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ETA system a ‘quantum leap forward’ for immigration system

Source: Government of South Africa

ETA system a ‘quantum leap forward’ for immigration system

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has described the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system as revolutionary for South Africa’s immigration management.

The Minister was speaking at the official launch of the ETA system led by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.

The system combines advanced biometric verification with automated risk analysis, delivering both enhanced security and faster processing for legitimate travellers.

“Today’s launch of the ETA represents a quantum leap forward for our country’s immigration system, both by unlocking economic growth through tourism, investment and legitimate travel, and by landing a decisive blow against visa fraud and illegal immigration,” Schreiber declared.

The system uses automated risk analysis to identify indicators of fraud at a “speed and scale no human could achieve”

“If the application is approved, the traveller will receive their ETA within 24 hours, which they can then store directly in the digital wallet on their smart phone.

“Once an approved traveller arrives at the immigration counter, they are again required to look into a camera, where biometric verification enables us to confirm that the person standing at our border is the same person who received authorisation to travel to our country.

“In other words: the face of the traveller becomes the key that determines whether they may enter, rather than physical documents that can be manipulated,” the Minister explained.

Some 216 204 applications have already been processed since the pilot began during South Africa’s G20 Presidency for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico. 

Crucially, the system identified 6126 fraudulent applications that were subsequently rejected, including cases involving fraudulent passports and manipulated documents.

“That is the future of immigration in South Africa: a system that is modern and uncompromising when it comes to security, but welcoming and efficient when it comes to the travellers and investors we must attract to generate growth and jobs.

“That is why the final component we built before today’s launch is the capability for legitimate travellers who enter South Africa for up to 90 days to apply through the ETA to extend their stay for up to a further 90 days, as stipulated by the Immigration Act.

“This feature alone is likely to significantly boost tourism revenues, as it enables lawful travellers to extend their stay without the hassle and bureaucracy of the past,” Schreiber stated.

Over the coming weeks, the department will inform the embassies of countries as they are systematically added to the ETA.

“The system will initially be available for travellers who arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Lanseria International Airport.

“With our airports fully equipped, we will turn our attention to land and seaports over the coming months to roll out facial recognition and EMCS 2.0 at all ports of entry,” Schreiber said.

Work also continues to “expand the platform also to process more complex visa categories, including study visas, spousal visas, and work visas”.

“By the time this work is complete, South Africa will have one of the most sophisticated, efficient and secure digital visa and entry/exit systems anywhere in the world.

“[The] ETA is the embodiment of our commitment to the vision of turning South Africa into a world leader in smart and secure migration management and digital government,” Schreiber concluded.

Speaking at Wednesday’s launch, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the reform as far more than the introduction of a new digital platform, saying it represents the aspirations of the South Africa of the future.

READ | South Africa ushers in ETA to make international travel easier, more secure

“This is far more than the introduction of a new digital platform. It is a statement about the kind of country we are building,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Employment and Labour calls for urgent action as unemployment crisis deepens

Source: Government of South Africa

Employment and Labour calls for urgent action as unemployment crisis deepens

The Department of Employment and Labour has called for urgent and coordinated action to address South Africa’s worsening employment crisis, following the release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the second quarter of 2026. 

The survey, released by Statistics South Africa on Tuesday, paints a challenging picture of the labour market, with the department warning that structural constraints, sluggish investment and low labour absorption capacity continue to limit employment opportunities.

In a statement on Wednesday, the department said the findings were a “sobering reality check”, highlighting the growing gap between the number of people entering the labour market and the availability of jobs. 

“The cruel arithmetic is unforgiving: far too many new entrants are flooding the labour market, yet far too few opportunities exist to absorb them, steadily deepening the nation’s employment deficit,” the department said.

Turbulent global economic conditions and heightened uncertainty were placing further pressure on the domestic economy and employment outlook, the department said.

Of particular concern is the continued exclusion of young people from the labour market, which the department described as a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.

Against this backdrop, the department said job creation remains government’s “apex priority”.

“Meaningful, sustainable outcomes demand a synchronised assault on unemployment, a whole-of-government and whole-of-society coalition that bridges economic, industrial, skills development and social policy institutions,” the department said.

The department emphasised that addressing unemployment requires stronger cooperation across all three spheres of government, as well as meaningful participation from the private sector.

Provincial and local governments, in particular, have been urged to play a greater role in driving local economic development, unlocking municipal-level investment and ensuring employment initiatives respond to regional needs.

The department said it would strengthen coordination between government and business, as well as among national, provincial and local government, to ensure employment creation becomes a core priority across all spheres.

It will also conduct a detailed assessment of the sectors hardest hit by employment losses to identify where interventions are most urgently required.

The department further called for the acceleration and consolidation of existing labour market and economic reforms, including Operation Vulindlela, the Presidential Employment Stimulus and Active Labour Market Policies.

“Flagship intervention, Operation Vulindlela, the Presidential Employment Stimulus and our suite of Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs) must be supercharged, scaled up decisively and sharpened into effective drivers of inclusive growth. 

“These are not mere acronyms; they are our frontline weapons against unemployment. However, they can only succeed if deployed with coherence, speed and relentless accountability and if every tier of government plays its part,” the department said. 

The department said employment initiatives must be implemented through a coordinated approach involving national departments, provincial administrations and municipalities to deliver sustainable results.

“We must move with the urgency this crisis demands for the sake of every young person waiting for a foothold in the economy and for the future of our nation,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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C&I Energy + Storage Summit brings energy, industrial competitiveness and water resilience into one conversation

Source: APO – Report:

South Africa’s commercial and industrial sectors are facing a more complex infrastructure landscape, where energy security, rising costs, electricity market reform, decarbonisation and water resilience increasingly influence the same investment and operational decisions.

The C&I Energy + Storage Summit, taking place on 28 and 29 October 2026 in Johannesburg, will bring these issues together through a two-day programme focused on practical strategies for cost certainty, energy security and long-term industrial resilience.

Co-located with the Summit are the Energy Intensive Users Group Annual Conference and Water Security Africa Johannesburg, creating a broader meeting point for C&I energy users, major industrial consumers, municipalities, utilities, policymakers, financiers, project developers and technology providers.

Together, the three programmes will examine how businesses can respond to infrastructure constraints while remaining competitive, financeable and resilient.

C&I Energy + Storage Summit: from energy security to commercial optimisation

The C&I Energy + Storage Summit programme focuses on the decisions commercial and industrial energy users are making now, from managing electricity costs and securing supply to evaluating storage, renewable generation, wheeling and alternative procurement models.

Energy storage features prominently, with discussions moving beyond backup power to examine commercial value through peak shaving, tariff optimisation, energy arbitrage, renewable firming and hybrid PV-plus-BESS models.

The programme will also explore electricity market reform, public-private collaboration, alternative generation, energy efficiency and the practical steps required to move projects from strategy through financing, construction and operation.

A dedicated C&I decision clinic will give delegates the opportunity to submit real project challenges for expert guidance, including questions around onsite solar versus wheeled PPAs, appropriate battery sizing, project bankability, municipal engagement and financing requirements.

Featured contributors include Ncubeko April of Isuzu Motors South Africa, Nicky Louw of Scaw Metals South Africa and Melusi Tshabalala, CEO of Mesama Energy, alongside experts from finance, energy trading, utilities and the project development community.

Download the C&I Energy + Storage Summit programme (https://apo-opa.co/4hs3byU)

EIUG Conference: protecting South Africa’s industrial competitiveness

Now in its third year and co-located with the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, the EIUG Conference  brings together government, industry leaders, energy‑intensive consumers, and service providers to exchange perspectives, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and explore solutions for South Africa’s energy future.

The two‑day programme features ministerial and industry keynotes, panel discussions on tariff escalation, carbon tax, CBAM, and electricity market reforms, as well as masterclasses on financing, digitalisation, grid security, and hydrogen development. Delegates will also benefit from networking functions, case study presentations, and practical workshops designed to accelerate the just energy transition.

Speakers include Dr Tebogo Makube, Acting Deputy Director General at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Dr Grove Steyn, Managing Director of Meridian Economics, Muhammed Patel, Senior Economist at Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies, Rivoningo Mnisi, Group Executive at Eskom Green and Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi, Renewable Energy Manager at Sibanye-Stillwater.

The programme also features Nellis Bester, Chairperson of the Ferro Alloy Producers Association, Masopha Moshoeshoe, Advisor to the Minister of Electricity and Energy on Green Hydrogen, Shalendra Subramoney of the Minerals Council South Africa and Robbie Louw of Promethium Carbon.

“The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa’s industrial energy future,” says Fanele Mondi, EIUG CEO. “By bringing together government, industry, and service providers, we aim to foster open dialogue and practical solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.”

Download the EIUG Conference programme (https://apo-opa.co/4g4yAVF)

Water Security Africa Johannesburg: resilience beyond electricity

Water Security Africa Johannesburg, also co-located with the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, extends the conversation beyond electricity to another critical constraint on industrial growth: reliable water supply.

The programme has been developed around the realities facing commercial and industrial water users, including ageing infrastructure, unreliable municipal supply, climate pressures, rising costs and regulatory reform.

Its 2026 focus moves from identifying water risk towards implementing solutions, with emphasis on industrial water resilience, alternative supply, reuse and recycling, non-revenue water reduction, municipal infrastructure recovery and smarter water management.

Digitalisation is a major theme, including smart water systems, digital twins, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

Sector-focused conversations will explore water stewardship across food, beverage and agriculture, water-resilient buildings and precincts, and the growing opportunity to transform wastewater into a strategic resource through reuse, resource recovery and circular water systems

Download the Water Security Africa Johannesburg programme (https://apo-opa.co/4genMV7) 

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

About C&I Energy + Storage Summit Johannesburg:
In its third year, the C&I Summit is a platform to unlock investment and speed up localisation, helping South Africa’s energy-intensive sectors build resilience through innovation and resource security. https://apo-opa.co/4zeivWn 

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other across Africa’s energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors via events, content and networking. It helps businesses navigate markets, build connections and achieve sustainable success. www.WeAreVUKA.com

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Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum’s digital webinar series kicks off on 26 August

Source: APO – Report:

The organisers of the DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum (DCMI), co‑located with the DRC‑Africa Battery Metals Forum, have announced the first dates of its exclusive, upcoming, high-impact digital webinar series.

While the event was meant to take place in Kinshasa from 7 to 8 October, the event organisers, VUKA Group, postponed the in-person Forum to 2027 to align directly with the DRC Government’s updated national policy frameworks and to allow the revised roadmaps for the $58 billion Master Plan for Industrialisation (Plan Directeur d’Industrialisation, PDI) to mature.

The digital webinar series will kick off on 26 August and run until 2027, providing convenient access to the insights, market intelligence and strategic discussions planned for the live event.

Expert speakers and moderators confirmed to participate in these webinars include:
– Edmond Cibamba Diata, Lawyer, Elite Law Firm, DRC 
– Shantha Bloemen, CEO, Mobility for Africa, Zimbabwe 
– Bryan Mav, Sales Team Manager & Brand Manager, Moderne Construction, DRC 
– Ghislain Kabumba Baderha, Doctoral Researcher, UOB, DRC  
– Jem Kishabaga, Managing Director, Renewable Energy, DRC  
– Prof. Hercule Kalele Mulonda, Technical Director, CCB and Representative of CAEB, DRC 
– Marc Nyunzi Mutambala, Capital Markets Manager, FSD Africa, Kenya 

The first four editions of the digital webinar series will focus on the following:

Webinar 1: 26 August 2026, 10h30–12h00

UNLOCKING THE DRC’S INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL:  The A-to-Z masterclass strategy  

The DRC masterclass examines how the nation can harness its mineral wealth for sustainable growth and industrialization. Experts will discuss policies to move beyond raw exports, enforce security and strengthen ESG standards. Priorities include local beneficiation, human capital development and tailored financing to balance global markets. By defining collaborative actions and investment pathways, the session seeks to accelerate value addition, enhance competitiveness and position the DRC as a responsible global leader in the minerals value chain.

Webinar 2: 23 September 2026, 10h30–12h00  

FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE & INDUSTRIALISATION DEVELOPMENT

The panel on infrastructure and industrialisation highlights the DRC’s need to move beyond raw material extraction by focusing on local transformation. Building resilient industries will drive job creation and strengthen the economy. Experts will examine how transport, energy and logistics projects accelerate industrialisation, with case studies such as ports, railways and cross‑border initiatives. By prioritising strategic development and leveraging mineral revenues, the DRC can unlock sustainable growth and position itself as a competitive hub within the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Webinar 3: 21 October 2026, 10h30–12h00  

NEW TECHNOLOGIES DRIVING THE GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION

This session explores how technology and ESG‑aligned investment can transform the DRC’s critical minerals sector. With global demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel and copper rising, responsible sourcing and compliance are essential to build investor confidence. Discussions will focus on local processing, advanced metallurgical methods, renewable energy and automation to accelerate industrialisation. By shifting from raw exports to in‑country beneficiation, the DRC can strengthen sustainability, unlock long‑term value and position itself as a competitive player in the global energy transition.

Webinar 4: 18 November 2026, 10h30–12h00  

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: BUILDING A STRONGER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE CRITICAL MINERALS VALUE CHAIN

This discussion explores how strategic partnerships can strengthen the DRC’s critical minerals value chain. By fostering collaboration between governments, regional integration systems and investors, the focus is on building resilience and supporting sustainable growth. Key themes include industrialisation through global partnerships, prioritising sectors for development and aligning with international partners. With effective models of cooperation, the DRC can unlock socio‑economic benefits, enhance competitiveness and establish a stronger foundation for a sustainable and inclusive minerals sector.

DRC’s transition
DCMI unites government, industry and investors to accelerate the country’s transition from raw‑material extraction to high‑value manufacturing, underscoring the nation’s opportunity to convert mineral wealth into infrastructure, jobs and sustainable economic growth.

The DRC’s Ministries of Mines and of Industry and Federation of Enterprises of Congo (FEC) are official partners of the event.

– on behalf of VUKA Group.

Webinar registration:
 https://streamyard.com/watch/Jxa2FZ2JxtBh

Media enquiries:
Gloria Mariane
Email: gloria.mariane@wearevuka.com

Social Media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4i4BpIW
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4chTe3A
Linkedin: DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4zlCNNQ)
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4bLcQwO

About VUKA Group:
The DRC Critical Minerals & Industrialisation Forum and DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum are organised by VUKA Group (https://WeAreVUKA.com) (formerly Clarion Events Africa), a leading Cape Town-based and multi-award-winning organiser of exhibitions, conferences and digital events across the continent in the infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, green economy and retail sectors. Other well-known events by VUKA Group include DRC Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4zy4S4D), Nigeria Mining Week (https://apo-opa.co/4zk6rmA), Enlit Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4g7AzZh), Africa’s Green Economy Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4bMQ5bW), Carbon Markets Africa Forum (https://CarbonMarketsAfrica.com/), Smarter Mobility Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4i65Dvc), ECOM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4wXcZpl) and CEM Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4x7GYer).

Mining Review Africa (https://MiningReview.com), the leading monthly magazine and digital platform in the African mining industry, is the event’s premium media partner.

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Municipalities in the Eastern Cape experience cold weather conditions

Source: Government of South Africa

Municipalities in the Eastern Cape experience cold weather conditions

Municipalities in the Eastern Cape are expected to experience cloudy conditions in places over the interior, with morning fog. 

Otherwise, conditions will be fine and cool to cold, becoming very cold along the Drakensberg and adjacent areas.

The municipalities include Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele Local Municipalities. 

“The wind along the coast will be light to moderate north-easterly, freshening from the south in the afternoon,” SAWS said.

The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds, which could cause localised damage to temporary structures and reduce visibility due to dust storms. 

These conditions are expected over the northern parts of the West Coast District and the Witzenberg Local Municipality in the Western Cape, as well as the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape.

“Evening fog along the coast, otherwise fine and cool to warm in the west, otherwise partly cloudy, windy and cool to cold in the east of the Northern Cape,” SAWS said.

Winds along the coast will be moderate to fresh easterly to north-easterly, becoming light to moderate north-westerly from the afternoon.

SAWS further warned that extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Nama-Khoi and Hantam Local Municipalities in the Northern Cape, as well as the Matzikama and Cederberg Local Municipalities in the Western Cape.

Meanwhile, the weather outlook for Friday and Saturday indicates fine, cold conditions across the central parts of the country. 

On Friday, partly cloudy and cool conditions are expected elsewhere, with isolated showers along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. –SAnews.gov.za

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Mineral Resources Department assessing illegal miners’ deaths

Source: Government of South Africa

Mineral Resources Department assessing illegal miners’ deaths

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) says it is assessing and reviewing all relevant information related to an incident involving the deaths of illegal miners at Rustenburg, in the North West.

According to police, some 14 people died when the walls of an excavated area they were digging in caved in. Scores others have been injured while rescue operations continue.

“The department is currently reviewing all relevant information relating to the incident and will, at an appropriate time, provide further details, including matters related to compliance with applicable laws governing licenses and permits.

“The DMPR continues to work with law enforcement agencies, mining rights holders and affected communities to strengthen prevention and enforcement efforts against illegal mining,” a departmental statement read.

The department further extended its condolences to the families and friends of those who died in the incident.

“The loss of life is deeply regrettable, and the DMPR recognises the serious impact such events have on affected communities.

“The DMPR confirms that the incident occurred within the boundaries of an area where a valid mining permit has been issued. The department further confirms that the site is a surface opencast mining operation and does not include an underground mine shaft,” the statement continued.

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane announced on Wednesday that additional specialised capacity will be sent to the area to support the ongoing rescue, recovery and investigative operations.

“The deployment of additional specialised capacity is intended to strengthen the North West Province and ensure that every aspect of this operation is approached with the necessary professionalism, expertise and sensitivity.

“Our responsibility is not only to establish what happened, but to do so through a thorough, lawful and evidence-driven process. We owe this to the deceased, their families and the broader community. At the same time, we must ensure that the integrity of the investigation is protected.

“We therefore appeal to the public and social media to refrain from speculation and allow the investigators to follow the evidence. Where criminality is established, those responsible will be brought to justice,” Dimpane stated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Justice Minister refers courts digitisation project to SIU, Hawks

Source: Government of South Africa

Justice Minister refers courts digitisation project to SIU, Hawks

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has referred the Digitisation Project at courts around the country to the Special Investigating Unit (SUI) and the Hawks for investigation.

The project was rolled out five years ago to offices in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, including High Courts, Magistrates’ Courts, Labour Courts and Masters’ Offices to provide off-site records storage and digitisation.

According to the department, during an unannounced visit to the Master of the High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday, the Minister was informed that services had been disrupted due to “denial of access to the records by the service provider”.

“Instead of making it more efficient and faster to render services, the digitisation project is now at the centre of service disruption and service delay. 

“What is more concerning to the Minister is getting feedback that State records are in the hands of a private company that has the power to refuse the department access to such records.

“In response to the serious findings emerging from the inspection, Minister Kubayi has referred the matter to the SIU and the Hawks for investigation,” the department explained.

Kubayi has asked law enforcement agencies to look at, among other things, the following:

  • The nature of the contract that gave a service provider unfettered access to records that must be in the hands of the department and the right for such a private company sole possession of such records.
  • Any violations of government policies and legislation when implementing the digitisation project.
  • Value for money of the contracts versus the service delivered.
  • Whether any official of the department has been negligent, leading to the collapse of the delivery of critical services to the public.

“The disruption of services at an office that provides critical support to members of the public is a matter of grave concern. I expect a thorough account of what transpired with the digitisation project.

“Any evidence of misconduct, negligence, corruption or deliberate actions that undermine service delivery and public confidence in the justice system will be dealt with decisively. Those responsible must be held accountable and face the full consequences of the law,” Kubayi warned. – SAnews.gov.za

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Nedbank and Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Partner to Launch Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme in South Africa

Source: APO

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) has partnered with Nedbank to launch a new programme – Women Enterprise Growth and Export. This new initiative builds on Nedbank and AWIEF’s long-term relationship and partnership since 2018, implementing the AWIEF Growth Accelerator and investment readiness programme in South Africa.

The Nedbank – AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export is a 12-month business and enterprise supplier development programme for established South African Exempted Micro Enterprises (EME) or Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE) that are at least 51% owned by black women.

The programme is intended for product-based businesses and is designed to help participants strengthen their operations, improve their finance, market and export readiness, and access larger domestic, regional, African, and international markets.

It forms part of a three-year partnership between Nedbank and AWIEF that will support 75 women-owned SMMEs, with 25 businesses selected for each annual cohort.

The programme targets growth-stage businesses that are already operating, generating revenue, and looking to scale and expand. Participating businesses should have the potential to strengthen their systems, increase production, fulfilment or distribution capacity, supply larger buyers, enter new markets, and progress towards regional or international expansion.

It will support 75 women-owned SMMEs over three years, with 25 businesses selected for each annual cohort.

The official and in-person launch of the programme will take place at the AWIEF2026 Conference and Exhibition on 10 – 11 November 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town.

Call for Applications for 2026 Cohort of 25 Businesses

Applications are invited from qualifying businesses for the 2026 Cohort of 25 participants.

Eligibility & Who Can Apply

To qualify for the Nedbank – AWIEF Women Enterprise Growth and Export Programme, businesses must meet the following requirements:

  • Be legally registered and operating in South Africa 
  • Be at least 51% owned by black women, as defined under the B-BBEE Act
  • Qualify as an Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) or Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) under the B-BBEE code applicable to their main business activities
  • Be post-revenue, currently trading, and serving paying customers
  • Looking to expand their market access nationally, regionally, intra-Africa, and internationally
  • Be product-based and produce, manufacture, process, assemble, package, formulate, or distribute physical products
  • Operate in one of the priority sectors
  • Founder commits to a 12-month programme

Priority Sectors

The programme is open to businesses in the following sectors:

  • Agriculture and Agro-processing
  • Manufacturing
  • Building and Construction
  • Green Economy and Renewable Energy
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Cleaning and Hygiene
  • Textile, Apparel and Accessories
  • Beauty, Wellness, and Personal Care
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Design and Craft
  • Circular Economy

Programme Timeline

7 September 2026
Applications Close

September – October 2026
Application screening and selection of 25 participating businesses

10 – 11 November 2026
Official Programme Launch and in-person 2-day bootcamp at AWIEF2026 Conference and Exhibition, CTICC, Cape Town

November 2026 – October 2027
Programme Implementation

Programme Benefits

Selected businesses will receive 12 months of tailored, practical support to strengthen their operations and products, prepare for larger markets and pursue sustainable growth.

  • Business growth support
  • Individual diagnostic and development plan
  • Coaching and technical mentoring
  • Product, supplier and retail readiness
  • Market access support
  • Finance and investment readiness
  • Export readiness support
  • Regional trade and partnership opportunities – support to explore AfCFTA-related opportunities, including B2B contracts, joint ventures, and co-production arrangements
  • Networking and buyer linkages – opportunities to connect with mentors, buyers, institutions, finance providers, and other women entrepreneurs.
  • AWIEF2026 Conference participation – free access to the AWIEF2026 Conference in Cape Town, including selected programme-related travel and accommodation support.
  • Ongoing progress tracking – regular reviews to monitor implementation, business growth, job creation, market access, and progress against the Individual Development Plan.

Application Submission

Applications are submitted online until 7 September 2026, 11:59 SAST, only through this official link: https://apo-opa.co/4woMRTe

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

Enquiries:
​For more information on the programme, please email: info@awieforum.org

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In Bafatá, Guinea-Bissau, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Invests in the Health of Women and Children

Source: APO – Report:

A new chapter is opening for the women and children of the Bafatá region. The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Saturday, 8 August, conducted the technical handover and symbolic presentation of the keys to the new Maternity and Paediatric Complex of the Bafatá Regional Hospital, a major health facility financed under the Regional Fund for Stabilisation and Development (FRSD).

This facility, with a total investment of US$638,538.05, reflects ECOWAS’ determination to translate its commitment to regional development into concrete achievements that directly benefit the people.

A facility responding to an essential need

In a region where access to quality maternal and child health services remains a major challenge, the new facility will strengthen the capacity of the Bafatá Regional Hospital and improve the conditions for the care of pregnant women, mothers, newborns and children.

The complex comprises dedicated spaces for maternity and paediatric services, as well as equipment intended to enhance the quality of patient reception and care.

Key project figures:

  • US$638,538.05: total investment amount;
  • 1 Maternity and Paediatric Complex established within the Bafatá Regional Hospital;
  • 66 beds of capacity, with several functional units;
  • Works carried out by Kozan Limited Company and Baga-Baga Construções SARL, in consortium;
  • Works supervised by the competent authorities of Guinea-Bissau and the ECOWAS FRSD Team.

An investment in the dignity and future of our people

Speaking at the ceremony, Her Excellency Mrs. Damtien Larbli TCHINTCHIBIDJA, Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the importance of this investment for Guinea-Bissau and the Bafatá region:

“In officially handing over the Maternity and Paediatric Complex of the Bafatá Regional Hospital to the Authorities of Guinea-Bissau today, 8 August 2026, our ambition remains unchanged: to build a region where every woman can give birth safely, where every child can grow up healthy, and where every community benefits from the dividends of peace and development. This vision will continue to guide the interventions of the Regional Fund for Stabilisation and Development,” she said.

The ceremony was also marked by the presence and interventions of:

  • the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau, His Excellency Mamadu Mudjetaba DJALO;
  • the Governor of the Bafatá Region, His Excellency Mustafa Soares Cassam;
  • the Director-General for Regional Integration and Head of the ECOWAS Cell in Guinea-Bissau and Representative of the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Urban Planning, Mrs. Cristina da Silva Pedreira;
  • the Director-General of Health Establishments and Representative of the Minister of Health, Mr. Evandro Ismael Carlos Pereira, who repeatedly expressed their appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission for this valuable facility provided to the community of the Bafatá region and its surrounding areas.

These interventions also highlighted the importance of cooperation between Guinea-Bissau and ECOWAS in addressing national development priorities and essential social services.

A symbolic ceremony and a gradual commissioning The symbolic handover of the keys was one of the highlights of the ceremony, marking the transfer of the facility to the national authorities.

Following the official ceremony, the authorities and partners attended a presentation on the construction of the complex, before taking part in a guided tour of the new Maternity and Paediatric facilities.

This sequence enabled participants to appreciate first-hand the scale of the investment and the conditions under which future beneficiaries will be received.

A particularly significant expected impact for women and children

For the women of Bafatá and surrounding communities, this new facility represents more than an additional building within the regional hospital.

It is expected to help bring maternal health services closer to the population, improve the conditions for receiving pregnant women and young mothers, and provide a more suitable environment for the care of newborns and children.

For children, the strengthening of paediatric services is also expected to contribute to improving the conditions for consultations, treatment and follow-up, while enhancing the capacity of the regional facility to respond to the health needs of the population.

By investing in maternal and child health, ECOWAS is therefore investing in the lives, dignity and future of communities.

The FRSD: investments that bring ECOWAS closer to the people

The construction of the Bafatá complex forms part of the broader interventions of the Regional Fund for Stabilisation and Development, established with the support of the German Government through the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Through the FRSD, ECOWAS supports investments aimed at creating sustainable economic and social opportunities and strengthening the resilience of populations in fragile regions of its Member States.

In Guinea-Bissau, the Fund’s interventions reflect this approach, which seeks to address the priority needs of communities.

Following the ceremony for the Maternity and Paediatric Complex, the ECOWAS delegation, accompanied by all its partners, also visited other interventions implemented in the region, namely the automatic brickmaking facility financed for a youth association in support of youth job creation, and the automatic rice winnowing facility for a women’s farming group, both financed under the ECOWAS “QUICK IMPACT” project.

The 8 August ceremony thus gives concrete expression to ECOWAS’ commitment: to make regional integration a driver of human development and improve, on a daily basis, the lives of the people of the Community.

A maternity facility for mothers. A paediatric facility for children. An investment for an entire region.

In Bafatá, ECOWAS thus seeks to leave a lasting legacy: that of regional cooperation translated into infrastructure, essential services and, above all, better prospects for present and future generations.

– on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

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Seychelles Delegation Highlights Economic Resilience, Food and Maritime Security Amid the Current Geopolitical Conjuncture at Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers in Durban

Source: APO – Report:

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The Seychelles delegation, led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Ambassador Barry Faure, participated in the Council of Ministers meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held in Durban, Republic of South Africa, ahead of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Addressing the Council on the impact of ongoing global geopolitical developments, the Minister outlined Seychelles’ response to shield its economy and citizens from the shocks stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.

The Minister drew attention to Seychelles’ particular exposure as an import-reliant country and cautioned that forecast El Niño conditions could compound pressures pertaining to food security. To face these challenges, the Minister called for the region to strengthen collective preparedness and to pursue more ambitious intra-SADC trade, highlighting the need for increased connectivity and the complementary strengths of continental Member States and island States.

As the current geopolitical events modify global shipping routes, Minister Faure reminded the Council that, while it may represent an opportunity for the region, SADC Member States have the responsibility to increase their efforts towards preserving maritime security.

During the opening of the meeting, the Outgoing Chairperson of the Council, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, handed over the SADC Council of Ministers Chairpersonship to Honourable Mr Ronald Lamola, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The new Chair headed the Council as it examined a host of almost 80 Decisions that had been prepared by the Meeting of Senior Officials.

The Council of Ministers is one of the preceding meetings of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, to which the President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, will be of attendance

The Minister was accompanied by Mrs. Veronique Morel, Acting Head of Mission at the Seychelles High Commission in South Africa, Ms. Elia Savy, Third Secretary, and Ms. Deerah Dufrene, Protocol officer.

– on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.