Afreximbank accorde une facilité de financement de 36 millions de dollars US à la société égyptienne SAMCO pour la construction d’un projet de stade en Ouganda

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) a accordé une facilité de financement de 36 millions de dollars US à la SAMCO, la société nationale de construction d’Égypte pour la construction du stade olympique Akii Bua en Ouganda.

Le stade olympique Akii Bua, situé à Lira, en Ouganda, devrait accueillir certains des matchs de la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations (AFCON) 2027 que l’Ouganda co-organise avec ses voisins d’Afrique de l’Est, le Kenya et la Tanzanie, dans le cadre d’une candidature conjointe.

Cette facilité de 36,4 millions de dollars US, accordée dans le cadre du programme Ingénierie, Approvisionnement et Construction (EPC) d’Afreximbank, aide les entreprises EPC africaines à soumissionner pour des contrats de grande envergure dans les pays africains. Elle devrait permettre de financer et de soutenir SAMCO dans la conception, la construction et le développement du projet de stade, ainsi que dans l’acquisition des composants essentiels nécessaires à la bonne réalisation du projet.

Mme Kanayo Awani, Vice-président exécutive d’Afreximbank, en charge du commerce intra-africain et du développement des exportations, a signé l’accord de facilité au nom d’Afreximbank lors d’une cérémonie qui s’est tenue au Caire le 29 octobre ; tandis que l’ingénieur Sameh Soliman, Président de SAMCO, a paraphé le document au nom de son entreprise.

Selon Mme Awani, cet accord reflète l’engagement profond d’Afreximbank à renforcer les capacités locales dans la réalisation de projets d’infrastructures complexes et à grande échelle.

« Nous sommes ravis de soutenir une société africaine EPC dans le cadre de l’initiative EPC d’Afreximbank, et de financer la construction d’un stade ultramoderne, aligné davantage sur notre stratégie créative / sportive dans l’un de nos pays membres (Ouganda). À travers cette initiative, nous visons à promouvoir une croissance économique durable, à améliorer les infrastructures régionales et à faciliter l’accueil d’événements sportifs approuvés par la CAF et la FIFA qui contribueront au progrès social et économique de l’Ouganda », a poursuivi Mme Awani.

Pour sa part, l’ingénieur Sameh Soliman, Président de SAMCO, a déclaré : « Nous nous félicitons du partenariat et du soutien d’Afreximbank dans ce projet historique. Cette collaboration renforce notre engagement stratégique à étendre notre présence à travers l’Afrique et à renforcer notre rôle dans la fourniture de solutions d’infrastructure à fort impact. Nous nous réjouissons à la perspective d’une relation à long terme et mutuellement bénéfique avec la Banque, qui stimulera la croissance et le développement durable sur l’ensemble du continent ».

Le développement du stade olympique Akii Bua devrait grandement contribuer à promouvoir le sport en Ouganda ainsi quel’intégration régionale et le tourisme en Afrique de l’Est, tout en soutenant le développement des infrastructures. Il renforcera également le programme du gouvernement en matière de sport et d’infrastructure, en améliorant la capacité du pays d’accueillir des événements approuvés par la CAF et la FIFA et en contribuant à la fierté nationale, à l’engagement des jeunes et à la diversification économique.

Le projet contribuera aussi à consolider la position de SAMCO en tant qu’entrepreneur africain de premier plan, capable d’exécuter des projets à grande échelle soutenus par les gouvernements à travers le continent. La Facilité de financement aide SAMCO à étendre ses activités à travers l’Afrique.

En outre, le projet devrait catalyser la croissance économique locale en générant des opportunités d’emploi pendant les phases de construction et d’exploitation, en stimulant les chaînes d’approvisionnement locales et en attirant des événements internationaux qui renforceront la visibilité mondiale de l’Ouganda.

La Coupe d’Afrique des Nations 2027 marquera le retour de l’organisation du tournoi continental en Afrique de l’Est depuis 1976.

Distribué par APO Group pour Afreximbank.

Contact Presse :
Vincent Musumba
Responsable des communications et de la gestion événementielle (Relations presse)
Courriel : press@afreximbank.com

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À propos d’Afreximbank :
La Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank) est une institution financière multilatérale panafricaine dédiée au financement et à la promotion du commerce intra et extra-africain. Depuis 30 ans, Afreximbank déploie des structures innovantes pour fournir des solutions de financement qui facilitent la transformation de la structure du commerce africain et accélèrent l’industrialisation et le commerce intrarégional, soutenant ainsi l’expansion économique en Afrique. Fervente défenseur de l’Accord sur la Zone de Libre-Échange Continentale Africaine (ZLECAf), Afreximbank a lancé les le Système panafricain de paiement et de règlement (PAPSS) qui a été adopté par l’Union africaine (UA) comme la plateforme de paiement et de règlement devant appuyer la mise en œuvre de la ZLECAf. En collaboration avec le Secrétariat de la ZLECAf et l’UA, la Banque a mis en place un Fonds d’ajustement de 10 milliards de dollars US pour aider les pays à participer de manière effective à la ZLECAf. À la fin de décembre 2024, le total des actifs et des garanties de la Banque s’élevait à environ 40,1 milliards de dollars US et les fonds de ses actionnaires s’établissaient à 7,2 milliards de dollars US. Afreximbank est notée A par GCR International Scale, Baa2 par Moody’s, AAA par China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI), A- par Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) et BBB par Fitch. Au fil des ans, Afreximbank est devenue un groupe constitué de la Banque, de sa filiale de financement à impact appelée Fonds de développement des exportations en Afrique (FEDA), et de sa filiale de gestion d’assurance, AfrexInsure, (les trois entités forment « le Groupe »). La Banque a son siège social au Caire, en Égypte.

Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez visiter www.Afreximbank.com

Media files

Western Union Introduces “Beyond” Strategy and Provides Medium-Term Financial Outlook at Investor Day

Source: APO – Report:

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  • Revenue expected to improve 20% over the next 3 years to $5B (at mid-point) 
  • Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) expected to grow 30% over the next 3 years to $2.30 (at mid-point) 
  • Digital first strategy to create a global two-sided financial services network 
  • Consumer Services is expected to continue double-digit revenue growth 

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) (“Western Union” or the “Company”) (www.WesternUnion.com) will host an Investor Day event in New York City today at 1:00 p.m. EST. The previously announced event will feature a presentation from Western Union’s executive management team and an overview of the Company’s strategic outlook and growth plans. The Company is also providing its medium-term outlook. 

“Our vision is for Western Union to make financial services accessible to people everywhere,” said Devin McGranahan, President and CEO of Western Union. “Over the past three years, we have evolved to become a digital-first company, enabled by our retail network, serving customers beyond remittance, all powered by our market-leading platform.” 

“Looking ahead,” McGranahan continued, “we expect revenue to improve 20% to $5 billion by 2028. We have a clear, digital-first strategy, driving growth across channels, geographies and products to best meet our customers’ growing financial needs.” 

Three-Year Financial Outlook  

Today, the Company will share the foundation for the next chapter in Western Union’s evolution: Beyond. Beyond what customers and agents expect and Beyond traditional definitions of consumer remittances, including an expansion of its Digital Asset Network and its USDPT stablecoin strategy. Western Union will provide its medium-term financial outlook reflecting its new long-term strategy. The Company expects the following in 2028: 

2028 Outlook Range

Revenue

$4.8 – $5.3 billion

Adjusted EPS*

$2.15 – $2.45

2025 Investor Day Webcast 

The event will begin on November 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time and conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. A live webcast and presentation will be available at https://IR.WesternUnion.com. Registration for the event is required, so please register at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A webcast replay will be available after the event. 


* The Company has not provided a quantitative reconciliation of forecasted adjusted earnings per share to forecasted GAAP earnings per share because the Company cannot, without unreasonable effort, calculate certain reconciling items with confidence due to the variability, complexity, and limited visibility of the adjusting items that would be excluded from forecasted earnings per share. These items include but are not limited to: severance costs; acquisition, separation, and integration costs; amortization and impairment of acquisition-related intangible assets; non-cash tax impacts of the Company’s international reorganization; and income taxes associated with these adjustments. The variability of these items could have a significant impact on the Company’s future GAAP financial results. 

– on behalf of Western Union Holdings, Inc..

Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-Looking Statements: 
This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “targets,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “guides,” “provides guidance,” “provides outlook,” “projects,” “designed to,” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” and “might” are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers of this press release of The Western Union Company (the “Company,” “Western Union,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) should not rely solely on the forward-looking statements and should consider all uncertainties and risks discussed in the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements are only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement. 

Possible events or factors that could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in our forward- looking statements include the following: changes in economic conditions, trade disruptions, or significantly slower growth or declines in the money transfer, payment service, and other markets in which we operate; interruptions in migration patterns or other events, such as public health emergencies, any changes arising as a result of policy changes in the United States and/or other key markets, civil unrest, war, terrorism, natural disasters, or non-performance by our banks, lenders, insurers, or other financial services providers; failure to compete effectively in the money transfer and payment service industry, including among other things, with respect to digital, mobile and internet-based services, card associations, and card-based payment providers, and with digital currencies, including cryptocurrencies; geopolitical tensions, political conditions and related actions, including trade restrictions, tariffs, and government sanctions; deterioration in customer confidence in our business; failure to maintain our agent network and business relationships; our ability to adopt new technology; the failure to realize anticipated financial benefits from mergers, acquisitions and divestitures; decisions to change our business mix; exposure to foreign exchange rates; changes in tax laws, or their interpretation, and unfavorable resolution of tax contingencies; cybersecurity incidents involving any of our systems or those of our vendors or other third parties; cessation of or defects in various services provided to us by third-party vendors; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from restructuring-related initiatives; our ability to attract and retain qualified key employees; failure to manage credit and fraud risks presented by our agents, clients, and consumers; adverse rating actions by credit rating agencies; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights, and to defend ourselves against potential intellectual property infringement claims; material changes in the market value or liquidity of securities that we hold; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations; liabilities or loss of business resulting from a failure by us, our agents, or their subagents to comply with laws and regulations and regulatory or judicial interpretations thereof; increased costs or loss of business due to regulatory initiatives and changes in laws, regulations, and industry practices and standards; developments resulting from governmental investigations and consent agreements with, or investigations or enforcement actions by, regulators and other government authorities; liabilities resulting from litigation; failure to comply with regulations and evolving industry standards regarding data privacy; failure to comply with consumer protection laws; effects of unclaimed property laws or their interpretation or the enforcement thereof; failure to comply with working capital requirements; changes in accounting standards, rules and interpretations; and other unanticipated events and management’s ability to identify and manage these and other risks. 

Contacts: 
Investor Relations: 
Tom Hadley 
WesternUnion.IR@westernunion.com

Media Relations: 
Amanda Demarest 
media@westernunion.com

About Western Union: 
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is committed to helping people around the world who aspire to build financial futures for themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Our leading cross-border, cross-currency money movement, payments and digital financial services empower consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments—across more than 200 countries and territories and over 130 currencies—to connect with billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and a global footprint of hundreds of thousands of retail locations. Our goal is to offer accessible financial services that help people and communities prosper. For more information, visit www.WesternUnion.com. 

Cotonou Comedy Festival : La métropole économique se prépare à accueillir une nouvelle scène internationale de l’humour

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Cotonou s’apprête à devenir, dès décembre prochain, l’un des nouveaux rendez-vous majeurs de l’humour africain. Le Gouvernement béninois, à travers l’Agence de Développement des Arts et de la Culture (ADAC), a dévoilé le jeudi 06 novembre 2025, les contours de la première édition du Cotonou Comedy Festival, un évènement pensé pour offrir à l’humour du continent une scène à rayonnement international. 

Dans un contexte où l’humour connaît un essor fulgurant à travers le monde, porté notamment par l’influence des réseaux sociaux et de grands rendez-vous internationaux comme le Montreux Comedy Festival en Suisse ou le Busan Comedy Festival en Corée du Sud, l’Afrique ambitionne elle aussi de valoriser ses talents. C’est dans cette perspective que le Bénin a signé, en avril dernier, une convention d’objectifs avec le Groupe Montreux Comedy, structure reconnue pour son rayonnement mondial. 

Au cours de la rencontre avec les professionnels des médias, le Directeur général de l’ADAC, William CODJO, a rappelé la mission de l’agence et les enjeux du festival : offrir aux humoristes du continent une véritable plateforme de rencontre, de diffusion et de professionnalisation. 

Le Président du Groupe Montreux Comedy, Grégoire FURRER, a pour sa part confirmé l’engagement de son organisation à accompagner durablement le Bénin afin de faire de Cotonou le principal carrefour de l’humour africain. 

Représentant le Ministre du Tourisme, de la Culture et des Arts, Madame Glwadys GANDAHO a souligné que cette initiative s’inscrit pleinement dans la stratégie nationale de développement des industries culturelles et créatives. « Le Gouvernement entend bâtir un environnement propice à l’émergence de nouveaux marchés et à la circulation des talents africains », a-t-elle affirmé. 

Au-delà des spectacles prévus, le Cotonou Comedy Festival déploiera une stratégie numérique multiculturelle pour assurer une large visibilité aux artistes, avec l’ambition d’étendre progressivement son influence à l’humour anglophone. 

En créant ce festival, le Bénin confirme sa volonté de se positionner comme un hub artistique africain, capable d’accueillir les grands noms de l’humour mondial et d’offrir aux artistes du continent une scène à la mesure de leur créativité.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

La mission d’évaluation de la SAA apprécie le niveau de préparation du Bénin

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


La délégation de la Société Africaine Anti-Sida (SAA) a effectué du 3 au 5 novembre 2025, une visite officielle au Bénin dans le cadre de la candidature du pays pour abriter en 2027, la 24ème édition de la Conférence internationale sur le Sida et les IST en Afrique, organisée par la Société de lutte contre le Sida en Afrique (SAA). Pendant trois jours d’intenses activités, la délégation a pu apprécier la capacité du Bénin et son niveau de préparation de cette importante rencontre mondiale à laquelle sont attendus des milliers de participants. 

Le Bénin terre d’hospitalité a révélé à ses hôtes de prestige, ses diversités culturelles avec une immersion dans la ville historique de Ouidah. Cette visite touristique empreinte d’émotion a permis à la délégation de cerner un pan important de l’histoire de ce pays riche de son patrimoine et de ses hommes. 

Après cette immersion, la délégation a enchaîné les séances de travail avec diverses personnalités du pays en l’occurrence, le Ministre d’État, Secrétaire Général de la Présidence de la République et les Ministres d’États en charge des Finances et celui en charge du développement. Ces rencontres de haut niveau ont permis d’échanger sur les attentes de la délégation ainsi que le niveau de préparation du Bénin. 

Le Chef du département de la santé, Professeur Benjamin HOUNKPATIN, et les principaux acteurs du secteur ont également tenu avec les membres du réseau, une importante rencontre technique de haut niveau sur les assises de 2027. Conduite par Dr David Pagwesese PARIRENYATWA, Président de la SAA, la délégation a échangé avec les autorités béninoises sur les objectifs, critères et attentes liés au processus de sélection du pays hôte d’ICASA 2027. 

Le Ministre de la Santé a salué la visite de la SAA et réaffirmé la volonté politique du Gouvernement, sous le leadership du Président Patrice TALON, à faire du Bénin un pays hôte exemplaire pour une ICASA 2027 inclusive, innovante et porteuse d’espoir pour l’Afrique. Cette rencontre a marqué le lancement officiel des travaux de la mission d’évaluation et traduit l’engagement ferme du Bénin à contribuer activement à la lutte contre le VIH/Sida et les IST sur le continent. 

Au cours de sa visite, la délégation de la SAA a également échangé avec les acteurs communautaires impliqués dans la riposte nationale contre le VIH/Sida.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

Un retour vers la paix et la dignité : la Section DDR&S de la MONUSCO accompagne les ex-combattants étrangers vers un nouveau départ

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Au cœur des efforts de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO), la Section Désarmement, Démobilisation, Réintégration et Stabilisation (DDR&S) poursuit ses efforts au quotidien pour accompagner les membres des groupes armés étrangers qui choisissent de quitter la brousse, déposer leurs armes, et rentrer dans leur pays d’origine en toute sécurité et avec dignité.

« Derrière chaque retour, il y a une histoire de courage et d’espérance. Ces rapatriements volontaires illustrent que le dialogue, la confiance mutuelle et la coopération peuvent tracer le chemin vers une paix durable dans la région », a déclaré Bintou Keita, Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies en République démocratique du Congo et Cheffe de la MONUSCO.

« La MONUSCO, en étroite collaboration avec les autorités congolaises et rwandaises, demeure pleinement engagée à veiller à ce que chaque retour s’effectue dans la dignité, la sécurité et le plein respect des droits de chacune et de chacun », a-t-elle ajouté.

Entre janvier et octobre 2025, la Section DDR&S a facilité, en collaboration avec la Commission rwandaise de démobilisation et de réintégration, le rapatriement volontaire vers le Rwanda de 44 ex-combattants principalement membres des Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), un groupe armé rwandais opérant principalement en République démocratique du Congo, ainsi que 54 de leurs dépendants – soit 98 personnes au total.

Dans les centres de transit, soutenus par la MONUSCO, ces individus et leurs familles reçoivent un accueil digne, un accompagnement logistique et soutien psychologique, et une protection constante tout au long du processus de retour. Pour beaucoup, c’est le début d’un nouveau chapitre.  
« La vie que nous menons dans la forêt n’est pas une vie digne. C’est pourquoi j’appelle mes frères et sœurs encore dans la brousse à rejoindre la MONUSCO pour rentrer dans la paix et la sécurité », confie un membre des FDLR rendu à la MONUSCO .

Les témoignages partagés par la MONUSCO traduisent le chemin parcouru : la faim, la peur et l’isolement ont cédé la place au soulagement et à l’espoir d’un nouveau départ. « À ceux qui disent que la MONUSCO a fermé ses portes, je réponds que c’est faux : moi-même, j’ai été surpris d’y arriver en toute sécurité. » témoigne un autre ex-combattant.

Pour ces hommes et leurs familles, le retour symbolise une rupture avec la violence et une opportunité de réintégration dans la société. En facilitant ces opérations, la MONUSCO, à travers sa Section DDR&S, contribue à réduire la présence armée étrangère sur le territoire congolais et à renforcer la sécurité des communautés locales.

A travers ces efforts, la MONUSCO réaffirme son engagement à accompagner chaque pas vers une paix durable en Republic Démocratique du Congo, en travaillant main dans la main avec les autorités nationales, les communautés locales et ses partenaires régionaux et internationaux.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

Physiotherapy Classroom for Visually Impaired Students Equipped in Tunisia

Source: APO


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The classroom of the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students at the Higher School of Health Sciences and Techniques of Tunis (École Supérieure des Sciences et Techniques de la Santé de Tunis – ESSTST), affiliated with the University of El Manar in the capital city of Tunisia, has been renovated and equipped by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).

Within the scope of the project, the classroom belonging to the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students – the first academic unit of its kind established in Africa – was renovated and reorganized in line with modern educational standards. The classroom was designed to be fully accessible for visually impaired students and furnished with essential physiotherapy training equipment. The project provided materials such as human skeleton and muscular system models, posture analysis tools, exercise bands and straps, physiotherapy tables, hot and cold therapy equipment, electrotherapy devices, and Braille reading and writing devices.

Established in 1965, ESSTST is one of Tunisia’s leading institutions in the field of public health, contributing significantly to the training of professional healthcare personnel. Since its establishment, the Physiotherapy Department for Visually Impaired Students has graduated a total of 743 students with varying degrees of visual impairment from Tunisia, other African countries, and the Middle East.

Thanks to the newly equipped classroom, approximately 50 students will benefit from hands-on training with modern tools each year, aiming to enhance their professional competencies and employability. The project promotes equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups and supports the social and economic inclusion of visually impaired youth.

TİKA continues to contribute to local development in Tunisia through projects aimed at strengthening inclusiveness in education, supporting youth employability, and empowering disadvantaged groups in line with the country’s development priorities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Ad Hoc Committee Concludes Evidence from IDAC Head, Adv Johnson

Source: APO


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The Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by the SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has concluded hearing evidence from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), led by Adv Andrea Johnson.

Adv Johnson’s testimony covered issues including alleged corruption in SAPS procurement processes, the role of Crime Intelligence (CI) within the criminal justice system, allegations made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi against IDAC, the charges against General Dumisani Khumalo, and the referral of cases involving CI officials to IDAC.

Adv Johnson also addressed allegations concerning Mr Brian Padayachee, her husband’s employment within CI, and ongoing IDAC investigations into Mr Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Committee members questioned Adv Johnson about her reference to “insinuations pertaining to the husband of the Head of IDAC working for CI,” a matter first raised during testimony by former Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele. Members further sought clarity on her involvement in the interview panel that appointed her husband.

Adv Johnson said the insinuations were intended to cast doubt on IDAC’s integrity in the arrests of General Khumalo and his CI colleagues. She explained that while her husband serves in CI at the rank of Brigadier, they do not discuss work-related matters due to the sensitive nature of their respective roles. Furthermore, she said they always maintained professional boundaries to protect the integrity of their work. However, she acknowledged that, in hindsight, she should have recused herself completely from her husband’s interview process.

Committee members also questioned Adv Johnson extensively about the arrests of General Khumalo and other CI officials. She rejected General Mkhwanazi’s claim that IDAC’s actions were intended to disrupt the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), noting that IDAC only became aware of General Khumalo’s role as PKTT coordinator on 6 July 2025.

Adv Johnson said cases referred by Mr Adams revealed how the Head of CI and senior managers allegedly manipulated systems for private gain. She said evidence shows that General Khumalo and his co-accused strategically placed individuals within CI to unlawfully access funding. Their token appointments did not prevent these acts, as IDAC found when reviewing the matter holistically.

It was reported that Mr Adams possessed classified information, and the circumstances under which he obtained this information were not explained. The committee further noted that it had not received all relevant documents related to these investigations and requested that the outstanding information be submitted as soon as possible.

On the investigation into Mr Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, Adv Johnson told the committee that IDAC received a referral from SAPS on 16 February 2025 to probe alleged corruption in a SAPS tender awarded to Mr Matlala. She added that General Mkhwanazi’s public claims had compromised the confidentiality of this ongoing investigation. She said the 6 July 2025 media exposé has forced IDAC to make certain disclosures despite the potential risks to the investigation.

Committee members further engaged Adv Johnson on the absence of an oversight mechanism for IDAC’s operations. She informed to the committee that President Cyril Ramaphosa had appointed retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga as IDAC Inspecting Judge on 11 October 2025 for a five-year term.

The committee will reconvene on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, to hear evidence from the Head of the National Prosecuting Authority, Adv Shamila Batohi.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS MADE BY THE SAPS KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL HEAD, LT GEN NHLANHLA MKHWANAZI, HON MOLAPI SOVIET LEKGANYANE

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:

Name: Malentsoe Magwagwa (Ms)
Cell: 081 716 5824
E-mail: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Global finance reform key for sustainable development

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called for urgent reforms to the international financial system so that multilateral banks can provide long-term and affordable capital for sustainable development and climate action.

According to the Global Stocktake, the collective global progress toward the Paris Agreement goals is insufficient.

“The Global Stocktake is clear. Progress is too slow. We must accelerate action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and the means of implementation.

“The Global Goal on Adaptation must deliver measurable indicators and the finance to achieve them. The Sharm el Sheikh Work Programme must unlock real investment through blended models. The Loss and Damage Fund must be capitalised,” the Minister said on Friday. 

He said the Baku to Belém Roadmap must advance 1.3 trillion dollars in grants, concessional finance and fiscal space measures.

The roadmap aims at scaling up climate finance to developing country to support low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development pathways. 

The Minister made these remarks at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP30 Leader’s Summit, taking place in Belém, Brazil, as part of the 30th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP).

“Climate change is the defining crisis of our time. No nation can face it alone. This is a time that demands courage, solidarity and multilateralism in action. World leaders have a moral duty to close the gap between ambition and finance in the fight against climate change.

“South Africa further, reiterates that climate change response measures by developed countries should not impact developing countries’ industrial, trade and socio-economic development goals, in line with international law,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the unilateral climate response measures should not have spill-over and negative cross-border impacts on developing countries. 

“Our firm view is that the unilateral trade measures which aim to achieve unbalanced climate objectives outside of the framework of the multilateral process, or unfairly restrict global trade in green technology, will only serve to hinder our ability to achieve a just transition, and slow the global effort to address climate change,” the Minister said.

In fulfilment of South Africa commitments, under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts, government has submitted its second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

They include a new mitigation target for 2035 of between 320 and 380 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent, showing clear progression from our 2030 range. 

“Our updated adaptation communication identifies our support needs for finance, technology and capacity building. South Africa’s expectations for COP30 are clear,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

Ministro da Educação considera Boa Vista exemplo de estabilidade, funcionalidade e capacidade de mobilização de parcerias

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Educação, Amadeu Cruz, apontou a ilha da Boa Vista como um exemplo para o território nacional em termos de estabilidade, funcionalidade e capacidade de mobilização de parcerias.

Esta constatação foi feita esta quinta-feira (6), no âmbito da visita de três dias do titular da pasta da Educação à ilha para fazer o acompanhamento do novo ano letivo 2025/2026.

“Aqui na Boa Vista constatamos que o sistema educativo está estável. Temos a generalidade dos professores nas escolas, temos os pais e encarregados de educação motivados, temos um parque escolar bastante reabilitado, bastante digno, até acima da média nacional. Mas vamos continuar a melhorar. Temos o sistema de transportes a funcionar, o sistema de ação social igualmente a funcionar, ou seja, temos um sistema educativo aqui na Boa Vista que é um exemplo para o território nacional e nós aprendemos enquanto dirigentes com a dinâmica da Boa Vista, que tem uma capacidade de mobilização de parcerias, por exemplo, que outras ilhas têm menos”, considerou Amadeu Cruz.

A visita à ilha da Boa Vista teve início na quarta-feira, com a realização de audiências com o corpo docente local, cujo objetivo central foi abordar a implementação do Plano de Cargos, Carreiras e Remunerações (PCFR) do pessoal docente. O Ministro reforçou assim a postura de esclarecer dúvidas e realizar eventuais ajustes onde forem necessários e possíveis.

O titular da pasta da Educação comunicou que o processo de implementação do PCFR está na fase de conclusão. A generalidade dos salários atualizados foi paga, bem como a maioria dos retroativos de janeiro a agosto, estimando-se que quase 100% dos professores já tenham recebido estes valores.

“Os professores têm sempre legitimidade em colocar as questões e, se for uma questão que justifique a nossa correção, o Ministério estará disponível. No entanto, devo reforçar que pagamos a generalidade dos retroativos. Penso que quase 100% dos professores já receberam os retroativos, mas pode haver um ou outro caso em que haja necessidade de outro ajustamento”, argumentou.

O foco deste diá. é manter os professores motivados, reconhecendo-os como os “principais veículos da promoção da qualidade do ensino na Boa Vista.”

No âmbito desta visita oficial à ilha da Boa Vista, o Ministro da Educação e a sua comitiva efetuaram uma visita de cortesia à equipa camarária, tendo sido recebidos pela vereadora para a área da Educação, Clara Barros. Seguiu-se uma visita às escolas de Bofareira, do Norte, do Bairro de Boa Esperança, Nova e à Escola Secundária da Boa Vista.

No terceiro e último dia da missão de Amadeu Cruz na ilha, estão previstas mais duas visitas às escolas Mercedes Spencer e Estância de Baixo e um encontro com a equipa diretiva da Escola Secundária da Boa Vista.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

From Soil to Systems: How Zimbabwe is scaling innovation for food security and rural transformation

Source: APO


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In rural Zimbabwe, where dry riverbeds once marked the end of each farming season, a silent agricultural revolution is underway. Solar-powered irrigation, satellite analytics, digital advisory tools, and science-based food safety solutions are redefining how smallholder farmers grow food, access markets, and build resilience. With support from the Government of Zimbabwe, the European Union (EU), the Fleming Fund, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the AFC Land and Development Bank (AFC) and technical leadership and support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), transformative innovations are moving from pilots to practice, reshaping lives and landscapes.

Unlocking Water: Turning dry riverbeds into lifelines

For years, farmers in semi-arid regions faced seasonal production due to drying dams and erratic rainfall. With support from the EU, solar-powered irrigation systems combined with sand-abstraction technology — which taps hidden water beneath dry riverbeds — are now restoring year-round agriculture. These systems reduce labour, save energy, conserve water, and significantly increase yields. “We used to watch our dam dry up every year. Now, we grow crops all year round,” shared David Ndou, Chairperson at Sivuli irrigation scheme.

Grounded in indigenous knowledge systems and enhanced by modern engineering, this approach demonstrates how local solutions integrated with technology can deliver climate resilience and commercial potential.

Digital Villages Initiative: Connecting farmers to the future

Innovation in Zimbabwe stretches beyond water systems. Through FAO’s Digital Villages initiative, rural farmers are gaining access to digital identities, geo-referenced advisory services, mobile market platforms, AI-enabled crop insights, and agricultural information systems. More than 5 000 farmers — especially women — have already benefited from digital literacy and service access, enabling them to make informed decisions and connect to markets.

Women farmers are actively investing in smartphones to participate more fully in digital agriculture. “We are seeing women buying smartphones because they now see direct value through better extension support and market access,” noted lead farmer Sheyi Kahushe. This shift marks a major step toward bridging rural digital divides and accelerating inclusive growth.

Satellite-Powered Insights: A new era of data-driven agrifood systems

FAO’s Earth Observation for Agricultural Statistics (EOSTAT) is helping Zimbabwe harness satellite data to generate timely, reliable crop and yield estimates, achieving over 80 percent accuracy. The system tracks droughts and floods in real time, strengthening early warning and enabling faster, evidence-based responses to protect food security.

The initiative is also building national capacity by training specialists from the Zimbabwe Space Agency, National University of Science and Technology, and other key institutions in advanced geospatial analysis.

According to Hillary Mugiyo, Early Warning Specialist in the Ministry’s Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services Directorate, “EOSTAT is modernizing agricultural monitoring through digital innovation and driving Zimbabwe’s shift toward data-driven, climate-smart agriculture.”

Financing Resilience: Seed Revolving Fund boosts wheat and maize production

To enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in agriculture finance and input supply systems, FAO in partnership with AfDB and AFC Land Bank has introduced digital solutions into the loan management system. AFC now uses an e-voucher platform to enable farmers to access and receive inputs from suppliers, while the system tracks loan disbursement, repayment, and utilization in real time. This technology ensures that funds reach the intended beneficiaries quickly, reduces administrative delays, and allows both FAO and the AFC Land Bank to monitor progress and respond promptly to challenges. By combining digital loan management with traditional financing mechanisms, the programme is not only scaling production but also modernizing agricultural finance, making it more accountable, inclusive, and farmer friendly.

This support facilitated the cultivation of over 17 000 hectares of winter wheat and 72 000 hectares of maize under the Seed Revolving Fund; a milestone aligned with Zimbabwe’s efforts to achieve wheat self-sufficiency and enhance food security.

Safer Food Systems: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

With support from the Fleming Fund and the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund, FAO is helping Zimbabwe modernize its food safety systems by rehabilitating 14 sentinel laboratories and promoting responsible antibiotic use in livestock production.

The upgraded labs now provide real-time data on resistant bacteria—helping detect outbreaks faster, guide treatment, and shape stronger health policies. Farmers, meanwhile, are adopting better hygiene, biosecurity, and animal care practices, reducing reliance on antibiotics.

These efforts are protecting consumers, safeguarding vital medicines, and reinforcing the One Health approach that connects human, animal, and environmental wellbeing. Paving the way for a safer, more resilient agrifood system.

Innovation in Action

“Innovation is more than an idea – it is action and collaboration that delivers impact,” said Tendai Munyokoveri, Assistant FAO Representative – Programmes. “In Zimbabwe, we are showcasing solutions that work, partnerships that deliver, and ideas that grow into meaningful change.”

From sand-abstracted water and solar power to satellite intelligence and mobile-enabled advisory services, Zimbabwe’s transformation demonstrates how integrated innovation can accelerate food systems resilience. With continued investment, public–private partnerships, and community-driven leadership, these solutions offer replicable pathways for climate-smart, digitally-enabled agriculture across Africa and beyond.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.