Category: MIL-OSI

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Blended finance proves game-changer for WC farmers

Source: Government of South Africa

Blended finance proves game-changer for WC farmers

The Western Cape Government’s MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, has hailed the blended finance catalyst for agriculture as a “game-changer” for emerging and smallholder farmers.

Spearheaded by the national Department of Agriculture in partnership with financial institutions including Land Bank and ABSA, the Blended Finance Scheme is designed to reduce financial risk while increasing access to capital.

It targets historically disadvantaged individuals, particularly women, youth and people with disabilities, and supports investments in infrastructure, mechanisation, and value-adding enterprises.

“This model is about unlocking opportunity. It combines the strength of government grants with the discipline of private sector finance to empower our farmers to grow, compete, and thrive,” Meyer said. 

The MEC was addressing over 250 farmers and stakeholders at the national Department of Agriculture’s Blended Finance Roadshow, held in Paarl in the Drakenstein Municipality. 

The event, held on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, marked a significant milestone in the Western Cape Government’s ongoing efforts to support the commercialisation of Black producers and transform the agricultural sector.

Meyer emphasised the Western Cape’s commitment to agricultural transformation, food security, and rural development. 

“We are not just investing in farms; we are investing in people, in communities, and in the future of our province.”

The roadshow brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including 122 farmers from across the province’s eight districts, commodity organisations, extension practitioners, and representatives from the private sector. 

The event also featured a welcome address by Drakenstein Executive Mayor, Stephen Korabie, and showcased the province’s key agricultural commodities aligned with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan (AAMP), including deciduous fruit, wine grapes, citrus, grains, poultry, and red meat.

Meyer concluded by encouraging farmers to seize the opportunity presented by the scheme. 

“This is your time. Let us walk this journey together – government, financiers, and farmers – to build a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Changing gear: Eskom introduces first electric vehicle fleet

Source: Government of South Africa

Changing gear: Eskom introduces first electric vehicle fleet

In a move that marries its energy mandate with a vision for a sustainable future, state-owned power utility Eskom has officially plugged into the future of transport with the introduction of its inaugural fleet of electric vehicles.

The initiative is supported by the installation of some 10 charging stations on five sites aimed at supporting the adaptation of electric transportation.

The state-owned power utility described the move as “a major milestone” on the journey toward “sustainable transport and a cleaner energy future for all South Africans”.

“Eskom is driving South Africa’s shift to a cleaner, low-carbon future. Through e-mobility, we are cutting emissions, boosting innovation, and showing how sustainable energy solutions can create real benefits for communities and the economy. 

“We see ourselves as more than just an electricity provider – we are enablers of progress,” Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said.

The power utility’s Group Executive for Distribution, Agnes Mlambo, described the move as transformational.

“Eskom is taking steps to transform how South Africans move in a world where climate change is no longer a distant threat but an urgent reality. 

“The launch of these vehicles is not only about mobility; it is about reimagining the energy landscape, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring every community benefits from the transition to sustainable transport,” Mlambo said.

To date, the power utility has taken delivery of some 20 electric vehicles.

These vehicles range from light delivery vehicles to light trucks with another 100 planned for the near future. 

“These vehicles will be deployed primarily in the Distribution and Generation Divisions, supporting operations while demonstrating the practicality and benefits of e-mobility in South Africa.

“Eskom’s vision for e-mobility extends beyond vehicles. The organisation has committed to gradually transitioning its entire fleet to EVs, with the Distribution Division, which has the largest vehicle footprint, targeting full electrification by 2035.

“To enable this shift, Eskom will expand charging infrastructure across its sites and roll out 55 public EV charging stations over the next two years, creating opportunities for broader adoption,” the power utility said.

Furthermore, Eskom is also “prioritising grid readiness for e-mobility”.

EV load forecasting is integrated into long-term planning to ensure that increased electricity demand is managed effectively. 

Smart charging systems and time-of-use tariffs are being developed to optimise energy use, making EV ownership more affordable and sustainable for the public.

“Since 2021, Eskom has engaged with government, automotive manufacturers, petroleum companies, and research institutions to build a strong and integrated e-mobility framework for South Africa.

“Through e-mobility. Eskom is not only reducing emissions but also driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to a cleaner, healthier future for all South Africans. By embracing electric mobility, we are delivering tangible benefits to communities and the economy, while also pivoting into new revenue streams by this offering for our customers,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Governo Reforça Gestão de Recursos Humanos e Revê Concessão de Estradas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Governo aprovou na sua 31.ª Sessão Ordinária do Conselho de Ministros, um conjunto de medidas, com destaque para o fortalecimento da gestão dos recursos humanos do Estado e a revisão da política de concessão de estradas.

Durante a sessão, foi apreciado o Relatório da Visita de Trabalho do Presidente da República, Daniel Chapo, à República Argelina Democrática e Popular, realizada de 04 a 06 de Setembro, que se enquadra no esforço contínuo de reforço das relações bilaterais e de cooperação internacional.

No capítulo das infra-estruturas, o Executivo aprovou o Decreto que revoga a concessão das estradas R453 (Praia de Bilene – Macia), N101 (Macia – Chókwè) e R448 (Chókwè – Macarretane), anteriormente integradas na Rede Viária de Moçambique, SA. A decisão é justificada pelo baixo tráfego registado nas vias, fraca arrecadação de receitas e elevados custos operacionais, factores que inviabilizam a sustentabilidade do modelo de concessão.

No domínio da Administração Pública, o Conselho de Ministros aprovou três regulamentos fundamentais no quadro do Sistema Nacional de Gestão de Recursos Humanos do Estado, nomeadamente: Regulamento do Subsistema de Planificação de Pessoal (SPP), que visa melhorar a previsão das necessidades de recursos humanos, assegurar a eficiência na gestão e manter actualizada a base de dados de pessoal; O  regulamento do Subsistema de Administração de Pessoal (SAP), com enfoque no controlo do ciclo de vida profissional dos funcionários e agentes do Estado, actualização de cadastro, implementação da prova de vida e coordenação efectiva das actividades administrativas de recursos humanos; E o regulamento do Subsistema de Desenvolvimento Profissional na Administração Pública (SDPAP), que introduz novas directrizes para qualificação contínua dos servidores públicos, promoção do mérito e motivação profissional, e alinha os critérios de formação à realidade institucional.

De acordo com o Executivo, essas reformas vêm consolidar o compromisso do “Governo com uma Administração Pública mais moderna, eficiente e orientada para resultados, ao mesmo tempo que respondem à necessidade de garantir uma gestão estratégica do capital humano do Estado”.

Na mesma sessão, foi igualmente apreciado o Relatório de Implementação do Plano de Segurança Rodoviária 2025, no âmbito dos esforços para reduzir os índices de sinistralidade e melhorar a segurança nas estradas do país.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Portal do Governo de Moçambique.

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Tax revenues are the catalyst for more inclusive growth in Côte d’Ivoire

Source: APO – Report:

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Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth is solid and remarkably resilient in the face of global shocks, according to the World Bank’s latest economic update. However, to accelerate its economic transformation and sustainably reduce poverty, it will need to strengthen its domestic resource mobilization. The 15th edition of the report, entitled “Tax Revenue Mobilization: A Catalyst for Productivity and Economic Transformation”, highlights the country’s recent economic progress, while providing an in-depth analysis of the tax reforms underway and their potential impact on development.

With economic growth of 6% in 2024, above the global (2.8%) and regional (3.2%) averages, Côte d’Ivoire continues to show resilience, supported by private investment, dynamic services and inflation contained at 3.5%.

The country also improved its fiscal deficit from 5.2% in 2023 to 4% in 2024 and its public debt remains sustainable at around 60% of GDP. Although poverty has declined, reducing from 36.5% to the 20% target by 2030 calls for more inclusive growth. Côte d’Ivoire will have to rely on a more equitable growth model, focused on productivity, creating more jobs, and stronger tax revenue mobilization.

“Côte d’Ivoire has a unique opportunity to turn its recent successes into more inclusive, productive and resilient growth. To achieve this, the mobilization of tax resources is essential to finance public services, infrastructure and investments in human capital, which are key to achieving upper-middle-income status,” said Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, Division Director of the World Bank for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea and Togo.

The report highlights recent progress in revenue mobilization, with the tax-to-GDP ratio rising from 11.9% in 2019 to around 14% in 2024 – one of the largest increases recorded in the region. However, this effort remains below the 20% target set by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), or the 21.7% target set for a country at this stage of development.

According to the report, raising the level of tax mobilization beyond 15% of GDP could increase the country’s annual economic growth by 1 to 2 points, thus ensuring another decade of strong growth, averaging 7 to 8% per year. This would finance critical investments in education, health, infrastructure, and social programs.

The medium-term economic outlook remains favorable, with growth expected to reach 6.2% in 2025 and 6.4% on average through 2027, driven by hydrocarbons, services, and private investment sectors. But significant risks remain, including geopolitical instability, climate change, trade tensions, and developments in development assistance.

The report calls for a transformation of the growth model based on productivity, human capital, private investment, and efficient taxation to build a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable economy.

– on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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China: Ambassador GAO Wenqi Meets Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda

Source: APO

On September 9, Amb. GAO Wenqi called on Hon. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda.

They exchanged views on the agriculture cooperation between China and Rwanda, and expressed commitment to further expanding trade in agriculture, enhancing cooperation in technology, promoting business exchanges,and building China-Rwanda community with a shared future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Rwanda.

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Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Preparations for the Upcoming Session of the Egypt–Azerbaijan Joint Committee with Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan

Source: APO


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Convening the Egypt–Azerbaijan Business Forum to create close ties Between the Private Sectors of Both Countries

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to discuss enhancing avenues of economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat affirmed the depth of the historical relations between Egypt and Azerbaijan, noting the joint efforts to increase private sector investments in both countries and to leverage the vital role of the Egyptian and Azerbaijani economies within their regional environments, thereby advancing joint development objectives.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation also highlighted the successful visit of Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to Egypt from 7–8 June 2024, which witnessed the signing of seven documents in various fields, confirming the depth and strength of relations between the two countries and the opportunities available to enhance bilateral cooperation, including economic development, digital transformation, youth and sports, electricity, oil and gas, and investment promotion, in addition to the agreement on other areas of cooperation, most notably the establishment of joint projects in pharmaceutical manufacturing within the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) in Azerbaijan and other industrial zones, while working to increase the production of finished medicines, and transferring Egyptian expertise to the Azerbaijani side in the fields of green hydrogen and ammonia, rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of power plants, as well as electricity interconnection.

The two sides discussed preparations for the 6th session of the Egyptian-Azerbaijani Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, to be held in Cairo next October, co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat on the Egyptian side and Mr. Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport, on the Azerbaijani side. The session aims to advance economic, trade, and tourism cooperation to broader horizons and achieve tangible achievements on the ground that will benefit the peoples of both countries, explaining that the upcoming session will include opportunities for cooperation in several fields, including renewable energy, oil and gas, tourism, culture, higher education, health, youth and sports, trade, and investment. H.E. praised the efforts made by both sides to finalize negotiations on the various bilateral documents.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also highlighted the importance of convening the Egyptian-Azerbaijani Business Forum and representatives of Egyptian and Azerbaijani companies, which will be held during the meetings of the Joint Economic Committee between Egypt and Azerbaijan, to learn about investment opportunities available in both countries, as well as the advantages of investing in Egypt, in order to attract more Azerbaijani investments to Egypt, within the framework of ensuring that the private sector has the opportunity to play its role in implementing the government’s development plan and accessing promising markets. She also referred to the efforts of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation to coordinate with various entities to organize the business forum.

Al-Mashat underscored that trade, tourism, and investment sectors between the two countries are witnessing continuous growth, pointing out the importance of expanding efforts within the framework of the capabilities enjoyed by the Egyptian and Azerbaijani economies.

Al-Mashat also pointed to the Ministry’s launch of the “Egypt’s Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience,” a comprehensive framework that integrates the government’s work program for the period 2024/2025 – 2026/2027, and Egypt’s Vision 2030, in light of the rapid changes imposed by regional and international developments, with the aim of transition towards an economic model that consolidates macroeconomic stability, focuses on the most productive sectors with higher export potential (tradables), taking advantage of the advanced infrastructure that has been achieved and redefining the role of the state in the economy, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy and stimulates private sector participation. This comes as a continuation of the economic reform process.

The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the COP29 climate conference, hosted by Azerbaijan, and its conclusions supporting the efforts of developing countries to address climate change.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

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Nigeria: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hosts two-day meeting on Africa Europe education reforms in Abuja

Source: APO

From 8th to 9th September,  2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Directorate of Education, Science and Culture in the  Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the European Union, Expertise France, and other implementing partners, hosted a two-day meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, under the Africa-Europe Partnership to Exchange on Education Reforms (PEERs) programme.

The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between and within the ECOWAS and East African Community (EAC) regions in designing and implementing equitable, quality, gender-responsive, inclusive, green, and digital education policies, with a particular focus on basic education.

The technical session opened with a welcome address by Dr. Roland Kouakou, Acting Director of Education, Science and Culture, who conveyed the appreciation of Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, Honourable Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, to the European Union delegation for supporting this important initiative aimed at strengthening capacity within ECOWAS Member States. Dr. Kouakou thanked participants for their commitment and highlighted the programme’s focus on basic education reforms in three key thematic areas: gender, digital transformation, and green education.

In her remarks, Commissioner Fatou Sow Sarr emphasised that achieving human capital development requires continuous partnership and collaboration to strengthen regional integration, advance educational goals, and address the pressing challenges facing the region.

Deliberations highlighted ECOWAS education sector priorities, particularly in higher education, which have led to several initiatives aligned with human capital development and regional integration. These include the ECOWAS Nnamdi Azikiwe Academic Mobility Scheme (ENAAMS), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Education for a Culture of Peace, and the Harmonisation of Education Systems, among others. Although basic education is not currently a core focus, strategic consultations are underway to establish a strong foundation for its future implementation.

Participants reviewed a situation analysis emphasising the importance of aligning regional goals with education reforms and following established procedures to achieve the three thematic areas of intervention. Discussions also highlighted the need for joint ownership of the PEERs project, with ECOWAS serving as the regional coordinator, and for Expertise France to conduct a comprehensive situation analysis across Member States to assess the current state of basic education reforms.

The meeting further explored the possibility of introducing the PEERs project at the upcoming 2025 ADEA Triennial. In conclusion, the two-day meeting ended with participants expressing satisfaction at the constructive discussions and reaffirming their commitment to advancing transformative education across the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Media files

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Qatar Affirms Criminal Israeli Attack Constitutes Flagrant Violation of International Laws, Norms

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, September 10, 2025

The State of Qatar said that the Israeli violations and crimes did not stop at the brotherly Palestinian people, but rather extended to the cowardly targeting of residential buildings housing several members of the Hamas movement’s political bureau in Doha, stressing that this criminal attack constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and a serious threat to the security and safety of the State of Qatar and its people.

This came in the State of Qatar’s statement delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva Dr. Hend bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah, during her participation in the General Debate with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, for item No. 2, within the framework of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Her Excellency said that the brutal Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, the massive destruction of infrastructure and homes, the starvation and deliberate murdering of civilians, journalists, and humanitarian aid workers, as well as the forced displacement and migration of the population, and the planning to occupy the entire strip, is not self-defense.

It is a crime of genocide committed by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) against the Palestinians, in flagrant violation of all international laws and agreements, and a blatant challenge to international appeals, resolutions, and rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Dr. Al Muftah continued.

Her Excellency said that history records everything, pointing out that all nations must ask themselves how they will justify their positions, inaction and inability to stop this genocide, to future generations.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar in Geneva Dr. Hend bint Abdulrahman Al Muftah called on the international community to take serious and urgent measures to compel Israel to end the occupation, halt its crimes and grave violations against the Palestinian people, hold all those responsible accountable, and support the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital.

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Qatar Delivers Message to UN Secretary-General, Security Council on Israeli Attack on Doha

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, September 10, 2025

The State of Qatar delivered on Wednesday a message to HE the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and to HE Sangjin Kim, the Charge d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for September, regarding the cowardly Israeli attack that targeted residential buildings housing several members of the Hamas Political Bureau in the capital, Doha.
The message was delivered by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.
The State of Qatar requested that the message be circulated to the members of the Security Council and issued as an official document of the Council. It was issued under number S/2025/563.
In the message, the State of Qatar expressed its strongest condemnation of this criminal assault, describing it as a blatant violation of all international laws and norms, and a serious threat to the security and safety of Qataris and residents on its soil.
The State also pointed out that security, civil defense, and relevant authorities immediately responded to the incident and took the necessary measures to contain its consequences and ensure the safety of the residents and surrounding areas.
While strongly condemning this attack, Qatar stressed that it will not tolerate this reckless Israeli behavior and ongoing disruption to regional security, nor any act targeting its security and sovereignty. Investigations are underway at the highest level, and further details will be announced as soon as they become available. 

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Construction company ordered to pay back R68.8m after unlawful tender

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The Special Tribunal has ordered a construction company to pay back some R68.8 million that it has earned through an unlawful tender awarded by the Mogalakwena Local Municipality.

The company, Easyway Tarmac Pave and Projects CC, was contracted by the municipality for the supply, delivery, installation, and/or construction of borehole development, storage reservoirs and bulk gravity supply pipelines in a mammoth R167.9 million contract.

The contract was declared unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid by the tribunal, following an application by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

The corruption busting unit contended that the company “fraudulently misrepresented its grades and projects undertaken, thereby inducing the municipality to award the tender to it”.

“The Tribunal upheld the SIU’s evidence that Easyway deliberately lied in its bid documents. The company claimed to have completed three projects, each valued at over R50 million, for various municipalities. 

“The SIU investigation, supported by affidavits from municipal managers, proved these claims were false. In one instance, Easyway inflated the value of an actual project from R6.1 million to over R50.8 million. In another, Easyway claimed a project that never existed.

“The SIU’s investigation found that Easyway would not have scored the minimum points required to qualify for the tender had it not made false claims,” the SIU said in a statement.

The company’s contractor grading also “legally disqualified from undertaking a contract of this value”.

Furthermore, the municipality’s own evaluation process was also found to be subpar.

“The evaluation process by the municipality’s Bid Evaluation Committee was found to be unfair and non-transparent, as it failed to score bids according to its own specifications properly and could not justify why a higher-scoring bidder was overlooked,” the SIU said.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za