Category: MIL-OSI

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Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Hold Business Connect Forum & Expo in Butembo to Discuss Opportunities for Growth in Trade and Commerce – 17th – 18th October, Butembo

Source: APO


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In a bid to increase the volume and value of trade between Uganda and thr DRC, Uganda Embassy in Kinshasa partnering with public and private sector stakeholders both in Uganda and DRC are holding a Business Connect Forum and Expo in the city of Butembo, eastern DRC. Under the theme “Strengthening Business Linkages for Socio-economic transformation,” the Business Forum aims to connect businesses in both countries for mutually beneficial growth in trade and commerce.  

During this event, senior representatives of the two countries will be discussing the existing barriers to trade and find workable solutions to speedily create a sustainable enabling environment for business to flourish.

Representing the DRC government are H.E. Julien Paluku, Minister of External Trade of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E Evariste Somo Kakule, Governor of North Kivu Province, and Hon. Sylvain Kanyamanda Mbusa, Mayor of Butembo city among others. The Ugandan delegation to the Forum includes Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Minister of State for Trade, Amb. Alhajji Farid M. Kaliisa, Uganda’s Ambassador to Kinshasa, senior officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, representatives from the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI), and members of the business community.

The Business Forum and Expo in Butembo  has attracted over 50 business enterprises in various product lines and exhibitors from Uganda for business networking with DRC business community especially from Beni, Butembo, Kisangani, Goma and Bukavu. Made-in-Uganda products being showcased include Agro-products, poultry and dairy, Agro-farm inputs, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, apparels and various construction materials. 

Butembo is the second largest city in North Kivu Province, with a sizeable population of businesses that have links to as far as Kinshasa. Uganda’s strategic location makes it a crucial gateway into and out of eastern DRC.

With support from the European Union and Trademark Africa (TMA), Uganda and DRC are implementing the Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands Program aimed at transforming cross-border trade into a pathway for peace and economic growth. The program seeks to promote regional integration, empower small-scale traders, and ensure the free movement of people and goods between the two countries. 

The two countries are also jointly implementing the construction of key roads viewed as having mutual economic benefit. The roads include Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni (80km), Beni-Butembo (54km) and Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma road (89km). The road projects have opened accessibility of Ugandan products in several cities in eastern DRC. Once completed, the roads will reduce on the cost of doing business and create enormous opportunities for the people of both countries.

According to UBOS, the value of Uganda’s exports to DRC  increased from $432.4 million in 2016/17 to $981.5 million in 2024/25. Similarly, DRC exports to Uganda have increased from US$23 billion  in 2020 to US$ 59.8 billion in the year 2024. This upward trajectory is attributed to improvement in the security environment, commencement of improvement in transport infrastructure as well as the opening up of the DRC market following entry into the East African Community. According to Amb. Kaliisa, the various strategies being implemented have the potential to boost the value of Uganda’s exports to DRC to US$2 billion in the next few years. 

In their remarks at the opening of the Business Forum, the leaders emphasized the role of sustainable peace and security, noting that trade can only thrive in a transparent, predictable and free environment, a goal the two countries must work together to achieve. They also decried the existing Non Tariff Barriers to trade including prohibitive administrative practices and discriminatory taxes tendencies that discourage seamless trade across the borders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Tanzania: Authorities instil climate of fear and step up repression ahead of general elections

Source: APO


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Tanzanian authorities have intensified their repression of dissent against the opposition, journalists, civil society and human rights defenders in a deliberate strategy to instil fear, suppress civic engagement and entrench power, Amnesty International said today in a briefing released ahead of the country’s general elections on 29 October.

The general election is expected to be dominated by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party, with the two main opposition presidential candidates locked out from contesting. Last month Luhaga Mpina was disqualified for a second time from running, while Tundu Lissu of the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), the biggest opposition party, is on trial for treason.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government has dashed hopes for reform. Instead, under her watch, authorities have continued and intensified repressive practices targeting opposition leaders, civil society, journalists, and dissenting voices, including through assaults, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, with nobody held accountable,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s regional director for East and Southern Africa.

“Political opponents have faced politically motivated charges and in some cases their right to contest the vote has been denied.”

Authorities must end their unacceptable campaign of repression against dissent, which has escalated since the last elections five years ago. They must immediately and unconditionally drop trumped up and politically motivated charges against all those detained solely for expressing political and religious views or other beliefs, including opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

For the briefing, “Unopposed, unchecked, unjust:  The disquiet beneath the 2025 Tanzania vote” Amnesty interviewed 43 victims, witnesses, family members of victims, legal representatives, and members of civil society organizations, and collated reports of attacks from media sources. All documented cases were verified through multiple independent sources where possible.

The Tanzanian authorities did not respond to Amnesty’s request for comment.

Abductions and unlawful killings

Amnesty International also documented widespread and systematic human rights violations—including enforced disappearances and torture and other ill-treatment, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures and activists.

The Tanganyika Law Society documented 83 cases of people going missing under mysterious circumstances as of August 9, 2024.

On 7 September 2024, the body of Ali Mohammed Kibao, a senior strategist for Chadema, was found dumped near the shores of the Indian Ocean a day after being abducted from a bus in Dar es Salaam.

On 26 July 2024, Dioniz Kipanya, a Chadema party official, disappeared when he left home following a telephone conversation with an unidentified person. He is yet to be found. More than a year since Chadema youth activists Deusdedith Soka and Jacob Mlay, and Frank Mbise, a motorcycle taxi driver, were abducted by a group of men suspected to be police officers, their whereabouts remain unknown.

Amnesty International is calling for prompt and rigorous investigations into all reported abductions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and attacks, and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

Use of the criminal justice system and laws to repress the opposition

The authorities have also weaponized the criminal justice system against political opponents.

Opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in detention facing charges for the non bailable offence of treason and publishing false statements, following comments he made on social media and on YouTube on 3 April 2025.On 24 April 2025, police arrested dozens of supporters outside the Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court, where Lissu was appearing. Many later reported being harassed, beaten, and subjected to treatment that may amount to torture or other ill-treatment, before being abandoned in remote areas such as Ununio and Pande Forest, about 43 km from central Dar es Salaam.

“Out of nowhere, a man who was wielding a long, pointed object jammed it through the inner ankle of my left leg, which left a gaping wound that was squirting blood. Through my bloodied eyes, I noticed that several of my captors were filming the ordeal, while laughing at and taunting us,” said one survivor.

In the run up to the elections, authorities have passed flawed laws and regulations that have further suppressed civic space, most notably amendments to the Political Parties Affairs Laws Act 2024 and the Independent National Electoral Commission Act 2024.

“Sadly, authorities have spent the last five years ripping apart the constitution. They have ramped up their clampdown on the civic space and the right to participate freely in elections through the passing of deeply flawed legislation that not only create room for violation of human rights but also attest to their zero tolerance of any opposing views both offline and online,” said Tigere Chagutah. of any opposing views both offline and online,” said Tigere Chagutah.

Restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly, movement, association, expression and the media

Tanzanian authorities have systematically banned, disrupted, or violently dispersed peaceful gatherings, particularly those organized by opposition parties. Opposition leaders and activists have faced severe restrictions on their freedom of movement that have effectively prevented them from conducting normal political activities.

On 13 May 2025, Chadema deputy secretary general Amani Golugwa was arrested at Julius Nyerere International Airport as he was preparing to travel to Brussels to attend the International Democracy Union Forum. He said the police questioned him about allegedly sending information to individuals in the European Parliament. “They claimed that the information I shared dishonoured the country and may have contributed to the European Parliament issuing sanctions against Tanzania,” he added.“Without sustained pressure from Tanzania’s regional and international partners to reverse the clampdown on freedom of expression and human rights generally, the 2025 elections risk becoming a procedural exercise devoid of legitimacy, conducted in an environment where fear, violence, and exclusion have replaced open political participation,” said Tigere Chagutah.

Background

In a 2020 report, “Lawfare: Repression by Law ahead of Tanzania’s General Elections”,  Amnesty International highlighted worrying human rights situation in the lead up to the polls and called on the Tanzanian authorities to respect and uphold human rights throughout the vote and after.

On 19 March 2021, Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as the President of Tanzania, becoming the country’s first female head of state following the death of President John Pombe Magufuli. Her initial months in office were marked by a series of policy shifts that signalled a departure from the repressive governance style of her predecessor. These included lifting bans on certain media outlets and allowing opposition political parties to resume public rallies which had been arbitrarily restricted under President Magufuli’s administration. President Hassan also publicly committed to constitutional reforms and fostering a more inclusive political environment.

Despite these initial reforms, repression has intensified under President Hassan, particularly as the country approaches general elections on 29 October.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

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President Ramkalawan Congratulates Young Seychellois Boxer Jade Micock on Winning Gold in Russia

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, has extended heartfelt congratulations to 18-year-old Seychellois boxer, Jade Micock, following his remarkable gold medal victory in the 80kg category at the Rostov-on-Don Youth Boxing Championship being held in Russia.

President Ramkalawan commended Jade for his outstanding performance and unwavering determination, noting that his triumph has brought immense pride and joy to the entire nation.

“Jade’s exceptional achievement at such a young age is a powerful reflection of discipline, dedication, and national pride. He has once again shown that with focus and hard work, Seychellois youth can excel on the world stage. On behalf of the Government and the people of Seychelles, I extend our warmest congratulations to Jade and his coaching team for this historic accomplishment,” said President Ramkalawan.

The nation celebrates this proud moment with Jade, whose golden victory has once again raised the Seychelles flag high on the international sporting arena.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Gwarube to brief media on 2025 matric exams readiness

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, October 19, 2025

The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, will hold a press briefing on Monday, 20 October 2025, to present the state of readiness for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. 

The annual matric exams are an important milestone in South Africa’s basic education calendar.

During the briefing, Gwarube will outline:

•    The total number of candidates registered to write the 2025 NSC exams.
•    The number and distribution of examination centres across provinces.
•    The support measures put in place to assist learners in preparation for the exams.
•    The readiness of learners to sit for the examinations.
•    The readiness of the basic education system to effectively administer and manage the exams nationwide.
•    Threats detected and mitigation strategies. 

According to the department, the Minister will be joined by the Members of Executive Councils (MECs) for Education from the various provinces.

Members of the media are invited to attend the briefing at Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre, Skukuza, Mpumalanga, starting at 12 pm. – SAnews.gov.za

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Last Ebola patient in Democratic Republic of the Congo discharged

Source: APO


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The last Ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was discharged today, marking an important milestone in the efforts to end the outbreak. The recovery kicks off a 42-day countdown to declaring the outbreak over if no further cases are confirmed.

A total of 19 patients have recovered from the disease. No new cases have been reported since 25 September. In total, 64 cases (53 confirmed and 11 probable) have been reported since the outbreak was declared on 4 September in Bulape health zone, in Kasai Province.

The outbreak occurred in a rural and hard-to-reach locality. Despite the challenges of distance, poor roads, and limited infrastructure, the Ministry of Health, with strong support from World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, acted swiftly to scale up outbreak response measures.  

WHO deployed multidisciplinary teams to strengthen surveillance, clinical care, infection prevention and control, logistics, community engagement and other key response measures.  A 32-bed Ebola treatment centre, fitted with a two-bed Intensive Infectious Disease Treatment Module (IIDTM), was set up in record time, the first deployment of its kind outside a simulation exercise setting in the region. Additionally, more than 35 000 people have been vaccinated against Ebola in Bulape.

“The recovery of the last patient just six weeks after the outbreak was declared is a remarkable achievement that shows how strong partnership, national expertise and determination have contributed to overcoming challenges to save and protect lives,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

WHO and partners remain on the ground, working closely with government to ensure measures are maintained to swiftly detect and respond to any cases as the country counts down to the end of the outbreak.

If no new cases are detected, the outbreak will be declared over in early December 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

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SA’s nuclear industrialisation plan aims to drive economic and energy capacity

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa is preparing to develop a comprehensive nuclear industrialisation plan that goes far beyond simply converting nuclear energy into electricity, according to Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

“It’s not just about converting nuclear energy into electricity. It’s about what benefits the South African economy and what components within the nuclear fuel cycle we can domesticate or localise,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister was speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, where he unveiled the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 following its approval by Cabinet on Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

The R2.2 trillion IRP is a comprehensive strategy that outlines the allocation of South Africa’s primary energy resources, ensuring that the country’s electricity demand is met sustainably and cost-effectively.

By 2039, government aims to add 105 000 megawatts of new generation capacity – effectively building Eskom “two and a half times” its current size.

Key highlights include 11 270 megawatts of solar photovoltaics (PV) by 2030; 7 340 megawatts of wind energy; 6 000 megawatts of gas-to-power, and 5 200 megawatts of new nuclear capacity.

“Nuclear is a big part of our conversation. We’re building 5 200 megawatts of new nuclear capacity in this country. I have made the point that the State will not prevaricate.

“The State will ensure that we are very deliberate, we are transparent in the way we are going to procure this clean energy technology solution. Nuclear… is a big part of what we’ll be doing.”

According to Ramokgopa, the strategy involves close collaboration with scientists to identify specific opportunities for local manufacturing and economic development.

“You know that we have haemorrhaged the skills the [of the] scientists [who] have left as a result of us not building any new nuclear programme. They have left and are all over the world. It’s important that the industrialisation plan also answers the questions: where are the skills going to come from, and how are we going to generate the pipeline of skills going into the future?”

Ramokgopa recognised that there is a shortage of skills needed to support this programme. To address this, he is collaborating with universities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, particularly in the fields of engineering related to the built environment and nuclear issues.

“The second risk that sits here is that our industry has been decimated. Historically, we’ve had the big five construction companies. I think now we’re only left with one. If we are going to ramp up this build programme… we’re likely not to have an industry that is in a position to take advantage of these opportunities.”

The Minister said government will meet with industry players to determine how they can increase their capacity to meet the demands of this programme. 

“Of course, the assurance they want from us is that we’re not going to start and stop.”

With over 20 countries committing to expanding nuclear energy at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP28, South Africa sees this as a strategic economic opportunity.

He announced that aspects of the proposed plan include identifying localisable components in the nuclear fuel cycle, exploring small modular reactor (SMR) technologies, developing local industrial capabilities and creating employment opportunities in the nuclear sector.

The Minister noted that globally, around 100 SMR technologies are currently at various feasibility stages, with potential for significant commercial development.

In addition, he said 40 of the world’s top financial institutions have committed to financing nuclear projects, providing additional confidence in the sector’s future.

“We want to develop a nuclear industrialisation plan that creates jobs, builds industries, and supports our broader economic transformation,” the Minister told the media.

Ramokgopa believes that the plan represents a strategic approach to leveraging nuclear technology not just as an energy solution, but as a catalyst for broader industrial development and economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

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President El-Sisi Attends the 42nd Cultural Symposium Marking October War Victory 1973

Source: APO – Report:

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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attended the 42nd cultural symposium organized by the Armed Forces, as part of Egypt’s celebrations of the 52nd anniversary of the glorious October Victory, held at the Al-Manara International Conference Center.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the celebration began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by performances titled “The Origin of the Story” and “And We Triumphed”, in addition to screening a documentary titled “The October War.”

After the documentary ended, a number of heroes of the October War appeared on stage, where a commemorative photo was taken with the President. The performance titled: “Art in Building Awareness,” was followed by a documentary titled “Wars That Never End.” Afterwards, there was an artistic performance featuring the choir of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. After honoring 11 heroes of the glorious October War, the President delivered a speech in which he highlighted Egypt’s major achievements in the month of October, foremost among them is the great October Victory of 1973.

The President also pointed out that October of this year witnessed the end of the war in the Gaza Strip, and the election of Dr. Khaled El-Enany to the position of Director-General of UNESCO. The President extended his greetings to Dr. El-Enany and his family, affirming the state’s full support for him in ensuring the success of his new international mission.President El-Sisi also mentioned Egypt’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council and expressed hope for Egypt’s success in winning the position of Director-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The President reviewed Egypt’s intensive efforts over the past two years to stop the war in the Gaza Strip, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and release hostages and captives. This path culminated in a ceasefire agreement and the holding of the peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. In this context, President El-Sisi thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts in supporting endeavors to stop the war.

The President announced that Egypt will host an international conference for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip in November 2025 and called upon the Egyptian people to actively contribute to the reconstruction efforts as an expression of solidarity, responsibility, and cordiality for the Palestinian brothers. The President tasked the prime minister with coordinating with civil society institutions and relevant state authorities to study the establishment of a national mechanism to collect contributions and donations from citizens to finance the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

With regard to the challenges facing the country, the President emphasized that Egypt has gone through difficult circumstances over the past two years and emphasized the important role of the media and the arts in raising public awareness, disseminating facts, and protecting the country from misinformation campaigns.

Regarding the economic situation, the President praised the Egyptian people’s patience and endurance, stressing that the measures taken by the state aim to achieve real and radical reform, far from the policy of postponement or neglect. The President emphasized that confronting economic challenges requires planning, implementation, and a conscious popular will, noting that the state carefully considers its decisions and makes them without hesitation when the public interest requires it. The President affirmed that he feels the suffering of the citizens, as he is one of them, and that overcoming this difficult stage will take place with Allah’s help and the efforts and dedication of the Egyptians people.

Concluding his speech, the President expressed his deep appreciation for the late President Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat, commending his courage in taking the crossing decision to restore national dignity after the 1967 defeat. The President emphasized that the state is determined to overcome challenges and build a bright future for the coming generations.

– on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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Kayanza accueille son nouvel Administrateur présenté par le Président Ndayishimiye

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République du Burundi, Son Excellence Evariste Ndayishimiye, a procédé ce samedi 18 octobre, au stade Gatwaro de Kayanza, à la présentation officielle de Monsieur Niyonizigiye Godefroid, nouvel Administrateur communal de Kayanza, en province Butanyerera devant une foule en liesse composée d’habitants et de cadres natifs dont le Président de l’assemblé nationale, venus accueillir et témoigner leur soutien à leur nouveau dirigeant.

Dans son discours, le Chef de l’Etat burundais a exhorté le nouvel Administrateur à unir et servir la population, à guider la commune sur la voie du développement et à valoriser les talents de chacun. Il a salué les résultats déjà visibles de la mise en commun des terres à Kayanza, invitant à appliquer le même esprit collaboratif dans l’exploitation des ressources naturelles.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a également encouragé la population à soutenir leur dirigeant et à respecter les orientations de l’administration locale, gage de stabilité et de progrès. Il a insisté sur la nécessité de préserver la confiance démocratique exprimée lors des élections et de se protéger des influences négatives susceptibles d’entraver le développement communautaire.

Abordant la question de l’éducation, le Chef de l’Etat burundais a lancé un appel aux entrepreneurs pour qu’ils investissent dans la construction de dortoirs scolaires, dans le cadre de la politique nationale visant à développer les écoles à régime d’internat. Ce modèle éducatif permettra d’inculquer le savoir-vivre, de favoriser la découverte des différentes régions du pays et de renforcer le patriotisme de la jeunesse.

En marge de la cérémonie, le Président Ndayishimiye s’est rendu sur la colline Kinga, où il a salué le travail de la fédération des coopératives Umugwiza de Kayanza, engagée dans une plantation d’avocats de 10 hectares et dans l’élevage porcin.

Dans la même journée, le Père de la Nation a visité à Bujumbura divers sites de stockage et d’achat de minerais, dont le coltan, la cassitérite, l’opale, l’agate, l’améthyste et le quartz vert, dans le but de promouvoir une exploitation responsable et transparente, afin que ces richesses contribuent pleinement à l’économie nationale.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Ramokgopa unveils massive R2.2 trillion electricity plan to revive economy

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced an ambitious Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 aimed at resolving the country’s long-standing electricity crisis and jump-starting economic growth. 

Government plans to invest R2.2 trillion, which is about 30% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), in a comprehensive energy transformation strategy.

This comes after last week’s announcement by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, of Cabinet approving a new roadmap. 

“As a result of the lights being off, the South African economy has not been able to grow, as they say in economics. Electricity has been a structural constraint to the South African economy,” Ramokgopa said at a Sunday media briefing. 

He highlighted how persistent power shortages have stunted economic development and contributed to high unemployment rates. 

“Now that we have turned the corner on load shedding, we are addressing the future. Energy now ceases to be a crisis; energy and electricity are going to be a catalyst for growth,” Ramokgopa. 

The IRP aims to address electricity supply issues, promote economic growth, and create jobs, targeting a 3% GDP growth by 2030. 

“There is no economy that grows if the lights are off. There are no industries that will decide to locate in South Africa if we can’t guarantee them available electricity that is of good quality and that is affordable.”

The move also introduces a dramatic shift in the country’s energy mix, with cleaner energy sources like hydro, nuclear, wind, and solar set to surpass coal for the first time in the nation’s history. 

By 2039, government aims to add 105 000 megawatts of new generation capacity – effectively building Eskom “two and a half times” its current size.

Key highlights include 11 270 megawatts of solar photovoltaics (PV) by 2030; 7 340 megawatts of wind energy; 6 000 megawatts of gas-to-power, and 5 200 megawatts of new nuclear capacity. 

Currently, 58% of installed capacity comes from coal, with 10% from rooftop PV, 10% from grid-connected solar PV, 8% from wind, and 3% from nuclear sources.

The Minister also acknowledged two primary challenges, including a limited skills pipeline and a decimated construction industry. 

However, he stressed that government remains committed to transforming South Africa’s energy landscape and creating economic opportunities.

“This is not just an electricity programme, but a response to an economic question,” the Minister said. 

He underscored the plan’s broader ambitions of economic revival and job creation.

“We’re talking about growth, industrialisation, new skills, and resuscitating collapsed industries,” he said.

The Minister also took the time to stress the plan’s energy security, reducing load shedding, and ensuring affordable electricity.

“We want to ensure that each household has access to this electricity, and this electricity is affordable, and we can guarantee it into the future. That’s the point that we are making.”

Ramokgopa believes that human development has a relationship with GDP growth. 

“For as long as there is no electricity, for as long as the lights are off, we are going to undermine the country’s potential to achieve its ambitions of growth and ensure that we can attract the necessary investments, and then that the people of this country can grow at levels that our potential dictates. 

“That’s what we are resolving now. It’s not just about the megawatts. We are constructing a story about how we’re going to get the South African economy back on its feet.”

The strategy also commits to significant emissions reductions, targeting approximately 160 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent by 2030, declining to 142 million tonnes by 2035.

The Minister also announced that Eskom has already shown promising improvements, with the energy availability factor rising from 48% during peak load shedding to around 70% currently, providing a strong foundation for the ambitious energy transformation. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa uses G20 Presidency to champion Global South and debt relief

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has pledged that South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) will drive a strong Global South agenda focused on debt relief, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

Speaking at the recently held Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum (TABEF) in Istanbul, Mashatile said South Africa will use its leadership of the world’s most influential economic forum to “amplify the voices of developing nations” and push for a fairer global financial system.

“We aim to renew efforts to tackle the critical issue of debt sustainability, with a particular emphasis on Africa and the Global South.

“Our initiative will address weaknesses in the international debt architecture, including high financing costs and the prioritisation of debt service over essential development needs,” said Mashatile.

South Africa became the first African nation to assume the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’. Mashatile said this theme captures the country’s vision for a people-centred and inclusive global order.

He emphasised that South Africa’s G20 Presidency coincides with a pivotal moment for Africa’s representation in global governance, following the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20. 

“The AU’s six priorities for its participation in the G20 all find expression in South Africa’s theme,” he noted.

Mashatile also underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations, describing Türkiye as a key ally. 

“South Africa appreciates having partners such as Türkiye, whose stance on multilateral issues aligns with the ideals of the developing world,” he said, acknowledging Ankara’s early support for South Africa’s G20 leadership.

During his visit, the Deputy President co-chaired the inaugural session of the South Africa–Türkiye Bi-National Commission aimed at deepening political and economic cooperation. He urged both countries to unlock new possibilities in trade, investment, and technology.

“The future belongs to those who build together, who look beyond borders, and who transform shared aspirations into shared prosperity,” Mashatile said.

Outlining four priorities for South Africa’s G20 term, he highlighted the need to strengthen disaster resilience and response to climate-related crises, which continue to hit vulnerable nations hardest. He also called for renewed cooperation in science, technology, and innovation to drive growth across the Global South.

Invoking the African philosophy of ubuntu, Mashatile said the world’s challenges require collective solutions.

“Ubuntu reminds us of our shared humanity. It must guide our leadership in shaping a more equitable global order,” he concluded.

The Türkiye-Africa Business and Economic Forum brought together African ministers, business leaders, and Turkish officials to strengthen trade ties and discuss joint responses to global challenges. – SAnews.gov.za