(h), which requires that all sharks, including skates and St Joseph, be landed with heads and fins naturally attached to allow for proper species monitoring.

The skipper was issued with an administrative fine for the offence. The Department is now finalising further administrative consideration and may take additional measures under section 28 of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998), including suspension or revocation of permits.

This enforcement action forms part of DFFE’s broader effort to strengthen ocean governance and restore accountability within the sector. As Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, noted: “The health of our oceans depends on the rule of law being upheld at sea. When we enforce the law, we protect not only sharks and marine ecosystems, but also the livelihoods of honest fishers and the future of our coastal communities. There can be no sustainable economy without accountability.”

South Africa’s shark populations are vital to the health of our oceans and the resilience of coastal communities. DFFE is strengthening compliance patrols, investing in enforcement capacity, and working with law-enforcement agencies to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Illegal fishing steals from future generations. By enforcing the law at sea, we protect both people and planet.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal fishing to the Environmental Crimes and Incidents Hotline at 0800 205 005 or their nearest Fisheries Compliance Office.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

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Tayebwa Urges Finnish Firms to Invest in Coffee Value Addition in Uganda

Source: APO


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The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has urged Finnish companies to channel investments into coffee value addition, saying this is the surest way to help Uganda and other African producers tap into the lucrative global coffee market.

Meeting with Members of the Commerce Committee of the Parliament of Finland, Tayebwa highlighted the imbalance in global coffee earnings, noting that coffee producing countries receive only a fraction of the industry’s vast revenues.

“I want to encourage companies from Finland to come and add value to Ugandan coffee; Africa’s largest coffee exporter,” Tayebwa said.

Citing recent global trade estimates, Tayebwa revealed that the coffee industry generates about US$452 billion annually. Yet of that amount, only US$25 billion goes to producing countries, and Africa collectively earns a mere US$3 billion.

“It means that all the coffee produced here, in Brazil, Vietnam and elsewhere, brings only US$25 billion to producers, while countries that do not grow even one coffee tree take the lion’s share,” Tayebwa said, calling the trend a clear case of economic injustice.

The Deputy Speaker said he is using his continental role as the President of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS–European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly, to push for fairer trade terms, including tax reductions on coffee exported to the EU.

“I challenged European leaders during our last meeting. I told them that why should you impose heavy levies on coffee from Uganda, where it is produced, and yet waive taxes on coffee in Europe?” he said.

Tayebwa shared his surprise from a recent trip to Milan, Italy, where he found a kilogramme of coffee imported from Uganda being sold at €45, far above the local retail price of roughly €3.

On their part, the visiting Finnish lawmakers applauded Uganda’s refugee friendly policies and its spirit of hospitality, saying the country has become a global model in humanitarian response.

“We are very impressed with the work you do on refugees. You offset a big burden,” said Vilhelm Junnila, Chairperson of Finland’s Committee on Commerce.

“We are equally impressed with the friendly relationship between our countries, for I know we import coffee from Uganda and export paper materials in return,” he added.

Junnila led a seven-member delegation that has been in Uganda for a week, benchmarking on parliamentary best practices. They were accompanied by representatives from Finn Church Aid, a Finnish humanitarian organization.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

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SA’s G20 Presidency an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says South Africa’s G20 Presidency is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse, and to place the lived experiences of Africans at the centre of that discourse.

“This is a momentous role for our country, Africa and all the developing world that is home to the majority of the poor and rural communities,” Morolong said.

Speaking at the G20 Social Dialogue with the community of Frankfort in the Free State, Morolong explained that the G20 is a forum of the world’s 20 largest economies. 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme is ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’. The G20 Summit will be held on 22 – 23 November 2025 in Johannesburg.

“Together, these nations shape decisions on global economic policy, trade, public health, climate change, digital development and many other aspects of our socio-economic life,” Morolong said.

Morolong said decisions taken at the G20 meeting are not theoretical.

“They influence the price of food, the level of investment in infrastructure, the availability of employment and the resources allocated to education and technology. When these countries meet, they are not just debating statistics; they are determining the conditions under which you will live, learn and work,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not only about global visibility or prestige, but it is about aligning the agenda of global cooperation with the priorities of communities. 

“We have deliberately chosen a theme that reflects our national values and historical journey solidarity, equality and sustainability. These words are not just guiding principles for international diplomacy; they are urgent necessities for our everyday lives. 

“Through solidarity, we imagine a world where nations and peoples stand together, especially in moments of crisis. We have seen through pandemics, economic downturns, and climate shocks that what happens in one part of the world affects us all,” Morolong said.

Morolong said South Africans know very well that unless they actively work to reduce inequality, the benefits of growth and development will continue to bypass and leave millions of people behind.

“Whether it is the inequality between rural and urban areas, between the wealthy and the poor, or between those who are digitally connected and those who are not, these gaps must be deliberately and decisively closed,” Morolong said.

Morolong said South Africa’s G20 Presidency has prioritised several areas of focus, all of which intersect with the realities people, especially young South Africans, face.

“Among the most urgent is the transformation of our digital economy. Access to the internet and its enormous capability to digitally connect people over vast distances is not a luxury. It is a gateway to education, employment, civic engagement and innovation,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong said in order to ensure that no one is left behind, the universal, affordable and meaningful connectivity must be treated as a basic right.

“Under the G20 Digital Economy Working Group, we are championing universal broadband access, digital skills development and inclusive data policies. We are advocating for investment in digital public infrastructure platforms and systems that allow citizens to access government services efficiently and securely using digital tools.

“Equally important is our commitment to ensuring that artificial intelligence, data governance, and emerging technologies work in the public interest. 

“Technology must serve people and not exploit or exclude them. We are pushing for ethical standards that prevent bias in algorithms, protect privacy, and ensure that African data is used to develop tools that reflect our realities and languages,” he said.

South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024, marking the start of the fourth successive Global South Presidency, the first presidency by an African state, and the second year of the African Union’s full membership. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public comment sought on plans to develop South African carbon credit market

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 30, 2025

The National Treasury has published the consultation paper titled Developing the South African Carbon Credit Market, outlining proposed reforms to modernise carbon credit infrastructure, clarify legal and financial regulations, and stimulate investment in South Africa’s low-carbon economy.

“The recommendations aim to reduce administrative barriers and enhance the role of financial institutions and regulators in developing a resilient, high-integrity secondary carbon credit market,” National Treasury said in statement.

Among the key recommendations include:

•    Defining the legal nature of carbon credits: Legislative clarity on the intangible status of carbon credits to support ownership and transferability. Enable their recognition as financial instruments to ease regulatory capital requirements.

•    Reforming the registry architecture: Improve the Carbon Offset Administration System (COAS) by enhancing functionality, reducing delays, and increasing automation. Enable tracking of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement; and ensure interoperability with international registries and crediting systems.

•    Introducing appropriate standards and local capacity: Develop local certification methodologies adapted to South African conditions; and empower SANAS to accredit local validators and verifiers, reducing project development costs and delays.

•    Adjusting financial market regulation: Strengthen oversight by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority; engage with global financial bodies to adjust risk weightings and encourage bank participation; and classify carbon credits as “unlisted securities” to enable both off-exchange and listed trading.

•    Developing an exchange control framework: Clarify cross-border trading of voluntary carbon credits; and ensure harmonisation of exchange control rules for carbon-related derivatives.

•    Ensuring market integrity and efficiency: Align carbon market structures with established financial market principles, including fair access and robust settlement; and promote participation from both local and global stakeholders.

•    Linking to broader climate policy objectives: Coordinate with the carbon tax policy and offset rules; and support South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.

The National Treasury has invited stakeholders to submit feedback via an online questionnaire by 1 December 2025, at https://forms.office.com/r/dfUdeeu5Ee. 

Additional queries can be directed to Financial.Policy@treasury.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Social protection must be the beginning of inclusive prosperity, says Deputy Minister Hendricks

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, has called for a shift from a passive income model to one that encourages sustainable income generation.

“The goal is to move from temporary relief to lasting economic empowerment for communities,” he said.

The Deputy Minister was addressing participants at the final day of the Social Security Colloquium on Wednesday, which included informal traders and youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET).

This engagement was part of the Department of Social Development’s Social Protection Colloquium, held under the theme: “From Grants to Growth: Integrating Social Protection and Income-Generating Opportunities”.

“Entrepreneurial support must target the unemployed, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. We must build a South Africa where social protection is not the end of the story, but the beginning of inclusive prosperity. Let us keep building a future where protection and prosperity go hand in hand,” said Hendricks.

Policymakers, government leaders, practitioners, and academics convened in Gauteng to discuss strategies for advancing citizen-centred digital transformation through MyMzansi, South Africa’s roadmap for public sector digital transformation.

The colloquium was hosted in partnership with the Presidency’s Digital Innovation in the Public Sector and the Digital Service Unit, with support from Genesis Analytics and the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg.

During the discussions, beneficiaries shared their lived experiences, emphasising how social protection programmes have impacted their access to basic services and their ability to pursue sustainable livelihoods.

The talks also focused on how the adoption of digital systems can deepen social protection while safeguarding the dignity of social grant beneficiaries.

The country’s digital transformation roadmap is based on the principles of a single point of entry for services and a single digital identity document (ID), supported by Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that links departmental databases.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), an entity of the Department of Social Development, serves as the first use case to pilot the DPI rollout.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SASSA adopted digital systems to provide services to more than 20 million beneficiaries.

“As government moves beyond a grant-based approach towards a more comprehensive model of social protection, the digital transformation roadmap envisions a lifecycle of services that cater to beneficiaries’ changing needs.”

The department said SASSA currently pays social grants to 19 million beneficiaries, most of whom live in townships and rural areas.

The agency continues to face challenges, such as long queues at local offices.

However, the department said the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SDR) grant has demonstrated that this could be significantly reduced through digital systems.

Through digitisation, SASSA aims to streamline internal processes, minimise manual paperwork, and reduce administrative errors.

Meanwhile, the agency is modernising its infrastructure to improve service delivery and is working to link its databases with other entities, such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), to simplify access to tertiary education funding.

Several grant beneficiaries shared their personal stories of resilience and empowerment.

Dikgapi Michelle Susane, a young woman who previously benefited from the COVID-19 SRD grant, shared that the provision helped to meet her basic needs.

After the support ended, she joined the Basic Package of Support (BPS) programme for unemployed youth, which assisted her in acquiring skills and starting her own business.

Another participant in the BPS programme, Mmankwane Marutle, who is now employed and was previously a COVID-19 SRD recipient, described how the programme boosted his confidence and helped him develop a positive mindset.

Hendricks stressed the necessity for stronger collaboration among government, universities, and research institutions to ensure that policy decisions are guided by evidence-based research. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: The future of indigenous knowledge highlighted at recognition of prior learning conference

Source: APO


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The Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Policy remains the cornerstone of government’s approach to affirming African cultural values in the face of globalisation, strengthening the contribution of indigenous knowledge to social and economic development in South Africa, and interfacing IKS with other knowledge systems, said the Director-General of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Mlungisi Cele.

Dr Cele was addressing indigenous knowledge holders, traditional leaders and government officials on 27 October 2025 at the opening of the five-day Conference on the Recognition of Prior Learning in Indigenous Knowledge.

The conference, currently under way in KwaZulu-Natal, was jointly organised by Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the universities of North-West and Venda under the theme “Beyond the Thinking”. It aims to finalise national norms and standards for the recognition of prior learning (RPL) across a wide range of indigenous knowledge (IK) disciplines, building on pilot projects implemented in KwaZulu-Natal, North-West and Limpopo, particularly in the traditional healing sector, which demonstrated the feasibility of formalising IK competencies through structured assessment frameworks.

Dr Cele said that the RPL in IK initiative was part of the Department’s mandate, under the IKS Policy, to address elements of indigenous knowledge that are not readily accommodated in the National Qualifications Framework. The aim is to establish a system for accrediting and certifying practitioners in various fields, often across disciplines, so that they can receive official recognition for their expertise.

“The IKS Policy, as an enabling framework, approaches indigenous knowledge on its own terms and recognises it as a source of understanding and innovation that has survived the forces of colonialism. It covers all forms of indigenous knowledge and technologies, including the rich heritage and different ways of thinking embodied in local languages,” said Dr Cele.

Since the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act was promulgated in 2019, the DSTI has worked closely with academic and community partners to implement it. The DSTI partnered with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, North-West University, and the University of Venda to develop provincial steering committees tasked with piloting the RPL process for traditional health practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal, North-West and Limpopo.

Other groundbreaking engagements hosted by the DSTI include the 2019 Traditional Birth Attendance Conference, national consultation workshop on male rites of passage (ukubuthwa) and female rites of passage (ukukhuliswa kwezintombi) in 2022 and 2023, and the first Conference on the Recognition of Prior Learning in Indigenous Knowledge in 2024.

Delivering a message of support on behalf of North-West University, Prof. Thebe Medupe said that there was excitement about the inclusive approach taken. “RPL is about opening doors for education. It is an integral part of any education system,” he said.

The University of Venda’s Dr Justice Makhanikhe was enthusiastic about the university’s involvement in the RPL conference. “We are aware that, for the IKS Act to be realised, it requires all our efforts and participation. The RPL project on traditional birth attendants is still the talk of the town in my area. It was well received and there is a call that it should be rolled out to other disciplines,” said Makhanikhe.

IK disciplines on the conference agenda include traditional rites of passage (for men and women), traditional Khoi and San leadership institutions, cosmology and astronomy, hunting and fishing (including habitat knowledge), farming and animal husbandry (including food systems, seed banking, and harvesting practices), trade, knowledge acquisition and the intergenerational transfer of IK, traditional cultural expressions (the visual arts, performance, couture, language, music and literature), and indigenous technology and architecture.

Gogo Nene, a traditional healer, called on stakeholders to work together to build the nation. “Let’s bring our humanity back to life, and let humanity live with us,” she said

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

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Seychelles: President Dr. Patrick Herminie Receives International Congratulations Following Inauguration

Source: APO


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State House is pleased to inform the public that President Dr. Patrick Herminie, who was sworn in as the 6th President of the Republic of Seychelles on 26 October 2025, has received widespread messages of congratulations from the international community.

Warm wishes have been extended by Heads of State and Government, regional and international organizations, diplomatic partners, and members of the Seychellois diaspora across the globe.

These messages reflect the strong bonds Seychelles has fostered with nations worldwide and demonstrate a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.

Countries extending congratulations include:

  • The Russian Federation
  • The United Arab Emirates
  • The Republic of Maldives
  • The People’s Republic of China
  • The People’s Republic of Bangladesh
  • The Kingdom of Eswatini
  • The Kingdom of Spain
  • The Republic of Singapore
  • The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
  • The Kingdom of Thailand
  • The Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Additional messages continue to arrive, and a complete list will be made available on the State House website.

President Herminie has expressed his heartfelt appreciation for these gestures of goodwill and has reaffirmed Seychelles’ dedication to principled diplomacy and meaningful international partnership.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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South Africa reaffirms oppositions to ivory and rhino horn trade

Source: APO


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Recent media reports have suggested that South Africa intends to break ranks with the international consensus on the ivory and rhino horn trade ahead of the upcoming CITES COP20. This is incorrect.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) reaffirms that South Africa remains fully committed to the international ban on commercial trade of ivory and rhino horn. Our policy is guided by science, ethics, and global cooperation, not by commercial interest.

South Africa’s approach to elephant and rhino conservation is grounded in sustainability, protection of biodiversity, and support for communities who live alongside wildlife. The Department continues to work closely with regional and international partners to combat poaching, dismantle trafficking networks, and strengthen wildlife law enforcement. South Africa has a proud record of responsible conservation management under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Our engagement in CITES processes aims to protect species, maintain ecological integrity, and ensure that conservation delivers long-term social and economic benefits.

Any suggestion that the Department seeks to weaken international agreements or undermine collective conservation efforts is without basis. The DFFE’s priority is clear: to secure a future where elephants, rhinos and people can thrive together.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

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South Africa: Minister Nzimande accompanies President Ramaphosa on official visit to Switzerland

Source: APO

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande is part of a government delegation to Switzerland.

Together with other Ministers, he is accompanying His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa on a two-day State Visit at the invitation of Her Excellency President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation.

The purpose of the visit is to strengthen political, economic, and social ties between Switzerland and South Africa, and to advance mutually beneficial cooperation in support of inclusive growth and development in the areas of trade and investment, skills development, and science and innovation.

Minister Nzimande, alongside President Ramaphosa and Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela, also took time to meet with South African students studying in Switzerland.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

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