Law enforcement to intensify road safety compliance over long weekends

Source: Government of South Africa

Law enforcement to intensify road safety compliance over long weekends

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has identified high-risk areas across all provinces to ramp up coordinated, intelligence-led law enforcement operations over the next two long weekends, as traffic volumes are expected to rise.

Authorities will increase the visibility of police patrols to ensure motorists comply with road rules.

With Freedom Day falling on Monday, 27 April 2026, and Workers’ Day on Friday, 1 May 2026, within the same week, a surge in travel — including interprovincial trips — is expected. This will likely lead to higher traffic volumes on national routes, elevating the risk of crashes and fatalities.

Key routes expected to experience heavy traffic and congestion include the N1, N2, N3, N4 and R61.

Pedestrian activity is also anticipated to increase, particularly around entertainment venues and areas hosting special events. According to the RTMC, pedestrian safety remains a significant concern, with pedestrian-vehicle collisions accounting for 43% of road fatalities.

“The top 10 districts or municipalities contributing the highest number of pedestrian crashes and fatalities have been identified. These are the City of Johannesburg, eThekwini, City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, City of Tshwane, Nkangala, Bojanala, Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Sekhukhune,” the RTMC said.

These districts account for about 46% of fatal crashes and 44% of road deaths.

High-risk routes within these areas have been earmarked for targeted enforcement and intensified monitoring.

Authorities will also enforce public transport safe stop zones to discourage operators from dropping off passengers in unsafe areas.

“Motorists are urged to remain patient and vigilant, especially near residential areas and informal settlements.Pedestrians are advised not to walk on roads while under the influence of alcohol, to avoid highways, to use pedestrian bridges on busy freeways, and to wear bright clothing at night,” the RTMC said. –SAnews.gov.za

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KZN Premier hands over digital devices to empower unemployed youth

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN Premier hands over digital devices to empower unemployed youth

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has handed over 300 digital devices to unemployed youth, marking a key step in the province’s efforts to equip young people with skills for the digital economy.

The beneficiaries, drawn from Zululand, King Cetshwayo and Mkhanyakude Districts, will undergo specialised training in cybersecurity and technopreneurship – fields identified as critical for addressing unemployment and meeting the growing demand for digital expertise.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDPSETA) and the South African Public Colleges Organisation, as part of the Youth Skills Training Programme, which runs from 2025 to 2030.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the Old Ulundi Legislature Building on Tuesday, Ntuli emphasised the importance of aligning skills development with industry needs, noting that the programme responds directly to the province’s commitment to empower young people with relevant, future-fit skills.

“This initiative is about more than just handing over devices; it is about unlocking opportunities, restoring hope, and preparing our youth to actively participate in the economy,” Ntuli said.

He added that the programme is an investment in a generation expected to drive innovation, combat emerging challenges such as cybercrime, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

The programme will train 300 unemployed youth, including 180 graduates in technopreneurship and 120 matriculants in cybersecurity. In addition, 85 people with disabilities will benefit from targeted training in furniture making and new venture creation, ensuring inclusivity in skills development.

Ntuli said the intervention forms part of a broader provincial strategy to support the needs of young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), with a focus on practical, technical and entrepreneurial skills over traditional academic pathways alone.

The selection of beneficiaries was conducted in collaboration with district municipalities to ensure transparency and equitable representation from communities most in need of economic opportunities.

Training will be delivered by the South African Public Colleges Organisation (SAPCO), with programmes set to commence immediately following the handover. Participants will also receive stipends, with the first payments expected by 30 April 2026.

Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment, noting that the future of KwaZulu-Natal depends on equipping young people with the tools to succeed in an evolving digital world.

“This is just the beginning. Through partnerships and sustained investment in skills development, we are building a capable, confident and economically active generation that will shape the future of our province,” the Premier said.

The Premier acknowledged the role of partner organisations in supporting the initiative, commending their continued contribution to youth development in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Africa Tech Festival opens registration for landmark 29th edition in Cape Town

Source: APO


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Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com/), the continent’s longest-running and most influential technology event, today announced that registration is open for the 29th edition of the event, taking place from 16 to 19 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa.

Based on the success of last year’s event, and ongoing conversations with key stakeholders, Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect where investment is flowing, where innovation is accelerating, and where the biggest opportunities lie: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation. Every session, speaker and experience at Africa Tech Festival 2026 is built around these pillars, which will be showcased throughout the event, on eight dedicated stages.

For sponsors and exhibitors, Africa Tech Festival is the premier platform where enterprise buyers, technology leaders, and solution providers converge to shape the future of digital transformation across the continent. Leading brands can engage directly with C-suite executives, policymakers, and industry leaders as they showcase solutions in telecoms, AI, data centres, cybersecurity and enterprise innovation. In addition to providing a forum for generating leads and forming partnerships, Africa Tech Festival’s media exposure and pan-African reach create the ideal platforms for boosting brand reputation.

First wave of confirmed speakers announced

Africa Tech Festival 2026 is already attracting some of the continent’s most influential technology and business leaders. Confirmed speakers to date include:

  • Bunmi Cynthia Adeleye, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (Owners of Shoprite Nigeria)
  • Dido wa Kalonji, Chief Information Officer, FNB Eswatini
  • Faith Burn, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
  • Joost Pielage, Chief Technology Officer, Quro Medical
  • Lazola Ndamase, Group Executive Head: Big Data & AI/ML Technology, Vodacom
  • Mary Mahuma, Chief Information Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa, Philip Morris South Africa
  • Nina Triantis, Head: Global Sponsor Coverage, Client Coverage CIB & Vice Chair/TMT, Standard Bank Group
  • Nirvani Dhevcharran, Chief Technology Officer: Platforms and Operations, TFG (The Foschini Group)
  • Nollie Maoto, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, FirstRand Compliance Office
  • Nomsa Chabeli, Group Chief Executive Officer, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
  • Richard Cazalet, Executive: Strategy and Transformation, Telkom SA
  • Seaparo Phala, Chief Information Officer, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
  • Senthil Kumar Velayutham, Chief Technology and Digital Officer, African Development Bank

Commenting on the importance of the event in advancing Africa’s digital transformation agenda, David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival, said, “Africa’s digital economy is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and Africa Tech Festival 2026 is designed to be at the centre of that momentum. Whether you’re a decision-maker looking to shape strategy, an innovator seeking investment, or an organisation ready to put your brand in front of the continent’s most influential technology leaders, this is the event for you. We look forward to welcoming the industry to Cape Town in November.”

Register to attend Africa Tech Festival 2026

General registration: https://apo-opa.co/3OvRBqv

For more information, as well as exhibitor and sponsor applications, visit https://AfricaTechFestival.com/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival: 
Africa Tech Festival is the continent’s leading platform for shaping the future of the digital economy. Taking place annually in Cape Town, the festival brings together the full technology ecosystem, from telecoms and infrastructure providers to enterprise leaders, startups, investors and policymakers.

Through six core pillars spanning connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, data centres, digital transformation and the startup ecosystem, Africa Tech Festival delivers a comprehensive view of the trends, challenges and opportunities defining Africa’s digital landscape.

The festival combines high level content with large scale exhibition and networking, creating a space where strategy meets execution. Across three days, it convenes global technology leaders, decision makers and innovators to share insight, build partnerships and drive real business outcomes.

Africa Tech Festival is part of Informa Festivals, a division of Informa.

Qatar Condemns Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex Storming, Urges International Action

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 21, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex by Israeli settlers and the raising of the Israeli flag in its courtyards, calling the incident a flagrant violation of international law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that this act represented a provocation to Muslims worldwide and a breach of the religious and historical status of the holy site in the occupied East Jerusalem.

The Ministry affirms Qatar’s categorical rejection of attempts to undermine the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque, stresses the need for the international community to uphold its moral and legal responsibilities towards Jerusalem and its holy sites and to firmly confront the repeated Israeli violations.

It reiterates Qatar’s unwavering position on the just cause of Palestine and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their full right to practice their religious rites without restrictions and to establish their independent state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Qatar Partakes in Arab League Council Ministerial Meeting on Iranian Attacks against Arab States

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, April 21, 2026

 The State of Qatar participated in an extraordinary ministerial-level meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States, held via video conference on Tuesday.

The meeting was dedicated to the “unlawful and reprehensible” Iranian attacks against Arab countries in addition to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s obligations under international law. 

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi represented the State of Qatar at the meeting.

Qatar Participates in Ministerial Meeting of AHLC for Coordination of International Aid to Palestinian People

Source: Government of Qatar

Brussels, April 21, 2026

The State of Qatar participated in the ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Coordination of International Aid to the Palestinian People (AHLC), held in Brussels, Belgium. 

The State of Qatar was represented by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad. 

In the speech she delivered on behalf of the State of Qatar during the meeting, Her Excellency expressed sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Norway and the European Union for their leadership and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their continued efforts to promote peace and stability in West Asia. 

The mediation efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar in close cooperation with the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America and the Republic of Turkiye, contributed to laying the foundation for the 20-point peace plan, which was later adopted by the United Nations Security Council under Resolution 2803, she noted. 

Her Excellency highlighted the State of Qatar’s pledge to provide USD 1 billion in support of the work of the Peace Council, noting that this large contribution aims to reach a final settlement that meets the aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital. 

As we engage in discussions that focus on the frameworks established by the Security Council Resolution 2803 and the second phase of the 20-point plan, we emphasize that these frameworks represent essential guidelines for re-establishing the necessary foundations for the recovery of the Gaza Strip and achieving its long-term sustainable development, she added. 

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation stressed the need to establish conditions that ensure transparency in the allocation of funds, guaranteeing that all financial contributions are directed towards pre-defined projects and are subject to regular mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation and reporting. 

She emphasized that support should be in line with the provisions of international law to ensure that initiatives respect the fundamental principles established by the UN, underlining the fact that involving local communities and Palestinian authorities in project planning would ensure that initiatives meet the actual needs of the population. 

She also pointed out that specific projects that may be of interest to members of the AHLC for Coordination of International Aid to the Palestinian People, include infrastructure reconstruction, strengthening health care services, and educational programs, as well as ensuring the promotion of long-term development and the consolidation of community resilience. 

Donors can support both existing and new structures by following an integrated approach that combines immediate humanitarian relief with sustainable development efforts, ensuring a comprehensive response to the challenges facing the region, she added. 

Her Excellency affirmed that the international community can support the Palestinian Authority by providing timely and emergency budgetary support, while focusing on essential services such as health, education and public administration. 

By facilitating the provision of emergency grants and loans, donors can address critical financial pressures and avert political and social collapse, she continued, indicating that it is also essential to support programs that enhance the institutional capacities and governance of the Palestinian Authority, thereby contributing to the consolidation of the principles of transparency and accountability. 

Her Excellency indicated that collaborative efforts should include working closely with existing groups such as the Palestine Donors Group (PDG), to ensure that financial support is aligned with the Palestinian Authority’s reform program, while also providing sustainable solutions. 

In this context, Her Excellency pointed out that AHLC’s work can complement these efforts by promoting dialogue among stakeholders, disseminating best practices in governance, and encouraging collaborative projects that directly support the reform processes of the Palestinian Authority, considering this integrated model of support to be essential for preserving the achievements of state-building and ensuring continued economic and institutional stability. 

HE Minister of International Cooperation reiterated the State of Qatar’s commitment to supporting the efforts of the AHLC for Coordination of International Aid to the Palestinian People, and international partners in meeting the urgent and long-term needs and rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, which is crucial for achieving peace and security. 

Le ministre du Pétrole du Niger participe à African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 dans le cadre d’une nouvelle offensive en matière d’exportations et d’infrastructures

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le ministre nigérien du Pétrole, Hamadou Tinni, prendra la parole lors de la conférence et du salon African Energy Week (AEW) – qui se tiendra du 12 au 16 octobre 2026 au Cap – alors que le pays intensifie ses efforts pour se positionner comme un producteur pétrolier compétitif, axé sur l’amont et l’exportation. Sa participation intervient à un moment charnière pour le secteur des hydrocarbures du Niger, alors que les récents développements de projets et l’expansion des infrastructures redessinent le paysage énergétique du pays.

L’expansion en amont du Niger repose sur des projets tels que ceux du bassin du rift d’Agadem. La China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) exploite le champ pétrolier d’Agadem, dont elle a récemment porté la capacité de 20 000 barils par jour (bpj) à 90 000 bpj grâce à une deuxième phase d’extension. Savannah Energy détient actuellement des participations dans la zone du contrat de partage de production (PSC) R1234 – représentant environ 50 % du bassin – avec cinq découvertes réalisées à ce jour à partir de cinq puits dans la zone de licence R3.

Pour l’avenir, Savannah Energy évalue des plans pour un programme de tests sur quatre puits et/ou une reprise des activités d’exploration dans la zone du contrat PSC R1234 en 2026/2027. La société a identifié au total 146 cibles d’exploration potentielles sur l’ensemble de ses quatre zones de licence, les futures activités d’exploration étant soumises à l’approbation du gouvernement. Depuis 2024, Savannah Energy a restructuré le plan de développement de la zone R3 Est, portant les prévisions de production de 5 000 barils par jour à 10 000 barils par jour. La première production de pétrole dans cette zone dépendra du succès des essais de puits.

Le projet bénéficie des progrès réalisés en matière d’infrastructures, notamment la raffinerie SORAZ construite par la CNPC et l’oléoduc Niger-Bénin, désormais achevé. Cet oléoduc offre un accès direct aux marchés internationaux pour le pétrole brut du Niger, ouvrant ainsi une voie d’exportation claire pour la zone R1234 du PSC. D’un coût de 4,5 milliards de dollars, cet oléoduc s’étend sur 1 980 km et achemine le brut depuis les champs pétrolifères d’Agadem au Niger jusqu’à Seme, un port atlantique au Bénin.

En tant que moteur économique clé, l’industrie pétrolière du Niger devrait rester le pilier de la croissance prévue pour le pays en 2026 et au-delà. Le Fonds monétaire international prévoit que la croissance économique du pays atteindra 6,7 % en 2026, portée par la hausse des exportations de pétrole et l’expansion des infrastructures. Bien que les transitions politiques aient eu un impact sur le climat d’investissement du pays, celui-ci s’est fixé des objectifs clairs pour accroître la production de pétrole brut tout en accélérant le développement d’autres industries clés telles que l’exploitation minière. Pour les investisseurs, cela met en évidence une opportunité unique de soutenir la croissance de secteurs prometteurs.

« Le Niger démontre comment des infrastructures stratégiques et un potentiel en ressources peuvent se conjuguer pour ouvrir de nouvelles frontières énergétiques. Des projets tels que l’oléoduc Niger-Bénin sont appelés à soutenir de nouveaux investissements dans le secteur en amont du pays en offrant une voie d’accès directe au marché pour le pétrole brut nigérien. Alors que le pays cherche à accroître sa production et à attirer de nouveaux acteurs sur le marché, une orientation politique claire pourrait servir de tremplin à l’exploration », déclare NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de la Chambre africaine de l’énergie. 

Lors de l’AEW 2026, le ministre Tinni devrait présenter les grandes lignes de la stratégie de développement du pays, en donnant un aperçu des opportunités d’investissement stratégiques dans l’ensemble du spectre économique. Alors que la concurrence pour les capitaux s’intensifie, la combinaison du potentiel en ressources et de l’amélioration des infrastructures du Niger offre une proposition de valeur différenciée. La participation du ministre à la conférence de cette année constituera une tribune pour articuler cette vision tout en renforçant la volonté du pays de s’associer avec les acteurs mondiaux du secteur.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Energy Chamber.

Niger’s Petroleum Minister Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Amid Renewed Export, Infrastructure Drive

Source: APO


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Niger’s Minister of Petroleum Hamadou Tinni will take the stage at the African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition – taking place October 12-16, 2026, in Cape Town – as the country accelerates efforts to position itself as a competitive upstream and export-driven oil producer. His participation comes at a pivotal moment for Niger’s hydrocarbons sector, as recent project developments and infrastructure expansion reshape the country’s energy landscape.

Niger’s upstream expansion is anchored by projects such as those in the Agadem Rift Basin. China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) operates the Agadem oilfield, recently increasing its capacity from 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 90,000 bpd through a phase two expansion. Savannah Energy currently has interests in the R1234 PSC area – equating to roughly 50% of the basin – with five discoveries made from five wells in the R3 license area to date.

Looking ahead, Savannah Energy is assessing plans for a four-well testing program and/or a return to exploration activity in the R1234 PSC contract area in 2026/2027. The company has identified 146 potential exploration targets in total across its four license areas, with future exploration subject to government approval. Since 2024, Savannah Energy has restructured the R3 East Area development plan, raising production forecasts from 5,000 bpd to 10,000 bpd. First oil production from the area will depend on successful well tests.

The project is supported by advancements in infrastructure, specifically the CNPC-built SORAZ refinery and the now-completed Niger-Benin oil export pipeline. The pipeline provides a direct route to international markets for Niger’s crude oil, offering a clear export pathway for the R1234 PSC area. The $4.5 billion pipeline traverses 1,980km, transporting crude from Niger’s Agadem oilfields to Seme – an Atlantic port in Benin.

As a key economic driver, Niger’s oil industry is expected to remain the backbone of the country’s growth forecast for 2026 and beyond. The International Monetary Agency projects the country’s economic growth to reach 6.7% in 2026, driven by rising oil exports and infrastructure expansion. While political transitions have impacted the country’s investment climate, the country has set clear goals to expand crude production while accelerating the development of other key industries such as mining. For investors, this highlights a unique opportunity to support the growth of promising sectors.

“Niger is demonstrating how strategic infrastructure and resource potential can come together to unlock new energy frontiers. Projects such as the Niger-Benin Pipeline stand to support new investments in the country’s upstream sector by offering a direct route to market for Nigerien crude. As the country looks to expand production and attract new players to the market, clear policy direction could serve as a launchpad for exploration,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. 

At AEW 2026, Minister Tinni is expected to outline the country’s development strategy, providing insights into strategic investment opportunities across the entire economic spectrum. As competition for capital intensifies, Niger’s combination of resource potential and improving infrastructure offers a differentiated value proposition. The Minister’s engagement at this year’s conference will provide a platform to articulate this vision while reinforcing the country’s readiness to partner with global industry players.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Ministro do Petróleo do Níger participa na African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 num contexto de renovado impulso às exportações e às infraestruturas

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O ministro do Petróleo do Níger, Hamadou Tinni, subirá ao palco da Conferência e Exposição da African Energy Week (AEW) — que decorrerá de 12 a 16 de outubro de 2026, na Cidade do Cabo —, num momento em que o país acelera os esforços para se posicionar como um produtor de petróleo competitivo no setor upstream e orientado para a exportação. A sua participação surge num momento crucial para o setor dos hidrocarbonetos do Níger, à medida que os recentes desenvolvimentos de projetos e a expansão das infraestruturas remodelam o panorama energético do país.

A expansão a montante do Níger assenta em projetos como os da Bacia da Fenda de Agadem. A China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) opera o campo petrolífero de Agadem, tendo recentemente aumentado a sua capacidade de 20 000 barris por dia (bpd) para 90 000 bpd através de uma segunda fase de expansão. A Savannah Energy detém atualmente participações na área do contrato de partilha de produção (PSC) R1234 — o que equivale a cerca de 50% da bacia —, tendo sido feitas até à data cinco descobertas a partir de cinco poços na área da licença R3.

Olhando para o futuro, a Savannah Energy está a avaliar planos para um programa de testes de quatro poços e/ou um regresso à atividade de exploração na área do contrato PSC R1234 em 2026/2027. A empresa identificou um total de 146 alvos de exploração potenciais nas suas quatro áreas de licença, estando a exploração futura sujeita à aprovação do governo. Desde 2024, a Savannah Energy reestruturou o plano de desenvolvimento da Área R3 Este, aumentando as previsões de produção de 5.000 bpd para 10.000 bpd. A primeira produção de petróleo da área dependerá do sucesso dos testes nos poços.

O projeto é apoiado por avanços nas infraestruturas, especificamente a refinaria SORAZ construída pela CNPC e o oleoduto de exportação Níger-Benim, agora concluído. O oleoduto proporciona uma rota direta para os mercados internacionais para o petróleo bruto do Níger, oferecendo uma via de exportação clara para a área do PSC R1234. O oleoduto de 4,5 mil milhões de dólares atravessa 1.980 km, transportando crude dos campos petrolíferos de Agadem, no Níger, até Seme — um porto atlântico no Benim.

Como principal motor económico, espera-se que a indústria petrolífera do Níger continue a ser a espinha dorsal das previsões de crescimento do país para 2026 e anos seguintes. O Fundo Monetário Internacional prevê que o crescimento económico do país atinja 6,7% em 2026, impulsionado pelo aumento das exportações de petróleo e pela expansão das infraestruturas. Embora as transições políticas tenham afetado o clima de investimento do país, este estabeleceu objetivos claros para expandir a produção de crude, acelerando simultaneamente o desenvolvimento de outras indústrias-chave, como a mineração. Para os investidores, isto destaca uma oportunidade única de apoiar o crescimento de setores promissores.

«O Níger está a demonstrar como as infraestruturas estratégicas e o potencial de recursos podem unir-se para abrir novas fronteiras energéticas. Projetos como o Oleoduto Níger-Benim visam apoiar novos investimentos no setor a montante do país, oferecendo uma rota direta para o mercado do petróleo bruto nigeriano. À medida que o país procura expandir a produção e atrair novos intervenientes para o mercado, uma orientação política clara poderá servir de rampa de lançamento para a exploração», afirma NJ Ayuk, Presidente Executivo da Câmara Africana de Energia. 

Na AEW 2026, espera-se que o Ministro Tinni delineie a estratégia de desenvolvimento do país, fornecendo informações sobre oportunidades de investimento estratégico em todo o espectro económico. À medida que a concorrência pelo capital se intensifica, a combinação do potencial de recursos e da infraestrutura em melhoria do Níger oferece uma proposta de valor diferenciada. A participação do Ministro na conferência deste ano proporcionará uma plataforma para articular esta visão, reforçando simultaneamente a disponibilidade do país para estabelecer parcerias com intervenientes globais da indústria.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Energy Chamber.

La Zero Waste Foundation fait progresser la diplomatie de la 31e Conférence des Parties (COP31) en Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Samed Agirbas, champion climatique de haut niveau de la COP31 (https://apo-opa.co/4u3OpBB) et président de la Zero Waste Foundation (www.sifiratikvakfi.org/en), a participé au deuxième Forum urbain africain (AUF2) qui s’est tenu à Nairobi du 6 au 10 avril, s’engageant auprès des parties prenantes régionales et internationales pour faire progresser la justice climatique, renforcer la coopération mondiale et promouvoir les solutions d’économie circulaire à travers des partenariats stratégiques avec l’Afrique.

« Nous sommes ici pour la justice mondiale », a déclaré Agirbas. « Le changement climatique est un défi partagé qui nécessite une responsabilité collective et une coopération, non pas un modèle basé sur l’aide mais sur un partenariat égal. Alors que nous nous dirigeons vers la COP31, nous devons construire un agenda mondial enraciné dans l’équité, le partage des connaissances et l’action conjointe pour des villes durables et des communautés résilientes. »

Renforcer la diplomatie climatique à travers l’Afrique

La participation d’Agirbas à l’AUF2 s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un effort diplomatique plus large de la COP31, visant à aligner les priorités mondiales avec les besoins et les perspectives des pays africains. Ses engagements ont reflété le leadership croissant de la Türkiye en matière de durabilité et son engagement à construire des solutions inclusives et axées sur le partenariat.

Tout au long du forum, la Zero Waste Foundation a souligné l’importance de la justice climatique comme principe directeur, soulignant que le développement durable doit être équitable et accessible à tous. Les discussions se sont concentrées sur les voies pratiques pour mettre en œuvre des modèles d’économie circulaire et des systèmes efficaces de gestion des déchets, particulièrement dans les régions en rapide urbanisation.

L’approche zéro déchet de la Türkiye a été présentée comme un modèle évolutif et collaboratif, démontrant comment l’expérience nationale peut contribuer aux objectifs mondiaux de durabilité par l’échange mutuel plutôt que par des cadres unilatéraux.

Faire progresser les villes durables et l’économie circulaire

Lors de l’AUF2, Agirbas a souligné le rôle essentiel des villes durables dans la lutte contre les défis climatiques. La résilience urbaine, la gestion des déchets et l’efficacité des ressources ont été des thèmes centraux dans les discussions avec les principales parties prenantes.

Des réunions ont eu lieu avec le Dr. Aklilu Fikresilassie, directeur des villes résilientes au WRI Afrique, et le Dr. Meggan Spires, directrice du changement climatique à ICLEI Afrique, se concentrant sur le renforcement de la coopération en matière de durabilité urbaine et d’action climatique. Les engagements ont également inclus des discussions avec Anacláudia Rossbach, directrice exécutive d’ONU-Habitat, sur l’avancement des agendas mondiaux de développement urbain.

Ces interactions ont renforcé le besoin d’approches intégrées combinant politique, innovation et expertise locale. La Zero Waste Foundation a souligné l’importance d’intégrer les principes de l’économie circulaire dans la planification urbaine, permettant des bénéfices environnementaux et économiques à long terme.

S’engager auprès des communautés et de la jeunesse sur le terrain

Lors de sa visite à Nairobi, Agirbas a également effectué des visites sur le terrain dans des communautés défavorisées, notamment Kibera et Mathare, s’engageant directement auprès des résidents locaux et des leaders de la jeunesse. Réfléchissant sur Kibera, il a déclaré : « Nous voulons amplifier la voix de la justice climatique de Kibera au monde. Protéger notre maison commune commence par nous protéger les uns les autres. »

En visitant une école locale, Agirbas a souligné les conditions vulnérables auxquelles sont confrontées les communautés touchées par le changement climatique et la pauvreté, notant que beaucoup luttent pour survivre avec seulement 10 à 15 dollars par mois et font face à des risques mortels liés aux impacts climatiques.

Au Mathare Community Park, il a rencontré une vingtaine de jeunes leaders pour discuter des réponses de la jeunesse aux urgences climatiques telles que les inondations et a présenté brièvement son rôle de champion. La visite s’est terminée par une plantation d’arbres.

Construire des partenariats stratégiques pour la COP31

Le programme d’Agirbas à Nairobi comprenait également des réunions visant à élargir la collaboration intersectorielle. Des discussions avec le Dr. Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır de la Fondation T3 et Zeliha Sağlam de l’African Culture House ont mis en évidence le rôle de la technologie, de l’échange culturel et de l’engagement communautaire dans les efforts de durabilité.

Ces engagements ont reflété une stratégie plus large visant à renforcer les liens entre la Türkiye et l’Afrique à travers des objectifs partagés et des initiatives conjointes. Plutôt que de positionner la durabilité comme un effort unilatéral, la Zero Waste Foundation l’a présentée comme un parcours collaboratif façonné par l’apprentissage mutuel et le co-développement.

« Alors que nous poursuivons nos préparatifs pour la COP31, il est essentiel que nous maintenions un agenda mondial unifié », a commenté Agirbas. « Nos engagements à Nairobi ont clairement montré que le dialogue régional peut jouer un rôle décisif dans la définition de l’action climatique mondiale. Des solutions durables ne seront possibles que par des partenariats solides, une responsabilité partagée et un engagement ferme envers la justice climatique. »

Distribué par APO Group pour Zero Waste Foundation.

Contact :
Ahmet Musa Bala
basin@sifiratikvakfi.org

À propos de la Zero Waste Foundation :
La Zero Waste Foundation est la principale plateforme de Türkiye pour faire progresser les solutions d’économie circulaire et la gestion durable des ressources aux niveaux national et mondial. Créée sous le leadership honoraire de la Première Dame S.E. Emine Erdoğan, la Fondation développe et met en œuvre des programmes qui réduisent les déchets, augmentent l’efficacité et alignent la politique environnementale sur les objectifs climatiques.

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