Category: MIL-OSI

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Costa do Marfim: Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e Estados Unidos debatem oportunidades comuns para apoiar a transformação económica

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O diretor-geral adjunto do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) para a África Ocidental, Joseph Martial Ribeiro, recebeu, no dia 17 de novembro, na sede da instituição em Abidjan, uma delegação americana de alto nível liderada por Jessica Davis Ba, embaixadora dos Estados Unidos na Costa do Marfim, e Alex Severens, governador suplente do Grupo Banco para os Estados Unidos.

Este encontro teve como objetivo reforçar a cooperação bilateral, com um objetivo comum: apoiar a transformação económica da Costa do Marfim e dinamizar as parcerias de investimento. Martial Ribeiro apresentou uma visão global e atualizada da carteira do Grupo Banco na Costa do Marfim.

No final de outubro, a instituição financeira pan-africana estava envolvida em 46 operações, num montante total de 4,2 mil milhões de dólares. Esses projetos apoiam, em particular, as infraestruturas, o setor financeiro, o setor energético, a transformação da agricultura, a industrialização e o desenvolvimento do setor privado na Costa do Marfim.

O economista principal do Grupo Banco para a África Ocidental, Marcellin Ndong Ntah, apresentou um balanço económico detalhado da Costa do Marfim, destacando a notável resiliência da sua economia, com um crescimento estimado em 6% em 2024 e perspetivas igualmente favoráveis para 2025-2026, na ordem dos 6,5%. Ndong Ntah também expôs as principais orientações do Documento de Estratégia do País (CSP 2023-2028) da Costa do Marfim, centradas na diversificação, sustentabilidade e transformação estrutural, antes de precisar que uma revisão intercalar estava prevista para 2026.

A reunião prosseguiu com uma apresentação da carteira do país e do programa operacional indicativo do Grupo Banco para 2026 por Blanche Kiniffo, responsável pelos programas do país. Destacou uma carteira particularmente dinâmica, dominada pelos setores de transportes, finanças, energia e agricultura, que concentram mais de 80% dos financiamentos da instituição na Costa do Marfim. As projeções para o ano de 2026 preveem novas oportunidades em áreas-chave, como industrialização, governação e água e saneamento.

Por seu lado, a delegação americana apresentou a estratégia comercial dos Estados Unidos na Costa do Marfim, elaborada por um grupo de trabalho específico (U.S. Embassy Prosperity Working Group). As discussões permitiram identificar várias áreas de convergência entre as prioridades americanas e as intervenções do Grupo Banco, abrindo caminho para iniciativas conjuntas a partir de 2026, nomeadamente direcionadas para o setor privado.

As discussões também incidiram sobre as oportunidades em matéria de contratos públicos e o pipeline de projetos do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento na Costa do Marfim, bem como sobre as operações do setor privado, incluindo os instrumentos de financiamento e as perspetivas para as empresas americanas.

Esta sessão de trabalho, tanto técnica como estratégica, confirmou a vontade comum de aprofundar o diá. e reforçar a colaboração em torno de projetos de grande impacto. Ambas as partes reafirmaram o seu compromisso em criar um ambiente propício ao investimento e apoiar as empresas interessadas nas oportunidades disponíveis na Costa do Marfim.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas,
media@afdb.org

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República Democrática do Congo (RDCongo): Governo e Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento adotam plano para melhorar o desempenho da carteira

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O governo da República Democrática do Congo (RDCongo) e o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovaram um plano comum para melhorar o desempenho da carteira de projetos da instituição, após uma revisão da carteira realizada de 17 a 20 de novembro em Kinshasa.

Este plano enfatiza uma maior apropriação dos projetos pelos ministérios setoriais, uma melhor maturação das operações e uma programação mais coordenada dos investimentos. Prevê também a digitalização dos processos de implementação e relatório, o reforço das capacidades das equipas e uma colaboração mais proativa para reduzir os prazos de execução. Por fim, introduz um mecanismo de avaliação do desempenho das Unidades de Gestão, acompanhado de mecanismos de incentivo para acelerar a implementação dos projetos e otimizar o seu impacto.

“O desempenho dos projetos financiados pelo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é essencial para responder às expectativas legítimas da nossa população”, afirmou a vice-ministra das Finanças da RDCongo, Yamba Kazadi Gracia. “Cada dólar não utilizado representa uma escola não construída, uma estrada não reabilitada, um centro de saúde não equipado. Temos o dever moral e político de transformar estes financiamentos em resultados tangíveis para o desenvolvimento do nosso país”, acrescentou.

O diretor-geral adjunto do Grupo Banco para a África Central, Mohamed Chérif, saudou a qualidade do diá. com as autoridades congolesas e reafirmou o compromisso da instituição pan-africana em acompanhar o país na realização das suas prioridades nacionais.

Para Chérif, “este encontro testemunha o nosso compromisso comum em acompanhar a visão nacional e reafirma o nosso apoio às grandes prioridades nacionais (…). É por esta razão que devemos trabalhar mais em conjunto para melhorar a eficácia dos nossos projetos e programas e reforçar o seu impacto no desenvolvimento e bem-estar das populações congolesas”.

A revisão do desempenho da carteira do país, que constitui um momento-chave do diá. estratégico e operacional entre o Grupo Banco e o governo congolês, teve como objetivo avaliar o estado de avanço das operações financiadas pela instituição, identificar os constrangimentos que impedem a sua implementação e acordar ações prioritárias para melhorar o desempenho global da carteira.

Durante três dias, as equipas técnicas do governo, através da Unidade de Acompanhamento de Projetos e Programas do Ministério das Finanças, e as Unidades de Gestão de Projetos do Grupo Banco trabalharam em workshops temáticos para examinar em detalhe cada operação, avaliar os progressos realizados, identificar os desafios e propor medidas corretivas adequadas e ações concretas para uma implementação eficaz.

A carteira ativa do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento na RDCongo ascende a mais de 1,6 mil milhões de dólares, abrangendo os setores da agricultura, transportes, energia, redes de água potável e saneamento, governação, capital humano e digital. A carteira do Banco no país é uma das mais importantes do Grupo Banco na África Central em termos de compromisso.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Frédérique Pascale Essama Messanga
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org 

Sobre o Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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Director General of Operations at Senegal’s Energy Ministry to Speak at MSGBC 2025

Source: APO

Papa Samba, Director General of Control and Monitoring Operations at Senegal’s Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines has been confirmed as a speaker at the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place from December 8-10 in Dakar.

Samba’s participation comes at a pivotal moment for Senegal, as the country’s energy sector draws heightened global interest amid efforts to unlock its full resource potential for economic growth and energy security. With multiple exploration campaigns underway and notable discoveries awaiting development, the recent commissioning of the Sangomar oilfield and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project placed Senegal on the global energy map as an emerging oil and gas exporter. Leveraging extensive experience in overseeing operational performance and regulatory compliance across Senegal’s growing energy portfolio, Samba will share insights into the country’s most promising investment opportunities at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference.

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.

Samba is expected to showcase upcoming projects aimed at ensuring the sustainable growth of the country’s oil and gas sector, including a $1 billion, 400 km national gas pipeline project led by State-owned Réseau Gazier du Sénégal. Once operational, the pipeline will connect offshore fields – including the GTA gas hub and the upcoming deepwater Yakaar-Teranga field – to power plants and industrial zones across the country, driving the country’s energy security, affordability and access agenda. The pipeline will transport up to 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually.

Senegal is also prioritizing the expansion of its refinery capacity to enhance local value addition to cater for growing petroleum demands locally and across the region. The Société Africaine de Raffinage is progressing its SAR 2.0, $2–5 billion expansion project, which will increase refining capacity from 1.5 million tons per year to 5.5 million tons by 2029.

“Papa Samba’s experience in operational control and monitoring is critical for demonstrating how Senegal is embedding excellence and reliability across all phases of energy development. His contribution will be invaluable for stakeholders exploring investment, partnership and growth opportunities in the country’s oil and gas sector,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.

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

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Côte d’Ivoire: the African Development Bank Group and the United States discuss joint opportunities to support economic transformation

Source: APO

A senior African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) official met with a high-level United States delegation at the Bank’s headquarters on 17 November to discuss ways to deepen cooperation and strengthen support for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic transformation and investment priorities.

The meeting was led on the Bank side by Joseph Martial Ribeiro, Deputy Director General for West Africa, and on the US side by Jessica Davis Ba, United States Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, and Alex Severens, the Bank Group’s Alternate Executive Director for the U.S. The discussions focused on opportunities to expand collaboration across key sectors.

Ribeiro provided an updated overview of the Bank Group’s portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire, noting that as of the end of October the institution was financing 46 operations totalling $4.2 billion. These investments support infrastructure, the financial sector, energy, agricultural transformation, industrialisation, and private sector development.

The Bank Group’s Lead Economist for West Africa, Marcellin Ndong Ntah, presented a detailed economic briefing, highlighting the country’s strong macroeconomic performance, with growth estimated at six percent in 2024 and expected to reach 6.5 percent in 2025–2026. He also outlined the strategic focus of Côte d’Ivoire’s Country Strategy Paper (CSP 2023–2028) — centred on diversification, sustainability, and structural transformation—and noted that a mid-term review is planned for 2026.

The meeting continued with a presentation of the Bank Group’s country portfolio and indicative operational programme for 2026 by Blanche Kiniffo, Country Programme Officer. She highlighted a particularly dynamic portfolio, dominated by the transport, finance, energy and agriculture sectors, which account for more than 80 percent of the institution’s financing in Côte d’Ivoire. Projections for 2026 foresee new opportunities in key areas such as industrialisation, governance, and water and sanitation.

For its part, the US delegation presented the country’s trade strategy in Côte d’Ivoire, developed by a specific working group (the US Embassy Prosperity Working Group). The discussions then identified several areas of convergence between US priorities and the Bank Group’s interventions, paving the way for joint initiatives starting in 2026, particularly in favour of the private sector.

Discussions also focused on procurement opportunities and the African Development Bank Group’s project pipeline in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as private sector operations, including financing mechanisms and prospects for US companies.

This working meeting, which was both technical and strategic, confirmed a shared desire to deepen dialogue and strengthen collaboration on high-impact projects. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment and supporting companies interested in opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

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CLG suspends Mr Zion Adeoye pending investigation

Source: APO

Zion Adeoye has been suspended for gross misconduct from his duties at CLG (www.CLGGlobal.com) pending an investigation. 

The suspension in no way constitutes any finding of wrongdoing. An outside firm has been hired to support the investigation. 

CLG as a firm believes the rule of law is supreme, including the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. 

Mr Adeoye’s suspension is regarded as a necessary step to ensure an unhindered investigation. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

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Government of Congo and African Development Bank Group adopt plan to improve portfolio performance

Source: APO

Following a joint review, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) have approved a plan to improve the performance of the institution’s project portfolio in the Central African country. The Country Portfolio Performance Review, as the process is formally known, was conducted from 17 – 20 November in the capital, Kinshasa.

The agreed plan emphasises greater ownership of projects by sector ministries, concerted effort to support ongoing operations to maturity, and more coordinated investment programming. It also includes the digitisation of implementation and reporting processes, capacity building for project teams, and more proactive collaboration to reduce lead times. Additionally, it introduces a system for assessing the performance of project management units, together with incentives to speed up project implementation and optimize impact.

During the three-day review, the government’s technical teams – supervised by the Ministry of Finance’s Project and Programme Monitoring Unit and the Bank Group’s Project Management Units – worked in thematic workshops to examine each operation in detail, assess progress, identify challenges, and propose appropriate corrective measures and concrete actions for effective implementation.

“It is essential that projects financed by the African Development Bank perform well if we are to meet the legitimate expectations of our people,” said DRC Deputy Finance Minister Yamba Kazadi Gracia, at the review. “Every dollar unused represents a school not built, a road not rehabilitated, a health centre not equipped. We have a moral and political duty to transform this funding into tangible results for the development of our country.”

The Bank Group’s Deputy Director General for Central Africa, Mohamed Chérif, praised the quality of the dialogue with the Congolese authorities and reaffirmed the pan-African institution’s commitment to supporting the country in achieving its national priorities.

He said: “This meeting testifies to our shared commitment to the national vision and reaffirms our support for the major national priorities … This is why we need to work more closely together to improve the effectiveness of our projects and programmes and enhance their impact on the development and well-being of the Congolese people.”

Country portfolio reviews serve as milestone moments in the ongoing strategic and operational dialogue between the Bank Group and the countries in which it is financing operations.

The African Development Bank Group’s active portfolio in the Democratic Republic of Congo totals more than $1.6 billion, covering the agriculture, transport, energy, drinking water and sanitation, governance, human capital, and digital sectors. The Bank’s portfolio in the DRC is one of the Group’s largest in Central Africa in terms of commitments.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact: 
Frédérique Pascale Essama Messanga
Communication and External Relations Department
African Development Bank 
media@afdb.org 

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (ADB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with a field office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission holds training and capacity-building workshop for border officials and key stakeholders at the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post (JBP) between Ghana and Togo

Source: APO


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The ECOWAS Commission, with the support of TradeMark Africa, organized a two-day training and capacity-building workshop for border officials at the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post between the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Togo from 20-21 November 2025 in Lomé, Togo.

The training sought to strengthen the operational capacity of border officials and enhance coordination among key agencies by improving their understanding of the JBP concept, commitments under the Bilateral Agreement signed between the two Member States, harmonized procedures, and joint operational mechanisms to promote efficient border management, trade facilitation, and regional integration.

Participants shared experiences and provided critical feedback to the ECOWAS Commission as part of measures to ensure the efficient and sustainable operation of the Akanu–Noepe Joint Border Post. Among the key recommendations from the training workshop were the development of a sustainable funding mechanism for JBP operations, regular engagement with relevant national authorities to address challenges at the JBP, and ECOWAS Commission support in the immediate retooling and equipping of the Akanu-Noepe JBP.

In all, forty-five (45) participants took part in the training session, which focused on topics including the JBP concept, the legal and institutional framework for the operations of the Joint Border Post, the role and mandate of the Joint Border Management Committee, digital tools for cross-border trade facilitation and social inclusion, and environmental and sustainable border management.

The Akanu–Noepe Joint Border Post plays a crucial role in the facilitation of trade and transport along the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor and serves as a critical node for intermodal logistics value chains. It also provides an important link in transport connectivity to the Sahelian hinterlands of the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Regulator takes steps to transform SA’s energy sector

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 28, 2025

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has taken major steps towards transforming the country’s electricity sector.

During a media briefing on Thursday, the regulator announced that it has approved several key decisions that will pave the way for a competitive electricity market.

“The decisions acknowledge the significant changes expected within the electricity sector and the critical role of the Energy Regulator, heralded by the amended Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, which includes the establishment of a competitive electricity market over the next five years,” the regulator said.

These decisions include:
•    Granting a Market Operator licence to the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), which is essential to formally establish the entity responsible for operating the future competitive electricity market.
•    Approving Grid Capacity Allocation Rules that will determine how access to the national grid is allocated to different electricity producers.
•    The establishment of the Electricity Market Advisory Forum (EMAF) which will play a vital role in advising the Energy Regulator on Market Rules and the Market Code for the development of a competitive electricity market. 

The EMAF will also support regulatory oversight of market operations, ensuring readiness and inclusivity among stakeholders as the electricity market evolves.

READ | NERSA approves setting up of advisory forum

According to regulator, the EMAF is a proactive move to involve stakeholders in supporting NERSA in establishing a robust and inclusive regulatory environment to oversee the nascent electricity market.

This includes licensing the Market Operator as the NTCSA’s licensed activity and approving the Market Rules and Market Code.

On 12 November 2025, the Energy Regulator approved the Grid Capacity Allocation Rules to ensure fair, transparent and non-discriminatory access to limited grid capacity.

Key objectives of these rules are as follows:
•    Ensure fair and transparent grid access.
•    Improve planning certainty for investors and developers.
•    Prevent inactive projects from reserving capacity.
•    Promote optimal use of existing infrastructure and guide future development.

The benefits will include accelerated access for bankable projects, reduced backlogs, improved queue management and enhanced investor confidence. –SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng warns of fake EPWP advert

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 28, 2025

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has noted with concern the circulation of fraudulent Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) opportunities on social media.

The advert, which falsely references a “Roads Maintenance Tender (3 years): Contractor – Khulakwande Construction”, was not issued by the department.

“The public is urged to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to this scam. The department firmly distances itself from this fake recruitment drive and reiterates that no such EPWP opportunities have been advertised by the department,” it said in a statement on Thursday.

The fraudulent post falsely claims that “general work is targeted at students and interns, but anyone in the community may sign up,” and promises a daily payment rate of R140. 

“It further misleads applicants by stating that placements will be made on roads closest to them and that personal information will be kept private.”

It stressed that it is unaware of the origins of the misleading advert and urged the public not to engage with or share it.

For legitimate training and employment opportunities within the Gauteng Provincial Government, members of the public are encouraged to visit the official GPG Jobs Portal: https://jobs.gauteng.gov.za/.

Unofficial or obscure websites are often used to deceive and exploit unsuspecting job seekers.

When in doubt, applicants should always verify the authenticity of any recruitment information by contacting the Department’s Directorate: Human Resources (Recruitment) at (011) 355 7521 or the GDRT switchboard at (011) 355 7000 during office hours. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Matriculants urged to celebrate safely after exams

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 28, 2025

With the matric exam session now complete, many learners will be attending formal matric rage events and smaller end-of-exams or “pens down” parties over the next week.

The MEC for the Western Cape Education Department, David Maynier, has urged matriculants to celebrate safely.

This year’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations concluded on Thursday, 27 November 2025.

“Understandably, our matrics would like to celebrate the end of their school career, but we urge them to do so responsibly. 

“A party can have a lifelong impact if something goes wrong. Put your future first and celebrate safely,” Maynier said. 

The National Department of Basic Education (DBE) has also issued a strong reminder that this is not the time for unsafe or premature celebrations. 

The DBE warns that unregulated “pens down“ parties can expose learners to alcohol abuse, violence, exploitation, and significant personal harm.

“The department urges candidates to prioritise rest, discipline, and final revision; to report any unsafe gatherings to trusted adults or authorities; and to honour their schooling journey by returning all textbooks and learning materials.” 

They encourage learners to show responsible citizenship by donating uniforms or stationery when possible, thereby strengthening the culture of care within school communities.

“These actions reflect the civic responsibility and maturity expected of the Class of 2025.”

The Western Cape Department of Education is encouraging all matrics attending these events to:

  • Familiarise yourself with the event’s safety measures and the local emergency phone numbers.  
  • Keep a close eye on your valuables at all times.  
  • Never leave your beverages unattended; always monitor them.  
  • If you notice anything suspicious, report it immediately to the South African Police Service or the event organisers.  
  • Avoid drinking and driving.  
  • Establish a buddy system for added safety, and maintain regular contact with your parents.  
  • Parents should ensure that their children understand the risks associated with any event or party. They should also arrange to stay in contact with their children and know what to do in case of an emergency. – SAnews.gov.za