Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Parliament defers approval of US$1.34 billion World Bank loan request

Source: APO – Report:

.

Parliament has deferred consideration and approval of a government request to borrow up to US$1.341 billion from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. The loan is intended to finance several key projects, including the Uganda Cities and Municipal Councils Infrastructure Development (UCMID) programme.

While chairing the plenary sitting on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directed the Committee on National Economy and the Minister of Finance to harmonise their positions on the loan request and report back to the House.

“If the conditions for UCMID have remained standard, the Minister should present them to the committee [on National Economy] tomorrow [Wednesday, 29 October 2025] morning. The Chairperson and Members can then agree that there is no need to prepare a new report,” said Tayebwa.

During the sitting, Committee Chairperson, Hon. John Bosco Ikojo, proposed deferring consideration of US$500 million earmarked for the UCMID programme, which is part of the total loan and another US$40 million grant from the Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR).

“We make this recommendation to allow time for the financing agreement to be presented to Parliament, so that we can approve the terms and conditions in accordance with Article 159 of the Constitution,” Ikojo said.

However, State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Bahati, opposed this position, urging Parliament to approve the entire loan package.

“World Bank loans are concessional and have terms and conditions. Separating one component saying we have not approved it, would actually jeopardise other components of the entire loan. I propose that we approve the entire loan, because the terms are the same,” Bahati said.

Hon. Karim Masaba (Ind., Industrial Division, Mbale) also called on the Finance Minister to share the loan terms and conditions with the House to avoid unnecessary delays.

“In Mbale City, residents have surrendered land and demolished houses to make way for UCMID road works. The loan was negotiated as a whole and should be considered as such,” Masaba said.

Supporting the loan, State Minister for Lands (Urban Development), Hon. Mario Obiga Kania, noted that the UCMID terms were consistent with those of earlier project phases.

“The Minister of Finance would not have proceeded to the Development Committee to submit this information to the World Bank, unless those terms were agreed upon initially. The rest is the procedure of the World Bank on the issues of the projects which are going to be undertaken,” he said.

The US$1.341 billion loan is expected to fund several additional initiatives, including the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF IV), the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), the Uganda Learning Acceleration Programme (ULEARN), and the Uganda Strengthening Public Investment and Asset Management for Growth and Resilience Programme (PIMPLUS).

The government also expects to receive US$328.3 million in grant funding to support these projects and programmes. 

– on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

Posted on

President Ramaphosa strengthens bilateral ties in Switzerland

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Bern, Switzerland – In the serene Swiss municipality of Kehrsatz, the crisp autumn air has set the stage for a warm and dignified welcome as President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived at Lohn Manor for his State Visit to Switzerland on Wednesday. 

The historic estate, just outside Bern, is the meeting place for a significant exchange between South Africa and the Swiss Confederation, an encounter underscoring friendship, diplomacy, and mutual growth.

President Ramaphosa was received and welcomed with courtesy and respect by President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation. The two Heads of State greeted each other warmly before introducing their respective delegations. 

On the Swiss side, the delegation included Ambassador Mirko Manzoni, Switzerland’s envoy to South Africa; Ambassador Philipp Stalder, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Africa Divisions; and Ambassador Simon Pidoux, Diplomatic Adviser to President Keller-Sutter, among others. 

President Ramaphosa’s delegation reflected South Africa’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Switzerland across governance, education, and economic development. 

The team included Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperation, Zuko Godlimpi and Presidency Director-General Phindile Baleni, among others.

Following the formal introductions and the exchange of official state gifts President Ramaphosa took a moment to inscribe his signature in the Federal Council’s Guest Book, a symbolic gesture of mutual respect and lasting partnership. 

Thereafter, President Ramaphosa and President Keller-Sutter proceeded to a private tête-à-tête meeting. Behind closed doors, the two leaders engaged in discussions expected to strengthen political, economic, and social ties between South Africa and Switzerland. 

A key focus of the visit will also be the advancement of a youth cooperation framework aimed at promoting training and capacity building to equip young people with the skills required in the modern economy.

The meeting was followed by a luncheon hosted by President Keller-Sutter in honour of President Ramaphosa and his delegation. The occasion provided an opportunity for further dialogue and exchange in a relaxed setting, reflecting the goodwill and cordial relations that continue to define the partnership between the two nations.

This State Visit forms part of President Ramaphosa’s ongoing efforts to position South Africa as a strategic partner for international cooperation and to attract investment that supports the country’s economic growth. Switzerland remains an important partner in this vision, with longstanding relations rooted in trade, education, and development cooperation.

Later, President Ramaphosa will proceed to the Federal Square, where he will be received once again by President Karin Keller-Sutter for the Official Welcome Ceremony and opening statements. – SAnews.gov.za 

Posted on

Grenada Advances Offshore Hydrocarbon Strategy with Trilateral Oil & Gas Commission Proposal

Source: APO – Report:

The Government of Grenada has formally proposed the establishment of a trilateral oil and gas coordination commission involving Venezuela and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as part of efforts to delimit maritime boundaries and develop its nascent offshore hydrocarbon industry. For Grenada – which is seeking to ramp up exploration activities alongside its resource-rich neighbors – the mandate is to define clear maritime zones for leasing and exploration and provide legal certainty for potential investors.

Governance Complexity and Hydrocarbon Opportunity

Emerging hydrocarbon jurisdictions such as Grenada face a dual challenge: an opportunity to monetize offshore resources and the need to resolve governance, legal and boundary issues upfront. Unresolved maritime delimitations can deter investment, heighten risk and complicate environmental and regulatory oversight. In the broader Caribbean context, where multiple small states lie in close proximity and are moving into oil and gas, establishing transparency, clear licensing, revenue-management frameworks and boundary certainty becomes a competitive differentiator.

For Grenada, the move signals that its authorities recognize the imperative of creating an investment-ready hydrocarbon frontier. While Grenada has no proven oil production, the island has seen exploration activity: in 2017 the Nutmeg-2 well was logged by Global Petroleum Group (GPG) offshore Grenada, and in 2024 a 38-year production sharing agreement covering about 7,500 km² of offshore blocks was announced between GPG and Nigeria’s Oceangate Oil and Gas Engineering.

Beyond its local significance, the commission’s initiative reflects a broader regional trend: Caribbean nations are increasingly viewing energy resource development as both an engine for economic growth and a governance challenge. This shift underscores a growing recognition of the need for stronger institutional frameworks and greater regional cooperation in managing energy, governance and maritime space.

Regional Industry & Caribbean Energy Week

The timing aligns with growing momentum around Caribbean Energy Week (CEW), a premier industry platform bringing together governments, investors and operators in Paramaribo to discuss the future of regional energy under the theme Leveraging Energy Diversity Across the Caribbean. For Grenada, the event offers a platform to highlight its governance efforts, build technical partnerships and position itself within broader conversations on frontier exploration and regional energy cooperation.

What lies ahead for Grenada will hinge on the commission’s ability to gain political backing from all three countries and establish a clear roadmap for boundary demarcation and investment readiness. Equally critical will be the government’s capacity to implement transparent regulatory and fiscal frameworks that meet international standards and inspire investor confidence. For a small state entering the offshore energy space, clarity, cooperation and institutional strength will determine whether early potential translates into exploration and discovery.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

.

Posted on

Islamic Development Bank Prize Laureates Deliver Lectures on ‎their Award-Winning Projects

Source: APO – Report:

The two recipients of the 2025 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics, under the Development Solutions Achievement category, delivered lectures on ‎their award-winning projects at the IsDB Headquarters in Jeddah on 22 October 2025.

In separate presentations, Mr. Afdhal Aliasar, team leader of the Medikids project, and Mr. Salah El Sadi, Founder & CEO of Blue Filter, discussed their prize-winning projects and highlighted the ways in which their initiatives generate both social and economic impact. The session was chaired by Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDB Institute.

These two solution-driven development projects were recognized in the ‘Development Achievement’ category of the Prize for their innovative and meaningful contributions in advancing the principles of Islamic Economics.

During the lectures, both presenters shared their experiences and the motivations behind the development of their respective platforms. They showed how integrating sustainable social objectives with a business model could generate income and sustain project operations.

Medikids achieved first place for its groundbreaking waqf initiative, which addresses key challenges in waqf management across Indonesia. The program dedicates a portion of net waqf profits to upgrading waqf assets and supporting a variety of social welfare initiatives.

The Blue Filter initiative secured third place for its groundbreaking work in developing a prototype designed to purify water by removing harmful contaminants. This innovative solution combines natural filtration techniques with advanced automation and control systems, resulting in a sustainable and highly efficient method of water purification.

A video recording of the lectures is available on IsDB YouTube channel here (https://apo-opa.co/48SD9AE).

The IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics, administered by the IsDB Institute, rewards outstanding achievements in two categories, offered in alternate years, namely (i) Development Achievement and (ii) Knowledge Contribution.

Nominations are now open for the 2025-2026 cycle of the prize, which is for the Knowledge Contribution category. More information is available on the IsDB Prize Portal here.

– on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

Social media handles:
X (Twitter): https://apo-opa.co/47NCj72
Facebook:  https://apo-opa.co/4qztHbB
LinkedIn:  https://apo-opa.co/3JillVb

About the Islamic Development Bank Institute:
The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDB Institute leads the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of IsDB Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. The IsDB Institute enables economic development through pioneering research, human capital development, and knowledge creation, dissemination, and management. The Institute leads initiatives to enable Islamic finance ecosystems, ultimately helping Member Countries achieve their development objectives. More information about the IsDB Institute is available on https://IsDBInstitute.org/

Media files

.

Posted on

Minister welcomes arrest of illegal drone fisher in Strandfontein

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister welcomes arrest of illegal drone fisher in Strandfontein

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Dr Dion George, has praised the rapid and coordinated efforts of the department’s Fishery Control Officers, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Marine Unit, which resulted in the successful arrest of a fisherman using drone technology.

On Friday, 24 October 2025, during a sting operation, law enforcement officers joined forces and swiftly apprehended a recreational angler at the Strandfontein pavilion, who was caught making use of a drone to cast his bait behind the surf zone.

“It is encouraging to note that the arrest followed reports from concerned members of the public regarding the illegal drone fishing activities in False Bay. 

“This is the kind of zero-tolerance approach that will enhance our enforcement efforts,” said George.

The Minister said the accused holds a valid permit endorsed for recreational angling, which only authorises manually operating a rod, reel and line as defined in the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998.

“However, the use of a drone is not authorised, as stipulated in the conditions of the permit. Officers confiscated the drone, which will be used as evidence in court proceedings.”

According to the department, the enforcement action follows the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling on 16 July 2024, upholding the ban on the use of drones, bait-carrying remote-controlled boats and other remotely operated devices in fishing operations.

The department explained that the use of these drones for fishing has been illegal since 2005, and recreational anglers and members of the public have previously been warned that they could face enforcement action should they be caught using such devices.

The department stated that it remains committed to the conservation and sustainable management of South Africa’s marine resources.

“We believe that the ban on drones and remote-controlled devices in marine environments is crucial in preserving the delicate balance of our oceans and protecting vulnerable species.”

The Minister has emphasised that enforcement capabilities and partnerships will continue to be strengthened to ensure that those who exploit natural resources face the full consequences of the law.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every officer and partner involved in these operations. Their hard work and sacrifices are crucial in safeguarding South Africa’s marine biodiversity,“ added George. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

106 views

Posted on

Gauteng NPOs reminded to submit funding applications before deadline

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has reminded all non-profit organisations (NPOs) to submit their funding applications for the 2026/27 financial year before the closing date on Thursday, 30 October 2025.

The deadline extension announced by Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko was moved from the original cut-off date of 15 October to give organisations more time to finalise their applications.

Mazibuko urged organisations that have not yet applied to make use of the extended period to submit their applications to avoid disqualification.

“We extended the application period to 30 October to give all NPOs a fair chance to complete their submissions. This is the final opportunity, and we urge organisations to respect the deadline. Late applications will unfortunately not be considered,” the MEC said.

Mazibuko said the department appreciated the critical role NPOs play in supporting communities and delivering essential social services to the people of Gauteng.

“By working together, we can ensure that services reach those most in need across our province,” she said.

The department encouraged NPOs to submit their applications through the approved channels, including the dedicated email address: NPOApplications.Socdev@gauteng.gov.za. 

All submissions must include the required supporting documentation as outlined in the 2026/27 Call for Proposals. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Farmers urged to monitor weather updates ahead of summer planting season

Source: Government of South Africa

As South Africa transitions from winter to spring, the Department of Agriculture has advised farmers to closely monitor weather and climate updates to make informed decisions and delay planting until sufficient soil moisture is available.

According to the department’s climate advisory for the 2025/26 summer season, issued on Tuesday, winter crops remain in good condition overall, though drought stress in the Southern Cape is expected to impact crops negatively.

Summer crop farmers across the country are preparing for the upcoming planting season.

The veld and livestock conditions are reported to be generally in reasonable condition across the country with pockets of poor conditions. The average level of major dams remains high in most provinces.

According to the Seasonal Climate Watch issued by the South African Weather Service, dated 30 September 2025, forecasts above normal is anticipated for the north-eastern regions of the country during late spring and in the summer.

However, parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo may experience below-normal rainfall during this period. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be above-normal for most parts of the country during the late spring and summer seasons, with notable exception along the south-western coast, where below-normal maximum temperatures are anticipated.

“With the seasonal forecast in mind, farmers are advised to follow the weather and climate forecasts regularly to make informed decisions and wait for sufficient moisture before planting. In addition, farmers must continually conserve resources in accordance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act 1983, (Act No. 43 of 1983),” the department said.

The department has also advised livestock producers to balance herd sizes with veld carrying capacity, provide sufficient feed and mineral licks, and ensure access to water and shelter, particularly during adverse weather.

Since veld conditions in summer rainfall areas remain dry until consistent rains set in, the department called on farmers to construct and maintain fire belts through mechanical means and adhere to veld fire warnings in all areas.

“Episodes of heatwaves and localised flooding are likely during summer, as such, farmers should have mitigation measures in place. Farmers are encouraged to implement strategies provided in the early-warning information issued.

“The department will partner with all relevant stakeholders to continue raising awareness in the sector and capacitating farmers on understanding, interpreting, and utilising early-warning information for disaster risk mitigation and response,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Major progress recorded in ongoing fight against GBVF

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units continue to make significant inroads in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), between 13 and 19 October 2025, the specialised units collectively arrested 534 suspects across the country for various sexual crimes, including rape, sexual assault, attempted rape, and other related offences.

“During the same period, FCS investigators secured 13 life imprisonment sentences and an additional 448 years’ imprisonment against convicted sexual offenders. These sentences were handed down in various courts following thorough investigations and meticulous case preparation by dedicated detectives,” the SAPS said.

Recent notable convictions include:

  • Free State: On 17 October 2025, the Bloemfontein High Court sentenced a 58-year-old lawyer from Welkom to three life terms and an addition 61 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse of five minor children.

    The youngest victim was seven years old at the time of the offences. The victims’ stepfather was found guilty on charges of rape, indecent assault, sexual grooming, exposure to pornography to a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, production of child sexual abuse material, sexual assault, and compelled sexual assault.

  •  Limpopo: The Limpopo Division of High Court Polokwane sentenced a 38-year-old serial rapist to 151 years’ imprisonment on 22 October 2025 for multiple counts of rape, attempted rape, and robbery. 

    The convicted serial rapist targeted women in and around Hlogotlou, Rakgadi and Nebo. The youngest victim was nine years old at the time of her attack. 

The SAPS commends all men and women in blue for their continued dedication and commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to justice and that survivors receive the justice and dignity they deserve. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Gondwe leads SA delegation at Going Global Conference in London

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, is leading a higher education delegation to the Going Global Conference, currently underway in London, in the United Kingdom (UK).

The conference, hosted by the British Council from 28–30 October 2025, brings together international education leaders to network, discuss global policy issues, share best practices, and shape the future of higher education.

“I am honoured that the British Council invited me to represent South Africa and our department on a global platform, participating in panel discussions and workshops on global education, collaboration, and sharing best practices. Discussions on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as skills development centres are crucial for gaining insights to take back home,” Gondwe said.

The Deputy Minister is scheduled to participate in two high-level panel discussions. The first panel, taking place on Wednesday, focuses on “Opportunity-driven TVET: The Future of Skills Development”, and will feature experts from the United Kingdom, European Union, Malawi, and Ghana.

Her second engagement, scheduled for Thursday, will be held under the theme: “Building Resilience for a Volatile Future”.

The session will emphasise the need for academic institutions to adapt and demonstrate resilience amidst geopolitical instability, budget constraints, and technological disruptions such as Artificial Intelligence.

The second panel will include international experts from Türkiye, India, and the UK.

The Deputy Minister will also use her working visit to explore opportunities for international collaboration, particularly in youth skills development, and potential scholarships programmes to benefit South African students. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Liberia Economic Update: Unlocking Private Sector Job Creation through Firm Growth, Expanded Production, and Policy Alignment

Source: APO – Report:

.

The World Bank today released the Sixth Edition of its annual Liberia Economic Update, titled “From Stabilization to Inclusion – Pathways to Resilient Growth and Productive Jobs.” The report, focusing on Liberia’s recent economic developments, analyzes the status of the private sector and how it can be strengthened to deliver productive jobs.

The report highlights the importance of unlocking employment potential which requires enabling firm growth, expanding production capacity, and addressing spatial and sectoral concentration. As currently structured, Liberia’s private sector is unable to generate quality jobs on a large scale, amid a prevalence of informal, micro-sized firms with limited employment capacity.

“Achieving sustained and inclusive growth requires confronting Liberia’s employment challenges and maintaining macroeconomic stability,” said Georgia Wallen, World Bank Country Manager for Liberia. “Structural weaknesses in the labor market and the private sector continue to constrain the country’s growth potential. Tackling these barriers is essential not only for reducing poverty, but also for sustaining macroeconomic gains through a stronger domestic tax base, greater resilience to external shocks, and enhanced social cohesion.”

The update emphasizes that transformation of Liberia’s employment landscape hinges on a four-pronged strategy: stimulating labor demand through investment in agro-processing and light manufacturing; enabling firms growth through regulatory, financial, and technological support modernizing the business environment through high-level coordination, enabling legal environment, and public private Partnerships, and expanding labor participation through skills, youth, and gender-focused interventions.

“Transformation of the country’s employment status should be complemented by long-term investments in education and human capital, improved market access for local firms, and targeted incentives for firms that offer wage employment,” said Gweh Gaye Tarwo, Liberia Country Economist and lead author of the report. “Aligning industrial and labor policies with spatial development priorities and value-chain potential will also be essential to drive inclusive job creation and reduce regional disparities in employment opportunities.”

– on behalf of The World Bank Group.