Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

South Africa is short of 2.6 million homes: Vienna’s approach to social housing offers useful lessons

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Andreas Scheba, Associate Professor, University of the Free State

South Africa faces a housing backlog of at least 2.6 million units, for more than 12 million people. The state supply of new, subsidised housing has declined over the past decade and the government’s housing policy is shifting.

It sees the private sector as becoming the main provider of “affordable housing”. The market, according to the Banking Association of South Africa, is households earning up to R34,400 gross per month (US$2,111). Yet most residents in South African cities earn far less than that. (The national median household income in 2023 was R7,980 or US$490.) Much more affordable accommodation is therefore needed.

We are housing and urban scholars based in South African and Austrian universities, who have conducted extensive research on how housing ideology, policies and practices shape urbanisation.

In this article we draw on research we have done on social rental housing in South African cities and in Vienna, Austria. We don’t suggest the policies should be the same. After all, these are very different places. But a side-by-side look can be useful.

Vienna is often considered the capital of social housing. About 43% of the Viennese housing stock is state-subsidised rental housing, including municipal-owned flats and apartments run by limited-profit housing associations.

South African cities have seen a massive roll-out of state-sponsored, low-density ownership housing, but the housing backlog and informality continue to grow. Delivery of subsidised rental housing and higher-density, mixed-income apartments has remained slow.

We believe at least three aspects of Vienna’s social housing policy have potential for South African cities:

  • sustained political commitment – policies, laws and regulations backed up by adequate financial and institutional investments

  • a pro-active and market-shaping state

  • making social housing part of the urban fabric and the public consciousness.

Sustained political commitment

Vienna’s large social housing stock is the result of a century of political commitment and investment in housing as a human right, recognising its powerful role in improving workers’ welfare and building integrated cities.

For the city, housing was never just a revenue-generating asset. Dating back to the Red Vienna period (1919–1934), interrupted by Austro-fascism and the Nazi regime, the social democratic city government has made housing central to its urban welfare politics. Especially subsidised rental housing.

Housing projects were considered part of social infrastructure, together with public facilities (clinics, transport, education), outdoor spaces, social amenities (creches, laundries, libraries), art, and employment opportunities.

Colloquially called “people’s palaces”, social housing apartment blocks symbolised the political promise of providing high-quality living to working-class people.

The city planted subsidised rental in all areas to promote social mixing.

Proactive and market-shaping state

Translating this political commitment into results required a capable and active state. It demanded a government that shaped land and property markets to maximise public value.

Vienna has taken an active role in social housing delivery, whether as a direct provider, regulator or collaborator. And, unlike many other cities in Europe, it never sold off its own municipal housing stock in the late 20th century.

The city currently manages over 220,000 rental apartments, accommodating a quarter of the total urban population. This makes Vienna the largest public landlord of social housing in Europe. After a period of non-expansion, it decided a decade ago to resume investment in rental stock.

A key element of its policy is the use of private capital and third sector (neither state nor profit-driven) organisations to promote the delivery of affordable rental accommodation. So-called limited-profit housing associations – private, cooperative, or non-profit entities – provide apartments at cost-based, regulated prices.

These organisations plan, develop and manage social housing accommodation and are bound to the Austrian Limited-Profit Housing Act. This law says any surpluses must be reinvested in building new rental housing.

Regulation includes rental caps, indefinite-term contracts and quality assurance requirements.

The city’s Fund for Housing Construction and Urban Renewal is a professional property management company, governed by a trust chaired by the city council. It buys, manages and releases land for state-subsidised housing construction and subsidises urban renewal projects. Active land management and a social housing zoning law allow affordable land to be designated for state-subsidised housing.

Working closely with city departments, especially planning and infrastructure, the entity acquires, prepares and releases land for social housing.

Another vital role is organising developers’ competitions, which function as a quality assurance mechanism. Interdisciplinary juries assess competing proposals according to four criteria: economy, architecture, ecology and social sustainability. Development rights are then awarded to the highest-quality project consortium.

Financing is a mix of federal and regional subsidies, loans, and earmarked contributions. For example the housing subsidy levy is a payroll-based contribution shared equally between employers and employees.

Social fabric of social housing

Social housing in Vienna is central to the overall housing system rather than a safety net for the poorest. Income thresholds are set to include large parts of the population and support social mixing.

Barriers for newcomers are still in place: they must live in the city for two years before they can access municipal housing. But renting remains a secure form of tenure that is widely accepted by the population.

Quality sustains this broad-based appeal. Social housing offers attractive, well-designed living environments.

This process draws on a deep pool of expertise, within the municipal administration and among non-profit housing providers, planners, academics and independent advisors.

Social housing is spread across Vienna rather than pushed to the periphery. People from different backgrounds live side by side.

Reflections for South Africa

Vienna’s experience provides a useful point of reference for reflecting on how social housing delivery could work in South Africa’s cities.

Firstly, social rental housing should be understood as an urban and economic policy. Its benefits go far beyond providing shelter, as it can make the city a more egalitarian, inclusive and productive space. It can improve workers’ welfare, reduce poverty, and promote socio-economic mobility.

As such, it deserves greater political commitment and resources from all spheres of government.

Secondly, getting results requires the state to actively shape property and land markets for public value. The City of Vienna has never just focused on enabling private-sector development. It shows what municipalities can achieve when they strategically use their assets, regulatory powers and resources to get public value from private investments.

Third is the importance of embedding social housing into a city’s social fabric.

The key is to appreciate social rental housing as shared wealth. Not to idealise individual property ownership. The public has to understand the benefits of well-located, higher-density, subsidised rental accommodation.

It also requires tapping into the technical, financial, organisational and other expertise across sectors and spaces in South Africa. Residents, housing justice movements and civil society organisations all have something to offer.

– South Africa is short of 2.6 million homes: Vienna’s approach to social housing offers useful lessons
– https://theconversation.com/south-africa-is-short-of-2-6-million-homes-viennas-approach-to-social-housing-offers-useful-lessons-282638

Posted on

Message by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the Red Meat Abattoir Association

Source: President of South Africa –

Chairman of the Red Meat Abattoir Association, Mr Niel Venter, 
Board members, 
Abattoir owners and industry representatives, 
Government Officials,
Distinguished Guests,

Thank you for inviting me to address the Annual Conference and Congress of the Red Meat Abattoir Association.

Please accept my apologies for not being able to join you in person.

The focus of this conference on meat safety amidst evolving production systems reflects the changing production landscape within the industry and the pressures of animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease.

This underscores the need for continued collaboration between Government and the industry to ensure that South Africa remains competitive and compliant in both domestic and international trade.

South Africa continues to play an important role in global agricultural trade.

In 2025, South Africa’s agricultural exports reached a record $15 billion, up 10 percent from the previous year. 

We have started this year on a sound footing, with farm product exports increasing by 11 percent year-on-year.

South Africa is an active member of the World Trade Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health. 

Together, these organisations play a critical role in enabling safe and fair global trade in animals and animal products. 

While the science-based standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health provide the foundation for international trade, market access often extends beyond these guidelines. 

Bilateral negotiations with importing countries are often required to establish mutually acceptable guarantees and risk-mitigation measures. 

These negotiated agreements provide the necessary assurances to trading partners and play a critical role in enabling and sustaining export opportunities. 

In a landmark achievement for our country, South Africa successfully negotiated a Veterinary Health Certificate in early 2026 that now allows the export of red meat and meat products derived from livestock vaccinated against foot and mouth disease. 

This includes animals that were vaccinated and are clinically healthy at the time of slaughter. 

This development represents a major advancement for the sector. 

It demonstrates strong confidence among international trading partners in the robustness of South Africa’s veterinary control systems.

This progress reinforces the strong global demand for South African red meat and affirms the value and credibility of our products in international markets. 

Most importantly, it demonstrates that when appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place, South African red meat remains a safe and trusted commodity. 

This development underscores the importance of continued engagement with trading partners to expand and safeguard market access opportunities. 

We welcome the commitment of the Red Meat Abattoir Association, together with the rest of the red meat value chain, to supporting the industry’s growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

For its part, Government remains committed to providing an enabling environment for safe and equitable market access for our red meat industry. 

We know that abattoirs face many risks, and margins are always under pressure. 

Ensuring sufficient throughput and improving operational efficiency are therefore critical.  

At the same time, abattoirs play a vital role in food quality, food safety and the protection of South Africa’s food heritage.

I am convinced that even in an evolving production landscape, with both long-standing and emerging challenges, our red meat industry is more than capable of adapting, growing and thriving.

I wish you an excellent conference.

I thank you.
 

Posted on

Presidency warns against misinformation on immigration issues

Source: Government of South Africa

Presidency warns against misinformation on immigration issues

The Presidency has warned against the spread of misinformation about South Africa’s immigration challenges.

This comes after World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, issued a statement condemning renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals, which allegedly left several people dead.

These include at least five Ethiopians who died in the attacks, and five Mozambicans who died in Mossel Bay.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Presidency said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will engage with the WHO to ensure that the information before them is both accurate and reliable. 

“The engagements will outline in detail how this complex matter is being addressed by the South African government. Most notably, the WHO’s characterisation of the deaths of the Ethiopian nationals is, unfortunately, incorrect. 

“The events that led to the deaths of these Ethiopian nationals fall within the realm of organized crime, as has already been publicly reported, and are being actively investigated by law enforcement agencies,” the Presidency said.

Regarding the Mozambican national, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the matter remains under active investigation.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration have been unequivocal in their stance: only duly authorized law enforcement officials have the mandate to enforce the law,” the Presidency said.

The Presidency expressed deep regret over the tragic loss of life in the recent incidents, saying one life lost is one too many.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and communities affected,” the Presidency said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

5

Posted on

State Minister at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Advisor to Saudi FM on Lebanese Affairs

Source: Government of Qatar

Riyadh, June 15, 2026
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi met in Riyadh on Monday with HH Prince Yazid bin Mohammed bin Fahd Al Farhan, Advisor to the Saudi Foreign Minister on Lebanese Affairs.
The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and ways to further strengthen coordination between the two countries on issues of mutual interest.
The two officials also reviewed the latest developments in Lebanon and discussed ongoing joint efforts regarding the Lebanese file, reflecting continued cooperation between Doha and Riyadh in support of regional stability.
During the meeting, HE Dr Al Khulaifi reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s longstanding support for Lebanon and its continued commitment to standing alongside the Lebanese people. 

Posted on

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Saudi Vice Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Riyadh, June 15, 2026
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met in Riyadh today with HE Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji.
During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to support and strengthen them in various fields. They also discussed the latest developments in the region, particularly the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, as well as the latest developments in Syria, Sudan, and Somalia.
They expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran to cease military operations and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They considered it an important step towards consolidating sustainable peace and promoting economic growth regionally and internationally.
They reiterated their full support for all good offices and efforts aimed at strengthening regional security and stability and reaching sustainable solutions to outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of international law and good neighborliness. 

Posted on

Geoex MCG désigné partenaire officiel en géosciences de la Venezuela Energy Week 2026 dans le cadre d’une collaboration historique sur le sous-sol

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Venezuela Energy Week 2026 a désigné Geoex MCG comme partenaire officiel en géosciences, dans le but de renforcer les fondements techniques des discussions autour des vastes bassins d’hydrocarbures du pays, alors que les activités en amont et l’engagement international continuent d’évoluer.

Geoex MCG occupe une position unique dans le secteur amont vénézuélien en tant que seul fournisseur de données sismiques offshore et seule entreprise opérant dans le cadre d’un accord multi-clients avec le ministère des Hydrocarbures. Ses ensembles de données offshore récemment retraités sont actuellement disponibles sous licence, et des projets sont en cours pour l’acquisition de nouvelles données à partir de 2026 afin de soutenir davantage les activités d’exploration et de développement.

Ce partenariat place un fournisseur de premier plan de solutions géoscientifiques et géophysiques souterraines au cœur du programme technique de l’événement, à un moment où le Venezuela cherche à redéfinir son discours sur l’amont autour de la qualité des données, de la certitude géologique et de la définition des ressources exploitables.

« Ce partenariat souligne le rôle croissant de la science souterraine dans l’orientation des décisions d’investissement et de la stratégie opérationnelle dans l’ensemble du secteur amont vénézuélien », a déclaré James Chester, PDG d’Energy Capital & Power. « Il apporte une plus grande rigueur géologique et géophysique à un moment charnière pour l’industrie, contribuant à combler le fossé entre le potentiel des ressources et la certitude souterraine. »

La participation de Geoex MCG devrait enrichir les discussions techniques sur l’évolution des bassins vénézuéliens, la qualité de l’imagerie sismique, l’évaluation du potentiel de prospection et le développement des champs offshore. Grâce à leurs données récemment retraitées, l’exploration des zones frontalières offshore encore peu explorées peut désormais être évaluée, tout comme l’amélioration de l’imagerie des champs existants, à savoir Perla, Rio Caribe/Mejillones/Patao/Dragon et Loran/Cocuina.  

« Le Venezuela représente une province souterraine très importante, où le potentiel géologique est bien établi mais dépend de plus en plus de données modernes et de haute qualité pour libérer sa valeur », a déclaré Robert Sorley, président de Geoex MCG. « Forts de notre accord multi-clients exclusif avec le ministère des Hydrocarbures, d’un portefeuille croissant de jeux de données retraités en partenariat avec DUG Technology et de projets de nouvelles acquisitions, notre objectif est de permettre aux opérateurs internationaux d’évaluer en toute confiance les opportunités offshore. Nous sommes ravis de soutenir la Venezuela Energy Week 2026 afin de renforcer le dialogue technique et d’apporter une plus grande clarté sur le sous-sol dans les discussions relatives à l’investissement et au développement. »

Geoex MCG est spécialisée dans la conception et la réalisation d’études géoscientifiques, l’acquisition de données souterraines, le retraitement sismique et les services de gestion de projet, soutenant les activités d’exploration et de développement dans les secteurs du pétrole et du gaz, du CCUS, de l’hydrogène naturel et d’autres secteurs énergétiques. Grâce à son modèle d’affaires « asset-light », l’entreprise collabore avec des sous-traitants sélectionnés pour fournir des solutions souterraines sur mesure, alignées sur les objectifs techniques et commerciaux de ses clients.

Alors que le Venezuela cherche à attirer de nouveaux investissements internationaux, la Venezuela Energy Week se positionne comme une plateforme technique et commerciale de premier plan où convergent la géologie, les données et les capitaux, favorisant le dialogue sur les cadres d’investissement, le développement en amont et l’avenir à long terme de l’une des plus grandes réserves d’hydrocarbures au monde.

Distribué par APO Group pour Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

Posted on

Geoex MCG nomeada Parceira Oficial de Geociências da Venezuela Energy Week 2026 numa colaboração histórica no domínio do subsolo

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Venezuela Energy Week 2026 nomeou a Geoex MCG como seu Parceiro Oficial de Geociências, numa iniciativa destinada a reforçar a base técnica das discussões em torno das vastas bacias de hidrocarbonetos do país, à medida que a atividade a montante e o envolvimento internacional continuam a evoluir.

A Geoex MCG ocupa uma posição única no setor de upstream da Venezuela como o único fornecedor de dados sísmicos offshore e a única empresa a operar ao abrigo de um acordo multicliente com o Ministério dos Hidrocarbonetos. Os seus conjuntos de dados offshore recentemente reprocessados estão atualmente disponíveis para licenciamento, com planos em curso para a aquisição de novos dados a partir de 2026, a fim de apoiar ainda mais as atividades de exploração e desenvolvimento.

A parceria traz um fornecedor líder de soluções geocientíficas e geofísicas do subsolo para o centro do programa técnico do evento, numa altura em que a Venezuela procura reformular a sua narrativa a montante em torno da qualidade dos dados, da certeza geológica e da definição de recursos passíveis de investimento.

«Esta parceria sublinha o papel crescente da ciência do subsolo na definição das decisões de investimento e da estratégia operacional em todo o setor a montante da Venezuela», afirmou James Chester, CEO da Energy Capital & Power. «Traz um maior rigor geológico e geofísico num momento crucial para a indústria, ajudando a colmatar a lacuna entre o potencial de recursos e a certeza do subsolo.»

Espera-se que a participação da Geoex MCG enriqueça as discussões técnicas sobre a evolução das bacias da Venezuela, a qualidade da imagem sísmica, a avaliação da prospectividade e o desenvolvimento de campos offshore. Com os seus dados recentemente reprocessados, a exploração nas áreas fronteiriças pouco exploradas do offshore pode agora ser avaliada, bem como a melhoria da imagem dos campos existentes, nomeadamente Perla, Rio Caribe/Mejillones/Patao/Dragon e Loran/Cocuina.  

“ A Venezuela representa uma província subterrânea de grande importância, onde o potencial geológico está bem estabelecido, mas depende cada vez mais de dados modernos e de alta qualidade para revelar o seu valor”, afirmou Robert Sorley, presidente da Geoex MCG. “Apoiados pelo nosso acordo exclusivo de múltiplos clientes com o Ministério dos Hidrocarbonetos, por um portfólio crescente de conjuntos de dados reprocessados em parceria com a DUG Technology e por planos para novas aquisições, o nosso foco é permitir que as operadoras internacionais avaliem as oportunidades offshore com confiança. Temos o prazer de apoiar a Venezuela Energy Week 2026 no reforço do diá. técnico e na promoção de maior clareza sobre o subsolo nas discussões de investimento e desenvolvimento.»

A Geoex MCG é especializada na conceção e execução de levantamentos geocientíficos, aquisição de dados do subsolo, reprocessamento sísmico e serviços de gestão de projetos, apoiando atividades de exploração e desenvolvimento nos setores do petróleo e gás, CCUS, hidrogénio natural e outros setores energéticos. Através do seu modelo de negócio com poucos ativos próprios, a empresa trabalha com empreiteiros selecionados para fornecer soluções subterrâneas personalizadas, alinhadas com os objetivos técnicos e comerciais dos clientes.

À medida que a Venezuela procura atrair novos investimentos internacionais, a Venezuela Energy Week posiciona-se como uma plataforma técnica e comercial de referência, onde a geologia, os dados e o capital convergem, apoiando o diá. sobre quadros de investimento, desenvolvimento a montante e o futuro a longo prazo de uma das maiores bases de recursos de hidrocarbonetos do mundo.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Energy Capital & Power.

Media files

Baixar .tipo

Posted on

Geoex MCG Named Official Geosciences Partner of Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Landmark Subsurface Collaboration

Source: APO

Venezuela Energy Week 2026 has appointed Geoex MCG as its Official Geosciences Partner, in a move designed to strengthen the technical foundation of discussions around the country’s vast hydrocarbon basins as upstream activity and international engagement continue to evolve.

Geoex MCG holds a unique position in Venezuela’s upstream sector as the sole provider of offshore seismic data and the only company operating under a multi-client agreement with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons. Its newly reprocessed offshore datasets are currently available for licensing, with plans underway for new data acquisition from 2026 onward to further support exploration and development activities.

The partnership brings a leading subsurface geoscience and geophysical solutions provider into the core of the event’s technical program at a time when Venezuela is seeking to reframe its upstream narrative around data quality, geological certainty and investable resource definition.

“This partnership underscores the growing role of subsurface science in shaping investment decisions and operational strategy across Venezuela’s upstream sector,” said James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power. “It brings greater geological and geophysical rigor at a pivotal moment for the industry, helping bridge the gap between resource potential and subsurface certainty.”

Geoex MCG’s participation is expected to enhance technical discussions on Venezuela’s basin evolution, seismic imaging quality, prospectivity assessment and development of offshore fields. With their newly reprocessed data, exploration in the underexplored frontier areas of the offshore can now be evaluated, as well as improved imaging of existing fields, namely Perla, Rio Caribe/Mejillones/Patao/Dragon and Loran/Cocuina.  

“Venezuela represents a highly significant subsurface province, where geological potential is well established but increasingly dependent on modern, high-quality data to unlock value,” said Robert Sorley, President, Geoex MCG LLC. “Supported by our exclusive multi-client agreement with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, a growing portfolio of datasets reprocessed in partnership with DUG Technology, and plans for new acquisition, our focus is to enable international explorers to evaluate offshore opportunities with confidence. We are pleased to support Venezuela Energy Week 2026 by strengthening the technical dialogue and bringing greater subsurface clarity to investment and development discussions.”

Geoex MCG specializes in the design and delivery of geoscientific surveys, subsurface data acquisition, seismic reprocessing and project management services, supporting exploration and development activities across oil and gas, CCUS, natural hydrogen and other energy sectors. Through its asset-light business model, the company works with selected contractors to deliver tailored subsurface solutions aligned with clients’ technical and commercial objectives.

As Venezuela seeks to attract renewed international investment, Venezuela Energy Week is positioning itself as a leading technical and commercial platform where geology, data and capital converge, supporting dialogue on investment frameworks, upstream development and the long-term future of one of the world’s largest hydrocarbon resource bases.

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

Media files

.

Posted on

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Backs US$7 Billion Dangote Fertiliser Expansion to Strengthen Africa’s Food Security

Source: APO

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s infrastructure solutions provider, is helping drive a US$7 billion fertiliser expansion programme by Dangote Group designed to triple production capacity in Nigeria and establish a major new manufacturing platform in Ethiopia.

As a cornerstone commitment to the programme, AFC is providing a US$600 million facility to Greenview Fertiliser Corp. (Greenview), Dangote’s fertiliser holding company. The transaction deepens AFC’s longstanding partnership with Dangote Group across some of Africa’s most consequential industrial projects. AFC was Co-Coordinating Bank on a US$3 billion syndicated loan for Dangote Refinery and recently received full repayment of its foundational US$300 million senior term loan to Dangote Industries Limited, which helped advance the refinery from concept to reality. The redeployment at double this amount into Dangote Group underscores AFC’s model of providing early-stage risk capital before recycling into the next generation of transformative projects once assets reach stable, cash-generative operations.

The fertiliser investment positions Africa to get ahead of structural trends shaping long-term development priorities, including rapid population growth, rising food demand, climate-related pressures on agricultural systems and the need to capture greater value from natural resources. Recent disruptions to global supply chains and commodity markets have further underscored the risks associated with dependence on imported agricultural inputs. Despite holding some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves and a quarter of its uncultivated arable land, Africa remains reliant on imported fertilizer, making expanded production critical to food security and agricultural resilience.

Dangote’s expansion programme is projected to increase urea fertiliser production capacity in Nigeria from 3 million metric tonnes per annum (“MTPA”) to 9 MTPA, while adding a new 3 MTPA urea fertiliser plant in Ethiopia. It is expected to strengthen regional food security, support agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on imported fertilizer and bolster the continent’s position as a supplier to international markets.

Commenting on the transaction, Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, said: “This investment marks another important milestone in our long-standing partnership with AFC as we embark on the next phase of Dangote Fertilizer’s growth. Expanding our fertiliser production capacity in Nigeria and developing a new plant in Ethiopia will strengthen Africa’s food security, support agricultural productivity, and deepen the continent’s industrial base. AFC has consistently supported Dangote Group at critical stages of our growth, and its renewed commitment reflects confidence in our vision to build globally competitive African industrial platforms”.

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, said: “The question before Africa is simple: how will we feed 2.5 billion people by 2050? Africa’s 1.5 billion people consume just 6 million tonnes of urea annually, compared to 40 million tonnes in India and 50 million tonnes in China, despite having similar-sized populations. Closing this productivity gap is essential to Africa’s food security. By supporting the development of the world’s largest fertiliser platform, AFC is helping build the foundation for Africa to feed itself, create productive jobs and strengthen our economic sovereignty. This is not just an investment in fertilizer production. It is evidence of the Africa we are building.”

AFC has played a catalytic role across multiple phases of Dangote Group’s industrial growth, partnering with Access Bank in 2024 to provide Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE’s first working capital facility, supporting crude procurement for commissioning and initial production.

The latest financing reflects AFC’s focus on investments that strengthen the systems underpinning long-term economic growth, including energy, transport, logistics, industrial processing and food security. Alongside investments in strategic transport corridors, ports, power generation and industrial platforms, AFC continues to support projects that increase Africa’s capacity to produce, process and distribute critical goods domestically while expanding exports to regional and international markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile : +234 1 279 9654
Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org

Anthony Chiejina
Communications
Dangote Industries Limited
Mobile: +234 807 049 0149
Email: anthony.chiejina@dangote.com

About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.

Eighteen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of energy, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 48 member countries and has invested over US$19 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.

About Greenview Fertiliser Corp.:
Greenview Fertiliser Corp is the holding company for Dangote Group’s fertiliser businesses. Greenview’s portfolio of assets includes its wholly owned subsidiary, Dangote Fertiliser Limited which operates Africa’s largest granulated urea fertilizer plant, located in the Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. The facility currently produces 3 MTPA of urea for both domestic and international markets, with expansion plans underway to increase capacity to 9 MTPA.

Media files

.

Posted on

Trio in court over RAF payout

Source: Government of South Africa

Trio in court over RAF payout

Three suspects are due to appear in the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape on charges of kidnapping, armed robbery and housebreaking.

Aged between 28 and 41, the trio were arrested on Saturday, following a significant breakthrough by the KuGompo Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigation, working in collaboration with Provincial Crime Intelligence, in the fight against organised violent crime. 

They were nabbed in connection with the kidnapping, armed robbery and housebreaking incident that occurred in Phakamisa, Qonce where a kidnapped victim was rescued after allegedly targeted after he had received a Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout.

It is alleged that on 12 June 2026, a group of heavily armed suspects forcefully entered the victim’s residence in Phakamisa after breaking down access points to the property. 

The suspects allegedly abducted the victim, seized his bank card and transported him to an undisclosed location where he was unlawfully detained.

While holding the victim captive, the suspects allegedly used the victim’s bank card to access and spend funds from his account. 

A case was subsequently opened, and an investigation commenced. Upon receiving information regarding the incident, law enforcement agencies launched a manhunt.

The intelligence-led operation led the team to Hemingway’s Mall in KuGompo City, where the suspects were allegedly observed conducting transactions using the victim’s bank card. Preliminary investigations revealed that purchases amounting to approximately R21 650 had been made at various retail outlets.

The suspects were intercepted as they exited one of the stores and the victim’s bank card was recovered along with clothing believed to have been purchased using funds unlawfully obtained from the victim’s account.

The victim, who was found unharmed, was subsequently reunited with his family.

Investigations are ongoing and authorities are exploring the possibility of further arrests as efforts to dismantle the broader criminal network continue.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the operational members for their swift intervention. 

“This successful operation demonstrates the value of intelligence-driven policing and effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies. We remain resolute in our efforts to combat violent crime and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Major General Ngwenya. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

0