Category: MIL-OSI

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Développement du Secteur de L’électricité : Des États Africains Impressionnés par La Politique Énergétique de La Côte D’ivoire

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Des cadres de l’administration publique du Sénégal, du Togo, du Bénin et de la RDC, ont effectué, du 21 au 23 janvier, un voyage d’étude à Abidjan sur le secteur de l’Energie.

L’objectif était de permettre à ces Etats africains de découvrir et de s’inspirer de la politique énergétique de la Côte d’Ivoire. En particulier, du ‘’Programme Electricité Pour Tous’’ (PEPT).

Au terme de la mission, Souleymane Soro, directeur de cabinet adjoint du ministre des Mines, du Pétrole et de l’Energie, a salué cette initiative de la Banque mondiale qui permet à des pays africains, de venir découvrir la politique énergétique de la Côte d’Ivoire.
 
Pour Oumy Khaïry Diop, Secrétaire permanent à l’Energie au Sénégal, « de retour au Sénégal, nous allons engager des discussions avec l’équipe de la Banque mondiale afin de bénéficier d’un programme sur l’accès à l’électricité. Nous allons discuter avec nos différents partenaires pour avoir un programme non seulement pour l’accès à l’électricité, mais également un programme pour les installations électriques intérieures. Ensuite,  on verra le mécanisme adéquat en nous basant sur l’expérience aussi du PEPT ».

Selon Alassani Fousséni, directeur de cabinet du Ministre délégué chargé de l’Energie et des ressources minières du Togo, « cette mission nous a surtout permis d’apprécier les mécanismes de subvention et de facilitation de l’accès des ménages, notamment les plus vulnérables, à l’électrification ». 

Abondant dans le même sens, Pedro Alidé, Conseiller technique du ministre de l’Energie, de l’Eau et des Mines du Bénin, a déclaré que la mission a été surtout consacrée au partage d’une vision, d’une conviction autour d’enjeux fondamentaux, à savoir, l’accès équitable à l’électricité.

Thierry Samba Lubamba, Conseiller du ministre des Ressources hydrauliques et électriques de la RDC a quant à lui, indiqué qu’il a beaucoup appris de cette mission. « Nous avons découvert comment se fait le contrôle du mouvement énergétique », s’est-il réjoui.

Distribué par APO Group pour Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire.

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L’Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) nomme Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, fondateur et président d’APO Group, au sein de son conseil consultatif

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

APO Group (https://APO-opa.com), le leader panafricain du conseil en communication et de la distribution de communiqués de presse, est fier d’annoncer que son fondateur et président, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com/a-propos), vient d’être nommé membre du conseil consultatif de l’Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), en français, le Forum africain de l’innovation et de l’entrepreneuriat des femmes.

L’AWIEF (www.AWIEForum.org) est une organisation panafricaine qui se consacre à la promotion de l’autonomisation et du leadership économiques des femmes sur l’ensemble du continent. Par l’entremise de sa conférence annuelle, de ses prix, de ses programmes d’accélérateurs et de ses partenariats stratégiques, l’AWIEF continue de soutenir les femmes fondatrices, dirigeantes et innovatrices pour promouvoir une croissance durable et un développement inclusif.

Chaque année, l’AWIEF réunit des entrepreneurs, des investisseurs, des décideurs politiques, des dirigeants d’entreprises et des partenaires de développement de toute l’Afrique et de la diaspora pour deux jours de dialogue de haut niveau, de présentations d’innovations et d’engagement stratégique, tous axés sur la promotion de l’entrepreneuriat et du leadership des femmes. Le programme comprend des allocutions, des tables rondes, des masterclasses, des ateliers et des sessions de réseautage B2B couvrant le leadership, l’innovation, le commerce, la technologie, l’investissement et les politiques.

Depuis leur création en 2016, les AWIEF Awards sont devenus un puissant symbole de reconnaissance et d’inspiration pour les femmes dans le monde de l’entreprise. Plus qu’une célébration du succès, les prix habilitent la prochaine génération d’innovatrices et d’actrices du changement, favorisant une communauté panafricaine dynamique enracinée dans la collaboration, la créativité et un impact mesurable.

Le travail de l’AWIEF est soutenu par une large coalition de sponsors et de partenaires. L’AWIEF 2025 a été rendu possible grâce au soutien indéfectible et aux partenariats stratégiques d’organisations de premier plan, notamment OCP Africa, Deloitte Africa, la ville du Cap, l’ African Women Development Fund (AWDF), Nedbank, le PNUD, ONU Femmes et MINT360.

Le conseil consultatif réunit un ensemble de dirigeants de renom dont l’expérience et l’influence renforcent la mission de l’AWIEF. Parmi eux figurent Fatma Samoura, ancienne secrétaire générale de la FIFA, et Awa Ndiaye-Seck, représentante spéciale d’ONU Femmes, qui apportent toutes deux un éclairage précieux et une perspective mondiale pour faire progresser le leadership et l’esprit d’entreprise des femmes dans toute l’Afrique.

S’exprimant au sujet de sa nomination, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard déclare : « Je suis intimement convaincu que les femmes africaines doivent être soutenues et reconnues pour leurs contributions, leurs innovations et leur leadership. L’AWIEF met en lumière et célèbre ces femmes, dans le monde entier, de la plus belle des manières. Il s’agit d’une plateforme puissante qui amplifie le leadership et l’innovation des femmes dans toute l’Afrique. Je suis heureux de soutenir cette mission, et rejoindre le conseil consultatif de l’AWIEF offre une opportunité significative de contribuer à générer un impact réel vers un avenir plus inclusif et plus prospère ».

Entrepreneur franco-gabonais nommé parmi les 100 Africains les plus influents en 2023 et 2024, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard siège à de nombreux conseils consultatifs et comités internationaux de premier plan. Il est notamment membre du Conseil consultatif supérieur de la Chambre de Commerce Canada-Afrique ; du conseil du leadership de l’Africa Tech Festival ; et des conseils consultatifs de la Chambre Africaine de l’Energie, du World Football Summit, de l’Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), du Critical Minerals Africa Group, de Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, du Sports Africa Investment Summit, de l’EurAfrican Forum et des All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). Il travaille également en tant que conseiller stratégique auprès du CEO de la Royal African Society (Royaume-Uni), conseiller stratégique auprès de la Chambre de commerce UE-Afrique et conseiller spécial auprès du président de Rugby Afrique. Il a été récemment nommé membre du conseil de la Africa No Filter Foundation.

APO Group, une société détenue par Nicolas, est le chef de file panafricain du conseil en communication et de la distribution de communiqués de presse. L’entreprise sert plus de 300 clients, dont Canon, Emirates, Nestlé, Western Union, le PNUD, TikTok, Coca-Cola, la NBA, la NFL et Marriott.

Pour de plus amples renseignements à propos de Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard : http://apo-opa.co/3YVuUO3

Distribué par APO Group pour APO Group.

Contact presse :
marie@apo-opa.com

À propos d’APO Group : 
Fondé en 2007, APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) est le leader panafricain du conseil en communication et de la distribution de communiqués de presse. Réputés pour notre expertise africaine profondément enracinée et notre perspective globale, nous sommes spécialisés dans l’optimisation de la réputation et de la valeur de la marque des organisations privées et publiques à travers l’Afrique. En tant que partenaire de confiance, notre mission est d’exploiter le pouvoir des médias, en élaborant des stratégies sur mesure qui ont un impact tangible et mesurable en Afrique et au-delà.

Notre engagement en faveur de l’excellence et de l’innovation a été récompensé par des prix prestigieux, notamment un PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award et plusieurs PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. Nous avons été nommés Leading Public Relations Firm Africa et Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa en 2023, et Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa en 2024 et en 2025, lors des World Business Outlook Awards. En 2025, Brands Review Magazine nous a reconnus en tant que Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa pour la seconde année consécutive. Le magazine nous a également nommé Best PR Agency et Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa en 2024. En 2025, nous avons reçu la médaille d’or de la meilleure campagne RP et la médaille de bronze des événements hors catégorie aux Davos Communications Awards. 

La clientèle estimée d’APO Group, qui comprend des géants mondiaux tels que Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, le PNUD, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes et Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflète notre capacité inégalée à évoluer dans l’écosystème médiatique africain complexe. Avec une équipe multiculturelle à travers l’Afrique, nous offrons des perspectives et une portée inégalées à travers le continent. APO Group se consacre à la refonte de la narration sur l’Afrique, à la remise en question des stéréotypes et à la présentation de récits africains inspirants à un public mondial. Notre expertise dans l’élaboration et l’accompagnement de campagnes de relations publiques dans le monde entier nous permet d’amplifier les messages des marques, de renforcer les réputations et d’établir un lien pertinent avec les publics cibles.

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SA to host WEF Special Davos Meeting in 2027

Source: Government of South Africa

SA to host WEF Special Davos Meeting in 2027

Government has clarified that South Africa will host the World Economic Forum’s Special Davos Meeting in 2027, and not the World Economic Forum Africa Summit, as previously communicated.

“Government expresses its appreciation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) for selecting South Africa as the host of this gathering. South Africa stands ready and fully prepared to host a successful meeting in 2027 and to welcome delegates from across the world,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Monday.

 This will be the first time that the WEF Spring Davos is hosted in South Africa.

These meetings are part of the WEF’s efforts to extend its global presence beyond Davos (Switzerland) and to provide high-level platforms for dialogue on economic development, sustainability and collaboration.

“Following the successful hosting of the recent Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, the decision affirms South Africa’s proven ability to convene high-level international engagements and manage complex global events in a safe, efficient and professional manner.

“The selection reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s institutional capacity, infrastructure readiness and commitment to constructive multilateral dialogue,” the GCIS said.

Hosting the WEF Spring Davos meeting is expected to support activity in the tourism and services sectors, including hospitality, transport, logistics and related services, while reinforcing South Africa’s position as a destination for high-level international engagement and business travel.

The meeting will also strengthen South Africa’s international profile as a platform for global investment, trade and economic cooperation.

“As a premier global platform that brings together Heads of State, business leaders, civil society and thought leaders, the Spring Davos Special Meeting will provide South Africa with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global economic discussions, while advancing priorities of inclusive growth, sustainable development and international cooperation,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Appoints APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard to its Advisory Board

Source: APO

APO Group (https://APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is proud to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Board of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

AWIEF (www.AWIEForum.org) is a pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing women’s economic empowerment and leadership across the continent. Through its annual conference, awards, accelerator programmes, and strategic partnerships, AWIEF continues to support women founders, executives, and innovators, driving sustainable growth and inclusive development.

Each year, AWIEF convenes entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate leaders, and development partners from across Africa and the diaspora for two days of high-level dialogue, innovation showcases, and strategic engagement — all focused on advancing women’s entrepreneurship and leadership. The programme includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, and B2B networking sessions covering leadership, innovation, trade, technology, investment, and policy.

Since its inception in 2016, the AWIEF Awards have become a powerful beacon of recognition and inspiration for women in business and leadership. More than a celebration of success, the Awards empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers, fostering a dynamic pan-African community rooted in collaboration, creativity, and measurable impact.

AWIEF’s work is supported by a broad coalition of sponsors and partners. AWIEF 2025 has been made possible through the strong support and strategic partnerships of leading organisations, including OCP Africa, Deloitte Africa, the City of Cape Town, the African Women Development Fund (AWDF), Nedbank, UNDP, UN Women, and MINT360.

The Advisory Board also brings together a distinguished group of leaders whose experience and influence elevate AWIEF’s mission. Among them are Fatma Samoura, former Secretary General of FIFA, and Awa Ndiaye-Seck, Special Representative of UN Women, both of whom contribute invaluable insight and global perspective to advance women’s leadership and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Speaking on his appointment, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard said: “I strongly believe African women should be empowered, equipped, and recognised for their contributions, innovations, and leadership. AWIEF highlights and celebrates these women, globally, in the most beautiful way. It is a powerful platform that amplifies women’s leadership and innovation across Africa. I am glad to support this mission, and joining AWIEF’s Advisory Board offers a meaningful opportunity to help drive real impact towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.”

A Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur named among the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2023 and 2024, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard serves on numerous prominent advisory boards and international committees. These include the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business; the Leadership Council of the Africa Tech Festival; and the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, World Football Summit, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Critical Minerals Africa Group, Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, Sports Africa Investment Summit, EurAfrican Forum, and All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He also acts as a strategic advisor to the CEO of the Royal African Society (UK), a strategic advisor to the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce, and a special advisor to the President of Rugby Africa. Most recently, he was appointed as a Council Member of the Africa No Filter Foundation.

Nicolas’s wholly-owned company, APO Group, is the premier award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. The company serves more than 300 clients, including Canon, Emirates, Nestlé, Western Union, UNDP, TikTok, Coca-Cola, NBA, NFL, and Marriott.

More information about Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard: http://apo-opa.co/3LCf8Vj

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

Media contact:
marie@apo-opa.com

About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. 

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa in 2024 and again in 2025 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

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Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026 Puts Libya’s Energy Scale, Technology and Exploration Ambitions in Focus

Source: APO – Report:

The second day of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli sharpened Libya’s energy narrative around scale, long-term ambition and partnership depth. From gas megaproject timelines and AI-led production optimization to renewed exploration momentum and drilling targets for 2026, discussions highlighted the breadth of Libya’s opportunity set across hydrocarbons, renewables and services.

Libya Targets 70–100 Wells in 2026

Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas announced plans to drill between 70 and 100 oil and gas wells in 2026, reflecting growing upstream activity tied to the country’s licensing round and investment framework. The drilling strategy will be supported by $3–4 billion in anticipated annual investment flows as well as new unified drilling regulations aimed at improving safety, efficiency and coordination across the sector.

Eni Details Timeline for $8B Structures A&E Gas Development

Eni reaffirmed its commitment to Libya’s gas sector, confirming that the $8 billion Structures A&E offshore development remains on track for completion by the end of 2027. Led by Mellitah Oil & Gas – a joint venture between Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) – the project is expected to add around 750 million standard cubic feet per day of gas, supporting domestic demand while creating export volumes for Europe. Eni also highlighted progress at the Bahr Essalam gas compression project, scheduled to begin operations in early 2026.

SLB Expands AI and Digital Oilfield Deployment

Digital transformation featured prominently as SLB outlined plans to scale AI-driven production optimization and remote monitoring technologies across Libya in 2026. The company said AI-powered ESP surveillance, Lumi data platforms and intelligent stimulation programs are reshaping how mature fields are managed, while supporting Libya’s production targets and zero-flaring objectives. SLB also emphasized its focus on local training, with digital oilfield upskilling programs planned for Libyan engineers.

Mediterranean Deepwater Emerges as Strategic Exploration Focus

Libya’s Mediterranean offshore was positioned as a key frontier for future upstream growth, with the NOC highlighting deepwater exploration as central to unlocking new acreage and broadening international participation. With 11 offshore blocks included in the current licensing round and results expected in February 2026, industry leaders stressed the role of high-quality seismic data, improved subsurface understanding and shorter development timelines in strengthening the investment case for offshore Libya.

PPP Models Frame Renewable Energy Growth

Renewables discussions centered on public-private partnerships as the preferred mechanism to scale Libya’s clean energy ambitions. With a target of 4 GW of renewable capacity by 2035, speakers pointed to flagship projects such as TotalEnergies’ 500 MW Sadada solar plant as anchors for future growth. Panelists emphasized the role of solar and wind in reducing fuel consumption for power generation, while cautioning that clearer legislation and consistent regulatory frameworks will be critical to sustaining investor interest.

NESR Positions for Expanded Role in Libya

Oilfield services provider National Energy Services Reunited said it is seeking to expand its footprint in Libya, supported by more than $100 million in recently secured service contracts across North Africa. The company highlighted its regional growth strategy, technology offering and commitment to local employment through 100% national crews in Libya.

Repsol Flags Exploration-Led Growth from 2026

Delivering a video address at LEES 2026, Repsol signaled a renewed focus on exploration in Libya from 2026, positioning the country’s licensing round as a catalyst for a new growth cycle. At the El Sharara field, Repsol is targeting production of 350,000 barrels per day by end-2026, following record output in 2025, while shifting attention toward new exploration opportunities after years of limited activity.

Exploration, Expansion and the Road Ahead

Across day two of LEES 2026, discussions consistently pointed to a widening and increasingly structured energy opportunity set in Libya. With gas megaproject timelines taking shape, digital technologies reshaping production potential, renewed offshore exploration interest and clearer drilling targets for 2026, the summit positioned Libya as a market defined by scale, long-term optionality and expanding avenues for international partnership across hydrocarbons, services and renewables.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum Appoints Advisory Board to Drive Next Phase of Growth and Impact

Source: APO – Report:

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The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) has announced the establishment of its Advisory Board, a key step in guiding the organisation’s next phase of strategic growth and long-term impact across the African continent.

The new Advisory Board brings together a distinguished group of global leaders with extensive experience in business, policy, development, media, and innovation. The Board will provide high-level strategic guidance on AWIEF’s medium- to long-term priorities, including sustainable revenue growth, institutional strengthening, governance, and the expansion of programmes that support women’s entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa.

“The establishment of the Advisory Board marks an important milestone in AWIEF’s evolution,” said Irene Ochem, Founder & CEO of AWIEF. “The collective experience, insight, and leadership of our Advisory Board members will be invaluable as we consolidate our institutional foundations and scale our impact across Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.”

AWIEF Advisory Board Members

  • Fatma Samoura — Former Secretary-General, FIFA; global leader in sport, gender equity, and youth empowerment
  • Dalia Ibrahim — CEO, Nahdet Misr Publishing House; Founder & CEO, EdVentures; champion for education, innovation, and Africa’s creative economy
  • Awa Ndiaye-Seck — Former Special Representative UN Women to the African Union Commission & President, ADES-USA; expert in gender policy, economic inclusion, and sustainable development
  • Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard — Founder & Chairman, APO Group; pan-African media and communications strategist with extensive global networks; named one of the most 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine in 2023 and 2024

Role of the Advisory Board

The Advisory Board has been created to support AWIEF’s growth beyond its flagship annual convenings, with a strong focus on strategic programming, partnerships, research, policy influence, and ecosystem development.

Members have been selected for their exceptional leadership, cross-sector expertise, and proven commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment across Africa.

– on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

For media enquiries:
Yolanda Mtshawu
Email: inf@awieforum.org
Phone: +27 21 002 8264

About AWIEF:
The Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) is a pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. Through high-impact programmes, strategic partnerships, and world-class convenings, AWIEF creates opportunities for women innovators and business leaders to connect, learn, and scale solutions that address Africa’s most pressing challenges.

AWIEF’s flagship Conference, Exhibition & Awards convenes entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders from across Africa and around the world to catalyse growth, foster collaboration, and champion women’s leadership in business and innovation.

Website: www.AWIEForum.org

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KwaZulu-Natal Education formalises strategic partnership with Beier Group

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Education formalises strategic partnership with Beier Group

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has formalised a strategic partnership with the Beier Group aimed at advancing academic excellence and strengthening skills development across the province.

In a statement on Monday, the department said it convened a strategic engagement with the Beier Group on 23 January 2026 in Pinetown, led by the Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo. The engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in public–private collaboration.

In terms of the agreement, the Beier Group will sponsor an all-expenses-paid engineering bursary for one of the department’s top achievers. The initiative reinforces a shared commitment to nurturing scarce skills and building a future-ready workforce in KwaZulu-Natal.

The department welcomed the partnership, noting that it underscores the critical role of collaboration between government and industry in expanding access to higher education opportunities and empowering high-performing learners from the province.

Speaking during the engagement, Ngcobo emphasised the importance of leveraging private sector partnerships to unlock opportunities for deserving learners, particularly in priority fields such as engineering, which are central to economic growth and development.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships that support learner success, promote excellence, and contribute meaningfully to human capital development in the province,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa must build on economic recovery momentum – President

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa must build on economic recovery momentum – President

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed focus on investment and infrastructure development to ensure that South Africa’s recent economic gains translate into sustained and inclusive growth. 

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country entered the new year with growing momentum in its economic recovery, supported by several positive indicators recorded toward the end of 2025.

The economy has recorded four consecutive quarters of growth, while unemployment levels have continued to decline. Recent data released by Statistics South Africa also show a notable reduction in poverty and inequality.

“Confidence in our economy is rising. The stock exchange has been performing well and the average inflation rate is the lowest in two decades,” he said. 

According to the President, South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list late last year marked a significant improvement in institutional credibility and sent a positive signal to investors. This progress was further reinforced by a recent sovereign credit ratings upgrade, reflecting strengthened fiscal credibility.

While welcoming these developments, President Ramaphosa cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustained economic growth depends on expanding investment.

“While these signs of progress are encouraging, there is no time to rest. The difference between a temporary lift in growth and sustained shift in our economic trajectory lies in expanding investment. 

“With a strengthening currency and rising commodity prices, we have wind in our sails. Now we must steer our ship towards greater prosperity for all South Africans,” he said.

The President said the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), at its first meeting of the year, had outlined key proposals to convert recent gains into long-term growth. The council recommended a simultaneous increase in public infrastructure investment and a reduction in the cost of doing business.

He emphasised that infrastructure investment must focus on well-executed projects that unlock growth, lower business costs and create jobs, rather than increased spending alone.

Strong support was also expressed for ongoing structural reforms in critical sectors such as electricity, logistics and water. These reforms have contributed to the end of load shedding and improvements in rail and port performance, while promoting competition, efficiency and lower costs across the economy.

The President highlighted electricity reforms as central to inclusive growth, noting that a competitive electricity market is essential to lowering energy costs. Improvements in rail, ports and freight corridors were also identified as vital to boosting exports, industrialisation and job creation.

He said government has already laid a strong foundation for increased infrastructure investment by streamlining regulations, facilitating public-private partnerships and strengthening institutions such as Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund. More than R1 trillion has been committed to public infrastructure projects over the next three years.

“We need to build on this foundation by strengthening our State-owned enterprises and enabling them to invest at much higher levels. 

“We must do all of this at a time when the international environment is increasingly volatile and uncertain. Global growth is expected to remain subdued over the medium term and many countries are facing heightened trade and geopolitical tensions,” the President said. 

He underscored the need for South Africa to improve competitiveness and expand markets, particularly within the African continent. 

“We must capitalise on the positive momentum of recent months by building strong partnerships, strengthening delivery, and closing the gap between policy intent and implementation. Only if our own institutions are strong can we compete and remain responsive in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa said government would intensify efforts to grow investment and create jobs, building on the gains achieved so far.

He said Cabinet’s upcoming annual Lekgotla would outline coordinated actions across government and with social partners to ensure that economic progress delivers tangible improvements in the lives of South Africans.

“Through these actions, by working together, we will ensure that the progress we’ve seen in the last year will have an impact on the lives of South Africans this year,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Dube-Ncube welcomes 36 graduates as SA–China education ties deepen

Source: Government of South Africa

Dube-Ncube welcomes 36 graduates as SA–China education ties deepen

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has led a welcoming ceremony for 36 South African graduates at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria following their successful completion of a specialised training programme at Beijing Polytechnic College in China.

The graduates form part of the first cohort to benefit from a collaboration between Beijing Polytechnic College and nine South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, under the Joint Declaration of Cooperation (JDC) signed in 2024.

The initiative enabled the students to participate in an intensive 18-week programme at the School of Mechanical Engineering in Beijing.

The programme is embedded within the longstanding and growing cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in the fields of higher education and skills development.

“This partnership continues to play a significant role in strengthening South Africa’s technical capacity and advancing the country’s knowledge economy,” Dube-Ncube said during the ceremony on Friday.

As the coordinator of the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM), the Deputy Minister highlighted the mutually beneficial nature of the cooperation between the two countries, noting with enthusiasm the expanding scope for future opportunities in education, training and industrial skills development.

Addressing the graduates and stakeholders, the Deputy Minister encouraged South African youth to adopt a broader and more strategic outlook when considering study opportunities in China.

She emphasised the importance of aligning international learning experiences with long-term national priorities, particularly those outlined in South Africa’s National Development Plan.

Dube-Ncube also expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Wu Peng, and the diplomatic staff at the Chinese Embassy for their continued support in ensuring the smooth implementation of exchange programmes.

She also acknowledged the presence of Chinese businesses operating in South Africa, thanking them for their contributions and encouraging continued support for South African students in acquiring critical technical and vocational skills.

“The ceremony reaffirms the commitment of both countries to deepening educational cooperation and empowering young people with skills that support sustainable development and economic growth,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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DWS moves swiftly to mitigate risk at Senteeko Dam

Source: Government of South Africa

DWS moves swiftly to mitigate risk at Senteeko Dam

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Head of the Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, will today join a team of engineers and the Appointed Professional Person (APP) to continue the ongoing assessment and monitoring of Senteeko Dam.

Senteeko Dam, officially registered as My Own Dam and commonly known as Senteeko Dam, is classified by the department’s Dam Safety Office as a medium-sized dam. It is 26 metres high, with a storage capacity of 1.8 million cubic metres.

The dam is owned by the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA) and is primarily used for irrigation purposes.

The department has warned that the dam, located near Barberton in Mpumalanga is at high risk of failure following recent heavy rainfall in the region.

Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa confirmed that an emergency safety assessment conducted by the Dam Safety Office found that the dam’s spillway structure has sustained severe and irreversible damage. This includes advanced erosion and undercutting, which have resulted in significant structural instability.

Mavasa warned that failure of the dam is imminent and could occur without further warning.

To mitigate the risk, an excavator was mobilised on Saturday morning to widen the emergency side-channel spillway in order to further lower the water level in the dam.

“Excavations have been done and a side channel spillway has been created to release the water and reduce the pressure on the dam wall. Overnight, the water level had dropped by 25mm,” Mavasa said in a statement on Sunday.

The department has further reassured the public that in the event of dam failure, neither the Republic of Mozambique nor the Kingdom of Eswatini would be affected, as the distance from the dam’s spillway to the nearest international border along the flood path exceeds 160 kilometres.

Dam safety and the protection of life remain the Department of Water and Sanitation’s highest priority. – SAnews.gov.za

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