Category: MIL-OSI

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Africa Data Centres and CSSi South Africa partner to bring expanded data storage capabilities to South African enterprises

Source: APO – Report:

Africa Data Centres (www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has entered into a strategic partnership with CSSi SA, a leading Cloud and VM Provider and distributor of data storage, servers, and data centre equipment.

Under the agreement, CSSi SA have structured an alliance to deploy racks and provide data sovereignty for South African customers, with up to three tiers of redundancy between three different data centre footprints. Located at Africa Data Centres’ facilities in Cape Town (CPT1) and Johannesburg (JHB1), and connected with 100GB links to CipherVault™ in Midrand. The availability of these racks will meet the growing local demand for redundant, reliable and next-generation data storage and colocation services.

“CSSi SA’s expansion into our South African facilities underscores the critical need for secure, high-performance data storage solutions in an era of rapid digital transformation. As businesses across South Africa and the broader African market accelerate their digital strategies, the demand for scalable, compliant, and resilient infrastructure has never been higher,” said Adil El Youssefi, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Data Centres. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing these challenges, ensuring that enterprises have the reliability and security required to manage growing data volumes while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.”

CSSi SA’s  data centre – CipherVault™ in Midrand, Johannesburg, will connect to Africa Data Centres’ JHB1 facility. This integration will provide its clients with seamless connectivity and redundant solutions, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring business continuity.

“The ability to leverage scalability, partner with the best Data Centre provider today in South Africa, and using economies of scale which allow us to reduce the cost of data centre operations for our customers was always the key reason for this partnership. Today being one of the largest disgtributors in Africa of Storage, SSD and Hard Drives, coupled with Server supply, allows our customers to save significant costs by being a single entity to offer tin to service, backed by 99.9% plus uptime guarantees. With over 15 years of operational experience from our own Data Cnetre, it made sense to partner with the best Africa can offer, and we honoured to have a partner such as ADC” said James Grcic, CEO of CSSi SA “Today this means, clients have more flexibility, can scale on demand, and SMB’s and resellers can migrate into Data Centres’ with costs as much as 65-70% less then what they could of envisaged, with access to world-class infrastructure, as we move into offering AI and GPU solutions as another first in SA

Through this partnership, CSSi SA strengthens its ability to deliver high-performance, scalable solutions and significantly reduces the barriers to entry for both small and corporate clients in this market. “We see this partnership as unique, due to the growing demand for new hardware technology, with an insatiable demand for Data Sovereignty, uptime guarantees, and being able to offer world-class data centre facilities with the lowest latency, nationwide network and providing it right here in SA for South Africa,” concluded Adil.

– on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa’s largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa, our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa’s small, medium and large enterprises and global hyper-scale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com/

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Jagersfontein Tailings Dam owner ignored structural instability warning sings

Source: Government of South Africa

The technical investigation into the failure of the Jagersfontein Fine Tailings Storage Facility (FTSF), has found that the owner of the tailings dam, Jagersfontein Development (Pty) Ltd, may have been aware of structural instability along the southern wall.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo officially released the long-awaited findings, which was presented to residents of Jagersfontein on Friday, 28 November 2025, more than three years after the catastrophic collapse on 11 September 2022, resulted in the tragic loss of life, leaving scores of people homeless as well as pollution of the environment and water resources.

The delegation, which included Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and Kopanong Local Municipality Mayor Xolani Tseletsele, met community members at the Mayibuye Community Hall, where they relayed the findings of the report to the community.

Instability known since 2019

The technical investigation, conducted by experts from the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), found that the owner of the tailings dam, Jagersfontein Development (Pty) Ltd, may have been aware of structural instability along the southern wall as early as 2019.

According to the report, the company attempted to stabilise the slope by adding large volumes of material to stabilise the slope, which was not effective, but continued to raise the dam wall and deposit more tailings into the dam.

The report further indicates that the construction/raising of the tailing’s storage facility was based on conceptual designs and that no detailed designs were done to enable the safe construction of the facility. In addition, there was no construction supervision by a registered engineering professional.

The investigation also revealed that when the dam breached on the southern wall of the tailings dam, one compartment collapsed, leading to containment of approximately 5.9 million cubic meters (mᵌ) of fine tailings being released downstream and causing flooding and destruction of infrastructure and property, including power lines. 

Two people were confirmed dead, and one person remains missing, and is presumed dead.

Design and construction failures

In addition to warnings of instability, the report identified critical engineering and regulatory failures. Among the most serious findings:

•    The facility was constructed and raised based on conceptual designs only, with no detailed engineering designs to support safe construction.

•    No registered engineering professional supervised the construction, raising concerns about compliance with industry standards.

•    Part of the southern wall was built on a pre-existing tailings dump of low structural strength, resulting in a weak foundation that contributed significantly to the collapse.

Addressing the community, Deputy Minister Mahlobo said he would have preferred to see the mine closed down in light of its non-compliance with government directives.

However, government will also have to consider the livelihood of residents who reside in the area as the mine provides job opportunities to some of the residents.

“It is a fine balancing act, saving jobs and saving lives,” Mahlobo said.

A full copy of the report can be accessed on the Department of Water and Sanitation’s website www.dws.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Mchunu to testify before Madlanga Commission

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System has confirmed that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on a leave of absence, will appear before the Commission on Tuesday at 14h00.

In a statement on Monday, Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the Minister’s appearance will take place at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, where strict accreditation and access control measures remain in place for members of the public.

“Any person wishing to access the public gallery of the auditorium is required to present positive identification for purposes of accreditation,” Michaels said.

Mchunu has been called to respond to testimony delivered by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who alleged that Mchunu engaged in political interference in policing operations.

In his earlier evidence, General Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of:

  • Pressuring police leadership to halt or redirect investigations involving politically sensitive individuals in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Attempting to influence senior appointments within the SAPS provincial command structure to favour certain political factions.
  • Intervening in procurement and operational decisions, allegedly to benefit individuals aligned with political interests.

General Mkhwanazi told the Commission that these actions undermined the independence of law-enforcement structures and contributed to a climate where investigations involving politically connected suspects stalled or were deprioritised.

Mchunu has previously denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his engagements with police structures have always been lawful, procedural, and aimed at strengthening policing capabilities. His testimony today is expected to address each of Mkhwanazi’s claims directly and provide the Commission with his version of events.

The Commission is tasked with investigating allegations of criminality, political influence, and corruption across South Africa’s criminal justice system. Mchunu’s testimony forms part of a broader effort to scrutinise how political dynamics may have shaped policing decisions over the past decade. – SAnews.gov.za

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Oribi toll plaza user discount comes to an end

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that the temporary 100% Frequent User Rebate at the Oribi Toll Plaza will come to an end today at midnight.

The rebate was introduced on 08 May 2025 to provide financial relief to local commuters diverted onto the N2 South Coast Toll Road due to the temporary closure of the uMzimkhulu River Bridge on the R102 for repairs undertaken by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. 

In September, a further three-month extension was granted to align with the bridge construction schedule. While work on the bridge is still underway, significant progress has been made. 

As a result, the 100% rebate will be cancelled at 23h59 on 02 December 2025, with motorists reverting to the standard Frequent User Discount, as outlined in the Government Gazette No. 52073, Volume 716, published on 07 February 2025. 

“SANRAL extends its sincere appreciation to all motorists who registered for the Frequent User Discount during this period. Your cooperation and willingness to sign up ensured the smooth implementation of the rebate and helped ease the impact of the temporary diversion. 

“As traffic volumes are expected to increase during the upcoming festive period, SANRAL encourages road users to register for electronic toll tags or update their existing accounts,” KwaZulu-Natal provincial head Dudley Mbambo said.

Tagging vehicles in advance ensures quicker passage through toll plazas, accurate billing, and full access to available discounts. 

To make registration more accessible, Self-Service Terminals (SSTs) remain available at the following locations:
•    Oribi Toll Plaza (Port Shepstone)
•    Astron Service Station (Umtentweni)
•    Oribi Plaza Shopping Centre (Port Shepstone)
•    Juice Junction, opposite Pick n Pay Centre (Hibberdene)
–SAnews.gov.za

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Marriott International fait son entrée en République démocratique du Congo avec l’ouverture de deux hôtels à Kinshasa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) vient de faire ses débuts en République démocratique du Congo avec l’ouverture du Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa et du Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa. Le lancement de ces deux établissements introduit des enseignes mondialement reconnues à Kinshasa pour offrir des expériences personnalisées aux voyageurs d’affaires et de loisirs dans l’une des capitales les plus dynamiques et stratégiques d’Afrique. 

Situé le long du fleuve Congo, Kinshasa est un hub dynamique pour la diplomatie, le commerce régional et les arts. Avec ses 17 millions d’habitants, la ville offre aux voyageurs une combinaison fascinante de culture, de commerce et de connectivité, de sa musique vivante à son offre gastronomique variée, en passant par ses marchés animés et à la proximité des merveilles naturelles de l’Afrique centrale.

« L’entrée en République démocratique du Congo est une étape importante pour Marriott International, et nous permet de continuer à développer notre présence en Afrique », déclare Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, vice-présidente, marques Premium, Select & Midscale, Europe, Moyen-Orient et Afrique, Marriott International. « Avec l’ouverture du Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa et du Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa, nous sommes ravis d’offrir aux voyageurs et aux membres de Marriott Bonvoy deux façons distinctes de vivre notre expérience de confiance en matière de service et de marque signature sur ce marché dynamique. »

Les deux hôtels sont gérés par la société de gestion tierce SARV Management LLC.

« Travailler avec Marriott International pour apporter une offre hôtelière de classe mondiale à la capitale soutient l’attrait croissant de la ville en tant que destination d’affaires et de loisirs, tout en contribuant à l’emploi local et au renforcement des compétences. Nous pensons que ces ouvertures joueront un rôle significatif dans la consolidation du secteur du tourisme et dans la mise en valeur du dynamisme et du potentiel de Kinshasa sur la scène mondiale », déclare Karim Minsariya, directeur de SAMAY Hospitality SARL, la société propriétaire des deux hôtels.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa (https://apo-opa.co/48evOe2) offre un séjour unique qui allie confort contemporain, caractère local authentique et service personnalisé. Idéalement situé dans un quartier chic près du fleuve Congo, l’hôtel est entouré de bureaux gouvernementaux, de sièges sociaux d’entreprises et de centres commerciaux haut de gamme, et se trouve à quelques minutes du centre-ville. Ses 88 chambres, dont beaucoup sont dotées de balcons et offrent une vue panoramique, sont conçues pour répondre aux besoins des voyageurs d’affaires, diplomatiques et de loisirs d’aujourd’hui, en offrant une pied-à-terre chaleureux pour explorer Kinshasa.

Le hall lumineux de l’atrium allie lumière naturelle, œuvres d’art locales et verdure, offrant un espace accueillant qui rend hommage à l’ancienne vie scolaire du bâtiment. Dans cet espace se trouve la piscine intérieure de l’hôtel, une première en son genre dans la ville, offrant une retraite emplie de sérénité après une journée bien remplie. Vous pourrez dîner au Marché 15, un restaurant ouvert toute la journée célébrant les saveurs internationales et locales, ou vous détendre au Lobby Bar, un espace décontracté idéal pour des réunions informelles et des boissons en soirée. Les équipements supplémentaires comprennent une salle de sport tout équipée et une salle de conférence de 56 mètres carrés conçue pour les réunions professionnelles et les événements entre proches.

Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa

Situé au cœur du quartier des affaires de Kinshasa, le Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa (https://apo-opa.co/4pBfJou) propose 134 chambres modernes. Que les voyageurs visitent Kinshasa pour le travail ou le plaisir, l’hôtel répond à leurs besoins avec son design accessible et son confort élégant.

Fidèle au style emblématique de la marque, l’hôtel propose aux voyageurs indépendants d’aujourd’hui le Four Comfort Bed, une connexion Wi-Fi haut débit et gratuite et un début de journée énergisant avec des diverses options de café frais et de petit-déjeuner. Après une journée productive, vous pourrez vous détendre autour d’un repas au Lufira, siroter un cocktail signature au 83 Sky Lounge Bar ou déguster une bière locale rafraîchissante dans le cadre du programme Best Brews™.

Vous profiterez également d’une salle de fitness ouverte 24h/24 et d’une piscine extérieure sur le toit offrant une vue panoramique sur la ville. Le Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa dispose également d’environ 230 mètres carrés d’espace de réunion répartis dans quatre salles, chacune équipée d’installations de conférence modernes et de technologies audiovisuelles avancées, ce qui en fait un lieu de choix pour les réunions professionnelles, les ateliers et les événements sociaux.

Le Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa et le Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa font tous les deux partie du Marriott Bonvoy®, le programme de voyage primé de Marriott International. Les membres peuvent gagner et échanger des points sur un portefeuille extraordinaire de marques mondiales, profiter d’expériences exclusives via Marriott Bonvoy Moments et débloquer des avantages tels que des nuits gratuites, l’enregistrement mobile et la reconnaissance du statut Elite.

Distribué par APO Group pour Marriott International, Inc..

Contact avec les médias : 
Birgit Deibele
directrice principale des communications – Afrique subsaharienne, Marriott International
Email : Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com

Protea Hotels by Marriott : 
Protea Hotels by Marriott® est la première enseigne hôtelière en Afrique et l’une des marques les plus reconnues sur le continent avec plus de 60 hôtels dans dix pays, à savoir l’Afrique du Sud, l’Angola, le Botswana, le Malawi, la Namibie, le Nigeria, l’Ouganda, la République démocratique du Congo, la Tanzanie et la Zambie. Protea Hotels by Marriott® est idéal pour les voyageurs d’affaires et de loisirs en offrant des établissements situés dans les principaux centres d’affaires et les destinations de loisirs les plus prisées. Chaque hôtel offre des installations modernes, un service proactif et amical et une variété d’équipements, tels que des restaurants à service complet, des espaces de réunion, une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite et des chambres soigneusement aménagées, garantissant des normes mondiales pour un séjour de haute qualité, détendu et couronné de succès.

À propos de Four Points by Sheraton® : 
Four Points by Sheraton est une enseigne mondiale avec plus de 365 hôtels dans plus de 45 pays et territoires. Chez Four Points, le voyage est réinventé et les classiques intemporels sont combinés à des touches modernes, avec un service authentique dans un environnement décontracté à travers le monde. Les hôtels Four Points se trouvent au cœur des centres urbains, près des plages, des aéroports ou en périphérie. Chaque hôtel offre un lieu familier pour se détendre, avec une approche authentique du caractère local, où les clients peuvent suivre leur sport favori et profiter du programme Best Brews®. Four Points est fier de participer au Marriott Bonvoy®, le programme de voyage mondial de Marriott International. Le programme offre aux membres un portefeuille extraordinaire de marques mondiales, des expériences exclusives sur Marriott Bonvoy Moments et des (https://apo-opa.co/3Ma51H3) avantages inégalés, notamment des nuits gratuites et la reconnaissance du statut Elite. Pour vous inscrire gratuitement ou pour plus d’informations sur le programme, visitez www.MarriottBonvoy.com. Pour de plus amples renseignements à propos de Four Points, rendez-vous en ligne https://Four-Points.Marriott.com/.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets CENTCOM Commander

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha| December 02, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Tuesday with Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper, who is currently visiting the country. 
The meeting discussed the close strategic relations between the State of Qatar and the United States and ways to support and strengthen them, particularly in the areas of military and defense cooperation, in addition to a number of topics of common interest. 

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Marriott International Enters the Democratic Republic of the Congo with the Opening of Two Hotels in Kinshasa

Source: APO

Marriott International (www.Marriott.com) has made its debut in The Democratic Republic of the Congo with the openings of Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa. The launch of these two distinct hotels introduces globally recognised brands to Kinshasa, offering tailored experiences for business and leisure travellers in one of Africa’s most vibrant and strategically important capital cities. 

Set along the Congo River, Kinshasa is a dynamic hub for diplomacy, regional trade, and the arts. With a population of over 17 million, the city offers travellers a compelling mix of culture, commerce, and connectivity – from its lively music and culinary scenes to its bustling markets and proximity to Central Africa’s natural wonders.

“Entering The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a proud milestone for Marriott International as we continue to grow our footprint across Africa,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With the openings of Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa and Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa, we’re excited to offer travellers and Marriott Bonvoy members two distinct ways to experience our trusted service and signature brand experiences in this dynamic market.”

Both hotels are managed by third-party management company SARV Management LLC.

“Working with Marriott International to bring world-class hospitality to the capital supports the city’s growing appeal as a destination for business and leisure, while contributing to local employment and skills development. We believe these openings will play a meaningful role in strengthening the tourism sector and showcasing the vibrancy and potential of Kinshasa on a global stage,” said Karim Minsariya, Director, SAMAY Hospitality SARL, the ownership company for both hotels.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa

Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa (https://apo-opa.co/48evOe2) offers a unique stay that blends contemporary comfort with authentic local character and personalised service. Ideally situated in an upscale neighbourhood near the Congo River, the hotel is surrounded by government offices, corporate headquarters, and premium malls, and is just minutes from the city centre. Its 88 thoughtfully designed guest rooms — many with balconies and scenic views — are tailored to meet the needs of today’s business, diplomatic, and leisure travellers, providing a welcoming base from which to explore Kinshasa.

The hotel’s bright atrium lobby brings together natural light, local artwork, and greenery, offering a welcoming space that pays tribute to the building’s former life as a school. Within this space sits the hotel’s signature indoor pool, a first of its kind in the city, offering a serene retreat after a busy day. Guests can dine at Marché 15, an all-day restaurant celebrating international and local flavours, or unwind at the Lobby Bar, a relaxed space ideal for informal meetings and evening drinks. Additional amenities include a well-equipped fitness centre, and a 56-square-metre conference room designed for small meetings and private gatherings.

Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa

Located in the heart of Kinshasa’s central business district, Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa (https://apo-opa.co/4pBfJou) offers 134 modern guest rooms. Whether travellers are visiting Kinshasa for work or fun, the hotel caters to their needs with its approachable design, and stylish comfort.

Reflecting the brand’s signature style, the hotel offers today’s independent travellers the Four Comfort Bed, fast and free Wi-Fi, and an energising start to the day with fresh coffee and breakfast options. After a productive day, guests can unwind over a meal at Lufira Restaurant, sip a signature cocktail at the stylish 83 Sky Lounge Bar, or enjoy a refreshing local beer on tap through the brand’s Best Brews™ programme.

Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, and a rooftop outdoor pool with panoramic city views. Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa also boasts approximately 230 square metres of meeting space across four rooms, each equipped with modern conference facilities and advanced audiovisual technology, making it a prime venue for corporate meetings, workshops, and social events.

Both Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa and Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme. Members can earn and redeem points across an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, enjoy exclusive experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unlock benefits such as free nights, mobile check-in, and Elite status recognition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Media contact: 
Birgit Deibele
Senior Director of Communications – Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriott International
Email: Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com

Protea Hotels by Marriott: 
Protea Hotels by Marriott® is the leading hospitality brand in Africa and it is one of the most widely recognised brands on the continent with over 60 hotels across 10 countries including Angola, Botswana, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Protea Hotels by Marriott® is ideal for both business and leisure travellers by offering properties in primary and secondary business centres and desirable leisure destinations. Each hotel offers modern facilities, proactive and friendly service and consistent amenities such as full-service restaurants, meeting spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and well-appointed rooms, ensuring global standards for a high quality, relaxed and successful stay.

About Four Points by Sheraton®: 
Four Points by Sheraton is a global brand with over 365 hotels in over 45 countries and territories. At Four Points, travel is reinvented where timeless classics are woven with modern details, paired with genuine service in a casual environment around the world. Four Points hotels can be found in the heart of urban centers, near the beach, by the airport, or in the suburbs. Each hotel offers a familiar place to kick back and relax with an authentic sense of the local, where guests can watch sports and enjoy the brand’s Best Brews® program. Four Points is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments (https://apo-opa.co/3Ma51H3) and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. To learn more about Four Points, visit us online https://Four-Points.Marriott.com/.

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Actis, Trade Development Bank (TDB) and Performances Group Join MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025

Source: APO – Report:

As major energy projects advance across the MSGBC region, nations are gearing up for the next phase of development. The upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 8-10 – will not only showcase emerging opportunities but connect global finance to regional projects. Key executives from across Africa’s investment, financial services and infrastructure space will participate at the event, underscoring renewed confidence in MSGBC energy opportunities.  

Speakers include Sadio Wade, Vice President of Energy Infrastructure at Actis; Antoine John Esther, COO-West and Central Africa at the Trade Development Bank (TDB); and Aïda Mbaye, Senior Manager-Strategy, Performance Group. Their participation highlights MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025’s role as the premier forum for investment, partnership and project development in the region and is expected to unlock new opportunities for strengthened capital expenditure and partnerships.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

TDB recently advanced several initiatives to drive capital towards Africa’s frontier oil and gas markets. In October, the financial institution partnered with the Angola Sovereign Wealth Fund to create the Angola Export and Trade Development Facility, mobilizing capital for strategic sectors including logistics, agro-industry and regional integration. Operating in eastern and southern Africa, TDB plays a critical role in fostering trade, regional integration and sustainable development through the provision of trade finance, project and infrastructure finance, asset management and business advisory services. In April 2024, the bank signed a MoU to foster collaboration in the financing of trade and development in Senegal. The agreement establishes a framework for encouraging collaboration and sustainable economic growth in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, financial institutions, agriculture and food security.

Meanwhile, Actis has been a key player in renewable energy in the MSGBC region. Through its former portfolio company Lekela Power, Actis developed the 159 MW Taiba N’Diaye wind farm in Senegal, which reached full commercial operation in 2021 and now supplies electricity to more than two million people. Actis successfully exited Lekela in March 2023, transferring ownership to Infinity Power, while maintaining its focus on sustainable infrastructure investment and long-term development in the region.

Performances Group supports energy and infrastructure projects across the MSGBC region with strategic, operational and project performance services. The company works closely with local stakeholders to optimize management, investment efficiency, improve operational delivery and support infrastructure and industrial development within complex regional markets.

“Actis, TDB and Performances Group continue to demonstrate leadership in advancing energy and infrastructure development across the MSGBC region and we are pleased to welcome Sadio Wade, Antoine John Esther and Aïda Mbaye to this year’s program,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

– on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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G20 Summit: Norway reaffirms support to Africa’s development with NOK 3.1 billion pledge to the African Development Fund’s seventeenth replenishment

Source: APO – Report:

Norway reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Africa’s low-income countries with a NOK 3.1 billion pledge to the African Development Fund’s seventeenth replenishment (ADF-17). The announcement, made during the Global Citizen Now: Johannesburg event, held on 21 November, was later reiterated in a bilateral meeting between Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould Tah (http://AfDB.org).

The pledge includes a core ADF-17 contribution of NOK 2,377 million, representing a 5.79 percent increase from ADF-16. Norway also confirmed continued support to the Fund’s Climate Action Window with a commitment of NOK 150 million. Earlier in 2025, Norway contributed NOK 50 million to the Climate Action Window (https://apo-opa.co/3Y1GAhz) becoming its fifth investor.

Dr Sidi Ould Tah welcomed the announcement, saying: “Norway has been a highly valued partner of the African Development Fund. My discussion with the Prime Minister underscored our shared focus on youth opportunity, sustainable growth, and strong partnerships. Norway’s support to ADF-17 will help the Fund expand its impact at a decisive moment for Africa’s most vulnerable economies.”

Norway has participated in every replenishment of the African Development Fund since joining in 1973 and continues to prioritize core support that enhances predictability and responsiveness. According to the Norwegian Government’s official statement, this contribution reflects Norway’s commitment to improving access to food, electricity, water and sanitation, health services, education, and jobs for people living in the world’s most vulnerable contexts.

In the Norwegian government’s official statement (https://apo-opa.co/4pDTZIr), Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said: “All countries share a responsibility to work to build a more peaceful and more equitable world. This funding will go towards improving the lives of some of the world’s poorest people. It will be used, among other things, to provide people with access to food, electricity, water and sanitation, health services, education and jobs.”

Norway further noted that the contribution forms part of the follow-up to its 2024 strategy for engagement with African countries (https://apo-opa.co/48cmAPk). Norway recognizes the African Development Fund’s integral role in initiatives such as Mission 300 (https://apo-opa.co/3MfEtEf), which aims to expand electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.

The African Development Fund is the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group and a key source of financing for 37 low-income African countries. Since 1972, it has supported essential investments in energy, transport, agriculture, regional integration, and governance through grants, highly concessional loans, and guarantees.

The seventeenth replenishment of the African Development Fund will be finalized at a pledging session in London from 15 to 16 December 2025, when development partners will confirm their contributions.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Raquel Wilson
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
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Preparedness is key to disaster response

Source: Government of South Africa

The Director-General (DG) of the Department of Cooperative Governance, Mbulelo Tshangana, has emphasised the vital roles of preparedness and partnership as the foundations of effective disaster response.

Speaking at the official opening of the Africa, Europe, and Middle East (AEME) Earthquake Response Exercise on Monday, Tshangana welcomed this unprecedented event – the first of its kind on the African continent. 

This as the Government of South Africa, through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), is currently hosting the AEME Earthquake Response Exercise 2025 at the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

READ | SA hosts Earthquake Response Exercise 2025 in Gqeberha

The DG stressed that the primary goal of the exercise is to save lives and livelihoods.

The AEME Earthquake Response Exercise is an international disaster simulation event, organised by member countries of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). 

Its purpose is to test and strengthen regional and international emergency response capabilities. 

The exercise is particularly focused on enhancing preparedness, coordination, and response to significant disasters, especially large-scale earthquakes and their secondary effects.

In his keynote address, the DG highlighted the importance of global collaboration before, during, and after disasters.

The gathering, which will conclude on Friday, 5 December 2025, also brings together international, national, provincial, and local responders, forming a complete ecosystem of disaster management excellence.

The exercise brings together national responders, provincial and municipal stakeholders, international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) experts, and humanitarian partners from across the AEME region.

Countries in attendance include Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Iceland, Estonia, Poland, Kenya, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. 

Tshangana also expressed appreciation for the presence of Martijn Viersma, the INSARAG Global Lead, acknowledging his support for this important meeting.

The gathering follows the successful Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, which was held for the first time on the African continent. 

As part of the G20, the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group reached a significant declaration emphasising that partnerships are essential, as disaster response is a collective responsibility.

READ | Investment in disaster risk reduction essential for global safety, economies 

The DG highlighted that this exercise comes at a crucial time when disasters are becoming more frequent and complex due to climate change, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and rapid urbanisation. 

In this context, he stressed that effective planning and strong coordination are vital for successful disaster response.

“Working together as we are meeting here today is not optional but is essential, and it can be the difference between life and death during disasters,” the DG said.

He highlighted that the exercise is more than a simulation but also a strategic investment in resilience. 

DG Tshangana also reflected on South Africa’s progress in strengthening disaster readiness through improving frameworks, professionalising response systems, revitalising fire services, and deepening cooperation with global partners through the NDMC.

He also expressed gratitude for their solidarity and commitment to global humanitarian cooperation and urged South African participants to use this platform to refine their systems, test their readiness, and strengthen their capabilities.

“This event, held in Nelson Mandela Metro, has great significance as this municipality is prone to disasters, especially flooding. To this effect, the exercises are vital for ensuring an effective and coordinated response to future humanitarian crises.” 

During simulation exercises, teams will have the opportunity to test their preparedness and exchange valuable skills with one another. 

This week’s programme will emphasise the development of a common operating picture for large-scale disaster response and will include workshops, tabletop exercises, and field simulations to build practical skills. – SAnews.gov.za