MIL Africa Engine

Source: APO – Report:

.

On World Cotton Day 2025, held at FAO headquarters in Rome, Africa’s cotton producers and partners showcased how the sector is driving green growth, local value addition and sustainable trade, powering inclusive industrialization and climate-smart growth under the AfCFTA.

Behind the progress is resilience. Across Africa’s cotton heartlands, farmers and artisans are navigating climate shocks, volatile prices and shifting global markets.

An uncertain horizon for cotton producers

Cotton is the backbone of rural economies across Africa – from Chad to Zambia and Tanzania – but the sector faces mounting challenges. Global trade uncertainties such as the expiration of AGOA preferences and tightening sustainability standards are reshaping export opportunities.

On the ground, farmers contend with erratic rainfall, soil depletion and limited access to technology and finance. A lot of cotton is exported raw, leaving local value and job opportunities untapped.

Across Africa, cotton sustains millions – farmers, spinners, weavers and fashion entrepreneurs. For many women and youth in rural areas, it is a primary source of income. When the sector grows sustainably, entire communities benefit: more children go to school, families invest in livestock and small businesses flourish.

But when prices fall or yields drop, effects ripple through economies and households alike. Sustainable cotton farming, fair trade and local transformation are therefore essential to inclusive development – and central to Africa’s industrialization goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Cotton communities spin a new future for Africa’s rural economy

At World Cotton Day 2025, the International Trade Centre (ITC) joined the FAO, WTO, UNIDO, ICAC, and African governments – including the Cotton Four (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali) alongside Niger and Côte d’Ivoire – to reaffirm a shared commitment: strengthening the cotton-to-clothing value chain from field to fashion.

Through initiatives such as the EU/OACPS Cotton Project, GTEX/MENATEX and the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI), ITC is helping farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs climb the value chain and build climate resilience. 

In Tanzania and Zambia, thousands of smallholder farmers are transforming how they grow cotton. Instead of burning crop residues, they now use them to make biochar – a natural fertilizer that improves soil health, boosts yields and reduces emissions.

In just one year, more than 10,000 farmers in Tanzania adopted these climate-smart practices, increasing yields by up to 20%. Across the border in Zambia, 130,000 smallholders have doubled production while earning the world’s first carbon credit payments in the cotton sector.

At the other end of the value chain, women artisans and young designers are turning African cotton into high-value creations. In Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, EFI connects local weavers and small fashion businesses to global brands, showcasing sustainable African design at international fairs.

These initiatives not only raise incomes but also inspire a new generation of African entrepreneurs linking agriculture, creativity and climate action.

Through its Global Textiles and Clothing (GTEX) programme, ITC strengthens the competitiveness of manufacturers in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, while its UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme supports firms in Ethiopia and Tanzania to expand intra- and extra-African trade. Together, these efforts support Africa’s ambition to industrialize and create tens of thousands of jobs.

Building an integrated African value chain

Developing the cotton-to-apparel value chain within Africa is critical. Under the AfCFTA, cotton and textiles have the potential to become one of the continent’s most dynamic industries. By investing in value addition, regional trade and sustainability, African countries can retain more value at home, create jobs and compete in global markets. Experts from supply, demand, investment and finance also stressed the need to reinforce extra-continental exports to build the skills and know-how that can, in turn, serve Africa’s internal market.

This is the vision that ITC and its partners are advancing – one where African cotton tells a story of empowerment, innovation and pride, and weaves trade together with sustainable development. As FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, World Cotton Day 2025 reminds us that cotton is not just a crop – it is the fabric of Africa’s greener, fairer future.

– on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Source: APO – Report:

.

The Government of the Republic of South Africa has noted with deep concern the recent political developments in the Republic of Madagascar. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property that has occurred.

South Africa calls for calm and restraint from all actors and urges them to do everything necessary to avoid any further action that may escalate tensions or worsen the humanitarian situation.

We strongly call upon all parties to respect the democratic process and constitutional order. It is imperative that any disputes be resolved peacefully through inclusive dialogue, cooperation, and established legal mechanisms.

In accordance with the Lomé declaration, South Africa does not support unconstitutional changes of government.

We wish to recall that regional conflict resolution mechanisms remain at the disposal of the people of Madagascar to facilitate dialogue and a peaceful way forward.

Minister Lamola reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution that upholds the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development for the region.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO – Report:

.

The South African Government strongly condemns the attacks perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces on 9 October 2025 in El Fasher, North Darfur on a hospital and displacement centre killing at least 20 people. These assaults on civilian infrastructure have resulted in a tragic loss of innocent lives, severe injuries, displacement, and immense human suffering.

These actions have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis. We are deeply alarmed that thousands of civilians, including women and children, remain trapped by the fighting. The sustained attacks since September on places of worship and the central market represent a grave violation of international law.

South Africa stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan, who continue to bear the brunt of this conflict.

We remind all parties of their non-negotiable obligations under international law including international humanitarian law. There must be no impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The protection of civilians and the safeguarding of essential infrastructure are paramount.

We therefore call for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the safe evacuation of civilians from active conflict zones.

Minister Ronald Lamola reiterates that the only sustainable solution is a negotiated, inclusive, and Sudanese-owned political dialogue. We urge regional and international actors, including the African Union, the United Nations, and IGAD, to intensify efforts to broker a ceasefire and galvanise support for a just political settlement.

South Africa remains ready to support all efforts aimed at ending the suffering of the Sudanese people.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Source: APO

.

The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has concluded a highly successful week-long oversight visit to the Northern Cape Province.

The oversight visit focused on several key issues, including compliance with Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) by Asman Manganese (Black Rock Operation), South32, and Ekapa Mining; illegal mining of green fluorite and rose quartz gemstones in Vredesvallei and Riemvasmaak; as well as a dispute over sugilite mining between Assmang and PP Gemstone Mining and Exporting (Pty) Ltd.

The committee also engaged with stakeholders such as the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), traditional leaders, and community mining forums in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District, as well as artisanal and small-scale miners in the Frances Baard District. These engagements enabled the committee to provide high-level interventions in response to challenges raised by stakeholders.

Among the committee’s interventions was a call for an immediate workshop on mining permit applications for the communities of Vredesvallei and Riemvasmaak, along with traditional leaders in the JTG District. Assmang and South32 also committed to working towards an amicable resolution with PP Gemstone Mining and SANCO respectively.

As the committee awaits the tabling of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill, it welcomed the opportunity to hear first-hand how certain provisions in the current Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002) serve as barriers for aspiring artisanal and small-scale miners.

It became clear during engagements that specific sections of the Act — particularly Sections 41, 54, and 102 — require urgent review to create a more enabling environment for artisanal and small-scale mining.

The committee highlighted the success of artisanal mining initiatives in the Frances Baard District as a positive case study. It therefore advocated for the review of all fees associated with artisanal and small-scale mining permit applications. Furthermore, the committee proposed the establishment of an independent body to monitor SLP compliance.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, commended all stakeholders for their constructive engagement and assured them that their inputs would be considered in the committee’s oversight report and recommendations. Once adopted by the National Assembly, he said these recommendations will become binding on the relevant department.

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

Source: APO

.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo, met with Acting Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Shafi bin Newaimi Al Hajri.

The meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.

Source: APO

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met on Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Qatar Walid Fahmy Al Faqi.

The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, as well as issues of mutual interest.

HE the Ambassador conveyed Egypt’s condolences over the death of three members of the Amiri Diwan in a traffic accident in Sharm El-Sheikh while performing their official duties, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.