Posts

Posted on

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets China Special Envoy for Afghanistan

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha | May 14, 2026

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met with China’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong, who is visiting the country.
During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan and ways to strengthen joint international efforts to promote security and stability in Afghanistan.
HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s full support for efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through peaceful means and to bolster peace and stability regionally and internationally.

Posted on

SADC Foreign Ministers to chart region’s response to shifting global landscape

Source: Government of South Africa

SADC Foreign Ministers to chart region’s response to shifting global landscape

Foreign Affairs Ministers from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are set to gather in South Africa later this month for a high-level retreat aimed at crafting a unified regional response to rapidly evolving global geopolitical dynamics.

The retreat, scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 May 2026 at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, is expected to provide a strategic platform for regional leaders to reflect on growing global uncertainties while identifying opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation, resilience and economic growth.

According to SADC, the meeting comes at a time when the international system is undergoing profound transformation, driven by heightened competition among major powers, technological advancement and changing economic realities.

While these shifts have introduced new global challenges, the region believes they also present opportunities for SADC member states to deepen integration, accelerate industrialisation and strengthen their collective voice on the international stage.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, will officially open the retreat in his capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers.

“The Retreat will enable Ministers to reflect on the implications of these changes and to chart a unified course that safeguards stability while advancing regional development,” SADC said in a statement.

The regional bloc said the discussions will build on SADC’s long-term strategic frameworks, including Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020–2030).

The retreat is expected to focus on practical and forward-looking solutions aimed at ensuring the region can effectively respond to external pressures while unlocking new avenues for growth and prosperity.

Key discussions will centre on infrastructure development, transport and logistics, as well as the free movement of people, goods and services across the region.

Ministers are also expected to deliberate on industrialisation, regional value chains and trade, in addition to issues relating to energy, oil and gas, and mineral resources.

Food security, agricultural supply chains, financing regional integration, investment, debt management and domestic revenue mobilisation will also form part of the agenda.

“These themes reflect the multi-dimensional nature of contemporary geopolitical shifts and will allow Ministers to identify cross-cutting linkages and prioritise strategic interventions,” SADC said.

The regional bloc described the gathering as a critical moment for SADC, saying the outcomes of the retreat are expected to reinforce regional solidarity, strengthen collective action and position the region as a proactive and influential player in shaping the future global order.

“By embracing dialogue, unity, and foresight, Ministers of Foreign Affairs will chart a path that safeguards regional stability and unlocks new opportunities for growth and prosperity,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM

4

Posted on

Didiza determines process for composition of Impeachment Committee

Source: Government of South Africa

Didiza determines process for composition of Impeachment Committee

National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, has outlined the next step in the National Assembly process on the composition of the Impeachment Committee, in accordance with section 89 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The Section 89 impeachment process is linked to the 2020 theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm.

In a statement on Wednesday, Parliament said Didiza engaged the National Assembly Chief Whips Forum earlier in the day on the process to be followed in establishing the committee.

The forum comprises Chief Whips and representatives of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

“Given that the impeachment committee process constitutes uncharted procedural terrain for Parliament, the Speaker this morning engaged the National Assembly Chief Whips Forum, comprising Chief Whips and representatives of political parties represented in the Assembly, regarding the determination for the composition of the committee,” Parliament said.

Political parties represented in the National Assembly have now been requested to submit the names of Members who will serve on the committee to the National Assembly Secretariat by the close of business on Friday, 22 May 2026.

READ | Parliament to reopen Section 89 process after court ruling

Parliament said the Speaker considered both proportional representation and inclusivity in determining the composition of the committee.

“In determining the composition of the Impeachment Committee, the Speaker considered not only the constitutional principle of proportional representation, but also the need for inclusivity and broad participation in this unprecedented parliamentary process,” the statement said. 

Parliament said the approach seeks to ensure smaller political parties are also represented in the committee.

“Accordingly, the determination seeks to balance traditional proportional representation with a measure of inclusivity, so as to ensure that smaller political parties — which may otherwise not be accommodated through a strict mathematical application of proportional representation — are also afforded representation and participation in the Committee’s work,” Parliament said.

The impeachment committee will comprise 31 members drawn from the 16 political parties represented in the National Assembly.

The African National Congress (ANC) will have nine members, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with five and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) with three.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will have two members, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), ActionSA, African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), United Democratic Movement (UDM), RISE Mzansi, Build One South Africa (BOSA), African Transformation Movement (ATM), Al Jama-ah, National Coloured Congress (NCC) and United Africans Transformation (UAT) will each have one representative.

Meanwhile, the Speaker has referred the Constitutional Court judgment relating to the matter to the National Assembly Subcommittee on the Review of Rules.

The subcommittee will consider and process amendments required to the Rules of the National Assembly. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

0

Posted on

Grey répondra présent au Moonshot 2026 en tant que sponsor principal

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French

TechCabal annonce Grey (https://Grey.co), le spécialiste mondial des paiements transfrontaliers basé aux États-Unis, qui dessert près de trois millions d’utilisateurs dans 70 pays, en tant que sponsor principal du Moonshot 2026, pour le retour de la conférence, les 28 et 29 octobre 2026, au National Theatre, à Lagos, au Nigeria.

Le partenariat phare de Grey marque un nouveau chapitre pour Moonshot, la fintech soutenue par Y Combinator prenant la place de sponsor principal pour la première fois, alors que la conférence prépare sa quatrième édition.

Le partenariat intervient alors que Grey renforce ses capacités transfrontalières avec l’approbation réglementaire au Canada et le lancement de paiements en dollars canadiens, et approfondit sa poussée dans les paiements B2B, plaçant la société au cœur des paiements transfrontaliers, l’une des catégories les plus actives de la fintech mondiale aujourd’hui.

Pourquoi Grey ?

Le partenariat phare de Grey intervient à un moment où les paiements transfrontaliers sont devenus l’une des catégories de fintech les plus importantes au monde, avec de nombreuses entreprises du secteur opérant dans plusieurs pays et disposant de licences.

Construite à Lagos, le berceau de Moonshot, Grey est une entreprise mondiale basée aux États-Unis qui dessert aujourd’hui près de trois millions d’utilisateurs dans 70 pays, avec des transferts vers plus de 170 destinations et dans plus de 30 devises. La société exploite également des cartes virtuelles acceptées par 150 millions de commerçants dans le monde, faisant ainsi partie d’un petit groupe de fintechs dont la présence répond véritablement aux ambitions du continent.

Son expansion récente en Asie du Sud et en Amérique latine, avec l’introduction de paiements locaux en Malaisie, au Bangladesh et en Uruguay, témoigne de la portée mondiale des programmes que la conférence célèbre. Le lancement de Grey Business (https://apo-opa.co/4uHy4Ti) en février 2026 place l’entreprise directement sur la trajectoire des fondateurs, des opérateurs et des PME que la conférence rassemble.

Alors que Moonshot se prépare à une édition axée sur le rôle de la technologie africaine dans l’économie mondiale, la combinaison des racines africaines et de la portée mondiale de Grey rend ce partenariat tout naturel.

« Les paiements transfrontaliers sont l’une des rares catégories dans lesquelles l’Afrique construit des infrastructures mondiales et ne se contente pas d’un rôle de consommateur. Moonshot est l’endroit où cette conversation se déroule, et Grey veut contribuer à façonner ce qui se construira demain. Nous avons passé les quatre dernières années à construire pour les personnes et les entreprises qui opèrent au-delà des frontières, et une part significative d’entre elles sont basées sur ce continent. Se présenter au Moonshot en tant que sponsor principal est la bonne façon de reconnaître cette évolution », déclare Idorenyin Obong, CEO et cofondateur de Grey.

« Grey a construit l’un des acteurs les plus importants de la fintech africaine, une entreprise mondiale de paiements comptant près de trois millions d’utilisateurs, qui a démarré à Lagos », déclare Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO de Big Cabal Media. « Il est tout naturel de les avoir comme sponsor principal de Moonshot 2026, et nous sommes ravis des conversations que leur équipe mènera sur scène et dans nos salles en octobre. »

Ce que le partenariat de Grey signifie pour Moonshot 2026

La présence de Grey au Moonshot 2026 comprendra une allocution du CEO, Idorenyin Obong, sur l’avenir de l’argent sans frontières, une table ronde privée réunissant des décideurs et des investisseurs, et une expérience immersive sur site mettant à l’honneur les produits grand public de Grey et de Grey Business. Les détails complets du programme seront annoncés en amont de l’événement.

Distribué par APO Group pour Big Cabal Media.

À propos de Grey :
Grey est à l’avant-garde des solutions bancaires mondiales, sécurisées et pratiques, pour répondre aux besoins des particuliers et des entreprises. Grey détient une licence d’entreprise de services monétaires de CANAFE au Canada et de FinCEN aux États-Unis, et se concentre principalement sur les marchés émergents. Notre éventail de services permet aux particuliers et aux entreprises de posséder et de gérer en toute simplicité des comptes multidevises (https://apo-opa.co/435Z6b5). L’offre de Grey comprend notamment les opérations de change (https://apo-opa.co/4dlpqTp), l’envoi et la réception de paiements (https://apo-opa.co/42xxrQo) à destination et en provenance de plus de 170 pays, ainsi que l’accès aux cartes virtuelles (https://apo-opa.co/3RF1IKw).

À propos de Moonshot by TechCabal :
Moonshot by TechCabal est la conférence technologique panafricaine phare qui réunit des fondateurs, des investisseurs, des opérateurs, des décideurs politiques et des créatifs de toute l’Afrique et au-delà. La quatrième édition aura lieu les 28 et 29 octobre 2026, au National Theatre à Lagos. Le thème de la conférence et le programme complet seront annoncés dans les prochaines semaines.

Suivez toute l’actualité sur https://Moonshot.TechCabal.com

À propos de TechCabal :
TechCabal est la principale plateforme de médias technologiques en Afrique, fournissant des rapports, des données et du contexte sur la technologie, les entreprises et l’innovation africaines depuis 2013. TechCabal fait partie de Big Cabal Media, qui exploite également Zikoko, Cabal Creative et TC Insights.

Media files

Posted on

African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 to Position Junior Miners at the Forefront of Africa’s Mineral Evolution

Source: APO


.

Africa’s estimated $8.5 trillion in untapped mineral wealth is increasingly being positioned as a junior miner-led opportunity, with smaller, more agile players playing a key role in unlocking the continent’s mining deposits. As governments and investors recalibrate exploration strategies, junior mining companies are emerging as the primary vehicles for converting underexplored resources into bankable projects.

Against this backdrop, the African Mining Week 2026 Conference and Exhibition will convene regulators, financiers and operators to examine how partnerships, capital access and execution models can shift juniors from the margins to the center of the continent’s mineral development strategy.

Taking place from October 14 – 16 in Cape Town, the event will feature a dedicated panel titled Collaboration for Growth: Unlocking Finance and Scale for Junior Miners. The session will highlight how governments are leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to address high upfront capital requirements, limited infrastructure access and gaps in technical expertise constraining junior mining development.

The need for innovative financing solutions across Africa is increasingly apparent, with the continent’s share of global mineral exploration spending declining from 16% in 2004 to just 10.4% in 2024. In South Africa, exploration expenditure totaled R781 million in 2024, down sharply from a peak of R6.2 billion in 2006, underscoring the importance of stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector. In response, mineral-rich African countries are increasingly partnering with global investors to mobilize capital for exploration while supporting local content and beneficiation strategies.

One of the continent’s most prominent PPP models is the Junior Mining Exploration Fund (JMEF) launched by the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. In February 2026, the fund expanded to R2 billion, with Anglo American committing R600 million, demonstrating how coordinated public-private initiatives can strengthen financing for early-stage mining projects. Increased support through the fund has contributed to growth in South Africa’s junior and emerging mining sector, which recorded nearly 20% income growth in 2025.

Meanwhile, Zambia has introduced the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Fund following the enactment of the Geological and Minerals Development Act of 2025, aimed at expanding financing access for junior and small-scale miners. In 2026, the government allocated K449.5 million towards the fund, from a total K1.2 billion mining sector budget. The fund is expected to support junior miners as the country pursues its goal of increasing copper production to three million tons annually by 2030.

Similarly, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is strengthening partnerships with private sector investors, including Phoenix Capital and Eurasian Resources Group, to finance junior and artisanal mining operations as part of a broader strategy to unlock an estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral resources.

Stepping into this picture, the AMW 2026 panel will explore the impact of PPP financing models, providing a platform for governments, investors and mining companies to develop solutions that scale exploration investment and accelerate the discovery of Africa’s next generation of mineral projects.

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 conference from October 12-16 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

Trafigura Eyes $900M Aluminium Smelter as Egypt Accelerates Mineral Beneficiation Drive

Source: APO


.

Multinational commodities trader Trafigura, together with the Egyptian Aluminium Company and Metallurgical Industries Holding Company, has entered exclusive negotiations to co-finance and develop a major new aluminium complex in Egypt, marking one of the country’s most significant downstream metals investments to date.

The proposed project, valued between $750 million and $900 million, includes a 300,000-ton-per-annum aluminium smelter and a 150,000-ton-per-annum anode plant. It is designed to position Egypt more competitively in global aluminium supply chains at a time when geopolitical fragmentation and industrial realignment are pushing countries to localize and secure critical materials processing capacity.

Beyond serving international demand, the project aligns directly with Egypt’s industrial strategy to increase the mining sector’s contribution to GDP from around 1% today to 5-6% over the medium term, underscoring a clear policy shift toward value-added production rather than raw mineral exports.

The aluminium deal is also part of a wider acceleration in Egypt’s beneficiation strategy, with new partnerships emerging across phosphates, fertilizers and industrial minerals.

In April 2026, Misr Phosphate Company signed an agreement with Indorama Corporation to supply phosphate feedstock for a $525 million fertilizer complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone at Sokhna. The first phase of the project is expected to produce around 600,000 tons annually, strengthening Egypt’s position in global fertilizer supply chains while increasing domestic processing capacity.

In parallel, El Sewedy Industrial Development and China’s Kunming Chuan Jin Nuo Chemical are developing a $1 billion integrated phosphate complex in the Sokhna Industrial Zone, further expanding Egypt’s downstream chemical and fertilizer ecosystem.

Chinese industrial group Xingfa Group has also outlined plans to invest up to $2 billion across phosphate exploration, extraction and chemical manufacturing in Egypt, reinforcing international confidence in the country’s industrial minerals strategy.

At the same time, Egypt is moving to strengthen its position in precious metals and refining. The Central Bank of Egypt, alongside the African Export-Import Bank, is advancing plans for a Pan-African Gold Bank initiative aimed at expanding local gold refining capacity, formalizing artisanal and industrial supply chains and reducing dependence on external refining hubs.

These projects signal a broader structural shift: Egypt is transitioning from a raw commodity exporter to a vertically integrated minerals and industrial processing hub, with downstream value creation at the center of its economic strategy.

Egypt’s accelerating beneficiation agenda will be a key focus at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 – The Most Influential Mining Conference in Africa – where the country will feature through a dedicated Country Spotlight.

The forum brings together government representatives, regulators, global investors, mining companies, project developers and financiers to explore opportunities across Egypt and Africa’s expanding mining and industrial value chain.

As the country scales its downstream ambitions across aluminium, phosphates, fertilizers and gold, AMW 2026 will serve as a key platform for translating policy momentum into investment partnerships and project execution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Posted on

Grey Joins Moonshot 2026 as Headline Sponsor

Source: APO

TechCabal is announcing Grey (https://Grey.co), the US-based global cross-border payments company serving nearly three million users across 70 countries, as the headline sponsor of Moonshot 2026, for the conference’s return on October 28 and 29, 2026, at the National Theatre, Lagos, Nigeria.

Grey’s headline partnership marks a new chapter for Moonshot, with the Y Combinator-backed fintech taking the top sponsorship slot for the first time as the conference enters its fourth edition.

The partnership comes as Grey expands its cross-border capabilities with regulatory approval in Canada and the launch of Canadian dollar payouts, and deepens its push into B2B payments, placing the company at the center of cross-border payments, one of the most active categories in global fintech today.

Why Grey?

Grey’s headline partnership comes at a moment when cross-border payments have become one of the most consequential fintech categories globally, with several companies in the sector operating across multiple countries and licenses.

Built in Lagos, Moonshot’s home, Grey is a US-based global company now serving nearly three million users across 70 countries, with transfers to over 170 destinations in 30+ currencies. The company also powers virtual cards accepted at 150 million merchants worldwide, making it one of a small group of fintechs whose footprint genuinely matches the continent’s ambitions.

Its recent expansion across South Asia and Latin America, introducing local payouts in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Uruguay, demonstrates the global reach the conference’s programs celebrate. The February 2026 launch of Grey Business (https://apo-opa.co/4uHy4Ti) places the company directly in the path of the founders, operators, and SMEs the conference convenes.

As Moonshot prepares for an edition focused on African tech’s role in the global economy, Grey’s combination of African roots and global reach makes the partnership a natural fit.

“Cross-border payments are one of the few categories where Africa is building global infrastructure, not just consuming it. Moonshot is where that conversation is happening, and Grey wants to be part of shaping what gets built next. We have spent the last four years building for people and businesses that operate across borders, and a meaningful share of them are based on this continent. Showing up at Moonshot as headline sponsor is the right way to acknowledge that,” said Idorenyin Obong, CEO and co-founder of Grey.

“Grey has built one of the most consequential companies in African fintech, a global payments business with nearly three million users that started in Lagos,” said Tomiwa Aladekomo, the CEO of Big Cabal Media. “Having them as the headline sponsor of Moonshot 2026 is a natural fit, and we are excited about the conversations their team will be leading on stage and in our halls this October.”

What Grey’s partnership means for Moonshot 2026

Grey’s presence at Moonshot 2026 will include a headline keynote from CEO Idorenyin Obong on the future of borderless money, a private executive roundtable convening business decision-makers and investors, and an immersive on-site experience featuring both Grey’s consumer product and Grey Business. Full program details will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Big Cabal Media.

About Grey:
Grey is at the forefront of providing secure and convenient global banking solutions to meet the needs of customers and businesses. Grey holds a Money Service Business license from FINTRAC in Canada, and FinCEN in the USA, and our primary focus is on emerging markets. Our range of services enables individuals and businesses to easily own and manage multi-currency accounts (https://apo-opa.co/435Z6b5). This includes currency exchange (https://apo-opa.co/4dlpqTp), sending and receiving payments (https://apo-opa.co/42xxrQo) to and from over 170 countries, as well as access to virtual cards (https://apo-opa.co/3RF1IKw).

About Moonshot by TechCabal:
Moonshot by TechCabal is the flagship pan-African technology conference convening founders, investors, operators, policymakers, and creatives from across Africa and beyond. The fourth edition takes place on October 28 and 29, 2026, at the National Theatre, Lagos. The conference theme and full programme will be announced in the coming weeks.

To stay updated, visit https://Moonshot.TechCabal.com

About TechCabal:
TechCabal is Africa’s leading technology media platform, providing reporting, data, and context on African technology, business, and innovation since 2013. TechCabal is part of Big Cabal Media, which also operates Zikoko, Cabal Creative, and TC Insights.

Media files

.

Posted on

Africa Steps Into Carbon Market Delivery as Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026 Heads to Rwanda

Source: APO

As global carbon markets shift from rule‑setting to real transactions, with Article 6 mechanisms advancing and compliance‑driven demand such as CORSIA coming into sharper focus, attention is turning to where credible supply and policy certainty can be delivered at scale.

For Africa, this marks a transition from carbon market readiness to delivery.

Against this backdrop, the Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026 will take place from 13–15 October 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together policymakers, investors, buyers, project developers and market enablers at a pivotal moment for global carbon markets.

The Summit is delivered with the support of the Ministry of Environment of Rwanda, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and AUDA‑NEPAD, and with support from private sector partners such as SGS and Anthesis.

Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s most advanced carbon market jurisdictions, with active engagement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and a strong focus on mobilising climate finance.

“Rwanda has made a deliberate choice to position carbon markets as a tool for climate action, investment mobilisation and long-term development,” said Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Minister of Environment, Rwanda. “Hosting CMAS 2026 reflects our commitment to building credible and investable carbon projects that deliver real value for our economy, communities and climate goals.”

At a continental level, carbon markets are increasingly seen as a strategic financing mechanism for development.

“The Summit provides a timely platform for African countries to shape the future of carbon markets in line with the continent’s development priorities, and reflects the growing momentum to build credible, high-integrity markets that deliver real value”, said Olufunso Somorin, Regional Principal Officer, Climate Change and Green Growth Programme, African Development Bank. “The Bank remains committed to working with our countries and partners to strengthen the policy, regulatory, and institutional frameworks needed to scale carbon markets, attract investments, and ensure Africa is well-positioned in global carbon markets.”

“As Africa transitions to a low‑carbon economy, the mobilisation of private capital is needed at scale to support climate mitigation activities and build climate‑resilient infrastructure,” said Kumesh Naidoo, Carbon Markets Lead at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). “As a regional DFI, the DBSA recognises the importance of carbon markets as a climate finance tool and has intentionally stepped forward to support their development through carbon financial instruments, capacitation support and the building of a robust carbon project pipeline. Partnering with CMAS 2026 provides the DBSA with a platform to advance these objectives.”

CMAS 2026 is held under the theme: “Africa’s Carbon Markets on the Global Stage: Delivering a Strong Pipeline of Projects, Capital and Transactions at Scale”.

As scrutiny on carbon market integrity intensifies, Africa’s carbon assets are increasingly viewed as tools for financing development and strengthening economic sovereignty.

“High‑quality carbon markets offer Africa a unique opportunity to translate its vast natural capital into tangible economic value – mobilising finance at scale while empowering countries to pursue development pathways that are both sustainable and sovereign,” said Maxwell Gomera, UNDP Resident Representative in South Africa and Director of the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub.

Designed as a market‑enabling platform, CMAS 2026 focuses on alignment between policy, capital and delivery.

“We are deliberately shifting the focus from readiness to delivery,” said Emmanuelle Nicholls, Group Director: Green Economy at VUKA Group, the Summit organisers.

“CMAS brings policy, capital and projects into the same space to support real transactions and long‑term market credibility.”

The programme includes Article 6 and CORSIA workshops, investor and buyer roundtables, curated project presentations, deal rooms and solution‑labs addressing key bottlenecks such as early‑stage finance, MRV capacity and authorisation in practice. Ministerial roundtable and targeted networking formats support coordination and commercial outcomes.

Register: https://apo-opa.co/49Kcmpy

Get involved: https://apo-opa.co/3R8m6DR

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

Media Contact:
Lauren Rose-Innes
Marketing Coordinator
VUKA Group
Email: lauren.innes@wearevuka.com
Phone: +27 (0) 21 700 3558 

About Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS):
The Carbon Markets Africa Summit is Africa’s leading platform dedicated to advancing high‑integrity carbon markets across the continent. CMAS convenes governments, developers, investors, buyers and market enablers to translate policy ambition into execution, align capital with credible supply, and strengthen Africa’s participation in global carbon markets.

Website: Carbon Markets Africa (www.CarbonMarketsAfrica.com/)

About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group is a leading platform for convening Africa’s green economy, investment, and climate transition communities through high-level summits, industry forums, and strategic convenings, including the Carbon Markets Africa Summit.

Media files

.

Posted on

Black middle class expands over 30 years of democracy

Source: Government of South Africa

Black middle class expands over 30 years of democracy

While reflecting on the gains and challenges of South Africa’s democratic journey, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has welcomed the rise in earnings among black South Africans, saying this has significantly changed the racial composition of the country’s middle- and upper-income earners over the past three decades of democracy.

According to the General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the proportion of black households earning more than R75 000 per month increased from 29% in 2012 to 41% in 2024.

“Accordingly, the number of black South Africans in the middle- and upper-income brackets, defined as those earning more than R22 000 a month, quadrupled to more than 7 million in 2024 from 2012. Overall, the total number of people in those income groups rose from about 4 million to more than 11 million over the period (2012 – 2024),” the Minister said on Wednesday, tabling the Budget Vote for Stats SA in parliament.

Ntshavheni used the Budget Vote to reflect on evidence presented through Stats SA data over the past 30 years, noting that in 1996, for the first time in South Africa’s history, the organisation undertook a national study to count every person, in every community and language, as equal citizens of a free South Africa.

Poverty trends

In December 2025, Stats SA released the report Poverty Trends in South Africa: An examination of absolute poverty between 2006 and 2023.

The poverty trends report by Stats SA indicates a significant improvement in poverty reduction. 

The report points to notable progress in reducing poverty levels. 

“For example, the percentage of the population that is considered Lower Bound Poverty Line (LBPL) decreased from 57.5% in 2006 to 37.9% in 2023, number of LBPL poor in millions similarly decreased from 27.3 million in 2006 to 23.2 million in 2023. 

“Furthermore, the percentage of the population living in extreme poverty (below the Food Poverty Line) also decreased from 27.4% in 2006 to 17.6% in 2023 – translating to 10.8 million people living in extreme poverty or food poverty line – equalling 2.2 million fewer people living in food poverty line in 2023 compared to 2006,” the Minister said.

Despite the progress, Ntshavheni expressed concern that 10.8 million South Africans still live below the food poverty line. 

She said the government would continue using poverty data to improve the targeting of developmental policies and intervention programmes.

“Stats SA in the 2003 – 2026 Poverty Report asserts that education remains one of the most potent tools for fighting poverty, as those with lower education levels recorded notably higher poverty headcounts compared to those with higher levels of education. 

“It is for this reason that the implementation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act is non-negotiable. There is also a need to support the Minister of Higher Education on the continuing work to review the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), including measures to expand access to higher education for the dependents of police officers, teachers, nurses and other public servants who often fall outside existing support thresholds despite facing significant financial pressures,” the Minister said.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the “missing middle” in higher education funding.

“The aim is to build a more inclusive and sustainable student funding system that broadens opportunity while safeguarding the future viability of the scheme,” the Minister said.

Unemployment concerns

Turning to the persistent challenge of unemployment, Ntshavheni referred to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for 2026, which showed employment declined by 345 000 people to 16.8 million in the first quarter, down from 17.1 million in the previous quarter.

“The argument of an increase in unemployment due to first-quarter trends of increased labour market entrants does not hold, as the country experienced a decline in the number of employed persons,” Ntshavheni said.

She noted that the decline in employment opportunities comes at a time when infrastructure investment is gaining momentum.

The Minister of Finance has announced a R1 trillion allocation for infrastructure development in the 2026 National Budget, while the sixth edition of the South African Investment Conference secured more than R1.5 trillion in investment commitments

“This decline is reported when the country is experiencing an increase in anti-foreign nationals’ sentiments, which, in addition to accusing foreign nationals of taking part in criminal activities, the major complaint is the accusation that foreign nationals are taking opportunities that must be reserved for South Africans,” the Minister said.

According to Stats SA’s Migration Module of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the unemployment rate among foreign-born persons in 2022 stood at 18.2%, compared to 34% for locally born persons.

“The absorption rate of foreign-born persons was 64% and that of locally born persons was 37,7%, meaning that foreign-born persons were twice as likely to be employed in South Africa than locally born persons. The absorption rate is the proportion of those in working age (15-64 years) who are employed,” she said.

The Minister added that the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Department of Home Affairs are actively addressing the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.

As of 31 December 2025, South Africa recorded 55 190 refugees and 82 410 asylum seekers.

“Cabinet has directed the Department of Employment and Labour to intensify inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with employment laws across vulnerable sectors such as hospitality, farms, trucking, and construction, amongst others,” she said.

Municipalities have also been instructed to strengthen enforcement of municipal by-laws, particularly trading by-laws, while South Africans were urged not to sub-lease business licences. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle

3

Posted on

President Ramaphosa appoints judges

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa appoints judges

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed judges to various divisions across the country.

The appointments were made in terms of section 174(6) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said the appointments were made to “ensure courts have the necessary capacity to administer justice”.

The judicial appointments are as follows:
•    Madam Justice Thandi Victoria Norman as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 15 May 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Mr Justice Bashier Vally as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Madam Justice Leonie Windell as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Mr Justice Aubrey Phage Ledwaba as a Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, with effect from 15 May 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Ms Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Mthatha with effect from 01 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Advocate Sally Ann Collett as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Makhanda with effect from 01 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the Court, Makhanda with effect from 01 August 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Mr Rodges Deon Barendse as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of
the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Advocate Diane Margaret Davis SC as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Advocate Ncumisa Thoko Mayosi as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
•    Advocate Pinda Njokweni as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy; and
•    Advocate Phillipa Susan Van Zyl as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026 in an existing vacancy.

The President has wished the judges well as they assume their responsibilities. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

NeoB

4