Category: MIL-OSI

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Seychelles: Minister Faure and Ambassador Azais Tatistscheff discuss humanitarian and healthcare cooperation

Source: APO

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure received the newly accredited Ambassador of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, H.E. Mr. Alessandro Azais Tatistscheff on Thursday 21 May 2026 at Maison Queau de Quinssy.

Minister Faure thanked the Sovereign Military Order of Malta for consistently providing humanitarian support during the years for projects which positively impact the community. The Minister also took the opportunity to thank the previous Ambassador, Mrs. Alexandra Azais Tatistscheff for her dedication and commitment towards deepening the ties between Seychelles and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and welcomed Mr. Azais Tatistscheff’s appointment as ambassador, succeeding his mother in the role.

Minister Faure raised the topic of cooperation in the field of healthcare, whereby he requested technical assistance and capacity building in renal care, non-communicable diseases and community-based health initiatives. He also welcomed continued support addressing youth delinquency, addiction and other at-risk behaviours.

Ambassador Azais Tatistscheff noted that his accreditation was a proud moment for him and his family and remarked that his family has had ties with the Seychelles for the past 30 years. He also expressed pride in having contributed in the development of social programmes locally, through donations and technical assistance.

Ambassador Azais Tatistscheff pointed out that although the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta remains operational in the Seychelles, he will be based in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.

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A Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) pretende posicionar África como a próxima fronteira energética estratégica da América do Sul na Conferência Associação de Empresas de Petróleo, Gás e Energias Renováveis da América Latina e das Caraíbas (ARPEL) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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A próxima Conferência ARPEL — organizada pela Associação de Empresas de Petróleo, Gás e Energias Renováveis da América Latina e das Caraíbas, que decorrerá de 1 a 4 de junho em Buenos Aires, servirá como principal catalisador para a construção de um novo corredor energético transatlântico. Reunindo partes interessadas regionais e líderes do setor energético da América do Sul e das Caraíbas, o evento oferece uma plataforma estratégica para promover os interesses comerciais da América do Sul em África, abrindo portas para a transferência institucional de tecnologia, o investimento intercontinental e a partilha de experiências operacionais. Colocando esta narrativa no centro da cimeira, a Câmara Africana de Energia (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) liderará uma delegação a Buenos Aires, com o Presidente Executivo NJ Ayuk programado para informar os operadores regionais sobre o âmbito em expansão das entradas no mercado bilateral.

A participação de Ayuk surge num momento em que África entra num dos seus ciclos de investimento a montante mais ativos em mais de uma década. Prevê-se que o continente registe despesas de capital a montante de aproximadamente 41 mil milhões de dólares em 2026, enquanto as rondas de licenciamento e as novas oportunidades de entrada no mercado continuam a expandir-se em Angola, Nigéria, Tanzânia, Argélia, Serra Leoa e Guiné Equatorial. Mercados emergentes como a Namíbia já registaram 60% de sucesso na exploração nos últimos anos, enquanto novas descobertas feitas na Costa do Marfim e a expansão das atividades de perfuração, tanto em terra como no mar, abrem caminhos para desenvolvimentos comerciais. As empresas que se estabelecerem como pioneiras poderão capturar este valor, destacando uma oportunidade única para as empresas sul-americanas, particularmente aquelas com experiência comprovada em fronteiras.

Talvez uma das vias de parceria mais estratégicas seja o setor do gás natural. Por seu lado, África está a posicionar-se rapidamente como um dos próximos centros mundiais de GNL, com empresas a avançarem para desbloquear recursos em margens comprovadas — mas ainda por desenvolver. Até 140 biliões de pés cúbicos (tcf) de recursos descobertos, mas ainda por desenvolver, encontram-se apenas no Rovuma, em Moçambique (129 tcf), e no Delta do Níger, na Nigéria (113 tcf), o que destaca a dimensão da oportunidade em todo o continente. África já fornece 8,5% do GNL global, mas com os acontecimentos geopolíticos a apertar as cadeias de abastecimento globais, espera-se que este valor quadruplique até 2050.

Outra fronteira de crescimento é o mercado africano de gás de xisto. Embora o continente possua alguns dos maiores recursos de xisto inexplorados do mundo, muitos países continuam a enfrentar barreiras operacionais e técnicas à comercialização. Só a Argélia detém mais de 700 tcf de recursos de gás de xisto sem risco, enquanto países como a África do Sul e a Tanzânia estão a avaliar as suas próprias oportunidades de gás de xisto e gás de rochas compactas.

A experiência da América do Sul na produção de gás posiciona-a como um parceiro-chave para África. O desenvolvimento da formação de xisto de Vaca Muerta pela Argentina — responsável por 70% da sua produção de gás — estabeleceu uma experiência operacional em perfuração horizontal, fraturação hidráulica, projeto de completação, otimização da cadeia de abastecimento e gestão regulatória não convencional — capacidades que muitos mercados africanos procuram ativamente. O país é atualmente um dos maiores produtores de gás da região, com uma produção de 4,5 mil milhões de pés cúbicos por dia (bcf/d), a par do Brasil, que produz atualmente 5,4 bcf/d — principalmente a partir de projetos petrolíferos associados. Outros mercados, como Trinidad e Tobago e a Venezuela, oferecem experiência comprovada em GNL, infraestruturas energéticas transfronteiriças e instalações de exportação.

«O Atlântico já não é uma barreira; é um corredor comercial. Nenhuma nação do Hemisfério Sul está melhor posicionada para fazer parceria com a África no desenvolvimento de energia não convencional do que a Argentina. Ao exportar a expertise conquistada com muito esforço de Vaca Muerta, as empresas sul-americanas podem capturar valor na fase inicial nas mais novas bacias de fronteira da África”, diz Ayuk.

Estes fatores destacam o valor da América do Sul como parceira estratégica para a África, apresentando um forte argumento a favor da transferência de tecnologia transatlântica, cadeias de valor partilhadas e investimentos. A mesma tecnologia que tem estado no centro do mercado de gás da América do Sul já está a operar em África. Notavelmente, a Golar LNG está a avançar com um projeto de vários milhares de milhões de dólares na formação de xisto de Vaca Muerta, tendo garantido no ano passado um contrato de fretamento de duas décadas para a sua unidade FLNG. Em África, a empresa foi pioneira em soluções FLNG nos Camarões, ao mesmo tempo que apoiou a emergência do Senegal e da Mauritânia como produtores de GNL através do seu navio Gimi.

Como tal, o conhecimento operacional associado à infraestrutura FLNG, ao processamento de gás offshore e à monetização do midstream está a tornar-se cada vez mais uma vantagem estratégica para as empresas que procuram entrar nos mercados africanos. A próxima Conferência ARPEL marca um ponto de viragem estratégico tanto para a América do Sul e as Caraíbas como para África, lançando as bases para um renascimento energético no Atlântico Sul, ao mesmo tempo que permite a duas das maiores regiões fronteiriças do mundo a oportunidade de examinar recursos de classe mundial, desafios de desenvolvimento semelhantes e um interesse comum em garantir que as receitas energéticas se traduzam num crescimento económico duradouro.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

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La Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) entend positionner l’Afrique comme la prochaine frontière énergétique stratégique de l’Amérique du Sud lors de la conférence Association des entreprises pétrolières, de gaz et d’énergies renouvelables d’Amérique latine et des Caraïbes (ARPEL) 2026

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La prochaine conférence ARPEL — organisée par l’Association des entreprises pétrolières, de gaz et d’énergies renouvelables d’Amérique latine et des Caraïbes, qui se tiendra du 1er au 4 juin à Buenos Aires, servira de catalyseur principal pour la construction d’un nouveau corridor énergétique transatlantique. Réunissant des parties prenantes régionales et des leaders du secteur de l’énergie d’Amérique du Sud et des Caraïbes, cet événement offre une plateforme stratégique pour promouvoir les intérêts commerciaux sud-américains en Afrique, ouvrant la voie au transfert de technologies institutionnel, aux investissements intercontinentaux et au partage d’expériences opérationnelles. Placer ce thème au cœur du sommet, la Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) mènera une délégation à Buenos Aires, son président exécutif NJ Ayuk devant informer les opérateurs régionaux de l’élargissement des perspectives d’entrée sur les marchés bilatéraux.

La participation de M. Ayuk intervient alors que l’Afrique entre dans l’un de ses cycles d’investissement en amont les plus actifs depuis plus d’une décennie. Le continent devrait enregistrer des dépenses d’investissement en amont d’environ 41 milliards de dollars en 2026, tandis que les cycles d’octroi de licences et les nouvelles opportunités d’entrée sur le marché continuent de se multiplier en Angola, au Nigeria, en Tanzanie, en Algérie, en Sierra Leone et en Guinée équatoriale. Des marchés émergents tels que la Namibie ont déjà connu un taux de réussite de 60 % en matière d’exploration ces dernières années, tandis que les nouvelles découvertes faites en Côte d’Ivoire et l’intensification des activités de forage tant onshore qu’offshore ouvrent la voie à des développements commerciaux. Les entreprises qui s’imposent comme des pionnières sont bien placées pour tirer parti de cette valeur, ce qui met en évidence une opportunité unique pour les entreprises sud-américaines, en particulier celles qui ont une expérience avérée dans les zones pionnières.

L’un des axes de partenariat les plus stratégiques est peut-être le secteur du gaz naturel. De son côté, l’Afrique se positionne rapidement comme l’un des prochains pôles mondiaux du GNL, les entreprises s’efforçant d’exploiter des ressources dans des zones prouvées, mais encore inexploitées. Jusqu’à 140 000 milliards de pieds cubes (tcf) de ressources découvertes mais non exploitées se trouvent rien qu’à Rovuma au Mozambique (129 tcf) et dans le delta du Niger au Nigeria (113 tcf), ce qui souligne l’ampleur des opportunités sur l’ensemble du continent. L’Afrique fournit déjà 8,5 % du GNL mondial, mais avec les événements géopolitiques mondiaux qui resserrent les chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales, ce chiffre devrait quadrupler d’ici 2050.

Le marché africain du gaz de schiste constitue une autre frontière de croissance. Alors que le continent possède certaines des plus grandes ressources de schiste inexploitées au monde, de nombreux pays continuent de se heurter à des obstacles opérationnels et techniques à la commercialisation. À elle seule, l’Algérie détient plus de 700 tcf de ressources de gaz de schiste non évaluées en termes de risque, tandis que des pays comme l’Afrique du Sud et la Tanzanie évaluent leurs propres opportunités en matière de gaz de réservoirs compacts et de schiste.

L’expertise de l’Amérique du Sud en matière de production de gaz en fait un partenaire clé pour l’Afrique. Le développement par l’Argentine de la formation schisteuse de Vaca Muerta – qui représente 70 % de sa production de gaz – a permis d’acquérir une expertise opérationnelle en forage horizontal, fracturation hydraulique, conception de complétion, optimisation de la chaîne d’approvisionnement et gestion réglementaire non conventionnelle – des compétences que de nombreux marchés africains recherchent activement. Le pays est actuellement l’un des plus grands producteurs de gaz de la région, avec une production de 4,5 milliards de pieds cubes par jour (bcf/j), aux côtés du Brésil qui produit actuellement 5,4 bcf/j – principalement à partir de projets pétroliers associés. D’autres marchés tels que Trinité-et-Tobago et le Venezuela offrent une expérience éprouvée dans le GNL, les infrastructures énergétiques transfrontalières et les installations d’exportation.

« L’Atlantique n’est plus une barrière ; c’est un corridor commercial. Aucune nation de l’hémisphère sud n’est mieux placée que l’Argentine pour s’associer à l’Afrique dans le développement des énergies non conventionnelles. En exportant l’expertise durement acquise à Vaca Muerta, les entreprises sud-américaines peuvent capter la valeur en phase de démarrage dans les nouveaux bassins frontaliers africains », déclare Ayuk.

Ces facteurs soulignent la valeur de l’Amérique du Sud en tant que partenaire stratégique pour l’Afrique, plaidant fortement en faveur du transfert de technologies transatlantique, des chaînes de valeur partagées et des investissements. La même technologie qui a été au cœur du marché gazier sud-américain est déjà exploitée en Afrique. Notamment, Golar LNG mène un projet de plusieurs milliards de dollars dans la formation schisteuse de Vaca Muerta, ayant obtenu l’année dernière un contrat d’affrètement de deux décennies pour son unité FLNG. En Afrique, l’entreprise a été pionnière dans les solutions FLNG au Cameroun tout en soutenant l’émergence du Sénégal et de la Mauritanie en tant que producteurs de GNL grâce à son navire Gimi.

Ainsi, les connaissances opérationnelles liées aux infrastructures FLNG, au traitement du gaz offshore et à la monétisation en amont deviennent de plus en plus un avantage stratégique pour les entreprises cherchant à pénétrer les marchés africains. La prochaine conférence ARPEL marque un tournant stratégique tant pour l’Amérique du Sud et les Caraïbes que pour l’Afrique, jetant les bases d’un renouveau énergétique dans l’Atlantique Sud tout en offrant à deux des plus grandes régions frontalières du monde l’occasion d’examiner des ressources de classe mondiale, des défis de développement similaires et un intérêt commun à faire en sorte que les revenus énergétiques se traduisent par une croissance économique durable.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

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SA works to strengthen local government

Source: Government of South Africa

SA works to strengthen local government

Local government, which is at the coalface of service delivery, has for many years faced challenges that many would deem insurmountable, writes Neo Semono.

Understandably, for many citizens, it feels as if government is taking too long to address pressing issues such as water and sanitation, overcrowding in public schools, and refuse collection.

Skill mismatches, corruption and the flouting of the Public Finance Management Act and other legislation by some government officials, have also not helped matters, taking away from the democratic gains of basic service delivery to all South Africans, regardless of one’s skin colour.

One can also assert that while corruption within the corridors of state institutions such as municipalities is a challenge, not every government official is corrupt or unqualified for the job.

The presence of rotten potatoes does not mean that government has abdicated its responsibility to citizens. The state has continued to come up with ways to address its service delivery challenges, through vehicles such as the recently gazetted, reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government, which is out for public comment. You can access the draft here:  https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/docs/government-gazette-review-of-the-white-paper-on-local-government/

The review of the 1998 White Paper seeks to modernise and strengthen the local government system to ensure municipalities are better equipped to respond to the developmental needs of communities. It proposes a range of key reforms aimed at improving governance, strengthening accountability, enhancing financial sustainability, and accelerating effective service delivery.

Government took the decision to review the 1998 version of the White Paper in 2022, cognisant of the challenges faced by municipalities. Following refinement, the document is ready for you and me as citizens to make our inputs ahead of the 28 May 2026 deadline.

The notion that the public participation process makes no difference in the outcome of what government passes as policy or legislation in the end is untrue. We ought to make inputs. This is our country and our home – and local government issues affect us all.

It is true that the drafting and passing of legislation does not automatically resolve problems. By no means is the legislation a silver bullet, but it does provide a framework for the effective running of the country’s 257 metropolitan, district, and local municipalities.

The White Paper is structured around five reinforcing pillars for change – namely: one local government system; clean and capable political and administrative governance; differentiated powers and functions and a pathway to a single-tier future; partnership-based relational governance; and financial and service delivery reform – all aimed at modernising the system.

The draft White Paper does not shy away from the reality on the ground, stating that “too many municipalities are trapped in reinforcing cycles of decline” and that this results in “a system that often struggles to sustain basic reliability, maintain assets, and deliver responsive local governance at the pace and quality communities expect.”

However, the White Paper is not the only way government has been working on resolving local government challenges.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been leading engagements between the National Executive and  provincial governments across the country. To date, the President and Cabinet have held eight engagement sessions, with the last held in the Free State in March 2026. The engagements are aimed at encouraging closer collaboration between the national government and the provinces to tackle service delivery challenges.

Recently, Deputy President Paul Mashatile also revisited the Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West where water and sanitation, unreliable electricity supply and poor road infrastructure among other issues, were flagged by community members during his visit in January 2026.

During his oversight visit to the municipality in May 2026, the Deputy President said efforts to stabilise the municipality, including the deployment of seasoned former Free State Director-General Kopung Ralikontsane to help rebuild and strengthen the municipality, which Cabinet placed under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution, were underway. 

Section 139 of the Constitution speaks to provincial intervention in local government.

In addition, a National Cabinet Representative (NCR), through whom the Cabinet will attend to the situation in this municipality on a day-to-day basis, has also been appointed. The NCR is a multi-disciplinary team under the supervision of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Treasury.

Furthermore, as the voice of the people, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), as one of the two houses of Parliament that represents provincial and local interests at the national level, recently embarked on its “Taking Parliament to the People” programme, which President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed on Friday, 15 May 2026, in the North West. In this programme communities are engaged on their concerns and issues. 

With its core function amongst others, including the oversight of local and provincial government, the NCOP acts as a bridge that makes sure that provincial and local concerns inform the country’s national policy and legislation. This shows that policies and legislation are not drawn up in a vacuum.

As citizens, we need to take an active interest in the running of our country; it is not the sole job of the state. Let us participate in fixing our municipalities by commenting on the White Paper and refusing to participate in corrupt activities in our municipalities. Let us not connect water and electricity illegally, let us pay for the services we use and not ignore municipal bills.

The clock is ticking; if we all play our part, we can turn the fortunes of municipalities around. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Public comment on Whistleblowers Bill closed, Parly public process to follow

Source: Government of South Africa

Public comment on Whistleblowers Bill closed, Parly public process to follow

The opportunity for public comments on the Protected Disclosures Bill will not be extended with the window to do so having closed last week, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said.

This as Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi emphasised the urgent need to have the Bill processed as soon as possible.

“Failure to expeditiously conclude this framework for the protection of whistleblowers will have grave consequences for the individuals who put the lives in danger to expose wrongdoing and corruption.

“A further extension will not be in the interest of whistleblowers and our justice system. I must emphasise that organisations and individuals will still have an opportunity to make comments on the Bill when Parliament opens for public participation,” Kubayi explained.

The department said the window for submissions closed on Thursday last week with calls by “some organisations for the window to be extended for them to submit their comments”.

“The department…has received a significant number of comments from various organisations and individuals, which will be processed to enrich the draft bill for submission to Parliament.

“Given the lacuna that currently exists on the legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers, the Minister deems it necessary to expeditiously conclude this framework for the protection of lives and livelihoods of individuals who come forward with information to expose criminal activities,” the department said on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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African Energy Chamber (AEC) to Position Africa as South America’s Next Strategic Energy Frontier at Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL) Conference 2026

Source: APO


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The upcoming ARPEL Conference—organized by the Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean taking place on June 1- 4 in Buenos Aires will serve as a primary catalyst for building a new cross-Atlantic energy corridor. Convening regional stakeholders and energy leaders from South America and the Caribbean, the event offers a strategic platform to advance South American commercial interests in Africa, opening doors for institutional technology transfer, cross-continental investment, and shared operational experiences. Centering this narrative at the summit, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) will lead a delegation to Buenos Aires, with Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk scheduled to brief regional operators on the expanding scope of bilateral market entries.

Ayuk’s participation comes as Africa enters one of its most active upstream investment cycles in over a decade. The continent is expected to see upstream capital expenditure of approximately $41 billion in 2026, while licensing rounds and new market entry opportunities continue to expand across Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea. Emerging markets such as Namibia have already witnessed 60% exploration success in recent years, while new discoveries made in Ivory Coast and expanded drilling activities both onshore and offshore unlock pathways for commercial developments. Companies that establish themselves as early-movers stand to capture this value, highlighting a unique opportunity for South American companies, particularly those with proven frontier experience.

Perhaps one of the most strategic partnership avenues is the natural gas sector. For its part, Africa is rapidly positioning itself as one of the world’s next LNG hubs, with companies moving to unlock resources in proven – yet undeveloped – margins. Up to 140 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of discovered yet undeveloped resources lie in the Mozambique’s Rovuma (129 tcf) and Nigeria’s Niger Delta (113 tcf) alone, highlighting the scale of opportunity across the continent. Africa already supplies 8.5% of global LNG, but with global geopolitical events tightening global supply chains, this figure is expected to quadruple by 2050.

Another growth frontier is Africa’s shale gas market. While the continent possesses some of the world’s largest untapped shale resources, many countries continue to face operational and technical barriers to commercialization. Algeria alone holds more than 700 tcf of un-risked shale gas resources, while countries such as South Africa and Tanzania are evaluating tight gas and shale opportunities of their own.

South America’s expertise in gas production positions it as a key partner for Africa. Argentina’s development of the Vaca Muerta shale formation – accounting for 70% of its gas production – has established operational expertise in horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing, completion design, supply chain optimization and unconventional regulatory management – capabilities many African markets are actively seeking. The country is currently one of the gas biggest producers in the region, with production corresponding to 4.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d), alongside Brazil which currently produces 5.4 bcf/d – primarily from associated oil projects. Other markets such as Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela offer proven experience in LNG, cross-border energy infrastructure and export facilities.  

“The Atlantic is no longer a barrier; it is a commercial corridor. No nation in the Southern Hemisphere is better positioned to partner with Africa on unconventional energy development than Argentina. By exporting the hard-won expertise of Vaca Muerta, South American firms can capture early-stage value in Africa’s newest frontier basins,” says Ayuk.

These factors underscore South America’s value as a strategic partner for Africa, making a strong case for cross-Atlantic technology transfer, shared value chains and investments. The same technology that has been at the core of South America’s gas market are already operating in Africa. Notably, Golar LNG is advancing a multi-billion-dollar project in the Vaca Muerta shale formation, securing a two-decade-long charter for its FLNG unit last year. In Africa, the company pioneered FLNG solutions in Cameroon while supporting Senegal and Mauritania emergence as LNG producers through its Gimi vessel. 

As such, operational knowledge associated with FLNG infrastructure, offshore gas processing and midstream monetization is increasingly becoming a strategic advantage for companies seeking entry into African markets. The upcoming ARPEL Conference marks a strategic turning point for both South American, the Caribbean and Africa, laying the foundation for a South Atlantic energy revival while enabling two of the world’s biggest frontier regions the chance to examine world-class resources, similar development challenges and shared interest in ensuring energy revenues translate into lasting economic growth.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Afreximbank Posts Robust Q1 2026 Results with 25% Growth in Net Income and Improved Profitability

Source: APO


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African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) announced its results for the three months ended 31 March 2026. The results demonstrate continued resilience, disciplined balance sheet management and strong deal execution despite a challenging global operating environment.

The Group continued to expand its lending activities in Q1 2026, resulting in total credit exposure growing by 2% to reach a portfolio of US$42 billion, up from US$41 billion as of 31 December 2025. This performance reflects Afreximbank’s leading role as a Development Finance Institution (DFI) in financing trade and trade-enabling infrastructure, and its strategic contribution to economic resilience across Africa and the Caribbean.

Average loans and advances for Q1 2026 stood at US$32 billion, up 8% compared to the same period in the prior year, driving the recorded growth in interest income. The Group’s liquidity position remained strong, with cash and cash equivalents of US$5.6 billion, representing 14% of total assets, consistent with FY2025 and above the Bank’s strategic minimum.

Asset quality also remained strong, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at 2.40%, broadly in line with 2.43% at FY2025 and below industry average.

Shareholders’ funds increased to US$8.6 billion at 31 March 2026, up from US$8.4 billion at FY2025, supported by internally generated capital of US$268.9 million and new equity investments received during the quarter, underscoring the Bank’s continued ability to mobilise capital from its shareholders in support of its growth and development mandate.

The Group delivered strong profitability during the quarter.  Notwithstanding declining benchmark rates, total interest income rose by 14% year-on-year to reach US$813.6 million, while net interest income increased by 24% to US$510.0 million, compared with US$411.2 million in the first quarter of 2025. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio remained contained at 19%, well within the Group’s strategic ceiling of 30%. As a result, Profit for the period increased to US$268.9 million, up from US$215.4 million in Q1 2025.

The Group continued to maintain a strong capital position, with a capital adequacy ratio of 23% as at 31 March 2026, in line with the Bank’s long-term capital management targets.

During the quarter, Afreximbank continued to demonstrate its counter-cyclical role in response to external shocks. In March 2026, the Bank launched a US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme to help member countries mitigate adverse spillover effects from the Gulf crisis. The facility is designed to support liquidity, stabilise trade and payments, and address supply-side disruptions, particularly in energy, tourism and aviation, fertilisers, food and other critical imports.

The Bank also continued to deploy targeted financing and advisory support to strengthen trade flows, industrial capacity and economic resilience across Africa and CARICOM. Regional integration received further momentum following South Africa’s ratification of the Bank’s Establishment Agreement in February 2026, bringing one of Africa’s largest and most diversified economies into the Bank’s membership and giving the Bank full continental coverage.

Highlights of the results for Afreximbank Group are shown below:

Financial Performance Metrics

Q1’2026

Q1’2025

Gross Income (US$ million)

874.1

784.9

Net Income (US$ million)

268.9

215.4

Return on average equity (ROAE)

13%

12%

Return on average assets (ROAA)

2.62%

2.38%

Cost-to-income ratio

19%

16%

Financial Position Metrics

Q1’2026

FY’2025

Total Assets (US$ billion)

41.7

42.3

Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

33.0

33.9

Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

8.6

8.4

Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

2.40%

2.43%

Cash/Total assets

14%

14%

Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)

23%

          23%

Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

“Against a backdrop of continued global uncertainty, heightened geopolitical risks and tight financial conditions, the Group delivered a resilient first-quarter performance, underpinned by disciplined balance sheet management, sound asset quality and strong capital and liquidity buffers. The growth in net interest income and profitability demonstrates the strength of our operating model and the continued relevance of our mandate. Our swift launch of the US$10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme further underscores Afreximbank’s counter-cyclical role in supporting member countries during periods of disruption. We remain focused on stabilising trade flows, easing liquidity pressures and advancing the industrial and economic transformation of Africa and the Caribbean.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A strong supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2025, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$48.5 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$8.4 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), GCR (A), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-), and Moody’s (Baa2). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

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Africa: Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) programme scales up soil fertility monitoring through Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy

Source: APO


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A three-week training on advanced soil monitoring using Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR spectroscopy) has been launched at the FAO/IAEA Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear techniques in Food and Agriculture, in Seibersdorf, Austria.

The training, organized under the Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) programme, brings together soil scientists and laboratory specialists from five key partner countries, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya and Zambia, to strengthen their capacities in generating reliable and high-quality soil data for sustainable soil management and improved agricultural decision-making.

Soil fertility is a cornerstone of productive and resilient agrifood systems. However, in many countries, limited access to accurate, timely and affordable soil data continues to constrain efficient and sustainable fertilizer use and land management practices. Conventional soil analysis methods are often costly, time-consuming, and dependent on chemical inputs that may be difficult to access. MIR spectroscopy offers a transformative solution. This technology enables rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput analysis of soil properties, including organic carbon, texture and nutrient indicators, while requiring simpler sample preparation procedures such as drying, grinding and milling. By significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency, MIR spectroscopy makes large-scale soil monitoring more accessible and scalable.  

Science, innovation, data and capacity development of national institutions are at the heart of FAO’s work to support sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. The SoilFER programme, funded by the United States Department of State and the Government of Japan, is led by FAO, through its Land and Water Division with specialized expertise from the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, and supports countries in strengthening their soil information systems and laboratory capacities, translating advanced science into practical tools to produce more and better.

“At a time of unprecedented pressure on agrifood systems, the ability of countries to take sound, science-based decisions for managing their soils and water has become a strategic asset. SoilFER provides the foundation for countries and farmers to decide where to plant, what to plant, and how to plant, grounded in data, science and national ownership.”  said Nora Berrahmouni, Deputy Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division.[GS1] 

At the forefront of scientific innovation, the FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratories in Seibersdorf act as global hubs of excellence, equipping Members with advanced technologies and specialized expertise to tackle urgent agricultural and environmental issues. By harnessing nuclear and related techniques, the laboratories drive transformative solutions for sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. The training provides participants with hands-on experience across the full soil analysis workflow, from sampling and laboratory procedures to spectral data acquisition, processing and modelling. 

“This training is a key step in empowering countries to generate the soil data needed for informed decision-making and sustainable agricultural development. By combining technological innovation with practical application, we are helping to build lasting national capacities.” said Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre. “This training also demonstrates an exemplary internal cooperation at FAO”, added Feng.

Over the course of three weeks, participants will develop practical skills that can be directly applied in their national laboratories. The knowledge gained is expected to contribute to the development of robust soil information systems and to support evidence-based policies and practices for improved soil fertility management.

By improving access to reliable soil data and promoting innovative approaches to soil monitoring, the SoilFER programme supports countries in making better decisions on fertilizer use, land management and crop suitability, contributing to more productive and resilient agrifood systems while supporting soil health, farmers’ livelihoods and food security.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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Parliament marks 30 years of the Constitution

Source: Government of South Africa

Parliament marks 30 years of the Constitution

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has hailed South Africa’s Constitution as the foundation of the country’s democratic success, while urging citizens and leaders to confront ongoing challenges and help shape a prosperous future for Africa.

Delivering an address at a colloquium marking 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution in Parliament in Cape Town on Friday, Didiza said the event formed part of a week-long celebration of Africa Day and provided an opportunity to reflect on both the country’s constitutional journey and Africa’s development trajectory.

She said Africa Day was more than a commemorative occasion, describing it as a moment for the continent to assess progress towards achieving “the Africa we want”. 

Didiza highlighted key African Union initiatives, including the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Lagos Plan of Action and Agenda 2063, as important frameworks that have laid the groundwork for economic resilience, development and continental integration.

She praised the work of the Pan-African Parliament in developing model laws that have helped harmonise legislative frameworks across the continent.

“Here in South Africa, as we reflect on Africa Day, we do so in a context where we mark 30 years since the country promulgated the Constitution, the supreme law that laid the foundation of the South African constitutional democracy we want,” Didiza said.

The colloquium, hosted in partnership with University of South Africa, brings together academics, activists, young people, business leaders and policymakers to discuss contemporary challenges facing Africa and the role of democratic institutions in shaping the continent’s future.

According to Didiza, the gathering provides a platform to examine South Africa’s constitutional journey, including achievements and shortcomings in democratic governance, institutional legitimacy and public trust.

Reflecting on the country’s path to democracy, she traced the roots of the Constitution to historic milestones such as the Freedom Charter and the Harare Declaration, which helped define the vision and principles that later informed the constitutional settlement.

“Thirty years into a democratic dispensation, we have laid the foundations of strong institutions that have been the architecture of the country we wanted,” she said.

Didiza pointed to Parliament’s legislative achievements, the role of an independent judiciary, constitutional bodies and civil society in protecting human rights, and government programmes aimed at addressing social and economic challenges.

She acknowledged the contribution of academics and researchers in informing governance reforms and helping policymakers understand the social and economic impact of legislation.

While celebrating progress, the Speaker stressed the importance of continued reflection on the challenges facing South Africa’s democracy. 

She expressed confidence that the colloquium would generate valuable insights on how the country can navigate the next three decades while remaining grounded in constitutional values and principles. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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SA, Botswana adopt joint action plan to tackle FMD

Source: Government of South Africa

SA, Botswana adopt joint action plan to tackle FMD

The Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has welcomed the endorsement of a comprehensive 2026-2028 Action Plan between South Africa and Botswana, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

The agreement formed part of discussions during the Sixth Session of the South Africa and Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone on Thursday. 

Steenhuisen said the plan marked an important step towards coordinated regional efforts to combat transboundary animal diseases that continue to threaten livestock production, rural livelihoods and agricultural trade.

“With FMD posing an ongoing regional threat to livestock production, rural livelihoods and agricultural trade, it is clear that no country can defeat this disease in isolation,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister called for the urgent implementation of coordinated cross-border interventions, including vaccination campaigns and border fence maintenance.

“The old saying tells us that good fences make good neighbours, but in the face of FMD, strong and properly maintained border fences help protect the livestock industries, livelihoods and agricultural economies of both our nations. 

“Securing our borders is not about division. It is about building a coordinated regional biosecurity system capable of managing transboundary animal disease risks effectively,” the Minister said.

Collaboration on the prevention and management of FMD was identified as one of the High Impact Priority Projects of the BNC, with the Ministers responsible for Agriculture directed to accelerate the implementation of the Plan of Action aimed at eradicating transboundary diseases and enhance market access for each other’s agriculture products.

The BNC welcomed the agreement by the Ministers of Agriculture to strengthen disease management cooperation by establishing a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD) Plan, covering key border regions such as Lobatse-Mahikeng and Francistown-Musina.

“Strengthening of diagnostic capacity, coordinated cross border vaccination programmes, maintenance of border fences, and joint livestock farmer exchange and training programmes will all play an important role in safeguarding our livestock industries eradication of diseases and against future outbreaks,” the Minister said.

According to the law enforcement agencies of both countries, stock theft is the number one crime between the two countries.

The agreement to establish the cross-border Stock Theft Management Task Force by September 2026, will mitigate the current high levels of stock theft that is negatively affecting farmers on both sides of the border.

The Minister emphasised that improved traceability systems are critical in managing disease outbreaks and also in tackling stock theft, improving animal movement control, strengthening food safety, and facilitating regional agricultural trade.

The Minister commended the agreement by South Africa and Botswana to champion regional biosecurity cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which comes ahead of the upcoming SADC Agriculture Ministerial Meeting, which will be held in Zimbabwe on 29 May 2026, and chaired by Steenhuisen.

The meeting will place the development of a unified regional strategy for the control and eradication of FMD under the spotlight.

Steenhuisen reiterated that diseases do not recognise borders.

“One of the clearest lessons from countries in Southern America that have successfully controlled FMD is that regional coordination is essential. Southern Africa must therefore move towards a far more integrated and coordinated regional biosecurity approach, and the establishment of a regional antigen bank is the ultimate goal,” he said.

Import restrictions on agricultural products

The ongoing issue of restrictions on certain South African agricultural exports into Botswana also formed an important part of bilateral discussions.

Steenhuisen noted South Africa’s concern regarding instances where agricultural exports have reportedly faced border restrictions without prior formal communication, despite previous understandings reached during the 2022 Bi-National Commission process.

He said trade matters affecting the two countries should always be addressed through constructive engagement, transparency, mutual respect, and amicable bilateral solutions.

“The commissions endorse a Communication Protocol and establishment of a Bilateral Agricultural Trade Task Team by June 2026. These are the mechanisms to enhance market access by improving communication, strengthening institutional cooperation, and proactively resolving trade-related concerns before they escalate.

“Greater coordination and transparency will provide increased certainty to producers, exporters, retailers and agricultural stakeholders on both sides of the border, while strengthening the long-term agricultural relationship between our countries,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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