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Les Assemblées annuelles 2026 de la Banque africaine de développement, à Brazzaville, mettront l’accent sur la mobilisation de ressources à grande échelle pour financer le développement de l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Plus de 3 000 délégués se rendront aux Assemblées annuelles 2026 du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) qui se dérouleront du 25 au 29 mai 2026 à Brazzaville, en République du Congo. Elles donneront lieu à la 61e Assemblée annuelle du Conseil des gouverneurs de la Banque africaine de développement et de la 52e Assemblée annuelle du Fonds africain de développement.

Le Centre international de conférence de Kintélé, théâtre des Assemblées, offre une vue panoramique sur le fleuve Congo, dont l’impressionnant débit pourrait potentiellement, selon les estimations, produire suffisamment d’électricité pour alimenter une grande partie de l’Afrique. C’est dans ce cadre exceptionnel que les délégués des 81 pays membres du Groupe de la Banque échangeront sur le thème des Assemblées : « Mobiliser les ressources à grande échelle pour le financement du développement de l’Afrique dans un monde fragmenté ».

Cette thématique reflète une dure réalité : les capitaux se raréfient. Les flux d’aide publique au développement ont diminué, le coût du risque a augmenté, et les chaînes d’approvisionnement sont moins prévisibles. Pour autant, l’Afrique a besoin de financements à long terme pour l’énergie, la sécurité alimentaire, l’adaptation au changement climatique, les infrastructures et la création d’emplois pour une population croissante et inquiète. En outre, le déficit de financement du développement du continent s’élève à 400 milliards de dollars par an. Un tel fossé exige des solutions audacieuses.

La question au centre des discussions à Brazzaville est simple : comment l’Afrique peut-elle mobiliser rapidement et à moindre coût des financements à grande échelle pour son développement, en s’appuyant principalement sur ses propres ressources, afin de transformer les atouts et les opportunités du continent, immenses et variés, en projets investissables ayant un impact socio-économique ?

Les Assemblées annuelles 2026 sont les premières pour Dr Sidi Ould Tah, qui a pris ses fonctions en tant que neuvième président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement en septembre 2025. L’un des premiers résultats majeurs sous sa direction est la dix-septième reconstitution des ressources du Fonds africain de développement (FAD-17), qui a eu lieu en décembre dernier à Londres et a mobilisé un montant record de 11 milliards de dollars. Le Fonds, guichet concessionnel du Groupe de la Banque, soutient les pays membres africains à faible revenu et fragiles par le biais de prêts à taux préférentiels et de dons. Vingt-quatre pays africains — un nombre record — se sont engagés à hauteur de 182,7 millions de dollars auprès du Fonds.

Il convient de noter que l’Afrique détient environ 4 000 milliards de dollars d’épargne dans des fonds de pension, des fonds souverains, ainsi que d’autres mécanismes d’épargne similaires ; cependant, ces ressources sont dispersées. Dans le cadre de la Nouvelle architecture financière africaine pour le développement (NAFAD), portée par le président Ould Tah, ces ressources seront mobilisées et optimisées afin de libérer le potentiel financier du continent et, selon ses propres termes, « faire en sorte que chaque dollar soit multiplié par dix ». 

La NAFAD a reçu, en avril dernier, l’aval des dirigeants et représentants de l’écosystème financier africain à Abidjan, en Côte d’Ivoire, après avoir été adoubée en février par les chefs d’État lors du Sommet de l’Union africaine à Addis-Abeba. La NAFAD s’appuie sur les « Quatre Points cardinaux », la vision stratégique du président du Groupe de la Banque visant à libérer la puissance du capital de l’Afrique, à renforcer sa souveraineté financière, tout en investissant dans le capital humain et les MPME pour soutenir les jeunes et les femmes du continent, et en développant des infrastructures et des chaînes de valeur compétitives. Cette stratégie devrait susciter un vif intérêt à Brazzaville. 

Les chefs d’État et de gouvernement, les ministres des Finances, les gouverneurs des banques centrales, ainsi que des dirigeants du secteur privé, du monde de la finance et de la société civile participeront à des réunions consultatives, des séances plénières et des sessions de partage de connaissances. 

Les Assemblées annuelles constituent l’événement statutaire le plus important du Groupe de la Banque, au cours duquel les Conseils des gouverneurs, les plus hautes instances de décision et de contrôle de l’institution, examinent les performances de l’année écoulée et définissent les stratégies pour l’avenir. 

Durant les Assemblées annuelles de Brazzaville, sera également lancé l’édition 2026 du rapport « Perspectives économiques en Afrique » (PEA), produit par le Groupe de la Banque. Ce rapport riche en données, qui sera rendu public le 26 mai prochain, présente des projections sur les perspectives économiques du continent, y compris des analyses des perspectives pour chaque région. Le rapport « Perspectives économiques en Afrique » est l’une des publications économiques les plus influentes du continent. Sa publication est très attendue, car il s’agit d’un document de référence et de guide stratégique pour les gouvernements, les investisseurs, les banques, ainsi que les institutions financières et universitaires internationales. 

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact : 
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

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Encontros Anuais do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (BAD) em Brazzaville 2026 terão como foco a mobilização em grande escala do financiamento para o desenvolvimento de África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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Mais de 3 mil delegados reunir-se-ão em Brazzaville, na República do Congo, para os Encontros Anuais de 2026 do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org), que se realizarão de 25 a 29 de maio de 2026. Será a sexagésima primeira reunião do Conselho de Governadores do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e a quinquagésima segunda do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (FAD).

O Centro de Conferências Kintele, local das reuniões, oferece vistas panorâmicas sobre o rio Congo, cujo caudal maciço se estima ter potencial para gerar eletricidade suficiente para abastecer grande parte de África. Neste contexto, os delegados dos 81 países membros do Banco irão abordar o tema ‘Mobilizar o financiamento em grande escala para o desenvolvimento de África num mundo fragmentado’.

O tema deste ano reflete uma realidade crua. O capital é escasso. Os fluxos de entrada da Ajuda Pública ao Desenvolvimento (APD) diminuíram. O risco tem um preço mais elevado. As cadeias de abastecimento são menos previsíveis. No entanto, África necessita de financiamento a longo prazo para a energia, a segurança alimentar, a adaptação às alterações climáticas, as infraestruturas e o emprego para uma população em crescimento e ansiosa. Entretanto, o défice de financiamento do desenvolvimento do continente ascende a 400 mil milhões de dólares por ano. Esse fosso exige soluções ousadas.

A questão central em Brazzaville é simples: como pode África angariar financiamento para o desenvolvimento em grande escala, com rapidez e a um custo mais baixo, principalmente a partir dos seus próprios recursos, para transformar os vastos e variados ativos e oportunidades do continente em canais de investimento capazes de gerar impacto socioeconómico? 

Os Encontros de 2026 são os primeiros para o Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, que assumiu o cargo em setembro de 2025 como nono Presidente. Uma das principais conquistas iniciais sob a sua liderança é a histórica 17.ª reposição de 11 mil milhões de dólares do Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF-17), realizada em Londres em dezembro do ano passado. O ADF, o braço de crédito concessional do Banco, apoia os países-membros africanos de baixo rendimento e frágeis com empréstimos em condições favoráveis e subvenções. Vinte e quatro países africanos – um número recorde – comprometeram-se a contribuir com 182,7 milhões de dólares para o ADF.

É significativo que África detenha cerca de 4 biliões de dólares em fundos de pensões e fundos soberanos, bem como em mecanismos de poupança similares; no entanto, estes recursos encontram-se fragmentados. No âmbito da Nova Arquitetura Financeira Africana para o Desenvolvimento (NAFAD) do Dr. Ould Tah, estes recursos serão mobilizados e alavancados para libertar o poder de capital do continente e, nas palavras do Dr. Ould Tah, “fazer com que cada dólar valha por dez”.

A NAFAD recebeu o aval de aprovação dos líderes e representantes do ecossistema financeiro africano em Abidjan, na Costa do Marfim, em abril deste ano, na sequência do seu apoio pela Cimeira de Chefes de Estado da UA em Adis Abeba, em fevereiro.

A NAFAD assenta nos Quatro Pontos Cardeais, a visão estratégica do Presidente para o Grupo Banco libertar o poder do capital de África, reforçar a sua soberania financeira, ao mesmo tempo que investe em capital humano e nas MPMEs para apoiar os jovens e as mulheres, e constrói infraestruturas e cadeias de valor competitivas. Estas estratégias receberão especial atenção dos decisores em Brazzaville.

Chefes de Estado e de Governo, Ministros das Finanças, Governadores dos Bancos Centrais, líderes do setor privado, das finanças e da sociedade civil participarão em reuniões consultivas, sessões plenárias e sessões de partilha de conhecimentos.

Os Encontros Anuais constituem o evento estatutário mais importante do Banco, onde os Conselhos de Governadores, os órgãos de decisão e supervisão de mais alto nível, analisam o desempenho do ano anterior e debatem estratégias para o futuro. 

Os Encontros em Brazzaville contarão também com o lançamento da edição de 2026 do relatório sobre as Perspetivas Económicas Africanas (AEO), elaborado pelo Grupo Banco. O relatório, rico em dados, a ser divulgado a 26 de maio, apresenta projeções sobre as perspetivas económicas para o continente, incluindo análises de cada região. O AEO é uma das publicações económicas mais influentes do continente. A sua divulgação é muito aguardada, uma vez que serve como documento de referência e guia de políticas para governos, investidores, bancos e instituições financeiras e académicas internacionais. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas 
media@afdb.org

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Brazzaville 2026 African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Annual Meetings to focus on mobilising Africa’s development financing at scale

Source: APO


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More than 3,000 delegates will gather in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) from 25 to 29 May. It will be the sixty-first meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank, and the fifty-second of the African Development Fund (ADF).

The Kintele Conference Centre, venue of the meetings, offers panoramic views of the Congo River whose massive flow is estimated to potentially generate enough electricity to power much of Africa. Against that backdrop, delegates from the Bank’s 81 member-countries will reflect on the theme: “Mobilising Africa’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World.”

This theme for this year reflects a stark reality. Capital is tight. Inflows from Official Development Assistance (ODA) have declined. Risk is priced higher. Supply chains are less predictable. Yet, Africa needs long-term finance for energy, food security, climate adaptation, infrastructure, and jobs for a growing and anxious population.  Meanwhile, the continent’s development financing gap stands at $400 billion per year. That chasm demands audacious solutions. 

The key question in Brazzaville is simple: how can Africa raise development finance at scale, at speed, and at lower cost, primarily from its own resources, to turn the continent’s vast and varied assets and opportunities into investable pipelines to deliver socio-economic impact?

The 2026 Meetings are the first for Dr Sidi Ould Tah, who took office in September 2025 as the ninth President of the Bank Group.  A key early achievement under his leadership is the historic $11 billion seventeenth replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17) in London in December last year.  The ADF, the Bank’s concessional lending arm, supports low-income and fragile African member-countries with soft loans and grants.  Twenty-four African countries – a record number – pledged $182.7 million to the ADF. 

Significantly, Africa holds an estimated $4 trillion in pension and sovereign wealth funds, and similar savings mechanisms; however, these resources sit in fragments. Under Dr Ould Tah’s New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), these resources will be marshalled and leveraged to unleash the continent’s capital power and, in his words, “make every dollar work like ten.”  

NAFAD received the nod of approval from leaders and representatives of Africa’s finance ecosystem in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, in April this year, following its endorsement by AU Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa in February.  NAFAD is anchored to the Four Cardinal Points, the President’s strategic vision for the Bank Group to unlock Africa’s capital power, strengthen its financial sovereignty, while investing in human capital and MSMEs to support youth and women, and building infrastructure and competitive value chains.  These strategies are expected to receive  keen attention in Brazzaville. 

Heads of State and Government, Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors, private sector, finance and civil society leaders will participate in consultative meetings, plenaries and knowledge sessions. 

The Annual Meetings constitute the most important statutory event of the Bank Group, where the Boards of Governors, the highest decision-making and oversight bodies, review performance over the preceding year, and parse strategies for the future. 

The Meetings in Brazzaville will also see the launch of the 2026 edition of the African Economic Outlook (AEO) report, produced by the Bank Group.  The data-rich report, to be made public on 26 May, offers projections for economic prospects for the continent, including analyses of the prospects for each region. The AEO is one of the continent’s most influential economic publications.  Its release is highly anticipated, as it serves as a reference document and policy guide for governments, investors, banks, and international financial and academic institutions. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Morocco: African Development Bank Group and OCP Group Sign €450 Million Partial Credit Guarantee to Accelerate Industrial Transition

Source: APO

The African Development Bank Group (https://www.AfDB.org) and OCP Group signed an agreement in Rabat on 22 May 2026 for a partial credit guarantee amounting to €450 million, aimed at supporting the investment programme of the world leader in plant nutrition solutions and phosphate-based fertilisers.

This operation is designed to facilitate the mobilisation of a €530 million green financing facility by Société générale and BNP Paribas.

The signing of this agreement marks a key milestone in implementing OCP Group’s 2023–2030 investment programme. It will help secure long-term financial resources from international financial institutions and pave the way for the effective deployment of planned investments.

The first mechanism of its kind in Morocco, this guarantee illustrates the African Development Bank Group’s role as a catalyst for innovative financing in support of the energy transition and sustainable water management. It aligns with OCP Group’s strategy to strengthen and modernise its value chains while supporting the resilience and sustainable transformation of Morocco’s agricultural systems.

The programme fully aligns with the African Development Bank Group’s Four Cardinal Points (https://apo-opa.co/3PWnM2X), in particular Cardinal Point 2 on large-scale capital mobilisation and Cardinal Point 4 on the development of resilient, value-creating infrastructure.

“The signing of this agreement reaffirms our commitment to OCP Group’s investment program. Leveraging our AAA credit rating, we are mobilising international capital to accelerate the development of low-carbon fertiliser production, the deployment of renewable energy, and sustainable water management. These are strategic levers in support of food security across the continent,” said Achraf Tarsim, Country Manager of the African Development Bank Group in Morocco.

For OCP Group, the agreement marks the transition to the on-the-ground implementation phase. “With this agreement, we are taking a decisive step toward a low-carbon, circular industrial model. The support of the African Development Bank Group strengthens our capacity to invest in solutions that preserve resources, protect soils, and support farmers. Together, we are contributing to sustainable growth for Morocco, Africa, and global food security,” said Younes Kchia, Chief Financial Officer of OCP Group.

The resources mobilised under this agreement will enable the launch of transformational projects focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable energy, and improving water and energy efficiency across OCP Group’s industrial facilities. They will also help promote sustainable agricultural practices, preserve soils, and strengthen food security, while supporting low-carbon industrial growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Fahd Belbachir
Communication and External Relations Department
African Development Bank Group
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Maroc : le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement et le Groupe OCP signent une garantie partielle de crédit de 450 millions d’euros de financement vert pour accélérer la transition industrielle

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (https://www.AfDB.org) et le Groupe OCP ont signé, le 22 mai 2026 à Rabat, un accord portant sur une garantie partielle de crédit d’un montant de 450 millions d’euros afin de contribuer à financer le programme d’investissement du leader mondial des solutions de nutrition des plantes et des engrais phosphatés.

Cette opération est destinée à soutenir la mobilisation par la Société Générale et BNP Paribas d’un financement vert d’un montant de 530 millions d’euros.

La signature de cet accord constitue une étape clé dans la mise en œuvre du programme d’investissement 2023‑2030 du Groupe OCP. Elle permet de sécuriser des ressources financières de long terme auprès d’institutions financières internationales et ouvre la voie au déploiement effectif d’une série d’investissements prévus.

Première du genre au Maroc, ce mécanisme de garantie illustre le rôle du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement en tant que catalyseur de financements innovants au service de la transition énergétique et de la gestion durable de l’eau. Il accompagne la stratégie du Groupe OCP visant à renforcer et moderniser ses chaînes de valeur tout en soutenant la résilience et la transformation durable des systèmes agricoles du Maroc.

Le programme s’inscrit pleinement dans les Quatre points cardinaux (https://apo-opa.co/4f2067A) de l’institution financière panafricaine, notamment le Point cardinal 2 relatif à la mobilisation de capitaux à grande échelle et le Point cardinal 4 portant sur le développement d’infrastructures résilientes et créatrices de valeur.

« La signature de cet accord réaffirme notre engagement en faveur du programme d’investissement du Groupe OCP. Grâce à notre notation financière AAA, nous mobilisons des capitaux internationaux pour accélérer le développement d’une production d’engrais bas carbone, le déploiement des énergies renouvelables et la gestion durable de l’eau. Ce sont autant de leviers stratégiques au service de la sécurité alimentaire du continent », a déclaré Achraf Tarsim, responsable du bureau pays de la Banque africaine de développement au Maroc.

Pour le Groupe OCP, cet accord marque le passage à la phase de déploiement sur le terrain. « Avec cet accord, nous franchissons une étape décisive vers un modèle industriel bas carbone et circulaire. Le soutien du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement renforce notre capacité à investir dans des solutions qui préservent les ressources, protègent les sols et accompagnent les agriculteurs. Ensemble, nous contribuons à une croissance durable au service du Maroc, de l’Afrique et de la sécurité alimentaire mondiale », a déclaré Younes Kchia, directeur financier du Groupe OCP.

Les ressources mobilisées dans le cadre de cet accord permettront de lancer des projets structurants axés sur la réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre, le développement des énergies renouvelables et l’amélioration de l’efficacité hydrique et énergétique des installations industrielles du Groupe OCP. Elles contribueront également à promouvoir des pratiques agricoles durables, à préserver les sols et à renforcer la sécurité alimentaire, tout en soutenant une croissance industrielle bas carbone.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias :
Fahd Belbachir
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

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Deputy President Mashatile to deliver a Eulogy at the Official Funeral of former North West Premier Bushy Maape

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, Saturday 23 May 2026 deliver the Eulogy at the Special Provincial Official Funeral of the late former Premier of the North West Province, Mr Kaobitsa “Bushy” Maape in Vryburg, in the North West Province.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted a Special Provincial Official Funeral for the late Premier, who passed away on Saturday, 16 May 2026 after a short illness.

The Special Provincial Official Funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service.

A former Robben Island prisoner, Mr Maape has served both his organisation the African National Congress and the democratic Government for many years spanning positions as a senior government official, Member of Ministerial Advisory Committee, member of the Municipal Demarcation Board, Special Advisor to Premier Job Mokgoro and as the 7th Premier of North West Province in 2021.

Details of the funeral are as follows:

Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026
Time: 08h00 (Venue opens from 06h30)
Venue: Huhudi Stadium, Vryburg, North West Province.

Media covering the funeral must please RSVP with Mr Sello Tatai (Spokesperson to the Premier) on 082 450 7842 or sitatai@nwpg.gov.za

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 066 195 8840
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Marrocos: Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e Grupo OCP assinam garantia de crédito parcial no valor de 450 milhões de euros para acelerar a transição industrial

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (https://www.AfDB.org) e o Grupo OCP assinaram um acordo em Rabat, a 22 de maio de 2026, relativo a uma garantia de crédito parcial no valor de 450 milhões de euros, com o objetivo de apoiar o programa de investimento do líder mundial em soluções de nutrição vegetal e fertilizantes à base de fosfato.

Esta operação destina-se a apoiar a mobilização, pela Société Générale e pelo BNP Paribas, de uma linha de financiamento verde no valor de 530 milhões de euros.

A assinatura deste acordo representa um marco fundamental na implementação do programa de investimento do Grupo OCP para 2023–2030. Contribuirá para garantir recursos financeiros a longo prazo junto de instituições financeiras internacionais e abrirá caminho para a implementação efetiva de uma série de investimentos planeados.

Primeiro mecanismo deste tipo em Marrocos, esta garantia ilustra o papel do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento como catalisador de financiamento inovador para apoiar a transição energética e a gestão sustentável da água. Alinha-se com a estratégia do Grupo OCP de reforçar e modernizar as suas cadeias de valor, apoiando simultaneamente a resiliência e a transformação sustentável dos sistemas agrícolas de Marrocos.

O programa está em total sintonia com os Quatro Pontos Cardeais do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento, em particular o Ponto Cardeal 2 sobre a mobilização de capital em grande escala e o Ponto Cardeal 4 sobre o desenvolvimento de infraestruturas resilientes e geradoras de valor.

“A assinatura deste acordo reafirma o nosso compromisso com o programa de investimento do Grupo OCP. Aproveitando o nosso rating AAA, estamos a mobilizar capital internacional para acelerar o desenvolvimento da produção de fertilizantes de baixo carbono, a implantação de energias renováveis e a gestão sustentável da água. Estas são alavancas estratégicas de apoio à segurança alimentar em todo o continente”, afirmou Achraf Tarsim, representante do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento em Marrocos.

Para o Grupo OCP, o acordo marca a transição para a fase de implementação no terreno. “Com este acordo, estamos a dar um passo decisivo no sentido de um modelo industrial circular e de baixo carbono. O apoio do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento reforça a nossa capacidade de investir em soluções que preservam os recursos, protegem os solos e apoiam os agricultores. Juntos, estamos a contribuir para o crescimento sustentável de Marrocos, de África e para a segurança alimentar global”, afirmou o Diretor Financeiro do Grupo OCP, Younes Kchia.

Os recursos mobilizados ao abrigo deste acordo permitirão o lançamento de projetos transformacdores centrados na redução das emissões de gases com efeito de estufa, na expansão das energias renováveis e na melhoria da eficiência hídrica e energética em todas as instalações industriais do Grupo OCP. Contribuirão também para promover práticas agrícolas sustentáveis, preservar os solos e reforçar a segurança alimentar, apoiando simultaneamente o crescimento industrial de baixo carbono.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Fahd Belbachir
Departamento de Comunicação
e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org

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South Sudan: Leaders of tomorrow take center-stage at lively debates on gender equality and democracy in Pibor

Source: APO – Report:

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Demonstrating confidence, critical thinking, and leadership, young students from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area gathered in a Pibor town for lively, sometimes fierce, but always respectful, debate on a variety of hot topics.

The event hosted by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan provided an important platform for the 24 students representing various schools to make their cases for positive change.

First up was gender equality, including equal access to education and participation in leadership and peacebuilding. This is particularly important given that girls in some households within Murle communities are required to remain at home while boys go to school.

“Boys and girls deserve equal opportunities to have their voices heard in shaping their futures,” argued James Arzen from Redeemer School, whose team ultimately triumphed over Kondako Primary School in winning the debate. “They have equal potential to contribute to nation-building and community development.”

The second round featured a robust contest between Lokurnyang Mixed Primary School and Pibor Boys Primary School on the theme: “women are equally effective leaders as men.”

The proposition team from Lokurnyang argued that leadership effectiveness depends on competence, integrity, and commitment rather than gender while also highlighting women’s important role in peacebuilding, education, and community development.

On the opposing side, Paul Peter and his teammates from Pibor Boys Primary School demonstrated exceptional rebuttal skills throughout the debate.

“This debate gives us space and ability to challenge gender inequalities and the relegation of women,” he stated.

The most passionate debate was over the impact of social media on children, igniting significant passion and energy among the students as well as the large audience.

“Excessive use of social media distracts students, harms their concentration, and exposes them to negative content, potentially leading to poor academic performance,” stressed standout performer, Jowang Kelle from Lagachod Primary School.

Martha John Gain and the Pibor Girls’ Primary School team argued the opposite: that social media gives girls the confidence to speak out on important issues and take on leadership roles.

“The initiative was all about providing a safe space and empowering young people to lead discussions about critical issues that matter to them and to promote positive change,” explained UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Christopher Okello.

“We leave today with stronger youth voices against violence, abduction, and cattle raiding, along with heightened awareness of conflict’s impact on education and development,” concluded Ogebo Omot Ochan, Greater Pibor Acting Chief Administrator.

– on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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Seychelles and Bangladesh hold Constructive Talks on Cooperation and International Engagement

Source: APO – Report:

The High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Dr. Zokey Ahad, met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Barry Faure, on Tuesday, 21 May 2026, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

During the cordial meeting, both sides discussed existing bilateral cooperation as well as pending Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, which the two parties expressed their shared commitment to formalise within the course of this year. The discussions also highlighted the valuable contribution of the Bangladeshi diaspora currently residing and working in Seychelles, with whom the High Commissioner is expected to engage during his visit.

H.E. Dr. Zokey Ahad and Minister Faure also exchanged views on matters relating to multilateral cooperation and ongoing engagements within the framework of the United Nations.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

Media files

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Treasury to deduct monies owed to municipalities directly

Source: Government of South Africa

Treasury to deduct monies owed to municipalities directly

National Treasury will begin directly deducting funds from national and provincial departments that owe billions of Rands to struggling municipalities.

This according to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana who delivered the department’s Budget Vote speech in Parliament on Friday.

The Minister revealed that provincial departments owe municipalities more than R14 billion, while national departments lag with R8.2 billion in outstanding debt.

“Municipalities have consistently raised concerns that where they owe organs of state, National Treasury deducts funds directly from municipal allocations. However, the same principle has not been consistently applied where national and provincial departments owe municipalities outstanding amounts. 

“Consequently, National Treasury has taken a decision to deduct monies from national and provincial departments to settle outstanding debts owed to affected municipalities,” Godongwana announced.

Municipalities themselves remain under close scrutiny.

Godongwana said Treasury would continue to invoke Section 216(2) of the Constitution to withhold funds from municipalities that fail to adopt funded budgets or violate financial management laws.

“Municipal unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure remains deeply concerning. Accountability and consequence management remain critical to restoring public confidence in local government,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that reform of local government also remains an “urgent priority as municipalities continue facing infrastructure, governance and financial sustainability challenges”.

Some of the reforms being implemented relate to:

  • the local government funding model;
  • metro trading services;
  • infrastructure delivery systems;
  • municipal financial sustainability; and
  • budget and grant reforms

Water and healthcare infrastructure

Godongwana told the House that government is moving towards a more “coordinated and performance-driven approach focused on infrastructure rehabilitation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability” plan on water infrastructure.

The aim of this strategy is to ensure that every Rand invested measurably improves:

  • water availability;
  • water quality; and
  • financial sustainability.

“Firstly, government continues spending significant resources responding to water leaks and system failures, rather than addressing the root cause of the crisis, namely ageing and dilapidated water infrastructure. 

“Secondly, the current water funding landscape remains fragmented across multiple grants and funding instruments, limiting coordination, reducing efficiency, and weakening the long-term sustainability of infrastructure investment,” he explained.

On the healthcare front, some R41 billion has been allocated over the medium term to support health infrastructure programmes, including the rehabilitation and replacement of dilapidated facilities.

He reiterated government’s focus on health equity despite fiscal constraints.

“Infrastructure investment remains central to economic growth, job creation and improved public services. National Treasury will continue strengthening monitoring, reporting and accountability to ensure infrastructure spending delivers visible results.

“It is imperative that we proceed with the implementation of the National Health Insurance. Notwithstanding current challenges, government must continue investing in infrastructure readiness to support a functional and sustainable health system,” Godongwana said.

He noted that the country’s healthcare system has faced several challenges including “ageing and poorly maintained facilities that require repair, refurbishment, and in some instances, complete replacement”.

“There is also a need to invest in new health facilities to address service delivery gaps arising from historical inequities and changing demographic pressures.

“As indicated in the Budget Speech, this includes investments in Dr George Mukhari Hospital, Nelson Mandela Bay Hospital and Victoria Mxenge Hospital,” the minister said.

Economic challenges

The Minister noted that “heightened geopolitical uncertainty and persistent global trade tensions” continue to create headwinds for the South African economy.

These challenges have led to marked increases in the costs of fuel, higher fertiliser costs and increased shipping expenses.

“These developments are intensifying cost-of-living pressures across economies and compounding inflationary pressures, with inflation reaching a concerning 4 per cent.

“Over the last three months, the National Treasury has made an intervention to ease the burden on consumers by announcing a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy. This has cost the fiscus approximately R17.2 billion. 

“This is further disrupting an already fragile global economic environment shaped by trade wars and supply chain vulnerabilities,” he said.

Despite these global vulnerabilities, economic projections indicate steady resilience with:

  • Sub-Saharan Africa projected to grow by 4.3% and
  • South Africa’s economy projected to grow by 1.8% over the medium term.

“These projections reflect both continued recovery efforts across the continent and the structural constraints that continue to weigh on domestic economic performance.

“Against this backdrop, government is closely reviewing the fiscal and economic baseline assumptions underpinning the current framework.

“Necessary adjustments will be made during the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement process to ensure that fiscal policy remains responsive to evolving global and domestic conditions,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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