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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), in collaboration with the Government of South Africa, represented by the Department of Agriculture, launched the second phase of the Africa Phytosanitary Programme (APP) today – representing a major effort to stop the spread of plant pests and diseases in Africa using cutting-edge digital tools.

The launch event was hosted by the Government of South Africa and brought together over 50 phytosanitary specialists from nine countries: Algeria, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. They will participate in a weeklong Train-the-Trainer (ToT) workshop in advanced pest surveillance techniques, including the use of customised digital tools and applications for monitoring, detecting and reporting major pests of economic, regulatory and environmental importance in Africa. Participants will receive state-of-the-art tablets for geospatial pest surveillance, use field survey protocols developed by technical experts, and undertake practical sessions using the pest survey tools.

“Africa stands at a turning point. With immense biodiversity, rising agricultural productivity, and growing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we are well-positioned to become a global leader in the trade of high-quality plant products. But this vision can only be achieved if we ensure that the movement of plants and plant products is safe, traceable, and fully compliant with international phytosanitary standards” said John Henry Steenhuisen, Honourable Minister of Agriculture, in South Africa, in remarks read on his behalf by Jan Hendrik Venter, South Africa’s Director of Plant Health.

“Well-trained, well-equipped plant health officials across the continent are our best line of defence in maintaining pest-free or low-prevalence status, an essential condition for accessing these lucrative markets”, he added.

The first and pilot phase of APP started in 2023, engaging phytosanitary specialists from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Morocco, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Phase 2 builds on achievements made in the pilot phase and aims to train plant health officers, who upon their return to their countries will teach their peers in the national plant protection organisations (NPPOs) and other government stakeholders on the use of the APP suite of digital tools.

“We are building a critical mass of phytosanitary inspectors, technicians and officers across Africa by equipping plant health officers with the tools and skills to prevent and address major plant pest threats, that ultimately jeopardize food security, agricultural trade, economic growth and the environment”, said Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General and Officer-in-Charge of the IPPC, in her video message.

Funded through generous contributions from the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, APP phase two builds on support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) which funded phase one in 2023. FAO and the IPPC are working to replicate and scale up the benefits from APP to more African countries and other regions. 

Mitigating the pest problem in Africa

Worldwide, plant pests destroy about 40 percent of crop yields, resulting in approximately USD 220 billion in economic losses[1]. In Africa, the impacts of climate change are worsening  the problem, with invasive pests – such as, fruit flies, false codling moth, maize lethal necrosis disease, citrus greening and fall armyworm – causing major damages. Fall armyworm alone is estimated to cause the highest yield loss in Africa – USD 9.4 billion annually –, based on data from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI). 

The African Union’s Plant Health Strategy for Africa highlights that limited technical capability remains a key barrier to achieving sustainable agriculture on the continent. Through APP, FAO, the IPPC and partners aim to strengthen plant health systems and build national phytosanitary capacity across Africa.

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

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Cabo Verde’s economy continues on a strong recovery path, according to the latest Cabo Verde Economic Update 2025, released today by the World Bank. Real GDP in Cabo Verde grew by 7.3% in 2024, supported by robust tourism activity and a modest recovery in agriculture. However, while the country has made notable strides – particularly in macroeconomic management, debt reduction, and poverty alleviation – key vulnerabilities remain. These include reliance on tourism, exposure to external shocks, and fiscal pressures from state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

The report, titled Unlocking Women’s Economic Potential, analyses the country’s economic growth projections, highlights progress on poverty alleviation, and outlines the structural reforms needed to ensure sustained and inclusive growth. The report also includes a special topic, focused on leveraging women’s economic potential.

“Cabo Verde’s recovery is a testament to the resilience of its people and institutions. But to transform this rebound into lasting and inclusive prosperity, bold reforms are needed – particularly to improve SOE governance, support women’s economic participation, and diversify the economy,” said Indira Campos, World Bank Resident Representative for Cabo Verde.

The report notes that inflation dropped to 1% in 2024 – its lowest level in recent years – helping to bring poverty down to 14.4% ($3.65 a day 2017PPP line). Public investment execution increased, debt levels continued to decline, and the current account posted a surplus for the first time in four years.

Looking ahead, GDP growth is projected at 5.9% in 2025, with poverty expected to fall further. However, the report warns that global uncertainties, commodity price shocks, and climate risks could affect the pace of growth and reform. Among the recommendations, the report calls for accelerated efforts to improve SOE performance, prudence in creating new ventures, and for maintaining fiscal discipline while investing in high-impact projects.

The report highlights the critical need for policies to ensure growth is inclusive. Despite progress in education and health, Cabo Verdean women continue to face labor market barriers. The report finds that closing gender gaps in employment and earnings could boost GDP by up to 12.2% in the long-term.

To achieve this, the report recommends:

• Expanding access to childcare and flexible work arrangements.
• Promoting women’s skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as in technical and vocational education and training.
• Tackling employer discrimination and transforming social norms.

“By aligning reform efforts with inclusive policies, Cabo Verde has a unique opportunity to strengthen resilience, empower more citizens – especially women – and build a more sustainable and equitable future,” said Anna Carlotta Massingue, Senior Country Economist.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, received, on Monday in Rabat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Union of the Comoros, Mbae Mohamed, bearer of a written message to His Majesty King Mohammed VI from Comorian President Azali Assoumani.

The two ministers tackled various bilateral cooperation areas and discussed topics of common interest.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a congratulatory message to their Royal Highnesses Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg on the occasion of their country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign extends His best wishes for happiness to their Royal Highnesses and prosperity to the people of Luxembourg.

On this occasion, His Majesty the King expresses His esteem for the friendship ties uniting Morocco and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

– on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

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Electricity Expo Africa 2025 (www.ElectricityExpoAfrica.com) is set to convene South Africa’s leading minds and innovators in the energy sector, offering a critical platform for tangible solutions to the nation’s power crisis. Taking place from 19 to 21 August 2025 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, this inaugural event arrives at a pivotal moment as the country grapples with persistent energy instability. 

Themed ‘Empowering Solutions for South Africa’s Energy Future’, the Expo will address national grid constraints, accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, promote off-grid innovation, mitigate load shedding, and modernise infrastructure and regulation. 

Organised by the Electrical Contractors Association (SA) and the South African Electrical Workers Association (SAEWA) and proudly endorsed by the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry, Electricity Expo Africa 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4egPsr8) is a focused space for stakeholders committed to real-world impact. 

“Electricity is the engine of development. This Expo is more than just an industry gathering – it’s a national imperative, a call to action for every stakeholder invested in South Africa’s future,” said Jimmy Turner, Chairperson of Electricity Expo Africa. “We are uniting solution-providers, policymakers, and communities to collectively transform South Africa’s energy landscape from one of scarcity to one of reliability and abundance.” 

Three Pillars of Focus 

1. Confronting the National Grid Crisis 

South Africa’s ageing grid requires urgent intervention. At the heart of the Expo is a drive to modernise infrastructure through automation, smart diagnostics, and maintenance innovations. By gathering grid experts and transmission specialists, the event will foster knowledge exchange on how to prevent failures and accelerate national upgrade projects. 

This effort supports the National Energy Action Plan, which aims to restore Eskom’s reliability and accelerate the development of new power capacity. 

“Ending load shedding requires more than just talk; it demands real tools, smart systems, and urgent implementation of practical solutions,” emphasised Turner. “This Expo will present actionable answers – from cutting-edge grid technologies that bolster resilience to policy reforms that streamline infrastructure development. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities for growth.” 

2. Accelerating Renewable and Off-Grid Solutions 

South Africa’s energy future depends on a diversified generation mix. With the rapid rise of solar adoption – from 2,300 MW in 2022 to over 5,400 MW by early 2024 – the Expo will highlight solar PV, wind, and battery storage technologies that enable homes, businesses, and municipalities to generate electricity independently and reduce their reliance on the national grid. 

Over 130 IPP projects, totalling roughly 22,500 MW, are also in the pipeline. At the Expo, both large-scale and decentralised innovations will be on display, including off-grid and mini-grid solutions for rural and high-risk areas. 

Attendees will engage directly with tech developers and solution providers, demonstrating the tools needed to power communities and commercial hubs even in the absence of national supply. 

3. Innovation in Policy, Infrastructure, and Regulation 

The recent Electricity Regulation Amendment Act marks a new era for South Africa’s electricity sector, introducing reforms such as an independent transmission system operator and a competitive power market. But policy must match pace with technology. 

Electricity Expo Africa 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4kYvdAY) will feature high-level discussions with government, regulators, and industry leaders. Topics include streamlining licences for renewables, energy storage incentives, updated grid codes, and infrastructure financing – crucial considering the estimated R390 billion needed for national grid expansion. 

“We are not just showcasing innovation; we are driving a national movement towards a resilient, inclusive electricity system,” added Turner. “Electricity Expo Africa 2025 is where solutions become action, fostering the collaboration between government, industry, and civil society that is essential for a truly sustainable energy future.” 

Who Needs to Be There 

Electricity Expo Africa 2025 will host over 150 exhibitors and more than 60 expert speakers, creating a platform for high-impact visibility and engagement. Key participants will include: 

• Policymakers and Energy Officials – Sharing reforms and strategic plans. 
• Municipal Utility Leaders – Highlighting local innovation and micro-grids. 
• Renewable Energy Innovators – Showcasing new generation technologies. 
• Grid Technology and Storage Providers – Presenting advanced smart-grid systems. 
• Financing and Infrastructure Partners – Exploring capital mobilisation and PPPs. 
• Community Energy Access Organisations – Championing equitable power access. 

This expansive programme creates a rare opportunity for businesses to place their innovations at the centre of national dialogue and development. 

Turner underscores the dual opportunity for exhibitors: “Exhibiting at Electricity Expo Africa 2025 is more than a marketing opportunity – it’s a chance to fuel your company’s growth and help power South Africa’s energy transformation. We encourage businesses large and small to showcase their innovations at the Expo, where they can build valuable relationships and play a role in securing the nation’s energy future.” 

Event details: 

• Dates: 19–21 August 2025 
• Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec 
• Website: www.ElectricityExpoAfrica.com 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Electricity Expo Africa (EEA).

Issued By: The Lime Envelope 
On Behalf Of: Electricity Expo Africa 

For Media Information: 
Kerry Oliver 
Telephone: 082 927 9470 
E-mail: kerry@thelime.co.za  

The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – is organized under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. As such, the event connects financiers with African projects, promoting energy development across the entire energy sector and its value chain. A dedicated Energy Transition Track at this year’s event offers attendees insight into the continent’s energy transition strategy, with panel discussions covering a series of topics, from natural gas as a clean cooking fuel to carbon capture and storage solutions to green hydrogen and renewable energy rollout.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

With over 900 million people living without access to clean cooking solutions in Africa, many countries are adopting bold strategies to advance the adoption of natural gas products such as LPG. Kenya, for example is rolling out LPG expansion, electric cooking and bioethanol alternatives with support from private sector investment, Tanzania is integrating clean cooking solutions into its national electrification plan and broader energy transition strategy while Ghana has adopted a multi-pronged approach, enhancing LPG affordability and scalability. The AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Energy Transition Track will feature panel discussions focused on Africa’s burgeoning LPG market. Sessions include From Firewood to Freedom: Promoting Clean Cooking in Africa; Monetizing LPG to Enhance the Value of the Barrel in Africa’s Inland Markets; and Gas-to-Liquids Market Opportunities in Africa.

Given the pressing energy access challenges faced across the continent, Africa has long-advocated for an energy transition strategy that takes into account the continent’s energy and climate needs. In this regard, many countries are pursuing a just transition, which utilizes a variety of solutions from low-carbon oil to non-associated gas to renewable energy and integrated power systems. According to the International Energy Agency, meeting Africa’s energy demand will require annual investments to more than double by 2030, reaching $240 billion annually. The Energy Transition Track at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 not only offers a platform to discuss Africa’s just transition strategy, but lays out strategic investment prospects across the entire energy value chain. Sessions include Just Energy Transition Dialogue: Harnessing Africa’s Resource Wealth to Establish Energy Sovereignty; Forging the Path for a Green Hydrogen Economy: Shifting from Planning to Meeting Global Market Demands; and Overcoming Infrastructure Gaps: Innovations in Road, Rail and Transport Connectivity Across Africa.

The AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Energy Transition Track goes beyond promoting investments in energy projects to include strategic sessions on local content, inclusive participation and collaborative leadership. With a rapidly growing population, increased urbanization and soon-to-be the world’s largest workforce, Africa requires strategic commitments by governments and companies to accelerate capacity building, skills development and inclusive work practices. By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to increase to 2.5 billion people. As such, local content will serve as a catalyst for sustainable and equitable development. During the event, sessions will address these topics, including Energy Security in Africa: Why Women’s Participation in Africa’s Resource Governance Matters; From Start-Ups to Scale-Ups: Why SMEs are Africa’s Game Changers; and Collaborative Leadership: Operator Strategies for Local Content Development.

The Energy Transition Track will also feature an Invest in Uganda session, which offers exclusive insight into the country’s $10 billion energy portfolio, comprising a mix of hydrocarbon, infrastructure and renewable energy projects. The discussion will unpack how supportive policies, a stable regulatory environment and untapped resources have made the country an attractive market to invest in. Beyond panel discussions, the track will also feature a series of Fireside Chats. These sessions aim to provide insight into the respective investment strategies of various companies, with discussions paving the way for collaborations and deals. 

“AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 takes place under a mandate to make energy poverty history, and as such, advocates for a just energy transition which encompasses the development of a variety of energy sources. The Energy Transition Track serves as a catalyst for this goal by uniting players from the renewable energy, natural gas, regulatory and infrastructure sectors to discuss strategies for securing investment and advancing projects in Africa,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is pleased to announce Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) as Headline Partner for the 11th edition of The Africa Debate, taking place on Wednesday, 2 July 2025 at the Guildhall, in the heart of the City of London.

This year’s theme — “Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth” — seeks to interrogate how Africa can transform the scale and structure of investment around its most enduring assets: from its critical minerals and fertile land to its human ingenuity and demographic dynamism.

Now firmly established as the UK’s premier forum for Africa-focused investment dialogue, The Africa Debate will convene over 700 senior decision-makers from across government, finance, and industry for a full day of high-level exchanges. Through keynote addresses, ministerial dialogues, and curated sector debates, the programme will explore how to turn extractive advantage into structural transformation — mobilising green industrialisation, digital infrastructure, intra-African trade, and new financial instruments to drive inclusive, climate-smart growth.

This year’s speaker line-up reflects the extraordinary breadth of voices shaping Africa’s next chapter, from heads of state to the stewards of global capital. Highlights include: H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Board Chair, TradeMark Africa; H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat; Benedict Oramah, President, Afreximbank; Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation; Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director, African Department, International Monetary Fund; Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialisation, African Development Bank; Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Chair, Econet Wireless; Duncan Wanblad, CEO, Anglo American; Wale Tinubu, CEO, Oando Plc; Monique Gieskes, CEO, PHC; Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President, Glencore DRC; and more. The full programme is now available to view here (http://apo-opa.co/4ljJqbx), with detailed sessions on value chain transformation, blended finance, regional infrastructure, and Africa’s positioning in a multipolar global economy.

Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, commented: “Natural capital is only as valuable as the systems that refine, protect, and elevate it. At AFC, we believe that infrastructure is the bridge between Africa’s resource richness and the continent’s ability to rapidly industrialise and take its rightful place on the global stage. Our partnership with Invest Africa and The Africa Debate underscores the need for thoughtful, long-term capital — deployed strategically — to unlock the continent’s full economic potential. We are proud to support a platform that challenges assumptions and catalyses bold, bankable solutions.”

Chantelé Carrington, CEO of Invest Africa, added: “Africa’s path to prosperity must be built not on extraction, but on transformation. This year’s theme compels us to ask harder questions about how we steward the continent’s assets — human, natural, and institutional — in a world shaped by climate change, technological disruption, and shifting geopolitical priorities. With AFC’s visionary leadership, we are honoured to convene a dialogue that is ambitious in scope, rigorous in thought, and focused on meaningful outcomes.”

Confirmed Sponsors of The Africa Debate Include: Africa Finance Corporation (Headline Partner), Absa Group, Afreximbank, FirstBank UK Limited, Invest KZN, Standard Chartered, Standard Bank Group, Plantations et Huileries du Congo, Lagos Free Zone (Tolaram), Octopus Energy, ServiceNow, Stellar Developments, Spiro, Safaricom, Premier Invest, Remittances Hub, S-RM, DLA Piper, and London Stock Exchange Group.

To register as a delegate for The Africa Debate, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/4efWGM0. Places are limited and advance registration is essential.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact:
Pippa van Breda
Marketing & Communications Manager
Invest Africa
T: +44 2037 305 035
E: pippa.vanbreda@investafrica.com

About The Africa Debate:
The Africa Debate is London’s premier investment forum dedicated to shaping the future of African trade, investment, and economic transformation. Now in its 11th year, the event serves as a critical platform for global businesses, investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage in high-level discussions on Africa’s evolving role in the global economy.

About Invest Africa:
Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business platform that promotes trade and investment across the continent. With a 60-year heritage and a network of over 400 global members, Invest Africa provides trusted intelligence, strategic connections, and high-level convenings to support business success across African markets.