dtic Deputy Minister undertakes working visit to Czechia, Poland and Germany

Source: Government of South Africa

dtic Deputy Minister undertakes working visit to Czechia, Poland and Germany

Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Deputy Minister John Steenhuisen is taking South Africa’s trade and investment agenda to Europe, with a working visit to Czechia, Poland and Germany from 31 August to 10 September 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic relations and opening new opportunities for South African businesses.

The visit will focus on expanding trade, attracting investment and deepening industrial cooperation with three important European partners.

In Czechia, Steenhuisen will chair the sixth session of the South Africa-Czechia Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation (JCEC), while also meeting with businesses to advance the dtic’s investment attraction and export diversification mandate.

Czechia was South Africa’s ninth-largest trading partner within the European Union in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching US$1.1 billion.

Czech investment in South Africa is also growing, particularly in renewable energy, electronic components, boat building, textiles, communication, hospitality and services.

At the same time, several South African companies have established a presence in Czechia across sectors including food and beverages, paper, printing and packaging, financial services, plastics, transportation and warehousing, as well as software and information technology (IT) services.

Steenhuisen’s engagements will seek to further diversify and grow South African exports to the Central European market, while identifying opportunities for industrial cooperation and attracting Czech investment into productive sectors such as renewable energy, defence, critical mineral beneficiation, chemicals, advanced manufacturing, rail and electric vehicles (EVs).

The visit will also provide an opportunity to advance discussions under the Southern African Development Community-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC-EU EPA) and promote Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) projects to facilitate inward investment.

Deepening ties with Poland

In Poland, Steenhuisen will co-chair the inaugural session of the South Africa-Poland Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation with his Polish counterpart, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology Michał Baranowski.

His programme will include government-to-government engagements, a South Africa-Poland Business Roundtable and industry site visits.

Poland is an important economic partner for South Africa within the EU, with bilateral trade increasing by 7% from US$1.5 billion in 2024 to US$1.6 billion in 2025. Poland is South Africa’s seventh-largest trading partner within the EU.

While Poland’s foreign direct investment footprint in South Africa remains modest, its investments span sectors such as electronic components, software and IT services, and consumer products.

South African companies are also investing in Poland in areas including real estate, software and IT services, consumer electronics, transportation and warehousing, paper, printing and packaging, textiles and business services.

The engagements in Poland are expected to support efforts to increase and diversify South African exports, attract Polish investment into productive sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and automotive, and advance discussions under the SADC-EU EPA.

The visit will also explore potential industrial cooperation in green manufacturing, mineral processing, robotics and industrial automation, tooling and precision engineering, as well as research and development.

Strengthening the Germany partnership

From Poland, Steenhuisen will travel to Munich and Frankfurt in Germany for the final leg of his working visit.

In Munich, he will meet Bavarian Secretary of State for the Ministry of Economic Affairs Tobias Gotthardt, engage with key investors in South Africa, including BMW and Siemens, and undertake an industrial site visit to UnternehmerTUM.

In Frankfurt, the Deputy Minister will participate in a roundtable with the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce, undertake industrial site visits and visit the South African National Pavilion at the Automechanika exhibition, where the dtic has supported several South African companies to showcase their products.

Germany remains a critical economic partner for South Africa. Based on 2025 trade data, Germany is South Africa’s third-largest trading partner globally, after China and the United States, and its largest trading partner within the EU.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Germany expanded by approximately 14%, from US$14.3 billion in 2024 to US$16.5 billion in 2025.

Germany also continues to play an important role in supporting South Africa’s industrial development through partnerships between the dtic and the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

These include the Global Eco Industrial Parks Partnership (GEIPP), which seeks to harness resource efficiency for energy and water projects in industrial parks and special economic zones, and the Partnering in Business with Germany programme, which provides capacity building, mentorship and international exposure to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Through engagements across Czechia, Poland and Germany, the working visit is expected to strengthen South Africa’s economic partnerships in Europe while creating opportunities to expand exports, attract investment and support industrial development. – SAnews.gov.za

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Rare Earth Financing Expands Development Finance Corporation (DFC’s) Critical Minerals Push in Africa Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Source: APO


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The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has announced financing for Harena Rare Earths to advance the Ampasindava Ionic Clay Rare Earth Project in Madagascar. The investment highlights the DFC’s expanding financial engagement with Africa’s critical minerals sector as the U.S. seeks to diversify global mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on concentrated sources. 

The Ampasindava project hosts one of the largest ionic clay rare earth deposits outside China, with significant concentrations of rare earth elements including neodymium, dysprosium and praseodymium. These materials are essential to the production of high-strength permanent magnets used in advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies and defense applications. The transaction forms part of broader efforts by the U.S. to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and establish new sources of strategic industrial inputs. 

The Madagascar agreement forms part of a newly announced $62.8 million DFC financing package targeting rare earth projects across four African countries, including Malawi, Angola and South Africa. With Africa forecast to account for 10% of global rare earth production by 2030, the continent is emerging as an increasingly important partner in efforts to diversify mineral supply chains and attract international capital. 

Africa currently accounts for approximately 20% to 25% of the DFC’s global investment portfolio, underscoring the region’s strategic importance to the institution. The DFC’s critical minerals focus extends beyond rare earths to other materials essential to energy and industrial infrastructure. Previous investments include financing for Syrah Resources to support the expansion of its Balama graphite operation in Mozambique, while additional project approvals announced in February 2026 targeted energy resilience, economic growth and access to strategic industrial inputs across Africa. 

The expansion of DFC financing comes as the U.S. has increased the institution’s investment cap to $205 billion and as African countries seek to attract greater investment into an estimated $29.5 trillion in mineral wealth. Governments across the continent are also increasingly focused on moving beyond raw mineral exports by developing local beneficiation, processing and manufacturing capacity. 

Against this backdrop, African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, taking place October 14-16 in Cape Town, will bring together global investors, project developers and African regulatory authorities to examine the investment opportunities emerging across the continent’s mining sector. 

Vibhuti Jain, Managing Director & Regional Head for Africa at the DFC, will participate in high-level panel discussions and executive networking sessions at AMW 2026, providing insight into the institution’s evolving investment approach and its growing portfolio across Africa. Her participation comes as development finance institutions increasingly play a role in de-risking critical minerals projects and mobilizing additional private capital. 

Through dedicated project showcases and strategic discussions, AMW 2026 will examine the expanding pipeline of cross-border mineral investments and the financing structures needed to move projects from resource potential to production. By bringing together financiers, regulators, project developers and state entities such as the DFC, the event will provide a platform for stakeholders to explore partnerships that support responsible mineral development, local value creation and the integration of African resources into global supply chains.

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

Seychelles: President Appoints Ms Colette Jean-Louis as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission

Source: APO – Report:

The Office of the President has announced the appointment of Ms Colette Jean-Louis as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission (PEMC) with effect from 1 September 2026.

Ms Jean Louis is appointed in accordance with Section 20(4) of the Public Enterprises Act, 2023,  under which the Deputy Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Commission and in consultation with the Minister.

Ms Jean-Louis is an accomplished finance and public sector governance professional with extensive experience in public enterprise oversight, financial analysis, external auditing and corporate governance. She is currently employed by the PEMC where she has served as Principal Analyst and Senior Business Analyst, progressively taking on greater responsibilities in public enterprise performance monitoring, financial oversight, governance compliance and policy advisory. Prior to her appointment Ms Jean Louis served as Chief Business Analyst at the Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission, where she has played a leading role in implementing the Public Enterprise Act. 

Before joining the Commission, Ms Jean Louis spent nearly seven years with ACM & Associates (formerly Ernst & Young Seychelles), where she advanced from Junior Auditor to Senior Auditor, gaining extensive experience in auditing, financial reporting, risk management and corporate advisory services. 

Ms Jean-Louis holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Taxation, from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and has further strengthened her professional expertise through specialised training in International Financial Reporting Standards and executive leadership. She also serves as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the Financial Stability Technical Sub-Committee of Seychelles, reflecting her continued contribution to sound financial governance at both national and regional levels.

The Office of the President congratulates Ms Jean-Louis on her appointment and wishes her every success as she assumes her new responsibilities in supporting the leadership of the Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission and advancing the Government’s commitment to strong governance, accountability and high-performing public enterprises.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Seychelles: Appointment of Mrs Estelle Alexis as Chief Executive Officer of the Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission

Source: APO – Report:

The Office of the President has announced the appointment of Mrs Estelle Alexis as the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission (PEMC), effective 1 September 2026.

Mrs Alexis is appointed in accordance with the Section 20(1) of Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission Act, 2023, under which the Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Commission and in consultation with the Minister.

Mrs Alexis is a highly accomplished legal professional with extensive experience in public administration, governance, transport, maritime affairs and corporate oversight. She holds a Master’s Degree in Maritime Transport Law, a master’s degree in business law, and a Bachelor of Laws, all from the University of Aix- Marseille, France. She has also completed advanced executive and corporate governance training, including Board of Directors programmes and leadership development.

Throughout her career, Mrs Alexis has served in several senior legal and governance positions, including Legal Advisor at the Seychelles Ports Authority, Board Secretary to the Seychelles Ports Authority, Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Transport, and Senior Legal Officer in the Department of the Blue Economy. She currently serves on a number of national boards and committees, including the Seychelles Trading Company Ltd and the Review Committee of the Public Procurement Act, bringing significant expertise in corporate governance, public sector management and institutional reform.

The Office of the President congratulates Mrs Alexis on her appointment and wishes her every success as she assumes leadership of the Public Enterprise Monitoring Commission in advancing sound governance, accountability and performance across Seychelles’ public enterprises.

– on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Tourism Month kicks off in South Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Month kicks off in South Africa

Tourism Month kicks off in South Africa today under the theme: “Growing South Africa’s Tourism Sector in the Digital Era”.

Speaking at the launch of Tourism Month recently, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said tourism begins at home.

“We are a region of many nations, many cultures and many experiences connected by history, geography, family, trade and increasingly, by travel.

“Before we ask the world to discover South Africa, we must continue encouraging South Africans to discover their own country,” she said.

De Lille said every time a South African travels in South Africa, something happens in the country’s economy.

“Before we speak about millions of international arrivals, we must also speak about the South African family that takes a weekend away; the group of friends who decides to explore another province, the young person who discovers a part of the country they have only ever seen online and the traveller who chooses to spend their tourism Rand here at home.

“In the first half of this year, South Africans took 21.2 million overnight trips, but by 4% from last year’s 20.4 million in the same period. While spend remains down when compared to last year, South Africans took 5.2 million holiday trips, up 36% when compared to the same period last year,” De Lille said.

De Lille said domestic tourism matters. 

“It is not a secondary part of our tourism economy. It is one of the foundations of a resilient tourism economy. And this Tourism Month, we want to see even more South Africans experiencing their country,” she said.

“Growing domestic tourism is not the responsibility of government alone. It requires all of us.

“Government must create an enabling environment. The private sector must continue developing compelling, competitive and affordable tourism products. Provinces and cities must develop and promote experiences beyond our traditional tourism routes. 

“Technology platforms must help tourism businesses become more visible and discoverable. The media and content creators can help introduce South Africans to places and experiences they may never have considered. Our tourism businesses must continue innovating,” the Minister said.

De Lille said South Africans themselves must become ambassadors for their country.

“This is what Tourism Month should achieve — mobilising all of us behind the growth of tourism. This is important because tourism is not simply about travelling from one place to another.

“It is about creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurs, preserving our heritage, strengthening communities and building national pride,” the minister said.

De Lille said tourism businesses must continue innovating.

“This is important because tourism is not simply about travelling from one place to another. It is about creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurs, preserving our heritage, strengthening communities and building national pride. 

“Every journey has the potential to contribute to a stronger economy and a more inclusive South Africa,” she said. 

Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September to promote domestic travel and highlight South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings. 

The 2026 campaign emphasizes digital innovation, artificial intelligence and online discovery as key drivers of tourism growth – SAnews.gov.za

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SA records R20.1 billion trade surplus in July

Source: Government of South Africa

SA records R20.1 billion trade surplus in July

South Africa recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R20.1 billion in July 2026, driven by trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia (BELN), according to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

In a statement on Monday, SARS said the surplus was the result of exports worth R194.0 billion and imports amounting to R173.8 billion, including trade with BELN countries.

“The year-to-date preliminary trade balance surplus, from 1 January to 31 July 2026, was R130.9 billion, higher than the R100.6 billion surplus recorded during the comparable period in 2025.

“On a year-on-year basis, export flows for July 2026 were 5.8% higher at R194.0 billion, compared with R183.3 billion recorded in July 2025. Import flows also increased by 5.8%, from R164.3 billion in July 2025 to R173.8 billion in the current period,” SARS said.

On a month-on-month basis, exports increased by R1.5 billion, or 0.8%, from R192.5 billion in June to R194.0 billion in July 2026. Imports decreased by R1.4 billion, or 0.8%, from R175.2 billion to R173.8 billion over the same period.

SARS said export growth in July 2026 was driven by motor vehicles for passengers, manganese ores and concentrates, and coal. Import flows declined mainly because of lower imports of petroleum oils, excluding crude; crude oil; and telephone sets, including smartphones.

“Due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction, the preliminary trade balance surplus of R17.8 billion announced for June 2026 was revised downwards by R0.5 billion, leaving a final surplus of R17.2 billion,” the revenue service said.

SA trade with the rest of the world

Meanwhile, South Africa’s trade with the rest of the world, excluding BELN countries, recorded a preliminary trade balance surplus of R9.1 billion in July 2026.

“The R9.1 billion preliminary trade balance surplus for July 2026 resulted from exports of R176.7 billion and imports of R167.6 billion. Exports increased by R0.7 billion, or 0.4%, between June and July 2026, while imports decreased by R1.9 billion, or 1.1%, over the same period.

“The preliminary cumulative trade balance for 2026 was a surplus of R61.1 billion, compared with a R24.3 billion surplus for the corresponding period in 2025,” SARS said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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African Energy Sector Surges as Namibia’s Mopane Field Reserves Jump 57% and Nigeria Approaches Downstream Self-Sufficiency; International African Energy, Oil, and Gas Summit (IAEOGS) 2026 Announces Strategic Rescheduling to November 2026

Source: APO

The African continent is cementing its position as the world’s most dynamic energy frontier, driven by massive new upstream discoveries and a rapid expansion of domestic refining infrastructure.

In Southern Africa, Namibia’s rise as an energy superpower has reached a new milestone. Recent appraisal data confirms that the offshore Mopane field’s oil reserves have surged by 57% to an estimated 1.38 billion barrels. Simultaneously, the Namibian government has approved TotalEnergies’ multi-billion-dollar asset swap in the Orange Basin, signaling absolute regulatory alignment and paving the way for fast-tracked offshore developments.

Concurrently, West Africa is experiencing a downstream revolution. Driven by mega-projects and modular expansions championed by bodies like the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity is projected to quadruple to 2.64 million barrels per day by 2030. This shift transforms the regional powerhouse from an exporter of crude to a dominant processing hub for the entire sub-continent.

New Dates Announced for IAEOGS 2026In light of these fast-moving industry transformations, and to ensure the full participation of international stakeholders, the Joint Board of the Organizing Committee hereby announces a strategic adjustment to the timeline of the landmark International African Energy, Oil, and Gas Summit (IAEOGS) 2026.

To accommodate critical bilateral state assignments and optimize international investor participation, the summit has been rescheduled. The new dates for IAEOGS 2026 are November 3–6, 2026.

The venue remains unchanged: the prestigious Hilton Hotel in Windhoek, the Republic of Namibia.

The 2026 edition is organized by International Energy Summits Ltd in partnership with African Energy World, African Energy Vault Ltd, African Peace Magazine UK, Transcontinental University USA, and the African Energy Academy Ltd. The summit is convened alongside official Co-host Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST; ILLH), and key institutional partners including the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA), CRG Research & Consulting Ltd (CRG), and CORAN.

A high-powered delegation has already confirmed attendance for the November event, alongside global financiers and heads of National Oil Companies (NOCs).

The organizing committee regrets any inconvenience caused by this date adjustment and is working closely with the Hilton Windhoek to seamlessly transition all existing delegate registrations, exhibition bookings, and hotel room blocks to the new November timeline.

Issued by:

The IAEGOS 2026 Organizing Committee

1st, September, 2026

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.

Media contact:
Prudence Ramotso
Group Head Events & International Affairs
+2348033975746
+447407399766
+27651766722
+2648123522

info@iaegos.com
prudence@iaegos.com
registration@iaegos.com

Website:
https://AfricanPeace.org/
https://AfricanOilAndGasSummit.com/
https://www.IAEOGS.com/

#enegrysecurity #endenergypoverty #unity #summit #iaeogs2026 #africanow #getinvolved #endafricandebts #techsolution #intraafricatrade #afcfta  #IAEOGS #InvestinAfricanEnergies

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South Africa’s Government-Business Partnership Opens New Mining Investment Opportunities Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2026

Source: APO


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South Africa is stepping up efforts to attract investment into its mining sector, with President Cyril Ramaphosa launching Phase 3 of the Government-Business Partnership, a public-private initiative designed to accelerate economic growth, investment and job creation. Mining has been identified as a key pillar of the new phase, alongside energy, transport and logistics, tourism, infrastructure and agriculture. 

The initiative targets GDP growth of more than 3% and the creation of one million additional jobs by 2030, with the mining sector positioned to play a central role in achieving those objectives. 

Within mining, Phase 3 targets R50 billion in capital expenditure by February 2028 and the rollout of South Africa’s national mining cadastre system by March 2027. The digital platform is expected to streamline mining-rights applications and help address administrative and project-implementation bottlenecks, supporting efforts to attract new investment and improve the sector’s contribution to economic growth. 

Mining currently contributes approximately 6% of South Africa’s GDP and supports around 470,000 direct jobs, with each mining job supporting an estimated five to 10 dependents. The urgency of accelerating investment was underscored by President Ramaphosa, who said the country’s current growth rate remains insufficient to meaningfully expand employment, with 8.5 million people unemployed and roughly 300,000 new job-seekers entering the labor force each year. 

Phase 3 forms part of a broader national ambition to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock South Africa’s critical minerals potential. The country holds approximately 80% of the world’s platinum group metals and ranks as the world’s largest producer of chrome and manganese, creating significant opportunities for investors across exploration, mining, processing and related infrastructure. South Africa is also seeking to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in iron ore potential, further expanding the pipeline of opportunities for international and domestic capital. 

Against this backdrop, African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – the Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – will bring together global investors, financiers, mining companies and government decision-makers in Cape Town from October 14–16. The event comes at a critical juncture as South Africa seeks to translate its vast mineral endowment into new investment, production, infrastructure and jobs while improving the regulatory environment needed to support long-term project development. 

AMW 2026 will feature senior figures from across South Africa’s mining and investment ecosystem, including Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Joel Mohai, Rand Refinery CEO Dean Subramanian, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies, Gold Fields Executive Vice President: South Africa Benford Mokoatle, Minerals Council of South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, Standard Bank Managing Principal and Coverage Head for Resources & Energy Shirley Webber, and Executive Head for Energy, Infrastructure and Mining, Business and Commercial Banking Deerosh Maharaj, among other industry leaders. 

Through high-level discussions, project showcases and networking sessions, AMW 2026 will examine South Africa’s evolving regulatory environment, expanding project pipeline and investment opportunities across the mining value chain. The conference will provide a platform for investors and industry stakeholders to explore how public-private partnerships, domestic capital and international investment can accelerate the next phase of South Africa’s mining growth.

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

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Planning Seiso Mohai Confirmed as African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 Speaker

Source: APO


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Seiso Joel Mohai, Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) of South Africa, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – taking place from October 14-16 in Cape Town.

As Deputy Minister, Mohai supports the monitoring and evaluation of government performance and the implementation of national development priorities, making his participation particularly timely as South Africa advances reforms to strengthen the competitiveness of its mining sector. AMW provides an important platform for Mohai to engage with industry leaders on policy implementation, investment priorities and strategies to improve mining’s contribution to economic growth, employment, energy security and industrial development.

At AMW, Mohai is expected to share insights into South Africa’s progress in advancing its mining agenda while exchanging best practices with regional counterparts on strengthening governance, attracting investment and aligning mining development with broader economic objectives.

His participation comes as South Africa targets increasing mining’s contribution to 12% of GDP by 2030. The sector contributed R439.2 billion to GDP in 2025, representing 5.8% of the economy, highlighting significant opportunities to unlock additional growth through exploration, infrastructure development and value addition.

The country is also pursuing ambitious exploration goals, including attracting R2 trillion in private investment to expand its critical minerals industry and unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources. Earlier this year, the Junior Miners Exploration Fund reached R600 million, supported by a R300 million contribution from Anglo American, with 14 exploration projects already benefiting. As South Africa seeks to maintain its global leadership in platinum group metals and chrome production, effective planning, performance monitoring and policy execution will remain critical to achieving these objectives.

Meanwhile, government reforms are improving the investment climate. South Africa aims to migrate all nine provinces onto a new online mining cadastre by March 2027, providing investors with more transparent access to geological data and mining rights. Across the logistics sector, government is targeting an increase in annual rail freight volumes from approximately 180 million tons to 250 million tons by 2030, supporting greater exports of coal, bulk minerals and critical minerals.

These reforms will be a key focus at AMW 2026, where Mohai will participate in keynote addresses, high-level panel discussions and exclusive networking sessions, providing updates on South Africa’s mining reforms and outlining the government’s vision for accelerating sustainable sector growth.

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

President El-Sisi Receives Chinese President Xi Jinping on Official Visit to Egypt

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi receives President of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping, during his official visit to Egypt.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy stated that the visit comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries across various political, economic, and developmental fields, as well as following up on the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between the two countries in 2014. The visit will also include consultations on a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.