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Namibia pledges billions to expand water and sanitation access

Source: Government of South Africa

Namibia pledges billions to expand water and sanitation access

The Republic of Namibia has pledged to scale up investment in water and sanitation infrastructure through domestic financing, concessional loans, grants and private partnerships in a bid to ensure universal access to safe water and adequate sanitation.

“We acknowledge that there remain significant gaps in water infrastructure investment and that rapid solutions are urgently needed if Namibia and Africa at large are to achieve the UN Sustainable Developments Goals,” Namibian Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, said.

Speaking during a plenary on investment commitments at the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) summit on Friday, Zaamwani said Namibia stands ready to play its part to close the continent’s water and sanitation investment gap, in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063 Vision of “The Africa We Want.”

She said investment in the water sector is not only key to securing universal access to safe and reliable drinking water and sanitation for millions of Africans, but also to advancing food security, climate resilience and socio-economic development.

“Attracting private sector investment into the water [sector]… to close the targeted gap of at least 30 billion USD per year requires robust governance frameworks, institutional strengthening, operational efficiency and regulatory reforms as critical enabling conditions for investors,” Zaamwani said.

While Namibia is a vast, arid country with remarkable landscapes, Zaamwani said the country is one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa and faces acute water scarcity made worse by climate change.

Despite this, she said the country is determined to turn these challenges into opportunities for innovation, partnerships and sustainable investment, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.

Zaamwani announced that her country’s Cabinet has approved the allocation of 5% of the national budget for water and sanitation investment. Under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, N$2.8 billion (about USD 150 million) will support rural water supply schemes and sanitation facilities targeting underserved communities.

“In addition, we have secured about N$4 billion in concessional loans from the African Development Bank and Development Bank for the next mid-term expenditure. These resources are earmarked for large-scale projects that will improve bulk water conveyance, rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure, and to expand sanitation coverage in both rural and urban areas,” Zaamwani said.

Namibia and South Africa have also committed USD 2.5 million for a joint feasibility study on the proposed Noordoewer–Vioolsdrift Dam on the Orange River, which is expected to cost about USD 231 million to build.

“We are hoping to attract investor interest. The project is important for long-term water security for social and economic development of the two nations and the Ecological Water Requirements (EWR) in the Lower Orange River,” Zaamwani said.

She also highlighted plans for a coastal desalination plant to be developed through a public-private partnership. The facility will supply water to the mining sector, which is critical to Namibia’s economy and coastal towns, thereby relieving pressure on the limited local groundwater sources.

“The project reflects the country’s commitment to diversify its water sources, enhance climate resilience and promote economic growth. Namibia’s investment drive is not limited to infrastructure but also building the institutional and technical capacity needed to operate and maintain this infrastructure sustainably.

“We recognise that water security is inseparable from food security, energy security, public health, tourism and economic competitiveness. For this reason, Namibia approaches water investment not as an isolated sectoral issue, but as a driver of national development and regional integration,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Namibia joins 37 other countries in adopting Information and Communications Technology (ICT) initiative for remote monitoring and evaluation of development projects

Source: APO – Report:

Namibia has become the latest country to adopt cutting-edge technology for development project management, as senior government officials and the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) jointly launched the transformative Remote Appraisal, Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation (RASME) project on Wednesday in Windhoek.

The RASME initiative marks a major shift in how development projects are monitored and evaluated across Africa. It harnesses digital technology to capture real-time project data directly from implementation sites, removing traditional barriers that have long hindered effective oversight.

Built on the robust Kobo Toolbox platform – an open-source ICT solution developed by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative – RASME tackles critical challenges in project monitoring, particularly in regions facing security concerns, logistical constraints, or accessibility issues. The platform improves transparency and accountability while streamlining data collection.

Already operational in 37 African countries, with over 1,880 people trained, the Remote Appraisal, Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation initiative has generated more than 56,252 data submissions. 

African Development Bank’s Corporate IT department spearheads the technical deployment, collaborating closely with the World Bank’s GEMS and Kobo Toolbox teams to ensure seamless integration across participating countries.

Michael Humavindu, Executive Director at Namibia’s Ministry of Finance, commended the initiative. He said: “AfDB RASME IT solution comes at an opportune time as it uses new information and communication technologies to optimize the collection, analysis, and management of data within the framework of the preparation, evaluation, and supervision of projects funded by the Bank”.

In his opening remarks, Principal Regional Coordinator at the African Development Bank, Fidelis Mnyanyi, said: “The Bank remains committed to supporting inclusive growth in Namibia through effective implementation and oversight of development projects aligned with our High-5 priorities. RASME will enhance how we collect, verify, and use project data, enabling faster decision-making, stronger supervision, and more visible results on the ground.”

Three days of in-person training for the Project Management Units on the African Development Bank-financed project took place from 6 to 8 August 2025.

Those in attendance included personnel from the African Development Bank as well as the Namibia Agricultural Mechanization and Seed Improvement project, the Development Bank of Namibia, the Namibia Transport Infrastructure Improvement project, the City of Otjiwarongo Wastewater Treatment and Solid Waste Management project, the Water Sector Support Programme, and the Tax Administration Technical Assistance project.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: ​media@afdb.org

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AfDB scales up climate related financing in new strategy

Source: Government of South Africa

With preparations underway for its 2026 – 2030 new Strategic Action Plan, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has explored more effective ways to leverage its position and status to attract more climate-related financing to the sector.

Delivering his remarks at the closing session of the Africa Union – Africa Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Investment Summit 2025 on Friday, Mtchera Chirwa, Director: Department of Water and Sanitation at the AfDB, said the bank is aligning future priorities with large-scale, impact-driven projects to accelerate Africa’s water and sanitation agenda.

Chirwa announced that of the 80 operations showcased during the three-day summit, about 27 operations fit well with the bank’s priorities for the next few years, representing a financing envelope of USD 2.8 billion.

READ | Ministers showcase Africa’s multibillion water sector projects for global investors

“We clearly understand that the list of projects discussed here is only a fraction of what is out there on the market, hence the importance for us to also mention some of the other investment considerations we have in the sector, in support of our 54 regional member countries’ water-related agenda,” Chirwa said.

For the next five years, he said the bank will prioritise multipurpose, integrated projects, particularly through the Water-Energy-Food security-Ecosystem special initiative.

The initiative, which was recently presented and discussed in Dakar under the patronage of Senegal’s Minister for Hydraulic and Sanitation and AMCOW Chairperson, Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, is expected to invest another USD 1.2 billion by 2027 and four times more by 2030.

“Between 2021 and 2030, the bank has committed to invest an estimated $12 billion in the water sector specifically,” Chirwa said.

In addition, the AfDB has pledged to quadruple its climate financing to reach USD 25 billion by 2025, averaging USD 4 billion annually, with the water sector designated as a key priority area.

Supporting water and sanitation service providers

On the sub-sector of sanitation, Chirwa said the bank is resolute in deploying more efforts to working with partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to catalyse about EUR 6.7 billion in urban sanitation investments through another special initiative called the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII).

Chirwa reiterated the bank’s particular focus and interest in supporting water and sanitation service providers and service delivery for the next cycle of its strategic action plan (2026 – 2030).

“No infrastructure alone will deliver sustainably unless it is run by a competent, effective and viable operator. Our water utility transformation and viability enhancement initiative is supporting [efforts] to overhaul the financing of this USD17.8billion worth Capex market. For now, we are classifying markets depending on their immediate serviceability,” he said.

Chirwa reiterated the bank’s support for governments’ respective water development agendas.

“As a win-win compromise, we call on governments to support and advocate for stronger replenishment of the African Water Facility (AWF) Trust Fund by the bank’s regional member countries. As beneficiaries, our contributions help foster greater interest from traditional donors.” – SAnews.gov.za

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La Namibie rejoint 37 autres pays ayant adopté une initiative Technologie de l’Information et de la Communication (TIC) pour le suivi et l’évaluation à distance des projets de développement financés par la Banque africaine de développement

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

La Namibie est le dernier pays en date à adopter une technologie de pointe pour la gestion des projets de développement. De hauts responsables du gouvernement namibien et de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org) ont procédé mercredi 13 août 2025, à Windhoek, au lancement de l’outil novateur RASME – Remote Appraisal, Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation (Évaluation, supervision, suivi et évaluation à distance).

L’iniative RASME marque un tournant majeur dans la manière dont les projets de développement sont suivis et évalués à travers l’Afrique. Elle exploite les technologies numériques pour collecter des données en temps réel directement sur le terrain, supprimant les obstacles traditionnels qui ont longtemps entravé l’efficacité du contrôle.

Conçu sur la base de la robuste plateforme Kobo Toolbox – une solution open source développée par la Harvard Humanitarian Initiative – RASME s’attaque aux défis critiques du suivi des projets, en particulier dans les régions confrontées à des problèmes de sécurité, à des contraintes logistiques ou à des problèmes d’accessibilité. La plateforme renforce la transparence et la redevabilité tout en simplifiant la collecte de données.

Déjà opérationnel dans 37 pays africains, et avec plus de 1 880 personnes formées, le projet RASME a permis de générer plus de 56 252 transmissions de données. 

Le déploiement technique est dirigé par le service informatique de la Banque africaine de développement, en étroite collaboration avec les équipes GEMS de la Banque mondiale et Kobo Toolbox, afin d’assurer une intégration transparente dans tous les pays participants.

« La solution informatique RASME de la Banque africaine de développement arrive à point nommé. Elle mobilise les nouvelles technologies de l’information et de la communication pour optimiser la collecte, l’analyse et la gestion des données dans le cadre de la préparation, de l’évaluation et du suivi des projets financés par la Banque », a déclaré Michael Humavindu, directeur exécutif au ministère des Finances de Namibie. 

« La Banque africaine de développement reste déterminée à soutenir une croissance inclusive en Namibie, grâce à la mise en œuvre et au suivi efficaces de projets de développement alignés sur nos priorités « High-5 », a déclaré Fidelis Mnyanyi, coordinateur régional principal à la Banque africaine de développement. RASME va améliorer la manière dont nous collectons, vérifions et utilisons les données des projets, ce qui permettra une prise de décision plus rapide, un suivi renforcé et des résultats plus visibles sur le terrain. »

Une formation en présentiel de trois jours destinée aux unités de gestion des projets financés par la Banque africaine de développement s’est déroulée du 6 au 8 août 2025.

Parmi les participants figuraient des représentants de la Banque africaine de développement, des gestionnaires du Projet namibien de mécanisation agricole et d’amélioration des semences, de la Banque de développement de Namibie, du Projet namibien d’amélioration des infrastructures de transport, du Projet de traitement des eaux usées et de gestion des déchets solides de la ville d’Otjiwarongo, du Programme d’appui au secteur de l’eau et du Projet d’assistance technique à l’administration fiscale.

Distribué par APO Group pour African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact médias : 
Emeka Anuforo
Département de la communication et des relations extérieures
Banque africaine de développement
media@afdb.org

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Kigali to host landmark Africa water leadership symposium

Source: Government of South Africa

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) Africa Hub has announced its commitment to co-convene a landmark leadership symposium aimed at addressing systemic challenges that hinder African countries from unlocking the bottom and middle tiers of the Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) investment pyramid.

The commitment was made at the African Union (AU)–AIP Water Summit, where leaders and governments announced investment pledges and commitments on Friday.

Speaking on the closing day of the summit, IRC Africa Hub Director Juste Nansi said the Africa All Systems Leadership Symposium, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 13 – 17 July 2026, will serve as a direct follow-up to the Africa Water Investment Summit, which kicked off on 13 August in Cape Town.

“The symposium will be jointly convened by the AU-AIP, bringing together the highest level of continental political leadership; the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), providing its ministerial mandate and continental sector stewardship, and the IRC Africa Hub, contributing technical, system and facilitation expertise,” Nansi explained.

According to the African Union Development Agency, the AIP’s Pyramid of Water Investment Transformation is a strategic model that identifies potential sources of finance aimed at helping Africa to reach its ambitious annual investment target by 2030.

Nansi said the symposium will be organised under the authority of the government of South Africa, which chaired the current summit, and the government of Rwanda, as the intended host of the symposium.

“Their confirmed engagement will be instrumental in ensuring both political momentum and operational success.”

Nansi recalled the remarks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the AU-AIP Water Summit opening on Wednesday, where he underscored the need to “transform water from a crisis sector into an opportunity sector”.

“This message was echoed by financing institutions throughout the summit, who stressed that the challenge is not a lack of available funds, but a lack of trust from financiers in the water sector,” Nansi said.

READ | Business leaders push for partnerships to tackle water investment gap

The Kigali Symposium will respond directly to these messages and will focus on the systemic reforms, transformation agendas, programmes, and projects needed to build trust and unlock financing opportunities for infrastructure across the continent.

“This unique platform will translate political ambition into operational reform pathways. Over five days, it will bring together Heads of State, Ministers, parliamentarians, mayors, regulators, utilities, public finance authorities, investors, and innovators to design and commit to systemic transformation projects,” Nansi said.

Key focus areas for the symposium

The symposium will focus on critical areas, including:

  • Leadership for system transformation: Aligning political, financial and technical leadership to overcome systemic bottlenecks. 
  • Strategic public finance and domestic resource mobilisation: Engaging Ministries of Finance and public development banks to strengthen creditworthiness, and expand national fiscal space for water and sanitation.
  • Professionalisation of service provision: Ensuring operational efficiency, capacity and long-term sustainability.
  • Regulation and accountability: Embedding transparency, performance monitoring and citizen engagement into sector governance.

Through curated transformation dialogues, reform matchmaking sessions and targeted investment conversations, Nansi said the symposium will act as an accelerator for multi-country reform and transformation projects aligned with the AU-AIP’s strategic objectives.

“We will collaborate with all partners to ensure that this event marks a milestone in Africa’s journey towards stronger governance systems, and the mobilisation of domestic and external investments on a large scale for a water-secure Africa with safe sanitation for all,” said Nansi. – SAnews.gov.za

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Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) lance le MEST Africa Challenge 2025 en partenariat avec Absa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) (https://Meltwater.org/) ouvre aujourd’hui les candidatures pour la 7e édition du MEST Africa Challenge (MAC 2025), un concours panafricain qui offre aux start-ups à fort potentiel un financement et un soutien concret.

L’édition de cette année est exclusivement consacrée aux startups FinTech, mettant en avant les fondateurs qui réinventent la manière dont l’argent est transféré, géré et assuré à travers le continent. Les candidatures sont ouvertes du 4 août au 26 septembre 2025, après quoi 20 demi-finalistes et 10 finalistes seront sélectionnés. Le grand gagnant remportera un investissement en capital de 50 000 dollars américains et aura l’opportunité de mener un projet à grande échelle avec des partenaires stratégiques.

“Le MEST Africa Challenge est le lieu où les idées les plus audacieuses d’Afrique trouvent l’opportunité de se développer,”a déclaré Ashwin Ravichandran, conseiller en gestion de portefeuille et responsable MAC chez MEST Africa. “Notre partenariat avec Absa apporte à ces fondateurs visionnaires le soutien dont ils ont besoin, en les mettant en relation avec les capitaux, l’expertise et les réseaux qui transforment les startups prometteuses en entreprises phares de leur secteur et favorisent une croissance inclusive à travers le continent.”

Avec 30 millions de dollars américains investis à ce jour dans plus de 90 startups et 2 000 entrepreneurs, MEST est l’un des investisseurs les plus actifs d’Afrique dans le domaine des technologies en phase de démarrage. L’édition 2025 du MAC renforce cet impact grâce à un partenariat stratégique avec Absa qui aligne le concours sur les priorités de la banque en matière de finance numérique.

“L’avenir de l’Afrique sera façonné par des idées audacieuses, l’ingéniosité locale et des innovations évolutives. Chez Absa, nous reconnaissons le rôle essentiel que jouent les entrepreneurs dans la promotion d’une croissance économique inclusive. Ce partenariat avec MEST reflète notre engagement à soutenir ces visionnaires et à façonner l’avenir des services financiers. Il complète notre stratégie de transformation numérique et reflète notre objectif de renforcer l’avenir de l’Afrique, ensemble, une histoire à la fois,” a déclaré Omar Baig, directeur général de ARO Retail and Business Banking.

La collaboration entre Absa et MEST vise à accélérer l’innovation en mettant en relation les startups FinTech avec les ressources et l’expertise nécessaires pour développer des solutions favorisant une croissance inclusive à travers l’Afrique.

“Notre partenariat avec MEST est une étape stratégique vers le déblocage d’innovations qui comptent vraiment, » déclare Muhammad Ali Bhikhan, Directeur exécutif et Directeur des systèmes d’information chez Absa Regional Operations.”  Il nous permettra de nous connecter à des startups visionnaires, de bâtir un solide vivier de talents et de collaborer sur des solutions capables de stimuler une transformation numérique significative et un impact durable sur l’ensemble du continent, » conclut-il.

Qui devrait s’inscrire au MAC 2025 ?

MAC 2025 invite les startups en phase de démarrage dans le domaine des technologies financières et autres solutions à forte valeur ajoutée qui sont déjà actives sur au moins un des marchés prioritaires d’Absa, notamment le Botswana, l’Ouganda, Maurice, les Seychelles, le Kenya, le Mozambique, la Zambie et le Ghana. Pour être éligible, une entreprise doit avoir au maximum trois ans d’existence, afficher un chiffre d’affaires mensuel récurrent minimum de 5 000 dollars américains et avoir levé au maximum 1 million de dollars américains à ce jour. Chaque entreprise doit compter au moins deux cofondateurs, être capable de présenter son projet en anglais et, bien que cela ne soit pas obligatoire, être enregistrée dans le Delaware, ce qui est considéré comme un avantage.

Les fondateurs peuvent soumettre une brève candidature en ligne, comprenant une vidéo de présentation de trois minutes, sur https://apo-opa.co/40P2V41  à partir du 4 août 2025. Les demi-finales virtuelles auront lieu à la fin du mois d’octobre, et les dix meilleures équipes se présenteront en direct à Cape Town lors de la grande finale à la fin du mois de novembre.

Distribué par APO Group pour The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

Contact médias (MEST Africa) :
Ophesmur Adjei
Responsable marketing et communication
marketing@meltwater.org

À propos de MEST Africa :
Créée en 2008 en tant que branche à but non lucratif de Meltwater, la Fondation Meltwater favorise la création d’emplois et la croissance économique en Afrique grâce à l’entrepreneuriat dans le domaine des logiciels. Basée à Accra, au Ghana, l’organisation de soutien à l’entrepreneuriat de la Fondation, MEST, propose une formation intensive à temps plein et en personne sur l’entrepreneuriat technologique à des talents émergents de plus de 22 pays africains et fournit des investissements de démarrage à des entreprises prometteuses. Afin d’étendre son impact, la fondation a lancé MEST, une série de programmes collaboratifs conçus et mis en œuvre avec des partenaires partageant les mêmes idées afin de développer la formation aux compétences numériques et l’accélération des start-ups à travers le continent. Depuis sa création, la Fondation Meltwater a formé plus de 2 000 entrepreneurs et investi dans plus de 90 startups à travers le continent, stimulant ainsi l’innovation, créant des emplois et façonnant la prochaine génération d’entrepreneurs technologiques africains. En savoir plus sur MEST Africa : https://Meltwater.org/

À propos d’Absa Group Limited :
Le groupe Absa propose une gamme intégrée de produits et services dans les domaines suivants : services bancaires aux particuliers et aux entreprises, services bancaires aux entreprises et services d’investissement, gestion de patrimoine et d’investissements, et assurance.

Le groupe Absa détient des participations majoritaires dans des banques au Botswana, au Ghana, au Kenya, à Maurice, au Mozambique, aux Seychelles, en Afrique du Sud, en Tanzanie (Absa Bank Tanzania et National Bank of Commerce), en Ouganda et en Zambie, et exerce des activités d’assurance au Kenya et en Afrique du Sud. Absa possède également des bureaux en République populaire de Chine, en Namibie, au Nigeria et aux États-Unis, ainsi que des entités de titres au Royaume-Uni et aux États-Unis, et dispose d’une équipe d’assistance technique en République tchèque.

Pour plus d’informations sur Absa Group Limited, rendez-vous sur www.Absa.Africa.

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A Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) lança o MEST Africa Challenge 2025 em parceria com o Absa

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

A Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) (https://Meltwater.org/) abriu hoje as inscrições para a 7ª edição do MEST Africa Challenge (MAC 2025), uma competição pan-africana que equipa startups de elevado potencial com financiamento e apoio prático.

A edição deste ano é dedicada exclusivamente a startups de FinTech, destacando fundadores que estão reinventando a forma como o dinheiro é movimentado, gerido e assegurado em todo o continente. As inscrições vão de 4 de Agosto a 26 de Setembro de 2025, após o qual serão seleccionados 20 semifinalistas e 10 finalistas. O vencedor garantirá um investimento de capital de 50.000 dólares e a oportunidade de realizar um projecto-piloto com parceiros estratégicos em grande escala.

“O MEST Africa Challenge é onde as ideias mais ousadas da África encontram a oportunidade de crescer”, afirmou Ashwin Ravichandran, Consultor de Portfólio e Líder do MAC na MEST Africa. “A nossa parceria com a Absa dá a estes fundadores visionários o impulso de que necessitam — conectando-os ao capital, à expertise e às redes que transformam startups promissoras em empresas que definem sectores e impulsionam o crescimento inclusivo em todo o continente.”

Com 30 milhões de dólares investidos em mais de 90 startups e 2.000 empreendedores até à data, o MEST é um dos investidores tecnológicos em fase inicial mais activos em África. A edição de 2025 do MAC aprofunda esse impacto por meio de uma parceria estratégica com o Absa, alinhando a competição às prioridades do banco em finanças digitais.

“O futuro da África será moldado por ideias ousadas, engenhosidade local e inovação escalável. No Absa, reconhecemos o papel crucial que os empreendedores desempenham no crescimento econômico inclusivo. Esta parceria com a MEST reflecte o nosso compromisso em apoiar estes visionários e moldar o futuro dos serviços financeiros. Complementa a nossa estratégia de transformação digital e reflecte o nosso propósito de fortalecer o futuro de África, em conjunto, uma história de cada vez”, afirmou Omar Baig, Director Executivo do ARO Retail and Business Banking.

A colaboração entre o Absa e a MEST visa acelerar a inovação, conectando startups de FinTech aos recursos e à experiência necessários para escalar soluções que impulsionem o crescimento inclusivo em toda a África.

“A nossa parceria com a MEST é um passo estratégico para desbloquear uma inovação que realmente importa”, afirma Muhammad Ali Bhikhan, Director Executivo e Director de Informação da Absa Regional Operations. “Isso nos permitirá conectar com startups visionárias, construir um sólido pipeline de talentos e colaborar em soluções que podem impulsionar uma transformação digital significativa e um impacto a longo prazo em todo o continente”, conclui.

Quem deve se inscrever no MAC 2025?

O MAC 2025 convida startups no sector de FinTech em estágio inicial e outras soluções de elevado valor acrescentado que já estejam ativas em pelo menos um dos mercados prioritários do Absa — países como o Botswana, Uganda, Maurícias, Seicheles, Quénia, Moçambique, Zâmbia e Gana.

Para se qualificar, a empresa deve ter três anos ou menos, apresentar um volume de negócios recorrente mensal mínimo de 5.000 dólares e ter arrecadado, no máximo, 1 milhão de dólares até à data. Cada empreendimento deve ter pelo menos dois cofundadores, ser capaz de fazer pitches em inglês e — embora não seja obrigatório — o registro no Delaware é considerado uma vantagem.

Os fundadores podem submeter uma breve candidatura online, incluindo um vídeo apresentação de três minutos (pitch) de três minutos, pelo link https://apo-opa.co/40P2V41 a partir de 4 de Agosto de 2025. As semifinais virtuais terão lugar no final de Outubro e as dez melhores equipas apresentarão ao vivo na Cidade do Cabo, na Grande Final no final de Novembro.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

Contacto para a Imprensa (MEST Africa):
Ophesmur Adjei
Gerente de Marketing e Comunicações
marketing@meltwater.org

Sobre a MEST Africa:
Fundada em 2008 como uma organização sem fins lucrativos parte da Meltwater, a Meltwater Foundation promove a criação de empregos e o crescimento econômico na África por meio do empreendedorismo em software. Sediada em Accra, Gana, a Organização de Apoio ao Empreendedor — MEST — oferece um treinamento intensivo, presencial e em tempo integral em empreendedorismo tecnológico para talentos emergentes de mais de 22 países africanos, além de investir em estágio inicial em empreendimentos promissores.

Para ampliar esse impacto, a Fundação lançou o MESTx, um conjunto de programas colaborativos desenvolvidos com parceiros de valores semelhantes para expandir a capacitação digital e a aceleração de startups em todo o continente. Desde a sua criação, a Meltwater Foundation treinou mais de 2.000 empreendedores e investiu em mais de 90 startups em todo o continente — fomentando a inovação, criando empregos e moldando a próxima geração de empreendedores de tecnologia da África.

Saiba mais sobre a MEST Africa: https://Meltwater.org/

Sobre o Absa Group Limited:
O Absa Group Limited (“Absa Group”) está listado na Bolsa de Valores de Joanesburgo e é um dos maiores grupos de serviços financeiros diversificados da África.

O Absa Group oferece um conjunto integrado de produtos e serviços em serviços bancários pessoais e empresariais, corporativos e de investimento, gestão de património e investimentos e seguros.

O Grupo Absa detém participações maioritárias em bancos no Botswana, Gana, Quénia, Maurícias, Moçambique, Seicheles, África do Sul, Tanzânia (Absa Bank Tanzania e National Bank of Commerce), Uganda e Zâmbia, e tem operações de seguros no Quénia e na África do Sul. O Absa tem também escritórios na República Popular da China, Namíbia, Nigéria e Estados Unidos, bem como entidades de valores mobiliários no Reino Unido e nos Estados Unidos, bem como parceiros de suporte tecnológico na República Checa.

Para mais informações sobre o Absa Group Limited, visite: www.Absa.Africa

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31 Arab, Islamic Countries, Arab League, OIC, GCC Condemn So-called "Greater Israel Vision"

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 15 

The foreign ministers of 31 Arab and Islamic countries, and the secretaries-general of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned in the strongest terms the statements made by Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel (the occupying power), and reported by the Hebrew media, regarding the so-called “Greater Israel Vision.”

They stressed that it represents a gross disregard and a blatant and dangerous violation of the rules of international law and the foundations of stable international relations, and constitutes a direct threat to Arab national security, the sovereignty of states, and regional and international security and peace.

The foreign ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Republic of Chad, the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Djibouti, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Gambia, and the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Iraq, the State of Kuwait, the Republic of Lebanon, the State of Libya, the Republic of Maldives, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Palestine, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Senegal, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Republic of Yemen, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), in a joint statement, said that while the Arab and Islamic countries affirm their respect for international legitimacy and the Charter of the United Nations, particularly Article 2, paragraph 4, regarding the rejection of the use or threat of force, adding that they will adopt all policies and measures that frame and consolidate peace, achieving the interests of all countries and peoples in security, stability, and development, far from the illusion of control and the imposition of the power of force.

They also condemned in the strongest terms the approval by extremist Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich of the settlement plan in the E1 area and his extremist racist statements rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state. They consider this a flagrant violation of international law and a blatant assault on the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent, sovereign state on the June 4, 1967, lines, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital. They emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories.

They affirmed their absolute rejection and condemnation of this settlement plan and all illegal Israeli measures, which constitute a flagrant violation of international law and Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334, which condemns all Israeli settlement activities aimed at changing the demographic composition, character and legal status of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, the capital of the State of Palestine. They reaffirmed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which emphasized the illegality of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory and the necessity of ending it immediately, eliminating its effects and providing compensation for its damages.

They warned of the danger of Israeli intentions and policies aimed at annexing Palestinian territories, and the continued extremist Israeli government’s expansionist settlement approach in the occupied West Bank, including attempts to harm Islamic and Christian holy sites, foremost among them the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, settler terrorism, daily raids on Palestinian cities, villages and camps, the systematic destruction of Palestinian refugee camps and the displacement of Palestinians from their homes, which directly contributes to fueling cycles of violence and conflict, and undermines the chances of achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region. It also warns of the reliance on ideological and racist illusions, which threatens to fuel the conflict and make it difficult to control its path or predict its outcomes, threatening regional and international security and stability alike.

In a related context, the foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation reiterated their rejection and condemnation of the crimes of Israeli aggression, genocide, and ethnic cleansing. They also affirmed the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while ensuring unconditional access to humanitarian aid to halt the systematic starvation policy used by Israel as a weapon of genocide. This requires an immediate end to the deadly Israeli blockade of the Strip, the opening of Israeli crossings with the Gaza Strip, and holding Israel, the occupying power, fully responsible for the consequences of its crimes in the Gaza Strip, including the collapse of the health and relief system, as the occupying power.

They also reaffirmed their complete and absolute rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people in any form and under any pretext, calling on the international community to pressure Israel to halt its aggression and fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip, paving the way for the appropriate conditions to be created for the implementation of the Arab-Islamic plan for early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip.

They emphasized that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory and the need for the State of Palestine to assume governance responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, as well as in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with Arab and international support within the framework of the political program of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and the policy of one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon.

In this context, the Ministers and Secretaries-General, in their joint statement, called on the international community, especially the permanent members of the Security Council, particularly the United States of America, to assume their legal and moral responsibilities and take immediate action to compel Israel to halt its ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip and its dangerous escalation in the occupied West Bank, and to stop the delusional, inflammatory statements issued by its officials and provide international protection to the Palestinian people and enable them to achieve their legitimate rights, foremost among which is their right to establish an independent, sovereign state on their national soil, and to hold accountable those who commit crimes and violations against them. 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Turkish Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, August 13, 2025

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, met Wednesday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan.

Both sides discussed advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, developments in the Gaza Strip, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Syria, as well as a variety of topics of shared interest.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of ramping up regional and global efforts to end the brutal war on the Gaza Strip, ensure the unhindered and sustainable flow of humanitarian aid into the Strip, and secure the release of hostages and prisoners.

His Excellency further underscored the State of Qatar’s full support for all good-faith efforts aimed at settling the Palestinian cause through peaceful means and enforcing the two-state solution.

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Former Namibian Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Country’s Offshore Oil Boom Accelerates

Source: APO

Tom Alweendo, Former Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3. Alweendo – who led Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy from 2018 until March 2025 – recently launched Alvenco Advisory, a strategic consultancy aimed at assisting investors in navigating Namibia’s political, fiscal, legal and environmental regimes.

The firm offers tailored advisory services covering policy and regulatory compliance, alignment with national development priorities, and stakeholder engagement at both community and government levels. By leveraging Alweendo’s extensive ministerial experience and network, Alvenco Advisory aims to facilitate responsible investment that unlocks value, drive industrial participation and supports Namibia’s long-term socioeconomic objectives.

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.

Namibia’s offshore oil and gas sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, marked by a series of world-class discoveries and heightened exploration activity. The most recent milestone came in April this year, when the Capricornus 1-X exploration well in offshore Block 2914A delivered a successful light oil discovery. Operated by Rhino Resources alongside partners Azule Energy, Namcor and Korres Investments, the well encountered 38m of high-quality net pay, flowed over 11,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) during testing and confirmed the presence of a commercially viable light oil system.

Capricornus 1-X mirrors the characteristics of the nearby Venus and Graff discoveries, reinforcing the Orange Basin’s position as a globally significant petroleum province. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – recently commended the PEL85 joint venture partners for delivering one of Namibia’s most significant oil discoveries to date, noting its potential to catalyze further investment, fast-track appraisal drilling and accelerate development initiatives.

Drilling momentum is set to remain strong throughout 2025, with seven wells planned this year alone. These include Marula-1X by TotalEnergies and a second PEL85 well planned by Rhino Resources, as well as the Kharas prospect within BW Energy’s Kudu license. Additional prospects at Olympe and Saturn have also been identified, signaling continued confidence from major international operators.

Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed new licensing opportunities in 2025 under an open licensing regime, spanning deepwater, ultra-deepwater and shallow-water environments. The country’s Petroleum Commission has emphasized the government’s commitment to attracting fresh investment while ensuring discoveries are fast-tracked to first oil and deliver tangible benefits to the national economy.

Beyond exploration, development planning is advancing on two of Namibia’s largest finds. TotalEnergies’ Venus project in Block 2913B is targeting a 2026 final investment decision and ap planned 150,000-bpd FPSO facility. Galp is progressing appraisal of its Mopane discovery, supported by 3,500km2 of newly acquired high-density seismic data.

“Tom Alweendo’s leadership and deep understanding of Namibia’s energy landscape come at a pivotal moment for the country’s resource development. His insights will be invaluable in guiding discussions on how to translate world-class discoveries into sustainable economic growth and long-term benefits for all Namibians,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Namibia’s emergence as one of the world’s most promising oil frontiers – underpinned by a stable regulatory environment, competitive licensing terms and a strong governance framework – positions the country as a leading destination for global upstream investment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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