Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

Senegal-UK Chamber of Commerce to Support MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 as Strategic Partner

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Senegal-UK Chamber of Commerce (SENUKCHAM) will participate as a Strategic Partner at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, taking place from December 9-10 in Dakar. As the MSGBC region cements its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing energy frontiers, the Chamber’s involvement underscores the expanding role of UK engagement across West Africa’s energy and extractive industries.

In partnership with the British Embassy in Dakar, SENUKCHAM helped launch the British Chamber of Commerce in Senegal in June 2025, marking a key milestone in strengthening bilateral commercial relations. The Chamber serves as a key conduit for UK firms seeking to enter the Senegalese market, while also supporting Senegalese enterprises looking to expand into the UK.

British companies continue to play a pivotal role in Senegal’s energy transformation, led by energy major bp, operator and lead partner of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project – a landmark cross-border development shared with Mauritania. Jointly executed by bp, Kosmos Energy, Petrosen and SMH, the project reached a major milestone with first LNG exports in April 2025, marking the start of full-scale production. Phase 1 of the GTA project is expected to deliver approximately 2.4 million tons of LNG per year.

Beyond Senegal, the UK’s footprint continues to grow across the region. In Mauritania, bp is advancing gas exploration and exploring large-scale green hydrogen production, positioning the country as a future clean energy hub. Meanwhile, in Guinea-Conakry, London-based Rio Tinto is leading the development of the Simandou iron ore project – one of the world’s largest untapped deposits – with production slated to commence by late 2025. Additionally, AngloGold Ashanti, a UK-linked miner, continues operations at the Siguiri gold mine, a cornerstone of Guinea-Conakry’s mining output.

SENUKCHAM’s Strategic Partnership with MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 aligns with its mission to expand UK business participation in West Africa’s energy and industrial sectors. By connecting policymakers, investors and enterprises from both regions, the Chamber aims to leverage the Dakar platform to showcase British expertise, promote sustainable energy cooperation and strengthen regional economic ties across Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.

“The UK has played an important role in shaping Senegal and the wider MSGBC region’s energy landscape – from pioneering LNG developments to advancing new frontiers in hydrogen and mining,” states Sandra Jeque, Project Director at Energy Capital & Power. “This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to fostering sustainable growth, international collaboration and cross-border investment across West Africa’s energy sector.”

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sectors. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

Vestergaard, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (University of Ghana) and Ministry of Health Ghana redouble country-led malaria elimination efforts through vector control research and innovation

Source: APO – Report:

Vestergaard Sàrl (www.Vestergaard.com), the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (University of Ghana), and the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Ghana Health Service announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost malaria control research and innovation in Ghana.

This agreement is a milestone in advancing the country’s leadership and self-sufficiency for the region in health research and malaria elimination, reflecting a commitment to public–private partnerships that can help reignite the pace of progress in the global malaria fight through a country-led response.

Battling over 6.5 million cases of malaria a year, Ghana is one of 11 “high burden to high impact” countries (https://apo-opa.co/47JlYjM).

The MoU formalizes collaboration and support to the NMEP in its mission to achieve malaria elimination in Ghana, with a focus on vector control. It covers areas including entomological surveillance and insecticide resistance management, data generation and analysis for evidence-based decision-making, capacity strengthening and knowledge transfer for effective entomological monitoring, and operational research related to challenges in vector control.

Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana said: “The Institute has always delivered on its mandate to support the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service by providing high end laboratory diagnostic and monitoring and surveillance services in support of public health. Malaria research has remained a key component of our support, and through this MoU with Vestergaard and the NMEP, we are confident that our collective efforts will significantly advance the goal to eliminate malaria in our country and the African region.”

Hilarius Paul Asiwome Kosi Abiwu, National Programme Manager, Ghana NMEP, said: “The National Malaria Elimination Programme of the Ghana Health Service/Ministry of Health is proud to partner with NMIMR and Vestergaard in this crucial initiative. This MoU signifies a united front in our commitment to significantly reduce the burden of malaria in Ghana and move closer to our goal of elimination through strategic partnership.”

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, said: “Ghana continues to be a steadfast leader in the battle against malaria. Our collaboration with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, spanning 14 years, has been vital in developing and testing our long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets. We commend the Ghanaian Ministry of Health’s dedication to research and pledge our continued support to save lives and protect livelihoods from the devastating impacts of this disease in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa.”

– on behalf of Vestergaard Sàrl.

Media contacts:
Vestergaard
Sarah-Jane Loveday
Director of Communication & Marketing
media@vestergaard.com

Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
Afia Adoma Boakye
Assistant Registrar
aaboakye@ug.edu.gh

Ghana National Malaria Elimination Programme, Ghana Health Service
Madam Otubea Akrofi
Vector Control Lead
otbansah@gmail.com

About Vestergaard Sàrl:
Vestergaard is a social enterprise making innovative fabrics that have life-changing impact. Our PermaNet® insecticide-treated mosquito nets are a mainstay of global malaria elimination programmes, and our crop protection products safeguard harvests across Africa and beyond. Founded in Denmark in 1957, today the company is headquartered in Switzerland, with manufacturing and quality testing operations in Vietnam. We have teams across Africa, with facilities including a vector control research laboratory in Ghana, and our R&D is led from the USA. We have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2006 and a certified B Corporation since 2021.

More information: www.Vestergaard.com

About the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research:
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), established in 1979 as part of the University of Ghana, is Ghana’s leading biomedical research Institute. Its mandate focuses on three core areas: conducting research into diseases of public health importance, building capacity through training of scientists and students, and providing diagnostic and surveillance services to support national health programs.

NMIMR conducts studies on infectious and non-communicable diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, neglected tropical diseases, and emerging infections. It also plays a critical role in genomic surveillance, public health diagnostics, and nutrition and drug discovery research. Beyond research, the Institute provides evidence to guide policy and collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service. With strong support systems such as its Institutional Review Board, Office for Research Support, Quality Management Unit, and ISO 15189:2022 accredited laboratories. NMIMR continues to serve as a hub for scientific innovation and public health advancement in Ghana and beyond. 

More information on the institute can be found at https://Noguchi.ug.edu.gh/

Media files

.

Posted on

Saudi Arabia: Release 10 Nubian Egyptian Men Immediately

Source: APO – Report:

.

Saudi authorities should immediately release 10 Nubian Egyptians who have been unjustly detained for over 5 years, Human Rights Watch said today. On September 6, 2025, the Specialized Criminal Court (SCC) in Riyadh reduced the sentences of the prisoners on appeal, yet all 10 remain unjustly detained.

Saudi authorities arrested the 10 men in July 2020 and held them without charge or trial for over a year. The SCC initially sentenced the men to prison terms ranging from between 10 and 18 years on October 10, 2022. The sentences now range from 7 to 9 years.

“As Saudi authorities invest billions into hosting high-profile entertainment and cultural events, they apparently arrested these Nubian men for expressing their cultural heritage,” said Joey Shea, Saudi Arabia researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The Saudi government needs to release them immediately and unconditionally.”

The Saudi appeal session in the men’s case was originally scheduled for September 22, but Saudi authorities unexpectedly requested the appearance of the prisoners on September 6 and held the session that day. Families learned of the reduced sentences on September 11 as the prisoners are granted only one phone call every two weeks.

All 10 prisoners should be immediately and unconditionally released, regardless of their initial sentence, as these men have been held arbitrarily and seemingly in reprisal for merely expressing their cultural heritage, Human Rights Watch said.

Nubians are a minority ethnic group in Egypt and Sudan. The Egyptian government has subjected Nubians in Egypt to repression, and continues to prevent them from going back to their lands after multiple forced displacements in recent decades.

Saudi authorities arrested the men, community leaders of the Egyptian Nubian diaspora in Riyadh, after their community group organized an event in October 2019 commemorating the contributions of Nubian soldiers in the October 1973 war with Israel. The event was cancelled after Saudi police interrogated some of the men about the perceived political messages of the event.

The SCC brought charges against the Nubians in September 2021, more than a year after their initial arrest, charging them with spreading false and malicious rumors on social media, establishing an unlicensed association, and supporting a terrorist group.

The initial decisions issued by the SCC on October 10, 2022, included sentencing Wael Ahmed Hassan Ishaq, Ali Jumaa Ali Bahr, and Abdullah Jumaa Ali Bahr to 10 years in prison; Jamal Abdullah Masri, Saleh Jumaa Ahmed, and Abdulsalam Gomaa Ali to 12 years; Adel Sayed Ibrahim Fakir to 14 years; Dr. Farajallah Ahmed Yousif and Sayyed Hashem Shater to 16 years; and Mohamed Fathallah Shater to 18 years.

Before the October 2022 ruling, the men struggled to hire a non-court appointed lawyer. Many lawyers and firms approached by relatives were fearful to take up the case because it was perceived as political. The Saudi sponsor of one of the men was finally able to hire a lawyer for the session before the ruling was handed down. The men were also represented by a court-appointed lawyer.

The Dahmit Nubian Village Association, a Nubian cultural society in Riyadh that organized the event, is registered with the Egyptian consulate in Riyadh, a relative said, adding that the association and other Nubian cultural societies are nonpolitical groups established to preserve Nubian cultural heritage, traditions, and language.

On October 29, 2019, the Egyptian consulate in Riyadh released a statement calling on Egyptian citizens in Saudi Arabia to “respect the laws and regulations of the Kingdom.” The statement said that it is illegal for non-Saudi nationals to “establish groups or bodies” and called for existing entities to be abolished.

“By continuing to detain peaceful cultural leaders, Saudi authorities are demonstrating that the spate of prisoner releases earlier in 2025 does not indicate a policy shift towards ending the unlawful crackdown on dissent,” Shea said. “Saudi authorities should demonstrate their commitment to reform and cultural promotion by releasing these Nubian men immediately.”

– on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Posted on

Francophone British Business Council (FBBC) Back Energy Development with MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Partnership

Source: APO


.

The Francophone British Business Council (FBBC) will participate as a Partner at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, taking place in Dakar from December 9-10. The organization is set to engage regional ministers, investors and industry stakeholders to foster international investment and partnerships across Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.

The FBBC promotes trade between the UK and Francophone countries, including West African nations such as Senegal, Niger, Togo, Guinea-Conakry and Ivory Coast. The organization enables access by British companies to new markets seeking partnership and investment, offering bilateral networking events and trade missions, and facilitating connections with governments and commercial entities in Francophone nations. The FBBC focuses on key economic sectors including energy, security, agriculture, logistics, education and healthcare, promoting UK-based expertise to meet demand in these countries.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit https://MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

British companies are significantly involved in the MSGBC region, particularly in the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors. British multinational bp is a key player, holding operatorship and a major stake in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, which straddles the maritime border of Senegal and Mauritania. Beyond traditional hydrocarbons, UK firms are also active in the region’s energy transition, with bp exploring large-scale green hydrogen production in Mauritania and British company Chariot pursuing its Project Nour, a massive green hydrogen initiative.

“FBBC’s participation as a Partner highlights the global dimension of MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025. Their involvement reinforces the role of international collaboration in unlocking investment and accelerating shared energy development across the basin,” states Sandra Jeque, Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

President Ramaphosa arrives in Switzerland for a State Visit

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 28 October 2025, arrived in Switzerland, for a two-day State Visit at the invitation of Her Excellency President Karin Keller-Sutter of the Swiss Confederation.

The President will on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, hold Official Talks with President Keller-Sutter on a range of bilateral issues, including the G20 Presidency.

The visit will see the signing of two agreements on Cooperation in the fields of Arts, Culture and Heritage and Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Peace Mediation and Democracy Resilience. The agreements will strengthen cultural ties, explore new cooperation initiatives under domestic law and promote joint efforts in peace-making and mediation within multilateral organisations.

The South African Government will also receive a number of heritage artefacts of the Nkuna Royal Family from the Government of Switzerland.

On Thursday, 30 October 2025, Presidents Ramaphosa and Keller-Sutter will visit an industrial firm in eastern Switzerland and a vocational school to highlight vocational education and training. The visit supports a youth cooperation aimed at building skills for the modern economy.

The vocational school offers dual education and apprenticeship programs with hands-on workshops, specialised training rooms, and open learning spaces that promote practical, connected learning.

The President will also hold several meetings with the Swiss business leaders as a part of economic development and collaboration.

PROGRAMME FOR THE SWITZERLAND STATE VISIT

DAY 1: Wednesday, 29 October 2025

TIME (SAST)

13h10 – Tete n Tete

16h00 – Official Welcome Ceremony

16h30 – Speeches by both Presidents in House of Parliament

17h00 – Official Talks

18h10 – Signing Ceremony and presentation of restituted cultural goods

18h25 – Press Conference

DAY 2: Thursday, 30 October 2025

11h20 – Visit to the Vocational and Further Education Center

12h45 – Guided tour of the manufacturing facility and apprenticeship centre

13h45 – Media doorstop with President Ramaphosa and President Keller-Sutter

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

Safer Festive Season operations net over 16 000 suspects

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Safer Festive Season operations are in full swing, and have resulted in the arrest of 16 339 suspects.

The campaign,  running alongside Operation Shanela II, has led to the confiscation of 158 unlicensed firearms across the country.

The operations were carried out from 20 – 26 October 2025.

“Police tracing operations are also key initiatives, leading to arrest of 2 713 wanted individuals linked to serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offences, illegal possession of firearms, car hijackings and various forms of robbery,” the police said in a statement.

Key arrest include: 

  • 90 suspects were arrested for murder. The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of arrests (23), followed by Gauteng (21).
  • 102 attempted murder suspects were arrested across the country.
  • 227 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in KwaZulu-Natal (80), followed by Gauteng (49).
  • 292 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests (78), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (63), Eastern Cape (44) and Gauteng (40).
  • 2 001 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with the majority of arrests in the Western Cape (976), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (381), Gauteng (262) and Eastern Cape (184).
  • 132 suspects were apprehended for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
  • 866 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 1 464 suspects were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm.
  • 734 were arrested for illegal liquor trade.

Major seizures and recoveries 

  • 1 917 rounds of ammunition were seized during this period.
  • 724 dangerous weapons were recovered.
  • 25 964 litres of alcohol seized.
  • Contraband in goods, worth more than R29.6 million, were confiscated.
  • 65 stolen vehicles were recovered.

Highlights of Operation Shanela II takedowns conducted across various provinces:

  • National: Police seized illegally imported cell phones, mainly Apple iPhone, Samsung gadgets, and cell phone accessories worth more than R17 million, including two-way radios. A police investigation is still underway.
  • Gauteng: Three suspected kidnappers were shot and killed in a shootout with police in Parktown. The suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a Chinese national in June 2025 and recently attempted to kidnap another businessman in Gauteng. Police also seized two unlicensed firearms.
     – Six illegal miners were arrested at Protea Mine, Magaliesberg. Police seized four rifles, 343 rounds of ammunition, mining equipment including generators, jackhammers, detonation cords with blasting caps, and power gel.
     – Police also arrested one of the suspects wanted in connection with the tavern shooting incident that left five people dead in Bronkhorstspruit. He is facing five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. 
  • Free State: Police, in collaboration with the Traffic Department and Mangaung Law Enforcement members, arrested two suspects in connection with possession and manufacturing of fraudulent official documents. The team seized fraudulent materials, including completed application forms for driver’s licences, numerous temporary driver’s licences, and vehicle licence discs.
  • KwaZulu-Natal: Two suspects, aged between 27 and 30 years, were killed in a shootout with the police at Glebelands Hostel on 20 October 2025. The shooting incident occurred when police were searching for a suspect in connection with a hijacking case. Two unlicensed firearms and six rounds of ammunition were seized.
     – In a separate operation at Mbumbulu, police seized three AK 47 assault rifles, one rifle, one pistol and 93 rounds of ammunition.
  • Western Cape: The Western Cape Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team and partners confiscated a large consignment of counterfeit clothing, footwear and accessories bearing trademarks, worth R8 million. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

G20 called to support creative industries

Source: Government of South Africa

The African Union (AU) has called on the Group of Twenty (G20) members to support inclusive financing frameworks for the cultural and creative industries.

Addressing the fourth G20 Culture Working Group Meeting, AU Head of the Culture Division, Angela Martins, noted that Africa’s creative industries, ranging from film, music, fashion and design to digital arts are among the fastest-growing sectors in the economy. 

“Culture is not only our identity; it is a driver of innovation, employment, and sustainable growth,” Martins said on Monday in Zimbali, KwaZulu-Natal.

She emphasised the importance of integrating culture into national development strategies, and empowering women and youth to fully participate in global value chains.

“Through initiatives like the AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries (AU-POA) and the Creative Africa Nexus (CANNEX), we are fostering partnerships, expanding markets, and ensuring fair remuneration for our creators,” Martins said.

Martins recognised the role that technology can play in empowering the youth and ensuring that Africa’s rich cultural tapestry reaches every corner of the globe.

“Technology offers a unique opportunity to showcase Africa’s culture to the world. Through the AU Digital Transformation Strategy 2020–2030, we are developing digital infrastructure, training, and innovation hubs that allow African creators to protect, share, and monetise their work globally,” Martins said.

She highlighted that people’s values, beliefs, traditions, and ways of life play an important role in how societies understand, respond to, and adapt to climate change.

“Culture is also critical in addressing the challenges of climate change. Through platforms like the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action (GFCBCA), which the African Union actively supports, we promote culture-based climate action, integrating heritage, traditional knowledge, and creative expression into strategies for environmental resilience.

“We urge the G20 members to invest in climate-smart cultural infrastructure and support communities whose heritage is at risk. South Africa’s priority on disaster resilience and culture aligns with Africa’s vision that culture is not only our identity but also a tool for adaptation, resilience, and hope,” Martins said.

The G20 Culture Working Group was established in 2020 as a permanent forum within the G20 framework to foster dialogue and collaboration among member states on cultural matters. 

Its objective is to promote culture as a driver of sustainable development, support the creative economy, and protect cultural heritage globally.

As part of the build-up to the G20 Summit taking place in November 2025, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, convened a three-day meeting with government Ministers and senior officials from across the African continent and other G20 member states under the theme, “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” –SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Kaizen conference highlights role of regional value chains in Africa’s development

Source: Government of South Africa

With the 2025 Africa Kaizen Annual Conference (AKAC) underway, delegates have consistently emphasised the need to develop regional value chains to industrialise the African continent and enable businesses to compete globally.

“While we have observed an improvement in the manufacturing sector, its contribution to the economy has stabilised around 12-13% over the years, up from 11-12%. 

“That is an indication that we have done better with regards to improvements, necessitating enhancements in quality, productivity and the adoption of new technologies, such as the electric vehicle programme in the auto industry, aimed at producing cars for export,” said Acting Deputy Director-General of Sectors at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Dr Tebogo Makube, on Monday.

Makube was setting the tone for a panel discussion at AKAC, which is being held in Boksburg, Gauteng, under the theme ‘African Industrialisation through Fostering Competitive Firms and Value Chains on the Continent’.

READ | Kaizen Conference to boost productivity and growth in Africa

This year’s conference brings together leaders and practitioners of Kaizen Institutions and National Productivity Organisations on the African continent, including a network of entities that promote quality and productivity improvement activities across the country, known as the National Quality and Productivity Network (NQPN).

Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement that involves making continuous small changes to increase efficiency and quality. The term is a combination of the Japanese words “kai” (change) and “zen” (good). The philosophy forms an integral part of lean manufacturing and is based on the idea that every employee has a role to play in making manufacturing processes more efficient. 

In the context of South Africa, it holds significant importance for efficiency improvements in the different sectors of the economy, including the Black Industrialists Programme of the dtic and other South African transformation initiatives. 

Makube said Kaizen is crucial for supporting supplier development and integrating emerging suppliers into Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) value chains. 

Moreover, Makube said Kaizen can be replicated across various economic sectors, particularly those targeting exports like agro-processing, plastics and textiles.

By using the Kaizen philosophy, Makube said suppliers are bound to deliver quality products, which in turn builds trust and is fundamental to effective brand management. This, he said, is key to business survival.

AKAC is an opportunity to accelerate Quality and Productivity Improvement (QPI)/Kaizen activities through mutual learning and combining African wisdom to improve industry capabilities and competitiveness.

The Africa Kaizen Annual Conference was first launched in 2017 by the African Union Development Agency and the Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA] under the Africa Kaizen Initiative (AKI). This year’s gathering builds on the growing momentum of the QPI movement, which now spans more than 10 African countries.

Sharing perspectives from the continent

Esther Marie Renee, the Head of Human Capital Development at the Ministry of Economy and Finances in Burkina Faso, said while African industrialisation fundamentally requires increased productivity, sustained innovation and the resilience of companies, Africa must take advantage of the digital economy.

She described the digital economy as essential for teasing out accurate information on Kaizen’s impact, enabling evidence-based policy development, and improving operational efficiency through enhanced productivity, cost reduction, waste reduction, and reduced absenteeism.

The Executive Director of National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) in Mauritius, Dr Vinaye Ancharaz, concurred with Renee’s views, saying that artificial intelligence is the future of smart manufacturing, which is greatly enhanced by the Kaizen approach.

The conference was also a platform to cast the spotlight on geopolitical tensions and stiff tariffs, which have led to significant negative impact on business, including component manufacturer closures and job losses. 

Kaizen was highlighted for its significant role in promoting localisation, developing black industrialists, and driving transformation in the automotive value chain, in line with the South Africa’s Automotive Master Plan objectives. 

Given rapid technological advancements, delegates agreed that digitalisation must be infused into the implementation of Kaizen.

Today, the South African National Productivity Awards, hosted by Productivity SA, will be held as the conference draws to a close.  The awards will recognise organisations and productivity practitioners that have demonstrated excellence in Kaizen and productivity improvement across the continent. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

SA launches initiative to promote electric vehicle adoption

Source: Government of South Africa

As the country continues to mark Transport Month, an initiative aimed at demonstrating the viability of electric vehicles (EVs) for long-distance travel in South Africa has been launched.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in collaboration with the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), the Uyilo e-Mobility Programme at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and Volvo Cars South Africa, have launched the e-Mobility Energy Drive. 

The landmark initiative began over the weekend and culminates at the Uyilo e-Mobility Innovation Summit in Gqeberha which begins on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.

The summit, which is being held in the Eastern Cape, is a flagship event celebrating Transport Month which is commemorated annually in October and highlights South Africa’s progress toward a sustainable mobility future.

This as a fully equipped Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Ultimate is being driven from Johannesburg to Gqeberha, passing through Gauteng, the Free State, and the Eastern Cape. 

Along the route, the vehicle is collecting real-world data on EV performance, charging efficiency, and energy consumption. 
This data will contribute to ongoing research by the DSTI and SANEDI regarding infrastructure readiness and user experience.

“This initiative proves that clean mobility is not just a vision for the future; it is happening now,” said Acting Chief Director for Hydrogen and Energy at DSTI, Mandy Mlilo. 

“Through strategic partnerships with SANEDI, Uyilo and Volvo, we are building public confidence in electric mobility, advancing our just energy transition goals and reducing our national carbon footprint.”

The Energy Drive aims to raise awareness about clean mobility, featuring DSTI and SANEDI branding and messaging as it travels through various communities.

Through public engagements and media events, the initiative showcases the advantages of EVs, the growth of public charging infrastructure, and the role of innovation in transforming South Africa’s transportation sector.

In addition, the goals include promoting the reliability and practicality of EVs for interprovincial travel, informing policy and infrastructure planning with the data collected, and fostering collaboration among public institutions, universities, and private sector leaders.

The Uyilo e-Mobility Summit and Energy Drive serve as a significant platform to foster collaboration among government, academia, and industry. 

The summit aims to establish South Africa as a rising leader in the global transition toward smart and sustainable mobility.

CEO of SANEDI, Dr Titus Mathe, added: “This partnership reflects our nation’s growing capacity and commitment to cleaner transportation. By aligning research, innovation and public engagement, we are driving tangible progress toward a low-carbon, energy-efficient future.”

The EV will be on display throughout the summit at NMU before returning to Johannesburg to continue its awareness and data-gathering mission.

The e-Mobility Energy Drive underscores South Africa’s efforts in building a resilient and sustainable transport ecosystem that supports economic growth, environmental stewardship and energy justice. 
 

The summit will conclude on Thursday, 30 October 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Gathering to focus on advancing research in Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is co-hosting the annual OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI), focussing on evaluating the initiative’s impact and discussing strategies for the future of Research Chairs in Africa. 

The gathering began on Monday and will conclude on Friday at the Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

ORTARChI, which was launched in December 2018, aims to enhance research and innovation capacity across Africa. It is an innovative collaborative research funding initiative led by the NRF in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation (OATF), and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

This year, the partner organisations are hosting the ORTARChI Annual Gathering, which focuses on the theme “Advancing Africa’s Future-Ready Generation: Leveraging Science, Collaboration, and Research Partnerships for Self-Sustainability and Aligned Growth”.

The foundation announced that the theme honours the legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo, the late anti-apartheid leader for whom it was named.

After earning a BSc degree in mathematics and science in 1941 from the University of Fort Hare, Tambo taught science and mathematics at St Peter’s College in Johannesburg for 10 years before switching to law and a lifelong career of political struggle until his passing in 1993. 

“The theme draws on Tambo’s deep belief in education as a tool for liberation and self-reliance, as well as his unwavering commitment to pan-African collaboration, exemplified by his efforts to work with liberation movements and foster cross-border solidarity,” the statement read. 

It aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024, promoting institutional capacity building, skills development, and excellence in research.

The foundation has announced that it complements the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) in sub-Saharan Africa and has established 10 Research Chairs across seven countries. 

These Chairs address critical challenges such as climate change, public health, and food security. The seven countries involved are Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Uganda.

During the meeting, the Uganda Research Chair, held by Professor David Bisagaya Meya and focused on infectious and neurological diseases, will be formally launched.

According to the NRF, the launch of the Research Chair at Makerere University marks a significant milestone.

ORTARChI is based on the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), which was established in 2006 by the NRF and DSTI.

SARChI is a national initiative focused on strengthening South Africa’s research capacity.

The NRF is an independent statutory body that supports and promotes research by providing funding, developing human resources, and offering necessary research facilities. 

Its goals include fostering knowledge and innovation across all scientific fields, enhancing public engagement with science, maintaining national research facilities, and aligning with government priorities to improve the quality of life for all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za