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Minister calls for tougher plastic pollution measures

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister calls for tougher plastic pollution measures

Government is prepared to strengthen regulation and enforcement against plastic pollution, including targeting companies that fail to comply with waste management obligations, says Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp.

Addressing industry leaders, environmental organisations and government stakeholders in Cape Town on Monday evening, Aucamp said South Africa had made significant progress in tackling plastic waste through collaboration between government, business and civil society, but warned that stronger measures may be required to drive further change.

“We now know that if we do not address problematic plastic products, they threaten the reputation and the future of all plastic products,” Aucamp said, speaking at the launch of the South African Plastics Pact’s 2030 targets.

He said regulatory instruments would be needed to ensure greater compliance and to remove problematic plastics from the country’s ecosystem, while also compelling companies that have not joined voluntary initiatives such as the Plastics Pact to contribute to broader industry reforms.

The launch of the SA Plastics Pact’s new 2030 targets marks the next phase of an initiative that was first established in January 2020 to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy. 

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has been a partner in the initiative since its inception.

Aucamp described plastic pollution as one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing South Africa and the world, despite the material’s important role in modern society.

“The result is growing pressure on our environment, our oceans, our communities, and our waste management systems,” he said.

The Minister said government had adopted a proactive and evidence-based approach to the issue, combining policy reforms, scientific research, public awareness campaigns and partnerships across sectors.

Among the achievements highlighted were the continued implementation of EPR regulations, increased industry investment in recycling and collection infrastructure, and efforts to improve the working conditions of waste reclaimers who play a key role in South Africa’s recycling economy.

Government is also exploring deposit return schemes to improve collection rates and increase material recovery, while amendments to plastic carrier bag regulations are expected to stimulate demand for recycled materials through the introduction of recycled-content targets.

Aucamp credited collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for supporting investment and innovation through initiatives such as the Plastics Sector Master Plan and the Industrial Policy Action Plan.

The Minister praised the growing support for the South African Plastics Pact from businesses across the plastics value chain, saying their commitment to improved product design, recyclability and resource efficiency was helping to drive meaningful change.

“The launch of the SA Plastics Pact 2030 is a declaration of intent to achieve more,” he said. 

“It signals our collective determination to move beyond business as usual and towards a future in which economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion go hand in hand.”

Aucamp thanked GreenCape, which serves as the secretariat of the Plastics Pact, as well as participating businesses and stakeholders for their continued support. – SAnews.gov.za

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Afreximbank invite le Président de Rugby Afrique, Herbert Mensah, à intervenir lors des 33èmes Assemblées Annuelles dans le cadre d’un panel consacré au sport comme moteur de l’industrialisation africaine

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) l’instance dirigeante du rugby en Afrique, a annoncé aujourd’hui que son Président, Herbert Mensah, a été invité par le Professeur George Elombi, Président-directeur du Conseil d’Administration de la Banque Africaine d’Import-Export (Afreximbank), à participer à la 33e Assemblée Annuelle d’Afreximbank (AAM) (https://2026.AfreximbankEvents.com), qui se tiendra du 21 au 24 juin 2026 à El-Alamein en Égypte, sous le haut patronage de Son Excellence Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, Président de la République Arabe d’Égypte.

M. Mensah prendra la parole lors d’un panel de haut niveau intitulé « Des usines africaines au terrain : le sport comme levier de l’industrialisation africaine », prévu le 22 juin 2026. La session explorera comment les industries sportives et créatives en pleine croissance sur le continent peuvent servir de socle à une base industrielle plus large, permettant à l’Afrique de dépasser sa dépendance aux équipements importés (maillots, chaussures, ballons) et de développer des capacités dans l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur sportive, incluant les technologies de stade, le matériel de diffusion, les produits de fitness et les fournitures de médecine sportive.

Cette Assemblée Annuelle se tient sous le thème « Commerce Intra-Africain et Industrialisation : Voie vers la Souveraineté Economique », réunissant les actionnaires d’Afreximbank, des chefs d’État et dignitaires africains et caribéens, des ministres, des gouverneurs de banques centrales, des dirigeants de grandes institutions financières, des entreprises et des personnalités du milieu académique et de la recherche.

L’invitation reflète l’ampleur mondiale de l’opportunité. L’industrie mondiale des vêtements de sport est actuellement estimée à 230 milliards de dollars US et devrait atteindre 325 milliards de dollars US à l’horizon 2034, tandis que le marché africain ; évalué à environ 30 milliards de dollars US, reste fortement dépendant des importations. Le panel examinera comment le continent peut capter une part significative de cette valeur croissante grâce à la fabrication locale et à des partenariats internationaux.

« Herbert Mensah, Président de Rugby Africa a déclaré :  Je suis honoré d’accepter l’invitation du Président Elombi. Le sport est l’un des atouts économiques les plus puissants et les plus sous-estimés de l’Afrique. Chaque maillot, chaque ballon et chaque stade représentent des emplois, des compétences et des industries qui peuvent et doivent être développés sur ce continent. Le rugby connaît une croissance plus rapide en Afrique que presque partout ailleurs dans le monde, et cette croissance doit se traduire par des usines, des chaînes de valeur et des opportunités pour les Africains. J’ai hâte de porter ce message à El-Alamein ».

En tant que Président de Rugby Africa, M. Mensah est également membre du Conseil Exécutif de World Rugby et Président de World Rugby Regions, l’organe qui réunit les présidents des six associations continentales de rugby :  Rugby Europe, Asia Rugby, Rugby Americas North (RAN), Sudamérica Rugby, Oceania Rugby et Rugby Africa. Sa participation apporte une perspective mondiale du rugby à une discussion centrée sur l’avenir industriel de l’Afrique.

Rugby Africa salue le leadership continu d’Afreximbank dans la promotion du commerce intra-africain et de l’industrialisation, et se réjouit de contribuer à un débat qui place le sport au cœur de l’agenda de souveraineté économique du Continent.

Distribué par APO Group pour Rugby Africa.

Contact presse :
Nicole Vervelde
Responsable Communication
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com

À propos de Rugby Africa :
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) est l’instance dirigeante du rugby en Afrique et l’une des associations régionales de World Rugby. Elle regroupe tous les pays africains pratiquant le rugby à XV, le rugby à 7 et le rugby féminin. Rugby Africa organise diverses compétitions, dont les tournois qualificatifs pour la Coupe du Monde de Rugby et l’Africa Sevens, compétition qualificative pour les Jeux Olympiques. Avec 40 fédérations membres, Rugby Africa s’engage à promouvoir et développer le rugby sur tout le Continent. World Rugby a identifié le Ghana, le Nigeria et la Zambie comme trois des six nations émergentes connaissant une forte croissance du rugby.

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A plataforma africana de Veículos Elétricos (VEs) Spiro angaria 215 milhões de dólares em capital próprio para expandir a mobilidade elétrica e a infraestrutura energética em África

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

  • A Spiro, que se encontra em rápida expansão, garantiu uma ronda de investimento histórica de 215 milhões de dólares, apoiada por grandes investidores institucionais, incluindo o Impact Fund Denmark e a Equitane.
  • Com a Spiro já a operar em sete dos mercados urbanos de mais rápido crescimento em África, esta transação posiciona a Spiro entre as principais plataformas de infraestruturas limpas do continente. Este investimento irá acelerar a expansão da rede de troca de baterias da Spiro, a sua presença industrial e a infraestrutura de veículos elétricos (VE) de última geração nos mercados africanos de elevado crescimento.
  • À medida que as economias africanas se esforçam por reduzir a dependência de combustíveis importados, reforçar a soberania energética e industrial e modernizar os sistemas de transportes urbanos, os investidores globais estão a voltar-se cada vez mais para plataformas de infraestruturas de VE escaláveis.

​Ampliar o ecossistema de mobilidade e energia de última geração em África

A Spiro (www.Spironet.com) anuncia uma ronda de investimento de 215 milhões de dólares para acelerar a implementação da sua infraestrutura de mobilidade elétrica e de troca de baterias em África. Com base no apoio de parceiros institucionais de longa data, como a FEDA, a mais recente ronda de capitais próprios da Spiro atrai capital global da Europa e de África, confirmando a crescente confiança global em modelos de negócio orientados para as infraestruturas com potencial de crescimento em grande escala em mercados emergentes.

Após anos de otimização da sua carteira de produtos, tecnologia e ecossistema energético, a Spiro ultrapassou a fase de validação do conceito e está pronta para executar o seu próximo capítulo de expansão pan-africana. Este investimento irá apoiar a expansão da rede de troca de baterias da Spiro, reforçar a sua presença industrial e de montagem, acelerar o desenvolvimento tecnológico e apoiar a entrada da empresa em novos mercados africanos de elevado crescimento.

Investidores globais apoiam o rápido crescimento da mobilidade e da transição energética em África

À medida que a população urbana e as necessidades de mobilidade de África continuam a aumentar, os veículos elétricos e os ecossistemas de troca de baterias estão a emergir rapidamente como uma das oportunidades de investimento em infraestruturas e energia mais promissoras do continente.

A redução da dependência de combustíveis importados, o reforço da soberania energética e industrial e a modernização dos sistemas de transportes urbanos estão a tornar-se prioridades estratégicas em todo o continente, posicionando a infraestrutura de VE como um pilar fundamental da resiliência económica e do desenvolvimento industrial de África.

Impulsionados pelo aumento dos custos dos combustíveis, pelo aumento da procura de transportes acessíveis e pelo crescente apoio político a soluções de energia limpa, os investidores estão cada vez mais a apoiar plataformas de VE com grande potencial de expansão, capazes de apoiar a próxima fase de crescimento urbano e industrial de África.

Para os condutores, o impacto económico é imediato: a utilização de um veículo elétrico Spiro pode reduzir os custos diários de mobilidade até 40%, gerando poupanças de até 2 dólares por dia em comparação com os motociclos movidos a combustíveis fósseis.

Os recentes resultados da avaliação do ciclo de vida verificados por terceiros, realizados nas operações da Spiro no Quénia, realçam ainda mais o potencial de impacto ambiental da implementação de infraestruturas de VE nas cidades africanas:

  • As motos elétricas da Spiro proporcionam uma redução de 72% no impacto climático em comparação com as motos movidas a combustíveis fósseis, o que equivale a cerca de 19 toneladas de emissões de CO₂ evitadas ao longo da vida útil de um veículo.
  • O estudo também identificou uma redução de 80% no potencial de destruição da camada de ozono e uma redução de 20% nas emissões de partículas, sublinhando o papel que a mobilidade elétrica pode desempenhar na melhoria da qualidade do ar urbano e na redução dos riscos para a saúde pública nos centros urbanos em rápido crescimento.

Impulsionar a revolução da mobilidade em África a grande escala

Com operações em 7 mercados africanos (Quénia, Ruanda, Uganda, Togo, Benim, Nigéria, Camarões) e outros planos para expandir a produção local e entrar em novos mercados como a RDC e a Etiópia, a Spiro está a construir um dos mais avançados ecossistemas de troca de baterias e de veículos elétricos de África.

A presença industrial da Spiro inclui fábricas emblemáticas no Quénia, Ruanda e Uganda, juntamente com uma instalação de reciclagem de baterias de última geração na Nigéria. Combinando um design de veículo adaptado localmente, uma infraestrutura de troca de baterias acessível e ecossistemas de manutenção integrados, a Spiro está a tornar a mobilidade elétrica comercialmente viável em grande escala para os condutores africanos.

A plataforma tecnológica da Spiro é apoiada pelo seu centro de I&D, mais de 150 engenheiros e mais de 30 patentes exclusivas. A empresa está a expandir-se ativamente para além dos transportes urbanos para uma rede distribuída de serviços de energia limpa que apoia os objetivos nacionais de energia renovável, reduzindo simultaneamente a dependência de combustíveis fósseis importados. As suas inovações incluem estações de troca de energia solar com capacidade para IoT, juntamente com aplicações de baterias de vida secundária concebidas para armazenamento estacionário de energia renovável.

Citações de investidores

“O ano passado foi um marco estratégico decisivo para a Spiro. Em sete mercados ativos, a nossa implementação de 100.000 veículos elétricos e 2500 estações de troca inteligente transformou a mobilidade sustentável numa realidade acessível e quotidiana. A Spiro tornou-se um importante motor da industrialização local, da criação de valor e da produção nos mercados africanos, com 6000 postos de trabalho diretos e indiretos sustentáveis. Com o apoio do nosso grupo global de investidores, estamos a entrar no nosso próximo capítulo de crescimento para fornecer alternativas de energia e transporte limpas e económicas a milhões de motociclistas em todo o continente”, declarou Gagan Gupta, fundador da Spiro e presidente da Equitane.

“Estamos a investir na Spiro e a trazer capital de pensões dinamarquês para um dos mercados de crescimento mais promissores de África porque vemos potencial para um crescimento comercial significativo na Spiro e na mobilidade elétrica em toda a África, bem como um impacto climático mensurável. É exatamente esse o tipo de investimento que queremos fazer”, afirmou Lars Bo Bertram, Diretor Executivo do Impact Fund Denmark.​

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Spiro.

Contacto para a comunicação social:
Flora Limukii
Diretora de Comunicações Empresariais, Spiro
Email: communications@spironet.com

Thøger Høgh Selmer Kirk
Diretor de Comunicações Externas
Email: tki@impactfund.dk

Sobre a Spiro:
A Spiro é a maior empresa de mobilidade elétrica de África e opera a rede de troca de baterias mais extensa do continente para veículos elétricos de duas rodas. Com mais de 100.000 motociclos elétricos na estrada, mais de 2500 estações de troca e mais de 30 milhões de trocas de baterias até à data, a Spiro está a substituir os dispendiosos transportes movidos a combustíveis fósseis por soluções de mobilidade económicas, acessíveis e sustentáveis. Através da sua crescente produção regional e capacidade de montagem, a Spiro está empenhada em construir veículos elétricos feitos em África por africanos para África e para o mundo. www.Spironet.com

Sobre o Impact Fund Denmark:
O Impact Fund Denmark é um fundo de investimento de grande impacto dinamarquês e a instituição financeira de desenvolvimento da Dinamarca que contribui para sociedades ecológicas, justas e inclusivas, bem como para apoiar os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável. O Impact Fund Denmark fornece capital de risco a empresas que operam em países em desenvolvimento em África, na Ásia, na América Latina e na Ucrânia. Os investimentos são efetuados em condições comerciais sob a forma de capital próprio, empréstimos e garantias. O Impact Fund Denmark coinvestiu em mais de 1300 empresas em mais de 100 países em desenvolvimento e mercados emergentes. O capital sob gestão aumentará de 25 mil milhões de DKK em 2025 para 45 mil milhões de DKK em 2030. Leia mais em www.ImpactFund.dk

Sobre a Equitane:
A Equitane é uma plataforma de investimento a longo prazo profundamente empenhada em promover o progresso em África e não só. A sua carteira diversificada abrange infraestruturas, energias renováveis, veículos elétricos, cuidados de saúde, indústria transformadora e tecnologia. A Equitane está empenhada em impulsionar o desenvolvimento económico sustentável através da inovação e de investimentos estratégicos, assegurando que os projetos produzem impactos positivos tangíveis, apoiando simultaneamente as comunidades locais e as diferentes organisações envolvidas. Para mais informações, visite www.Equitane.com

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Afreximbank convida o Presidente da Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, a intervir nas 33.ªs Reuniões Anuais num painel dedicado ao desporto como motor da industrialização africana

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), o organismo que rege o rugby em África, anunciou hoje que o seu Presidente, Herbert Mensah, foi convidado pelo Prof. George Elombi, Presidente Executivo e Presidente do Conselho de Administração do Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank), a participar na 33.ª Reunião Anual do Afreximbank (AAM) (https://2026.AfreximbankEvents.com), que terá lugar de 21 a 24 de junho de 2026 em El-Alamein, Egito, sob os auspícios de Sua Excelência Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Presidente da República Árabe do Egito.

Mensah fará uma intervenção num painel de alto nível, “Das fábricas africanas para o campo: o desporto como veículo para a industrialização de África”, prevista para 22 de junho de 2026. A sessão explorará a forma como as indústrias desportivas e criativas de rápido crescimento do continente podem ancorar uma base industrial mais ampla – fazendo com que África ultrapasse a dependência de kits, chuteiras e bolas importadas e passe a desenvolver capacidades em toda a cadeia de valor desportiva, incluindo tecnologias de estádio, equipamento de transmissão, produtos de fitness e material de medicina desportiva.

As Reuniões Anuais deste ano são subordinadas ao tema “Comércio intra-africano e industrialização: o caminho para a soberania económica”, que reunirá acionistas do Afreximbank, chefes de Estado e dignitários governamentais de África e das Caraíbas, ministros, governadores de bancos centrais, dirigentes de grandes instituições financeiras, empresas e membros da comunidade académica.

O convite reconhece a escala global da oportunidade. A indústria mundial de vestuário desportivo está atualmente estimada em 230 mil milhões de dólares e prevê-se que atinja 325 mil milhões de dólares até 2034, enquanto que o mercado africano – avaliado em cerca de 30 mil milhões de dólares – continua fortemente dependente das importações. O painel examinará a forma como o continente pode captar uma parte significativa deste valor em expansão através da produção nacional e de parcerias globais.

“Sinto-me honrado por aceitar o convite do Presidente Elombi. O desporto é um dos ativos económicos mais poderosos e mais subestimados de África”, afirmou Herbert Mensah, Presidente do Rugby Africa. “Cada camisola, cada bola e cada estádio representam empregos, competências e indústrias que podem e devem ser construídos neste continente. O rugby está a crescer mais rapidamente em África do que em quase todo o mundo, e esse crescimento tem de se traduzir em fábricas, cadeias de valor e oportunidades para os africanos. Estou entusiasmado por levar essa mensagem a El-Alamein.”

Enquanto Presidente do Rugby Africa, Mensah é também membro do Conselho Executivo da World Rugby e Presidente da World Rugby Regions – o organismo que reúne os presidentes das seis associações continentais de rugby: Rugby Europe, Rugby Asia, Rugby Americas North (RAN), Sudamérica Rugby, Oceania Rugby e Rugby Africa. A sua participação traz uma perspetiva global do rugby a uma conversa centrada no futuro industrial de África.

O Rugby Africa congratula-se com a liderança contínua do Afreximbank na promoção do comércio intra-africano e da industrialização, e espera contribuir para uma discussão que coloque o desporto firmemente na agenda da soberania económica do continente.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Rugby Africa.

Contacto para a comunicação social:
Nicole Vervelde
Diretora de Comunicações
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com

Sobre o Rugby Africa:
O Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) é o organismo que rege o rugby em África e uma das associações regionais da World Rugby. Reúne todos os países africanos que jogam rugby union, rugby sevens e rugby feminino. O Rugby Africa organiza várias competições, incluindo torneios de qualificação para o Campeonato do Mundo de Rugby e o Africa Sevens, uma competição de qualificação para os Jogos Olímpicos. Com 40 sindicatos membros, o Rugby Africa dedica-se a promover e desenvolver o rugby em todo o continente. A World Rugby identificou o Gana, a Nigéria e a Zâmbia como três dos seis países emergentes que registam um forte crescimento no rugby.

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Afreximbank Invites Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah to Address the 33rd Annual Meetings on a Panel Exploring Sport as a Driver of African Industrialisation

Source: APO

Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the governing body of rugby in Africa, today announced that its President, Herbert Mensah, has been invited by Prof. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), to participate in the 33rd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) (https://2026.AfreximbankEvents.com), taking place from 21 to 24 June 2026 in El-Alamein, Egypt, under the auspices of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Mr. Mensah will speak on a high-level panel, “From Africa’s Factories to the Pitch: Sports as a Conduit to Africa’s Industrialisation,” scheduled for 22 June 2026. The session will explore how the continent’s fast-growing sports and creative industries can anchor a broader industrial base — moving Africa beyond reliance on imported kits, boots, and balls toward developing capabilities across the wider sports value chain, including stadium technologies, broadcasting equipment, fitness products, and sports medicine supplies.

This year’s Annual Meetings convene under the theme “Intra-African Trade and Industrialisation: Pathway to Economic Sovereignty,” bringing together Afreximbank shareholders, heads of state and government dignitaries from Africa and the Caribbean, ministers, central bank governors, leaders of major financial institutions, corporates, and members of the academic community.

The invitation recognises the global scale of the opportunity. The global sports apparel industry is currently estimated at USD 230 billion and is projected to reach USD 325 billion by 2034, while Africa’s market — valued at roughly USD 30 billion — remains heavily dependent on imports. The panel will examine how the continent can capture a meaningful share of this expanding value through domestic manufacturing and global partnerships.

“I am honoured to accept President Elombi’s invitation. Sport is one of Africa’s most powerful and most underestimated economic assets,” said Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa. “Every jersey, every ball, and every stadium represents jobs, skills, and industries that can and should be built on this continent. Rugby is growing faster in Africa than almost anywhere in the world, and that growth must translate into factories, value chains, and opportunity for African people. I look forward to bringing that message to El-Alamein.”

As President of Rugby Africa, Mr. Mensah also serves as an Executive Board Member of World Rugby and as Chairman of World Rugby Regions — the body uniting the presidents of all six continental rugby associations: Rugby Europe, Asia Rugby, Rugby Americas North (RAN), Sudamérica Rugby, Oceania Rugby, and Rugby Africa. His participation brings a global rugby perspective to a conversation centred on Africa’s industrial future.

Rugby Africa welcomes Afreximbank’s continued leadership in advancing intra-African trade and industrialisation, and looks forward to contributing to a discussion that places sport firmly within the continent’s economic sovereignty agenda.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media Contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Manager
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com

About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organises various competitions, including qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby has identified Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.

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President Ramaphosa to table The Presidency Budget Vote 2026/2027

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Tuesday, 02 June 2026, table the 2026/2027 Presidency Budget Vote before the National Assembly in Parliament, Cape Town.

The Presidency’s focus is on growing the economy, reducing poverty and building a capable, ethical and developmental state as part of implementing the priorities of the Government of National Unity.

The Presidency Budget Vote for 2026/2027 includes specific allocations for key sub-departments within the Presidency, including State Security Agency, the Government Communication and Information System and Statistics South Africa. 

Centred in this year’s Budget Vote are priorities such as an intelligence-led approach to dismantle criminal networks, coordinating government communication for an informed, empowered citizenry as well as modernising national statistics. 

This is geared to help combat misinformation and advancing evidence-based decision-making in service delivery.

The President’s delivery of the Budget Vote address is customarily followed by a debate among Members of Parliament.

President Ramaphosa will reply to this debate on Wednesday 03 June 2026. 

The President’s Budget Vote tabling represents practical checks and balance on Parliament and accountability mechanism for the public to monitor how public funds and resources are allocated.

Details of the Presidency Budget Vote 2026/2027 are as follows:

Presidency Budget Vote:
Date: Tuesday, 02 June 2026
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

Reply to Presidency Budget Vote debate:
Date: Wednesday, 03 June 2026
Time: 14h00
Venue: Good Hope Chambers, Parliament, Cape Town

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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Afreximbank Deepens Commitment to Economic Progress in The Bahamas

Source: APO – Report:

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) held a high-level roadshow in Nassau, The Bahamas, on 29 May, aimed at deepening engagement with key stakeholders and businesses across the government, the private sector, and financial institutions across the country.

Organised as part of the Bank’s broad strategy to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean, the roadshow which took place under the theme “Investing in progress through the implementation of the Afreximbank mandate in The Bahamas” built on the current achievements between the Bank and The Bahamas to explore more opportunities for shared prosperity.

The roadshow follows an approval by the Board of Directors of Afreximbank of a financing facility of up to US$ 5-billion for the Caribbean region, including The Bahamas. This approval signals Afreximbank’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the Global Africa agenda by strengthening commercial and financial ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

The event was officiated by the Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and well attended by the business community in The Bahamas, provided a platform for Afreximbank to showcase its suite of financing, advisory and trade facilitation solutions available to businesses and institutions in The Bahamas and to foster stronger institutional partnerships.

Speaking at the roadshow, the Prime Minister said: “Economic growth must translate into broader economic participation, ensuring that more Bahamians have the chance to build businesses, create jobs, and share in the country’s progress. We have made some progress in this area, but continuing to strengthen access to capital through institutions such as the Afreximbank is an important part of our ongoing efforts.”

“This roadshow also reminds us of the importance of regional and international cooperation at a time when many economies are navigating uncertainty,” he added.

While making his opening remarks, Mr. Ihejirika said: “In less than three years of operations within the CARICOM, Afreximbank has demonstrated a strong commitment to economic development in the region, especially in The Bahamas by supporting key projects across critical sectors. To date, the Bank has facilitated approximately USD 140 million in infrastructure financing through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements, while also extending USD 30 million in support to the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. These investments underscore Afreximbank’s mandate to drive sustainable growth, enhance economic resilience, and expand opportunities for businesses and communities throughout The Bahamas.”

Other notable speakers who attended the event include Honourable Michael B. Halkitis, Minister of Finance and Honourable Ginger M. Moxey, Minister of Grand Bahama, Mr. Atario Mitchell, President, Bahamas Stripping Group of Companies and Mr. Kino Simmons, Managing Director CAT Island Development Company.

– on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) at “Stable”, Moody’s (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), and Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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African Electric Vehicle (EV) platform Spiro raises $215M in equity to scale electric mobility and energy infrastructure across Africa

Source: APO – Report:

  • Leading scale-up Spiro has secured a landmark $215M investment round backed by major institutional investors including Impact Fund Denmark, and Equitane.
  • With Spiro already operating across seven of Africa’s fastest-growing urban markets, this transaction positions Spiro among the continent’s leading clean infrastructure platforms. This investment will accelerate the expansion of Spiro’s battery-swapping network, industrial footprint and next-generation electric vehicles (EV) infrastructure across high-growth African markets.
  • As African economies push to reduce dependence on imported fuel, reinforce energy and industrial sovereignty, and modernize urban transport systems, global investors are increasingly turning to scalable EV infrastructure platforms.​

Scaling Africa’s next-generation mobility and energy ecosystem

Spiro (www.Spironet.com) announces a $215M investment round to accelerate the deployment of its electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across Africa. Building on the support of long-standing institutional partners such as FEDA, Spiro’s latest equity round draws global capital from Europe and Africa, confirming growing global confidence in scalable infrastructure-led business models across emerging markets.

Following years of optimization across its product portfolio, technology and energy ecosystem, Spiro has moved past the proof-of-concept phase and stands ready to execute its next chapter of pan-African expansion. This investment will support the expansion of Spiro’s battery-swapping network, strengthen its industrial and assembly footprint, accelerate technology development and support the company’s entry into new high-growth African markets.

Global investors back Africa’s fast-growing mobility and energy transition

As Africa’s urban population and mobility needs continue to surge, electric vehicles and battery-swapping ecosystems are rapidly emerging as one of the continent’s most promising infrastructure and energy investment opportunities.

Reducing dependence on imported fuel, strengthening energy and industrial sovereignty and modernizing urban transport systems are becoming strategic priorities across the continent, positioning EV infrastructure as a key pillar of Africa’s economic resilience and industrial development.

Driven by rising fuel costs, increasing demand for affordable transportation and growing policy support for clean energy solutions, investors are increasingly backing scalable EV platforms capable of supporting Africa’s next phase of urban and industrial growth.

For riders, the economic impact is immediate: operating a Spiro electric vehicle can reduce daily mobility costs by up to 40%, generating savings of up to $2 per day compared to fossil-fuel motorcycles.

Recent third-party verified lifecycle assessment results conducted on Spiro’s operations in Kenya further highlight the environmental impact potential of EV infrastructure deployment across African cities:

  • Spiro’s electric bikes deliver a 72% reduction in climate impact compared to fossil-fuel motorcycles, equivalent to approximately 19 tons of CO₂ emissions avoided over a vehicle’s lifespan.
  • The study also identified an 80% reduction in ozone depletion potential and a 20% reduction in particulate matter emissions, underscoring the role electric mobility can play in improving urban air quality and reducing public health risks across rapidly growing cities.

Powering Africa’s mobility revolution at scale

With operations across 7 African markets (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon) and further plans to expand local production and enter new markets such as DRC and Ethiopia, Spiro is building one of Africa’s most advanced EV and battery-swapping ecosystems.

Spiro’s industrial footprint includes flagship manufacturing plants in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, alongside a state-of-the-art battery recycling facility in Nigeria. Combining locally adapted vehicle design, affordable battery-swapping infrastructure and integrated maintenance ecosystems, Spiro is making electric mobility commercially viable at scale for African riders.

Spiro’s technology platform is supported by its R&D center, 150+ engineers and 30+ proprietary patents. The company is actively expanding beyond urban transport into a distributed clean-energy utility network that supports national renewable energy goals while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Its innovations include IoT-enabled, solar-powered swap stations, alongside secondary-life battery applications designed for stationary renewable energy storage.

Investor quotes

“This past year marked a defining strategic milestone for Spiro. Across seven active markets, our deployment of 100,000 electric vehicles and 2,500 smart-swap stations has turned sustainable mobility into an affordable, everyday reality. Spiro has become a major driver of local industrialization, value creation and manufacturing across African markets with 6,000 sustainable direct and indirect jobs. Supported by our global pool of investors, we are entering our next growth chapter to deliver clean, cost-effective energy and transport alternatives to millions of riders across the continent”, stated Gagan Gupta, Founder of Spiro and Chairman of Equitane.

“We are investing in Spiro and bringing Danish pension capital into one of Africa’s most promising growth markets because we see potential for significant commercial growth in Spiro and electric mobility across Africa, as well as measurable climate impact. That is exactly the type of investment we want to make,” says Lars Bo Bertram, CEO of Impact Fund Denmark.

– on behalf of Spiro.

Media Contact:
Flora Limukii
Head of Corporate Communications, Spiro
Email: communications@spironet.com

Thøger Høgh Selmer Kirk
External Communications Director
Email: tki@impactfund.dk

About Spiro:
Spiro is Africa’s largest electric mobility company and operates the continent’s most extensive battery-swapping network for electric two-wheel vehicles. With more than 100,000 electric motorcycles on the road, over 2,500 swapping stations and more than 30 million battery swaps to date, Spiro is replacing expensive fossil-fuel transport with affordable, accessible and sustainable mobility solutions. Through its growing regional production and assembly footprint, Spiro is committed to building electric vehicles made in Africa by Africans for Africa and the world. www.Spironet.com

About Impact Fund Denmark:
Impact Fund Denmark is a Danish impact investor and Denmarks’ Development Finance Institution contributing to green, just and inclusive societies as well as supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. Impact Fund Denmark provides risk capital to companies operating in developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Ukraine. Investments are made on commercial terms in the form of equity, loans and guarantees. Impact Fund Denmark has co-invested in over 1,300 companies in more than 100 developing countries and emerging markets. Capital under management will increase from DKK 25 billion in 2025 to DKK 45 billion in 2030. Read more at www.ImpactFund.dk 

About Equitane:
Equitane is a long-term investment platform deeply invested in fostering progress in Africa and beyond. Its diverse portfolio spans across infrastructure, renewable energy, electric vehicles, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. Equitane is committed to driving sustainable economic development through innovation and strategic investments, ensuring projects deliver tangible positive impacts while supporting local communities and stakeholders. For more details, please visit www.Equitane.com

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La plateforme africaine de véhicules électriques Spiro lève 215 millions de dollars en fonds propres pour accélérer la mobilité électrique et les infrastructures énergétiques à travers l’Afrique

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

  • Spiro, scale-up de premier plan, a sécurisé une levée de fonds historique de 215 millions de dollars soutenue par de grands investisseurs institutionnels, notamment Impact Fund Denmark et Equitane.
  • Déjà présent dans sept des marchés urbains les plus dynamiques d’Afrique, Spiro s’impose désormais comme l’une des principales plateformes d’infrastructures propres du continent. Cet investissement permettra d’accélérer l’expansion de son réseau d’échange de batteries, de renforcer son empreinte industrielle et de développer ses infrastructures de nouvelle génération dédiées aux véhicules électriques sur les marchés africains à forte croissance.
  • Alors que les économies africaines cherchent à réduire leur dépendance aux carburants importés, à renforcer leur souveraineté énergétique et industrielle et à moderniser leurs systèmes de transport urbain, les investisseurs internationaux s’intéressent de plus en plus aux plateformes d’infrastructures de mobilité électrique capables de se développer à grande échelle.

​Accélérer le développement du nouvel écosystème africain de mobilité et d’énergie

Spiro (www.Spironet.com) annonce une levée de fonds de 215 millions de dollars pour accélérer le déploiement de ses infrastructures de mobilité électrique et de son réseau d’échange de batteries à travers l’Afrique. S’appuyant sur le soutien de partenaires institutionnels de longue date tels que FEDA, cette nouvelle opération attire des capitaux provenant d’Europe et d’Afrique, témoignant de la confiance croissante des investisseurs internationaux dans les modèles économiques fondés sur les infrastructures dans les marchés émergents.

Après plusieurs années d’optimisation de son portefeuille de produits, de ses technologies et de son écosystème énergétique, Spiro a dépassé le stade du proof of concept et s’apprête à ouvrir un nouveau chapitre de son expansion panafricaine. Cette levée de fonds permettra notamment d’étendre le réseau d’échange de batteries de l’entreprise, de renforcer ses capacités industrielles, d’accélérer le développement technologique et de soutenir son entrée sur de nouveaux marchés africains à fort potentiel.

Les investisseurs internationaux misent sur l’essor de la mobilité électrique et de la transition énergétique en Afrique

Alors que la population urbaine africaine continue de croître rapidement et que les besoins en mobilité augmentent, les véhicules électriques et les écosystèmes d’échange de batteries s’imposent progressivement comme l’une des opportunités d’investissement les plus prometteuses du continent dans les secteurs des infrastructures et de l’énergie.

La réduction de la dépendance aux carburants importés, le renforcement de la souveraineté énergétique et industrielle ainsi que la modernisation des systèmes de transport urbain figurent désormais parmi les priorités stratégiques de nombreux pays africains. Dans ce contexte, les infrastructures dédiées aux véhicules électriques apparaissent comme un pilier essentiel de la résilience économique et du développement industriel du continent.

Portés par la hausse des prix des carburants, la demande croissante pour des solutions de transport abordables et le soutien grandissant des pouvoirs publics sur les énergies propres, les investisseurs s’intéressent de plus en plus aux plateformes de mobilité électrique capables de se développer à grande échelle et d’accompagner la prochaine phase de croissance urbaine et industrielle de l’Afrique.

Pour les conducteurs, l’impact économique est immédiat : l’utilisation d’un véhicule électrique Spiro peut permettre de réduire les coûts de mobilité quotidiens jusqu’à 40 %, générant des économies allant jusqu’à 2 dollars par jour par rapport aux motos à carburant fossile.

Les résultats récents d’une analyse du cycle de vie vérifiée par un tiers, menée sur les opérations de Spiro au Kenya, mettent en lumière le potentiel d’impact environnemental du déploiement d’infrastructures de VE dans les villes africaines :

  • Les motos électriques de Spiro permettent une réduction de 72 % de l’impact climatique par rapport aux motos thermiques, ce qui équivaut à environ 19 tonnes d’émissions de CO₂ évitées sur la durée de vie d’un véhicule.
  • L’étude fait également ressortir une réduction de 80 % du potentiel d’appauvrissement de la couche d’ozone et une diminution de 20 % des émissions de particules fines, soulignant le rôle que la mobilité électrique peut jouer dans l’amélioration de la qualité de l’air urbain et la réduction des risques sanitaires dans les villes à forte croissance.

​Propulser la révolution de la mobilité en Afrique à grande échelle

Présent sur 7 marchés africains (Kenya, Rwanda, Ouganda, Togo, Bénin, Nigeria, Cameroun) et avec des projets d’expansion de sa production locale ainsi que d’entrée sur de

nouveaux marchés tels que la République démocratique du Congo et l’Éthiopie, Spiro construit l’un des écosystèmes de véhicules électriques et d’échange de batteries les plus avancés du continent.

L’empreinte industrielle de Spiro comprend des sites de production de référence au Kenya, au Rwanda et en Ouganda, ainsi qu’une installation de recyclage de batteries de dernière génération au Nigeria. En combinant des véhicules conçus pour répondre aux besoins des marchés locaux, un réseau d’échange de batteries accessible et des services de maintenance intégrés, l’entreprise contribue à rendre la mobilité électrique économiquement viable à grande échelle pour les conducteurs africains.

La plateforme technologique de Spiro s’appuie sur un centre de recherche et développement, plus de 150 ingénieurs et un portefeuille de plus de 30 brevets propriétaires. Au-delà du transport urbain, l’entreprise développe progressivement un réseau décentralisé d’énergie propre destiné à soutenir les objectifs nationaux en matière d’énergies renouvelables tout en réduisant la dépendance aux combustibles fossiles importés. Parmi ses innovations figurent notamment des stations d’échange de batteries alimentées par l’énergie solaire et connectées grâce à l’Internet des objets (IoT), ainsi que des solutions de réutilisation des batteries en seconde vie, conçues pour le stockage stationnaire d’énergie renouvelable.

Déclarations des investisseurs

« Cette dernière année a marqué un tournant stratégique pour Spiro. Dans nos sept marchés opérationnels, le déploiement de 100 000 véhicules électriques et de 2 500 stations de recharge ont permis de faire de la mobilité durable une réalité accessible et abordable au quotidien. Spiro est devenu un acteur majeur de l’industrialisation locale, de la création de valeur et de production sur les marchés africain contribuant à la création de 6000 emplois durables, directs et indirects. Avec le soutien de nos investisseurs internationaux, nous entamons aujourd’hui une nouvelle phase de croissance afin d’offrir à des millions d’usagers africains des solutions de mobilité et d’énergie propres, performantes et abordables. » a déclaré Gagan Gupta, Fondateur de Spiro et Président d’Equitane.

« Nous investissons dans Spiro et mobilisons des capitaux issus des fonds de pension danois dans l’un des marchés de croissance les plus prometteurs d’Afrique, car nous sommes convaincus du fort potentiel de développement commercial de Spiro et de la mobilité électrique sur le continent, ainsi que de leur capacité à générer un impact climatique mesurable. C’est précisément le type d’investissement que nous souhaitons soutenir. » explique Lars Bo Bertram, PDG d’Impact Fund Denmark.

Distribué par APO Group pour Spiro.

Plus d’informations sur www.Spironet.com

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Qatar Strongly Condemns Repeated Iranian Attacks on Kuwait

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | June 1, 2026

The State of Qatar vehemently condemns the repeated Iranian attacks on the State of Kuwait, labeling them a flagrant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and the international rules-based order.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the necessity of shielding the region from the consequences of unprovoked attacks and de-escalating tensions to restore regional and global security and stability.

The Ministry reiterates that the State of Qatar fully stands by the State of Kuwait and backs all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty and security.