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G20’s ability to respond to multilateral tests critical

Source: Government of South Africa

The G20 countries’ ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development.

This is according to National Treasury Director-General, Dr Duncan Pieterse, who delivered remarks at the opening session of the G20 Finance Track meetings being held in KwaZulu-Natal this week.

“The multilateral system is being tested, and our collective ability to respond, will shape the pace of our recovery, but also the prospects for inclusive and sustainable development. 

“As the G20, we have the responsibility to demonstrate leadership, and our Presidency places a very strong emphasis on strengthening the role of the G20 in delivering concrete solutions, fostering a more stable and effective and resilient international financial architecture, enhancing debt sustainability, addressing liquidity challenges, as well as strengthening multilateral development banks, and ensuring financing for development,” Pieterse said.

He added that the meetings take place at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty.

“While there are signs of resilience in some areas, various challenges remain: uneven growth trajectories, elevated debt levels, persistent inflationary pressures, and the complex implications of tightening financial conditions. 

“At the same time, various long-term transitions including digitalisation, climate finance and demographic shifts are reshaping the foundations of our economies,” the DG noted.

Finance track meetings

Pieterse explained that this week, sessions have been dedicated in line with “our commitment to deepen policy dialogue at the Deputies level”.

“These discussions are instrumental in shaping the outcomes of the Finance Track, and reaffirming our commitment as the Presidency to Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” he said.

On Monday, the sessions kicked off with an update from the Council of Europe Development Bank on its monitoring and reporting framework.

“[This framework] is a critical tool for tackling the implementation of the G20 MDB roadmap as it enables MDBs to assess how they are working better as a system, enhancing their effectiveness and maximising developmental impact.

“This will be followed by a pandemic response financing simulation exercise that will be facilitated by the World Bank and the objective of this exercise is to simulate a coordinated pandemic response financing scenario, enabling participants to explore practical mechanisms for mobilising and deploying resources rapidly and effectively during a global health emergency,” he said.

On Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank will give updates on the global sovereign debt roundtable.

“This discussion is geared towards promoting information exchange between the GSDR and the G20 to enhance the effectiveness of both platforms while respecting the distinct roles. 

“Significant progress has been made on the GSDR work, including the publication of the GSDR playbook on sovereign debt restructurings during the Spring Meetings in April, and another important milestone that was achieved was the publication of a G20 note on the steps of debt restructuring under the common framework,” Pieterse explained.

On the same day, the Chairperson of the Africa Expert Panel, led by former Minister of Finance for South Africa, Trevor Manuel, will give an update on the work of the panel. 

“[This] section will provide Deputies with an overview of the work of the Panel, which…aims to advance Africa’s collective development interest within the G20 Finance Track. We will be getting an update from Minister Manuel on this so that we can ensure that we align African priorities with the global economic reform efforts that we are discussing in the G20,” he said.

Over the next two days, the delegates will have sessions dedicated to the drafting of a communique.

“We really want to thank the G20 members for very constructive inputs and engagements thus far, which started last week virtually, and we believe that those engagements have set a very strong foundation for our discussions over the next two days.

“We are very pleased with the collaborative spirit shown during the virtual discussions, and we believe that we are able to achieve agreement in most of the areas which will enable us to provide the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors with an opportunity to achieve the first Communique under South Africa’s Presidency,” Pieterse concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Na República Democrática do Congo, o Projeto de Emergência para a Produção Alimentar (PURPA) semeia resiliência e colhe esperança

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

Ao amanhecer, os campos estendem-se até onde a vista alcança, banhados pela luz suave do sol nascente. Nas províncias de Kwilu, Kasaï e Tshopo, na República Democrática do Congo, as comunidades rurais reclamam a posse das suas terras com uma energia renovada. Aqui, cada sulco traçado na terra conta uma história de resiliência e esperança.

Durante muito tempo, estas terras férteis permaneceram presas num ciclo vicioso: sementes de má qualidade, acesso limitado a fertilizantes, técnicas agrícolas arcaicas, baixos rendimentos e rendimentos precários. A agricultura de subsistência, que é uma tradição, condena as famílias a sobreviver dia a dia, vulneráveis aos choques climáticos e às crises alimentares.

Mas tudo mudou desde a implementação do Projeto de Emergência para a Produção Alimentar (PURPA) (https://apo-opa.co/4kHUbDR), no âmbito da Mecanismo Africano de Produção Alimentar de Emergência (https://apo-opa.co/44ta4cl) do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org). O seu objetivo: restabelecer, em tempo recorde, a produção alimentar nas zonas rurais mais vulneráveis.

No centro do projeto, a distribuição em massa de sementes e insumos agrícolas marcou um ponto de viragem decisivo:

· Mais de 325 toneladas de arroz, 388 toneladas de milho e 1,4 milhões de metros lineares de mudas de mandioca distribuídos, superando em muito as previsões iniciais.

  • 49.749 famílias agrícolas foram beneficiadas, a maioria delas mulheres, que muitas vezes são as principais responsáveis trazer comida para casa.

Nas aldeias, os testemunhos refletem a esperança recuperada. Pela primeira vez, os campos voltam à vida. As sementeiras foram feitas e a colheita promete ser boa, o suficiente para sustentar as famílias e vender o excedente no mercado, segundo os aldeões. 

Além das distribuições, a PURPA reforçou as capacidades das estações de investigação agrícola, como a de Kiyaka, em Kwilu, no centro do país, permitindo a produção local de sementes melhoradas de milho e arroz. Foram produzidas mais de 100 toneladas de sementes de milho, 33 toneladas de arroz e 2,55 milhões de mudas de mandioca. A distribuição de 334 toneladas de fertilizantes também contribuiu para garantir sementes adequadas e acessíveis para as próximas estações.

Foram igualmente lançadas formações específicas. O projeto financiou a formação de 300 quadros e agentes da administração, 30% dos quais mulheres, sobre a ligação entre o campo, a escola e o campesinato, a produção de sementes e os itinerários técnicos. Estas iniciativas permitem não só melhorar os rendimentos, mas também reforçar as capacidades das mulheres e das cooperativas agrícolas.

Nos próximos meses, está prevista a última onda de distribuição de fertilizantes e sementes produzidos pelos centros de investigação. Os impactos esperados são muitos: um aumento dos rendimentos agrícolas, graças à venda dos excedentes; a criação de novas oportunidades económicas, especialmente para mulheres e jovens; uma melhoria significativa da segurança alimentar, com a redução dos períodos de escassez; o desenvolvimento de uma agricultura mais autónoma e menos dependente da ajuda externa.

Em várias províncias, as autoridades locais observam mesmo uma diminuição do êxodo rural. Os jovens regressam às aldeias para participar na nova dinâmica agrícola, atraídos por perspetivas mais promissoras.

Para estas comunidades, o Projeto de Emergência para a Produção Alimentar não é apenas uma resposta à crise alimentar mundial. É uma verdadeira “escola de resiliência” coletiva, onde a solidariedade, o conhecimento local e as inovações agrícolas se entrelaçam.

Agora, a agricultura não se limita apenas a garantir a sobrevivência. Ela torna-se um meio de desenvolvimento, investimento e legado, nos campos recentemente semeados. O caminho ainda é longo, mas a transformação está em curso. Nestas terras rurais outrora frágeis, instala-se uma convicção: a mudança, agora, vem daqui.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Sobre o Grupo do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org/pt

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En République démocratique du Congo, le Projet d’urgence de production alimentaire (PURPA) sème la résilience et récolte l’espoir

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Au petit matin, les champs s’étendent à perte de vue, baignés par la lumière douce du soleil naissant. Dans les provinces du Kwilu, du Kasaï et de la Tshopo, de la République démocratique du Congo, les communautés rurales reprennent possession de leurs terres avec une énergie nouvelle. Ici, chaque sillon tracé dans la terre raconte une histoire de résilience et d’espoir.

Pendant longtemps, ces terres nourricières sont restées prisonnières d’un cercle vicieux : semences de mauvaise qualité, accès limité aux engrais, techniques agricoles arriérées, rendements faibles et revenus précaires. L’agriculture de subsistance qui est de tradition, condamne les familles à survivre au jour le jour, vulnérables aux chocs climatiques et aux crises alimentaires.

Mais tout a changé depuis le déploiement du Projet d’urgence de production alimentaire (PURPA) (https://apo-opa.co/4kHUbDR), mis en œuvre dans le cadre de la Facilité africaine de production alimentaire d’urgence (https://apo-opa.co/40hyseF) de la Banque africaine de développement (www.AfDB.org). Son objectif : remettre sur pied, en un temps record, la production vivrière dans les zones rurales les plus vulnérables.

Au cœur du projet, les distributions massives de semences et d’intrants agricoles ont marqué un tournant décisif :

  • Plus de 325 tonnes de riz, 388 tonnes de maïs et 1,4 million de mètres linéaires de La boutures de manioc distribuées, dépassant largement les prévisions initiales.
  • 49 749 ménages agricoles touchés, dont une majorité de femmes, souvent en première ligne pour nourrir leurs foyers.

Dans les villages, les témoignages reflètent l’espoir retrouvé. Pour la première fois, les champs reprennent vie. Les semis ont été effectués et la récolte s’annonce prometteuse, de quoi subvenir aux besoins familiaux et écouler le surplus sur le marché, ont confié les villageois.

Au-delà des distributions, PURPA a renforcé les capacités des stations de recherche agricole comme celle de Kiyaka, dans le Kwilu, au Centre du pays, permettant de produire localement des semences améliorées de maïs et de riz. Plus de 100 tonnes de semences de maïs, 33 tonnes de riz et 2,550 millions des boutures de manioc ont ainsi été produites. La distribution de 334 tonnes d’engrais a également contribué à garantir des semences adaptées et accessibles pour les saisons futures.

Des formations ciblées ont également été lancées. Le projet a financé la formation de 300 cadres et d’agents de l’administration dont 30% de femmes sur l’approche Champ École Paysan, la production des semences et les itinéraires techniques (nbr. Ces initiatives permettent non seulement d’améliorer les rendements, mais aussi de renforcer les capacités des femmes et des coopératives agricoles.

Dans les prochains mois, il est prévu la dernière vague de distribution des engrais et des semences produites par les centres de recherche. Les impacts attendus sont nombreux, une hausse des revenus agricoles, grâce à la vente des excédents ; la création de nouvelles opportunités économiques, notamment pour les femmes et les jeunes ; une amélioration sensible de la sécurité alimentaire, avec la réduction des périodes de soudure ; le développement d’une agriculture plus autonome, moins dépendante des aides extérieures.

Dans plusieurs provinces, les autorités locales observent même une diminution de l’exode rural. Des jeunes reviennent vers les villages pour participer à la nouvelle dynamique agricole, attirés par des perspectives plus prometteuses.

Pour ces communautés, le projet PURPA n’est pas seulement une réponse à la crise alimentaire mondiale. C’est une véritable « école de résilience » collective, où la solidarité, le savoir-faire local et les innovations agricoles s’entremêlent.

Désormais, l’agriculture ne se limite plus à assurer la survie. Elle devient un moyen de développement, d’investissement et d’héritage, dans ces champs récemment ensemencés. Le chemin reste long, mais la transformation est en marche. Dans ces terres rurales autrefois fragiles, une conviction s’installe : le changement, désormais, vient d’ici.

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

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Turning the Tide: Democratic Republic of Congo’s Emergency Food Production Project Sows Resilience, Plants Hope

Source: APO – Report:

In the early morning, the fields stretch as far as the eye can see, bathed in the soft light of the rising sun. In Kwilu, Kasai, and Tshopo provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rural communities are reclaiming their land with renewed energy. Here, every furrow in the earth tells a story of resilience and hope.

These fertile lands have long been trapped in a vicious circle of poor-quality seed, limited access to fertilizers, outdated farming techniques, low yields, and unstable incomes. A tradition of subsistence farming has confined families to day-to-day survival, leaving them vulnerable to climate shocks and food crises.

That has changed thanks to the deployment of the Emergency Food Production Project (https://apo-opa.co/3TDmJmU) (PURPA in the French acronym), which is being implemented by the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) as part of the African Emergency Food Production Facility (https://apo-opa.co/4kAFbr2). The project aims to restore food production in the most vulnerable rural areas of the DRC as rapidly as possible.

Large-scale distribution of seeds and other agricultural inputs lies at the heart of the project and has delivered a decisive impact:

  • More than 325 tonnes of rice, 388 tonnes of maize and 1.4 million linear metres of cassava cuttings have been distributed, far exceeding initial forecasts.
  • 49,749 farming households have been reached, primarily women, who are often on the front line in the battle to feed their families.

Villagers in the communities covered by the project are enthusiastic, reflecting a rebirth of hope as the fields come back to life. The seed is in the ground and local people believe the harvest should be sufficient to meet their families’ needs while leaving a surplus for sale on the market.

Beyond the distributions, PURPA has strengthened the capacities of agricultural research stations such as the one at Kiyaka in Kwilu province in the centre of the country, enabling local production of improved maize and rice seeds. Over 100 tonnes of maize seed, 33 tonnes of rice and 2.55 million cassava cuttings have been produced. The distribution of 334 tonnes of fertilizer also offers a guarantee of suitable and affordable seeds for future seasons.

Targeted training programmes have also been launched. The Project financed the training of 300 managers and administrative staff, 30% of whom were women, using the “farmers’ field-school” approach with a focus on seed production and technical itineraries. These initiatives not only improve yields but also strengthen the capacities of women and agricultural cooperatives.

A final push to distribute fertilizer and seed produced by the research centres is scheduled for the coming months. Multiple outcomes are expected: increased farm incomes through the sale of surpluses; the creation of new economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people; significant improvement in food security with a reduction of lean periods; and the development of more autonomous agriculture that is less dependent on external aid.

Local authorities in several provinces are also observing a reduction in rural exodus as young people return to their towns to participate in this new-style agriculture, attracted by more promising prospects.

For these communities, the Emergency Food Production Project is not just a response to the global food crisis. It is a veritable “school of resilience” where solidarity, local know-how and agricultural innovation support and encourage each other.

In these regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, farming is no longer just about survival. In these newly seeded fields, it has become a means of development, investment, and heritage. Much remains to be done, but the transformation is underway. In these once fragile rural lands, a conviction is taking root: change, from now on, comes from here.

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

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Environment Deputy Minister urges G20 leaders to prioritise climate action

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has urgently called for global leaders to address climate action and provide the necessary support for mitigation and adaptation.

Singh was speaking during the second Group of 20 (G20) Environment and Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, on Monday. 

“I wish to reiterate what was said during the first G20 ECSWG meeting in March this year: we are less than five years away from our deadline to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the end of this critical decade for climate action. 

“Yet, we are still far from attaining these goals and action targets,” he said. 

According to the Deputy Minister, poverty levels are worsening, pollution from hazardous chemicals has been increasing, and greenhouse gas emissions reached record highs last year.  

“This calls for an urgent acceleration of our efforts. Our commitment to achieve these goals must not waver, as we are all negatively affected. That is why South Africa has placed solidarity, equality and sustainability at the centre of our G20 Presidency.” 

South Africa’s G20 Presidency has outlined an ambitious agenda for this Working Group following the successful convening of the inaugural virtual meeting earlier this year. 

Singh said the five interrelated priorities have now been expanded into six, with the splitting of the climate change and air quality priorities into separate areas of focus. 

“This will provide us with an opportunity to delve into these two key issues more deeply and systematically.” 

During this five-day meeting, delegates from G20 member nations will focus on several key priorities. 

These include biodiversity and conservation; land degradation, desertification, drought; chemicals and waste management; air quality; oceans and coasts; and climate change, with a particular emphasis on Just Transitions.

According to Singh, Just Transition encompasses energy transition, adaptation, resilience, loss and damage.

“This priority also includes a sub-priority on mitigation within the context of low-carbon economic development and other co-benefits beyond the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.” 

Singh stated that the G20 process offers a chance to discuss and agree on actions that can expedite climate action and support at the necessary scale, as highlighted in the results of the first global stocktake.

As a primary outcome of South Africa’s G20 Presidency this year, the country will explore ways that the G20 can leverage opportunities to increase the scale and flows of climate finance. 

“It is paramount for developing economy countries to be actively supported in their efforts to achieve ‘whole of society and whole of economy’ Just Transitions to sustainable development on the ground, through scaled access to low-cost finance, technology, capacity development, and skills transfer,” the Deputy Minister said.

Singh believes that the blue economy approach can make a significant contribution to the livelihood of coastal communities around the globe, as well as addressing climate change. 

“It’s sustainable, long-term development should be promoted and enhanced through collective action at the level of the G20. 

“It is also recognised that plastic pollution poses a significant threat to coastal and marine environments, affecting marine life, human health, and livelihoods, which needs to be addressed in an integrated and coordinated manner.” 

Singh announced that the final meetings of the Working Group and Ministerial sessions will be held from 13-15 October in Cape Town. 

During these meetings, the final versions of the technical papers and the draft of the Ministerial Declaration will be discussed.

This will be followed by the G20 ECSWG Ministerial meeting scheduled for 16 – 17 October in Cape Town, where the Ministerial Declaration and other deliverables of the Working Group will be presented. – SAnews.gov.za

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Un projet de la Banque africaine de développement améliore l’accès à l’eau dans une ville du Malawi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

Dans la région septentrionale du Malawi, au cœur d’un paysage de collines verdoyantes, le vent du progrès souffle sur le tout nouveau collège technique de Rumphi. Avec ses bâtiments modernes, ses nouveaux équipements et son optimisme, l’établissement est rapidement devenu un symbole d’opportunités. En seulement quatre ans, les effectifs sont passés d’un petit groupe d’étudiants à une communauté dynamique de 534 jeunes hommes et femmes, soutenus par 45 membres du personnel.

 Ces étudiants débordent d’ambition et espèrent que leurs compétences techniques leur ouvriront la voie vers un avenir meilleur. Mais derrière ce progrès se cache un défi quotidien qui touche tous les étudiants du campus : le manque d’eau potable et fiable.

« Parfois, nous n’avons d’autre choix que d’envoyer les étudiants chercher de l’eau dans des sources non protégées, y compris dans un forage d’eau salé laissé par l’entrepreneur », soupire le directeur de l’établissement, Akuzike Nkhoma, dont le visage porte une expression soucieuse. « Ce n’est ni sûr ni durable. »

Les étudiants partagent les mêmes inquiétudes. Ils évoquent les longues marches matinales vers des points d’eau éloignés, un temps qu’ils pourraient consacrer à leurs cours. Il y a quelques mois à peine, une centaine d’étudiants ont été transportés à l’hôpital du district de Rumphi après une alerte au choléra sur le campus. Les robinets étaient à sec et les étudiants s’étaient tournés vers des sources non protégées, mettant gravement en danger leur santé.

Le problème de l’eau au collège reflète une question plus vaste qui touche toute la communauté de Rumphi, comme l’ont révélé les actions de mobilisation menées par le conseil d’administration pour préparer la population à la mise en œuvre prochaine du projet. Pour de nombreux foyers, notamment ceux des zones d’altitude, l’accès à l’eau est aléatoire, limité par la capacité d’un petit réservoir de 200 000 litres qui a, depuis longtemps, dépassé sa capacité à répondre aux besoins de la ville.

Francis Munthali, directeur général du Northern Region Water Board (NRWB), reconnaît que la croissance de Rumphi a soumis à rude épreuve le système d’approvisionnement en eau vieillissant : « À l’époque, ce réservoir suffisait parce qu’il n’y avait pas autant de monde. Mais aujourd’hui, avec l’augmentation du nombre de foyers, d’écoles et l’expansion de la ville, il ne peut tout simplement plus répondre à la demande. »

« Par exemple, pour assurer l’approvisionnement du collège, nous devons rationner l’eau en ville, où se trouvent l’hôpital principal et plusieurs établissements nécessitant de l’eau. Il devient évident que nous sommes confrontés à une véritable crise », souligne M. Munthali.

L’infrastructure d’approvisionnement en eau, gérée par le NRWB, a atteint ses limites. La dernière modernisation du réseau d’approvisionnement en eau de Rumphi remonte à 2003, conçue pour répondre à la demande de 2010, estimée à 1,5 million de litres par jour. Aujourd’hui, la demande a dépassé le seuil de dix millions de litres par jour, soit une multiplication par plus de dix. Malgré cela, aucun travail de réhabilitation majeur n’a été réalisé depuis 2004, et le système vieillissant ne peut desservir que 23 % de la population de la ville. L’eau n’est disponible aux habitants que pendant quelques heures.

Sans surprise, la frustration se fait sentir sur les forums de consommateurs de Rumphi. Dora Mkandawire, une habitante, souligne les conséquences néfastes des problèmes persistants d’eau pour les femmes.

« Nous sommes les plus durement touchées, car notre société est structurée de telle manière que nous, les femmes, allons chercher l’eau. Ces interruptions persistantes nous privent d’un temps précieux et affectent notre productivité », déplore Mme Mkandawire.

Le système d’approvisionnement en eau est également concentré dans la ville, laissant les principaux centres commerciaux dépendre de sources d’eau traditionnelles non protégées, telles que les puits. En outre, le district ne dispose pas d’un système d’égouts opérationnel.

Cet accès limité pénalise non seulement les foyers, mais aussi le potentiel économique global de la région. Dans les principaux centres commerciaux situés le long de la route nationale M1, comme Phwezi, Bwengu et Enukweni, la situation est encore plus préoccupante. Ces communautés dépendent de sources non protégées, tandis que Bolero, où réside le chef principal Chikulamayembe, dispose d’un système d’approvisionnement en eau par gravité géré par la communauté, qui peine à répondre à la demande locale.

« Nos populations ont besoin de plus. Les pôles de croissance comme le nôtre devraient disposer de sources d’eau fiables pour favoriser la prospérité et la santé », s’inquiète le chef Chikulamayembe.

Pour relever ces défis et ouvrir la voie au développement durable, l’Office des eaux de la région Nord, avec le financement de la Banque africaine de développement et du gouvernement du Malawi, met en œuvre le Projet de services d’approvisionnement en eau et d’assainissement de Rumphi. Son objectif ? Transformer la frustration en soulagement et garantir qu’aucune communauté ne souffre de la soif.

Le projet, qui devrait accroître l’accès à un approvisionnement en eau potable durable et résilient au climat et à des services d’assainissement gérés en toute sécurité dans la ville de Rumphi et ses environs, profitera à plus de 158 000 personnes, parmi lesquelles 51 % devraient être des femmes.

Le projet couvrira Rumphi quasiment de long en large et s’étendra à certaines parties du nord de Mzimba.

Le projet ne néglige rien et ne laisse personne au bord du chemin, accordant la priorité à tous les éléments clés, notamment la restauration des paysages forestiers et les initiatives d’adaptation fondées sur les écosystèmes pour un approvisionnement en eau durable.

« Dans le cadre de ce projet, nous modernisons les installations d’eau et d’assainissement, notamment en plantant et en entretenant 700 000 arbres dans le cadre de la gestion du bassin versant. Pour la première fois, la ville de Rumphi sera dotée d’un réseau d’égouts adapté pour répondre aux besoins des habitants, en plus d’un meilleur approvisionnement », indique Catherine Mwafulirwa, directrice du développement des infrastructures au Northern Region Water Board.

« Nous étendons également l’approvisionnement en eau de la ville à de nouvelles zones comme Bolero, Phwezi, Bwengu et Enukweni. Des consultants sont actuellement sur le terrain pour préparer les plans détaillés et l’assistance pour les appels d’offres des travaux d’approvisionnement en eau et d’assainissement. Nous prévoyons de recruter une entreprise pour les travaux avant la fin de l’année », précise-t-elle.

Au cours de cette saison de plantation, le NRWB a mis en terre 264 000 arbres, selon Mme Mwafulirwa. Cela a permis notamment de créer des centaines d’emplois à court terme pour les communautés locales, dans le cadre de la création de pépinières pour les plants d’arbres et de l’exercice de plantation.

« Rumphi se développe, mais sans eau ni assainissement amélioré, le développement stagne », déplore le commissaire du district de Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu.

« Ce projet est essentiel, car il permettra non seulement de soutenir le collège technique en pleine expansion, mais il améliorera aussi la qualité de vie de tous les habitants, favorisant ainsi une communauté plus saine et plus prospère », affirme-t-il.

« Nous travaillerons donc de façon diligente avec la NRWB et toutes les parties prenantes pour veiller à ce que ce projet soit mis en œuvre avec succès dans les délais impartis », ajoute M. Bulukutu.

Une fois achevé, le projet complétera le puzzle de l’approvisionnement en eau du tronçon de route M1 entre Mzuzu et Rumphi. Cela signifie que toutes les personnes vivant le long des 83 kilomètres de la route Mzuzu-Ekwendeni-Enukweni-Bwengu-Phwezi auront accès à de l’eau potable gérée en toute sécurité.

« Avec des infrastructures d’eau et d’assainissement fiables, Rumphi serait en mesure de libérer son potentiel en tant que pôle dynamique de capital humain et d’activité économique dans le nord du Malawi. Ce changement donnerait aux étudiants la possibilité de se concentrer uniquement sur leurs études, garantirait que les ménages ne luttent plus pour les ressources de base, et créerait un environnement où les personnes et les affaires peuvent prospérer », assure le commissaire du district. « Pour les habitants de Rumphi, ce projet n’est pas seulement une question d’eau ; c’est une question d’espoir, de dignité et d’un avenir sur lequel ils peuvent compter. »

Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement a fait un don de 32,2 millions de dollars, le gouvernement du Malawi contribuant à hauteur de 3,67 millions de dollars au projet mis en œuvre sur une période de quatre ans, de décembre 2023 à décembre 2027.

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

À propos du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement :
Le Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) est la première institution multilatérale de financement dédiée au développement de l’Afrique. Elle comprend trois entités distinctes : la Banque africaine de développement (BAD), le Fonds africain de développement (FAD) et le Fonds spécial du Nigeria (FSN). La BAD est présente sur le terrain dans 44 pays africains, avec un bureau extérieur au Japon, et contribue au développement économique et au progrès social de ses 54 Etats membres régionaux. Pour plus d’information : www.AfDB.org

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Le Président Ndayishimiye dresse un bilan positif de sa présidence de la Conférence des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement du COMESA

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Chef de l’Etat burundais, Son Excellence Evariste NDAYISHIMIYE, a présenté un bilan positif de sa présidence de la Conférence des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement du COMESA lors de son allocution à la 7ème réunion mi-annuelle de coordination entre l’Union Africaine, les Communautés Économiques Régionales et les Mécanismes Régionaux tenue à Malabo le dimanche 13 juillet 2025.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a fait savoir que le plan stratégique du COMESA lancé en 2021-2025 et qui est sur le point de s’achever, a été une boussole vers sa vision d’ “Être une communauté économique régionale pleinement intégrée, compétitive à l’échelle internationale et caractérisée par un haut niveau de vie pour toutes ses populations.”

Cette vision témoigne les chiffres qui parlent:
Avec une population de plus de 640 millions d’habitants, le COMESA a généré, en 2024, un produit intérieur brut (PIB) d’un billion de dollars, soit près d’un tiers du PIB de l’Afrique.
En matière de commerce mondial, avec des exportations à hauteur de 219 milliards USD et des importations de 279 milliards USD pour la même période, le COMESA représente près d’un tiers des exportations totales et 39% des importations de l’Afrique, s’élevant respectivement à 682 milliards et 719 milliards USD en 2024.

Avec ces chiffres, le Président Ndayishimiye a affirmé sans hésiter que le COMESA contribue à un tiers des activités économiques de tout le continent.

“Grâce à l’utilisation croissante d’outils numériques, les progrès réalisés dans l’intégration des marchés sont autant considérables, avec des échanges intra-COMESA passant de 2 milliards de dollars au cours de l’année 2000 à 14 milliards de dollars actuellement, et qui sont en continuelle croissance.” A dit le Président Burundais avec espérance que grâce à l’utilisation croissante d’outils numériques, le commerce intrarégional sera davantage facilité.

Le Président Ndayishimiye a toutefois soulevé les défis de taille qui subsistent dans ce cheminement vers la pleine intégration de la région. C’est d’abord, aborder, au niveau des chefs d’État, la question de la lenteur de l’intégration et de la mise en œuvre des engagements continentaux et régionaux convenus.
Selon le Chef de l’Etat Burundais, Président de la Conférence des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement du COMESA, plusieurs des décisions ne sont pas mises en œuvre et les engagements restent en Jachère dans les tiroirs des bureaux.
Selon le Président Ndayishimiye, Cette réunion de coordination semestrielle devrait aborder cette question en priorité.

Le Président de la République n’a pas manqué de proposer des solutions pour un lendemain meilleur pour le COMESA telle que la résolution du paradoxe entre la forte volonté d’intégration et la forte dépendance vis-à-vis des bailleurs de fonds extérieurs.

Ce faisant, mettre un accent particulier sur la mobilisation des ressources propres au continent. A-t-il ajouté, saluant le vif intérêt des institutions financières pour le soutien à l’Agenda africain.

Rappelons qu’en prélude à la 7ᵉ Réunion de coordination entre l’Union africaine (UA), les Communautés économiques régionales (CER) et les Mécanismes régionaux, la 47ᵉ session ministérielle du Conseil exécutif de l’UA s’est ouverte jeudi 10 juillet 2025 à Malabo, en présence de nombreux ministres des Affaires étrangères du continent qui a vu l’élection d’un Commissaire de l’union Africaine à l’Éducation, Science, Technologie et Innovation, le Professeur Burundais Pascal Banyankimbona, une première dans l’histoire du Burundi depuis son Indépendance.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République du Burundi.

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Set on Enriching Lives and Driving Change: Inside MultiChoice’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy

Source: APO – Report:

As Africa’s leading entertainment platform, MultiChoice (www.MultiChoice.com) is setting a bold benchmark for corporate citizenship, not only on screens, but in communities across the continent. With the release of its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, the Group reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable Africa.

“This report doesn’t just sum up what we’ve done – it’s a call to keep building a future that’s more inclusive, more sustainable and more connected,” says Calvo Mawela, Group CEO of MultiChoice. “Whether we’re backing entrepreneurs, nurturing talent, or promoting climate solutions, our purpose stays the same: to enrich lives and deliver real, lasting value across Africa.”

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), MultiChoice’s ESG strategy targets areas where it can make the greatest impact from clean energy and climate action to education, equity, and economic growth.

Impact through film and sports development 

From film sets to football fields, MultiChoice continues to unlock opportunity through education, training, and community development.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has trained 486 emerging filmmakers across 14 countries. In FY2025, 86 graduates completed the programme, which includes mentorship, masterclasses, and production placements with partners like Zee World, Sony, and the Mastercard Foundation.

Sport remains a cornerstone of MultiChoice’s social impact. The DStv Schools Netball Challenge reached over 28,000 schoolgirls from 2,800 schools – with standout teams like Khombindlela High earning provincial recognition. 

The DStv Diski Challenge, celebrating its 10th year, has helped over 350 players enter professional football. In the last season alone, 23 players were selected for national U17 and U20 squads, while 19 earned Premiership promotion.

Through the Let’s Play programme, more than 140,000 learners now benefit from school-based sports infrastructure. And in 2025, 250 teachers completed training through Premier Skills, a coaching development partnership with the English Premier League.

Shaping environmental impact through innovation and collaboration 

Africa is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions and MultiChoice is acting with urgency and intention.

In the last year, MultiChoice recorded a carbon footprint of 72,399 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (Scopes 1 & 2), showing steady progress in emissions reduction. More than 1 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy were generated through solar and green infrastructure, while 7,048 trees were planted across local communities to boost biodiversity.

MultiChoice also partnered with The Earthshot Prize, the world’s leading environmental award, to bring the 2024 ceremony to Cape Town – the first time it was hosted in Africa. The event, broadcast across the continent, spotlighted local innovators including Kenya’s Keep It Cool and Ghana’s GAYO, both recognised for breakthrough climate solutions.

Since 2021, Africa has produced 10 Earthshot finalists, 3 winners, and nearly 400 nominations in 2024 alone, with over £6 million raised to fund African-led sustainability efforts.

Bold anti-piracy action to safeguard contentGovernance is the backbone of MultiChoice’s ESG approach. Its sustainability disclosures align with GRI and JSE guidelines, underpinned by Board-level oversight and clear ethical principles.

One of the Group’s most active areas is anti-piracy enforcement. In FY2025, MultiChoice supported over 155 raids, resulting in the shutdown of 4,351 illegal networks and the arrest of 107 individuals involved in digital piracy.

The Partners Against Piracy (PAP) coalition also grew its regional footprint. In 2024, Ethiopia became the latest country to formalise cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the fight against intellectual property theft across the continent.

Inclusive growthBeyond its internal operations, MultiChoice plays a catalytic role in advancing economic inclusion by supporting black-owned, women-led, and youth-driven enterprises.

MultiChoice’s economic footprint extends beyond direct employment, with significant investments in black-owned businesses and women-led enterprises. The MultiChoice Innovation Fund (MIF) supported 79 black-owned SMMEs, with 50% women-owned businesses benefiting from over R410 million in funding. This has created 1,000+ jobs and provided key support for sustainable local growth.

In addition, the Youth Employment Service (YES) created 1,980 new jobs in FY2025, providing opportunities for young South Africans to gain experience and access career pathways in the media and digital industries.

“Through all of this, it’s the people around us – our customers, employees, partners, and communities – who give us strength,” adds Mawela. “ESG isn’t a side project. It’s part of who we are and how we show up for Africa every day.”

To learn more about MultiChoice’s ESG pillars and performance, download the full 2025 ESG Report at: www.MultiChoice.com 

– on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

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Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates French President on National Day

Source: APO – Report:

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, on the occasion of his country’s national day.

In this message, the Sovereign expresses His warmest congratulations to President Macron and His best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of France and the French people.

“Having expressed the wish to build a future rooted in solidarity, our two countries are once again, as in every pivotal moment of their shared history, working to reshape their cooperation in order to better meet the demands of the present”, His Majesty the King writes in the message.

The Sovereign stresses that “the Reinforced exceptional partnership whose foundations we have laid is proof of our firm determination to approach the future of bilateral relations with a long-term strategic vision”.

HM the King took the opportunity to assure President Macron of Morocco’s willingness to advance the implementation of this Reinforced exceptional partnership, “in the same spirit of trust and mutual esteem that guided its foundation, and in line with the high ambitions that Your Excellency and I share for the Morocco-France friendship”.

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

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Africa-Asia dialogue on agrifood systems transformation to open in Viet Nam

Source: APO – Report:

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Agriculture ministers and top-level policymakers from 14 African countries will meet with their counterparts from three Asian countries in Hanoi on 15 July 2025 to discuss making agrifood production more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable to reduce high levels of hunger, malnutrition and poverty in both regions.

The High-Level Inter-regional Knowledge Exchange on One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Models, co-organized by the Government of Viet Nam and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is the first intercontinental dialogue on agrifood systems transformation, guided by the FAO ‘Four Betters’ vision – Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life, leaving no one behind.

The dialogue is an initiative of FAO Director-General QU Dongyu to familiarize developing countries in Africa with Viet Nam’s success in agrifood systems transformation, which is helping reduce wide urban-rural economic disparities in the Southeast Asian nation.

The event includes an exchange of national experiences in implementing FAO’s flagship One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, which was launched in 2021 to promote sustainable value chains of special agricultural products with unique geographical and cultural traits.

“We look forward to this exchange of knowledge and ideas, and to learn together how to transform agrifood systems for the benefit of all,” said Alue Dohong, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, in a video message ahead of the event.  

“This special event in Viet Nam offers a critical opportunity for Africa and Asia to learn from one another. Sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and building partnerships are vital to overcoming the common challenges we face, building on each other’s successes, and ensuring no one is left behind,” said Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa in his video message.

Ministers and top agriculture officials from Bhutan, Cameroon, Cote d‘Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tunisia, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe, will share national perspectives on promoting the Four Betters through the OCOP initiative.

Producing more food with less inputs, making agriculture climate-resilient, sustainable and profitable for all, is critical for both Africa and Asia and the Pacific, the regions with the world’s highest levels of hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

Viet Nam’s agrifood transformation model

The inter-regional knowledge exchange will begin with a briefing on Viet Nam’s transformative One Commune One Product programme, a cornerstone of the country’s rural economic development strategy, and an inspiration for FAO’s OCOP initiative.

Launched nationwide in 2018, it has significantly increased rural incomes and jobs by developing sustainable value chains for local specialties and traditional products. The programme provides comprehensive support for capacity building, product development, quality management and market access, to the rural manufacturers of these special products.

The OCOP Four Betters Models

The agriculture ministers from Africa will also be briefed on how FAO is leveraging science and innovation to accelerate agrifood systems transformation through OCOP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region, in support of the Four Betters.

Strategic partnerships with leading science and innovation centres in the region are enhancing value chains of special agricultural products (SAPs) identified by member countries under the OCOP initiative. This includes the application of an innovative geographical and environmental traceability tool that will increase access of SAPs to high-end markets and incentivize sustainable production.

Nutrition science and technology is also being used for SAPs-based food product development, suited to different age groups and tastes. In addition, OCOP implementation is supporting Asia-Pacific countries with market intelligence to integrate SAPs into national, regional and international markets.

Strengthening the FAO-Viet Nam partnership

The inter-regional exchange further cements the FAO-Viet Nam partnership, anchored in Viet Nam’s active role in the FAO South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) framework. This was reaffirmed by the signing of an FAO-Viet Nam Memorandum of Understanding, during the FAO Director-General’s visit to Hanoi in February 2025, to promote the sharing of technical knowhow, and institutional and policy experiences under the SSTC framework.

– on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.